Big Apple Parent February 2019 by City Guide NY

BigApple BigApple Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM FEBRUARY 2019

Camp Directors

Tell All

8 things owners and directors wish you knew about summer camp Plus, find the perfect camp for your child: • Camp Directory • At-a-Glance Camp Guide

The Parent-Teen Bond She’s growing up, but that doesn’t have to mean growing apart

Orthodontia Explained The ins and outs of braces, retainers, and more

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

BigAppleParent

BUILDING CHARACTER, CONFIDENCE, AND COMMUNITY

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contents table of

Original photo by ›› Big Apple Portraits (bigappleportraits.com) Clothing provided by Land’s End (landsend.com)

february 2019

25 camp 14 What Camp Directors Wish Parents Knew 16 Camp Directory 20 At-a-Glance Camp Guide

Family Activities Calendar

Our favorite events in the Big Apple this month.

Ways to Get (and Stay) Closer to Your Teen

Checking Out Neighborhoods

How to maintain a strong relationship with your child through her adolescence.

Experts share what you should consider before handing over a down payment.

raising kids

things to do

family life

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 Crossing the Digital Divide 11 5 Tips for Traveling with Young Children 12 Shaping Compassionate, Conﬁdent Global Citizens 13 Creative Childcare Solutions in NYC 24 Open Houses 34 Orthodontia Explained 36 Baby Cry Decoder 38 Ways to Get (and Stay) Closer to Your Teen 43 Professional Services 44 Party Central 45 Advertiser’s Index 46 Stuff We Like

25 Family Activities Calendar

40 Credit Check-Up 42 Checking Out Neighborhoods

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› 14 Camp Directors Tell All 16 Find the Perfect Camp 34 Orthodontia Explained 38 The Parent-Teen Bond facebook.com/nymetroparents

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

BigAppleParent

raising kids editor’s note

FEBRUARY 2019 • Vol.34 • No.1

NYMetroParents

All About Camp!

s I write this, we’re getting weather warnings for Winter Storm Harper, and I couldn’t be happier about it. What can I say; this Maine-girl-at-heart loves the cold and snow! But, I’m sure many of you can’t wait for the warmer weather of summer to arrive—dreaming of beach days and no school (well, the kids are dreaming of this at least). We here at Big Apple Parent are also turning our thoughts to the summer months—reminiscing about our long-gone days of summer camp. While you may think it’s too early to consider your child’s summer camp plans, the American Camp Association actually suggests that now is the perfect time to start planning. And we’re here to help you make the best decisions for your children to set them up for the. Best. Summer. Ever. In this issue, camp directors and counselors tell all, revealing the top things they wish you knew about summer camp, from choosing a camp to ensuring your kids have a great experience (p. 14). You’ll also find two must-read camp planning resources: our Camp Directory (p. 16), full of the area’s best summer camp options, and our At-aGlance Camp Guide (p. 20), where you’ll be able to quickly see which camps offer transportation, extended hours, lunch, ﬂexible schedules, and other specialty programs. And to help you even more, this year we are publishing our first-ever Big Apple Parent Digital Camp Guide, which is full of great free content, including expert advice for planning your child’s summer, descriptions of area camps, camp comparison charts, and open house schedules. You won’t want to miss this ultimate, all-in-one, camp planning resource! You can find it at nymetroparents.com/campguide/bigapple beginning Feb. 15! Of course, camp isn’t the only thing on our minds right now. This issue is also full of great advice, including ways to get and stay close to your teens at a time when it feels like they’re pulling away from you (pg. 38), how you can begin to discern what your baby’s cries mean (pg. 36), tips for improving your credit score in a year (really!) (pg. 40), and how to thoroughly check out a neighborhood to see if it’s the right place for your family live (pg. 42). Plus, February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, so local orthodontists share all you need to know about orthodontic appliances (pg. 34). And since February also brings us Valentine’s Day, we’re wishing you lots of love, laughter, and great memories with your kids! Katelin Walling Editorial Director

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Katelin Walling PRODUCTION EDITOR: Melissa Wickes ASSISTANT EDITOR: Anja Webb CALENDARS CALENDAR COORDINATOR: Whitney C. Harris EVENT RESEARCHERS: Rochelle Dorset, Shara Levine DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke

ADVERTISING SALES

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

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

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MANAGING DIRECTOR: Lauren Alperin Meirowitz 646-736-3609

OPERATIONS

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

PRODUCTION

Moms & Dads Make Great Part-Time Employees (are you looking?) M

any parents want a lifestyle that allows them to devote large blocks of time to raising kids and also pursue professional activities. The answer is often a work-from-home or part-time job. Mommybites.com—the go-to parenting community for resources, support, and education—has a job board dedicated to parents who are looking for those ﬂexible opportunities! Whether you are a part-time bookkeeper, writer, catering staff person, or have other skills, there are companies looking for you. These are jobs designed for people who want to return to the workforce, while remaining the primary caregiver for their children. Check Mommybites.com/jobs today to see what opportunities are available now. Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter to get weekly updates about just-posted positions. Are you looking to hire a mom (or a dad)? Post your opportunity on Mommybites.com!

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

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MARKETING DIRECTOR: Ryan Christopher ASSISTANT MARKETING MANGER: Kristine Pulaski

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CFO: David Friedman CREDIT ASSISTANT: Rosa Meinhofer

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CEO: David L. Miller GENERAL MANAGER: Thomas K. Hanlon 213 W. 35th St., Suite 12W, New York, NY 10001 Phone: 212-315-0800; Fax: 212-271-2239

BIG APPLE PARENT, QUEENS PARENT, WESTCHESTER PARENT BROOKLYN PARENT, ROCKLAND PARENT, BERGEN • ROCKLAND PARENT, STATEN ISLAND 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

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raising kids new places, new programs

Who: Oasis Day Camp What’s New: A preschool camp program, which is expected to begin July 1. Children ages 3-5 will participate in swimming three time a week, introductory sports classes including basketball and ﬂoor hockey, arts, dance, nature walks through Central Park, and education components to help prepare kids for school. Activities incorporate number and letter recognition and pre-literacy skills while preparing kids for the group dynamics of a classroom setting. The program will run through Aug. 23, Monday-Friday, from 8:30am-5:30pm with ﬂexible pick-up options between 4:30pm and 5:30pm. Pick-up and drop-off will be at the BASIS Independent School. Want More Info: BASIS Independent School, 795 Columbus Ave., Upper West Side; 646-698-1800; info@oasischildren.com; oasischildren.com

Courtesy Oasis Day Camp

Day Camp on Upper West Side to Offer Early Childhood Program

Oasis Day Camp aims to combine the care that preschoolers require with a fun, traditional summ er camp program, according to Alla Zaydman, director of family engagement at Oasis Day Camps.

Country Day Sch Courtesy Buckley

Who: Buckley Country Day School What’s New: Jean-Michel Dissard, director of I Learn America, and two actors from the documentary, Sing and Brandon, visited the school for a full-day workshop with sixth graders on Nov. 28, 2018. The visit followed the students’ identity and immigration unit in their humanities class. The workshop allowed for students to work on and share family members’ immigration stories, as well as hear from those involved with the film. The documentary follows five immigrant teenagers to highlight their individual stories and the difficulties of immigrating to the United States. “It was beyond powerful to hear the stories in person from the two students in the film and then to have our own students feel empowered to share their own with them,” says Natasha Chadha, an English teacher at Buckley Country Day School. Want More Info: 2 I.U. Willets Road, Roslyn; 516-627-1910; buckleycountryday.com

ool

Independent School in Roslyn Offered Storytelling Workshop for Sixth Graders

Buckley America, speaks to d, director of I Learn n. Jean-Michel Dissar atio igr students about imm Country Day School

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Courtesy Usdan Sum mer

Who: Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts What’s New: The Uniquely U scholarship, which has a deadline of Feb. 15. Open to kids ages 7-18 and in second to 12th grades currently residing in New York City, Southern Westchester, or Long Island, this scholarship will cover the full tuition for all seven weeks of camp, July 1-Aug. 16. In order to apply, students must submit a 5-minute video response to the question: What makes you uniquely you? Additional application requirements are dependent on the student’s specialization and interest. Those interested in the performing arts, including singers, musicians, and dancers, must include a performance video. Kids interested in visual arts must submit up to five images of their work, and creative writing applicants must submit a writing sample of no more than 5,000 words. Want More Info: 185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights; 631-643-7900; usdan.org

Camp for the Arts

Summer Camp for the Arts Now Accepting Scholarship Applicants

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts offers cou rses in both arts and non-arts disciplines, in which students take risks and find themselves for a lifetime , according to founder Susan Usdan.

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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enrolling for Winter/Spring Semesters!

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

Courtesy Emily Orton

raising kids voices

Crossing the Digital Divide ›› One simple thing we do every week as a family to connect with our teens By Emily Orton

s part of the first wave of parents raising children in the digital age, I often feel like I’m in a conga line of the blind leading the blind. We’re guessing. We’re occasionally desperate. My husband and I went so far as to take our five kids to live on a sailboat for a year, so we could connect and create memories before they grew up and moved out. While a year at sea is more doable than most people think, you don’t have to go to those extremes to connect. Upon returning to the land of milk and Wi-Fi, we found ourselves digitally drifting apart again, even in our 900-squarefoot apartment. Should we embrace or eschew ubiquitous screens? How do we navigate the middle ground? My husband came up with a first-world solution for a first-world problem. Now, every Sunday evening, my family gathers for a ritual that is more Roku than Rockwell. We call it: Week in Pictures. Starting with our youngest and working our way up, each family member syncs their iPod or iPhone to our Apple TV using airplay or screen mirroring and shares their photos, videos, and snaps from the week. It’s that simple. Any smartphone or streaming TV device should do the trick. Our kids were skeptical at first. We didn’t know if it would stick, but it has for more than three years. It does not require elaborate preparation. It’s a quick, “Hey kids, grab your phones. Time for Week in Pictures.” If the Wi-Fi is wimpy, we put our phones on Airplane Mode until it’s our turn to share. Our only rule? We all stay to see each other’s photos. You might not think a few minutes once a week can make a difference, but it’s had a huge impact in our home. In a few

Emily and Erik Orton decided to spend a year sailing with their five kids. You can read about their adventure in Seven At Sea, available March 5.

minutes a whole family can orient to each other. We see into each other’s lives through each other’s eyes. Try it once. You may be surprised what you learn about one another. You may have the satisfaction of knowing you really do have a pulse on your child’s interests or you may have the pleasure of being educated. So often months blur together. Week in Pictures reveals some measure of what has made each week unique. Knowing we’ll have an opportunity to share insights, discoveries, and silly faces with each other makes us more aware of life in real time. It’s like sipping a cozy cup of Our Town. I am regularly amazed at how much life is compressed into seven days—milestones, epiphanies, emotions, and experiences—even when we’re just having a “regular” week. When we have company on Sunday evenings, we invite them to join us for Week in Pictures. When we are visiting others, we ask if our hosts would like to have a Week in Pictures. Everyone has loved it. Two of our daughters are away at college now. We call. We FaceTime. We email. We follow each other on Instagram. We have a family text group for sharing ongoing dialogue and momentous updates, so we can console or congratulate and keep our inside jokes alive. But when they come home between semesters, they want to share their pictures. We block out time over several days to make sure our grown-up kids get to show us everything they want us to know about their lives. I’m not kidding. A lot of parents are looking for the key to that secret garden where they can glimpse into their kid’s lives. If you’re one of them, the key may already be in your hand.

Emily Orton blogs with her husband, Erik, at Fezywig.com. They are the co-authors of Seven at Sea: Why a New York City Family Cast Off Convention for a Life-Changing Year on a Sailboat, available on SevenAtSea.com on March 5.

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

raising kids in the know

Independent School Spotlight

WELCOME

欢迎

BIENVENIDOS

Traveling with Young Kids ›› By Melissa Wickes

t’s difficult to predict how your little one will react to being on an airplane for an extended period of time. Similarly, you can’t foresee how your child will be once you reach your destination. After all, you’re turning your tot’s world upside down for a couple of days. Harvey Karp, M.D., pediatrician, faculty member of University of Southern California School of Medicine, and author of Happiest Baby on the Block, shares how to make traveling with young children a little easier. Pre-trip prep. Make sure you have a local doctor’s information on hand. If your child is old enough, tell them about where they’re going, Dr. Karp suggests. Show them pictures of where they’re going, who they’ll meet, and what they’ll see. If you anticipate needing to help your child sleep, talk to your doctor and test out medications to ensure they don’t make your child hyper instead of drowsy.

Bilingual. Multicultural. Diverse.

Have modest expectations. This is one of the most important things, according to Dr. Karp. If you are traveling with an infant, you can easily wear your baby in a carrier and walk around. But once your baby begins to toddle, these sorts of activities are no longer a breeze. Plan kidfriendly activities, but don’t over-schedule; having some days to relax by the pool is a good idea. If you’re staying in a different time zone for a short period of time, keep your watches in your usual time zone, suggests Dr. Karp; your child won’t have time to adjust to a new one.

Helping students gain the skills, confidence and compassion to contribute and thrive in today’s world.

Mandarin and Spanish tracks: Pre-Nursery (age 2) - Grade 8.

Be prepared. Bring a kit filled with essentials and medicines just in case. Dr. Karp suggests ibuprofen for fevers, cortisone creams for burns, Benadryl for allergies, and anything your child may need specific to his health needs. Don’t forget your child’s “lovie” and a backup one. If you’re on a long ride, distractions are key, Dr. Karp says. Bring a supply of toys to keep the child interested.

Limited placement still available in Pre-Nursery through Grade 4.

Anticipate pressure changes on a plane. One of the most difficult parts of taking a baby on a plane are the pressure changes. When you experience that painful throbbing in your ears as a result of take-off or landing, you pop your ears. However, babies don’t know what is causing this pain, or how to fix it, so Dr. Karp suggests giving your baby a bottle 10 minutes into take-off and 30 minutes before landing. Baby-proof your space. “Be prepared to baby-proof wherever you’re going to stay,” Dr. Karp says. “Bring paper bandage tape to tape electric outlets, cords up against walls, and the toilet and fridge shut. You can also tape cotton balls on sharp corners.” Dr. Karp also suggests creating a sense of familiarity in the space, whether it’s by playing white noise in the hotel room, hanging up your child’s drawings on the wall, or packing your child’s favorite blanket.

SCHEDULE A VISIT www.ianyc.org / 212-641-0260

4 East 90th Street, summer 2019

BigAppleParent 11

Courtesy International Academy New York

raising kids independent school spotlight

Shaping Compassionate, Conf ident Global Citizens ›› By Katelin Walling

“Being a mother of two daughters, there are some things that are very important for me. One is that my daughters feel empowered: that they feel comfortable, that they’re not afraid of raising their hands and speaking out,” says Leslie Lupton, mother of Zadie, a third-grader, and Darien, a kindergartener, at International Academy of New York. The school, currently located on the Upper West Side while its Upper East Side location undergoes renovations, offers pre-nursery (2s) to third grade. It’s adding fourth grade for the next academic year and will continue to add a grade each year through eighth grade. During a recent art exhibit, Zadie and Darien stood in front of the whole school community (students and parents) and talked about their artwork, Lupton shares. “They had this confidence that I think is part of what the school is teaching, which is really empowering the students and giving them the tools they need to be confident,” she says. As part of IANY’s curriculum, students choose an immersive language track—Mandarin or Spanish—and spend 40 percent of the week speaking and learning in that language. “My husband’s family is Spanish-speaking, so initially there was the assumption that my two daughters would go through the Spanish track, but we thought this is a great opportunity to expose

Third-grader Zadie (left) and kindergartener Darien are learning Mandarin at International Academy New York.

them to a new language,” Lupton says. “And my daughters have embraced it to a degree we never even imagined.” Shaping empathetic global citizens who embrace other cultures and have the confidence and compassion to contribute and thrive in the world is just what IANY aims to do through its multicultural, bilingual community. “We’re a very diverse school, in faculty and the family community, in every sense of the word: religiously, racially, socioeconomically, culturally,” says Emily Benson, director of admissions at International Academy of New York. The student body hails from 25-30 different countries, and the school celebrates all of those different cultures, she adds. Because of this, IANY students will go out into the world with a deep understanding of what it means to be a vital part of the global community, Bensons says.

Independent School Spotlight

INCLUSION • DIVERSITY • EXCELLENCE • ACCEPTANCE • LEADERSHIP

The IDEAL Difference

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

#SchoolCanBeIDEAL

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

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

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

raising kids child care

Creative Child Care Solutions in NYC ›› Courtesy Mommybites.com

magine this: Your regular babysitter canceled 2 hours before she was supposed to be at your place. Or perhaps your boss just scheduled a last-minute work dinner you must attend. Maybe your friends surprised you with tickets to the must-see concert or Broadway show. Whatever the case, finding last-minute child care that is affordable means embracing our beloved city. There are certain characteristics of New York City life that work in parents’ favor when it comes to creative child care solutions. Embrace those features, and you’re sure to find someone you trust to care for your children for an evening.

Love Your Neighborhood

Take advantage of the high-population density. Look for a sitter in your local neighborhood so her punctuality isn’t at the mercy of traffic or transit delays. The jackpot? Finding child care help in your own apartment building. Neighbors are also an invaluable child care resource when you need to run out to the doctor or grocery store and would rather not drag your kids along in the wintry mix.

Treat Your Quiet Apartment Like a Hot Commodity

Once the kids are in bed, your apartment is a priceless destination for those lacking personal space. Your quiet living room provides a refuge for single friends escaping roommate drama or married couples craving breathing room. By recruiting a friend to watch Netflix at your place, you can have a night out without draining your bank account. This is part one in a two-part series of creative child care solutions in New York City. Look in March issue for part two.

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

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BigAppleParent 13

What Camp Directors Wish Parents Knew ››

Six camp owners and directors tell all—from evaluating summer camps to asking about your child’s day. By Madeleine Burry

or parents, summer can present a logistical nightmare: How will your child spend all those days from June through August? Camp, of course, is the perfect solution. Attending camp builds character. At camp, your child will learn new skills, try new things, build confidence, and most importantly, have uninhibited fun in a safe environment, says Bob Budah, one of the owners of Park Shore Country Day Camp and School in Dix Hills. But which one? And what do you need to know to make your child’s experience during those weeks at camp stellar? Six camp directors and owners—from day camps across the New York metro area—share their must-know tips for parents.

Factor in the camp’s location—and how far it is from home.

Know the camp’s reputation and accreditation.

“The first thing I really hope parents do prior to choosing a camp is understand their children and know their likes and dislikes,” Grosbard says. Just because you love crafting, doesn’t mean your child does. Same goes for other camp focuses, from sports to academics. For kids, Grosbard says, summertime is a break from school— that doesn’t just mean a respite from testing, homework, and the classroom, but an opportunity to do what they enjoy. And while it’s nice to go into the first day of camp knowing someone, don’t make the mistake of automatically opting for your child’s best friend’s camp. “You want to pick the best camp for your individual child and that might not be the camp that their friends go to,” says

Checking into the camp’s reputation should be high on your to-do list, Budah says. Do your usual due diligence: Ask fellow parents about their impression of the camp, and check online reviews. Budah also strongly urges parents to confirm the camp is accredited by the American Camping Association and inspected by the health department. The ACA sets standards for everything from the age appropriateness of activities to first-aid equipment standards. “Many entities call themselves camps and they’re not inspected,” Budah says. “A parent needs protection and has to know their child is going to a reputable camp that’s ACA-accredited.” 14

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Does this sound like a minor detail? Not so, says Jack Grosbard, owner of Mill Basin Day Camp in Brooklyn. “If a camper travels long ways back and forth, it can really ruin the experience,” Grosbard says. “It waters down the excitement both coming and going.” So, keep proximity in mind during the selection process. Think about the camp’s size, too, says Joseph O’Sullivan, camp director at Magic Day Camp in Queens. “Many camps are so big that kids can get lost, and if you’re the type of child who doesn’t make friends easily, this can be lonely,” he says. Check the camp’s website for the staff-to-child ratio, as well as its overall size.

Keep your kid’s needs (and hobbies!) in mind.

Roberta Katz, co-owner and director of Deer Mountain Day Camp in Pomona. Opt for a place where your child will flourish, she says.

Trust the camp director.

If something comes up, by all means, get in touch. But one perk of sending your kid to camp, says Matt Davanzo, camp director at Squire Day Camp in Hartsdale, is feeling secure knowing your child is well taken care of by an experienced, capable staff. “What I like to impart to my parents is: We’ve got this. We’ll take care of it,” Davanzo says. “People live very busy, hectic lives and my goal is to be a non-factor,” allowing parents to have one less nagging item on their to-do list.

Feel free to pick up the phone.

Ultimately, you should feel confident in the camp you select. But if something comes up, camp directors urge you to get in touch. “Call me with anything,” Katz says. “In order to make camp the best possible experience for each child here, we need to have very open communication with each of our families,” she says. O’Sullivan agrees. At his camp, parents get cellphone numbers for every staff member their kids will encounter, from the director to the bus counselor. That way, there’s no need to navigate the office or make multiple calls in order for parents to speak to their child, or their child’s counselor. Bottom line: “The more comfortable parents feel, the more comfortable their child will be at camp,” Katz says.

Focus on the last day of camp–not the first.

The first day of camp can be nerve-wracking—for you, and for your child. To quell those concerns, Katz urges parents to focus on how your child will feel at the end of the experience—after weeks of activities, friend-making, and growth.

And worry less about your kid fitting in or making friends right away too, she recommends. “I try to make parents feel comfortable with the idea of helping kids flourish as individuals,” she says. “Campers should be able to be who they are when they’re here. ...Everyone is different, and we want to celebrate those differences.”

Familiarize yourself with the camp’s procedures.

Every camp will have a set of rules and procedures, so consider getting to know these guidelines your homework. And “pay attention to correspondence,” Grosbard says. That way, if there’s a dance show with everyone wearing white T-shirts, your kid won’t be the lone performer in a red tank top. (Sounds like a small thing, but for children, these moments can really be embarrassing and diminish the experience.) And, Grosbard adds: be on time (not too early, not too late) for pick-up and drop-off. Even more than keeping up with logistics, it’s nice to have a sense of what your kid does during the day, says David Stapleton, camp director of Future Stars Summer Camps in Old Westbury. That way, you can lend support and see how the program builds from week to week, he says. Tip: Depending on your camp, social media can be a way to keep up with your kid’s daytime adventures.

Talk to your kid about their day.

Parents should talk to their kids about their camp experience every day, Grosbard says. He suggests asking questions like: What did you do? Did you like it? What was exciting? What would you like to do more or less of? What new skills did you learn? And, when your child shares, be excited in response! Don’t make the conversation a quick stopover before TV time; be genuinely engaged, Grosbard urges. This will help keep your child’s camp memories alive. Madeleine Burry is a freelance writer and editor who has held staff positions at Parents.com, Scholastic, and About.com. You can follow her on Twitter: @lovelanewest.

CAMP MARKETPLACE

D owntown Day Camp MAKING MEMORIES SINCE 1992

JUNIORS:

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ATHLETICS || AQUATICS || ARTS & SCIENCES THE COMPLETE CAMP EXPERIENCE 2 – 8 Week Options TRIBECA || BPC || FIDI BUS SERVICE AVAILABLE FUN SCIENCE ACTIVITIES

BOOK A TOUR downtowndaycamp.com || 212.766.1104 x1250

BigAppleParent 15

Camp Directory Day Camps 92nd Street Y 92nd Street Y Camps - Camp Yomi

1395 Lexington Ave. 212-415-5573 92y.org/camps; campmail@92y.org With more than 60 years of experience, Camp Yomi brings the very best of 92Y’s renowned programs and faculty to the great outdoors. Campers ages 5-12 enjoy athletic, artistic, and educational activities at a 50-acre suburban campground in Rockland County.

Asphalt Green Summer Day Camp

Upper East Side and Battery Park City 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 Active kids thrive at Asphalt Green Summer Day Camp. State-of-theart indoor and outdoor facilities combined with world-class instruction create the ultimate experience. Our core camp values are focal points of every activity. Campers explore their interests and express themselves through sports, swimming, arts and crafts, and theme days.

Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex Summer Camps

West 23rd Street and Hudson River Park, Manhattan Camps: 212-336-6846 chelseapiers.com/camp Chelsea Piers Summer Camp is NYC’s most flexible camp with up to 11 weeks and 16 sports to choose from. Our coaches are dedicated year-round to providing athletes with a fun and comprehensive camp experience. Transportation and aftercare available. Camps run June 17–Aug. 30. Register online at chelseapiers.com/camps.

Downtown Day Camp

120 Warren St. 212-766-1104 x1250 downtowndaycamps.com camp@manhattanyouth.org Our private Tribeca facilities include a 75-foot pool, outdoor ball fields, arts and dance studios, and gyms. We offer activities including swim lessons, field sport instruction, P.E. Class, Pier 25 Mini-Golf, Ooey Gooey Science, visual arts, Lego construction, movement and dance, Animal Hour, karate, tennis, music, and drumming.

Dwight Summer Camp

917-551-6424 144 Riverside Blvd. (ages 4-5) 2116 First Ave. (ages 6-12) dwightsummercamp.org Dwight Summer Camp offers a wide range of age-appropriate, creative, sports, and action-packed activities for children 4-12. Campers can also focus on one spe-

cialty in Spark Camps. With indoor swim instruction, great trips, and theme days, the fun never ends! Receive a 10-percent discount with code BAP19!

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 welltrained, enthusiastic, friendly, and certified staff. Join us in our 37th year! Offered for children ages 3-5. Flexible scheduling!

Oasis Summer Day Camps in Manhattan

Oasis in Central Park 795 Columbus Ave. 646-698-1800 Oasis in Downtown-P.S. 110 285 Delancey St. 649-519-5058 oasischildren.com Oasis Day Camp prides itself on age appropriate programming for ages 3-15. Early Start (ages 3-5) is a nurturing camp environment. Lower (first-second grade) offers sports, arts, swim, enrichment, and nature. Upper (third-sixth grades) is bigger and better for older campers. Teen Travel (seventh-ninth grades) offers unique trips, overnights, friendships.

Tabor Summer Camp-Summer by the Sea 66 Spring St., Marion, MA 508-291-8342 taborsummer.org taboracademy.org/ page/summer What do you want to discover and explore this summer? Whether children want to discover new sports, enrichment, or arts in our traditional camp, explore the ocean environment in Marine Science Camp, or make global connections in Gateways Program, there is something for everyone at Tabor Academy during the summer.

YMCA Summer Camps

ymcanyc.org/camp rho@ymcanyc.org The YMCA of Greater New York is one of the largest providers of camp programs in the city, with 70 Day Camp sites across five boroughs, a Sleepaway Camp upstate, and more than a century of experience giving kids the best summer ever! Where there’s a Y, there’s a way.

Sleepaway Camps MWS Student Camps

514-531-4193 mwscamps.com vanessa@mwscamps.com “French Immersion Experience!” MWS Montreal French Camps at

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

McGill University in the center of Montreal-residential and day camps. 33 years of experience guarantees a high-quality program with personalized attention and support. Juniors (ages 7-10), Inters (ages 11-13), and Seniors (ages 14-17). Programs include language study, age-focused excursions, and camp activities.

Specialty Camps Atlantic Acting School

76 Ninth Ave., Suite 537 212-691-5919 atlanticactingschool.org teaster@atlantictheater.org Actors (ages 4–18) spend their summer days forming a theater ensemble, rehearsing a performance, exploring techniques, and developing the courage to act for an audience. Join the fun through acting, singing, improv, and film. All classes culminate in a final performance for family and friends.

Ballet Academy East

1651 Third Ave. 212-410-9140 balletacademyeast.com Ballet Academy East’s Summerdance is a fun-filled summer program for ages 3-8. Designed to foster imagination and inspire a love of the arts, the curriculum includes dance, art, musical theater, cooking, swimming, and more. Each session culminates with a special in-studio performance highlighting the children’s accomplishments.

BlueStamp Engineering

60 E 78th St. 516-331-1085 bluestampengineering.com jessie@bluestampengineering.com At BlueStamp Engineering students gain hands-on experience building individual technology projects from scratch. Every student builds two projects to keep and a portfolio to share with prospective colleges and employers. No experience required. Whether your passion is robotics, coding, biotech, or alternative energy—BlueStamp can help you build it.

BOLD Arts

Upper East Side and Upper West Side 419-349-2465 bold-arts.com; info@bold-arts.com BOLD invites children ages 4-14 to join in weeklong dance camps, which culminate in a high-energy, original performance to live music. Participants are immersed in a thought-provoking theme used to inspire their show. Together we build a performance using student-made scenery, costumes, and dances created by the group.

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 one-week dance camps are the perfect way for children to learn about dance, make new friends, and create memories. Designed for movers of all levels, our camps give students the opportunity to try a variety of styles.

The Calhoun School Summer Camps

calhoun.org/camps communications@calhoun.org Calhoun Summer Camps are performing arts camps for creative, passionate kids in grades second to 12th. Create films in Calhoun Movie-Making Camp; practice acting with an internationally acclaimed theater troupe in Story Pirates Camp; get coached by professional musicians in Calhoun Summer Music; or become immersed in jazz in Calhoun Summer Jazz.

CAMP/pixel

Locations in Brooklyn, Upper and Lower Manhattan 866-771-6837 camp.pixelacademy.org/metro info@pixelacademy.org Thousands of kids ages 7-13 have come to CAMP/pixel, the No. 1 tech summer day camps in Brooklyn and Manhattan! Campers explore STEM concepts often found in AP and college-level courses through fun, hands-on workshops. Mod Minecraft, develop Fortnite-style video games, and produce YouTube videos.

Children’s Museum of the Arts

103 Charlton St. 212-274-0986 cmany.org Spend the summer with Children’s Museum of the Arts at the museum in Soho or on Governors Island! Your child can dive into photography, learn how to animate his/her own film, and illustrate a unique story!

Collina Italiana

1556 Third Ave. (at 87th Street), Suite 603 212-427-7770 collinaitaliana.com info@collinaitaliana.com Italian Summer in the City on the Upper East Side is for kids 3-6 who want to absorb the culture of Italy. The program includes: Giochiamo in Italiano-learn Italian through play. Cinema Italiano-study Italian through animated movies. Arte Insieme-make art, speak Italian. Le Uscite-outings to museums. Il Tavolo in Italiano–lunch time!

Future Stars Summer Camps - Purchase College 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase 914-273-8500 fscamps.com Weekly day sessions for ages 4-16 at state-of-the-art facilities in the heart of Westchester. 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, diving, horseback, riding, swim, academic, STEAM education, and rising stars.

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Camp Intrepid

Pier 86, West 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue 646-381-5166 intrepidmuseum.org/camp camp@intrepidmuseum.org Camp Intrepid is Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum’s full-day camp procontinued on page 18 ››

CAMP MARKETPLACE

brand new topics!

STEM Camps summer 2019: juniors k+1st

kids

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

2nd-4th

tweens

• • • •

I Wanna Be...An Astronaut! I Wanna Be...An Engineer! I Wanna Be...A Game Maker! I Wanna Be...A Physicist!

• • • •

Coding + Digital Design High Voltage Heroes Kids Crime Lab Wacky World of Aircraft

• Coding + Animation • Rockin’ Robotics

5th-8th

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

Taekwo ndo

Birt hday Party Packag e s: Basic Packages starting at

2 hours: 1st hour Taekwondo, 2nd hour Party Room 4 Instructors & 20 children Additional child $20 (up to 30) Party favor water bottle TKD Disco Packages starting at

2 hours: 45min Taekwondo, 45min Party Room, 30 minutes Disco Includes: Pizza, Juice, Water, & Birthday Cake 4 Instructors & 20 children Additional child $25 (up to 30) Party favor water bottle *Add-ons: Face-painter/Balloon Artist, Glow-in-the-dark favors, additional instructors, sing-a-long character or puppet performer, balloons, theme decorations

BOOK NOW Call or email us TODAY to book your Birthday Party!

tel: 646.335.5034 email: info@MAFamilyStudio.com www.MAFamilyStudio.com

BigAppleParent 17

CAMP MARKETPLACE

Camp Planner For Every Family Digital Camp Guide WEB • TABLET • MOBILE FRIENDLY

‹‹ continued from page 16

gram where history and STEM come together! Winter, spring, and summer camp dates available. Sign up for daily or weekly sessions. Discounts available for museum members and early bird sign-ups. Camp groups also welcome!

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-seventh grade. Campers create digital media, explore forensic biology, tinker with electronics, program autonomous robots–and that is just the beginning! Launch camps feature a 4-to-1 camper-to-instructor ratio with multiple locations around Manhattan.

The Little Gym

GREAT FREE CONTENT • Expert Advice • Camp Comparison Charts • Camp Descriptions • Open House Schedules

Coming February 15! nymetroparents.com/campguide/manhattan

777 White Plains Road, Scarsdale 914-722-0072 tlgscarsdaleny.com 2121 Broadway, 2nd Floor (between 74th and 75th streets) Upper West Side, Manhattan 212-799-1225 tlgupperwestsideny.com 207 E. 94th St. (between Second and Third avenues) Upper East Side, Manhattan 212-787-1124 tlguppereastsideny.com 28 Franklin Turnpike Waldwick, NJ 201-445-4444 tlgwaldwicknj.com Since 1977, The Little Gym has been promoting healthy and successful physical and mental development of children. Its “Anytime Summertime Kids Fun” includes parent and child classes (ages 4 months-3 years), preschool and kindergarten classes (ages 3-6), and grade school gymnastics (non competitive!) for beginner, intermediate, or advanced gymnasts.

Martial Arts Family Studio

290 Mulberry St. 646-460-3770 martialartsfamilystudio.com info@martialartsfamilystudio.com Come to spend this summer at Martial Arts Family Studio, you will do martial arts, dance, disco party, crafts, learn a new language (Japanese, Russian, Korean, or Spanish), and water play, outside every day. Weeks and single day option available.

MWS Student Camps

514-531-4193 mwscamps.com; vanessa@mwscamps.com “French Immersion Experience!” MWS Montreal French Camps at McGill University in the center of Montreal-residential and day camps. 33 years of experience guarantees a high-quality program with personalized attention and support. Juniors (ages 7-10), Inters (ages 11-13), and Seniors (ages 14-17). Programs include language study, age-focused excursions, and camp activities.

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts

39 W. 19th St. 212-812-4035 nycda.edu; hfroelich@nycda.edu Give your aspiring actor professional training in our four-week summer intensives. No field trips or theater games-this is college-level coursework taught by working actors. Actors 14-15 can choose either Acting for Film & TV or Musical Theater. From 9am-6pm, weekdays, July 8-Aug. 2.

Play On! Studios

263 W. 86th St. 347-709-4149 playonstudios.com info@playonstudios.com Play On! Studios offers awesome theater camps for grades kindergarten to 12th on the Upper West Side! 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.

The Portfolio School

27 N. Moore St. 212-226-8252 portfolioschool.org/ai-camp admissions@portfolio-school.com It’s time to explore the power of artificial intelligence! What if you could turn pictures of horses into zebras or beat world champions at chess? During our one- and two-weeklong camps, students will journey into the world of AI and machine learning. Ages 5-13.

SPORTIME Randall’s Island & JMTA Summer Camps - ages 4-17

212-427-6150 sportimecamps.com/nyc campsnyc@sportimeny.com John McEnroe Tennis Academy’s Summer Training Camp and SPORTIME’s 10 & Under Tennis Camp are designed for players who want to focus on playing and learning tennis, and becoming complete players. Every camp day includes tennis, field sports and cross training, tennis specific athletic training, and NYCFC Soccer Camps.

USC Gymnastics & Baseball Training Facility

636 S. Broadway, Yonkers 914-965-2619 uscgymnasticsandbaseball.com Enjoy a “funtastic summer of fun” centered around the exciting world of gymnastics and baseball! USC offers a summer of fun-filled instructional sports activities for kids ages 5-13. Choose one of our three camps: Funtastic All Sports Camp-ages 5-9, Summer Gymnastics Training Camp-ages 7-13, Summer Baseball Training Camp-ages 7-13.

The Whale Camp

610-399-1463 whalecamp.com The Whale Camp provides experiential marine biology programs and facilities for learning about the dynamic ecologies of the Bay of Fundy and Grand Manan Island. Our goal is to use hands-on activities to increase awareness and understanding of natural systems. Campers build confidence, connect with the natural environment, and make lasting friendships.

CAMP MARKETPLACE

Introducing The New York Conservatoryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summer Program for Students 14-15. Give us four weeks, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll help your young actor reach the forward edge of their talent!

To apply visit www.nycda.edu/summer @nyconservatory

Hands-on summer program where you build what you want! Projects include: robotics, wearable tech, and smart devices! No experience required For students 8th-12th grade Flexible program lengths of 2-6 weeks 60 E 78th St New York, NY 10075

www.bluestampengineering.com BigAppleParent 19

92Y Camps 92y.org

Asphalt Green Day Camp asphaltgreen.org

Atlantic Acting School atlanticactingschool.org

Ballet Academy East balletacademyeast.com

BlueStamp Engineering bluestampengineering.com

Children’s Museum of the Arts cmany.org

Dance

8 8

Collina Italiana collinaitaliana.com

8 8

Calhoun Summer Camps calhoun.org CAMP/pixel pixelacademy.org

Arts & Crafts

Special Needs

Broadway Dance Center Children & Teens broadwaydancecenter.com

8 8

Downtown Day Camp downtowndaycamp.com

Dwight Summer Camp dwightsummercamp.org

Future Stars Summer Camps fscamps.com

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum intrepid.org

Jodi’s Gym jodisgym.com

Launch Math & Science Centers launchmath.com

Martial Arts Family martialartsfamilystudio.com

MWS Student Camps mwscamps.com

New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts nycda.edu

BOLD Arts bold-arts.com

Chelsea Piers Summer Sports Camps chelseapiers.com

Music

Academic Enrichment

Day Trips

8 8

Swimming

Sports

8 8

Theater

STEAM/Robotics

PROGRAMS:

Half-Day

Flexible Scheduling

Extended Hours

Lunch

Transportation

Camp Guide

SERVICES:

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

8 8

Your Search for the Perfect Summer Camp is over!

SPORTIME

Summer!

JOHN McENROE TENNIS ACADEMY

TENNIS & SPORTS CAMPS

Day camp for boys and girls

TENNIS WHIZZ UNDER 10 TENNIS & SPORTS JMTA TENNIS TRAINING NYCFC SOCCER MORE!

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

Open Houses AGES 4-5 AGES 6-12 March 2, April 6, May 18 10 am-1 pm 144 Riverside Blvd.

March 8, April 12, May 24 4-6 pm 2116 First Ave.

Visit us online to select the camp for you www.SportimeCamps.com/NYC | 212-427-6150 CampsNYC@SportimeNY.com

dwightsummercamp.org | 917.551.6424

Camp programs vary at each SPORTIME location.

Enter code BAP19 to receive a 10% discount

Join our February School Break Camp - www.SportimeNY.com/SchoolBreak

REACH. GROW. ACHIEVE.

Rosalie O’Connor

Awaken your child’s potential through dance

Christopher Duggan

We Believe in a

CAMP MARKETPLACE

BalletAcademyEast.com Join Ballet Academy East Summerdance, June 24-August 15 BALLET ACADEMY EAST

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

BigAppleParent 21

Dance

Arts & Crafts

Special Needs

Music

Academic Enrichment

Day Trips

Swimming

Sports

Theater

STEAM/Robotics

PROGRAMS:

Half-Day

Flexible Scheduling

Extended Hours

Lunch

Transportation

Camp Guide

SERVICES:

Oasis Camp in Central Park oasischildren.com

Oasis Camp in Downtown oasischildren.com

Play On! Studios playonstudios.com

Portfolio School portfolioschool.org SPORTIME Summer Camps sportimecamps.com

8 8

Tabor Summer Camp taborsummer.org

USC Gymnastics & Baseball Training Facility uscgymnasticsandbaseball.com

YMCA Summer Camps ymcanyc.org

8 8

CAMP MARKETPLACE

Calhoun Summer Camps

SUNYPURCHASECOLLEGE

Performing arts camps for creative, passionate kids Calhoun Movie-Making Camp For kids entering 2nd–6th grades June 17–June 28, 2019 Story Pirates Camp For kids entering 2nd–6th grades June 24–July 3, 2019

OPE HOUSNE

ENROLL BY FEB 1 AND SAVE!

SUNDA Y, J 10am–1 AN 27 pm

Calhoun Summer Jazz For kids entering 9th–12th grades June 17–21, 2019 Calhoun Summer Music For kids entering 6th–11th grades June 12–14, 2019 Register now! calhoun.org/camps

914.273.8500 · fscamps.com 22

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

433 West End Ave at 81st St

CAMP MARKETPLACE

SINCE 1983

Flipping into Fall @ USC Gymnastics! SIGN UP for a Fun-tastic Gymnastics Class! Weekend & Weekday Classes Available! Boys & Girls Ages 2-17yrs!

CALL NOW TO REGISTER!

FRENCH LANGUAGE CAMPS in Montréal

USC Gymnastics & Baseball Training Facility 636 S. Broadway, Yonkers NY 10705 Tel.914-965-2619 Fax. 914-476-2050 www.uscgymnasticsandbaseball.com

USCGymnastics.Baseball

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

www.mwscamps.com office@mwscamps.com

WHERE THERE’S A Y

THERE’S A WAY

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SLEEPAWAY CAMP OPEN HOUSES: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

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April 7 | May 5

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For more information & free brochure, please visit: www.whalecamp.com

» SPACES FILL UP QUICKLY. REGISTER TODAY! « BigAppleParent 23

OPEN HOUSES 2019 92nd Street Y Camps

1395 Lexington Ave. 212-415-5573 92y.org/camps; campmail@92y.org Free Camp Open House Sunday, Feb. 3 at 10am! Celebrate summer with 92Y Camps and enjoy face painting, coding, crafts, art, snacks, ZumbaÂŽ, and sports. RSVP today and bring friends!

Asphalt Green Summer Day Camp

Upper East Side and Battery Park City 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 through sports, arts, and innovative programming. Upcoming open house dates: March 5 and March 10. To learn more, visit asphaltgreen.org/camp.

BlueStamp Engineering

yrs. of Fun, Friend s, & Fitness!

60 E 78th St. 516-331-1085 bluestampengineering.com; jessie@bluestampengineering.com At BlueStamp Engineering students gain hands-on experience building technology projects from scratch. No experience required. In-person information sessions scheduled by request.

Great Perks For Members

Gymnastics â&#x20AC;˘ Ninja Challenge â&#x20AC;˘ Music â&#x20AC;˘ Playtime â&#x20AC;˘ Jodiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s To Go â&#x20AC;˘

For Kids 9 mos to 12 yrs

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

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25 Hubbels Dr. Mt. Kisco â&#x20AC;˘ 914.244.8811 244 E. 84th St. NYC â&#x20AC;˘ 212.772.7633

Visit Us at NYMetroParents.com 24

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

CAMP/pixel

Locations in Brooklyn, Upper and Lower Manhattan 866-771-6837 camp.pixelacademy.org/metro; info@pixelacademy.org Schedule a tour of CAMP/pixel! Visit our programs in action and get your camp questions answered. Tours available in Brooklyn and TriBeCa on weekdays at 3-5pm.

Downtown Day Camp

120 Warren St. 212-766-1104 x1250 downtowndaycamps.com; camp@manhattanyouth.org Book a tour of our private Tribeca facilities which include a 75-foot pool, outdoor ball fields, arts and dance studios, and gyms. Email camp@manhattanyouth.org, call 212-766-1104 x1250, or visit downtowndaycamp.com.

Dwight Summer Camp

917-551-6424 144 Riverside Blvd. (ages 4-5) 2116 First Ave. (ages 6-12) dwightsummercamp.org Dwight Summer Camp open houses for ages 4-5 are March 2, April 6, May 18, 10am-1pm. Dwight Preschool on 144 Riverside Blvd. for ages 6-12 on March 8, April 12, May 24, 4-6pm. The Dwight School Athletic Center is located at 2116 First Ave.

Martial Arts Family Studio

290 Mulberry St. 646-460-3770 martialartsfamilystudio.com; info@martialartsfamilystudio.com Learn more about our spring, summer, and one-day camps. When school is out, MAFS is up. Activities, class samples, and goodie bags for the kids. Wednesday, Feb. 20 from 4:30-5.30pm.

Tabor Summer Camp-Summer by the Sea

66 Spring St., Marion, MA 508-291-8342 taborsummer.org taboracademy.org/page/summer Tabor Summer Camp invites you to join us at one of our scheduled information sessions this spring! Dates and times are posted at taborsummer.org/ visit-tabor-summer-camp.

YMCA Summer Camps

ymcanyc.org/camp rho@ymcanyc.org Visit any of our 22 branches or upstate NY to learn more about our fantastic Summer Day Camp and Sleepaway Camp programs. Transportation service available from NYC to Sleepaway Camp.

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!

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Turn the page for details on the ‘Sesame Street Live: Make Your Magic!’ (No. 7 on our list).

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

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FEBRUARY CALENDAR

Editor’s Hot Tickets

Show Time!

We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!

Crafty Kids

Dance Party, Animal Lovers

Mini Muisicians, Little Foodies, Fun Fairs & Festivals

Smarty Pants

Movers & Shakers, Holiday Fun

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS

Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the 9 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!

Thunderbird American Indian Dancers’ 44th Annual Dance Concert and Pow-Wow

WHEN: Through Feb. 3: Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 3pm and 8pm; Sunday, 3pm WHERE: Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave., East Village AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Highlights include storytelling, a Hoop Dance, a Grass Dance, a Jingle Dress Dance, and a Stomp Dance. Audience members will be invited to join in the Friendship Dance. WHY WE LOVE IT: Young audience members are welcome to the stage to be photographed with the dancers. WANT TO GO? $15; $1 children during Saturday and Sunday matinees. 212-475-0108. theaterforthenewcity.net.

‘Emily Brown and the Thing’

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

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Bryant Park Frost Festival FREE

WHEN: Through Feb. 3: Saturday-Sunday, 11am-2pm WHERE: Bryant Park, 40th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy igloos with seasonal foods, puppet shows, bumper cars on ice, karaoke and live music, ice carving, and a silent disco. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids can pretend to ice fish and catch penguins in the Bryant Park Fountain. WANT TO GO? 212-768-4242. Bryantpark.org.

The Amazing Max

WHEN: Through Feb. 10: Saturday, Feb. 2 and Sundays, 3:30pm WHERE: Theater at Blessed Sacrament, 152 W. 71st St., Manhattan AGES: 3 and older WHAT: The Amazing Max combines magic and comedy, making objects appear and disappear, and defying the laws of physics. WHY WE LOVE IT: This high-energy, interactive show will entertain adult audiences while keeping the little ones spellbound. WANT TO GO? $35 and up. 212-579-0528. theamazingmaxlive.com.

Get weekend activities delivered to you! Mickey: The True Original Exhibition

nymetroparents.com/register ››

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

New Shanghai Circus

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 24, 4pm WHERE: Schimmel Center, 3 Spruce St., Lower Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Athletes defy gravity and execute breathtaking feats in this show that draws upon 2,000 years of Chinese circus traditions. WHY WE LOVE IT: There’s nothing quite like these acrobats, jugglers, and contortionists! WANT TO GO? $29 and up; $20 for children 12 and younger. 646-765-4773. schimmelcenter.org.

‘Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic’

WHEN: Feb. 15-24, see website for schedule WHERE: The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic showcases live theater and the art of illusion with dance and music. WHY WE LOVE IT: A good introduction to stage productions for littlest ones! WANT TO GO? $15 and up. 800-345-3000. msg.com/sesame.

CityParks Foundation Presents ‘Yeti, Set, Snow!’

WHEN: Through Feb. 24: see website for show times WHERE: Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in Central Park, West 81st Street and Central Park West, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Yeti, Set, Snow! is the story of a young girl who encounters a yeti on the first snow of the winter season. WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s the last chance to see this performance of songs and snow day fun! WANT TO GO? $8-$12. 212-988-9093. cityparksfoundation.org.

Disney’s ‘Frozen: The Broadway Musical’

WHEN: Through March 10: see website for times WHERE: St. James Theatre, 246 W. 44th St., Midtown AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Frozen the Musical expands on the story of two sisters, giving more time to the characters we’ve come to love. WHY WE LOVE IT: The show is faithful to the original story! WANT TO GO? $35 and up. 877-250-2900. seatsforeveryone.com/frozen.

‘Beauty and the Beast’ The Musical

WHEN: Feb. 23-April 28, Saturdays, 3pm; Sundays, 11am (March 19 and 25 additional 2pm) WHERE: The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal St., Greenwich Village AGES: 3-12 WHAT: This adaptation is filled with musical numbers, dancing, endearing characters, and magic. WHY WE LOVE IT: Families are invited to participate in a pre-show arts workshop where they make a Beauty or Beast mask. WANT TO GO? $32-$52. 866-811-4111. literallyalive.com.

WE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FREE

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

WHEN: Feb. 2-3, Saturday-Sunday, 10am WHERE: Chess Max Academy, 1470 First Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Free chess play and instruction at the only dedicated chess school in NYC. WANT TO GO? 917-930-8840. chessmaxacademy.com.

Game of Go FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 5, 1-2pm WHERE: Battery Park, 6 River Terrace, Battery Park City AGES: 5 and older WHAT: This talk and hands-on workshop will guide participants through the history and play of the game of Go. WANT TO GO? 212-267-9700. bpcparks.org.

‘The Biggest Secrets in the World: Everything We Know We Don’t Know’ with Rogerio Martins FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 6, 4-5:30pm and 7-8:30pm WHERE: National Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26th St., Nomad AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Join mathematician and Portuguese TV star of Isto é Matemática (This is Mathematics) on a journey into the unknown. WANT TO GO? 212-542-0566. momath.org.

Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade and Festival FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 17, 1-4pm WHERE: Chinatown, Mott and Canal streets to Chatham Square and East Broadway, Chinatown AGES: All WHAT: Chinatown’s annual Lunar New Year celebration for stunning visuals, tantalizing treats, and impressive performances. WANT TO GO? betterchinatown.com.

School Break Program FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 21, 1-4pm WHERE: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Create works of art during this day off from school. WANT TO GO? 212-535-7710. metmuseum.org.

2s Together Tour FREE

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 25, 9:30-10:30am WHERE: JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave., Upper West Side AGES: 3-5, Adult WHAT: Take a tour of the JCC’s pre-nursery programs, visit classrooms, and learn about their educational approach. WANT TO GO? 646-505-5708. jccmanhattan.org. ››

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Little Guggs

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 13, 10:30am-12pm WHERE: Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Explore works of art and then create art in the studio. WANT TO GO? $30. 212-423-3500. guggenheim.org.

Illustration Workshop with Thaddeus Coates

CRAFTY KIDS MOCACREATE: Lunar New Year Museum Makeover

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 2, 1-4pm WHERE: Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St., Chinatown AGES: All WHAT: Welcome the Lunar New Year by making decorations for the museum. WANT TO GO? $10. 855-955-6622. mocanyc.org.

Living Landscapes: Map Your Own Fantasy World

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 9, 11am-1pm WHERE: The Morgan Library and Museum, 225 Madison Ave., Murray Hill AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Map out your own fantasy realm using ink and paper. WANT TO GO? $20. 212-685-0008 x560. themorgan.org.

Family Tour at The Met Breuer

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 10, 2-3pm WHERE: The Met Breuer, 945 Madison Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Share ideas and enjoy stories, sketching, and other gallery activities. WANT TO GO? $25; $17 seniors 65 and older; $12 students; free for children 12 and younger. 212-731-1675. metmuseum.org.

Bonsai

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 10, 2:30-4pm WHERE: Japan Society, 333 E. 47th St., Midtown East AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Experience Japanese art and culture through creating a bonsai tree. WANT TO GO? $15; free for children 2 and younger. 212-715-1258. japansociety.org.

Picture This! Gallery Tour, Art Workshop and Concert

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 16, 2-3pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: 5-17 WHAT: A character design workshop with a focus on black cartoon characters. WANT TO GO? $14; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

Saturday Sketching

WHEN: Through Feb. 23: Saturdays, 10am-4pm WHERE: Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural shapes and spaces. WANT TO GO? $25; $18 students; free for children younger than 12. 212-423-3500. guggenheim.org.

Tours for Fours: Color Connections FREE

WHEN: Feb. 2-24, Saturdays, 10:20-11:15am WHERE: The Museum of Modern Art, 4 W. 54th St., Midtown West AGES: 4 WHAT: Look and share ideas as while scanning the colors in art. WANT TO GO? 212-708-9805. moma.org.

A Closer Look for Kids: Materials and Process FREE

WHEN: Feb. 2-24, Saturdays, 10:20-11:30am WHERE: The Museum of Modern Art, 4 W. 54th St., Midtown West AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Engage in discussions and activities about the creative choices of contemporary art. WANT TO GO? 212-708-9805. moma.org.

Tours for Tweens: What Makes Good Design? FREE

WHEN: Feb. 23-24, Saturdays, 10:30am WHERE: The Museum of Modern Art, 11 W. 53rd St., Midtown AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Share ideas and consider different perspectives about works of art. WANT TO GO? 212-708-9805. moma.org/family.

MoMA Art Lab: Nature FREE

WHEN: Feb. 1-28, Saturday-Thursday, 10:30am-4:30pm; Friday, 10:30am-6:30pm WHERE: MoMA: The Lewis B. and Dorothy Cullman Education and Research Building, 4 W. 54th St., Midtown West AGES: All WHAT: Explore natural materials and design objects inspired by nature. WANT TO GO? 212-708-9805. moma.org.

Open Studio for Families

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 10, 10am-12:30pm WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Create art and enjoy music from Michael and the Rockness Monsters. WANT TO GO? $25. 212-423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org.

WHEN: Feb. 2-28, Sundays, 1-4pm WHERE: Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Explore the themes and materials seen in the works on view. WANT TO GO? $25; $18 students; free for children younger than 12. 212-423-3500. guggenheim.org.

Valentines Making Workshop FREE

Second Sunday Family Tours

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 10, 11am-12pm WHERE: Battery Park, 6 River Terrace, Tribeca AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Create your own valentines using provided materials to decorate cards. WANT TO GO? 212-267-9700. bpcparks.org. 28

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 10, 10:30am-12pm WHERE: Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Explore the museum with an interactive tour and gallery activities. WANT TO GO? $25 per family. 212-423-3500. guggenheim.org.

MINI

MUSICIANS Sing-Along: ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 10, 11am WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Watch this classic family movie and sing-along to the songs. WANT TO GO? $15; $14 children and seniors. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

Mary Poppins Sing-Along

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 10, 3pm WHERE: Schimmel Center, 3 Spruce St., Lower Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy pre-show activities including games, prizes, and a meetand-greet with Mary Poppins, followed by a screening of the film. WANT TO GO? $20. 646-765-4773. schimmelcenter.org.

123 Andres

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 16, 11am WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Music from Latin America will get kids to jump, dance, and singalong, en Español y en Inglés. WANT TO GO? $14-$17. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

Sing!

WHEN: Feb. 6-27, 9:15am WHERE: 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., Upper East Side AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Join a sing-along of old-time favorites, folk songs, and childhood classics. WANT TO GO? $20; $10 each additional child. 212-415-5500. 92y.org.

LITTLE FOODIES Infants and Young Children Family Shabbat Dinner

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 1, 5:30-7pm WHERE: JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave, Upper West Side AGES: 3-5, adult WHAT: Enjoy appetizers and an interactive sing-along, followed by blessings and a delicious dinner. WANT TO GO? $18; free for children younger than 2. 646-505-5708. jccmanhattan.org.

Presidents Day: Cocoa with the Founders

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 18, 1-4pm WHERE: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Learn about chocolate’s journey to the American colonies, its role in the American Revolution, and its importance to the new nation. WANT TO GO? $21; $6 kids ages 5-13; free for children 4 and younger. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.

Choco-Story NYC

WHEN: Through Oct. 16: Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Jacques Torres Chocolate, 350 Hudson St., Hudson Square AGES: All WHAT: Children can dig for “undiscovered artifacts” in a sandpit, play chocolate shop proprietor, and take a photo with the Choclala mascot. WANT TO GO? $10-$15. 917-261-4252. mrchocolate.com.

FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS Jewelry Bazaar FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 3, 10am-5:30pm WHERE: Grand Bazaar NYC, 100 W. 77th St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Discover artistic jewelry makers, one-of-a-kind pieces, and vintage and antique jewelry dealers. WANT TO GO? 212-239-3025. grandbazaarnyc.org.

Family Day: Moon Over Manhattan! Celebrate Lunar New Year

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 9, 1-5pm WHERE: Asia Society, 725 Park Ave., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Activities will include a Lion Dance, kung fu demonstration, and musical performances. WANT TO GO? $12; $5 students, seniors, and children. 212-288-6400. asiasociety.org/new-york.

Lunar New Year Celebration FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 9, 2pm WHERE: Brookfield Place, 230 Vesey St., Financial District AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the Lunar New Year at Brookfield Place with events such as a dynamic Lion Parade, a face-changing artist, martial arts, traditional Chinese music and dancing, and NYCCC’s signature Ribbon Dance. WANT TO GO? brookfieldplaceny.com.

Vietnamese Cultural Festival

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 10, 10am-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Greenwich Village AGES: All WHAT: The celebration will include story time featuring books by Vietnamese authors and a Bamboo Jumping Game. WANT TO GO? $13; free for children ages 1 and younger and members. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

Lunar New Year Celebration FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 16, 4-8pm WHERE: Abrons Arts Center, 466 Grand St., Lower East Side AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the Lunar New Year with live performances, art activities, and karaoke. WANT TO GO? 212-598-0400. abronsartscenter.org.

The Annual WonderKids Snow Ball

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 24, 12-3pm WHERE: The DL, 95 Delancey St., Lower East Side AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy an afternoon of dancing, crafting, hula hooping, and face painting. WANT TO GO? $15 and up; free for children ages 2 and younger. 212228-0909. eventbrite.com.

Black Culture Festival

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 24, 10am-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Greenwich Village AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the black experience with workshops and performances inspired by the African Diaspora. WANT TO GO? $13; free for children ages 1 and younger and members. 212-274-0986. cmany.org. ››

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‘Cinderella’

WHEN: Feb. 9-10, Saturday-Sunday, 11am, 1pm, and 3:30pm WHERE: Florence Gould Hall, 55 E. 59th St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: A dancing clock, two wacky stepsisters, and a rags to riches princess are all part of this story. WANT TO GO? $27; $15 children. 646-765-4773. nytb.org.

Galli’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’

WHEN: Feb. 2-10, Saturday-Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Galli Theater, 74 Warren St., Tribeca AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Will the prince come and bestow the kiss that can break the curse and wake the sleeping princess and the kingdom? WANT TO GO? $20; $15 for children. 212-731-0668. gallitheaternyc.com.

SHOW TIME! Just Kidding: The Gustafer Yellowgold Show

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 2, 11am WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Grammy-nominated Morgan Taylor’s multimedia performance about a little guy from the Sun has loads of adult crossover appeal. WANT TO GO? $17. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

‘The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales’

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 3, 11am WHERE: BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers St., Tribeca AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Jack has to use his wits to save himself from the Giant, but fairytale characters keep messing up his plans. WANT TO GO? $30. 212-220-1460. tribecapac.org.

‘The True Story of Little Red’/’La Verdadera Historia de Caperucita’ WHEN: Through Feb. 9: Sundays, 11am WHERE: Teatro Sea, 107 Suffolk St., First Floor, Lower East Side AGES: All WHAT: This bilingual musical tells the classic fable, but with a comical twist. WANT TO GO? $20; $10 children. 212-529-1545. teatrosea.org.

Just Kidding: Liz Joyce and a Couple of Puppets: ‘The Doubtful Sprout’ WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 9, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Liz Joyce brings this ecological wonderland to life. WANT TO GO? $17. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

Chalk: A Silent Comedy

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 9, 2:30pm WHERE: The Kraine Theater, 85 E. 4th St., Lower East Side AGES: All WHAT: CHALK invites audiences into a hand-drawn world where imagination is made real. WANT TO GO? $15; $12 parents; $5 children. 212-777-6088. tinyurl.com/chalkplay.

Tween Primes: ‘The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl’ by Stacy McAnulty WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 10, 5:30pm WHERE: National Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26th St., Nomad AGES: 9-12 WHAT: A 12-year-old math whiz is technically ready for college but must face middle school for the first time. WANT TO GO? $15. 212-542-0566. momath.org.

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

‘Red Riding Hood: The Musical’

WHEN: Feb. 9-10, Saturday-Sunday, 1pm WHERE: 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Follow the journey of Little Red as she ventures into the country to deliver her grandmother a cake. WANT TO GO? $18. 212-415-5500. 92y.org.

‘Betty and The Belrays’

WHEN: Feb. 1-17, Thursday-Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 3pm WHERE: Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave., East Village AGES: 9 and older WHAT: The story of three white female singers who struggle to change a racially divided society by singing for a black record label. WANT TO GO? $15; $12 seniors and students; $10 groups. 212-868-4444. theaterforthenewcity.net.

Native Sounds Downtown: Garifuna Concert with James Lovell FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 21, 6-7pm WHERE: Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, 1 Bowling Green, Lower Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: James Lovell celebrates his Afro-Indigenous heritage in concert, joined by dynamic percussionists and dancers. WANT TO GO? 212-514-3700.

Just Kidding: Doppelskope: The Amazing Story Machine

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 23, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: 13 and older WHAT: A presentation of fairy tales featuring multiple styles of puppetry, including tabletop puppetry, object theater, and shadow puppetry. WANT TO GO? $15; $14 children and seniors. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

Erin Lee and the Up Past Bedtime Band at Saturday Morning Show FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 23, 10am WHERE: Brookfield Place, 230 Vesey St., Battery Park City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: This concert features quirky tunes about sleds, sneezes, and handme-down snowsuits. WANT TO GO? 212-978-1673. bfplny.com.

‘The Wizard of Oz’

WHEN: Feb. 9-23, Saturdays, 3pm WHERE: Harlem Repertory Theatre, 240 E. 123rd St., Harlem AGES: 3 and older WHAT: This production has a multi-racial cast and a jazzy underscore. WANT TO GO? $10-$20. 212-868-4444. wizardofozjazzmusical.com.

Soundtrack ‘63

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 23, 2pm WHERE: Clark Studio Theater, 165 W. 65th St., 7th Floor, Upper West Side AGES: 9 and older WHAT: A live, multimedia musical performance that traces the African-American experience for hundreds of years. WANT TO GO? $25. 212-546-2656. kids.lincolncenter.org.

Galli’s ‘The Princess and the Pea’

WHEN: Feb. 16-24, Saturday-Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Galli Theater, 74 Warren St., Tribeca AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Prince is looking for a princess when the right woman shows up at his door. Only the Royal Pea Test will reveal if she is a true princess. WANT TO GO? $20; $15 for children. 212-731-0668. gallitheaternyc.com.

A Simple Space

WHEN: Feb. 9-24, check website for schedule WHERE: New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St., Midtown West AGES: 5-17 WHAT: This talented, tight-knit troupe and their drummer supplement their minimalist performance with high-energy athleticism. WANT TO GO? $22 and up. 646-223-3065. newvictory.org.

‘Odd Day Rain’

WHEN: Through Feb. 24: Friday, 7pm; Saturday-Sunday, 2pm and 4pm WHERE: TADA! Youth Theater, 15 W. 28th St., Chelsea AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Find out what happens to Aurora and her friends after a big disaster in the year 2211 in this futuristic rock musical. WANT TO GO? $30; $15 children. 212-252-1619. tadatheater.com.

Kids’ Night on Broadway 2019 FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 26, see website for schedule WHERE: Broadway Theatres, Broadway, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Kids can see a participating Broadway show for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult. WANT TO GO? 866-870-2717. kidsnightonbroadway.com.

‘Not My Monster!’

WHEN: Feb. 2-March 2, Saturdays, 11am and 2pm WHERE: The Flea Theater, 20 Thomas St., Tribeca AGES: 5 and older WHAT: When the Russian economy crashes, a family is forced to move to a cabin in the middle of a swamp, but at least they have their family monster to keep them safe. WANT TO GO? $17. 212-226-0051. theflea.org.

New York International Children’s Film Festival

WHEN: Feb. 22-March 17, see website for schedule WHERE: Participating venues throughout New York City AGES: All WHAT: Presenting the best new film from across the globe, this year’s schedule includes Penguin Highway, Girls’ POV, My Extraordinary Summer with Tess, and Gordon & Patty. WANT TO GO? $14. nyicff.org.

‘Addy & Uno’

WHEN: Through March 31: Sundays, 12pm WHERE: Theatre Row, 410 W. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: 3-8 WHAT: The 50-minute musical comedy tells the story of a young boy with autism as his friends help him compete in his school’s math competition. WANT TO GO? $40. 212-239-6200. addyanduno.com.

DANCE PARTY Quadrivium, MoMath’s Math and Music Salon

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 9, 8-11pm WHERE: National Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26th St., Nomad AGES: All WHAT: Explore the connections between dance and math in this performance. WANT TO GO? $20. 212-542-0566. momath.org.

Family Saturdays - A Timeless Tale: ‘The Sleeping Beauty’

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 23, 11am WHERE: David H. Koch Theater, 20 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Princess Aurora’s story unfolds with New York City Ballet. WANT TO GO? $22-$32. 212-870-5636. nycballet.com.

Welcome To The World of Dance

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 24, 3pm WHERE: The 92nd Street Y: Buttenwieser Hall, 1395 Lexington Ave., Carnegie Hill AGES: 3 and older WHAT: A narrated primer of how to view and speak about dance. WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 212-543-1367. 92y.org.

Battery Dance

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 28, 7:30pm WHERE: Schimmel Center, 3 Spruce St., Lower Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Performance features choreography and music with global inspiraiton. WANT TO GO? $19 and up. 646-765-4773. schimmelcenter.org.

New York City Ballet Children’s Workshops

WHEN: Feb. 16-March 3, Saturday-Sunday, check website for details WHERE: Samuel B & David Rose Building, 165 W. 65th St., 7th Floor, Upper West Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: NYCB Teaching Artists guide children in movement. WANT TO GO? $14. 212-496-0600. nycballet.com.

FunikiJam’s City of Hope Music and Movement

WHEN: Through March 4: 9:30-10:15am WHERE: Symphony House, 235 W. 56th St., Midtown West AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Dance, sing, and play along with high-energy classes. WANT TO GO? $40. 646-410-5743. gobambino.com.

ANIMAL LOVERS The 6th Annual Masters Agility Championship

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 9, 8am-9pm WHERE: Piers 92/94, 711 12th Ave., Hell’s Kitchen AGES: All WHAT: Watch canine athletes and their handlers as they face an obstacle course of jumps, tunnels, and weave poles. WANT TO GO? $32; $10 for children younger than 12. 212-353-9585. westminsterkennelclub.org.

The 143rd Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

WHEN: Feb. 11-12, Monday-Tuesday, check schedule for details WHERE: Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate dogs of all shapes, sizes, and colors. WANT TO GO? $32 and up. 212-353-9585. westminsterkennelclub.org.

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WHAT: Learn myths that explain the patterns of stars in the sky. Then create your own constellation and myth in a storytelling activity. WANT TO GO? $33; $24 children ages 5-12. 212-245-0072. intrepidmuseum.org.

Mindfulness For Families with Beatrice Anderson

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 10, 11:30am-1pm WHERE: Rubin Museum of Art, 150 W. 17th St., Flatiron AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Learn how to cultivate a mindful family, especially as children mature into teens. WANT TO GO? $28; $2 for children. 212-620-5000. rubinmuseum.org.

SMARTY PANTS Living History: Founding Black Harlem

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 3, 12-4pm WHERE: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Learn about Madam C.J. Walker’s life as a successful businesswoman and explore the life of Vertner W. Tandy who became New York’s first black registered architect. WANT TO GO? $21; $6 kids ages 5-13; free for children 4 and younger. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.

Angie Thomas: ‘On the Come-Up’

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 6, 6:30pm WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: 13 and older WHAT: The author of the award-winning bestseller The Hate U Give discusses the debut of her anticipated second novel. WANT TO GO? $40; $30 for ages 30 and younger. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

SET Game Night at MoMath

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 7, 6-8pm WHERE: National Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26th St., Nomad AGES: All WHAT: Join for SET, a seemingly simple card game with many mathematical dimensions. WANT TO GO? $25. 212-542-0566. momath.org.

Family Films: Not- So-Ordinary Objects FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 9, 12pm WHERE: The Museum of Modern Art, 11 W. 53rd St., Midtown AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy family-friendly short films, discussions, and suggestions for follow-up activities. WANT TO GO? 212-708-9805. moma.org/family.

History Hunters

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 10, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St., Lower East Side AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Explore how immigrant kids found a sense of community at the Eldridge Street Synagogue in the early 1900s. WANT TO GO? $5. 212-219-0302. eldridgestreet.org.

Intrepid Adventures: Star Stories

WHEN: Feb. 9-10, Saturday-Sunday, 12pm WHERE: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, West 46th Street at 12th Avenue, Manhattan AGES: 5-12 32

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

American Museum of Natural History Presents: Milstein Science Series: The Layers of the Ocean

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 17, 11am-4pm WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, Upper West Side AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Discover the different environmental conditions marine species and ecosystems need to survive. WANT TO GO? $23; $18 seniors and students; $13 children ages 2-12. 212-769-5100. amnh.org.

Kids Week Manhattan: Geology Rocks! FREE

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 18, 1-2:30pm WHERE: Central Park, Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, inside the park at 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox avenues, Central Park AGES: All WHAT: Look into how geology influenced the design of Central Park. WANT TO GO? 212-860-1370. centralparknyc.org.

Kids Week at the Intrepid Museum

WHEN: Feb. 17-23, Sunday-Saturday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, West 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue, Hell’s Kitchen AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Visitors will enjoy maker space activities, animal shows, science demonstrations, and more. WANT TO GO? $33; $24 children. 877-957-7447. intrepidmuseum.org.

Open Art Space: A Free Drop-In Program for LGBTQ Teens and Their Allies FREE

WHEN: Through April 23: Tuesday, 4:30-6:30pm WHERE: Cullman Education Center MoMA, 4 W. 54 St., Midtown AGES: 13-17 WHAT: This drop-in program is for LGBTQ high school students who are interested in art. WANT TO GO? 212-333-1252. moma.org.

Germ City: Microbes and the Metropolis

WHEN: Through April 28: daily, 10am-6pm WHERE: Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave., East Harlem AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Kids can explore the story of germs in New York, complete with interactive art and historical artifacts. WANT TO GO? $18; $12 seniors and students; free for those 19 and younger. 347-441-9181. mcny.org.

Monthly Youth Stamp Club FREE

WHEN: Through May 18: select Saturdays, 10-11:30am WHERE: Collectors Club of New York, 22 E. 35th St., Murray Hill AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Stamp collecting is a hobby that provides learning opportunities about myriad topics. WANT TO GO? 212-683-0559. collectorsclub.org.

MOVERS & SHAKERS HOLIDAY FUN Start with Art and Music at The Met FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 7, 3:30-4:30pm WHERE: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Explore art and music while you look, move, and sing. WANT TO GO? 212-535-7710. metmuseum.org.

Watson Adventures: Whodunit at the Met Family Scavenger Hunt

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 9, 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Follow the trail of clues and answer tricky questions to solve the crime. WANT TO GO? $31-$42. 877-946-4868. watsonadventures.com.

Sunday Tummy Time

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 10, 1:30-2:15pm WHERE: JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave., Upper West Side AGES: 3-5, adult WHAT: These classes will help baby reach new developmental milestones. WANT TO GO? $18. 646-505-5708. jccmanhattan.org.

Bean Throwing (Setsubun)

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 10, 1-2pm WHERE: Japan Society, 333 E. 47th St., Midtown East AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Welcome spring by scaring away “ogres” by throwing soybeans at them. WANT TO GO? $15; free for children 2 and younger. 212-715-1258. japansociety.org.

Watson Adventures: Grand Central Scramble Family Scavenger Hunt WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 23, 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE: Grand Central Terminal, 89 E. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Kids and adults work together to uncover the secrets of Grand Central Terminal in a scavenger hunt. WANT TO GO? $17.50-$21.50. 877-946-4868. watsonadventures.com.

Parent & Baby Yoga FREE

Family Day: I Love NYC

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 9, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm WHERE: Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place, Greenwich Village AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Build your own model of a 3-D valentine installation. WANT TO GO? $6; $12 children. 212-358-6133. centerforarchitecture.org/familyday.

Lunar New Year Festival: Year of the Pig FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 9, 11am-5pm WHERE: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Mark the Year of the Pig with performances, interactive gallery activities, and artist-led workshops. WANT TO GO? 212-570-3951. metmuseum.org.

Chinese New Year Family Festival FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 10, 11am-3pm WHERE: China Institute, 40 Rector St., 2nd Floor, Lower Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: The festival opens with a lion dance followed by dumpling making, lantern making, face painting, treats, games, and a special performance. WANT TO GO? 212-744-8181. chinainstitute.org.

Valentine’s Day: Stuffed Animal Repair Workshop

WHEN: Feb. 9-14, Saturday-Sunday and Thursday, 10am-4:45pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Learn to stitch, stuff, and repair stuffed animals. WANT TO GO? $14; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

Valentine’s Day: 3D Valentine’s Day Cards

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 14, 11am-1pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Use children’s pop-up book making techniques to make a card. WANT TO GO? $14; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

WHEN: Through March 18: Mondays, 1-2:15pm and 2:30-3:45pm WHERE: Battery Park City Parks, 6 River Terrace, Battery Park AGES: Newborn to 2, adult WHAT: Enjoy yoga in a safe, supportive environment while learning postures and exercises specifically suited for new parents and babies. WANT TO GO? 212-267-9700. bpcparks.org.

The Amazing Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt

School of Magic

Losar Family Day: Celebrate the Year of the Pig FREE

WHEN: Through March 19: Saturday-Sunday, 10am-4pm WHERE: Mission Solvers, 10 W. 25th St. (Inside Apple Seeds), New York AGES: 8-14 WHAT: Enjoy exciting escape room games for kids. WANT TO GO? $36. 646-902-1258. missionsolvers.com.

Open Play

WHEN: Feb. 6-March 31, daily, 10am-5pm WHERE: City Treehouse, 129A W. 20th St., Chelsea AGES: 3-8 WHAT: This two-story tree house includes a secret star cave, special crawl spaces, and a see-through floor! WANT TO GO? $30; $20 children younger than 1. 212-255-2050. citytreehouse.com.

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 16, 2-5pm WHERE: Slattery’s Midtown Pub, 8 E. 36th St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: This hunt is all about celebrating Valentine’s Day in New York. WANT TO GO? $25. 718-344-8962. pogoevents.com. WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 17, 12-4pm WHERE: Rubin Museum of Art, 150 W. 17th St., Flatiron AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the Himalayan New Year with art, Himalayan music, thematic activities, and art projects. WANT TO GO? 212-620-5000. rubinmuseum.org/familysundays.

Presidential Thinking Hats: Photo Booth

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 18, 10:30am-4:45pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Get your picture taken in Washington’s Tricorn hat, Lincoln’s top hat, Regan’s Stetson Rancher, or the Uncle Sam top hat. WANT TO GO? $14; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

BigAppleParent 33

raising kids national children’s dental health month

Orthodontia Explained

››

What you need to know about the various orthodontic treatments available

hen it comes to oral health, we know to take our kids to the dentist for regular teeth cleanings and check-ups, but there’s another aspect of dental health you might be overlooking: orthodontics. In honor of February as National Children’s Dental Health Month, local orthodontists weigh in on important topics such as when to see an orthodontist, which apparatuses are used for treatment, and why orthodontia is an important aspect of kids’ oral health.

What is Orthodontics?

Though it may seem like orthodontics is solely about the cosmetic appeal of a smile, the practice has greater benefits than just aesthetics. “Orthodontics is a specialty that involves aligning the teeth and improving the bite,” says Alexis Fermanis, D.D.S., of Brooklyn Family Orthodontist. In short, orthodontia corrects a number of issues, from under bites, overbites, and cross bites, to misaligned jaws, teeth that grew in improperly, and overcrowded teeth. However, that doesn’t mean orthodontic work will cramp your child’s style. “What orthodontics basically does is not just aligns the teeth within the jaws, but also aligns them such that it maintains the balance with the soft tissue of the face,” says Ameeta Sachdev, D.M.D., of Sachdev Family Orthodontics in Garnerville. In other words, treatment can be customized for your child’s looks.

When to See an Orthodontist

There are a number of reasons that would indicate it’s a good time for your child to see an orthodontist. Maybe you noticed something 34

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

By Anja Webb

a bit off about her smile or your dentist made a referral. Regardless, at a certain age, it’s a good idea to bring kids in for a quick check-up. “Every seven-year-old should be brought to see an orthodontist,” says Chaninah Zweihorn, D.D.S., owner of Zweihorn Orthodontics in Brooklyn and Queens. “It’s very rare for the orthodontist to have to do any treatment or intervention at that point. It’s just a check in to see that everything is proceeding as expected.” There are a few things you can check for at home that would indicate a visit is necessary. “The one that most people notice is crooked teeth or spaced teeth,” Dr. Zweihorn says. “In terms of bite and health of the jaws, [check] if a tooth is biting in the wrong place. If a bottom tooth is in front of a top tooth [under bite], that is a very significant issue.” Besides an under bite, Dr. Fermanis recommends checking for asymmetry in your child’s jaw or bite, having to shift the jaw in order to close his mouth, or severely crowded teeth. If your child has an overbite (her front teeth stick out significantly), the severity of it and her age are factors to consider before seeing the orthodontist. For a young child, a large overbite that he gets teased about is worth treating to avoid bullying. If there aren’t any emotional downsides, it might be best to wait until he’s older because it can be difficult to entirely fix an overbite at a young age, according to Dr. Fermanis. For an older child, consider the severity of the condition. A significant overbite can lead to “increased risk of trauma to the teeth during a fall,” Dr. Zweihorn says. As a general rule, if your child can fit her lower lip between her top and bottom teeth, she should see an orthodontist.

Methods of Treatment

Orthodontia relies on using various appliances to correct issues, and as technology advances, so do the materials used in treatment. The braces available today have made advances since the braces of your childhood, but braces aren’t the only option. Palate Expanders. Braces are not recommended for children younger than 7, but there are pre-braces appliances that can be used to help set your child up for a lifetime of good oral health. “One of the more famous ones is an expander,” Dr. Zweihorn says, “which helps the upper jaw to grow properly, helps to have enough room for teeth to grow in if that’s needed, and helps the jaws to relate to each other with a proper bite if necessary.” Traditional Braces. This is the most common and well-known method of correcting orthodontic issues. Braces involve gluing brackets to the teeth and using connecting wires to reposition the teeth and/or jaws. One of the biggest benefits of braces is the orthodontist has more control of your child’s treatment, according to Dr. Fermanis. Additionally, the impact braces will have on his teeth is very predictable, and they are easy to adjust in office. Unfortunately, braces have some downsides worth thinking about. “The disadvantage is you have to watch what you eat,” Dr. Sachdev says. “You have to take care of your braces because if you keep breaking them, your treatment can be prolonged.” Lingual Braces. For the cosmetically conscious patient, there are lingual braces, which attach to the back of the teeth instead of the front. Lingual braces “are the most aesthetic option because they’re the least noticeable,” Dr. Fermanis says. “You’re not taking something in and out of your mouth all the time, but those are the most difficult to get used to because they’re next to your tongue.”

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Clear Aligners. Made popular by the brand Invisalign, clear aligners are pieces of plastic specifically molded to the individual’s mouth that can be taken out when necessary. However, this convenience can also reduce effectiveness. “Because they’re removable, they’re much more dependent upon the cooperation of the patient and wearing them as they’re supposed to,” Dr. Zweihorn says. Clear aligners also make it more difficult to have a flexible treatment plan, as is available with traditional braces. “Because the appliances are made by a laboratory, changes need to be made working with the laboratory and are harder to make in the office as needed,” Dr. Zweihorn says. Head Gear. Though less popular in recent times, another means of orthodontic treatment is headgear, or night braces, which attaches via straps around the head and/or neck. “Headgear is typically used to correct a skeletal problem in younger children such as a severe overbite or an underbite,” Dr. Fermanis says. Though it may seem like an appliance doomed to cramp your kid’s style, headgear is “prescribed for home-only wear to address growth problems in the upper jaw,” Dr. Zweihorn says. Retainers. After orthodontic treatment is completed, it’s common to have a retainer prescribed. There are a number of different types, both removable and semi-permanent, but the function is more or less the same. “A retainer won’t necessarily move the teeth,” Dr. Fermanis says. “Instead, a retainer is supposed to hold the teeth in their current position.” The goal is “to maintain the results achieved with braces or aligners,” Dr. Zweihorn says. “Believe it or not there are a lot of people don’t like to smile… because they’re very conscious about their teeth,” Dr. Sachdev says. Maintaining a good bite and healthy teeth are valuable, but orthodontic care can do more than that; it can boost your child’s confidence.

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BigAppleParent 35

raising kids baby

Baby Cry Decoder

››

With a little practice, it is possible to distinguish between your infant’s different cries— and respond to her more effectively. By Barbara Russo

t’s 2am, and you just woke up to your baby crying uncontrollably. Exhausted, you get up to tend to her. What could it be this time? Is she hungry? Does she need to be changed? At that hour, you’re hoping it’s an easy fix, so both of you can get back to bed. Crying is a normal part of a baby’s development. It’s his way of communicating something is wrong. Hunger, tiredness, frustration, colic, and pain are among the reasons he brings on the tears. But wouldn’t it be nice to hear a particular cry and know immediately which of these causes is making your baby so upset? Some parents and experts say it’s possible. “I have a two-year-old and a six-month-old, and yes I can absolutely tell what is wrong when they cry,” says Brittany Bailey, of Atlanta. “The louder, more desperate cry is the hungry or discomfort cry such as gas or a full diaper, but usually it’s hunger. The pitiful whimper that grows to a nagging, impatient, dosomething-right-now cry is when they are sleepy.” Although the sounds of the cries were the same for both of Bailey’s children, the level of desperation she heard was different. “My daughter is mellow, so her hunger cry was nowhere near as loud as my son’s,” she says. “And her tired cry was more desperate than his, but they had similar tones and sounds, just different passions.” Of course, every baby is different. While Bailey’s children cried loudly when they wanted food, Melissa Petruzzi of Staten

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Island, has an infant son, Nick, who takes the quieter approach to getting fed. “When we brought our son home, he was a quiet baby,” Petruzzi says. “He only fussed when he was hungry, and it was more like a whimper than a cry. Sometimes he’ll put his fist to his mouth, too, giving off another cue that he’s hungry.” By the time her son turned 3 months, Petruzzi was able to start recognizing what his other cries meant. “The ‘pick me up’ cry would start as a normal cry, then go to full-on sob where his mouth was open, but no sound came out. His frustrated cry was a high-pitched scream,” she says.

Learning to Decipher the Cries

Some babies cry more than others, but research shows maximum crying occurs during the first three months of life. From birth to 6 weeks, babies cry approximately about 110-118 minutes total daily. And certain cries in that almost 2 hours of daily crying can be characteristic of a baby’s need, according to Terry Cralle, R.N., sleep educator, and author of Snoozby and the Great Big Bedtime Battle. And while your baby’s cries for exactly what’s going on will be unique to her, the following characteristics can help you learn those cries a little quicker: He’s hungry: This is the most common reason babies cry, and crying is said to be a late sign of hunger, according to Cralle. “A

hungry cry is described as usually short and low-pitched, and it rises and falls,” she says. “Hungry cries are sometimes described as repetitive and rhythmic.” She’s tired: This cry is sometimes accompanied by physical signals, such as yawning, pulling on ears, restlessness, hand clenching, blinking, closed eyes, or eye rubbing, according to Cralle. He’s in pain. Cries from babies with colic last longer. Colic usually resolves when a baby turns 3 or 4 months old. Cries of a baby in pain have been described as harsh, sudden, shrill, loud, and long, followed by a quiet pause when your baby catches his breath. A high-pitched or very low-pitched cry that persists can be indicative of illness.

Don’t Give Up

Determining the reasons for your child’s cries doesn’t come easily, especially if you’re a first-time parent. It takes time to get to know the different sounds and signals that go along with each crying episode, so don’t be hard on yourself if you haven’t been able to quickly dry your baby’s tears yet. “We learn in residency the different cries. Hunger, pain, obstinance, fear. Baby cries can be weak or strong and can have different pitches,” says Amy Luedemann-Lazar, D.D.S., a pediatric Waterlase dentist. “It would be hard for a first-time parent to understand or recognize the difference, but a well-seasoned provider and someone like myself who treats dozens of babies a day recognizes the cries right away.” For many parents, deciphering their child’s cries is a learning curve. And sometimes, a baby will cry for reasons that remain a mystery to mom and dad. “Each cry has a different nuance to it that you learn as you go,” says Ann-louise Brennan, a mother of two who lives in Bedford, U.K. “Sometimes it’s a cry you have never heard before, so you stand there begging this child to tell you what the problem is. Typically, it’s an ‘I have no idea why I am crying I just am’ type of cry. You change them, they still cry. You feed them, they still cry. You rock them, they still cry.”

Can You Spoil a Crying Child?

It’s a fact that babies will always cry. And not every parent will become a pro at recognizing the reason for each and every cry. Many experienced parents and medical experts disagree with the popular notion that constantly running to a crying baby spoils them. Parents should always respond to a crying baby, even if they aren’t sure why she’s crying, according to Cralle. “It’s a myth that promptly picking up a baby every time he or she cries will spoil a child,” she says. “Toddlers can be spoiled and are smart and know how to manipulate to get their way,” Bailey says. “Babies aren’t being manipulative when they cry. It is their sole means of communication. They’re trying to tell us something is wrong.” Bottom line? Don’t worry if you can’t immediately pinpoint the reason for your baby’s tears. Crying bouts are inevitable when you have an infant. But if you have any questions, doubts, or concerns, especially if the crying is sudden or lasts a long time or is accompanied with physical symptoms such as fever or diarrhea, contact your pediatrician.

The Jewish Week’s

10th Annual Grand Wine Tasting Event Monday April 1 | 5 - 9 p.m.

City Winery, 155 Varick Street, New York, NY Taste over 250 kosher wines, including the winners of The Jewish Week’s recent Top 18 Kosher Wine Competition Sample delicious kosher snacks and win incredible raffle prizes, including a FREE RT flight to Israel from El Al 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 $89

and then admission to the Grand Wine Tasting Private tasting capped at 125 guests.

Grand Wine Tasting 6:00pm – 9:00pm $60 The ticket price on the day of the event for the main Grand Wine Tasting will be $70

NEW JERSEY JEWISH NEWS

The Jewish Week

Barbara Russo is a freelance writer who holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the City University of New York. She enjoys playing guitar, following current events, and hanging out with her pet rabbits.

BigAppleParent 37

REC

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raising kids teen

Ways to Get (and Stay) Closer to Your Teen ›› The relationship with your child will inevitably change during her adolescence but drifting apart isn’t the only option. By Christina Vercelletto

ere’s what it felt like to me: There was a time when I couldn’t do a thing wrong in my child’s eyes, and I often found myself thinking, “I don’t deserve this sweet, forgiving kid.” Then, in a twinkling, I couldn’t do a thing right in my child’s eyes, and I often found myself thinking, “I don’t deserve this...kid.” And I’m far from alone. As Nanci Kenny, a mom of three in Suffolk County, puts it about her 15-year-old, “the teen years are truly a tough time for both of us. I feel so distant from my daughter, even though I know she needs me.” There is a reason the teen years are notorious for being tricky for parents to navigate, and you’ll be happy to hear it’s got nothing to do with terrible parenting. “The task of adolescence is to be more independent, to develop satisfying relationships outside of your family unit, and to develop one’s identity and personal moral code,” says Kashmira Rustomji, M.D., M.P.H., a psychiatrist at the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center in Manhattan. And that natural and beneficial struggle for independence causes the friction. “Teens alternate between a wish to be autonomous and their wish to be taken care of,” Dr. Rustomji explains. So, the way most teens act defiant, or indifferent, is them trying to fight the feeling of being dependent on you, which they, on some level, know will keep them from having a successful life. While it can be all too easy for teens and parents to drift apart, the good news is it doesn’t have to be that way. Here’s what to do to stay close to your aspiring adult. Pick your battles. Decide what is and isn’t worth fighting over and stick to those lines in the sand. You might start by identifying which behaviors your teen is exhibiting are annoying, as opposed to those 38

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

that are in opposition to your family’s important values or a safety concern. “To thwart fatigue and feelings of anger, pick your battles and combine warmth and responsiveness with firmness—especially on your core values,” Dr. Rustomji says. “Adolescents still need rules but set your limits and be clear about your ‘no’s.” Kenny has found that allowing her daughter some slack has helped their bond. “I stay close to her by giving her some freedom to make her own decisions and become her own person,” she shares. “When she does need me, I give her my full attention.” Resist judging. This may be a bit harder than you think. As you may have noticed, teens are super-sensitive to your conveying disapproval—even non-verbally. “You have to learn how to have a poker face when talking to a teen about their life,” urges Justine Carino, a licensed mental health counselor at the Family Institute of Westchester in White Plains. That goes double for anything having to do with her friend group. A teen’s biggest priority is fitting in, Carino explains. That ties back to the healthy adolescent urge to develop strong relationships beyond family. “If they start to tell you something about their friend that you have a negative reaction to, try your best to put your feelings aside,” Carino suggests. Instead, “ask your teen how they feel about their friend’s decision.” Let personality be your guide. Think of your teen first and foremost as a unique individual. Siblings may share DNA and have been raised in the same home, but an approach that elicits a positive reaction from one may not have the same effect on the other. What you should be looking at most are how your child communicates, tolerates stress, and shows emotion, Dr. Rustomji notes. Gender shouldn’t influence your approach too much, our experts

agree. Personality should be your touchstone. That said, “there is some limited evidence that girls tend to express more internalized emotions, such as anxiety and sadness, and that boys express more externalizing emotions, like anger,” Dr. Rustomji says. The most prominent difference between genders is girls mature faster than boys, says John E. Mayer, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist specializing in treating families with adolescents and the author of Family Fit: Find Your Balance. “Parents need to be mindful of that and adjust their expectations accordingly,” he adds.

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Observe. “If we observe our kids, we can intervene when they Over 100 need us and learn who they are,” Dr. Mayer says. The only way To register go to: Speakers to truly do that is to participate in his life. Aside from attending www.YoungChildExpo.com More than 80 games, performances, and the like, and staying in contact with his or call 212-787-9700, ext. 333 Conference teachers, make your home the hang-out place. “Try inviting their Sessions Early Bird & Group Discounts Available friends over for dinner, and on weekends,” Dr. Rustomji suggests. Full Day & Half Day “This is a way for you to keep your eyes and ears open to their inWorkshops Presented by ner world, without seeming nosey.” 40 Exhibitors & Over Leveraging car rides accomplishes the same thing. Offer to pick 1000 Attendees up and drop off friends when you’re driving your own kid to a party, the mall, or a school event. You might be surprised how much you learn about your teen by listening on a 15-minute ride. A car 1/9/18 ride with only the two of you is still an opportunity to build your 2019_YCE_NYMP_1.6th ad.v1.indd 1 bond. “Face-to-face conversations can be uncomfortable and intimidating for a teen,” Carino says. “Having the music on low and not looking at each other may create an environment in which a teen SHOWS • BIRTHDAY PARTIES • CAMPS feels more comfortable opening up.”

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Work on yourself. Who says your teen will grow out of idolizing you? True, eventually we all realize our parents are flawed. Nevertheless, your lease on being a role model never has to expire. “Be someone they want to admire,” Dr. Mayer insists. “Be healthy. Keep yourself fit. Be socially engaged. Be dynamic. Don’t let yourself go.” If you have a cheerful, positive attitude and continually try to improve yourself in whatever ways resonate with you, others will want to be around you. That includes your kid and her friends. “If you do all that, their friends will say, ‘You have a cool mom or dad’.” And once that happens, it may not be a stretch to say you’re golden. Never give up. Ever. The senior year of high school can be a difficult time to try to forge a better relationship because of the focus on college and the future. Plus, “seniors tend to zone in even more on their friendships because they know many changes will be happening socially once they graduate,” Carino notes. If your son is in his later teens, and you’ve had a rough ride of a relationship, you may think it’s too late to close the gap between you. Don’t. “It’s never too late,” Carino insists. “It’s usually after high school that young adults connect with their parents in ways they didn’t before. Especially if they’re away at college, relationships often improve because of the space and distance.” Try to remember you’re aiming for the long haul. “We have many more years of a close, meaningful relationship with our children in adulthood than the short span of adolescence,” Dr. Mayer says. Whether we like it or not, our relationships with our children will change. “Being prepared for this change will help you overcome the loss and grief of going from the always-needed parent to one who is supportive from a distance,” Dr. Rustomji says. Your child—even when she technically isn’t a child—will always benefit from your comfort and guidance. Parenting a teen is rarely easy. Getting and staying close to your older child won’t happen in a weekend. Consider it a work in progress. Christina Vercelletto is a former editor at NYMetroParents, Parenting, Scholastic Parent & Child, and Woman’s Day.

1:16 PM

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Sleeping Beauty: Feb 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th at 2pm Princess and the Pea: Feb 16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th at 2pm

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mitzvahmarket.com BigAppleParent 39

family life finance

Credit Check-Up

››

Experts share how you can improve your credit score in a year.

By Megan Vasquez

re you considering getting a new car or putting a down payment on your dream house? Unless you’ve been diligently saving, you’ll likely need to apply for a loan to make one of those purchases. The biggest obstacle that could be standing between you and getting approved for a loan? A low credit score, which can also affect the job hunt and prevent you from getting new credit cards. “When applying for these types of loans, lenders perform a credit check. This helps lenders decide if they want to do business with you,” says Jake Lunduski, a financial industry analyst at Credit Card Insider. “Generally, the better your credit, the better the interest rates you’ll be able to secure.” Credit scores range from 300-850 and tell lenders how reliable you are when it comes to repaying debt. It’s possible you’ll be approved for a loan if you have a lower score, but you may be required to put down a larger deposit or pay more interest. For example, someone with a score of 720 may have a 5 percent interest rate on a $500,000 30-year mortgage while someone with a score of 800 may have a 4.5 percent interest rate on the same mortgage. That .5 percent difference is like giving away $40,000-$50,000, says Roxana McKinney, founder of Women Wealth & Worth. “There are multiple scoring organizations that have different scoring systems. However, the type of score most commonly used by lenders is one of your FICO scores,” Lunduski says. Thankfully, consumer credit scores tend to follow common principles, which makes improving your score a less daunting task.

usage, since they make up the bulk of your score. In addition to one free credit report per year from each credit bureau at AnnualCreditReport.com, McKinney recommends checking your credit score every three months on a free credit score site such as Credit Karma, which won’t hurt your score. Hard inquiries—when a potential lender reviews your credit—may pull your score down by five to 10 points. You can dispute a hard inquiry, but it will generally fall off your report in 2 years.

Check Your Credit Score

Prevention is the best form of defense. Before you even suspect fraud, you can protect yourself by freezing your accounts, preventing others from stealing your information. Freezing your account locks your credit score, so no individual or company can access your credit information unless you unlock it. After reporting fraud, it takes time to

FICO scores are based on five different criteria: 35 percent payment history, 30 percent amounts owed, 15 percent length of credit history, 10 percent new credit, and 10 percent types of credit. It’s very important to stay on top of your payment history and credit 40

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Look for Inaccuracies

When requesting your annual report, make sure each major consumer credit bureau is checked, including Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, in addition to free credit score sites. There are six things you should check when you get your report, according to Lunduski: • Is your personal information accurate and up to date? • Do you recognize every account listed? Are all the dates and lenders names correct? • Do account balances listed match the balances on recent statements? • Make sure hard inquiries on your reports were made at your request. • Are any late payments listed that don’t belong? If you do have late payments, make sure they are classified correctly (30 days late, 60 days late, etc.). • Check for any bankruptcies, tax liens, and collection accounts and make sure the details are correct.

Protect Against Fraud

repair credit score damaged by identity theft, so why not be one step ahead? Whether or not you suspect fraud, Daniel D’Ordine, CFP, founder of DDO Advisory Services LLC, recommends “LifeLock.com because it aggressively monitors for negative activity, especially when there are too many things to lose track of and data breaches.”

Mitzvah Market magazine

Watch Those Credit Card Balances

The smaller your credit utilization (how much of your credit card limit you use month to month), the better your score. So, to have an immediate impact, you want to pay your debt down, D’Ordine says. Another way to lower your utilization is to increase your credit lines. “This way, you can spend the same amount or more without a negative ding, because your utilization amount is higher,” McKinney says. Remember: Just because you have a higher credit line, doesn’t mean you need to use it.

Pay Off Debt

If you find yourself in debt across multiple credit accounts, Lunduski recommends the Avalanche Method, explained by his colleague Brendan Harkness. First, make the minimum payments on all of your accounts. Then, put as much extra money as possible toward the account with the highest interest rate. Once that debt is paid, do the same on the account with the next highest interest rate. Use this method until all of your debt is paid off. “After any debts are paid off, ensure that you’re using your credit cards with discipline,” Lunduski adds. “Always make sure you’re paying off your statement balances on time and in full to take advantage of the grace period most cards have to avoid expensive interest.”

Pause Before Closing Card Accounts

Many people believe closing a credit card is better for credit scores, but, in fact, it can have the opposite effect. “Young people who opened their first card in college will move to others for points or miles, and will close their first card,” McKinney says. “This will bring down your total available credit and average account age.” So, keep your starter credit card from college in addition to newer cards because it will boost two categories of your FICO criteria. As long as a card is paid off and has no fees, it can continue to help your credit score.

Consider Opening New Card Accounts

“Another misconception is opening a credit card hurts your credit scores. Although your credit scores may temporarily dip after applying for a new card, you won’t face any long-term negative effects unless you max your new card out and accumulate debt or don’t pay on time,” Lunduski says. Opening a new card raises your total overall credit limit and can help lower your credit utilization ratio. You’ll take a hit in average account age in the short term, but more cards can help you in the long term. But, D’Ordine warns against opening a handful of credit cards willy-nilly. Instead, research what credit card is best for you, whether you want to earn airline miles, cash back, or points for other benefits, and try to choose one with a lower interest rate.

Plan Ahead, But Be Flexible

“Because too many cards can become unmanageable, get them all paid in one day,” McKinney advises. You can ensure your bills are being paid on time by changing the payment dates, turning on online-billing Auto-Pay, which automatically takes money out of your bank account, or paying as soon as you get a statement in the mail. Above all, “let your life events drive your financial decisions,” D’Ordine recommends. As much as you may want to plan and budget, life happens. If it all seems too daunting to do on your own, don’t be afraid to seek out a certified financial planner.

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family life real estate

Checking Out Neighborhoods

››

Before you set out to find your dream home, you need figure out where you want to live. Experts share what you should consider before handing over a down payment. By Melissa Wickes

t the beginning of the home-buying process, there are surely 100 different factors swirling around your head that will determine on which house you put an offer. One of the most important things to consider before starting the house hunt? Finding the right neighborhood for your family. After all, you can’t change things about the neighborhood, but you can renovate a less-than-perfect house. Solving that mystery will be completely individual for your family, as your check list of must-haves, things that would be nice, and those that are not a deal-breaker will be different from your friends. Once you narrow down which neighborhood or town is right for your family, you’ll be one step closer to finding the perfect place to raise your little ones. Read on for a little help from the experts for finding the right neighborhood for your family.

Visit at varying times.

You should always consider the time of day and time of year you visit a neighborhood, which can vary depending on the nature of the location. For example, if the house you’re interested in is near a school, visit during drop-off and pick-up times to see how busy it gets, suggests Melanie Kalmaer Lichaa, CBR, BFA, MA, M.Ed., licensed salesperson at Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International Realty. “If you’re near a highway or busy street with a double yellow line, you should go at various times throughout the day to determine which is the busiest,” she says. “Visiting during the weekend 42

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

is also beneficial to see if it’s a family neighborhood where people walk around and ride bikes or if it’s really quiet.”

Pay attention to the neighborhood vibe.

In addition to visiting the area at different times, spend time exploring the neighborhood and chatting with others who live there, recommends Alison Bernstein, founder and CEO of The Suburban Jungle, a real estate and lifestyle advisory firm focused on buyers leaving the city for the suburbs. “What if the whole town goes to Nantucket over the summer, but you pictured yourself having barbecues with your neighbors?” she poses. When you’re visiting the neighborhood, consider the characteristics that are important to your family. If you want to live in a place where your family can safely ride bikes in the streets or go for a walk with the stroller, do these things when visiting. Go for a walk after school when kids would normally be riding scooters to their friends’ houses or playing hockey in the street. Talk to the parents walking by and get the story from the people who know the neighborhood best. “It’s very important to look in between the data points because that’s where the real story of the town exists,” Bernstein says. “Feel out what people are doing on the weekends, how involved they are in the school systems, and so on.” “I bought my house seven years ago solely because of the block it was on! I absolutely hated the house itself,” says Ellie Makris, an East Williston resident and mother of two boys. “We knocked it

down and built new, and throughout the difficulties with construction I would not change a thing. My son gets to ride his bike down the street as I walk next to him with the stroller, and we know that our neighbors will slow down when they pass in their cars.” If you want a little extra help when finding the perfect neighborhood for your family, a buyer’s representative can point you in the right direction. Buyer’s representatives obtain specialized information, programs, and updates that can help you best determine what neighborhood to look in, according to the Association of Realtors. The Suburban Jungle also aims to convey the overall culture of a neighborhood by partnering with local agents who can explore the area for you.

Take a look at the statistics.

Everyone’s definition of what makes a town safe varies, and if you’re a numbers person who feels more secure making decisions based on proven statistics, there are various online resources that can help give you peace of mind. Multiple Listing Service, a network of real estate offices on Long Island as well as in Queens and Brooklyn, provides a variety of information about neighborhoods including community and school information, housing statistics, and news. Searching a neighborhood in the Community and School Info section of the website will turn up visual statistics measuring quality of life such as commute time, crime risks, air quality, physicians per capita, environment, schools, economy, people, and housing. Another resource that measures the livability of a neighborhood is Total Home Score. It aims to make the things that may be less obvious more transparent, so you can determine which parts of the home search are a priority to you, including Road Safety, Quiet, Traffic, and Entertainment scores.

Determine what “a FOR good school” means to you. LOOKING While you can learn which school is deemed “better” in terms of

test scores, what are the factors that define a good school to you? Do you have a child who requires special education services? Or, perhaps, your child is gifted and talented. Will your child need an Saving money on aPlan? NewDoes York Individualized Education sheCity need extra help in math? family day is easy! “I always recommend parents call up and speak to the head of their child’s grade level for the upcoming year to ask these sorts of questions,” says Lichaa, who is a mom of two and a former educator. “Different districts have different ways of analyzing a child and their grade readiness when they enter the district.” “Read between the lines and determine what a great school system means to you,” Bernstein suggests. “Do I want my child in a class of two thousand or a class of sixty, and what are the pros and cons of each? Do I want a district where everyone is...gunning for the [Ivy League], or do I want a more laid-back environment?” While you’re getting the answers to these important questions, it’s also a good idea to find out about transportation within that district. Some districts have rules that children who live less than a mile from the school will not receive transportation, according to Lichaa. And don’t be afraid to ask questions about the more personal things that are important to your family. If your child Cityguideny.com hasout coupons and has a swim team. If not, but is a swimmer, find if the school discounts sightseeing attractions, it checks for all NYC of your other boxes, see if there is a local Y, JCC, or restaurants, stores andwith more. Boys and Girls Club a team that your child can join. Great New York deals, savings, special Ultimately, what discounts—for makes a neighborhood offers and deep you and “the right neighborhood” for your family may be the one with your family—are yours with just a the highest scoring school district. It also could be the one with a little league team that practices within click of the mouse. walking distance of your home. As long as you know what your family needs to be happy, learning to love a new neighborhood will be as easy as learning to hate the parking restrictions in your old one.

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NATHALIA A. FONSECA, M.S., C.C.C.S.L.P., T.S.S.L.D.-B.E. BILINGUAL SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST 347-449-9465 bilingualslpny.com info@bilingualslpny.com Nathalia Fonseca is a bilingual (English and Spanish) PROMPT-trained speech pathologist providing speech-language, and feeding and swallowing evaluations and therapy. Her specialty is feeding and swallowing therapy. Bilingual family workshops and social groups will be available monthly. TUTORS & TEST PREP EYE LEVEL MANHATTAN money on EastSaving Village 437 E.a 12th St. New York City 212-260-8020 eastvillage@myeyelevel.com family day is easy! Tribeca 104 Reade St. 212-346-PREP (7737) info@rsprep.com Upper East Side 307 E. 84th St. 212-737-3344 Cityguideny.com has uesmanhattan@fastrackids.com coupons and discounts for eyelevelny.com NYC sightseeing attractions, Eyerestaurants, Level offers math and and English stores more.

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BigAppleParent 43

PartyCentral PARTY ENTERTAINMENT BOLD ARTS 419-349-2465 bold-arts.com chelsea@bold-arts.com

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

CLOWNS.COM Proudly serving Westchester, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx 516-577-0000 718-971-5862 clowns.com

We are a family-owned and -operated entertainment company, offering a wide range of party and entertainment services including clowns, inflatable bounce houses, characters, magicians, princesses, magic shows, face painting, and party concession rentals.

MYSTERY & MAYHEM 212-260-2295 mysteryandmayhem.com mitzvahzoe@aol.com

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

PARTY PLACES CHELSEA PIERS SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX West 23rd Street and Hudson River Park Field House Registration Desk: 212-336-6500 x6520 chelseapiers.com/birthday Chelsea Piers parties are action-packed, entertaining, and hassle-free, with more sports, activities, and fun than any other party venue in NYC!

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF THE ARTS 103 Charlton St. 212-274-0986 cmany.org/about/birthdays-rentals/birthdays

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

Calling all birthday superstars! You and your guests will be dazzled by a unique, interactive party experience!

GALLI THEATER NEW YORK at GSM, 74 Warren St. 212-731-0668 gallitheaternyc.com galliny@gmail.com

Party with the Galli Theater New York and experience the magic of live theater for your special event! Does your child love the theater and would love to be on stage? Allow your child to experience the most amazing theater party in town!

INTREPID SEA, AIR & SPACE MUSEUM Pier 86, West 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue 646-381-5010 intrepidmuseum.org groupsales@intrepidmuseum.org

Celebrate your child’s birthday with a one-of-a-kind party! The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum will captivate groups of all ages and interests. Choose from exciting themes, value packages, and customization options to create a birthday adventure they’ll remember forever!

JODI’S GYM 244 E. 84th St. 212-772-7633 25 Hubbels Drive, Mount Kisco 914-244-8811 jodisgym.com

Kids run, jump, climb, tumble, slide, bounce, and giggle to their hearts’ delight at Jodi’s Gym, where action-packed parties and unmatched experience have won children’s hearts for 34 years.

JUST KIDDING AT SYMPHONY SPACE 2537 Broadway 212-864-1414 x289 symphonyspace.org/justkidding

Just Kidding parties are artsy, imaginative, and fun, designed to make party planning easy and engaging! Through the show kids have the chance to interact with Just Kidding artists creating a once in a lifetime birthday party experience.

KATE TEMPESTA’S URBAN GOLF ACADEMY 917-270-7257 ktuga.com/birthday-parties mari@ktuga.com

212-799-1225 tlgupperwestsideny.com 207 E. 94th St. (between Second and Third avenues) Upper East Side 212-787-1124 tlguppereastsideny.com 777 White Plains Road, Scarsdale 914-722-0072 tlgscarsdaleny.com 28 Franklin Turnpike Waldwick, NJ 201-445-4444 tlgwaldwicknj.com

A private party at The Little Gym is a perfect way to celebrate your child’s next birthday. Gymnastics, games, obstacle courses, trampoline, sports, and music are tailored to your child’s interests!

MARTIAL ARTS FAMILY STUDIO 290 Mulberry St. 646-460-3770 martialartsfamilystudio.com info@martialartsfamilystudio.com

At Martial Arts Family Studio we will be delighted to organize your child’s birthday party so you can focus on your guests. We offer music-theater-puppets-based birthday parties for the little ones and dance or martial arts birthday parties for older kids.

NY CAKE 118 W. 22nd St. 212-675-2253 nycakeacademy.com info@nycakeacademy.com

Have a Unicorn-themed adventure or take off with a galaxy cake that everyone will talk about for weeks to come. Let NY Cake Academy take care of everything for you.

PALISADES CLIMB ADVENTURE 4590 Palisades Center Drive, Level 4 of the Palisades Center, West Nyack 845-727-3500 palisadesclimb.com

Palisades Climb Adventure offers the world’s tallest indoor ropes challenge course with 75 unique challenge elements. Our Sky Tykes kids’ ropes course is designed for ages 2-7. Both courses are available for birthday parties. Book your party today!

Art-filled parties begin with time to explore the museum’s hands-on workshops. Experienced teaching artists lead children in your choice of private workshop. Parties end with food and cake.

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

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Birthday party packages include one hour of court time with drills and games organized by our USTA Pro staff and one-hour private room for pizza.

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

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

child care / day care

Galli Theater..............................................................................39

Jodi’s Gym.................................................................................24

92nd St. Y .................................................................................13

Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum ..........................................3 Tribeca Performing Arts Center ................................................35

Little Gym ...................................................................................9 USC Gymnastics & Baseball Training Facility ..........................23

classes 92nd St. Y .................................................................................13

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Asphalt Green .............................................................................2

92nd St. Y .................................................................................13

Atlantic Acting School .................................................................5

Sportime ...................................................................................21

Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum ..........................................3

Ballet Academy East .................................................................21

Jodi’s Gym ................................................................................24

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performing arts / acting

Little Gym ...................................................................................9

Bold Arts ...................................................................................19

Atlantic Acting School .................................................................5

Martial Arts Family Studio..........................................................17

Broadway Dance Center ..........................................................48

Sportime ...................................................................................21

CAMP/pixel..................................................................................7

Galli Theater..............................................................................39

Chelsea Piers ...........................................................................47

Play On! Studios .......................................................................24

camps

Children’s Museum of The Arts ................................................19

The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts .........................19

92nd St. Y .................................................................................13

Ideal School (The) ....................................................................12

Tribeca Performing Arts Center ................................................35

Asphalt Green .............................................................................2

Launch Math .............................................................................17

Atlantic Acting School .................................................................5

Martial Arts Family Studio..........................................................17

Ballet Academy East .................................................................21 BlueStamp Engineering ............................................................19 Bold Arts ...................................................................................19 Broadway Dance Center ..........................................................48

Play On! Studios .......................................................................24 Sportime ...................................................................................21 The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts .........................19 YMCA of Greater New York ......................................................23

Calhoun School ........................................................................22 CAMP/pixel..................................................................................7 Chelsea Piers ...........................................................................47 Children’s Museum of The Arts ................................................19 Downtown Day Camps - Manhattan Youth ...............................15 Dwight School ...........................................................................21 Future Stars ..............................................................................22 Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum ..........................................3

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education 92nd St. Y .................................................................................13 BlueStamp Engineering ............................................................19

sports Asphalt Green .............................................................................2

Calhoun School ........................................................................22

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Dwight School ...........................................................................21

Future Stars ..............................................................................22

Hebrew Public Charter Schools ................................................35

Martial Arts Family Studio..........................................................17

Play On! Studios .......................................................................24

Ideal School (The) ....................................................................12

Sportime ...................................................................................21

Portfolio School (The) ...............................................................21

International Academy of New York ..........................................11

Tabor Academy Camp...............................................................24

Sportime ...................................................................................21

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USC Gymnastics & Baseball Training Facility ..........................23

Tabor Academy Camp...............................................................24

Portfolio School (The) ...............................................................21

YMCA of Greater New York ......................................................23

The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts .........................19

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Jodi’s Gym ................................................................................24 Launch Math .............................................................................17 Little Gym ...................................................................................9 MWS Student Camps ...............................................................23

theater

USC Gymnastics & Baseball Training Facility ..........................23 Whale Camp .............................................................................23

family entertainment / events / outings

Galli Theater..............................................................................39

YMCA of Greater New York ......................................................23

Children’s Museum of The Arts ................................................19

Tribeca Performing Arts Center ................................................35

BigAppleParent 45

raising kids stuff we like

Show a Little

››

By Katelin Walling

To Chew and To Hold

Children who have anxiety often get a sense of relief by chewing, and the Heart Chewlery Necklace by Chewigum is the perfect way to show a little Valentine’s Day love. Made from medical-grade, FDA-approved silicone, the heart has various thicknesses around the perimeter. Plus, the opening in the middle (perfect for little fingers to grab and squeeze) gives it a dual purpose: It supports oral sensory and tactile fidget needs ($23.50; pattiandricky.com).

Better Than a Bouquet

If your kids are fascinated with plants or you want to do a little good for the environment, Sprout Pencils are just the Valentine’s Day gift to give. Once you reach the end of these nontoxic, sustainably sourced and produced pencils, you can plant them and grow sunflowers, daisies, basil, thyme, and more. That’s right; the ends of these pencils have seeds in them. Once planted, the pencil stubs act as name markers, and they’re 100-percent biodegradable (available in graphite and color; $12.95$15.95; amazon.com).

A V-Day Accessory

Little fashionistas will love this heart-shaped backpack from Parkland Mfg’s Be Mine Collection. And we love that it’s a sustainable brand; the exteriors of all available bags and accessories are made from recycled plastic bottles. Available Feb. 1, the Be Mine Collection also includes fanny packs and accessories pouches, all of which come in light pink and the pictured red with pink hearts ($24.99; parklandmfg.com).

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Personalized Pendants

New York Citybased jewelry designer, Alex Woo, makes the perfect gift for the mom or teen in your life: Little Autograph Letter and Little Letter necklaces. Moms will surely swoon over a necklace with their children’s initials on it, while tweens and teens will love that their first “real” jewelry is a personalized bauble. Little Letters come in sterling silver, gold, white gold with diamond, or mixed metal, while Little Autograph Letters come in sterling silver, gold, and a handful of colors (starting at $98; alexwoo.com).

THE PERFECT CAMP TO FIT YOUR SUMMER PLANS Choose your weeks and your sport; there’s a camp for every athlete and every schedule. Sports Academy • Gymnastics • Ninja Parkour Golf • Basketball • Elite Soccer • Ice Hockey Ice Skating • Urban Adventure for Teens

JUNE 17 - AUGUST 30, 2019 Hot Lunch Provided Transportation Available

EARLY BIRDS: Register by May 17 + Save!

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BAP Full Camp 2-19.indd 1

47 1/18/19 4:03 PM BigAppleParent

With more than

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