Safe kids

Keep them that way: Even street-smart kids need a bit of help from you now and then. Get help at Raising Safe Kids in an Unsafe World, a class sponsored by the Alan R. Mack Parents Center of Jewish Family Service. You'll learn to assess your child's understanding of safety issues and teach him how to be safe in uncertain situations.

The program is being offered this summer in the community room at two Panera Bread locations: 6-8 p.m. June 16 in Hyde Park Plaza, 3806 Paxton Ave., and 6-8 p.m. Aug. 16 in Tri-County, 405 E. Kemper Road. Details, 766-3323.

Golf buddy

For swinging dads: The American Cancer Society has a great gift in mind for dads this Father's Day. If pop's a putter, get him a Golf Pass that lets him play some of the best courses in Kentucky for free or at a reduced rate. The pass is $35, and proceeds benefit the society's research, education, advocacy and patient programs in the community.

To order, call (800) ACS-2345 or purchase online at www.cancer.org.

Love fest

Deal makers: It's two-for-one time at Candlelight Singles. Bring a friend of the opposite sex to an event in June, July or August and get one free registration. Next up is a dinner 7-11 p.m. June 26 at the White House Inn. If weather permits, you'll enjoy cocktails outside first, then dinner inside with other singles in your age group. Cost is $35, plus dinner. Details, 761-6201 or (800) 431-2411, or www.candlelightsingles.com.

Baby talk

The new Dr. Spock: Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care (Pocket Books; $18), the book that helped shape parenting practices for half a century, has been updated for a new generation.

Due out in June, the book includes advice from the late Benjamin Spock, along with tips from Robert Needlman, an Ohio pediatrician who shares Spock's philosophies. Updated topics include breast-feeding for working moms, talking with kids about terrorism, gay and lesbian parents and attention deficit disorder.

Pace yourself

Dealing with dawdlers: Does your child take her sweet time getting things done? Some advice from Elizabeth Crary, author of 365 Wacky, Wonderful Ways to Get Your Children to Do What You Want (Parenting Press; $9.95):

• Limit distractions. Put her shoes or jacket in the hall, away from toys or television, and ask her to put them on there.

• If there is a certain task that she tends to dawdle over, consider making it routine to complete it at a similar time of day, such as before story time.

• Offer a reward: "I'll set the timer for 15 minutes. If you can get your clothes on before the bell rings, then we can stop for ice cream before the library."