Elementary

My five-year-old daughter thinks typing on my BlackBerry while in line at the store is a treat. She is no different than the other children of the world that delight in learning new things or testing out electronics — except for the fact that she has access to them on a daily basis. One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) is an organization that puts educational tools into the hands of youngsters that need them from little girls in Afghanistan to poverty stricken elementary school students in Alabama. The Massachusetts nonprofit is committed to distributing durable, $199 solar-powered "XO laptops" to financially disadvantaged children. Check out their site for ways to contribute to this timely cause.

Valentine's Day offers little girls the chance to be pretty in pink and make use of all things glittery and decorated with hearts. If you have a girly girl, make use of her sparkly shoes, ballet tights, and brightly colored dresses, skirts, and tees by creating a special outfit for the Friday before Valentine's Day. Better to be dressed up in style than to not be prepared — Valentine's Day is the new Halloween.

For additional pretty in pink Valentine's Day looks for girls, read more

Know a little ballerina girl who would wear her tutu around the clock if you let her? The TuTu Cute Swimsuit ($58) means she can practice her arabesque, plié and port de bras in the bath, at the beach or around the house without ruining her precious ballet class gear.

The swimsuit has a ruffly tulle skirt, sweep netting on the bodice and tiny flower embellishments. She'll be the Prima Donna of any pool.

What do you get when you combine the playtime practicality of sneakers and the all-time favorite look of glittery girly shoes? Why, Glitter Chuck Taylors, of course!

They may not be as party-worthy as Suri Cruise's glittery gold flats, but sneakers are always the right choice for long walks. The comfy style is available for baby through lil kid sizes for $35 to $40.

They say kids grow up fast, but Ty, the toy company famous for making Beanie Babies, has given Malia and Sasha Obama a lil push. The manufacturer is now marketing dolls in the supposed likeness of the 7- and 10-year-old first daughters. Only instead of capturing their classy and age-appropriate essence, the young ladies were made to look like identical teenagers. What's your opinion — would you buy these for your child?

My husband and I were at the park over the weekend watching our kids climb on a pirate ship structure when I overheard a couple of other parents chatting. Their daughter who looked to be about six or seven was complaining about a little boy bugging her. Her father said something about the other child being smaller and then advised, "Give him three warnings and then use martial arts." While it's clear that this daddy didn't want his daughter getting bullied, is it appropriate to advocate a physical solution...on a younger child? Some moms and pops tell their tots to steer clear of troublemakers and others ask that their wee ones try and resolve sandbox issues themselves before telling an adult. What advice do you give your child?

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The kindergartens of North Carolina's Murrayville Elementary practiced a rendition of "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" in music class to prep for a PTA holiday performance until one mother objected to what she thought were religious overtones in it. The woman felt the words "Santa" and "Christmas" in the lyrics should not be taught in public school and petitioned that the song be removed from the program. The school board ruled that it was an appropriate tune and allowed the children to perform it. What's your opinion?