Is it just me or does it seem like lice outbreaks are becoming much more frequent in NYC schools? After never having gotten lice, my kids have had it twice each in the last two years and I keep hearing classrooms are breaking out with lice a few times a year. Perhaps this is due to the DOE changing their policy about sending kids home from school if nits are found in a child's hair, but whatever the reason it stinks for parents who have to be ever-vigilant to keep kids (and ourselves) lice-free.

Going through a lice infestation is never pretty, but I've managed to get pretty good at delousing my family. The most important thing is to make sure you nip it in the bud with a thorough treatment and don't keep having recurrences. Here are some tips on how to avoid getting lice and how to treat lice naturally if you do get them (hint, the answer is not "kindly").

Valentine's Day is just a week away! That means just a week left to make some special Valentines or to plan a Valentine's-inspired outing with your little cutie-pie. Just for you, we've gathered a list of the sweetest kid-friendly Valentine's Day outings and a compilation of the best venues for Valentine's Day crafts. xoxoxox

There are some cool new and seasonal exhibits going on this February at both the Manhattan and Brooklyn Children’s Museums.  From special programs for Black History Month and Presidents Day to a Playmobil toy display, there is likely to be something different from the usual fun for your family to check out if you visit one of these museums this month.

Tons to tell you about for the weekend, so much in fact, that I am a little bummed that I will be out of town and have to miss it all.  If I was here, I would head down to Manhattan’s Chinatown for the Year of the Rabbit festivities, like the big dragon parade on Sunday, or maybe uptown to the Family Day at the China Institute -- that kicks off with a Lion Dance outside their front doors -- or check out one of the myriad Lunar New Year events in our calendar for this weekend.

Another very cool thing this weekend is The 13th Annual BAM Kids Film Festival, offering a bunch of not-to-be-seen-anywhere-else movies for kids, like the NY premiere of the loveable Scandinavian favorites, Moomins, in Moomins and the Comet Chase.

This is also the first weekend of February and both the The Brooklyn Museum and the New Museum along with many other cultural institutions in town are offering free admission and family oriented events.  

Check out our events calendar, it is stuffed with story times, live music, art programs, Lunar New Year events and a lot more. Read on for our Best Bets for the weekend and no matter what you do be sure to have a great time.

It's hard to think past the snow these days, but not to worry, we'll do the thinking for you. If you're heading into NYC this weekend, there's a lot going on, including fun in the Mommy Poppins Winter Guide. And if you are staying close to home, we've got cozy fun for you here, from a Teddy Bear Picnic to a Film Festival. And don't miss the chance to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Read on for details, and have a great weekend.

Let’s face it: no groundhog with a shred of common sense is going to be poking his head out in this weather. But we can dream, can’t we? (and celebrate the no-show). Of course, if you’re still loving the romance of snow and ice, you can spend a winter’s day on the farm at Fosterfield’s, or be like the rest of us winter-weary souls and duck inside to a variety of cool museums with FREE admission this weekend. Have a great weekend and never fear, spring is coming (in about six weeks)!

[UPDATED: July 18, 2012]

I periodically receive emails from parents looking for help finding a private music teacher for their children. Up until now I've never had a great answer, usually directing them to one of the nearby music schools. Outside of getting a recommendation from a friend or neighbor, finding a music teacher who does private lessons in your home can be a hit or miss affair.

But I recently learned about Hey Joe Guitar, a service that provides screened music teachers to children and adults. Hey Joe Guitar offers lessons in guitar, piano, voice, violin, horns, drums -- in fact, every teachable instrument -- and their teachers are graduates of top music schools in the nation, all screened with background checks and also for their amiability, flexibility and love of teaching.

Dim sum is one of the really fun things you can do with kids in New York City. With huge steaming carts of dumplings and other intriguing Chinese delights that roll right up to your table so you can point and pick exactly what you want, it's a culinary experience your kids won't soon forget.

With Chinese New Year around the corner, I thought it's be a good opportunity to share some of my favorite dim sum restaurants, but first some tips on going to dim sum with kids and ideas on what to order once you are there.