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Kids bored after the fireworks and fun? If so, here is a rundown of what's new in entertainment as adapted from reviews and ratings by Common Sense Media. Click on the links to read the reviews in full.

Movies
This third installment in the popular franchise, "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" features all the same characters audiences already love and a few, extra-large new ones. The new guys are dinosaurs and the herd is lost in their world, trying to rescue a wayward friend. It is silly, action-packed and has awesome dinosaurs -- what's not to love? Rated PG, OK for Kids 6+

On DVD
Jonas Brothers 3D Concert DVDIf you missed "Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience" in the theater, now is your chance to swoon over the brothers three in the privacy of your own home. Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas perform at Madison Square Garden and take fans behind the scenes as they live their squeaky clean pop star lives. Rated G, OK for Kids 7+

TV
The educational docu-series "Monsters Inside Me" is an up-close look at parasites and what they can do inside the human body. Sound gross? With all the close-ups of bugs and descriptive narration, it is clearly meant to be. The squeamish may want to skip this one. Rated TV-PG, OK for Kids 11+

Books
Peace love and baby ducksThe sweetly titled "Peace, Love and Baby Ducks" by Lauren Myracle is the story of two sisters struggling to remain close as they grow older. Dealing with jealousy, burgeoning sexuality and less-than-perfect family relationships, the girls learn that sisterly love is not always easy but worth the effort. OK for Kids 13+

Music
With a punk rock sound and clever lyrics, "The Time Machine" by The Sippy Cups explores the milestones of childhood. From losing a tooth to learning to swim, the San Francisco Bay Area band covers it all with a fresh and original sound that totally rocks. OK for Kids 5+

Web
An offshoot of Coolmath.com, "Science Monster" is an instructional site featuring science concepts with a focus on space. It is text-heavy and not exactly cutting-edge, but for those looking for specific scientific answers, it delivers. OK for Kids 13+

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince GameGames
"Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince" is a multi-platform game that lets players explore the Hogwarts castle and grounds. As Harry, players accomplish tasks and are rewarded with video cut scenes that move the story forward. It is fairly easy to play but might be hard to follow if you haven't read the book. Rated E10+, OK for Kids 10+

common sense media

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]]>booksdvdgamesharry potter and the hald blood prince gameHarryPotterAndTheHaldBloodPrinceGameice ageIceAgejonas brothersJonasBrothersmauren myracleMaurenMyraclemoviesmusicpeace love and baby ducksPeaceLoveAndBabyDucksscience monsterScienceMonstersippy cupsSippyCupsthe time machineTheTimeMachinetvweb sitesWebSitesSandy MapleFri, 03 Jul 2009 16:00:00 ESTKids and Extracurriculars - When Do You Let Them Quit?http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/03/kids-and-extracurriculars-when-do-you-let-them-quit/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/03/kids-and-extracurriculars-when-do-you-let-them-quit/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/03/kids-and-extracurriculars-when-do-you-let-them-quit/#commentsFiled under:


When kids are ready to quit, do you let them?. Photo: sxc.hu

Extracurricular activities are a child's way of trying out new things and figuring out what fits. Dance, at our house, is one activity that never changes -- the kids look forward to it every week. But we've tried soccer, t-ball, karate and art classes, all with varying degrees of success.

Lisa Belkin over at Motherlode has asked readers when do you let a child quit an activity? Like Belkin, we have a few rules in our house about this, and we've had to enforce the "if you commit to it, you see it through" rule once or twice. But that was for short term activities -- six weeks or less -- that only met once a week. Had the activity in question been a more involved commitment, I think I would have been more flexible. After all, I don't force myself to continue a hobby I don't enjoy, so I don't think it's fair to make my kids do it either.

But at the same time, it is a parent's responsibility to teach and to guide. And jumping in to solve the problem every time a child gets bored or feels discomfort is the hallmark of helicopter parenting. Exactly where is the balance?

Continue reading Kids and Extracurriculars - When Do You Let Them Quit?

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]]>artchildextracurricular activitiesextracurricularactivitiesparentsquittingsoccersportsBethany SandersFri, 03 Jul 2009 14:00:00 ESTTwitter Follow Friday on ParentDish!http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/03/twitter-follow-friday-on-parentdish/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/03/twitter-follow-friday-on-parentdish/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/03/twitter-follow-friday-on-parentdish/#commentsLove Twitter? So do we! It can be tough to keep tabs on all your favorite "Tweeters" from the "Twitterverse" -- but don't worry, we've got you covered! Here's our favorite parenting Tweets of the week. Follow ParentDish on Twitter to join the discussion (who knows, maybe we'll feature you here!).
Mommy4Cocktails The Baby totally should have skipped that second cup of coffee.
BOREDmommy My husband just changed 2yo's diaper without me asking. Hell has just frozen over. Madoff, you will be needing your ice skates.
Mom101 Know what's fun? Being in a business meeting and reaching for a pen but pulling out a tampon.
poshmama ATTN LADIES: sports bras are to be worn UNDER your shirt NOT as a replacement for a shirt. Thank you!
redneckmommy Dying laughing. I just snuck up on the kids and shook the tent and made two of them cry from fear. I LOVE being a grownup sometimes
Read any good Tweets? Give us a shout on Twitter and let us know all about it!

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]]>Amy HatchFri, 03 Jul 2009 13:00:00 ESTLush Lasheshttp://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/03/daily-cutie-lush-lashes/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/03/daily-cutie-lush-lashes/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/03/daily-cutie-lush-lashes/#commentsFiled under:

Daily Cutie

    How can anyone say no to those eyes? Thanks to alenzisaad for this beautiful portrait.

    alenzisaad/Flickr

    We really love the composition in this shot. Thanks to ( .Victory. ) for the cool photo.

    ( .Victory. )/Flickr

    We agree with Boom Got Em - God did send him an angel!

    Boom Got Em/Flickr

    Nobody puts baby in a corner. Thanks to Sarah Stewart for this adorable shot.

    Sarah Stewart/Flickr

    A future phone-talker is in the works. Thanks to anuragyagnik for this glimpse into the future.

    anuragyagnik/Flickr

    Such a happy little cowgirl. Thanks to 4peasinapod for this adorable portrait.

    4peasinapod/Flickr

    What's this little one pondering? Thanks to kiu101 for this beautiful photo.

    kiu101/Flickr

    Sick and snotty, but still a doll. Thanks to bilquest for sharing this cute photo.

    bilquest/Flickr

    This bathing beauty makes us all smile. Thanks to kmorae3 for this darling photo.

    kmorae3/Flickr

    Oh that first tub bath! So cute. Thanks to FabFio666 for sharing this special moment.

    FabFio666/Flickr



If you'd like your own picture featured here, simply upload photos into the ParentDish Flickr Pool. We'll highlight an image every day. Remember: We're on the lookout for shots with interesting backgrounds, cool angles, or original composition. Be sure to read the intro on our main Flickr page for more information and limit your uploading to 5 photos per day.

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]]>Sarah JamesFri, 03 Jul 2009 12:00:00 ESTAbigail Breslin Makes $13 a Weekhttp://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/03/abigail-breslin-makes-13-a-week/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/03/abigail-breslin-makes-13-a-week/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/03/abigail-breslin-makes-13-a-week/#commentsFiled under:

abigail breslin

Abigail Breslin gets a $13 allowance. Image: Getty Images

She's been nominated for an Oscar, made her way on to "Forbes" list of Young Hollywood's top earning stars and pulls in $2 million a movie. But child star Abigail Breslin still has to feed the cat (among other chores) for spending money.

At the premiere of her latest movie, "My Sister's Keeper," she told reporters that she recently got a $1 raise. "I get $13 [a week] now, because I'm 13," says Breslin.

Breslin, who lives with her parents and two brothers, might be a millionaire movie star, but her parents are still teaching her to be financially responsible -- chores and a weekly allowance are status quo for most kids, famous or not.

Continue reading Abigail Breslin Makes $13 a Week

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]]>abigail breslinAbigailBreslinallowancechoresexpire-images:2010-7-3my sisters keeperMySistersKeeperBethany SandersFri, 03 Jul 2009 11:00:00 ESTUV Skinz, Simple Toddler Shoes, Vitamins on Demand http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/03/uv-skinz-simple-toddler-shoes-vitamins-on-demand/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/03/uv-skinz-simple-toddler-shoes-vitamins-on-demand/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/03/uv-skinz-simple-toddler-shoes-vitamins-on-demand/#commentsFiled under:

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]]>cookie-picksSusan WagnerFri, 03 Jul 2009 10:00:00 ESTNannies on Vacation, July 4 Parties, and More - Links We Lovehttp://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/02/nannies-on-vacation-july-4-parties-and-more-links-we-love/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/02/nannies-on-vacation-july-4-parties-and-more-links-we-love/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/02/nannies-on-vacation-july-4-parties-and-more-links-we-love/#commentsFiled under:

beach

Would you take a nanny on vacation with you? Image: sxc.hu

Planning a road trip this weekend? Or any weekend, for that matter? Keep things calm and quiet in the backseat with these free downloadable games from LilSugar.

Tired of feeding the kids chicken nuggets and mac and cheese? These restaurants have figured out how to do kids' menus right. -- When Blog

Time to hire a sitter! Here's the top 10 July 4th parties, going on across the nation. -- Digital City

Want your kiddo to look patriotic at the fireworks this weekend? Here's a quick, last-minute craft: Fourth of July tie-dye tees. -- AlphaMom

Family vacations are for spending time with family, but bringing the nanny along -- that doesn't seem like such a bad idea. What do you think? Smart? Or pretentious? -- Strollerderby

Your daughter got your hair, your chin and your ... sarcastic wit? Do your worst traits ever show up in your children? -- Mommy Track'd

You're comfortable with just one, but are worried about only-child syndrome. Would you have a baby just to give your child a sibling? -- Work It, Mom!

An ultrasound picture you can hold? That's right. An artist makes a model of your baby based on your ultrasound pics. Cool or creepy? -- LilSugar

No one ever wants to think about it, but it's smart to plan for it anyway: Who would you choose to be the guardian of your child? -- Motherlode

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]]>links-we-loveBethany SandersThu, 02 Jul 2009 16:00:00 ESTHigh School Secretary Changes Daughter's Grades Electronicallyhttp://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/02/high-school-secretary-changes-daughters-grades-electronically/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/02/high-school-secretary-changes-daughters-grades-electronically/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/02/high-school-secretary-changes-daughters-grades-electronically/#commentsFiled under: ,

typing

A mom takes her daughter's grades into her own hands. Photo: Marja Flick-Buijs/sxc.hu

How do you know when you've become a little too entangled in your teen's life? Changing her grades to improve her class standing on a school computer is probably a red flag that you've crossed that line.

Caroline Maria McNeal, a high school secretary and mom of a 2008 graduating senior did just that. Not only did she tamper with daughter Brittney's test scores -- in one case, changing her SAT score from 1370 to 1730 (which is actually kind of clever because it could just be perceived as a typo except that she put the score in a week before any other students' scores were entered) -- she also changed other student's grades as well so that Brittney's class standing would be improved.

Bad move, mom.

Continue reading High School Secretary Changes Daughter's Grades Electronically

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]]>computercrimegradesmompennsylvaniatamperteenwomanBethany SandersThu, 02 Jul 2009 15:00:00 ESTFantasy Escape Plan - Do You Have One?http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/02/fantasy-escape-plan-do-you-have-one/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/02/fantasy-escape-plan-do-you-have-one/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/02/fantasy-escape-plan-do-you-have-one/#commentsFiled under: ,

beach umbrella

What does your fantasy escape look like? Image: sxc.hu

When I was raising my first child, I often had days of overwhelming stress. The pressures of being a single parent, working a full time job and struggling to make it all work out was sometimes quite intense. Most days, I was up for the challenge and nothing could throw me. But every once in a while, the weight of it all became too much and I would fantasize about escaping to a world where everything was easy.

I had it all worked out in my mind. I would live alone in a simple house on a beautiful beach and make my living selling hot dogs from a cart. I would wear bathing suits and flip flops to "work" and spend my evenings in blissful solitude with only my books and music for company.

Of course, I never seriously considered running away. But often just dreaming of that world was enough to get me through the day. And judging by this post at Cafe Mom, I am not the only one with a fantasy escape plan. And based on the comments, my beach scenario isn't even all that original.

But while moms may freely admit to hatching secret getaway plans, I rarely hear a dad acknowledge similar thoughts. I can't help but wonder why.

Are moms more stressed than dads and therefore more in need of a break from reality? Or, as one father suggested to me, are dads more likely to skip the fantasizing and head straight for the beach when things get tough?

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]]>cafe momCafeMomdadsfantasy escapeFantasyEscapemomsparentingstressSandy MapleThu, 02 Jul 2009 14:00:00 ESTDon't Let Swine Flu Spoil Summer Camphttp://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/02/dont-let-swine-flu-spoil-summer-camp/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/02/dont-let-swine-flu-spoil-summer-camp/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/02/dont-let-swine-flu-spoil-summer-camp/#commentsFiled under: ,

Don't let swine flu stop you from sending your kids to camp this summer. Image: sxc.hu

Cases of swine flu may popping up at summer camps all over the country, but both medical experts and the American Camp Association say there's no reason to keep your child home this summer.

"It's important for parents to know it's safe to send their healthy child to camp. Camp is an extraordinary experience, providing friendship, leadership, and enrichment activities," says Peg Smith, chief executive office of the American Camp Association. "ACA-accredited camps have been monitoring the H1N1 situation since mid-April, and they are doing everything they can to provide a safe and healthy environment."

Indeed, camps like the Frost Valley Y.M.C.A camp in Claryville, NY are adding some new chores to their pre-camp checklist, such as wiping down doorknobs with bleach and preparing three negative-pressure isolation rooms to accommodate any campers who may fall ill.

"We think we're ahead of the curve, but who knows?" says Jerry Huncosky, chief executive officer of Frost Valley. "I think it's the 'who knows?' that we're preparing for."

New York City physician Dr. Erika Schwartz is medical director of Cinergy Health, and she says Frost Valley is doing exactly what it should to prepare for the swine flu -- and, she says, it is also what camps already know how to do.

Continue reading Don't Let Swine Flu Spoil Summer Camp

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]]>Amy HatchThu, 02 Jul 2009 13:00:00 ESTBricks and Bubbleshttp://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/02/daily-cutie-bricks-and-bubbles/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/02/daily-cutie-bricks-and-bubbles/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/02/daily-cutie-bricks-and-bubbles/#commentsFiled under:

Daily Cutie

    We really love the composition in this shot. Thanks to ( .Victory. ) for the cool photo.

    ( .Victory. )/Flickr

    We agree with Boom Got Em - God did send him an angel!

    Boom Got Em/Flickr

    Nobody puts baby in a corner. Thanks to Sarah Stewart for this adorable shot.

    Sarah Stewart/Flickr

    A future phone-talker is in the works. Thanks to anuragyagnik for this glimpse into the future.

    anuragyagnik/Flickr

    Such a happy little cowgirl. Thanks to 4peasinapod for this adorable portrait.

    4peasinapod/Flickr

    What's this little one pondering? Thanks to kiu101 for this beautiful photo.

    kiu101/Flickr

    Sick and snotty, but still a doll. Thanks to bilquest for sharing this cute photo.

    bilquest/Flickr

    This bathing beauty makes us all smile. Thanks to kmorae3 for this darling photo.

    kmorae3/Flickr

    Oh that first tub bath! So cute. Thanks to FabFio666 for sharing this special moment.

    FabFio666/Flickr

    This precious tot doesn't mind getting his hands (or face!) dirty. Great shot, mamadowdell!

    mamadowdell/Flickr



If you'd like your own picture featured here, simply upload photos into the ParentDish Flickr Pool. We'll highlight an image every day. Remember: We're on the lookout for shots with interesting backgrounds, cool angles, or original composition. Be sure to read the intro on our main Flickr page for more information and limit your uploading to 5 photos per day.

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]]>Sarah JamesThu, 02 Jul 2009 12:00:00 ESTObama Girls Take in Paris Shoppinghttp://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/02/obama-girls-take-in-paris-shopping/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/02/obama-girls-take-in-paris-shopping/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/02/obama-girls-take-in-paris-shopping/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sasha Obama

Sasha Obama leaves Paris boutique Bonpoint. Photo: Bauer-Griffin

When Sasha and Malia Obama accompanied their parents to France last month, they visited some iconic historical landmarks. They lit candles at Notre Dame cathedral and explored the Eiffel Tower. But they also had a chance to take in some modern culture as well, with a stop at the French children's clothing store Bonpoint.

Making this excursion extra special was the fact that Mrs. Obama and the girls were allowed into the shop on a Sunday, when, by law, France's retail outlets are closed (only stores selling food or those with "recreational" or "cultural" value may be open on Sundays). We don't know if the First Lady or her daughters bought anything at Bonpoint (although how could they resist?) but we think it's really cool that this was part of their first trip to Paris.

Fashion is an important part of popular culture, particularly for the French; Mrs. Obama herself has become a style icon in her own right, both at home and abroad. We love the idea that Sasha and Malia's visit to Paris included an afternoon of browsing in a boutique, and taking in some pop culture as well as the conventional art and architecture.

Malia Obama follows a Secret Service agent into the streets of Paris. Photo: Bauer-Griffin

We also love that Mrs. Obama and her girls were able to do a normal mom-and-daughter thing together; we would imagine that it's tough these days for the First Lady to pop over to the Gap with Sasha and Malia for a little shopping. To have an hour to flip through the racks and look at clothes and just be together was probably a nice break from their very public lives.

But what about the store opening on a Sunday for the First Family, when regular French citizens aren't able to shop? There are a lot of reasons why it would have made sense to make this exception for Mrs. Obama and her children. It's possible that this was a security measure, or that the Obama's schedule didn't allow for any other opportunity to visit Bonpoint. When you're traveling with a full security detail, stopping into a shop can be a major undertaking; for the staff at Bonpoint, it was probably more manageable to have the Obamas come in for a private visit.

Whatever the reason, we're delighted that these kids are getting to be kids, even though their father is the President of the United States. And we're even more delighted that they're getting to do some really wonderful, special things with their parents as part of this experience.

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]]>bonpointmalia-obamamichelle-obamaobama-daughterssasha-obamaSusan WagnerThu, 02 Jul 2009 11:00:00 ESTUnder-Scheduling Children - How Bad? http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/02/under-scheduling-children-how-bad/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/02/under-scheduling-children-how-bad/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/02/under-scheduling-children-how-bad/#commentsFiled under: , ,


I don't know, what do you guys want to do? Photo: stockexpert.com

This year many mom-friends are skipping the camp-gymnastics-art-class-tutoring routine for a more relaxed (not to mention cheaper) summer. One the one hand, this sounds ultra-appealing, and gives many opportunities to be flexible, slow down, and have the occasional ice-cream breakfast (for instance).

At the same time, what's a kid (and a kid's mom) to do on these long days? And is it helpful for children to be around other kids in some kind of structured environment or is it totally fine, maybe even better, to skip the structure for the summer? To find out, I called Parental Advisor Robert Schachter, a New York City-based psychologist and faculty member of Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

"It's not so much about about scheduling as it is about how much a kid has to do," he says. "If kids are booked morning to night and can't catch their breath, it's not necessarily the best thing."

Continue reading Under-Scheduling Children - How Bad?

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]]>campschedulingsummer funSummerFunSabrina WeillThu, 02 Jul 2009 10:00:00 ESTEconomy Hits Summer Camp, More Free Time for Kidshttp://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/01/economy-hits-summer-camp-more-free-time-for-kids/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/01/economy-hits-summer-camp-more-free-time-for-kids/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/01/economy-hits-summer-camp-more-free-time-for-kids/#commentsFiled under: ,

hopscotch

Summer camp attendance is down, due to the economy. Image: Pink Sherbet Photography/Flickr

As families everywhere tighten their belts and pinch their pennies, summer camp attendance is taking a hit. The American Camp Association reported at 10 to 15 percent decrease in enrollment this spring at sleepaway and day camps alike. But while our little ones aren't off learning about horseback riding, soccer and pottery, childhood experts are hoping something else is happening: Boredom.

A little boredom, after all, is an important part of growing up. And our heavily scheduled kids just don't seem to have as much free time as we did as kids. A camp-free summer, say experts, just might give our kids that free play time they so desperately need. "Parenting is a higher calling than being a cruise-ship activities director," Dr. Alvin Rosenfeld, psychiatrist and author of "The Overscheduled Child," tells Newsweek. "Boredom is not necessarily our children's enemy. It can stimulate [children] to think, create, and hear the soft murmurings of their inner voice, the one that makes them write this unusual story, draw that unique picture, or invent some new game."

A friend of mine -- her son is 12 -- had to drop camp this summer. She's using her own mother's method of handling boredom. "When he comes to me and complains, 'I'm bored,' " she says, "I just tell him, 'That's okay, I can find something for you to do.' Suddenly, he'll make himself the busiest kid on the block."

Continue reading Economy Hits Summer Camp, More Free Time for Kids

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]]>campday campDayCampeconomyfree-playfree-rangeoverscheduledoverscheduling kidsoverschedulingkidsplaytimesummer campSummerCampBethany SandersWed, 01 Jul 2009 16:00:00 ESTMichael Jackson's Mother Gets Custody of His Childrenhttp://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/01/michael-jacksons-mother-gets-custody-of-his-children/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/01/michael-jacksons-mother-gets-custody-of-his-children/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/01/michael-jacksons-mother-gets-custody-of-his-children/#commentsFiled under: ,


Paris and Prince Jackson, uncovered. Photo: X17online

We can't stop thinking about what will happen to Michael Jackson's children now that the King of Pop has passed away. Who will raise them, and what will their life be like without their father?

In the onslaught of news about Michael Jackson's death, this announcement would seem like a mere detail: On Monday, Jackson's 79-year-old mother, Katherine, was granted temporary guardianship of his children. For most families, the idea that a grandparent would step in and take charge in a crisis is a given, but for the Jackson clan, it's not that simple.

Jackson was raising his children alone. His ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, who is the mother of Prince Michael, 12, and Paris, 11, surrendered her parental rights in the couple's divorce, while Jackson's youngest son, Prince Michael II, or "Blanket," was born to an anonymous surrogate. But in the last week, all sorts of rumors have been swirling around about who wants the kids and what their legal rights may be. Debbie Rowe reportedly told a British tabloid that she had no desire to seek custody, but her representatives are now saying that the interview never happened. Rowe also reportedly claimed that Jackson is not her children's biological father, although it's unclear how true that claim is either. But it does raise questions about the paternity of all three children, and about the best options for permanent custody.

In the face of ongoing chaos it makes sense that the children would go to live with their grandmother. Court documents fiiled by Katherine Jackson assert that the children "have a long established relationship with [their] paternal grandmother and are comfortable in her care." During his 2005 trial for child molestation, Joe and Katherine Jackson told Barbara Walters they would pursue adoption of the children if Michael lost custody.

Jackson is reported to have a good relationship with his mother, but his relationship with Joe Jackson was far more complicated. The singer and his siblings had accused Joe Jackson of abusing them as children, and Joe himself admitted to cheating on his wife and fathering a daughter out of wedlock. Katherine and Joe Jackson are still married but have not lived together since the 1980s, and only Katherine has been granted custody of her grandchildren. Joe, however, has resumed his role as spokesperson for the family, telling the press this week, "This is where they belong ... we love those kids ... we're going to take care of them." But is that what Michael would have wanted?

Michael Jackson

    Michael Jackson, center, wearing a traditional Arabic woman's veil and all-covering gown called an abaya, with his son, Prince Michael II, also veiled, as they walk in Bahrain in 2006.

    Hasan Jamali, AP

    Michael Jackson, center, is supported by his security personnel as he walks into the courthouse with his father Joe Jackson, right, after arriving late to Santa Barbara County Superior Court, on March 10, 2005.

    Kimberly White, Pool / AP

    Michael Jackson applauds his fans while on top of his car after his arraignment on child molestation charges in Santa Maria, California on January 16, 2003.

    Hector Mata, AFP / Getty Images

    Michael Jackson's booking photo and personal information shown in this copy of a release from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department after Jackson was booked on child molestation charges in Santa Barbara, CA, on November 20, 2003.

    Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department / AP

    Michael Jackson holds his eight-month-old son Prince Michael II over the balcony of the Adlon Hotel in 2002 in Berlin, Germany. Jackson was in Berlin with his three children to accept a lifetime achievement award.

    Olaf Selchow, Getty Images

    Minders escort the veiled children of Michael Jackson as they visit the Berlin Zoo in November 2002.

    Sadek Hamaiel, Getty Images

    Michael Jackson holds an unidentified child as he stands in the window of his suite in the Adlon hotel in Berlin.

    Jockel Finck, AP

    A masked Jackson traveling in Berlin, Germany.

    Eric Richard, Getty Images

    Michael Jackson testifies during his civil trial in Santa Maria Superior Court on December 3, 2002 in Santa Maria, California.

    Jim Ruyman, Pool / Getty Images

    Michael Jackson testifies in Santa Barbara County Superior Court, on November 13, 2002 in Santa Maria, CA.

    Spencer Weiner, Pool / AP

Continue reading Michael Jackson's Mother Gets Custody of His Children

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]]>custodykatherine-jacksonmichael-jacksonSusan WagnerWed, 01 Jul 2009 15:00:00 ESTNebraska Dad Who Abandoned Nine Children is Expecting Twinshttp://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/01/nebraska-dad-who-abandoned-nine-children-is-expecting-twins/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/01/nebraska-dad-who-abandoned-nine-children-is-expecting-twins/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/01/nebraska-dad-who-abandoned-nine-children-is-expecting-twins/#commentsFiled under: ,


Gary Staton dropped off his 9 children last September under Nebraska's Safe Haven law. He still feels it was the right decision. Photo: Jeff Beiermann, The World-Herald

Safe Haven laws have been passed in all 50 states since 1999, as a way "for mothers in crisis to relinquish their babies to designated locations and keep them protected and provided with medical care until a permanent home is found."

37-year-old Gary Staton abandoned his nine children in September 2008, relinquishing them to the custody of his home state of Nebraska -- protected as a parent by the state's Safe Haven law. Now Staton, is expecting twins with his new girlfriend, Gail.

Staton abruptly became a single parent to his nine kids when his wife, RebelJane, died of a brain aneurysm in February 2007, not long after the last child's birth. The children, who ranged in age from 1 to 17 years of age, were dropped off at a hospital in Omaha when Staton determined that he could no longer care for them. The law has since been amended to only include children up to 30 days old.

Staton's two oldest children now live in Omaha, where they are finishing high school. The remaining seven kids live with RebelJane's aunt, who is in the process of adopting them.

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]]>abandoned-childrenNebraskapd-pollSafe-HavenJohn GillWed, 01 Jul 2009 14:00:00 ESTCurly Girlhttp://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/01/daily-cutie-curly-girl/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/01/daily-cutie-curly-girl/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/01/daily-cutie-curly-girl/#commentsFiled under:

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Daily Cutie
We agree with Boom Got Em - God did send him an angel!
Boom Got Em/Flickr

Daily Cutie

    We agree with Boom Got Em - God did send him an angel!

    Boom Got Em/Flickr

    Nobody puts baby in a corner. Thanks to Sarah Stewart for this adorable shot.

    Sarah Stewart/Flickr

    A future phone-talker is in the works. Thanks to anuragyagnik for this glimpse into the future.

    anuragyagnik/Flickr

    Such a happy little cowgirl. Thanks to 4peasinapod for this adorable portrait.

    4peasinapod/Flickr

    What's this little one pondering? Thanks to kiu101 for this beautiful photo.

    kiu101/Flickr

    Sick and snotty, but still a doll. Thanks to bilquest for sharing this cute photo.

    bilquest/Flickr

    This bathing beauty makes us all smile. Thanks to kmorae3 for this darling photo.

    kmorae3/Flickr

    Oh that first tub bath! So cute. Thanks to FabFio666 for sharing this special moment.

    FabFio666/Flickr

    This precious tot doesn't mind getting his hands (or face!) dirty. Great shot, mamadowdell!

    mamadowdell/Flickr

    This cutie wins best hairstyle of the week. Thanks to Margaret E Jacobsen for this adorable image.

    Margaret E Jacobsen/Flickr



If you'd like your own picture featured here, simply upload photos into the ParentDish Flickr Pool. We'll highlight an image every day. Remember: We're on the lookout for shots with interesting backgrounds, cool angles, or original composition. Be sure to read the intro on our main Flickr page for more information and limit your uploading to 5 photos per day.

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]]>Sarah JamesWed, 01 Jul 2009 12:00:00 ESTWhen Mommy Drinks Too Muchhttp://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/01/when-mommy-drinks-too-much/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/01/when-mommy-drinks-too-much/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/01/when-mommy-drinks-too-much/#comments

The stress of parenthood can lead moms to drink too much. Photo: sxc.hu

There's nothing wrong with a glass of wine or two at night to take the edge off a long day of parenting -- or is there? Author and mother of three Stefanie Wilder-Taylor recently took a long, sobering look at just how often she was hitting the bottle, and revealed publicly that it was time for her to stop.

Wilder-Taylor not only decided to stop drinking, she decided to share her secret with the world in her ironically named column, "Make Mine A Double: Tales of Twins and Tequila" on the parenting website, Mommy Track'd: "I drink seven nights a week," she writes. "Sometimes just a glass of wine but usually two or three or even more. I always seem to have some sort of excuse like, 'Today was an exceptionally stressful day so I deserve an extra glass now that it's all done.'"

Before her last pregnancy with twins, Wilder-Taylor was a fierce defender of the martini play date; the title of her first book is a humorous nod to alcohol and parenting. In "Sippy Cups Are Not For Chardonnay," she chronicles the first years of parenting her eldest daughter, Elby.

But she quit drinking on May 22, and her story resonates with lots of moms, if the comments on Wilder-Taylor's revealing post are any indication. Says one woman: "My wake-up call on alcohol was the day I had to go get wine to finish Halloween costumes...at 10 a.m. and later in the day took [my kids] to a Halloween party at the local Catholic church having been using wine all day long."

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]]>Amy HatchWed, 01 Jul 2009 11:00:00 ESTAvoid the Emergency Room - Put Safety First on the Fourthhttp://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/01/avoid-the-emergency-room-put-safety-first-on-the-fourth/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/01/avoid-the-emergency-room-put-safety-first-on-the-fourth/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/01/avoid-the-emergency-room-put-safety-first-on-the-fourth/#commentsFiled under: , ,

For years I dreaded sunset on the Fourth of July. You see, after a day of fun and good food with family and friends, when our three boys pulled out their arsenal of fireworks they'd purchased at a roadside stand (are all boys pyromaniacs?) my stress level spiked to the red zone.

Bill said I was over-reacting. He reminded me that fireworks must meet consumer safety standards and promised to make sure the boys followed safety precautions. This never relieved my angst. So I did what I always do when a fun activity is also a potentially harmful activity: I take precautionary measures -- and I pray (a lot). Whether your day includes a cookout, camping, a parade or a day at the lake, here are some good things to know and do to avoid the Emergency Room this weekend.

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]]>fireworksholidaysafetyKathy PeelWed, 01 Jul 2009 10:00:00 ESTMommy Brain, Ana Ortiz, and Freezer Pleasers - Links We Lovehttp://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/01/mommy-brain-ana-ortiz-and-freezer-pleasers-links-we-love/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/01/mommy-brain-ana-ortiz-and-freezer-pleasers-links-we-love/http://www.parentdish.com/2009/07/01/mommy-brain-ana-ortiz-and-freezer-pleasers-links-we-love/#commentsFiled under:

ana ortiz

"Ugly Betty" star Ana Ortiz welcomes a daughter. Photo: abc.go.com

Got a case of Mommy Brain? You aren't alone -- moms often complain of forgetfulness during pregnancy or immediately after. The Cradle has tips for dealing with this sometimes frustrating phenomenon.

"Ugly Betty" star Ana Ortiz and her husband Noah Lebenzon welcomed their first child, a daughter they named Paloma Louise. -- People

A new way to approach drug-free labor? Maybe. The makers of the TENS machine say that electrical pulses reduce labor pains with few side effects. -- LilSugar

These adorable little clips are worth the pain of growing out your daughter's bangs. -- Cool Mom Picks

What a happy looking family: Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick release the first pictures of their new twin daughters.

Momversation wants to know: Can single moms and married moms really be friends? I think so -- what do you think?

He was just trying to help, but when a Colorado teen raided birds' nests -- believing he could do a better job than nature, apparently -- he ended up in trouble with the police. Can you imagine finding 52 baby birds in your teenager's room? -- Pawnation

When life gets busy, it's tempting to feed kids in the drive-thru. But with these freezer pleasers, a homemade meal is easy to prepare. -- AOL Food

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]]>ana ortizAnaOrtizlinks-we-lovemommy brainMommyBrainnatural childbirthNaturalChildbirthsarah jessica parkerSarahJessicaParkerugly bettyUglyBettyBethany SandersWed, 01 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST