_NEWSLETTER_

The art always ends up on their clothes instead of the paper, so why not make it intentional?

Ralph Lauren’s logo has recently graced the Olympics and the US Open, so why not emblazon your kid with the Paint Your Polo Kit. A signature white shirt comes with brightly colored paints, brushes and stamps to create your own one-of-a-kind. The proceeds go the Pink Pony Fund benefiting Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center’s Pediatric Art Program, so you won’t feel guilty stocking up for birthday parties, too.

And maybe you’ve got the next great American designer on your hands.

Available at ralphlauren.com.

Although Gossip Girl is your biggest guilty pleasure, it also represents one of your biggest fears — that your kids could end up like those bed-hopping, text-happy teens.

Diane E. Levin, Ph.D., and Jean Kilbourne, Ed.D. (of award-winning Killing Us Softly) are the authors of So Sexy So Soon: The New Sexualized Childhood And What Parents Can Do To Protect Their Kids. Below are their tips for managing media in your family and counteracting inappropriate messages about sex in today’s 24/7 media world.

Logo a No-Go: Make your house as unmedia and unlogo-focused as possible.

Get Unplugged: Avoid electronic toys linked to marketing. No televisions or computers in kids’ bedrooms.

Be Realistic: It’s not practical to protect kids from all forms of media all the time, so moderate their media interaction. Limit screen time — this teaches kids to self-regulate. Remember, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for kids under the age of 2.

Just Deal: If you and your child see a movie trailer that’s far more sexually charged than the PG film you’re about to see, talk about it. Ask her why she liked the trailer. Tell her that just because there’s, say, a pretty girl in the movie, doesn’t mean it’s age-appropriate.

Stay Connected: Communicate with your kids. You want them to feel it’s helpful to talk to you, especially as they get older. So, if your darling Madison sees a nail polish commercial and mentions that her BFF is allowed to paint her tootsies, have a give-and-take conversation about it. Include, “It’s fun to put on nail polish, but we don’t do it in our house yet.”

Play the Field: Encourage open-ended play — dolls, blocks, art supplies, dress-up, storytelling — because it promotes imagination, socialization and problem solving. Keep in mind that online communities such as Club Penguin and Webkinz can be isolating and are about virtual lives instead of real world experience.

Gender Bender: Expose kids to a broad range of activities and try to avoid stereotypes. Teach kids that boys and girls can be friends, not just boyfriend and girlfriend.

Available online at amazon.com.

Your friends have shared their must-haves, and the salesperson at your local megastore gave you a checklist. Still, with all the choices out there you have no idea where to begin when it comes to buying baby gear.

Look no further: Giggle’s new Guide to Baby Gear gives the 411 on everything you need for a newborn, infant and toddler, from carriers and cribs to sun protection and smoke detectors. Written by founder Ali Wing, the guidebook offers the easy-to-follow and fun-to-read advice that’s made this hip baby shop a favorite resource.

The choice is yours.

Available at giggle.com.

With the Democratic National Convention in full gear, you want to get your kid in the appropriate blue-state attire.

Nothing says “yes we can” like Black Wagon’s “Golden Rule” Barack Obama tee. Even though they’re too young to rock the vote, little politicos can show their support for the dems in Denver.

Coming soon, in time for the RNC: McCain blankies.

Available at blackwagon.com.

When it comes to parenting, you’re more of the old-school “do it or else” variety.

Even so, Tooth Tunes (gently) encourages kids to keep brushing without resorting to bribery or begging. The Junior design is suited for little hands and teeth, and plays one minute of a preschool-appropriate song from say, The Lion King or Jungle Book (older kids will dig tunes from High School Musical and Hannah Montana).

And once again, you will have won the battle.

Available at hasbrotoyshop.com.

Combining cultures is important to your globe-trotting, multi-national family.

Bacche (”children” in Hindi) is a fusion of Indian culture and American design, with an organic cotton kids’ line inspired by gardens, music, bustling cities and natural beauty. Tees, yoga pants, leggings and the like (all in a vibrant Asian-inspired color palette) are simple, serene and of course, eco-friendly.

Namaste.

Visit bacche.com.

Are you a helicopter parent? Of course not — but maybe you have a “friend” who is. Pass along these tips on making a smooth transition back to school, courtesy of Ken Haller, M.D., associate professor of pediatrics at Saint Louis University School of Medicine.

1. Encourage your children to discuss their problems, but let them come up with their own solutions. Problem solving is a great way for children to learn and grow.

2. Steer clear of battles such as disputing your child’s grades, discipline, placement on a team or squabbles with friends. Instead, enable your child to properly deal with his problems by asking him what should be done and offering possible solutions.

3. During homework time, be available to answer questions and clarify instructions. Avoid giving the answers or doing the work yourself, even if the assignment seems too difficult. Remember your job is to create a situation where your child can succeed. Provide the necessary supplies, create a quiet and well-lit study area and set aside time for homework.

4. Respect teachers’ schedules by making appointments and using e-mail. Your child’s teacher will be happy to meet with you, but she also needs time to teach and prepare for class. If you want to be involved, ask your child’s teacher how you can contribute to the classroom.

5. Teach your child to respect the authority of teachers and coaches. While it’s OK to question teachers and coaches, do not bad mouth them, break their rules or make excuses for your child.

6. Hold your children accountable and let them suffer the consequences of their actions. Especially by middle school, it is important to make your child responsible for studying, bringing homework home and turning in assignments.

7. If you’re concerned that your child is the victim or bullies or peer pressure, discuss your concerns with your child. Brainstorm appropriate responses, but try not to interfere at school unless your child is in danger.

8. Remember that your job is to prepare your child to be a responsible and capable adult, so decrease your involvement over time and let your child live his or her own life.

After visiting your friend’s fab beach house, you — and your kids — want your own awe-inspiring abode.

Luckily, Barbara Butler builds elaborate play structures grand enough for such highbrow taste. The kids certainly won’t complain if you’re able to spring for one of the enchanted backyard treehouses (think Swiss Family Robinson), play forts (good enough for Robin Hood) and miniature houses (who needs a summer home when you’ve got Kitty Kat Cottage?).

That’s a big if — some of the pretend homes may cost more than your duplex. But just like the beach house, it’s nice to look.

Visit barbarabutler.com.

You burned all photographic evidence back in the ’90s, but you did actually go through a Goth phase. Black nail polish was your thing — and you’ve never completely recovered.

Give a shout out to your inner punk with MamaSan Maternity. The rocker-inspired collection features black skirts, strapless tops and dresses, highlighted with embroidery of skull and crossbones, pin-up girls and cherries. It’s just edgy enough to wear over a baby bump.

Rock on.

Available at mamasanmaternity.com.

Wouldn’t it be great if you could get your little girl’s back-to-school (or, back-to-preschool) clothes in one place — without the crowds and toddler meltdowns?

You won’t find spiral notebooks and crayons, but online shop Emma & Avery has got enough designer duds to last the season. Velvet polka dot dresses, cashmere sweaters and ballerina flats from the likes of Baby CZ, Dominique Rouzier and Buzz Buzz Tweet Tweet are sweet enough for special occassions, too.

But what’s more special than her first day of school?

Available at emma-avery.com.