Stay in Bed Clocks: How to keep kids from getting up too early

An old friend bemoaned on Facebook her frustration at not being able to keep her toddler in bed past 4:30 in the morning. Not only does the kid wake her up, but wakes up the younger siblings as well (sounds like a great morning routine!).

If you have an early riser, you've felt her pain. Sleep. It's the one thing a parent just can't get enough of. And the issues never seem to go away, they just change. Just because you had a baby sleeping through the night at 9 weeks doesn't mean you are out of the hot water. As many parents of toddlers will tell you, the issue becomes not getting your kids to sleep through the night, but to keep them in bed past dawn.

New Extreme Sleepovers at Ripley's Believe it or Not! Odditorium Museum

Have you ever wondered what is actually in the Ripleys Believe It or Not! Odditorium? We've walked by it so many times and written it off as a tourist attraction (with the price tag to match), but we recently heard they are starting "Extreme Sleepovers" and thought we'd check it out. I didn't expect to care much for it, but found the experience surprisingly interesting. Find out more about this zany museum and it's special events:

New Jersey Dance Schools: From Ballet to Hip-Hop, it's Here!

Whether your child’s a tough guy, a tomboy or a tiny princess, there may come a day when they wanna’ cut footloose and dance. While “dance class” used to strictly mean “ballet,” the vast range of New Jersey dance studios now expands that definition to include everything from hip-hop and tap, to ballet and break-dancing classes. So, if you’re dreaming of your child as principal dancer at The Joffrey Ballet, or if you just want to see your little star on stage in a cute costume, there’s a school to fit the bill. Check out the wide array of options sure to please every type of tiny dancer out there, and let your little one bust-a-move!

A Geeky Guide to Valentines Day Gift Ideas

Valentine's Day is a holiday I've always had a love-hate relationship with, but considering my husband's love affair with all things Apple, this year I'm turning it over to his mistress to celebrate Valentines Day. It's a good move, really, because Apple seems to have the bases covered this V-Day from free apps to help you plan a special night out, to heart iTunes store gift cards, or even a pretty pink or red iPod Nano and plenty of creative ways to use the technology to make special, memorable Valentines Day Cards and Keepsakes. Read on to find out more about some really cool and creative Valentines Day Gift Ideas.

Oh, and check the Snap This Up section at the top of the home page for a great giveaway! (hint: it's an iPod and you can touch it)

News: Facebook Privacy Issues, Lifelong Health Benefits of Vaccines, School News, Deals, More

A few interesting articles to share this week about Facebook privacy (you may be surprised what you don't know), the lifelong health benefits of vaccinations, and some quirky New Yorkers who are going without heat. Plus school news about a new school, new program and lots of new playgrounds. And free self-defense classes for teens and FREE movie rentals.

Haiti Relief Aid Kids Concerts and Sales

This week there are lots of fun kids concerts being offered by local businesses to help raise money for aid to Haiti. And a bunch of baby and kid stores are donating a portion of their sales to relief efforts also. Take some time to have some fun and do some good at the same time.

Weekend Events for NJ Kids Jan. 23-24: Tree-Planting, Tyke Hikes, Puppets, Planets and More!

Don’t let the call of the couch win this weekend; get up, get going and get out! Whether you embrace the season in all its natural outdoor glory, or prefer to pass the time snuggled up inside, your family will find something happening in New Jersey to make your weekend memorable. If you crave vistas and trees, take your tyke on a hike, plant a tree for Tu B'Shevat, or celebrate snow at an Ice Festival. Shows more your speed? Check out “Rumpelstiltskin” brought to life by puppets in Branchburg, or learn about Cinderella’s fairy godmother at the Saddle River Valley Cultural Center. The couch can wait!

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