Charm City Moms

A bad example for girls' sports

2009-11-13T15:24:54Z

Guest Dad Joe Burris writes about a less-than-shining example for his sports-loving daughter: When my 12-year-old daughter Nyaniso recently asked permission to play girls ice hockey, she was surprised at how readily I approved. That wasn’t the case among some other parents, she said. Yet while I did have some concerns about the sport’s physical nature, I could see her passion and interest and decided to allow her to give it a try. “Just remember to protect yourself should you get checked,” I said. “What does it mean to get checked?” “You’ll find out soon enough.” I’ve thought back to that moment often recently in wake of the controversy surrounding University of New Mexico soccer player Elizabeth Lambert, who has been suspended for rough play during a recent tournament game between New Mexico and Brigham Young. Among Lambert’s most violent actions that day was grabbing an opposing player by the pony tail and pulling her to the ground with a force that could have caused a whiplash. Taped footage of the incident has drawn millions of hits on video-sharing Web sites, featured on ABC’s Good Morning America and ESPN’s SportsCenter. It has been the talk of chat rooms and message boards everywhere. One of the concerns I have about coverage of the Lambert incident is that it is by far the most attention given to a women’s team sport in a long, long time. In the absence of it, few of us would know -- and even fewer would care -- about Lambert or either team involved. And that means that for plenty of young girls interested in playing sports, this might have been the first time they’ve seen women’s soccer in the mainstream media. Imagine trying to get your son interested in playing baseball, and the first game he watches on television is Game 3 of the 2003 American League Championship Series, where the two teams staged one of Major League Baseball’s ugliest brawls ever. What Lambert did on the field that day was despicable (she has since apologized) regardless of gender. The same could be said for the recent actions of University of Florida football player Brandon Spikes, who was caught trying to gouge the eyes of an opposing player during Florida’s contest against the University of Georgia. The difference is that the Spikes incident barely stands out amid the plethora to time devoted to college football. The same goes for the 2003 ALCS with baseball coverage. Lambert’s incident stands alone. I hope that there are enough girls playing sports -- particularly soccer -- to know that most have a physical side, and that the Lambert incident was an aberration. They also should know that unless another player allows her emotions to get the best of her, women’s soccer probably won’t garner more national attention any time soon.

Toddler Thursday: Do you copy?

2009-11-12T17:41:27Z

Sarah K.K. here with the next installment of Toddler Thursday!

I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that my toddler son, Isaac, was just starting to imitate our intonation now and then. In the past couple of weeks, but especially the past few days, he's taken it to a whole new level. He's babbling all the time, and while most of the time, it's nonsensical, he's learning words and sounds like crazy. The cat says "mao," and "milk," "go" and "whee" are in the repertoire now.

He's a sponge!

But the big news of the week was that night before last, he said, "I love you." Well, it kind of sounded like, "I love the boo," but we'll take it. I, sadly, was on the phone instead of in person, but my husband got it on video, and I'm thrilled I got to hear it in real-time, too.

Sure, right now, it's just a repeating of sounds -- he apparently wandered around his class saying it again and again yesterday. But I know the meaning will sink in, too. No matter what, that was a moment for the highlights reel of my life.

Things to do with the kids this week

2009-11-12T11:44:42Z

"Polar Express" opens for the holiday season this weekend at the National Aquarium. Thursday, Nov. 12: Who Am I? Where Did I Come From?Learn about family history from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Harford County Public Library in Aberdeen. For grades 1-4. Reservation required. Skills, Snacks & Yack Yack Yack Teens 16 and up can learn a handicraft "from yesteryear" from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Oregon Ridge Nature Center. $3. Reservation required. Friday, Nov. 13: Teen Driving Program: Howard County police are offering a "collision avoidance program" to prepare teen drivers for various road hazards and driving conditions. There will be a four-hour classroom session and an eight-hour practical lesson for behind-the-wheel experience. TThere will be exercises in evasive maneuvers, emergency braking, cornering, backing, skid recovery, steering, acceleration and more. Participants must have a driver’s license and bring a car to drive. The class will be held from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday at the James N. Robey Public Safety Training Center, 2200 Scott Wheeler Drive, Marriottsville. $195. For more information or to sign up, call 410-313-3750. Maryland Irish Festival: Grab a pint of Guinness, order up some shepherd's pie and say “slainte” to this celebration of Irish culture and tradition. The festival includes music and dance, traditional fare and vendors. It takes place at the Timonium Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Go to irishfestival.com. Wizard of Oz: Travel down the Yellow Brick Road one more time. This version of Dorothy and Toto's journey is a full stage production with costumes, lighting and classic songs such as “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” at the Lyric Opera House, 140 W. Mount Royal Ave., at 8 p.m. The event also runs Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. Go to lyricoperahouse.com. Saturday, Nov. 14: Tree of Thanks Learn how early Americans and Native Americans lived off the land from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Irvine Nature Center. There will be a reading of “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein, and kids can make a “Tree of Thanks” to take home. Fee: $6 members, $10 non-members. Ages 5 and up. Dino DayThe Maryland Science Center offers dinosaur activities from noon to 4 p.m., including the "Reptile Alive!" show. Free with admission. "Polar Express" at the National Aquarium:The 4-D Immersion theater at the aquarium will show the holiday movie daily at various times between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets to the theater are an extra $4 to the Aquarium’s admission price. Santa Claus visits White Marsh Mall:The jolly old elf will be accompanied by Mrs. Claus and musical guests at the mall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15: A Month with Matisse: The theme of this week's Free Family Sunday at the Baltimore Museum of Art is "Pattern Power." 2- 4 p.m. The Puppet Co. Playhouse Presents Toyland - Bad ol' Mr. Barnaby (aka "the crooked man") is up to no good, and it's up to Mother Goose, Little Bo Peep and Tom the Piper's son to sing their way to a happy ending. This adaptation of Victor Herbert's musical fantasy includes such familiar pieces as "Toyland" and "March of the Toys," with costum The Puppet Co. Playhouse, 11:30 a.m., Ages: PreK- 10, Reservation required. Tickets Reqd. 301-634-

Dinner Together: Sesame Street food

2009-11-11T14:45:42Z

For Dinner Together day, I thought we'd talk about some Sesame Street food, in honor of the big 40th anniversary this week. Since there was so much talk here last week about Cookie Monster's eating habits, here's a recipe I printed in the early days of the blog for a stuffed baked potato. It's from the Sesame Street themed book "C is for Cooking." This nutritionist suggested a recipe for "Sesame Noodles" for a Sesame Street-themed birthday party. Cookie Monster’s ‘Me-Stuffed’ Potatoes Serves 4 4 medium Idaho or russet potatoes (about 2 pounds) ½ cup low-fat plain yogurt 2 tablespoons butter, softened 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, or a combination (divided use) 3 slices crisp cooked turkey bacon, crumbled Salt and pepper to taste Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Scrub potatoes and pierce in one or two places with the tip of a knife. Bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack until tender, about 1 hour. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, butter and oil. Stir in ¾ cup of the cheese and the bacon. When cool enough to handle, slice the top off each potato. Carefully scoop out the potato flesh and add to the bowl with the cheese mixture, leaving a ¼-inch potato shell intact. Place the potato shells in a baking dish. Stir the potatoes and cheese mixture until well-mixed. Use a large spoon to stuff the potato mixture back into the potato shells. Sprinkle evenly with remaining cheese. Bake the stuffed potatoes in a medium baking dish until heated through, about 15 minutes. --From Sesame Street’s “C is for Cooking” Per serving: 435 calories, 16 grams protein, 23 grams fat, 12 grams saturated fat, 40 grams carbohydrate, 4 grams fiber, 480 milligrams sodium, 66 milligrams cholesterol. Analysis by registered dietitian Jodie Shield. Photo by me

Kids are more stressed than we think

2009-11-10T11:00:00Z

Liz Atwood writes about stress this Tween Tuesday:

The economy is still in the doldrums and the holidays are approaching. It’s the perfect formula for stress. And the kids are not immune.

For the first time the American Psychological Association's annual stress survey included kids 8 to 17, and it found that kids are more worried than their parents think they are.

Nearly half (45 percent) of teens ages 13-17 said that they worried more this year, but only 28 percent of parents think their teen’s stress increased. While a quarter (26 percent) of tweens ages 8-12 said they worried more this year, only 17 percent of parents believed their tween’s stress had increased.

Similarly, only 2-5 percent of parents rate their child’s stress as extreme (an 8, 9 or 10 on a 10-point scale) when 14 percent of tweens and 28 percent of teens say they worry a lot or a great deal.

“It’s clear that parents do not fully appreciate the impact that stress is having on their kids,” says Dr. Mary Alvord, public education director for the Maryland Psychological Association in a press release. “What we’re seeing with stress is in line with existing research about parents’ perception of their kids’ engagement in risky behaviors. Parents often underreport drug use, depression and sexual activity in their children. Now it appears the same may be true for stress.”

Other findings in the recent study include:

Nearly 30 percent of youth worried about their family having enough money
44 percent of children report feeling worried about doing well in school
17 percent of children report concerns related to getting into a college
36 percent of children report stress-related headaches
44 percent of children reported stress-related sleep difficulties

The Maryland Psychological Association reminds parents to make time to listen to children’s concerns and to be aware of any changes in behavior. There may be a lot more going on inside their heads than we think.

I know my stress level has increased as I wrestle with job demands and the kids' activities. And I have no doubt the kids are feeling it.

What about yours?

Maclaren strollers recalled

2009-11-09T16:45:48Z

Maclaren, which makes trendy, beautiful and pricey baby strollers, has announced a massive recall of all its umbrella strollers sold in the U.S.. According to a statement on the company's web site, the affected models "include Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, Techno XLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno and Easy Traveller." Strollers sold as far back as 1999 are being recalled because children's fingers have been injured -- in some cases, the fingertips cut off -- by the stroller hinges. The company is reportedly providing a repair kit for stroller owners.

Seven easy volunteering projects for the holidays

2009-11-09T11:45:42Z

While I wait for experts to answer some questions for the Monday Consult, today's Consult is on a question lots of folks have around this time of year. How can my family make the holidays more meaningful by helping someone else? The folks at Volunteerspot.com, a web site that organizes volunteers, sent these ideas. They all sound pretty easy to do -- a must during this busy season. --Stuff new, warm socks with water bottles and granola bars to give to the homeless. --Gather gently used children’s books and DVDs for kids in the hospital or military families. --Rake leaves or shovel snow for an elderly neighbor. --Decorate reusable grocery bags for the food pantry (deliver them full, even better). --Sign up the whole family to participate in a fun-run or 5K for a cause you care about. --Pick up litter and scrub graffiti at your local park. --Host a hot chocolate or cider stand and donate the proceeds to a local charity. If you have other projects to suggest, please add them in the comments.

Malia Obama's very public science test

2009-11-06T18:43:47Z

The other day, in a speech about his administration's education priorities, President Barack Obama revealed a very personal experience. His daughter, Malia, had come home with a disappointing grade of 73 percent on a science test. According to the president, the two had a conversation about what she could do better, and the moral of the story is that hard work pays off. Malia reportedly scored 95 percent on the next test. I was driving to work when I heard this story on the radio, and I have to admit it sort of stopped me in my tracks. With all the talk about privacy for presidential kids, this struck me as a potentially very sensitive matter for Malia. What child wants the world to know she got a bad grade? On the other hand, the story was inspirational. A lot of parents will probably cite it during nightly homework struggles with their own kids. According to this piece on Politics Daily, the president departed from his planned text to tell Malia's story. He may very well have asked her permission, to be sure. But as parents, what do you think about the president sharing his daughter's grades? (Associated Press photo)

The "Waddle" winner

2009-11-06T16:07:36Z

Christina wins the "Waddle" book for her question about parent volunteering. Congratulations! And look for an answer to the question soon on Mondays.

Potty training for dads

2009-11-06T11:27:32Z

Guest Dad Joe Burris writes today about how for a family guy, the toilet inevitably becomes "the potty": A couple of weeks ago, my wife and I were visiting a department store when she decided to try on a garment. “Okay,” I said, while walking out of the store, “I got to go to the potty.” I stood momentarily red faced, wondering if any of the other customers in the store had heard me. Potty -- now there’s a word you rarely hear from anyone who doesn’t have kids. I scarcely uttered it before we had any. Now, in nearly 13 years of parenting, it has become one of the most used in my vocabulary. I have had some of the most memorable experiences taking my kids to the potty. I’ve learned that there are many filling stations just off Interstate 95 in North Carolina that have some of the most disgusting looking bathrooms I’ve ever seen. But when your kid’s got to go, you’ve got to stop. I still recall the first time I took my older daughter Nyaniso (now 12) to a crowded men’s room. And I remember taking my younger Onalenna (now 3) to an empty ladies’ room; the receptionist at the pediatrician’s office gave me the ladies’ key, and it was too late to return for the other. A while back, Onalenna struggled with me closing myself off from her and the rest of the world when I went to the bathroom. “Daddy, what are you doing in there?” “I’m going potty, Sweetie.” “Can I come in with you?” “Er, are you sure about that?” Unbeknownst to me, Onalenna often observed my bathroom traits. And now when she goes, she takes reading materials with her. Most are books that we’ve read to her at nighttime; she’s heard them so often that she now recites them. Sometimes she takes magazines or other periodicals. The thing is, the bathroom has become, for her, best reading room outside of the local library. She’ll go in and sit and sit and sit and sit and sit. At times, you would think she’s thumbing through the Christmas edition of “War and Peace.” “Sweetie, what are you doing in there?” “I’m reading on the potty.” Before we had kids, I worried about potty training, having heard of trying accounts from friends. As it turns out, both of our children transitioned well from diapers. Yet both have had their share of difficult moments during potty time, and it is amazing how much they recall. Last year, while we were seated in a doctor’s office, Onalenna walked over to a baby crying frantically nearby. “Aww, poor baby,” she said. “Are you constipated?”

Is Cookie Monster healthful enough?

2009-11-05T14:26:27Z

Today it's Cookie Monster who's getting all the attention on the Google Doodle as part of the big Sesame Street 40th anniversary celebration. This had me wondering: With all the focus on the problem of childhood obesity these days, and with Michelle Obama -- a champion of healthful eating -- slated to appear on Sesame Street this season, where does Cookie Monster fit in? Turns out Sesame Street has been trying to make the gluttonous blue monster more modest in his appetites for some time. This 2005 article from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer shows what Sesame Street was doing a few years ago to get Cookie Monster in line with the food pyramid. He has more recently been part of a public service announcement about healthy living, as the ladies on the View discussed: As you can see in the photo above, Cookie Monster is now helping promote eggs with the American Egg Board. Does making Cookie Monster an advocate of healthful eating spoil the fun? (PRNewsFoto/American Egg Board)

Fun with the family this weekend

2009-11-05T11:23:33Z

We're all in something of a Halloween hangover, but there's still fun stuff to do this first weekend in November. To wit: Pumpkin chucking. Thursday, Nov. 5: Harry Potter Potions Class: Scientists from the Edgewood Chemical & Biological Center at Aberdeen Proving Ground demonstrated how to make potions "straight out of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry" from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Edgewood branch of the Harford County Public Library. For grades 3-8. Register by calling 410-612-1600. Nature Storytime:Listen to a story about nature and make a craft at 11 a.m. at the Eden Mill Nature Center. Donation requested to cover the cost of the craft. Families are welcome to bring a picnic lunch to eat following the event. Registration required; call 410-836-3050. Friday, Nov. 6 Whooo done it? Solve a mystery while looking for clues around the nature center and trails from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Irvine Nature Center. For ages 5 and up. $6 members, $10 nonmembers. Fun with Pumpkins and Gourds: Learn about pumpkins with a master gardener, then make a craft at 2 p.m. at the Savage branch of the Howard County Library. Ages 5 and up. Reservation required; call 410-880-5978. "A Christmas Carol" opens at IMAX:The IMAX theater at the Maryland Science Center starts showing the Disney version of the Christmas classic starring Jim Carrey. Tickets required. New LEGO store opens: Kids can help build a giant Christmas tree with master builders to celebrate the opening of a new LEGO store at the Arundel Mills Mall. Building will continue until the tree is finished. Kids get a certificate for helping. Free. Greek Heritage Festival: Go Greek for three days at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, 24 W. Preston St. Festivities include live music and Greek dancing, folk dance performances, a European marketplace, children's activities and cathedral tours. There will also be plenty of Greek fare and a martini bar. The event is free and takes place from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. Call 410-727-1831. Saturday, Nov. 7: Drop-in Art at the Walters: From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Walters Art Museum, children can explore heroes and heroines found in the artwork of Japan, China and India by building their own armor, painting a scroll, and creating hybrid creatures that perform incredible tasks. Free. Pumpkin Chucking Weekend:Sick of that pumpkin now that Halloween is over? Dispose of it in style -- via catapult -- Saturday and Sunday at Clark's Elioak Farm. Sunday, Nov. 8: A Month with Matisse: Model Magic The Baltimore Museum of Art's Free Family Sunday is all about using clay to sculpt like Matisse. 2- 4 p.m. Second Sundays in Leakin Park - Last Sunday for the Leakin Park trains until spring! From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Leakin Park, 4921 Windsor Mill Road, 410-396-0440. (Baltimore Sun file photo of pumpkin chucking at Clark's Elioak Farm)

Sesame Street's 40th anniversary

2009-11-04T14:26:36Z

Sesame Street is gearing up for its 40th anniversary season in a big way. Not only is Big Bird featured on the Google Doodle today, but the show is saying it will be "updated" for the anniversary season, which starts Nov. 10. The new season will reportedly feature lots of celebrities, including First Lady Michelle Obama. It's funny -- as much as kids love Sesame Street, I think they also reject it pretty quickly as they reach the age of, say, 5. Mine aren't even willing to be nostalgic about it. In fact, to tease them every once in a while, I talk in Elmo's voice and ask them to pleeeeeze come back. They have a great time running away from "Elmo" and up to their Pokemon cards and R.L. Stine books. (Associated Press photo)

Dinner Together: Mini lasagna dinner

2009-11-04T11:26:42Z

I love the idea in this video, which features chefs Cricket Azima and Dave Lieberman with several young helpers, of making customizable mini-lasagnas. They look so easy. The video's a little longer than usual, but the kids can learn how to make a complete meal -- including easy breadsticks, salad, and dessert.

Understanding autistic friends

2009-11-03T11:00:00Z

Liz Atwood talks about friends with disabilities this Tween Tuesday:

One of the things that's really neat about my 8-year-old son's circle of friends is the diversity I see; not just racial or ethnic diversity, but children with many different disabilities.

On Saturday, we went trick-or-treating with one of his friends who is diabetic, and I watched in amazement as the child nonchalantly checked his blood sugar level between knocking on doors and gobbling up candy.

In my son’s scout troop, there is a boy in a wheelchair, and another boy with one leg shorter than the other. My son loves playing with them all and is not fazed in the least by their disabilities.

But one disability that is not so obvious is autism. I know of one boy in his class and another in scouts who are autistic. Both are smart and do fairly well in the groups as far as I can tell. But occasionally their behavior bothers my son, who doesn’t know there is a medical reason behind their actions. I have told him that he needs to be tolerant and that everyone has behavior quirks, but I wonder if I’m not doing a disservice to him and his friends by failing to acknowledge the disability that cannot be seen.

I asked Carolyn Martin, admissions director at Hanah Moore School in Reisterstown, whether children should be told when another child in their group has autism. "I think it's important that classmates understand others' disabilities," she said. But she added that I shouldn't tell my son about his friends' autism unless their parents give their OK.

There are lots of questions about this subject.

Hanah Moore is going to offer a free community program Monday, Nov. 9, called “Hooked on Lemon Drops” to explain some of the implications of autism. Nancy Schmitt, the curriculum coordinator at the school, will lead the discussion, which will explore the pitfalls and pathways of interacting with children on the autistic spectrum. Her presentation identifies the differences between autism and Asperger Syndrome, provides tips and tactics for interacting with children on the spectrum, and more.

The program will be offered from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Hannah More School, 12039 Reisterstown Road, Reisterstown. Call 410-526-5000 to RSVP or for more details.