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Formed 20 years ago in Southern California, Cold War Kids are celebrating life in a rock band

Parents / Parenting News /

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Singer Nathan Willett says he rarely ever paused to think about the history of Cold War Kids, the indie rock band he and three friends started in an apartment over an Italian restaurant in Fullerton in 2004.

There were albums to make, concerts to play, and publicity to do – like this phone interview before a recent Cold ...Read more

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Family guide to new movie releases

Parents / Parenting News /

'ARTHUR THE KING'

Rated PG-13 for some strong language.

What it’s about: The inspirational true story of a street dog who connects with a group of adventure racers, following them hundreds of miles on a harrowing trek.

The kid attractor factor: This is aimed more at adults but could be a fun watch for older kids who love dogs.

Good ...Read more

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To make peace with becoming an empty-nester, I had to be at peace with myself

Parents / Parenting News /

This column is the latest in a series on parenting children in the final years of high school, "Emptying the Nest."

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Over Presidents' Day weekend, my eldest daughter took her 17-year-old sister to tour a few colleges in Northern and Central California. A part of me desperately wanted to go with them — my youngest's first real college ...Read more

Family guide to new movie releases

Parents / Parenting News /

KUNG FU PANDA 4

Rated PG for martial arts action/mild violence, scary images and some mild rude humor.

What it’s about: Dragon Warrior Po leaves the Valley of Peace and embarks on a journey to Juniper City in order to vanquish The Chameleon.

The kid attractor factor: It's animated and features a beloved character.

Good lessons/bad lessons:...Read more

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Commentary: Olivia Rodrigo's concerts are not kid-friendly? Don't act surprised

Parents / Parenting News /

When Olivia Rodrigo sings, “seeing you tonight, it’s a bad idea, right?” she’s referring to an ex-boyfriend. But parents taking their 9-year-old to her concerts might want to ask themselves the same question.

For months, elementary school-aged children have been begging their moms and dads for a chance to see Rodrigo perform at her Guts...Read more

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Family guide to new movie releases

Parents / Parenting News /

'DUNE: PART TWO'

Rated PG-13 for sequences of strong violence, some suggestive material and brief strong language.

What it’s about: The sequel to the epic "Dune" follows Paul Atreides on Arrakis as he becomes one with the Fremen and accepts his destiny.

The kid attractor factor: Older kids and teens will be drawn to the big sci-fi spectacle...Read more

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Commentary: Investing in kids pays, even if Mom is on drugs

Parents / Parenting News /

For too many American children, the future is already written. Their parents’ income broadly predicts what their earnings will be in adulthood. For those in poverty, the chances of breaking out are dwindling — resulting in a less prosperous, increasingly ossified society.

If today’s presidential candidates wanted to rewrite that future, ...Read more

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Family guide to new movie releases

Parents / Parenting News /

'ORDINARY ANGELS'

Rated PG for thematic content, brief bloody images and smoking.

What it’s about: The true story of a community rallying around a young girl in need of a liver transplant, and how helping others is the best way to help ourselves.

The kid attractor factor: Not much, this is more of an adult family drama.

Good lessons/bad ...Read more

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Family guide to new movie releases

Parents / Parenting News /

'MADAME WEB'

Rated PG-13 for violence/action and language.

What it’s about: This comic book movie follows a New York paramedic as she discovers her psychic powers, derived from a powerful spider bite.

The kid attractor factor: It's a superhero movie! Kids will be drawn to the action and adventure.

Good lessons/bad lessons: You are so much ...Read more

Michele K. Short/FOCUS FEATURES/TNS

Family guide to new movie releases

Parents / Parenting News /

'LISA FRANKENSTEIN'

Rated PG-13 for violent content, bloody images, sexual material, language, sexual assault, teen drinking and drug content.

What it’s about: A spin on the Frankenstein myth finds a teenage misfit falling for a reanimated hunk.

The kid attractor factor: Teens will be drawn to the style, material and stars.

Good lessons/...Read more

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Why youth sports drive parents crazy and 10 more lessons from a mom who's been through it

Parents / Parenting News /

This column is the second installment in a series on parenting children in the final years of high school, "Emptying the Nest."

A while back, I sat in the aggressive discomfort of the bleachers at my youngest daughter's high school basketball game and vibrated with rage. After nearly 20 years of watching my children play youth sports, I thought...Read more

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Family guide to new movie releases

Parents / Parenting News /

'ARGYLLE'

Rated PG-13 for strong violence and action and some strong language.

What it’s about: An anxious spy novelist gets swept into one of her own stories when it turns out her books are eerily prescient about real-world espionage events.

The kid attractor factor: Perhaps some appeal for teens who like silly action-comedy.

Good lessons...Read more

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Family guide to new movie releases

Parents / Parenting News /

'MILLER'S GIRL'

Rated R for sexual content, language throughout, some teen smoking and drinking.

What it’s about: A student and teacher become embroiled in an inappropriate literary affair

The kid attractor factor: This is more of an erotic adult thriller, but some younger teens might be interested in Jenna Ortega's presence.

Good lessons/...Read more

Ellen M. Banner/The Seattle Times/TNS

A play group for the kids -- but also for the parents

Parents / Parenting News /

Kaleidoscope Play and Learn group in Auburn, Washington, created by immigrants from the Marshall Islands and nonprofit Childhaven, met last Wednesday for the first time since a holiday break.

Wandering toddlers and bouncy 5-year-olds wished each other a happy new year, practiced coloring shapes and blew bubbles under the patient instruction of ...Read more

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Family guide to new movie releases

Parents / Parenting News /

'I.S.S.'

Rated R for some violence and language.

What it’s about: Russian and American crew have to navigate their shared space and relationships aboard the International Space Station after war breaks out on Earth.

The kid attractor factor: This is more of an adult thriller, not much appeal for kids.

Good lessons/bad lessons: Peace is ...Read more

Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times/TNS

California moves closer to becoming first state to ban tackle football for kids under 12

Parents / Parenting News /

The proposed bill is striking in its brevity. Sure, the single sentence is a bit rambling, but California Assembly Bill 734 leaves no doubt about its directive:

"On and after January 1, 2026, a youth sports organization that conducts a tackle football program, or a youth tackle football league, shall not allow a person younger than 12 years of ...Read more

Jojo Whilden/Paramount Pictures/TNS

Family guide to new movie releases

Parents / Parenting News /

'MEAN GIRLS'

Rated PG-13 for sexual material, strong language, and teen drinking.

What it’s about: An adaptation of the musical based on the 2004 high school comedy.

The kid attractor factor: Teens and kids will go gaga for the high school setting and musical factor.

Good lessons/bad lessons: Don't be Regina George, just be yourself.

...Read more

Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun-Sentinel/TNS

Florida may pass laws to protect kids from online porn, social media

Parents / Parenting News /

Florida lawmakers are considering new laws that aim to keep children away from sexually explicit websites and harmful social media posts, joining a movement gaining momentum in state capitals across the country.

One proposal (HB 1) would restrict access to social media platforms for anyone under age 16. Another measure (HB 3) would require ...Read more

Steak bites man, a meaty tale of brotherly love

Parents / Parenting News /

LOS ANGELES — When man bites steak, nobody cares. But when a steak bites back (in a manner of speaking) the world pauses, as it should, to take notice.

That's essentially what happened when a Northern California man died in early December — a demise that his brother archly and elegantly recounted in an obituary published in The Times.

"...Read more

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US child care costs at $40,000 force parents to get second jobs

Parents / Parenting News /

A dramatic increase in child care costs since the pandemic is forcing parents to find new ways of making ends meet, from working part time at a daycare for a discount to driving for a ride-share service on weekends.

In a sign of how extraordinary the financial pressure has become — at a time when housing, groceries and other everyday items ...Read more