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BigApple Parent SEPTEMBER 2017

NYMETROPARENTS.COM

Back to School! After-School Activities • How much is too much? • Find the best programs

10 Tips for Easy Meal Planning Save time, money, and stress

Gifted Kids Is my child a genius or just plain smart?

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

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BigAppleParent

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

Contents

September 2017 ››

Features

16 Cover Stars Meet the finalists and winners of our 2017 cover contest.

18 Is My Kid a Genuis? How to tell if your child is gifted, a prodigy, or just plain smart 20 10 Tips to Master Meal Planning Spend time once a week to create a menu, and you’ll save time, money, and stress. 22 Left Behind Tips to help your younger child cope when an older sibling goes to college 38 Extracurricular vs. Extra Downtime When it comes to scheduling after-school activities, how much is too much?

Connections

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 Quotables 11 NYMP Q&A: Parenting expert Sarah Ockwell-Smith talks discipline. 14 Mommybites Tip of the Month 58 Voices: The Lesson of the Pizza Bowl Fail

Fun & Activities 12 13 24 27 36

DIY Corner: Why Is the Sky Blue? Media Matters: Homework Helping Apps Outing: Roosevelt Island Family Activities Calendar Where-To Guide: Pick Your Own Apples

Directories

Family Activities CALENDAR ››

40 52 54 56 56 57

Back-to-School Directory Party Central Professional Services Open Houses Party Planner and Family Resource Guide Advertisers’ Index

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

››

ON THE COVER ›› After-School Activities: 38 How Much is too Much? 40 Find the Best Programs 18 Gifted Kids facebook.com/nymetroparents

@NYMetroParents

20 10 Tips for Easy Meal Planning

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

THE DILLER-QUAILE SCHOOL OF MUSIC

ARTISTRY MUSICIANSHIP CREATIVITY “

Studying music at Diller-Quaile taught me perseverance, discipline and dedication.

”

~ Lilian Klatskin, Cornell University student

It is very difficult to find such a “ qualified and committed group of educators in one place. ” ~Pablo Legorreta, Brown University student

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM

INSTRUMENT AND VOICE LESSONS

• Extensive selection of courses for children 3 months to 5 years.

• Beginning to advanced study in piano, strings, voice, woodwinds, brass, guitar, harp, and percussion.

• Instrument Play, Dalcroze Eurhythmics, Percussion Ensemble and more! • Early Childhood classes feature pianists who improvise accompaniments in a variety of styles. • Monthly Concert Series for children 6 and under and their families.

• Orchestra, Chorus, Chamber Ensemble, Youth Opera, String Jam and more! • Progress reports & parent-teacher conferences. • Concerts, Workshops & Master Classes with world-renowned musicians.

Learn more at diller-quaile.org

5 $2 FF*

e tion fe applica E trial or FRE s! clas

THE DILLER-QUAILE SCHOOL OF MUSIC 24 EAST 95TH ST, NEW YORK, NY 10128 212-369-1484 • INFO@DILLER-QUAILE.ORG The Diller-Quaile School of Music is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Precollegiate Arts Schools, and is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music. Diller-Quaile is a member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education.

*Discount good until 10/6/17. New students only. Call 212-369-1484, Ext. 11.

BigAppleParent

SEPTEMBER 2017 • Vol.32 • No.9

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Michael Kress MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling

EDITOR’S NOTE

DEPUTY EDITOR: Caitlin Berens SENIOR EDITOR: Bethany Braun-Silva ENGAGEMENT EDITOR: Samantha Neudorf REGIONAL EDITORS: Samantha Beranbom (Rockland); Karen Demeter (Suffolk); Whitney C. Harris (Manhattan); Rosalind Muggeridge (Brooklyn); Jamie McGillian (Westchester); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke EDITORIAL INTERNS: Jamie Bonchick, Julia Hyman, Amanda Marrone

New Beginnings, New Routines

To Submit Events: nymetroparents.com/submitevents

ere we are, another school year upon us! Some of you, I’m sure, are rejoicing at the return to routine, while others are probably misty-eyed at another summer ending. I am somewhere in between, feeling wistful at the speed with which time passes yet excited for the opportunities my kids will face in the coming academic year—not to mention the comforting (for us parents, at least) return to a full and predictable schedule. In our family, however, deciding on the kids’ schedules can be a challenge. There are so many after-school activities to choose from and my kids are excited about exploring multiple interests. There are times when I feel as if they are so busy with extracurricular programs they don’t have enough time for their homework or to study for tests—let alone to relax, play, and socialize. So for this back-to-school issue, we turned to the experts and asked: When it comes to after-school activities, how much is too much? In our seemingly over-programmed culture, the answer may surprise you (p. 38). And if you are looking for great programs in your neighborhood, check out or back-to-school directory (p. 40). For some families, this time of year marks a more dramatic transition: a child leaving for college. It’s a momentous milestone, of course, but for a younger sibling still at home, it can bring challenges and difficult emotions. To help, we look at how parents can help their younger kids navigate the new realities at home (p. 22). Also in this issue, meet our 2017 Kids Cover Contest finalists and winners (p. 16)! We received a record number of submissions this year, and choosing finalists from these amazingly cute kids was a challenge. I’m sure you’ll agree, though, that our finalists and winners are bursting with personality, flashing smiles that will light up our covers during the year ahead (including this month’s cover!). Speaking of our magazine cover, you might have noticed something different: our new logo. We love the sleek, updated look and are excited to show it off. And be sure to check out our website, nymetroparents.com, to see our just-launched redesign! Lastly, if you’re looking for a great way to spend a Sunday this month, join us for Long Island Parents Day on Sept. 17. Visit liparentsday.com for more details on this fun, informative event for the whole family. Michael Kress Editorial Director

ADVERTISING SALES

Big Apple Parent 212-315-0800 Jeunesse Jackson, Linda Pierce Queens Parent 718-878-4860 Annene Guertin, Manager Westchester Parent 914-397-0200 Nini DeLuca, Manager Merrill Sugarman, Mary Wender 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, Dani Pollack Long Island Parent, Suffolk 631-472-5437 Karen Shapiro, Gayle Sherman To Advertise: nympads@davlermedia.com DIR. OF OPERATIONS -- EVENTS: Rebecca Stolcz DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Ray Winn OPERATIONS COORDINATOR: Leonard Porter DIRECTOR OF TRAFFIC: Heather Gambaro ADMINISTRATION MANAGER: Erin Jordan

PRODUCTION

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

MARKETING

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

ACCOUNTING

CONTROLLER: David Friedman

ADMINISTRATION

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

MOMMYBITES.COM

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Rebecca Dixon 917-572-9192

Davler Media Group davlermedia.com

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

Keep in Touch: 7 @nymetroparents nymetroparents.com September 2017 | nymetroparents.com 6editor@nymetroparents.com

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

h The IDEAL Difference h The IDEAL The IDEAL Difference h The IDEAL Difference Difference

In our diverse and inclusive K–12 community and within our robust academic program, IDEAL students recognize their potential to community effect changeand andand are within equipped with the tools toprogram, do so. They strive In our diverse inclusive K–12 within ourour robust academic IDEAL In ourand diverse and inclusive K–12 community robust academic program, In diverse inclusive K–12 community within our academic IDEAL forour excellence inand and outpotential of the classroom and recognize and draw out the potential forso. excellence in IDEAL students recognize their potential toand effect androbust are equipped with the tools students recognize their to effect change and arechange equipped with the tools toprogram, do They strive students recognize their potential to effectin change and arefor equipped withrecognize thepotential tools to do They strive to do so.and They strive for excellence and out of the classroom draw out their peers. They possess thethe self-awareness to recognize advocate themselves and the and compassion to stand for excellence in out of classroom and and draw and out the forso. excellence in theThey potential for excellence in their and peers. They possess the self-awareness to compassion advocate for to for excellence inThey and out of the classroom recognize andthemselves draw out the potential for excellence in behind others. not only appreciate but seek out difference, understanding that only in their peers. possess the self-awareness to also advocate for and the stand themselves and compassion to stand behind others. They not only appreciate but also their peers. They the self-awareness to also advocate for and the compassion stand community are wepossess IDEAL. behind others. They notthe only appreciate but seek out themselves difference, understanding that to only in community are we IDEAL. seek outThey understanding behind others. not only appreciatethat butonly alsoinseek out difference, understanding that only in community are wedifference, IDEAL. community are we IDEAL.

#SchoolCanBeIDEAL #SchoolCanBeIDEAL Sign up for a Tuesday Talk #SchoolCanBeIDEAL and Tour to learn more about IDEAL's rigorous and differentiated #SchoolCanBeIDEAL program, innovative social justice and community. Sign up for a Tuesday and Tour to curriculum, learn more about IDEAL's rigorous and differentiated Sign up Talk for an Open House or a Tuesday Talkuniquely and Tourinclusive to learn more Sign up for aabout Tuesday Talkrigorous and Tour learn more program, about IDEAL's rigorous and differentiated program, innovative social justice curriculum, and uniquely inclusive IDEAL’s andtodifferentiated innovative socialcommunity. justice program, innovativecurriculum, social justice curriculum, and uniquely inclusive community. and uniquely inclusive community.

The IDEAL School Thelimited IDEALopenings School has The IDEAL Open School Houses has limited openings for fall 2017 Lower School: has limited openings for October fall 2017 in select grade 25,levels 6:30 p.m. for fall 2017 in select grade levels November 8, 9 a.m. forinqualified candidates. select grade March 6,levels 9 a.m. for qualifiedApril candidates. 5, 9 a.m. for qualified candidates.

Join us on June 10 for our Join us on JuneBuilding 10 for our Community Join us on June 10 for our Open Houses Community BlockSchool: PartyBuilding event! Upper Community Building Block Party 314 West 91stevent! Street October 19, 9 a.m. Block Party event! 314 West November 1, 6:3091st p.m. Street New York, NY 10024 314 West 91st Street March 13, 9 a.m. New York, NY 10024 AprilYork, 19, 9 a.m.NY 10024 New

IDEAL has mid-year openings in select grade levels for qualified candidates.

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

NEW PLACES, NEW PROGRAMS

nymetroparents.com/np-bap

Attendees of the inaugural 2016 Play Fair pose with twins Shimmer and Shine.

Courtesy All My Children Daycare & Nursery School

Who: Play Fair What’s New: VIP hours, a family-friendly video gaming lounge, and a larger location with new content and characters for the family-friendly toy and entertainment convention for all ages, which will be held Nov. 4-5. This year Play Fair will be held in a larger location within the Javits Center. It will include a video gaming lounge rated E for everyone, new characters for meet and greets, Rockettes classes, and voting for toy of the year. VIP tickets are limited to 500 people per session and include a gift bag and early access to the show floor. Want More Info: Javits Center: 655 W. 34th St., Hell’s Kitchen; playfairny.com

Courtesy Play Fair

Toy and Entertainment Convention Announces Dates and New Initiatives

Day Care and Nursery School Opens Upper West Side Location Who: All My Children Daycare & Nursery School What’s New: An Upper West Side location, which opened in May and offers programs for children ages 2-5. All My Children Daycare & Nursery School decided to open a location on the Upper West Side after noticing a lack of schools in a community full of families, according to Melanie Felsman, senior manager of communications. The center will offer three- and five-day sessions Monday-Friday from 8am-6pm. “All My Children Daycare is not just a day care, it is a school,” Felsman says. Want More Info: 101 W. 85th St., Upper West Side; 212-419-5416; info@allmychildrendaycare.com; amcenrollment.com

All My Children Daycare & Nursery School is an organic, eco-friendly school that only uses non-toxic products.

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

MILY ! A F ND VE R LI WEEKE O F US ERY JOINNTS EV EVE

FUN A DANG COMSEASONEROUSL THEA EDY, P OF M Y TER, UPP USIC AN D ETRY, , DAN CE Helping students gain the skills, confidence, and compassion to contribute and thrive in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world.

A CCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR Pre-Nursery (age 2 by Sept. 1) - Grade 3 for Mandarin and Spanish tracks. Adding a grade each year through Grade 8. info@ianyc.org / 212-641-0260

www.ianyc.org FOR TICKETS VISIT SYMPHONYSPACE.ORG/JUSTKIDDING OFFICIAL FITNESS PARTNER

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The International Academy of New York does not discriminate in its educational programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability or handicap, sex or gender (including pregnancy), gender identity and/or expression (including a transgender identity), sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

BigAppleParent

UOTABLES Perhaps I shouldn’t be so surprised that the girl who desperately wanted to live in a world of her own—but ultimately chose reality—would become the mother to a child who doesn’t see the difference between the two. —Kathy Radigan, in a post entitled “The Way My Special Daughter Told Me She Loves Me,” on her blog mydishwasherspossessed.com

in an instagram Summer reading is alive & well over here at #CampThirtymommy What are your little ones reading this summer? #AveryRoyce #LaylahJonelle (Posted by @thirtymommy, aka Scherrie D., who blogs at thirtymommy.com)

MOTHER-DAUGHTER WEEKEND

in an instagram after our school’s meet and greet picnic for the new students #iloveny #nyckids #friends #nyc #nycsummer #summer #childhoodunplugged #thisisourclassroom #nycpublicschools (Posted by @familyroadtraveled, aka Estée Pouleris, who blogs at familyroadtraveled.com)

“I once asked a friend who has three young boys, ‘Are you and your wife closer now that you have kiddos?’ He simply said, ‘Of course! It’s us against them.’ Now that I’m a mom, I know what he meant. It’s true.” —Olivia Jeanette, in a post entitled “How Our Marriage Has Changed Since Having a Baby,” on her blog oliviajeanette.com

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

“Some days, nothing you do, or offer to do, is right. My 14-year-old daughter, Amelia, a good kid by any definition, jumps out of the car before I’ve even come to a complete stop at the home of her BFF of the week, and doesn’t look back. She stiffens a little when I hug her, remarking, ‘Mom, you’re like really close to my face right now.’ Together time is now largely limited to mani-pedis—if she can bring a friend.” —Christina Verceletto in “I Took a 14-Year-Old YouTube Addict to Niagara Falls.” Read the article at nymetroparents. com/mother-daughter-weekend.

MORE NYMetroParents.com HIGHLIGHTS: FREE FUN: Visit museums and zoos without paying (nymetroparents.com/free). FAIRS & FESTIVALS: Where to go in the late summer and fall (nymetroparents.com/fairs) GO FOR THE GOLD: Check out our interview with Olympic Gold Medalist Gabby Douglas (nymetroparents/gabby-douglas). FALL GUIDE: How to make the most of autumn (nymetroparents.com/fall-guide)

NYMP Q&A

Sarah Ockwell-Smith is a parenting expert and founder of gentleparentinginternational.com. She recently published Gentle Discipline: Using Emotional Connection—Not Punishment— to Raise Confident, Capable Kids.

›› By Bethany Braun-Silva Claire Moir Photography

Be Gentle

What are some misconceptions parents have about disciplining their kids? There are three main misconceptions parents have around child behavior and discipline. One, far too many parents expect children to act like adults. They expect quite sophisticated thought processes and neurological regulation that children just don’t have yet because their brains are not fully developed. A good example is expecting a toddler to not tantrum or to be able to calm down in the middle of a tantrum. Toddlers tantrum because they have really poor emotion regulation skills. They can’t control their emotions like we can as adults—they’re not being naughty, just being toddlers! Two, most mainstream discipline methods work on the presumption that kids need to be motivated to “do better.” In fact, most kids are motivated to do better. They don’t want to get in trouble or upset you. Most misbehave because they can’t do better. The motivation is there already, it’s the ability that is missing. Three, another problem with mainstream discipline is, it focuses strongly on punishing and shaming kids. The thing is, a major cause of poor behavior is a lack of self-esteem in kids. If they feel bad, they’ll act bad.

NEW THRILLS! NEW LAUGHS! NEW YORK TO ITS CORE!

What tips do you have for parents when they feel they are about to lose their temper? I think it’s important that we have realistic expectations of our own behavior. Everybody screws up as a parent and everybody loses their temper sometimes, including myself. Stop trying to be perfect. Accept that anger and losing control are normal parts of life as a parent and it doesn’t mean that you’re not good at it! What is important is keeping a check on your own emotions. Being mindful of how you’re feeling, trying to reduce triggers and taking a break to recharge when you feel frazzled. When you feel that you just can’t take any more, you need an emergency break from your kids. Maybe a day with friends, going for a run—whatever it is that replenishes and relaxes you. What’s your take on “time-outs?” Time-outs work on the idea that separating the child from yourself and their peers punishes them for their wrongdoing and makes them think about what they’ve done wrong. This time in quiet contemplation is meant to make the child behave more appropriately next time. Unfortunately, none of these assumptions are true. Young kids don’t have the brain development for such sophisticated thought, they don’t have a developed sense of empathy, they can’t think about future actions, and they can’t control their behavior anywhere near as much as adults think they can. Another huge problem with time-out is, kids often misbehave because they feel a disconnect with their caregivers. It makes no sense that a child who is desperate for love and attention is further separated—it just makes them feel worse, which in time will make their behavior problems escalate.

F EAT URI NG

NIK WALLENDA

LINCOLN CENTER OCTOBER 27 – JANUARY 7, 2018 F O R T I C K E T S : B I G A P P L E C I R C U S .C O M BigAppleParent 11

DIY CORNER SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

Why Is the Sky Blue?

It’s a question all have asked. Let’s find the answer!

Time: 10 minutes Materials 1 clear drinking glass or small glass bowl Water Milk Spoon Eyedropper (optional) Bright flashlight Safety Tips and Setup Hints • A white LED flashlight works well with this lab, such as the flashlight in many camera phones. • It helps to see the blue color in the water if the room is darkened as much as possible. Instructions Step 1: Fill the glass or bowl with water until it is mostly full. Step 2: Put a few drops of milk into the water, and stir the water with the spoon. You can use an eyedropper for this, but, if you do not have one, just carefully and slowly pour a few drops of milk from a spoon into the water. Do not pour the milk directly from the carton, as it will likely come out too quickly. Put a little bit of milk into a small bowl, and scoop a few drops into a spoon, then into the water. Step 3: Shine the flashlight through the water. What color do you see? (The color will be fairly light.)

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE FUN Earth’s air is made of several gases. Most of it is nitrogen, about 78 percent, about 21 percent is oxygen, there is a little bit of a gas called argon, a little water vapor, and very small amounts of gases, such as carbon dioxide and others. While our eyes can’t see the individual bits of gases, called atoms or molecules, we can feel them when the wind blows. The amounts of these gases change depending on the seasons, the altitude, the weather, whether there has been a volcanic eruption, or other reasons, but these are generally the amounts we measure. The light from the Sun is made of many colors, and we can see those colors when we split the Sun’s white light using a prism. When white light hits the gas molecules, most of the light—such as the reds, oranges, and yellows—is able to move its way through the molecules and pass to the ground to your eyes. However, the blue light is scattered around by the gases. It is this scattered blue light we see as a blue sky. In this lab, the big particles of milk in the water acted like the particles of air, scattering the blue light from the ﬂashlight. You can try playing with the amount of milk in the water and the type of ﬂashlight until you get the easiest blue color to see.

Flocabulary: Educational Hip-Ho

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p for K-12 (Free to try)

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Recommended age: 10+

Shape up spatial skills with this★ ★ ★ ★ augmented reality tool. Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad , Windows Phone

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Live tutors help tweens and teen ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ s with math and science. Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad , Android

In Theaters Sept. 22: The Lego Ninjago Movie Our Partner: Common Sense Media An independent nonprof it that helps families make smart media choices. Check out thousands of ratings and reviews at commonsensemedia.org

Parents need to know that The Lego Ninjago Movie is based on the funny, popular, actionpacked TV show about Lego ninjas. In this adventure, teenage warrior Lloyd (voiced by Dave Franco) must save his beloved land of Ninjago from evil warlord Garmadon (Justin Theroux), who just happens to be his father. With the help of his five friends and fellow ninjas—and under the guidance of Sensei Wu (Jackie Chan)—Lloyd sets out to defeat his bad-guy dad. Expect bloodless action and fighting and possibly some crude humor.

See more at NYMetroParents.com/media

Discover Wetherby Pembridge School Education should be founded on strong values. At Wetherby-Pembridge School, we inspire the individual to reach personal confidence and success with integrity, kindness, respect and manners.

Join our Open House events in September and October. Please note that registration is required.

Thursday 14th September, 5:30pm - 7:00pm Tuesday 19th September, 9:30am - 11:00am Saturday 30th September, 10:00am-12:00pm Thursday 5th October, 5:30pm-7:00pm

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

BigAppleParent 13

MOMMYBITES TIP OF THE MONTH

Include the Whole Family in the Interview Process ›› Our friends at Mommybites are offering a monthly tip to help parents who employ—or are considering hiring—nannies. If possible, try to have your partner at home with you for the interview. It is always nice to have a second opinion. Also, try to schedule the interview at a time when the baby is awake. This is a good way to see how a nanny interacts with your child and how your child responds to the nanny. Open communication is key to having a successful relationship with your nanny. Be sure to be very specific with your job requirements. For example, do you want a nanny who cleans? Cooks? Can stay late? Can take vacations with you? Can also babysit in the evening? Make sure you have a detailed list of everything you are looking for in a nanny. Remember to also encourage the nanny to ask you any questions she may have.

Mommybites’ mom-generated nanny board and babysitting boards have been some of the most popular child-care sites in New York City for more than 10 years! See more at mommybites.com

FALL REGISTRATION HAS BEGUN!

Discover new friends and ways to PLAY at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, home of the US Open! REGISTER NOW AT:

NTC.USTA.COM Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Flushing, NY 11368

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

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Test Prep + Enrichment Tutoring ACE THE TEST www.bright-kids.com â&#x20AC;¢ (646) 434-1084 info@brightkidsnyc.com BigAppleParent 15

Cover Stars!

››

Meet the finalists and winners of our 2017 cover contest.

icking finalists from 2,000 cute entries was quite the challenge for the staff here at NYMetroParents. But once we managed to narrow it down, we invited the finalists to meet for a photo shoot at PhotoOp NYC. All the finalists wore their best smiles and some seriously stylish clothes (thanks, Appaman!) and had a blast shooting with PhotoOp’s awesome photographers. (Unfortunately the 10th finalist was unable to participate.) All of the kids did a great job posing for the camera, but at the end of the day it was 4-year-old Olivia from Nassau County and 11-year-old Victoria from Brooklyn who we selected as the grand-prize winners. Olivia and her family will enjoy a twonight stay at Kalahari Resort in the Poconos to celebrate her big win, while Victoria will receive a scholarship to Barbizon Modeling & Acting Studio. Plus, our Fan Favorite, Sydney, received a family pack of tickets to Sesame Place. You’ll get to see more of these adorable kids in the coming months on our magazine covers!

c Sydney

Age: 5 Hometown: Bronx Sydney loves to dance and wants to be a dentist for kids when she grows up.

FAN FAVORITE

Olivia

GRAND PRIZE WINNER (YOUNGER THAN 6 CATEGORY)

Age: 4 Hometown: Nassau County Olivia loves to swim and wants to be an ophthalmologist when she grows up.

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com Read more about the winners and ﬁnalists and watch a super-cute video of them at nymetroparents.com/ﬁnalists.

Hudson

Age: 4 Hometown: Queens Hudson loves his Thomas trains and wants to be a sanitation worker when he grows up.

Sean

Age: 5 Hometown: Suffolk County Sean loves swimming and wants to be a firefighter, police officer, lifeguard, or astronaut when he grows up.

Emma

Age: 7 Hometown: Westchester Emma loves art and playing soccer and wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up.

Sophie

Age: 9 Hometown: Manhattan Sophie loves to draw comics and play baseball.

c Cameron

Age: 6 Hometown: Manhattan Cameron loves learning and playing soccer.

Ian

Age: 10 Hometown: Rockland County Ian loves playing sports with his friends and studying math.

Victoria

Age: 11 Hometown: Brooklyn Victoria loves everything about Brooklyn and wants to be a teacher when she grows up.

GRAND PRIZE WINNER (6 AND OLDER CATEGORY) BigAppleParent 17

Is My Kid a Genius?

››

How to tell if your child is gifted, a prodigy, or just plain smart—and what to do about it By Amanda Marrone

ndi Stix, director of G-tec Kids, a program for gifted and talented students in New Rochelle, was teaching a math class about finding a pattern to discover the square root of any given number. The class eventually came up with a pattern, until one child proclaimed, “The pattern will work up until 10,000 and then fall apart.” Astonished, Stix says she asked how the child knew that, and he answered, “I can just see it.” He turned out to be right—a case of profound giftedness, or some may even say, a prodigy. Every child has her own talents and all children are unique in their own ways. But when it comes to cognitive development and intelligence, how do parents and educators judge whether a child is more than just your average smart kid?

Identifying Giftedness

Giftedness can present itself in early childhood, according to the National Association of Gifted Children, which lists the characteristics of gifted children, such as an excellent memory, an unusually high vocabulary or sentence structure for their age, or a highly developed curiosity. However, there are different ways to classify and identify giftedness, since every child is unique.

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

There are many smart kids in the world; however gifted students make up only 6-10 percent of the population, according to the NAGC. Clinically, giftedness is defined as anyone with an IQ of 130 or higher. If an IQ exceeds the 145-150 range, a person is considered profoundly gifted. Some children are gifted at just about everything. “There are a small percentage of gifted kids who excel in every subject as well as most extracurricular activities,” says Tobi J. Phillips, president and founder of Village East Gifted, a program for gifted children with locations in Huntington Station and Roslyn Heights. “They are very rare, but I do see them.” More frequently, though, giftedness presents itself in one particular field, such as music, art, or math. Therefore, one important factor in identifying giftedness is determining how a child is gifted. “Our curriculum follows Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences, with the premise that students can be intelligent in different ways, such as cognitively, physically, mathematically, or musically,” Phillips says. If your child is gifted in mathematics, for example, she will display extreme excellence and interest in the subject by doing puzzles and games and logic problems in her spare time, according

to a Forbes article, “How to Tell If Your Child’s Gifted.” Children who are more profoundly gifted might even begin doing algebra before kindergarten. Although there are tests to prove that a child is gifted rather than just bright, many experts in the field believe giftedness can be discovered without a test. Nevertheless, educators will administer tests to see if a child is gifted, including the Stanford Binet (L-M), Wescher Intelligence Scale for Children, or general standardized tests such as the SAT. There are so many factors that come into play when determining whether a child is gifted, so it is important for educators and parents to see the child as a whole. Many kids can score very high on tests, but IQ is not the only factor when it comes to true giftedness, Stix says. The way a child challenges material and reacts to that material is where people see true gifted potential. Stix, therefore, is not a fan of just using tests to judge giftedness. “I am very uncomfortable with the idea of testing giftedness because you are saying on that date, on that time, and that environment will the child present themselves to meet the standards of the school,” she says. “I think the most important thing I distinguish between a gifted child and a bright child is if the child is inventing, creating, producing, designing within whatever area of expertise or passion that they have.”

Behavior Issues

Although gifted children are intellectually advanced for their age, many face unique social issues. High expectations and the pressure put on gifted children can lead to stress and anxiety, writes Jennifer Murdock-Smith in “Understanding the Social and Emotional Needs of Gifted Children,” a 2013 article in Rivier Academic Journal. “Gifted children’s cognitive development also often occurs at a more advanced rate than social/emotional development, which makes fitting in with peers difficult. This cognitive advancement can also have a corresponding high degree of moral development and sense for the need to follow rules, which can result in ‘bossiness’ and rigid behavior furthering affect peer relations,” Murdock-Smith writes in the article. In the classroom, some gifted children choose to be very polite and helpful and become the teacher’s helper, Phillips says. Since these students are usually way ahead of their classmates academically, they become a mini teacher’s assistant, helping the teacher with anything. Others quietly go along with their classmates so they can more easily assimilate with their peers, choosing to keep their giftedness a secret, Phillips says. They remain middle-of-the-road behaviorally—not acting out and not being the teacher’s helper— while getting perfect scores on everything and not bragging about it. These children also tend not to answer all the questions, even though they know the answer, because they do not want to draw attention from their peers. However, once gifted children are put into a gifted program where the other students are at their level, their behavior can change. Phillips tells the story of a child who was new to a gifted and talented program. He was accustomed to being the smartest child in the room and impressing everyone around him, including the adults. When he entered the class on the first day, he stood up and said he can count to 20 in Spanish, and asked if he could recite it to the class. “I said I will be happy to listen to him when the class is over,” Phillips says. He was very quiet during the class, which Phillips says can be expected since he was now around other peers who might be more intelligent than him.

At the end of class, the student again asked if he could count in Spanish, but before he even began another child blurted out, “Well, I can count to 100 in Mandarin,” followed by another who said, “I can count to 100 in Romanian, Cantonese, and Sanskrit.” The moral: It is important for gifted students to be around others of the same intellectual level, so they have the chance to be challenged in the classroom.

Beyond Just Gifted

What if a child’s cognitive level exceeds even giftedness? These children are extremely rare and present themselves with seemingly miraculous capabilities. These kids are generally known as prodigies. “One definition of the term prodigy is a child who has achieved an appreciable measure of adult intellectual understanding in a particular field before he or she is out of the years devoted to secondary school education,” according to the article “Prodigies of Nature” by J.S. Jenkins in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. A prodigy will become of a master of a particular field at a young age. Mozart was considered a music prodigy and was able to identify pitch correctly and quickly without external reference by the age of 7—an extraordinarily rare ability, even for adults, Jenkins writes Stix, who also has worked closely with some prodigies, explains: “I think prodigies, the speed they integrate at is simply much faster. The links they make in terms of integrating material is higher and their productions are most complex. It is a very difficult thing to raise a prodigy because emotionally they want to be their age level but cognitively they can be light years ahead of themselves.” Prodigies often experience a lot of loneliness because other kids cannot connect with them, Stix says. Parents raising a prodigy need to try their best to try to get their child into programs to engage with others like them, she advises.

Raising a Gifted Child

Whether someone is bright, gifted, or even a prodigy, parents need to keep in mind that every child is still an individual and parents and educators must cater to what is in the best interest of that particular person. The most important factor in helping a child is trying to keep her brain stimulated, experts say. “When a parent finds out that his or her child is gifted,” Phillips says, “I always recommend spending as much time as possible visiting science and art museums, reading classic literature and nonfiction books, traveling to historic destinations and arranging play dates with children of similar intellectual abilities and interests. If they are getting enrichment outside the classroom, they will be more patient with the standard curriculum.” For example, she continues, “If they’re in a classroom and they are assigned a book report on Charlotte’s Web, a parent should reach out to the teacher to allow the child to select a more advanced novel after she or he has completed the assignment based on Charlotte’s Web.” Whether it is signing the child up to be in a gifted and talented program or speaking to an educator to ensure the appropriate measures are taken within the regular school environment, it is important that giftedness is not ignored, experts agree. By enriching a child or putting him in a gifted program, a child will be given the tools to thrive.

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Courtesy Katelin Walling

FOOD & NUTRITION

10 Tips to Master Meal Planning ››

Spend the time once a week to create a menu, and you’ll save time, money, and stress when it comes to cooking dinner. By Katelin Walling

nce a week when I was growing up, my parents would have my brothers and me go through our cookbooks and cooking magazines to each pick out one meal we wanted to try and write down the ingredients we needed to buy at the grocery store for that recipe. We also had to check to see what we had in the cupboards already to avoid purchasing ingredients we had on hand. Now that I’m older and living on my own, I do the same, except I have to plan a meal for every day. So on Sunday mornings, I comb through my cookbooks, recipes torn out of magazines, and my favorite cooking blogs, and plan what I’m going to eat for the week. Why? Meal planning saves me time and money, and it can for you, too. Plus, it will save you a lot of stress, says Ruthy Kirwan, creator of PercolateKitchen.com. “Speaking to other parents who were in my position where they’re tired and they’re stressed, and they’re coming home from a long day, the kitchen and cooking and figuring out what to make for dinner is the last thing they want to do at the end of a long day,” she says. “But if you sit down for maybe five to ten minutes at the start of the week, and you look at how your schedule is, figure out what’s in your kitchen already, and then work that into a plan…[it] can save you a ton of time and stress throughout the next seven days.” Meal planning is a money-saver because “you’re not going to end up ordering in as much or doing takeout or going to whatever the closest store is that may not have the items [you need] on sale,” says Jessica Levinson, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N. It also cuts down on food waste, Levinson adds, whether it’s picking two meals that include fresh parsley so you’re not throwing any away (or composting it) or enjoying leftovers for lunch the next day. Levinson also notes that meal planning helps to ensure you have healthy, balanced meals on the table each night, and that you have all the ingredients in the house to make those balanced meals. 20

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

My parents got me and my brothers involved with the mealplanning process as kids—we each had to choose a recipe for the week, and more ofte n than not, I helped ma ke it. Here, my dad and I are making his fam ous biscuits, a recipe I still make today.

I’ve been a practicing meal-planner for almost 20 years and consider myself to be a bit of an expert. Keep these tips in mind when starting out, and you, too, will be an expert in no time.

Tips for Successful Meal Planning

Don’t bite off more than you can chew (pun intended!). Both Levinson and Kirwan recommend starting out by planning meals for two to three days and doing what you typically do (order takeout, cook a frozen pizza, eat leftovers) for the rest of the week. “This way you’re not overdoing it and setting yourself up for something that you can’t stick to,” Levinson says. Once you have those few days down, you can add more and eventually plan out meals for the whole week. In fact, Levinson suggests planning a night of leftovers. “If it’s a family favorite, your kids won’t be upset that they’re having baked ziti two nights in a row because some kids would have that every night if they could,” she adds. Have your schedule for the week handy. Do you have to work late one night, do the kids have after-school activities that will run close to dinnertime, is it date night for you and your partner? These are all things to take into consideration when planning meals for the week. “Be realistic about your abilities and the amount of time you have to cook, and when in doubt, don’t worry about eating leftovers or a frozen pizza,” Kirwan says. Stockpile recipes. Levinson suggests creating a board on Pinterest to pin easy, quick weeknight meals so you have a go-to database of recipes. “Same with any cookbooks you have or recipes you pull out from magazines,” she says. “This way you’re not always having to come up with something new, but you have at your fingertips a group of resources to pull recipes from.”

Chain your meals, as Kirwan says. This is essentially building one meal off of another. For example, if you make chicken enchiladas for dinner one night, cook extra chicken to use in your Alfredo dish for the next night. This way, part of your dinner is already prepped and you save time. “People think it needs to be a brandnew item every evening, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be. In fact, if it is a brand-new item every evening, then it sets you up for failure from the get-go,” Kirwan says. Keep your picky eaters in mind, but don’t make yourself crazy. Meal planning helps cut your time in the kitchen, so planning separate meals for your picky eaters is counterintuitive. Kirwan says she makes sure to have at least one thing her 3-year-old daughter enjoys and will eat on the menu, as well as something new. “She doesn’t have to eat [the new food], but she gets comfortable seeing that it’s there,” she says. And if your child only eats that one familiar thing, that’s okay, Levinson says. “Look at the week in full, and assuming that you have enough meals during the week that your kids do eat more of, if there’s one or two nights during the week that they’re not eating as much, it’s okay because it balances out,” she says. Write it down. While you may be the type of person who prefers mental notes, writing out your meal plan will help it stick with you whether it’s on a special meal planning chart, a simple calendar, or a chalk- or dry-erase board. Plus, your kids (and partner) can look at it and see what’s for dinner rather than bugging you about it (and maybe take initiative to start cooking!). Get the kids involved. Older kids, tweens, and teens can help pick out recipes to set up the weekly meal plan. “Let’s say it’s a family with three kids, so you could say, [Monday] is going to be Joe’s choice, and Tuesday night is James, and Wednesday night is the third child. Everybody can pick what they want as the meal for a night during the week,” Levinson says. A way to get younger kids involved is to let them pick an item from the produce aisle they want to try and integrating it in a meal that’s already planned. “I usually recommend planning your menu and then basing your grocery list on the menu,” Levinson says. But if you take your kids grocery shopping, “I’m a big fan of saying, pick something from the produce aisle that you want to try, and they’ll pull something from the produce aisle,” which then needs to be integrated into one of the planned meals, she adds. Don’t forget to get the kids to help you do the cooking. Kirwan says her daughter is obsessed with pizza, so Kirwan will roll out the dough and her daughter will help with adding the sauce and toppings. “The more active you get kids in the kitchen and feel like they’re a part of the meal planning process, the cooking process, I think you have a better chance of getting them to eat the things you made,” Kirwan says. Take stock of what you already have in the refrigerator and pantry. Before sitting down to plan your meals for the week, check out what you have in your fridge that needs to be used before it goes bad and see what ingredients you already have in your cupboards. “So if I have a bunch of cilantro that I used the week before,” Levinson says, “I’m going to base at least one or two meals on where can I use that cilantro so it’s not going to go bad and I don’t waste my money on throwing out food.”

And, as Jessica Jones, M.S., R.D., C.D.E., and Wendy Lopez, M.S., R.D., say in their FoodHeavenMadeEasy.com blog post, “The Ultimate Meal Planning Guide,” once you have your grocery list (based off your meal plan for the week), check to see if you have any of those ingredients in your cupboards already. This way you’ll avoid buying items you don’t need. Prep ingredients for all of your meals at the same time. “Chop all of your fruits and vegetables, cook your grains, wash your greens, and store in airtight containers,” Jones and Lopez say in their blog post. They also suggest investing in good food storage containers so your pre-prepped foods and meals don’t go bad. Plus, ingredient prep time is also a good way to get older kids involved in the process. Be ﬂexible. Sometimes life gets in the way—whether it’s an unexpected meeting, delays on public transit, or a flat tire—so learning to take things in stride with meal planning will go a long way. “In those instances I try to teach people to learn how to pivot and have things stored in the freezer for those crazy busy days,” Kirwan says, or find a new way to use those ingredients, or just make the meal the following night. As with all things in life: The more you practice, the better you’ll get, Levinson says. So don’t be too hard on yourself if the week’s menu doesn’t go exactly according to plan.

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Left Behind

››

In families with two children, an older sibling’s departure for college can spark mixed emotions in the younger child who remains at home. Here’s how to cope. By Bethany Braun-Silva

hen Queens resident Sarah Richard is asked if she will miss her little sister when Sarah leaves for college next year, the 17-year-old rolls her eyes and says, “Yeah, I’m going to miss that dork.” Although it is just about a year away, the Richard girls are already contemplating Sarah’s departure. The girls have lived across the hall from one another for the past 14 years, a fact that is on 14-year-old Rebecca’s mind when she says, “I’ll be sad, for sure, but I definitely want to visit.” Even if it seems like your kids spent the past 15 years fighting over everything, this is an all-too-common feeling when one sibling leaves for college—especially for families with two children, where the younger one suddenly finds herself an “only child.” The sibling who remains at home can be left with a number of new emotions to deal with, not to mention a shift in the family dynamics and a much quieter house. These feelings can range from relief to abandonment, and will often fluctuate even after a new routine is put in place. To help with the adjustment, we’re offering tips on how to help your younger child cope when his sibling goes off to college. (Families with more than two children will face their own unique issues when the eldest leaves home, but these tips are applicable to them as well.) 22

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Inclusion is Key

The college application process can go on for years. With the hustle and bustle of visiting colleges, filling out applications, writing essays, and ultimately choosing a college, your younger son or daughter may end up feeling like a background player in the family. Stephanie Richard, Sarah and Rebecca’s mom, suggests including younger siblings in the process from the very beginning. “Ultimately both kids are going to eventually go to college,” she says. “We had our younger daughter create a list of questions for potential colleges while on tours for her older sister that were based on her specific interests.” This was a great way for her younger daughter to feel included in the process, Richard says, which was especially important since they dedicated quite a few family vacations to touring colleges. Parents can also opt to involve the younger sibling in minor details of the process, suggests Gayle Sturmer, LCSW-R, who practices in Nyack and Tarrytown. “Letting children contribute to brainstorming transition suggestions is empowering for the child and allows them to be part of the launching process,” she says. “The non-college bound child sometimes gets lost in the excitement and/or anxiety about the transition for the collegebound child. Having both children involved in perhaps choosing

things for the dorm room, certainly with the big freshman move into the dorm, is great way to be inclusive.”

Time for a New Routine

With one child out of the house, it is time not only to establish new family dynamics but also a new routine. Your younger child may take the transition in stride, reveling in being an “only child,” but others may struggle with it. “The key to making any transition easier for children and teens is to keep some things consistent and create some things together that are new, different, and tailored to the appeal of the younger sibling,” Sturmer suggests. Have the younger sibling decide what he wants for dinner, or what family movie she chooses to watch one night. He might get excited at the idea that there is no one there with whom he needs to negotiate these choices and that he can have his first choice pick more often now. Sturmer also suggests “creating new rituals” between parents and the child who is home. Pick a day to do something special after school, such as get frozen yogurt or go out to a favorite restaurant. “This is an opportunity to create a new dynamic between the parent and the child at home,” Sturmer says. If your child is really struggling with loneliness, it’s important to recognize the things that have not changed, the appealing things that still exist, and to create new things, Sturmer says. “Often children and teens have a view that can be distorted—an adolescent brain is working from a very different place than an adult brain—so it’s very important to try to gently acknowledge the loneliness and emphasize the things that challenge the negative thinking.” Remind younger children of all the benefits they have now that the older child is out of the house. These may include having the family car or other shared items to themselves, having more room in the house for sleepovers, and receiving more attention from parents.

Encourage Communication

If your younger child really misses having face-to-face time with her older sibling, have them schedule a digital date once a week. FaceTime or Skype is a great way to connect with your child who is away. Once a weekly date is established, this will give both siblings something to look forward to each week—after all, the child who is away at college may also be experiencing some level of homesickness, and this is a great way for her to reconnect with home. If video chat doesn’t work, “a quick text, an Instagram, Snapchat, or Facebook message goes a long way for children and adolescents. Regardless of our opinion of social media and technology, we are flooded with it and our children are tied to it. In this case, it can be used as an easy simulated ‘visit,’” Sturmer says. Parents can also help their younger children connect to their older siblings by working on creating a care package together or making plans to visit as a family. When the older one is back from college, parents can arrange for “sibling-only” outings or even nights at home. Having a child go off to college is an exciting time, but can also be fraught with a lot of different emotions for everyone in the family. “If a child (or parent) is feeling very challenged by the change in family dynamic and circumstance, consulting with a psychotherapist who is knowledgeable with this stage of life and the specific challenges the family members are experiencing is important. To wait until things escalate can be problematic and unnecessary. Sometimes just a simple consult can go a long way,” Sturmer says.

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OUTINGS: Roosevelt Island

Get Away Without Leaving NYC Explore historical sites, view art, and take a 4-minute tram to explore the island between Manhattan and Queens. ›› 2 Vanessa Petit

1 Double rows of trees narrow and frame the triangular courtyard of The Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park. 2 The Roosevelt Island Tramway takes visitors from Midtown Manhattan to Roosevelt Island in 4 minutes. 3 The Octagon Gallery serves as a lobby and art gallery inside a luxury apartment building; it originally greeted people entering the New York City Lunatic Asylum. 4 The Lighthouse was designated a New York City landmark in 1975. 5 The Fall for Arts Festival brings together artists and community members to paint large murals.

oosevelt Island, the 2-mile-long strip of land between Manhattan and Queens, makes for a great family day trip. Governor Nelson Rockefeller and Mayor John Lindsay named the island in 1973 in honor of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Families can walk or bike along both sides of the island or take the Red Bus, free transportation around the island, up and down the middle of the island on Main Street to explore its numerous parks, take in amazing city views, and learn about historical sites.

Where Else Can You Ride a Tram in the City?

The kids will love taking the 4-minute tram ride to this storied island. With one swipe of a Metrocard at East 59th Street and Second Avenue (including a free transfer to the subway or MTA buses) the Roosevelt Island Tramway climbs to 250 feet above the East River and travels along the north side of the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge (expect brief wait times due to maintenance work on both sides of the tram through the winter). The F train has a stop at Roosevelt Island as well, and starting Aug. 29 visitors can reach the island via the NYC Ferry on the Astoria Line. At the Roosevelt Island Visitor Center you can buy souvenirs, historical books about the island, and maps. 24

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

See a Lighthouse and Enjoy Its Park

Completed in 1872 under supervising architect James Renwick Jr., the Lighthouse was built of stone quarried on the island by convict labor from the Penitentiary. It stands 50 feet tall on the northernmost point of the island and is surrounded by the East River. The Lighthouse was designated a New York City landmark in 1975, and its park includes grills and tables perfect for a picnic.

An Art Gallery With a Storied Past

South of the Lighthouse is the Octagon, first built in 1839, which originally served as the administrative center and main entrance to the New York City Lunatic Asylum—both Charles Dickens and Nellie Bly wrote about its stark conditions. After serving as a hospital and then being abandoned, the Octagon Gallery reopened in 2006 as the lobby entrance of a 500-unit residential luxury apartment building and home to a rotating art exhibit curated by the Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association. Now residents and visitors can enter the building’s original rotunda, framed by a spiral staircase, to experience the RIVAA exhibits.

The Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park

The Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, on the southernmost tip of the island, opened in 2012. It spans 4

Courtesy Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation

By Vanessa Petit

nymetroparents.com/outings acres and celebrates the four freedoms that President Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke of in his 1941 State of the Union speech: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. Double rows of trees narrow and frame the triangular courtyard, which contains a bust of FDR, sculpted in 1933 by Jo Davidson. The Four Freedoms Park Conservancy offers free public guided tours on the weekends, weather permitting, and events AprilOctober, including yoga in the park and playgroups for toddlers.

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Roosevelt Island’s diverse community is family-friendly and hosts many events. The Fall for Arts Festival on Sept. 23 brings together local and off-island artists to paint large murals tied to a central theme. Kid-friendly activities include art workshops, community mural panels to paint, and live music. Enjoy outdoor movies in the summer, a family Halloween Parade Oct. 28, and a year-round farmers’ market under the Roosevelt Island Bridge every Saturday.

Want to Go?

Address: 591 Main St., Roosevelt Island Directions: Approximately 15-minute subway ride from Midtown Hours: The Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park is open April 1-Sept. 30, Wednesday-Monday, 9am-7pm, and Oct. 1-March 31, Wednesday-Monday, 9am-5pm Admission: FREE For more information: rioc.ny.gov

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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 Mid-Autumn Moon Family Festival (No. 9 on our list).

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SEPTEMBER CALENDAR 32

Crafty Kids, Movers & Shakers

Show Time!, Smarty Pants

Fun Fairs & Festivals

Holiday Fun, On Screen

9/11 Tributes

Once Upon a Time, The Great Outdoors

Editor’s Hot Tickets

We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!

30 31

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS

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

Summer on the Hudson: Riverside Park Skate Clinic FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 2: Thursday-Friday, 4pm; Saturday, 11am-3pm WHERE: Riverside Park Skate Park, 108th Street, Upper West Side AGES: 5-12 WHAT: This three-day, cumulative skateboarding program provides a strong skill foundation for beginners and intermediates. Registration required. WHY WE LOVE IT: The program takes students to the next level: contest preparation. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.

MOCACREATE: Kitchen Concoctions

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 2, 1-4pm WHERE: Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St., Chinatown AGES: All WHAT: Kids can make edible art at this afternoon workshop. Design a masterpiece made with sweet and sour ingredients like grapes, mini marshmallows, and other tasty treats. WHY WE LOVE IT: Littles will love the idea of playing with their food for the sake of art. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 seniors and children; free for children younger than 2. 855-955-6622. mocanyc.org. 28

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

NYC Unicycle Festival FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 3: daily, see website for schedule WHERE: Governors Island, ferries leave from 10 South St., Financial District AGES: All WHAT: World-famous riders display their skills, and members of the public have the opportunity to try one-wheel riding. This festival’s main event includes races, competitions, exhibitions, and a variety of unicycle sports including basketball, hockey, and sumo. WHY WE LOVE IT: This is a great opportunity for all ages to try out this unique sport. WANT TO GO? 212-938-0836. nycunifest.com.

Summer on the Hudson: West Side County Fair FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 10, 1-6pm WHERE: Pier I in Riverside Park South, West 70th Street and Riverside Park South, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Fill your Sunday afternoon with county fair fun! The West Side County Fair promises carnival rides and games, live music, sideshow performers, aerialists, local food and merchandise vendors, cotton candy, and more. Plus, a Stop ‘N’ Swap with GrowNYC. WHY WE LOVE IT: You can spend the entire Sunday afternoon at the fair and never run out of things to do. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.

African Film Festival Inc.’s 10th Annual Family Fun Day Celebration FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 10, 11am-5pm WHERE: Governors Island, ferries leave from 10 South St., Financial District AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a day of free activities, including storytelling, double-Dutch, dance and drum, needlepoint, and short films—all celebrating Africa and the diaspora. WHY WE LOVE IT: A fun day of film and dance for the whole family! WANT TO GO? 212-440-2200. govisland.com.

LI Parents Day

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 17, 11am-3pm WHERE: LIU Post Campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville, Long Island AGES: All WHAT: LI Parents Day is a fun day for the whole family! Kids can play in the Kids Corner and participate in fun, educational events. Parents can meet with exhibitors and professionals who specialize in family programs. Use the code “NYMP” for FREE tickets when registering online. WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s discovery and fun all in one place, in one afternoon! WANT TO GO? $10. 212-315-0800. liparentsday.com.

Get Hooked FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 23, 11am-2pm WHERE: Randall’s Island Park, Base of the 103rd Street Bridge, Randall’s Island AGES: 9 and older WHAT: At this annual festival, children have the opportunity to learn about the wildlife living in the waters surrounding Randall’s Island. Activities include catch-and-release fishing, games, arts and crafts, and more. WHY WE LOVE IT: You’ll teach your kids to fish, in the literal sense. WANT TO GO? 212-860-1899. randallsisland.org.

Morningside Lights: The Secret Gardens FREE

WHEN: Sept. 16-23, daily, 12pm WHERE: Miller Theatre at Columbia University, 2960 Broadway, Morningside Heights AGES: All WHAT: Participate in a collaborative lantern-making workshop at any point during this week-long arts event. On the final evening, help illuminate a fleet of lanterns for a procession in Morningside Park and on the Columbia University campus. WHY WE LOVE IT: There’s magic in seeing countless lanterns at once. WANT TO GO? 212-851-9574. morningside-lights.com.

Mid-Autumn Moon Family Festival

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 23, 12-4pm WHERE: Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St., Chinatown AGES: All WHAT: Explore the customs and traditions behind this annual harvest festival with a mooncake tasting, moon-themed arts and crafts, and a story time. Space is limited; advanced purchases are highly recommended. WHY WE LOVE IT: A kid-friendly introduction to a unique celebration. WANT TO GO? $10; free for children younger than 2. 855-955-6622. mocanyc.org.

Snoopy & Belle In Fashion FREE

WHEN: Sept. 8-Oct. 1, daily, 8am-10pm WHERE: Brookfield Place, 230 Vesey St., Battery Park City AGES: All WHAT: Snoopy and his sister, Belle, don designer duds at their very own international fashion exhibit featuring couture designs. WHY WE LOVE IT: A chance to see Snoopy in public before the Thanksgiving Day Parade! WANT TO GO? 212-978-1698. brookfieldplaceny.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 five no-cost events we’re excited about now. You’re welcome. Discoveries Family Workshops FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 17, 11:30am-12:30pm WHERE: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Children with disabilities, together with friends and family, explore the day’s theme on a gallery tour followed by an art activity in the studio. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 212-650-2010. metmuseum.org.

Free Fridays FREE

WHEN: Sept. 8-22, Fridays, 3-7pm WHERE: South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton St., South Street Seaport AGES: All WHAT: Check out the last of the South Street Seaport Museum’s Free Fridays series this summer, presented by The Howard Hughes Corporation. The festivities include free admission to all exhibitions, historic ship tours, thematic educational programs and activities, artisan demonstrations, and more. WANT TO GO? 212-748-8600. southstreetseaportmuseum.org.

Museum Day Live! FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 23, see museum website for times WHERE: See website for participating museums AGES: All WHAT: Get free admission for two to a city museum on Museum Day Live!, hosted by Smithsonian magazine. Participating venues include Fraunces Tavern Museum, the Museum of Arts and Design, New York City Fire Museum, the Museum at FIT, and more. WANT TO GO? smithsonianmag.com.

Fall Family Day FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 24, 12-4pm WHERE: Carnegie Hall, 154 W. 57th St., Resnick Education Wing, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: The acclaimed concert venue Carnegie Hall opens its doors to families with an afternoon full of interactive and fun musical activities and performances. Parents and kids of all ages will sing, play, create, and hear Latin American music together. WANT TO GO? 212-247-7800. carnegiehall.org.

15th Autumn Moon Cultural Festival FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 24, 12-4pm WHERE: Mott Street, between Canal and Bayard streets, Chinatown AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy various stage performances, cultural arts and crafts, calligraphy, moon cake tastings, gifts booths, and more. WANT TO GO? betterchinatown.com ›› BigAppleParent 29

‘The Princess, The Emperor, and the Duck’

WHEN: Sept. 9-17, Saturday-Sunday, 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: A modern retelling of three classic Hans Christian Andersen tales. Guided by a narrating owl, audience members fly into each story with the original tales that teach important life lessons still relevant to children today. WANT TO GO? $12; $8 children. cityparksfoundation.org.

We Are All Tourists

SHOW TIME! Ariel Rivka Dance 10th Anniversary Family Matinee

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 9, 2-3pm WHERE: New York Live Arts, 219 W. 19th St., Chelsea AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Families will take in an all-female modern dance ensemble geared toward education at this child-friendly matinee. The show is shortened to just an hour with plenty of breaks, during which the audience can ask questions and learn about the music and dance processes. Lights will be dimmed instead of completely dark. WANT TO GO? $15; $1 children. 212-691-6500. newyorklivearts.org.

‘Before the Sun and Moon’

WHEN: Sept. 8-10, Friday-Sunday, 7:30pm WHERE: St. John the Divine, 111th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, Morningside Heights AGES: All WHAT: Master puppet and mask maker Ralph Lee presents his Mettawee River Theatre Company in the New York premiere of Before the Sun and Moon, drawn from an ancient Korean folktale and featuring the exquisite and elaborate Lee masks, puppets, and other visual elements. WANT TO GO? $15; $7 children. 212-929-4777. mettawee.org.

Hudson RiverKids FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 14: Mondays and Thursdays, see website for times WHERE: Hudson River Park: Pier 62, Hudson River Park and West 22nd Street, Chelsea; and Pier 25, West and North Moore streets, Tribeca AGES: All WHAT: This popular kids’ entertainment program has been extended to run at both Pier 62 and Pier 25 this year. The performances feature the best of kids’ entertainment throughout the summer. In August see Bilingual Birdies, Suzi Shelton, Penny Jones Puppets, Ramblin’ Dan and the Freewheelin’ Band, and Mister G. WANT TO GO? hudsonriverpark.org.

‘Checks and Balances, or Bottoms Up!’ FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 17: Saturday-Sunday, 2pm WHERE: See website for locations AGES: All WHAT: Every year the Theater for the New City presents a new show, suitable for all ages, that they then tour around parks and playgrounds during the summer. This year’s show is a topical piece about community activism. WANT TO GO? 212-254-1109. theaterforthenewcity.net.

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Sept. 16-23, Saturdays, 11:30am-3pm WHERE: Governors Island - Colonels Row, ferries leave from 10 South St., Financial District AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Alpha and Scout are searching for their friend and colleague, Lou. Could she be stuck in an alternate reality? Explore Governors Island’s breathtaking views and solve the clues to reunite these reality hoppers in this theatrical tour experience. WANT TO GO? $20. 212-440-2205. govisland.com.

Realabilities Presents ‘Addy & Uno’

WHEN: Sept. 2-24, Saturday-Sunday, 11am and 1pm WHERE: The Theater at the 14th Street Y, 344 E. 14th St., East Village AGES: 3-12 WHAT: This brand new, 50-minute puppet musical featuring kids with disabilities is full of music, humor, and heart. Young audiences get a better understanding of certain disabilities, the abilities that come with them, the importance of empathy, and the understanding that it’s “nice to be nice.” WANT TO GO? $20-$25. 212-780-0800. 14streety.org.

Lard Dog & The Band of Shy ‘Dreamers’ Album Release Show

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 24, 2:30pm WHERE: Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater, 425 Lafayette St., East Village AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Lard Dog & The Band of Shy host a hometown celebration of their new album, including the chart-topping song on Sirius XM Kids Place Live “I Like.” WANT TO GO? $15. 212-539-8778. publictheater.org.

The Fourth Annual Rolex Central Park Horse Show

WHEN: Sept. 20-24, Wednesday-Sunday, 1-10pm WHERE: Wollman Rink, 830 Fifth Ave., Central Park AGES: All WHAT: Horse show featuring some of the best equestrians in the world, alongside family programing. WANT TO GO? See website for prices. 212-310-6600. cphs.coth.com.

SMARTY PANTS Free Demo Class FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 6, 6:30pm WHERE: French Language Salon, 888 Lexington Ave., 2nd floor, Lenox Hill AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Teens and adults can dip their toes in the waters of language learning at this free demo class. Classes are conversational and offer take-home materials so everyone can practice on their own time as well. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 212-628-2700. frenchlanguagesalon.com.

Stroller Tour

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 8, 9-10am WHERE: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side

Summer on the Hudson: Human Chess FREE

WHEN: Sept. 7-28, Thursdays, 4-6pm WHERE: Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument in Riverside Park, West 89th Street and Riverside Drive, Upper West Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Chess becomes a team sport at this life-sized version of the classic board game. Two teams navigate a giant chess board as each individual player stands in for a different game piece. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.

‘That Chemistry Show!’ AGES: Newborn to 2, adult WHAT: Early childhood educators will lead you and your child on an exploration of art, history, and creativity. Singing, movement, texture exploration, and art-making in the galleries will make for a memorable morning. WANT TO GO? $25 per family. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.

Living History Days

WHEN: Sept. 9-10, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-4pm WHERE: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: In honor of the exhibit American Visionary: John F. Kennedy’s Life and Times, the museum is bringing early presidential history to life. Meet Abraham Lincoln on Saturday and George Washington on Sunday. WANT TO GO? $21; $16 seniors; $13 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children ages 4 and younger. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.

Grandparents’ Weekend

WHEN: Sept. 9-10, Saturday-Sunday, 10am WHERE: National Museum of Math, 11 E. 26th St., Gramercy AGES: All WHAT: MoMath is offering free admission to grandparents and up to two grandchildren this weekend. There will also be hands-on workshops for grandparents and kids to take together. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $8. 212-542-0566. momath.org.

Submerge FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 16, 11am-4pm WHERE: Hudson River Park, Pier 26, North Moore Street and the Hudson River, Tribeca AGES: All WHAT: Marine science will be brought to life as families experience hands-on activities, citizen science, kid-approved entertainment, and presentations by renowned scientists. There will also be kayaking and fishing for all. WANT TO GO? 212-627-2020. hudsonriverpark.org.

Stroller Tour

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 16, 9:30-10:30am WHERE: The Whitney Museum of American Art, 99 Gansevoort St., Meatpacking District AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: Take a tour with Whitney Teaching Fellows, who are also Ph.D. candidates in art history, as they highlight works in the Hélio Oiticica: To Organize Delirium exhibit. WANT TO GO? $25 with museum admission: $25; $18 seniors and students; free for children ages 18 and younger. 212-570-3600. whitney.org.

WHEN: Through Oct. 1: Saturday-Sunday, 12pm WHERE: The Physics Theater, 300 W. 43rd St., Theater District AGES: 9 and older WHAT: A candle that moves water, a paper cup that won’t burn, a firefly without fire, an atomic flash, and more. The show will entertain audiences with 80 minutes of incredible exploration in chemistry, by long-time “mad scientist” Borislaw Bilash. WANT TO GO? $39. 212-967-8278. thatchemistryshow.com.

Eloise at the Museum

WHEN: Through Oct. 9: Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday, 10am-6pm; Friday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: A celebration of the feisty charm and audacious spirit of Eloise, who continues to be a picture book superstar more than 60 years after her debut. WANT TO GO? $21; $16 seniors; $13 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children ages 4 and younger. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.

9/11 TRIBUTES 9/11 Table of Silence FREE

WHEN: Monday, Sept. 11, 8:15-8:46am WHERE: Lincoln Center, Columbus Avenue and West 64th Street, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: A public tribute to 9/11, Table of Silence is an emotionally powerful dance performance conceived and choreographed by Jacqulyn Buglisi that returns to Lincoln Center for its seventh year. WANT TO GO? 212-719-3301. buglisidance.org.

Tribute in Light FREE

WHEN: Monday, Sept. 11, dusk to dawn WHERE: 9/11 Memorial & Museum, 180 Greenwich St., Financial District AGES: All WHAT: Take a thoughtful walk through the 9/11 Memorial Plaza on the night of Sept. 11 to witness Tribute in Light—an annual commemorative public art installation. If you can’t make it to the plaza, then look out your window to behold twin beams reaching up to 4 miles into the sky. WANT TO GO? 212-312-8800. 911memorial.org. ››

PolyPals

WHEN: Sept. 5-26, Tuesdays, 9:45am WHERE: National Museum of Math, 11 E. 26th St., Gramercy AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Toddlers and preschoolers will listen to math-themed stories, participate in songs, and have fun exploring the concepts behind them at weekly PolyPals sessions. Themes will include patterns, shapes, numbers, and more. WANT TO GO? $35. 212-542-0566. momath.org.

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Art Lab: Nature FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 30: Saturday-Thursday, 10:30am-4:30pm; Friday, 10:30am-6:30pm WHERE: The Museum of Modern Art, 4 W. 54th St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Discover how artists and designers are inspired by the natural world and create your own nature-inspired design. WANT TO GO? 212-708-9805. moma.org/artlab.

CRAFTY KIDS Tiny Tapestries

WHEN: Sept. 1-7, Monday, 12-5pm; Thursday-Friday, 12-6pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Greenwich Village AGES: All WHAT: Visitors will get the chance to design and create their own tiny tapestries using traditional and unconventional processes and materials. WANT TO GO? $12; free for children younger than 1. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

MOCACREATE: Back-to-School

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 16, 1-4pm WHERE: Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St., Chinatown AGES: All WHAT: Join guest artist Joyce Huang for a back-to-school themed project. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 seniors and children; free for children younger than 2. 855-955-6622. mocanyc.org.

Shoebox Pinball

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 17, 10am-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Soho AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Think like a mathematician, engineer, and artist all at the same time. Presented by Kumon, this workshop will allow visitors to create their own pinball machines out of a simple shoe box. WANT TO GO? $12; free for children younger than 1. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

Independent Visions Exhibition Workshops: Printmaking

WHEN: Sept. 9-23, Saturdays, 1pm WHERE: Scandinavia House, 58 Park Ave., Murray Hill AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Children will create their own bold portraits, colorful prints, or paintings in this hands-on workshop. WANT TO GO? $12; $10 members. 212-779-3587. scandinaviahouse.org.

Family Sundays at the Rubin Museum

WHEN: Through Sept. 24: Sundays, 1-4pm WHERE: Rubin Museum of Art, 150 W. 17th St., Chelsea AGES: 3 and older WHAT: This month, families will make sculptures out of sugar and spice, inspired by chalimidi, a sweet rice flour dish made during the Hindu festival Vinayaka Chaturthi WANT TO GO? $15; $10 seniors and students; free for children 12 and younger. 212-620-5000. rubinmuseum.org. 32

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

MOVERS & SHAKERS New York Autoimmune Walk

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 10, 1pm WHERE: Clinton Cove, Hudson River Park, West 55th Street and Twelfth Avenue, Hell’s Kitchen AGES: All WHAT: Charity walk and event to raise awareness and funding for autoimmune research. WANT TO GO? 25. 855-239-2557. autoimmunewalk.org.

Autism Speaks New York City Walk FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 17, 9am WHERE: South Street Seaport, 89 South St., Lower Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Powered by the love of family, friends, and supporters, the funds raised by the walk help fuel innovative research and lifelong supports and services for people with autism. WANT TO GO? 646-385-8523. act.autismspeaks.org.

Kayaking on the Hudson

WHEN: Through Sept. 30: See website for dates and times WHERE: Hudson River Park: Piers 96 and 84, Hell’s Kitchen; and Pier 26, Tribeca AGES: All WHAT: This summer take a kayak out on the Hudson River and have some fun splashing about. There are three different locations you can get your feet wet, with many offering lessons as well as rentals. WANT TO GO? Prices vary. hudsonriverpark.org.

Watson Adventures’ Wizard School Scavenger Hunt for Harry Potter Fans

WHEN: Sept. 16-30, Saturdays, 10:30am WHERE: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Young wizards will enjoy a trip to the Metropolitan Museum in search of art that echoes characters and enchanted objects in the Harry Potter books. WANT TO GO? $42; $31 children. 877-946-4868. watsonadventures.com.

Let’s Dance!

WHEN: Through Oct. 1: Sunday-Friday, 10am-5pm; Saturday, 10am-7pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: An exhibit in which kids can discover dance from a variety of entry points: as an art form, as an expression of diverse cultures and traditions, and as a healthy physical activity. WANT TO GO? $12; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

Art and Games FREE

WHEN: Through Oct. 26: Thursdays, 3:30-5:30pm WHERE: Rockefeller Park, North end of Battery Park City, west of River Terrace, Battery Park City AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Make art, play games, make friends, and have fun. WANT TO GO? bpcparks.org.

Preschool Play FREE

WHEN: Through Oct. 31: Monday-Wednesday, 10am-12pm WHERE: Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park, 20 Battery Place, Battery Park City AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Meet other toddlers, parents, and caregivers at this interactive play group on the lawn. Sing, listen to stories, and play with toys and water. WANT TO GO? bpcparks.org.

FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS 24th Annual Harlem Meer Performance Festival FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 3: Sundays, 2-4pm WHERE: Central Park, Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, 110th Street, between Fifth and Lenox avenues, Central Park AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy the best local talent at this free festival featuring established and emerging artists in jazz, Latin, world, and gospel music and dance. WANT TO GO? 212-860-1370. centralparknyc.org.

Mid-Autumn Festival & Open House FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 9, 11am-3pm WHERE: China Institute, 40 Rector St., 2nd Floor, Financial District AGES: All WHAT: Discover the stories and traditions of one of China’s biggest holidays while sampling tasty mooncakes, making arts and crafts, playing Chinese games, learning about China Institute’s fall classes, and touring the exhibition Dreams of the Kings: A Jade Suit for Eternity, Treasures of the Han Dynasty from Xuzhou. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 347-798-1160. chinainstitute.org.

7th Annual Washington Square Park Folk Festival FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 10, 1-4pm WHERE: Washington Square Park, University and Waverly places, Greenwich Village AGES: All WHAT: Folk music fanatics will gather in Washington Square Park for an afternoon of live listening, plus a square dance to close out the celebration. WANT TO GO? 646-495-9721. wspfolkfest.com.

60th German-American Steuben Parade FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 16, 12pm WHERE: Fifth Avenue, between 68th and 86th streets, Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Join in this longstanding celebration of German-American culture. Marchers from throughout the United States, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland will gather amidst cultural music and dance groups. WANT TO GO? 347-454-2269. germanparadenyc.org.

Brooklyn Book Festival Children’s Day FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 16, 10am-4pm WHERE: MetroTech Commons, MetroTech Walk and Lawrence Street, Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: Children’s Day is a free, day-long celebration of books and authors for children, families, guardians, and educators. WANT TO GO? 718-802-3830. brooklynbookfestival.org.

Autumn Crafts Festival FREE

WHEN: Sept. 9-17, Saturdays, 11am-8:30pm; Sundays, 10am-6:30pm WHERE: Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, 64th Street and Columbus Avenue, Lincoln Center AGES: All WHAT: Peruse hundreds of craft displays at this annual outdoor show. With master artisans from every region of the U.S., including porcelain, jewelry, glassware, and leather goods, there’s something for everyone. WANT TO GO? 973-746-0091. craftsatlincoln.org.

Worlds Fair Nano

WHEN: Sept. 16-17, Saturday-Sunday, 9am-6pm WHERE: Brooklyn Expo Center, 72 Noble St., Greenpoint, Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: Get inspired at a festival packed with tech, talks, music, food, and more. WANT TO GO? $45 and up; free for children 10 and younger. 718-7753315. worldsfairusa.com/nano.

Annual Fall Festival FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 23, 11am-3:30pm WHERE: Dyckman Farmhouse Museum, 4881 Broadway, Inwood AGES: All WHAT: There will be fun, educational activities celebrating the harvest season, including cider pressing, puppet making, and a tasting with Dyckman Beer. WANT TO GO? 212-304-9422. dyckmanfarmhouse.org.

2017 World Maker Faire

WHEN: Sept. 23-24, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona, Queens AGES: All WHAT: Featuring projects with social impact for good, health care and food, alongside the latest developments from core pillars of the Maker Movement such as microelectronics, 3-D printing, drones, robotics, and more. WANT TO GO? $45; $30 children ages 3-17. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

Hester Street Fair 2017 FREE

WHEN: Sept. 16-30, Saturdays, 11am-6pm WHERE: Hester Street Fair, Essex and Hester streets, Lower East Side AGES: All WHAT: Part food court, part flea market, with rotating vendors in more than 60 spots almost every warm-weather weekend. Peruse handmade goods, creative products, and artisanal food, or participate in one of many workshops taking place. WANT TO GO? hesterstreetfair.com. ›› BigAppleParent 33

ON SCREEN Movies Under the Stars: ‘Beauty and the Beast’ FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 2, 7:30-10:30pm WHERE: Highbridge Park, West 172nd Street and Amsterdam Avenue, Washington Heights AGES: All WHAT: Introduce your children to the magic of Beauty and the Beast at this free viewing of a Disney classic. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.

Movies Under the Stars: ‘Zootopia’ FREE

HOLIDAY FUN West Indian American Day Junior Carnival Parade FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 2, 9am WHERE: Brooklyn Museum, St. John’s Place and Kingston Avenue, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: The Junior Carnival is a mini version of the five-day West Indian American Day festival. The event features young bandleaders who work with their group to choose a theme and design costumes, select music, and create a loose choreography. WANT TO GO? 718-467-1797. wiadca.com.

Blue Star Museums FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 4: See website for museum times WHERE: Various museums; see website for addresses AGES: All WHAT: Blue Star Museums offers free admission to the nation’s activeduty military personnel and their families. WANT TO GO? 202-682-5606. arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

West Indian American Day Parade and Carnival FREE

WHEN: Monday, Sept. 4, 11am-6pm WHERE: Eastern Parkway, between Utica and Underhill avenues, Crown Heights/Prospect Heights, Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: Food vendors, parade floats, calypso and soca rhythms, steel drums and stepping, plus some crazy costumes, make the West Indian American Day Carnival a vibrant celebration. WANT TO GO? 718-467-1797. wiadca.com.

A Rosh Hashanah Restoration

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 17, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St., Lower East Side AGES: 3-12 WHAT: As Eldridge Street celebrates its 130th year, discover how this 19th-century synagogue was rediscovered and transformed. Follow mysterious clues, explore a new exhibit on the synagogue’s restoration, and create holiday-themed works of art. WANT TO GO? $12; $6 children; free for children younger than 5. 212219-0302. eldridgestreet.org. 34

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 8, 7-10pm WHERE: Central Lawn in J. Hood Wright Park, West 173rd Street between Haven and Fort Washington avenues, Washington Heights AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy this animated mix of adventure, comedy, and mystery, featuring a rabbit cop on the hunt to solve a missing person’s case. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.

Eloise on the Big Screen

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 10, 2pm WHERE: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Families will pick up some popcorn and an Eloise tattoo before heading to the Klingenstein Library to watch Eloise at the Plaza. WANT TO GO? $21; $16 seniors; $13 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children 4 and younger. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.

‘Out Loud – The Power of Speech’ FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 20, 6:30pm WHERE: Lycée Français de New York, 505 E. 75th St., Upper East Side AGES: 9 and older WHAT: This rabble-rousing documentary details a group of inner-city students who take part in a rhetoric contest for the first time. The film is followed by a Q-and-A with the film’s director Stéphane de Freitas. In French with English subtitles. WANT TO GO? 212-439-3872. lfny.org.

My Little Pony: Through the Years FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 23, 12-3pm WHERE: The Paley Center for Media, 25 W. 52nd St., Midtown AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Join in for screenings of the original My Little Pony series, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, and My Little Pony Equestria Girls. There will also be a Smilebooth photo activity and the first 350 children in attendance will receive a special My Little Pony toy. WANT TO GO? 212-621-6800. paleycenter.org.

Outdoor Movie Night: ‘Malcolm X’ FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 24, 7:15pm WHERE: Randall’s Island Park, Field 81, Randall’s Island AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Follow the life of activist Malcolm X from his early life that was filled with struggle to his rise to prominence as a legendary African American leader. WANT TO GO? 212-860-1899. randallsisland.org.

ONCE UPON A TIME THE GREAT OUTDOORS Eloise Après Déjeuner

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 13, 3-5pm WHERE: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Eloise fans can enjoy delicious treats and drinks, and a story time. WANT TO GO? $50. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.

Make It Rusty FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 16, 1-3pm WHERE: Books of Wonder, 18 W. 18th St., Flatiron District AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Celebrate some of today’s finest picture book authors and illustrators. WANT TO GO? 212-989-3270. booksofwonder.com.

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 23, 10am-1pm WHERE: The High Line, West 14th Street and Tenth Avenue, Meatpacking District AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Discover how New York’s West Side has changed over time as you design and construct an industrial-inspired mixed media garden sculptures that also changes. You can also catch stories about the past and live performances. WANT TO GO? 212-500-6035. thehighline.org.

Storytime at Strand FREE

Summer on the Hudson: SunGaze FREE

Back to School Picture Book Bonanza FREE

WHEN: Sept. 2-24, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-12pm and 2-3pm WHERE: Strand Book Store, 828 Broadway, East Village AGES: 3-12 WHAT: A family-friendly storytime with crafts every weekend this month. WANT TO GO? 212-473-1452. strandbooks.com.

Story Time at MOCA

WHEN: Sept. 14-28, Thursdays, 3:30pm WHERE: Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St., Chinatown AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Join museum educator Nicole Tan for an interactive story time. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 seniors and children; free for children younger than 2. 855-955-6622. mocanyc.org.

Little New-Yorkers

WHEN: Sept. 1-29, Tuesdays and Fridays, 3:30-4:15pm WHERE: DiMenna Children’s Museum at New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Children will get the chance to play with historic toys, participate in a special Little New-Yorkers hello song, listen to stories, and make a craft. WANT TO GO? $21; $16 seniors,; $13 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children younger than 4. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.

Storytelling in the Park FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 30: Saturdays, 11am-12pm WHERE: Central Park, Hans Christian Andersen Statue, 72nd Street and Fifth Avenue entrance, Upper East Side AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Gather at the famous statue for stories from a storyteller. WANT TO GO? storytelling-nyc.org.

Eloise’s Rawther Fancy Party and Book Signing

WHEN: Sept. 30-Oct. 1, Saturday-Sunday, 12-4pm WHERE: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Kids can join in with storytelling, artmaking, and mischief making. WANT TO GO? $21; $16 seniors; $13 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children 4 and younger. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.

Eloise’s Storytime

WHEN: Through Oct. 6: Tuesday-Friday, 2pm WHERE: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Listen to the exploits of The Plaza’s most famous resident. WANT TO GO? $21; $16 seniors; $13 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children 4 and younger. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 24, 12-4pm WHERE: Pier I, Riverside Park South, Riverside Drive between 65th and 72nd streets, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Gaze at the central star of our solar system using special safe scopes with the Amateur Astronomers Association. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.

Urban Farm Exploration Days FREE

WHEN: Through Oct. 14: Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: Urban Farm, 20 Randall’s Island Park, Randall’s Island AGES: All WHAT: Come discover the Randall’s Island Urban Farm, and meet the chickens. An expert will be on-site to answer questions. WANT TO GO? 212-860-1899. randallsisland.org.

Big City Fishing FREE

WHEN: Through Oct. 15: Sundays, 11am WHERE: Hudson River Park - Pier 25, 225 West St., Tribeca AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Each summer, Hudson River Park offers Big City Fishing to those children who are eager to learn both how to fish and about the Hudson River environment. WANT TO GO? 212-627-2020. hudsonriverpark.org.

Shell-ebrate Oysters! FREE

WHEN: Through Oct. 15: Sundays, 4pm WHERE: Pier 25 at Hudson River Park, 225 West St., Soho AGES: All WHAT: Oysters filter water, engineer reef habitat, and stabilize shorelines. Work alongside park staff to restore oysters and learn how these bivalves benefit the health of the river. WANT TO GO? 212-627-2020. hudsonriverpark.eventbrite.com.

Coming up next month: OCT. 1: 92Y Street Fest on Lexington Avenue from 79th to 94th streets, Upper West Side OCT. 1: The Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon Park, Washington Heights OCT. 7: Little Red Lighthouse Festival at the Little Red Lighthouse in Fort Washington Park, Washington Heights

BigAppleParent 35

WHERE-TO GUIDE

nymetroparents.com/where-to

Pick Your Own Apples

››

Research by Amanda Marrone and Jaime Bonchick

Bite into crunchy, juicy, just-picked apples this month! A day trip to a local orchard yields fresh fruit to take home by the bucket, sweet pastries and baked goods (apple cider doughnuts, please!), and lots of kid-friendly perks, from hayrides to petting zoos. Grown-ups: Some farms even serve up hard cider and homemade wines! Note: Dates are projected and availability is subject to change. We recommend calling ahead before visiting these locations.

NEW JERSEY Bergen County Demarest Farms 244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale 201-666-0472; demarestfarms.com Pick-your-own apples beginning Sept. 3, Monday-Friday, 9:30am-4:30pm. Reservations for schools or large groups available. Farm store with bakery, apple cider, salad bar, and fresh produce open daily, 8am-6:30pm. Weekend hayrides available. Also offering a corn maze and farm animals.

Mercer County Terhune Orchards 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton 609-924-2310; terhuneorchards.com Pick-your-own apples through October, daily, 9am-5pm; also have pick-your-

own pumpkins and gourds September through October. Fall harvest festivals with wagon rides and pony rides every weekend, 10am-5pm, Sept. 17-Oct. 30 (see website for details). Farmers’ market with pre-picked fruits and vegetables, apple cider, doughnuts, and more (open year round). Barnyard of farm animals on-site and a 1-mile nature trail (open to visitors daily). Winery and tasting room on-site.

Morris County Alstede Farms 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester GPS location: 1 Chesterfield Drive, Chester 908-879-7189; alstedefarms.com Apple picking in September and October, daily, 9am-6pm (last admission at 5pm). Seasonal U-pick vegetables and fruits include pumpkins, cantaloupe, honeydew,

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

nectarines, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, Indian corn, gourds, and potatoes (call for availability). Corn maze, sunflower maze, hay pyramid, hayrides, farm animals on-site, tract wagon rides, and pony rides. Farm Store with homemade ice cream, homegrown fruits and vegetables, pies, and a wide assortment of preserves. Hillview Farms 223 Meyersville Road, Gillette 908-647-0957; hillviewfarmnj.com Pick-your-own apples in September and October, daily, 9am-5pm. Call for availability. Store open until 6pm. Also offers hayrides, pick-your-own pumpkins, farmers’ market with homemade pies, fruits and vegetables, honey, doughnuts, and apple cider.

Find the full guide at ›› nymetroparents.com/apples

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FOCUS ON: ME TIME

Experts say there are many benefits to children of participating in after-school activities—but that me time is also essential for kids’ healthy development.

Extracurriculars vs. Extra Downtime ›› When it comes to scheduling your kids’ after-school activities, how much is too much? By Rosalind Muggeridge

or most of my childhood, my extracurricular schedule consisted of riding my bike to the local YMCA every Saturday morning for a swimming lesson. I’m pretty sure my mom and dad never asked themselves if they were scheduling too much or too little for me. And yet it’s a question parents these days seem to grapple with constantly. I always thought finding the right balance with my own children would be clear, but I can’t deny the pressure I sometimes feel when I hear about my kids’ friends and their weekly schedules: acting class, guitar, gymnastics, tennis, dance, Mandarin. To shed some light on this issue, I turned to local experts who support parents as they navigate matters like this.

What the Research Says

To discuss the balance between scheduled activities and unscheduled me time for kids, it’s important first to ask: Are today’s kids actually overscheduled—or does it just feel that way? A recent paper in the journal Social Policy Report reviewed the research and found more than 80 percent of American children take part in some extracurricular activity, including sports, lessons, or clubs. Approximately 7 million of those are enrolled in after-school programs and many more participate in clubs and organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Girls Inc., according to the report. Even though those numbers may seem high, the same report shows children and adolescents spend an average of only five hours per week participating in organized activities. So, although extracurricular activities get a lot of attention, other activities—screen time, chores, spending time with friends and family, working, and doing homework—occupy as much (and often more) time than 38

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

organized activities. In other words, it may make more sense to worry about your child’s screen time than about the hours he spends at after-school programs. There are, however, cases where overscheduling poses problems for kids. The same research suggests there may be a point of diminishing returns for a small number of young people with very high levels of involvement—meaning, some kids who participate in a multitude of extracurricular activities may see fewer advantages as they take on more and more. For instance, the educational benefits of playing sports seem to level off when kids participate in more than two competitive team sports. Danis Copenhaver, M.D., F.A.A.P., a pediatrician at South Slope Pediatrics in Brooklyn, looks for telltale signs to make sure her young patients aren’t overscheduled. “I make a point to ask every patient and family about mealtimes and sleep,” she says. “A huge red flag for me is if meals are always eaten on the go and if bedtime is inconsistent or very late. In pre-teens and teenagers, I try and assess if they are enjoying the activities they are involved in. Sometimes they will answer honestly in the exam room and it’s the first time the parents are hearing about it. That can lead to a discussion about prioritizing time out of school for family, friends, sports, and activities.” Overall, however, concerns about overscheduling seem to be overblown. Despite what we so often hear in the media, the research shows that only a small number of young people (between 3 and 6 percent) are very highly scheduled, spending 20 or more hours a week taking part in these activities. The same research also points to evidence that kids who participate in organized activities do better than those who don’t. These young people are more likely to have higher academic achievement, finish school, do well in college, be well-adjusted, smoke less, use drugs less often, and interact more with parents.

There are fewer overbooked young children now than there used to be, Dr. Copenhaver says. “Parents value and protect the free play time that these younger children need,” she adds, noting, however, that this often depends on the age of the child. “The pre-teen and teenage crowd tends to be more over-scheduled, due to the pressures of school and extracurricular demands.”

The Benefits of Downtime

Even if kids may not, for the most part, be overscheduled, there are many studies emphasizing the pluses of unscheduled free time for children as well as adults. A 2012 report by Mary Helen Immordino-Yang of the University of Southern California showed that when we are resting, our brains are not actually idle and downtime is essential to many of our mental processes. The report examined related research showing this relaxed time is an opportunity for the brain to make sense of what it has recently learned. Kids need to play and explore, says Sharon Peters, who founded the Brooklyn-based marriage and family counseling practice Parents Helping Parents. She is a big proponent of building downtime into a family’s schedule. For more than 20 years, she has been supporting parents as they raise their children. She also draws from her own personal experiences as a mother of five children, several of whom have special needs. “All group settings or one-on-one lessons with a teacher are demanding in ways that individual time isn’t,” she says. Young kids can’t simply roam the streets alone, Peters notes, but it’s essential to fit into their schedules the type of play that encourages exploration and independence. “A great way to incorporate this for younger children is finding a safe space for them to wander and make decisions on their own,” she says. Her comment rings true for me personally, as I’ve noticed my 2-year-old is at his most relaxed and engaged when he is wandering through Prospect Park with me following a few feet behind him. Downtime benefits kids of all ages, according to Dr. Copenhaver. “In younger children ages 2-5 unstructured play time encourages imagination and cooperation. It can also allow them time to rest and recharge, avoiding becoming overstimulated and cranky,” she says. Me time also has specific benefits for older children. “In schoolaged kids, I find that non-scheduled downtime allows them to more deeply explore their likes and develop their talents,” Dr. Copenhaver says. “Some kids develop a love of reading, others find that they still enjoy playing at the park, while others take the time to participate in preparing meals for their family.” She adds that in teens, stress levels decrease and sleep duration and quality usually benefit first from non-scheduled down time.

Finding the Right Balance

Given what we know about the positives of extracurricular activities and also the benefits of downtime, how do we go about finding what works for us? Here are some tips for ensuring your kids experience the right mix of enriching activities and nourishing downtime. Create a schedule that works for your family. Because many children spend too much time using mobile devices and watching TV, the American Association of Pediatrics recommends maintaining at least one hour of physical activity a day and limiting screen time to two hours a day, according to Melanie Wilson-Taylor, M.D., F.A.A.P., also of South Slope pediatrics. “Oftentimes parents are busy with work or taking care of younger children and there can be pressure to make sure that kids are kept busy,” she says. “Many parents often feel the need to compete and make sure their child has access to every extracurricular activity in order to be a better candidate for the next level of school.”

Carefully consider what activities are right for your child. Dr. Wilson-Taylor recommends parents ask their child if she enjoys the activity and to consider whether there are true benefits—academic, social, personal development—in it. She cautions that sometimes the amount of time a child spends in an activity is reasonable but the type of activity may not fit the personality of the child. Parents should consider whether their child prefers group or individual activities, for instance, or whether the child will experience undue anxiety of performing in an end-of-year production or recital. “Parents should also be mindful about how extracurricular activities affect the behavior and self-worth,” Dr. Wilson-Taylor says. “If the child is focused on always winning and values themselves based on their ability to succeed in the activity, caregivers should re-evaluate the importance of that activity.” One good rule of thumb she tells her patients: Due to a limited attention span, structured activities for children younger than 6 should be limited to 30 minutes at a time. Older children can tolerate activities that are an hour or two. Look out for the red flags. According to Dr. Wilson-Taylor, temperament and age play a big part in judging whether a child is overscheduled. Some children like participating in activities outside of school or on the weekends and thrive on constantly doing something. Other children are homebodies or prefer unstructured activities. She cautions that “an overscheduled child has more tantrums prior to the activity, may take a long time to get ready, and may outright say ‘no’ to going. Older children may exhibit poor sleep patterns the night before in anticipation of participating in the event the next day. They also may seem more isolated from friends or family because they are always ‘doing something.’” Parents should be concerned if they notice a child is clingier to caregivers, his grades are dropping, or her homework is getting squeezed into small gaps of free time—in the car, on the bus, waking up early before school. “If not attended to, young kids communicate discomfort one way or the other and raise the flag. This could be acting out in school or more tantrums at home,” Peters says. Children may also exhibit stress-induced physical symptoms, some of which can mimic actual illness. “When a child’s day is scheduled down to the minute, they can become stressed, and sometimes manifest physical symptoms of that stress,” Dr. Copenhaver says. “Stomach aches, headaches, and fatigue are common symptoms that children present to my office with, and the problem is sometimes an overloaded schedule without enough down time.” In her practice, she also sees teens complaining of fatigue, and often finds out they are sleeping fewer than five hours a night because of their busy school and after-school schedules. Trust your gut. “Like everything connected to parenting,” Peters says “this issue is very individual to each family.” Ultimately, she says, parents know their children—and since each situation and child is different, parents must rely on their instincts to decide when their child needs fewer after-school activities and more me time. The bottom line: You probably don’t need to worry that your child is overscheduled or that the number of activities in which he participates will have a negative impact on him. However, me time remains an essential part of everyone’s life and plays an important role in children’s development—so make sure to schedule some unscheduled time into your child’s life regularly. This is the second in a two-part series about the importance of downtime. To read last month’s article on me time for moms, see nymetroparents.com/mom-time. BigAppleParent 39

Back-to-School

The annual guide to schools, resources, programs, & activities for kids! Affinity Health Plan

866-247-5678 affinityplan.org For almost 30 years, Affinity Health Plan has been offering New York state-sponsored free or low-cost health coverage to New Yorkers who have Medicaid or no health insurance at all. Building on this unparalleled success, we added Medicare Advantage to seniors and dual eligible. Our managed care programs meet the need for coverage among people who are “underserved,” those who may find it hard to get health care for different reasons such as language barriers, social and economic status, or other factors.

All My Children Daycare and Nursery School

Various locations; call for information or check us online Manhattan: 212-419-5416 Brooklyn: 347-708-7827 Queens: 347-708-7827 allmychildrendaycare.com info@allmychildrendaycare.com All My Children Daycare is the eco-friendly choice for your infant or young child. We have various locations throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens to accommodate your needs. AMC offers a holistic approach to education inspired by nature, and our staff is highly trained. Growth and development of the child as a whole is our No. 1 goal. We also offer a broad range of content on our website for parents. Call to inquire about registration or schedule a tour of a facility near you: 212-466-6262 or email: info@allmychildrendaycare.com.

Ballet Academy East

1651 Third Ave. 212-410-9140 balletacademyeast.com Ballet Academy East offers classes to children and adults of all ages and levels. The Pre-Professional Division for ages 7-19 trains dancers for professional careers in ballet. Enrichment classes are open to students ages 7 and older who wish to study ballet less intensively. The Young Dancers Division offers pre-ballet, tap, and modern to ages 3-6. In BAE’s

Petit Dancers Program, children ages 18 months to 2 years, along with their parents or caregivers, share the joy of music and dance. Adult classes for all levels are available in ballet, tap, Pilates, Zumba, and yoga.

Battery Park City Parks Fall Programs 212-267-9700 bpcparks.org Battery Park City Parks fall programs include Parent and Baby Yoga: Mondays, Sept. 11-Oct. 30, 1-2:15pm or 2:30-3:45pm; for parents and pre-crawling infants. Bird Watching Club: Mondays, Sept. 18-Oct. 30, 4-5:30pm; for first-third grades. Chess Lessons for Children: Tuesdays, Sept. 5–Dec. 5, beginners: 3:30-4:25pm, intermediate: 4:30-5:30pm. Gardening Club for Children: Tuesdays, Sept. 5-Oct. 31, 4-5pm; for children ages 6-10. Stories and Songs: Wednesdays, Sept. 13-Dec. 13, three 40-minute sessions: 9:4012pm; for children 6 months to 3½ years with accompanying caregiver. Preschool Play and Art: Thursdays, Nov. 2-Dec. 14, 10-11:30am or 3:30-5pm; for walking toddlers with accompanying caregiver. Pre-registration required for all programs.

Battery Park City Parks Go Fish!

212-267-9700 bpcparks.org Go Fish! Saturdays, Sept. 9 and 23, and Oct. 14 from 10am-2pm at Wagner Park. Join experienced anglers in Wagner Park for catch-andrelease fishing and learn about life in the Hudson River. Observe the day’s catch in aerated tanks and discover what you can do to steward the recovery of the Hudson. Enjoy bird-watching and garden tours and learn how strategic plantings provide a resting spot for a variety of species during the spring and fall migrations. Family musical performances at Go Fish! this fall include Dan Zanes & Friends, Mitchell, Key Wilde & Mr. Clarke, and The Crusty Gentlemen.

Bricks 4 Kidz®

646-927-9129 bricks4kidz.com/450

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

bricks4kidzny@gmail.com Bricks 4 Kidz® uses Lego® bricks and technologies to make learning STEM fun and exciting for children. Its programs are built around specially designed model plans with exciting themes like Jurassic Brick Land, Galaxy Far Away, Mining and Crafting, and Super Heroes and Villains. Its programs seek to introduce engineering and architecture principles; explore math and science concepts; build communication, negotiation, self-confidence, and problem-solving skills; enhance self-esteem through solving problems and completing projects; and activate children’s lively imaginations. Build, Learn and Play—with Lego® Bricks!

Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool

Locations throughout New York City 866-854-1958 brighthorizons.com/nyc Bright Horizons® is the leading provider of high-quality early education and preschool. We strive to grow young readers, scientists, artists, and explorers who are engaged and curious, and approach school and academics with a drive for excellence. Our programs empower children from infancy on to become confident, successful learners and secure, caring people. Schedule a visit today. Bright Horizons offers quality, year-round programming and a number of convenient locations throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. Find a school near you and come see what sets us apart.

The British International School of New York

20 Waterside Plaza 212-481-2700 x204 bis-ny.org info@bis-ny.org BIS-NY proudly offers a challenging curriculum, which combines the inquiry based, child-centered philosophy of the International Baccalaureate Program with the rigor of the English National Curriculum; a powerful combination that both supports and stretches its students. BIS-NY’s curriculum has

been chosen for its high standards of excellence, its balance, and its portability, preparing children for their next stage of schooling. BISNY graduates have enjoyed great success at many of the leading private schools worldwide. This fall BIS-NY is delighted to announce the expansion to an Upper School to include Year 10 from September 2018.

The Calhoun School

433 West End Ave. 160 W. 74th St. 212-497-6500 Lower School 160 W. 74th St. calhoun.org Calhoun School, preschool to 12th, offers a hands-on “learning-by-doing” curriculum, embracing the individuality of our students while supporting intellectual, emotional, and social growth. At all ages, Calhoun students engage in challenging and exciting learning experiences. Whether building machines in kindergarten, researching race and identity in middle school, or creating an innovative project in Junior Workshop, students are encouraged to experiment, take risks, and pursue their passions. Calhoun graduates, supported by thoughtful college counseling, leave with both a strong academic foundation and the skills to thrive in college and beyond.

Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex

West 23rd Street and Hudson River Park Field House Registration Desk: 212-336-6500 x6520 chelseapiers.com/youth Stay active after school and on weekends at Chelsea Piers! This fall the Field House will offer youth volleyball, yoga, and running and fitness classes, in addition to basketball, soccer, football, gymnastics, dance, and parkour. Additional programs at Chelsea Piers include figure skating, ice hockey, and golf. Our team of accomplished coaches and teachers work to build your child’s skills and confidence in every class, program, and competitive league. Register for your fall favorites today!

Children’s Museum of the Arts

103 Charlton St. 212-274-0986 cmany.org Children’s Museum of the Arts is an art museum that offers classes across a range of mediums. Taught by teaching artists, these courses encourage children to express creativity, develop an artistic voice, and build critical thinking skills. The after-school program features semester-long classes for ages 5-15. WEE Arts classes introduce toddlers to art, encouraging self-expression and socialization. Art Colony Day Camps are innovative art camps held during school breaks. CMA also offers free inclusive classes for children living with autism or disabilities. Learn more at cmany.org.

City and Country School

146 W. 13th St. 212-242-7802 cityandcountry.org City and Country is a coeducational school for children ages 2-13. Founded in 1914, C&C is one of the oldest and most celebrated progressive schools in the country. Housed in seven brownstones including adjacent courtyards, C&C enjoys a lovely campus with abundant outdoor space, character, and natural light. Encouraged to question, problem-solve, and approach life’s challenges with optimism, City and Country graduates are confident, creative, resourceful, and compassionate. After-school programs give children of different ages the chance to work together on projects that may fall outside their usual classroom routines.

Collina Italiana

1556 Third Ave. (at 87th Street), Suite 603 212-427-7770 collinaitaliana.com info@collinaitaliana.com Set on the Upper East Side, our Italian classes allow children to benefit from a comprehensive approach to learning in an age-appropriate and inviting atmosphere. Classes for kids include Giardino dei Bambini (drop-off on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9am-12pm); Girotondo Giallo, Rosso, Blu, and Viola (ages 2-3, 4-5, 6-8, 9 and older); Italian Art and Yoga Workshops; private and semi-private tutoring. Children gather around to share learned words

and expressions through playful, skill-building activities such as games, songs, dances, and stories. For all the bellissimi details on Collina Italiana, call the Italian instructors today.

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES MARKETPLACE

Introducing

Ciao Yoga!

Columbia Center for Eating Disorders at New York State Psychiatric Institute

646-774-8066 edru@nyspi.columbia.edu Columbia Center for Eating Disorders at New York State Psychiatric Institute is dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of eating disorders. Currently, we are studying how the brain changes over time in teens with and without anorexia nervosa. Females ages 14-18 who are interested in research participation may be able to receive inpatient, outpatient, or day treatment at no cost and compensation up to $250 per visit.

The Diller-Quaile School of Music

24 E. 95th St. (between Madison and Fifth avenues) 212-369-1484 diller-quaile.org info@diller-quaile.org Since 1920, Diller-Quaile has been developing the innate musicality in each individual, inspiring participation for a lifetime. Diller-Quaile offers Early Childhood Classes (ages 3 months to 6 years); Instrument and Voice Lessons, Classes, and Ensembles; Adult Programs; and Teacher Training/Dalcroze Courses. Rug Concerts for young children, master classes, and faculty concerts occur throughout the year. Curricula emanate primarily from international folk music and classical music. The school annually enrolls 1,100 students of all ages. Fall classes begin in September; visit diller-quaile.org to apply online. Accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Precollegiate Arts Schools.

École Internationale de New York (EINY)

111 E. 22nd St. 646-410-2238 einy.org EINY is an independent, international, French-American school located in the Madison Square and Gramercy Park neighborhood. EINY offers an academic bilingual program in French and English from nursery to eighth grade offering Mandarin and continued on next page ››

Connecting families to the Bella Lingua of Italy ...without leaving NYC!

Fall Session starts September 25th

Register Now! • Ages 2-8 Italian Language Program using song, stories, games and arts & crafts • Ages 2-5 Morning drop off playgroup • Ages 4-6 Yoga classes in Italian • Italian Art Workshop • Tutoring Services • Inquire about our Adult Classes 1556 Third Ave @ 87th, Suite 603, NY, NY • 212.427.7770

www.collinaitaliana.com • info@collinaitaliana.com

BigAppleParent 41

‹‹ continued from previous page

Spanish as a foreign language. EINY is fully accredited by the French Ministry of Education and is affiliated with the Mission Laïque Française. A faculty of certified teachers from France and the United States work to instill the rigor of the French curriculum and the American emphasis on independent thinking.

Ellen Robbins Dance

Three Locations: Soho, Chelsea, and PMT Studio at 14th Street and Sixth Avenue 212-254-0286 ellenrobbinsdance.com dance_er@verizon.net Ellen Robbins’ dance classes for children do what dance is supposed to do: train their bodies in technique, attune their ears to great music, immerse them in the thrill of improvisation, and coach them in composition—the natural outcome of which is performance. Dances by Very Young Choreographers is an annual, professionally produced dance concert. Students perform their own solo compositions and participate in a group work choreographed by Ellen. Each child’s unique personality shines through. Modern Dance for ages 5–18: Technique, Composition, Improvisation, and Performance.

First Presbyterian Church Nursery School 12 W. 12th St. 212-691-3432; fpcns.org First Presbyterian Church Nursery School was founded in 1952 in Greenwich Village. Our school offers a non-sectarian program, welcoming children and families of all configurations, religions, races, cultures, and economic backgrounds. FPCNS is dedicated to the development of the whole child in a warm and nurturing environment, offering experienced classroom teachers and specialists in studio, music, movement, gardening, and a healthy snack program. Extended day, enrichment programming, and a summer camp are available for 4s students. FPCNS has large, airy classrooms, a rooftop playground, and indoor play space.

The Gateway School

211 W. 61st St., 6th Floor 212-777-5966 gatewayschool.org admissions@gatewayschool.org Founded in 1965, The Gateway School is an independent, coed day school for children ages 5-14

with language-based learning disabilities or attention deficit. It was among the first schools in the country to recognize that bright children who had difficulty learning simply had to be taught differently. Gateway teaches the skills, strategies, and content necessary for students to realize their potential in school and in life. In a language-rich setting, students experience academic success, recognize their strengths, and develop self-advocacy skills.

Girls Prep Lower East Side Elementary

442 E. Houston St. 212-346-6000 x108 enroll@publicprep.org Girls Prep Lower East Side is the first and only all-girls, tuition free, kindergarten-eighth school in Manhattan. Our safe and nurturing learning environment provides students with robust science instruction, an enhanced literacy program, arts immersion, and frequent college visits starting in kindergarten. Our teachers, parents, and students make a yearly commitment to developing scholars who will attend high-performing public, private, or parochial high schools, and who will ultimately graduate from fouryear colleges and universities. Join the Girls Prep community today and begin your daughter’s journey to college completion!

Huntington Learning Center

237 W. 72nd St. 212-362-0100; huntingtonhelps.com Huntington Learning Center is an accredited, K-12th tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified teachers provide individualized instruction in phonics, reading, writing, math, science, study skills, and executive functioning skills. Huntington also helps students prepare for the SAT, ACT, High School Entrance Exams, and other state and standardized exams. Huntington students achieve results at all skill levels. According to one parent: “In just four months I have seen incredible improvements in Jessica’s grades and confidence. She actually went up two grade levels!” Huntington offers convenient 1-on-1 tutoring programs. Call today!

The Ideal School of Manhattan Upper West Side 212-769-1699 theidealschool.org dbyrnes@idealschool.org

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

The IDEAL School of Manhattan is New York City’s only independent inclusion school. We are a K-12th school that celebrates the social, emotional, and academic growth, which comes from learning in a community that mirrors the bright mosaic of diversity within New York City. We value and celebrate all students—gifted and talented, typically developing, and students with learning differences—for his and her talents and attributes. IDEAL students develop empathy, character, and self-advocacy skills that inspire in them the capacity for creative problem solving and leadership in our global world.

International Academy of New York 4 E. 90th St. 212-641-0260 ianyc.org; info@ianyc.org The International Academy of New York is a bilingual, multi-cultural school. We develop culturally astute, confident, and caring students with fluency in Mandarin or Spanish. We deliver personal attention to each student, nurturing their intellectual, physical, creative, social, and emotional development, teaching them the skills to contribute and thrive in today’s world. We learn in the classroom and in our community—on Manhattan’s Upper East Side next to Central Park and renowned museums. We are accepting applications for pre-nursery through third grade, adding a grade each year through eighth grade.

Jodi’s Gym

244 E. 84th St. 212-772-7633 25 Hubbels Drive, Mount Kisco 914-244-8811; jodisgym.com Jodi’s Gym has been providing New York kids the highest level of fun and fitness for 35 years! Its step-by-step, no-fail approach ensures that every child feels a sense of accomplishment. From the tiniest tumblers to advanced gymnasts (9 months to 12 years), there is something for everyone. It offers parent-child gym classes, gymnastics (ages 3-12), Ninja Challenge, preschool alternative, summer and holiday break camps, free playtime and perks for members, play groups, private lessons, and the best birthday parties!

K12 The George Washington University Online High School 866-968-6463; 877-382-2015

k12.com; gwuohs.com The George Washington University Online High School is an independent online private school for academically talented students in sixth to 12th grades who seek a rigorous yet flexible college preparatory program and are motivated to prepare for a life in which they can contribute significantly, responsibly, and respectfully in a global society.

Kate Tempesta’s Urban Golf Academy

607-731-1886 ktuga.com/weekly-classes matt@ktuga.com Join Kate Tempesta’s Urban Golf Academy and play golf! Fall is here, and we have plenty of chances to play golf after school! Join UGA in Central Park for weekly after-school golf. For more experienced players, Premier Indoor Golf allows students to take the next steps, and UGA’s Junior Player’s Leagues at Mosholu gives students the opportunity to take it to the green every Saturday! UGA is dedicated to the whole child approach, blending creativity and movement with the skills and “fun”damentals of golf!

Kumon of Manhattan

2235 Frederick Douglass Blvd., Central Harlem 212-866-6201 700 Columbus Ave., Upper West Side 212-866-1864 320 W. 23rd St., Chelsea 212-242-6528 381 Second Ave., Gramercy Park 212-683-1232 2 South End Ave., Battery Park City 212-786-4295 747 Tenth Ave., Midtown West 212-399-4124 954 First Ave., Midtown East 212-702-8769 123 Baxter St., Chinatown 212-625-1883 237 E. 204th St., Bedford Park 917-751-1888 kumon.com As the world’s largest after-school math and reading program, Kumon’s proven individualized method accelerates your child’s learning—beginning at age 3 through high school. We go beyond tutoring, by developing a customized curriculum for your child that nurtures critical thinking and independent learning skills. Kumon’s time-tested self-learning program uses engaging worksheets

and guidance from an instructor to present new concepts and materials, giving children an academic advantage in the classroom—and throughout life. Through daily practice and mastery of materials, students increase confidence, improve concentration, and develop better study skills.

Kweller Advanced Test Preparation

Kweller Prep Manhattan: 370 Lexington Ave., Suite 800 Kweller Prep Queens: 104-40 Queens Blvd. Suite 1C, Forest Hills kwellerprep.com. info@kwellerprep.com Kweller Prep offers advanced test preparation in small group settings for students in third to 12th grades. Our instructors provide mentorship and academic support and customize classes based on each student’s needs. Kweller Prep specializes in competitive middle, high school, and college entrance exam preparation. Programs are offered for several exams including ELA, MATH, Hunter, SHSAT, PSAT, and SAT. Class sizes are limited to 10 students max. Office: 1-800-6311757. Email: info@kwellerprep. com. Register for classes online at kwellerprep.com.

La Escuelita

302 W. 91st St. 212-877-1100 laescuelitanyc.org info@laescuelitanyc.org The first Spanish dual language preschool on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, and one of the first in NYC, La Escuelita has the experience and knowledge to fulfill its mission: the support of bilingualism in children from birth to third grade. La Escuelita offers a unique preschool experience to families who value bilingualism and playbased learning, while being engaged in a diverse and stimulating community. We encourage you to visit the school to see for yourself the wonderful opportunities that are created each and every day that reflect La Escuelita’s defining three core values.

The Language Workshop for Children

888 Lexington Ave. (at 66th Street) 212-628-2700 languageworkshopforchildren.com The Language Workshop for Children’s approach remains the first and most respected method in children’s language educational play. Part of the LWFC’s

Thibaut Technique® magic is its special teacher training in which instructors are taught to blend emotional support, smiles, warmth, language-rich melodies, child-friendly props, routines, stories, and 1-on-1 interaction. The LWFC knows how to capture a child’s imagination, so children truly learn all of the words and phrases they’re hearing and practicing. Available in French, Spanish, Chinese, and Italian for children ages 6 months to 8 years.

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES MARKETPLACE

LiceXchange - The No-Lip-Service Lice Service

Debra L. Rosen, owner and operator 917-657-0249 licexchange.com LiceXchange treats head lice exclusively in the privacy of your home as inexpensively as possible. Experienced, conscientious, and kind staff will put your children at ease applying all the tools of the trade without the use of pesticides! We stand by all our work, as long as “active” cases with lice follow our protocol. Founder Debra L. Rosen, has been successfully caring for schools and camps throughout the tri-state region for more than 15 years, stressing “prevention” over treatment. LiceXchange, “Where an age-old problem gets the Royal Treatment.”

The Little Gym

2121 Broadway, 2nd Floor (between 74th and 75th streets), Upper West Side 212-799-1225 tlgupperwestsideny.com 207 E. 94th St. (between Second and Third avenues), Upper East Side 28 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick, NJ 201-445-4444 tlgwaldwicknj.com 777 White Plains Road, Scarsdale 914-722-0072; tlgscarsdaleny.com The Little Gym is an exercise and motor development center offering gymnastics classes, sports skills development, dance, cheerleading, and karate classes for children ages 4 months to 12 years, in a loving, non-competitive environment. Qualified instructors implement programs designed to build self-esteem and confidence. An emphasis on music and fun encourages both physical and emotional growth. The Little Gym also offers summer camp, holiday camp, Parent Survival Night, and Awesome Birthday Bashes.

Nursery through 8th grade (ages 3-13) French and American curricula with an international perspective Mandarin introduction in 3rd grade and Spanish in Middle School 3 campus locations around Madison Square Park

2017-2018 School Tours September 20th, 2017

Wednesday

October 4th, 2017

Wednesday

October 25th, 2017

Wednesday

November 8th, 2017

Wednesday

November 29th, 2017

Wednesday

December 7th, 2017

Thursday evening session 6:00 - 7:30 PM

TO SCHEDULE A PRIVATE TOUR, VISIT EINY.ORG 111 East 22nd Street, New York , NY 10010 646.410.2238

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Mary Louis Academy: Empowering Young Women Since 1936

176-21 Wexford Terrace, J amaica Estates 718-297-2120; tmla.org The Mary Louis Academy is proud to announce the establishment of several new and exciting initiatives designed to provide young women with increased opportunities to achieve academic success, develop leadership skills, set career goals, and form strategies to achieve those goals. Successful completion of a program, all of which begin September 2017, will be recognized at graduation with a special designation certificate. The academic concentrations will include: Pre-Med, Dual-Language/ International Studies Program, S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), Fine Art, Music, and Physical Education and Wellness. For more information, visit tmla.org.

Music Together® Sing Shalom

Congregation Rodeph Sholom, Upper West Side 212-362-8800 Or Zarua, Upper East Side 212-452-2310 City Treehouse, Chelsea 212-255-2050 Imagine Swimming, Tribeca 212-253-9650 Evolution Enrichment Center, Lower East Side 212-375-9500 Not Just Art, Oyster Bay 516-922-8300 Mid Island YJCC, Plainview 516-822-3535 iSchool of Music & Art, Rockville Centre 516-442-2230 The Community Synagogue, Port Washington 516-883-3144 jewishedproject.org/ musictogethersingshalom singshalom@jewishedproject.org The weekly parent-child music classes are uniquely designed for families with young children (ages newborn to 5) using the internationally recognized Music Together® early childhood music education program, enriched with Jewish songs. Families will sing, dance, and play in a class led by a trained Music Together teacher and Jewish educator. Families will learn to interact musically with their child, while supporting their development, strengthening family relationships, and con-

necting with Jewish music. Music Together Sing Shalom is offered in collaboration with The Jewish Education Project, funded by UJA-Federation of New York.

NY ORTHO K

128 W. 13th St. 646-535-9061 nyorthok.com nyorthok@gmail.com Orthokeratology/GVSS (gentle vision shaping system) is a way to see clearly without glasses or surgery and can slow down the progression of the nearsightedness in children. Orthok/GVSS uses a retainer to reshape the front surface of the eye to eliminate or reduce nearsightedness or astigmatism during waking hours. GVSS vision retainers are similar to contact lenses and are usually worn during sleep. They are removed when you wake up and provide clear vision without using glasses or contact lenses. GVSS uses FDA approved materials and is a safe and effective option for both children and adults.

Pusteblume International Preschool and Afterschool Programs

244 W. 14th St. 212-206-1137 pusteblumenyc.org carola.grundmann@pusteblumenyc.org At Pusteblume, we provide a creative and positive learning environment in which children can develop their unique qualities and characteristics through a combination of play and instruction. Our curriculum teaches students how to learn with confidence and enthusiasm by focusing on inquiry and exploration in the classroom and the world outside. We welcome children from ages 2-5 in our 2s, preschool, and pre-K classes. We offer three immersion options: German, Spanish, and German-Spanish immersion, in which our trilingual students alternate between the German and Spanish classrooms on a weekly basis.

Robofun

2672 Broadway 212-245-0444 robofun.org robofun@robofun.org Invent-Build-Have Fun-Repeat! Join Robofun this fall for After-School Classes, Weekend Mini-Series, and One-Day Workshops! We have many options, with courses starting in September and October! Children in pre-K to sixth grades will have

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

fun building and making with our Robotics, Coding, Stop Motion Animation, and Circuitry courses. All classes are fun-filled and specially designed to show off students’ creativity and imagination. Our curriculum is specifically designed to reach all learners and our teachers are specially trained to engage, excite, and challenge all students in their classes!

SAY: Confident Voices SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young

55 W. 39th St. (winter office) 828-393-4244 say.org; info@say.org SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young is offering its Confident Voices program free of charge, so all children who stutter (ages 8-18) can benefit from this life-changing program. This innovative after-school and weekend program utilizes the performing arts to help young people who stutter develop the confidence and communication skills they need to thrive. Several sessions are offered, including storytelling, playwriting, and songwriting. Your child collaborates within a cohesive group, while mentored by professional actors, producers, artists, and SAY staff.

The School at Steps Training the Dancers of Tomorrow...

2121 Broadway at 74th Street, 4th Floor 212-874-3678 stepsnyc.com/school theschool@stepsnyc.com The School at Steps cultivates young dancers, ages 18 months to 18 years, from their first step into a dance studio through their pre-professional training. Students discover their individual artistic voices in a creative environment with the guidance of an internationally recognized faculty. Classes offered in ballet, pas de deux, tap, jazz, theater dance, hip-hop, character, Pilates, and stretch, with performance opportunities. School at Steps graduates go on to dance with professional companies, study at top college dance programs, and perform on Broadway. stepsnyc.com/school.

Sensational City Kids

33 Newberry Ave., Staten Island 917-405-8717; 646-539-8011 sensationalcitykids@gmail.com A social skills training program for children who would benefit from additional social and emotional

support, preparing them for lifelong success. Role-playing sessions engage students in using language, advocating for themselves, respecting peers’ boundaries, independent thinking, autonomy, and reducing anxieties. Parent training provided to support using behavioral strategies at home. Behavioral assessments conducted. Fun activities in the community include dance, yoga, music, soccer, and bowling! Ages 2-6, Sundays from 9am-1pm.

The Shoe Tree

2876 Broadway 212-280-1711 theshoetreeonline.com theshoetree@earthlink.net What do you look for in a children’s shoe store? Do you want friendly service, varied inventory options, and a knowledgeable sales staff to assist with a proper-fitting shoe for your child? The Shoe Tree provides those things in addition to a frequent buyer program that keeps track of the brands and sizes you purchase. The Shoe Tree also offers socks, hats, jewelry, rain gear, and sunglasses, all at a convenient Manhattan location. The Shoe Tree is the best choice for children’s shoes ages newborn to adult.

TADA! Youth Theater

15 W. 28th St. (at Broadway), 3rd floor 212-252-1619 tadatheater.com customerservice@tadatheater.com TADA!, an award-winning nonprofit youth theater, provides young people from different backgrounds with musical theater programs that inspire them to be creative, learn, and think differently. TADA! offers a free, year-round, pre-professional training and a positive youth development program for the Resident Youth Ensemble; musical theater classes and camps for the public; as well as musical theater residencies in NYC schools and community centers. Through TADA!’s high-quality work, young people develop advanced skills that help with growing up and are essential to their success both in school and in life.

Tutors on Wheels

54 W. 40th St. 212-235-1460 tutorsonwheels.com chrisliendo@tutorsonwheels.com Offering Back-to-School tutoring specials! All subjects and grades are 25-percent off of packages

of more than eight hours. Rates valid through September only! Our tutors provide personalized, 1-on-1 sessions geared toward each student’s individual needs. Call Tutors on Wheels today for an exciting, engaging learning experience! Results guaranteed or your money back.

USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centerw

Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Flushing, Queens Register now at: ntc.usta.com We offer year-round tennis programs for all ages and levels. Our programs teach the necessary techniques, tactics, sports conditioning, and strategy geared to maximize learning while having fun. As players develop, they are advanced to more challenging groups. We accept junior players ages 4-10 for the Ten-and-Under-Tennis Program. Children ages 10 and older can enroll in our Junior Development Programs. The more advanced player

can be invited to participate in our Tennis Academy, an intensive training program for more serious players. Enrollment and more detailed information is available online at ntc.usta.com.

Wetherby-Pembridge School

212-328-9529 wetherby-pembridge.org info@whetherby-pembridge.org Wetherby-Pembridge School opens in New York in September 2017, on the Upper East Side, next to Central Park on East 96th Street. It will bring to New York the rich traditions and academic excellence at the heart of its thriving UK schools. Wetherby-Pembridge School will offer a bespoke curriculum model combining the rigorous British National Curriculum with New York’s progressive student-centered teaching approach. Our vision is to awaken curiosity, cultivate high standards, celebrate successes, and encourage children to continually question and create in the world around them.

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES MARKETPLACE

Help Your Child

SOAR

One-On-One HOME Tutoring Grades Pre-K to 12 Reading comprehension & writing Multi-sensory math Phonics instruction & reading fluency Dyslexia & ADD programs Orton Gillingham instruction State test preparation Study & organizational skills Home tutoring available in ALL Boroughs Upper East Side Location

Learning Disabilities & ADHD Instruction

» Preschool is the perfect time to learn a second language » Come learn more about La Escuelita, Manhattan's oldest accredited Spanish-English preschool

» Visit LaEscuelitaNYC.org » What happens to a teenager’s brain during adolescence? Researchers at New York State Psychiatric Institute are looking for healthy kids and teens (11 to 18 years old) to volunteer for research studies using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI - no radiation), to learn more about the brain during adolescence. If your child is a good match, he or she can join a research study and receive up to $250 per visit. To learn more, please contact us at 646-774-5703 or email adhdmri@nyspi.columbia.edu

17 East 89th Street or your home! EBL Coaching • 212-249-0147 Dr. Emily Levy, Director www.eblcoaching.com BigAppleParent 45

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES MARKETPLACE

Incredible things happen when children love to

Learn.

Join us for an open house! 3’s – 2nd grade: Sep 27 & Nov 9 3rd – 8th grade: Oct 19 High school: Oct 26 RSVP at www.calhoun.org/adm_events 160 West 74th Street Preschool – 12th Grade calhoun.org

Now Registering for the 2017-18 School Year BALLET ACADEMY EAST New York City's leading center for complete ballet education

Pre-Professional Division Ages 6 - 19 Special Boys’ Scholarship Program Audition Date: September 18 Classes begin September 19

Pre-Ballet & Tap Ages 3 - 6

Petit Dancers Ages 18 months - 2 years

Ballet, Tap, Modern, Yoga, and Fitness Classes

Register Online, by Phone or In Person 1651 Third Avenue New York, NY 10128 212-410-9140 • info@baenyc.com www.BalletAcademyEast.com

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Rosalie O’Connor

Adult Open Classes

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES MARKETPLACE

PREMIER COLLEGE

Preparatory School

At The George Washington University Online High School, we offer highly personalized learning, and intensive college advising for 8th through 12th graders. With our academically challenging education, your student will be well-prepared for college.

Hurry! Fall enrollment ends September 29, 2017! Learn more at an online information session. Visit gwuohs.com/event or call 877.847.1165 for more details.

The Shoe Tree What do you look for in a Shoe Store? • Friendly service • Huge inventory • Knowledgeable staff • Proper fit for all: birth to adult • Frequent buyer program • Socks, hats, jewelry, sunglasses, rain gear THE SHOE TREE HAS ALL THIS AND MORE! Convenient NYC location Broadway between 111th St. and 112th St. #1 subway, M4 & M104 buses

10th anniversary offering 10% off all shoes until September 30th

2876 Broadway New York, NY 10025 212-280-1711

theshoetreeonline.com Facebook: The Shoe Tree theshoetree@earthlink.net

Hours

Monday–Saturday

11am–6:30pm

Sunday

11am–6:00pm Family Owned and Operated in Morningside Heights For Ten Years

BigAppleParent 47

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES MARKETPLACE

p nU Sig day! To

A joyful, new music experience for your family—with a Jewish twist! Eastside Westside Music Together • Music Together in the City bit.ly/SingShalom Music Together Sing Shalom is offered in collaboration with The Jewish Education Project with funding by UJA-Federation of New York.

in g ! S a tt o G Gotta Dan

ce!

Weekly Classes in Musical Theater

www.cityandcountry.org 5

Sept. 1 Dec. 6 12

Come build your singing, dancing, & acting skills while learning different Musical Theater styles!

Sat. Mon. or Tues. for age groups from 3-14!

yrs. of Fun, Frien ds, & Fitness !

Grea t Pe rk s Fo r M em be rs

Fo r K id s 9 mos to 12 yrs

Nothing Else Even Comes Close! Gymnastics • Music • Playtime • Summer Camps School Break Camps • Ninja Challenge Jodi’s To Go • Best Birthdays Ever

FOR MORE INFO:

WWW.TADATHEATER.COM 48

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

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

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES MARKETPLACE Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool

A Love of Learning

Starts Here

Programs that are

consistent with local schools’ academic and social expectations

Teachers who focus on each child’s individual development

Photo: Eduardo Patino.NYC

 ! LET'S DAnOE

Introduction to STEM

Education (science, technology, engineering, math)

Begins September 11, 2017 the 18 mos. – 18 yrs.

STEPS chool at

Small class sizes

for individualized learning

Learn More

Training the dancers of tomorrow

2121 Broadway @ 74th St, NYC 10023 212.874.3678 StepsNYC.com/school

brighthorizons.com/bigapple17

the british international school of new york is growing upͲper…

SAS_BigAppleParentSept2017.indd 1

8/14/17 8:26 AM

Celebrating 10 years of academic success and growth in New York City, The British International School of New York is delighted to announce an Upper School expansion from September 2018. Accepting applications from Nursery (3’s) through 9th Grade from September 2017 at www.bisͲny.org.

MORE THAN A SCHOOL, IT’S AN EDUCATION. Nursery 3’s Ͳ 12th Grade

WWW.BISͲNY.ORG

(212) 481Ͳ2700 BigAppleParent 49

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES MARKETPLACE Are you concerned about your daughter’s weight or eating habits? Columbia Center for Eating Disorders at New York State Psychiatric Institute is dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of eating disorders. Currently, we are studying how the brain changes over time in teens with and without anorexia nervosa. Females 14-18 years old who are interested in research participation may be able to receive inpatient, outpatient, or day treatment at no cost. Monetary compensation is up to $250 per visit. To learn more, please contact us at 646-774-8066 or email edru@nyspi.columbia.edu.

Check out our golf programs for kids in NYC, and Montauk Downs. ktuga.com

Join

NYMetroParents • LEGO®-based STEM & Robotics Camps • In-School and After-School Classes • Fun and Exciting LEGO® Birthday Parties • Serving children ages 3-12+ throughout New York City

Get advance notice on activities, participate in group discussions Where children ages 5-14 with learning differences become and receive special notices. skilled, strategic learners Gateway’s language-focused curriculum teaches the skills, strategies, and content that each student needs to achieve academic success, while boosting self-conﬁdence and instilling a love of learning.

www.facebook.com/nymetroparents

ACTIVITIESwww.gatewayschool.org EVENTS MORE 211 West 61st Street, New York, NY 10023

JoinArts Children’s Museum of the

NYMetroParents

HANDS-ON ART-MAKING CLASSES FOR ALLGet AGES advance notice on activities, Fall After School Classes offer Technique Building for Ages 5-15 Fall WEE Arts Classes offer Exploratory Art Makingparticipate for Ages 1-5in

group discussions and receive special notices.

Register today at cmany.org! Fall After School Classes begin Sept. 18th • WEE Arts Early Childhood Classes begin Oct. 2nd

www.facebook.com/nymetroparents ACTIVITIES

ROBOFUN

EVENTS

FALL CLASSES

Invent » Build » Have Fun » Repeat

START SEPT 11th

Join

NYMetroParents

Robotics, Coding & Game Design, Stop Motion Animation, Circuits & Making 2672 Broadway and 102nd Street | 212.245.0444 | Robofun.org

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

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

www.facebook.com/nymetroparents

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES MARKETPLACE

ellen robbins Our students typically achieve

Modern Dance Technique, Improvisation, Composition. Ages 5 - Teens

2+ GRADE LEVEL INCREASES

SAVE $100

in 3 months.

Classes meet in: Soho, Chelsea & Union Square 212-254-0286

WHEN YOU CALL BEFORE 10/1/17*

*In Math and Reading

Our program offers: Free consultation Comprehensive academic evaluation Personalized tutoring

www.ellenrobbinsdance.com

Highly qualified teachers Flexible payment options for all budgets BALDWIN

Nursery School

A NON-SECTARIAN PROGRAM WELCOMING ALL CHILDREN SINCE 1952 Dedicated to children’s Specialists for music, movement, studio, growth and learning gardening & healthy Experienced, nurturing snack program staff Large airy classrooms, Children ages 2.3 to 5.3 rooftop playground & indoor play space The First Presbyterian Church Nursery School 12 West 12th Street, New York, NY 10011 Call 212-691-3432 or visit our website www.fpcns.org

Kathleen Cook, Director

Test prep

SAT - PSAT/NMSQT - ACT - State Tests Advanced Placement (AP) - SSAT - ISEE SHSAT - TACHS - HSPT - GED - ASVAB

718-358-7900

(845) 624-6800

NANUET

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THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Reading - Writing - Math - Study Skills - Spelling Vocabulary - Phonics - Algebra - Geometry Trigonometry - Pre-Calculus - Calculus Earth Science - Biology - Chemistry - Physics

(516) 867-4041

CARLE PLACE

FLUSHING

Tutoring

(914) 946-7800

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LYNBROOK

UPPER WEST SIDE

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MASSAPEQUA PARK

PARK SLOPE

YORKTOWN HEIGHTS

(914) 722-6100 (201) 871-2211

(516) 365-4455 (516) 799-9500

(212) 362-0100 (631) 289-4900 (718) 230-4600

631-360-0422

(516) 681-0400

BAY RIDGE

(718) 491-0900

718-697-0500

(914) 245-8882

1.800.CAN.LEARN

www.HuntingtonHelps.com

©2017 Huntington Mark, LLC. Independently Owned and Operated. SAT and Advanced Placement (AP) are registered trademarks of the College Board. PSAT/NMSQT is a registered trademark of the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. ACT is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. None of these entities endorses or was involved in the production of the program.*Offer valid for Academic Evaluation, new students only. Not valid with any other offer. Grade level results are based on cumulative average grade level increase in reading and math for 17,445 students from 2010 to 2014 using the full set of available student data.

“A World of Difference”

-Associated Press

The Difference Is In The Method The Thibaut Technique®, nationally recognized and perfected over 44yrs!

FRENCH, SPANISH, CHINESE, ITALIAN Languages for Tots®

A social skills training program for children.

(201) 447-1200

(516) 747-5600

BRONX

6 mos - 3 yrs

Languages for Children 3 yrs - 8 yrs

languageworkshopforchildren.com • 212.628.2700

Parent training provided. Role playing sessions.

Ages 2-6 Sundays 9am-1pm SensationalCityKids@gmail.com

(646) 539-8011 (917) 405-8717

Behavioral assessments conducted. Fun activities in the community include dance, yoga, music, soccer, bowling and much more!

Pusteblume International Preschool provides children with a fun and community-oriented multicultural environment where instruction in the German and Spanish language serves as a catalyst for their development. Tours are available every Friday between the hours of 9:30AM to 11:30AM, please contact us to book your date and time. Pusteblume International Preschool is directed by Friends of the German International School of New York, Inc., a non-proﬁt, 501(c)(3) corporation.

BigAppleParent 51

PartyCentral PARTY ENTERTAINMENT CLOWNS.COM Proudly Serving Westchester, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx 516-577-0000 718-971-5862 clowns.com We are a family-owned and -operated entertainment company, offering a wide range of party and entertainment services including clowns, inflatable bounce houses, characters, magicians, princesses, magic shows, face painting, and party concession rentals. DAVE’S CAST OF CHARACTERS 914-235-7100 davescast.com Make your party a special one! Dave’s entertainment services include more than 100 costumed characters. From princesses and superheroes to pirates and tea parties, there’s something for everyone. PARTY PLACES BRICKS 4 KIDZ® 646-927-9129 bricks4kidz.com/450 bricks4kidzny@gmail.com Bricks 4 Kidz offers exciting birthday parties. Build, learn, and play—with LEGO® Bricks! CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF THE ARTS 103 Charlton St. 212-274-0986 cmany.org Parties begin with free time to explore the museum’s interactive workshops followed by a private, hands-on workshop. Choose from a variety of themes, including Outer Space, Wearable Art, and The Animal Kingdom.

THE FASHION CLASS 21 W. 39th St. 646-329-6663 thefashionclass.com Learn from real fashion designers with a runway or sewing party this year in our 2500-square-foot, bright, sunny, and pink fashion studio! Guests can choose from a variety of our most popular sewing projects, or put on a full runway show! FUNFUZION AT NEW ROC CITY 29 LeCount Place (Exit 16 off I-95), New Rochelle Party Central: 914-637-7575, option 1 funfuziononline.com Calling all birthday superstars! You and your guests will be dazzled by a unique, interactive party experience! GALLI THEATER NEW YORK 151 W. 26th St., 7th Floor 212-731-0668 gallitheaterny.com galliny@gmail.com Party with the Galli Theater New York. We offer a party package for any need and budget! Whether you opt for a personally selected private performance or a workshop party showcasing your little one’s skills, a Galli Theater Birthday is one you will never forget! JODI’S GYM 244 E. 84th St. 212-772-7633 25 Hubbels Drive, Mount Kisco 914-244-8811 jodisgym.com Kids run, jump, climb, tumble, slide, bounce, and giggle to their hearts’ delight at Jodi’s Gym, where action-packed parties and unmatched experience have won children’s hearts for 34 years. LAUNCH MATH & SCIENCE CENTERS 173 W. 81st St., lower level 212-600-1010 launchmath.com

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

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

info@launchmath.com Launch Math & Science Centers provide full service birthday parties featuring hands-on STEM projects as entertainment at the UWS flagship center or in the home! THE LITTLE GYM 2121 Broadway, 2nd Floor (between 74th and 75th streets), Upper West Side 212-799-1225 tlgupperwestsideny.com 207 E. 94th St. (between Second and Third avenues), Upper East Side 212-787-1124 tlguppereastsideny.com 777 White Plains Road, Scarsdale 914-722-0072 tlgscarsdaleny.com 28 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick, NJ 201-445-4444 tlgwaldwicknj.com A private party at The Little Gym is a perfect way to celebrate your child’s next birthday. Gymnastics, games, obstacle courses, trampoline, sports, and music are tailored to your child’s interests! PIER 62 CAROUSEL Pier 62 at Hudson River Park (by Chelsea Piers) 718-788-2676 pier62carouselnyc.com info@nycarousel.com Enjoy a classic carousel-themed birthday party—includes 2 hours in VIP party tent, unlimited rides, games, goodie bags, and a host to help. USTA BILLIE JEAN KING NATIONAL TENNIS CENTER Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Flushing, Queens 718-760-6200 x0 ntc.usta.com Birthday party packages include 1 hour of court time with drills and games organized by our USTA Pro staff and 1 hour in a private room for pizza.

Visit NYCGuitarSchool.com/kids for fall schedules and special offers. ★ KIDS AGE 7–11 and TEENS AGE 12–17: After School and Weekend Group Classes, Private Lessons and Rock Bands. WE LOVE BEGINNERS. ★ AGES 2-6: NYC’s largest Suzuki Guitar Program. To sign up for a free consultation visit NYCGuitarSchool.com/suzuki. ★ FOUR NYC LOCATIONS: • MIDTOWN - 251 West 30th Street • UPPER EAST SIDE - 315 E 91st Street • PARK SLOPE - 81 4th Aveue • ASTORIA - 32-18 Broadway, 2nd Floor Or your Manhattan home or office S,

D AN

B CK M RO RO L. R O O SF ES ON HO S AS ESS SC CL E L R R T TA I TA IVA I U GU PR G E P P U K O TA TO GR OR ’S IN

C NY

IN D AY JO AN B PL A TO N RM R O OW A F R H LE PE A S IN

★ WE ARE NYC’S GUITAR SPECIALISTS. With 50 teachers, 3000 students, online programs, school programs, best selling guitar books and more, we are where NYC learns to play guitar since 2006!

★★★★★ We love our students and our students love us! Visit Google or Yelp to read over 100 5-star reviews from happy families, or visit @nycguitarschool on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube or Twitter.

View fall schedules, programs and specials at NycGuitarSchool.com/kids

MISSION: Personal Greatness One Lesson At A Time WWW. NYCGUITARSCHOOL.COM INFO@NYCGUITARSCHOOL.COM OR GIVE US A CALL AT (646) 485-7244

VALUES: Relentless Improvement People Centered - Honesty - Hustle BigAppleParent 53

SEE CLEARLY NO SURGERY NO GLASSES NY ORTHO K • Slow down progression of nearsightedness for children • Works for children and adults • Clear Sports vision- no glasses/contacts • Relief from dry contacts • Ortho k/GVSS is FDA approved

Free Consultation by appointment 646-535-9061 nyorthok@gmail.com

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Your local guide to tutors, teachers, lawyers, ﬁnancial planners, and other professionals DOCTORS & MEDICAL PROVIDERS

www.nyorthok.com 128 West 13th Steeet NYC

NY ORTHO K 128 W. 13th St. 646-535-9061 nyorthok.com nyorthok@gmail.com Orthokeratology/GVSS (gentle vision shaping system) is a way to see clearly without glasses or surgery and can slow down the progression of the nearsightedness in children. GVSS uses FDA approved materials and is a safe and effective option for both children and adults.

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

SPECIAL NEEDS

Need a staycation?

EASY PEASY POTTY TRAININGGREATER NYC AREA 516-318-5228 easypeasypottynyc.com EASY PEASY POTTY offers a customized potty training plan specific to your child’s needs, and at affordable prices. Consultation can be offered on the phone or in person. Complete the intake form online to begin the process.

FRENCH TUTORING 646-251 4058 simonch67@gmail.com UES, experienced, native French teacher (M.A. Sorbonne) offers customized and engaging lessons in a comfortable setting. All ages and levels, flexible times and places. Improve fluency, and accent, and practice conversation. Test preparation (AP, Regent), Skype option. Rate is $50 per hour.

ResouRces ARticles ticles

SAY: Confident Voices This life-changing NYC-based after-school & weekend program helps young people who stutter develop communication skills, confidence & friendships! Find everything you need, faster at

NYMetroParents.com 54

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Now offered FREE!

Learn more at: www.say.org/programs

Live Music and Storytelling with your little one!

STAR Academy is a small, Pre k-5th grade public school in the East Village, serving families from all 5 boroughs. STAR is a NYC DOE Showcase School. STAR Academy is a small, Pre k-5th grade public schoolWe in the East Village, serving families from alllearning, 5 boroughs. is alike NYCa specialize in partner teaching, hands-on and STAR thinking DOE Showcase School. We specialize in partner teaching, hands-on learning, and thinking like a disciplinarian. All students disciplinarian. All students participate twice a week in music, arts, and gym. participate twice a week in music, arts, and gym. Students in K-5 participate in a dance program. We offer after-school Students in K-5 participate in a dance program. We offer after-school programming for all grades. programming for all grades.

Want to find out more about what makes STAR Academy Shine - Visit our website at www.staracademyps63.com. We have available seats for the 2017-2018 school year. Please contact Jfriedman3@schools.nyc.gov. BigAppleParent 55

OPEN HOUSES 2017 Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool

Locations throughout New York City 866-854-1958 brighthorizons.com/nyc Bright Horizons Curriculum Night: Sept. 25-29. Locations throughout NYC. Explore our classrooms, learn about our world-class curriculum, and discover how your child’s interests inspire learning and encourage school readiness.

Bright Kids Inc.

225 Broadway, Suite 1504, Downtown (open house location) 177 E. 87th St., Suite 402, Upper East Side 917-539-4575 bright-kids.com t.kelly@brightkidsnyc.com Join us for our fall open house on Tuesday, Sept. 5, from 3-7pm and receive discounts and promotions on tutoring packages, assessments, and books.

The British International School of New York

20 Waterside Plaza 212-481-2700 x204 bis-ny.org; info@bis-ny.org We welcome families considering application for the 2018 school year to join us at our stunning waterside campus to discover just what makes BISNY so special. Oct. 3 at 6pm or Oct. 17 at 9:30am.

Children’s Museum of the Arts

103 Charlton St. 212-274-0986 cmany.org Looking for an after-school activity that extends creative learning beyond the classroom? Try out a sampling of CMA’s Media Lab or Fine Arts After-School Classes on Sept. 11, 12, or 13 from 3:30-5:30pm. Sign up today at cmany.org.

City and Country School

146 W. 13th St. 212-242-7802 cityandcountry.org Join us for an open house on Thursday, Nov. 16 from 6-8pm.

École Internationale de New York (EINY)

111 E. 22nd St. 646-410-2238 einy.org To get a better idea about the bilingual program we offer, join us for a tour on Wednesdays, Sept. 20, Oct. 4 or 25, or Nov. 8 or 29.

First Presbyterian Church Nursery School

12 W. 12th St. 212-691-3432 fpcns.org Please join us for an admissions open house on Tuesday, Nov. 15.

The Ideal School of Manhattan

robofun@robofun.org Robofun Fall Preview Classes: One-day workshops for only $45! Coding and Game Design: Sept. 9; Lego Robotics: Sept. 10; Stop Motion Animation: Sept. 30 and Oct. 8; Circuits and Making: Oct. 1 and 7.

Upper West Side 212-769-1699 theidealschool.org dbyrnes@idealschool.org Come visit us for an open house at our lower school on Oct. 25 at 6:30pm; Nov. 8, March 6, and April 5 at 9am; and at our upper school on Oct. 19 at 9am; Nov. 1 at 6:30pm; and March 13 and April 19 at 9am.

Saint Ignatius Loyola School

International Academy of New York 4 E. 90th St. 212-641-0260 ianyc.org info@ianyc.org Visit our multi-cultural, bilingual school for an open house this fall. Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 8:45am; Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 9:30am; Wednesday, October 4, 11, and 25 at 8:45am; and Thursday, Nov. 2, 8, and 15 at 8:45am.

Pusteblume International Preschool and Afterschool Programs

244 W. 14th St. 212-206-1137 pusteblumenyc.org carola.grundmann@pusteblumenyc.org We encourage prospective parents to attend an evening open house to learn more about the school. Dates: Oct. 17, Nov. 14, and Jan. 6, from 6-9pm.

Robofun

2672 Broadway 212-245-0444 robofun.org

48 E. 84th St. 212-861-3820 saintignatiusloyolaschool.com You are invited to attend one of our Parent Tours. All tours begin at 9:30am. Kindergarten tours: Sept. 18, 21, 25, and 28; Oct. 2, 5, 16, and 30; Nov. 13 and 27; Dec. 4 and 11. First-seventh grades tours: Oct. 12, 19, and 26; Nov. 6 and 20; Jan. 4.

TADA! Youth Theater

15 W. 28th St. (at Broadway), 3rd floor 212-252-1619 tadatheater.com customerservice@tadatheater.com Join us Sept. 9 for our fall open house and take a free sample class with a Q-and-A afterward to see what TADA! has to offer!

Wetherby-Pembridge School

212-328-9529 wetherby-pembridge.org info@whetherby-pembridge.org Join us for an open house. Thursday, Sept. 14, 5:30-7pm; Tuesday, Sept. 19, 9:30-11am; Saturday, Sept. 30, 10am-12pm; or Thursday, Oct. 5, 5:30-7pm. Registration is required.

PARTY PLANNER FAMILY RESOURCE GUIDE To advertise: 212-315-0800 or nympads@davlermedia.com

MUSIC INSTRUCTION 100+ CHARACTERS, INTERACTIVE DJ’S FACE PAINTERS & MAGICIANS SUPERHEROES PHOTO BOOTHS NEW! TREASURE ISLAND “ZOOBOTS”

CARNIVALS & INFLATABLES CHARACTER SHOWS FAIRYTALE PRINCESS PARTIES THEME PARTIES SHOWS & ATTRACTIONS

COMPLETE CARNIVAL & PARTY PLANNING

914-235-7100

www.davescast.com

START YOUR CHILD PLAYING PIANO Responsive teacher for all levels. Masters/Music 25 yrs. experience. Fun pre-piano activities for tots. Creative song-writing workshops! East Village Studio or your home. Affordable.

Call Richard 212-966-3297 typhoodynose@gmail.com

To Advertise Call 212-315-0800

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Need to plan the perfect party? FIND venues, entertainers, suppliers, and other ideas to create the ideal party in our online Parent Resources Directory.

NYMetroParents.com

AD INDEX

NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY Metropolitan area!

ACROBATICS / GYMNASTICS Jodi’s Gym.................................................................... 48 BIRTHDAY / PARTY SERVICES Big Apple Parent Party Planner.................................... 56 Bricks 4 Kidz - NYC...................................................... 50 Jodi’s Gym ................................................................... 48 Little Gym ...................................................................... 3 Robo Fun...................................................................... 50 USTA BJK National Tennis Center............................... 14 CAMPS All My Children Day Care............................................. 15 Book Nook.................................................................... 46 Bricks 4 Kidz - NYC...................................................... 50 British International School of New York....................... 49 Calhoun School............................................................ 46 Chelsea Piers............................................................... 60 Children’s Museum of the Arts...................................... 50 Jodi’s Gym ................................................................... 48 Kweller Prep................................................................. 25 Little Gym ...................................................................... 3 New York City Guitar School........................................ 53 Pusteblume International School.................................. 51 Urban Golf Academy.................................................... 50 USTA BJK National Tennis Center............................... 14 CHILD CARE / DAY CARE All My Children Day Care............................................. 15 Bright Horizons Children’s Centers, LLC...................... 49 First Presbyterian Church Nursery............................... 51 CLASSES Ballet Academy East..................................................... 46 Battery Park City Authority ..................................... 37, 55 Book Nook.................................................................... 46 Bricks 4 Kidz - NYC...................................................... 50 Chelsea Piers............................................................... 60 Children’s Museum of the Arts...................................... 50 City & Country School.................................................. 48 Collina Italiana.............................................................. 41 Diller Quaile School of Music.......................................... 5 Ecole Internationale de NY........................................... 43 Ellen Robbins Dance.................................................... 51 International Academy of New York ............................... 9 The Jewish Education Project...................................... 48 Kumon North America.................................................... 2 La Escuelita.................................................................. 45 Language Workshop for Children................................. 51 New York City Guitar School........................................ 53 Pusteblume International School.................................. 51 Robo Fun...................................................................... 50 SAY: Confident Voices.................................................. 54 The School at Steps..................................................... 49 Sensational City Kids.................................................... 51 STAR Academy, P.S. 63............................................... 55 TADA! Youth Theater ................................................... 48 Urban Golf Academy.................................................... 50 Wetherby-Pembridge School........................................ 13 DANCE Ballet Academy East..................................................... 46 Ellen Robbins Dance.................................................... 51 The School at Steps..................................................... 49 DEVELOPMENTAL Calhoun School............................................................ 46

Collina Italiana.............................................................. 41 Columbia University, Dept. of Psychiatry................ 45, 50 Cosmic Cubs Club........................................................ 55 Dr. Solomon.................................................................. 54 Ecole Internationale de NY........................................... 43 The Gateway School.................................................... 50 Huntington Learning Center......................................... 51 The Ideal School............................................................. 7 International Academy of New York ............................... 9 K12 .............................................................................. 47 La Escuelita.................................................................. 45 Language Workshop for Children................................. 51 Robo Fun...................................................................... 50 SAY: Confident Voices.................................................. 54 Sensational City Kids.................................................... 51 The Shoe Tree.............................................................. 47 Wetherby-Pembridge School........................................ 13 EDUCATION All My Children Day Care............................................. 15 Book Nook.................................................................... 46 Bright Horizons Children’s Centers, LLC...................... 49 Bright Kids Inc.............................................................. 15 British International School of New York....................... 49 Calhoun School............................................................ 46 City & Country School.................................................. 48 Collina Italiana.............................................................. 41 Cosmic Cubs Club........................................................ 55 Diller Quaile School of Music.......................................... 5 EBL Coaching............................................................... 45 Ecole Internationale de NY........................................... 43 First Presbyterian Church Nursery............................... 51 The Gateway School.................................................... 50 Huntington Learning Center......................................... 51 The Ideal School ............................................................ 7 International Academy of New York ............................... 9 K12 .............................................................................. 47 Kweller Prep................................................................. 25 La Escuelita.................................................................. 45 Language Workshop for Children................................. 51 The Mary Louis Academy............................................. 23 New-York Historical Society......................................... 26 Pusteblume International School.................................. 51 STAR Academy, P.S. 63............................................... 55 Tutors on Wheels......................................................... 21 Wetherby-Pembridge School........................................ 13 FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT / EVENTS / OUTINGS Battery Park City Authority ..................................... 37, 55 Big Apple Circus............................................................11 Children’s Museum of the Arts...................................... 50 Cosmic Cubs Club........................................................ 55 Hudson River Park Trust.............................................. 26 The Inn at East Hill Farm ............................................. 54 The Jewish Education Project...................................... 48 New-York Historical Society......................................... 26 Symphony Space........................................................... 9 That Physics Show....................................................... 25 VR World ..................................................................... 37 Wild West City.............................................................. 26 FAMILY TRAVEL The Inn at East Hill Farm.............................................. 54 Wild West City.............................................................. 26

FITNESS Battery Park City Authority ..................................... 37, 55 HEALTH Affinity Health Plan....................................................... 59 Columbia University, Dept. of Psychiatry................ 45, 50 Dr. Solomon.................................................................. 54 LiceXchange................................................................. 37 HOME SERVICES LiceXchange................................................................. 37 MUSIC City & Country School.................................................. 48 Diller Quaile School of Music.......................................... 5 Hudson River Park Trust.............................................. 26 The Jewish Education Project...................................... 48 New York City Guitar School........................................ 53 PERFORMING ARTS / ACTING TADA! Youth Theater ................................................... 48 RELIGIOUS The Mary Louis Academy............................................. 23 RESEARCH Columbia University, Dept. of Psychiatry................ 45, 50 RETAIL The Shoe Tree.............................................................. 47 SPECIAL EVENTS Big Apple Circus............................................................11 Hudson River Park Trust.............................................. 26 New-York Historical Society......................................... 26 Symphony Space........................................................... 9 That Physics Show....................................................... 25 SPECIAL NEEDS Dr. Solomon.................................................................. 54 EBL Coaching............................................................... 45 The Gateway School.................................................... 50 Huntington Learning Center......................................... 51 The Ideal School............................................................. 7 SAY: Confident Voices.................................................. 54 Sensational City Kids.................................................... 51 SPORTS Ballet Academy East..................................................... 46 Chelsea Piers............................................................... 60 The Mary Louis Academy ............................................ 23 The School at Steps..................................................... 49 Urban Golf Academy.................................................... 50 USTA BJK National Tennis Center............................... 14 THEATER Symphony Space........................................................... 9 TADA! Youth Theater ................................................... 48 That Physics Show....................................................... 25 TUTORS Bright Kids Inc.............................................................. 15 EBL Coaching............................................................... 45 K12 .............................................................................. 47 Kumon North America.................................................... 2 Kweller Prep................................................................. 25 Tutors on Wheels......................................................... 21

BigAppleParent 57

VOICES

The Lesson of the Pizza Bowl Fail ››

Accustomed to doing so much for her son, who has cerebral palsy, a mom realizes he’s old enough to start making some of his own decisions. By Ellen Seidman

ax snookered me into getting him pizza the other night. I’d promised him frozen yogurt, but I hadn’t had time to eat dinner after I got home from work and said I wanted to grab a slice first. “I want pizza!” he announced, even though he’d already had dinner. And so he had pizza as an appetizer for his dessert, or something like that. Pizza is not an easy food for Max to eat; because it’s thick and chewy, it can pose a choking hazard. At home, we shred it with Tiny Bites Food Shears. When we’re out, I use a knife and fork then dump the pieces into a bowl for Max to scoop out, with a square of tacky Dycem, a non-slip material, beneath it for stability. And so I asked the guy at the counter for a fork and knife and carved up a slice. Just as I was about to slide the bits into a bowl, Max pointed to the paper plate. “Max, it’s easier to eat from the bowl,” I pointed out. “No!” said Max. He wanted to eat the pizza off the plate. So I slid it over to him, then watched in awe as Max speared the pieces and chewed them well. As I sat there, it occurred to me that I don’t always know what

is best for Max, especially as he’s getting older—both because he is evolving, and because he can now tell me what’s best for him. This is a hard thing to wrap your head around when you have done so much for your child over the years: the therapies, doing exercises at home, the specialist appointments, modeling how to move and talk and play, yet more therapies, pushing to get him into programs. So. Much. Pushing. And while there is only so much you can do to help your child develop, you take heart in knowing that you are doing everything within your powers. And then one day you are in a pizza joint and discover that your boy is reaching the point where you realize he is capable of copiloting his present—and future. Yes, he has been voicing opinions and preferences for years, but he hasn’t had much to say about his physical challenges until now. And he is telling you what he wants and needs, and you should listen. I have no idea what it feels like to have cerebral palsy and fingers that don’t easily bend. If Max is telling me that picking up pieces of pizza is easier done from a plate than a bowl, who am I to disagree? And that, my friends, is the lesson of the pizza bowl fail—and win.

Ellen Seidman blogs at lovethatmax.com, where this essay first appeared. It is reprinted with permission.

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

When your little angel thinks heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a daredevil...

Better have a good pediatrician. Make sure your kids are covered. Call 866.247.5678 (TTY 711) To learn more about applying for health insurance, including Child Health Plus and Medicaid through NY State of Health, The Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 855.355.5777.

AffinityPlan.org/CHP BigAppleParent 59

G I B

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

YOUTH CLASSES BEGIN SEPTEMBER 7. Register Today!

212.336.6520 chelseapiers.com/fh 60

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

BAP Full FH 9-17.indd 1

8/9/17 3:50 PM