Elmo (and AA) Gives up His Binkie

November 4 is Put Down the Pacifier Day and to celebrate, Sesame Street has released a new DVD called Bye Bye Pacifier! Big Kid Stories With Elmo.

Which is great, because my son AA has been struggling with giving up his binky. Or perhaps I should say, WE have been struggling to get him to give up his binky.  And I'm happy to say that the DVD worked, although in a very different method than the authors intended.   It worked without even watching it!  (How's that for a testimonial!)

When we went to our first dentist appointment this summer, the dentist suggested giving up the binky.  We'd heard it from people before, and we knew we were going to have to get him off, but didn't quite know how.  We got him down to only using binkies for sleeping, but couldn't break him from the habit.  (Weirdly, he has been a 2 binky boy for sleeping his entire life.  He likes to have 2 binkies, and switches back and forth between them all night long.  Or I should say, "used to be" because this is Day 4 without plastic sleeping utensils.)

I asked for a review copy* of the show, and when they said it was coming, we started to prepare Aaron.  We watched some of the Youtube No Pacifier Videos and told him about the movie that we were going to get.  After talking about how he was a big boy just like Elmo, he agreed "I don't need binkies any more."   Of course that night he tried to renege, but after about an hour of crying he fell asleep.  The first night was rough. The next night, a little crying, and the third night almost no crying.  Today's the fourth day, and at night he complained about not knowing how to go to sleep, he was asleep within 10 minutes and didn't cry for his binky once!

Today we also finally got a chance to watch the program.  It totally reinforced all of the stuff we were talking about, and he loved being a big boy like Elmo.  We also watched the other two stories on the DVD, (Baby Bear getting his first haircut, and Abby learning to ride her bike)  He loved them all and wanted to watch them again.  Which I'm sure we will.

If your kid is going through something similar, I'd recommend the video.  Or at least recommend TELLING him/her about the video.  Hey, it worked for us!

You can also go to the Sesame Street Pacifier Page, which has a lot of the videos, and lots of great tips for how to get your child over the pacifier hump.

* DISCLAIMER:  I received this video as a promotional review copy, in hopes I would write about it.  I only write about things I like to write about it, and the free-ness of the product did not influence my opinion or review of the product.

Safe Halloween at Manhattan College - Great Community Event

We attended the Safe Halloween Experience at Manhattan College yesterday, and it was absolutely a great community event.  I wished I'd known about it before, so I could have told more of our friends. (and written it up for this blog)

We got invited at the last minute by one of AA's classmates.  Run by the Manhattan College chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society,  student clubs take over two administration buildings at Manhattan College.  Each room is run by a different college club, and activities include decorating trick or treat bags, participating in a scavenger hunt, games, walking through a haunted house, and of course trick or treating for candy.   Some of the rooms were so-so, but some were elaborately decorated and amazingly designed, esp. when you consider the lack of budget and time for something like this.



At the end, if you complete the scavenger hunt (answers to 16 riddles) you get to pick out an age appropriate book (Delta Pi is a literary society)  This was the fourth year of the event, and hundreds of kids and their families were on hand.  This was a great example of a college in an urban environment providing a great public service (safe trick or treating) in a cost effective and community manner.  We'll DEFINITELY be back next year.

Where: Manhattan College Campus, 2nd floor of both de la Salle & Miguel Halls

When: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM, October 28.  (It's over now!)

Who: All ages. (Children must be accompanied by an adult.)

How: Just show up!

Cost: Free!

Upcoming Halloween Events for kids (Yonkers/Riverdale area)

Sunday October 30:Pumpkins & Jack-o-Lanterns at the Science Barge

 

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"][/caption]

This Sunday, October 30th from 2-4 PM, the Science Barge at 99 Dock Street presents this week's workshop for kids ages 5-10 for Halloween. Children will carve their own jack-o-lanterns to be taken home.  $5 per child.

Where:Yonkers Science Barge

When: 2:00 PM

Who: ages 5-10

How: RSVP

Cost: $5

For more info: RSVP: jamiekorb@gmail.com.

Sunday, October 30 - Creatures That Go Bump In The Night @ GNC

It’s the day for all things spooky, so join Naturalist Educator Greg Wechgelaer to get a peek at some of the Nature Center’s spookiest animals.

Where: Greenburgh Nature Center

When: 2:00 PM

Who: All ages

How: Just show up>

Cost: Members $2, Non-members $6

For more info: http://greenburghnaturecenter.org

Sunday, October 30 - Halloween Party @ An Beal Bocht

Come celebrate Halloween with traditional Irish music and treats!

Where: An Beal Bocht Cafe, 445 West 238th Street

When: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Who: All ages

How: Just show up

Cost: Free!

For more info: Call 718-884-7127

 

Monday, October 31 - Uptown Sports 2nd Annual Spooky Stroll Event

Come out for a fun and safe afternoon of spooky fun.  Free Admission to all. Tickets will be sold for the following: Bounce Houses, Cotton Candy, Pop Corn, Face painting & Raffles.
Free Trick or Treat Tables and Interactive Play with many "Spooky" and not so "Spooky" characters.
There will also be a costume contest.

Where: Uptown Sports Complex, 170 West 233rd Street

When: 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Who: All ages!

How: Just show up!

Cost: Admission free. Tickets must be purchased for games and food.

For more info: Call 718.549.7529

Monday, October 31 - Boo-Zak! @ Beczak Environmental Center

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="192" caption="Image by Scottwdw via Flickr"][/caption]

Beczak’s annual community Halloween party.  Enjoy crafts, games, music, tricks and treats.  Don’t forget to wear your costume!

Where: Beczak Environmental Education Center, 35 Alexander Street, Yonkers

When: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Who: All ages

How: Registration required. Contact Susan at 914-377-1900 x 13 or sjuggernauth@beczak.org

Cost: FREE

For more info: www.beczak.org

Review of WHITE at the New Victory (NY)

On Saturday I took my 3-year-old son to see the show WHITE at the New Victory Theatre. *

As I've stated several times on this blog and other blogs and in person to anyone who will listen, I LOVE the New Victory.  I don't think I've ever seen a show there that I've regretted seeing. And WHITE is no different.

The show is very similar in feel to POTATO NEEDS A BATH, which I reviewed earlier. (No mistake, it was designed by Shonna Reppe, who did the Potato show)  When you enter there is an "art on the floor" workshop, which consists of coloring and cutting out perforated birdhouses to hang around your neck.  The show has lots of birdhouses in it, so it makes sense.  We had a pretty good time making the art, and then after I tore out the perforated bird house, I made a bird with the detritus.  Later I presented it to one of the performers, who thought it was interesting, I guess.

White at the New Victory. Photo by Paul Watt

Once you enter, you meet two characters Wrinkle and Cotton.  They live in a highly structured world where they have a number of morning rituals, including eating breakfast together, scouring their birdhouses to make sure no color has infected the world, and catching perfectly white eggs from the sky and caring for them.

One day (our day)  a red egg also falls from the sky, which gets thrown in the bin with the rest of the color.  Against the rules, one character saves the egg, and then color starts to infect this previously pure stage-- soon color is everywhere!

The set has an ingenious design, and the writing/staging/performance of this are all great.  My son (and all the other kids there) were basically entranced for 45 minutes.

Part of it is the ritualized world they live in.  Each bird house is a little box, and when they are caring for them, they open them up and they are all different, so it's like opening up little presents all day long.  Part of it is the open innocence of the characters - they are gentle, but not saccharine.

A friend reported seeing Liev Shreiber and his family at the show they went to.  I sat next to some famous looking people, but didn't recognize them at all.  (And I'm sure they didn't know they were sitting next to me!)  So if you like celebrities who watch kid's show, keep your eyes open!

This show is definitely worth seeing.  Check it out!

BUY TICKETS HERE.
And find out more about the company that produced it HERE.

And here's the promo video, for those of you who a video is worth a thousand words.

* DISCLAIMER:  I received complimentary tickets to this production of WHITE in hopes that I would write about it.  I only write about things I like, and my opinion of the show is not influenced by the free-ness of the tickets.  I promise.

National Dad's Convention this weekend

The National Dad's Convention is this weekend in Washington DC.  I won't be going as it is Yom Kippur.

Maybe next year they will pick a better day for Jewish dads.  Like maybe Easter?  (I kid, I kid)

Anyway, if you are going, please report back.  Would like to find out what went on as I atoned for my many many sins.

 

http://athomedadconvention.com/

Great Dad photos

By accident (and a little too late) I found this website, with some amazing dad photos.

http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/2011/06/fathers-featured-submissions/

The breadth of Dad photos are really great!



Enjoy!

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2011-06-12

• Great deal on Victorian Gardens in Central Park! half off Amusement Park Admission for Two or Four: http://t.co/RoHxY8W #

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Time Out Dad's Photo Contest

Timeout NY is sponsoring pictures of proud papas and their adorable offspring. The prize package is worth playing for-

Prize package includes:
-a complimentary private golf lesson at Chelsea Piers for dad and up to three children

-and Gold Passports to Chelsea Piers, which includes batting cage tokens, Sky Rink admission and more for dad and up to three children.

To enter, e-mail photos to kidsphotocontest@timeoutny.com along with the dad's first name, their child's first name and age, and neighborhood. The winner will be determined by a panel of Time Out Kids judges. Check back on Friday, July 1, when we announce the winner!

CONTEST RULES: One entry per person. The winner will be determined by a panel of Time Out Kids judges. These competitions are open to any tristate-area resident except employees of Time Out Kids and sponsoring organizations, their agents or anyone directly connected to these promotions. No purchase required for this promotion. Contest valid Tuesday, May 17, through Tuesday, June 28, 2011. Parent of winner must be 18 years of age or older unless otherwise stated. Prizes are as described above; no cash alternatives will be given. Prizes may not be sold, traded, transferred or refunded. Any and all federal, state and local taxes are the responsibility of the winner. Travel is based upon availability and blackout dates may apply. If for any reason winners are unable to use prizes within the time specified, the participating organizations are not responsible for providing replacement prizes. No makeup goods will be given in the event of a canceled or rescheduled event. Prize: (1) A complimentary private golf lesson at Chelsea Piers for dad and up to three children (ARV: $350). (2) gold Passports to Chelsea Piers, which includes batting cage tokens, Sky Rink admission and more for dad and up to three children (ARV: $240). Vouchers must be used within six months of the winner being notified.

DISCLAIMER AND WAIVER: Time Out Kids does not endorse or make any representation about the prize or quality of the services that are part of the prize. By participating in this contest, entrants agree to receive promotional e-mails from Time Out Kids and waive any claims against Time Out Kids arising out of use of the prize and related services. Winner will be chosen by a Time Out Kids judging committee. All entries become the property of Time Out Kids. Any ambiguity in questions or answers will be resolved at the sole discretion of Time Out Kids. The decision of the judging committee is final. Entrants agree to cooperate with publicity that may arise. For a list of winners' names, send a SASE to "Father's Day Photo Contest" c/o Time Out Kids, 475 Tenth Avenue, 12th floor, New York, NY 10018.

 

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2011-05-29

• RT @JPBarlow: If you're not getting happier as you get older, then you're fucking up - Ani di Franco, singing at Wavy Gravy's birthday. #

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Greatest TV DAD

Man of the House is sponsoring a contest to vote for the Greatest TV Dad.

It's a March Madness format, and we're in the second round now, and it looks like this:

EAST
Eric Taylor
Mike Brady

Howard Cunningham
Charles Ingalls

WEST
Steven Keaton
Michael Hogan

Hayden Fox
Red Forman

 

 

NORTH
Phil Dunphy
Michael Kyle

Richard Castle
Tim Taylor

SOUTH
Jason Seaver
Carl Winslow

James Evans
Cliff Huxtable

 

 

I'm guessing it comes down to the Final Four:  Eric Taylor, Red Forman, Phil Dunphy, and Cliff Huxtable.

Eric Taylor vs. Phil Dunphy

Eric Taylor to win.

 

How about you?  Vote to win

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2011-05-22

• When Arnold described his views as "jeffersonian" I scoffed-- but now, I think I know what he meant. #jeffersonian #

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Super Waiter and the Busboy

We were doing some pretend play the other day and aa asked me if I would be his sidekick

" I'll be Superwaiter and you can be my sidekick Busboy"

Now I'd think that was pretty clever coming from a 6 year old, but keep in mind that my little boy is 2.75. ( I prefer decimal numbers)

So how did he come up with the concept of sidekick( I'm pretty sure from Sesame Street- he is a big fan of SuperGrover). But I have no idea where he got the idea that he could be SuperWaiter and that he needed a theme appropriate sidekick.

I think that if we can get his mom into the game, she can be the arch nemesis Top Chef, a show she loves.

This might be a huge franchise with lots of merchandising opportunities- and just think-- you are in on the ground floor!

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2011-05-01

• Go the F**k To Sleep is a great new kids book for adults! http://amzn.to/jdlBUs #


• ANOTHER article about my marriage in the NYT-- and I'm not even British royalty! Our 15 minutes are up. http://nyti.ms/gertsacov #

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Go the F##K to Sleep-- new kids book.

"This is the most honest children's book ever written. And it's f*cking hilarious."—A.J. Jacobs, author of The Year of Living Biblically

"Total genius."—Jonathan Lethem, author of Motherless Brooklyn

Go the Fuck To Sleep is a bedtime book for parents who live in the real world, where a few snoozing kitties and cutesy rhymes don't always send a toddler sailing off to dreamland. Honest, profane, and affectionate, Adam Mansbach's verses and Ricardo Cortés' illustrations perfectly capture the familiar—and unspoken—tribulations of putting your little angel down for the night, and open up a conversation about parenting in the process. Beautiful, subversive, and pants-wettingly funny, Go the Fuck to Sleep is a perfect gift for parents new, old, or expectant. Here is a sample verse:

The cats nestle close to their kittens now.
The lambs have laid down with the sheep.
You're cozy and warm in your bed, my dear
Please go the fuck to sleep.

Adam Mansbach's daughter Vivien is two and a half. His novels include The End of the Jews, winner of the California Book Award, and the best-selling Angry Black White Boy, a San Francisco Chronicle Best Book of 2005. His fiction and essays have appeared in The New York Times Book Review, The Boston Globe, Vibe, The Believer, Los Angeles Times, and elsewhere. He is the 2010–2011 New Voices Professor of Fiction at Rutgers University. This is his first children's book. You probably should not read it to actual children, and if you do, he cannot be held legally responsible.

Ricardo Cortés has illustrated books about electricity, the Jamaican bobsled team, and Chinese food. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, Entertainment Weekly, New York magazine, The Village Voice, San Francisco Chronicle, and on CNN and FOX News.

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2011-04-24

• Last weekend at the New Victory for Cirque Mechanics/Potato Needs A Bath http://t.co/alh8EMg #

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Review of Potato Needs a Bath

As predicted, Potato Needs a Bath was delightful.

Fuller review on my clown website http://www.clownlink.com

It ends April 24-- see it if you can!

Potato Needs a Bath! (through April 24 at the New Victory, NYC)

[caption id="attachment_276" align="alignleft" width="228" caption="Potato Needs a Bath by Shonna Reppe (April 8-24 at the New Victory Theater)"][/caption]

Although the New Victory Theater is rightly praised for the elaborate restoration of their beautiful theatre, less is generally said about another very important part of the New Victory organization. They also operate the New 42nd Street Studios, which features 14 studios and a 199 seat theatre; offices and rehearsal space for five non-profit theatre and dance groups. The building, which was completed in early 2000, was recently selected by New York Magazine as a leading work of architecture that best defines New York City.

 

The great thing about New 42nd Street Studios is that it also gives the New Vic the opportunity to present work that doesn't fit into its larger and traditional proscenium space. On Saturday, AA and I are planning on attending one of those shows-- a delightful show from Scotland called Potato Needs A Bath.

I say delightful, although I haven't seen the show yet, because

• I've seen the video (below)


• I've read the ace reviews, (for the most recent, check out Time Out NY Kids,)


• I've seen the photographs (VIEW SLIDESHOW)


• As a guy who has also performed with Vegetables , I can tell!
  (click the more button at the bottom of this post to find out more about that show)

[caption id="attachment_281" align="alignright" width="140" caption="Shonna Reppe, the delightful storyteller/puppeteer/vegetable manipulator"][/caption]

You can see from the video that the performer (Shonna Reppe, who has travelled the world with her original puppet shows) is engaging and delightful, and that this is the kind of show that needs an intimate and small stage, like the kind that the New 42nd Street Studios provide.  The show is designed for kids ages 2-5, but based on the video, the photographs, and the reviews, I expect to be equally entranced.  I'll report back after we see the show!

Find out more about Shonna Reppe's work.  http://web.me.com/shonareppe/shonareppepuppets/Home.html
The show runs through April 24, and tickets are available at the New Victory Theater website.
VIDEO TRAILER


 

104.5 fever

Although the doctor says not to worry, that no number is important, it depends on how he's acting, I have to say, the numbers have me worried.

He's had a fever for the last 4 days or so.  Tylenol brings it down, and he seems normal, but the fever rises at night.   Which means not a lot of eating, and not a lot of sleeping for anyone.

We went back to the doctor and she gave us an antibiotic and hopefully that will knock out whatever is causing the fever.  He's skinny, and doesn't need any additional incentives to not eat.  (Although the medicine means he gets his bravery chocolate twice a day, so he'll be eating something anyway.

NYC Dads help out Bronx Fatherhood Program

My pals and fellow dads at the NYC Dads meetup group are doing something pretty darned wonderful-- helping out less privileged dads become better dads.


The Bronx Fatherhood Program (BFP) is a highly impactful and innovative fathering initiative serving non-custodial fathers ages 14-21. This program engages these fathers in their children' s lives by helping them understand the importance of their role as a father and feel empowered to embrace fatherhood and the responsibilities that accompany it.

They  offer a comprehensive 16-week course that addresses everything from newborn care and child development to parent-child relationship development and partner conflict resolution.These programs also offer career development, legal services, and financial education.

NY TIMES ARTICLE ABOUT PROGRAM:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/20/nyregion/20father.html

PHOTO SLIDESHOW:
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2010/06/20/nyregion/20Father.html

The program aims to help each father to improve his parenting competency, to increase his engagement in his child's life, to improve communication with his co-parent, to implement positive parenting skills, and to contribute consistently to his child's well-being-- emotionally, financially, and materially.

BFP is sponsored and run by the Visiting Nurse Service of NY.

For more information about the program call 1-800-675-0391.

NYC Dads Group has started an Amazon registry that will help  create a "graduation package" for graduating  dads of the program.  This is in association with http://www.babybuggy.org/

Click here for a link to the registry.

Additionally if you know someone who wants to donate on a corporate level, they could email  nycdadscare@gmail.com.

Read more, including a profile of two of the dads of the Bronx Fatherhood Project on the NYC DADs' web blog:

http://www.nycdadsgroup.com/2011/03/nyc-dads-care-bronx-fatherhood-program.html

And here's a video about the Project:

The Bronx Fatherhood Program Trailer from Benjamin Norman on Vimeo.

Business 2 Blogger.com

I've just signed up for http://business2blogger.com/ which is supposed to give some "paid blogging opportunities"

 

I'm a little skeptical, but I'll try it, and will only write about stuff I like or want to write about.

I'll also make sure to clearly note anytime I get paid to write something (or if I get any promotional consideration)

Not only is that a good idea, it's also THE LAW!