Capital District Parent Pages (The Resource For Parents) Albany New York

Features

The Capital Disctrict Parent Pages Features are cover stories pulled from our print edition. For ALL features, stories & more, pick up an issue at one of our many locations.

Clown around at Kidz Expo
Posted on Thu, February 18th, 2010
Early March can be a drag in Upstate New York. The weather is usually chilly, and the kids are climbing the walls after spending the better part of winter inside. The Hannaford Kidz Expo offers a... More

Check out these indoor play options
Posted on Thu, January 28th, 2010
A few years ago, Cindy Snearly was looking for something to do with her 15-month-old. “There wasn’t a whole lot of places to go,” she said. Snearly decided to change that by creating a place that... More

Parenting resources
Posted on Thu, January 28th, 2010
Childbirth, New Baby and New Parent Programs Prepared Childbirth In this seven-week course, mothers-to-be and their partners will learn about breathing techniques, labor exercises, techniques for... More

Winter thrills to ward off chills
Posted on Fri, January 8th, 2010
This year, don’t let your family get stuck in the dreaded snow-and-freezing-temperatures-induced winter coma that lasts until late March and reduces activity levels to virtually nothing – not... More

Winter wonderlands: Check out these options for outdoor fun
Posted on Fri, January 8th, 2010
Maple Ski Ridge 2725 Mariaville Road, Rotterdam, 381-4700 • Four-hour ticket: $26; seven-hour ticket: $29 • Mid-week pass (Tuesday through Friday, 3 to 9 p.m.): $20 Pine Ridge Cross Country Ski... More

Learning about the economy at a virtual mall
Posted on Wed, December 23rd, 2009
Parents and teachers who want children to learn more about the economy and business have a new resource to help them. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency,... More

Elf Magic coloring contest winners announced
Posted on Fri, December 4th, 2009
Last month, Parent Pages held a coloring contest, with two winners each taking home an Elf Magic elf and accessories. The response to the contest was tremendous, with entries pouring in almost as... More

Holiday Road Trips: Get away without going far
Posted on Wed, November 25th, 2009
There’s no denying it’s getting chilly, and even if you don’t have cabin fever yet, there’s a good chance the kids are getting restless. A change of scenery is in order, and a cold-weather road trip... More

Pick a theme for party success
Posted on Thu, November 5th, 2009
Parents can spend a small fortune to celebrate their little one’s big day, but sometimes taking a more original – and less costly – approach can prove just as successful. The most important step... More

Local businesses make party planning easy
Posted on Thu, November 5th, 2009
Bumble Beads 620 Loudon Road, Latham 369-3420, www.bumblebeadsstudio.com Bumble Beads has become well known in the area as the place to have an unforgettable birthday party. Unique themed parties... More

Harvest happenings
Posted on Thu, October 1st, 2009
It is amazing how quickly families in the Capital District go from lugging around a bag filled with beach towels and sand toys to lugging home a bushel of apples from the local orchard. Autumn seems... More

Striking a balance: Local parents offer tips on juggling school, family life and activities
Posted on Tue, September 15th, 2009
For many families, back-to-school means back to piano lessons, football, soccer and cheerleading practices, dance classes, religious classes and after-school clubs. Sometimes the pace becomes... More

Keep kids stylin' this back-to-school season
Posted on Thu, September 10th, 2009
Kids are learning from their parents this back to school season about value, smart investing and getting the most for every dollar spent. Developing wise spending habits is a good thing for kids,... More

Beyond the brown bag: Think outside the lunchbox for fun meal ideas
Posted on Tue, September 1st, 2009
It seems moms are always looking for new ways to make bag lunches more exciting for their little scholars because, next to gym class, lunchtime is often their favorite part of the school day. ... More

After-school and enrichment resources
Posted on Tue, September 1st, 2009
The following is a list of resources for parents looking to explore the childcare and enrichment options offered by area providers. The complete list will be posted online at... More

No more excuses: Quick tips to make family dinners work
Posted on Thu, August 27th, 2009
As SPF numbers give way to arithmetic and time spent building sand castles is now dedicated to proper sentence construction, school has surely started again. Despite the fact that family life tends... More

Collaborative process can ease the pain of divorce
Posted on Tue, August 18th, 2009
John Tybush and his wife were having problems. Married for 27 years, they tried counseling. For nearly two years, they went both alone and separately to sessions. It wasn’t enough to save their... More

Bridging the gap: Finding before- and after-school care
Posted on Tue, August 4th, 2009
Summer is creeping to a close – time to start getting the kids to bed earlier, go back-to-school shopping and, oh yes, find before and after-school childcare. Searching out all the options... More

Care and enrichment programs for kids
Posted on Tue, August 4th, 2009
The following is a list of resources for parents looking to explore the childcare and enrichment options offered by area providers. A New England Nanny Serving the Capital District area. Call... More

Paws to reflect on the purrfect fit
Posted on Tue, July 21st, 2009
“Mom, can we have a pet, please?” When you see that pleading look in a child’s eyes, it’s easy to become lost in visions of a cat purring happily on the bed, a playful bunny in the spring grass,... More

Reading season: Summer is no time to put down the books
Posted on Fri, July 10th, 2009
It’s not always easy to get the kids to take a break from splashing in the pool or cruising around the neighborhood on their bikes in order to sit down with a book, but there a number of summer... More

Campfire quest: Roughing it in state parks can foster family togetherness
Posted on Thu, July 2nd, 2009
Even as parents across the region are trimming their budgets, a family vacation might still be within reach thanks to the camping opportunities that many state parks offer. For the expert to the... More

Plan the perfect party
Posted on Thu, July 2nd, 2009
Bits, Bytes & Bots 533-8018, www.bitsbytesbots.com/Albany.htm Our unique parties are a great time for the kids and easy for parents. We’ll supply laptops and robots at your location, you just bring... More

Give teens the power to improve their world
Posted on Tue, June 23rd, 2009
Talking to teens about their health is tricky, but the need to address health at a young age is growing. One in three teens is currently overweight or obese, which increases the risk factor for... More

4-H for Fun: organization teaches teens skills that go beyond 'cooking and cows'
Posted on Fri, June 12th, 2009
Martha Reed grew up in a 4-H family. She and all her siblings belonged to the youth organization whose focus is head, heart, hands and health. She remembers making her own prom dress and other... More

Underage and overexposed: Sexting can land teens in social, legal trouble
Posted on Fri, June 5th, 2009
It’s not your usual boy-meets-girl story. It’s more like, boy meets girl. Girl likes boy. Boy texts girl. Girl sends nude pictures to boy. But then the couple argue. In a fit of rage, he sends... More

Quirky camps let kids explore other interests
Posted on Thu, May 21st, 2009
“Variety is the spice of life,” the old adage goes – and when it comes to kids and summer camps, variety is a good thing. Forget about swimming, archery or crafts – how about a camp where kids... More

Academic camps foster learning and fun
Posted on Fri, May 15th, 2009
Summer is a time to explore, meet new friends, join in adventures and … go back to school? Summer camp at school that is, and there are a number of local facilities for learning, including The... More

Summer camp listings
Posted on Fri, May 15th, 2009
Bethlehem Area YMCA Summer camp programs for school-age children and a day explorer preschool ages. 900 Delaware Ave., Delmar. Call 439-4394, or visit www.cdymca.org. Bethlehem Children’s... More

Gifts from the hands and hearts
Posted on Mon, May 11th, 2009
For as long as there has been a Mother’s Day, the hearts of moms have been melted by the gifts their children have made with their own hands. Tattered and faded magnets still hang on my mother’s... More

Gifts from the garden will make Mom smile
Posted on Fri, May 1st, 2009
Capital District Parent Pages caught up with Sue Pezzolla, community educator for horticulture at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany County, and asked her a couple of questions about blooms... More

Camp instills confidence: Program caters to kids with language-based learning disabilities
Posted on Thu, April 23rd, 2009
Camp Dunnabeck, offering 350 acres of green rolling grounds and an A-to-Z list of fun activities including archery, canoeing, ceramics, hiking, horseback riding, painting, sailing, soccer, softball,... More

Programs for preschoolers let even the little ones enjoy the camp experience
Posted on Thu, April 2nd, 2009
Summer camp is all about letting kids explore, learn new skills and make friends. Although camp has traditionally been the venue of the “tween” and older crowd, the Capital District has plenty of fun... More

Do you see what I see?
Posted on Tue, March 10th, 2009
Vision therapy learning and riding a bike Jonathon was a 10-year-old fifth grader suffering from frequent migraines, excessive anxiety at school, and trouble seeing small print. His parents... More

Hannaford KIDZ EXPO: A cure for winter blues
Posted on Tue, March 3rd, 2009
Wild animals, including a leopard cub, Radio Disney and a Wii, bounce houses, a planterium, hands-on kids activities and entertainment, all free and all inside at the end of cold and snowy winter?... More

Drama Kids program is a class act
Posted on Tue, February 3rd, 2009
She’s fun, she’s bubbly and she’s unstoppable – so say the kids and parents who know and love Deanna Stickles-Bach, the director of Drama Kids. “Deanna is so bubbly and she is one of the nicest... More

Snow much fun! There is plenty for families to do in the snow
Posted on Fri, January 23rd, 2009
You have heard the old adage, “The family that plays together, stays together,” and here in the Capital District if the fluffy white stuff is your idea of fun, then get the whole gang off their duffs... More

The Yellow Brick Road led to Albany
Posted on Fri, December 26th, 2008
The national tour of the Wizard of Oz blew into town the day after Christmas and 12 local girls got the opportunity of a lifetime as they sang and danced on the Proctor's stage along side Dorothy,... More

Party Creatively
Posted on Wed, October 29th, 2008
It’s a once-a-year event and you want your little prince or princess to feel special! If you are running out of birthday party ideas, here are two fun and unique options. Bumble Beads, a new store... More

It's music to our ears: The Albany Symphony Orchestra offers a wealth of quality entertainment for families
Posted on Wed, October 29th, 2008
For more than 77 years The Albany Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1930, has been a Capital Region treasure. Currently under the direction of David Alan Miller, the ASO has won numerous national awards... More

Fall Fun: : The Capital District offers everything from craft fairs to pumpkin picking and haunted experiences this month!
Posted on Tue, September 30th, 2008
Hayrides, Corn Mazes & Pumpkin Picking •The Daytime Hayride and Corn Maze is a non-haunted attraction, for younger children and families will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.... More

5 ways to spark creativity in your child
Posted on Tue, September 30th, 2008
Yes indeed, times have changed. Gone are the days when kids came home from school, wolfed down a glass of milk and a peanut butter sandwich and headed outdoors to just play. Parents who look back... More

Local dance studio wins award
Posted on Wed, September 10th, 2008
A local dance studio has been named one of the Top 50 dance studios in the country by the Federation of Dance Competitions (FDC) for the 2007-08 dance year. The prestigious award is given to only a... More

East Greenbush boy wins dance title, earns Broadway role
Posted on Thu, August 21st, 2008
He’s only 11 years old, but Jacob Clemente of North Greenbush has already accomplished more than people twice, or even three times, his age. In a few short months Jacob has gone from being a... More

When should kids begin music lessons?
Posted on Wed, August 6th, 2008
Music is one of those simple joys in life that even the youngest among us can appreciate. If you have ever witnessed a toddler joyfully bobbing to the beat or have been the recipient of the wonderful... More

Keeping things in check: Chess camp teaches kids life skills
Posted on Wed, July 16th, 2008
Shaune Sundown, 11, is simply hoping to survive. His black knight is his only piece on the chessboard and his opponent, Keeshma Singh, 9, is on the attack. She has only one piece on the board as... More

Vacation 'right around the corner'
Posted on Tue, July 8th, 2008
With the price of gas rising almost hourly, you may be thinking that the family summer vacation may have to be on hold this year, but think again. Within the range of a single tank of gas you will... More

What's the point in Summer?
Posted on Thu, June 26th, 2008
Why don’t children go to school during the summer months? We no longer live in an agrarian culture where our children have to help in the fields or toil on the farm. Why then, don’t children... More

It does not take a village to raise a child: And other fatherly advice from me to you on Father’s Day
Posted on Wed, June 11th, 2008
Hello and welcome to a special Father’s Day edition of “Pop Culture,” America’s No. 1 resource for parenting advice. You know, I’ve been at this fatherhood thing for a little over four years now,... More

Your teen behind the wheel
Posted on Wed, May 28th, 2008
Teens driving is a dreaded topic for many parents. While it is a major milestone, the day a child can legally sit behind the wheel and operate a vehicle, can be nervewracking for moms and dads. I... More

Math Counts: Local Students embrace math and excel
Posted on Wed, May 14th, 2008
Academic enrichment programs are getting more focus than ever before and a national organization called Math Counts is a testament to the trend. Fourteen area middle schools joined MathCounts,... More

Why do we celebrate Mother's Day?
Posted on Fri, April 25th, 2008
Mother’s Day is celebrated in many countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia, Mexico, Canada, China, Japan and Belgium. The day is used by... More

Why Day Camp?
Posted on Mon, April 14th, 2008
It’s tough to be a kid these days. It’s tough to be a parent. In a society where the nature of the family, the work place, and the community have changed dramatically, we can no longer assume that... More

Heed Mom’s Advice: An old-fashioned mentality can help prevent the Superbug
Posted on Fri, March 21st, 2008
Remember back in the day when your mother would say, “Go wash your hands and USE SOAP!” or “You need to take a shower EVERY DAY.” Well, she was on to something. These common-sense precautions helped... More

Electronic Health Records: The key to quality medical care is as close as a click away (2)
Posted on Thu, March 13th, 2008
Nothing matters more to a parent than the well being of their child. It is often the parent who coordinates school attendance, trips to daycare, and all aspects of their child’s health. Now,... More

Pickup our March issue today!!
Posted on Tue, March 4th, 2008
Inside: • Tips for infant sleep safety • Kidz Expo, March 1st • Plan ahead before visiting a physician • Utilizing Electronic Health Records (EHR's)... More

Plan ahead before visiting the pediatrician
Posted on Mon, March 3rd, 2008
New parents are often faced with so many different challenges, leaving them with many questions. Anyone who has or has had a baby knows you often times leave the pediatirician’s office thinking “I... More

Kidz Expo: On March 1 find fun for kids, info for families
Posted on Tue, February 26th, 2008
This time of year you may be hearing many people say they are ready for winter to be over, especially if you have kids. After months of being indoors, and especially with little snow to play in, the... More

Being your own boss
Posted on Wed, February 6th, 2008
Be your own boss! Work in your pajamas! Commute from your bedroom to your dining room! If working at home was as easy as buying a telephone, fax machine and computer, there wouldn’t be any... More

Women and Heart Attacks: Are you at risk?
Posted on Sat, February 2nd, 2008
By Dr. Eric Schnakenberg Are women at risk? Women are at risk for heart disease and heart attacks, just like men. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death among women older 65.... More

Finding a cure for the winter break woes
Posted on Fri, February 1st, 2008
Gone are the days of those boring winter school breaks with children literally jumping off the walls. Parents and children will be able to enjoy a variety of activities with much credit to our local... More

Local businesses help keep us moving this winter
Posted on Wed, January 16th, 2008
As the snow and temperatures continue to fall, it is easy to just let the kids play video games or pop in DVDS. The New York State Department of Health is warning parents to not fall into that... More

Not Your Momma's Birthday Party
Posted on Thu, October 25th, 2007
Creating a great birthday party for your child in the cooler months requires a little more imagination and skill than throwing up a bounce house in the back yard and letting the kids wear themselves... More

Open wide mom to be
Posted on Wed, June 13th, 2007
Dental health is not typically a top priority for women who are thinking about becoming pregnant or are already pregnant. Most insurances pay for twice a year cleanings allowing for visits to the... More

Is it teen anger or something else?
Posted on Wed, June 13th, 2007
Adolescence is a time of many transitions both for teens and adults. Today’s teens face even greater pressures than those of the past. By age 18, most have witnessed thousands of murders on... More

What about the HPV vaccine?
Posted on Wed, June 13th, 2007
What is human papilloma virus ? Human papilloma virus (also known as HPV) causes a common infection that one person can give to another person during sex. There are many types of HPV. Some types... More

Baby, give me a sign!
Posted on Tue, February 27th, 2007
Local woman teaches parents and babies how to communicate with gestures. Parents of infants know all too well the difficulty and anxiety that comes with trying to respond to their child’s needs or... More

What Every Parent Needs to Know.
Posted on Tue, February 27th, 2007
Parents of newborns, especially those experiencing the trials and tribulations of parenthood for the first time, never seem to run out of questions for the pediatrician. While questions may be very... More

What is Colic?
Posted on Tue, February 27th, 2007
Your baby is precious and perfect in your eyes, except for the fact she cries night and day! Your pediatrician says it is colic, but what does that really mean? “The medical community defines... More

Baby Blues
Posted on Tue, February 27th, 2007
Are mood changes common after childbirth? After having a baby, many women have mood swings. One minute they feel happy, the next minute they start to cry. They may feel a little depressed, have a... More