Recently, there has been a lot of controversy relating to kids and their television watching habits.  Some people say that children should not be allowed to watch any television before the age of 2, others say that it's okay.  Personally, my kids would watch television all day long if they were allowed.  When my son was little, he loved Sesame Street, and I didn't mind him watching it because he learned a lot.  As a toddler, my daughter was more interested in shows that her older brother was watching and never truly grew a liking for our favorite street. As they grow and their tastes change, they are exploring different media such as computers, music and books, and are truly love all of these areas.

On March 2, the birthday of our favorite children's author Dr. Seuss, the National Education Association>> (NEA) will hold their 13th Annual Read Across America>>, a reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading.  Motivating children to read is an important factor in student achievement and creating lifelong successful readers and research has shown that children who are motivated and spend more time reading do better in school.  Read Across America>> calls for every child to be reading in the company of a caring adult on March 2, 2010.  You can get some great ideas for things to do on Read Across America's Facebook Page>>.  There will be celebrations around Long Island - let us know what your school/ community/library did by e-mail us at info@liparentsource.com.  Don't forget to visit our blog>> for some great information on how to promote literacy even with the smallest of kids!

WIN! So far, we've had a great response to our giveaway of tickets to the Diabetes Research Foundation's Kids Party for a Cure>> taking place on March 7 at Dave & Busters in The Source Mall in Westbury.  If you haven't already entered, there's still time to win a Family Pass to the event, valued at $275!  The event will present so many fun things such as inflatables, dinner, games and more!  Visit our contest page>> to find out how you can win!

NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT One of the organizations we are profiling>> this month is holding an incredible and fun fundraiser this weekend.  The Carol Kestenbaum Foundation's Annual 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament will be held on Saturday, February 27.  Visit our Events Calendar>> to find out more information on participating.

Have a great week!

Below is only a partial list of upcoming events and activities so be sure to click on our EVENT CALENDAR so you do not miss anything.

Use the PARENT PLANNER to click on events and resources you are interested in and click PRINT MY PLANNER to print or email your list.

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If you grew up on Long Island, you're familiar with United Skates of America>>, and probably have been there.  With over 30 years of experience, United Skates of America>> is the largest roller skating & family fun center chain in the country. With a motto of clean, fun, friendly & safe, they live up to these standards every single day. United Skates>> is the home of the world's greatest birthday parties and makes every birthday child feel special at each and every celebration. Their large facility in Seaford entertains children ages 5 through 15 and their families through camps, birthday parties, skating lessons and special events. United Skates>> is also a fantastic place for both Boy and Girl Scout activities and fundraisers.  United Skates of America>> is located at 1276 Hicksville Road in Seaford - for more information their events and facility, contact them at 516.795.5474.