Bap 0218 by City Guide NY

BigApple Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM FEBRUARY 2018

CAMP SPECIAL! • Why Campers Make Better Students • Find the Perfect Camp for Your Child NEW! Camps at a Glance • Transportation • Lunch • Flexible Hours • More

e Baby Love

How Infants Learn Affection

Virtual Assistants vs. Manners Do Google Home and Alexa Make Kids Rude?

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

BigAppleParent

SUMMER GROWTH SPURT Usdan is an award-winning day camp for students ages 4-18 to explore music, dance, theater, visual arts, sports and more on our Long Island campus in the woods. JOIN US FOR AN OPEN HOUSE: Sunday, February 11 or Sunday, March 18. Reservations required. Visit usdan.org/visit.

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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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Parent/Child Classes • Pre-K Gymnastics Grade School Gymnastics • Dance Karate • Sports Skills • Awesome Birthday Bashes Parents’ Survival Nights • Camps BigAppleParent

contents table of

Original photo by ›› PhotoOp NYC (photoopnyc.com) Clothing provided by Appaman (appaman.com)

february 2018

58 43

camp 18 10 Lessons Learned at Camp that Beneﬁt Kids in School

22 Camp Directory 29 Camps-at-a-Glance Chart

Quotables

The best parenting quotes from the web, and how your deﬁnition of love changed after becoming a parent!

Staying Inside

Indoor fun in Queens, including hot cocoa spots, play spaces, and indoor water parks

How Babies Learn to Love

Your little one is hard-wired to adore you, and there’s plenty you can do to help build that bond.

raising kids

things to do

family life

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 5 Things You Need to Know About Your Postpartum Body 12 A Parenting Mantra 15 Independent School Spotlight 44 How Babies Learn to Love 50 Help Your Teen Get More Exercise 52 Healthy Smiles 55 Party Central 56 Professional Services and Open Houses 57 Family Resource Guide and Party Planner 57 Advertisers’ Index 58 Quotables

13 Valentine’s Day Pompom Critters

46 House Hunters

32 Family Fun a Ride Away

48 Hey Google! Can You Teach My Kid Some Manners...Please?

33 Family Activities Calendar

54 Vegan Snacks for a Super Bowl Party

43 Staying Inside

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› facebook.com/nymetroparents

17 Camp Special! 44 Baby Love

48 Virtual Assistants vs. Manners

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

BUILDING CHARACTER. CONFIDENCE, AND COMMUNITY Ages 4 1/2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 15 | JUNE 27 - AUGUST 17 REGISTER TODAY AT ASPHALTGREEN.ORG/CAMP

Upper East Side

Battery Park City

555 E. 90th St.

212 North End Ave.

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@agkidsnyc

BigAppleParent 2/1/18 9:22 AM5

raising kids editor’s note

FEBRUARY 2018 • Vol.33 • No.2

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Deborah Skolnik MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling DEPUTY EDITOR: Caitlin Berens SENIOR EDITOR: Bethany Braun-Silva ENGAGEMENT EDITOR: Samantha Neudorf REGIONAL EDITORS: Samantha Beranbom (Rockland); Karen Demeter (Suffolk); Whitney C. Harris (Manhattan, Westchester); Rosalind Muggeridge (Brooklyn); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke EDITORIAL INTERN: Caitlin Sawicki

Lots to Love On These Pages! I

To Submit Events: nymetroparents.com/submitevents

ADVERTISING SALES

Big Apple Parent 212-315-0800 Jeunesse Jackson, EJ Morales-Gomez, Linda Pierce Queens Parent 718-878-4860 Annene Guertin, Manager

t’s cold out there! (Those strange shuffling figures outside your window aren’t extras from The Walking Dead, btw—they’re kids whose moms dressed them in too many layers.) But here inside the offices of NYMetroParents, we’re thinking about summer. Yes, now’s the time to begin making your kids’ camp plans. Bewildered by all the choices? We’ve made it easier than ever for you to find the exact camp that you want. In addition to a comprehensive camp directory, we’ve created an ata-glance chart on page 29. Need a program that offers transportation or lunch? Flexible hours, art, or special-needs services? We break it all down for you with checkboxes—we know you’ve got better things to do than to dig around for all that info! Once you’ve settled on the best camp for your child, it’s only natural to wonder what he’ll get out of the experience. In addition to having lots of fun, he’ll learn some serious life lessons—ones that can turn him into a super student once school is back in session. We asked Stacey Ebert, a former educator, camper, and counselor herself, to share the lowdown in “10 Lessons Learned at Camp that Benefit Kids in School” (p. 18). Of course, February is a month when love is in the air, so check out my story on “How Babies Learn to Love” (p. 44). Don’t expect flowers and candy for a while, but if you know what to look for, there are all sorts of reassuring signs that your relationship with your little one is a two-way street! I’ll walk you through every sweet little milestone. If you’ve got a growing family, you may also be searching for a home to love, and live in, for many happy years to come. For most of us, it will be the largest purchase of our lives. That’s one scary commitment to make! To help you in the process, read Samantha Neudorf’s “House Hunters” story (p. 46). It gives the inside scoop from the pros on how to scope out neighborhoods, figure out how much house you can afford, show sellers you’re serious, and much more. And, in a most unlikely love story, can you get your teen to actually adore exercise? We asked trainers what it takes to get your favorite phone-obsessed couch potato up and moving (p. 50). The good news is, it’s easier than you think, as long as you’re prepared to get in the game yourself. Why wouldn’t you? It’s always a smart idea to work a little more healthy activity into your day. You’ll both look and feel better, and just in time, too—if you ask us, at least, summer is just around the corner.

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 DIR. OF OPERATIONS -- EVENTS: Rebecca Stolcz DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Ray Winn OPERATIONS COORDINATORS: Leonard Porter, Christopher Regalado DIRECTOR OF TRAFFIC: Heather Gambaro ADMINISTRATION MANAGER: Erin Jordan

PRODUCTION

DIRECTOR|PUBLISHING MANAGEMENT: Anthony Diaz DIRECTOR|DIGITAL CONTENT DEVELOPMENT: Sara Wentworth

MARKETING

MARKETING MANAGER: Jaime Graham PUBLISHING & MARKETING MANAGER: Barbara Byrd

ACCOUNTING

CONTROLLER: David Friedman

ADMINISTRATION

CREDIT MANAGER: Elizabeth Teagarden CREDIT ASSISTANTS: Rosa Meinhofer, Diedra Smith

MOMMYBITES.COM

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Rebecca Dixon 917-572-9192

Davler Media Group davlermedia.com

CEO: David L. Miller General Manager: Thomas K. Hanlon 498 Seventh Ave., 10th Floor, New York, NY 10018 Phone: 212-315-0800; Fax: 212-271-2239

Deborah Skolnik Editorial Director

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

Westchester Parent 914-397-0200 Nini DeLuca, Manager Merrill Sugarman, Mary Wender

BIG APPLE PARENT, QUEENS PARENT, WESTCHESTER PARENT BROOKLYN PARENT, ROCKLAND PARENT, BERGEN •ROCKLAND PARENT, and LONG ISLAND PARENT are published monthly by Davler Media Group, LLC Copyright © 2017, Davler Media Group, LLC No part of contents may be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher. Subscription rates per year, per publication: $39

Summer 2018

CAMPS Ages 3-14

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Summer Dance Camps are back at Broadway Dance Center Children & Teens! Join us for another great summer of dance, games, cr af t s, making new f r iends, and creating las ting memor ies. All levels are welcome! Eight dif ferent week s (Mon- Fr i) to choose f rom.

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BigAppleParent

raising kids new places, new programs

Courtesy Donna Mue

Registration is open to all children enterin g third to ninth grades for The Windw ard School Summer Program 2018.

Tot

Who: The Windward School Summer Program What’s New: An expansion to the Upper East Side location, plus a 10-percent discount when you enroll siblings. The Windward School Summer Program is for students entering third to ninth grades. It offers academics in the morning and creative arts, sports, and drama activities in the afternoon. The summer program will run July 2-27 (no class July 4) on the Upper East Side and in White Plains, with half-day (9am-12:10pm) and full-day (9am-2:45pm) offerings. The Windward School Summer Program provides instructional programming for children who could benefit from the school’s researchbased approach to learning. Want More Info: 212 E. 93rd St., Upper East Side and 40 W. Red Oak Lane, White Plains; 914-949-6968 x1250; summerprogram@ thewindwardschool.org; thewindwardschool.org/summerprogram

ller Photography

Summer Program Expands, Offers Sibling Discount

Who: Polyglot Tot What’s New: Tribal Art Creole Alphabet Flashcards, which became available in December. Polyglot Tot flashcards are designed to help infants to 7-year-olds learn West African tribal languages (although anyone can learn from the cards). The alphabet flashcards are inspired by the varying bohemian arts and African textiles and also come in Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. Flashcards to help teach colors and animals are scheduled to be available Feb. 21 (International Mother Language Day) and are currently available for preorder. Founder Sunshine Abou Bakar’s mission is to bring global learning within arm’s reach of every family and every child. Want More Info: polyglottot@gmail.com; polyglottot.com

Courtesy Polyglot

Tribal Language Learning Business Adds Creole Flashcards

they know the much better when “Children learn so lyglot Tot founder Po s say ” forefathers, language of their kar. Sunshine Abou Ba

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Courtesy Matt Zugale / Usdan Summ er Camp

Who: Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts What’s New: The Choreographic Institute and courses in puppetry, beginner guitar and piano, Broadway jazz, and West African dance, plus a 50th anniversary celebration. “Every class is taught by a professional artist who has a career in their art form as well as a career as an educator,” says executive director Lauren Brandt Schloss. Children ages 4-18 are invited to attend camp June 25-Aug. 10. The camp will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year at its annual gala July 19, during which alumni will perform music alongside current students. Want More Info: 185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights; 631-6437900; info@usdan.org; usdan.org

for the Arts

Arts Summer Camp Adds Courses and Celebrates 50 Years

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts strive s to provide an arts education in a camp setting to childr en throughout the New York metro area.

.OASIS DAY CAMP. Central Park at The BASIS School & Downtown at PS 110 Specialized Early Start Program: Ages 3-5

Low child/staff ratio • Ready for September enrichment Early childhood experienced staff Scheduling accommodates physical and creative needs of campers

Traditional Day Camp: Ages 6-11

Programming designed to expose campers to new, exciting fun activities. Inclusive environment - building bonds and lifelong friendships Sports & Outdoor Adventure • Arts & Crafts • Music & Performing Arts Campers choice activities • American Red Cross Swim Instruction

Teen Travel: Ages 12-14

Opportunity for teens to broaden their horizons! Daily trips to museums, beaches, baseball games & amusement parks Interactive workshops with talented professionals & more! Overnight camp excursions & late-night socials!

Oasis Features:

8:30am-5:30pm + extended day • AC Transportation Hot Lunch Option • Flexible Enrollment: 2-8 weeks Special Events: Carnivals, tie dye, scavenger hunts, color war, day trips

˜Almost 20 years of Tradition~

As close to sleepaway camp as you can get!

Call us or visit our BRAND NEW website with questions or for info session dates! www.oasischildren.com • 800-317-1392

@oasisdaycamps

BigAppleParent

raising kids in the know

5 Things You Need To Know About Your Postpartum Body›› By Bethany Braun-Silva with Marianne Ryan, PT, OCS

o much comes with the territory of getting pregnant. Body changes such as aches and pains, acid reflux, hair growth, and of course, weight gain are all part of the deal. It would be great if these unwanted symptoms would simply go away after a woman gives birth—after all, a new mom has enough to worry about—but that’s simply just not the case. Our bodies continue to change postpartum. It’s important that we are aware of these changes and continue to take care of ourselves along with our new bundle of joy. We asked Marianne Ryan, PT, OCS, physical therapist, clinical director of Marianne Ryan Physical Therapy, and author of Baby Bod– Turn Flab to Fab in 12 Weeks Flat, what women can expect from their bodies after giving birth. Ryan runs a physical therapy practice in New York City dedicated to helping women recover postpartum, so she has plenty of advice to offer. Here, she shares five things women should know about their postpartum bodies: 1. Just because you gave birth, that doesn’t mean you lost weight. Whatever you do, don’t even think of stepping on that scale for at least 30 days after you deliver your baby. I remember breaking down into tears after I weighed myself three days after I delivered my first daughter. I had only lost a few pounds! I asked myself, ‘How can that be?’ My daughter weighed 8½ pounds and the placenta and amniotic fluid weighed about 3 or 4 pounds, so I should have weighed at least 12 pounds less, right? Wrong! Right after giving birth, your body is still going through a lot changes. The amount of fluid you retain can fluctuate hourly, especially if you are nursing. It takes a few weeks for your body to lose the excess fluid you built up during your pregnancy and for your uterus to return to normal size. So as much fun as it may seem to find out how much you weigh, don’t do it; it can drive you crazy. 2. You can exercise, just take it slow. As a general rule I advise women to protect their bodies during the first six postpartum

weeks. For example, don’t lift anything heavier than your newborn baby. If you have an older toddler, try to teach them to climb up to you while you sit on a chair or bed. After your six-week postpartum check up, you can gradually return to pre-pregnancy activities as long as you do not develop pain or have other symptoms that indicate your pelvic floor muscles have not fully recovered. 3. You might still look pregnant. This can be due to a condition called diastasis recti—it’s a separation of abdominal muscles, which can occur during pregnancy and remain afterward, resulting in a protruding belly. To keep it from getting worse, avoid activities that put pressure on your abdomen, such as getting out of bed by doing a sit up. Instead, get out of bed by rolling over onto your side and swinging your legs over the side of the bed before sitting up. And whenever you lift something heavy, such as a grocery bag or a large pot of pasta, exhale to reduce the strain on your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. 4. You might feel a little leaky. It’s common to experience incontinence right after childbirth, but it is not normal if it continues for more than a couple of months. When you leak urine, it means there is a fault in the system that supports your bladder, and you should seek help to get it fixed. The best way to approach it is to consider going for pelvic physical therapy with a women’s health specialist. 5. Expect some pain. Pain in the back, pelvis, pelvic floor area, or abdomen is a common complaint of new moms, but it is not normal if the pain continues. Make sure to report it to your doctor or midwife. Most people assume pain is just a normal occurrence new moms have to learn to live with, but it shouldn’t be! If you have persistent pain, consider getting it treated by a women’s health care professional such as a physical therapist or chiropractor.

Marianne Ryan, PT, OCS, has mastered the highest level of advanced orthopedic manual therapy techniques. She is a thought leader in the field, known for her special knowledge in the areas of prenatal and postpartum physical therapy, TMJ, and headaches. A frequent lecturer and source for national media, she is also the author of the international best-selling book Baby Bod-Turn Flab to Fab in 12 Weeks Flat, available on amazon.com.

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Childhood Atropine for Myopia Progression Study

Is your child nearsighted? Are they 3 to 16 years of age? If so, your child may be eligible to par�cipate in a study evalua�ng the use of inves�ga�onal eye drops to slow the progression of nearsightedness. This study involves 17 oﬃce visits over 4 years with compensa�on of up to $1,080 for oﬃce visits. Par�cipants may also receive an allowance for glasses or contact lenses.

(212) 938 4052 | clinicresearch@sunyopt.edu | sunyopt.edu/CVRC | 33 West 42nd St New York (between 5th and 6th Ave) Jan 24, 2018

MarvelUniverseLive.com BigAppleParent 11

raising kids voices

A Parenting Mantra ››

How one mom’s newfound approach to life—discovered during pregnancy—allowed her to pursue a music career while raising a daughter in Brooklyn. By Janie Barnett

was pregnant when my album, Shake the Ladder, was released. Surprise! While my pregnancy wasn’t planned, my husband and I had always wanted children. So we welcomed the news, albeit with a bit of breathless naiveté. Four months into the pregnancy, we performed at a holiday party for a premier rehearsal studio in New York, with numerous appearances planned for the months ahead. At the end of the evening, exhausted, I said to my husband, “Maybe we have to rethink this schedule.” Rethink. That word was to become our mantra in the juggling of work and parenthood. Yes, there was a master plan, reflecting the needs of two freelancer parents. But executing “the plan” meant embracing a mantra, plus several other bits of wisdom: Nothing is engraved in stone. Every challenge has its unique set of choices. And…be ready to drop everything. I was offered the chance to go on tour when my daughter was just 3 months old. Would we hire a live-in nanny to help my husband? Would I take my daughter with me? We considered these options; then came another moment of recognition. Time to rethink again. That rethink came in the form of an acknowledgment: I had no interest in being away from my daughter for weeks at a time. This clarity brought a kind of relief that surprised me. I wouldn’t wrestle with this particular choice, but how would I keep my career moving forward while being a fully engaged parent? There was no single formula. My daughter loves the fact that her mom is a musician. As a little girl, when someone was singing on the radio or a CD, she would ask, “Do we know her?” But freelance life meant that my young daughter had a babysitter in place right from the beginning. The call to run to the recording studio could come at any time. The babysitter—who, more than 20 years later, I still consider part of the family—was not always available. And my husband, also a freelance musician, was often out working as well. Sometimes I brought my daughter to the studio. The rethink: Maybe my colleagues at the studio will not mind…maybe my daughter will be easy-going…maybe this can be managed in a different way than my working mother had to manage it. She came to the studio and delighted all, while Mommy put the headphones on and sang. On

Janie Barnett’s daughter, Adrienne, who is now 25

several occasions I worked in the studios during school hours, ran to pick her up from school, ate dinner and did the bedtime routine with her, then headed back to the studios for a 10pm recording session. During the elementary- and middle-school years, I came upon one of the most profound gifts to the working parent: the larger community of working families. My daughter had great friends, and those friends had great parents who “got it.” I recall an afternoon, hanging out with friends two blocks over in Brooklyn, when the stress-inducing beeper went off. Mommy was called to the studio. “Sweetie, we gotta go in to town,” I told my daughter. Her response? “Mommy, how about I stay with Barbara?” Barbara was her best friend Julia’s mommy. I teared up. My kid had figured it out. Rethink in the moment: Be flexible. Look for other ways to ride with it. Help, and be helped. Spot the people who are also rethinking every day. Love their kids as they love yours. On a late fall afternoon, walking from the subway to pick up my daughter from science club, I wrote the chorus to a new song in my head. She was 10 then, fully her own person, but she always hoped Mommy would be the one to pick her up. That afternoon I felt the surge of creativity that I knew was borne out of necessity. The old model: I need hours to do my best work, and my sitter to provide me with those indulgent hours. The rethink: Seize the moment! Flip the switch! Get on with it! It’s the advice I got from my cousin, a mathematician, who would work just one step of a proof while her infant daughter napped. Moving into high school years, one might expect that I was “cut loose” from daily hands-on parenting. Few teenage girls want their mother in the trenches with them: “Get outta my face, Mom!” But my girl? Magically, she wanted me right there with her, at least most of the time. Time to rethink again. Just keep yourself in the game, keep expanding your skills, get ready (no, it’s not too late!) for the time when you will fully step away, and have that undivided time again. As a working parent, I learned a lesson that I’ve come to understand is essential for a happy life in general—and it’s a lesson my daughter fully acknowledges she’s learned in our journey together: Be flexible, be ingenious, be ready to rethink. My daughter and I are grateful every day for the relationship that was borne from this fluidity.

Janie Barnett is a performing singer-songwriter in the Americana tradition. Her work and recent album release can be found at janiebarnett.com. She has been part of the New York recording session scene for many years, as well a producer/arranger and educator. Barnett is an Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music in Boston, while maintaining her life in Brooklyn, where her daughter, Adrienne Hanson, was raised.

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

things to do

diy corner

Sat., Feb. 17 at 1:30PM

Valentine’s Day Pompom Critters

alentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and that means hearts, candy, flowers, and cards—especially cards for your kids’ classmates. Rather than buying premade Valentine’s Day cards that are a dime a dozen (how many variations of superhero and popular cartoon Valentine’s Day puns can there really be?), try making these adorable love bugs with your kids for their friends. We’re almost positive these critters will be hanging out on desks long after the holiday has passed. Editors note: While this DIY calls for speciﬁc brands readily available at Michaels stores, feel free to use your favorite brands or products that are available in your local craft store. Duration: 15 minutes or less Craft Level: Beginner Materials: Foam Heart Stickers By Creatology® Creatology™ Pom Poms, Sparkle Mix Creatology™ Assorted Wiggle Eyes Creatology™ Chenille Stems Elmer’s® Washable School Glue Artist’s Loft™ Aluminum Straight Edge Ruler Instructions: 1. Choose a large heart sticker for the Critter’s feet. Do not peel the backing paper off the sticker. Lay it flat on the table with the rounded part of the heart facing forward. 2. Choose a large pompom and glue it to the top of the heart sticker. 3. Optional: Glue a medium pompom on top of the large pompom to create a head, separate from the body. 4. Glue two wiggle eyes to the large pompom. Tip: Another fun way to add eyes is to glue two wiggle eyes to two tiny pompoms and then glue the tiny pompoms to the large pompom. 5. Cut a piece of chenille stem about 2 inches long and fold in half. Glue two tiny pompoms to each end and then glue the folded part to the top of the large Pompom Critter’s body. Let dry. 6. Optional: Choose a heart sticker and glue the bottom pointed end of the heart to the lower back of the body, creating a tail.

Craft and photography courtesy and reprinted with permission of Michaels // Michaels.com; share photos of your project with #MakeItWithMichaels.

Go, Dog. Go! brings the adventures of P.D. Eastman’s book to life in a frolicking musical dog party. The cast of this beloved preschool favorite has gone to the dogs—with cars, hats, audience participation, and even a wild game of ball as this hilarious visual spectacle manages to sneak in some important lessons about life between innings. Go, Dog. Go! is a musical romp full of surprises, color, clowning, vaudeville, singing / barking, and of course, six lovable dogs! Produced by Childsplay from Tempe, Arizona. Ages 3+

199 Chambers St., New York, NY (212) 220 - 1460 www.TribecaPAC.org

We Are Pleased To Announce the Opening of our New Child Care Center Where Children actively Explore, Discover, and Learn We are a new Manhattan day care center for children ages 3 months to 5 years. We are oﬀering enhanced academic programs, music, dance, movement, languages, sports, and art classes. We believe a child’s earliest years should be a time filled with new stimuli and novel experiences that drive their cognitive, social, and physical growth and development.

More than a Day Care...

LAC Early Childhood Center at the Village Learn more at lacearlychildhood.org

2 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10011 • 212-828-3975 • 212-828-3974 • fax: 212-828-3976

BigAppleParent 13

Independent School Spotlight

WELCOME

欢迎

BIENVENIDOS

Building a Community that Mirrors the World.

The International Academy of New York develops culturally astute and compassionate students with fluency in Mandarin Chinese or Spanish. We help students gain the skills and confidence to contribute and thrive in today’s world. We are accepting applications for limited spots in Pre-Nursery (age 2 by Sept 1) - Grade 3 adding a grade each year through Grade 8 Financial Aid available 4 East 90 Street th

info@ianyc.org / www.ianyc.org 14

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Independent School Spotlight

raising kids independent school spotlight

The Mary Louis Academy

Courtesy LAC Early Childhood Center

TMLA +

Teachers work with a young student on an arts and crafts project.

Early Education Center Provides Safe Environment for Learners

LAC Early Childhood Center focuses on nurturing experiences that drive growth and development. ›› By Bethany Braun-Silva

Name of school: LAC Early Childhood Center Grades: 3 months to 5 years Size of student body: 7, with more enrolled in the coming months Educational approach: “We believe a child’s earliest years should be a time filled with new stimuli and novel experiences that drive cognitive, social, and physical growth and development, pulling from the children’s natural interests and curiosities about the world around them,” says teacher Tricia Lay. Children’s natural interests are what guide the learning at LAC. The teachers are in tune with the children’s curiosity and build upon it in an educational way. They aim to adjust the curriculum to meet students where they are at and not vice versa. “Here at LAC Early Childhood Center we use the STEAM curriculum and Beet Box (a subscription food-education service) for science to educate and retain our children. We also teach classes in English and other languages simultaneously,” says Juanita Fuller, educational director. Care and a feeling of safety are of the utmost importance in all the school’s teachings. “We believe that children must be valued, respected, and nurtured as individuals. It is our mission to help children develop physically, socially, and emotionally in a warm and loving environment. It is our role as educators to enhance children’s educational development and respect their cultural backgrounds,” says teacher Bella Chiquito. What makes the school unique: “We have a nurturing staff that enjoys teaching and is dedicated to student achievement. We offer very flexible hours, flexible payment plans, extended hours, a new facility, and small class sizes. LAC Early Childhood Center is big enough to adequately educate your child, but yet small enough to allow your child to benefit from small class size instruction,” Fuller says. Classroom objectives are always clearly posted on the classroom message board for parents to see what their children are learning and working on curriculum-wise. Students are encouraged to learn through activities such as dramatic play, circle time, center times, and other incorporated 1-on-1 activities.

At The Mary Louis Academy, you will find your own voice—distinctive, confident, intelligent, creative, and empowered—a voice that will be one of your greatest assets in life.

$ 2.4 Million in Scholarships—the most for young women in New York City

SHADOW A STUDENT buddy@tmla.org

VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.tmla.org

Please pre-register for our open house at www.tmla.org.

The Mary Louis Academy is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood, New York. Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and Chartered by the State of NY.

176-21 Wexford Terrace, Jamaica Estates, NY 11432 | Phone: 718-297-2120 Fax: 718-739-0037 | @WEARETMLA | #HILLTOPPERNATIONw | TACHS #016

BigAppleParent 15

Independent School Spotlight

We don't just study science. We become scientists. Start stronger. Go further. Apply now at SuccessAcademies.org 16

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

online extras Ever wonder why kids love summer camp so much? We’re sharing the inside scoop from real happy campers at ›› nymetroparents.com/camp-great There are ways to know when your child is old enough for camp. Experts share advice on how you can gauge your child's readiness at ›› nymetroparents.com/how-young

Being a camp counselor is a great first job for many kids. Learn why at ›› nymetroparents.com/counselor When you’re shopping around for a summer camp for your child, you’ll probably want to interview the camp director. Find a list of questions you should ask at ›› nymetroparents.com/camp-directors

inside

raising kids camp special

18 10 Lessons Learned at Camp that Benefit Kids in School: Sending your children to summer camp has many lasting benefits—especially when it comes to education. amp Directory: Find day camps, 22 C specialty camps, and sleepaway camps in and near Manhattan. 29 C amp Guide: This camps-at-a-glance chart makes it easier to find exactly what you want in a summer camp.

10 Lessons Learned at Camp that Benefit Kids in School ››

Sending your children to summer camp has many lasting benefits—especially when it comes to education. By Stacey Ebert

t my sleepaway camp, Maryanne was the camp cook. From the time I was 10, she and her husband called me ‘the camper’. The nickname stuck, and it still exists at reunions and on social media messages decades later. Although I never mentioned that tidbit to my high school students (I used to be a teacher), I learned at an early age that relationships matter. Forming bonds matters. And no matter who you are, where you come from, or what position you hold (at camp, in school, or at work), interacting with people allows us to learn lessons we never knew would make such a difference in our lives. There are lessons in everything. Some of the most important ones take shape in our youth while we’re at camp, such as learning to clean up the cabin, clear the dishes, and help out a fellow camper. These, along with other camp lessons—be an active listener, pay attention to the little things, and be excited to learn new things—influence us well beyond the camp cabins. Sometimes it’s hard for parents to send their little ones away to camp for the day, the week, the month, or the entire summer. But when they do, it’s clear that these lessons learned in the summer months will last far into kids’ adult years—and more 18

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

immediately help them in the classroom. Here’s a look at some camp wisdom that can also help kids be better students:

Do unto others.

Campers and counselors share hopes, dreams, fears, challenges, struggles, wishes for the future, and much more. We all bring a different level of baggage and gifts to the table, and all of us deserve to be treated with kindness, respect, empathy, and compassion. Camp opens minds, breaks boundaries, and enriches souls. As an educator, I taught my ninth-graders about religions and philosophies and how although each has its differences, most have something similar to the Golden Rule: Treat others as you would like to be treated. I learned that lesson at camp far before I ever set foot in a global history classroom, and my students practiced it regularly. Sometimes it meant sharing snacks with one another. Sometimes it meant stepping in when a fellow student was bullied. Sometimes it meant saying hello to a staffer who treated them with kindness. Without question, there is no expiration date on kindness and treating others with respect.

Find your creativity.

My first class at sleepaway camp was painting on rocks. Perhaps that’s not a skill I use on a daily basis, but the message behind it? Definitely. Feel the feelings, listen to your heart, create what speaks to you, and, even if you think it won’t be understood, don’t be afraid to show the world your idea or creation. Students benefit from this on a daily basis. Taking up a musical instrument when their friends’ choices are different, trying out for a school play, expressing oneself through writing, or jumping into graphic design classes are only some of the ways that creativity shines in school settings. These lessons apply in education, in the arts, in job performance, in hobbies, and in life.

Rest assured that there’s something for everyone.

I have three best friends from sleepaway camp. One loved horseback riding, one adored farming, one was a fan of arts and crafts; three of us became lifeguards; and all of us became counselors. Later in life, three of us became educators and two of us took to the creative arts. Theater arts, community service, music, sports, and internships are only some of the many avenues out there, and whether we are young or young-at-heart, there is always a place for all of us.

Practice patience, positivity, persistence, and perseverance.

These four words embody the characteristics of many of my favorite counselors, and I passed those lessons and skills on to campers when I became a counselor. Sometimes kids were homesick and a positive attitude boosted their spirits. Sometimes kids were frustrated when they tried something new, and persistence and perseverance were the lessons of the day. And sometimes some kids took longer at learning, accepting, or changing, and patience was more important than our counselors ever knew. Every day in the classroom, stu-

dents put these lessons into action. They try harder at math, work diligently at acquiring a second language, and use mindfulness techniques to bring their positivity to light. We may outgrow the ability to be campers, but we never outgrow the need for these significant lessons—especially in a learning environment.

Learn new things.

I rode my first horse, became a lifeguard, and learned how to make a one-match campfire at camp. Each of these was fairly terrifying, yet today I continue to use all of these skills (well, most of them). The desire to learn things doesn’t end when the buses leave camp on the last day. From the first day of school onward, learning things is part of a student’s existence; perhaps it’s a new scientific equation, a new culinary technique, a new sport in physical education, or a new way of interpreting a classic novel. Learning new things keeps our minds open and our perspective broadening. Whether traditional schooling, home schooling, or the learning that comes from being out in the world, the yearning for more knowledge, more culture, more skills, and more growth never fades.

Try new things, especially if they make you uncomfortable.

There was a giant rock called Geronimo on the shoreline at camp. I always thought those who climbed it and jumped off were exceptionally brave. I was petrified to try this myself, yet somehow when I wiped the foamy sea from my face and came up for air, I felt exhilarated. The idea of being afraid, taking a deep breath, and doing it anyway applies to core classes in school and far beyond. Walking into a new high school, not having any friends in your lunch period, or deciding to join the Robotics Club when everyone else is going to chorus—every day at school there’s a bit of discomfort, but applying this continued on next page ››

CAMP MARKETPLACE

STEM Camps

brand new topics!

summer 2018

real world math + science... fun! out of this world w

• • • • • •

archaeology marine biology coding with Scratch Jr coding with Scratch coding with Python coding with App Inventor

• • • • •

biorobotics mBot robotics architecture sports science physics

Also at Launch: Math Programs • STEM Classes • Holiday Camps • Private Instruction Multiple Manhattan Locations • www.launchmath.com • 212-600-1010 • info@launchmath.com BigAppleParent 19

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lesson from camp creates ease, lessens stress, and empowers youth. Later in life, my best friends from camp and I lived in other parts of the world, grew gardens, raised children, started businesses, got married, and even made new friends. Each of these things involved stepping beyond our comfort zone, yet even the bumps and bruises along the way have been incredibly worthwhile. George Addair is right: “Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.”

Show empathy.

At every camp I went to and worked at, at some point in the day, there was swimming of some kind—whether it meant walking down more than 200 steps to the beach or leaving the locker room, getting a buddy, and heading to the pool. The exercise it provided was good for both mind and body, but the empathy learned through swimming sessions delved deeper. Learning to swim is scary. For some campers, it’s their first time seeing open water. Some have had a traumatic experience in the water and must overcome something far more challenging than stepping their toes over the many unsteady rocks. Some take longer to learn one portion of a stroke before moving on to the next. The instructors taught all of us with ease, kindness, patience, and most importantly empathy. Throughout the school year, students put into action those life lessons: listening to understand each other, utilizing each others’ strengths, lending a hand with each others’ weaknesses, and being aware of various needs and abilities.

Diversity matters.

There were approximately 10 campers per cabin, five cabins per unit, and nearly 15 cabins that formed all of upper girls camp at my summer camp. If an outsider took a straw poll, the diversity levels would have rated off the charts. The differences made us stronger, taught us tolerance, built community, empowered empathy, encouraged perspective, raised our awareness of others’ journeys, and made us better people. School is much the same; there are as many differences as there are students in a school, from backgrounds and traditions, to interests and hobbies, to family units and dreams for life after school. Seeing these differences as vital, enriching, and encouraging creates safe spaces, enables growth, and opens minds. A classroom has 30 different students with 30 different stories. Each peer has merit, value, and purpose. Camp teaches us to embrace them all.

Sharing is caring.

Everyone is a teacher at camp. Debbie inspired me to be a lifeguard. Katie shared her love of travel, inspiring me to go off on my own adventures. Millie taught me to cook. Krista taught me to swim and shared her snacks. Each of them, along with many others, shared their wisdom. Each camper and counselor has something to offer, creating a sense of community that in turn benefits students and

schools. Campers, and later students, learn that school is a safe space where adults share wisdom and advice, and guidance comes in many forms. Some students learn best from a teacher, others confide in their coaches and advisors, some chat with the nurse, cafeteria workers, librarians, or the many others who are a part of the school setting. Students become better friends, better learners, and are more willing to put their talents out there in the world. Compassion, knowledge, and talents are shared at lunch tables, in after-school activities, and in the classroom. It truly does take a village, and embracing that mindset creates a culture of community-minded youth.

Be proud of your achievements.

As a sleepaway camper, I couldn’t wait for Sunday night’s council fire. That was when the entire girls camp got together and sang songs, and one cabin was awarded Honor Cabin. People got their swim certificates, and the whole camp celebrated newly appointed lifeguards. As an aquatics director at a day camp, I gave out swimmer of the week certificates to various campers. As a student, it feels good to have your work honored, your creations displayed, and your efforts encouraged. Success isn’t built overnight and learning to take pride in your achievements begins at camp and continues into school—and later into adulthood. At camp I learned from an early age to strive for goals, be proud of achievements, and continue reaching for the next, often seemingly unattainable, goal. My camp brochure had pictures of open water, cool cabins, enticing evening activities, animals and arts, fields and farming; it looked as if you could jump directly into all of the fun. The pictures couldn’t possibly quantify the learning that happened, all of the skills acquired, the positive experiences, or the personal growth that took place. Ask any former camper what they remember and you’ll get stories of escapades with friends, cool counselors, awesome activities, and endless fun. Ask them what they learned at camp and be prepared to settle in for an infinite list of hard skills, soft skills, and life lessons that helped turn them into the person standing in front of you today. Camp lessons aren’t scored on a rubric or a bubble sheet, on a multiple-choice assessment or in a three-page essay. These lessons stand the test of time, open minds, build bridges, impart skills and wisdom, and create communities of happy, kind, fulfilled humans. It’s hard to imagine a better score than that. Stacey Ebert is a camper at heart who has spent more than 25 years in the camping and education industries in New York as a teacher, club advisor, counselor, and aquatics director. She is a published writer, blogger, event planner, volunteer manager, and educator always in search of joy. She loves travel, spending time outside, and is an avid yogi. She has visited more than 50 of the world’s countries, and met her Australian-born husband while on a trip in New Zealand. Check out her blog at thegiftoftravel.wordpress.com.

CAMP MARKETPLACE

Children’s Museum of the Arts

Week-Long Hands On Art Making Day Camps For Ages 6 –15 • June 18 - September 7

LOOK

MAKE

SUMMER ART COLONY at 103 Charlton and on historic Governors Island! REGISTER TODAY AT CMANY.ORG! 20

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

CAMP MARKETPLACE

NORY STEM

“A summer that stays with you after 30 years.” Dream Camp

Innovator’s Playground

Best of Both Worlds!

Swim + STEM Camp

Robots + Science Camp

Soccer + STEM Camp

Welcome to the innovator’s playground powered by NYC’s premier camp providers. If you have a 3-12 year-old who is creative and loves to ask why, join us for an awe-inspiring summer. nory.co/summer | matt@nory.co | 914 557 8694 (Early Bird Discount Until 2/28) Low camper-instructor ratio with inspiring educators

State-of-the-art facilities throughout Manhattan

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Camp Directory DAY CAMPS

Asphalt Green Summer Day Camp

Upper East Side and Battery Park City 212-298-7900 555 E. 90th St., Upper East Side 212-298-7900 212 North End Ave. (at Murray Street), Battery Park City 212-298-2900 asphaltgreen.org camps@asphaltgreen.org Asphalt Green Summer Day Camp builds character, confidence, and community. Our core camp values are focal points of every activity, creating a safe space for children to learn and grow. Whether playing sports, doing arts and crafts, or swimming, we encourage campers to be mindful of their actions. Children take the life lessons they learn at camp and apply them to school, sports, and social settings. Our state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor facilities combined with world-class instruction create the ultimate experience. Rich with 30 years of spirit and tradition, you are part of something special at Asphalt Green Summer Day Camp.

The British International School of New York

20 Waterside Plaza 212-481-2700 x204 bis-ny.org/summer-camp info@bis-ny.org Keep calm and come to camp! Designed to keep young hands and minds active over those hot summer days, the BIS-NY Summer Camp offers daily swimming instruction at our on-site pool, along with a variety of activities to build friendships and explore new skills, from creative science experiments, to outdoor games, and arts and crafts—all taught by our highly qualified teachers and teaching assistants. Located at our beautiful waterside facility on East 23rd Street. For children ages 3-10. Sign up online now at bis-ny.org/ summer-camp as space is limited. We look forward to welcoming you!

Dwight Summer Camp

144 Riverside Blvd. (ages 4-5) 2116 First Ave. (ages 6-12) 917-551-6424 dwightsummercamp.org Dwight ignites the spark of genius in every camper! We offer a wide

range of age-appropriate, creative, and action-packed activities for children ages 4-12. Campers enjoy well-rounded experiences in sports, the visual and performing arts, and technology. Campers can also focus on one specialty in our Spark Camps. With swim instruction in our indoor pool, trips to great destinations, theme weeks, and color war, the fun never ends! Chaperoned bus transportation with parent GPS and day passes are available. Choose the number of weeks you want; mix and match sessions to make this summer the best ever for your camper!

Jodi’s Gym

244 E. 84th St. 212-772-7633 25 Hubbels Drive, Mount Kisco 914-244-8811 jodisgym.com Jodi’s Gym Summer Camp is a morning of nonstop, action-packed fun! Your child will run, jump, tumble, balance, stretch, sing, create, move, and groove, all under the supervision and care of our well-trained, enthusiastic, friendly and certified staff. Come experience the joys of gymnastics, music, and art. It’s a mix your child is sure to love. Join us in our 36th year! Offered for children ages 3-5. Flexible scheduling (you choose days and weeks)!

YMCA Summer Camps

ymcanyc.org/camp; rho@ymcanyc.org At YMCA Summer Camps, children learn leadership skills and develop self-confidence in a safe, accepting, and stimulating environment. They also build robots, go on field trips, shoot hoops, learn to swim, make new friends, and laugh all summer long! Our creative, educational camp programming— structured around the Y’s values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility—helps campers reach their fullest potential, physically, mentally, and emotionally. With six locations in Manhattan and the Bronx, find the perfect camp for your child! Visit us at ymcanyc. org/camp to learn more today!

SLEEPAWAY CAMPS

Camp Say

828-393-4244 say.org; info@say.org

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Camp SAY combines the highest-quality, traditional summer camp experience with comprehensive activities and innovative programs that empower young people who stutter (ages 8-18). Our two-week, American Camp Association-accredited, sleepaway camp helps kids and teens who stutter build self-confidence, communication skills, and friendships. Summer 2018 dates are July 30-Aug. 13 (shortened stays are available). Camp SAY is hosted at a state-of-the-art camp facility, in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Sliding scale tuition and travel. Learn more at CampSAY.org, or contact Meg Hart (meg@say. org; 646-735-1559) to obtain an information package.

MWS Student Camps

514-531-4193 mwscamps.com vanessa@mwscamps.com “French Immersion Experience!” MWS Montreal French Camps are located at McGill University in the center of Montreal with residential and day camp options. Our 33 years of experience guarantees a high-quality program for young language learners with personalized attention and support. MWS Camps are specifically designed for each of our age groups: Juniors (ages 7-10), Inters (ages 1113), and Seniors (ages 14-17). Programs include language study, age focused excursions (daily), and camp activities. Full-day trips to Quebec City and Ottawa.

SPECIALTY CAMPS

Abrons Arts Camp at Henry Street Settlement

466 Grand St. 212-598-0400 x200 abronsartscenter.org info@henrystreet.org Ignite your 5- to 13-year-old’s creative spark with daily instruction in dance, music, theater, and visual arts, all facilitated by professional or teaching artists. Camp features weekly trips to museums, galleries, theaters, water parks, and daily outdoor recreation. Each session has a student-authored performance and exhibition, and open art studios for families on Fridays. Camp runs from July 9-Aug. 17 (with half sessions available) from

9am-5pm, with 8:30am drop off and extended day until 6:30pm available. Ask about our generous financial aid, and take advantage of our early-bird discount by using the code earlybird2018 for 20 percent off before April 8!

Ballet Academy East

1651 Third Ave. 212-410-9140 balletacademyeast.com Ballet Academy East’s Summerdance is a fun-filled summer program for girls ages 3-9. Designed to foster imagination and inspire a love of the arts, the curriculum includes dance, art, drama, cooking, and swimming. Led by gifted instructors who specialize in teaching young children, each session culminates with a special in-studio performance highlighting the children’s accomplishments. Students may enroll in Summerdance for either four or eight weeks, or customize their own schedule. Early-Bird Discount: Register by April 4 and save $300 off either session or $600 off the full eight weeks!

The Ballet Club

328 E. 61st St., 2nd Floor 917-281-1030 theballetclub.com/ register-now-from-metro-parent theballetclub.com/ camps-summer-programs-and-play-space info@theballetclub.com The Ballet Club offers creative and fun full- and half-day summer programs throughout the summer for children ages 3½-8. New this year, Our Ballet & Theater Summer Day Camp includes ballet, drama, creative dance, yoga, music, “costume shop” crafts, puppetry, mask making, story time, and outdoor activities. We also join forces with Little Picasso Children’s Art Studio to provide a creative, nurturing, and fun Movement & Art Day Camp. We also offer a Movement Mini Camp for students who would like to attend only a half day of activities.

Bricks 4 Kidz®

646-927-9129 bricks4kidz.com/450 bricks4kidzny@gmail.com Join us this summer for a fun-filled Bricks 4 Kidz NYC Camp! Inspire your child to dive into their imagination and demonstrate their crecontinued on page 24 ››

CAMP MARKETPLACE

Camp Clio

eventh S r u O nd Year a g din Expan ion iss Our M

SUNYPURCHASECOLLEGE

a seriously fun place for adopted children... Youths and Teens Camp Clio

WEEKLY SESSIONS

Held at Camp Claire Lyme, CT

daily swimming · boys & girls ages 4-16 door to door transportation

Camp Clio Teen

ENR

(Ages 9 - 12)

July 1 to July 21, 2018 (1, 2, or 3 weeks)

OLL

FEB

&SA 9th VE

(Ages 13 - 16)

July 1-6 or July 7-13, 2018 (1 or 2 weeks) Held at Middlesex County Camp Moodus, CT

914.273.8500 · fscamps.com

Calhoun Summer Camps

THE WINDWARD SCHOOL

2018 Summer Program July 2 – July 27, 2018 (no class July 4) Enriching & Fun Half-Day and Full-Day Sessions for Grades 3–9

Performing arts camps for creative, passionate kids

In Westchester and Manhattan

Calhoun Movie-Making Camp For kids entering 2nd–6th grades June 18–29, 2018 Story Pirates Camp For kids entering 2nd–6th grades June 25–July 6, 2018 Calhoun Summer Jazz For 14–18 year-olds June 18–22, 2018 Calhoun Summer Music For kids entering 6th–11th grades June 13–15, 2018 Register now! www.calhoun.org/camps 433 West End Ave at 81st St

• Reading, writing, math, science, arts, drama, sports, computers, and more • Courses taught by Windward-trained faculty • Morning academic courses and afternoon activities • Academic courses structured around the School’s research-based, multisensory curriculum

thewindwardschool.org/summerprogram summerprogram@thewindwardschool.org • 914.949.6968, ext. 1250

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ativity with awesome, educational builds and activities. We’ll take a thrilling journey through Galaxy Far Away, Brick City Engineers, Mining and Crafting, Transformation Creation, Super Hero Academy, and Robotics! Bricks 4 Kidz provides your child with the tools they need to discover their inner science, math, architecture, and engineering skills in an exciting learning environment. Don’t miss out on this great summer camp opportunity!

Broadway Dance Center Children and Teens

37 W. 65th St., 3rd floor 212-582-9304 broadwaydancecenter.com Move, learn, and grow with Broadway Dance Center Children and Teens this summer! Our oneweek dance camps are the perfect way for girls and boys to learn about dance, make new friends, and create lasting memories. Designed for movers of all levels, our camps give students the opportunity to try a wide variety of styles. The 3-5 age group enjoys a fun theme each week, while the 6-9 and 10-14 age groups rotate between Hip-Hop, All Styles, or Broadway-themed camps! We strive to provide exceptional dance training in a welcoming, supportive atmosphere, promoting strong work ethic, teamwork, and fun!

The Calhoun School Summer Camps

calhoun.org/camps communications@calhoun.org Calhoun Summer Camps are specialty performing arts camps for creative, passionate kids. Create original films in Calhoun Movie-Making Camp for second-sixth graders; get coached by professional musicians in Calhoun Summer Music for sixth to 11th graders; or become immersed in jazz improv and theory in Calhoun Summer Jazz for ages 14-18. New this year, the internationally acclaimed Story Pirates will be leading a two-week camp for second-sixth graders. Kids will be guided through story writing, acting, puppet and prop building, then perform their own original show. Learn more and enroll at calhoun.org/camps.

Camp Clio

Held at Camp Claire 15 Oakland Ave., Lyme, CT Middlesex County Camp

298 E. Haddam Moodus Road, Moodus, CT 212-472-5207; campclio.org Camp Clio and our new Camp Clio Teen offer a unique experience for adopted children (ages 9-12) and teens (ages 13-16). Camp Clio campers and counselors (themselves adopted and serving as role models) share the intimacy and safety of being with other adopted friends, providing the opportunity to share feelings and adoption stories with others who understand adoption without explanation because they are “just like me”—all in a fun camp environment. Camp Clio Teen: July 1-13. Camp Clio Youth: July 1-21. Campers may come for one or more sessions. Scholarships available.

Camp Say

828-393-4244 say.org; info@say.org Camp SAY combines the highest-quality, traditional summer camp experience with comprehensive activities and innovative programs that empower young people who stutter (ages 8-18). Our two-week, American Camp Association-accredited, sleepaway camp helps kids and teens who stutter build self-confidence, communication skills, and friendships. Summer 2018 dates are July 30-Aug. 13 (shortened stays are available). Camp SAY is hosted at a state-of-the-art camp facility, in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Sliding scale tuition and travel. Learn more at CampSAY. org, or contact Meg Hart (meg@ say.org; 646-735-1559) to obtain an information package.

Center For Architecture

536 LaGuardia Place 212-358-6133 centerforarchitecture.org/summer info@cfafoundation.org Open your children’s eyes to the world of architecture and design at the Center for Architecture’s Summer Programs, running June 25-Aug. 24. These weeklong design studios give children in third through 12th grades a chance to develop their own architectural designs and models. Each week focuses on a different topic and combines hands-on art and building projects with oneof-a-kind trips. Activities include drawing, 3-D model making, interior design, computer graphics, engineering, green design, and intensive two-week Architectural Design Studios for high school

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

students. Need-based scholarships available; apply by April 1.

Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex Summer Camps

ties designed to build friendships and explore new skills are offered including Chinese arts and crafts, cooking, music, and dance.

Collina Italiana

West 23rd Street and Hudson River Park Camps: 212-336-6846 chelseapiers.com/camp Located along the Hudson River, Chelsea Piers is a 28-acre sports village that offers NYC’s biggest and most flexible summer camp program! For 22 summers, athletes of all ages have enjoyed the most dynamic sports curriculum available. With up to 11 weeks and 15 sports to choose from, we have a camp for every athlete and schedule. Our coaches are dedicated year-round to provide athletes with a clean, safe, friendly, and fun environment. Transportation service from many Manhattan and Brooklyn neighborhoods, and after care are available. Summer Camps run June 18-Aug. 31. Early bird pricing available through May 18.

1556 Third Ave. (at 87th Street), Suite 603 212-427-7770 collinaitaliana.com info@collinaitaliana.com Collina Italiana is pleased to announce its Italian Summer in the City 2018 on the Upper East Side. The program is designed for kids ages 3-6 (and parents) who want to absorb the warm and lively culture of Italy. The program includes Giochiamo in Italiano: learn Italian through play, music, theater, and games; Cinema Italiano: study Italian through animated movies and cartoons; Arte Insieme: be creative, make art, and speak Italian. Le Uscite: outings to museums to discover Italian art; Il Tavolo in Italiano: summer school but more fun!

Children’s Museum of the Arts

École Internationale de New York (EINY) EINY Summer Camp

103 Charlton St. 212-274-0986; cmany.org Children’s Museum of the Arts Spring and Summer Art Colony Day Camps allow young artists, ages 6-15, to immerse themselves in full-day, innovative arts courses taught by professional teaching artists. Summer Art Colony camps run weekly, June 18-Sept. 7 from 9am-5pm. Young artists have a choice of more than 50 classes at two exciting locations, at the museum at 103 Charlton St. and on historic Governors Island. Each week offers a new and unique theme focused on either fine arts or media projects.

China Institute Children’s Immersive Summer Day Camp (Ages 2-14)

40 Rector St., 2nd floor 212-744-8181 x110 chinainstitute.org emarks@chinainstitute.org China Institute offers a unique camp experience in the heart of Lower Manhattan. Full- and halfday sessions are offered for kids ages 2-14 between July and August. The camp offers interactive Chinese language and culture instruction to students of all proficiency levels. Language instruction is led by experienced Chinese language teachers with exciting historical themes designed to inspire learning, participation, and engagement. In addition, a variety of fun activi-

Anthony Bernier and Caroline Bottasso, camp directors 206 Fifth Ave., Flatiron District 646-766-1843 einy.org; anthony@einy.org EINY’s 2018 Summer Camp offers a fun and enriching bilingual experience in French and English through a wide range of activities including art, music, games, sports, and cultural excursions as students are immersed in both French and English. Designed and tailored for different age groups ranging from ages 3-10, of all language backgrounds, from 9am-3:30pm, with an option of extended day from 8:30am-5pm. Located in the neighborhood of Flatiron.

Future Stars Summer Camps

Purchase College 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase 914-273-8500 fscamps.com Weekly day sessions for ages 4-16, June 19-Aug. 25 at state-ofthe-art facilities in the heart of Westchester. Our staff and limited enrollment allow each camper the opportunity to maximize their skill development. Campers can choose and combine weeks from 19 individualized specialty programs: Tennis, Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, Lacrosse, Football, Multi-Sports, Field Hockey, Cheerleading, Volleyball, Circus Arts, Magic, Softball, continued on page 26 ››

CAMP MARKETPLACE

YMCA

SUMMER CAMPS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

10%

Early Bird Discount ENDS APRIL 21

ymcanyc.org/camp

NEW YORK CITY’S YMCA

REACH. GROW. ACHIEVE.

GO EAST THIS SUMMER!

(East River and 23rd St. that is...)

Christopher Duggan

June 25th Ͳ July 20th 2018 9am Ͳ 4pm (late club available) FLEXIBLE WEEKLY ENROLLMENT Boys & Girls: 3 Ͳ 10 years old 20 Waterside Plaza, East 23rd St, NY, NY, 10010 ▪ camp@bis-ny.org ▪ (212) 481-2700 ▪ www.bisͲny.org/summerͲcamp

Awaken your child’s potential through dance

Rosalie O’Connor

Although not quite the Hamptons, the BISͲNY Summer Camp offers daily swimming at our onͲsite pool, the relaxing breeze of our waterfront campus, and the nonͲstop fun and activity of our themed summer camp to keep young hands and minds active! Escape the hustle and bustle and join us! With flexible weekly enrolment to suit your summer schedule.

BalletAcademyEast.com Join Ballet Academy East Summerdance, June 25-August 16 BALLET ACADEMY EAST

1651 Third Avenue, 3rd floor New York, NY 10128

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Diving, Horseback Riding, Swim, Academic, STEAM Education, and Rising Stars (our youngest campers). Supervised swimming is included, as is instructional swim for Rising Stars. Lunch option and door-to-door transportation from most of Westchester available.

Galli Theater New York

357 W. 36th St., Suite 202 212-731-0668 gallitheaternyc.com galliny@gmail.com Galli Theater New York-Fairytale Theater for the whole family! We are offering Musical Acting Camps for children ages 4-10 during winter break (Feb. 19-23), spring break (April 2-6), and throughout July and August on a weekly basis. Please visit our website at gallitheaternyc.com or contact us at galliny@gmail.com or 212-731-0668.

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

1071 Fifth Ave. 212-360-4254 guggenheim.org/for-families ckeogh@guggenheim.org Summerscapes Art Camps are offered Monday-Friday, June 18-22 and 25-29, July 16-20 and 23-27, and July 30-Aug. 3 from 9:30am4pm for ages 8-11. Each session includes guided explorations of the museum’s Frank Lloyd Wright building and special exhibitions, followed by hands-on, interactive workshops where campers create their own works of art. These individual and collaborative art-making projects encourage participants to experiment with various mediums and methods, including painting, sculpture, collage, and digital media. The week concludes with a mini-exhibition for kids to share their creations with family and friends.

Launch Math + Science Centers

Multiple Manhattan locations: Upper East Side, Upper West Side, and Tribeca 212-600-1010 launchmath.com; info@launchmath.com Launch Math + Science Centers offer exciting and educational one-week STEM summer camps for kids from kindergarten to seventh grade (ages 5-12). Kids at Launch’s specialty summer camps code video games, explore marine biology, create physics experiments, program autonomous robots—and that is just the beginning! Camps feature a 4-to-1 camper-to-instructor ratio and

all campers keep their projects so that the fun continues at home. For summer 2018, Launch has multiple camp locations around Manhattan on the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, and Tribeca. Register today!

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 28 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick, NJ 201-445-4444; tlgwaldwicknj.com 777 White Plains Road, Scarsdale 914-722-0072; tlgscarsdaleny.com Since 1977, The Little Gym has been promoting the healthy and successful physical and mental development of children. Its “Anytime Summertime Kids Fun” includes parent and child classes (ages 4 months to 3 years), preschool and kindergarten classes (ages 3-6 years), and grade school gymnastics (non-competitive only!) for beginner, intermediate, or advanced gymnasts. The Little Gym also offers its world-renowned “Anytime Summertime Kids Fun” camp for children ages 3-9 years, with flexible scheduling to work around your summer plans. Its unique theme-based curriculum takes children on weekly adventures. Half-day and full-day sessions available.

MWS Student Camps

514-531-4193 mwscamps.com vanessa@mwscamps.com “French Immersion Experience!” MWS Montreal French Camps are located at McGill University in the center of Montreal with residential and day camp options. Our 33 years of experience guarantees a high-quality program for young language learners with personalized attention and support. MWS Camps are specifically designed for each of our age groups: Juniors (ages 7-10), Inters (ages 1113), and Seniors (ages 14-17). Programs include language study, age-focused excursions (daily), and camp activities. Full-day trips to Quebec City and Ottawa.

The New School’s Open Campus Summer Programs

72 5th Ave. opencampus.newschool.edu/program/ summer-programs/youth-teen-programs opencampus@newschool.edu

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

At The New School’s Open Campus, students from second to 12th grades discover summer programs that broaden their minds and brighten their future. Explore art and design with world-renowned Parsons School of Design, and music through Mannes Prep’s Music Intensives today, and get a head start on tomorrow. Master the skills, theories, and techniques that will stoke your creativity and set you apart from your peers all year long. Learn more about our summer offerings and register today.

NORY

25 Pine St. 330 E. 45th St. 120 W. 76th St. 914-996-6607 nory.co; hello@nory.co Is your child inventive? Creative? A problem-solver? If you answered yes to any of these characteristics, you have an innovator on your hands, and we have the dream camp for you. Choose from Robots and Science, Soccer and STEM, or Swim and STEM. Our experiential learning program allows your innovator to design and find their own solutions to problems, and fail without fear as they develop valuable skills including resiliency, teamwork, and inquisitiveness. Camp highlights include all-star NORY instructors who believe in your child’s potential, low camper-to-instructor ratio (5-to-1), half-day options, three state-of-the-art facilities in Manhattan, ages 3-12.

Play On! Studios

263 W. 86th St. 347-709-4149 playonstudios.com info@playonstudios.com Play On! Studios offers awesome theater camps for kindergarten to 12th grades on the Upper West Side and downtown! Our theater day camps are guaranteed to give kids a week (or more!) full of acting, music, and fun they won’t soon forget! In all of our camps, young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors and teaching artists, and build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment. And, of course, play lots of drama games! Sign up for one week or more.

Pusteblume International Preschool and Afterschool Programs 244 W. 14th St. 212-206-1137

pusteblumenyc.org info@pusteblumenyc.org During the months of July and August we offer fun-packed weeks of activities, excursions, sprinkler fun, games, and a language immersion environment in the German and Spanish languages. Pick whatever weeks you like and however many weeks you need. Each week will include at least two sprinkler and water play days and one theme-related visit in our premises or out around town.

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts

185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights 631-643-7900 usdan.com Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts, the nation’s pre-eminent arts day camp offers more than 70 programs of study in the arts— visual art, dance, music, theater, writing—and arts-related fields— nature, chess, and recreational arts. Each summer, more than 1,500 students ages 4-18 are immersed in art and nature and surrounded by friends who share their interests and enthusiasm. Transportation is provided in air-conditioned buses departing from throughout the New York metro and Long Island areas. Two-, three-, four-, and seven-week sessions are offered from June 25-Aug. 10.

The Windward School Summer Program

212 E. 93rd St. 40 W. Red Oak Lane, White Plains 914-949-6968 x1250 Christopher Q. Eberhard, director of the Summer Program Christine Teahan, co-director of the Summer Program Tanya Ehrlich, assistant director of the Summer Program thewindwardschool.org/summerprogram summerprogram@thewindwardschool.org Offered July 2-27 (no class July 4), this unique summer program is designed for students entering third-ninth grades who are interested in improving their skills or enriching their knowledge in the areas of reading, writing, math, science, and study and organizational skills. In the afternoon session, students may participate in sports, arts, drama, and technology activities. Half-day and full-day sessions are available. Classes are in state-of-the-art facilities and are taught by Windward instructors who have been trained in the school’s research-validated, multisensory approach.

CAMP MARKETPLACE

Italian Summer Mini-Camp July 30 - August 13

A life-changing 2-week sleep-away camp for young people who stutter. Camp SAY provides an environment of inclusiveness, builds conﬁdence, communication skills, friendships & community for kids and teens, ages 8-18. Camp SAY is ACA-accredited, located in the Pocono Mountains, PA. CONTACT: Camp Director Meg Hart Meg@SAY.org • 646.403.3522

OUTSTANDING CAMPER TO COUNSELOR RATIO • ACA-ACCREDITED • SLIDING SCALE TUITION

Connecting families to the Bella Lingua of Italy...without leaving NYC! • Summer Mini Camp #1: June 12 – July 19 • Summer Mini Camp #2: August 14 – August 30

August 1-15, 2017

The life-changing 2-week sleep-away camp that builds confidence, communication skills, and friendships for kids & teens who stutter, ages 8-18. Young family members and friends are welcome (one week & shortened stays are available). Our camp is ACA-accredited, and located on a 500-acre facility in Hendersonville, NC.

Outstanding Staff-to-Camper Ratio • All-Inclusive Tuition • Sliding Scale Tuition

Contact our Camp Director, Meg Hart • meg@SAY.org • 828.393.4244 • CampSAY.org

Multi-Sports Camp Get MAD

• Ages 2-8 Italian Language Programs ograms using songs, stories, games andd arts & crafts • Ages 2-4 Morning drop off playgroup • Italian Art Workshop • Tutoring Services • Inquire about our Adult Classes 1556 Third Ave @ 87th, Suite 603, NY, NY • 212.427.7770 www.collinaitaliana.com • info@collinaitaliana.com

Train Like An Athlete

SINCE 1983

15% OFF with this ad.

Sports Camp located in Midtown 917-822-3359 Manhattan at a University madsportsinc.com July 5th to August 9th madsportscamp@gmail.com

yrs. of Fun, Friend s, & Fitness!

Great Perks For Members

Gymnastics • Ninja Challenge • Music • Playtime •

FRENCH LANGUAGE CAMPS in Montréal

Jodi’s To Go • For Kids 9 mos to 12 yrs

V is it O u r To ta Awes o mlly e New ly Ren ova te d Fa ci lity!

Summer & School • Break Camps Best Birthdays Ever •

Nothing Else Even Comes Close!

Residential and day camp options • • For campers ages 7 to 17 • Located at McGill University in the centre of Montréal

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

www.mwscamps.com office@mwscamps.com

www.jodisgym.com

BigAppleParent 27

CAMP MARKETPLACE

Join

NYMetroParents

ABRONS ARTS CAMP VISUAL ART MUSIC advance JulyGet 9 - August 17, 2018notice on activities, group discussions Visit participate museums, theatersin & waterparks! Student exhibitions & performances! and receive special notices.

THEATER DANCE

9am-5pm Optional extended day Halfwww.facebook.com/nymetroparents sessions available Ask us about financial aid. 20% off before April 8th with code EARLYBIRD2018 abronsartscenter.org

ABRONS ARTS SETTLEMENT EVENTS MORE CENTER HENRY STREET

ACTIVITIES

registration@henrystreet.org

(212) 598-0400

466 Grand Street

Join

NYMetroParents Get advance• LEGO®-based notice onSTEM activities, & Robotics Camps • In-School and After-School Classes participate in• Fun group discussions and Exciting LEGO® Birthday Parties Serving children ages 3-12+ throughout and receive •special notices. New York City

Day camp for boys and girls

www.facebook.com/nymetroparents ACTIVITIES

AGES 4-5

Open House: March 3, 10 am-1 pm 144 Riverside Boulevard

AGES 6-12

Open House: April 14, 11 am-2 pm 2116 First Avenue

Enter code BAP18 to receive a 10% discount dwightsummercamp.org | 917.551.6424 28

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

EVENTS

Join

NYMetroParents

Get advance notice on activities, participate in group discussions and receive special notices.

www.facebook.com/nymetroparents

Abrons Arts Center abronsartscenter.org

Asphalt Green Day Camp asphaltgreen.org Ballet Academy East balletacademyeast.com Bricks 4 Kidz NYC bricks4kidz.com

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Camp Clio campclio.org

Camp SAY campsay.org

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Center for Architecture

Chelsea Piers Summer Sports Camps

chelseapiers.com

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Children’s Museum of the Arts cmany.org

China Institute

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Collina Italiana

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Dwight Summer Camp

Ecole Internationale de New York

einy.org

Future Stars Summer Camps fscamps.com

Dance

Arts & Crafts

Special Needs

Music

Academic Enrichment

Day Trips

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centerforarchitecture.org

dwightsummercamp.org

Swimming

Calhoun Summer Camps calhoun.org

collinaitaliana.com

Sports

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Broadway Dance Center Children and Teens broadwaydancecenter.com

chinainstitute.org

Theater

STEAM/Robotics

PROGRAMS:

Half-Day

Flexible Scheduling

Extended Hours

Lunch

Transportation

Camp Guide

SERVICES:

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Kumon kumon.com

NORY STEM nory.co

Dance

Arts & Crafts

Special Needs

Music

Academic Enrichment

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Oasis Camp in Central Park

oasischildren.com

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Oasis Camp in Downtown oasischildren.com

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Open Campus at The New School

opencampus.newschool.edu Play On! Studios

Pusteblume International Preschool

playonstudios.com pusteblumenyc.org The Ballet Club theballetclub.com The British International School of New York Summer Camp bis-ny.org

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The Windward School Summer Program, Manhattan

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts usdan.org

YMCA Summer Camps ymcanyc.org February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

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thewindwardschool.org

Day Trips

Sports

Theater

STEAM/Robotics

Half-Day

launchmath.com

MWS Student Camps mwscamps.com

PROGRAMS:

Launch Math & Science Centers

MAD SPORTS madsportsinc.com

Flexible Scheduling

Extended Hours

Lunch

Transportation

Camp Guide

SERVICES:

Swimming

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CAMP MARKETPLACE

Ballet & Theater Summer Day Camp at The Ballet Club

• Ballet • Drama • Music • Puppetry • Costume Shop • Yoga • Story Time • Outdoor Activities and More! Select the days and weeks that work for you:

July 9 – August 31

9:30 am – 2:30 pm; Drop off 9:00 – 9:30 am Movement Mini-Camp (9:30 am-12:30 pm) & Movement & Art Camp also available

Hey! Moms and Dads Look what we have for you

Register online today! Call 917-281-1030 or email info@theballetclub.com for more information. visit www.theballetclub.com to register online.

CLASSES

Galli Theater New York

Bonus: Check out library of hundreds of expert written article

Live Theater for the entire family •birthday parties •camps •performances

Galli Theater New York 357 West 36th Street, #202 New York, NY 10018 galliny@gmail.com 212-731-0668 MUSICAL CAMPS: Feb 19th - 23rd & Apr 2nd - 6th gallitheaternyc.com

Check out our 45 minute online education classes, presented by leading experts.

NANNIES & BABYSITTERS

Looking for one? We have tens of referred Nannies and Babysitters

Bonus: Do you want to help your Nanny find her next family? This is the best resource in NYC.

US Premiere of Ali Baba and the 40 thieves every Saturday and Sunday at 2pm in February

JOBS

FOR MOMS

Let’s face it, Moms make great part time employees. Check out the jobs for companies looking specifically to hire a mom.

Bonus: If you are looking for an opportunity, you can post on mommybites.

EVENTS FOR YOUNG FAMILIES

Pusteblume

International School

212-206-1137 info@pusteblumenyc.org www.pusteblumenyc.org German and Spanish language immersion ●Preschool ●After School ●Camps ●Ages 2-12

a nurturing setting that cultivates the

Check our activities targeted just for you and your families.

Bonus: Local organizations can post their events on mommybites.com/newyork

Get on the list for newest offerings mommybites.com/newyork Connecting moms and moms-to-be with parenting resources, education, and support since 2006

growth and development of your child BigAppleParent 31

things to do

outbound

Family Fun a Ride Away Courtesy Minnesota Children’s Museum

Courtesy Cup O’ Fun Cafe

On Long Island…

Long Island Children’s Museum

Cup O’Fun Cafe

This 40,000-square-foot museum is a destination for nearly 250,000 children and adults each year and offers educational and cultural experiences through events, activities, and 14 interactive exhibits (including a new traveling exhibit, Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice™ through May 13). The LICM Theater offers live, family-focused performances with Q-and-A sessions, photo-ops, and meet-and-greets after each show. Visit it: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City; 516-224-5800; licm.org

A visit to this indoor play space will please both parents and young kids alike—while children run around the more than 8,000-squarefoot facility, parents can enjoy a cup of coffee or snack in the café. Cup O’Fun Café has a BEAM virtual playground, a miniature rock wall, a multi-level climbing unit with slides, a train table, a special area for infants, and more. Visit it: 6 Rockaway Ave., Valley Stream; 516-872-2600; cupofuncafe.com

Courtesy The Maritime Aquarium

Courtesy Campgaw Mountain

and bey ond !

Campgaw Mountain

The Maritime Aquarium

Ski, snowboard, or go tubing at this mountain destination that has equipment rentals and instruction for all ages. Enjoy gliding down a snowy hill and simply ride your tube back up via a surface lift. Campgaw Mountain offers a variety of terrain for all abilities as well as short lift lines and uncrowded trails—perfect for families. Open through March 31 (weather-dependent). Visit It: 200 Campgaw Road, Mahwah, NJ; 201-327-7800; skicampgaw.com

A visit to the Maritime Aquarium is an opportunity to get up close to marine life such as harbor seals, sea turtles, crabs, and lobsters. Curious kids can learn more about creatures such as stingrays, jellyfish, and sharks through touch experiences and the whole family can enjoy a film on the large IMAX® screen. Visit It: 10 N. Water St., Norwalk, CT (Metro-North New Haven Line); 203-852-0700; maritimeaquarium.org

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Ideas When You Need Them:

Sign up for our FREE newsletter & never hear “I’m bored!” again. We email the top kids’ events every Thursday—just in time to make weekend plans!

nymetroparents.com/register

Turn the page for details on LEGO LIVE NYC (No. 6 on our list).

FEBRUARY

y-day day-b : r u o t ou line ar Check alendar on alend c ood, hborh cost. g i e n h by and Searc type, age, t n eve ily! ted da a d p U

nyme

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ents. ropar

WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?

nymetroparents.com/submitevent UPDATED DAILY AT nymetroparents.com/calendar

EDITOR: WHITNEY C. HARRIS nyccalendar@davlermedia.com

CALENDAR

Editor’s Hot Tickets

Mini Musicians

We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!, Crafty Kids

Holiday Fun

Dance Party, Special Needs

Once Upon a Time

Show Time!, Smarty Pants

Fun Fairs & Festivals, 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!

Alastair Moock & Friends

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 3, 11am WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: A rowdy, rootsy, sing-along dance party for the whole family. Known as “The Tom Waits of Children’s Music,” Alastair has long been one of Boston’s premier folk artists. WHY WE LOVE IT: Moock always brings special guests to wow audiences. WANT TO GO? $17. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

16th Annual Holiday Train Show FREE

WHEN: Through Feb. 4: daily, 6am-8pm WHERE: Transit Museum Gallery Annex & Store, Grand Central Terminal, 89 E. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Kids can watch in awe as little Lionel trains roll along a 34-foot-long, two-level track that looks just like a mini NYC with a nearby countryside. The scenery even includes its very own North Pole. WHY WE LOVE IT: There are some really cool vintage train cars on display. WANT TO GO? 212-340-2583. nytransitmuseum.org.

The Westminster Kennel Club Presents Westminster Week 2018

WHEN: Feb. 10-13, Saturday and Monday-Tuesday, see website for times WHERE: Piers 92/94 and Madison Square Garden, 711 Twelfth Ave., Hell’s Kitchen AGES: All WHAT: Three major competitions revered by both dog and cat lovers that highlight each individual breed’s unique strengths and beauty. WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s the furriest, friendliest competition you’ll ever see. WANT TO GO? $10 and up. 212-213-3165. westminsterkennelclub.org. 34

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

‘Go, Dog. Go!’

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 17, 1:30pm WHERE: BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers St., Tribeca AGES: 3-8 WHAT: The adventures of P.D. Eastman’s book brought to life in a frolicking musical dog party. The cast of this beloved preschool favorite has gone to the dogs—with cars, hats, audience participation, and even a wild game of ball. WHY WE LOVE IT: There will be just one performance of this show, so you don’t want to miss it! WANT TO GO? $30. 212-220-1460. tribecapac.org.

Lunar New Year Family Festival

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 17, 11am-4pm WHERE: Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St., Chinatown AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy zodiac arts and crafts, lively dance performances, festive snacks, and timeless tales inspired by Chinese and Chinese American New Year’s traditions. WHY WE LOVE IT: All the fun festivities take place indoors so no need to bundle up! WANT TO GO? $12; free for children younger than 2. 855-955-6622. mocanyc.org.

LEGO LIVE NYC

WHEN: Feb. 16-18, Friday-Sunday, 9am-8pm WHERE: Pier 36, 299 South St., Lower East Side AGES: All WHAT: Geared toward Lego fans of all ages, this weekend event is full of interactive, life-size builds, workshops with Master Lego Builders, classic building challenges using coding and robotic technology, and more iconic Lego activities.

Get weekend activities delivered to you!

nymetroparents.com/register ››

WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s an immersive way to spend four hours on an otherwise quiet holiday weekend. WANT TO GO? $30 and up; free for children younger than 3. legolive.frontgatetickets.com.

‘Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party!’

WHEN: Feb. 9-19, Thursday-Monday, see website for times WHERE: The Theater at Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Jump to the beat with your friends on Sesame Street! Introducing an all-new, interactive show that unfolds on one of the world’s most famous streets at the funniest, furriest party in the neighborhood. WHY WE LOVE IT: Check out the pre-show experience for the opportunity to tour the on-stage neighborhood. WANT TO GO? $15 and up. 800-844-3545. sesamestreetlive.com.

19th Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade and Festival FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 25, 1pm WHERE: Chinatown, Parade begins on the corner of Mott and Canal streets, Chinatown AGES: All WHAT: Ring in the Year of the Dog at this popular New York parade and street festival. Join thousands of New Yorkers and visitors alike in the streets of Chinatown and Little Italy for traditional Chinese New Year performances, beautiful decorations and costumes, floats, music, and delicious food. WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s a second chance to ring in the New Year! WANT TO GO? 917-660-2402. betterchinatown.com.

Kids’ Night on Broadway

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 27, see website for times WHERE: Various theaters, see website for theater addresses, Theater District AGES: All WHAT: Take your child to see a Broadway performance for free during this one-night-only event. Particpating shows include Aladdin, Anastasia, The Lion King, Spongebob Squarepants, and Wicked. Includes restaurant discounts, parking discounts, and more. WHY WE LOVE IT: Some shows offer in-theater activities for kids including talkbacks and activity books. WANT TO GO? Children free when accompanied by a full-paying adult. kidsnightonbroadway.com.

New York International Children’s Film Festival

WHEN: Feb. 23-March 18, Friday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: Various theaters throughout Manhattan, see website for addresses, AGES: 3 and older WHAT: For four weekends, New York International Children’s Film Festival invites you and your imagination to explore new frontiers through the best new films from around the world. WHY WE LOVE IT: Expect more than 75 film screenings to choose from. WANT TO GO? See website for prices. 212-349-0330. nyicff.org. ››

Taste more than 200 kosher wines!

Nosh on delicious snacks!

The Jewish Week’s

Grand Wine Tasting Event Monday March 12 | 5 - 9 p.m. City Winery, 155 Varick Street Taste over 200 kosher wines, including the winners of The Jewish Week’s recent Top 18 Kosher Wine Competition Talk to kosher wine vintners, wine experts and local retailers Order your favorite wines to enjoy at your Seder, for your simcha and all year long Get your free copy of The Jewish Week’s Kosher Wine Guide packed with wine features, as well as our Top 18 kosher wines in 10 categories, and more! For tickets, VIP Early Access & details visit http://jewishweek.timesofisrael.com/wine-tasting/

VIP/Early Access 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm $79 and then admission to the Grand Wine Tasting Private tasting capped at 125 guests with a premium wine selection.

Grand Wine Tasting 6:00pm – 9:00pm $50 The ticket price on the day of the event for the main Gand Wine Tasting will be $60.

The Jewish Week THE JEWISH WEEK MEDIA GROUP

J WMG BigAppleParent 35

WE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FREE

Fabric Plants

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

WHEN: Feb. 8-9, Thursday-Friday, 12-6pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Greenwich Village AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Taking inspiration from the Bridge installation The Secret Garden by Ian Berry, young artists will use denim and other materials to create their own fabric plant. WANT TO GO? $12; seniors pay as you wish; free for children younger than 1. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

Groundhog Day FREE

Family Tours

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 2, 7am WHERE: Staten Island Zoo, 614 Broadway, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Watch Chuck the groundhog make his call with both accuracy and affection. Then watch the Patrick Raftery Rock-a-Silly Band and the P.S. 45 choir perform. WANT TO GO? 718-442-3100. statenislandzoo.org.

Lunar New Year Parade FREE

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 16, 11am-3:30pm WHERE: Chinatown NYC, Sara D. Roosevelt Park, Chrystie and Forsyth streets, Chinatown AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the Lunar New Year in Chinatown with firecrackers, music, and festivities. WANT TO GO? betterchinatown.com.

Lunar New Year for Kids FREE

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 16, 10am-1pm WHERE: China Institute, 100 Washington St., Lower Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Spend the holiday enjoying storytelling, crafts, and snacks. WANT TO GO? 212-744-8181. chinainstitute.org.

The Paley Center for Media Celebrates Black History Month FREE WHEN: Feb. 1-28, Wednesday and Friday-Sunday, 12-6pm; Thursday, 12-8pm WHERE: The Paley Center for Media, 25 W. 52nd St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: The Paley Center for Media celebrates Black History Month with exhibits, screenings, and family activities. WANT TO GO? 212-621-6800. paleycenter.org.

R&R Shabbat Diversity Day FREE

WHEN: Through March 17: Saturdays, 2-5pm WHERE: JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Make your Shabbat afternoon special and share in the community with art, yoga, and meditation workshops, creative art projects, music, food, and spa experiences, plus indoor and outdoor play. WANT TO GO? 347-604-3964. jcc.org.

CRAFTY KIDS I Love NYC: 3-D Views

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 3, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm WHERE: Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place, Greenwich Village AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Families will create their own 3-D “tunnel book” using a variety of art materials and architectural images. WANT TO GO? $6; $12 children. 212-358-6133. centerforarchitecture.org.

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10, 11am-12pm WHERE: The Met Breuer, 945 Madison Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Share ideas and enjoy stories, sketching, and other gallery activities that bring works of art to life. Get your tour ticket from any museum staff in the lobby. WANT TO GO? $25; $17 seniors; $12 students; free for children younger than 12. 212-731-1675. metmuseum.org.

Design Kids: Whimsical Wallpapers FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10, 11am and 1:30pm WHERE: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, 2 E. 91st St., Upper East Side AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Participants will design a wallpaper with Flavor Paper. Join one of two 90-minute sessions. WANT TO GO? 212-849-8400. cooperhewitt.org.

Paint a Yoga Mat with Melissa, the Yoga Fairy

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 11, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Karma Kids Yoga, 25 W. 23rd St., Chelsea AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Children create and design their very own original yoga mat, with magical yoga class with the Yoga Fairy to follow. WANT TO GO? $45 and up. 646-638-1444. karmakidsyoga.com.

Family Day: Moon Over Manhattan!

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 17, 1-5pm WHERE: Asia Society, 725 Park Ave., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Asia Society rings in the Year of the Dog with performances and traditional craft activities inspired by Lunar New Year traditions across Asia. WANT TO GO? $12; $5 seniors, students, and children. 212-288-6400. asiasociety.org.

Designing a Dream City FREE

WHEN: Feb. 5-26, Mondays, 4pm WHERE: New York Public Library, Hamilton Grange Library, 503 W. 145th St., Hamilton Heights AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Let your imagination run wild and create your very own city in this four-session workshop series using Lego bricks. WANT TO GO? 212-926-2147. nypl.org.

Picture This! Series

WHEN: Through May 6: Sundays, 10am-12:30pm WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-12 WHAT: These interactive programs begin with a gallery portion that includes art-viewing activities and a book reading from the PJ Library collection, followed by an opportunity to create original artworks and a concert featuring an acclaimed performer. WANT TO GO? $25. 212-423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org.

SPECIAL NEEDS Workshops for Kids with Disabilities FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 4, 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Examine art on view and create a work of your own in these programs for families with children who have developmental and learning disabilities. Workshops include gallery activities and an art project. WANT TO GO? 212-423-3200. jewishmuseum.org.

TDF Autism Friendly Performances: ‘Wicked’

DANCE PARTY Soaking WET

WHEN: Feb. 1-4, Thursday-Saturday, 7pm and 8:30pm; Sunday, 2pm WHERE: West End Theater, St. Paul and St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 263 W. 86th St., 2nd Floor, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Two different programs of all premieres by five choreographers, each with a distinctive dance voice and style. WANT TO GO? $20. 212-362-3179. stpaulandstandrew.org.

CirKiz ‘Love Is The Message’ Valentine’s Dance Party with DJ Alden

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10, 1-5pm WHERE: Cielo, 18 Little W. 12th St., West Village AGES: 5 and older WHAT: A nightclub is transformed into a unique kid-centric daytime space where families can listen and dance to DJs, see live performances, and experience a party environment in a safe, controlled daytime setting. WANT TO GO? $17 and up. 646-650-5266. cirkiz.com.

43rd Annual Thunderbird American Indian Dancers’ Dance Concert and Pow-Wow

WHEN: Feb. 2-11, Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 3pm and 8pm; Sunday, 3pm WHERE: Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave., East Village AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Featuring dances, stories, and traditional music from Native Peoples from the Northeast, Southwest, and Great Plains regions. WANT TO GO? $12; $1 kids’ matinee tickets. 212-254-1109. theaterforthenewcity.net.

The Bazillions

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 17, 11am WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: This mom-and-pop Twin Cities-based group presents harmonic and high-energy live performances wth songs from their two award-winning albums. WANT TO GO? $17. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

Cuba’s Ballet Contemporaneo de Camaguey

WHEN: Feb. 27-28, Tuesday-Wednesday, 7pm WHERE: Kaye Playhouse, 695 Park Ave., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: In its U.S. debut, the company will perform a program of works by artistic director Pedro Ruiz. WANT TO GO? 212-772-4448. hunter.cuny.edu/kayeplayhouse.

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 4, 1pm WHERE: Gershwin Theatre, 222 W. 51st St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: A sensory-friendly performance of Wicked, the untold tale of an unlikely friendship between two women in the Land of Oz, the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good, long before Dorothy drops in. WANT TO GO? $55 and up. 212-912-9770. tdf.org/wicked.

Discoveries Family Workshops

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 11, 2-3:30pm WHERE: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Children with disabilities, together with friends and family, explore the day’s theme on a gallery tour followed by an art activity in the studio. These workshops support development of social and life skills, such as communication and independent living skills. Reservations required. WANT TO GO? 212-535-7710. metmuseum.org.

‘Addy & Uno’

WHEN: Through March 10: Saturdays, 12pm WHERE: Theatre Row, 410 W. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: 5-12 WHAT: As Uno, a child with autism, faces the challenge of competing in his school’s math competition, his friends with varying disabilities— ADHD, visual, hearing, and physical impairments—rally in support. Through puppets and soaring music, this heartfelt and hilarious show celebrates hope, big dreams, and the beauty of differences. WANT TO GO? $40. 212-239-6200. addyanduno.com.

Autism Spectrum Tour: The Discovery Squad FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 1: Saturdays, 9-10am WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, 79th Street and Central Park West, Upper West Side AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Families with members on the autism spectrum can attend a 40-minute tour led by specially trained guides, then spend some time exploring the Discovery Room before the museum opens to the public. WANT TO GO? 212-769-5100. amnh.org.

Access+Ability

WHEN: Through Sept. 3: Sunday-Friday, 10am-6pm; Saturday, 10am-9pm WHERE: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, 2 E. 91st St., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: This powerful new exhibit displays more than 70 products, projects, and services developed by and with people with disabilities— physical, cognitive, and sensory—that expand their ability to lead independent lives and engage more fully in the world. WANT TO GO? $18; $12 seniors; $9 students; free for children younger than 18. 212-849-8400. cooperhewitt.org. ›› BigAppleParent 37

‘Ali Baba & the 40 Thieves’

WHEN: Feb. 3-25, Saturday-Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Galli Theater, 357 W. 36th St., Suite 202, Midtown AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Ali Baba opens a mysterious mountain and finds great treasure, but his greedy brother Cassim also wants part of it. WANT TO GO? $20; $15 children. 212-731-0668. gallitheaternyc.com.

Gazillion Bubble Show

SHOW TIME! ‘Neverland: Peter Returns’

WHEN: Feb. 6-11, Tuesday-Friday, 10:30am and 11:30am; Saturday-Sunday, 1pm WHERE: Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater, Central Park, 79th Street and West Drive, Central Park AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Leaving their parents behind, the Darling children follow Peter Pan back home to Never Land for the adventure of a lifetime. WANT TO GO? $12; $8 for children younger than 12. 212-360-1399. cityparksfoundation.org.

‘Owen & Mzee The Musical’

WHEN: Through Feb. 11: Saturday-Sunday, 11am WHERE: Theater at Blessed Sacrament, 152 W. 71st St., Upper West Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: The true story of an orphaned baby hippo and a 130-year-old giant turtle whose remarkable friendship touched millions around the world. WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 212-579-0528. vitaltheatre.org.

‘Hanna and the Moonlit Dress’

WHEN: Through Feb. 11: Saturday-Sunday, 11am and 1pm WHERE: The Theater at the 14th Street Y, 344 E. 14th St., East Village AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Overjoyed with her new dress, Hanna runs to show it to her friends: Zuzi the dog and Edna the cow. Little does she know what a meaningful adventure awaits her. An interactive musical revealing the magic of a good deed, based on the classic Israeli tale Hanna’s Sabbath Dress by Itzhak Schweiger-Dmi’el. WANT TO GO? $40. 212-780-0800. 14streety.org.

‘The Perfect Monster’

WHEN: Through Feb. 16: Friday, 7pm; Saturday-Sunday, 2pm and 4pm WHERE: TADA! Youth Theater, 15 W. 28th St., Chelsea AGES: 5-12 WHAT: A young science nerd sets out to create the perfect friend in the basement of her castle, but ends up with a room full of marvelous, yet mischievous monsters. WANT TO GO? $25; $15 children. 212-353-9585. tadatheater.com.

‘The Joshua Show Episode 2’

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 24, 11am WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Award-winning puppeteer Joshua Holden returns to the Just Kidding stage with his newest show. Even the grumpiest grump, like Joshua’s right-hand man, Mr. Nicholas, who is planning an escape to outer space, will find something to chuckle at. WANT TO GO? $17. 503-293-9498. symphonyspace.org. 38

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Through Feb. 25: Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 11am, 2pm, and 4:30pm; Sunday, 12pm and 3pm WHERE: New World Stages / Stage 2, 340 W. 50th St., Midtown West AGES: All WHAT: Families will get a kick out of watching bubbles expand, float, and take over the room at this Gazillion Bubble Show. WANT TO GO? $55-$75; $20 lap seat tickets for children younger than 2. 212-239-6200. gazillionbubbleshow.com.

‘Frankenstein’

WHEN: Through March 5: Mondays, 7-9pm WHERE: St. Luke’s Theatre, 308 W. 46th St., Midtown AGES: 9 and older WHAT: A two-act romantic musical about the human need for love. WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 212-239-6200. thefrankensteinmusical.com.

‘The Snowy Day and Other Stories by Ezra Jack Keats’

WHEN: Through March 31: See website for schedule WHERE: St. Luke’s Theatre, 308 W. 46th St., Midtown AGES: 3-8 WHAT: A play that celebrates the wonder of childhood in the city through four of Keats’ best stories brought to life. WANT TO GO? $35. 212-239-6200. thesnowydayplay.com.

SMARTY PANTS Living History: Meet Harriet Tubman

WHEN: Feb. 3-4, Saturday-Sunday, 12-4pm WHERE: DiMenna Children’s Museum at New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Meet Harriet Tubman, portrayed by our trained Living Historian, and discover tales, tools, and techniques of how she led slaves to freedom. WANT TO GO? $21; $16 teachers and seniors; $13 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children younger than 4. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org/childrens-museum.

Math Encounters: The Fabric of Symmetry FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 7, 4-5:30pm and 7-8:30pm WHERE: National Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26th St., Gramercy AGES: All WHAT: Join an exploration of contemporary mathematical fiber arts. WANT TO GO? 212-542-0566. momath.org.

Family Astronomy

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10, 6:30pm WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, 79th Street and Central Park West, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: The Hayden Planetarium invites the youngest astronomers for an evening of star-hopping to look at the winter constellations. WANT TO GO? $12. 212-769-5100. amnh.org.

What’s Your Sign? Family Calendar Design

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10, 11am-1pm WHERE: The Morgan Library & Museum, 225 Madison Ave., Murray Hill

AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Families will explore the symbolism of birth months through astrological, botanical, and classical elements. WANT TO GO? $20. 212-590-0312. themorgan.org.

Morgan Explorers

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 11, 1:30-3pm WHERE: The Morgan Library & Museum, 225 Madison Ave., Murray Hill AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Learn about the myths and stories on the famous ceilings, roll a sample cylinder seal, and get up close with medieval bookmaking materials. WANT TO GO? $20; $13 seniors and students; free for children 12 and younger. 212-590-0312. themorgan.org.

Living History: Meet Frederick Douglass

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 11, 11am-4pm WHERE: DiMenna Children’s Museum at New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Gather around Mr. Douglass, portrayed by Living Historian Michael Crutcher, to learn about his fight for equality. WANT TO GO? $21; $16 teachers and seniors; $13 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children younger than 4. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org/childrens-museum.

Quadrivium Featuring Marcus Miller

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 17, 7-10pm WHERE: National Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26th St., Gramercy AGES: All WHAT: Jazz saxophone player Marcus Miller will hosts monthly gatherings at MoMath, conversing with experts in various fields of art and science. WANT TO GO? $15. 212-542-0566. momath.org.

Living History: Black History Month

WHEN: Feb. 24-25, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-4pm WHERE: DiMenna Children’s Museum at New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Meet Living Historians who bring African American New Yorkers from the past to life. WANT TO GO? $21; $16 teachers and seniors; $13 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children younger than 4. 212-873-3400. nyhistory. org/childrens-museum.

MINI

MUSICIANS Rug Concert

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 3, 10am-2pm WHERE: The Diller-Quaile School of Music, 24 E. 95th St., Upper East Side AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Children and adults experience remarkable musicianship in an intimate setting, and an atmosphere of interactive music making. There will be singing, movement, and opportunities to play rhythm instruments. WANT TO GO? $25. 212-369-1484. diller-quaile.org.

Inspirations and Tributes: An African American Lineage WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 3, 2pm WHERE: The New York Philharmonic, Merkin Concert Hall, 129 W. 67th St., Upper West Side AGES: All

WHAT: A musical program exploring how composers influence and pay tribute to each other. Attendees are invited to arrive at 12:45pm to take part in YPC Overtures, when children meet Philharmonic musicians and try out orchestral instruments. WANT TO GO? $15 and up. 212-875-5656. nyphil.org.

Prokofiev: ‘Peter, The Wolf, and More’

WHEN: Feb. 3-4, Saturday, 10am and 11:30am; Sunday, 11:30am and 1pm WHERE: Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, 695 Park Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: This concert will focus on the composer and his notable works, making an enchanting program the whole family will enjoy as part of the Little Orchestra Society’s third season of the LOS KIDS concert series. WANT TO GO? $15 and up. 212-971-9500. littleorchestra.org.

Live Stream Chamber Music Masterclass FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10, 2:30-4:30pm WHERE: National Opera Center, 330 Seventh Ave., Chelsea AGES: All WHAT: The live stream with this Associated Chamber Music Players offers an up-close opportunity for players around the globe to engage and participate in this learning and playing opportunity. WANT TO GO? 212-645-7424. acmp.net.

Broadway Playhouse: Jerry Herman

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 11, 11am WHERE: Merkin Concert Hall at Kaufman Music Center, 129 W. 67th St., Upper West Side AGES: 3-12 WHAT: At Broadway Playhouse, kids learn about the great writers of American musicals through mini-shows, medleys, games, and singalongs. This month, Jerry Herman’s 1964 classic Hello, Dolly! takes the stage. WANT TO GO? $20. 212-501-3330. kaufmanmusiccenter.org.

Studio PSK: Polyphonic Playground

WHEN: Through Feb. 11: Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday-Sunday, 10am-6pm; Thursday, 10am-9pm WHERE: The Museum of Arts and Design, 2 Columbus Circle, Columbus Circle AGES: All WHAT: Part of the Sonic Arcade: Shaping Space with Sound exhibit, this climbing frame emits electronic sounds to act as a giant 3-D synthesizer for anyone who interacts with it. WANT TO GO? $16; $14 seniors; $12 students; free for children younger than 18. 212-299-7777. madmuseum.org.

Family Concert: The Pop Ups

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 25, 11:30am WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Grammy-award nominated electro pop concert for a family audience. The Pop Ups don’t just sing; there will also be drawing with sound, puppets, and a Purim costume party at this fun event. WANT TO GO? $18. 212-423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org.

Playtime Songs with Danna Banana

WHEN: Through Feb. 26: Mondays, 4pm WHERE: The Monkey Room, 589 Fort Washington Ave., Washington Heights AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Listen to traditional tunes plus witty originals by Danna Banana, an award-winning children’s performer with six albums. A big basket of percussion toys turn the audience into the drumset. WANT TO GO? $5. 212-543-9888. monkeyroomnyc.com. ›› BigAppleParent 39

mance featuring traditional Chinese dance and music, a martial arts demonstration, and the lion dance. Presented in part with the New York Chinese Cultural Center. WANT TO GO? 212-978-1698. brookfieldplaceny.com.

Washington’s Birthday Ball

HOLIDAY FUN Architecture Valentines

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 3, 10:30-11:45am WHERE: The Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place, Battery Park City AGES: All WHAT: Make homemade valentines featuring romantic skyscrapers to share with family, friends, or your secret crush. WANT TO GO? $5; $2.50 seniors and students; free for children younger than 12. 212-968-1961. skyscraper.org.

MOCACREATE: Lunar New Year Museum Makeover

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 3, 1-4pm WHERE: Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St., Chinatown AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Welcome the New Year by making handmade decorations to liven up the museum. Transform the space with colorful creations, which will be on display through the annual Lunar New Year Family Festival. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 seniors, students, and children; free for children younger than 2. 855-955-6622. mocanyc.org.

Valentine’s Love Shacks Workshop

WHEN: Feb. 10-11, Saturday-Sunday, 9-10am WHERE: Taste Buds Kitchen, 109 W. 27th St., 10th Floor, Chelsea AGES: 3-8 WHAT: From pink frosted roofs to heart shaped window panes, you and your mini chef will love the endless decorating options as you work together to design and decorate an edible masterpiece. WANT TO GO? $75 for child and caregiver. 212-242-2248. tastebudskitchen.com.

Valentine Making Workshop FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 11, 11am WHERE: BPC Parks, 6 River Terrace, Battery Park City AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Have fun learning paper-engineering and simple book-making techniques to create pop-ups, accordions, and shape books. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 212-267-9700. bpcparks.org.

Lunar New Year FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 17, 2-3:15pm WHERE: Brookfield Place, 230 Vesey St., Battery Park City AGES: All WHAT: Ring in the Lunar New Year with a family-friendly perfor40

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 18, 1-3pm WHERE: Mount Vernon Hotel Museum and Garden, 421 E. 61st St., Upper East Side AGES: 3 and older WHAT: In honor of Presidents’ Day, celebrate the birthday of our nation’s first president as New Yorkers did in the 19th century. Costumed dancers will perform and teach traditional country dances. Festivities include toasts to George Washington and historic refreshments. WANT TO GO? $15; $10 for children younger than 12. 212-8386878. mvhm.org.

Losar Family Day: Himalayan New Year Celebration FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 18, 12-4pm WHERE: Rubin Museum of Art, 150 W. 17th St., Chelsea AGES: All WHAT: Learn about traditional Losar celebrations, go on a family tour of the galleries, listen to Himalayan music, and explore the possibilities of your future through Losar and Earth Dog-themed activities and art projects. WANT TO GO? 212-620-5000. rubinmuseum.org.

Living History: Meet President George and First Lady Martha Washington

WHEN: Feb. 17-19, Saturday-Monday, 11am-4pm WHERE: DiMenna Children’s Museum at New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Talk to our first commander-in-chief about his inauguration right here in New-York, ask Martha how she welcomed everyday citizens to the first presidential household, and take a close look at their 18th-century fashion—including General Washington’s military uniform. WANT TO GO? $21; $16 teachers and seniors; $13 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children younger than 4. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org/childrens-museum.

Lunar New Year Festival: Year of the Dog

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 24, 11am-5pm WHERE: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Mark the Year of the Dog with performances, cooking demonstrations, storytelling, interactive gallery activities, and artist-led workshops. WANT TO GO? $25; $17 seniors; $12 students; free for children younger than 12. 212-535-7710. metmuseum.org.

Family Hamantaschen Workshop

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 25, 10-11:30am WHERE: JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave., Upper West Side AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Get ready for Purim by learning how to make hamantaschen. Make two kinds of dough, plain and chocolate, then shape and fill them with poppy seed, apricot, prune, strawberry, and chocolate. WANT TO GO? $55. 646-505-5700. jccmanhattan.org.

tion Holiday Express: Toys and Trains from the Jerni Collection, read fun train tales, and enjoy coffee and breakfast treats from the Parliament Espresso & Coffee Bar. WANT TO GO? $21; $16 seniors; $13 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children younger than 4. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org/childrens-museum.

Storytime and Crafts FREE

WHEN: Feb. 3-25, Saturday-Sunday, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Strand Books, 828 Broadway, Union Square AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Bring the kids for stories and crafts around weekly themes and characters including Doc McStuffins, Elmo, Peppa Pig, and Clifford. WANT TO GO? 212-473-1452. strandbooks.com/story-time.

Special Story Time with Vashti Harrison, Author of ‘Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History’

ONCE UPON A TIME Thalia Kids’ Book Club: Judy Blumesday

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 4, 3pm and 7pm WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Kids are invited to celebrate beloved children’s author Judy Blume’s 80th birthday with an afternoon of readings by actors and a discussion with Blume book illustrator Debbie Ridpath Ohi and contemporary authors including Jacqueline Woodson of Brown Girl Dreaming and Rachel Vail of Well, That Was Awkward. The event wraps up with a writing prompt and Q-and-A. WANT TO GO? $17. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

MOCAKIDS Storytime

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 8, 3:30-4pm WHERE: Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St., Chinatown AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Join for stories, finger-plays, songs, and more in English and Mandarin. Interactive songs, nursery rhymes, and arts and crafts will accompany this bilingual storytime. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 seniors, students, and children; free for children younger than 2. 855-955-6622. mocanyc.org.

LC Kids Storytime at the Atrium: ‘Hey Black Child’ by Bryan Collier FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 17, 11am WHERE: Lincoln Center, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Six-time Coretta Scott King Award-winner and four-time Caldecott Honor-recipient Bryan Collier brings Useni Eugene Perkins’s classic, inspirational poem to life, celebrating black children and seeking to inspire all young people to dream big and achieve their goals. WANT TO GO? 212-875-5456. kids.lincolncenter.org.

Rise and Ride the Holiday Express

WHEN: Through Feb. 23: Fridays, 7:30-9am WHERE: DiMenna Children’s Museum at New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Get an early train fix with your little one at the beloved exhibi-

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 25, 11:30am WHERE: DiMenna Children’s Museum at New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Join for a special story time with the author, and learn how this book concept grew out of a few captivating illustrations she posted to Instagram during Black History Month. WANT TO GO? $21; $16 teachers and seniors; $13 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children younger than 4. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org/childrens-museum.

Toddler Storytime FREE

WHEN: Feb. 1-March 29: Thursdays, 10:15am and 11:15am WHERE: New York Public Library, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, 476 Fifth Ave., Midtown AGES: 13-36 months WHAT: Toddlers and their parents or caregivers can enjoy interactive stories, action songs, and fingerplays, and spend time with other tots in the neighborhood. WANT TO GO? 917-275-6975. nypl.org.

PJ Library Storytime FREE

WHEN: Through May 14, Mondays, 3-3:45pm WHERE: JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave., Upper West Side AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Celebrate Jewish holidays and traditions through explorations, songs, and PJ Library books. WANT TO GO? 646-505-4444. jccmanhattan.org.

Not Your Typical Story Hour

WHEN: Through May 17: Thursdays, 11:30am WHERE: 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., Upper East Side AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Look at books with your child, listen to stories, create an art project, and dance to the music with Petra as part of this imaginative, interactive story time. WANT TO GO? $20. 212-415-5500. 92y.org.

Gateway Storytime in the Discovery Room

WHEN: Through June 18: Mondays, 10:15am and 11:15am WHERE: The American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West and 79th Street, Upper West Side AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Swing by the museum on a Monday morning for an engaging story time with plenty of interactive learning. Tickets are distributed outside the 81st Street Planetarium Entrance between 9:45am and 10:15am. WANT TO GO? $23; $18 seniors and students; $13 children ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2. 212-769-5100. amnh.org. ›› BigAppleParent 41

Bank of America Winter Village

WHEN: Through March 4: daily, 8am-10pm WHERE: Bryant Park, 40th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: The park becomes a winter wonderland with an outdoor iceskating rink (free entry!), rinkside dining, and an observation deck full of games and art supplies. WANT TO GO? $20 skate rental. 212-768-4242. bryantpark.org.

Sea of Light FREE

FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS Family Day: Korean New Year

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 3, 11am and 1pm WHERE: The Korea Society, 350 Madison Ave., 24th Floor, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the Korean New Year, with a day of family activities. WANT TO GO? $10 and up. 212-759-7530. koreasociety.org.

Third Annual Valrhona Hot Chocolate Festival

WHEN: Through Feb. 4: daily, check individual store hours WHERE: Ladurée Soho, 76 Thompson St., Soho AGES: All WHAT: Ten bakeries and chocolatiers will create decadent hot chocolate recipes for the festival. WANT TO GO? $35 kickoff event. 212-868-1900. valrhona-chocolate.com.

Animation First

WHEN: Feb. 2-4, Friday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: French Institute Alliance Française, 22 E. 60th St., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Check out the first-ever French animation festival in the U.S., with award-winning animated feature and short films, virtual reality, and more. WANT TO GO? $10 and up. 800-982-2787. fiaf.org.

Taiwan Cultural Festival

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 11, 10am-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Greenwich Village AGES: All WHAT: Workshops and performances inspired by Taiwanese artistic traditions. WANT TO GO? $12; seniors pay as you wish; free for children younger than 1. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

Kids Week 2018

WHEN: Feb. 18-24, daily, 10am-5pm WHERE: The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, West 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Discover how science intersects with art, sports, games, and nature with activities, performances, and visits from special guests. WANT TO GO? $33; $31 seniors; $24 children ages 5-12; special NYC resident rates. 212-245-0072. intrepidmuseum.org.

Chinese New Year Family Festival

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 25, 11am-3pm WHERE: China Institute, 100 Washington St., Lower Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: The festival opens with a lion dance followed by New Yearthemed workshops and activities. WANT TO GO? Workshop admission: $20; $5 children. 212-744-8181. chinainstitute.org. 42

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Through March 31: Monday-Saturday, 11am-9pm; Sunday, 11am-9pm WHERE: South Street Seaport, 19 Fulton St., Seaport District AGES: All WHAT: A sensory adventure of light and sound activated by proximity and touch. WANT TO GO? 646-374-0867. southstreetseaport.com.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Downward Doll Yoga

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 2, 3-4pm WHERE: Karma Kids Yoga, 25 W. 23rd St., Chelsea AGES: 3-8 WHAT: An opportunity for kids to share the yoga fun with their favorite doll, creature, or stuffed animal. WANT TO GO? $40. 646-638-1444. karmakidsyoga.com.

Drop-Off Pajama Party

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 23, 6:30-9:30pm WHERE: Kidville Upper West Side, 205 W. 88th St., Upper West Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Includes free play, dinner, arts and crafts, story time, dance time, movie, and The SMART Playbook leadership building curriculum. WANT TO GO? $60. 516-807-0447. projectplaydate.org.

Barely Methodical Troupe’s ‘Bromance’

WHEN: Feb. 9-25, Saturdays, 2pm and 7pm; Sundays, 11am and 3pm WHERE: New Victory Theater, 229 W. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Watch in awe as three acrobatically inclined guys work in sync to amaze audiences. WANT TO GO? $16 and up. 646-223-3010. newvictory.org.

PAUSE/PLAY

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 3, 2-6pm WHERE: The 14th Street Y, 344 E. 14th St., East Village AGES: All WHAT: All are welcome for a day of relaxation and renewal, from family yoga and story time to whiskey tastings and open swim. WANT TO GO? $15; $10 children. 212-780-0800. 14streety.org.

Coming up next month: MARCH 17: NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Fifth Avenue between 44th and 79th streets, Midtown and Upper East Side MARCH 22-25: PAW Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Midtown MARCH 24: Spellbound Theatre’s Wink at Symphony Space, Upper West Side

things to do

where-to guide

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Staying❆ Inside

Compiled by Samantha Neudorf

With temperatures dropping and snow falling, who actually wants to be outside? Cozy up with some hot chocolate or tea, or spend the rest of this short month exploring an indoor play space. If you still want a taste of winter without worrying about the weather, visit an indoor ice-skating rink (it’ll probably be warmer inside than the temperature outside!). And if you are not a fan of winter, you can even pretend it’s summer at one of these indoor water parks in the Northeast. Stay warm!

INDOOR PLAY SPACES The Art Farm

419 E. 91st St., Upper East Side 212-410-3117; theartfarms.com Are you a family of animal lovers? If so, be sure to head over to The Art Farm, a unique indoor petting zoo. Kids will be able to get close to all sorts of animals (including guinea pigs, lizards, turtles, and bunnies), learn about them, and have fun while doing it. The Art Farm also offers music, cooking, and art programs for children ages 6 months to 8 years.

HOT CHOCOLATE SPOTS City Bakery

3 W. 18th St., Flatiron 212-366-1414; thecitybakery.com Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-6pm; Saturday, 8am-6pm; Sunday, 9am-5pm The bakery’s classic artisanal hot chocolate is notoriously rich, and is topped with a giant homemade marshmallow. Each February, the bakery hosts its Annual Hot Chocolate Festival with a unique flavor for each day of the month; past flavors have included chili pepper hot chocolate, bourbon hot chocolate, and lemon hot chocolate. Find more>> hot chocolate spots in Manhattan at nymetroparents.com/hot-chocolate.

Courtesy Sahara Sam’s Oasis

Find more>> indoor play spaces in Manhattan at nymetroparents.com/indoor-play-spaces.

INDOOR ICE-SKATING RINKS Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers

Chelsea Piers, West 23rd Street and Hudson River Park, Chelsea 212-336-6100; chelseapiers.com Hours: Through Dec. 17: Monday, 1:30-5pm; Tuesday and Thursday, 3-5pm; Friday, 1:30-5:20pm; Saturday-Sunday, 1-3:50pm. Price: $11. $6 skate rental; $5 helmet rental. Speed skates, double-bladed skates, cellphones, bags, music devices, and cameras are not permitted on the ice. Find more>> indoor ice-skating rinks in Manhattan at nymetroparents.com/ ice-skating.

❆ ❆

Kids of all ages can enjoy floating through Lizard Lagoon at Sahara Sam’s Oasis.

INDOOR WATER PARKS Sahara Sam’s Oasis

535 N. Route 73, West Berlin, NJ 856-767-7580; saharasams.com Hours: Thursday-Friday, 4-9pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-7pm; see website for updates. Admission: $39.99; $34.99 in advance; $32.99 for a halfday ticket; free for seniors older than 65 and for children 2 and younger. Even when it’s snowing outside, it is always a balmy 84 degrees inside Sahara Sam’s in West Berlin. Eleven water rides make Sam’s 58,000 square feet chock-full of fun. Lizard Lagoon is the hangout for the little ones, while teens will love The Flow Rider, the only indoor surfing simulator in New Jersey. Find more>> indoor water parks in the New York metro area at nymetroparents.com/indoor-water-parks.

raising kids baby

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How Babies Learn to Love

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The good news: Your little one is hard-wired to adore you. The better news: There’s plenty you can do to help build that bond. By Deborah Skolnik

hroughout my first pregnancy, I dreamed of the moment I’d welcome my newborn. We’d cuddle and look into each other’s eyes adoringly, just like in the diaper commercials. And when my daughter finally arrived, that’s exactly what happened—on my end. I gazed at her lovingly, but she gave me a blank stare, showing me about as much affection as if she were a strange cat I’d bumped into on the sidewalk. I had to laugh. Why had I expected more? Babies and parents share the sweetest relationship, but it isn’t instantaneous. It takes time for the relationship to flourish, deepening through little interactions that build closeness. How does your baby’s love grow? We asked experts to share their insights, plus offer advice about what you can do to help things along.

All Set to Attach

Your little one may not seem smitten with you at first sight, but he’s built to feel close to you. “Babies are hard-wired to attach to their parents, or to one or two primary caregivers who are reliable,” says Rahill Briggs, founder of pediatric behavioral health services at Montefiore Medical Group in the Bronx and national director of HealthySteps, a program aimed at ensuring babies and toddlers have nurturing care. Scientifically, it makes sense: Your baby seeks a close tie to a caring adult or two because it’s essential for her survival. 44

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And if you happen to be your baby’s biological mom, you’ve got a head start on being his true love. That’s because he already recognizes you on a couple of very fundamental levels, says Erica Komisar, LCSW, author of Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the First Three Years Matters. “Babies can hear your voice in utero, and so they recognize your voice [after birth], and they can recognize your smell,” she says. “And once they connect with you [or dad, if he’s the primary caregiver], and they make contact with your eyes, it’s only your eyes that they seek.”

Feeding the Feelings

One of the best ways to build attachment and affection in your baby is through doing something that already comes naturally: feeding her. As you hold your little one and look deeply into each other’s eyes while she nurses or drinks from a bottle, it sparks serious chemistry, literally, sending a lovey-dovey hormone called oxytocin flowing through both your bodies. “That hormone is critical,” Komisar says. Created in the right side of the brain, oxytocin especially surges in your baby when you hold him on your left side. He uses his left-side visual field then, which actually is wired, crisscross fashion, to his right brain. (This also makes it a great idea to cradle your baby on your left side whenever you can.)

Of course, this loving eyeful only happens if you’re actually focused on your baby during feeding sessions. Komisar warns against letting your attention wander too often to the TV or your favorite tech tools. When you focus on a screen instead of your child, “you’re basically not doing what nature intended…the fact that we’ve manipulated the situation now to look at phones and iPads [while feeding] is very strange,” she says. And if you aren’t breast-feeding, Komisar suggests taking off your shirt for feeding anyway, when possible, since skin-to-skin contact is another cue for your and your baby’s bodies to produce oxytocin.

In fact, Komisar believes that early smiles are more than just the gas pains they’re commonly chalked up to: “Babies have emotions from the very beginning,” she says. “You can see from the very start a kind of joyful connection between mothers and babies. The idea is that from the earliest moments, a baby can smile at a mother and resonate with a mother, and a mother can resonate with a baby.” Whenever you do see that smile, it’s bound to spur your own affection: “For a parent who’s just been through those first two months of a newborn and is barely sort of hanging on, that social smile can be like the key to keep going,” Briggs says.

Needy but Nice

Preferred People

Attending to your baby’s other needs, namely for diaper changes and bathing, is another great way to build attachment. “Human babies so desperately need caregivers to love them, and to be reliable and consistent and empathetic,” Briggs says. “Babies are then just built to return that affection, as long as it’s a secure attachment relationship, and the primary caregiver has been relating in a way that’s reliable and empathetic and consistent and warm.” This doesn’t mean that you must slavishly attend to your baby’s every whimper: “We know that actually babies don’t want that,” Briggs says. “They want some downtime and they seem to need some resting time. But being reliably empathic and pretty consistent means that when your baby lets out a really big cry, the one that means ‘I am so starving and my diaper is wet,’ that you respond.” The empathy aspect is major, Briggs adds. “By that, we mean that what a parent does in response to her baby is related to what the baby did.” So try to mirror your baby’s emotions; if she’s crying, make a sad face and say, “Aw, sweetie, I know you’re tired!” rather than rolling your eyes or trying hard to cheer her up. She’ll sense that you really ‘get’ her—and don’t you feel closest to the people who really get you?

Talking the Talk

Speaking of, well, speaking, it’s super-important to talk or vocalize to your baby. He’s heard your voice since before birth, and gets all warm and fuzzy-feeling at its comforting tones. So do you; it’s the third cue to the brain to produce oxytocin. And you don’t always have to use words; cooing, singing, and making other affectionate sounds all create that baby-mommy love. When you speak to your child, Komisar recommends using “Motherese,” the high-pitched, sing-songy tones people so often use in addressing babies. “It’s a very healthy thing,” she says. “It has something to do with the intonations…it tends to grow the right brain of the baby.” In fact, she says, one sign that a mother may have postpartum depression is if she refuses to speak in Motherese, and instead only addresses her baby in flat, adult-sounding tones.

Little Signs of Love

Of course, having shown your baby love without bounds, you’d like at least a little reassurance that it’s a two-way street. How can you tell whether or not she’s as into you as you are into her? At the beginning, the signs may be subtle—she may seek out your gaze or even imitate some of your expressions. And then, by around 2 or 3 months of age (or even sooner), you’ll see more definite proof: She’ll smile at you.

Around 8 months of age, your baby’s behavior may abruptly change. Try to let your neighbor hold him, and he’ll fuss and reach back to you instead. This is the start of what’s known as stranger anxiety. “You’ll be like, ‘Where did that baby go that I used to be able to pass off to anybody in my office?’” Briggs says. This phenomenon peaks at around 15 months, then begins to fade out by 18 months. The flip side of this fear of unfamiliar people is love for immediate family: Clearly, your baby feels you and your partner are his ‘special people,’ and draws a line between you and the rest of the adults out there. At the same time, your child may start showing affection for her most special friends. It’s wonderful to watch her face light up when you bump into a pal from the park, or when your sitter shows up at your doorstep after a weekend away. Overjoyed facial expressions may be accompanied by happy-sounding vocalizations or generalized, delighted wiggliness. Either way, there’s no doubt your child now has a group that she considers her posse.

Rescue Me!

Strangers aren’t the only things that will spook your baby as he nears his first birthday. Other scary-seeming things may set him off now too, like the loud siren of a passing fire engine or the sight of a large dog as you’re walking down the street. His reaction? He’ll look for you, or cry and reach out to you. This, too, is a form of showing love. “There could be alternative attachment figures around, such as aunts and grandmothers, but when the baby is in distress, he’ll reach back for the mother,” Komisar says. “So you know that if your baby reaches back for you or looks for you when she’s in distress that she needs you, loves you, and is calling for you. It’s your eyes and your smell that she’s seeking.”

Smooches and Swag

By the time your baby celebrates her first birthday, you may see some of the classic signs of love—she’ll come in for a great big hug with those deliciously chubby little arms, or lean on in and plant a wet one on you (or even on grandma or grandpa, if nicely asked). And, as he starts walking and nears his second birthday, you may find yourself on the receiving end of more than just an embrace. Take your baby to a park, and she just may pick a flower and bring it to you. “It’s hard to know whether it’s a present of love or whether it’s just saying ‘Hey, look at this really pretty thing I found and let’s talk about it,’” Briggs says. Of course, if you’re like most parents, you’ll see it as a gift—why not? It’s just one of many signs that the baby you love so much is growing up to be a loving human being.

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family life finances

House Hunters

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What first-time homebuyers need to know to navigate the market and find the right home By Samantha Neudorf

hen you hear the word “home,” you may recall fond memories from your childhood, such as gathering together for Thanksgiving, waking up to the smell of breakfast on weekends, or cozying up on the couch to watch a movie. Home may be a state of mind, but a house is where all of those memories are made. Now that you’re a parent, you may be looking for a house of your own—one where your children will take their first steps, and, many years later, return with their own families. Real estate shopping can be a tricky process, but by doing some homework (see what we did there?) in advance, you can avoid many common newbie mistakes. Here’s how to navigate the market to ensure you will find the perfect home to grow your family.

Figure Out Your Finances

Though it’s tempting to begin looking at houses right away, it’s not the best idea—later on you may realize you’ve fallen in love with a house you can’t afford. Greg McBride, the chief financial analyst for Bankrate, an online tool to compare financial rates, 46

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says the biggest mistake prospective homebuyers make is looking at properties before reviewing their finances. “That’s a recipe for trouble,” he says. “Instead, it pays to know how much you can afford and get pre-approved for a loan amount. That sets boundaries around your shopping.” The first step is to request your credit score from each of the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. An ideal score is one that’s higher than 700—it makes you attractive to lenders and could help you get a lower interest rate on a mortgage. Getting your scores early on helps you know where you stand, and also gives you the opportunity to dispute any errors on your credit reports before beginning the mortgage application process with a mortgage lender. The next step is to pick a mortgage lender. This can be a bank or a credit union—and does not have to be one at which you have an account. McBride advises shopping around for a lender to find the best rate; you can do this by using tools such as the Bankrate search engine to compare prices in your area. Once you settle on a lender, request a pre-approval letter—this

shows home sellers you are a serious buyer and will able to be approved for a loan. After you decide on a house, place an offer, and the offer is accepted, it is important to know you are not obligated to the mortgage lender who gave you the pre-approval letter. In fact, it’s smart to put in applications with one or two other lenders at the same time, to figure out which one will give you the best price. “That can really give you an apples-to-apples comparison of who’s offering the best deal, both in terms of interest rate as well as the fees that are being charged,” McBride says. So how much house can you afford? In terms of the mortgage itself, the rule of thumb is to pay no more than 30 percent of your gross monthly income, which would include property taxes, property insurance, and any homeowner dues. When choosing the mortgage loan duration, most lenders recommend a 30-year loan to keep payments manageable while saving money for other things. “It’s better to keep your payments lower so you still have enough breathing room in your monthly budget to be able to save money for other purposes, such as emergencies, retirement, and your kids’ education,” McBride says. “You don’t want to be house-rich and cash-poor.” The loan may take 30-45 days to be approved, and in the meantime, you will need to pay for a home inspection, home appraisal, title work, and closing costs. Once you own the home and begin making mortgage payments, other fees will include principal and interest on the mortgage, property tax, property insurance, homeowners insurance, and utilities.

Know Your Neighborhood

Finding the right neighborhood for you and your family is crucial before settling on a home, because this will set the tone for your living situation. Jamie Marcantonio, a real estate broker for Coldwell Banker in Suffolk County, recommends researching neighborhoods and visiting them to get a feel for it. “I always emphasize that [prospective homebuyers] check every single town that they’re looking in and make sure that the school system is highly rated,” Marcantonio says. “That seems to be a real hot button for first-time homebuyers.” Visit the neighborhood and take mental notes of what you observe, and keep it in mind when viewing homes. For example, is there a lot of traffic on the main road? Is public transportation readily available? Are there a lot of parks? Is the area close to something undesirable, like a wastewater plant or high-tension wires? Another big decision is figuring out whether you want to raise your family in the city or the suburbs. Many first-time homebuyers in the greater New York area are looking to move away from the city and into a suburb. Deciding which town is best can be challenging, but there’s help. Suburban Jungle Realty, for instance, is a real estate advisory firm that connects homebuyers free of charge to “suburb strategists,” who then pair them with towns outside of the city. “Our strategists make sure you’re looking in the right places, asking the right questions,” says Alison Bernstein, Suburban Jungle Realty’s founder. The strategists also provide information, talk about the intangibles, and get homebuyers thinking about the right questions, such as what day cares are nearby? Can I get live-in help if I’m a stay-at-home mom? What kinds of restaurants are in the area? Where are your favorite places to take your own kids?

Choose a Home

After figuring out what type of home is in your price range, and what town, city, or neighborhood you want to live in, the fun part is going to showings and attending open houses. Marcantonio says finding the right broker is key to finding the right home. She advises homebuyers to interview realtors in person to decide who will be a good fit personality-wise and will be most attentive to their needs. “Go to open houses to see these brokers in real time,” Marcantonio says. “Watch how they’re interacting, interfacing, and what kind of information they are giving.” Once you find the right broker for you, sit down with them and begin a dialogue about what exactly you are looking for: Do you want a ranch- or colonial-style house? How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Are you hoping for a large or small yard? When deciding whether you want to buy something on the lower end that will need renovations down the line or something that’s move-in ready, Marcantonio advises to think about whether you have the money to do renovations and if you are emotionally ready to go through with waiting for the work to be done—it’s not always as fun and easy as some well-loved TV shows make it seem. “Many people think ‘I’ll get a fixer upper, I’ll save money there,’ and in the long run they sometimes end up spending more money because they begin to take walls down and run into more expenses,” Marcantonio says. Remember that it’s okay to not feel pressured to find a dream house to show off. At the end of the day, a house provides shelter, but the memories you create and share with your family there is what makes it a home.

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Hey Google! Can You Teach My Kid Some Manners…Please? ››

Smart home devices have many advantages, but are they turning our children into brats? By Bethany Braun-Silva

J “

ust Google it,” my husband said when, last year, I asked him what day of the week Christmas fell on. Before I could whip out my phone and start typing, I heard my 5-year-old say, “Hey Google, what day is Christmas this year?” This is our life these days. We were recently gifted a Google Assistant, or Google Home device, an internet-connected speaker that does everything from play music to sync our calendars to answer any question, no matter how random. Within seconds Google replies with an answer, and we are on to the next thing. No “thank you” needed—it is, after all, a virtual assistant that’s plugged into our wall. But it didn’t escape me that if my husband had answered the question, I would have at least tossed a “Thanks, babe,” his way. This got me thinking about my kids. They are absolute sponges, picking up new phrases and mannerisms every day—from TV shows, videos on their iPad, and me and my husband. I, of course, want them to be polite and considerate kids who grow up to be 48

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

polite and considerate adults. I started to wonder: Should I make them say “thank you” to the tech device that sits on top of our family desk? Amazon’s Alexa, Google Home, and Apple’s Siri will answer any question regardless of whether it’s asked politely. Kids can even be intentionally rude to the device, calling it a “jerk” or “stupid,” with no repercussions of hurt feelings or a scolding from Mom or Dad. However, it is a device, not a person, so I find myself torn on this issue.

Technology and Our Society

I’ve heard many times throughout the years that technology is ruining our social interactions. In fact, it’s contributing to the lack of empathy we see online—especially with kids and teens. “When social media relationships replace real-time, real-life, in-person human relationships, problems arise…That’s because when interacting with others from behind a keyboard, the communication rules are different—easier…You can say what you

want without having to witness firsthand the emotional fallout of poor choices or unkind words, even those that are misspoken,” according to “Is Technology Dehumanizing Our Society?,” an article published on dialogmagazine.com. This lack of human interaction is the norm these days. Internet trolls run rampant. I hardly know anyone who prefers talking on the phone rather than texting. And now, with these in-home devices, tech is literally everywhere. But even if this is the norm, should it be?

The Pros

Paulina R., a mom from Forest Hills, isn’t too worried about the social side effects that smart home devices may have on her kids. “The benefits far outweigh the potential drawbacks,” she says. “My kids use our Alexa like a modern-day library. They absorb so much information from that little machine, it’s incredible.” Meanwhile, Manhattan mom Vanessa McDaniels has found another advantage to her family’s Google Home device. “When my two boys get into an argument over who wants the iPad or who gets to pick the family movie, we ask Google to flip a coin,” she says. Arguments are settled in mere seconds, which makes for a much more peaceful household. Similarly, many parents of children with special needs praise virtual assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant. “While on the one hand kids using Alexa may develop an attitude, there are also ways that creators, such as myself, are using Alexa to help children lead better lives,” says Daphne Mallory, a virtual reality screenwriter and producer. She recently developed the Alexa skill Autism Help, which is designed to help parents teach social, verbal, and functional skills to children with autism. “It may be easier and less stressful for children on the autism spectrum to interact with Alexa and learn skills, than solely with a parent or other adult,” she explains. “That’s the benefit of voice interface technology and how we can use Alexa in a positive way.”

The Cons

Even with the best of intentions, though, parents can find themselves at odds with their kids’ behavior when it comes to these devices. McDaniels is a bit worried about how their smart device may affect the way her children act outside the house. “The Google Home device answers our kids whether they are rude or not,” she says. “I’m concerned that this might get repeated with a family member or even a teacher one day.” And McDaniels recently caught her 6-year-old son Connor hitting the device when it didn’t understand his question. “We talked to him about his behavior and explained that that’s not how we treat things in our house,” she says. “But there was this thought in the back of my head that even though this behavior is totally unacceptable, we were essentially talking about something inanimate.” There’s also the issue of safety. Who’s to say these devices can’t get hacked or steal personal information? Certainly if a smart device resides in your kids’ room, there might be some cause for concern when it comes to privacy. “Google’s activities may affect the ads you get, the deals you are exposed to, the purchases you make, the discounts you receive, the entertainment and news you see, and your very sense that surveillance is natural. Plus, Google is only one of a gaggle of large companies involved in these sorts of activities—all the while seemingly hoping we don’t understand and are too resigned to push back,” writes Joseph Turow in an article titled “Google Still Doesn’t Care About Your Privacy” on fortune.com.

Manners and the Machine

So, is there a risk of these smart home devices making kids less empathetic—or even more demanding? “Devices are not turning kids into brats. Devices are merely tools,” says Donna Volpitta, Ed.D., founder of the Center for Resilient Leadership and a former special education teacher. “However, with the increase in technology and devices, parents need to be more and more mindful about the way they are parenting. Currently, there is a wide misuse of these devices, which puts kids at risk in many ways, including being at risk of becoming brats.” Lilian Rincon, product management director for the Google Assistant, is being more mindful by changing how she speaks to the assistant. “In my house, we say things like, ‘Ok Google, please tell me the weather’ and try to remember to say ‘thank you’ when we get the answer. We don’t always remember, and it’s definitely a balance, but I think my kids learn from how we talk to the assistant, and it has made an impact,” she says. “There’s always some level of risk with new technology and children learning about it at younger and younger ages, but as a parent I can model the behavior I want them to replicate, similar to how we do in real relationships with people.” Paulina takes a similar approach to ensuring her kids learn manners: “That’s something they will learn from my husband and me, and I don’t think my kids will grow up to be rude just from using Alexa,” she says. “Teaching manners is the parent’s job, and we need to adapt our parenting to these modern times.” Dr. Volpitta also suggests using the following tips to stop kids’ bratty behavior toward the devices—and toward other people: • S et limits and stick to them: It is our job, as parents, to establish and enforce rules and boundaries, and it’s our children’s job (whether we like it or not) to test those rules and boundaries. If you see your child pushing the limits as far as rude behavior is concerned, step in and explain why that behavior is unacceptable. If the behavior was toward a smart device, remove the device to be used another time. If it was directed at a person, have them apologize. • Enforce privilege guidelines: Using any kind of technology for fun is a privilege, not a right. “When kids are acting responsibly, they are able to earn privileges and use devices. When they are being brats, they should not be able to use devices,” Dr. Volpitta says. • Show you won’t give in to whining: Kids should accept the consequences of acting in a negative manner toward the devices, so stand your ground if your child starts to whine or bargain to use the virtual assistant before they’ve earned the privilege again. So like everything in our tech-crazy world, in-home devices come with pros and cons. My kids will continue to emulate what they see and hear, so my husband and I will start saying “please” and “thank you” to our Google Assistant to set a good example. Though while my kids were out of the house the other day, I did ask it a bunch of questions, both appropriate and inappropriate—in the name of research, of course. One was, “Hey Google, what makes you happy?” It replied, “I’m happy when I can help out.” Maybe the device can teach my kids some manners after all. BigAppleParent 49

raising kids teen

Help Your Teen Get More Exercise ›› Most adolescents are a lot less active than they should be—get yours moving with these expert-approved tips. By Deborah Skolnik

he teenage years. What do you think of when you hear that phrase? Probably kids growing like weeds and busily exploring new things, and, because of this, being more active than they’ll ever be again. But research released last June shows that this just isn’t true, at least not these days. The study, part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination survey, found something alarming: Physical activity peaks at age 6, then declines throughout childhood. Just how steeply does daily exercise decrease? By age 19, the average teen is as sedentary as a 60-year-old. Blame the tech revolution for a lot of this, says Jane Diamond, a master personal trainer and certified health and wellness coach. Kids aren’t outside all day until dinner, the way that we, or our parents, were as kids. “Our society has changed into an information society,” she says. “We sit at computers, we play games, and we’re on our phones. Kids come home from school and go onto Facebook and Snapchat.” Add in a lot of scheduled time for things like after-school help, homework, and instrument lessons, and it’s easy to see why today’s teens aren’t movers and shakers, at least in the physical sense. 50

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But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little prodding from you, your teen can adopt a more active lifestyle, one that will serve her well throughout her life. We asked exercise pros how to make it happen.

Household Help

There’s plenty you can do around the house to encourage your teen to exercise. “Create an environment that reflects the change you want,” Diamond says. Steps like these can make a big difference: Lead by example. Show your teen that you embrace workouts. Keep an exercise bag at the door for trips to the gym, tennis lessons, or whatever physical activity you pursue. Invite him to come along with you whenever possible. If he can’t accompany you, make a point of letting him see you come home feeling energized and raring to go. “A little bit of that does sink in,” Diamond says. Load up your video game console with active games. “There are so many that make you exercise or dance,” Diamond says. And

get in the game yourself. Tell your teen, “I want to play too!” If it’s a competitive game, throw down a challenge to amp up the excitement factor and keep the activity going longer. Wean from the screen. While workout-based video games are fine in moderation, try limiting the number of hours your teen spends on optional, nonacademic screen time. Designate certain times of day, such as mealtimes, to be phone-free, so she gets used to the idea of letting go of her trusty device. And make certain areas of your house no-phone zones—especially the bedrooms. Your teen may end up getting more sleep at night, which will give her more energy to exercise during the day. Commercial-cize with your kids. When you do watch TV together, exercise together each time a commercial comes on, says Len Saunders, author of Keeping Kids Fit, who organizes programs on a national level for school-age kids regarding health and fitness. “If you watch a lot of TV, this can accumulate to a lot of exercise,” he says. Create a mini indoor gym. “For about fifty dollars, you can get all the equipment you need,” Diamond says. She recommends buying an exercise ball, a jump rope, carpet sliders, and a couple of sets of small weights. These are all easy to use, and there’s an abundance of videos and articles on the web to show you all the things you can do with them. Dole out some old-fashioned chores. Make your teen responsible for physical tasks around the house, such as sweeping the walkways, vacuuming the carpets, or mopping the kitchen floor. These responsibilities will get him off the sofa and onto his feet. Create an exercise chart for the whole family, with built-in rewards for your teen. Set the goal of an hour a day of physical activity for each of you, and have your child mark her progress. The incentive can be anything that you know motivates her, such as extra allowance money or the chance to get you to finance her Friday night out with her pals.

Have your teen walk the dog if you own one and your neighborhood is safe for a solo excursion. One recent study published in the journal BMC Public Health found that dog owners walk 22 more minutes per day than people without pooches. Plan active outings—and tell your teen to invite a friend. Hiking in a state park with Mom and Dad? Lame. Hiking in a state park with Mom, Dad, and Hailey from bio class? Way cool. Pals are everything to kids at this age, so provide a chance for some buddy time along with exercise. “They’ll do a lot more when they’re with their own peers,” Liang notes. Run errands without using a car, bus, or subway. If your destination is within walking distance, go on foot or by bicycle. “If you own bikes, get bike baskets so it’s easy to take purchases home,” Lopez says, “and if you’re going on foot, take along backpacks.” Don’t be discouraged by bad weather. “There are so many wonderful indoor exercise facilities,” Diamond says. “There are places that you can go that have indoor skating, indoor rock climbing, basketball courts, tennis, and squash.” Whichever strategy or strategies you use, set aside regular time for exercise, and make it a habit. “We didn’t wake up at age 2 able to go to the bathroom and brush our teeth on our own,” Diamond observes. “Someone taught us day in and day out. We practiced for years until it became so routine that we didn’t even think about it anymore, and exercise needs to become a habit, too.” With your help, your teen will get moving in the right direction, one healthy step at a time.

INTRODUCING THE

REVOLUTION

Take It Outside

There are even more opportunities for exercise outside the house. Get your teen up, out, and at ’em with these tips. Have the right outdoor equipment on hand, says Nedra Lopez, co-owner of P.E. Club on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Hang a basketball hoop above your garage if you live in a house, and challenge your child to a quick game after school (or head to the nearest public court to do the same). Buy a set of orange cones for your yard or take them to the park and use them to play a simple game: Line up all the cones on one side of a patch of lawn, and challenge your kid to see which of you can pick up and rearrange the cones on the other side the fastest. Lopez is also a fan of resistance parachutes—small parachutes you strap around your waist that catch the wind as you run, creating muscle-building resistance. Want more fun? Invest in an agility ladder, which is a ladder-like device you lay on the ground. Play hopscotch with it, or check out YouTube videos of beginner agility ladder drills. Sign up together for an athletic event for charity, says Sandra Liang, a trainer at Crunch in Manhattan. It can be as simple as a walk or as ambitious as a 5K you train for together, “and it also introduces your child to volunteer work,” Liang adds. Revisit your favorite childhood games. “Whether you played tennis or racquetball or something else, explore them together,” Lopez says. It’s a great opportunity for you to teach your child a sport you know, and it’s quality bonding time, too.

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raising kids dental health

Healthy Smiles

››

Local dentists and orthodontists answer frequently asked questions about kids’ dental health.

rom the time we were young children, our parents took us to the dentist every 6 months for regular checkups and cleanings. Now that we’re parents, we’re doing the same for our children to ensure they have healthy pearly whites from the time their baby teeth grow in through the time they leave the nest. As with most things medical-related, it can be confusing what the latest recommendations are when it comes to oral health and how to help our children. So in honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month, we compiled some of the best advice we’ve received from dentists, orthodontists, and even a psychologist in the New York metro area to keep your kids’ smiles healthy and happy. Here’s what they had to say:

Good Habits Start in Infancy

Before your child has any teeth, you should wipe the mouth and gums with moist gauze or a soft wet washcloth after feedings and before bedtime. Once the first tooth comes in, you should use a small, soft bristled, age-appropriate toothbrush to clean the teeth two times per day: in the morning after breakfast and in the evening before bedtime. The last thing to touch a child’s teeth before bed should be a toothbrush. At first, no toothpaste is necessary; simply wet the toothbrush 52

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

with water. For children younger than 3, a rice-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste should be used; for children ages 3-6, use a pea-sized amount. It is best if a parent assists children preschool-age and younger in brushing. Take care to brush on the inside and outside of each tooth and the tongue, if possible. In order to maximize the beneficial effect of fluoride—a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay by making enamel more resistant to acids and harmful bacteria—your child should not rinse after brushing his teeth. Flossing should be initiated when adjacent tooth surfaces cannot be cleansed with a toothbrush. Kid’s flossers are an excellent aid in flossing children’s teeth. Evidence shows that in order to succeed in preventing oral disease, interventions must begin at infancy. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that your child should have a comprehensive oral exam, an assessment for oral diseases, caries risk assessment, dietary recommendations, and oral hygiene instructions by the time she reaches her first birthday. Good oral hygiene practices that are implemented very early on can have a positive outcome on her overall well-being. —Marita Smith, D.D.S., board-certified pediatric dentist and owner of Smith’s Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in Pomona

Know When Thumb Sucking Gets a Thumbs Down

on. However, laser treatment is not a common treatment, and only select offices have this equipment. Thumb sucking is okay as long as the habit stops after 5 years —Renuka Bijoor, D.D.S., a board-certified pediatric dentist at of age. After 5 years of age, the child’s permanent teeth will Briarcliff Pediatric Dentistry in Briarcliff Manor begin erupting—the first molars, the incisors on the lower arch—and thumb sucking will cause the child to develop an Got Braces? Be Proud! anterior open bite, where the teeth in the front do not come In our society, particularly in the adolescent age group, together and, as a result, the tongue has a lot more space to how people look really relates directly to their popularity. thrust forward. Because of this, the child may also develop And a good chunk of kids want to be popular. Their selfspeech impediments, since they cannot pronounce certain consciousness comes from the fear of whether they will be sounds due to the teeth not closing correctly and the tongue popular because now there’s something making them look thrusting forward. different. I think some kids take advantage of this by pointing If your child breaks the thumb-sucking habit by age 5 without out these differences and bullying those children with braces. any orthodontic intervention, the open bite will usually close on A lot of people get braces and want to hide them—a fact that its own by age 10 or 11, depending on the severity. our culture has embraced and addressed by coming up with Another thing is the upper arch will form in a v-shaped arch— invisible options such as Invisalign. kind of elongated forward—because of the constant pressure of We want kids to be proud and show their braces off. There is a the thumb on the upper teeth. That creates a cross bite, or scissor Twitter account (@GirlsWithBraces) where there are pictures of bite, in the back. girls with big smiles showing off their braces. Their approach is A cross bite needs to be corrected by expanding the arch with having braces is a positive thing rather than one that should make a special appliance called a palate expander. The palate expander you hide in fear. could also be used in combination with a habit-breaking appliance If a kid gets braces and approaches it with fear and wants to to correct both problems. hide, other kids pick up on that fear and that’s where a lot of the To break the thumb-sucking habit, the first recommendation teasing really comes in and it really is to talk to the child and erodes their self-esteem. encourage the child to $4.66: the average amount the — Jill M. Emanuele, Ph.D., a clinical minimize the habit as much psychologist at the Anxiety and Mood as possible. For example, it tooth fairy paid per tooth in late Disorders Center for the Child Mind shouldn’t be done for the 2016 through early 2017, according Institute in Manhattan whole day. Some kids don’t do it during the day because to Delta Dental Plans Association’s Learn What to Do If There’s a they’re involved in activities, national poll Dental Emergency at School and when they go to sleep, First, try not to panic too much they start sucking their as you approach your child. thumb. It still needs to be Oftentimes there is a lot of bleeding if the injury involves the broken in that case. mouth. The oral tissues are highly vascular, so profuse bleeding If that doesn’t work, they can always go to the orthodontist, is common. If the school nurse has not done so already, place an who can talk to the child. Sometimes kids forget they need to ice pack on the injury and apply light gauze pressure to the site of work on breaking the habit, and parents are so caught up with injury. This will usually control the bleeding, and the ice will help their work that they also forget, so what I advise is to put up with any swelling. If the injury involves the mouth or jaw, call your sticky notes all over as reminders for the child to take their child’s dentist right away. You may want to call your dental office thumb out of their mouth. Some parents also try thumb guards. as you head to the school so they are prepared to see your little As a last resort, there are habit-breaking appliances the one as soon as possible. orthodontist can cement in the child’s mouth. They come in If there is general head trauma, and your child is complaining different forms to prevent either tongue thrusting or thumb of headache, dizziness, or disorientation, take your child to the sucking. They have a roller that prevents the thumb from getting emergency room immediately to rule out a concussion. into a secure position in the mouth, and that will break the habit. If a permanent tooth has been knocked out of your child’s —Larissa Davids, D.D.S., orthodontist and owner of Rego Park Orthodontics mouth, do everything you can to locate the tooth. Try not to in Rego Park, Queens handle the tooth by the root. Make no attempt to clean the tooth if there is visible dirt or debris. Place the tooth in a cup of milk There’s Lots to Love About Laser Treatments or a “tooth saver solution” if the school nurse has it. The most Laser treatment is a method of handling delicate procedures ideal scenario is to place the tooth back in the socket if your child in children as young as 2-3, such as cavities and lip ties, which allows, but we often find that the parent and child are too nervous happen when the upper lips of infants are tethered to the upper to do so, and that is okay. Take your child and the tooth to your gums from birth. It can be used in multiple procedures in children dentist as soon as possible. Time really is important in this case; without instilling any trauma like anesthesia shots. For example, the sooner the tooth is re-implanted and stabilized, the better the dentists can use laser treatment in place of the conventional drill prognosis. If the tooth is a baby tooth, it will not be re-implanted. when treating cavities, eliminating the need for anesthesia shots You still want to have your child examined, and take the baby and making your child’s experience the least invasive and painful tooth with you, if you have it. Your pediatric dentist will evaluate as possible. The laser can remove tooth decay without touching the other teeth for any signs of mobility or damage as well as the tooth, and it numbs the tooth as an added bonus for your evaluate the jaws and bite to rule out a fracture. child’s comfort level. Another added bonus is that the treatment —Mahnaz Khan, D.D.S., a board-certified pediatric dentist at is shorter and less dramatic, which gives the patient a healthy Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry in Westbury experience and prevents a fear of the dentist from developing early BigAppleParent 53

family life food & nutrition

Vegan Snacks for a Super Bowl Party ›› Two affordable, easy-to-make vegan treats that will appeal to everyone

ow that we know the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles will huddle up for Super Bowl LII, which will air on NBC Feb. 4, we’re thinking about what delicious treats we’ll be making for our viewing parties—and how to accommodate all tastes and dietary needs. These recipes from Frugal Vegan by Katie Koteen and Kate Kasbee are vegan (of course), nut-free, and can be made gluten-free if not already; are affordable and easy to make; and will even appeal to meat-eaters. So enjoy watching the QBs throw the pigskin without any actual pigskins.

BBQ Chickpea Sliders

Twice-Baked Potato Bites

Though they first debuted at White Castle, sliders have evolved to include pretty much anything served on a tiny bun. We took a plantbased approach with this recipe by using nothing but chickpeas, BBQ sauce, and a few seasonings to create the savory, delicious filling on these bad boys. If it fits in your budget, don’t skimp on the Pineapple Slaw. It adds just the right amount of sweetness and crunch for an irresistible party snack or summery dinnertime dish.

Bust out the melon baller. You’ve got tiny potatoes to scoop out and that’s the perfect tool for the job. If you don’t have a baller, any small spoon will work. When it comes time for scooping, be sure to wait until the potatoes are cool before you scoop. Those little spuds can really hold their heat.

Nut-free, soy-free Splurge: Roasted sunflower seed topping Serves 4-6 • 15 minutes to prepare

Ingredients 1 (15-oz.) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained ½ cup BBQ sauce ½ tsp. garlic powder ½ tsp. chili powder Salt, to taste 12 whole-wheat slider buns 1 cup Pineapple Slaw (p. 143 in Frugal Vegan, or your favorite coleslaw recipe) Roasted sunflower seeds, for serving, optional Directions Add the chickpeas, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, and chili powder to a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring constantly and smashing about half of the chickpeas with the back of a fork or slotted spoon. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time if the mixture starts sticking to the bottom of the saucepan. Remove from heat and season with salt to taste. To assemble, spread a spoonful of the BBQ chickpeas on the bottom portion of a whole-wheat slider bun. Top with a scoop of Pineapple Slaw, and sprinkle with roasted sunflower seeds for some extra crunch, if desired. 54

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Nut-free, soy-free, gluten-free Splurge: Use fresh chives in place of dried Serves 4-6 • 60 minutes to prepare

Ingredients 2 lbs. red new potatoes (about 14), halved 1 tbsp. olive oil Coarse salt and ground pepper ¾ cup Vegan Sour Cream (p. 167 in Frugal Vegan, or your favorite recipe) 2 tbsp. chives, plus more for garnish Directions Preheat the oven to 450ºF. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut a thin slice off the bottom of each of your halved potatoes, so they sit flat. In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with oil; season with salt and pepper and arrange bottom-side down on the baking sheet. Bake until tender, 30 to 35 minutes. Let them cool on the sheet. When the potatoes are cool enough, scoop out about a teaspoon from the center of each potato and place in a medium bowl. Add vegan sour cream and chives, and mash; season with salt and pepper. Stuff the potatoes with the filling. Bake the potatoes until lightly browned, about 15 minutes.

Reprinted with permission from Page Street Publishing. Photography by Allie Lehman. Cover design by Mette Hornung Rankin.

PartyCentral PARTY ENTERTAINMENT 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. 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 superheroes to pirates and tea parties, there’s something for everyone. PARTY PLACES BOOK NOOK 167 W. 81st St. (at Amsterdam Avenue) 212-873-BOOK (2665) booknooknyc.com Come celebrate your next birthday party at Book Nook! We provide various packages from custom story times to entire space rental of our indoor garden and party room. CHELSEA PIERS SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX West 23rd Street and Hudson River Park Field House Registration Desk: 212-336-6500 x6520 chelseapiers.com/youth Why cross the bridge for your next birthday party? Because Chelsea Piers parties are action-packed, entertaining, and hassle-free, with more sports, activities, and fun than any other party venue in NYC!

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

THE FASHION CLASS 21 W. 39th St. 646-329-6663 thefashionclass.com Learn from real fashion designers with a runway or sewing party this year in our 2,500-square-foot, bright, sunny, and pink fashion studio! Guests can choose from a variety of our most popular sewing projects, or put on a full runway show! 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 357 W. 36th St., Suite #202 212-731-0668 gallitheaternyc.com galliny@gmail.com Party with the Galli Theater New York. We offer a party package for any need and budget! Whether you opt for a personally selected private performance or a workshop party showcasing your little one’s skills, a Galli Theater birthday is one you will never forget! 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. 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! ROBOFUN 2672 Broadway 212-245-0444 robofun.org robofun@robofun.org Celebrate your next birthday making robots, video games, or animations with RoboFun. RoboFun birthday parties are the perfect combination of fun and creativity! USTA BILLIE JEAN KING NATIONAL TENNIS CENTER Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Flushing, Queens 718-760-6200 x0 ntc.usta.com Birthday party packages include 1 hour of court time with drills and games organized by our USTA Pro staff and 1-hour private room for pizza.

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NYMetroParents.com BigAppleParent 55

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LEGAL SERVICES LAW OFFICES OF ANDREW 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

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LITTLE OPTICS INC. 192-07 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, Queens 53-15 Roosevelt Ave., Woodside, Queens 718-468-7500 Hablamos Español littleopticsinc@yahoo.com We provide eyeglasses and professional eye care for children, including infants and young adults. We also alleviate any self-esteem issues associated with the stigma of wearing glasses. When your child leaves Little Optics, rest assured that they will feel confident.

MR. SPEECH PATHOLOGY 347-399-4836 mrspeechpathology.com info@mrspeechpathology.com Eugene Chuprin is a bilingual (English-Russian) speech-language pathologist conducting evaluations and providing therapy in the New York City area. His specialty is treating pediatrics with language disorders, articulation disorders, and stuttering.

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20 Waterside Plaza 212-481-2700 x204 bis-ny.org/summer-camp info@bis-ny.org We welcome families considering application to join us at our stunning waterside campus to discover just what makes BIS-NY so special. Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 9.30am.

Center For Architecture

536 LaGuardia Place 212-358-6133 centerforarchitecture.org/summer info@cfafoundation.org Attend a Summer Programs Information Session to see our programs in action and learn more about a typical summer week. Feb. 22 or March 22 from 3-4pm. Register online: centerforarchitecture.org/ summer.

Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex Summer Camps

West 23rd Street and Hudson River Park Camps: 212-336-6846 chelseapiers.com/camp Join us for an open house and sample classes at the Sky Rink on March 3 from 12:30-2:30pm, the Field House on March 24 from 12:30-2:30pm, and the Golf Club on April 28 from 122pm. Please RSVP.

China Institute Children’s Immersive Summer Day Camp (Ages 2-14) 40 Rector St., 2nd floor 212-744-8181 x110 chinainstitute.org emarks@chinainstitute.org Immersive day camp open houses on Feb. 25 and March 24. For ages 2-14, this camp offers instruction in Chinese language, history, literature, and culture in an exciting and interactive environment for all levels.

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

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72 Fifth Ave. 212-229-5600 opencampus.newschool.edu/ program/summer-programs/ youth-teen-programs opencampus@newschool.edu Parsons Summer Programs Open House Saturday, Feb. 17 from 10:30am-1pm. Learn more about our summer program offerings in art and design with Parsons, take a tour of our campus, and meet faculty and staff.

NORY

25 Pine St. 330 E. 45th St. 120 W. 76th St. 914-996-6607 nory.co hello@nory.co NORY STEM has multiple locations in Manhattan. Open house held at Pine Street School. Feb. 21, March 21, and April 18 from 5-6:30pm. RSVP by emailing matt@nory.co. For more information, visit nory.co/summer.

Summer@Avenues

259 Tenth Ave. 646-664-0994 avenues.org/extendedlearning/ summer-programs summer@avenues.org From language immersion to immersion in the pool, Summer@ Avenues has it all! Join us for an open house on Feb. 8 from 8:15-9am to learn more!

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts

185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights 631-643-7900 usdan.com Join new families interested in learning more about Usdan. Meet with our admissions counselors and tour the campus. Refreshments, warm drinks, information, and 2018 registration available. Sundays, Feb. 11, March 18, April 15, and May 20 from 11am-2pm.

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SUNY College of Optometry................. 11

special events

Brooklyn Events Center, Barclays Center ...11 Jewish Week (The) ...............................35 Young Child Expo .................................56

special needs

Camp SAY ............................................27 LAC, Early Childhood Center ...............13 Young Child Expo .................................56

sports

Asphalt Green.........................................5 Chelsea Piers .......................................59 Dwight Summer Day Camp ..................28 Mad Sports Camp.................................27 Mary Louis Academy (The)...................15 YMCA of Greater New York ..................25

theater

ﬁtness

Mad Sports Camp.................................27

Ballet Club (The)...................................31 Galli Theater .........................................31 Tribeca Performing Arts Center ............13

health

tutors

SUNY College of Optometry................. 11

Kumon Manhattan ................................60

BigAppleParent 57

raising kids quotables

How did your deﬁnition of love change after becoming a parent? “Becoming a mom taught me to love from a different part of who I was before my kids were born. Before I became a mom I thought I knew the boundaries of my heart. From the moment I found out I was pregnant and then first saw my children, I knew that this kind of love is totally different than any other love I’ve felt before and that love truly is limitless, life altering, boundless, and completely unconditional.” —Monica Shulman, artist and photographer, Lower Hudson Valley

“Before becoming a parent, I have to admit that my idea of love was fickle, superficial, and often materialistic. After having children, my definition of love became seriously unconditional because even though my little ones do & say things that may hurt me, I still care about them immensely and want to continue protecting and nurturing them. My parental love is selfless and my whole being is devoted to my children. This kind of love is physical and emotional and encompasses my life and affects every decision I make.” —Scherrie Donaldson, aka @thirtymommy, East Flatbush, Brooklyn

“...I came around to the front of the stroller, grabbed his legs and as words started to come out of my mouth, I felt my eyes fill with hot tears and my voice catch in my throat. I barely managed to say, “You are making mommy very sad” before the tears started cascading down my face.” Anyone else have experience with raising a strongwilled child?

“Love means catching throw up in your hands. Love means staying up with a sick child. Love means making four different sandwiches for four children. Love means that your favorite present is the one they chose from the boutique at school. Love means your favorite days are the ones where you see how proud they are of themselves and their accomplishments. Love means helping them through difficult times with a smile even though it breaks your heart. Love means my heart grew every time I had another child and that my life is full of love every day.”

(Posted by @brooklynboymom, aka Rhianon Hoffman)

—Rima Potter, Port Jefferson

in an instagram

I swear our emotions and psyches are inextricably linked with our children’s in some deep, cosmic way. What they feel, we feel. What they experience, we experience. We may not feel or experience what they do to the same degree or with the same intensity, but parental empathy is real. And it’s freaking exhausting. —Annie Reneau in a post entitled “We Feel Our Kids’ Feelings, And It’s Exhausting,” on scarymommy.com

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

“Having kids unlocked an entire new compartment in my heart for love. I tell them every second that I get that I love them and mean it sincerely. My heart feels full now and I am so happy to experience the love of a mother. It truly has no bounds.” —Suzanne Cohen, aka @gothamlove, Manhattan

Young Love “My son’s first crush was Victoria. It was love at first sight when they met in kindergarten and it continued in elementary school. Then Titanic came out and their relationship tanked too—until my son declared his affection on national television. During an appearance on the show Kids Say the Darndest Things, he said in the cutest little 6-year-old voice that he loved Victoria, but then explained: ‘She dumped me…because she loves Leonardo DiCaprio.’” —Laurie Sue Brockway in an article entitled “How to Handle Your Child’s First Crush;” read the whole thing at nymetroparents.com/first-crush.

More NYMetroParents.com Highlights: CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY: February is Black History month. Find where you can celebrate at nymetroparents. com/black-history. DISCOVER HISTORY: Check out historical locations in and around New York City at nymetroparents.com/ historical-places

E N R E U H F S T R R E A

T S M M U

EARLY BIRD PRICING AVAILABLE Register by May 18 & Save!

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