Addendum to this Week’s Blog -- IMPORTANT NEW RESEARCH ON FOOD ALLERGIES & INFANT FEEDING plus Children’s Museum Announces Flight Program Saturday April 4th , Take Your Kids to Shakespeare Plays at a Discount on Saturday April 18th and Why Babies Love (and Learn From) Magic Tricks!

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IMPORTANT NEW RESEARCH ON FOOD ALLERGIES & INFANT FEEDING:

MARCH 26, 2015 THE PULSE

Eat this, not that: Pediatricians adjust to new science on introducing food to kids

Lara Manogg, a music therapist and musician gives her son, Jagger, 5, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. (Emma Lee/for WHYY)

Food allergies among children increased approximately 50 percent between the late 90s and now, according to the Centers for Disease Control.  How did we get there?

Recent research on introducing food to babies may put some on the blame on advice given by pediatricians.

"For a very long time, pediatricians told people 'don't start food for six months, and then you have to start with rice cereal, and then fruits and then vegetables, and no eggs and no peanuts until age one,'" said pediatrician Alexis Lieberman of Fairmount Pediatrics in Philadelphia. "I have said this so many times, it comes out of my mouth very comfortably and happily."

But it turns out - all that advice was based on opinions and theories. "Expert opinions, which is the way we like to say - 'this is what we think,' we call it expert opinion," said Jonathan Spergel - the chief of the allergy section at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

"The idea was to avoid, avoid, avoid, so you would avoid the food, so you wouldn't get a food allergy," he added.

And now - the advice has changed. "Well, it's just the opposite of what we used to say," admitted Lieberman. "Earlier is better, the advice we gave 10 years ago was wrong," added Spergel. 

"When the studies actually got done, it turns out we were dead wrong, and it's possible that a lot of the peanut allergy epidemic is because of doctors telling people to delay peanuts, which is a shame," she explained to Lisa and Micah Reyes who came in for a check-up with their four-month-old daughter Naomi.

Lieberman explained the new marching orders to them - which are when your kid is four months old, keep on breastfeeding, if possible, but bring on the food.

"Whatever you're eating, dip your pinkie in it, and touch her tongue, if you eat potato, smoosh it and touch her tongue, if you bite an apple, she can have a lick," Lieberman explained to Lisa and Micah Reyes.

Even foods previously considered an absolute no-no are OK.

"Let's say you made yourself African squash peanut stew - puree some of that, that's a great way to give her the peanuts for example," said Lieberman.

Read MORE.

 

The Children's Museum programs in the Cafeteria at the PeopleCare Center 120 Finderne Ave.Bridgewater, NJ 08807  908-725-4677 http://childrensmuseumnj.org/

With apologies for the short reminder notice, the Children's Museum's 'Taking Flight' program is happening this Saturday April 4th from 10AM to 3PM at The PeopleCare Center, 120 Finderne Ave, Bridgewater, NJ 08807.

There will be lots of activities centered on the theme of flight, including:

Balsa Planes

Outdoor Kite Flying

Hot Air Balloon (not the really big one, but still pretty cool)

Japanese Carp Kite Craft

Chinese Dragon Kite Craft

Foam Boomerangs

Bernoulli Blower

Solar Tube (if is isn't too windy)

Estes Rocket Launch (if it isn't too windy)

Make your own pneumatic rockets (can be launched in windy weather)

Frisbees

Badmitten
Butterfly Rings

Hot Air Balloon Coloring Station

Performance at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is dedicated to preserving and promoting the work of the world's most famous playwright through incredible productions of his best works, as well as acting classes and camps.

• $8 ($21 value) for one ticket to "A Midsummer Night's Dream" on Saturday, April 18, at 11:30 a.m.
• $8 ($21 value) for one ticket to "Macbeth" on Saturday, April 18, at 2 p.m.
• Highly acclaimed, nationally recognized touring company
• One-hour, family-friendly adaptations of these beloved Shakespeare plays

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey:Website

From $8   Save 62%  See Options & Buy

Speaking of Theater, Check Out this Fascinating New Research: Why Babies Love (And Learn From) Magic Tricks

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University set out to study how infants use what they already know to motivate future learning. --Len Turner, Dave Schmelick and Deirdre Hammer/Johns Hopkins University Office of Communications

"Consider seeing a ball pass through a wall right in front of your eyes," says Aimee Stahl, lead author of the paper and a doctoral candidate at Johns Hopkins. "If you were given that ball to explore, you might want to test its solidity by banging it on a solid surface."

Stahl says that's exactly what the babies did. They pounded it on the tray of their high chair.

And the babies who saw that car float across the stage? They just wanted to drop it — to see if it would float again.

In short, says Stahl, "[infants] take surprising events as special opportunities to learn."

This theory, that we're born knowing certain rules of the world, isn't new. We see evidence of it not only in humans but in lots of others species, too.

What's new is this idea: that core knowledge seems to motivate babies to explore things that break those rules and, ultimately, to learn new things.  Read MORE.

Happy Passover & Happy Easter from the staff at Bridgewater Library!

“You’re a Poet but You Might Not Know It!”–Poetry Program for Kids on Monday and Make Your Own Blackout Poems All Month at the Bridgewater Library. Plus “Flight Day” at the Children’s Museum this Saturday.

 

 

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Find It @ SCLSNJ: Hiding In Plain Sight- Blackout Poems (all ages)

Stop by the Youth Services department throughout the month of April to create your very own blackout poem!

April 01 –30, 2015 No registration required.  

Instructions:  Choose a page (we will provide pages). Find the words you want to keep. Black out the rest. Voila: your poem!
You may take the poem with you or ask a librarian to post it on our board. 

 

Upcoming Programs for Kids at Bridgewater Library:

Join us for stories, songs, movement and fun!  Please come to the program most age-appropriate for your child.

Storytime (For Ages 3-6, siblings welcome) Tuesdays  10:00 a.m. Second session at 1:30pm.

Toddler Time (For Ages 18 months-36 months) Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m., repeats at 11:00 a.m.  Also Thursdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. 

Baby Time (For ages birth - 18 months) Thursdays  9:30 a.m. No Registration Required for any of these. 

Play With Poetry: You're a Poet Though You Might Not Know It! (Grades K-6)  Monday, April 6  4:30-5:30 pm. Registration is required and begins March 23.
"Every day when I go out, I fill my shoes with sauerkraut..." Come read and create some wild, wacky, and wonderful poems with us! If you have a favorite poem, bring it along!

Sensory-Friendly Art Class (Ages 5-12) Wednesday, April 15  4:30-5:00 pm  Registration is required and begins April 1. This sensory friendly art class is designed for children on the autism spectrum or with other special needs. Children will explore art through creative activities at various stations.

 

Tail Waggin' Tutors (Ages 4+) Tail Waggin’ Tutors: Children Reading to Dogs  Thursday, April 16th  4-5pm  Registration begins March 26th.

Tail Waggin' Tutors (Ages 4+) Thursday, April 30th  4-5pm. Registration begins April 9th.

Registration in-person or by phone only.  Did you know that dogs like listening to stories as much as kids do? Come to the Bridgewater Library for Tail Waggin’ Tutors, where children will have the opportunity to practice their reading skills by reading a story to Xena the Therapy Dog, a friendly, eight-year-old chocolate labradoodle. Each child will have 10 minutes to read a favorite story to his or her new, canine friend.

 

Baby Loves to Boogie! (Ages birth to 18 months) Thursday, April 16
4:30-5:00 pm. Registration is required and begins on April 2. Babies get your groove on! Join us for this new program that unites creative movement and storytime songs. Caregivers please wear comfortable clothing and shoes as you will be moving just as much as your child!

Advocacy: Navigating Services- Your Questions Answered  Thursday, April 16, 2015  7:00 PM - 8:30 PM  Please join Amy Smith, Information Director for Autism New Jersey, as she gives an overview of Autism New Jersey's services and answers your questions about navigating service systems for young children. Topics to be covered are Early Intervention, Insurance, Special Education and working with the Department of Children and Families. Registration is required and begins Mar. 26.

Trees Are Terrific (Ages 3 and up)  Saturday, April 18  10:00 - 11:00 am. Arbor Day is a special day to recognize the importance of trees and the difference they make in our lives. The Bridgewater Shade Tree Board will help us celebrate all that's terrific about trees with stories and activities.Registration is required and begins April 3.

Toddler Dance Party (ages 2-6)  Monday, April 20
4:30-5:15 PM.  Read, rock and roll to your favorite toddler tunes!
No registration required.

Rocket Readers (Grades 1-2) Tuesday, April 21 4:30-5:30 pm
Registration is required and begins March 17. An exciting program for brand new readers! At each program we will discuss a book, play some games or create a story related craft. Students should read the book prior to the program. Copies of the books will be available at the Youth Services Reference Desk.  Cork & Fuzz: Short and Tall
The friendship between Cork, a muskrat, and Fuzz, a possum, is in trouble when Cork decides that since he is older, he has to be taller than Fuzz.

Toddler Art Class (ages 2-6) Wednesday, April 22, 2015  10:00 AM - 10:45 AM Toddler Art Class (ages 2-6)  11:00 AM - 11:45 AM  Enjoy the tactile wonders of paper, scissors, glitter, glue and more!  Registration is required and begins April 8.

Lego Club (Ages 5-12) Thursday, April 23, 2015  4:30 PM - 5:30 PM.

Lego Club (Ages 5-12) Saturday, April 25, 2015 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM.

Hey LEGO fans, here's a club just for you! Get together with other LEGO-maniacs, share ideas and tips on building, and have a great time!Library LEGOS will be available for building, so you do not need to bring your own. Registration is required and begins April 9. Please Note: We are sorry, but no siblings between 6 months and 5 years are allowed to join us. Parents should plan to stay in the Lego room if their child is 5 years old.

Sing Spring: Happy Earth Day! (all ages)  Saturday, April 25, 2015 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM. Join us as we celebrate the season with some high energy tunes! No registration is required. 

Sing Spring: Sensory Friendly Sing Along (all ages)  Saturday, April 25, 2015 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM. Designed for children on the autism spectrum or with other special needs. Registration is required and begins April 10.

Sing Spring: Happy Earth Day! (all ages) Monday, April 27, 2015 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM.  Repeat of Saturday’s program.

FRIENDS BOOK SALE  MEETING ROOMS ABC Thursday, April 30– Sunday, May 3rd, 2015.

Upcoming Programs for Tweens & Teens at Bridgewater Library:

Open Mic Night (For ages 13+)Thursday Night April 2nd.From 6:45-8:30pm. Registration required to perform. Think you’ve got what it takes to get up on stage in front of your peers with nothing but your voice and guitar? Want to share your poetry, comedy, or original music? Not an artist, but would like to witness some of the most inspiring artists Somerset County has to offer? Then join us for this one of a kind experience, and help local musicians and writers have their voices heard.

Tween Volunteers (Grades 4-6) Monday, April 6
from 7:00 - 8:00 pm Registration required and begins March 2   Make a difference by volunteering at the library! Help out with special projects and earn community service hours.

Movie and Snacks: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (Grades 7-12) Tuesday, April 7th 6:00-8:30 pm. Registration is required and begins March 17.  It’s a Harry Potter celebration! Dress like your favorite character, drink ‘butter beer’ and eat Harry Potter themed treats. Do all this while watching Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2.

Tween Totally 80s Party (Grades 4-6) Friday, April 10 6:00-8:00 pm. Registration is required and begins March 20. Totally tubular! Tweens, grades 4-6, get locked in the library after hours! Dress in your best 80s fashion and we'll have 80s inspired crafts, games, snacks, video games, and more!

Tween Advisory Board (Grades 4-6)  Tuesday, April 14 7:00 pm-8:00 pm. Registration is required and begins March 10. Earn community service hours by making the library a better place for you and your fellow Tweens! Come tell us what books, movies, video games, and programs you’d like at the library!

Sensory-Friendly Art Class (Ages 5-12) Wednesday, April 15  4:30-5:00 pm Sensory-Friendly Art Class (Ages 13-18)
5:15-5:45 pm.  Registration is required and begins April 1. This sensory friendly art class is designed for children on the autism spectrum or with other special needs. Children will explore art through creative activities at various stations.

 

Tween Craft: Foam Paint (Grades 4-6) Monday, April 20  7:00-8:00 pm. Registration is required and begins March 30. We're mixing up a few simple ingredients to make our own foam paint masterpiece! All supplies will be provided by the library!

Teen Advisory Board (Grades 7 - 12)  Tuesday, April 28th  7:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Registration required and begins March 24.
TEENS: YOUR OPINION MATTERS! Do you have suggestions for programs, new books, movies, or video games? Then come to one of our TAB meetings! Community service hours will be awarded for attendance and snacks will be served!

AROUND THE COMMUNITY:

 

The Children's Museum programs in the Cafeteria at the PeopleCare Center 120 Finderne Ave.Bridgewater, NJ 08807  908-725-4677 http://childrensmuseumnj.org/

 

Cirque Ziva  School-Time Golden Dragon Acrobats.  Friday, Apr. 10 at 12PM
Recommended for grades 3+

Cirque Ziva  Major Artists
Golden Dragon Acrobats   Friday, Apr. 10 at 7PM

A fast-paced, technically innovative and beautifully presented new show of an art form dating back more than two thousand years.

Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre Family Series Gregory Popovich Saturday, Apr. 18 at 7PM  The Popovich Comedy Pet Theater is a blend of the unique comedy and juggling skills of Gregory Popovich, and the extraordinary talents of his performing pets.

Egg and Spoon TinyTots 2+
Lyngo Theatre, Aberdeen, Scotland
Monday, Apr. 20 at 10AM, 1:30 & 4PM
Tickets: $10 General Admission

Egg and Spoon is an interactive romp through the seasons where you come in and out of our magic circle and get to open all the gifts of nature. A perfect gentle introduction to the magic of theatre.

The StepCrew Major Artists
Saturday, Apr. 25 at 2PM   Ottawa Valley stepdance, Irish stepdance, and tap come together as this cast of champions show you the amazing similarities and differences between these three captivating styles.

Spring is here! For many this time means all things gardening! Share gardening tips, swap seeds, browse vegetable and flower seed catalogues, talk composting, explore CSAs, discover local community gardens, and discuss and share ideas!
This is for gardeners of all levels, from the ultra-experienced to newbies, organic or otherwise.  A certified master gardener will give a mini-presentation and will be available for questions and advice.

www.morrisparks.net

 

http://www.morrismuseum.org Morris Museum | 6 Normandy Heights Road | Morristown | NJ | 07960 VISIT SUPPORT EXHIBITIONS THEATRE ART CLASSES

Visit the museum for free (you still need to pay for theater admissions) using the library museum pass if available. The Morris Museum also participates in the Bank of America Museums on Us program. During the first full weekend of every month, each Bank of America card holder is entitled to one free general admission to the Museum. For further information, visit museums.bankofamerica.com/

FLIGHT DAY  AT THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM.

 

 
Star Shows and Laser Concerts AT RVCC PLANETARIUM!

Call 908-231-8805 for reservations! RESERVATIONS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR ALL SHOWS!

 

LET YOUR FINGERS  DO MORE WALKING:

 

Today Food for Thought: What Would My Mom Do? (Drink Tab and Lock Us Outside)

…much of our anxiety stems from this notion that our kids’ childhood must be Utterly Magical; a beautifully documented fairytale in which they reside as center of the universe, their success is manufactured (or guaranteed), and we over-attend to every detail of their lives until we send them off to college after writing their entrance essays.

It becomes this fake pressure, which results in its trusty sidekick: guilt. And nothing steals joy away from parenting more than believing you are doing a terrible job at it. And nothing confirms you are doing a terrible job at it then thinking you should run out and backfill eight antique trunks as a memorial to your third-grader’s life.

So here is my trick for keeping the joy and losing the stress: What would my mom do?

 

7 NJ Playgrounds Worth Traveling To

The snow is finally melting! Make your spring jungle gym debut somewhere new and different—NJFamily has found the best playgrounds in New Jersey.