Granny Ranny's Coming Attractions

For busy parents, planning a family getaway can be a daunting task. These 6 tips can help your family take the work out of traveling:

1. Keep it close to home

In a recent study, 94% of Americans agreed that family vacations are worth the money, even when faced with the recent economic downturn. However, many families are trading in the sites of Paris and Rome for the lights of Broadway in New York City or Boston’s Freedom Trail. Many large cities now offer GO! Cards that provide families with discounted or free admission to popular attractions, tours and restaurants.

2. Keep them entertained

This is a great time to pull out your favorite holiday movies for long distance plane, train or automobile rides. And, it’s also something that you can enjoy once you get to your destination, along with other friends or relatives. For a list of our favorite holliday DVDs, go to KIDS FIRST! News, Dec 16.

3. Give tiny travelers the run of the place

Many hotels have amenities and programs for children and teens, while some, like the Nickelodeon Suites Resort, are specifically designed with kids in mind. Some family resorts offer camps for children of parents looking for downtime, such as the Maui Ritz Carlton Hotel, which offers a Jean-Jacques Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment Program, providing children with snorkeling and underwater photography lessons. The Holiday Inn began its “Kids Eat Free” program in 1993 and many hotels have since followed the trend, giving parents more bang for their buck.

4. Offer a vacation on cruise control

With endless entertainment options and clubhouses for children and teens of all ages, cruises are an appealing option for clients traveling with little ones. Carnival Cruise Lines recently added a fleet wide “Club 02” teen program that provides access to spa treatments and exclusive shore excursions. Check cruise line minimum age requirements, as many ships have age restrictions for infants or require travelers under 21 to book a room with a parent or guardian.

5. Give them a taste of the local culture

A great way to make family getaways extra special and boost commissions is through organized activities and tours, available in most tourist destinations. Look for enriching activities that will be fun and appropriate for your children. Book tickets to the Mary Poppins musical in New York City or an interactive Spy Tour in Washington, D.C., for elementary school-aged children. Teenagers might enjoy a parasailing excursion in Key West or an Ice Walk through the canyons of Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. Or recommend an activity that the entire family might enjoy, such as a Your Love of Food Tour to discover the culinary delights of Chicago or a helicopter ride over the island of Maui.

6. Help, please!

While family trips are all about creating memories together, sometimes parents need a ‘vacation from the vacation.’ Gulf Air recently introduced Sky Nanny, a free in-flight childcare service. Many hotels and resorts also offer similar services to parents needing a break, and independent nanny services are available at many popular vacation spots.

Checklist for family travel before take-off:

All children, regardless of age, are now required to have a passport to travel outside the US. Check the State Department Web site to ensure that even the youngest travelers will be ready for their trip abroad.-Visit the CDC’s Web site to check for required or recommended vaccinations and immunizations before departure.
-Book non-stop flights and inform the airline if clients are traveling with young children requiring Child Safety Seats. Request bulkhead seating for young families to give you more floor space. Many airlines also offer first-time flyer keepsakes or certificates to help calm the nerves of tiny travelers.

-When booking rooms in hotels, ask if they offer baby proofing kits. These kits usually consist of electrical outlet covers, padded covers to protect children from sharp table corners, door locks to prevent children from going out into the hallway, and even netting to stretch across a balcony so a tiny one can’t slip through.

-More and more holiday destinations are accommodating children with autism and other disabilities. Check with cruise lines and resorts about special, inclusive activities or excursions. Walt Disney World and several other theme parks provide front-of-the-line passes for autistic children who may find it very difficult to wait in line.

For more info, go to http://extranets.us.amadeus.com/newsletters/archive/2009DECPRO01/Top_Story_v1.html

The holidays are around the corner and for many parents, video games are certain to be on your children’s lists. Buying video games for family members can seem daunting: adults often don’t play games with kids, and don’t know what to expect or what is appropriate. More than just providing entertainment, there are many fantastic game options that encourage physical activity, help kids learn, and facilitate family togetherness. Here are some simple guidelines from Barbara Chamberlin, PhD, Extension Instructional Design and
Educational Media Specialist at New Mexico State University. 
 
1. Refer to the  Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) ratings printed on every game package as a guide. Many of the games your kids may hear about and request could be inappropriate for their age. Based on violence, language, and mature activities or themes, the ESRB has a consistent rating system for every
game sold. A game will be rated for “Early Childhood”, “Everyone”, “Everyone Ages 10 and Older”, “Teen”, “Mature”, and “Adult”. Titles rated “Mature” may contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual
content and/or strong language, and should be purchased only for gamers 17 and older. Be sure to check the icon on the game package: many of the games your child may hear about and ask for are rated “mature” and are likely inappropriate for young teens. See more information about these ratings at esrb.org.

2. Replace some passive screen time with active screen time. Instead of using only their thumbs while relaxing on a couch, your gamer can move jump and swing through a series of “active games” or “exergames”.  ames like “Dance, Dance Revolution”, in which players dance on a physical mat while following music and stepping to the beat in the game, can burn considerable calories. Nintendo’s Fit board, used with their Wii console, facilitates games that require balance and stability, including yoga, pilates and strength training. Active games include games that challenge players with score and fun activities, as well as more interactive fitness programs. For more information, visit learninggameslab.org and exergamesunlocked.org.

3. Encourage educational gaming. Educational games aren’t easy to find, they usually aren’t highlighted at the front of the store with their better-selling cousins. However, several quality titles exist. Rather than look specifically for grade-specific titles, browse the shelves for titles that include language, math, and science development. By integrating these titles into your family’s collection, you take advantage of the clear strengths games have in encouraging learning, and you demonstrate the importance of learning outside of the classroom. Ask your student what types of educational games are interesting and you may find an entire section of the game store or online product search that your children have yet to explore.

4. Find ways to play as a family. One of the benefits to systems with nontraditional interfaces (or games where you don’t have to use only your thumbs or a joystick) is that families tend to play together. Grandma, your teenager, and your 6 year old can all easily use the Wiimote with the Nintendo Wii to bowl or even play tennis.Instead of gaming being an isolated activity in which your child plays on their own, encourage a family game night where family and friends can all play together. Get involved in the gaming life of your children
and ask them to show you how to play.

5. Depend on the experts. Use your children to find the best games. Tell them your goals, and give them guidelines, such as including at least two exergame and educational games on their wish lists. Store clerks know games, often because they are young adults who play them. Let them know the ages of the children in your family and if you are looking games that the family can play together, educational titles, or exergames. Commonsensemedia.org, kidsfirst.org and other websites are designed to help families identify age appropriate and beneficial games. Search “educational game recommendations” in any search engine to find additional blogs and online resources to help in your search. By taking an active role in choosing and evaluating the games your family plays, you can find significant benefit in how gaming time impacts your family. Games are fun, even for adults.

For more information, visit http://www.learninggameslab.org/about.html

PBS KIDS and PBS KIDS GO! celebrate the holidays with snowy explorations and super-powered parties with new episodes of DINOSAUR TRAIN and WORDGIRL, as well as favorite holiday specials from ARTHUR and CURIOUS GEORGE. Following is a listing of holiday-themed episodes airing this month. Click here to see listings in your local area: http://www.pbs.org/tvschedules/
On PBS KIDS GO!, for early elementary school children: December 10

WORDGIRL – “Oh, Holiday Cheese” (NEW)

Who moved the Botsfords’ cheese? In a brand new episode of WORDGIRL, Dr. Two Brains uses his cheese-swiping ray to ruin the holiday spirit of young Becky Botsford and her family. Can WordGirl save the party and teach Dr. Two Brains an important lesson about his curmudgeonly ways?

Throughout December (check local listings)

ARTHUR’S PERFECT CHRISTMAS

Everyone’s favorite aardvark gives kids a new spin on seasonal traditions in his first one-hour prime time special, showing children many ways to celebrate “the holidays.” Plans are underway in Elwood City for the best holidays ever as Arthur, D.W., their family and friends make preparations for perfect gifts, perfect parties and perfect family traditions for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and even “Baxter Day” (Buster and his mom’s special celebration). The only problem is, just like in real life, perfection is hard to attain and things start to fall apart.

CYBERCHASE – “When Penguins Fly”

Penguins can’t fly – or can they? In Cyberspace, on one special night each year, the penguins of Penguia take flight to deliver gifts to young borgs across the virtual universe. For the first time ever, the CyberSquad’s friend Fluff is participating, and invites his pals Matt, Jackie, Inez and Digit to join him in the impressive Penguin March. But Hacker, up to his usual ruinous tricks, doesn’t want a happy holiday (let alone happy little borgs) so he creates a giant ditch in front of the Ice Palace and traps all the penguins in its icy depths! The CyberSquad must get the penguins ice-shoes so they can climb out before midnight, but how many do they need? Can the CyberSquad save the penguins and their favorite holiday too?

MAYA & MIGUEL – “Miguel’s Wonderful Life”

What might life be like without Maya? At first, it seems like Miguel’s Maya-made troubles are over, but then Miguel sees how the lack of Maya’s influence has adversely affected the world: Maggie and Chrissy aren’t friends because Maya’s not there to help them sort our their differences and Mr. Nguyen isn’t their teacher because Maya wasn’t there to make him feel appreciated. Miguel soon regrets wishing Maya away, and poof! The world goes back to normal. Maya is back and Miguel couldn’t be happier to have a twin sister.

On PBS KIDS, for preschoolers: December 14

DINOSAUR TRAIN – “Dinosaurs in the Snow” (NEW)
Buddy and his Pteranodon family ride the Dinosaur Train to the North Pole – where it’s cooler out and the skies are dark all winter long! The kids get to play in the snow and slide on a frozen pond for the first time.

Throughout December (check local listings)

CURIOUS GEORGE: A VERY MONKEY CHRISTMAS

Curious George and The Man with the Yellow Hat are having a wonderful time getting ready for Christmas. There’s only one dilemma – neither of them can figure out what to give the other for a present! In the end, both gift-giving predicaments are simply and beautifully resolved, revealing the true spirit of the holiday season.

SUPER WHY! – “The Nutcracker”

Princess Pea doesn’t know what to do about her friend Sleeping Beauty who is very, very grumpy! Super Why and his friends dance their way into the story of The Nutcracker, accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s memorable music, to find out why the Mouse King is so cranky and give an innovative twist to the holiday classic. But will the super readers be able to restore magic to The Land of Sweets?

BARNEY & FRIENDS – “Gift of the Dinos and A Visit to Santa”
Gift of the Dinos — It’s Christmas and BJ dreams of getting a new baseball glove to go with his baseball, while Riff hopes for new drumsticks to use his drum. Barney reminds them that Christmas is more than just getting gifts and helps them learn the meaning of Christmas.

A Visit to Santa — Melanie spends so much time helping her friends at Christmas that she is late writing her own letter to Santa. Barney takes her on a trip to the North Pole to deliver the letter in person.

CAILLOU – “Caillou’s Christmas”

Caillou goes out caroling for the very first time with Mommy, Daddy, Rosie, Grandpa and Grandma. He finds out caroling is lots of fun – you get to stay up late and surprise your friends with carols, and you even get treats! They finish up the night with a big finale at the seniors’ home and Caillou imagines he’s really ‘dashing through the snow’ in a horse and sleigh.

WORDWORLD – “The Christmas Star / A Christmas Present for Dog”

The Christmas Star — It’s the night before Christmas and Frog needs a star to hang on his Christmas tree. Duck thinks this will be the perfect present for Frog, and tries to lasso one out of the sky for him. Try as he might, Duck is unable to catch a star for Frog, and cries himself to sleep. But while he sleeps, someone leaves him a wonderful present: the letters S-T-A-R…

A Christmas Present for Dog — It’s Christmas morning, and all the WordFriends are excited by the presents Santa has brought for them! Pig has a sled, Bear has a doll and Ant has a cookie. But not all the letters for Dog’s present came down his chimney. All he has is a B-A-L. Bear gets filled with the Christmas spirit and makes a sacrifice to ensure Dog’s Christmas will be merry!

History is larger than life — and twice as funny — in this monumental comedy sequel. Ben Stiller (Meet The Parents, There’s Something About Mary) stars as Larry Daley, a former night watchman at the Museum of Natural History, where the exhibits come alive after dark. But now Larry’s nocturnal friends are being retired to the archives of the Smithsonian Institution, luring him back for a hilarious, all-out battle against a cranky Egyptian Pharaoh who plans to take over the museum… and the world! From returning director Shawn Levy (Cheaper By The Dozen), the film also stars Amy Adams (Enchanted), Robin Williams (Good Will Hunting), Owen Wilson (Wedding Crashers), Hank Azaria (“The Simpsons”), Ricky Gervais (“The Office”), Steve Coogan (Tropic Thunder) and Jonah Hill (Super Bad).

Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack – The Night At The Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack includes a high definition version of the film with over an hour of mayhem, mischief and monumental magic of outrageously funny features – including an interactive museum scavenger hunt game, gag reel, 12 deleted scenes with an alternate ending, “Cherub Bootcamp,” “Phinding Pharaoh With Hank Azaria” featurettes – a Digital Copy and a standard DVD.

Monkey Mischief – The limited edition “Monkey Mischief” double DVD boasts a second disc including over 30 minutes of entertainment complimenting the bonus materials featured on the first disc, including cast and crew commentary, six deleted scenes with an alternate ending, a gag reel, and more.

Golden Ticket Activation Instant Win Sweepstakes:

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment has partnered with Delta Vacations and the Smithsonian Museum to offer the “Golden Ticket” Activation Instant Win Sweepstakes. Both the Night At The Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian Blu-ray Discs and DVDs will feature a sticker on the packaging promoting the chance to instantly win the ultimate Smithsonian Experience, which includes travel and accommodations to Washington DC and a once-in-a-lifetime, behind-the-scenes, all-access private tour of the Smithsonian Museum for a family of four.

The holidays are an exciting time of year for kids, and to help ensure they have a safe holiday season, here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Please feel free to excerpt these tips or use them in their entirety for any print or broadcast story, with acknowledgment of the source.
Trees

* When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.”

* When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, needles are hard to pull from branches and when bent between your fingers, needles do not break. The trunk butt of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.

* When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces, radiators or portable heaters. Place the tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways.

* Cut a few inches off the trunk of your tree to expose the fresh wood. This allows for better water absorption and will help to keep your tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.

* Be sure to keep the stand filled with water, because heated rooms can dry live trees out rapidly.

Lights

* Check all tree lights-even if you’ve just purchased them-before hanging them on your tree. Make sure all the bulbs work and that there are no frayed wires, broken sockets or loose connections.

* Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.

* Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use. To hold lights in place, string them through hooks or insulated staples, not nails or tacks. Never pull or tug lights to remove them.

* Plug all outdoor electric decorations into circuits with ground fault circuit interrupters to avoid potential shocks.

* Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.

Decorations

* Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Choose tinsel or artificial icicles of plastic or nonleaded metals.

* Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. Always use non-flammable holders, and place candles where they will not be knocked down.

* In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable. Keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children to prevent them from swallowing or inhaling small pieces. Avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a young child to eat them.

* Wear gloves to avoid eye and skin irritation while decorating with spun glass “angel hair.” Follow container directions carefully to avoid lung irritation while decorating with artificial snow sprays.

* Remove all wrapping papers, bags, paper, ribbons and bows from tree and fireplace areas after gifts are opened. These items can pose suffocation and choking hazards to a small child or can cause a fire if near flame.

Toy Safety

* Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills and interest level of the intended child. Toys too advanced may pose safety hazards for younger children.

* Before buying a toy or allowing your child to play with a toy that he has received as a gift, read the instructions carefully.

* To prevent both burns and electrical shocks, don’t give young children (under age ten) a toy that must be plugged into an electrical outlet. Instead, buy toys that are battery-operated.

* Children under age three can choke on small parts contained in toys or games. Government regulations specify that toys for children under age three cannot have parts less than 1 1/4 inches in diameter and 2 1/4 inches long.

* Children can have serious stomach and intestinal problems – including death — after swallowing button batteries and magnets. Keep them away from young children and call your health care provider immediately if your child swallows one.

* Children under age 8 can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons. Remove strings and ribbons from toys before giving them to young children.

* Watch for pull toys with strings that are more than 12 inches in length. They could be a strangulation hazard for babies.

Food Safety

* Bacteria are often present in raw foods. Fully cook meats and poultry, and thoroughly wash raw vegetables and fruits.

* Be sure to keep hot liquids and foods away from the edges of counters and tables, where they can be easily knocked over by a young child’s exploring hands.

* Wash your hands frequently, and make sure your children do the same.

* Never put a spoon used to taste food back into food without washing it.

* Always keep raw foods and cooked foods separately, and use separate utensils when preparing them.

* Always thaw meat in the refrigerator, never on the countertop.

* Foods that require refrigeration should never be left at room temperature for more than two hours.

Happy Visiting

* Clean up immediately after a holiday party. A toddler could rise early and choke on leftover food or come in contact with alcohol or tobacco.

* Remember that the homes you visit may not be childproofed. Keep an eye out for danger spots.

* Keep a list with all of the important phone numbers you or a baby-sitter are likely to need in case of an emergency. Include the police and fire department, your pediatrician and the national Poison Help Line, 1-800-222-1222. Laminating the list will prevent it from being torn or damaged by accidental spills.

* Traveling, visiting family members, getting presents, shopping, etc., can all increase your child’s stress levels. Trying to stick to your child’s usual routines, including sleep schedules and timing of naps, can help you and your child enjoy the holidays and reduce stress.

Fireplaces

* Before lighting any fire, remove all greens, boughs, papers, and other decorations from fireplace area. Check to see that the flue is open.

* Use care with “fire salts,” which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if eaten. Keep them away from children.

* Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.

2009 – American Academy of Pediatrics

People can trade in their standard definition DVD titles and get a Blu Ray version for more than 50 Warner Home Video catalogue titles. For as low as $7.95 (plus shipping), customers can trade upward.  To make the trade, consumers visit the Web site DVD2Blu.com, select their desired Blu-ray titles and mail in their standard DVD versions of the films. Warner promises to deliver the ordered Blu-ray titles within a short time frame. And, there’s free shipping for orders that are more than $25,
This program is similar to one that Warner launched last April in which consumers exchanged their dead-format HD DVD titles for a Blu-ray versions.  Obviously, Warner wants to boost the Blu-ray format, especially for catalog titles.