Today

Totally cool, totally extreme: Sports Illustrated for Kids magazine is sponsoring live aerial bike and skateboard shows featuring stars Joe Tecca, Mike Parenti, Ruben Castillo and Brett Roper 1, 3 and 5 p.m. today at Paramount's Kings Island. There also will be exhibit tents, autograph sessions and free giveaways.

Organizers of the No Limits Road trip, which began July 2, say performances will be of the same caliber seen at the Gravity Games or X Games. Shows are free with regular park admission, $39.95 for adults, $29.99 for children. Details: (847) 249-2133.

Family time

Give peace a chance: The newly formed Chorus of Young Peacemakers will perform "Come Join the Circle" Concert 3 p.m. July 27 at the Cincinnati Mennonite Fellowship, 4229 Brownway Ave., Oakley. A freewill offering will be taken.

Proceeds benefit Moms and Dads for Peace, a group striving to create circles of peace within the family and community. The group meets the first Saturday of each month. New members welcome. Details: 579-8547; e-mail elimarie@insightbb.com.

Stay for dessert: Dinnertime rituals are key to building bonds and defining relationships, says author and traditions expert Meg Cox. Her book , The Book of New Family Traditions: How to Create Great Rituals for Holidays and Everyday (Running Press; $12.95), is loaded with tips to get the group to the table. Among them:

• Fingers only. Make dinnertime fun - every now and then, serve a meal that requires no utensils. Everyone wears a bib and can eat only with their hands.

• Kids' choice. Let children select the meal one night a week. Making the decision can be both fun and empowering for a child

Hey, girlfriends

Call it Ya-ya syndrome: They're not blood, but they almost could be. If you're a woman lucky enough to have friends you call on when times are good and equally often when times are bad, you're part of an elite sorority. You're a girlfriend.

We'd like to hear about your special relationship, whether it's with one other woman or a whole group of them - how you met, how long you've known one another, what binds you together. Drop us an e-mail with your name and phone number to blowell@enquirer.com, or call 768-8380.

Math matters

Do your homework: Many parents struggle to decide whether mom or dad should stay home with the children. Financial experts with ABCNews.com say that if the second income is less than $30,000 per year, it might make more sense for that parent to stay home.

If you assume a federal income tax rate of 27 percent, $8,100 of a $30,000 paycheck will go to the federal government. Factor in expenses such as child care, work clothes, restaurant meals, gas, parking and home repairs - and your net income is minimal.

Send items for On the Fridge to Barbara Lowell at blowell@enquirer.comor call 768-8380.