Big Apple Parent January 2019 by City Guide NY

BigApple igApple Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM JANUARY 2019

STEM

STE AM Why art was added to science, technology, engineering, and math •

Plus, find schools, tutors, academic enrichment, and more!

•

NEW: Read about schools’ highlighted programs

Is It Time to Move? Real-estate experts and parents weigh in

5 Reasons It’s Okay to Be a ‘Lazy Parent’ HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

BigAppleParent

At The Little Gym, we complement the traditional school experience with unique classes that revolve around active play. Our students are encouraged to jump, ﬂip, and swing their way towards increased health, focus, knowledge, and happiness. Big Discoveries at The Little Gym. Find your kid's happy place with an Introductory Experience!

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contents table of

january 2019

education 16 Full STEAM Ahead 20 Education Directory 22 Highlighted Programs

Family Fun a Ride Away

Things to do and shows to see this month a train ride away.

What Your Teen Really Needs From You

Where There’s a Will

Ten things your teen is still relying on you for, despite her newfound independence.

Having a plan in place will protect your children and prepare them for the future.

raising kids

things to do

family life

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 5 Reasons It’s Okay to Be a Lazy Parent 11 A Healthy Obsession 12 5 Tips to Hire the Right Nanny for Your Family 14 Independent School Spotlight 23 Open Houses 36 What Your Teen Really Needs From You 38 Ready, Set, Sibling! 43 Professional Services 44 Meet the Director 45 Advertiser’s Index 45 Party Planner 46 Stuff We Like

24 Family Fun a Ride Away

34 Where There’s a Will

25 Family Activities Calendar

40 Are You Ready to Move?

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› 10 5 Reasons It’s Okay to Be a ‘Lazy Parent’ 16 STEM --> STEAM 40 Is It Time to Move? facebook.com/nymetroparents

@NYMetroParents Visit NYMETROPARENTS.COM for family activities updated daily and more than 2,000 parenting articles!

G I B

S E R M E A H E T R R A D T S

YOUTH CLASSES BEGIN JANUARY 21. 13 Sports To Choose From. Register Today!

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BigAppleParent 12/12/18 11:21 AM5

raising kids editor’s note

JANUARY 2019 • Vol.33 • No.12

NYMetroParents

New Year, New Resolutions

nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Katelin Walling ASSISTANT EDITORS: Anja Webb, Melissa Wickes DIRECTOR OF CONTENT: Deborah Skolnik

appy New Year! For many of us, January means turning over a new leaf (or at least trying!). We make resolutions we promise ourselves we will keep only to let our family take priority. It’s only natural; after all, you want to make the best decisions for your kids, from finding fun and exciting things to do with your children any day of the month to selecting the right camps, health care providers, schools, or after-school activities for your brood. We here at Big Apple Parent are here to help find just what you’re looking for and make better decisions for your family! Ensuring our kids get a great education is always a priority, so we’re also here to tell you about a big trend in more and more schools: Art is being added to STEM studies. In “Full STEAM Ahead” by Madeleine Burry (p. 16), you’ll find six reasons schools are embracing art as part of science, technology, engineering, and math education. And turn to our Education Directory on p. 20 to find a school, academic enrichment program, or tutor for your child to kick the new semester off on a great start. If you’re expecting a second child, you’ll want to make sure your first-born is fully prepared. In “Ready, Set, Sibling!” (p. 38), Denise Porretto shares tips on everything, from sharing the news to post-birth bonding. Speaking of growing your family: The size of your home or where you live may soon become a hot-button topic, so check out “Are You Ready to Move?” by Lambeth Hochwald (p. 40). Are you the parent of a teen? Once upon a time, you were your teen’s social director, homework-helper, and more, but most of those roles have been phased out. While it may seem like your oh-so-grown-up child needs you less, she actually still needs a lot from you. Read Deborah Skolnik’s “What Your Teen Really Needs from You” (pg. 36) for 10 reasons you shouldn’t keep your distance. Go ahead, give your teen a hug—just maybe not in public. Another thing that should be a priority? Take time to establish a will (see p. 34 for willwriting advice). While no one wants to think about the unimaginable, having a plan in place will protect your children should something happen to you and your partner. From our family—me, Melissa, Anja, Alice, Whitney, and Debbie—to yours, we wish you all a happy, healthy New Year!

Katelin Walling Editorial Director Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke EDITORIAL INTERN: Megan Vasquez

ADVERTISING SALES

Big Apple Parent 212-315-0800 Jeunesse Jackson, Manager Lauren Alperin Meirowitz, Managing Director Queens Parent 718-878-4860 Annene Guertin, Manager Westchester Parent 914-397-0200 Nini DeLuca, Manager Merrill Sugarman Brooklyn Parent 718-878-4860 Phyllis Crupi, Selene Rodriguez Rockland Parent 845-848-8021 Cara Roteman, Jim Russo Long Island Parent, Nassau 516-883-4543 Joan Bergman, Manager Lisa Herlihy Long Island Parent, Suffolk 631-472-5437 Karen Shapiro, Gayle Sherman To Advertise: nympads@davlermedia.com To Submit Events: nymetroparents.com/submitevents To Submit News: nymetroparents.com/submitnews

STATEN ISLAND PARENT

EDITOR/PUBLISHER: Roselle Farina-Hecht 718-494-1932

MOMMYBITES

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Lauren Alperin Meirowitz 646-736-3609

OPERATIONS

DIR. OF OPERATIONS -- EVENTS: Rebecca Stolcz DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Ray Winn OPERATIONS COORDINATORS: Elvins Cruz, Leonard Porter DIRECTOR OF TRAFFIC: Heather Gambaro MARKETING SERVICES MANAGER: Erin Jordan

PRODUCTION

DIRECTOR|PUBLISHING MANAGEMENT: Anthony Diaz DIRECTOR|DIGITAL CONTENT: Silvia Balu

Keep in Touch: @nymetroparents nymetroparents.com editor@nymetroparents.com

CALENDARS CALENDAR COORDINATOR: Whitney C. Harris EVENT RESEARCHERS: Rochelle Dorset, Shara Levine

MARKETING

MARKETING DIRECTOR: Ryan Christopher ASSISTANT MARKETING MANGER: Kristine Pulaski

FINANCE

CONTROLLER: David Friedman CREDIT ASSISTANT: Rosa Meinhofer

Davler Media Group

Tell Us How You Give Back! In this season of showing gratitude and giving, we want hear how you help those who are less fortunate. Does your family volunteer on a regular basis? Do your kids raise money for a charity? Does your business give back to the community? Share your story of giving back with us, and we’ll share it with our readers on NYMetroParents.com. We’ll help you to raise the visibility of your cause and let others know how they can get involved. Sharing your story couldn’t be easier: Simply fill out the form at nymetroparents.com/submitnews. We look forward to hearing from you!

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At Success Academy, every student is a scholar Every one of our students is capable of scholarship, so naturally we call them scholars. Every morning, we greet each scholar so they know we look forward to the bright things theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll accomplish throughout the day ahead.

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BigAppleParent

raising kids new places, new programs Courtesy Martial Arts Family Studio

Martial Arts Studio in Soho Offers Music and Movement Classes Who: Martial Arts Family Studio What’s New: A movement class and after-school music classes, are scheduled to begin Jan. 7. The movement class is designed to keep kids ages 1-3 active. It is for children who have learned to walk and features a series of age-appropriate obstacle courses for them to explore. It occurs Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Music classes for ages newborn to 4 were added to the schedule in September 2018 and are 30 minutes long. The new after-school sessions are geared toward ages 3-6 and are 45 minutes long. Each class uses puppetry and recorded music to get children engaged in learning. Blue puppet “Lola” and her friends lead an interactive discussion about letters and other topics. Additionally, the studio’s playroom, which opened September 2018, features a baby-proof facility with a matted floor, fabric building blocks, rocking horses, and sing-along books. Want More Info: 290 Mulberry St., Soho; 646-335-5034; mafamilystudio.com.

eater

Martial Arts Family Studio’s puppet “Lola” in the studio’s new playroom.

Courtesy Galli Th

Theater in Tribeca Debuts ‘Puss in Boots’ Who: Galli Theater What’s New: Puss in Boots, which is scheduled to debut in the Spring. Puss in Boots will run March 16-17 and 23-24 at 2pm. The Galli Theater wants children who see the show to take away the message: if you really believe in something, it will become true. Galli Theater believes ‘fairytales help people to heal,’ according to Johannes Galli, founder of the theater. Every show is interactive and asks for children in the audience to help actors find clues, answer questions, and even come on stage. Galli believes fairytales deliver messages of growth and transformation and teach children to overcome challenges. Want More Info: 74 Warren St., Tribeca; 212-731-0668; galliny@gmail.com; gallitheaternyc.com.

Boots duction of Puss in Galli Theater’s pro ekends in March. will run for two we

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January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

NORD ANGLIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL NEW YORK

we will unlock your child’s imagina�on and transform their educa�on. At Nord Anglia Interna�onal School NY we prepare your child for the e Come and see how our Performing Arts are transferable skills your child can take to any subject, and help them improve their academic achievement. 44 E 2nd Street, New York , NY, 1003 - (212) 600-2010 - www.nordangliaeducation.com BigAppleParent

David Van Deman

raising kids in the know

5 Ways to ‘Not Quite Ruin Your Child’

›› By Melissa Wickes

here’s an abundance of resources—from books and magazines to Facebook and parent groups—to turn to when seeking advice on how to raise the smartest, highest-achieving, and most successful children. We all want what’s best for our kids, after all. But James Breakwell, professional comedy writer and selfproclaimed amateur father of four girls (and two pigs), suggests it’s simply a waste of time. “In the long run, we all work out to be average,” he says. “Your child would be better off if you just relax and do a little less for them, rather than stress yourself out and push them as hard as possible.” Breakwell, author of Bare Minimum Parenting: The Ultimate Guide to Not-Quite Ruining Your Child, shares advice that proves it’s okay to be a “lazy parent.” Say no to (parental) peer pressure. When the mother of a boy in your son’s Boy Scout troop makes comments about the KitKat you put in his lunch or your daughter’s field hockey coach asks why she’s not on a travel team yet (in fourth grade), it can be difficult to stick to your own parenting ways. But if every parent thinks they’re right about how to parent and you’re wrong, then everyone is wrong, according to Breakwell. “If someone tells you you’re a terrible parent, who cares,” he says. “They can’t stop you from giving your kid that candy bar. We’ve been raising kids for hundreds of thousands of years before Facebook and online forums. Don’t let parent-shaming control your decisions.” Show up sometimes, but not all the time. “Raise your kid to think they’re a member of the family, not the entire family,” Breakwell suggests. By dropping everything, leaving work, and traveling far and wide to go to every single one of your son’s lacrosse games, you’re teaching him that he’s the epicenter of the universe and he should only do things in search of your validation, not because he loves them. Instead, Breakwell suggests showing up when you can, and when you do, take him out for dinner after the game. “After all, your kids aren’t going to remember the games you weren’t at, but they will remember the one time you took them for pizza after,” he says. Speaking of sports, are you spending all of your time and money to fly around the country, pay tournament fees, and book hotels so your child can potentially get a scholarship to college and you can save money? Breakwell compares that to spending $1,000 at a claw machine for a $5 stuffed animal. “Why not take all of that money 10

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

James Breakwell (middle), author of Bare Minimum Parenting: The Ultimage Guide to Not-Quite Ruining Your Child, with his family

you’re wasting and save it for college?” Breakwell suggests. Plus, it’s likely your kid won’t become a professional sports player. Convince them they had a great childhood. When parents post pictures on Facebook, Breakwell says they’re lying to their friends. “You post your best picture, I post my best picture, and we create an echo chamber of lying where everyone thinks the other is telling the truth,” Breakwell says. “Use this to your advantage.” Due to the strange phenomenon known as childhood amnesia, kids can only remember events that occurred before age 3 when they’re little, according to Popular Science. By the time they’re 7, these early memories are almost entirely gone and what they “remember” is a product of what you tell them and the photos they see. “If they don’t remember anyway, why are we stressing out?!” Breakwell asks. “Save the pictures that frame you in a good light and tell your kid she had a happy childhood, and, when she grows up, she won’t blame you for all of her problems.” Stop worrying about preschool (and middle school, high school, college…). “Overachieving parents say that all they care about is their child getting a good education and that education is all that matters. Honestly, I don’t think education matters all that much as long as your kid somehow gets one somewhere,” Breakwell says. “Nobody has secret math. Math at one school will be the same as it is at another school even if the other school has a swimming pool and a polo field.” If a parent is saying she wants her son to go to the best school, does this mean the school that will make him the happiest and feel the most fulfilled, or is it the one that will ensure he makes the most money? Instead of focusing on getting your kid into the school with the ‘best reputation,’ focus on helping your child make the most of his education. Gently shove your child out the door. The first benchmark of successful parenting is if you raised your child to ultimately support themselves, according to Breakwell. Now, no one is suggesting your 7-year-old live off of lemonade stand money. However, when the time is right, if your child doesn’t get a job, he will certainly never leave. While every parent ideally wants to encourage his child to follow her dreams of becoming a freelance traveling poet, money does ultimately matter. If she’s not making any, it’s coming from you. While you don’t have to explicitly discourage your child from choosing a “fun but impoverishing career,” it can’t hurt to not encourage her to choose a career that will lead to her living in your basement.

Courtesy Christopher Dale

raising kids voices

A Healthy Obsession ››

My son is my best reason yet to learn to limit my OCD behaviors. By Christopher Dale

did not hit the genetic lottery. Depression, anxiety, and addiction run in my family, and in early adulthood I battled all three. Fortunately, a combination of psychiatry, medication, and Alcoholics Anonymous have made my 30s far better than my 20s. I got well—or at least well enough—just in time to salvage my marriage and become a father. Now, as my toddler marches steadily toward constant cognizance— into remembering and mimicking his parents’ mannerisms—I feel urgency to address another diagnosis, one less dangerous but nonetheless a source of angst and alienation. I want to overcome my obsessive-compulsive disorder—before it affects my son. At its root, OCD is a fear-based mental illness. It involves counterproductive efforts to maintain a sense of safety when feeling threatened or at risk. A telltale peculiarity is the actions taken to offset these uneasy feelings are completely unassociated with the perceived threats. For example, my OCD might compel me to mitigate fear of failing at work by adjusting a framed photo in the bedroom. Thus commences a cycle where, contrary to intentions, the safety-seeking actions actually lead to worsening anxiety. It’s the feeling of hopelessness attached to knowing that what you’re doing is patently illogical…and being incapable of doing anything about it. Though no specific gene has been pinpointed, research indicates OCD runs in families. Those with a parent or sibling with OCD have a higher risk of developing it. Experts also believe environmental factors can cause OCD tendencies to develop—a “monkey see, monkey do” effect. In other words, the more my son, Nicholas, sees my OCD-mandated movements, the more likely he is to develop his own. I got off lightly compared to many others with OCD, as my obsessive thoughts and routines aren’t extreme or dangerous. I’m compelled to rigidly arrange my shoes, and often fail to flick a light switch per my compulsion’s inexplicable ideal, leading to multiple repeats. I do this pinching thing with my hands (the pressure quells my OCD), and, stereotypically, I’m uneasy stepping on sidewalk cracks. I also fight the urge to grind my teeth—often unsuccessfully, considering my dental records. These bodily compulsions are particularly burdensome since, unlike shoes and light switches, I can’t just walk away from my teeth. Constant triggers require constant vigilance. And though it hasn’t impacted my career, relationships, or other big-ticket items, my OCD is still a significant source of alienation,

The author with his son, Nicholas

humiliation, and stress. Despite this, I’ve never hit an “immediate pain vs. long-term reward” ratio sufficient to commit myself to truly overcoming my OCD. Until now. Until Nicholas. If Nicholas develops OCD via overwhelming genetics, so be it. But if nurture plays a determining role, it’s my responsibility to prevent my son from following in my pavement crack-averse footsteps. From a parenting perspective, this dilemma’s simplicity is refreshing. Even at age 2, raising Nicholas presents a spectrum of gray areas. Is he eating enough? Learning enough? Interacting enough? Answers typically fall into the “probably,” “I think so,” or “I have no idea” columns. Clear-cut cases of yes and no are elusive. Not so with this issue. It’s a must-do. In spite—or perhaps because—of this, the execution is exceptionally intimidating. So are the stakes: There is absolutely nothing in which I am more invested than my only child. For his sake, I simply cannot fail at this, and that fact is overwhelming. Sometimes I watch him at play—a carefree mind concocting universes where roaring dinosaurs and anthropomorphized trains coexist—and can’t imagine burdening that innocence with my compulsions. That my failing is even a possibility brings deep shame, and I feel guilty even though the jury is still out. The disorder’s volatility adds even more pressure. My OCD is relatively minor, but those who are not as lucky as I am can be hindered or even debilitated by it. What if Nicholas not only gets it from me, but gets it worse than me? It is with this tenuous poker hand—these imperfect cards, these unknowable variables and outcomes—that I simply have to go all in. I do this by default, as neither standing pat nor folding are viable options. My path to success is straight but uphill: Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most proven way to overcome mild-to-moderate OCD such as mine. The specific therapy is astoundingly simple, yet exceedingly difficult: exposure and response prevention, which is clinical speak for facing my triggers without acting on my fear-based physical impulses. Apparently, there’s a catch phrase to this: “Better sane than safe.” The fact that such a phrase exists is, well, kind of insane. Nevertheless, here we go. The shoe rack is about to get less tidy, the light fixtures less flickered, my teeth less clenched (and hopefully less sore). Wish me luck. It’ll be a tough road. Thankfully my son—my ultimate motivator—is riding shotgun.

Christopher Dale is a freelance writer and public relations executive who resides in Little Falls, NJ. His work has appeared in a variety of outlets, including NY Daily News, Newsday, The Daily Beast, and Parents.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ChrisDaleWriter.

BigAppleParent 11

raising kids child care

5 Tips to Hire the Right Nanny for Your Family ›› Courtesy Mommybites.com

nanny is an invaluable resource, a specialist who loves and cares for your kids in your absence. For many families, their nanny is more than just someone who works for them. Here are some important must-knows before you start the hiring process. Assess your needs. A nanny’s primary role is to oversee the well-being of your child while you are away, but before you start looking for a nanny, consider what your exact needs are. Will your nanny’s responsibilities be general (meal prep, cleaning, changing diapers, taking the kids to activities), or will he specialize in specific social or intellectual development (helping with toilet training, language development, or homework) in addition to regular duties? Be sure you are clear about what your must-haves are vs. your nice-to-haves. Determine a salary. Closely examine your budget and what you can afford when it comes to wages, as well as the employment taxes and possible worker’s compensation you need to pay. You may want to consider a part-time or nanny-share arrangement. Know where to look. You can choose to find a nanny on your own by using an online resource such as mommybites.com or reading ads online, or you can work with an agency that is experienced in match-

ing families with screened nannies. Whichever way you go, be sure to interview the candidates, so you can get a feel for their personality. Choose a living arrangement. Your nanny can either live in your home with you or she can live off-site. Before you decide which arrangement is right for your family, weigh the pros and cons of each. Know your employer responsibilities. Hiring a nanny is equal to hiring a household employee, which means you will become an employer. Understand what your responsibilities are as an employer, including how to address wages, taxes, and human resources laws. A work agreement that clearly outlines everything related to the job will help you and your nanny avoid confusion later down the road.

Mommybites’ mom-generated nanny, babysitter, and nanny-share boards have been some of the most popular child-care resources in New York City since 2006. You can ﬁnd nannies and babysitters as well as help them get new jobs. Join this community of moms and receive weekly parenting advice at mommybites.com/newyork.

Independent School Spotlight

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Independent School Spotlight

At Wetherby-Pembridge School, we inspire the individual to reach personal confidence and success with integrity, kindness, respect and manners. Nursery 3 - Grade 8.

Respect, Resilience, Responsibility Join our Spring Open Houses Please note that registration is required

Tuesday 2nd April, 9:00am - 10:30am Thursday 11th April, 6:30pm - 8:00pm Saturday 27th April, 10am - 11:30am *Private tours available by appointment

For more information: info@wetherbypembridge.org | 646-213-3400 | www.wetherbypembridge.org | 7 East 96th Street, New York

BigAppleParent 13

Courtesy Adriana Moura

raising kids independent school spotlight

’Igniting a Spark of Genius’ How an Upper West Side international school turns passions into purpose. ›› By Katelin Walling “As a parent, what I really love is to see he is always really engaged in activities, in experiences and opportunities connected with his passion [the performing arts],” says Adriana Moura about her son Bernardo Sequeira, a ninth-grader at Dwight School, a preschool to 12th grade international school that offers the International Baccalaureate curriculum. Moura credits Bernardo thriving and being engaged to Dwight School’s educational philosophy of “igniting the spark of genius in every child,” meaning the school focuses on personalized learning so the path of education for each student is tailored to his or her interests. “I believe that every student—every human being—has a spark of genius. Every student has something at which he or she excels or can excel, and it is our job as educators to inspire young people to find and pursue that passion,” says Stephen Spahn, Dwight School’s chancellor. “I know that I had the spark of genius in me, and my passion was to help students discover their own sparks. After more than 50 years at Dwight, it remains my mission to this day.” Spahn’s passion about his vision was so genuine that it, in addition to the school’s international perspective combined with a welcoming community, was ultimately why Moura says she and her husband chose Dwight School for their children when they moved to NYC from Brazil in 2015.

Bernardo Sequeira as the announcer in Dwight School’s production of Chicago in April 2018

Bernardo was in sixth grade then, and that year he participated in the middle school play. The director of the high school’s musical saw Bernardo’s performance. When one of the leads had to drop out of the musical, Bye Bye Birdie, 10 days before the performance, he asked Bernardo to fill the role. It “was a great starting point” for fulfilling his passion, Moura says. As a ninth-grader, Bernardo has been in three high school musicals, the middle school shows from sixth-eighth grades, and has performed at Carnegie Hall and Steinway Hall. “He’s so happy, he has this confidence. It’s really what the spark of genius is about. It’s really about diving into something that’s connected to your passion and joy and this does service to all the other areas,” Moura says. “And the confidence and the joy that come from his experiences are much more than I could have ever dreamed of or planned in such a short period of time.”

Independent School Spotlight

INCLUSION • DIVERSITY • EXCELLENCE • ACCEPTANCE • LEADERSHIP

The IDEAL Difference

On any given day at The IDEAL School of Manhattan, students may give a presentation on a civil rights leader; participate in a dance workshop with a national troupe; enjoy Riverside Park; program a robot; or visit the Met. IDEAL is New York’s only K-12 independent inclusion school, where we celebrate the tremendous social, emotional, and academic growth born in a diverse and nurturing educational community.

#SchoolCanBeIDEAL

Sign up for a Tuesday Talk and Tour or an Open House to learn more about IDEAL’s rigorous and differentiated program, innovative social justice curriculum, and uniquely inclusive community. LOWER SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE, Grades K-5: Wednesday, April 10, 2019, 9 AM UPPER SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE, Grades 6-12: Wednesday, April 17, 2019, 9 AM IDEAL has mid-year openings in select grade levels for qualified candidates. 14

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

www.theidealschool.org For further information, contact us at admissions@theidealschool.org or 212-769-1699.

Independent School Spotlight

WELCOME

欢迎

BIENVENIDOS

The École, formerly École Internationale de New York, is an intimate and independent French-American school located in New York’s vibrant Flatiron District that cultivates an internationally-minded community of students. From maternelle to middle school, we artfully blend the best of the French and American educational systems, gifting our students with deep academic bi-literacy, whole-child skills and knowledge, and an optimistic, multi-cultural perspective.

Open Houses in January & February:

Bilingual. Multicultural. Diverse.

Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at 8:15am Thursday, January 24, 2019 at 6pm Tuesday, February 12, 2019, at 8:15am

Teaching students the skills, confidence and compassion to contribute and thrive in today’s world. Spanish and Mandarin tracks for Pre-Nursery (age 2) - Grade 8. Accepting applications for Pre-Nursery-Grade 4.

www.ianyc.org / 212-641-0260

For more dates or to sign up for an Open House, please visit theEcole.org/admissions/open-houses

111 East 22nd Street New York, NY 10010 646.410.2238 bonjour@theEcole.org www.TheEcole.org

HOLIDAY FUN ALERT! FREE concert of bilingual children’s music with Grammy® award winner MISTER G. NOVEMBER 27th @ 6pm Email info@ianyc.org for details

BigAppleParent 15

Full STEAM Ahead

››

How the arts play an important role in your child’s science, technology, engineering, and math education By Madeleine Burry

“

’ve always loved both science and art,” says Liz Heinecke, author of several STEAM project books for children, including STEAM Lab for Kids: 52 Creative Hands-On Projects for Exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. If you think about it, she says, science and art are inseparable. But that’s not always how educators and learning experts have approached the two disciplines. Nowadays, STEAM is a common phrase. The acronym, as Heinecke’s book title suggests, stands for science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Rewind just a few years, though, and the buzzed-about term was STEM—science, technology, engineering, and math, without the arts included. And earlier still, elementary, middle, and high schools didn’t devote much time to engineering and technology, and math and science were typically taught in different classrooms, without much exploration of the interactions between the two topics. We asked experts to explain the evolution, and why it makes sense from an educational perspective.

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

How the Arts Got Top Billing

STEM was first mentioned in the 1990s, says Jackie Speake, Ed.D., STEM education consultant and author of Designing Meaningful STEM Lessons. The concept “spread like wildfire through the educational landscape,” she says. Driving STEM’s popularity were concerns that American children lack the skills required for a 21st-century workforce, from problem solving to a strong backbone of knowledge. That’s backed up by data: American students “rank around the middle of the pack” in international math and science assessments, Pew Research notes. With STEM, the focus is not primarily on knowledge—for instance, how accurately students can recite times tables or elements in the periodic table—but on the application of information, and growing problem-solving, observational, and exploratory skills. And rather than treating the four pillars as separate and distinct from each other, STEM education focuses on how they’re connected and inform each other.

So, what about that “A”? Artist and author John Maeda, former president of Rhode Island School of Art and Design, was the first champion of adding the arts to STEM and growing the acronym to STEAM. “There is great power in these fields [design and technology] taken separately, and even more when they are put together,” he wrote in a 2013 op-ed for Seattle Times. But, he went on to note, the key is to develop creative, critical-thinking skills in kindergarten through 12th-grade schools.

disciplines as separate entities within STEM,” Speake says. This isn’t due to a lack of appreciation for the arts. “STEM projects do not deliberately exclude the arts or any other subject,” she says, noting that they’re included as needed. She—and other educators and experts—have concerns that giving the arts equal weight dilutes the focus on the core STEM disciplines. STEAM advocates, on the other hand, see art’s presence as just surfacing a discipline that was already involved and integral to learning STEM topics.

Benefits of Going STEAM

Arts make STEM topics more engaging—even to kids who don’t think they like science or math. Does your child say, “I hate science” or “I’m just not good at math”? These phrases can start early but including the arts in learning can be transformative for some kids. It’s easy to find memorizing a long litany of facts and formulas unappealing, but Heinecke points out math is also a language that helps us describe the universe. If we can get kids to see math as art and beauty and nature, that changes the way they think about the world and the way they approach subjects in school,” Heinecke says.

Why add the arts to STEM? For one thing, the arts make for an inviting, easy access point to STEM topics. “Art is a great on-ramp for a lot of kids, to get them doing science, technology, engineering, and math experiments in a way that is entertaining and approachable,” Heinecke says. And that’s just one reason why it’s smart to embrace the arts within STEM. These are some others: The arts are already a vital part of science, technology, engineering, and math. No need to shoehorn in the arts when it comes to learning—or teaching—science, technology, engineering, and math. “Art and design have played a prominent role in STEM, whether it’s pointed out to people or not,” Heinecke notes. Speake agrees. “STEM lessons naturally involve art (for example, product design), language arts (communication), and social studies and history (setting the context for engineering challenges),” she says. Here’s where a schism occurs, however, between STEAM and STEM proponents: “I’m not necessarily supportive of additional

Doing hands-on projects and experiments that involve the arts solidifies a child’s understanding of concepts. Take tessellations— they’re a pattern of repeated shapes without any gaps. Think: the tiles on your kitchen backsplash or bathroom walls. Explain the concept and it’s possible kids will follow, but also possible they’ll be intimidated by the long word or struggle to find the relevance. A better option? Have kids create tessellations of their own, Heinecke suggests. This is a project in one of her books, done using candy wrappers or dried pasta as the pattern-making device. continued on next page ››

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‹‹ continued from previous page

By creating tessellations, kids see the concept in action and may be inspired to seek out other tessellations in nature (the design on the back of a turtle’s shell, for instance). Plus, the creation process is most likely more memorable than a lecture or slides. STEAM connects your child’s interests to the real world. Watch any popular cooking show (say, The Great British Baking Show, Top Chef, or MasterChef Junior) and you and your kids will see science and art, and possibly engineering and technology, in action, Heinecke points out. There’s the wizardry of sous vide cooking, the science to temper chocolate, architectural decorations, and so on. “Kids connect best with things when they can touch, see, or understand how to use it everyday life,” Heinecke says. “One great thing about adding the arts is that it’s just another way for kids to connect their interests in the real world to the STEM disciplines.” The arts show children how to be creative problem-solvers, and the value of mistakes. Amazing engineers aren’t good at their jobs because of their fast, mental arithmetic or equation-solving abilities. Those are important skills, but it’s creative approaches to problem solving that truly make the difference between a flip phone and an iPhone. “People come from all around the world to be educated in the United States because kids here learn to be creative. A big part of that is art,” Heinecke says. “Art forces you to be creative and brings you out of your shell.” And, art gives kids a place to make interesting mistakes and challenge themselves. “Our kids don’t have enough space to be creative,” she says. “Art gives kids an arena where there isn’t always a right answer.”

Art reduces STEM’s intimidation factor—and helps raise informed children. In day-to-day life as grown-ups, even if we work in fields and industries far removed from STEM, we need to have a basic understanding of the topics involved. “Not every kid has to be a scientist or engineer, but the more you embrace the STEM disciplines, the better citizen of the world you’ll be,” Heinecke says. “The more well-informed people are as children, the more they’ll grow up to be well-informed adults.”

How Parents Can Encourage STEAM Learning

Avoid any kids’ play or building kits that do not encourage creative, independent thinking, Speake advises. “It is not STEM (or STEAM) if there is little creativity in the solving of problems,” Speake says. There’s little value to kits where each child builds the same projects, without options for individualization and exploration, she says. Heinecke’s advice is simple: “Throw some math tools in with your kids’ art supplies.” Rulers, protractors, and compasses are all fair game. And highlight the moments when disciplines overlap, Heinecke says. As your child learns about patterns and shapes, let her know this is geometry, a type of math. Ultimately, Heinecke says, a big goal is to make kids comfortable and familiar with STEM before they hit middle school. And inclusion of the arts can help, she says. “The idea is really to get kids engaged—and keep them engaged.” Madeleine Burry is a freelance writer and editor who has held staff positions at Parents.com, Scholastic, and About.com. Burry lives in Brooklyn with her husband and their cat. You can follow her on Twitter @lovelanewest.

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ECNS ETC. Does Parties! Let ECNS ETC. help you plan your child‛s birthday party. Our parties are best suited for children aged 2 to 10. From September to May, parties are available: Friday afternoons 4:00 to 5:30 Saturday and Sunday 11 to 12:30, 1:30 to 3:00 and 4:00 to 5:30. From June to August, parties are available Monday to Thursday afternoons as well. With three different packages, we‛re sure to find the perfect party for your child! For more information, please email party@ecnsnyc.org or call 212-737-2977

Epiphany Community Nursery School 510 East 74th Street • New York, NY 10021 • 212-737-2977 18

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Early Care + Education Center Our play-based & child-centered program offers: • Low staff-to-child ratio, with 3 teachers per classroom • Weekly music, movement, and art enrichment programs • Flexible full-day programs for children 12 months - 4 years • Easy access to well-maintained, safe outdoor playgrounds • Five classrooms filled with natural light • One DOE-funded Pre-K for All classroom

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Immaculate�Conception�School 419 East 13 Street, New York, NY 10009 (212) 475-2590 info@immaculateconceptionschoolnyc.org www.immaculateconceptionschoolnyc.org

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Education Academic Enrichment & Educational Services

apple seeds

10 W. 25th St. 212-792-7590 200 W. End Ave. 6 Stuyvesant Oval appleseedsplay.com apple seeds is an all-in-one children’s play space with more than 80 exciting weekly classes. Join them in art, movement, dance, and songs for seeds! Looking for a gentle introduction to school? seedlings PREP 2/3s group is the perfect start. apple seeds also has an indoor playground and party packages!

Cosmic Cubs

cosmiccubs.com support@cosmiccubs.com Cosmic Cubs apps are fun and engaging while teaching children 3 and older about the solar system and the 3 Rs, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Download Cosmic Cubs apps including Planet Puzzles, 3 Rs Puzzles, Rockitect, and Storymaker. Download Cosmic Cubs apps at the App store, Google Play, and Amazon.

Collina Italiana

1556 Third Ave. (at 87th Street), Suite 603 212-427-7770 collinaitaliana.com info@collinaitaliana.com Set on the Upper East Side, our Italian classes allow children to benefit from a comprehensive approach to learning in an age-appropriate, inviting atmosphere. Children gather to share learned words and expressions through playful, skill-building activities such as games, songs, dances, and stories. For all the bellissimi details visit collinaitaliana.com!

Huntington Learning Center

237 W. 72nd St. 212-362-0100 huntingtonhelps.com Huntington Learning Center is the premier tutoring and test prep provider for kindergarten students through 12th grade. Founded in 1977, its mission is to give every student the best education possible. The company prides itself on personalized attention and proven results with individualized programs taught by certified teachers at accredited centers.

New York City Education Consulting Colleen N. Vasey, founder/consultant

347-916-4567 nycedconsulting.com info@nycedconsulting.com Sending your child to school in NYC isn’t as easy as moving into a neighborhood and going to your zoned school. The process to find the right school can be daunting. NYC

Education Consulting has experience placing children into top preschools, high schools, and all grades in between. Let us ease the stress of finding a school. We’re with you every step of the way.

Parochial Schools

The Epiphany School

Gramercy, Murray Hill Early Childhood Center: 152 E. 29th St. 212-725-7220 Lower School: 234 E. 22nd St. 212-473-4128 Upper School: 141 E. 28th St. 212-725-7220 theepiphanyschool.org admissions@theepiphanyschool.org Serving approximately 500 students of all faiths, ages 2 through eighth grade, The Epiphany School provides a value-centered education that educates the whole child and inspires academic success. Low teacher-student ratios, bright, colorful classrooms, and outdoor play space provide students an inviting and comfortable environment to begin their educational journey.

First Presbyterian Church Nursery School 12 W. 12th St. 212-691-3432 fpcns.org First Presbyterian Church Nursery School was founded in 1952 in Greenwich Village. Our school offers a non-sectarian program, welcoming children and families of all configurations, religions, races, cultures, and economic backgrounds. FPCNS is dedicated to the development of the whole child in a warm and nurturing environment.

Mount graduates gain admission to college, including top tier universities. Special programs include Honors Program, Sports Medicine Program, and a Focus Education Program.

to facilitate cognitive growth. With a private rooftop playground, large indoor playroom, and fully equipped gym, there is plenty of room to play.

Preschools

12 W. 12th St. 212-691-3432 fpcns.org First Presbyterian Church Nursery School was founded in 1952 in Greenwich Village. Our school offers a non-sectarian program, welcoming children and families of all configurations, religions, races, cultures, and economic backgrounds. FPCNS is dedicated to the development of the whole child in a warm and nurturing environment.

Creative Steps Early Care & Education Center

4 Washington Square Village 212-982-2273 universitysettlement.org/creativesteps creativesteps@universitysettlement. org Creative Steps, a program of University Settlement, offers a nurturing and culturally-diverse community for children and families. Our child-centered, play-based program provides hands-on experiences and an opportunity for children ages 12 months-4 years to initiate and direct their own learning. Early drop-off, after-school, and summer programs available.

The École

111 E. 22nd St. 646-410-2238 theecole.org admissions@theecole.org The École, formerly École Internationale de New York, is an intimate and independent French-American school that cultivates an internationally-minded community of students. From Maternelle to middle school, we blend the best of the French and American educational systems, gifting our students with deep academic bi-literacy and an optimistic, multi-cultural perspective.

The Epiphany School

419 E. 13th St. 212-475-2590 immaculateconceptionschoolnyc.org info@immaculateconceptionschoolnyc.org Immaculate Conception School is dedicated to achieving excellence in learning. From pre-K3 and UPK, through eighth grade, we provide a caring, well-run, high-performance foundation for children of all faiths and cultures. Well-equipped classrooms offer technological innovations in learning and committed educators create a safe and inspiring environment in which to grow.

Gramercy, Murray Hill Early Childhood Center: 152 E. 29th St. 212-725-7220 Lower School: 234 E. 22nd St. 212-473-4128 Upper School: 141 E. 28th St. 212-725-7220 theepiphanyschool.org admissions@theepiphanyschool.org Early Childhood classes at The Epiphany School utilize art, music, movement, learning centers, and socialization activities to support the growth of each child’s cognitive, linguistic, physical, and social emotional skills. Low teacher-student ratios, bright, colorful classrooms, and outdoor play space provide students an inviting, comfortable environment to begin their educational journey.

Mount Saint Michael Academy

Epiphany Community Nursery School

Immaculate Conception School

Thomas Fraher, admissions director 4300 Murdock Ave., Bronx 718-515-6400 mtstmichael.org Mount Saint Michael Academy, in the tradition of the Marist Brothers, provides a rigorous, college preparatory education to young men in grades sixth-12th. 100 percent of

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

510 E. 74th St. 212-737-2977 ecnsnyc.org Since 1975, the core philosophy of ECNS centers on positive self-image, curiosity, strong educational curriculum, creativity, and independence. Bright, spacious classrooms are filled with books, toys, and manipulatives,

First Presbyterian Church Nursery School

Immaculate Conception School

419 E. 13th St. 212-475-2590 immaculateconceptionschoolnyc.org info@immaculateconceptionschoolnyc. org Immaculate Conception School is dedicated to achieving excellence in learning. From pre-K3 and UPK, through eighth grade, we provide a caring, well-run, high-performance foundation for children of all faiths and cultures. Well-equipped classrooms offer technological innovations in learning and committed educators create a safe and inspiring environment in which to grow.

Smarter Toddler Nursery & Preschool

101 John St. 212-766-3222 smartertoddler.net Smarter Toddler is a warm, community-oriented learning environment with curriculum geared toward the growth of the “whole child.” Smarter Toddler’s uniqueness lies in their mission, which is an enhanced-quality childcare program through cultural experiences and the arts.

Private Schools

Dwight School

291 Central Park W. 212-724-6360 dwight.edu; admissions@dwight.edu Founded in 1872, Dwight is a leading nursery to 12th grade private school dedicated to igniting the spark of genius in every child. Dwight has one of the lowest student-teacher ratios among NYC independent schools and was the first in the Americas to offer the comprehensive International Baccalaureate curriculum for ages 3-18.

The École

111 E. 22nd St. 646-410-2238 theecole.org; admissions@theecole. org The École, formerly École Internationale de New York, is an intimate and independent French-American school that cultivates an internationally-minded community of students. From Maternelle to middle school, we blend the best of the French

and American educational systems, gifting our students with deep academic bi-literacy and an optimistic, multi-cultural perspective.

The Gateway School

211 W. 61st St., 6th Floor 212-777-5966 gatewayschool.org admissions@gatewayschool.org The Gateway School is an independent day school for children ages 5-14 with language-based learning disabilities and/or attention deficits. It was among the first schools to recognize that bright children who had difficulty learning simply had to be taught differently. At Gateway, students recognize their strengths and develop self-advocacy skills.

The Ideal School of Manhattan

Upper West Side 212-769-1699 theidealschool.org dbyrnes@idealschool.org On any given day at The IDEAL School of Manhattan, students may present on a civil rights leader, participate in a dance workshop, showcase their writing, enjoy Riverside Park, build a robot, perform in a musical, or visit the Met. IDEAL is New York’s only kindergarten to 12th grade independent inclusion school.

Nord Anglia International School New York

44 E. 2nd St. 212-600-2010 nordangliaeducation.com info@ny.nae.school Nord Anglia International School New York is a truly international school with a highly personalized approach to learning, for ages 2-14. We recognize that all children are unique and as such, our classes are small enough to provide each child with a tailored and well-rounded academic and personal experience.

The Portfolio School

27 N. Moore St. 212-226-8252 portfolio-school.com admissions@portfolio-school.com Grounded in research, our immersive project-based approach allows your child to develop—at their own pace—the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary for success in the innovation age. Here you’ll find an unparalleled education that celebrates your child’s curiosity, creativity, individuality, independence, and love of learning.

Wetherby–Pembridge School

7 E. 96th St. 646-213-3400 wetherby-pembridge.org info@whetherby-pembridge.org A British independent school for ages 3-14, our school vision is to awaken curiosity, cultivate high standards, and celebrate successes. Our curriculum is based on the rigorous English National Curriculum and combines the merits of single-sex and coeducation, infused with our three school values of respect, responsibility, and resilience.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Success Academy Charter Schools

locations throughout New York 646-597-4641 successacademies.org Success Academy Charter Schools is the largest and highest-performing public charter school network in New York City. With our robust curriculum, hands-on approach, and exceptional teachers, we provide the tools that students of all backgrounds need to thrive and ignite a lifelong love of learning.

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Zeta Charter Schools

Zeta Bronx 1 Elementary 222 Alexander Ave., Bronx 929-458-3000 Zeta Inwood 1 Elementary Inwood/Washington Heights 652 W.187th St. 929-447-5282 zetaschools.org At Zeta, school is a place that nurtures mind, body, and soul so children can achieve their greatest potential. Mindfulness and wellness permeate the school day. Rigorous hands-on academics with cutting-edge innovation and technology are at the heart of each school. Innovative activities, field trips, and after-school programming enrich the experience.

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Special Needs

Atlas Foundation For Autism Atlas School

252 W. 29th St., 3rd Floor 212-256-0846 atlasforautism.org info@atlasforautism.org The Atlas Foundation for Autism houses the Atlas School as well as speech, OT services, music, after-school classes, and weekend social skills groups! Atlas is different in its approach to working within modalities that address communication, emotional and social thinking, as well as behavior and self-esteem!

HuntingtonHelps.com ©2018 Huntington Mark, LLC. Independently Owned and Operated. *Offer valid for Academic Evaluation, new students only. Not valid with any other offer. **Grade level results are based on cumulative average grade level increases in reading and math for 17,445 students from 2010 to 2014 using the full set of available student data. SAT is a registered trademark of College Board. ACT is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. None of these entities endorses or was involved in the production of the program.

Get Close to ‘La Bella Lingua’, without leaving Manhattan!

NEXT SESSION starts

The Gateway School

211 W. 61st St. 6th Floor 212-777-5966 gatewayschool.org admissions@gatewayschool.org The Gateway School is an independent day school for children ages 5-14 with language-based learning disabilities and/or attention deficits. It was among the first schools to recognize that bright children who had difficulty learning simply had to be taught differently. At Gateway, students recognize their strengths and develop self-advocacy skills.

Huntington Learning Center

237 W. 72nd St. 212-362-0100 huntingtonhelps.com Huntington Learning Center is the premier tutoring and test prep provider for kindergarten students through 12th - Founded in 1977, its mission is grade. to give every student the best education possible. The company prides itself on personalized attention and proven results with individualized programs taught by certified teachers at accredited centers.

January 28th Private and Group classes available

- Giardino dei Bambini: Italian morning drop-off (Ages 2-4) - Girotondo Giallo e Rosso: Italian Playgroup (Ages 2-3, 4-5) - Girotondo Blu e Viola: Reading and Writing In Italian (Ages 6-8, 9+) - Workshops on Saturdays - Private tutoring For all the bellissimi details, call the Italian instructors TODAY!

Inquire about

Adult Classes COLLINA ITALIANA

1556 Third Avenue, @87th Street, Ste 603 New York, NY 10128 Info@collinaitaliana.com

212.427.7770 BigAppleParent 21

EDUCATION MARKETPLACE

Highlighted Programs Atlas Foundation For Autism Atlas School

WED. JANUARY 9, 2019 6-7:30PM

MOUNT SAINT MICHAEL ACADEMY 4300 Murdock Avenue │Bronx, NY 10466 (718) 515-6400 │www.mtstmichael.org

HIGH SCHOOL (Grades 9)

REGISTRATION DAY: Thursday, March 7, 2019

MIDDLE SCHOOL (Grades 6-8) Rolling Admissions Register online at: www.mtstmichael.org

ing s p dl

a gentle a gentle introduction introduction to school to school

Chelsea 212.792.7590 Upper West Side 212.792.7591 Learn more: hello@appleseedsplay.com brought to you by apple seeds

Where children ages 5-14 with language-based learning disabilities and attention deﬁcits become skilled, strategic learners and conﬁdent self-advocates At Gateway, we teach students the language, literacy, and critical thinking skills that are the foundations for success in mainstream educational settings and beyond.

www.gatewayschool.org 211 West 61st Street, New York, NY 10023

4 Washington Square Village 212-982-2273 universitysettlement.org/creativesteps creativesteps@universitysettlement.org At Creative Steps we have a strong focus on children’s social emotional learning. Our caring environment is complemented by music, yoga, and mindful practices which enable children to understand themselves and the world on a deeper level. We believe learning through this lens will provide them with a strong foundation.

Dwight School

291 Central Park W. 212-724-6360 dwight.edu; admissions@dwight.edu Dwight School students pursue passion projects through Spark Tank, an after-school incubator where they develop and launch new businesses and non-profits with guidance from parent mentors. Students learn entrepreneurial skills, from problem-solving and prototyping to marketing and public speaking, and develop an innovative mindset, preparing them for jobs of the future. 111 E. 22nd St. 646-410-2238 theecole.org; admissions@theecole.org Success at The École is seeing children

seedlings

prep

Creative Steps Early Care & Education Center

The École

p rreep

sseeee

Prepare your child for their first preschool experience.

252 W. 29th St., 3rd Floor 212-256-0846 atlasforautism.org; info@atlasforautism.org Community Classes at Atlas are geared for students of all ages and abilities during the week, after school, or even weekends to cultivate their greatness! Exploring the arts, health and fitness, and social connectivity through play and engagement is key to a happier child and a healthier community!

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

become not just great students, but good people. Our Character Education program fosters development of ethical and responsible behavior. It teaches students about values that people should live by— empathy, compassion, honesty, integrity, responsibility, and accountability—in order to be upstanding world citizens.

First Presbyterian Church Nursery School 12 W. 12th St. 212-691-3432 fpcns.org The FPCNS Extended Day Enrichment program was devised as an on-site supplement to our play-based school day. Twelve specialty classes are offered focusing on pre-academic skills. Small class sizes, led by expert educators allow for differentiated instruction in areas such as the sciences, visual and theater arts, and sports.

The Gateway School

211 W. 61st St. 6th Floor 212-777-5966 gatewayschool.org admissions@gatewayschool.org The Gateway School is proud to share the work of its Student Council, a student-run body that implements new programs and initiatives in the school. This is a fine example of the self-advocacy and collaborative skills our students develop. One result of the council’s efforts includes an optional lunch study hall.

The Portfolio School

27 N. Moore St. 212-226-8252 portfolio-school.com admissions@portfolio-school.com After-school, school break, and weekend classes at Portfolio School are open to the community for exploration and skill development with new friends. Children are welcome to join our exciting enrichments including chess, cooking, robotics, ceramics, STEM, yoga, world exploration, and martial arts.

OPEN HOUSES 2019 Atlantic Acting School

76 Ninth Ave., Suite 537 212-691-5919 atlanticactingschool.org teaster@atlantictheater.org Atlantic Acting School is offering a free open house on Saturday, Jan. 12 with a trial class for the kids. Ages 4–6 at 11am, ages 7–10 at 12pm, ages 11-14 at 1pm.

Creative Steps Early Care & Education Center

4 Washington Square Village 212-982-2273 universitysettlement.org/creativesteps creativesteps@universitysettlement.org Sign up to join an upcoming tour at 9:30am on Jan. 11, 15, or 18 and learn about all that Creative Steps has to offer. RSVP to creativesteps@ universitysettlement.org.

The École

111 E. 22nd St. 646-410-2238 theecole.org admissions@theecole.org Please come visit The École at one of our upcoming open houses! Tuesday, Jan. 8 at 8:15am, Thursday, Jan. 24 at 6pm, or Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 8:15am.

The Ideal School of Manhattan

Upper West Side 212-769-1699 theidealschool.org dbyrnes@idealschool.org Sign up for a Tuesday Talk and Tour to visit IDEAL in a smaller group, tour the appropriate division, and talk with admissions personnel who can answer questions. Registration on our website.

Immaculate Conception School

419 E. 13th St. 212-475-2590 immaculateconceptionschoolnyc. org; info@immaculateconceptionschoolnyc.org Join us for an open house on Jan. 8 from 8–9am, Jan. 29 from 9–11am, or Feb. 12 from 9–11am.

Martial Arts Family Studio

290 Mulberry St. 646-460-3770 martialartsfamilystudio.com info@martialartsfamilystudio.com Open house at Martial Arts Family

Studio. Come and play in our studio, meet our masters, and try our obstacle course and breaking boards. Jan. 11 from 5-6:30pm and Jan. 12 from 12-1:30pm.

Oasis Summer Day Camps in Manhattan

Oasis in Central Park 795 Columbus Ave. 646-698-1800 Oasis in Downtown-P.S. 110 285 Delancey St. 649-519-5058 oasischildren.com Join us for an open house for Oasis in Central Park on Jan. 8 at 6:30pm at The Basis Independent School, 795 Columbus Ave.

The Portfolio School

27 N. Moore St. 212-226-8252 portfolio-school.com; admissions@ portfolio-school.com Meet the Portfolio School team and learn how we create a hands-on, personalized approach that allows our students to progress at their own pace, Jan. 17, Feb. 28, and March 7.

EDUCATION MARKETPLACE

A non-sectarian program welcoming all children since 1952 Dedicated to children’s growth and learning Experienced, nurturing teachers Children ages 2.0-5.3 Specialists for Music, Movement, Studio, Gardening, & our Healthy Snack Program Large, airy classrooms, rooftop playground & an indoor play space

The First Presbyterian Church Nursery School 12 West 12th Street, New York, NY 10011 212.691.3432 | www.fpcns.org

Smarter Toddler Nursery & Preschool

101 John St. 212-766-3222 smartertoddler.net We offer rolling admissions but recommend that you register your child as soon as possible to secure his or her space. We invite all applying families to visit Smarter Toddler. Schedule a tour.

Success Academy Charter Schools

locations throughout New York 646-597-4641 successacademies.org Tours available Jan. 10, 15 at Success Academy Harlem; Jan. 14, 24 Upper West Side; Jan. 22 Hell’s Kitchen; Jan. 29, Union Square. Information Session Jan. 23 Success Academy Hudson Yards, Union Square, and Hell’s Kitchen.

Mount Saint Michael Academy

Thomas Fraher, admissions director 4300 Murdock Ave., Bronx 718-515-6400 mtstmichael.org Join us for an open house on Wednesday, Jan. 9 from 6-7:30pm.

BigAppleParent 23

things to do

outbound

Family Fun a Ride Away By Whitney C. Harris

Steve Stanne

In Westchester County...

Children can experience music and theater in a small hometown venue.

Tarrytown Music Hall

Beverly Buchanan (American, 1940-2015). Studio Home, 2008. Acrylic on foam board; 10¼ x 11½ x 7½ inches. Courtesy Andrew Edlin Gallery, New York

One of the busiest theaters in the region, Tarrytown Music Hall is a cultural destination, attracting more than 85,000 people, including 25,000 children, on an annual basis from all over the tri-state area. The 843-seat venue is a nonprofit, educational, and cultural organization attracting talent including the Laurie Berkner Band, Random Farms Kids’ Theater Productions, and The Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Favorites. Visit It: 13 Main St., Tarrytown; Metro-North Hudson Line; tarrytownmusichall.org; 877-840-0457

Families can craft fun and creative works of art inspired by the museum’s collections and exhibitions.

The Bruce Museum

Highlighting art, science, and natural history, the Bruce Museum houses more than a dozen changing exhibitions annually. The permanent galleries feature the natural sciences that encompass regional to global perspectives. The museum was originally built as a private home in 1853. It’s worth a visit for family-friendly events such as Bruce Beginnings, Jr., Design Time, and Art Adventures. Visit It: 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich, CT; Metro-North New Haven Line; brucemuseum.org; 203-869-0376

The views alone are worth the trip almost any time of year.

Hudson River Museum

History buff fams will appreciate this multidisciplinary complex that draws its identity from its site on the banks of the Hudson River. The museum collections focus on 19th-century through contemporary American art; Glenview, an 1876 house on the National Register of Historic Places; Hudson Riverama, an environmental teaching gallery; a state-of-the-art, 120seat planetarium; and a 400-seat outdoor amphitheater with programs every weekend, special days for families, and events throughout the year. Visit It: 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers; Metro-North Hudson Line; hrm.org; 914-963-4550 x4550

and beyo nd!

A trip to the far end of Long Island is worth it for so many reasons, including the performing arts.

Bay Street Theater

Situated on Long Wharf in Sag Harbor, this nonprofit, 299-seat professional regional theater was founded in 1991. In addition to the Mainstage productions, a variety of year-round programs include The Comedy Club, The Workshops, special events, and Educational Outreach Initiatives such as Literature Live!, a Summer College Internship Program, Theater Workshops, and kids theater camps and classes. Recent kid-friendly shows range from Go Home Tiny Monster Puppet Show to Reading a Christmas Carol and Holiday Sing-A-Long. Visit It: Corner of Bay and Main streets, Sag Harbor; LIRR Montauk Branch; baystreet.org; 631-725-9500

Ideas When You Need Them:

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Turn the page for details on the 2019 Progressive Insurance New York Boat Show (No. 8 on our list).

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JANUARY CALENDAR

Editor’s Hot Tickets

Show Time!

We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!

Crafty Kids, Holiday Fun

Special Needs, Fun Fairs & Festivals

Dance Party

Smarty Pants

Movers & Shakers

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS

Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the 10 events we consider can’t-miss—the ones we’re taking our own kids to. Consider it your cheat sheet to the best of what’s great this month!

The Okee Dokee Brothers: A ‘Winterland’ Concert

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 5, 11am WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: 3-8, adult WHAT: This Grammy Award-winning folk and roots music duo puts the natural world at the heart of their Americana music. WHY WE LOVE IT: They just might inspire your family to get outside and get creative! WANT TO GO? $14-17. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

Just Kidding: ‘Stam-pede’

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 6, 3pm WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: An afternoon of the best in percussive dance by nine celebrated companies. WHY WE LOVE IT: See everything from lively tap, to urban Indian, to mesmerizing Flamenco, to exhilarating Irish dance. WANT TO GO? $14 members; $17 non-members. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

Stroller Tours: Andy Warhol: From A to B and Back Again

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 12, 9:30-10:30am WHERE: Whitney Museum of American Art, 99 Gansevoort St., Meatpacking District AGES: Newborn to 2, adult WHAT: Tours are for new moms and dads, and take place when the museum is closed to the public. WHY WE LOVE IT: Crying babies are welcome! 26

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WANT TO GO? $25 per adult, plus museum admission: $25; $18 seniors; free for members and children younger than 18. 212-570-3600. whitney.org.

27th Annual Holiday Train Show

WHEN: Through Jan. 21: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Featuring model trains, trolleys, and ferries, this annual show highlights NYC landmarks using natural materials. WHY WE LOVE IT: For the first time ever, this year’s display will feature two vintage ferry boats! WANT TO GO? $23; $10 children ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2. 718-817-8700. nybg.org.

New Years Celebration: Oshogatsu

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 27, 1-4pm WHERE: Japan Society, 333 E. 47th St., Midtown East AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Celebrate the New Year Japanese-style with this Oshogatsu event filled with the traditional activities of rice pounding, calligraphy, and lion dancing. Then watch a taiko drumming performance. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids with excess energy will flip for a postperformance audience practice session. WANT TO GO? $18/$10 Japan Society & corporate members; free for ages 2 and younger and Cool Culture members. 212-715-1258. japansociety.org.

Harry Potter: A History of Magic

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Big Apple Circus

WHEN: Through Jan. 27: See website for schedule WHERE: Lincoln Center, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: See horizontal juggling, an award-winning aerial duo, the quadruple somersault on the flying trapeze, clowns, acrobats, and much more. WHY WE LOVE IT: Clowning around is serious business at this landmark city circus, now in its 41st year. WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 212-257-2330. bigapplecircus.com.

2019 Progressive Insurance New York Boat Show

WHEN: Jan. 23-27, Wednesday-Friday, 12-9pm; Saturday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: Jacob Javits Center, 655 W. 34th St., Chelsea AGES: All WHAT: Little skippers can create a one-of-a kind nautical masterpiece to take home as a show souvenir. There’s also a Touch-A-Boat Tour for Kids and the Progressive® Boat Club interactive space where attendees can enjoy a hands-on boating courses for all levels of experience. WHY WE LOVE IT: A chance to try Progressive’s Oculus Rift virtual reality experience and be at the helm of a virtual boat race. WANT TO GO? $16; children 12 and younger get in free when accompanied by an adult; save $2 when you buy tickets in advance online; military and first responders get $3 off on-site on Jan. 23; visit after 5pm on Jan. 24 and pay only $5. 212-216-2000. nyboatshow.com.

‘Emily Brown and the Thing’

WHEN: Jan. 26-Feb. 3, Saturday-Sunday, 11am WHERE: New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St., Theater District AGES: 3-8 WHAT: A friendly but woeful creature, The Thing has lost his Cuddly in the Dark and Scary Wood and won’t stop crying. Luckily Emily and Stanley the rabbit are here to save the day. WHY WE LOVE IT: Puppets, music, and plenty of pajamas. What’s not to love? WANT TO GO? $25-$30. 646-223-3010. newvictory.org.

Mickey: The True Original Exhibition

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WHEN: Through Jan. 27: Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday, 10am-6pm; Friday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: The exhibition features rare books, manuscripts, and magical objects from museums, as well as original material from J.K. Rowling. WHY WE LOVE IT: NYHS will also host several Harry Potter-related events, including trivia, and Hogwarts House Badge decorating. WANT TO GO? $21; $16 teachers and seniors; $13 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children 4 and younger. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.

WHEN: Through Feb. 10: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-8pm WHERE: 60 Tenth Ave., 60 Tenth Ave., Chelsea AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate 90 years of Mickey Mouse’s influence on art and pop culture. WHY WE LOVE IT: This exhibition features character artwork and highlights Mickey’s contributions to fashion, commerce, and media. WANT TO GO? $38; free for children 3 and younger. partners.disney.com.

WE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FREE

Think a freebie has to be ho-hum? Don’t let the price tag (or lack of one) fool you. Here are the six no-cost events we’re excited about now. You’re welcome. Baby Playdate (Prewalkers) FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2:30-3:30pm WHERE: New York Public Library - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, 476 Fifth Ave., Midtown AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: Take part in a variety of activities that support early literacy skills. WANT TO GO? 917-275-6975. nypl.org.

‘Magic the Gathering’ and ‘Dominion’ for Teens & Tweens FREE

WHEN: Monday, Jan. 7, 5pm WHERE: Chatham Square Library, 33 E. Broadway, Chinatown AGES: 13-17 WHAT: If you are an experienced Magic the Gathering or Dominion player, just starting out, or hoping to learn, stop on by. Decks will be provided or you can bring your own deck. WANT TO GO? 212-964-6598. nypl.org.

Teen Animanga Event FREE

WHEN: Jan. 7-14, Mondays, 3:30pm WHERE: New York Public Library - St. Agnes branch, 444 Amsterdam Ave., Upper West Side AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Watch and talk about the best anime and manga. Join for a chibi drawing contest, gaming, laptops, and tabletop games. WANT TO GO? 212-621-0619. nypl.org.

Board Game Club FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 23, 4pm WHERE: New York Public Library Countee Cullen branch, 104 W. 136th St., Harlem AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Play board games of all types and skill levels. WANT TO GO? 212-491-2070. nypl.org.

Winter Blast: A Family Day of Native Games FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 26, 11am-4pm WHERE: Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, 1 Bowling Green, Financial District AGES: All WHAT: Learn to play Hawaiian board games or “ring in pin,” and test your skill with Inuit yo-yos, Arctic high kick, and hoop throwing. WANT TO GO? 212-514-3700. americanindian.si.edu.

Game On! Gaming for Teens and Kids FREE

WHEN: Jan. 7-28, Mondays, 4pm WHERE: Chatham Square Library, 33 E. Broadway, Chinatown AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Try your hand at Wii and PS3. WANT TO GO? 212-964-6598. nypl.org. ›› BigAppleParent 27

Origami Club FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 16, 4pm WHERE: New York Public Library Countee Cullen branch, 104 W. 136th St., Harlem AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Enjoy some paper folding fun. WANT TO GO? 212-491-2070. nypl.org.

Tablescapes: Designs For Dining FREE

CRAFTY KIDS Skyscrapers: Past & Future

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 5, 10:30-11:45am WHERE: The Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place, Battery Park City AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Kids will design their own skyscrapers of the future. WANT TO GO? $5 per child. 212-945-6324. skyscraper.org.

MOCACREATE: Hot off the Press!

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 5, 1-4pm WHERE: Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St., Little Italy AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Experiment with block printing, stamping, and other printing methods to create your own personalized stamp. WANT TO GO? $10; $7 seniors, students, and children 2 and older. 855-955-6622. mocanyc.org.

Calligraphy Performance and Sumi-e

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 13, 2:30-4pm WHERE: Japan Society, 333 E. 47th St., Midtown East AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Watch a Japanese calligraphy performance then make your own sumi-e ink paintings. WANT TO GO? $15; $8 members; free for children ages 2 and younger and Cool Culture members. 212-715-1258. japansociety.org.

Snow Sculptures

WHEN: Monday, Jan. 21, 11am-3pm WHERE: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, 2 E. 91 St., Upper East Side AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Engage in a hands-on workshop with free design activities and gallery bingo. WANT TO GO? 212-849-8353. cooperhewitt.org.

Open Studio: Figure Drawing for Families

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 26, 10:30am-3pm WHERE: Whitney Museum of American Art, 99 Gansevoort St., Meatpacking District AGES: All WHAT: Draw live models and create your own pop portraits inspired by Andy Warhol. WANT TO GO? $25; $18 seniors, students, and those with disabilities; free for children 18 and younger. 212-570-7713. whitney.org.

Cross-Stitch Circle

WHEN: Jan. 3-31, Thursdays, 3:30-5:30pm WHERE: DiMenna Children’s History Museum at New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Drop in to try your skills at one of the oldest forms of embroidery in the world. WANT TO GO? $21; $16 seniors, educators, and active military; $13 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children younger than 4. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.

HOLIDAY FUN ‘Come Calling’ on New Year’s Day

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2-5pm WHERE: Merchant’s House Museum, 29 E. 4th St., East Village AGES: All WHAT: Join for tours of the house, 19th century readings about New Year’s Day celebrations, and hot cider and cookies. WANT TO GO? $20; free for MHM Members. 212-777-1089. merchantshouse.org.

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 13, 1-2pm WHERE: Japan Society, 333 E. 47th St., Midtown East AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Create your own experimental snow sculptures with snow that won’t melt and colored lights inspired by the Sapporo Snow Festival. WANT TO GO? $15/$8 members; free for children ages 2 and younger and Cool Culture members. 212-715-1258. japansociety.org.

New Years Confetti Cupcakes Workshop (Ages 2-5 w/ Caregiver)

Toddler Crafternoon FREE

WHEN: Jan. 1-4, Wishing: 10am-8pm; Light Shows: 8am-10pm WHERE: Brookfield Place, 230 Vesey St., Financial District AGES: All WHAT: The interactive exhibit features three Wishing Stations that allow visitors to send a touch-activated wish to the canopy of lanterns above, activating a magical display of lights and colors. WANT TO GO? brookfieldplaceny.com.

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2:30-3:30pm WHERE: New York Public Library - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, 476 Fifth Ave., Midtown AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Head to the library for stories and an easy art project. WANT TO GO? 917-275-6975. nypl.org. 28

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 1, 1:30pm-2:30pm WHERE: Taste Buds, 109 W. 27th St., Chelsea AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Let’s celebrate the New Year with cupcakes! WANT TO GO? $45. 212-242-2248. tastebudskitchen.com.

Luminaries FREE

‘Angelina Ballerina The Very Merry Holiday Musical’

WHEN: Through Jan. 6: See website for schedule WHERE: McGinn/Cazale Theatre, 2162 Broadway, 4th Floor, Upper West Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: With dancing, singing, and festivities, this heartwarming musical is perfect for families with young children. WANT TO GO? $30 and up. 212-579-0528. vitaltheatre.org.

Second Annual Winter ONEderland

WHEN: Through Jan. 7: See website for schedule WHERE: One World Observatory, 285 Fulton St., World Trade Center AGES: All WHAT: The magical journey starts with a snowy ride to the top of One World Trade Center, includes family-friendly displays, festive food and beverage, and visits with Santa. WANT TO GO? $34 and up. 844-696-1776. oneworldobservatory.com.

Enchanted Rainforest Tu B’shevat Family Dinner

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 12, 5pm WHERE: 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the birthday of the trees in an enchanted rainforest with blessings, singing, locally sourced fruits and veggies, art projects, wine for grownups, and Havdalah with family and friends. WANT TO GO? $36; $18 children. 212-415-5500. 92y.org.

Origami Holiday Tree

WHEN: Through Jan. 13: daily, 10am-5:45pm WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: The theme of this year’s 13-foot tree is Oceans of Origami. Volunteers will be on hand to teach visitors the art of paper folding. WANT TO GO? $23; $18 seniors and students; $13 children ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2. 212-769-5250. amnh.org.

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

WHEN: Monday, Jan. 21, 11am-2pm WHERE: Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave., East Harlem AGES: All WHAT: Take inspiration from the Civil Rights Movement to create your own protest poster for an issue that you wish to see improve. WANT TO GO? $18; $12 seniors ages 65 and older and students with ID; free for ages 19 and younger and members. 347-441-9181. mcny.org.

17th Annual Holiday Train Show FREE

WHEN: Through Feb. 3: Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: Grand Central Terminal, 89 E. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: The model trains featured in this year’s festive exhibit will be set against a backdrop designed by artist Ebony Bolt. WANT TO GO? 877-946-4868. grandcentralterminal.com.

DANCE PARTY

New York Theatre Ballet Workshop: ‘Behind the Ballet Cinderella’

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 12, 11am WHERE: 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Professional dancers show children how the company captures the magic of this universal story through costumes, sets, mime, and dance. WANT TO GO? $15. 212-415-5500. 92y.org.

Malpaso Dance Company: Baile!

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 12, 2pm WHERE: The Joyce Theater, 175 Eighth Ave., Chelsea AGES: 5 and older WHAT: See Cuba’s leading contemporary dance company with welcome packets for all kids and the opportunity to meet the artists after the show. WANT TO GO? $40 and up; $10 children ages 5-14. 212-242-0800. joyce.org.

Beats, Rhymes and Breaking: Two Shows

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 12, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Kids will join company members onstage to try out their own moves in an engaging and fast-moving atmosphere of fun. WANT TO GO? $14-17. 503-293-9498. symphonyspace.org.

Kids’ Night Out: Pop Stars

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 18, 6-8:30pm WHERE: Broadway Dance Center, 37 W. 65th St., Upper West Side AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Enjoy a night out while the kids take part in a fun-filled evening of dance, games, crafts, food, and friends. WANT TO GO? $40 first child; $25 each sibling. 212-457-0035. broadwaydancecenter.com.

Matinee: 44th Annual Thunderbird American Indian Dancers’ Dance Concert and Pow-Wow WHEN: Jan. 25-Feb. 3, Sundays, 3pm WHERE: Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave., East Village AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Experience dances, stories, and traditional music from Native Peoples. Then meet the talented dancers. WANT TO GO? $12; $1 children ages 5-12 when accompanied by paying adult. 212-254-1109. theaterforthenewcity.net.

BigAppleParent 29

AGES: All WHAT: Join Thomas and Driver Sam on a sing-along, performance adventure. WANT TO GO? $23; $10 children ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2. 718-817-8700. nybg.org.

Just Kidding: Meet the Remarkable Renaldo

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 26, 11am WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Be astonished by juggling, pranks, magic, and humor. WANT TO GO? $14 members; $17 non-members. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

SHOW TIME! Bring Ya Mamma Clean Stand Up Comedy Show

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 6, 2pm WHERE: Village Lantern Comedy Club, 167 Bleecker St., Greenwich Village AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a family-friendly stand-up comedy show. WANT TO GO? Up to $10. paulbennettcomedy.com.

World Famous Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre

WHEN: Jan. 5-6, Saturday-Sunday, 11:30am, 2pm, and 5pm WHERE: BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers St., Tribeca AGES: All WHAT: This show features European-style circus acts. WANT TO GO? $40-$50. 212-220-1460. tickets.tribecapac.org.

‘Addy & Uno’

WHEN: Through Jan. 6: Sundays, 12pm WHERE: Theatre Row, 410 W. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: 3-8 WHAT: The 50-minute musical comedy tells the story of a young boy with autism as his friends help him compete in a school math competition. WANT TO GO? $40. 212-239-6200. addyanduno.com.

‘CHALK’ (a silent comedy)

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 12, 2:30pm WHERE: The Kraine Theater, 85 E. 4th St., Lower East Side AGES: 3-12 WHAT: CHALK invites audiences into a hand-drawn world. WANT TO GO? $15 general; $12 parent; $5 children. 212-777-6088. horsetrade.info.

‘Snow White’

WHEN: Jan. 5-13, Saturday-Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Galli Theater, 151 W. 26th St., 7th Floor, Chelsea AGES: All WHAT: See the classic fairy tale live! WANT TO GO? $15-$20. 212-731-0668. gallitheaterny.com.

Just Kidding: ‘Go Home Tiny Monster’

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 19, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: This production features a mix of puppetry, silliness, physical theater, live music, and surprising poignancy. WANT TO GO? $14 members; $17 non-members. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

All Aboard with Thomas & Friends

WHEN: Through Jan. 21: See website for select days and times WHERE: The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx 30

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

LC Kids Presents ‘Mouth Open, Story Jump Out’

WHEN: Jan. 26-27, Saturday, 11am and 2pm; Sunday, 11am WHERE: Lincoln Center: Clark Studio Theater, 165 W. 65th St., 7th Floor, Upper West Side AGES: 9-12 WHAT: In this one-man show, children get a chance to share their own stories. WANT TO GO? $25. 212-957-1709. lincolncenter.org/kids.

Ali Baba & the 40 Thieves

WHEN: Jan. 19-27, Saturday-Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Galli Theater, 151 W. 26th St., 7th Floor, Chelsea AGES: All WHAT: A charming fairytale by Johannes Galli after the story of 1001 nights! WANT TO GO? $15-$20. 212-731-0668. gallitheaterny.com.

Rick Riordan Presents: ‘The Making of a Myth’

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 29, 6:30pm WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Celebrate mythology and folklore from around the world. WANT TO GO? $14 members; $17 non-members. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

‘Awake’ by K. Lorrel Manning

WHEN: Jan. 12-Feb. 8, Wednesday-Monday, 7:30pm WHERE: The Barrow Group, 312 W. 36th St., 3rd Floor, Garment District AGES: 13 and older WHAT: A cast from all walks of life engage in conversations about hot topics. WANT TO GO? $25-$60. 212-760-2615. barrowgroup.org.

‘The True Story of Little Red’/’La Verdadera Historia de Caperucita’

WHEN: Jan. 19-Feb. 9, Sundays, 11am WHERE: Teatro Sea, 107 Suffolk St., First Floor, Lower East Side AGES: All WHAT: This bilingual musical play tells the classic fable, but with a comical twist. WANT TO GO? $20; $10 children. 212-529-1545. teatrosea.org.

‘Odd Day Rain’

WHEN: Jan. 19-Feb. 24, Friday, 7pm; Saturday-Sunday, 2pm and 4pm WHERE: TADA! Youth Theater, 15 W. 28th St., Chelsea AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Find out what happens to Aurora and friends after a big disaster. WANT TO GO? $30; $15 child. 212-252-1619. tadatheater.com.

CityParks Foundation Presents ‘Yeti, Set, Snow!’

WHEN: Through Feb. 24: See website for showtimes WHERE: Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in Central Park, West 81st Street and Central Park West, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Yeti, Set, Snow! is the story of a young girl who encounters a yeti named Pascetti on the first snow of the winter season. WANT TO GO? $8-$12. 212-988-9093. cityparksfoundation.org/swedish-cottage-marionette-theatre.

‘Emily Brown:’ Autism-Friendly

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 26, 3pm WHERE: New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St., Theater District AGES: 3-8 WHAT: In order to make the show more accessible to individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, the sound, lighting, and atmosphere will be adapted for Emily Brown and The Thing. WANT TO GO? $25. 646-223-3010. newvictory.org.

Stripes stART for Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder FREE WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 26, 9:30-10:45 am WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Greenwich Village AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: This class focuses on sensory experiences while building motor skills, self-regulated independence, and social skills. WANT TO GO? 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS 42nd Annual Three Kings Day Parade and Celebration FREE

SPECIAL NEEDS Turning 5: Your Kindergarten Guide w/INCLUDEnyc FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 9, 10:15am WHERE: Chatham Square Library, 33 E. Broadway, Chinatown AGES: Adult WHAT: Navigate the important transition to kindergarten for your child with special needs. WANT TO GO? 212-964-6598. nypl.org.

Friday Night Fun for Kids with Disabilities & Special Needs FREE

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 11, 4pm WHERE: Chatham Square Library, 33 E. Broadway, Chinatown AGES: 5-17 WHAT: A special “after-hours” evening of fun for kids with disabilities and special needs and their parents, caregivers, and families. WANT TO GO? 212-964-6598. nypl.org.

Stripes Media Lab for Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 12, 9:30-10:45am WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Greenwich Village AGES: 5-17 WHAT: This class uses art and technology to build peer-to-peer relationships and digital storytelling skills. WANT TO GO? 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

Inclusive stART for Children with a Physical Disability FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 13, 9:30-10:45am WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Greenwich Village AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: This family class provides multisensory experiences to encourage exploration. WANT TO GO? 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 4, 11am-3pm WHERE: Museum of the City of New York and Museo El Barrio, 1220 Fifth Ave., East Harlem AGES: All WHAT: Honor those who have made significant contributions to the Latino community with live camels, colorful puppets, parrandas, music, and dancing. WANT TO GO? 212-534-1672. mcny.org.

Key to the City: A Family Resource Fair FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 19, 9am-1pm WHERE: P.S. 4 Duke Ellington, 500 W. 160th St., Washington Heights AGES: All WHAT: There will be free immigration legal aid provided by the New York Legal Assistance Group, as well as resources for health care, education, and finances. WANT TO GO? 212-627-2227. nyic.org.

Grand Master Susan Polgar 13th Annual Scholastic World Open

WHEN: Jan. 18-21, see website for schedule WHERE: Robert F Wagner Middle School, 220 E. 76th St., Upper East Side AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Check out competitive chess games! WANT TO GO? Prices vary. 866-321-2437. chessnyc.com.

Bank of America Winter Village

WHEN: Through March 3: See website for hours WHERE: Bryant Park, West 40th Street, between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: In its 17th season, the iconic holiday experience will feature an ice-skating rink and more than 170 holiday shop vendors. WANT TO GO? $20 skate rental. 212-768-4242. bryantpark.org.

R&R Shabbat FREE

WHEN: Through March 16: See website for schedule WHERE: Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy face painting, structured play and circle games with Ian and Lisa, and art projects. WANT TO GO? 347-604-3964. jccmanhattan.org. BigAppleParent 31

Living History: Investigative Reporting and Jim Crow

WHEN: Jan. 5-6, Saturday-Sunday, 12-4pm WHERE: DiMenna Children’s History Museum at New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Join Living Historians portraying Ida B. Wells and her supporters for a look at the black press in the late 19th century. WANT TO GO? $21; $16 seniors/educators/active military; $13 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children younger than 4. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org/childrens-museum.

Reading into History: The Apprenticeship of Lucas Whitaker

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 6, 2-4pm WHERE: DiMenna Children’s History Museum at New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Author Cynthia DeFelice will discuss her novel about a boy who explores a shocking experimental cure for a disease that ravaged his town. WANT TO GO? $21; $16 seniors/educators/active military; $13 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children younger than 4. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org/childrens-museum.

Our Senses: An Immersive Experience

SMARTY PANTS

Math Encounters: Golden Textures: The Art of Dissecting Golden Geometries with Doug McKenna FREE WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 2, 4pm and 7pm WHERE: National Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26th St., Nomad AGES: 9 and older WHAT: See how Doug McKenna uses his math and computer science skills to play with recursion, creating beautiful patterns and tiling in the process. WANT TO GO? 212-542-0566. momath.org.

Harry Potter Family Book Club: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 2, 4-6pm WHERE: DiMenna Children’s History Museum at New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Dig into themes such as friendship, competition, rebellion, and power. WANT TO GO? $15; $12 members. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org/childrens-museum.

Synchronized Spin with John Edmark

WHEN: Through Jan. 6: daily, 10am-5:45pm WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, 79th Street and Central Park West, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: An interactive exhibit with access to 11 different funhouse-like spaces full of adventures in sight, smell, hearing, touch, taste, and balance. WANT TO GO? $23; $18 seniors and students; $13 children ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2. 212-769-5100. amnh.org.

New Families, New Traditions FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 13, 10:30am WHERE: Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place, Battery Park City AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Join the musical group Yellow Sneaker and their puppet pals for a musical family program that bridges Jewish culture and traditions. WANT TO GO? 646-437-4202. mjhnyc.org.

Unlimited, MoMath’s Mix-n-Mingle Program

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 13, 6:30-8pm WHERE: National Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26th St., Nomad AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Tweens and teens can hang out, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, and move to some great tunes. WANT TO GO? One ticket: $15; Two tickets: $20; Unlimited and Tween Primes: $20. 212-542-0566. momath.org.

Archaeology Mondays

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 3, 6:30-7:30pm WHERE: National Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26th St., Nomad AGES: All WHAT: Check out the debut of three new Blooms, and hear a story of mathematical exploration and discovery. WANT TO GO? $15. 212.542.0566. momath.org.

WHEN: Monday, Jan. 14, 3-5pm WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Hunt for a featured artifact during a simulated archaeological dig. Collect stamps in a special passport and receive a gift after your third dig! WANT TO GO? $18; $12 seniors; $8 student; free for children younger than 18. 212-423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org.

Teddy Bear Tea

YAK Art Slam FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 6, 1-3pm WHERE: Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden, 421 E. 61st St., Upper East Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Bring teddy (or your doll), meet hotel proprietor Mrs. Woodhull, and go back in time for a typical day in the 1830s. WANT TO GO? $10. 212-838-6878. mvhm.org. 32

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 18, 6:30-8:30pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Greenwich Village AGES: 9-17 WHAT: CMA’s Young Artist Kollective (YAK), is a free program that provides emerging young artists in sixth-ninth grade with exclusive studio space and materials. WANT TO GO? 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

Crafting for Corduroy with Project K!D

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 19, 11am-2pm WHERE: Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave., East Harlem AGES: All WHAT: Join for a crafty program inspired by the exhibition A City For Corduroy: Don Freeman’s New York. WANT TO GO? $18; $12 seniors 65 and older and students with I.D.; free for ages 19 and younger and members. 347-441-9181. mcny.org.

Family Day: Building Bridges

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 19, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm WHERE: Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place, Greenwich Village AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Families will learn about different types of bridges and how they work, then create their own to span one of NYC’s rivers, canals, or streets. WANT TO GO? $6; $12 children. 212-358-6133. cfafoundation.org.

Family Fun: Warhol’s Portraits

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 19, 2:30-4:30pm WHERE: Whitney Museum of American Art, 99 Gansevoort St., Meatpacking District AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Learn how Warhol represents himself and others in his iconic portraits and create your own artworks in the studio. WANT TO GO? Tickets are $10 per child; adults are free with museum admission ($25; $18 seniors. Museum admission is free for members and children younger than 18). 212-570-3600. whitney.org.

Living History: Founding Black Harlem

WHEN: Jan. 19-21, Saturday-Monday, 12-4pm WHERE: DiMenna Children’s History Museum at New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Visit early 20th-century Harlem and chat with its leading residents. WANT TO GO? $21; $16 seniors, educators, and active military; $13 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children younger than 4. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org/childrens-museum.

ArtSee: Papercutting

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 27, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St., Lower East Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: A special family program to look closely at the brand-new exhibition Releasing Words, featuring works in cut paper. WANT TO GO? $15.84 adults; $9.53 seniors and children; free for children younger than 5. 212-219-0302. eldridgestreet.org.

Living History: Meet Harriet Tubman

WHEN: Jan. 26-27, Saturday-Sunday, 12-4pm WHERE: DiMenna Children’s History Museum at New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Meet Living Historians who portray Harriet Tubman and other people of African descent who defied racial oppression in the 19th century. WANT TO GO? $21; $16 seniors, educators, and active military; $13 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children younger than 4. 212873-3400. nyhistory.org/childrens-museum.

Open Art Space: A Drop-In Program for LGBTQ Teens & Allies FREE

WHEN: Jan. 8-April 23, Tuesday, 4:30-6:30pm WHERE: Cullman Education Center MoMA, 4 W. 54 St., between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Open Art Space is for LGBTQ high school students who are interested in thinking about and making art. WANT TO GO? 212-333-1252. moma.org.

MOVERS & SHAKERS Making Magic

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2-4pm WHERE: DiMenna Children’s History Museum at New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Try your hand at wand making, potion brewing, deciphering ciphers, and make your own Hogwarts house badge! WANT TO GO? $21; $16 seniors, educators, and active military; $13 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children younger than 4. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org/childrens-museum.

COQU CLUB: Shadow Play FREE

WHEN: Jan. 5-9, Saturday and Wednesday, 9:30-10:30am and 11am-12pm WHERE: El Museo Del Barrio, 1230 Fifth Ave., East Harlem AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Learn, play, explore, and grow during this monthly bilingual program. WANT TO GO? 212-831-7272. elmuseo.org.

Infant Massage

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2:45-3:30pm WHERE: Prenatal Yoga Center, 251 W. 72nd St., 2F, Upper West Side AGES: Newborn to 2, adult WHAT: Learn how to care for your baby through various massage techniques. WANT TO GO? $30 online for baby and adult; $35 at the door; $15 additional adult. 212-362-2985. prenatalyogacenter.com.

Winter Games FREE

WHEN: Jan. 2-23, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 3:30-5pm WHERE: Battery Park City Parks, 75 Battery Park, Battery Park AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Keep active outdoors and play soccer, flag-football, and hockey. WANT TO GO? 212-267-9700. bpcparks.org.

Winter Jam FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 26, 11am-3pm WHERE: Central Park Bandshell Area, 72nd Street, Central Park AGES: All WHAT: The powder people at Gore Mountain will blow now in the heart of Manhattan, creating an urban snow field for skiing, sledding, and more. WANT TO GO? 212-310-6600. centralparknyc.org.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Experience FREE

WHEN: Through Jan. 27: daily, 11am-7pm WHERE: Sony Square NYC, 25 Madison Ave, Nomad AGES: All WHAT: Experience the Spider-verse with Sony’s immersive haptic installation, see yourself as the superhero, and take a photo with your Spidey squad. WANT TO GO? 212-833-8800. sony.com.

Juggling Lessons FREE

WHEN: Jan. 2-31, Monday- Friday, 12-1pm WHERE: Bryant Park, 40th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Test your coordination and dexterity with juggling lessons in the park. WANT TO GO? 212-768-4242. bryantpark.org.

Parent & Baby Yoga FREE

WHEN: Jan. 7-March 18, Mondays, 1-2:15pm and 2:30-3:45pm WHERE: Battery Park City Parks, 6 River Terrace, Battery Park AGES: Newborn to 2, adult WHAT: Learn postures and exercises suited for new parents and babies. WANT TO GO? 212-267-9700. bpcparks.org. BigAppleParent 33

family life legal

Where There’s a Will

››

Though you may not want to consider the unthinkable, having a plan in place will protect your children and prepare them for the future. By Anja Webb

o you know who would have legal guardianship of your children if something were to happen to you or your partner? Do you know for certain your estate would be quickly and indisputably transferred to your heirs? On that note, have you selected your heirs? Though you may think there’s no need to create a will because you’re young and healthy, life is unpredictable. “The sooner you put a comprehensive plan in place, the better off you and your family will be,” say Rosanna Guardavaccaro, a registered representative and financial advisor of Strategies For Wealth and a financial representative of Guardian based in New York City and Rye. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to planning your will.

Choose a Will-Writing Method

There are a number of ways you can set up your will, and, depending on your financial resources, each method has its pros and cons. A lawyer is the best option, especially if you have a large estate, according to Guardavaccaro. A typical fee for a simple will is approximately $500, Guardavaccaro says, but that extra expense is worth it for the peace of mind that comes with hiring a professional. If hiring a lawyer is out of your budget, or if you just don’t have the time to sit down with one, there are online forms and apps that can help you get started. For example, USLegalWills.com allows you to make your will at home by simply filling in a form and answering questions. With a fee of approximately $40, it’s a more affordable option for young professionals or those with young 34 January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

children. You could also use an app to develop your will, such as Tomorrow, which offers the software free of charge. In extreme cases, a holographic will, one written in your own handwriting and typically without multiple witnesses, is an option in certain states. Though not legal in New York in most instances, holographic wills are accepted in New Jersey. “To be clear, not all do-it-yourself approaches to will writing result in a holographic will,” says Tim Hewson, president of USLegalWills.com. “It is an absolutely terrible way to prepare your own will and is almost certainly going to result in a very poorly drafted document. Holographic wills are written into law to cover extreme circumstances, like being pinned under a rock, where witnesses are not available. It is not a will-writing approach that should be considered under normal circumstances.”

Think About the Details

Once you’ve selected the method to create your will, it’s time to think about the details. Guardavaccaro suggests consulting with a lawyer to ensure this is done right, “but the basic process is relatively straightforward: Make a list of your assets, decide who gets what, and pick someone to serve as an executor for your estate,” she says. “Meet with the attorney and iron out expectations both monetarily and the actual creation of the will. Once an attorney is chosen and the will is created, the individual picks three witnesses. …The witnesses should be friends you trust.”

When planning your will, it can also be easy to overlook a few aspects like social media and gifting rights. It’s good to think about who will shut off your Facebook and Instagram, and whether or not your heirs can give away their inheritance as they see fit. Be sure to discuss these with your lawyer, if you have one, or make provisions for them otherwise.

Your Family, Your Values, Your Legacy PROTECT WHAT YOU LOVE

Select a Guardian and Heir

If you haven’t already done so, now’s the time to appoint a guardian for your children if they’re younger than 18. “The parent has to figure out who will…take care of the assets for the benefit of the children,” Guardavaccaro says. “When appointing a guardian, it is best to look at either a family member or friend that you can currently count on and raises their children in a similar fashion that you do.” Some aspects you might want to take into consideration are fiscal responsibility and religious or ethical values. When it comes to selecting an heir, you’ll want to keep in mind how old your children are. For younger children, the guardian will likely also be named as the property guardian and manage the estate until the kids are old enough to take over, according to Nolo.com, a resource with easy-to-understand legal information. For children who are 18 or older, it’s important to have a clear line of communication about what to expect should anything happen to you. “Make sure they’re aware of any wills, accounts, or trusts that name them as beneficiaries,” Guardavaccaro advises. “Also, give them the name of your lawyer and your financial representative, as well as details on accessing your financial holdings.” This will help prepare them for the future and simplify the process in the future. But what if you and your partner pass away or become incapacitated without having selected either a guardian or an heir? “Without having a clear directive from you, the state takes over and the next of kin can be brought in to take care of the children and assets,” Guardavaccaro says. This means your loved ones and belongings can very easily end up in the hands of the wrong person, especially if you’ve had a falling out with certain members of your immediate family. For this reason, you should clearly specify who you want to look after your children. Though this is a big decision, if you end up changing your mind or part ways with the person you had selected as your guardian, you can always amend the document later, according to Guardavaccaro.

The Ramiﬁcations of No Will

Aside from the obvious concerns of your property and family going to the wrong people, not having a will can cause strife and disagreements among your relatives. “I have encountered squabbles over small items of sentimental value to large, truly valuable items like paintings,” says David Reischer, Esq., a New York attorney and CEO of LegalAdvice.com. “Families seem to fight over anything and everything. Therefore, always remember: Have the deceased execute a last will and testament prior to leaving this world, in order to determine his intent how to distribute any remaining items in the estate.” After all, it’s better to have a will in place and not need it, rather than leave your loved ones to scrap over your possessions. The emotional aspect of setting up a will—coming to grips with your mortality, imagining a world where your children grow up without you, divvying up your possessions with the understanding that all you own and all you love will someday be out of your grasp—is intense. But don’t let that stop you from taking the steps to ensure your family and friends will be prepared in the event the unthinkable happens. Parenting is full of tough decisions that can make you stop in your tracks, but at the end of the day, you have to do what you can to ensure your family will be okay.

Estate Planning for New York Families Shannon P. McNulty, J.D., LL.M. (Taxation), CFP® 1270 Avenue of the Americas, 7th Floor New York, NY 10020 Tel: 212.431.7526 Email: shannon@mcnulty-law.com

www.familylegalplanning.nyc The first and only book on family legal planning written specifically for New York parents Get your copy at legalplanningbook.com BigAppleParent 35

raising kids teen

What Your Teen Really Needs from You

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Your oh-so-grown-up child is less independent than she seems—here’s what she’s still relying on you to provide. By Deborah Skolnik

f you have a teen, you probably look at him—on those rare moments when he isn’t holed up in his room or out somewhere with his friends—and wonder: “How’d you get so big?” And the bigger your child gets, the smaller the list of things he relies on you for becomes. Once upon a time, you were his wardrobe coordinator, social activities director, and on and on, but most of those roles have long been phased out. In fact, aside from food, money, rides, and more food, it’s easy to conclude your teen needs nothing from you at all. But thinking that way is a mistake. “Teens look like little adults, and so a lot of times parents treat them like little adults, but their brains are not caught up yet,” says Emily Roberts, M.A., L.P.C., psychotherapist and author of Express Yourself. And adolescents have lots of big tasks to accomplish, from hammering out their moral code to making plans for the future. With so much on their plates, it’s a time kids still rely on their parents, says Kashmira Rustomji, M.D., M.P.H., a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center. So don’t keep your distance. Make sure your child is still getting what he needs from you, especially the following: Praise (when appropriate). “There tends to be a lot more conflict in parent-adolescent relationships,” Dr. Rustomji says. “Often that conflict is about trivial things.” Take time to give your teen props when she’s earned it, whether that’s for a good grade, going out of her way to help a younger sibling (or you!), or being a great friend. It will balance out some of the times you and your teen find yourselves at odds, and boost her self-esteem. Your good example. Teens “are still very sensitive creatures at this time and they’re still very impressionable, so they may hear half of

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

what you’re saying and they make that their reality,” Roberts points out. That’s why it’s important not to just tell your teen what’s right and what’s wrong, but to show it to him through everything you do. “Teens are always watching you,” Dr. Rustomji adds. So be a good role model—“show them how to cope with stress, how to be respectful, and model the moral code you developed for yourself,” she urges. Chores. No one wants them, but all teens need them, Roberts says. “A lot of parents forget that that practice of helping around the house is not only about [teens] showing their family they are involved, it’s really a habit they need to have especially as they ease into adulthood,” she explains. Yes, teens tend to have busy lives, but that’s not a reason to do away with chores altogether: “You and I sometimes have a lot of work, and we still have to go home and clean our rooms and do our laundry,” Roberts says. Just be considerate of your teen’s hectic weeks: “Have a conversation with them about their schedule, especially in the beginning and middle of the school year with midterms and homework and homecoming and all that, asking how you can help,” Roberts advises. Some weeks you may need to make your teen’s chore load a little lighter. The key is to keep her responsibilities as consistent as possible over time, so she accepts chores as a part of life. Help managing his hectic schedule. Your child’s time commitments are growing exponentially—faster than his brain can keep up, Roberts says. “The adolescent brain doesn’t stop growing until the early twenties, and sometimes teens overestimate or underestimate [things],” she explains, including how long certain activities may take. Roberts suggests saying, “Let’s look at how we can schedule your time together,” and then doing just that.

Tammy Gold, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., a family therapist, is a fan of putting a calendar in your teen’s room. “Studies show that children really love structure,” she says. “Show them what their week looks like...so they know when the soccer game is, when the test is.” Time spent hanging out with you. Yes, it can seem like you’re the last person your child wants to pass the time with, but that’s not true, Gold says. Look for lulls in your teen’s busy social schedule: “Maybe they weren’t invited somewhere and they’re not going to say that to you, but they could be suffering, so you make the plans,” Gold explains. Even if they weren’t snubbed, teens often don’t like being alone, and could be up for a little company. You can also make a ritual to spend time together at a certain time each week. Spending time together isn’t just nice; it has important developmental benefits for your teen. “Obviously, for a toddler you need to be there to say things like ‘Don’t touch the flame!’ But for a teenager you need to be there not only to teach appropriate social behavior and values and model them, but to help them decode what they’re seeing,” Gold says. Help understanding social media. Speaking of things your teen may need your assistance in decoding, social media tops the list, Gold says. “For kids on social media, they need to know that this is a fictitious life, not real life,” she explains. “Everyone is just putting the best of themselves out there, so don’t let it make you feel bad.” If your teen is often down because she finds out via social media that she wasn’t invited somewhere with pals, or because her posts got too few likes, it may be time for a social media break. Gold’s own 13-year-old is only allowed to use Snapchat. “That still has the ability to make you say ‘OMG I missed that party, it stinks that I wasn’t invited,’ but that’s gone after twenty-four hours,” Gold says. Rules and limits. Oh, we know you’re going to get some eye rolls when you say, “Be home before ten!” or “No walking home from the

party alone!” but that’s no reason to hold back. “Adolescents...tend to want to do things that give them thrills and give them excitement, and sometimes that behavior leads to maladaptive behavior like drugs and alcohol and unsafe sex,” Dr. Rustomji says. “So this is a time when it’s really important for parents to set those limits to protect their child.” It’s also helpful to walk through some sticky scenarios ahead of time. Pose questions to your teen, like, “If someone is drinking at a party and wants you to drink too, how do you say no?” or “If someone gets drunk, what do you do?” Again, your teen may think it’s silly, but try anyway. “If your family has a certain set of values that you want to impart in your children, just make those clear,” Dr. Rustomji says. “And also tell your teen why.” Reassurance that you’re always there. “It’s important to tell teens ‘Hey, you’re growing, you’re maturing and because of that you get to go to the mall, you get to go out, but we’re still here to help you,’” Gold says. And it’s even more crucial to make that clear when you and your teen are fighting, she adds. “[Tell your teen] ‘You can yell at me and scream at me, but I’m never going away,’” she urges. Your apologies (when appropriate). Did you lose control and scream at your teen? “That happens, it’s normal,” Gold says. “What are you going to do about it now? Recover and say you’re sorry. Teach your child how to say you’re sorry.” Not only will your child learn it’s right to apologize when he’s wrong, he’ll also learn nobody’s perfect. Your love. “Teens need holding, as silly as it sounds,” Gold says. “I like to spoon my 13-year-old for ten minutes a night, and we talk about what happened during the day, and she loves it.” So go ahead, give your big kid a hug. Who knows? You might even get a hug back. Deborah Skolnik is the former editorial director of NYMetroParents. She lives in Westchester with her husband and 14-year-old, both of whom are much taller than she is.

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raising kids baby

Ready, Set, Sibling!

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Pregnant again? Learn how to prepare your first-born for the baby on the way. By Denise Porretto

t was once believed that Earth was the center of the universe. But those early scientists got it wrong: Ask any mom and she will tell you that everything revolves around her first-born. Whether it’s for 10 months or a few years, the oldest child has Mom and Dad’s attention to herself. So while parents may be delighted they’re expecting a second child, they may worry about how to break the news to their first-born and prevent any jealousy that might arise. “Bringing a new baby into the world is a very complex and magical process,” says Kenneth Schuster, Psy.D., clinical neuropsychologist in the Learning and Development Center and director of clinical training at the Child Mind Institute. “But for a child, it is best to keep things simple and concrete. Introduce the subject in an age-appropriate manner. Answer his or her questions using age-appropriate language...You need to meet your child where he is, and remember that anecdotal stories about what may have worked for another family will not necessarily work for your child.” With that in mind, read on for ways to prepare your child for the new baby.

Time the talk

If being pregnant for nine months seems like forever to you, imagine how long it would seem to a 2-year-old! After all, a 1-minute timeout feels like an hour to a kid that age. So if you have a very young child, breaking the baby news early may not be best. He may not even understand at first or remember what you’ve said. Many other factors may impact your decision about when to share your news. For instance, if you’re not feeling well, you may consider telling her sooner rather than later, or else she may worry you’re really sick. Your growing belly will eventually become noticeable, making the 38

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

talk inevitable. “The news that a baby is on the way becomes more meaningful to a young child when there are perceptible changes to their physical environment,” Dr. Schuster says. “For instance, perhaps the child is noticing mommy’s shrinking lap. Or the child has taken note that his parents are moving in furniture and painting walls.” Until you’re ready to share the news, be discreet. Even a young child hears her parents talking and can pick up on “secret” information. More importantly, you don’t want your child hearing the news from anyone else. “You want to make sure you’re keeping them in the loop,” says Jen Trachtenberg, M.D., assistant clinical professor of pediatrics at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Keep It Simple

When sharing the news with your young child, be direct. Simply say, “Mommy has a baby in her belly.” Even older children don’t need to hear additional details. This is not the time for a “birds and bees” talk, Dr. Schuster says. There will be plenty of time for your child to ask questions should she need further explanation. Be sure not to ask your child if he wants a baby brother or sister. This could backfire! (What are you going to do if she says, “No”?)

Accentuate the Positive

Over the coming months, there will be many opportunities for you to prepare your child for the big event. Of course, not everything you tell him about the new baby will be rosy. Explain that new baby brothers and sisters are not born ready to play, but rather spend a lot of time sleeping, eating, crying, and pooping (expect a giggle for that one). Tell your child he did the same when he was a baby. The trick is to spin the “bad news” in a positive way. For instance, tell

your child the baby will cry a lot, but also say it will be like a game to figure out what she needs. Is she hungry? Tired? Needing a diaper change? Emma L., who lives in NYC with her husband and two children, Ella (7) and Rafa (4), believes finding a good marketing angle is the best way to deal with potential issues. “Need to transition the older child to a bed, so the newborn can have the crib? Market it as an amazing new bed she gets to have because she is such a big girl!” she suggests.

Get Ready Together

Once you’ve shared the news, build on it with age-appropriate activities: • Read books together about having a new sibling. Many favorite TV characters have siblings as well. Watch the show your child likes and talk about how those siblings interact. • Give your child a baby doll and feed, change, and rock it together. • Introduce your child to a friend or relative’s baby. The baby should be older than 3 months, and you should exercise caution if you let your child hold the baby. • Share old photos of you and your siblings, and tell stories about what life was like growing up. Don’t forget current photos. Fran L., a mother of two boys in Syosset, told 3½-year-old Ben about the baby on the way by surprising him with her sonogram photo. • Allow your child to pick out clothes or toys for the new baby. • Have your child participate in a sibling-preparation class. • Enlist your first-born as an all-important “mommy’s helper,” Dr. Schuster suggests. “Tell your two-year-old that you will need her help letting you know when the baby is crying and figuring out what the baby needs. You can tell older children you’ll need their help getting clean diapers ready and making the baby laugh.” • When referring to the baby-to-be, use language such as “our baby” and “your baby sister/brother”—it suggests your child has a relationship with the baby and has an important role to play.

Post-Birth Bonding

To keep the sibling relationship growing after the baby arrives: • Help your child choose a gift for the newborn. Give your firstborn a gift the newborn “picked out” as well. • Avoid introducing big changes in your older child’s routine while baby is settling in (toilet training, giving up the pacifier, etc.). • Allow your child to help with the baby. Closely supervised older children can hold the baby while sitting, or can pass diapering supplies to the parent. Children of all ages can sing songs to a fussy newborn. (If your child doesn’t want to help, though, don’t force it. Let the relationship blossom on its own.) • Praise your first-born whenever she is behaving well. • Have her spend time with other family members, such as grandparents, to deepen those relationships. Even if you do all of the above, there may be some bumps in the road. For one thing, expect a bit of regression—sliding backward on previously mastered skills is not unusual. Emma’s daughter, who had been toilet-trained for five months, briefly went back to diapers after her little brother’s birth. The key is not to make a big deal of it. A certain amount of jealousy and acting out may be unavoidable. Stay the course, and remain positive—hugs, kisses, and kind words will go a long way. And be sure to have regular 1-on-1 time with your older child. Realize that for a child, no matter what age, having a baby brother or sister enter the family is nowhere near as tumultuous as parents imagine it to be. “Most of the time it’s a smooth transition,” Dr. Trachtenberg says. “Whether the children are close in age or far apart, it’s super rare that there’s any ongoing jealousy. It will work out.” Denise Porretto is a freelance writer in Princeton, NJ.

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BigAppleParent 39

family life home

Are You Ready to Move?

››

Real-estate experts (and real parents!) share the factors that make families relocate. By Lambeth Hochwald

he signs might be right in front of you: Maybe you and your family are feeling squished into a too-small apartment or perhaps your children are getting ready to start school and you aren’t sure your local school district is right for your kids. These are just two scenarios in which it feels like you might be ready to switch neighborhoods or spend your savings on upgrading to your first home. “Many moves are dictated by lifecycles in the family,” says Alison Bernstein, founder of Suburban Jungle, a real estate firm exclusively focused on buyers leaving the city for the suburbs. “If thinking down the road about your kids’ school experience causes you to break into a cold sweat, it may be time to go. Ultimately, whether you move or stay in your neighborhood comes down to the level of happiness you have day to day, and whether there is a need for change.” The following, experts say, are all signs it may be time to start reading the real estate ads: Your place is less kid-friendly than you thought. For Becky Margel, mom of Remy (3) and Reese (6 months), it was a staircase that prompted her and her husband, Jesse, to move from Manhattan to Glen Rock, NJ in February 2018. “We lived in a duplex and when our three-year-old began walking up and down the very steep spiral staircase on her own. It started to make us nervous,” says Margel, who lived in NYC for a decade before the move to the suburbs. Your family is growing—but your space isn’t. Another nudge for the Margels was the fact that Becky was pregnant again. “With baby 40

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

two on the way and additional baby gear entering our apartment, we knew it was time to get out of the city and move to the suburbs,” she says. “With no space to put all the toys that was another sign that it was time to live somewhere with way more space.” Bernstein sees families in similar situations all the time: “Often the addition of a child into an already at-capacity apartment is enough to signal that it’s time for a change,” she says. Ultimately, it may no longer be fun to stow toilet paper under the bed and extra diapers in your clothing closet. You’re longing for a lawn. Outdoor space may be one of the biggest reasons families opt to relocate, says Greg McHale, a real estate agent at Compass. “While we have seen city folks adapt to living with kids in living quarters your cousin in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, would deem postage stamp-sized, for many parents, not being able to essentially kick your kids outside when they are rowdy ultimately becomes a major sticking point,” he says. Of course, you don’t always have to leave the city to get a yard. “Whether the family can afford an apartment or a house with private outdoor space in their favorite neighborhood or school district can sometimes be the ‘make or break’ decision,” McHale says. Your local parks suddenly seem puny. Another way to gauge your need for greenery is by doing this exercise, which McHale recommends to his clients: “If you’re okay with spending the day in Central or Prospect park for your weekend expeditions, then stick with the city,” he says.

City life is starting to feel overwhelming. Cramped conditions and a lack of green space can prompt an exodus, but so can other realities of an urban existence. Add in the strain of school applications, the sleep issues if you’re in a noisy apartment, the expense, and other annoyances, and you’ve got a family ready to make a move. That’s exactly the scenario Amy Hill, who moved from Brooklyn to Tarrytown with her husband and two sons, faced last year. “We were getting kicked out of our apartment (the owners wanted to sell it), so we didn’t have much of a choice,” Hill says. But the decision to leave Brooklyn—where Hill’s entire family still lives— was one they made on their own, due not only to a desire for more space, but also a list of irritants that included the grime of urban living. “Our other triggers included the broken glass on the sidewalks, the worry over the kids running into the street, and navigating the narrow [store] aisles with our double stroller,” she says. You haven’t found your parent tribe. Loneliness is another reason many parents find it’s time to move. “When you are a new parent living in New York City and you find yourself feeling isolated or without any baby playmates for your little one, it may be time to consider a move,” says Amy Owens, a real estate broker at Keller Williams in NYC. The same thing can happen in the suburbs if you’re living in a neighborhood populated by mostly older families. You feel like you’ve aged out of your ’hood, as in you’re the only one with a baby and everyone else is crowding into your favorite local bar for happy hour. While this neighborhood once felt familiar, it can suddenly feel strange to be in a different life stage from pretty much everyone else around you. Your bustling neighborhood is starting to be annoying. When your busy morning schedule clashes with the neighborhood’s latenight vibe, it can also feel like a big disconnect. “It’s extremely taxing as well when people are out partying in the streets until all hours of the night keeping you and/or your whole family awake,” Bernstein adds. You already know people in the town you’re considering. Having pals already in place always eases the transition. They can show you where to buy groceries, what the schools are like, and which pediatrician to choose, as well as clue you in to favorite traditions in town, Margel advises. And you just might find other urbanites living in your new town, too. “Many New York City suburbs are loaded with residents who just a few short years ago were your Brooklyn and Manhattan neighbors,” Owens says.

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You’ve always dreamed of owning a home. For many families, saving for a home of their own is an important goal. For Margel and Hill, leaving the city for the suburbs turned out to be one of the best things they ever did and have zero regrets about it. “We love the shopping,” Margel says. “We have every store imaginable within 15 minutes. Well, I love it, my husband not so much!” And if you end up missing things about your former neighborhood, you can vent about this, too, with your new neighbors who are likely going to be easily able to relate to how you feel. “No matter how much we love our new town, we do miss my family, the pizza, and the bagels,” Hill says. An easy fix: Just take the train, bus, or ferry back to your old neighborhood for the day. You might just come to realize you miss fewer and fewer things about it the longer you’ve put down roots in a new place.

Camp locations in NYC, across Long Island including the Hamptons, and in Westchester and the Capital Region. We’ve got your summer fun covered!

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PartyCentral Your local guide to entertainers, party places, activities, and other resources.

PARTY ENTERTAINMENT BOLD ARTS

419-349-2465 bold-arts.com chelsea@bold-arts.com BOLD Arts offers fun and personalized dance birthday parties for children ages 4 and older! You provide the space and BOLD will provide a memorable, high-energy dance party. BOLD Birthdays are a unique way to celebrate with dance and friends.

CLOWNS.COM

Proudly Serving Westchester, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx 516-577-0000 718-971-5862 clowns.com We are a family-owned and -operated entertainment company, offering a wide range of party and entertainment services including clowns, inflatable bounce houses, characters, magicians, princesses, magic shows, face painting, and party concession rentals.

CONFETTI GRACE

confettigrace.org Confetti Grace DIY subscription boxes contain supplies to create two gifts and cards. Craft with friends with the “Let’s Confetti” party for eight or more guests! 20 percent of profits go to charity.

DAVE’S CAST OF CHARACTERS

914-235-7100 davescast.com Make your party a special one! Dave’s entertainment services include more than 100 costumed characters. From princesses and super heroes to pirates and tea parties, there’s something for everyone.

FROGGLE PARTIES

1732 First Ave., Suite 20955 646-480-0570 frogglepartytime.com/ frogglepartytime.com/video/ As seen on TV! We offer heaps of kids’ party packages from hilarious clowns and party performers, to mesmerizing magicians, puppet shows, balloon twisters, face painting, games, dancing, bubble parties, characters, super heroes, princesses, pirates, and fairies! Get a $20 discount when you quote NY METRO.

MYSTERY & MAYHEM

212-260-2295 mysteryandmayhem.com mitzvahzoe@aol.com Mystery & Mayhem offers hilarious, interactive, age-appropriate dress-up mystery parties in which guests ages 8-18 become suspects in a crime. Choose from five mysterious, winning dramas, or a Nancy Drew, Sherlock Holmes, or Harry Potter theme.

PET PORTRAIT FUN

646-418-5718 petportraitfun.com michelecahill@petportraitfun.com Have a Pet Portrait Fun “Paint Your Pet Party” with your friends! Email the photos, and a sketch of your pet is prepared for you to trace and watercolor with easy to follow instructions.

PARTY PLACES BROADWAY DANCE CENTER CHILDREN AND TEENS

37 W. 65th St., 3rd floor 212-582-9304 broadwaydancecenter.com Broadway Dance Center Children and Teens loves a good dance party! Your birthday dancer and guests are sure to love these birthday parties set in our beautiful, spacious studios. Choose a theme and party package. Come celebrate with us!

CHELSEA PIERS SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX

West 23rd Street and Hudson River Park Field House Registration Desk: 212-3366500 x6520 chelseapiers.com/birthday Chelsea Piers parties are action-packed, entertaining, and hassle-free, with more sports, activities, and fun than any other party venue in NYC!

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF THE ARTS 103 Charlton St. 212-274-0986 cmany.org/about/birthdays-rentals/ birthdays Art-filled parties begin with time to explore the museum’s hands-on workshops. Experienced teaching artists lead children in your choice of private workshop. Parties end with food and cake.

EPIPHANY COMMUNITY NURSERY SCHOOL

510 E. 74th St. 212-737-2977 ecnsnyc.org Let ECNS ETC. help you plan your child’s next birthday party. Children ages 2-10 love our gymnastics parties. Start with 45 minutes in our 2100-square-foot, fully equipped, child-friendly gymnasium with our gym coaches, followed by 45 minutes in our private party room.

FUNFIT BLOOMING BRANCHES SPECIFIC SPORTS

550 W. 110th St. 646-580-3758 funfitnyc.com info@funfitnyc.com FunFit parties are customized for the birthday child. Children will be entertained by participating in age-appropriate, high-energy, sport games and FunFit activities led by our expert coaches.

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

FUNFUZION AT NEW ROC CITY

29 LeCount Place (Exit 16 off I-95), New Rochelle Party Central: 914-637-7575, option 1 funfuziononline.com Calling all birthday superstars! You and your guests will be dazzled by a unique, interactive party experience!

GALLI THEATER NEW YORK

at GSM, 74 Warren St. 212-731-0668 gallitheaternyc.com; galliny@gmail.com Party with the Galli Theater New York and experience the magic of live theater for your special event! Your child loves the theater and would love to be on stage? Allow your child to experience the most amazing theater party in town!

INTREPID SEA, AIR & SPACE MUSEUM

Pier 86, West 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue 646-381-5010 intrepidmuseum.org groupsales@intrepidmuseum.org Celebrate your child’s birthday with a oneof-a-kind party! The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum will captivate groups of all ages and interests. Choose from exciting themes, value packages, and customization options to create a birthday adventure they’ll remember forever!

JODI’S GYM

244 E. 84th St. 212-772-7633 25 Hubbels Drive, Mount Kisco 914-244-8811 jodisgym.com Kids run, jump, climb, tumble, slide, bounce, and giggle to their hearts’ delight at Jodi’s Gym, where action-packed parties and unmatched experience have won children’s hearts for 34 years.

JUST KIDDING AT SYMPHONY SPACE 2537 Broadway 212-864-1414 x289 symphonyspace.org/justkidding Just Kidding parties are artsy, imaginative, and fun, designed to make party planning easy and engaging! Through the show kids have the chance to interact with Just Kidding artists creating a once in a lifetime birthday party experience.

KATE TEMPESTA’S URBAN GOLF ACADEMY

917-270-7257 ktuga.com/birthday-parties mari@ktuga.com KTUGA’s parties are customized to your child’s interests. Think Pirate Golf Fun to Princess Castle Chipping. Ideal for ages 3-8. Select from different activities to highlight our golf games including storytelling, shadow screen play, and music and movement.

THE LITTLE GYM

2121 Broadway, 2nd Floor (between 74th and 75th streets) Upper West Side 212-799-1225 tlgupperwestsideny.com 207 E. 94th St. (between Second and

Third avenues) Upper East Side 212-787-1124 tlguppereastsideny.com 777 White Plains Road, Scarsdale 914-722-0072 tlgscarsdaleny.com 28 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick, NJ 201-445-4444 tlgwaldwicknj.com A private party at The Little Gym is a perfect way to celebrate your child’s next birthday. Gymnastics, games, obstacle courses, trampoline, sports, and music are tailored to your child’s interests!

MARTIAL ARTS FAMILY STUDIO

290 Mulberry St. 646-460-3770 martialartsfamilystudio.com info@martialartsfamilystudio.com At Martial Arts Family Studio we will be delighted to organize your child birthday party so you can focus on your guests. We offer music theater, and/or puppets-based birthday parties for the little ones and dance or martial arts birthday parties for older kids.

NY CAKE

118 W. 22nd St. 212-675-2253 nycakeacademy.com; info@nycakeacademy.com Have a Unicorn themed adventure or take off with a galaxy cake that everyone will talk about for weeks to come. Let NY Cake Academy take care of everything for you.

PALISADES CLIMB ADVENTURE

4590 Palisades Center Drive, Level 4 of the Palisades Center, West Nyack 845-727-3500 palisadesclimb.com Palisades Climb Adventure offers the world’s tallest indoor ropes challenge course with 75 unique challenge elements. Our Sky Tykes kids’ ropes course is designed for ages 2-7. Both courses are available for birthday parties. Book your party today!

PIER 62 CAROUSEL

Pier 62 at Hudson River Park (by Chelsea Piers) 718-788-2676 pier62carouselnyc.com info@nycarousel.com Give your child the best birthday with our VIP Birthday Party Package at Hudson River Park’s whimsical carousel on the water!

SEAGLASS CAROUSEL AT THE BATTERY

Water Street and State Street 718-788-2676 seaglasscarousel.nyc/birthdays info@nycarousel.com Celebrate your next birthday at SeaGlass Carousel! VIP Birthday Packages start at $535 within your own exclusive party area. Book online: seaglasscarousel.nyc/birthdays.

USTA BILLIE JEAN KING NATIONAL TENNIS CENTER

Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Flushing 718-760-6200 x0 ntc.usta.com Birthday party packages include one hour of court time with drills and games organized by our USTA Pro staff and one-hour private room for pizza.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Your local guide to tutors, teachers, lawyers, financial planners, and other professionals

LEGAL SERVICES ANDREW COHEN, ESQ., LAW OFFICES OF ANDREW M. COHEN 250 W. 57th St., Suite 1216 212-244-0595 1100 Franklin Ave., Suite 305, Garden City 516-877-0595 amcohenlaw.com ac@amcohenlaw.com The Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen can help you achieve your objectives through careful special needs legal planning, regardless of the size of your estate. All clients are provided with high quality service at a reasonable cost. SPECIAL NEEDS ANDREW COHEN, ESQ., LAW OFFICES OF ANDREW M. COHEN 250 W. 57th St., Suite 1216 212-244-0595 1100 Franklin Ave., Suite 305, Garden City 516-877-0595 amcohenlaw.com ac@amcohenlaw.com The Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen can help you achieve your objectives through careful special needs legal planning, regardless of the size of your estate. All clients are provided with high quality service at a reasonable cost.

THERAPY & COUNSELORS NATHALIA A. FONSECA, M.S., C.C.C.S.L.P., T.S.S.L.D.-B.E. BILINGUAL SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST 347-449-9465 bilingualslpny.com info@bilingualslpny.com Nathalia Fonseca is a bilingual (English and Spanish), PROMPT-trained speech pathologist providing speech-language, and feeding and swallowing evaluations and therapy. Her specialty is feeding and swallowing therapy. Bilingual family workshops and social groups will be available monthly.

TUTORS & TEST PREP EYE LEVEL MANHATTAN East Village 437 E. 12th St. 212-260-8020 eastvillage@myeyelevel.com Tribeca 104 Reade St. 212-346-PREP (7737) info@rsprep.com Upper East Side 307 E. 84th St. 212-737-3344 uesmanhattan@fastrackids.com eyelevelny.com

Eye Level offers math and English programs for ages 3-14. Whether the immediate goal is for early learning, remedial education, or academic education, Eye Level is the answer.

Observe whales, porpoises, puffins, seals, and a variety of other marine life up-close in their natural habitat. Explore a unique island ecosystem and make connections that will last a life time! Hands-on programs in marine science, oceanography, and whale research on beautiful Grand Manan Island in the Bay of Fundy. College credit program and $40,000 college scholarships available for high school students

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Galli Theater New York Theater For The Whole Family SHOWS • BIRTHDAY PARTIES • CAMPS

Galli Theater At GSM 74 Warren Street 212-731-0668 New York, NY 10007 galliny@gmail.com gallitheaternyc.com Snow White: Jan 5, 6, 12, 13 at 2pm Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves: Jan 19, 20, 26, 27 at 2pm

Children’s Museum of the Arts Enjoy an art-filled celebration with your child and friends! Register Today at CMANY.org or Email birthdays@cmany.org for more information and booking. Hosting a party at home, the patio, the park, or another space? We will design a private workshop for your party! BigAppleParent 43

Meet theDirector The Little Gym

2121 Broadway, 2nd Floor (between 74th and 75th streets) Upper West Side 212-799-1225 tlgupperwestsideny.com 207 E. 94th St. (between Second and Third avenues)

Upper East Side 212-787-1124 tlguppereastsideny.com 777 White Plains Road, Scarsdale 914-722-0072 tlgscarsdaleny.com 28 Franklin Turnpike Waldwick, NJ 201-445-4444 tlgwaldwicknj.com

It was a love of fitness and children that led Jeff Freeman and Ian Axelrod to open several The Little Gym locations throughout New York and New Jersey. Jeff’s love of sports shows through his own athleticism as well as his career choices. For nearly two decades, he and The Little Gym have been helping children develop socially and physically while having fun, teaching them that the key to a healthy lifestyle is an active lifestyle.

735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase 914-273-8500 fscamps.com Jordan is returning for his 27th year as director of Future Stars at Purchase College. He has a B.A. from Rollins College, (where he won the NCAA Tennis Championship), and an M.B.A. from the Stern School of Business, NYU. He is currently the Men’s Head Tennis Coach at Purchase College while also coaching a variety of youth sports at all levels. His education, business, and sports experience make him uniquely qualified to direct the camps for boys and girls, ages 4-16. Hand-picked, experienced program directors offer weekly sessions in tennis, soccer, lacrosse, basketball, baseball, circus arts, magic, diving, rising stars, cheerleading, field hockey, football, softball, volleyball, multi-sports, and academics.

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25 Hubbels Dr. Mt. Kisco • 914.244.8811 244 E. 84th St. NYC • 212.772.7633

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

244 E. 84th St. 212-772-7633 25 Hubbels Drive, Mount Kisco 914-244-8811 jodisgym.com As early as Jodi Levine could walk, she was tumbling. Jodi ultimately became a national-level gymnast. In 1982, she started Jodi’s Gym, launching the first gymnastics-based “Mommy & Me classes” in NYC. At Jodi’s Gym, Jodi leverages her more than 40 years of experience in gymnastics to create well-balanced programs that focus on all aspects of a child’s development. Jodi’s Gym offers classes in gymnastics, music, and art, in addition to a variety of camps, birthday parties, and off-site “Jodi’s Gym To Go” programs in Manhattan and Westchester County.

The Whale Camp

Future Stars Summer Camps - Purchase College

Jodi’s Gym

610-399-1463 whalecamp.com Amy Lorenz and Cailin Burmaster lead Whale Camp’s educational program with focus on marine biology field experiences. Amy studied terrestrial ecology and marine mammals and has been teaching in field programs for the last ten years. Her Masters research focused on creating opportunities to engage students in science. Cailin brings knowledge from her studies and fieldwork in marine biology and oceanography, along with years of experiential education. Their passion is leading diverse staff and students to explore marine science and make lifelong connections with each other and the natural world.

raising kids ad index NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY metropolitan area! acrobatics / gymnastics

Jodi’s Gym ...................................................................44 Little Gym ...............................................................3, 44

birthday / party services

apple seeds ................................................................22 Big Apple Parent Party Planner ...................................45 Jodi’s Gym ..................................................................44 Little Gym ...............................................................3, 44 Martial Arts Family Studio ..............................................8 Sportime .....................................................................41

camps

Atlantic Acting School .................................................48 Camp Huntington ........................................................41 Chelsea Piers ...............................................................5 Children’s Museum of The Arts ...................................43 Dwight School .............................................................12 Future Stars ..........................................................39, 44 Jodi’s Gym ..................................................................44 Little Gym ...............................................................3, 44 Nord Anglia International School ...................................9 Portfolio School (The) .................................................18 Sportime .....................................................................41 The Ecole ....................................................................15 Whale Camp .........................................................43, 44 YMCA of Greater New York ........................................39

child care / day care

Creative Steps Early Care & Education Center ..........19 Epiphany Community Nursery School ........................18 Mommybites ................................................................47 Smarter Toddler Nursery & Preschool ........................13

classes

apple seeds ................................................................22 Atlantic Acting School .................................................48 Chelsea Piers ...............................................................5 Children’s Museum of The Arts ...................................43 Collina Italiana ............................................................21 Diller Quaile School of Music ......................................17 Ideal School (The) ......................................................14 Martial Arts Family Studio ..............................................8 Sportime .....................................................................41 YMCA of Greater New York ........................................39

developmental

Atlas Foundation for Autism ..........................................2 Cosmic Cubs Club ......................................................23 Creative Steps Early Care & Education Center ..........19 Smarter Toddler Nursery & Preschool ........................13 The Ecole ....................................................................15

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Atlas Foundation for Autism ..........................................2 Collina Italiana ............................................................21 Cosmic Cubs Club ......................................................23 Creative Steps Early Care & Education Center ..........19 Dwight School .............................................................12 Epiphany Community Nursery School ........................18 Epiphany School (The) ...............................................22 First Presbyterian Church Nursery .............................23 Gateway School The ..................................................22 Huntington Learning Center .......................................21 Ideal School (The) ......................................................14 Immaculate Conception School - NY ..........................19

International Academy of NY .......................................15 Mount Saint Michael Academy ....................................22 New York City Education Consulting ..........................18 Nord Anglia International School ...................................9 Portfolio School (The) .................................................18 Smarter Toddler Nursery & Preschool ........................13 Success Academy ........................................................7 The Ecole ....................................................................15 Wetherby-Pembridge School ......................................13 Zeta Charter Schools...................................................19

family entertainment / events / outings Children’s Museum of The Arts ...................................43 Galli Theater ................................................................43 King Kong ...................................................................37

ﬁtness

Cho Elite Taekwondo ..................................................44 Sportime .....................................................................41

home aervices

Cosmic Cubs Club ......................................................23

legal services

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music

Diller Quaile School of Music ......................................17

performing arts / acting

Atlantic Acting School .................................................48 Galli Theater ................................................................43 King Kong ...................................................................37

play spaces

apple seeds ................................................................22

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religious

Epiphany School (The) ...............................................22 First Presbyterian Church Nursery .............................23 Immaculate Conception School - NY ..........................19 Mount Saint Michael Academy ....................................22

special education

Huntington Learning Center .......................................21

special needs

Atlas Foundation for Autism ..........................................2 Camp Huntington ........................................................41

sports

Chelsea Piers ...............................................................5 Cho Elite Taekwondo ..................................................44 Future Stars ..........................................................39, 44 Martial Arts Family Studio ..............................................8 Sportime .....................................................................41

theater

Galli Theater ................................................................43 King Kong ...................................................................37

tutors

Huntington Learning Center .......................................21 New York City Education Consulting ..........................18

NYMETROPARENTS.COM/REGISTER BigAppleParent 45

raising kids stuff we like

Skincare for the Whole Family

››

By Katelin Walling

Back By Popular Demand!

For Preemies—and Proud Mamas

Created specifically for the delicate skin of premature babies, the nutrientrich BEB Organic Silky Cream and Nourishing Oil pack a supermoisturizing one-two punch when used together—and since they were created for preemie skin, they’re super gentle and NICU-safe. For moms who need a little extra moisture in the winter, use the Silky Cream at night to relieve dry skin followed by the Nourishing Oil to lock in moisture. And if pregnancy has caused hormonal acne, or your little one has infant acne, apply some Healing Gel, which is great for treating break outs, healing eczema, and minimizing scars. (Silky Cream: $68; Nourishing Oil: $52; Healing Gel: $64; beborganic.com)

After a nearly 3-year hiatus, Johnson’s brought back the fanfavorite Baby Creamy Oil with Aloe & Vitamin E last July due to consumer demand. If that doesn’t tell you how great this moisturizer is, maybe this will: It’s paraben-, phthalate-, sulfate-, and dye-free due to Johnson’s total brand relaunch last year. The company is now being 100-percent transparent about the ingredients in its products, and is using more naturally derived (and fewer total) components. The nongreasy formula of the creamy oil absorbs quickly—and it’s great for the whole family! ($3.99; target.com)

Old Remedies, New Uses This One’s for the Dads—and Teens

A super-gentle moisturizer, miniOrganic’s Superﬁne Jojoba can be used from cradle to parenthood. Use it on babies during infant massage, to relieve cradle cap, or add a few drops to the bath. Meanwhile, moms can use it as makeup remover and for treating cuticles and nails. What we’re most excited about is dads and teens can use it, too! Encourage your hubby to use it postshave as a soothing balm. And the certified organic, vegan, cruelty-free moisturizer is gentle enough to use if you or your teen has acne-prone skin. ($38; miniorganics.com)

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Inspired by proven, centuries-old remedies from various countries, Vivaiodays Rose Geranium Cleansing Water takes its cue from Zulu women healers, who use Rose Geranium leaves as a treatment. While formulated as a sanitizer for easy cleanup on the go, just add a bit to a cotton pad and use it as oil-free makeup remover. It’s ophthalmologistand dermatologist-tested, plus gluten- and cruelty-free, and certified vegan. Bonus: For every Vivaiodays product sold, the company donates money to fund a day of school for a deserving student somewhere in the world. ($14; vivaiodays.com)

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