Charging discrimination, the Vanderhorst family is pursuing legal action after American Airlines refused to allow their 16-year-old with Down syndrome onboard.

Teen with Down syndrome turned away

The airlines claims the teen's behavior posed a security risk — an accusation the family staunchly denies.

When Joan and Robert Vanderhorst upgraded their American Airlines seats in early September, they never imagined trying to step into first class would force them to step into an international spotlight.

As Joan and Robert and their 16-year-old son, Bede, who has Down syndrome, prepared to board the flight from Newark to Los Angeles, American Airlines stopped them. The airlines refused the family entry onto the plane and cited safety concerns because of Bede’s behavior — an accusation the family disputes.

American Airlines: Teen's actions 'unusual'

“The pilot and Newark customer service team made the decision to have the family rebooked on a different flight out of concern for the young man's safety and the safety of others,” said American Airlines media relations in an email.

“Our customer service team observed a teen who appeared unusually agitated and was yelling and running around the gate area,” the airlines said. “Our customer service manager conferred with the family for more than 30 minutes.

“Unfortunately, when it was time for passengers to board the airplane, the teen’s actions again became very unusual, such that our customer service team and flight crew determined it was simply inadvisable that he board at that time.”

Family disputes airlines' accusations

Bede’s parents have disputed that account vehemently in interviews with media since the incident. Robert Vanderhorst told the Associated Press that at no time did his son run, make loud noises or display other offensive behaviors. Vanderhorst told AP that Bede walked around with him or sat quietly in the gate area.

A cell phone video captured by Joan Vanderhorst shows Bede sitting and quietly playing with a baseball cap.

“I would much rather [the airlines had said] I was stumbling drunk and belligerent than lie about someone who can't defend [him]self,” wrote Bede’s mother, Joan, in an email to SheKnows.com.

“I am a great believer that things happen for a reason,” she continued. “Although I prefer to live in my private, insular world, it looks like we have to step up for a while.”

Family goes public

The Vanderhorsts aren’t stepping up alone. Word about the incident spread quickly, and Bede’s older sister, Bianca “Binky” Vanderhorst helped organize a protest at Los Angeles International airport. Binky is a senior at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, and she told the campus newspaper her goal was “to raise awareness that this happened and that it’s not OK. There are a lot of people that care. American Airlines should apologize to the disabled community.”

The Vanderhorsts say they are pursuing legal action and have started a Facebook community called, “It’s not gunna fly!” A petition on Change.org currently has more than 1,000 signatures.

More about special needs

10 Blogs for special needs parents
Best apps for kids with special needs
Travel tips for parents of children with special needs

Yes, those elaborate costumes with a million different pieces are to die for and are sure to make you smile, but when it comes down to it, you're probably going to spend the entire holiday pleading with your little one to keep it all on. For Halloween first-timers, the simpler, the better! Consider using one show-stopper costume piece, such as some cute kitty ears, that go with her normal clothes, like leggings and a long sleeve T-shirt. Add some drawn-on whiskers and you're good to go.

Check out these 7 adorable Halloween costumes for babies >>

No matter how you decide to celebrate your child's first Halloween — from simple activities to die-hard family coordinated costumes and parties galore — just remember that things may not go the way you've envisioned and that's OK!

It's possible that your little pumpkin will refuse to put on his or her costume or will fall asleep right before heading out to trick-or-treat. Make the best of it by taking pictures whenever they will wear their costume and by reminding yourself that a couple years from now, they'll be thrilled about Halloween.

Traditional trick-or-treating isn't necessarily the best option for the littlest witches and wizards. If your kids haven't been tipped off about trick-or-treating yet, consider skipping it all together and replace it with costumed trips to harvest festivals in your area or visits to family members' homes to show off their costume. For families with both older and younger children, have the little ones hit a few homes on your block before Mom or Dad take out the older kids to canvas the neighborhood.

If you can't have Halloween without trick-or-treating, research options for younger kids. Many cities are now doing early evening trick-or-treating sessions in their business districts or malls. For families who live in neighborhoods with a lot of young children, organize your neighbors for a trick-or-treating event that caters to the little ones — even a morning trick-or-treating session with other families who are home during the day could be fun!

Have you seen our ultimate Halloween costume guide?>>

Sometimes, little ones get the biggest kick out of Halloween by handing out candy at the door to other trick-or-treaters! They can wear their costume if they want to or you can put them in some cute Halloween pajamas and station them at the front door to dish out the treats.

Some tips for making this a success: Beware of super scary costumed kids that may come to the door by keeping your eyes out for kids that are coming up your walkway. Also, when you're ready for bedtime, shut off your front porch lights so that trick-or-treaters will get the hint.

More Halloween fun

Free pumpkin carving templates
Pumpkin patches from around the country
Frightfully fun Halloween movies for kids of all ages

Stacey Dash

Clueless star Stacey Dash tweeted her support of Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, and topped off her message with a sexy photo of her wearing a red swimsuit in front of an American flag.

“Vote for Romney. The only choice for your future. @mittromney @teamromney #mittromney #VOTE #voteromney,” she tweeted.

That little tweet generated lots of backlash toward the 45-year-old star, who is a mom to 21-year-old Austin and 7-year-old Lola. Most of the comments are not fit to print, however she was called many not-so-nice names.

“Vote for the candidate with the supporters in the skimpiest outfits?” quipped one commenter.

“My humble opinion... EVERYONE is entitled to one,” Dash later tweeted, defending her views.

She did have some supporters, however, including vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan.

 “Had a great conversation with @REALStaceyDash this afternoon. Thank you for your support!” he tweeted to her.

She has since appeared on Piers Morgan Tonight to talk about the backlash. She also re-tweeted this quote from Piers Morgan: “I don't get it...I was shocked, saddened.“ @REALStaceyDash on facing fury after endorsing @MittRomney.”

“It is my right as an American citizen. It’s my constitutional right to have my choice of who I want to vote for president… And I chose him not by the color of his skin but the content of his character,” she said in the interview.

Jessica Simpson

Jessica Simpson may no longer be pregnant, but she is still tweeting about maternity clothes!

“My maternity collection launches TODAY at Destination Maternity/@MotherhoodMat stores. Show off those bumps, ladies!” she wrote, with a link to her new line.

She also tweeted this adorable picture of her holding her daughter Maxwell. “Last year at Daddy's party, Maxwell was in my belly. This year she's in my arms!”

In case you are wondering what Simpson is watching on TV, she recently tweeted her favorites: “Big TV night.. Lots starting back up! The Good Wife, Dexter, Homeland, Revenge, and my friend @DaveAnnable10 has a new show 666 Park Avenue!”

Pink

It sounds like Pink’s mom isn’t crazy about her new music video for the song Try, in which she prances around in lingerie with a shirtless dude.

“My mom, after seeing the new video... "Wow, honey. I'm speechless. And uncomfortable. No one can ever say you play it safe." Thanks, mama,” Pink wrote.

Has motherhood changed this tough-as-nails singer? It sure sounds like it! She tweeted: “just watched "perfect" video for the first time since having Willow and I need some da** tissues. #softie”

Molly Mesnick

“I step away for 5 minutes & come back to a ton of love,” tweeted Molly Mesnick, who just announced she is pregnant and expecting her first child with her husband, former Bachelor Jason Mesnick. ”Thank you! We couldn't be more excited about the pint size peanut on the way.”

Jason, who met Molly on season 13 of the show, has a 7-year-old, Ty, from a previous relationship.

“I am SO excited for your new addition! I just KNOW that nursery is going to be UHHMAZiNG!” tweeted former Bachelorette Jillian Harris to Molly.

“uh yeah...you're doing it,” Molly quipped back.

Tamera Mowry

“Had a beautiful brunch with my momma,” tweeted Tamera Mowry, who is pregnant with her first child. “Nothing like the love of a mother.” The former Sister, Sister star tweeted a photo of her pregnant belly next to her mom.

 “Just off the phone with my momma…she went on a shopping spree for her grand baby! I’m sooooo excited!!!!!” she later wrote.

Mowry and her husband are expecting a baby boy in a few weeks — and they already have a baby name picked out .

It sounds like this actress is following the celebrity trend of wearing a custom hospital gown during labor and delivery. “Thanks @GlowMaven! Just picked my hospital gown from http://prettypushers.com. I don’t have to wear the stale hospital gown after all” she tweeted.

From Beyonce to Jennie Garth, check out more funny, cute, sweet and wacky celebrity mom tweets >>

Weight and height range: 4 – 30 pounds, 32 inches or less
Price: $200
Available: Now
Features:

• The BOB Britax B-Safe has a tangle-free 5-point harness, four harness heights and two buckle positions for your growing child.
• Four harness heights and two buckle positions for your growing baby.
• Lightweight design with integrated Click and Go adapter system work with Britax B-Series strollers and adapts to BOB all-terrain strollers and most other stroller brands.
• Instantly convert your BOB into a coordinating travel system with the optional Britax adapter.
• Match your BOB and B-Safe infant car seat.
• Large multi-position canopy helps block wind, rain and UV rays.

Age and weight limit: Birth – 6 months or when baby can sit upright
Price: $350
Available: October 2012
Features:

• The soft, mesh oval sides on the BabyBjorn Cradle Harmony provide Baby with maximum airflow and allow parents to see in at any angle.
• Fully removable and washable fabric.
• Easy to set up, super lightweight, safe and practical.
• Waterproof mattress cover is machine washable.
• Baby can gently rock the Cradle Harmony with his or her own movements or parents can lull Baby with a hand or foot.
• When Baby settles, the Cradle Harmony stops moving.

Rear-facing weight range: 5 – 40 pounds
Forward-facing weight and age range: 1 year and 20 pounds – 70 pounds
Price: $340
Available: Now
Features:

• The new EZ-Buckle system on the Britax Pavilion retains the harness buckle in the forward position for easier boarding.
• The new HUGS chest pads have a built-in SafeCell Technology, which are attached to the car seat to ensure proper positioning and provides added forward movement protection in the event of an accident.
• Integrated steel bars to strengthen the connection to the vehicle.
• Energy-absorbing versa-tether featuring a staged-release tether webbing to slow the forward movement.
• Click and Safe snug harness indicator to ensure a snug and proper fit.
• Quick-adjust, no-rethread harness for easy harness adjustments without uninstalling the car seat.
• Made in the U.S. with global components.

Height limit: Under 35 inches
Price: $300
Available: Now
Features:

• The 4moms Breeze comes fully equipped with a bassinet for infants, leak-proof portable changing pad and convenient travel bag.
• The world’s easiest play yard.
• With one push of a button, the Breeze opens effortlessly.
• With one pull of a strap, the Breeze closes easily.

Age and weight limit: 18 months and up and 30 pounds and up
Price: $250
Available: November 2012
Features:

• Bring the popular sleek and modern Pebble Lounger to any room in your home.
• Designed for toddlers and kids as a lounger.
• Removable, washable cover makes cleaning simple.
• Waterproof, stain-resistant and easy to care for.
• Lightweight to take from room to room.
• Comes with a travel bag to take on the go.

Weight and height range: 4 – 30 pounds and under 29 inches
Price: $290
Available: Now
Features:

• The Maxi-Cosi Prezi has a no-rethread headrest and easy out harness lifts out of the way to make boarding your baby easier.
• Adjustable base and built-in rebound control bar.
• Superior side impact featuring Air Protect and New G-Cell technology.
• Innovative newborn support with superior side impact protection.
• Extra leg room for your growing child’s comfort.
• 1-Click mini LATCH connectors.
• Canopy stows away when not in use.
• Ergonomic parent handle.

More baby gear

Double strollers: Which one is right for you?
High chairs: Which one is right for you?
Booster seats: Which one is right for you?

Keep your little boys and ghouls safe this Halloween with these easy costume safety tips.

Make sure to choose costumes that fit correctly so your little ones won't trip and fall. Long dresses or capes that drag on the floor may be cute, but not if your child ends up falling down. If using a mask, take care to check and see that your child can see and breathe properly. Face painting is a great alternative if you can't find a mask that fits well — just be sure to use washable, non-toxic paint or makeup that is safe for skin.

Adorn your children's costumes with reflective tape to make their costumes visible in the dark. Carry flashlights or glow sticks for more visibility to passing cars.

Only choose Halloween costumes that are labeled "flame-resistant" in case of accidental contact with an open flame. If you are concerned about fire dangers at home, use small, safe, flickering light bulbs in your jack-o'-lanterns instead of real candles.

The days of kids roaming the streets freely on Halloween are long gone. Make sure that a responsible adult accompanies your children when they are out trick-or-treating and use these tips to keep the night safe and fun.

Plan your trick-or-treating route ahead of time so that you can check out the neighborhoods to make sure they are safe and well-lit. Only visit homes of people you know or homes with a porch light.

If you are letting older tween or teens trick-or-treat in a group, make sure they are accompanied by an older, responsible teenager that you know and trust. Discuss the route they will follow ahead of time and set a curfew for them to return home.

Make sure to remind your children not to go inside the homes or cars of anyone they meet. Talk about how they always need to stay together as a group and never let a child or pair of children go off on their own.

Trick-or-treating in your neighborhood isn't the only fun Halloween activity! Check your local paper for other safe and exciting Halloween alternatives in your community.

Spook yourself silly by having a fang-tastic Halloween party in your own home. Carve pumpkins, serve creepy treats and play frighteningly fun Halloween games.

Keep it safe by attending a trunk-or-treat carnival at your church or community center. Even if you feel comfortable among friends, always make sure to keep an eye on your kids at all times.

Go trick-or-treating at the mall, zoo, museum or other safe location. Many businesses go all out throwing exciting Halloween events for families. Check their websites and discover all the spooky fun available in your city this Halloween.

More on Halloween fun

5 Fun Halloween activities for the whole family
Pumpkin carving templates
Frightfully fun Halloween movies for kids of all ages

Celebrating the season

When October 31 comes around, while much of the country is delving into their imaginations for spooky or scary costumes, there are some families — quite a few, in fact — who don’t celebrate or observe Halloween.

Create a fall festival

If you are one of those people, you may find this time of year awkward. Spending weeks steering your kids away from the ever-increasing retail hype and constantly explaining why you don't celebrate can be draining. You may feel like you just want to get to November 1 already!

This year, however, try turning October into your family's personal celebration of joys of the season, honoring your beliefs in a fall festival — no ghosts or goblins necessary.

Seasonal appreciation

Regardless of whether you celebrate Halloween, autumn is a glorious time of the year in much of the country. Leaves are changing, adding vibrancy to the daily landscape possibly not appreciated since the leaves burst out in the spring. Apples are ripe for the picking, cider is being pressed and there's a crispness in the air. School has started and kids are enjoying a new season of learning. Winter holidays are on the way and it's time for the first fire in the fireplace. It's a time of transition, and one that can be appreciated in its own right.

Make a fall welcome sign >>

Celebration without costumes

A seasonal celebration requires no costumes. It requires no candy. It requires no eerie soundtracks or tricks. As with so many celebrations, it's about the attitude.

Call like-minded friends and arrange a fall potluck, have a pie party or enjoy an afternoon of crafts with the kids. Plan a special movie night in and make fresh kettle corn or organize a neighborhood game night. Go on a favorite hike or take a bike ride. Whatever you choose to do, if you call it a celebration and you make the effort to appreciate the season, then a celebration is what it will be.

Try these fall crafts for kids >>

Simple explanations

If you feel it necessary to explain yourself, whether to adults or children, you can choose to be as informational as you like. However, in the hoopla and busyness Halloween seems to bring, others may not be fully able to hear your message. It may be easier to keep the explanation simple and offer to talk more about it after their sugar high has passed. A simple, "As Christians, we choose not to participate in an event with Pagan origins. I'd be happy to tell you more sometime," may go further than something more dogmatic.

If you don't celebrate Halloween you can still celebrate the gorgeous fall season in a fun, delicious and respectful way.

Ways to enjoy fall

Get ready for fall fun
Fun fall activities with kids
Fall family time without spending a dime

Gather up your little witches and warlocks for some whimsical treats... and be the coolest Halloween-loving mom around. Really. We mean it.

Hey, since Halloween falls on a Wednesday this year, the kids will be in school that day — which is prime opportunity for some ghoulish Halloween treat packing. One of these fun Halloween lunch box treats will make your kid's lunch box extra special.

And here's a hint: You can make all three of these with one 12-oz bag of green candy melts . Just set up all the things you need and melt the whole bag of melts. Make one treat at a time and line them all up on the waxed paper-lined baking sheet to harden. Easy peasy!

Who's the coolest mom around?

Witch fingers

Yields 8

These knobby fingers are complete with a gnarly fingernail. Tasty, right?

You need:

• 5 ounces green candy melts
• 8 Nutter Butter cookies
• 8 glazed pecans or light brown M&Ms

Directions:

1. Melt the green candy melts in a bowl according to package directions.
2. Dip the Nutter Butter cookies in the melted green candy melts, turning to coat . Then gently tap to remove extra melts from the cookies. Place on a wax paper-lined tray.
3. Press one glazed pecan or one light brown M&M into one end of the candy-coated cookie.
4. Repeat until all cookies have been used.
5. Let harden for one hour before transferring to an airtight container to store.

Goblin eyes

Yields 8

Goblins aren't ones to often be complimented on their eyes. After all, they are kind of freaky... just like these goblin eyes treats.

You need:

• 2 ounces green candy melts
• 8 ginger snap cookies
• 8 red M&Ms

Directions:

1. Melt the green candy melts according to package directions.
2. Place the ginger snap cookies on a wax paper-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Drop a dab of green candy melt onto each cookie and press a red M&M into the center.
4. Let harden for one hour before transferring to an airtight container to store.

Witch hats

Yields 8

A witch isn't complete without a hat, right? But who says it has to be basic black? These two-tone pointy witch hats will be a delicious treat.

You need:

• 5 ounces green candy melts
• 8 Oreos
• 8 Hershey Kisses, unwrapped

Directions:

1. Melt the green candy melts according to package directions.
2. Dip the Oreos into the candy melts and turn to coat. Gently tap to remove excess candy melt . Place on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet.
3. Immediately press a Hershey Kiss in the center of each candy-coated cookie.
4. Allow to harden for one hour before transferring to an airtight container to store.

More on Halloween

Homemade Halloween decorations
Top 10 scary snacks for Halloween parties
A Pinterest Halloween: Easy DIY decorations

Why are they so darn mean?

Many moms may not be able to remember what they ate for breakfast this morning, but ask them about middle school and they can recount stories at the drop of a hat — especially the tales of those nightmare mean girl Queen Bees — the same kind that are now targeting their daughters.

The Bee might be different, but the mean still hurts just the same.

So why, why, why do they do it?

“Mean girls are mean because it works,” according to Jen Hancock, author of The Bully Vaccine. “It gives them power over other kids.”

So how can you help stop the mean girl?

It can feel so helpless to watch your daughter struggle with a mean girl. And you just want to know how to make it stop. But how? Even though you might be tempted to go to the school, wait by the locker and give that girl a talking to, experts agree your child needs to handle it. But she does need your help getting prepared.

Take away the mean girl's power

“You take away that power by refusing to be hurt by what they are doing,“ says Hancock. “If your child is called stupid, for instance, she can say something like, 'thank you for that information, it's very helpful' in as bored and sarcastic a voice as possible. The child needs to practice saying these words at home several times to be ready for the next time it happens. You need to let your child know they are going to have to say this several times before the mean girl gives up and finds someone else to hassle.”

You can also give your child this script:

Dr. Soroya Bacchus suggests that your daughter say this:

“I feel truly sorry for you. You must be incredibly insecure to have to resort to treating others like this as a way to feel better about yourself.“

Dr. Bacchus then advises that your daughter simply walks away. “This can be a wake-up call for the mean girl and perhaps prevent her from treating others the way you have been treated in the past. Then, you can leave knowing you are the bigger person and continue being a positive force in the universe,“ adds Bacchus.

Help your child develop compassion for the mean child

Across the board, experts also agree that your daughter should try to feel for the mean girl. Say what? Feel bad for her after she’s been so mean? Yes.

“Often the mean girl is jealous and scared and that is why they behave as poorly as they do. You need to help your child realize that the mean girls' behavior is all about the mean girl's insecurities and it really has nothing to do with your child at all. They are just a convenient way for the mean child to work out their insecurities,” says Hancock.

“The compassion and feeling sympathy for the mean girl doesn't mean what they are doing is OK, it just means you aren't going to take what they do personally because it's not really about you even though it is directed at you.“

Boost your teen girl's self-confidence >>

Time to move on and make new friends

“Ultimately, the best solution is to help and encourage your child to make friends with other kids so that they are less dependent on the mean girl,” suggests Hancock.

Jennifer Little, Ph.D., a pre-K through 12 teacher for almost 40 years with 12 years at middle school adds, “I have told the students that they will continue getting the same results if they don't change their behaviors, and that change has to come from them. If they don't want to continue getting the same results, it is change or drop the friendship.”

Helping teens form real relationships >>

Delete her number. Don’t respond to texts. In a nutshell, ignore.

Avoiding interactions with mean girls is the No. 1 thing that young women can do,“ adds Bacchus. “Surrounding yourself with friends who are a good influence, have your back and support you is crucial as well. When you do this, you lay a foundation for developing relationships with people for the rest of your life.“

Read more about dealing with mean girls

Mean girls rule the school? Help your daughter deal
How to deal with mean girl cliques
Helping your teen make positive friendships

Please your whole family

Aren't you tired of making one dinner for you and your husband, another for your picky toddler and yet another for your picky teen?

End it now with inspired family-friendly dinner ideas.

Break it up

Instead of serving a one-pot dish that includes the entire meal in one casserole dish, consider meals that allow each member of your family to individualize their plate.

Pizza – Buy mini pre-baked pizza crusts, then set out small bowls of sauce, mozzarella, and a variety of toppings and form an assembly line for your family to each make the kind of pizza he or she likes. Can’t complain about that, right?

Tacos – Taco night is another easy one to individualize. Start with the basic — ground beef or turkey seasoned with Mexican spices, then set out soft and hard taco shells, shredded cheese, beans, tomatoes, lettuce, onion, cilantro, jalapenos, black olives, etc. Let your family go to town on taco night.

Pasta – Make a big vat of pasta, then allow your family members to personalize their plate with a variety of store-bought pasta sauces , cheeses and herbs like basil.

Salad – Toppings are limitless when it comes to making a fabulous salad. Purchase some yummy meats, cheese and olives for an Italian salad, chop up bacon, hard boiled eggs and tomatoes for a twist on a BLT, or mix up edamame, red pepper, Teriyaki chicken and almond slivers for an Asian-inspired dinner.

Kid-friendly salad recipes >>

Designate dinner

Let each member of your family choose whatever meal he or she wants one night of the week… and let them be in charge of preparing it or helping you make it . You can include a few basic rules, too! Your child must help you pick out the meal and shop together with you for the items. The meal must include at least one vegetable and/or fruit. Other than that, the sky is the limit. When children feel they have a say in their dinner choice, they are more likely to enjoy it than if they are simply presented with a meal and forced to eat it.

Kid-friendly recipes from Jamie Deen >>

At first your child’s dinner choices may be basic mac and cheese and hot dogs, but encourage her to try new things each time, to peruse cookbooks with you and to discover new fruits and veggies at the store to incorporate into her dinner.

How the right food choices can help fuel kids’ active adventures >>

Go cold turkey

If you’ve presented your child with a zillion options and she’s still turning up her nose at dinner, let her go without. She will not starve to death going one night without dinner. But it may teach her a lesson about biting the hand that feeds, so to speak, and make her a little more willing to try tomorrow night’s dinner.

More on family-friendly meals

Kid-friendly recipes from A to Z

Healthy recipes for toddlers: Vegetables in disguise
You will eat: Picky eater survival guide

The perfect playdate is fun for the kids and easy on the supervising parent. With a little planning, you can keep the children happily occupied without a lot of stress.

Define the time

For most kids, two hours is the maximum amount of time for an ideal playdate — long enough to have fun and get comfortable with each other, and short enough that they won't get bored, cranky or start bickering. You'll want to avoid conflicts with nap and eating schedules for the playdate. And while it may be tempting to include a number of children, keep the playdate small and manageable. The more children included, the more likely it is that there will be conflicts and overstimulation.

Comfort

Some preschool-aged children get separation anxiety or are timid in an unfamiliar setting. Let the other moms know they are welcome to stay through the playdate if their child is uncomfortable without them. If the child is being dropped off, be sure that everyone is at ease with the arrangements. It sometimes helps a young child to bring along their blankie, a favorite toy or other security item. Exchange phone numbers with other parents in case of an emergency or if a child decides that they want to go home early.

If you have pets in your home, keep them well away from the play area. Small kids can be rough with pets, and some have a fear of dogs and cats. It's always safest and best — for both the kids and your animals — to have pets secured in another part of the house. As a courtesy, let the other parents know that you have pets. Their child may have an allergy to pet dander or a genuine fear of animals that you need to be aware of.

Snacks

Ask about food allergies and preferences before deciding on snacks, and then keep it simple. Kids love finger foods, popcorn, crackers and dips. Don't serve carbonated, sugary drinks that will overstimulate them, and consider using plastic cups and paper plates to avoid breakage. Children aren't known for neatness when they eat, so expect that you'll have some cleanup to do after the playdate, and let the kids enjoy their snacks without a lot of scolding about crumbs and spills.

Activities

Plan one structured activity to get things started, and then allow the kids free play. Have plenty of toys or games available for them and let them choose for themselves.

Have the children help pick up most of the toys and stow them away a few minutes before the playdate ends. When everyone helps, you're teaching your own child to be a good guest when the playdate takes place at a friend's house.

More tips

Making playtime educational
Keeping playtime safe
Toddler boredom busters

Autism sings

Ray Liotta as Henry Hill in the 1990 movie Goodfellas utters this famous line about life in Witness Protection: "I'm an average nobody… a schnook."

Mr. Hill never had a child with autism. But, if he had, he would have known that being the parent of a special needs child is anything but average.

On Tuesday, October 9, 2012, my 7-year-old son was personally invited by Autism Speaks co-founders Bob and Suzanne Wright to provide a special musical performance at the Sixth Annual Autism Speaks to Wall Street event. And perform he did! Ethan, along with musician and behavior music teacher Tom Crowley, brought 800 people — including 100 celebrity chefs — to their feet in disbelief and awe.

Michael and I were honored to introduce our son. To paraphrase another famous movie line, “It was an offer we couldn’t refuse.” So, we mustered up our courage — fortified by intense and unconditional love for our son — and expressed ourselves the only way we could: With truth and honesty.

Imperfectly perfect

“We are overjoyed and humbled to join tonight’s event. We are also here tonight as the proud parents of a smart, handsome, sweet, funny, and musically gifted 7-year-old boy named Ethan Pierce Walmark. Ethan is our son; our first-born.

Ethan is imperfectly perfect. Ethan has autism spectrum disorder.

To learn things instinctual to other children — point a finger… walk up stairs… clap… jump… climb a tree… simply make eye contact! — Ethan has received intense therapeutic services since he was but 1-1/2 years old. Music was the one area in which Ethan never needed instruction; music was part of his soul from the beginning.

Five-and-a-half years later, Ethan is involved in 11 different therapies and classes each week to promote his development. While Ethan’s progress continues to grow, we are painfully aware that we are one of the luckier families; not every child responds positively to therapy — or responds at all.

Upon diagnosis, Michael and I vowed that we would not allow this child — our imperfectly perfect child — to be “just” a statistic. Yes, he is 1 in 88, but, we want his life to have meaning and matter, not only to us, but to others.

It is said that success has many fathers, but failure is an orphan. Failure is not an option for Bob and Suzanne and Autism Speaks. Without them, Michael and I would still be drifting at sea without life preservers. And, because of them, Ethan’s success is a team effort.

Tonight, we are a small part of a larger gift.

• The gift of love.
• The gift of giving.
• The gift of gratitude.
• The gift of your support.
• The gift of Autism Speaks.
• And, the gift of our son — a lofty soul entrusted in our care.

Ladies and gentlemen, we are proud to introduce our favorite musician — our imperfectly perfect son, accompanied by musician Tom Crowley — Ethan Walmark!”

Walmark Family Schnooks

If being “an average nobody… a schnook” means that my family can help solve autism’s puzzle and raise millions for research, then call us schnooks. Just call us the Walmark Family Schnooks. We’re OK with that.

Check out Ethan Walmark's "Piano Man" performance at the Autism Speaks to Wall Street: Sixth Annual Celebrity Chef Gala.

More about autism

Autism: A sister’s vision
Autism: That’s what friends are for
Autism and the fairytale

Facing the challenge head-on

Meet Ana, mom of Kane and wife of Bruce, who has been battling bile duct cancer.

Learn how she and her husband have managed parenting their child while dealing with serious illness, treatment and victories.

What happens when Daddy is diagnosed with cancer? Ana, mother of one, found this out the hard way. Her family has faced this challenge head on and has hope despite a difficult diagnosis and expensive treatment that comes along with harsh side effects. Her story is hard to imagine, yet also hopeful and inspiring.

Ana's Family

SK: Ana, can you tell me a little about where you grew up and about your family?

Ana: I grew up in Philadelphia and stayed there until I graduated high school. I feel that I was fairly lucky to be able to go to amazing schools within the city's public school system and I was involved in a lot of extracurricular activities. I wouldn't call the house I grew up in the happiest, though. My parents fought often and I was witness to it more often than not. That influenced my decision to go to college nine hours away from home, for sure.

Ana and Bruce

SK: How did you and Bruce meet?

Ana: Bruce and I met through bmezine.com, technically. We had some mutual friends from there and met at a suspension event that was announced on the website that was held in Baltimore. Bruce was helping to host the event with the suspension group he belonged to. We didn't actually talk much that day at all, oddly enough. I messaged him on BME to thank him for putting hooks in me for the first time and it just went from there.

SK: Was it love at first sight? Or did it take time to develop?

Ana: It didn't take long to develop but I wouldn't call it love at first sight. When we first met, not a lot of words were exchanged. It wasn't until we met up again to hang out for a day and get lunch that things got more serious. Bmezine.com was having its annual large meet-up called BMEfest and we decided to meet there as well. I was still living near Philadelphia and he lived in Northern Virginia, so we didn't drive there together. Instead, we met up once there. There were multiple things going on in Tweed and Toronto , and initially we only intended to meet up for things we were both going to be at. Instead, we quickly decided to spend the entire week together and as crazy as it seems, instead of leaving with the person I drove up to Canada with, I left with him and his friends to drive back to Northern Virginia and never left.

SK: How long did you date before you decided to get married?

Ana: Our period of dating only lasted for that one initial date and the trip to Canada. After the trip, I moved in with him and we lived together for about a year before deciding to get married in 2004.

SK: What was your wedding like?

Ana: It was perfect. We had a planned wedding in Las Vegas with close friends and family. We planned the wedding for the second day of the trip and spent the rest of it visiting the city. Our small wedding party, which consisted of a maid of honor and best man, got a matching Vegas-themed tattoo while there as well.

Along came Kane

SK: When did you find out you were expecting a baby?

Ana: We were actively trying to get pregnant and had four miscarriages before a pregnancy stuck, which was what we had agreed on as our last try at that point. We found out when I took a test right before my missed period in July of 2006.

SK: What was Bruce’s reaction?

Ana: Excited but still nervous. I think that's how we spent the entire pregnancy, actually.

SK: Tell me about the day Kane was born.

Ana: Kane was born by a sort of planned C-section on April 19. He flipped footling breech sometime around 37-38 weeks and despite an unpleasant external version at the end of the 38th week, refused to turn. Had he been frank breech we would have allowed labor to happen and see if he turned then but instead scheduled a C-section only a few days after the failed version attempt.

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The diagnosis

SK: What symptoms led Bruce to see a doctor?

Ana: His symptoms progressed quickly over the course of two days and sent him to the ER rather than our regular doctor. The symptoms themselves mimicked an inflamed gallbladder so well that we initially saw a general surgeon at the hospital who was planning on taking out his gallbladder that evening. After doing a CT scan, they realized it wasn't his gallbladder at all.

SK: How long did it take to get diagnosed?

Ana: It wasn't a quick diagnosis. They did a CT scan at the hospital during his stay after the ER trip, but didn't know exactly what was going on. We ended up with a gastroenterologist who did several scopes. Two to look around and get biopsies and another when he became jaundiced. It wasn't until they were placing a stent in his bile duct that they finally got malignant samples.

SK: What is the exact diagnosis?

Ana: His official diagnosis is Cholangiocarcinoma, but at first they thought it was pancreatic cancer. They have very similar symptoms if the tumor develops on the pancreas itself rather than up closer to or in the liver.

Treatment

SK: Describe what treatment Bruce has had over the course of his illness.

Ana: So far, he has had countless CT scans, three upper GI scopes, a Whipple procedure, six months of IV chemotherapy using cisplatin and gemcidabine with Neulasta post infusions, and is now in the middle of his six weeks of radiation with oral chemotherapy. Radiation and his oral medication, which is Xeloda, are daily Monday through Friday, with a break from both over the weekend.

SK: What side effects did he suffer?

Ana: He was chronically nauseous during IV chemotherapy, but the biggest side effect has actually been bone pain, particularly in his lower back.

SK: What have some of the challenges been during this time?

Ana: One of the biggest problems has been money. Bruce hasn't worked full time at his job in a while now and hasn't felt well enough for much time since the first symptoms. That makes it difficult for me to work as I am primarily caring for him and our son. Our county has half-day kindergarten and pretty much made it impossible to go back to work part-time. We have been extremely fortunate that Bruce's family has been able to help us with money during this. Even with Bruce's time off of work and reduced income, we still do not qualify for assistance through the state.

We also had our car break down unexpectedly in the middle of chemo treatments and had to jump through tons of hoops to be able to find a new one for us. Finding the car we have currently was another very lucky break for us. Last but not least was finding out that Bruce's insurance didn't fully cover his Xeloda prescription. Without insurance the drug is around $5,000 a month out of pocket. With our insurance coverage it knocked it down to $1,000 per month. Thankfully, the specialty pharmacy was able to help us with the remaining cost of the drug with their own financial hardship program.

Keeping it together

SK: How much does Kane know about Dad’s illness?

Ana: None of it has been hidden from him and he understands it as well as he can at his age. He knows that his dad is very sick and will need ongoing care to get better. Kane has been to almost every single doctor's visit, procedure visit and when he did IV chemo, we all drove up together. It was a six-hour infusion and because we live over an hour's drive with the crazy traffic in this area, Kane and I would spend the rest of the day near the city, so it was a bit of an event each time. He also knows that Bruce takes oral chemo and gets radiation during the week.

SK: Have you been able to get Kane involved in Bruce’s care at all?

Ana: Yep! Kane is fairly eager to please so he's helped to get stuff if Bruce needs it for the most part. A lot of his care is just letting him rest. Kane helps with chores but it's something he did before this happened, too.

SK: Has Bruce stayed a hands-on dad throughout this time?

Ana: Pretty much. There are some days when he's just too tired, this is something that has been more with the radiation than the chemo, though. We still go to parks or take walks together. Bruce handles potty issues when those come up and watches Kane when he's home so I can do things outside of the house on my own.

He's also been as hands-on as possible with the rest of our lives as well. The only reason he's not still on trash duty is because he's developed a hernia post-op along the internal incision line and I do my best to keep him from lifting [when he shouldn't be]. The hernia has been a huge annoyance for him as they have to wait about a month after radiation is finished before they can go in and repair it.

What the future holds

SK: What is Bruce’s prognosis at this time?

Ana: Bruce was lucky to be diagnosed at stage 2B for his cancer. It seems like an easy diagnosis but for pancreatic and bile duct cancers, 2B is the upper limit of what is still treatable. Beyond 2B they don't usually consider the Whipple procedure to be a viable part of treatment. Currently, there has been no evidence of tumor regrowth on the pancreas, bile ducts or any other surrounding organs or tissue. His blood work shows that nothing is growing on a microscopic level, either. Bruce will be in treatment for the rest of his life in some form or another, but the big picture is very positive.

SK: What’s next for the Wilmot family?

Ana: For right now, we're just waiting until Bruce is done with active treatment so we can regain some more normalcy. Our daily routines have been switched up quite a bit with all of this. With Kane starting kindergarten this year, it's helped to sort of distract from the current situation some. We're definitely looking forward to not having to plan our days, weeks and months around treatment.

More amazing moms

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Parenting as a rock star family
Tandem nursing: Breastfeeding for two

Touching base

The waitress brought my red wine and his beer, placed them side by side on the table, collected our orders and let us return to our conversation.

With the kids at home with a sitter, we were able to begin and follow conversations through to a natural end, with no interruptions for more milk or pleas for iPad time or more train time.

"Where are you right now... how are you feeling about things?" my husband asked.

"I'm just not ready to give up," I spoke through a sudden lump in my throat, "I'm just not there yet. How about you? Are you ready?"

"I'm getting close," he said with honest eyes, the same warm brown eyes I fell in love with well over a decade ago.

I know that we don't have forever. My biological clock is working against us in our quest for another baby. This January will mark two years since we began trying... since we decided to add to our family.

"Can I have a bit longer?" I said through tears. "Not forever. Just a little more?"

"We won't stop until you're ready," was his response.

And those are exactly the words that I needed to hear.

Because infertility isn't one person's journey. We are both struggling and we each take steps forward and then back again. It isn't as simple as just giving up.

Read more about our struggle with secondary infertility >>

New life

Perhaps in an attempt to fill a void or as a means of distracting ourselves from our dream of another baby, nearly four months ago, we decided to add a puppy to our family.

We carefully chose a breed, contacted an amazing breeder and waited for confirmation of a pregnancy.

Our breeder then kept us up to date on the pregnancy and we eagerly awaited our puppy's birth.

Then, six weeks later, we finally met her. Our new baby.

We spent an hour playing with her before we had to leave her behind for two more torturous weeks.

Then, finally, this past weekend, we buckled the kids into the car and went to fetch our new baby girl.

Before you bring your puppy home, there are 5 things your children need to know >>

Puppy love

I held her in my arms the entire way home, so happy to feel her tiny fragile body against my skin.

Though she isn't the baby that we've been hoping for month after month, she has already brought us tremendous comfort and joy in the few short days since we brought her home.

Maybe she'll fill the void and help me to make peace with the reality that our last baby may never come or maybe she won't, but in this moment, I am so incredibly grateful for her puppy breath, deliciously round belly and sweet nature.

More about infertility

Practicing Gratitude: When gratitude doesn't come easily
Secondary infertility struggles
Kids and puppies: Rules, safety and responsibility

body image

Working through body image issues

It was bound to come out of her mouth sooner or later — "I'm fat" — but I wasn't expecting it to happen when my daughter was just a few months shy of her eighth birthday. She had weighed the same since she was four years old — those 48 pounds simply spreading over her frame as she got taller each year — but regardless of what she weighed, I realized it was time to talk to her about body image.

She had weighed the same since she was four years old — those 48 pounds simply spreading over her frame as she got taller each year — but regardless of what she weighed, I realized it was time to talk to her about body image.

"Mommy, I'm fat"

She said it to me one morning while she was getting dressed and although I think she was mostly trying to be silly, sticking out her tummy as far as she could, I could hardly let the comment slip. But, what was I supposed to say?

These moments happen far too often in parenting — when your child says something or a situation comes up and you need to think on the fly, providing the perfect bit of information that will satisfy their question or remedy an unexpected problem that could take a turn for the worse if you say the wrong thing. And, as my daughter grows older, I'm finding that more and more of these situations are forming the groundwork that she will use to discover who she is and how she sees herself in the world.

When those words came out of her mouth, at first I giggled a bit and teased her, telling her that she was anything but fat. I reminded her that her bottom is so skinny that it hurts me when she sits on my lap. But then, I wiped the smile off my face, realizing quickly that this was my chance to open up a discussion with her about body image.

Setting a good example

When it comes to having daughters, I make a very conscious effort at home not to make comments that degrade my own body image. Although I may chat with my girlfriends, outside of the house, about my weight or about how I haven't seen my coveted "skinny pants" since I threw them on the top shelf of my closet three years ago, I never want my daughters to hear me say that I think I'm fat or that I'm on a diet. How can I expect them to form positive body images if I am projecting my own negative body image at home?

Instead, we try to focus on having healthy bodies — eating well to keep our hearts happy, exercising to keep fit and taking care of our bodies so that we do the activities we want to do every day — for them, taking dance class, riding scooters to school and jumping on Mommy and Daddy's bed.

That being said, it's not natural to avoid the subject all together either. My daughters often ask why I spend time every morning putting on makeup or blow-drying my hair and I'm honest with them — I think those things make me look prettier and looking prettier makes me feel better about myself. More often than not, I stumble over my explanations, trying to put an emphasis on how it makes me feel, rather than how it makes me look, even though the reality is that the two go hand in hand.

How to talk to girls about body image

As with any discussion with children, especially ones that you may not have all of the answers for or that the answers may still be inappropriate for their age, sometimes it's best to let her lead the conversation. Instead of responding with, "No, you aren't fat!" try asking why she thinks that and see what she says. Does she compare her body to other girls her age? Does she mention something specific on her body? Does she relate being fat to the way she eats? Pulling together these responses can let you know where to take the body image conversation from there.

Most importantly, validate how she is feeling. It's OK to have positive and negative feelings about the way our body looks — that's completely natural for both our daughters and ourselves. Try asking her to tell you the things that she loves about her body and relate those things to something real and tangible in her life to start to build the foundation of a positive body image. For example, her long fingers that make stretching for those last keys on the piano a breeze, or her blue eyes that sparkle just like her grandma's.

My daughter and I had a long chat that morning about both of our bodies and the way we felt about them. She talked a lot about how she wished her hair was dark and thick, just like her best friend and I told her about what I was like when I was her age. We didn't solve all of the world's body image problems that morning and I know that these discussions will only become more frequent and more challenging as she grows up, but we did get the conversation started on the right foot and that feels good.

More on raising daughters

Expert tips for talking to your daughter about sex
The importance of the father-daughter relationship
How to talk to your teenage daughter about women's health

It's nearly impossible to shield your children from technology -- even preschools are using iPads these days. However, that doesn't mean you have to immerse your children in electronics from a young age. Parents need to think about the maturity level of each child, as well as the consequences of too much screen time, before buying cell phones, tablets and other gadgets for their children.

Cell phones

It's pretty common to see teens talking and texting on their cell phones, but in recent years, younger and younger kids are also getting cell phones for a variety of reasons.

Whether it's making sure their child gets home safe from school or wanting to keep in touch while away from one another, some parents are opting to get their child a cell phone for those quick calls to check in -- as well as for emergencies that need attention.

If you're thinking about getting a cell phone for your child, but have concerns they may be too young, spend some time thinking about the reasons you're getting the phone and research what types of phones and service options are available for younger kids.

Kajeet has gotten recognition for being a tween- and teen-friendly cell phone service because of its parental controls -- which include blocking calls, pictures and text messaging, as well as setting time limits. With Kajeet and WalletManager, you can have your kids help pay for their plan with allowances to help teach responsibility, while at the same time giving them some of the independence they're looking for. For the safety parents are looking for, Kajeet offers GPS in addition to its parental control capabilities.

Tablets

Having a family computer in your home is great. Kids can use it for everything from playing video games to researching for homework assignments. A family computer is easy to monitor, particularly if you keep it in a common area of the house -- like the family room -- where you can keep a watchful eye on your children's online activities.

But the day will come when your child wants a portable computer -- a laptop or, more commonly these days, a tablet. And of course, it's not so easy to keep an eye on a portable device. So at what age should you allow your child to have his own tablet? There are a variety of factors to consider.

Cost -- When your children are young, you might not want to spend several hundred dollars on a tablet if they aren't quite careful enough or responsible enough yet to handle it. If you do choose to allow your preschooler or other young child to use a tablet computer, make sure it's used only with direct parental supervision.

Types of tablets -- You don't have to spring for an iPad for your child. Many companies have created special tablets for kids, from toddlers to tweens. Kids' tablets have apps and many of the other functions available on the traditional "adult" tablets. Check out these top 10 tablets for kids.

Most teens are mature enough to have their own laptop or tablet computer. Talk to your tweens and teens regularly about online safety and take precautions to keep them safe.

• Talk to your kids about cyber-bullying and online predators.
• Limit the amount of time your kids spend online.
• Keep your parental control software up-to-date.
• Become a web savvy, computer literate parent.
• Establish rules for computer use.
• Disable webcams without parental supervision.
• Explain to your children that you are monitoring their activity to keep them safe.
• Understand the privacy policies on websites that you and your children use.
• Report any suspicious activity to the website or authorities.
• Spend time with your kids offline.

Social networking sites

To connect with friends on social networking sites like Facebook, users need to be at least 13 years old. But with difficulty in tracking a user's age, it's important for parents to know what social networks and virtual worlds their kids are using to socialize, and at what age it's appropriate for them to be there.

If you're going to allow your kids to join a social network, consider how much personal information you want public, and set privacy settings so that only certain people are allowed to see their profiles and interact with them. Limiting the amount of time they spend on sites and protecting them from online predators are all real concerns and boundaries that need to be set before they set up their accounts.

While Facebook and others may have age requirements, other sites are specific to younger audiences and provide more gaming features. They may also be more restricted when it comes to socializing online. While these sites may seem less threatening to younger audiences, parents should never assume predators are not trying to access kids, and personal information should remain guarded.

Sites like BunkiMunki, Club Penguin, Everloop, Franktown Rocks and others offer younger children a taste of what social networking is like. However, it's important to teach your children how to interact when not in the virtual world, and make that type of interaction the bulk of how they spend their time. The KidZui browser is also a great option. It frees parents from having to monitor online activities because the browser only shows content and websites that have been reviewed and approved by an advisory board of parents and teachers.

There's no certain age when technology becomes appropriate for kids. It depends on your children's maturity levels and your own family values in terms of what you want them to be exposed to. However, by choosing age-appropriate gadgets, limiting screen time and monitoring your children's activities, they can enjoy all the benefits of technology while reducing many of the risks.

Read about gifts for the holidays

Electronic gifts for teens
Eco-friendly stocking stuffers
Hot gifts for tots, kids and teens

We've all heard about the dangers of co-sleeping, yet research shows sleeping near your baby can reduce the risk of SIDS and has benefits for both of you.

Benefits of sleeping near your baby

Instead of decorating a nursery, many parents choose to co-sleep with their babies.

Co-sleeping may be done for convenience, bonding or to make nighttime breastfeeding easier, but it can also reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Sudden Unexplained Infant Death .

"The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies sleep in their parents' room for the first six months of life to prevent the occurrence of SIDS," says Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, a health psychologist and international board certified lactation consultant.

Co-sleeping options

According to The Safe to Sleep campaign, if you bring your baby into your bed for breastfeeding, you should return him to his crib or bassinet when done feeding — room sharing is recommended but bed sharing is not.

However, many parents bed share since it feels right for them and their babies — in many countries bed sharing is the norm, and when the tragedy of SIDS or SUID occurs, it usually also involves other risk factors like smoking, alcohol use or putting Baby in a tummy-down position instead of his back for sleeping.

Meet the co-sleeping bed-sharing family>>

Breastfeeding — an extra safety precaution

You don't need to breastfeed to co-sleep with your baby, but breastfeeding provides additional benefits when it comes to reducing SIDS and SUID.

Kendall-Tackett explains, "Being near Mom at night increases breastfeeding rates overall — but there's more. When babies are near their mothers at night, they are more likely to breastfeed exclusively. Exclusive breastfeeding increases infant survival rates. This effect is so striking that even the SIDS researchers are now saying that advice about infant sleep location must not compromise breastfeeding."

Safe co-sleeping

Whether you room share, bed share or a combination of both, be sure to put your baby to sleep on his or her back on a firm surface. Keep anything soft, like blankets or stuffed animals out of your baby's crib or bassinet. If you bring your baby to bed with you, even just for feeding, make sure comforters and pillows are out of Baby's way.

Read tips for safe co-sleeping >>

Read more on parenting

Discover the benefits of co-sleeping
SIDS and babies of color: What you need to know
Dispelling the myths of attachment parenting

Gadget gifts for teens

Are you looking for the perfect gadget or electronic gift for your teen? It's not easy to figure out what to buy for teenagers. Their tastes seem to change every minute, and sometimes it's difficult to keep up.

Best electronic gifts for teens

Our gift guide will help you find a great gadget for every teen on your list.

Teens love their gadgets. They can text while they talk to you, listen to music while they tune you out and communicate with friends in ways we never even dreamed of when we were their age. Whether you think of technology as a gift or a curse, there's no denying that teens love it -- and it tops their wish lists every year. Take a look at some of the great gadget gift ideas for teens.

Connect, learn, play

These gadgets let your teen tap into the wide world of... everything.

iPhone 5

The new iPhone is out, and most likely it's on your teen's wish list. It's the thinnest, lightest and fastest iPhone ever. If your teen has never had an iPhone , you will certainly make him happy with the gift on an iPhone 5. 

Kindle Fire

The Kindle Fire is more than just an eReader. It also allows for ultra-fast web browsing over built-in Wi-Fi. The Kindle Fire also includes access to Amazon's Appstore, allows you to stream TV shows and movies and read Kindle books.

PlayStation Vita

If your teen loves video games, the PlayStation Vita  is worth a look. This handheld gaming system features a 5-inch multi-touch capacitive touchscreen -- plus, it supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and optional 3G.

Samsung Galaxy Note II

For a phone/tablet hybrid, you can't beat the new quad-core, 5.5-inch Samsung Galaxy Note II . It's bigger and faster than its predecessor. It has an amazing screen, a top-notch camera and a precise stylus. Though it looks a little big when held to the ear, this "phablet" is a beautiful crossover gadget. Five carriers will get the Galaxy Note II, starting with U.S. Cellular in late October, and followed by AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon in November.

Gadget accessories

Why settle for a boring iPhone, iPad or other gadget? Add a little style to your teen's electronics with these cool cases and accessories.

Skullcandy earbuds

These headphones offer teens a chance to celebrate their style. These stylish earbuds  allow music enthusiasts to answer the phone, pause music and skip forward or back to a favorite track.

Skinit

Skinit  lets you personalize electronics with fun designs, colors, team logos or even your own photos! They're also a great way to spruce up an old gadget or cellphone while giving a personal gift.

iFrogz

Your teen can get a durable, stylish case for his iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. These cool cases from iFrogz  protect against impact damage and guard the surface from dust and scratches.

Read more about the holidays

Holiday cost savers for families
8 Tips for savvy holiday shopping
5 gift ideas for tech-savvy families

Between your quest to find kid-friendly gifts that won't break the bank to whipping up sumptuous entrees that will make everyone's mouth water to entertaining the kids while they're on a holiday hiatus from school, you're feeling extremely overwhelmed! Take a deep breath and follow our no-stress tips on how to save money during the holiday season while still having fun.

According to Stop & Shop consumer advisor, Andrea Astrachan, the key to saving money on holiday meals is to plan ahead. This means to check the inventory of food you have in your refrigerator, freezer and pantry before finalizing your shopping list. With a list in your hand, you'll not only save money by buying less on impulse, but you'll also avoid last minute trips to the store for missing ingredients.

No matter how rushed you are, before you go on your shopping expedition you must eat something! According to Lisa Beels and Christine Naylor, classically trained chefs and founders of Petite Palate, having something in your belly prevents impulse hunger buys that can bulk up your bill. So grab a piece of fruit, a granola bar or another healthy snack to fill you up before you head to the grocery store.

Clipping coupons is no longer solely the domain of polyester-wearing, middle-aged housewives. In fact, take a quick look next time you're shopping and you'll see many other like-minded moms breaking out their coupon stash! You can clip coupons from magazines, Sunday newspaper inserts or coupon sites like Coupon Sherpa, which provides access to thousands of online store coupons and discount codes. And what's great is that with the Coupon Sherpa app , you don't ever need to clip. You can just show the digital coupons on your smartphone at the register.

Sure, your kids would rather have Toucan Sam's mug on their box of Fruit Loops as opposed to some copycat no-name brand cereal. In this economy, however, they're just going to have to pour their milk on it and eat it! Don't worry: Most no-frills brand items are comparable in quality to their more expensive branded counterparts.

When planning your holiday feast, purchase staple items in bulk. The best case scenario: You'll have plenty of food to satisfy those growing teenagers and visiting relatives. Worst case: You'll freeze the leftovers and have dinners ready to go for the next two months!

Declare a potluck holiday feast and assign each family member a side dish or dessert. They'll feel good about being able to contribute in some small way, and it will help you shave off the overall cost of the meal -- especially since other than cooking the basics like turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes, you would've made a beeline for the deli counter or bakery for those extras.

Head to Freecycle.org, a free classified system, where you can find people in your area offering free goods -- from electronics to new clothes to toys. The only catch: You'll have to quickly respond to the product of your choice and pick it up.

Although it doesn't sound all that exciting, the truth is that you can often buy the same present for your child a week after the holidays at a big discount. If you can manage to tide them over with an IOU , you'll save a load of cash on your gifts. And with the extra cash, you might even be able to get yourself a little something too!

Forget the expensive gift bags and wrapping paper of years gone by. This year, breathe new life into your old newspaper and magazines and let your kids cut and paste their favorite images together to create themed gift wrap! If your daughter loves fashion, let her leaf through some old issues of Vogue and wrap her presents with pictures of models dressed to the nines. Remember it's all about saving and using what you have!

The old saying that kids can be happy playing with a cardboard box is true. Put together a snowman kit with a hat, carrot stick, buttons and a tie. Wrap it in a pillowcase and tie a ribbon around it! Go through your jewelry box and wrap up a pair of earrings or a necklace you haven't worn that you know your daughter has been eyeing! Use your skills to create gifts for your family -- whether from cooking, knitting or woodworking.

Next up: How to save on holiday decorations >>

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Forget the expensive Swarovski crystal centerpiece! Take your kids on a scavenger hunt right in your own backyard or the local park for some pinecones, evergreens, colorful leaves and shiny rocks to create a holiday centerpiece you will all be proud of!

Instead of holding your breath while your kids sip grape juice over an antique white linen table cloth, get a roll of brown craft paper or white butcher paper, which costs less than 5 cents a foot. Set a few bowls full of crayons on each table and let all the kids doodle and draw during and in between courses.

Who needs Pottery Barn for high-end decorations? Check out thrift stores, garage sales and Craigslist to get everything from Christmas wreaths to placemats and stockings to ornaments. By shopping used, you can get holiday decorations and home accessories for pennies on the dollar.

Get together with other families for a holiday decoration and ornament swap. Bring all the items that you want to trade or give away. Whatever doesn't get swapped at the end of the night can be donated to a local charity. A swap is a great way to get together with friends and neighbors while you also revamp your holiday decor without spending a dime.

Author Helen Coronato of Eco-Friendly Families suggests decorating a tree living in your yard instead of buying a cut tree to save money and add a little bit of green to your holiday routine.

paw-fect Halloween

Looking for fun Halloween costume ideas for the whole family? Don’t leave out the family dog.

Walk your dog in style this Halloween with a costume that matches what the kids are wearing.

While your kids are still small and willing to coordinate costumes, find a dog costume to match what the kids are wearing. Thanks to a huge variety of inexpensive dog costumes and accessories, it’s easy to find something to match or complement what the humans are wearing for Halloween festivities. If your dog isn’t keen on wearing a complicated costume, stick to a few key accessories to get the point across.

Faithful super sidekicks

Have kids dressing as superheroes? It’s a big year for costumes inspired by popular comics and movies. If you have a Batman in the family, find a Robin costume for your dog. Dress your dog as a super villain or dress your dog as a hero poised to battle your villainous children. Try getting truly nerdy with a canonically canine character like Superman’s buddy Krypto the Superdog. If you don’t want to go full-on costume, try a bandana fashioned to look like a cape.

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Loyal royal pets

Don’t forget princesses and their faithful pets. If you have a Rapunzel, dress up your dog in a lizard costume, or dress your dog as a tiger to accompany Princess Jasmine. Comb through your child’s favorite DVDs to find great pairs and involve your child in choosing or sewing the perfect pet costume. Boys can get in on the action too. Prince Eric had a fluffy dog, Aladdin had a monkey and Flynn Rider rode a big white horse that acted like a dog.

Group gags

A dog can be the cornerstone to a great group costume. If your kids are game for it, try a Phineas and Ferb group, complete with a four-legged Perry the Platypus . Put together a group of rockstars and dress your dog up as Elvis or a groupie to complete the picture. Give your pup sparkly wings or a tutu to match a group of ballerinas. Dress up your dog as a wild animal or dinosaur to go with a group of brave adventurers, or get abstract and dress your dog as a hot dog to match a young baseball team.

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Doggie trick-or-treating tips

Not every pup is cut out for trick-or-treating. Consider dressing up your kids and pet for holiday photos and leaving the pooch at home when it’s time to go door to door. If you do trick-or-treat with your dog, consider these tips:

• Designate one adult as the dog walker. Don’t walk all the way to neighbors’ doors with the dog.
• Consider attending a specifically pet-friendly Halloween event.
• Trick-or-treat during the daylight. This will help you avoid startling or scaring kids.
• Keep your dog leashed and on a tight lead. Only bring a dog who responds well to commands.
• Never let your dog approach or jump on small children. If your dog doesn’t respond well to kids, skip trick-or-treating entirely.

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Stock up on costumes

Why spend money on an outfit your child will only wear once?

This year, choose a costume she can use all year long. Better yet, raid the post-Halloween sales to stock up on a whole costume chest your child can use for imaginative play until next year.

For many parents, one of the most annoying aspects of Halloween is dropping time and money on a costume that’s only worn once. It’s like prom for kids. This year, instead of blowing money on a single-use wardrobe item, shop smart and stock up on costumes and props your children can use year-round. Try hitting stores after the holiday for bargains on costumes you can transition into make-believe play clothes.

Think props

When you’re shopping for Halloween costumes, particularly after Halloween when discounts are deep, think props. Costumes with hats, masks, play weapons and other props have better value than flimsy polyester sheaths. A knight costume with a toy shield will get hours of play throughout the year. Look for play weapons that are clearly fake and flexible. Anything with a hard edge is not safe for Halloween or play time. If your child is particularly interested in a specific make-believe hobby, such as cooking or playing veterinarian, look for costumes and props that fit that interest. They’ll be a great addition to the educational imaginitive play toys you already own.

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Dress for dramatics

Foster a love of the theater with costumes and props that encourage your children to perform plays at home. This can be a year-long project, beginning with the costume “design” stage. Help your kids work with a specific budget and go shopping when costumes and accessories are on sale. Stock up on theater makeup, wigs and masks. Your kids can use them for their next amateur production. Store the theater goods and costumes in a plastic bin while the kids prepare a play or movie, if they have access to a video camera. When it’s time for the dress rehearsal, the kids will have everything they need to put on an exciting show.

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