Long Island Parent Talk

As a new season of sports begins, it’s no better a time than now to remind kids of what it means to be a good loser. Here are six tips from Jude Bijou, a California-based psychotherapist who wrote the 2011 book “Attitude Reconstruction: A Blueprint for Building a Better Life” (Riviera, $16.95):

1 Encourage your child to express disappointment. “But in a safe and private place,” says Bijou....

When it comes to my 9-year-old, the worm has turned in the friend-making department. He’s got wonderful friends. And he’s got rotten ones. They can be nasty, throw their weight around and behave as if being cool means acting like a jerk. I don’t like it.

I want to tell some parents I know that their kids are mean, but I remain silent. Until something serious happens as a consequence of the...

Comedienne Sherry Davey says she couldn’t understand her two daughters’ obsession with vampires until she became a single mom and started dating again.

Then the attraction became crystal-clear: “That’s how pathetic men have gotten,” she says. “Women are now looking to the dead.”

Davey and her current beau -- fellow comic and single dad Buddy Fitzpatrick -- bring their comedic forces...

Looking for things to do with the kids this weekend? From a "High School Musical 2" performance to Mother's Day crafts, festivals and more, there's much to do on Long Island. Here are my top five picks for fun, family friendly activities this weekend:

1. Kids Craft for Mother's Day at Hallockville Museum Farm (6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead). On Saturday from 2-3:30 p.m., children ages...

Children love watching their favorite characters come to life on stage, and there's no shortage of theatrical events on Long Island. Since many of the shows require some forethought, here's a sampling of family-friendly shows throughout May to help you plan a fun-filled day.

The Little Princess at Studio Theatre (141 S. Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst) on Saturdays in May at 2 p.m. This musical...

My 10th-grader took the PSAT exam last fall. For anyone who doesn’t know, that’s a sort of practice test for the SAT – that all-important score that helps colleges rank applicants.

A few weeks after her PSAT, we received an email from a prestigious college. No, not Harvard University, but a decent, private, liberal arts school. I was thrilled. I thought, “She must have done very well on her...

Need weekend plans or something to do with the kids during the week? There are a ton of free children's events at local libraries, but we also found free and cheap ($5 or less) things to do elsewhere this month. Whether you have one, two, three or more kids in tow, here's a roundup of fun, budget-friendly events in May.

Free

Boater's Maritime Festival at Harborfront Park (101-A East...

The National Safety Council named April Distracted Driving Awareness Month, so moms, listen up: 10 percent of new mothers have had an accident with a baby in the car, which is about three times the average for all drivers, according to a new study.

New moms struggle with a world of disruptions while on the road, from fatigue to nonstop crying from the backseat. The "American Baby"...

As my son and I searched for YouTube videos to show our pet lizard — crazy sounding, yes, but for a science fair project this year — it became clear that there is little material free of expletives, violence or sexual innuendo.

So I set out to compile a list of videos that my 9-year-old likes and, more important, this parent approves:

“The Black Hole” In this short, a copy machine spits...

Not sure what to do with your little ones' socks? This memento from your tot's early days will help you remember his/her tiny tootsies long after he/she's graduated to shoes. I found this craft on Parents.com.

Sweet Sock Art

What you'll need - foam core - shadow box (20 inches square) - colorful fabric or paper - duct tape - 6 to 10 baby socks - glue dots - card stock and marker

How...