Big Apple Parent November 2018 by City Guide NY

BigApple igApple Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM NOVEMBER 2018

The Problem with Processed Foods

Are they really that bad for you? + the best local health care providers

SensoryFriendly Shows Inclusive performances in NYC for children with special needs

Kids & Politics

How to get your children interested

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

BigAppleParent

Social Media Icons 2017:

BECAUSE TRUST IS IMPORTANT Child Health Plus offers the benefits kids need for a healthier future.

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To learn more about applying for health insurance, including Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Essential Plan, and Qualified Health Plans through NY State of Health, The Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 855.355.5777.

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

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Now

Enrolling for Fall Semester

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

contents table of

november 2018

13 20 family health

16 Processed Foods 101 18 Health & Wellness Directory

raising kids

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 The Quiet Child 12 5 Places to Find a Great Babysitter or Nanny 13 5 Ways to Instill Gratitude in Children 14 A Special Needs School with a Special Approach 32 Kids & Politics 34 Out and About with Baby 40 Preschool Directory 41 Preschools at-a-Glance Chart 42 Party Central 43 Professional Services 44 Open Houses 45 Advertisers’ Index 46 Quotables

5 Ways to Instill Gratitude in Children

How to encourage your kids to show their thanks all year long, not just during this season of giving

Sensory-Friendly Theater in NYC

A roundup of inclusive performances in New York City for children with special needs

Speed-Clean Your House

Holiday guests are on the way, so make sure you hit these spots when you tidy up.

things to do

family life

11 String of Stalactites

36 Stay Safe While Shopping Online

20 Sensory-Friendly Theater in NYC

38 Speed-Clean Your House

22 Family Fun a Ride Away 23 Family Activities Calendar 31 Activities to be Thankful For

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› 16 The Problem with Processed Foods 18 The best local health care providers 20 Sensory-Friendly Shows 32 Kids & Politics facebook.com/nymetroparents

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

GBS-PLad18(7x4.6)_Layout 1 10/2/18 12:42 PM Page 1

Founded in 1992, Gillen Brewer School is a familyoriented, 12-month early childhood program for children ages 2.8 to 10 years old with language-based and non-verbal learning disabilities. We instill self-conﬁdence and build strong foundations for lifelong learning and independence. Students learn and grow in a secure and nurturing environment and develop skills to overcome challenges through: • Developmentally Appropriate Academic Instruction • Speech and Language erapy • Occupational erapy • Counseling and Social Groups

Uncover the Specialness in Your Child™ Contact: Joe Surak, Director of Admissions joe@gillenbrewer.com • 212-831-3667

410 East 92nd Street, New York, NY 10128 www.gillenbrewer.com

Instagram: @gillenbrewer

Mornings: - Music-based Childcare for Toddlers - Kickboxing: from Cardio to Intensive Instruction - Yoga - Boxing - Check out our Saturday Morning Music Class Afternoons: - Mommy and Me Music Theater - Afterschool Programs - Kids Taekwondo - Kids and Teens Kickboxing Kali Evenings: - Kali Self-Defense Realistic Fighting Method - Self-Defense for Women Only (17-110 years old) Call the studio to reserve your birthday party!!

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BigAppleParent

raising kids editor’s note

NOVEMBER 2018 • Vol.33 • No.10

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL

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

Giving Thanks A

hh, fall. The delightfully crisp weather before Old Man Winter rolls in, the start of the NHL season, and pumpkin spice everything (is my millennial showing?) makes it my favorite time of year. Let me take a minute to introduce myself: I’m NYMetroParents’ new editorial director, though you may recognize my name, as I’ve been with Big Apple Parent for almost seven years now. While Deborah Skolnik will return with her editor’s letter next month, I wanted to take advantage of this season of showing gratitude to share what I’m thankful for. First and foremost, I’m thankful for my health; I’ll bet most of you are as well. While I try to eat a well-balanced diet, I’ll inevitably grab a granola bar as a snack on the go. Usually I end up thinking I should have chosen an apple instead of a processed treat, but Emma Steven’s article “Processed Foods 101” on pg. 16 tempered my food guilt. She spoke to nutrition experts to get the low down on processed foods and how you can cut back the amount of it your family eats. I’m also thankful for my best friend who is more like a sister. She’s planning to come stay with me for Thanksgiving, which I’m very much looking forward to. What I’m not looking forward to? Cleaning my apartment before her arrival. That’s why I’m going to take the advice given in Deborah Skolnik’s “Speed-Clean Your House” (pg. 38), in which professional cleaners give pointers on the areas you should tackle in your home first for minimal effort but maximal results. (As someone who isn’t fond of cleaning, I’m also thankful for these tips.) Family is another thing for which I’m thankful. I have seven nieces and nephews, with one on the way, so I’ll be taking a look at “Out and About with Baby” (pg. 34) for some ideas on what to get the expecting parents in my life. And I know these products are good because local parents recommend their favorite gear to make a day out with the kids as smooth as possible. I learned that I should express my gratitude to those I’m thankful for in Melissa Wickes’s “5 Ways to Instill Gratitude in Children” (pg. 13), so, dear readers, please know that I’m especially thankful for you. Happy Thanksgiving!

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

MOMMYBITES

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Amy Lazar-Pollack 516-851-7004

OPERATIONS

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

Katelin Walling Editorial Director

PRODUCTION

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

REGIONAL EDITORS: Samantha Beranbom (Rockland); Karen Demeter (Suffolk); Whitney C. Harris (Westchester); Karen Lo (Brooklyn, Manhattan); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke EDITORIAL INTERN: Megan Vasquez

DIRECTOR|PUBLISHING MANAGEMENT: Anthony Diaz 8

MARKETING

MARKETING DIRECTOR: Ryan Christopher ASSISTANT MARKETING MANGER: Kristine Pulaski

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CONTROLLER: David Friedman CREDIT MANAGER: Elizabeth Teagarden CREDIT ASSISTANTS: Rosa Meinhofer

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

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

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SAY offers comprehensive and innovative After-School & Weekend programs and Speech Therapy that help young people who stutter develop the crucial skills they need to thrive.

After-School & Weekend Programs Fall 2018

Songwriters Winter 2018/19

Short Plays Spring 2019

Mentor Project

Kate@SAY.org | 212.414.9696 ext. 208 | SAY.org BigAppleParent

raising kids new places, new programs

Who: Chatty Child Speech and Occupational Therapy, PLLC What’s New: A collaboration with two licensed physical therapists to provide pediatric services throughout the 2018 school year, which started in September. Evaluation and treatment services for speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy are offered in addition to weekly group classes on feeding and socialization skills, and family training. The services at Chatty Child are offered for kids ages 1 month to 18 years. Led by a multidisciplinary team of licensed speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists, Chatty Child utilizes an individualized approach to meet each child’s communication, movement, and developmental needs. Want More Info: 325 Broadway, Suite 403, Tribeca; 347-4914451; chattychild.com

Courtesy Chatty Child

Speech and Occupational Therapy Facility in Tribeca Provides Physical Therapy

With the addition of two licensed physi cal therapists to the team this fall, Chatty Child is able to provide a comp rehensive range of care.

November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Courtesy The Cathedra

Who: The Cathedral School What’s New: The inaugural basketball season, which is scheduled to begin mid-November. The school joined the Confederation of New York Schools and Team Sports (CONSAT) league in the spring and is now inviting students in sixth-eighth grades to tryout for its inaugural basketball season. Practices will be held twice a week at The Cathedral School gym, and games will be held on Thursdays at Blue School in downtown Manhattan. In joining the CONSAT league, The Cathedral School hopes to extend its educational offerings beyond the classroom. “It’s all about participation and learning the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship,” says Eleisa Coster, marketing director at The Cathedral School. Want More Info: 319 E. 74th St., Upper East Side; 212-249-2840; cathedralschoolny.org

l School

Coed Independent School on the Upper East Side to Offer Basketball

After joining the Con federation of New Yor k Schools and Team Spo league, The Cathedral rts School brought in dire ctor of athletics, Kather Ames, to head soccer ine in the fall, basketball in the winter, and vol the spring. leyball in

GOT DIAPERS? Has your child been successfully potty-trained and now you have diapers you don’t need? Has your child outgrown certain sizes and now you have some leftover?

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Donate them! #DiaperNeed is severe... Allied Physicians Group divisions* collect packages of clean diapers (both unopened and opened) to be distributed by the Allied Foundation Diaper Bank. Drop them off, call us at 631.386.4185, or email kgg@alliedfoundation.org to schedule a pick-up! Looking for a service project for your pre-teen/teen? #DiaperDrives are a fantastic way to bring attention to this ongoing crisis. Hosting an upcoming party? Consider asking friends to bring diapers and wipes for families in need. Looking for a charitable corporate project? Join other generous employees who have spearheaded #DiaperDrives... There is a dire need for diapers by families in New York State. We appreciate your generosity. Visit our website to locate a drop-off location near you!

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BigAppleParent

raising kids voices

The Quiet Child ››

How learning what to listen for helped me hear my daughter’s voice

braced myself for our third grade parent-teacher interview. By this time, I had come to expect the usual comments from teachers and other adults who came into contact with my daughter. “We wish she would speak up more,” or the slightly accusatory, “We’re wondering if there’s a reason she’s so quiet?” or the cheerier, “We want to get to know your daughter better!” Sometimes well-meaning people try to connect with her, (and use the word I’ve come to strongly dislike), “I was shy like you too, when I was young.” Since my daughter has been very little, I’ve been perplexed by the assessment made by many of the (again, wellintentioned) adults she encounters. Though in my gut I’ve always known she was fine just the way she is, there was something about her entering school—her first large group setting—that started making me second-guess everything. My 3am spiral went something like this: Would she actually “grow” out of this? (There was usually an implication that she would, that she should, mature beyond this, that it was at worst some sort of inadequacy, and at best just a phase of growing up.) Maybe she wasn’t comfortable at her current school? Maybe she should be in another environment where the classes were smaller and she received more individual attention, which in turn would make her feel more at ease, which in turn would make her speak out more, which in turn would make her more accepted by her teachers and peers, which in turn would make her life easier? Obviously, this got me nowhere. Then I picked up Susan Cain’s brilliant book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. Although I thought I knew a lot of what the author wrote about already, the way she broke everything down was a Rosalind Muggeridge lives in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn with her husband and two children.

November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

By Rosalind Muggeridge

revelation for me. The gist of the book is so-called quiet people (those with introverted tendencies) have calmly gotten down to the business of accomplishing a lot of the real work done in the world: inventions, scientific breakthroughs, brilliant novels, etc. In other words, introversion isn’t a shortcoming that needs to be overcome; it’s simply a type of personality that lends itself to different pursuits—some really useful ones as it happens. The problem is not with people who fall into that category, but with the world we live in that seems to reward and most value the loudest voices in the room. Now when I’m met with the usual comments about how quiet my daughter is, I try to honor her character without being defensive. I try to emphasize her strengths: She flourishes in very small group settings and loves individual work. I also try to check in now and then to make sure her environment isn’t causing her to withhold at all. Beyond that, I try not to stress. Now that she and I both have the language and tools to better frame her character, we can do our best to ignore any expectations about how outspoken she needs to be. I can get out of her way, and she can get on with whatever contribution she chooses to make to the world. It’s the most important lesson I’ve learned as a parent (and one I evidently need to learn over and over): Following your child’s lead is usually the smoothest and happiest way toward growth and development. Obviously, that doesn’t mean feeding her chocolate cake for breakfast when she asks for it or buying her every random can of slime she wants. For me it means learning to stay quiet for a moment, take a beat, and let my kid not do the talking.

things to do

diy corner

THE BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF NEW YORK www.bisͲny.org 212 Ͳ 481 Ͳ2700/ 23rd St & East River More than a school, it’s an education.

String of Stalactites With the kids home from school for a few days at Thanksgiving, why not take the time to do some hands-on learning? Consider making a craft that gives you and your child an opportunity to spend time exploring science and creating together. Get ready for some parent-child quality time with this experiment from Jonathan Adolph’s “Mason Jar Science!” You think growing bigger takes a long time? Try being a stalactite. Those drippy columns you see in caves grow just a few inches every thousand years! You can observe how they do it by growing your very own string of stalactite crystals. The best part is, it won’t take a thousand years! (More like a week.) Set up your experiment where no one will touch it, check your drip bowl every day, and watch what happens. Materials 2 pint-size mason jars Piece of yarn, about 4 feet long Scissors 2 bendy straws Skewer or pipe cleaner

Hot tap water Baking soda, about ½ cup Spoon or other stirrer Food coloring (optional) Bowl for drips

Instructions 1. Fold the yarn in half and twist it together to make a thick strand. Cut the bendable “elbows” from the straws, leaving about an inch of the straight part on each end. Thread the straws on the yarn, using a skewer or pipe cleaner to push the yarn through. 2. Fill the jars about two-thirds full with hot tap water. Spoon in baking soda, a tablespoon at a time, to each jar and stir to dissolve it. Keep adding baking soda and stirring until the powder no longer dissolves and instead starts to gather on the bottom of the jar (it should take 3-5 tablespoons for each jar). You’ve created a saturated solution. Add a few drops of food coloring if you want. 3. Set up the jars up as shown, with the bowl between them. Remember: The crystals are delicate and will fall easily if jostled, so set up your experiment in a place where you can leave it for several days. 4. Soak the yarn in the solution, making sure it’s wet all the way through the straws. Hang it between the jars using the elbows to hold it in place as shown. The ends of the yarn must be in the solution and the center of the yarn must be lower than the level of the solution in the jars, forming a drip point. What to Watch For The solution should start dripping into the bowl right away. You’ll begin to see crystals form after a day or so. Over the next few days, observe how much they grow. When the bowl gets full, carefully pour the solution back into the jars. Excerpted from Mason Jar Science © by Jonathan Adolph. Used with permission from Storey Publishing. Photo by © Mars Vilaubi

DISCOVER MORNING Friday, November 16th 2018 RSVP online at www.bisͲny.org

199 Chambers St., New York, NY

Sat. & Sun., Nov. 24 & 25 General Admission $30 / 10Club Members $13 Join Pete The Cat and the Biddle Family on an adventure of friendship, all the way to Paris and back in a VW Bus! Based on the Pete the Cat Series of Books by Kimberly and James Dean. A TheaterWorksUSA production. Ages 3 to 8

For tickets, membership or more info., call (212) 220-1460 or visit www.tribecapac.org. BigAppleParent 11

raising kids child care

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

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

5 Ways to Find a Great Babysitter or Nanny ›› Courtesy Mommybites.com

inding a nanny or babysitter can be very stressful. After all, you are hiring someone to be your child’s caretaker while you’re at work. The most important thing is to find a child care provider you trust. So check out these five places where, through word of mouth or an agency, you’re sure to find the right babysitter or nanny for your child. • Mommybites Nanny Board: This is full of nannies who are recommended by their former employers. • Other parents: The best way to find a babysitter or nanny is to ask a friend you trust, someone who has the same values as you. If you have a friend who is raising a child the way you want to raise yours, ask him or her for recommendations. • Religious groups: These groups often know of good babysitters and nannies from other parents. • Your pediatrician: Parents will often contact their pediatrician when they no longer need a full-time nanny or babysitter and want to share an excellent caretaker with other families. • An agency: Child care agencies typically do extensive background checks on nannies and babysitters before committing to finding them a placement When hiring a child care provider, you obviously want to be very careful and thorough with your screening. It is important that you meet your potential caretaker with your baby so you can see how he or she acts toward your child. If she is engaged with your infant and shows a sincere interest in your baby, that is a good sign.

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

November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

raising kids in the know

5 Ways to Instill Gratitude in Children ››

By Melissa Wickes

ovember is a time when we tend to think about gratitude; your family is likely familiar with the ‘what are you thankful for’ exercise at the Thanksgiving dinner table. But it is vital to instill the importance of gratitude in your children year-round. Alan Daniel Schlechter, M.D., clinical assistant professor at the department of child and adolescent psychiatry at NYU Langone Health, director of outpatient child and adolescent psychiatry at Bellevue Hospital, and instructor of the course The Science of Happiness at New York University shares five ways you can instill gratitude in your children.

Model being grateful. As is the case with most traits you want to instill in your children, the best way to do so is by modeling this behavior. Dr. Schlechter, co-author of U Thrive: How to Succeed in College (and Life), emphasizes the importance of taking the time to thank the people around you. “Thank [your] waiter... Write handwritten thank-you notes instead of emails to make sure your kids see you doing it,” he suggests. Play Best, Best, Worst. At Dr. Schlechter’s dinner table, everyone in the family says their two best moments of the day and their one worst. What makes this exercise unique in his house, though, is each family member also states a time someone helped them. “Sometimes the best parts of your day can be when someone else supported you,” Dr. Schlechter says. “If the best part of your child’s day was scoring a goal in soccer, ask ‘who helped you score that goal?’” Write gratitude letters and journals. Jotting down the things

you’re grateful for increases your well-being, according to Dr. Schlechter. So try keeping a family gratitude journal in which each member writes down what they are thankful for. Or encourage your kids to write gratitude letters to those they are thankful for (and let them see you do this, too). Point out examples of gratitude. When you’re reading, watching TV, or just going about your everyday life, point out people who do a great job of expressing gratitude to those around them, Dr. Schlechter suggests. Ask how it makes them feel. Many people get into the habit of saying thank you because it’s the right thing to do. But expressing gratitude toward someone makes you feel happy, and that should be the reason to do it, Dr. Schlechter says. “What you want to do with all of these exercises is make sure that it makes [your children] feel good and that they know it makes them feel good,” he says. Feeling happy when you’re giving gratitude encourages you to keep doing it.

Independent School Spotlight

INCLUSION • DIVERSITY • EXCELLENCE • ACCEPTANCE • LEADERSHIP

The IDEAL Difference

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

#SchoolCanBeIDEAL

Sign up for a Tuesday Talk and Tour or an Open House to learn more about IDEAL’s rigorous and differentiated program, innovative social justice curriculum, and uniquely inclusive community. LOWER SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE, Grades K-5: Tuesday, November 6, 6 PM UPPER SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE, Grades 6-12: Tuesday, November 13, 6 PM IDEAL has mid-year openings in select grade levels for qualified candidates.

www.theidealschool.org For further information, contact us at admissions@theidealschool.org or 212-769-1699. BigAppleParent 13

Courtesy the Gillen Brewer School

raising kids independent school spotlight

A Special-Needs School with a Special Approach

Small classes and a strong parent partnership help this school’s students achieve their potential. ›› By Deborah Skolnik Name of School: The Gillen Brewer School

A science class at the Gillen Brewer School

Grades: The school does not have grades; students range in age from 2-10 years old. Size of student body: Approximately 86 Educational approach or philosophy: This coed school’s official mission is straightforward: to educate and support its students to become confident, independent, and engaged learners. To accomplish this goal, “we partner with our families,” says Julian Parham Santana, Gillen Brewer’s director of marketing and outreach admissions officer. “We want to make sure that what we’re doing at school is being mirrored at home and that what works at home is being reﬂected at school. We do a lot of support groups...It’s about being one team with the family and working together.” What makes the school unique: “We have a pretty wide range of needs here in our school,” Santana says. “We have kids on the autism spectrum, we’ve got receptive and expressive language disorders, sensory integration disorders, and we have some ADHD/ADD kids.” Preschool classes are limited to eight children, and in addition

to a head teacher, each classroom has two associate teachers. Older classes are limited to six to 10 children, depending on each child’s level of need. “Another thing that makes us actually unique is we have our own team of psychologists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists in house,” Santana shares. One of each type of therapist is assigned to each class at all times, “so it’s really a team of six that is working with the kids,” he explains. Classes are held year-round. Gillen Brewer constantly evaluates its students, who come from all boroughs of New York City except Staten Island, to make sure they’re in the proper setting for optimal learning. Some children are ultimately mainstreamed while others eventually move on to other facilities for those with special needs. The school also hosts an annual panel “where we have alumni from the school come back to the school and talk about their experiences in high school and college and beyond,” Santana says. “We have success stories like kids going on to colleges and continuing their education and becoming independent contributors to society.”

Independent School Spotlight

November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Independent School Spotlight WELCOME

欢迎

BIENVENIDOS

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

Bilingual. Multicultural. Diverse. Teaching students the skills, confidence and compassion to contribute and thrive in today’s world.

Open Houses in November & December: Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at 8:15am Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at 8:15am Thursday, December 6, 2018 at 6pm

Spanish and Mandarin tracks for Pre-Nursery (age 2) - Grade 8. Accepting applications for Pre-Nursery-Grade 4.

www.ianyc.org / 212-641-0260

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

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

111 East 22nd Street New York, NY 10010 646.410.2238 bonjour@theEcole.org www.TheEcole.org BigAppleParent 15

Experts say it’s okay to eat some processed foods, but the bulk of your diet should consist of whole foods.

Processed Foods 101

››

We spoke to nutrition experts to get the skinny on processed foods and your kids’ health, so you can make smart choices in the grocery store. By Emma Steven

or parents today there is an overwhelming amount of information available on what we should and should not be eating. The everyday job of grocery shopping or planning meals for our families is a maze of choices. One food group we hear a lot about is processed foods, but what exactly are they and why are they bad for us? First, let’s clear things up. Processed foods are defined as any foods that have been changed before they reach the consumer, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Unless you grow and raise all of your own food, this means almost everything. “All foods undergo some level of processing. The level falls on something of a spectrum, from minimally processed to more heavily processed,” says Malina Malkani M.S., R.D., C.D.N., registered dietician nutritionist and spokesperson for AND. “To call all processing unhealthy is a bit of a misnomer.” Processed foods typically fall into 1 of 5 categories: • Minimally processed: prepared fruits and vegetables, bagged salads, nuts, and coffee • Processed to preserve freshness at harvest: canned food, frozen fruits and vegetables, and jarred purees • Packaged foods with added ingredients to improve vitamin content, taste, color, texture, and shelf life: rice, jarred tomato sauce, and boxed pasta and mashed potatoes • Ready-to-eat foods: soda, cereal, snack foods, deli meats, yogurt, and ice cream • Pre-made meals: toaster pastries, microwave meals, and frozen pizza

November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

The healthiest foods are whole foods and those on the minimally processed end of the scale. The unhealthiest are the hyper- or ultra-processed foods, which are “foods that really don’t resemble their original state and have a lot of ingredients, a lot of additives,” says Sally Kuzemchak, M.S., R.D., author of The 101 Healthiest Foods for Kids and founder of RealMomNutrition.com.

Low in Nutrients, High in “Bad” Stuff

A high intake of ultra-processed foods has been linked in studies to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancer, according to BMJ Open, American Institute for Cancer Research, and National Institutes of Health. “The more heavily processed foods tend to be higher in the nutrients that we want to limit, namely added sugars, sodium, saturated fat, and artificial trans fat,” Malkani explains. “These, when eaten in large quantities over time, do lead to more detrimental health effects.” Yet because these foods are convenient and taste good, we eat a lot of them. A 2016 study published in BMJ Open revealed that ultra-processed foods make up more than half of Americans’ diets. The same study found that as we eat more of them, we consume fewer essential nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals) and more added sugar, salt, carbohydrates, and saturated and trans fats overall. Because they contain very little protein, fiber, and whole grains, ultra-processed foods can be unsatisfying. This means you eat more than you should, and are more likely to go over the recommended daily allowance of salt, sugar, and saturated and trans fats.

The Hidden Additives

In July 2018, the American Academy of Pediatrics made a statement warning of the dangers to children of chemicals from additives, colorings, preservatives, and packaging of many processed foods. These include artificial colors in foods, preservative nitrates (found in processed meats), and BPA, phthalates, PFCs, and perchlorate in packaging. “There are critical weaknesses in the current food additives regulatory process, which doesn’t do enough to ensure all chemicals added to foods are safe enough to be part of a family’s diet,” said Leonardo Trasande, M.D., M.P.P., F.A.A.P. “As pediatricians, we’re especially concerned about significant gaps in data about the health effects of many of these chemicals on infants and children.”

serving, manufacturers can round down to zero, so it’s important to look at the ingredient list, not just the nutrition label. Look for added sugar. Government dietary guidelines recommend consuming no more than 10 percent of our daily calories from added sugars. There are many different names for sugar, including natural sounding ingredients such as honey and maple syrup. By 2021 manufacturers will have to list added sugars on labels to make it easier for us to identify them. To keep your daily consumption on track, a trick is to remember that 4 grams equals 1 teaspoon. Children should only be eating 6-11 teaspoons a day, depending on their age. A good rule? Choose processed foods that are higher in fiber and protein, and lower in sodium, sugar, and saturated fat, Malkani says.

Small Steps, Big Impact

Finding a Balance

Experts suggest doing the following to reduce the amount of processed foods you and your children eat: Choose the products with the fewest ingredients. “The lower the amount of ingredients, usually the better,” says Natalie Monson, R.D.N., C.D., registered dietitian and co-founder of Super Healthy Kids. Anything with a long list of ingredients you cannot pronounce means it’s ultra processed. Pick whole grains. Even if the front of the package says whole grain, check the ingredients for refined or enriched flours. These are white flours stripped of their nutritional value. Read the ingredients list. “Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. If you look at the first three and they are white flour and sugar, then you know that these are going to predominantly make up the food,” Malkani says. Avoid artificial colorings. Studies have linked them to behavioral problems in some children. While the effects aren’t seen in all kids, there are plenty of natural options. Don’t eat processed meats, especially when pregnant. Unless marked nitrate-free, nitrates—a known carcinogen—are used as preservative. Check how much of the recommended 2,300mg of sodium a day a product contains. “The vast majority of our sodium comes from processed foods and restaurant foods, only ten percent comes from the salt shaker,” Kuzemchak says. “A quick tip is to compare grams of sodium and calories,” says Bridget Murphy, R.D.N., registered dietitian at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital, NYU Langone. “If a food has more grams of sodium than calories, it’s probably very salty.” Beware trans fats, which are listed as hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils. Since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced in 2015 that trans fats were “not recognized as safe,” food companies are being forced to remove them. But it will be several years before all of the foods that contain those oils disappear from circulation. If a product has 0.5g of trans fat or less per

Galli Theater New York Theater For The Whole Family

If cutting out ultra-processed foods seems like a daunting task, don’t panic—it isn’t necessary to avoid them completely. “I don’t think you should have hard rules surrounding foods. There are different options that are definitely healthier for us. Try to eat the majority of your foods as whole foods, but you really can’t avoid processed foods,” Monson says. A practical tip is to use Murphy’s 70-30 rule. “If seventy percent of our food is high antioxidant food, so high protein, good vegetables, lots of vitamins and minerals, then [it] will be able to take care of the thirty percent of the ‘bad’ diet,” she says. By feeding your family nutrient-dense foods you’ll automatically reduce the amount of processed foods they eat, without having to obsess. “All meals and snacks should have a variety of the main food groups,” Monson suggests. “A grain, a fruit or vegetable, and a protein. If you do that it becomes less of a big deal because they are getting that other nutrition.” Remember: Every day doesn’t need to be perfect. It’s all about creating a healthy food environment at home, not banning foods. “Ultra-processed foods are everywhere and kids need to exist in a world that has them because they’re not going to go away,” Kuzemchak says. “Denying your kids sets them up to want them even more. When they have their own money in their pocket, when they have some freedom, they’re going to seek out those foods. There is research to back up that for certain children, if you deny them certain types of food, when you present them with those foods then they will overeat them. ” As Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Michael Moss said in his book, Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us: “They may have salt, sugar, and fat on their side, but we, ultimately, have the power to make choices. After all, we decide what to buy. We decide how much to eat.” Emma Steven is a British writer living in Manhattan with her husband, two kids, and two cats.

Photo Credit: Jaqlin Medlock

SHOWS • BIRTHDAY PARTIES • CAMPS

Brand New Tribeca Location

Galli Theater At GSM 74 Warren Street New York, NY 10007 212-731-0668 galliny@gmail.com gallitheaternyc.com

Shows in October: Rapunzel and Hansel & Gretel

Saturdays & Sundays at 2pm

Anne Easterling Freifelder

328 E 61st St, New York, NY 10065 (917) 281-1030 info@theballetclub.com www.theballetclub.com

...all about ballet.

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Yeti, Set, Snow!

Opening Nov 13

Affinity Health Plan

Tickets On Sale Now

866-247-5678 affinityplan.org For more than 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 those who are 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.

CityParksFoundation.org 212-988-9093

SWEDISH COTTAGE MARIONETTE THEATRE WEST 79TH ST. & WEST DRIVE, CENTRAL PARK

Celebrate with us! Ask about our birthday party packages.

ellen robbins

Allied Physicians Group

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

3 Huntington Quadrangle, Melville 866-621-2769 alliedphysiciansgroup.com The more than 120 physicians that comprise Allied Physicians Group are among the top pediatricians throughout Long Island, New York City, Westchester County, the Hudson Valley, and beyond. When you bring your children to an Allied pediatric practice, you know they are getting the very best care. Our doctors have access to resources, technology, and support that other, stand-alone pediatric practices simply cannot offer. Our doctors have more time for what matters most-you and your child! For more information, visit alliedphysiciansgroup.com or call us at 866-621-2769.

Classes meet in: Soho & Chelsea

212-254-0286

www.ellenrobbinsdance.com

The Montess ori School of New York Internationa l

Health& Wellness

Apply now for January 2019 admission

Wisdom through Knowledge

Where Learning Comes To Life! Nursery through Junior High (Ages 2 - 14) • Summer Day Camp • Partial and Extended Day for Working Parents (8am-6pm) • Excellent placement record for Specialized High Schools and Gifted Programs • Accelerated Track for Gifted Children

montessorinyc@aol.com | ww w .montess or is choolny.com

347 East 55t h Street • 212-223-4630

Non-proﬁt educational, non-denominational & non-discriminatory

Ellen Robbins Dance

Three locations: Soho, Chelsea, and PMT Studio at West 14th Street and Sixth Avenue 212-254-0286 ellenrobbinsdance.com dance_er@verizon.net Modern Dance classes with Ellen Robbins do what dance is supposed to do: train bodies, enrich minds, and set imaginations free. Ellen’s classes include technique, improvisation, and composition—the natural outcome of which is performance. At year’s end, students present their own solo compositions and participate in a group work choreographed by Ellen. Each child’s unique talent and personality shine through. Register now for classes with New York’s most acclaimed modern dance teacher for children ages 5 through teens. Soho, Union Square, and Chelsea areas. Call 212-254-0286 or visit ellenrobbinsdance.com.

Martial Arts Family Studio

290 Mulberry St. 646-460-3770 martialartsfamilystudio.com info@martialartsfamilystudio.com At Martial Arts Family Studio we offer one-stop fitness, after-school, martial arts, and toddler care. Our morning classes offer a toddler separation option for mothers to train while their toddlers participate in a music activity in an adjacent room. Martial Arts in our after-school program teaches kids self-defense, self-esteem, discipline, and respect for others through taekwondo and kali. Evening offerings include kali self-defense and real fighting method for teens and adults. We provide the joy of training together, under the guidance of qualified instructors.

LOOKING FOR

GREAT DEALS? 18

November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Saving money on a New York City family day is easy! Cityguideny.com has coupons and discounts for NYC sightseeing attractions, restaurants, stores and more. Great New York deals, savings, special offers and deep discounts—for you and your family—are yours with just a click of the mouse.

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

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inclusive theater Deen van Meer

things to do

FROZEN: the Musical will perform its sensory-friendly show Sunday, Nov. 4; tickets are currently on sale at tdf.org/autism.

Sensory-Friendly Theater in NYC

››

These inclusive performances feature adaptations to noise and lighting—and offer calming rooms when your child needs a break from the stimuli. By Emma Steven

or families affected by autism or sensory sensitivities, going to see a show or theater production can seem impossible. The good news is many top venues in NYC are now trying to be more accessible and inclusive. We found the best autism- and sensory-friendly shows for the 2018-2019 season at New York City theaters and venues. The list includes Broadway shows, kids’ theater and music, the circus, and those famous blue men! Buy your tickets soon, as these shows tend to sell out.

TDF

This nonprofit aims to bring the performing arts to everyone, regardless of their special needs. Its autism-friendly season of Broadway shows is now in its eighth year. Each show is performed in a fully supportive environment, with adaptions to noise and light where possible. Fully staffed quiet and play areas are provided in the lobby for anyone who needs to leave their seats. Tickets sell out quickly and can only be purchased via tdf.org/autism. Sign up early to get alerts when the tickets go on sale, at a discounted price of $55-$80. These are full-length Broadway shows, so may not be suitable for younger kids. FROZEN: the Musical When: Sunday, Nov. 4, 1pm Where: St. James Theatre, 246 W. 44th St., Times Square Theater District Ages: 8 and older What: The Broadway version of the Disney movie you know and love.

Aladdin When: Sunday, March 3, 2019, 1pm Where: The New Amsterdam Theatre, 14 W. 42nd St., Times Square Theater District Ages: 6 and older What: The award-winning show about a genie and a magical lamp (and other things).

Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady When: Sunday, May 5, 2019, 1pm Where: The Vivian Beaumont Theater, 50 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side Ages: 8 and older What: A lavish revival of a beloved musical.

Autism Speaks

This nonprofit has partnered with two shows this fall to offer adapted productions. It also has a national calendar of autism-friendly events on its website (autismspeaks.org). Big Apple Circus When: Saturday, Oct. 27, 11am

November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Where: Damrosch Park, 60 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side Ages: All What: The famous circus will come back to Lincoln Center! This show will feature modifications to sound and lighting, a calming/break out area, trained staff, fidgets, signage, and earplugs. Information about the show is available before you go. Tickets: $25 and up Blue Man Group When: Saturday, Nov. 3, 2pm Where: Astor Place Theatre, 434 Lafayette St., East Village Ages: 7 and older What: This version of the unique show will be calmer, with less audience interaction, and sound and light modifications. Earplugs and a calming zone in the lobby will be available. Tickets: $65.50, with $5 going to Autism Speaks

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE The New Victory Theater

One of the first venues to offer autism-friendly shows every season, this children’s theater offers lots of support to parents and kids. There are break out zones, trained staff, show information, family bathrooms, help with transitions, and fidget toys. Tickets: $25; visit newvictory.org or call 646-223-3010 for more information. 209 W. 42nd St., Times Square Theater District. Beauty and the Beast When: Sunday, Nov. 4, 11am Ages: 6 and older What: A re-telling of the familiar story with a Jazz Age score. Circus Abyssinia: Ethiopian Dreams When: Friday, Dec. 14, 7pm Ages: 5 and older What: The New Victory’s circus show is always a crowd pleaser. Emily Brown and The Thing When: Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, 3pm Ages: 4-7 What: Musical adventure based on the much-loved book. Ajijaak on Turtle Island When: Saturday, March 2, 2019, 7pm

Ages: 7 and older What: Songs, puppetry, and dance tell the tale of a whooping crane facing her first migration.

HUNTINGTON TUTORING

OUR STUDENTS INCREASE

2+ GRADE LEVELS

Lincoln Center

There are a few shows on this venue’s schedule that are adapted for neuro-diverse audiences. Adjustments have been made to sensory stimuli, and there are no restrictions to sound, movement, leaving, or re-entering the theater. Tickets: $25; visit lincolncenter.org or call 212-721-6500 for more information; Clark Studio Theater, 165 W. 65th St., 7th Floor, Upper West Side. 9 When: Sunday, Nov. 4, 11am Ages: 6 and older What: The popular Quebecois dance company’s show about Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. You and Me and the Space Between When: Sunday, March 17, 2pm Ages: 6-12 What: An adventure using storytelling, choreographed projections, and live-drawn animation.

Emma Steven is a British writer living in Manhattan with her husband, two kids, and two cats.

Find more inclusive performances in NYC, including ones at Symphony Space, at ›› nymetroparents.com/shows.

MrSpeechPathology.com Info@MrSpeechPathology.com 347-399-4836 Speech-language pathologist Bilingual (English/Russian) Conducting evaluations and providing treatment in the New York City area. Initial free in-home assessment to address child’s needs.

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TUTORING Reading - Writing - Math - Study Skills - Vocabulary - Phonics ADHD - Algebra - Geometry - Trigonometry - Pre-Calculus - Calculus Earth Science - Biology - Chemistry - Physics TEST PREP SAT - ACT - State Tests - Advanced Placement (AP) SSAT - ISEE - SHSAT - TACHS - HSPT - ASVAB BAY RIDGE 718-491-0900

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CALL 1.800.CAN.LEARN HuntingtonHelps.com ©2018 Huntington Mark, LLC. Independently Owned and Operated. *Offer valid for Academic Evaluation, new students only. Not valid with any other offer. **Grade level results are based on cumulative average grade level increases in reading and math for 17,445 students from 2010 to 2014 using the full set of available student data. SAT is a registered trademark of College Board. ACT is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. None of these entities endorses or was involved in the production of the program. HLC3626BA

Where children ages 5-14 with learning differences become 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.gatewayschool.org

Concierge quality house calls conducted in the privacy of the patient’s home. Specializing in language disorders, articulation disorders, stuttering, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome and behavioral difficulties.

211 West 61st Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10023

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things to do

outbound

Family Fun a Ride Away

Visit this season’s Enchanted Forest on Saturday, Nov. 3 for educational characters and games.

The Quogue Wildlife Refuge

Courtesy Legoland Discovery Center Westchester

This 300-acre nature preserve is home to diverse wildlife and is open all year. Seven miles of trails allow you to explore the various habitats, forests, ponds, and the beautiful and rare Dwarf Pines in the Pine Barrens. On Saturday, Nov. 3 visit the refuge to meet whimsical and educational characters and play games on the Enchanted Forest Trail. You can dress up too, if you want! Visit it: 3 Old Country Road, Quogue; 631-653-4771; quoguewildliferefuge.org

Courtesy The South Fork Natural History Museum

The South Fork Natural History Museum has beautiful displays of Suffolk’s natural landscape both inside the museum and outside.

The South Fork Natural History Museum & Nature Center

A Native Butterfly Garden, Wildflower Garden, Educational Pond, Purple Martin nesting gourd site, and more make this museum the perfect destination to get immersed in the natural history of Suffolk County. Your whole family will love the live and recreated natural habitat exhibits and colorful photo murals throughout the museum. Plus, the variety of handson nature experiences and opportunities to observe aim to amplify the need for conservation and preservation of our natural resources. Visit It: 377 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton; 631-537-9735; sofo.org

o and bey nd!

Courtesy The Nature Place

Courtesy The Quogue Wildlife Refuge

In Suffolk County…

The Legoland Discovery Center Westchester offers Lego themed attractions for all ages.

The Nature Place offers hands-on activities for the whole family to connect with nature year round.

Legoland Discovery Center Westchester

The Nature Place

Home to 12 family friendly attractions, Legoland Westchester is the perfect place to spend the day away when it starts to get a little chilly outside. From the 4-D cinema and Ninjago City Adventure to Miniland and the Duplo Village, there’s something for everyone here, Lego expert or not. This location even has two rides, including the Kingdom Quest laser ride. Visit It: 39 Fitzgerald St., Yonkers; westchester.legolanddiscoverycenter.com

Located on the grounds of the Threefold Education Center, The Nature Place is the “not too far” getaway you’ve been looking for. It’s home to forests, fields, swamps, streams, and various year-round family activities for the public. The Primitive Living Skills program, open to families who want to connect with each other and nature, is offered through January. Visit It: 285 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge; 845-356-1234; thenatureplace.com

Ideas When You Need Them:

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

nymetroparents.com/register

Turn the page for details on Family Day: Diwali Lights Up Asian Society 2018! (No. 1 on our list).

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

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ents. ropar

WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?

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

EDITOR: WHITNEY C. HARRIS nyccalendar@davlermedia.com

NOVEMBER CALENDAR

Editor’s Hot Tickets

We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!

Crafty Kids

Smarty Pants

Show Time!

Mini Musicians, Fun Fairs & Festivals

Dance Party, Holiday Fun

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!

Family Day: Diwali Lights Up Asia Society 2018!

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 3, 1-5pm WHERE: Asia Society, 725 Park Ave., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights and New Year, is a time to celebrate good fortune, family, and friendships. WHY WE LOVE IT: Celebrate this special Hindu holiday with performances, dancing, and arts and crafts inspired by Diwali. WANT TO GO? $12; $5 students, seniors, and children. 212-288-6400. asiasociety.org/new-york.

‘Sleepy Hollow’ the Musical

WHEN: Through Nov. 11: Thursdays and Saturdays, 7pm; Sundays 2pm WHERE: The Players Theater, 115 MacDougal St., Greenwich Village AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Ichabod Crane lost his way in the Hollow and was never seen again. Did the headless horseman get to him? WHY WE LOVE IT: Families will love this enduring tale about a real New York town that’s just spooky enough for the kids. WANT TO GO? $32 and up. 866-811-4111. theplayerstheatre.com.

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Roald Dahl’s ‘James and the Giant Peach’

WHEN: Through Nov. 11: daily, 10:30am WHERE: Linda Gross Theater, 336 W. 20th St., Chelsea AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Instead of chopping down the old fruit tree,

November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

James discovers a potion that makes a peach grow to an enormous size. After finding a door to climb inside, James meets a group of insects and heads off on an adventure. WHY WE LOVE IT: This play tells the tale of an international adventure that lands right here in New York City. WANT TO GO? $21.50; $16.50 children. 212-691-5919. atlantictheater.org.

The Art of Dr. Seuss Collection 20th Anniversary Celebration FREE

WHEN: Through Nov. 15: daily, 10am-7pm WHERE: Pop International Galleries, 195 Bowery, The Bowery AGES: All WHAT: This exhibit features original drawings, paintings, and “Unorthodox Taxidermy” sculptures from Dr. Seuss. WHY WE LOVE IT: Dr. Seuss created hundreds of lesser-known works of art and some of it is for sale! WANT TO GO? 212-533-4262. popinternational.com.

The 2018 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 22, 9am-12pm WHERE: Macy’s Herald Square, 151 W. 34th Street, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Join millions of Americans in witnessing one of the country’s most beloved Thanksgiving traditions, now in its 94th year! WHY WE LOVE IT: Every year, this nearly century-old tradition gets updated to include the most popular elements of kid culture. WANT TO GO? 212-695-4400. macys.com.

WHEN: Monday, Nov. 26, 5:30pm WHERE: Dante Park, 63rd Street and Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: This celebration is the perfect way for New Yorkers and tourists alike to immerse themselves in holiday cheer. WHY WE LOVE IT: The Upper West Side turns into a winter wonderland for a night that features food, dancing, and family activities. WANT TO GO? 212-581-3774. winterseve.nyc.

27th Annual Holiday Train Show

WHEN: Nov. 17-Jan. 21, 2019, Tuesday-Sunday, 10am6pm WHERE: The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Featuring model trains, trolleys, and ferries, this annual show highlights NYC landmarks using natural materials. WHY WE LOVE IT: For the first time ever, this year’s display will feature boats! WANT TO GO? $23; $10 children ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2. 718-817-8700. nybg.org.

Harry Potter: A History of Magic

WHEN: Through Jan. 27, 2019: Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday, 10am-6pm; Friday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm; Closed Mondays WHERE: New York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: The exhibition features rare books, manuscripts, and magical objects from museums, as well as original material from J.K. Rowling. WHY WE LOVE IT: NYHS will also host several Harry Potter-related events, including trivia, Hogwarts House Badge decorating, and more! WANT TO GO? $21; $16 teachers and seniors; $13 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children 4 and younger. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.

Big Apple Circus

WHEN: Through Jan. 27, 2019: Check website for schedule. WHERE: Lincoln Center, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: See horizontal juggling, an award-winning aerial duo, the quadruple somersault on the flying trapeze, clowns, acrobats, and much more. WHY WE LOVE IT: Clowning around is serious business at this landmark city circus, now in its 41st year. WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 212-257-2330. bigapplecircus.com.

Get weekend activities delivered to you!

19th Annual Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square FREE

Mickey: The True Original Exhibition

WHEN: Nov. 8 -Feb. 10, 2019, Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-8pm WHERE: 60 Tenth Ave., Chelsea AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate 90 years of Mickey Mouse’s influence on art and pop culture. WHY WE LOVE IT: This exhibition features artwork and highlights Mickey Mouse’s contributions to fashion, commerce, and media. WANT TO GO? $38; free for children 3 and younger. partners.disney.com.

nymetroparents.com/register ››

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. Pumpkin Smash! FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 3, 11am-2pm WHERE: Chelsea Waterside Park, Eleventh Avenue and 23rd Street, Chelsea AGES: All WHAT: Dispose of your leftover pumpkins the fun and sustainable way, enjoy festive games, and fall refreshments! WANT TO GO? 212-639-9675. hudsonriverpark.org.

Kids’ Bulb Planting FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 7, 4-6pm WHERE: Washington Square Park, Fifth Avenue and Waverly Place, Greenwich Village AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Join the park conservancy by the large playground where you’ll plant thousands of flower bulbs. WANT TO GO? washingtonsquareparkconservancy.org.

Canstruction 2018 FREE

WHEN: Nov. 2 -15, daily, 10am-8pm WHERE: Brookfield Place, 230 Vesey St., Financial District AGES: All WHAT: Canstruction challenges teams of architects, engineers, and contractors to build sculptures made entirely out of unopened cans of food. WANT TO GO? brookfieldplaceny.com.

Gather Around the Campfire FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 25, 7-8pm WHERE: Inwood Hill Park, Isham Street and Seaman Avenue, Inwood AGES: All WHAT: Join the Urban Park Rangers around a campfire for an evening of stories, songs, and fun activities. WANT TO GO? 212-628-2345. nycgovparks.org.

Saturday Morning Show FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 15: Saturdays, 10am-12pm WHERE: Brookfield Place, 230 Vesey St., Battery Park City AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Family-friendly performances include interactive sing-alongs, children’s book readings, and crafts. WANT TO GO? 212-978-1698. brookfieldplaceny.com. ››

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WHAT: Enjoy art-viewing activities, a storybook reading, an opportunity to create original artworks, and a concert. WANT TO GO? $25. 212-423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org.

Native Narratives FREE

CRAFTY KIDS Fabric Artist Sheena Sood

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 3, 2 and 3pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Create your own fabric artwork and learn about Sheena’s journey as an artist and designer. WANT TO GO? $14; $11 seniors and visitors with disabilities; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

Design a House FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 3, 11am-3pm WHERE: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, 2 E. 91st St., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Participants will explore the elements of architecture to design a house. WANT TO GO? 212-849-8353. cooperhewitt.org.

Amazing Anatomy

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 3, 11am-1 pm WHERE: The Morgan Library and Museum, 225 Madison Ave., Murray Hill AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Participants will learn how the muscles and tendons of their hands work by assembling a monstrous hand with household materials. WANT TO GO? $20. 212-685-0008 x560. themorgan.org.

Light Artist Sunil Garg

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 4, 2 and 3pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Create your own work of art using wires and light as you learn about Sunil’s journey as a visual artist. WANT TO GO? $14; $11 seniors and visitors with disabilities; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

Family Day: Build to the Beat

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 10, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm WHERE: Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place, New York AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Explore the connections between music and architecture. WANT TO GO? $6; $12 children. 212-358-6133. centerforarchitecture.org.

Picture This!

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 11, 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-8 26

November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 11, 1-4pm WHERE: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Come ready to look, imagine, and create! WANT TO GO? 877-946-4868. metmuseum.org/.

Archaeology Mondays

WHEN: Monday, Nov. 12, 3-5pm WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: This simulated archaeological dig highlights replicas from ancient to modern times in a hands-on experience. WANT TO GO? $18; $8 students; free for children 18 and younger. 212-423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org.

Design and Function Workshop FREE

WHEN: Monday, Nov. 12, 11am-3pm WHERE: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, 2 E. 91 St., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Design an accessory to keep you warm, then enjoy free design activities, storytelling, and gallery bingo. WANT TO GO? 212-849-8353. cooperhewitt.org.

Paper and Pattern with Shelly Bahl

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 18, 2 and 3pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Join Shelly as she leads a workshop using repeated patterns and printmaking. WANT TO GO? $14; $11 seniors and visitors with disabilities; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

Whimsical Warlis and Radiant Rangolis

WHEN: Nov. 4-18, Sundays, 1-4pm WHERE: The Rubin Museum, 150 W. 17th St., Chelsea AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Learn more about traditional Diwali activities by making art with rice flour. WANT TO GO? $15; $10 seniors and students; free for children 12 and younger. 212-620-5000. rubinmuseum.org.

A Closer Look for Kids: Picturing People FREE

WHEN: Nov. 3 -25, Saturday-Sunday, 10:20am WHERE: The Museum of Modern Art, 11 W. 53rd St., Midtown AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Engage in lively discussions and fun activities while looking closely at contemporary art. WANT TO GO? 212-708-9805. moma.org/family.

Studio Art Sessions

WHEN: Through May 12, 2019: daily, 1-4pm WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Paint, draw, sculpt, or craft a work of art inspired by exhibitions on view. WANT TO GO? $18; $12 seniors; $8 students; free for children 18 and younger. 212-423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org.

AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Test out the new engineering and design activities in the Design Lab area. WANT TO GO? $16 adults; $13 children ages 2-17, students and seniors. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

Living and Working in the Sky

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 17, 10:30-11:45am WHERE: The Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place, Battery Park AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Families will learn about the world’s tallest buildings, design their own skyscrapers, and decide what to include in the process. WANT TO GO? $5. 212-945-6324. skyscraper.org.

SMARTY PANTS Skyline Scavenger Hunt

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 3, 10:30-11:45am WHERE: The Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place, Battery Park AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Students will be given an introduction to the history of the New York City skyline, then take part in a scavenger hunt. WANT TO GO? $5. 212-945-6324. skyscraper.org.

High School Fair

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 4, 11am-1pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Participants will have the chance to talk with representatives from schools who are ready to answer questions about the application process, deadlines, requirements, and school life. WANT TO GO? $16; $13 seniors, students, and children ages 2-17; free before 11am. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

American Honor: The Creation of the Nation’s Ideals during the Revolutionary Era

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 8, 6:30-8pm WHERE: Fraunces Tavern Museum, 54 Pearl St., Financial District AGES: All WHAT: Learn about the colonial Americans who, reshaping honor and virtue, ultimately inspired the American Revolution. WANT TO GO? $10. 212-425-1778. frauncestavernmuseum.org.

Watson Adventures: Secrets of Central Park Family Scavenger Hunt WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 10, 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE: Central Park, Fifth Avenue and 66th Street, New York AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Find Stuart Little, stick your tongue out at a rude animal, learn the motto of a hidden eagle, unscramble a message in the sky, and find a witch turned to stone. WANT TO GO? $17.50-$21.50. 877-946-4868. watsonadventures.com.

Museum Makers: Designing With Data FREE

WHEN: Through Nov. 15: Thursdays, 3:30-5:30pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: 5-8, Adult WHAT: Participants can ask questions, collect data, uncover patterns, and design and create their very own exhibit. A light dinner will be provided after each workshop, registration required. WANT TO GO? 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

Prototyping Lab

WHEN: Nov. 3 -17, Saturdays, 11am-4pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona

MOCACREATE: Code Breakers

WHEN: Nov. 3 -17, Saturdays, 1-4pm WHERE: Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St., Little Italy AGES: All WHAT: See how Chinese language messages were translated into Morse code, then make your own translations with a secret decoder ring! WANT TO GO? $10; $7 seniors, students, military; free for children younger than 2. 212-619-4785. mocanyc.org.

History Hunters: A Kid’s Life at School

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 18, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St., Lower East Side AGES: All WHAT: This program takes children back in time to discover what childhood was like 100 years ago. WANT TO GO? $5. 212-219-0302. eldridgestreet.org.

Saturday Science FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 8: Saturdays, 1-4pm WHERE: Columbia University’s Zuckerman Institute, Education Lab, 609 W. 129th St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Explore the workings of the brain through hands-on activities and unique scientific resources. WANT TO GO? 212-853-0600. zuckermaninstitute.columbia.edu.

Ripley’s Relic

WHEN: Through Dec. 31: daily, 9am-1am WHERE: Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Times Square, 234 W. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Work together to unlock a series of puzzles and decipher a strange assortment of scientific symbols. WANT TO GO? $15. 212-398-3133. ripleysnewyork.com.

Our Senses: An Immersive Experience

WHEN: Nov. 20 -Jan. 6, 2019, 10am-5:45pm, see website for exact days WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, 79th Street and Central Park West, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: An interactive exhibit with access to 11 different funhouse-like spaces full of adventures in sight, smell, hearing, touch, taste, and balance. WANT TO GO? $23; $18 seniors and students; $13 children ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2. 212-769-5100. amnh.org.

Monthly Youth Stamp Club FREE

WHEN: Through May 18, 2019: Saturdays, 10-11:30am WHERE: Collectors Club of New York, 22 E. 35th St., Murray Hill AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Stamp collecting is a hobby that provides fun while offering learning opportunities about almost every imaginable topic. WANT TO GO? 212-683-0559. collectorsclub.org. BigAppleParent 27

DreamWorks ‘Trolls’: The Experience

WHEN: Monday-Friday, 10am-8pm, Saturday-Sunday, 9am-8pm; closing date TBD WHERE: 218 W. 57th St., 218 W. 57th St., Midtown AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Dip your feet into a virtual pool of gems, see Critter Creek, primp and polish for Poppy’s Best Day Ever, and grab a cupcake on the way out! WANT TO GO? Through Nov. 13: $25; beginning Nov. 15: $40. trollstheexperience.com.

SHOW TIME! Fox Fables

WHEN: Nov. 3 -4, Saturday-Sunday, 11am and 1pm WHERE: 14th Street Y, 344 E. 14th St., East Village AGES: 3-8 WHAT: This puppet adaptation of an Aesop’s Fable is about a fox who loses his precious tail, and with it, his identity. WANT TO GO? $12. 212-780-0800. 14streety.org.

‘Peanut Prince’: A One Man Play FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 4, 1pm WHERE: Urban Stages Theater, 259 W. 30th St., Chelsea AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Meet the peanut pioneer, George Washington Carver WANT TO GO? 212-421-1380. urbanstages.org.

Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers: ‘Legend of the Banana Kid’

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 10, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Little Chucky rides into town for a showdown with Big Bad Bart WANT TO GO? $17. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

Galli’s ‘Hansel & Gretel’

WHEN: Oct. 27- Nov. 11, Saturday-Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Galli Theater New York, 74 Warren St., Tribeca AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Can Gretel trick the witch and get her brother safely back home? WANT TO GO? $20; $15 children. 212-731-0668. gallitheaternyc.com.

Layer the Walls: A Puppet Performance About NYC History

WHEN: Nov. 10 -11, Saturday-Sunday, 11am and 3pm WHERE: The 14th Street Y, 344 E. 14th St., East Village AGES: 5 and older WHAT: This show uses masks, toy-theater techniques, and puppets to imagine the proud and perilous histories of tenement’s occupants. WANT TO GO? $15; $10 children; $40 for family 4-pack. 212-780-0800. layerthewalls.com.

‘Beauty and the Beast’

WHEN: Through Nov. 11: check website for schedule WHERE: New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St., New York AGES: 5-12 WHAT: A feisty heroine, a pair of spoiled sisters, and an enchanted prince. WANT TO GO? $17 and up. 646-223-3010. newvictory.org.

FunikiJam’s ‘Baby Likes To Rock!’

WHEN: Through Nov. 12: see website for show times WHERE: Actors Temple Theatre, 339 W. 47th St., Midtown AGES: 3-8 WHAT: There is an area for kids to dance and play. WANT TO GO? $30. 347-913-5267. funikijam.com/offbroadway.

November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

‘The Little Prince’

WHEN: Nov. 10 -18, Wednesday-Sunday, check schedule for show times WHERE: The Flea Theater, 20 Thomas St., Tribeca AGES: 5 and older WHAT: The Little Prince helps a stranded pilot reconnect with his lost youth. WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 212-226-0051. theflea.org.

Harlem Globetrotters

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 23, 1pm WHERE: Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Every game will showcase incredible ball handling wizardry, dunks, trick shots, comedy, and fan interaction. WANT TO GO? $15 and up. 800-345-3000. thegarden.com.

‘The Wizard of Oz’

WHEN: Through Nov. 24: Saturdays, 3pm WHERE: Harlem Rep, Tato Laviera Theatre, 240 E. 123rd St., Harlem AGES: All WHAT: The classic musical is being performed with a jazzy underscore and authoritative dramaturgy. WANT TO GO? $10 and up. 212-868-4444. harlemrepertorytheatre.com.

‘Angelina Ballerina The Musical’

WHEN: Through Nov. 25: Saturdays and Sundays, 11am and 1pm WHERE: Theater at Blessed Sacrament, 152 W. 71st St., Upper West Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Angelina and her friends perform dances of all types, including hip-hop, modern, the Irish jig, and of course, ballet. WANT TO GO? $49.50-$69.50. 212-579-0528. vitaltheatre.org.

‘The Velveteen Rabbit’: A New Dance Musical

WHEN: Nov. 25 - Dec. 2, Saturday-Sunday, 1pm WHERE: 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., Manhattan AGES: 3-8 WHAT: This show is performed live to an original score. WANT TO GO? $18 and up. 212-415-5500. 92y.org.

‘The Three Little Pigs’

WHEN: Nov. 17 - Dec. 2, Saturday-Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Galli Theater New York, 74 Warren St., Tribeca AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Gordy, Perkey, and Snoozy have left the nest and must build houses of their own, but only one makes a house that stands up to the wolf. WANT TO GO? $20; $15 children. 212-731-0668. gallitheaternyc.com.

‘Not My Monster!’

WHEN: Through Dec. 8: Saturdays, 11am and 2pm WHERE: The Flea Theater, 20 Thomas St., Tribeca AGES: 5 and older WHAT: A family is forced to move from their home to a cabin in a swamp, but at least they have their family monster to keep them safe. WANT TO GO? $17. 212-226-0051. theflea.org.

La MaMa Kids Fall Season

WHEN: Through Dec. 22: Check website for schedule WHERE: La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club, 66 E. 4th St., East Village AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Learn the basics of storytelling, dance, mask, and puppet making! WANT TO GO? Workshops $10; Performances $15. 212-254-6468. lamama.org.

CityParks Foundation Presents ‘Yeti, Set, Snow!’

WHEN: Nov. 13 -Feb. 24, 2019, Check schedule for details WHERE: Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in Central Park, West 81st Street and Central Park West, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: The story of a young girl who encounters a yeti named Pascetti WANT TO GO? $8-$12. 212-988-9093. cityparksfoundation.org.

MINI

MUSICIANS

FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS Inwood Pumpkin Pageant FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 1, 5-9pm WHERE: Isham Park, 1 Park Terrace E., New York AGES: All WHAT: Anyone can bring their carved jack-o-lantern for a big community display the night after Halloween. WANT TO GO? 646-220-7315. facebook.com/inwoodpumpkin.

242nd Commemoration of the Battle of Fort Washington FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 4, 12-3pm WHERE: Fort Tryon Park, 741 Fort Washington Ave., Fort Washington AGES: All WHAT: Watch a blacksmith demonstration, listen to live 18th-century music, make arts and crafts, play games from the revolutionary period, and tour the battle scene. WANT TO GO? 212-795-1600. nycgovparks.org.

Lower East Side Walk and Find Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 3, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Angela Duryea, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Justin and the Not Ready for Naptime Players will be joined by lively puppet friends for a joyous fall concert. WANT TO GO? $14-$17. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

Jazz for Juniors!

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 3, 4pm WHERE: Greenwich Music School, 46 Barrow St., Greenwich Village AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Children are welcome to roll, crawl, squeal, and dance. WANT TO GO? $30; free for kids. 212-242-4770. mozartformunchkins.com.

Elena Moon Park: Rabbit Days and Dumplings FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 3, 11am WHERE: David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center, 61 W. 62nd St., Upper West Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Dance to tunes in Korean, Spanish, Mandarin, English, and more! WANT TO GO? 212-875-5456. atrium.lincolncenter.org.

The FunkeyMunkeys Family Concert

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 11, 11:30am-12:30pm WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Groove and giggle together with the FunkeyMunkeys. WANT TO GO? $18. 212-423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org.

WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 6, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St., Lower East Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: From the country’s very first playground to the pickle shop, each place on this tour will bring a distant world into focus. WANT TO GO? $8-$14. 212-219-0302. eldridgestreet.org.

Community Care Fair

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 18, 11am-3pm WHERE: Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave., East Harlem AGES: All WHAT: Explore objects, traditions, and stories of people caring for one another. WANT TO GO? $18; $12 students and seniors; free for ages 19 and younger. 347-441-9181. mcny.org.

The Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair FREE

WHEN: Nov. 12 - Dec. 24, Monday-Friday, 10am-8pm; Saturday, 10am-7pm; Sunday, 11am-6pm WHERE: Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Terminal, 87 E. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Forty vendors will take over half of the historic Vanderbilt Hall for the holiday season so that New Yorkers and tourists can find the perfect gifts. WANT TO GO? 212-576-2700.

Inspector Pulse: How Suite It Is

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 11, 2pm WHERE: Alice Tully Hall, 1941 Broadway, New York AGES: 5 and older WHAT: The wacky Inspector Pulse discovers that he has a “suite tooth,” and it’s not candy he craves but music! WANT TO GO? $10-$30. 212-875-5788. chambermusicsociety.org.

Moona Luna

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 17, 11am WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: The band will perform songs in English and Spanish. WANT TO GO? $17. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

BigAppleParent 29

HOLIDAY FUN Dia de Los Muertos

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 2, 2:30-5pm WHERE: Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave., East Harlem AGES: All WHAT: Bring photos of your loved ones and decorate a frame to honor those still with us and those who have passed on. WANT TO GO? $18; $12 students and seniors; free for ages 19 and younger. 347-441-9181. mcny.org.

Dia de Los Muertos Festival

DANCE PARTY

Art of Mime with Bill Bowers FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 1, 1pm WHERE: Urban Stages Theater, 259 W. 30th St., Chelsea AGES: 5 and older WHAT: In this workshop a mime extraordinaire will demonstrate mime moves and get the whole family playing along too. WANT TO GO? 212-421-1380. eventbrite.com.

Urban Stomp: From Swing to Mambo Youth Workshops FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 17, 10am-2:30pm WHERE: Abyssinian Baptist Church, 32 W. 138th St., Harlem AGES: All WHAT: All level dancers are invited to groove to mambo and swing music. WANT TO GO? 310-694-7439. abyssinian.org.

Music Exploration Play Date: Zumbini!

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 17, 11:15am-12pm WHERE: Shine on Kids NYC, 205 W. 119th St., Harlem AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Each session is designed to give parents and children the chance to explore music from around the world. WANT TO GO? $28. eventbrite.com.

Hoop Dancing Demonstrations FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 18, Saturday, 12pm; Sunday, 12-4pm WHERE: National Museum of the American Indian, 1 Bowling Green, Lower Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Join a dancing duo as they demonstrate and share their dance skills and history of hoop dancing. WANT TO GO? 212-514-3700. americanindian.si.edu.

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 3, 11am-5pm WHERE: The American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Featuring altars dedicated to extinct animal species, performances by Mexican folk musicians and dance troupes, hands-on workshops, and a craft marketplace. WANT TO GO? $23; $18 students and seniors; $13 children ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2. 212-769-5200. amnh.org.

Diwali Family Celebration

WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2-5pm WHERE: Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave., East Harlem AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy a special performance, mold and decorate a diya, and savor a traditional Indian treat. WANT TO GO? $18; $12 students and seniors; free for ages 19 and younger. 347-441-9181. mcny.org.

Living History: Thanksgiving and the Civil War

WHEN: Nov. 23 -24, Friday-Saturday, 11am-4pm WHERE: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., New York AGES: All WHAT: Did you know that Thanksgiving became a national holiday during the American Civil War? WANT TO GO? $21; $16 seniors and active military; $13 students; $6 children age 5-13; free for children 4 and younger. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.

17th Annual Holiday Train Show FREE

WHEN: Nov. 15 -Feb. 3, 2019, Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: New York Transit Museum Gallery and Store in Grand Central Terminal, Shuttle Passage, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: The model trains featured in this year’s festive exhibit will be set against a backdrop designed by artist Ebony Bolt. WANT TO GO? 877-946-4868. grandcentralterminal.com. ››

Kids’ Silent Disco and Ping Pong Party!

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 18, 12-4pm WHERE: Spin New York, 48 E. 23rd St., Flatiron District AGES: All WHAT: Not only will there be family-friendly music, but also tons of open Ping-Pong tables. WANT TO GO? $10-$25. 212-982-8802. wearespin.com.

November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Coming up next month: DEC. 4: Tree Lighting Skate-tacular at Winter Village 2018, Bryant Park DEC. 16: Children’s Book Illustrators at Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Upper East Side DEC. 16: 45th Annual Merry Tuba Christmas at Rockefeller Center, Midtown

Activities things to do

where-to guide

to be Thankful For

Compiled by Anja Webb

While you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, be someone else’s reason to give thanks by volunteering with the kids. And with the leaves finally changing, now is a perfect time to venture into the great outdoors and go leaf peeping with your family. On days when it’s a bit too chilly to hit the trails, round up the kids for an exciting evening of laser tag, an indoor activity that’s sure to beat any cabin fever boredom. However, if you’re on a budget, fear not! Check out our complete guide to finding when to visit the museum for free admission!

LEAF PEEPING Fort Tryon Park

Just off Margaret Corbin Circle near 190th Street, Washington Heights, Manhattan 212-795-1388; forttryonparktrust.org Fort Tryon Park is most known for being the home of The Met Cloisters museum. However, during the fall, the 67-acre park, with some of the highest points of elevation in all of Manhattan, offers families spectacular foliage views. The most notable feature of the landscape is the 3-acre Heather Garden that provides panoramic views of the Hudson River. In addition to the vibrant autumn leaves, the garden also offers blooming trees, shrubs, vines, bulbs, and showy fruits. Find more>> nymetroparents.com/leaf-peeping

VOLUNTEERING Food Bank for New York City

39 Broadway, 10th Floor, Lower Manhattan 212-566-7855 x8350; volunteer.foodbanknyc.org Last year, more than 63 million meals were repacked for hungry New Yorkers, and there’s always a need for an extra set of hands to help break down and assess the quality of the food and products. The Warehouse Repack program accepts groups of 10-50 volunteers from corporations, schools, etc. The Community Kitchen and Food Pantry is located in West Harlem and is looking for volunteers – ages 13-15 and accompanied by an adult – in their work of distributing hot meals and choices of pantry food to low-income New Yorkers (looking for 8-10 volunteers per shift). Find more>> nymetroparents.com/volunteer

FREE ADMISSION AT NYC MUSEUMS

LASER TAG Bowlmor Chelsea Piers

Children’s Museum of Manhattan

212 W. 83rd St., Upper East Side 212-721-1223; cmom.org Hours: Tuesday-Friday and Sunday 10am-5pm, Saturdays 10am-7pm, closed Mondays. Free every first Friday of the month from 5-7pm. Enjoy interactive exhibits, classes and programs, birthday party rentals, and family workshops and resources.

Pier 60, Chelsea Piers, Manhattan 212-835-2695; bowlmor.com You may have paid a visit to Bowlmor for its bowling, food, and fun, but did you know they have a 3,000-square-foot laser tag area? The laser tag arena is wonderfully decorated with some of NYC’s famous sights like The Statue of Liberty and the vibrant NYC skyline. Be sure to check out the ropes course above the area, too.

Find more>> nymetroparents.com/free-admission

Find more>> nymetroparents.com/laser-tag

raising kids teen

Kids & Politics

››

Five ways to encourage tweens and teens to get involved in democracy

hen I was in sixth grade, my middle school held a mock election during the George W. Bush vs. Al Gore election in 2000. Leading up to mock Election Day, social studies teachers taught the student body about the democratic process and educated us on the candidates’ political stances, so we could make well-informed decisions. While I don’t remember which candidate I voted for or who won the mock election, I do remember the anticipation my class buzzed with as we waited for the principal to announce the winner. That was my first experience with politics. And while participating in my school’s mock election didn’t inspire me to pursue a career in politics, it, and the actual election’s hotly contested outcome (ultimately decided by the Supreme Court of the United States), cemented the importance of doing my civic duty. I knew that once I turned 18, I needed to register and vote in elections to make my voice heard. I have since voted in three Presidential elections. The 2016 election cycle was the most contentious (but you don’t need me to tell you that) because how we consumed and shared information had evolved. With the breakneck pace at which media is being shared and the tumultuous political landscape of today, how can we ensure our children will be well-informed, active participants in democracy?

Encourage an Informed Interest

Regardless of where you live, how much money you make, or what your career is, politics impact your day-to-day life whether you know it or not, says Anil R. Beephan, Jr., a town councilman at-large in East Fishkill in Dutchess County; he is a representative for a New York state senator for Dutchess and Putnam counties, and an active county committee member. He knows first-hand how politics and government can affect lives. As a first-generation American, Beephan watched his parents, who are from Trinidad and Tobago, go through a difficult immigration process. “I always thought that one day I’d like to get involved in government and see what it’s like to maybe 32

November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

By Katelin Walling

help fix that process,” he says. Participating in government club in high school and the 2012 election solidified his interest in politics. James Kuntz, a junior at the Dalton School in Manhattan, credits the 2016 election for his interest in politics. “There was something about the election cycle that really drew me to it, and I think it was also my age,” he says. “I was 13, 14 years old leading up to the election, so I was beginning to find my own interests and politics happened to be one.” That interest led him to found Teens in Politics, an organization to help teens find political internships in the NYC area. Another reason Kuntz says he founded Teens in Politics? He says he’s noticing a lot of political apathy in his generation, and “it’s a real problem for democracy.” So how can you prevent that political indifference in your tweens and teens? Read with your kids. From an early age you can encourage an interest in civics by reading political- and activism-related books to your children. Try reading Voting with a Porpoise, written by Rock the Vote board member Russell Glass and children’s book author Sean Callahan, which brings the election process to life under the sea. If You’re Going to a March, by Martha Freeman, illustrates what kids can expect if they’re attending a march with their parents. For the elementary school set, Eleanor Roosevelt’s When You Grow Up to Vote explains how the government works for the people—from the police officers in your town all the way through the role of the SCOTUS—and instills the importance of voting in kids. Originally published in 1932, after Franklin D. Roosevelt was first elected as President, this book was updated and re-released in September. Tweens and teens can read denser books, such as biographies about presidents, nonfiction works about history, or any of the number of recently released books about the current political environment. Take them with you, Beephan suggests. If your kids are 18, carpool to the polls on Election Day, and if they’re not yet old enough to vote,

they can still see democracy in action. Considering attending a march or rally for an issue you feel passionately about? Bring your kids along (even if they’re young) and explain what you’re marching for, why you’re marching, and how it makes you feel to participate. After all, modeling a behavior for your children is the best way to instill it.

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

Watch the news together and talk about it. Kuntz and Beephan both suggest you start doing this when your kids are in elementary school. You should “really explain to them why [following current events] is important, what’s going on, and try to inform them at a very early age about the real facts behind each story and what’s going on in the media and government itself,” Beephan advises. You can do the same with newspapers or credible online news sites. After all, encouraging an interest in following the news and current events fosters a curious intellectual mindset in children, Kuntz adds. And if listening is more your family’s style, there are a host of political and current event podcasts available. Encourage your teen to pursue an internship. “If you’re in high school, you’re at an age where you can take internships at the state senate, state assembly, or congressional offices, or even help out at the local town level,” Beephan says. Kuntz, who is a member of his district’s congressional youth cabinet, aims to make finding an internship in politics easy for teens: “I’m very interested in politics myself, and when I was looking for opportunities to get involved in politics—volunteer opportunities and internships specifically—I didn’t find any place where the information was centralized,” he says. “The only way that somebody my age would be able to find those opportunities would be to look at individual members of the city council or state assembly or state senate.” “You can also get involved with the political party when you’re in high school, more so you could even actively participate in campaigns,” Beephan adds. If your teen knows which party she identifies with, encourage her to research internship opportunities with the New York Democratic or Republican national committees. Volunteer for a campaign together. If you’re introducing your younger children to politics or you and your teen agree on a party or candidate, find opportunities to put your boots to the ground. Canvas neighborhoods and knock on doors to talk to other voters or sign up for a shift to make calls for a candidate. In fact, Beephan says high school students have become more and more involved in campaigns. “It actually makes a difference because, when you’re at the door, people notice when a kid takes an interest in an issue, and it kind of makes them think twice. They question: aren’t you a little too young to be at the door?” he says. “But when a kid actually justifies why they’re there, why they’re doing what they’re doing, it kind of reinvigorates the person to pay more attention to what’s going on. I think kids sometimes underestimate the impact they have in the political realm, even if they can’t vote.”

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When encouraging an interest in politics, remember to let your teens form their own opinions. “I think it’s vital for the parent to not force their opinions on their kids,” Beephan says. “Trust that your kids are able to make a conscious decision on which side of the aisle they’d like to sit on certain issues.” Urge your teens to read opposing views of the same issue so they can figure out their own opinions. And if your teen aligns with a different political party than you? “I think it’s actually a good thing because being in an environment where your views are being questioned strengthens your own opinions and forces you to reconsider things with a more critical lens,” Kuntz says—a perfect opportunity to bolster your teen before he heads out into the world on his own.

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Out and About with Baby ››

You’re a new parent, but that doesn’t mean you should be a shut-in. Read on for everything you need to know about exploring new places with your little one. By Lambeth Hochwald

f you’re hesitant to go on outings now that you’re a new parent, we’re here to tell you that getting out and about with your baby is not only good for your wee one, but it’s especially good for you too. Being in the fresh air, surrounded by sights, sounds, and energy will work wonders to help you adjust to new-parent life. We asked the experts—all New York-area parents—to weigh in and everyone agreed: To have the best exploration experience you need to be ready for every scenario. Whether they shared their favorite products or just a little bit of advice that worked for them, these parents are enthusiastic about the benefits of exploring, baby in tow. Read on for their tried-and-true tips.

Take a Fun Walk Outside

With the weather changing and cool mornings on the horizon, you want to dress your baby in clothing that’s versatile and adapts to a chilly morning followed by bright midday sun, says Allison Chiaramonte, a real estate agent at Warburg Realty and mom of two kids. “When I’m out and about with my kids I usually have a long list of errands,” she says. “This means we are constantly in and out of houses, offices, and stores. When it’s cold outside this can cause problems, but I have found the best thing ever for my son—a cute winter jacket with a hood. Easy on and off with the hood means I don’t have to keep track of where he left his hat, which he rips off as soon as we get inside. Also the jacket distracts from the fact I sometimes take him out in PJs when we are having one of those mornings!” For Anna Zak, mom of a 5-month-old son, a fully packed bag 34

November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

of ‘what-if’ supplies makes a day outside a win-win. “I always pack a big park blanket folded tightly and placed at the base of my stroller—we opted for the Bugaboo Bee5 because it’s lightweight for the city,” she says. “I make sure to pack my Munchkin Arm & Hammer diaper disposal bags because as long as I have them I have somewhere to put a dirty diaper.”

Ride the Subway—and Bus

Public transportation is not only a quicker way to get from place to place, it offers its own share of amusement for kids of all ages. But being prepared for the journey is ultra-important. Loving the ride is half the fun, says Heath Fradkoff, a Brooklyn dad whose 2-year-old son, Hugh, adores public transportation. “Hugh has a little wooden MTA bus and subway car. When he plays with them he shouts, ‘Please exit through the rear door’ and ‘Stand clear of the closing doors, please,’ respectively,” he says. As for gear, Fradkoff is a fan of his trusty Maclaren Triumph umbrella stroller. “It’s good on stairs, and it folds up easily so we can quickly get it out of the way of other passengers,” he says. For walks around town, Fradkoff has another fave method of toting Hugh. “During the spring and fall weather I love taking Hugh around in an Osprey backpack,” he says. “This keeps my hands free to walk the dog or run errands and Hugh likes the higher vantage point.” Marisa Pincas, who lives on the Upper East Side with her 2-yearold son, is also a big fan of taking public transportation for jaunts. “My husband and I travel all over the city with our son,” she says.

The key to a smooth trip: a lightweight, easily foldable stroller. “New York City buses require you to fold up a stroller and, while I find most New Yorkers will help you carry a stroller up and down the stairs, it can be a real challenge if it’s just you and your child!” Pincas says. All the more reason she suggests mapping out your route first. “This way you can make sure you know how you will exit—escalator, stairs, or elevator. I also suggest making sure that the elevators are working before heading out, especially if you have an infant or a larger stroller that you can’t easily fold or carry,” Pincas says. (This information can be found at web.mta.info/mta/eles.html). Also, Pincas suggests parents always leave themselves extra time when traveling on the subway. “This way you can account for navigating the corridors in search of those elevators,” she explains. “I’ve forgotten to do this in the past and have missed my train out of Penn!” In the end, the best tip might just be this: Be sure to take along plenty of hand sanitizer and baby wipes. “Pediatricians advise parents to avoid public transportation until your baby is at least two months,” Zak says. “After the two-month mark, we were happy to take the subway. We just made sure to cover our son’s hands with sanitizer.”

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Enjoy a Meal—at Your Favorite Spot

Every parent we spoke to agreed: You’re better off going to dinner early-bird style, say, before 6pm or whenever the dinner rush commences. In addition, distraction is key when taking baby to breakfast, lunch, or dinner at your favorite restaurant. This becomes more and more important the older your little one gets. “Always come prepared with toys or coloring books to keep them occupied,” Pincas says. “When you are waiting for a meal to arrive, having something for my son to focus on has saved me and my fellow patrons from witnessing a meltdown.” Another way to plan ahead: Make sure the restaurant is actually baby- and/or child-friendly. “For example, some bars don’t let babies in past a certain hour or at all,” Zak says. “As a young mom I often take my son with us when we meet up with family or friends for a drink. We’ve taken him to plenty of bars/rooftops during the day and have had no problem doing so. Recently, however, when some family was in town we attempted to walk into a bar that had a strict ‘no baby’ policy. While at first we were offended on behalf of our baby, after reconsidering it we realized that after a certain hour this is as much for his safety as it is for the convenience of the patrons.” No matter the restaurant you plan to dine in, bringing snacks will save the day, Chiaramonte adds. “It may seem counterintuitive to bring food to a restaurant, but this ensures there are no hunger-induced tantrums while waiting for your food!” And believe it or not, it’s never a bad idea to opt for outdoor seating and have an escape route should the meal go south, Zak adds. “Look for tables that are spacious and have easy access to head out the door in case your baby gets cranky,” she says. “Also, at any point, be okay with the fact that you may have to abandon your plans and get your food to go.” No matter what, you’ll have gotten a bit of fresh air—and had an adventure you can laugh about.

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Stay Safe While Shopping Online ›› Hackers and cyber-scams can spoil your holiday. Experts share what you need to know before you click “buy.” By Anja Webb

hen I was in high school, one of my friends bought a prom dress online. She had never heard of the company before, but the dress was hundreds of dollars cheaper than retail value, and the photo in the advertisements looked beautiful. She took her parents’ debit card and bought the discount “designer” gown without telling anyone. When it finally arrived in the mail weeks later in a package from China, she was overjoyed. But once she put on the dress, her excitement quickly turned to disappointment: The fabric was cheap and poorly cut, and the dress fit her like a trash bag despite the precise measurements she had sent the company. The “Swarovski” crystals were nothing more than cheap, poorly adhered rhinestones. My friend had been the victim of an online shopping scam, and her parents had to pay the price. Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated incident. With Cyber Monday (the Monday after Black Friday, which falls on Nov. 26 this year) becoming one of the biggest days for online shopping, it’s important to know how to recognize Internet shopping scams and phishing, or the act of stealing private information through viruses or malicious computer codes. What may seem like the perfect gift for a great price could very easily be a sneaky way to rob you. And the methods of fooling people are getting more and more creative. So how can you avoid these schemes and keep your family safe? Here are a few things to look for when shopping online to help you recognize shady sites and keep your information private. 36

November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Be Leery of Links

“You should never, ever trust a link in an email,” says Eric Cole, Ph.D., a consultant, author, and former CIA employee with more than 30 years of experience in cyber security. “[People] get an email from a store that says, ‘Hey, we have a seventy-percent-off sale, but it’s only good for the next two hours. Click on the link below to take advantage of it.’ And they’re so excited about the sale they never look at the link very closely.” If you do get an unfamiliar email, “click on the name in the ‘sent from’ box to view the actual email address,” suggests Justin Lavelle, chief communications officer of BeenVerified, an online background check platform. “If you don’t recognize the sender, your best bet is to not open the email, period, and never click on a link, attachment, or file within.” And, as obvious as it sounds, “if it seems to good to be true, it is,” says Alex Krush, a development operations engineer at Royal Bank of Canada. Finding $100 discounts or deals that are significantly below market value is a huge red flag, as are those 2-hour sales. These incredible deals are a means of luring in customers to a shady site. “More than not, an item that has an incredibly low price tag or out-of-the-world features is probably part of a scam,” says Alayna Pehrson, manager of identity theft content for BestCompany.com, a consumer-review data company. You might think you’re saving money, but the potential savings are never worth the risk.

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Of course, this is the season when some legitimate retailers do offer sweet deals. How do you know if the offer (and seller) you’re looking at is on the level? There are a few other factors to be wary of when visiting a potentially sketchy site. “If you think the website lacks some design skills, has a disorganized layout, and/or has several grammar and language mistakes, then you should probably not purchase anything from it,” Pehrson says. It’s important to keep in mind that retailers will care about their aesthetic, but a scam site likely won’t. Dr. Cole advises you to “make sure you’re using an up-to-date browser that’s verifying the digital certificate of the site.” Most modern browsers will let you know if something is secure. On Chrome, there will be a green lock next to the URL; that’s an indicator that your information going in a secure manner, and it’s verifying and validating the digital certificate of that site to give a higher level of trust, Dr. Cole says. In other browsers the lock may be yellow or appear as a key. If your Internet browser doesn’t have an icon to indicate security, “Look for ‘https’ in the website address,” says Jacob Lunduski, a financial industry analyst for Credit Card Insider, a site that helps people find the right credit card for their finances. “This means the website is ‘secure’ and provides credibility when purchasing an item.”

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Think Twice About Third-Party Sellers

What if you’re shopping from a big company like Amazon? Even though the distributor is trusted, some of the retailers that operate on the site might not always be legitimate. For Amazon purchases, look out for third-party sales that are neither sold nor fulfilled by Amazon. “When you click on an item it will tell you whether you’re buying it directly from Amazon or if it’s going through a third party,” Dr. Cole says. “Anytime you’re buying things from a third-party, your credit card is now being charged and sent to that third-party, and if they’re not legitimate…they could easily be able to steal your information.” If you’re determined to purchase something from a third-party vendor, there are a few things you can do to minimize your risk. “Always read descriptions and reviews when possible,” Krush says. Predominantly bad reviews are a sign that something is fishy. And good reviews can be faked, so Will Geddes, author of Parent Alert, recommends you be wary of “a small number of short, generic, and positive reviews all posted within a short period of time and from the same country.” Also try to check how long the retailer has been a vendor on Amazon. “If they’ve been a retailer for Amazon for five years, that’s probably an indicator that they’re somewhat legit,” Dr. Cole says.

Be Careful with Your Credit

Even if you take all possible precautions, fraud and identity theft are still possibilities. The reason for this is simple: Every day, hackers are getting better and better at what they do. “The number one thing families can do is to utilize a separate credit card just for online purchases that has a small balance,” Dr. Cole advises. “If fraudulent activity occurs or if it gets stolen, now all you have to do is get a new card and you don’t have to worry about if you’re using that card for bills.” There are other good reasons to use a credit card for your online shopping. “With credit cards, the liability is with the credit card provider. With debit cards, the liability is with you,” Dr. Cole says. Additionally, it’s important to note that “credit cards offer many purchase and fraud protections where you’ll have time to report and manage the fraud before your bill is due,” Lunduski says. “With a debit card, fraudulent purchases leave your account immediately, causing you to have to work with your bank to get your money back.” When it comes to safety features, you should always “go to your credit card’s website or call them, [and] turn [these features] on,” says Dr. Cole, who personally receives text messages every time his card is used. If somehow your credit card is compromised, he recommends that you activate this feature, so you can stay informed at all times.

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Speed-Clean Your House Holiday guests are on the way! Learn the pros’ secrets for tidying your home in a hurry.

clean house. If you’re a parent, that concept is probably nothing more than a dream, right up there with kids who love veggies. Even if you were a neat freak before you had a family, chances are these days you struggle to stay ahead of dirty laundry, strewn-about shoes, and that somehow-always-sticky refrigerator door handle. You’ve probably made peace with a certain level of chaos (mostly because you have no choice). But how about when guests are coming over? Before you hit the panic button—or bolt the door—read on. We asked two cleaning authorities to explain how you can get your house company-ready in a rush.

Pre-Cleaning Plan of Attack

Conceal the clutter. Your first step is to put away all the jumbled-up stuff in any rooms your company might glimpse. “Hide the shoes, hide the coats, and take out any boxes from deliveries,” says Ann Harasim, owner of Ann’s Cleaning Service in New York City. In the kitchen, clear the countertops. Everything will instantly look better. Concentrate on areas where guests will go. “If you’re in a jam and you need to do things quickly, you need to prioritize the most important spaces,” says Jennifer Gregory, marketing director of Molly Maid, a cleaning service with branches throughout the New York metropolitan area. Usually, after your initial de-cluttering, that means attacking the foyer, living room, kitchen, and bathrooms.

Foyer and Living Room

Freshen up the furniture. “Take a barely-damp microfiber cloth and wipe it down. It will catch any hair and debris, and does a re-

November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

››

By Deborah Skolnik

ally good job of removing the dust from intricate carvings,” Gregory says. (She advises against furniture polish: “It tends to grab dirt faster and make it stick to the furniture,” she explains.) Address areas above your eye level. “People tend to look around at where their height is [as they clean]. They forget to look up,” Gregory warns. Using a high duster, skim the place where the walls meet the ceiling, making sure to dust ceiling fans and light fixtures. Fold and fluff. “If you have any blankets in the living room, make sure they’re folded,” Harasim says. Fluff up non-woolen throw pillows and smaller throw rugs by placing them in the dryer with a clean tennis ball and drying them on low for 5-10 minutes, Gregory recommends. Shine up mirrors, windows, and glass-framed photos and paintings. Give them a quick once-over with a slightly damp microfiber cloth, Gregory says, or use a microfiber cloth and Molly Maid’s DIY cleaner: 1 gallon of water, ½ cup white vinegar, ½ cup rubbing alcohol, and about 2 squirts of Dawn dish detergent. For photos that aren’t covered in glass, dust them with an unused large paintbrush. Dust the mantle. Use a microfiber cloth to dust the fireplace mantle (if you have one) and any knick-knacks that you keep on it. Clear away any wood debris in front of the fireplace, and if there’s tile in front of the hearth, make sure it’s dusted, mopped, and dried. If you have a gas fireplace, use your microfiber cloth to clean the outside. Don’t forget the floors. Vacuum or sweep them, then mop them with a microfiber mop. “We use a little bit of degreaser—about a

quarter-cup of all-purpose cleaner in a gallon of water—as long as the floors are sealed. If not, use plain water,” Gregory says.

Kitchen

Remove the trash. Put out the garbage and recycling, Harasim says. After that, “remove your stovetop burners, fill your sink with hot water and dish soap, and put your stove burners in that water and let them soak while you start moving around,” Gregory advises.

Work your way around the room. Clean the stovetop with a microfiber cloth and a degreaser, Gregory says. Then wipe down the countertops with a microfiber cloth and a solution of half white vinegar and half water, working your way around the room. (If your countertop is granite, simply use water or a cleaner specially formulated for this use.) As you go, put away and straighten up any utensils and cookbooks. Fix up the fridge front. Move any magnets and other things on your refrigerator’s door or sides and then wipe down the front with your microfiber cloth and the vinegar-water mixture. Make sure you also wipe down any ledges formed by the doors and handles, Gregory adds. Scrub the stovetop burners. Dry and replace them on the stove. At that point the refrigerator will have dried, so you can (neatly) replace anything usually kept on the door or sides, Gregory says.

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Mop the floor using a microfiber mop and a ¼ cup of degreaser mixed with a gallon of water, or just water for unsealed floors, Gregory says.

Bathrooms

Hide cleaners, Harasim stresses, “especially if you know someone’s coming with their kids,” as they may pose a safety hazard. Tackle the toilet. Spray the lid, seat, rim, and base with the vinegar-water mixture, Gregory says. Add two to three tablespoons of baking soda inside the toilet and swish it around. Let everything sit for a few minutes as you tackle other areas. Replace the toilet paper and tissues if you’re running low, Harasim says. Set out fresh towels too, she adds. Take out any trash and replace the trash bag. Shine the mirrors and faucets with Molly Maid’s homemade glass cleaner (see Foyer and Living Room) and use a microfiber cloth and water on the countertops. Once you’re done, wipe down the exterior of the toilet with a microfiber cloth, starting with the lid and working your way down to the base. Scrub the interior with a toilet brush and flush everything away. Focus on the floor. Remove all items from the floor, and shake any throw rugs in the hallway, just hard enough to remove dust and debris, Gregory says. Vacuum or sweep the floor quickly. Next, use a dampened microfiber mop on the floor. After the floor has dried a bit, replace the trashcan and rugs and vacuum the hallway.

Extra-Credit Cleaning

Got a little time left over? If you live in a house, go outside and “walk up [to your home] the way your guests would walk, and remove anything your guests would find,” Gregory suggests. Make sure your pathways are cleared (and salted, if it’s snowy or icy out). Use an outdoor broom to sweep the walkway and clear away any cobwebs. Clean the storm door and sidelight windows with glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth. “If you have time, you’ll want to clean the bedroom along with the rest of the house,” Gregory says. “Worst case, shut the door, but absolutely make the bed.” That way, if anyone stumbles in, they’ll get an overall impression that—kids and all—you keep a tidy home.

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Charter Schools & Preschools CHARTER SCHOOLS Manhattan Charter School

100 Attorney St. 212-533-2743 Manhattan Charter School II 220 Henry St. 212-964-3792 manhattancharterschool.org info@manhattancharterschool.org Two small public elementary schools educating children in kindergarten-fifth grades are committed to offering a well-rounded education designed to help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in an intimate school setting. Never more than 25 students in a class. All students receive weekly French, art, physical education, and technology instruction, in addition to daily music instruction beginning in kindergarten. We pride ourselves on delivering challenging, standards-driven instruction, and fostering a culture of high expectations. Free after-school care is available. Dedicated to demonstrating that all children can succeed when given equal access to quality education.

PRESCHOOLS The British International School of New York

20 Waterside Plaza 212-481-2700 x204 bis-ny.org; info@bis-ny.org BIS-NY offers a global education which encourages critical thinking and problem solving through which children gain confidence to ask questions, and to take risks in a nurturing environment where they are both stretched and supported. With a focus on encouraging early literacy and numeracy, even our youngest also enjoy French or Spanish, drama, music, swimming, and art every week. It’s a tested approach to learning that promotes success and independence, preparing all our children academically, socially, and emotionally for the wonder of the world that lies ahead.

Creative Steps Early Care & Education Center

4 Washington Square Village 212-982-2273 universitysettlement.org/creativesteps creativesteps@universitysettlement.org Creative Steps, located on NYU’s campus, is a program of University Settlement. We offer a nurturing, culturally diverse community for children and families. With the support of responsive adults and a low child-to-staff ratio, our child-centered, play-based approach to learning provides hands-on experiences

and an opportunity for children to make choices, and initiate and direct their own play. Curriculum is supported by enrichment programs in literacy, art, music, and yoga. Easy access to well-maintained and safe outdoor playgrounds. Early drop-off, after-school, and summer camp programs available.

The École

111 E. 22nd St. 646-410-2238 theecole.org; admissions@theecole.org The École (formerly École Internationale de New York) is an intimate, independent French-American school located in New York’s vibrant Flatiron District. The École offers an academic bilingual program in French and English from nursery-eighth grade offering Mandarin and Spanish as a foreign language. The École 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.

Gillen Brewer School

410 E. 92nd St. 212-831-3667 gillenbrewer.com julian@gillenbrewer.com Founded in 1992, Gillen Brewer School is a family-oriented, 12-month early childhood program for children ages 2.8-10 years with language-based and non-verbal learning disabilities. We provide developmentally-appropriate academic instruction, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, counseling and social groups, music, art, science, technology, sports, and physical fitness. Learning and growing in a secure and nurturing environment, our students develop the skills necessary to overcome challenges. We work closely with their families to instill self-confidence and build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and independence.

International Academy of New York

4 E. 90th St. (150 W. 83rd St. for 2018-19 only) 212-641-0260 ianyc.org info@ianyc.org The International Academy of New York is a bilingual, multi-cultural, diverse nursery-eighth grade school developing culturally astute and confident students with fluency in Mandarin or Spanish, and exceptional literacy and math skills. IANY delivers 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

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world. Now accepting applications for pre-nursery (2s) through fourth grade (adding a grade each year through eighth grade). Financial aid available.

The Montessori School of New York International

347 E. 55th St., Sutton Place 212-223-4630 montessorischoolny.com In a lovingly, thoughtfully-prepared environment, children explore academic dimensions at their own pace and interest level, helping them grow in self-esteem and independence. Classes are equipped with didactic Montessori materials that encourage absorption of concepts through play, leading children to become well-rounded and confident. Program includes science, music, foreign language, musical theater, swimming, dance, yoga, and chess. Children do extremely well academically, and are prepared for admission to gifted programs. A unique summer program, staffed by year-round teachers, offers continued learning and outdoor activities, ranging from theme-based trips to sports.

Pusteblume International Preschool

244 W. 14th St. 212-206-1137 pusteblumenyc.org; info@pusteblumenyc.org Pusteblume International Preschool provides children with a fun and community-oriented multicultural environment. Our preschool program welcomes families with children from ages 2-5 of all international backgrounds who are interested in having their child learn German, Spanish, or both, in a language immersion classroom. Our after-school programs and holiday camps welcome children from other schools and also offer activities for school-age children (ages 6-12). Pusteblume International Preschool is directed by Friends of the German International School of New York, Inc., a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation.

Sara Curry Day School

93 Saint Marks Place 212-777-9774 saracurrydayschool.org; saracurryschool@aol.com Children in The Sara Curry Day School are focused, relaxed, communicative, and engaged. This is done through emotional education, and self-directed learning. They learn to reflect on their feelings before they act, and to understand the feelings of others. Conflict is an opportunity to discuss feelings, recognize patterns, and find communal solutions. In self-directed learning children learn what motivates and excites them. Projects do not come from the top down, but from children’s ideas. Children grow to be fulfilled as individuals and as unique and important members of the group.

Creative Steps Early Care & Education Center universitysettlement.org/creativesteps Dwight Preschool dwight.edu

8 8 8

8 8

8 8 8

STEM

Nature

Foreign Language

Dance / Yoga

Creative Arts

Cooking

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Full-Day

Extended Hours

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Waldorf

Universal Pre-K

Religious

Reggio Emilia

Play-Based

Montessori

Preschools at a Glance

Academic / Traditional

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY:

8 8 8

Gillen Brewer School gillenbrewer.com

International Academy of New York ianyc.org

8 8 8

Little Missionary’s Day Nursery lmdn.org

8 8

8 8 8 8 8

8 8

8 8 8 8 8 8

The British International School of New York bis-ny.org

The École theecole.org

The Montessori School of New York International montessorischoolny.com

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PartyCentral

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

BOLD ARTS

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

CLOWNS.COM

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

CONFETTI GRACE

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

DAVE’S CAST OF CHARACTERS

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

FROGGLE PARTIES

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

MYSTERY & MAYHEM

212-260-2295 mysteryandmayhem.com mitzvahzoe@aol.com Mystery & Mayhem offers hilarious,

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

PET PORTRAIT FUN

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

PARTY PLACES BROADWAY DANCE CENTER CHILDREN & TEENS

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

CHELSEA PIERS SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX

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

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

EPIPHANY COMMUNITY NURSERY SCHOOL

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

November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

with our gym coaches, followed by 45 minutes in our private party room.

FUNFIT BLOOMING BRANCHES SPECIFIC SPORTS

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

FUNFUZION AT NEW ROC CITY

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

GALLI THEATER NEW YORK

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

INTREPID SEA, AIR & SPACE MUSEUM

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

JODI’S GYM

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

JUST KIDDING AT SYMPHONY SPACE 2537 Broadway 212-864-1414 x289

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

KATE TEMPESTA’S URBAN GOLF ACADEMY

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

THE LITTLE GYM

2121 Broadway, 2nd Floor (between 74th and 75th streets) Upper West Side 212-799-1225 tlgupperwestsideny.com 207 E. 94th St. (between Second and Third avenues) Upper East Side 212-787-1124 tlguppereastsideny.com 777 White Plains Road, Scarsdale 914-722-0072 tlgscarsdaleny.com 28 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick, NJ 201-445-4444 tlgwaldwicknj.com A private party at The Little Gym is a perfect way to celebrate your child’s next birthday. Gymnastics, games, obstacle courses, trampoline, sports, and music are tailored to your child’s interests!

MARTIAL ARTS FAMILY STUDIO

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

NY CAKE

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

PALISADES CLIMB ADVENTURE

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

PIER 62 CAROUSEL

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

SEAGLASS CAROUSEL AT THE BATTERY

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

USTA BILLIE JEAN KING NATIONAL TENNIS CENTER

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

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Your local guide to tutors, teachers, lawyers, ﬁnancial planners, and other professionals LITTLE OPTICS, INC. LEGAL SERVICES 192-07 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows 53-15 Roosevelt Ave., Woodside ANDREW COHEN, ESQ., LAW 718-468-7500 OFFICES OF ANDREW M. COHEN Hablamos Español. 250 W. 57th St., Suite 1216 littleopticsinc@yahoo.com 212-244-0595 We provide eyeglasses and professional 1100 Franklin Ave., Suite 305, eye care for children, including infants, Garden City and young adults. We also alleviate any 516-877-0595 self-esteem issues associated with the amcohenlaw.com stigma of wearing glasses. When your ac@amcohenlaw.com child leaves Little Optics, rest assured The Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen that they will feel confident. can help you achieve your objectives through careful special needs legal THERAPY & COUNSELORS planning, regardless of the size of your estate. All clients are provided with high MR. SPEECH PATHOLOGY quality service at a reasonable cost. 347-399-4836 mrspeechpathology.com SPECIAL NEEDS info@mrspeechpathology.com ANDREW COHEN, ESQ., LAW OFFICES OF ANDREW M. COHEN 250 W. 57th St., Suite 1216 212-244-0595 1100 Franklin Ave., Suite 305, Garden City 516-877-0595 amcohenlaw.com ac@amcohenlaw.com The Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen can help you achieve your objectives through careful special needs legal planning, regardless of the size of your estate. All clients are provided with high quality service at a reasonable cost.

Eugene Chuprin is a bilingual (EnglishRussian) speech-language pathologist conducting evaluations and providing therapy in the New York City area. His specialty is treating pediatrics with language disorders, articulation disorders, and stuttering.

TUTORS & TEST PREP SCIENTIA TUTORING servicing Brooklyn and Manhattan scientia.brooklyn@gmail.com Experienced, understanding, compassionate, independent school teachers offer support for Spanish, Latin, French, English, essays, literature, physics, biology, chemistry, algebra, and geometry-all levels.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY! NYMetroParents.com is Parents' Party Central—one—stop shopping for the best in:

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LongIslandParent Parent SPETEMBER 2012

Class Is In!

After-School Activities

✓ ❑ ✓ ❑

Resource Guide

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SLOW DOWN!

How to Manage Kids’ Schedules

NYMETROPARENTS.COM

Back-to-School Resource Guide Pack a Smarter Lunch Ease the Morning Rush Advocate for Your Twins

What Makes a Good Mentor?

+ 174 Family

+ 130 Family Events

Events

(see our calendar, p. 32)

(see our calendar, p. 26)

Plus: Learning to Let Go

Vaccines at Every Age Plus: Journaling for Your Child

Where-To Guide: Berry Picking

•

Dinosaur Fun

Where-To Guide: Apple Picking • Outing: New York Hall of Science

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions BigAppleParent 43

PARTY PLANNER 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

OPEN HOUSES 2018 Atlas Foundation For Autism Atlas School

252 W. 29th St., 3rd Floor 212-256-0846 atlasforautism.org; info@atlasforautism.org Class culture meets academic, behavioral, and sensory needs in an emotionally supportive environment. Tour our 7300-square-foot facility and meet with the Atlas team. Call or email to schedule a time.

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 applying to join us on Nov. 16 at our stunning waterside campus to discover just what makes BIS-NY so special.

Buckley Country Day School

2 I.U. Willets Road, Roslyn 516-627-1910 buckleycountryday.com Please join us for our upcoming Admissions Open House. Meet our headmaster, principals, faculty, students, and alumni. Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 9am.

The Cathedral School Preschool and Day School A Classical Education for the Modern World

319 E. 74th St. 212-249-2840 cathedralschoolny.org; info@cathedralschoolny.org Visit us to find out what makes The Cathedral School so special! Our fall open house is on Nov. 27 at 6pm.

Dwight School

291 Central Park W. 212-724-6360 dwight.edu; admissions@dwight.edu Join us! Preschool open house Nov. 14, 27, and 28 from 9-10:30am. Lower School Nov. 8, and 29, from 8:45-10:30am. Middle and Upper School Nov. 29 from 6-7:30pm.

The École

111 E. 22nd St. 646-410-2238 theecole.org; admissions@theecole.org School tours will be held Nov. 13 and 27 at 8:15am. Those not able to attend, please contact Mireille Desalm, director of admissions, to schedule a private tour.

Gillen Brewer School

410 E. 92nd St. 212-831-3667 gillenbrewer.com/admissions/open-houses; julian@gillenbrewer.com Join us for an open house on Thursday, Nov. 8 from 9–10:30am to get an overview of our program, tour the school, and visit classrooms.

The Ideal School of Manhattan

Upper West Side 212-769-1699 theidealschool.org; dbyrnes@idealschool.org Sign up for a Tuesday Talk and Tour or an open house: Lower School open house grades kindergarten-fifth on Tuesday, Nov. 6 at 6pm; Upper School open house, grades sixth to 12th on Tuesday, Nov. 13 at 6pm.

International Academy of New York

4 E. 90th St. (150 W. 83rd St. for 2018-19 only) 212-641-0260 ianyc.org; info@ianyc.org Join us for an open house on Nov. 7 at 115 E. 82nd St., and Nov. 15 at 4 E. 90th St., from 6-7pm. Bilingual Mandarin and Spanish school, nursery-eighth grade.

King School

1450 Newﬁeld Ave., Stamford, CT 203-322-3496 x350 kingschoolct.org/visit Please join us for an open house on Nov. 4 (grades pre-K-fifth), from 1-4pm.

Pusteblume International Preschool and Afterschool Programs

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 NYMetroParents.com 44

244 W. 14th St. 212-206-1137 pusteblumenyc.org; info@pusteblumenyc.org Prospective parents are invited to visit and learn about Pusteblume on Nov. 15 from 6-8pm.

Sara Curry Day School

93 Saint Marks Place 212-777-9774 saracurrydayschool.org; saracurryschool@aol.com Once an application is submitted, we will contact you to schedule a school visit or a private tour.

November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

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

dance

health

Jodi’s Gym......................................................................12

Ballet Club (The).............................................................17

Allied Foundation..............................................................9

Little Gym ........................................................................3

Ellen Robbins Dance .....................................................18

home services birthday / party services

developmental

Big Apple Parent Party Planner......................................44

Atlas Foundation for Autism ...........................................19

City Parks Foundation ...................................................18

Creative Steps Early Care & Education Center ...............9

FunFit Kids.......................................................................7

Mr. Speech Pathology ...................................................21

Jodi’s Gym .....................................................................12 Little Gym ........................................................................3 Martial Arts Family Studio.................................................5 Mystery & Mayhem ........................................................35 NY CAKE .......................................................................18

The Ecole.......................................................................15

Mr. Speech Pathology ...................................................21

music Tribeca Performing Arts Center .....................................11

performingarts / acting Galli Theater...................................................................17

education Atlas Foundation for Autism ...........................................19 British International School of New York ........................11 Collina Italiana ...............................................................33

Tribeca Performing Arts Center .....................................11

religious Mount Saint Michael Academy ......................................37

camps

Creative Steps Early Care & Education Center ...............9

retail

British International School of New York ........................11

Dwight School ................................................................14

NY CAKE .......................................................................18

Collina Italiana ...............................................................33

Gateway School The .....................................................21

Jodi’s Gym .....................................................................12

Gillen Brewer School (The) .............................................5

Little Gym ........................................................................3

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

Montessori School of NY International ..........................18

Ideal School (The) .........................................................13

special needs

Pusteblume International School ...................................37

International Academy of New York ...............................15

Atlas Foundation for Autism ...........................................19

Stuttering Association for the Young.................................7

Kumon Manhattan..........................................................48

FunFit Kids.......................................................................7

The Ecole.......................................................................15

Manhattan Charter School ...............................................9 Montessori School of NY International ..........................18

child care / day care Creative Steps Early Care & Education Center ...............9 Mommybites...................................................................47 Sara Curry Day School ..................................................12

classes Ballet Club (The).............................................................17 Collina Italiana ...............................................................33 Ellen Robbins Dance .....................................................18 Ideal School (The) .........................................................13 International Academy of New York ...............................15

Mount Saint Michael Academy ......................................37 New York City Education Consulting .............................37

special events Jewish Week(The) .........................................................39

Gateway School The .....................................................21 Gillen Brewer School (The) .............................................5 Huntington Learning Center ..........................................21 Mr. Speech Pathology ...................................................21 Stuttering Association for the Young.................................7

Pusteblume International School ...................................37 Sara Curry Day School ..................................................12 The Ecole.......................................................................15

family entertainment / events / outings City Parks Foundation ...................................................18 Galli Theater...................................................................17 Tribeca Performing Arts Center .....................................11

Kumon Manhattan..........................................................48

financial planning / insurance

Martial Arts Family Studio.................................................5

Affinity Health Plan ..........................................................2

NY CAKE .......................................................................18

sports Cho Elite Taekwondo .....................................................35 FunFit Kids.......................................................................7 Martial Arts Family Studio.................................................5

theater City Parks Foundation ...................................................18 Galli Theater...................................................................17 Mystery & Mayhem ........................................................35

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

Pusteblume International School ...................................37

health

Kumon Manhattan..........................................................48

Stuttering Association for the Young.................................7

Affinity Health Plan ..........................................................2

New York City Education Consulting .............................37

BigAppleParent 45

raising kids quotables

How to Have a Forgettable Thanksgiving By Deborah Skolnik

If you want to have a turkey of a Thanksgiving, just follow these steps. (And in case you don’t, we have some suggestions for you!) 1. Before everyone arrives, bet out loud that your uncle will tell his same dumb jokes again. (Of course, you also won’t be laughing when your kids ask, “Is he the one who tells bad jokes, mommy?” when he’s standing right in front of them.) Instead: Be tolerant of your family’s flaws—after all, you’ll only be spending a few hours together. And remember that young kids pick up on what you say, but don’t always realize it isn’t nice to repeat it. 2. Apologize to everyone for everything—the state of your house, the size of the table, the overdone green beans… Instead: Relax! Your guests can’t unwind unless you do. Focus on the positive and that will be what they—and you—remember. 3. Spend the entire meal fretting that one of the children will spill cranberry sauce on your best tablecloth. Instead: Use a paper tablecloth and put out some crayons so the kids can color on it. (Then watch as an adult, not a kid, spills the cranberry sauce. Oops.) 4. Discuss politics over pumpkin pie and watch everyone get into a big ole Thanksgiving fight. Instead: Go around the table and have everyone share what they’re most grateful for this year. Even little kids can participate. 5. Get pouty when people want to watch football instead of eating. Instead: Realize that for some guests, football is a highlight of the holiday. Pick the game that matters the most to everyone, and schedule your meal around it. 6. Leave the kids to do their own thing during the football game or adult conversation time, then get upset because they made a mess or broke a vase. Instead: Set up a dedicated play space—away from breakable items—with games, crafts, and other fun stuff for the kiddos to enjoy. 7. Let an overtired child throw a monster tantrum. Instead: Make a bedroom, den, or other space available for napping. 8. Heroically refuse offers to help with cleanup. Instead: Say, “Yes, thanks!” You’ll get your kids (and yourself) to bed sooner. 46

November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Kids Giving Back “‘I’ve always lived an incredibly fortunate life,’ [Hannah] Taylor says. ‘Always had a bed to sleep in, food to eat, and love and care. I didn’t realize that anybody in Canada had to live a homeless life. It hit me right in the gut. I think that everyone has a moment like that in life. A striking realization that you just cannot let go and forget about. For me, this was it.’” —as told to Julia Hyman in “Making a Difference: Meet 5 Young Adults Who Started Nonprofit Organizations”; read the full article at nymetroparents.com/making-a-difference.

More NYMetroParents.com Highlights: CLOWNING AROUND: Find out what it takes to be in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade at nymetroparents.com/clowns. GIVING THANKS: 10 Thanksgiving traditions you can start this year (nymetroparents.com/traditions) BEST FALL EVER!: See our list of 50 ways to make the most of the season at nymetroparents.com/fall. DISH UP: Try these new spins on old Thanksgiving favorites (nymetroparents.com/thanksgiving-sides) POTTERHEADS REJOICE: Read about New-York Historical Society’s new Harry Potter exhibit at nymetroparents.com/harry-potter. COLLEGE BOUND: A grade-by-grade timeline for applying to college (nymetroparents.com/college-planning)

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