You can't sit with us

I had found this image on Facebook and it really struck a nerve. So I showed it to Nugget. Even though she is only in 2nd grade she has dealt with "mean girls". I told her that if someone says they don't want to play with you, you tell them you don't want to play with them anyway. 

I am glad she now has a small group of friends at school so the appeal of trying to be one of the cool girls has lost its appeal. While I was at the At Home Dad convention I went to a seminar about Dads with Daughters and found that other dads were dealing with their daughters being excluded as well.   

The only thing we can do is teach our daughters to be confident. To feel they are worthy. And to know they are loved. 

Things to do with kids in Ridgewood: Dollar Movies at Atlas Park

Like in past summers, Regal Cinemas is offering dollar movies for kids. This year's collection of G and PG rated films can be conveniently enjoyed by kids in Ridgewood at the Regal Cinema at Atlas Park for only $1.

Are you going to see this years huge blockbuster kids movies? No. But there is a great selection of movies that are playing at 10am on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Both movies play on both days.  It is a great way to beat the heat or even an inexpensive way to get your little ones used to being in a movie theater.

The theaters can get a little crowded, especially if a camp group shows up. So I would suggest getting there a little early. Give yourself time to grab some soda and popcorn (breakfast of champions) and find some good seats. Remember a room full of 200 kids is going to be noisy. 

Highlights this summer include The Lego Movie and How to Train Your Dragon 2.

Tue July 7 & Wed July 8

• Earth to Echo
• Boxtrolls

Tue July 14 & Wed July 15

• Paddington
• Turbo

Tue July 21 & Wed July 22

• Rio 2
• How To Train Your Dragon 2

Tue July 28 & Wed July 29

• Mr. Peabody
• Book of Life

Tue August 4 & Wed August 5

• Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb
• Penguins of Madagascar

Tue August 11 & Wed August 12

• Madagascar 3
• Dolphin Tale 2

Tue August 18 & Wed August 19

• Muppets, Most Wanted
• Alexander and the Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Tue August 25 & Wed August 26

• The Lego Movie
• The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water

Things to do in Ridgewood with your kids: Dry Harbor Playground

The Greater Ridgewood Area in Queens is filled with parks and playgrounds which makes entertaining young kids in the 11385 really easy and fun.

Dry Harbor playground (part of Forest Park) is one of the gems. While its not very large it is surrounded by trees so there is plenty of shade for parents to keep cool while the little ones frolic.The playground which has two sets of swings (totally in the shade), also has two climbing structures including a pirate ship which is fitting for its nautical name. 

There is a splash area with several cement spheres that spray out water. Is it the most inspired water feature? No. But kids will get plenty wet on a sunny day. Just watch out if you are on the adjacent benches, a well aimed breeze will send a spray of water your way. 

The park which has bathrooms, is located on Myrtle Ave and 80th street and is easily accessed by the Q55 bus.