Parking Fears Unparalleled

Mon., June 7, 1999

Tina Carey Correspondent

Recently I was watching a car with one of those huge signs that says, “Student Driver.”

The kid looked nervous, and it made me remember when I was learning to drive.

My father, being the police officer and strict driving dad that he was, was sure he could teach me how to parallel park.

The event was tearful as my neighbors joyfully all came out of their lairs to watch the spectacular event in the street.

How embarrassing.

And, needless to say, I still drive around looking for a spot to pull straight into.

Coping with your young drivers. Cars.com has released a new guide to help parents with the key issues surrounding young drivers. “Young Drivers: A Guide for Parents” provides information on selecting a car, financing, insurance concerns and safety and preparation. For more information or to see the guide, go to www.cars.com.

Baby and Kids Expo ‘99 coming. Parents and parents-to-be are invited to attend the free Baby and Kids Expo ‘99 on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Burlington Coat Factory in downtown Spokane. Co-sponsored by The Birth Place at Sacred Heart Hospital, the expo will feature local and national exhibitors, products, information and prize giveaways.

Support Montessori education. Local author Michael Gurian is speaking at a benefit to raise money for scholarships for students to attend Montessori programs. Gurian, author of “The Wonder of Boys” and “A Fine Young Man” will speak Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Valley DoubleTree Hotel. Tickets are $10 and are available at The Children’s Corner Bookshop, Auntie’s Bookstore, Whiz Kids or by calling (888) 564-9556.

Bicycle safety fun. Go ahead. Draw on your bicycle helmet. Crayola and Bell Sports are encouraging kids to wear helmets by creating a new Design-Your-Own Bicycle Helmet kit. The kit, designed to make safety fun, comes with one Bell CPSC certified bicycle helmet for children ages 5 to 8, four Crayola Dry Erase Markers and two pattern stencils. It is available in toy and sporting goods stores for $19.99.

Creative art contest for kids. Drawings on the refrigerator door, magic marker on the wall, little surprises in your favorite book. Sound familiar? Kids love to express themselves. Bonus.com has a creative outlet for parents’ pint-sized Picassos. The site launched its first “Create a Cover Story” contest, a nationwide invitation for kids to demonstrate their artistic talents. Entries are accepted through June 15. To enter, go to www.bonus.com.

Come together. Kraft foods is looking for moms who find unique ways to make mealtime a special family gathering.

The cheese giant will pick six moms to become members of the Kraft Kitchens M.O.M. Council. In addition, they will receive a new computer, Internet access for a year, $2,500 cash and custom meal planning ideas from Kraft. To nominate a mom, write an essay of no more than 200 words answering the question, “What does Mom do that makes connecting with family at mealtime special and fun?” Send nominations to: Kraft Kitchens Search for M.O.M, P.O. Box 643227, Chicago, IL 60664-3227. Entries must be received by July 10.

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