Parental guidance, Kids’ Calendar

PARENTAL GUIDANCE

By now, the living room is probably strewn with wrapping paper and ribbon, and another Christmas is in the books. Did everything go as you wished? Did you spend hours seeking out that “gotta have it” toy on your child’s list only to have them get bored with it after 10 minutes?

Now’s your chance to vent. Share your holiday war stories on the “Time to decompress” thread on the Parents’ Council blog: spokesmanreview.com/blogs/parents. The blog is a place for parents (and nonparents) to share advice and resources on raising a family in the Inland Northwest. And we’d like to hear from you.

KIDS’ CALENDAR

Christmas at Valley Bowl: Free bowling and food, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. today. Enjoy spaghetti, meatballs, salad, rolls, drinks and goodies. No reservations necessary. 8005 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley. Call (509) 926-6245 or (509) 953-5810 for more information.

Youth Book Group: For ages 8-12. Discussion on “Mr. Popper’s Penguins.” Saturday at 2 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. in Spokane. Call (509) 838-0206 or go to www.auntiesbooks.com for more information.

Kids Night Out 2007: Free events in conjunction with First Night Spokane. Three stages of fun with hands-on activities including hat making, Chinese yo-yos, origami, boomerangs, flag pins, masks, crowns, drums, face painting, balloon sculptures, meet Ronald McDonald and more. Kids 10 and under get in free with adult wearing a First Night button ($12/advance, $14 at the door). Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. Call (509) 252-5027 or go to www.firstnightspokane.org for more information.

More events: A list of family friendly activities is posted daily at spokesmanreview.com/blogs/parents. For other events, search our database at spokane7.com/events.