Photo by JayGirlsMom

The Baby Einstein debate, and Disney's refund — you've probably heard a lot of talking about babies and kids and the "big bad TV" lately.

Well, here's an interesting perspective from Julia Pimsleur Levine. Julia actually makes an educational DVD series for tots, but she's also a mom. And she makes a very valid point about the importance of promoting media literacy rather than "demonizing" the television altogether.

When it comes to toddlers watching TV, it doesn't have to be all or nothing, does it?

Photo by Christy.Cab

"Little boys in ballet/tap?" asks CafeMom hanksmom0207 in the Advice for Moms group. "Is that okay for little boys?"

I'm probably about as "pro" boys in dance classes as they come, but I'd love to hear what you have to say.

Photo by jagrus

According to new findings released by Nielsen, kids ages 2 to 5 watch television for more than 32 hours a week on average (6- to 11-year old watch more than 28 hours' worth!). 

Wow, I'm a friend of TV and not even remotely an advocate for television-free parenting, and I find this pretty shocking.

I do love a cardboard playhouse (not an $89 cardboard playhouse, mind you...), and this new Color Me House and Color Me Rocket can turn into hours and hours of good creative fun for toddlers. Plus, it's low impact on the planet when they're done...

Photo by Mommi229

Pumpkin patches don't do much for me, just as I'm no real fan of pumpkin carving. I can make the family cider at home, get them apple donuts to go, and never go on another hayride for as long as I live.

However, I know many moms really LOVE taking their kids to the pumpkin patch every year. I mean, just look at all the pumpkin patch photos already uploaded on CafeMom!

Photo from Cafe Sheri; Little Hero Cape from Mahar Drygoods

This little initial superhero cape is not a Halloween costume idea (although it certainly could be and might be if I don't get my act together LOL) but more a fun idea for every day play.

Photo from ohdeedoh

Love this simple DIY spider web-making activity game — found via ohdeedoh — and easily homemade with a piece of wood, a few nails, and some string. The little yarn spider is a fun addition too.

In her recent post Thanks to Popeye, CafeMom orchid404 condemns Popeye for his violent tendencies and smoking and hails him for his spinach pushing. Her son always asks for spinach after he sees an episode of Popeye.

Yep, kids tv shows are teaching our kids a thing or two, but when do the bad habits they teach override the good habits? Where do you draw the line?

Letter practice worksheet from handwritingworksheets.com

"My mom is on CafeMom again" made at handwritingworksheets.com

Found this awesome website handwritingworksheets.com (via Amy), where you can make customizable (and free!) letter-tracing and handwriting practice sheets.

Aren't they fun?