Big Apple Parent November 2019 by City Guide NY

BigApple Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM NOVEMBER 2019

The Vaccine Debate Examining the myths and truths

SpecialParent Do you need a special education attorney?

Why Teens Drive Us Crazy

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

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Founded in 1992, Gillen Brewer School is a family-oriented, 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 Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Counseling and Social Groups Uncover the Specialness in Your Child™ Contact: Julian Parham Santana, Director of Admissions julian@gillenbrewer.com • 212-831-3667

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contents table of

Original photo by Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company (sarahmerians.com) Clothing courtesy Macy’s Backstage (macysbackstage.com

november 2019

health 14 The Vaccine Debate 15 Health Directory

The Payoffs of Chores

Family Fun a Ride Away

Safe and Sound

raising kids

special needs 30 Do You Need a Special Education Attorney? 32 Special Needs Directory

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 The Payoffs of Chores 12 Nine Ways to Celebrate Your Nanny 36 Why Teens Drive Us Crazy 38 Education Directory 40 Party Central 42 Open Houses 44 Meet the Health Care Professional, Professional Services 45 Advertisers’ Index 46 If I Can’t See You, I Can’t Hear You

Routine housework can help teach children vital life skills.

Things to do and see this month a train ride away

These tips from security experts will go a long way to keeping your home secure, especially during the upcoming holiday season.

things to do 16 Family Fun a Ride Away 17 Family Activities Calendar

family life 35 Safe and Sound

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› 14 The Vaccine Debate 30 Do You Need a Special Education Attorney? 36 Why Teens Drive Us Crazy facebook.com/nymetroparents

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

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raising kids editor’s note

NOVEMBER 2019 • Vol.34 • No.10

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL

A Season for Caring

chool’s been in session for two months now—how many times has your family gotten sick? Right now, the cold count for the edit team here at Big Apple Parent is zero (knock on wood!). To protect your family from getting completely knocked out by the nasty bug, you’ve likely all already gotten your flu shots, but there are some parents who still choose not to vaccinate their kids (who could forget the measles outbreak that occurred earlier this year?). We took a dive into “The Vaccine Debate” (p. 14) to uncover why it is people still aren’t vaccinating their kids—and got straight answers from local doctors debunking some common myths. We’re also shining a light on special education this month. If your child has a diagnosed special need and is struggling in school despite their school’s efforts, you might want to consider consulting with a special education attorney. We outline when it’s time to hire one and how they can help you secure the education your child is entitled to on p. 30. While raising kids means dealing with some serious topics (like the ones mentioned above), a lot of the time we’re looking for fun things to do with our family. So, turn to p. 17 for our November calendar of activities, where you’ll find more than 100 kidfocused events all month long. We’re positive you’ll find the best things to do with your kids—we can’t wait for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! Speaking of which…this month we all give thanks, and we here at Big Apple Parent are thankful for you, dear reader! Happy turkey day! Katelin Walling Editorial Director

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Katelin Walling PRODUCTION EDITOR: Melissa Wickes FEATURES EDITOR: Shana Liebman ASSISTANT EDITOR: Jacqueline Neber CALENDARS CALENDAR COORDINATOR: Whitney C. Harris EVENT RESEARCHERS: Lisa Fogarty, Kristina Johnson, Shara Levine DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke COPY EDITOR: Christina Vercelletto

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

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

MOMMYBITES

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Lauren Alperin Meirowitz 646-736-3609 EDITOR: Jennifer Rojas

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

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

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CREDIT MANAGERS: Rosa Meinhofer, Dan Finnegan

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Meet This Month’s Cover Kid The tween on our November cover is 12-yearold Ghianna from Rockland County. She was a finalist in our 2019 Cover Kids Contest! Her favorite show is DanTDM, and she loves playing Minecraft. A huge thanks to Macy’s Backstage for the outfit Ghianna’s rocking, and an even bigger shout out to Sarah Merians of Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company (sarahmerians.com) for the amazing photo!

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

BIG APPLE PARENT, QUEENS PARENT, WESTCHESTER PARENT BROOKLYN PARENT, ROCKLAND PARENT, BERGEN • ROCKLAND PARENT, STATEN ISLAND PARENT, and LONG ISLAND PARENT are published monthly by Davler Media Group, LLC Copyright © 2019, Davler Media Group, LLC No part of contents may be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher.

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raising kids new places, new programs

Courtesy New York French Ame rican

NYFACS is a Franco-American charter school serving kindergarten through seventh grades.

lio School

Who: New York French American Charter School What’s New: Sixth and seventh grades were added for the 2019-2020 school year, and a partnership with Generation Code to launch a STEM after-school program is slated to begin this month. In welcoming middle school students, NYFACS will offer its STEM after-school program to students in sixth and seventh grade. Each trimester will focus on a new topic, starting with drones this month and robotics in February. Guided by experienced tech experts, students will learn about the inner workings of drones and robots and learn how to build and program them. Want More Info: 311 W. 120th St., Harlem; 646-982-2049; nyfacs.net

Charter School

Charter School in Harlem Expands Lower and Elementary Schools

Who: Portfolio School What’s New: A move to a newly renovated location in September, plus seventh grade will be added for the 2020-2021 school year. A new grade will be added each year until the school becomes a K-12 school, according to Doug Schachtel, co-founder of Portfolio School. The new school is in a building on a corner, providing a lot of natural light from windows facing Leonard and Hudson streets. “It creates a nice atmosphere,” Schachtel says. “As a parent, would you want to bring your child to a school that you wouldn’t want to be in yourself?” Want More Info: 90 Hudson St., Tribeca; 212-226-8252; portfolio-school.com

Courtesy Portfo

Tribeca Independent School Expands

their ed with children and location was design new the ’s of ool r Sch nde lio fou tfo coPor achtel, ording to Doug Sch parents in mind, acc . ool Sch lio Portfo

Who: The Cathedral School What’s New: The technology program, which began this school year, and Francesca Mannino was appointed as the head of school on Sept. 3. Integrated into kindergarten through eighth grades, the tech program uses Minecraft and Code Builder to teach coding, debugging, and animation. The program encourages students to apply the problem-solving skills they are learning across all STEM subjects. Mannino has 16 years of school administration experience and says she is committed to maintaining the Cathedral School’s gold standard of excellence. This year, she says she plans to get to know the students, their families, and the community. Want More Info: 319 E. 74th St., Upper East Side; 212-249-2840; cathedralschoolny.org

November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Courtesy The Cathedral School

Private School on the Upper East Side Adds Technology Program

Francesca Mannino was recently appointed as the new head of school.

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raising kids in the know

The Payoffs of Chores

›› By Shana Liebman

hores have a bad rap among kids, tweens, and teens for a reason: They’re often boring, difficult, and cut into screen or social time. But parents have many good reasons to ignore the complaints. Routine housework can help teach children vital life skills—not just how to vacuum and do laundry, but habits and strengths that will serve them well in the future. Financial planner Gregg Murset, CEO of chores and financial literacy app BusyKid and a father of six, explains five benefits your children will get from chores.

Work Ethic

Your child may not have his first job until well into his teens, so chores can actually function as a first job—teaching him about accountability, quality of work, organization, and planning. Paying your child biweekly for chores can also help him understand how paychecks work.

An Appreciation of the Value of a Dollar

When kids see parents shopping online, it can look like they are just picking out items that show up at the house. In this increasingly cash-free society, it’s difficult for kids to understand our “invisible” transactions. Murset recommends parents download a chore management app, such as Chore Check, that is linked to a debit-type card that you put money on based on chores completed, to illustrate the concepts of receiving payments and paying for purchases.

November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

The Ability to Budget

If your child wants a new toy or game, have her save money from chores to make the purchase. When kids are given freedom to spend their earned money, they quickly learn the value of hard work vs. the cost of goods.

Time Management Skills

Kids often aren’t in charge of managing their own busy schedules— school, sports, extra-curriculars—so give your child a sense of control by letting him set the schedule for getting his weekly chores done. Incentivize him by paying only for the chores that get done in a timely fashion.

An Entrepreneurial Spirit

Kids who start chores young learn skills—say, pet sitting or lawn care—that they can turn into a neighborhood-wide job. By teaching her that hard work pays, you will inspire her to put down her phone and gaming controller in favor of earning an income.

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Nine Ways to Celebrate Your Nanny ›› Courtesy Mommybites

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November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Your caregiver works hard and is so important to you and your family, so how do you make sure she feels appreciated? We came up with a few ideas. • • • • • • • • •

Give her a surprise day off. Have the children make her a special gift. Invite her to share dinner with your family—either at home or at a restaurant. Give her an unexpected bonus. Treat her to a mani-pedi or a full spa day. Offer help with an aspect of her life you sense she’s struggling with. Get her a gift, small or large. Write her a heartfelt card. Just say “thank you.”

It’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day routine and forget how much of an impact your nanny has on your life. Take the time to recognize her worth—everyone will be happier for it.

Mommybites’ nanny boards only feature postings from nannies’ current families. You can rely on their recommendations. If you need a nanny or babysitter, visit Mommybites.com.

“It was a privilege to be a part of those magical classes and I will always cherish this very special time for me and my son.”

A nurturing program for young children and their caregivers in a safe, home-like environment. In a world that is increasingly adult

Parent and Child NYC

oriented and consumer oriented, and becoming more technical and less personal, there is a strong need to protect our children. The modern world also has many wonderful things to offer and we want our children to be able to healthily embrace them.

ParentandChildNYC.org

BigAppleParent 13

The Vaccine Debate

››

Why are parents still refusing to vaccinate? We examine the myths and truths.

ew York City’s biggest measles outbreak in almost 30 years ended in September, according to Health Department officials, but the conversation about vaccinations is still raging. Headlines in the media, warnings at doctor’s offices, regulations by schools, and even celebrities’ social media posts have perpetuated the debate about the truths and myths of vaccinating. We spoke with pediatricians about this controversial issue that continues to baffle many parents.

Personal Choice or Civic Duty?

Vaccinations are classified into two groups, explains Harvey Karp, M.D., pediatrician, faculty member of University of Southern California School of Medicine, and author of Happiest Baby on the Block. The first group of shots includes rotavirus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and chicken pox. While Dr. Karp recommends all vaccines, he classifies these vaccinations as a parent’s choice because the risk you are imposing is limited to your child and family, not the community. That’s because those illnesses are either difficult for a child to pass onto another or are very common—and can spread quickly even with a vaccine. The second classification of shots (including those for whooping cough, flu, meningitis, pneumococcus, and measles) are given to protect your child and your neighbor’s child. “[These vaccinations] halt diseases that are so contagious that just one cough, one airplane flight, or one germy doorknob can spread them like wildfire throughout your town,” Dr. Karp says. “I believe giving this second group of shots is an important civic responsibility because delaying them creates a serious public health risk.” Specifically, these vaccines 14

November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

By Melissa Wickes

protect other kids who are too young to receive vaccinations, as well as people with cancer, those who are older than 60, and others who are considered especially vulnerable to these diseases. A minimum percentage of the population must be vaccinated against a virus to prevent its spread, according to Daniel Sinyor, pediatrician at Crystal Run Healthcare in Nyack. By ensuring that at least 95 percent of children are immunized against a certain virus, you are creating herd immunity, which “stymies the spread of disease the way that frequent rain keeps lightning strikes from starting raging forest fires,” Dr. Karp says.

The Major Misconceptions

Several misconceptions have surrounded vaccines for years, but perhaps the most disruptive one is that the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine causes autism. In 1998, Andrew Wakefield, a discredited British ex-physician, published a fraudulent paper suggesting there was a link between the MMR vaccine and autism. The data was found to be incorrect, and throughout the decade following the publication, many epidemiological studies proved there is no link between the two. Still, the paper did its damage, and, combined with the fact that the MMR vaccine is given around the same time autism is usually detected (ages 1-2), many parents still believe there is a causal relationship between the two, according to Dr. Sinyor. Similarly, because children generally receive the flu vaccine at a time of year when they are picking up other illnesses, people have

grown to believe the vaccine can cause the flu. That’s impossible, Dr. Sinyor says, because the vaccine does not carry the flu virus. Another common misconception is there is mercury in vaccines. However, in 1999 the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Public Health Service removed thimerosal (a mercury-containing compound used as a preservative) from all vaccines except multi-dose vials of flu vaccine. Aluminum, an element that is present in vaccines, has also caused worry among parents. Not only has aluminum been safely used in vaccines for more than 70 years, the amount used is similar to that found in 32 ounces of infant formula, according to Dr. Sinyor. Unfortunately, these myths are still widely circulating. The list of celebrities who have spoken out or expressed concern about vaccinations includes Jessica Biel and Jenny McCarthy. The latter has been claiming for more than 10 years that her son’s autism was caused by a vaccine. “I would venture a guess that the spread of false information through social media, celebrities, and anecdotal stories of friends who claim to have been harmed by vaccines all contribute to parental fear and distrust of vaccines,” Dr. Sinyor says.

Through our unique dual program, which incorporates both the French and American curricula, The École offers students the lifetime benefits of a bilingual education and empowers them to create and connect to a world filled with possibilities.

Truths About Vaccines

The main misconceptions aside, there are potentially concerning aspects of vaccines that are valid. For example, some shots have an effectiveness rate as low as 30-60 percent, which has long upset parents. But, as Dr. Sinyor says, “if I told you I could give you a shot with minimal side effects that would reduce your chances of getting into a car accident by sixty percent—or even thirty—would you not take it?” Another upsetting truth? Not all children will develop immunity after a vaccination, according to Robert Segal, M.D., founder of Medical Offices of Manhattan. However, this does not discount the fact that 85-95 percent of children do. And finally, “in very rare cases, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. It’s important that parents tell their doctor of any history of allergies,” Dr. Segal advises. While vaccines are not perfect, they are still widely administered. In fact, in light of the recent measles outbreak, the list of doctor’s offices, day cares, schools, and other children’s facilities that will exclude your child if unvaccinated is growing, according to Dr. Segal. In August, the Supreme Court of the State of New York instated a ban on religious exceptions to vaccines for school attendance. New York is now 1 of 5 states that have banned religious vaccination exceptions. This is a good thing; all the doctors we spoke to agree. After all, vaccinations are our best protection against potentially life-threatening illnesses. Choosing to forgo them significantly increases the risk of making not only our own children sick, but also spreading illness in our community, Dr. Karp says.

Health Directory Judy Goldstein M.D. 635 Madison Ave. 12th floor 646-727-7373 drjudygoldstein.com judy@drjudygoldstein.com Dr. Judy Goldstein is a 68-time award-winning, board-certified pediatrician whose focus is “Pediatrics Made Personal.” Providing care not only medically but also offering parental guidance in nutrition, behavioral and emotional coaching. Following the principles of the American Academy of Pediatrics, she performs mandatory vaccinations, regular checkups (school/camp), and sick visits.

Join us for one of our Open Houses! Upcoming Open House Dates Wednesday, November 6 at 8:15am Wednesday, November 20 at 8:15am Thursday, December 5 at 6pm

Nursery-8th Grade

Fifth Avenue Building 206 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10010

Main Campus

111 East 22nd Street New York, NY 10010

www.theEcole.org BigAppleParent 15

things to do

outbound

Family Fun a Ride Away Courtesy Tenafly Nature Center

Courtesy Nickelodeon Universe

In Bergen County, NJ…

The Tenafly Nature Center welcomes families to walk along more than 7 miles of trails between dawn and dusk.

Tenafly Nature Center

Courtesy Westchester’s Winter Wonderland

Families can meet Santa and take their own photos with him—free of charge!

Westchester’s Winter Wonderland

Lights, Santa, unlimited ice-skating, a circus show, the Holiday Train and the Winter Hayride, and a 40-foot Christmas tree—what else does a family need to get into the holiday spirit? Westchester’s Winter Wonderland is an all-encompassing experience, providing family fun (and food!) as well as a variety of spots—the Christmas tree, on Santa’s lap, or at the holiday light show—for the perfect holiday Instagram. Want to go: $20; free for children 3 and younger. Nov. 29-Jan 4, 2020, 5-10pm. Kenisco Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla; 914231-4600; wwinterwonderland.com 16

Nickelodeon Universe

If your kids are Nickelodeon fans, this 8½-acre theme park that opened in late October—the largest indoor theme park in North America—is a can’t-miss. With 35 rides, roller coasters, a ropes course, and a game center; Nickelodeon characters, such as Spongebob, Dora the Explorer, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; and, of course, the Slime Stage, this interactive experience is unlike any other theme park in our area. Visit It: The American Dream, 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ; 201-340-2900; americandream.com

Courtesy Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular

This nonprofit offers a variety of educational programs, events, and exhibits—including the Junior Naturalist program, Hiking, Walking, & Wildlife Watching, and photography workshops. You can even search the property for Pokémon by visiting nine Pokéstops on TNC’s Yellow Trail and the PokéGym at the entrance. Self-guided visits, for 10 or more participants, are free and allow you to explore the premises at your own leisure. Visit it: 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ; 201-568-6093; tenaflynaturecenter.org

Among the 35 rides at Nickelodeon Universe is the Shellraiser, which has a 122foot drop.

November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

ond! y e db n a

Scooby Doo is one of the many crowd-pleasing balloons you can see at the Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular.

Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular

If you’re looking for a Thanksgiving Parade, but the NYC one is just a little too chaotic for your family, the Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular might be for you. Crowd favorite balloons such as Mr. Potato Head, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Daniel Tiger, and Peppa Pig will fly by along with a variety of floats, marching bands, dance troupes, and other entertainment from the area. Want to go: Free. Sunday, Nov. 24, 12pm. Stamford Downtown: Summer to Broad to Atlantic streets. 203-348-5285; stamford-downtown.com

Ideas When You Need Them:

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

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Turn the page for details on Family Day at National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey (No. 8 on our list).

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NOVEMBER CALENDAR

18 Editor’s Hot Tickets

23 Movers & Shakers

19 We Can’t Believe It’s FREE! 24 Holiday Fun 20 Smarty Pants

25 Nature Lovers

21 Mini Musicians

26 Crafty Kids

22 Show Time! WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?

nymetroparents.com/submitevent UPDATED DAILY AT nymetroparents.com/calendar nyccalendar@davlermedia.com

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!

Inwood Pumpkin Pageant FREE

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 1, 5-8pm WHERE: Isham Park, 1 Park Terrace East, New York AGES: All WHAT: Marvel at hundreds of illuminated jack-o’-lanterns lining the park paths while voting for your favorite designs. Afterwards the pumpkins are recycled for composting. WHY WE LOVE IT: All sizes and designs are welcome so bring your own pumpkin to the pageant! WANT TO GO? FREE. 646-220-7315. facebook.com/inwoodpumpkin.

Día de Muertos

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 1, 2:30-5pm WHERE: Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave., East Harlem AGES: All WHAT: Artist Juan Bautista Climent will lead Bones Out!, a skeleton puppet-making workshop. Afterward, enjoy a special treat of pan de muerto. WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s a great way to introduce this Mexican tradition to your children. WANT TO GO? FREE with museum admission ($20 adults; free for anyone younger than 20). 212-534-1672. mcny.org.

Family Day: Diwali Lights Up Asia Society 2019

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 2, 1-5pm WHERE: Asia Society, 725 Park Ave., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: The Hindu festival of lights and New Year is a time to celebrate good fortune, family, and friendships. Celebrate with 18

November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

performances and arts and crafts inspired by Diwali. WHY WE LOVE IT: Highlights include a Bollywood dancing, an interactive puppet show, and Himalayan felting. WANT TO GO? $12; $5 students, seniors, and children. 212-288-6400. asiasociety.org.

Fall Family Festival

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 2, 10am-2pm WHERE: Museum of Arts and Design, 2 Columbus Circle, Columbus Circle AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Create Anna Sui-inspired tote bags, refresh some duds in the denim demolition corner, and craft vibrant geometric textiles with artistin-residence Paolo Arao. WHY WE LOVE IT: At 1pm there will be a family-friendly interactive gallery tour of The World of Anna Sui. WANT TO GO? FREE with museum admission ($18 adults; free for anyone younger than 19). 212-299-7771. https://madmuseum.org.

Boo at the Zoo

WHEN: Through Nov. 3: Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5:30pm; Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx AGES: All WHAT: This year’s Boo at the Zoo has family favorites such as magic shows, costume parades, pumpkin carvings, a candy trail, animal treats, crafts, and mentalism shows, plus the Dinosaur Safari exhibit. WHY WE LOVE IT: Animal aficionados will appreciate meet and greets with vultures, owls, ravens, and more! WANT TO GO? $35.95; $31.45 seniors; $26.95 children 3-12; free for children younger than 2. 718-220-5100. bronxzoo.com.

Arrival of the 2019 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 9, 8:30am-2pm WHERE: Rockefeller Center, between 49th & 50th streets and Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown

AGES: All WHAT: Catch a glimpse of the 2019 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and enjoy free, family-friendly activities and performances. WHY WE LOVE IT: Expect live performances by Rock and Roll Playhouse, an illustration workshop, and Christmas tree-themed face painting. WANT TO GO? FREE. 212-332-6868. rockefellercenter.com.

Canstruction FREE

WHEN: Nov. 7 -21, 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. WHY WE LOVE IT: Help your children do a good deed and bring a full can of healthy food (or several) to donate to City Harvest. WANT TO GO? 212-978-1673. brookfieldplaceny.com.

Family Day

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 23, 2-4pm WHERE: National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey, 226 W. 44th St., Times Square AGES: 12 and younger WHAT: Journey to the Pacific for an immersive virtual experience, then take part in an educator workshop! WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids can play with photorealistic sea lions! WANT TO GO? $32.50 per child; $39.50 adults. 646-308-1337. natgeoencounter.com.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 28, 9am-12pm WHERE: Macy’s Herald Square, 151 W. 34th St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: The annual parade celebrates Thanksgiving with over-the-top fun, epic balloons and floats, major stars, and more. 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.

Big Apple Circus

WHEN: Through Feb. 2, 2020: see website for show times WHERE: Lincoln Center, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Catch the 42nd season of this world-renowned circus, celebrating the heartbeat, everyday delights, and spirit of New York City with astounding talent from around the world, led by Brooklynborn singer and Ringmaster Storm Marrero. WHY WE LOVE IT: All your classic circus delights in a climatecontrolled Big Top tent with tiered seating, perfect for families with young children. WANT TO GO? $35 and up; free for children younger than 3 (on lap). 212-721-6500. bigapplecircus.com.

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

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 2, 11am WHERE: David Rubenstein Atrium, Broadway, between 62nd and 63rd streets, Midtown AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Gustafer Yellowgold returns to the Atrium, bringing his funny and touching multimedia performance including live music, animation, and quirky storytelling to tell of his imaginative explorations of the Minnesota woods where he landed. WANT TO GO? 212-875-5375. lincolncenter.org.

Pumpkin Smash 2019 FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 3, 10am-1pm WHERE: Corlears Hook Park, Jackson Street and Cherry Street, FDR Drive, Lower East Side AGES: All WHAT: Bring pumpkins, jack-o’-lanterns, and gourds for a smashing good time! You smash them and the NYC Compost Project will turn them into compost for city parks and green spaces. Plus, enjoy refreshments, arts and crafts activities, giveaways, and more! WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.

Webster @ the Movies: ‘Pokémon Detective Pikachu’ FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 14, 4pm WHERE: New York Public Library, Webster Library, 1465 York Ave., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Ace detective Harry Goodman goes mysteriously missing, prompting his 21-year-old son, Tim, to find out what happened. Aiding in the investigation is Harry’s former Pokémon partner, wise-cracking, adorable super-sleuth Detective Pikachu. Finding that they are uniquely equipped to work together, as Tim is the only human who can talk with Pikachu, they join forces to unravel the tangled mystery. WANT TO GO? 212-288-5049. nypl.org.

Community of Microbes Exhibit FREE

WHEN: Through Nov. 22: Monday-Friday, 2-7pm; Saturday-Sunday, 12-7pm WHERE: The Colonnade Gallery at Cooper Union, 7 E. 7th St., East Village AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Community of Microbes is a dynamic, whimsical, augmented reality-enabled exhibit created by Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya and Anne Madden. This exhibit was built to change our feelings about microbes. WANT TO GO? 212-353-4307. cooper.edu.

Bilingual Sing-Along FREE

WHEN: Nov. 11-25, Mondays, 11:30am WHERE: Tompkins Square Library, 331 East 10th St., East Village AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Head to the library for a sing-along in Mandarin and English. WANT TO GO? nypl.org. ›› BigAppleParent 19

Art Trek

WHEN: Saturdays, Nov. 2 and 16, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 7-11 WHAT: Travel through time and around the world on a museum adventure. Discover favorite works of art as you look and learn together. This month’s theme is Heroes and Heroines. WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $25; free for children younger than 13. 212-535-7710. metmuseum.org.

Codes and Communication for Humans

SMARTY PANTS

WHEN: Monday, Nov. 18, 6:30-7:45pm WHERE: National Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26th St., Nomad AGES: 9 and older WHAT: The cyber world is filled with complex coding and decoding—but that’s for machines. Join Paul Zeitz to explore how we humans, with our tiny brains, can communicate efficiently, truthfully, and stealthily. WANT TO GO? $20. 212-542-0566. momath.org.

GirlStories

Tours for Fours: Where Are We? Places in Art FREE

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 1, 4-6:30pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Tribeca AGES: 12-15 WHAT: GirlStories is an after-school program for girls and non-binary artists. The program will include visits from artists and hands-on experience with techniques, processes, equipment, and technologies used in making art. Registration required. WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $13. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

Meet the Artist: Origami artist Matt Shlian

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 8, 5:15-6pm WHERE: National Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26th St., Nomad AGES: All WHAT: Get up close and personal with paper engineer and artist Matt Shlian, who uses engineering skills to create kinetic sculptures. WANT TO GO? $15. 212-542-0566. momath.org.

American Art Family Day at the Jewish Museum

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 10, 11am-4pm WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Collage a pop-up cityscape, sculpt a playful figure, paint a colorful still life in our art studio, hear the jazz age stylings of Grammy Winner Lucy Kalantari and the Jazz Cats, collaborate on a giant work of art, participate in a gallery tour, and more. WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $18; free for children younger than 19. 212-423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org.

Sundays: Dig-Drop In

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 10, 12-3pm WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Discover a passion for ancient artifacts in the archaeological dig. WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $18; free for children younger than 19. 212-423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org.

Archaeology Mondays

WHEN: Monday, Nov. 11, 3-5pm WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: This archaeological dig highlights replicas from ancient to modern times in a hands-on experience. Collect stamps in a special passport each visit and receive a gift after your third dig adventure! WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $18; free for children younger than 19. 212-423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org. 20

November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Nov. 2-24, Saturday-Sunday, 10:20am WHERE: The Museum of Modern Art, 11 W. 53rd St., Midtown AGES: 4, adult WHAT: Look, listen, and share ideas while you explore modern and contemporary art. Movement, drawing, and other gallery activities give everyone the chance to participate. Tickets are distributed (first-come, firstserved) starting at 10am on the day of at the information desk in the Cullman Education and Research building located at 4 W. 54th St. WANT TO GO? 212-708-9805. moma.org.

How’d They Make That? Materials and Process FREE

WHEN: Nov. 2-24, Saturday-Sunday, 10:20am WHERE: The Museum of Modern Art, 11 W. 53rd St., Midtown AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Engage in discussions and fun activities while looking closely at modern art. Tickets are distributed (first-come, first-served) starting at 10am on the day of at the information desk in the Cullman Education and Research building located at 4 W. 54th St. WANT TO GO? 212-708-9805. moma.org.

Evacuation Day Celebration

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 24, 11am-5pm WHERE: Fraunces Tavern Museum, 54 Pearl St., Financial District AGES: All WHAT: On Nov. 25, 1783 British troops evacuated NYC. General George Washington led his troops in a parade down Broadway, with a celebratory dinner being held at Fraunces Tavern. Celebrate this event with programming that includes live performances by the uniformed New Jersey Fifes & Drums. WANT TO GO? $1. frauncestavernmuseum.org.

Girl Power: How Clara Lemlich Changed the World

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 24, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St., Chinatown AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Learn about what girls lives were like in the early 1900s, and how one brave activist made them so much better! WANT TO GO? $14; $10 children. 212-219-0302. eldridgestreet.org.

Intrepid Adventures

WHEN: Through Dec. 29: Saturday-Sunday, 12pm WHERE: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, West 46th Street at Twelfth Avenue, Hell’s Kitchen AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Each adventure is inspired by a museum exhibit. Register in advance. WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $33; $24 children ages 5-12; free for children younger than 5. 212-245-0072. intrepidmuseum.org.

MINI

MUSICIANS Mariachi Real De Mexico

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 2, 2pm and 3pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Featuring violins, trumpets, vihuela (round-backed tenor guitar), guitarron (deep-voiced bass guitar) and vocals, Mariachi Real de Mexico represents the quintessential century-old tradition of the Mexican-folk ensemble. This event is first-come, first-served. WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $15; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

Native Sounds Downtown Featuring Pamyua FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 9, 2-3pm WHERE: National Museum of the American Indian, 1 Bowling Green, Lower Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Pamyua interprets traditional Yup’ik, Cup’ik, Inuit, and Greenlandic chants through modern stylesin an informal concert for the whole family. WANT TO GO? 212-514-3700. americanindian.si.edu.

Oceanophony

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 10, 2pm WHERE: Alice Tully Hall, 1941 Broadway, Lincoln Center AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Music, poetry, underwater photography, and amazing facts about the ocean and its creatures: It is all part of Oceanophony. WANT TO GO? $10-$30. 212-875-5788. chambermusicsociety.org.

The Little Orchestra Society KIDS Concerts Present: Stravinsky: The Firebird

WHEN: Nov. 16-17, Saturday; 10am and 11:30am; Sunday, 11:30am and 1pm WHERE: Kay Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, 695 Park Ave., East 68th Street between Park and Lexington avenues, Upper East Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Unique music and dance performances blend ballet, ballroom dance, and urban street dance with the exciting rhythms of Stravinsky’s music, all with contemporary flavor. WANT TO GO? $16 and up. 212-971-9500. littleorchestra.org.

Family Concert: Hopalong Andrew Band

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 24, 11:30am-12:30pm WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Hear the down-home fun of Hopalong Andrew and his crackerjack band of world-class Americana musicians as they playfully adapt traditional folk and classic country songs to reflect city life. WANT TO GO? $14 per person (includes museum admission). 212-4233200. thejewishmuseum.org.

Picture This! Sunday: Hopalong Andrew Band

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 24, 10am-12:30pm WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Each Picture This! begins with a 10am gallery program that includes interactive activities, viewing works of art, and a book reading. Followed by a chance to create original artworks and enjoy a snack and concert. WANT TO GO? $18; $14 members (includes museum admission). 212423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org. ››

A dynamic Preschool Program. An exceptional Kindergarten through 8th Grade day school.

Wednesday, November 6th at 6pm All Grades

Wednesday, November 20th at 9:30am Kindergarten Admissions

RSVP Online Today Fostering the natural curiosity, intelligence and creativity of children through excellence in education. 319 East 74th Street, New York City / 212.249.2840 / www.cathedralschoolny.org / ecoster@cathedralschoolny.org BigAppleParent 21

‘The Giant Hoax’: A New Musical

WHEN: Nov. 19-Dec. 7, see website for schedule WHERE: Theatre Row, 410 W. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: 6 and older WHAT: The Giant Hoax is a new musical based upon the true story of New York’s famous Cardiff Giant, a prehistoric petrified giant! WANT TO GO? $40-$75. 212-239-6200. telecharge.com.

Story Pirates Flagship Show

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 16, 12pm WHERE: The Flea Theater, 20 Thomas St., New York AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Children’s stories will be brought to life with music, costumes, and sets. WANT TO GO? $37. 212-226-0051. storypirates.com

SHOW TIME! Aesop’s Fables

WHEN: Nov. 1-3, Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 2pm and 7pm; Sunday, 12pm and 5pm WHERE: New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Sung in English and a mix of South African languages with a score of marimba music, sound advice sounds sunny in Aesop’s Fables. WANT TO GO? $17 and up. 646-223-3010. newvictory.org.

US Premiere of Galli’s: ‘The Brave Little Tailor’

WHEN: Nov. 2-10, Saturday-Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Galli Theater, 74 Warren St., Tribeca AGES: 3-12 WHAT: The brave little tailor kills seven flies with one blow. The little tailor is amazed at his heroic deed and wants the whole world to hear of it. WANT TO GO? $20; $15 children. 212-731-0668. gallitheaternyc.com.

‘Angelina Ballerina the Musial’

WHEN: Sundays, Nov. 3 and 17, 11am WHERE: SoHo Playhouse, 15 Vandam St., Soho AGES: All WHAT: Angelina, her friends, and their teacher are all aflutter because a special guest is coming to visit Camembert Academy! Angelina and her friends are excited to show off their skills to their famous visitor. WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 212-691-1555. sohoplayhouse.com.

Galli’s: ‘Aladdin’

WHEN: Nov. 16-24, Saturday-Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Galli Theater, 74 Warren St., Tribeca AGES: 3-12 WHAT: When Aladdin finds a genie in a lamp, his dreams of riches come true. WANT TO GO? $20; $15 children. 212-731-0668. gallitheaternyc.com.

‘RE:PLAY’

WHEN: Nov. 15-Dec. 1, Friday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Inspiring audiences for more than four decades, Mummeschanz— the “Musicians of Silence”—will surprise you with each artful scene. WANT TO GO? $17. 646-223-3010. newvictory.org.

‘Alice in Wonderland the Musical’

WHEN: Through Nov. 17: Saturdays, 3pm and 7pm; Sundays, 11am WHERE: The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal St., Greenwich Village AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Tumble down the rabbit hole with the wonderfully, wild, wacky, and whimsical cast of characters. WANT TO GO? $32-$52. 212-475-1237. literallyalive.com. 22

November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Kids ‘N Comedy

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 24, 12:30pm WHERE: Gotham Comedy Club, 208 W. 28th St., Chelsea AGES: 9 and older WHAT: See the funniest young comedians in New York! WANT TO GO? $15, plus one-item minimum per person. 212-367-9000. gothamcomedyclub.com.

Saturday Morning Show FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 14: Saturdays, 10am-12pm (no show Nov. 30) WHERE: Brookfield Place, 230 Vesey St., Financial District AGES: All WHAT: Performances by magicians, musicians, storytellers, and more! WANT TO GO? 212-978-1673. brookfieldplaceny.com.

‘The Dangerous Christmas of Red Riding Hood’

WHEN: Nov. 23-Dec. 15, see website for schedule WHERE: TADA! Youth Theater, 15 W. 28th St., Chelsea AGES: 5 and older WHAT: A hilarious take on the tale as told from the wolf ’s point of view. WANT TO GO? $30; $15 children. 212-252-1619. tadatheater.com.

‘Angelina Ballerina Holiday’

WHEN: Nov. 24-Dec. 28, see website for days and times WHERE: SoHo Playhouse, 15 Vandam St., Soho AGES: 2-7 WHAT: Angelina and her friends are planning a holiday dance pageant! WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 212-691-1555. sohoplayhouse.com.

‘Pinkalicious the Musical’

WHEN: Through Dec. 28: select Saturdays, 11am WHERE: St. Luke’s Theatre, 308 W. 46th St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes. When her indulgence turns her pink, only Pinkalicious can figure out a solution. WANT TO GO? $49.50. 212-239-6200. telecharge.com.

‘The Wizard of Oz: A Jazz Musical for All Ages’

WHEN: Through Jan. 11, dates vary, 3pm WHERE: Harlem Rep/Tato Laviera Theatre, 240 E. 123rd St., Harlem AGES: All WHAT: With its timeless score, this show is a magical experience. WANT TO GO? $10 general admission; $20 premium seating. 212-8684444. wizardofozjazzmusical.com.

Tales from the Shed

WHEN: Through May 9, 2020: see website for schedule WHERE: The Wetherby-Pembridge School, 7 E. 96th St., Upper East Side AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Interactive theater shows in which the children take the lead. WANT TO GO? $15 per person. 646-569-5742. chickenshed.org.

MOVERS & SHAKERS Watson Adventures’ Secrets of Central Park Family Scavenger Hunt

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 2, 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE: Central Park, Fifth Avenue and 66th Street, Upper East Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Kids and adults work together to explore the park. To score points, you’ll have to find Stuart Little, stick your tongue out at a rude animal, learn the motto of a hidden eagle, and more. Advance purchase required. WANT TO GO? $17.50-$21.50. 877-946-4868. watsonadventures.com.

Skyscraper Jenga

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 9, 10:30-11:45am WHERE: The Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place, Financial District AGES: 6-12 WHAT: Love Jenga? Using blocks, young builders will work in teams with educators and parents to get the game started, with a stable tower, then think carefully about how to take turns removing the blocks one by one until the whole building comes crashing down. RSVP required. WANT TO GO? $5 per child. 212-945-6324. skyscraper.org.

Watson Adventures’ Whodunit at the Met Family Scavenger Hunt

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 9, 10:30am-12:30 pm WHERE: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 10 and older WHAT: A killer is on the loose at the Met, and it’s up to you to stop him! The killer has created a scavenger hunt that reveals his name, the weapon he used, and where he hid the body. Advance purchase required. WANT TO GO? $31-$39 (includes museum admission). 877-946-4868. watsonadventures.com.

DIY Fall Fest Games

WHEN: Nov. 9-10, Saturday-Sunday, 1-3pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Join the fun by making your own festival games, such as ring toss, corn hole, or giant Jenga during this fun fall fest! WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $15; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

Saving the Elephants 10k Run/Walk

AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Create and compete in Native American games such as the ring and pin, hacky sack, and the stick game. WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $15; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

Watson Adventures’ Wizard School Scavenger Hunt for Harry Potter Fans

WHEN: Saturdays, Nov. 16, 10:30am-12:30pm; Nov. 30, 11am-1pm WHERE: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Young wizards will enjoy a trip to the Met in search of art that echoes characters and objects in the Harry Potter books. You’ll track down serpents, Dumbledore look-alikes, and figures as scary as any Death Eater. Advance purchase required. Price includes museum admission. WANT TO GO? $31-$39. 877-946-4868. watsonadventures.com.

Yoga, Goga, Shabbat!

WHEN: Through Dec. 20: Fridays, 10-11am WHERE: Congregation Or Zarua, 127 E. 82nd St., Upper East Side AGES: 3-5, adult WHAT: Parents, grandparents, and caregivers get in the Shabbat mood with their little ones through yoga, Jewish meditation, sensory experiences and more. WANT TO GO? $20 drop in; $16 per class if you sign up for the semester. 212-452-2310 x15. orzarua.org.

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 16, 9am (packet pick-up starts at 7:30am) WHERE: Naumberg Bandshell, Central Park, Upper West Side AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Up to 30,000 elephants are killed every year just for their ivory. This is a way for New Yorkers to raise funds and awareness for this issue. WANT TO GO? $65; $25 for children younger than 15. 508-525-0202. bit.ly/ster2019.

Shalom Sing-Along

Watson Adventures’ Wizard School Scavenger Hunt 2: The Museum of Magical History

Planet Play

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 23, 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park West, Upper West Side AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Embark on a wizarding adventure at the American Museum of Natural History where you’ll search for exhibits that echo characters, places, and enchanted objects in the books and movies of the Harry Potter universe. Advance purchase is required. WANT TO GO? $29.50-$45 (includes museum admission). 877-9464868. watsonadventures.com.

Native American Games

WHEN: Nov. 23-24, Saturday-Sunday, 1-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side

WHEN: Through Dec. 23: Mondays, 10:15-11am WHERE: Congregation Or Zarua, 127 E. 82nd St., Upper East Side AGES: 3-5, adult WHAT: Start your little one’s day with song, dance, stories, bubbles, puppets, instruments, and more! WANT TO GO? $16-$20. 212-452-2310 x15. orzarua.org. WHEN: Nov. 9-April 24, 2020, see website for schedule WHERE: The Wetherby-Pembridge School, 7 E. 96th St., Upper East Side AGES: Newborn to 3 WHAT: These 45-minute sessions encourage young children to explore the world around them through songs, music, and movement. WANT TO GO? $15 per person. 646-569-5742. chickenshed.org.

Second Saturdays Trailwork Party + Bike Share at Highbridge Bike Park FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 9, 10am-3pm WHERE: Highbridge Park, West 174th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, Washington Heights/Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Bring your friends and family for a day of fun in the woods. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org. ››

BigAppleParent 23

Veterans Day Weekend: Soldiers of the American Revolution

WHEN: Nov. 9-11, Friday-Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Honor America’s military heritage on Veterans Day, and listen to stories about life on and off the battlefield from soldiers who served during the American Revolution. WANT TO GO? $22; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children younger than 5. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.

Support our Troops: Veterans Day Ribbons

HOLIDAY FUN Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead)

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 2, 11am-4pm WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Immerse yourself in the traditions of Dia de Muertos in this family-friendly, full-day festival featuring altars dedicated to extinct animal species, performances, workshops, and a craft marketplace. WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $23; $13 children. 518-527-0671. amnh.org.

Halloween Treasure Hunt

WHEN: Oct. 25-Nov. 2, see website for days and times WHERE: Josie Robertson Plaza, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, Lincoln Center AGES: All WHAT: Embark on a journey peppered with lively stories about Lincoln Center and clues that lead you to candy-filled treasure! WANT TO GO? $25. 212-721-6500. lincolncenter.org.

Día de los Muertos FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 2, 11am-5pm WHERE: National Museum of the American Indian, 1 Bowling Green, Lower Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Visitors of all ages are invited to enjoy hands-on activities. A community ofrenda (altar) remembers family and friends who have passed away. WANT TO GO? 212-514-3700. americanindian.si.edu.

Story Telling: Día de los Muertos (Celebrate the World)

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 2, 10:30am WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Children’s Museum educators share the story of Día de los Muertos (Celebrate the World) by Hannah Eliot and learn about the history and culture of the holiday! WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $15; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

The Thanksgiving Table Children’s Workshop

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 9, 10am-12pm WHERE: Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Ave., at West 112th Street, Upper West Side AGES: 4-8 WHAT: Children celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving in this special workshop as they create cornhusk dolls, clay pinch pots, stylish turkey hats, and more. Check in at Visitor Center upon arrival. WANT TO GO? $10. 212-316-7540. mettawee.org. 24

November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Monday, Nov. 11, 3-3:45pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Yellow is commonly seen as a symbol to support our troops and to give us hope. Use a variety of yellow crayons, markers, and collage materials to create a bow or ribbon to show your support for our troops. WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $15; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

Holiday Card Making Mommy & Me Workshop

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 17, 1:30-3:30pm WHERE: The Fashion Class, 21 W. 39th St., 4th Floor, Midtown AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Join lettering artist Danielle Rothman for a 2-hour crash course in hand lettering a custom greeting card! Registration required! WANT TO GO? $49. 646-239-6663. midtown.thefashionclass.com.

Salon du Chocolat NY

WHEN: Nov. 16-17, Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 655 W. 34th St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Come meet master chocolatier artisans and pastry chefs, attend live recipe demonstrations, see a famous chocolate fashion show and—most importantly—have fun with chocolate and pastry in all of their forms. WANT TO GO? $10-$25. 203-840-5441. salonduchocolatny.com.

Workshop di Thanksgiving

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 23, 3:30-5pm WHERE: Collina Italiana, 1556 Third Ave., Suite 603, Upper East Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Art and crafts, games, and songs! Learn Italian and have fun! WANT TO GO? $40. 212-427-7770. collinaitaliana.com.

Crafting Skyscraper Hand Turkeys

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 23, 10:30-11:45am WHERE: The Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place, Financial District AGES: All WHAT: Thankful for skyscrapers? This week, we’re putting an architectural twist on the classic hand turkey, replacing feathers with skyscrapers. RSVP required. WANT TO GO? $5 per child. 212-945-6324. skyscraper.org.

Thanksgiving Centerpieces

WHEN: Monday, Nov. 25, 12-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Greenwich Village AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Design your own centerpiece to use during Thanksgiving wherever you are celebrating! Whether it is a statue of a turkey or a cranberry-sauce city, make something that lights your dinner up and will be a conversation piece for family members! WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $13; free for children younger than 1. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

Turkey of Thanks Art Installation

WHEN: Nov. 26-29, Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday, 10am-12pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Shake your turkey feathers and tell us what you’re thankful for when you add your feather to our Thanksgiving turkey sculpture. WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $15; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

Thankfulness Cards

WHEN: Nov. 25-29, Monday and Friday, 12-5pm; Thursday, 12-6pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Hudson Square AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Create a heartfelt card for someone in your life who you think deserves a shout out this season. WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $13; free for children younger than 1. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

Thanksgiving Day Parade Floats

WHEN: Nov. 26-Dec. 1, Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday-Sunday, 1-3pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Thousands come to New York City to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with its giant balloons and elaborate floats. Create a 3-D float inspired by some of the parade’s most famous designs. WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $15; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

Santaland

WHEN: Nov. 29-Dec. 24, see website for schedule WHERE: Macy’s Herald Square, 151 W. 34th St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT:Head to a Macy’s Santaland near you to meet and snap a photo with St. Nick. After all, he’s known for making wishes come true! Reservations can be made starting Nov. 24. WANT TO GO? Free admission; keepsake photos available for purchase. 212-695-4400. macys.com.

Holiday Shops at Bryant Park

WHEN: Oct. 31-Jan. 5, 2020, Monday-Friday, 11am-8pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-8pm WHERE: Winter Village at Bryant Park, between West 40th and 42nd streets and Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: The Winter Village holiday market features food and artisanal boutiques offering delicious eats and exquisite gifts. WANT TO GO? Prices vary. 212-768-4242. wintervillage.org.

‘Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes’

NATURE LOVERS November Clean Up FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 2, 9:30-11:30am WHERE: Washington Square Park, Washington Square North, Greenwich Village AGES: 14 and older WHAT: Spend your Saturday morning volunteering at the park! Necessary tools will be provided, and be sure to wear work-appropriate clothing. RSVP is required for this volunteer opportunity; email to sign up. WANT TO GO? volunteer@washingtonsquareparkconservancy.org. washingtonsquareparkconservancy.org.

Animal Metal Reliefs

WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 5, 1-4pm WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Design your own embossed metal relief of an animal in action. WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $18; free for children younger than 19. 212-423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org.

Kids Bulb Planting FREE

WHEN: Nov. 2-7, Saturday, 12:30-2pm; Thursday, 3:30-5pm WHERE: Washington Square Park, Washington Square North, Greenwich Village AGES: 5-12 WHAT: We need your helping hands (big and small) to plant bulbs! Closed-toed shoes are required. Tools and gloves will be provided. WANT TO GO? washingtonsquareparkconservancy.org.

Make & Donate A Dog Bed with The ASPCA

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 10, 1:30-3:30pm WHERE: The Fashion Class, 21 W. 39th St., 4th Floor, Midtown AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Students will sew a pet bed and create a matching one that will be donated to a shelter dog or cat. Registration is mandatory! WANT TO GO? $10. 646-239-6663. midtown.thefashionclass.com.

WHEN: Nov. 8-Jan. 5, 2020, see website for days and times WHERE: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Sixth Ave., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Experience Radio City Music Hall as it transforms into an immersive winter wonderland, and create lasting memories with the legendary Rockettes. WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 212-465-6000. radiocity.com.

Junior Keepers

28th Annual Holiday Train Show

Leaf Fest FREE

WHEN: Nov. 23-Jan. 26, 2020, see website for schedule WHERE: The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Model trains zip through an enchanting display of more than 175 New York landmarks, each delightfully re-created from natural materials. WANT TO GO? $23; $10 children ages 2-12; free for members and children younger than 2. 718-817-8700. nybg.org.

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 10, 9-10:30am WHERE: Central Park Zoo, East 64th Street, Upper East Side AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Each session focuses on a different animal and includes creating some early morning enrichment. WANT TO GO? $60. centralparkzoo.com. WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 23, 11am-2pm WHERE: Madison Square Park, Madison Avenue and 23rd Street, Flatiron District AGES: All WHAT: Spend the afternoon with our Mad. Sq. Park team as we rake, collect, and bag leaves throughout the park. WANT TO GO? 212-520-7600. madisonsquarepark.org. ›› BigAppleParent 25

Con Edison Family Day: Candles

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 9, 12-2pm WHERE: Morris-Jumel Mansion, 65 Jumel Terrace, Harlem AGES: All WHAT: Discover the history of illumination and create your own unique candle! WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $10; free for children younger than 13. 212-923-8008. morrisjumel.org.

Stripes Media Lab for Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 9, 9:30-10:45am WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Tribeca WHAT: This monthly class uses art and technology to build peer-to-peer relationships and digital storytelling skills. Registration required. WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $13; free for children younger than 1. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

CRAFTY KIDS

Creative Play

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 1, 3:30-6pm WHERE: Chatham Square Library, 33 E. Broadway, Chinatown AGES: All WHAT: A special evening of fun for kids with disabilities and special needs and their parents, caregivers, and families! Play video games and board games, learn to play a ukulele, enjoy extra laptop time, munch on free snacks, program robots, create artwork, enjoy a sensory storytime, hang out with your friends and meet new friends, and more! WANT TO GO? 212-964-6598. nypl.org.

Family Workshops

Family Workshop: Make Your Own Play

Fantastical Figures

Friday Night Fun for Kids with Disabilities and Special Needs & Their Parents and Caregivers FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 2, 11:30am WHERE: New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Make your original story come to life as you write the words, invent the characters and perform it! This is inspired by Aesop’s Fables. WANT TO GO? $19. 646-223-3010. newvictory.org.

Dia de los Muertos: Marigold Installation

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 2, 10am-12pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: 5-12 WHAT: During Día de los Muertos, marigolds are used as a guiding light and represent life. Help handcraft paper marigolds to add to an installation. WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $15; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

Saturday Art Workshop for Kids: Shapes with Marte Ekhougen WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 2, 2pm WHERE: Scandinavia House, 58 Park Ave., Midtown AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Artist Marte Ekhougen will lead a workshop on wire sculpture, in which participants will create spacious constructions, transforming basic wire materials and playing with the perception of gravity to create new and whimsical forms. WANT TO GO? $12. 212-847-9729. scandinaviahouse.org. 26

November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 10, 1pm WHERE: Japan Society, 333 E. 47th St., Midtown AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Play, sing, dance and create! Explore Japanese culture and customs with a master storyteller and artist in interactive classes with seasonal themes. WANT TO GO? $12; free for children younger than 3. 212-832-1155. japansociety.org. WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 10, 2:30pm WHERE: Japan Society, 333 E. 47th St., Midtown AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Immerse yourself in the many aspects of traditional and contemporary Japanese culture through uniquely themed visual art and performance workshops led by teaching artists. WANT TO GO? $12; free for children younger than 3. 212-832-1155. japansociety.org. WHEN: Monday, Nov. 11, 1-4pm WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-12 WHAT: See Rachel Feinstein’s imaginative sculptures and then create a fantastical 3-D figure of your own using self-hardening clay, paint, and other playful materials in this drop-in art workshop. WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $18; free for children younger than 19. 212-423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org.

Saturday Art Workshop for Kids: Motion with Sari

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 16, 2pm WHERE: Scandinavia House, 58 Park Ave., Midtown AGES: 5-12 WHAT: In this workshop, kids will see and be inspired by the sculptures of Aase Texmon Rygh, whose static and dynamic shapes move in different rhythms around an axis, where movement occurs harmonically and logically, while shapes create patterns. WANT TO GO? $12. 212-847-9729. scandinaviahouse.org.

MOCACREATE: Found Sculptures: Transforming the Everyday!

WHEN: Saturdays, Nov. 2 and 16, 2-5pm WHERE: Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St., Little Italy AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Transform everyday, found objects into unique sculptures that share the stories of what they were and what they’ve become. WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $12; $8 seniors, students, and children. 855-955-6622. mocanyc.org.

Stripes stART for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Family Workshop: Magical Masks

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 17, 10am and 2pm WHERE: New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Craft your own mask and learn how to make a variety of masked characters come to life! Everyone must have a workshop ticket to attend, and each family must have at least one adult participating. Due to space limitations, tickets must be purchased in advance. WANT TO GO? $19. 646-223-3010. newvictory.org.

Inclusive Sundays for Children with a Physical Disability

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 17, 12:30-2:30pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Tribeca AGES: 9-17 WHAT: This drop-off course encourages young people to collaborate and get creative in both fine and media arts. Students are given the space to be independent from their parents, and activities are adapted to accommodate the specific abilities of each child. Registration required. WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $13; free for children younger than 1. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

Butterfly Bombs

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 17, 6:30-8pm WHERE: National Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26th St., Nomad AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Join Dave Masunaga, mathematics teacher and origami modeler, as he shares a particularly fascinating form, the Butterfly Bomb, developed decades ago by Kenneth Kawamura. Discover how Kawamura’s remarkably simple module can be used not just in amazing origami construction, but also in exciting origami destruction. WANT TO GO? $16. 212-542-0566. momath.org.

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 23, 9:30-10:45am WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Tribeca AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: This engaging and fun class encourages children to explore different art mediums through sensory experiences, music, and movement activities. Children build motor skills, self-regulated independence, and social skills while connecting with their siblings and caregivers. Registration required. WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $13; free for children younger than 1. 212-274-0986. cmany.org.

Saturday Art Workshop for Kids: Color with Studio

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 30, 2pm WHERE: Scandinavia House, 58 Park Ave., Murray Hill AGES: 5-17 WHAT: This fall, kids will explore themes related to the exhibition Cutting Edges, with artist-led workshops that each address one of the central themes of concrete art explored in the gallery show. Pure forms, colors, and principles of concrete art will invite us to experiment and explore new narratives in playful ways. WANT TO GO? $12. 212-847-9729. scandinaviahouse.org.

BeBox Kids Art

WHEN: Through Dec. 18: Wednesdays, 10-10:45am WHERE: JCC Harlem, 318 W. 118th St., Harlem AGES: 3-5, adult WHAT: We’ll provide everything you need to create. Your little ones should just come ready to explore, and, yes, maybe get messy! WANT TO GO? $325 full session, $30 drop-in. 212-865-1215. ebiz.jccmanhattan.org.

FAMILY DAY AT

Activities • A Mind-Blowing Journey Through the Pacific Ocean • Educator Led Workshop “Coral Reefs” • Fun Children and Family Activities • Refreshments

Saturday, November 23rd • 2-4 PM 226 W. 44th St Adult: $39.50 • Child: $32.50 nymetroparents.com/nat-geo BigAppleParent 27

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

We Can’t Wait to Hear What Your Child Has to Say! Int

erA ALL 20 G IN + T ct: I 19: n Art hera tegr s C peu ati las tic ve ses

Falling Behind? Turn it Around! At Chatty Child, our therapists provide quality care that is nurturing, innovative and creative. We work with the family to provide each child with a comprehensive treatment plan, while taking into account each child’s interests, strengths and goals. We are here to help your child reach his or her fullest potential. Chatty Child’s state-of-the-art therapy center for children is conveniently located in Lower Manhattan. Please come in for a tour to discover what we can offer your child and become a part of the Chatty Child family!

November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Does your child need extra support? Boost academic, social and verbal skills to improve school success. Chatty Child offers: l Individual & group treatment for speech-language, occupational therapy and physical therapy l Socialization groups l InterAct Theatre + Therapy Lab™ – inclusive arts classes l Feeding and oral motor treatment l PROMPT therapy for apraxia of speech l Handwriting instruction l Sensory Integration therapy l Academic preparation For Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapy, we accept: l Department of Education Related Service Agreements (RSAs) l Early Intervention l Private pay with fully coded invoices for out-of-network insurance reimbursement. To register, or schedule a tour, private consultation or evaluation, email info@chattychild.com, call 347.491.4451, or visit www.chattychild.com. 325 Broadway - Suite 403 New York, New York 10007

inside

SpecialParent

online extras Parent-teacher communication is crucial when your child has a learning disability. Read the five steps to ensure your child has the best classroom experiece possible at ›› nymetroparents.com/differently-abled

Life plans are a way to ensure children with disabilities can tackle adulthood. Learn more about them at ›› nymetroparents.com/life-plans

Going out to dinner with a child who has autism can be very stressful. Find tips from a mom who’s been there at ›› nymetroparents.com/autism-dining

Advocates are pushing for a stop to the R-word. Find out how, and what you can do to help at ›› nymetroparents.com/r-word

30 D o You Need a Special Education Attorney? Hiring a lawyer can ensure your child’s rights are respected. 32 S pecial Needs Resources: Find doctors, tutors, and more for your child with special needs.

BigAppleParent 29

Hiring a special needs attorney to get your child the education she deserves, which can make all the difference in her growth and happiness.

Do You Need a Special Education Attorney? ››

Hiring a lawyer can ensure your child’s rights are respected

ou know when your child isn’t receiving the education that is right for him. Maybe he’s struggling in a class that’s not a good fit. Perhaps he’s not receiving the supports and services he’s entitled to outside of class. He might even be in the wrong school altogether. But going up against a school district and the New York State Department of Education to fight for your child can be a daunting task for any parent. That’s where special education attorneys come in. They can help you understand your child’s rights, fight for his free and appropriate education, reach an agreement with your school, or get him into a new one. In fact, a special education attorney can make all the difference.

Why an Attorney is Necessary

The special education system in New York is complex. Some attorneys claim school districts don’t know which services are required for students with special needs, while others say schools are deliberately not providing the services these kids deserve. Laura Adler-Greene, an associate attorney at the law offices of Andrew Cohen in Garden City, says she believes district leaders do know the law. If they don’t, they have law firms to inform them. 30

November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

By Jacqueline Neber

On the other hand, many parents get stuck on the difference between an appropriate education and the best education their child can receive, says Gerald Raymond, a managing partner at Tully Rinckey PLLC in Syracuse. If parents have their child evaluated by someone outside the district, they could walk into a planning meeting for their child’s services with an idea that’s completely different from what school representatives are prepared to offer. In that case, conflict arises not because school authorities don’t know what they’re meant to provide, but because parents have a different idea.

How Lawyers Help

Often a lawyer is necessary to get your school district to do what it must, says Bernard A. Krooks, founding partner of Littman Krooks LLP and head of its special needs department. A lawyer can help you get your child into a different type of class, receive the right services as dictated by her Individualized Education Program, or transfer to a different type of school. A lawyer can also help when your student has behavioral challenges, and help your student avoid the school-to-prison pipeline—a trend in which students with special needs are funneled out of public schools

and into the criminal justice system. The American Civil Liberties Union reports that students with disabilities are disproportionately represented in the pipeline because of schools’ inadequate special education resources and a reliance on zero tolerance policies. Once you’ve retained a lawyer, she can be as involved in your family’s progress as you want. Your attorney can attend IEP, Committee on Special Education, or annual review meetings with you or call for an impartial hearing or mediation. In some cases, a lawyer will take a family’s case all the way to federal court. Raymond says having an attorney can make a big difference in your child’s well-being. In one case, after a student fell behind in school when the district took his 1-to-1 aide away, Raymond’s firm provided the CSE with documentation as to why the child needed an aide— and got the aide restored to the child. Having an aide can significantly increase a child’s well-being, performance in school, and safety. Laura Davis, director of the Special Education Unit at New York Legal Assistance Group, says sometimes the impact of a lawyer might not look like much to an untrained eye, but it can mean the world to parents. “I’m working with a family whose child spent four years in an inappropriate six-one-one [six students, one teacher, and one aide] class in a public school, and is now at Gersh [Academy],” Davis says. “[The mother says] her child can now look at her, sit in a chair for a couple of minutes at a time, wave goodbye. This is all so meaningful to the parent. To somebody else it might look like nothing, but to her, her eight-year-old child is now, for the first time, making progress.”

Finding an Attorney

In his experience, the special needs community is a connected, supportive one, Krooks says. Information, such as lawyer recommendations, tends to get passed around quickly. “You can also use Facebook, discussion and support groups, or simply search

online,” he adds. But at the end of the day, Krooks says, it’s not necessarily that difficult to find someone who has the knowledge needed—though it may be a challenge to find a good match. That’s why it’s important to vet each name. “You have to hire someone you can build a relationship with, someone who’s compassionate, who’s empathetic, who can represent your interests and your child’s, and who cares about your case,” Krooks says. “Trust your instincts. You have to feel comfortable.”

Affording Services

An attorney might be necessary to go up against your child’s school—especially in wealthier districts where schools often have big law firms on retainer. But affording a lawyer can be tricky no matter where you live—and, unfortunately, petitioners in education law cases do not get attorneys appointed for them by the court, as petitioners in family law cases do. As Davis explains, it is especially important for families making lower incomes and families whose native language is not English to understand their parental rights. Many of these families, however, don’t have the means to pay retainers and fees, according to Ashley Grant, supervising staff attorney at Advocates for Children in New York City. But these fees, she says, should not prevent parents from seeking assistance. For example, families can reach out to Advocates for Children, which is just one of several organizations in the city that connects families with lower incomes to legal resources. Some law firms will take on cases regardless of family income. As Krooks points out: “We’ll take on cases like this because we went to law school to help people.” When a lawyer helps a family win a case in New York, the firm can have their attorney’s fees reimbursed by the Department of Education, at no cost to the family.

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

THE LAW OFFICES OF

DEBORAH S. BALL Provide for a Person with Special Needs Attorney Deborah S. Ball brings over 25 years of legal experience providing counsel on long-range financial planning for individuals of all ages with special needs.

Special Needs Trusts Trusts • Wills • Guardianships • Advanced Directives • Personal Injury Awards Compassionate Personalized Service House Visits Available

Queens Office 718-520-7754

Manhattan Office 212-223-4100

www.ballnyelderlaw.com

BigAppleParent 31

Special Needs Directory 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 provides personalized, high quality special needs estate planning and special education legal services at a reasonable cost. Attorneys Cohen and Adler-Greene also conduct free workshops on several topics for agencies, schools, and parent groups.

Accessible Dispatch - Access the City Like Never Before 646-599-9999 accessibledispatch.com With Accessible Dispatch, New York City residents and visitors with disabilities can request a

wheelchair accessible taxi on demand anywhere in the five boroughs. Passengers pay the metered fare, with no extra fees. Visit accessibledispatch.com, call 646599-9999 or 311, or download the “Accessible Dispatch NYC” app to book your next trip.

Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC

325 Broadway, Suite 403 347-491-4451 chattychild.com info@chattychild.com Chatty Child is a personalized therapeutic center in Lower Manhattan. We provide comprehensive speech, occupational, and physical therapy services. We offer evaluations, individual or group treatment, and enrichment classes through our InterAct: Theatre and Therapy Lab. Our therapists are experienced and passionate about creating a unique learning experience.

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

Helping Special Families Plan for the Future

EBL Coaching - Manhattan

Dr. Emily Levy, director 17 E. 89th St., Suite 1D 212-249-0147 eblcoaching.com/one-on-one-tutoring-new-york-city EBL Coaching specializes in one-on-one home and onsite tutoring for students in pre-K to 12th grades, using research-based, multi-sensory techniques to develop reading, writing, math, executive functioning, and organizational skills. Specialized instruction for students with learning disabilities and ADHD, including the Orton Gillingham methodology, is available.

Gillen Brewer School

Julian Parham Santana, director of admissions 410 E. 92nd St. 212-831-3667 gillenbrewer.com julian@gillenbrewer.com Gillen Brewer School is a family-oriented, 12-month, early childhood and elementary program for children ages 2.8-10 years with language-based and non-verbal learning disabilities. We provide an integrated, developmentally-appropriate, academic-therapeutic program that includes speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling. Our curriculum is enriched with arts, music, science, and physical fitness programs.

Huntington Learning Center

Special Education Advocacy Special Needs Trusts Guardianship Transition Planning Special Needs Planning

www.littmankrooks.com 399 Knollwood Road ▪ White Plains, NY 10603 ▪ 914.684.2100 655 Third Avenue ▪ New York, NY 10017 ▪ 212.490.2020

November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

237 W. 72nd St. 212-362-0100 huntingtonhelps.com Huntington is the leader in kindergarten-12th tutoring and test prep. Our certified tutors provide individualized instruction in all areas including executive functioning, ADHD, dyslexia, and learning disabilities. We help students prep for the SAT, ACT, and state exams. Huntington also testifies on the student’s behalf and attends IEP/504 meetings.

The Law Offices of Deborah S. Ball 488 Madison Ave., Suite 1120 212-223-4100 118-35 Queens Blvd., Suite 1220, Forest Hills 718-520-7754 ballnyelderlaw.com Attorney Deborah S. Ball brings more than 25 years of legal experience to her special needs planning cases. She offers long-range financial planning for individuals of all ages with special needs, such as establishing a trust for your child that will help you reach goals while maximizing important government benefits.

Littman Krooks, LLP

399 Knollwood Road, White Plains 914-684-2100 655 Third Ave. 212-490-2020 littmankrooks.com Identifying the best services for someone with special needs can be daunting. Littman Krooks can help you navigate the system, understand your child’s legal rights, and establish the financial foundation that will enable as much independence as possible. Our goal is to empower families with the tools they need.

Making Authentic Friendships LLC Everyone Deserves Authentic Friendships Juliana Fetherman, founder and CEO 631-374-0518 makingauthenticfriendships.com fethermanjuliana@gmail.com Our responsive web-based application helps individuals with special needs (age 13 and older) find friends at home or on the go, based off of their geolocation, diagnosis, age, and interests. It works like a game, is interactive, fun, and user friendly. It’s easy to sign up and use.

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

Access. Anywhere. Anytime. Need door-to-door transportation for your child with limited mobility? Order a safe, reliable wheelchair accessible taxi through Accessible Dispatch to get to appointments, activities, and school. Passengers pay only the metered fare, no extra fees. Call 311, 646-599-9999, or NY Relay: 711 Download The App! Accessible Dispatch NYC Book Online www.accessibledispatch.com BigAppleParent 33

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

Everyone Deserves Authentic Friendships! Our responsive web-based application helps individuals with special needs (age 13+) find friends at home or on the go, based off of their geolocation, diagnosis, age and interests. It works like a game, is interactive, fun and user friendly. ItĘźs easy to sign-up and use.

Juliana Fetherman, Founder and CEO of Making Authentic Friendships LLC.

fethermanjuliana@gmail.com 631-374-0518

makingauthenticfriendships.com It is called Making Authentic Friendships, MAF, which are also her brothers initials. He has autism and ADHD and inspired this initiative

Immersive theatre experiences for learners of all kinds!

Emit Theatre specializes in immersive, accessible Shakespeare and interactive educational experiences. Our shows provide young people opportunities to engage in literature and build social skills and language in an innovative way. We tour our productions to schools, present public performances of our work, and facilitate customizable residencies in classrooms.

Learn more about our artistic and educational programming: 917-719-6766 | www.emittheatre.org | info@emittheatre.org 34

November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

family life

home

Safe and Sound

››

These tips from security experts will go a long way to keeping your home secure, especially during the upcoming holiday season. By Jaimie Seaton

ith the holidays just around the corner, apartment doormats and front stoops will soon be stacked with packages—and that means “porch pirates” will be out in full force. Many of us will be traveling, leaving our homes unattended, during the holidays. Many residents have turned to video doorbells, such as Ring and Nest Hello, to give them an edge over the package-stealing crooks and burglars, but this latest craze in home security isn’t a cure-all. In fact, there’s a lot more to home safety than filming people who come to your door.

Mind the Basics

It’s hard to believe, but some people fail to take the most basic precautions, including locking their doors. “They may feel a false sense of security, and they may live in a safe area, but you can never be too certain,” says Cassandra Anderson, vice president of the New York Insurance Association, who adds that it’s a good idea to have a deadbolt lock. It can also be easy to overlook the door itself, but all doors are not created equal. An exterior door should be metal or solid wood, not the hollow-core type used for interiors. And remember, a lock is only as strong as the door and the door is only as strong as its frame. “You can have very good locks, but if your door frame is rotted, it defeats the purpose,” says Jessica Corey, commanding officer of the NYPD’s Crime Prevention Division. “Somebody can just push the door in. You can’t install a lock or a door without looking at the whole system.” Corey also notes that many people overlook the hinges. If the door’s hinges are on the outside and the pins exposed, someone can remove the pins and remove the door. She suggests either changing the door or installing non-removable pins. Another basic step many people forget about is to make a video inventory of your possessions. That way, if you are burglarized (or suffer a house fire or flood), you have a detailed record for police and insurance.

Secure the Perimeter

Both Corey and Anderson advise homeowners to secure their home from the outside-in, beginning with the yard. For example, make sure landscaping doesn’t block your windows, and that shrubbery can’t be used to shield an intruder from passing neighbors or a police patrol car. Corey also reminds people to secure their windows—particularly at ground level. When installing window air conditioners, make sure to secure them with the proper (and usually included) hardware so they can’t be pushed in. And use outside lighting. “Lighting is one of the cheapest and most effective deterrents that you have,” Corey says. “Either lighting that comes on from dusk to dawn, or lighting that’s motion-activated. That’s something that’s easily installed.”

Keep Up Appearances

When you broadcast news of your vacation plans across social media (or to the clerk at the local store) you never know who else is

watching and listening, including thieves. It’s best to be cautious about whom you talk to—and wait to post pictures of your trip until you return. Remember that scene in Home Alone, when Kevin rigs up mannequins and lights to make it look like his empty house is full of people? You don’t have to go quite that far, but when you’re away, you want your house to look lived-in. Ask the post office to hold your mail, ensure there won’t be any packages delivered, and arrange for someone to take out the trash and recycling. It’s also a good idea to put interior and exterior lights on timers. Then there are the not-so-obvious things, like putting a television or two on a timer and asking a neighbor to park one of their cars in your driveway if you normally park your car in your driveway. (Anderson actually advises people to park their car in their garage if possible, so people won’t know their habits of coming and going.) The key is to make your house look the way it does when you are home. “A lot of people think when they go away that they should close all their curtains. If you don’t normally close all your curtains, you shouldn’t do it when you’re away,” Corey advises. And don’t forget to have someone mow the lawn or shovel snow if you’re away for more than a week. Both Corey and Anderson say leaving your house to the elements while you’re away is a sure sign the home isn’t occupied.

Be Smart with Your Smart Home

Aside from all these low-tech strategies, both Anderson and Corey recommend installing a home security system and/or video doorbell. “There’s a lot of new types of technologies out there that create video display in real time, where you’re aware of what’s going on in your house when you’re away. I think that those are certainly things that individuals could consider, to increase the security at their house,” Anderson says. “I can’t speak to any one technology, but having multiple security features is always better,” Corey says. “If you have video, if you have lighting, if you have an alarm system, that’s going to be better than if you had none of those things.” She recommends an alarm system with motion detectors and installing video cameras connected to a phone app but cautions people to remember that online systems can be hacked. “Use two-factor authentication and anything else the security or doorbell company recommends to protect the system,” Corey says. Nothing will guarantee 100-percent safety and security but taking a strategic approach and implementing the measures recommended by experts will reduce your chances of being victimized. Jaimie Seaton has been a journalist for more than 20 years and is the former Thailand correspondent for “Newsweek.” Her work on divorce, parenting, dating, and a wide range of topics has been featured in “The Washington Post,” “The Guardian,” “Glamour,” and numerous other publications. Follow her on Twitter @JaimieSeaton.

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raising kids

teen

Why Teens Drive Us Crazy ››

There is a reason your teen making bad or questionable decisions is the (unfortunate) norm in the adolescent years. But don’t worry! It’s just a phase. By Lambeth Hochwald

Having open and honest conversations with your teen can help prevent some bad choices from being made.

says Shuli Sandler, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist in Teaneck, NJ. “A lot of this time is about figuring out who they are and part of that is pushing limits in the service of that exploration and discovery.”

s a parent of a teenager, you probably know some vexing behavior often comes with this stage—whether it’s making choices without regard to consequences, questioning authority, or just becoming more distant. It’s a challenging time for both parent and child—and it’s often impossible for us to understand why our kids are acting out. One of the best ways to cope and communicate, however, is to understand the reasons for their behavior.

Their Brains Work Against Them

“While teenagers’ brains are growing at a rapid rate, they are still many years away from maturity—as brains typically complete growth at age twenty-five,” says David Ezell, founder and CEO of Darien Wellness, a counseling and psychiatry group in Darien, CT. “The last part of the brain to develop is the frontal cortex, which is the part that contains the executive functioning area and is involved with abstract thought, planning, and impulse control.” What does this mean for your teen who is juggling many new thoughts and emotions? “Executive functions allow us to plan and see consequences,” Ezell says. “So, what adults perceive to be obviously ‘risky’ behavior does not seem that way to teenagers because their brains have difficulty connecting today to tomorrow. The combination of a lack of experience and a developing brain sets young people up to put themselves in situations that most adults would consider to be very dangerous.”

They Lack Experience

There’s another very important reason your teens are acting out, and it’s actually quite simple: Teenagers haven’t had anywhere near the life experience you’ve had. “As adults, we know that if we don’t pay the ConEd bill, the lights will be turned off,” Ezell says. “Most teens lack that experience of cause and effect, nor have they seen their peers experience a similar situation.” Remember: Being a teenager is a developmental stage, albeit one that may involve intense mood swings, lying, social media obsession, and trading communication with you for spending way more time with his friends. “This is a time when a child is going from being a child to becoming an independent adult, which is also why there is so much change happening in their body, minds, and actions,”

Hormones are Surging

Along with changing bodies come changing hormones, which play a large role in what teens are feeling. “All of these new hormones can also contribute to a lack of impulse control,” says Nikita Banks, LCSW, a licensed psychotherapist in private practice in Brooklyn. “Think about all that your teen is juggling. She is both trying to figure out who she is as an individual and find her place in society, which is a very big transition. To do this, she may pull away or test the values of her family and adapt behaviors that will be seen as more desirable to her peer group. When you put all of these factors together it can make for one wild ride.” With this surge in independence, teens may push the envelope to see how far they can push you. “The goal you hope for as a parent is for your teen to ultimately end up in the middle where he takes appropriate risks but uses caution and prudence when indicated,” Dr. Sandler says. “It does take time for the two extremes to settle down in the middle, as is often the case in life.”

What You Can Do

Given all of this change, keeping the lines of communication open with your teen is very important—especially when he makes bad or questionable choices. Plan regular outings together or eat meals as a family to bridge the gaps and enable everyone to feel heard. “This time together is very important, and it serves another purpose, too. It’s actually a really good way to get an inside view of what is going on in their life,” Banks says. “Your goal should be twofold: You want to monitor their social interactions with friends to the best of your ability, but also give your child a voice.” After all, any strong connection you can keep with your teen is crucial and will help ease the very important transition she is moving through. “When teens feel that they are not only seen but heard at home, it helps them develop a greater sense of self-esteem,” Banks adds. “It also provides a strong foundation for them to be able to withstand the social pressures of this time of life.”

Lambeth Hochwald is a New York City-based journalist covering trends, relationships, and life in New York City.

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Education Directory 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 kindergarten-fifth grades. Committed to offering a well-rounded education designed to help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 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.

New York French American Charter School

311 W. 120th St. 212-666-4134 x2 nyfacs.net mba@nyfacs.net New York French American Charter School provides a free French immersion education to elementary and middle school students. Our commitment to French immersion, diversity, cultural enrichment, and high academic standards is unparalleled in our district. Our school community succeeds in growing the next generation of bilingual, global citizens.

Zeta Charter Schools

Zeta Bronx 1 Elementary 222 Alexander Ave., Bronx 929-458-3000 Zeta Inwood 1 Elementary Inwood/Washington Heights 652 W.187th St. 929-447-5282 zetaschools.org With a focus on rigorous, hands-on academics, wellness, innovation, and family service, Zeta Schools prepare students to be leaders and problem-solvers in a modern world. Zeta offers children in pre-K through third grade a high-quality, free elementary education in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx. Apply now for the 2020-21 school year.

PAROCHIAL & RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS The Cathedral School

319 E. 74th St. 212-249-2840 cathedralschoolny.org info@cathedralschoolny.org At The Cathedral School our nursery through eighth grade program encourages children to become bold and compassionate thinkers. We offer a challenging curriculum that engages students in becoming independent and joyful learners. Our small class size allows for individual attention where every childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s voice is heard.

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

PRESCHOOLS First Presbyterian Church Nursery School

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

Gillen Brewer School

Julian Parham Santana, director of admissions 410 E. 92nd St. 212-831-3667

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gillenbrewer.com julian@gillenbrewer.com Gillen Brewer School is a family-oriented, 12-month, early childhood and elementary program for children ages 2.8-10 years with language-based and non-verbal learning disabilities. We provide an integrated, developmentally-appropriate, academic-therapeutic program that includes speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling. Our curriculum is enriched with arts, music, science, and physical fitness programs.

International Academy of New York

Shelley Borror Jackson, head of school 4 E. 90th St. 212-641-0260 ianyc.org info@ianyc.org The International Academy of New York is multi-cultural and diverse, developing culturally astute, confident, and empathetic students with fluency in Mandarin or Spanish, while excelling in literacy, math, and the arts. Pre-nursery (2s)-eighth grade.

The Montessori School of New York International

347 E. 55th St., Sutton Place 212-223-4630 montessorischoolny.com Children explore academic dimensions at their own pace and interest level. 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 theatre, swimming, dance, yoga, chess, cultural events, and robotics.

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.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS Academy of Thought and Industry

917-338-2820 thoughtandindustry.com/manhattan manhattan@thoughtandindustry.com The Academy of Thought and Industry (ATI) in Manhattan joins a network of middle and high schools with campuses in Austin, San Francisco, and St. Louis. ATI is an autonomous learning community that offers hands-on work, self-directed projects, and entrepreneurial endeavors among expert mentors and ambitious peers.

Blue School

Pre-primary and Primary School 241 Water St. 212-228-6341 Upper-primary and Middle School 156 William St. blueschool.org Blue School is an independent school for ages 2 through eighth grade where the dynamic balance of academic mastery, creative thinking, self and social intelligence instills a lifelong passion for learning. The curriculum emphasizes inquiry, observation, and reflection, encouraging children to become bold, creative, and compassionate innovators.

The British International School of New York

20 Waterside Plaza 212-481-2700 x204 bis-ny.org admissions@bis-ny.org With a stunning campus full of light, and a proven, portable curriculum which both stretches and supports every student across a breadth of subject areas, BIS-NY offers a supportive and truly balanced approach to education. For children 3 years and older.

The Cathedral School

Dwight School

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

The École

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

The 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. 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 theatre, swimming, dance, yoga, and chess.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS Manhattan Charter School

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FALL 2019 TRIBECA FAMILY THEATER

Gillen Brewer School

Jamie Adkins: Circus Incognitus November 2

Dragons Love Tacos November 30

Peter Pan

December 14

General Admission: $30 / 10Club Members $14 More info., tickets, call 212.220.1460 www.tribecapac.org 199 Chambers St.,New York, NY BigAppleParent 39

PartyCentral PARTY ENTERTAINMENT BOLD ARTS

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

CLOWNS.COM

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

MYSTERY & MAYHEM

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

NYC BIRTHDAY CLOWNS

646-961-4808 nycbirthdayclowns.com nycbirthdayclowns@gmail.com New York’s favorite kids party entertainment! We come to you with two entertainers, face painting, balloon animals, cotton candy, games, dancing, bubbles, a crowning ceremony, music, and magic. Best value in New York!

PARTY PLACES 92Y

1395 Lexington Ave. 212-415-5710 92y.org/birthday parties@92y.org Gymnastics party, dance party, pool party, kids channeling their inner Cirque du Soleil in an epic, afternoon penthouse bash. Talk to us about the many possibilities for celebrating your little one’s next big day.

BALLET ACADEMY EAST

1651 Third Ave. 212-410-9140 Danielle Cortier, birthday party coordinator balletacademyeast.com Birthday parties begin with a personalized

ballet class with live piano accompaniment. Refreshments are served in a separate studio after the class. Parties are staffed with teachers, a party host, and pianist. A party favor for guests, balloons, table and chair rental included.

BREAKAWAY HOOPS

646-776-2021 x0 office hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm breakawayhoops.com info@breakawayhoops.com Breakaway Hoops offers birthday packages for your child’s special occasion. Come celebrate the special day with us and we will make it memorable.

BRICKS 4 KIDZ®

646-927-9129 bricks4kidz.com/450 bricks4kidzny@gmail.com Celebrate your child’s next birthday with a fun and exciting LEGO® party! We offer several party packages that include LEGO® games and builds, plus bricks galore to keep your little builders happy.

BROADWAY DANCE CENTER CHILDREN AND TEENS

37 W. 65th St. 3rd floor 212-582-9304 broadwaydancecenter.com Your birthday dancer and guests are sure to love a birthday party set in our beautiful, spacious studios. Choose a favorite theme and party package that fits your needs.

CHELSEA PIERS SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX

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

THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF MANHATTAN

The Tisch Building, 212 W. 83rd St. 212-721-1223 cmom.org Celebrate your child’s birthday at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM). Enthusiastic educators lead the fun with fantastic art projects, music, and food, creating a memorable extravaganza just for you!

FUNFUZION AT NEW ROC CITY

29 LeCount Place (Exit 16 off I-95), New Rochelle Party Central: 914-637-7575, option 1 funfuziononline.com FunFuzion is the only place where kids can “Fuze the Fun” for their fantastic day! Come celebrate at the home of the world’s greatest birthday party!

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

GALLI THEATER

74 Warren St. 212-731-0668 gallitheaternyc.com galliny@gmail.com Party with the Galli Theater New York. Your child loves the theater and would love to be on stage? Are they dreaming of a birthday party their friends will rave about for years to come? Allow your child to experience the most amazing theater party in town!

HEX & COMPANY

1462 First Ave. 646-833-7574 hexmarksthespot.com kids@hexnyc.com Bust out the perfect party games at Hex & Company. We host parties of all kinds both in-store and offsite. We work with you to fit any theme and build a menu and game list around it.

INTREPID SEA, AIR & SPACE MUSEUM

Pier 86, W. 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue 646-381-5010 intrepidmuseum.org groupsales@intrepidmuseum.org Celebrate your child’s birthday with a one-ofa-kind party! The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum captivates groups of all ages and interests. Choose from exciting themes, value packages, and customization options to create an original birthday adventure they’ll never forget. Packages start at $30 per person.

JUST KIDDING AT SYMPHONY SPACE

2537 Broadway 212-864-1414 x289 symphonyspace.org/events/series/77/ just-kidding Just Kidding parties are artsy, imaginative, and fun, designed to make party planning easy and engaging! Through the show kids have the chance to interact with Just Kidding artists creating a once in a lifetime birthday party experience.

THE LITTLE GYM

2121 Broadway, 2nd Floor (between 74th and 75th streets) Upper West Side 212-799-1225 tlgupperwestsideny.com 777 White Plains Road, Scarsdale 914-722-0072 tlgscarsdaleny.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!

MAKERSTATE BUILDER BIRTHDAYS 917-780-2345 builderbirthdays.com parties@maker-state.com

Builder Birthday Parties are perfect for your budding engineer, Minecraft enthusiast, rocket scientist, robot artist, coder, circuit inventor, designer, and laser tag player!

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!

SUGAR FACTORY

Sugar Factory - Meatpacking District 835 Washington St. Sugar Factory - The Row 700 8th Ave. Sugar Factory - Upper West Side 1991 Broadway 212-414-8700 sugarfactory.com; sfny@sugarfactory.com Party where the stars play! Here at Sugar Factory, we offer pre-fixed and customizable party packages for any celebration and budget! From private large-scale events to private dinners for two, a Sugar Factory celebration is one you will never forget!

TIGER STRONG NYC

500 E. 77th St. 917-453-6503 tigerstrongnyc.com bill@tigerstrongnyc.com Tiger Strong Parties gives your child a unique birthday party experience they will remember forever. We offer a wide variety of options to fit every budget. The kids will have a great time, get lots of exercise, and leave feeling like black belts.

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.

WOLLMAN RINK

Central Park, 59th Street and Sixth Avenue 212-439-6900 x 1112 wollmanskatingrink.com Take a breath of fresh air and enjoy VIP treatment at your next birthday party! Party packages available for any age group, all with private use of our rink-side heated tent, with ice and city skyline views. Skating instruction and full-service catering available.

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

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

Hone your creative problem-solving skills with board games! hexmarksthespot.com 1462 First Avenue 646-833-7574 kids@hexnyc.com

Give your child a global advantage. Our exceptional (and free!) French immersion education is growing the next generation of bilingual, biliterate global citizens. Serving grades pre-k to 8th grade. If you desire an academically rigorous education with an outstanding program of cultural enrichment and the arts, please register for a tour and inquire about our current openings.

311 West 120th Street 212-666-4134 x 2 www.nyfacs.net | mba@nyfacs.net

Two rigorous, arts-rich public elementary schools in the Lower East Side 100 Attorney Street New York, NY 10002 (212) 533-2743

220 Henry Street New York, NY 10002 (212) 964-3792

Now Accepting Students for Kindergarten to Grade 3 ◆ FREE AFTERSCHOOL ◆

www.manhattancharterschool.org BigAppleParent 41

OPENHOUSES 2019

It’s the Skewer that's a Circle... so your kids can have fun eating fruit and veggies without you worrying about pointy ends.

Academy of Thought and Industry

Looking for a way to make eating fun for your little one and easy for you?

SKERCLE

can help with both of these things! Great for snacks, lunch boxes and for delicious, eye-catching party platters! Bright, bold colors and festive holiday themes available too!

www.skercle.com FUN. HEALTHY. EASY TO USE. SAFE.

917-338-2820 thoughtandindustry.com/manhattan; manhattan@thoughtandindustry.com Learn more about ATI’s programs and school culture. Information sessions on Nov. 20 from 6-7pm and Dec. 14 from 12-1pm; open house on Jan. 22 from 5:30-7:30pm. Please RSVP.

Atlantic Acting School

76 Ninth Ave., Suite 537 212-691-5919 atlanticactingschool.org; education@atlantictheater.org Thinking about acting school? Attend the open house at Atlantic Acting School on Friday, Nov. 8 to learn more and take a free workshop! RSVP at atlanticactingschool.org/open-house.

The British International School of New York

20 Waterside Plaza 212-481-2700 x204 bis-ny.org; admissions@bis-ny.org Book a private tour to see just what makes BIS-NY the right choice for so many families looking for a truly balanced approach to education.

The Cathedral School

319 E. 74th St. 212-249-2840 cathedralschoolny.org; info@cathedralschoolny.org At The Cathedral School our nursery through eighth grade program encourages children to become bold and compassionate thinkers. Join our open house on Nov. 6 at 6pm, cathedralschoolny.org.

Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC

325 Broadway, Suite 403 347-491-4451 chattychild.com; info@chattychild.com If you would like to schedule a personalized tour by appointment to learn more about our SP/OT/PT services and our integrative therapeutic arts program: InterAct, call 347-491-4451.

China Institute

40 Rector St., 2nd floor 212-744-8181 x110 chinainstitute.org; emarks@chinainstitute.org Join us for an open house Thursday, Nov. 21, 6:30-8:30pm (parents only), or Saturday, Dec. 14, 11am-1pm (families).

Dwight School

291 Central Park West 212-724-6360 dwight.edu/admissions; admissions@dwight.edu Attend a Dwight School open house; Preschool Nov. 6 and 20, at 9am, Lower School Nov. 6 and 19, at 8:30am, and Middle and Upper Schools Nov. 21, at 5:30pm.

The École

111 E. 22nd St. 646-582-9941 theecole.org; bonjour@theecole.org Open houses at The École give prospective parents the opportunity to meet faculty and current parents, and tour our facilities. Join us for coffee and croissants on Nov. 20.

Gillen Brewer School

Julian Parham Santana, director of admissions 410 E. 92nd St. 212-831-3667 gillenbrewer.com/admissions/open-houses; julian@gillenbrewer.com Visit our 12-month, academic-therapeutic program for ages 2.8-10. Open houses on Nov.7, Dec. 5, Jan. 9, Feb. 6, March 5, April 2, May 7 at 9am.

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International Academy of New York

Shelley Borror Jackson, head of school 4 E. 90th St. 212-641-0260 ianyc.org; info@ianyc.org Learn more at an open house this fall: Nov. 6 at 6pm, Nov. 21 at 9am, Dec. 4 at 6pm, or Dec. 18 at 9am. Registration required at admissions@ianyc.org.

The Montessori School of New York International 347 E. 55th St., Sutton Place 212-223-4630 montessorischoolny.com Please call to set a time to visit our school.

Pusteblume International Preschool

244 W. 14th St. 212-206-1137 pusteblumenyc.org; info@pusteblumenyc.org Our beautifully appointed, light-filled school features a large playroom which allows children to move freely even when the weather does not play nice. Join us for open houses Nov. 5 and 18.

The Montess ori School of New York Internationa l

Zeta Charter Schools

Wisdom through Knowledge

Zeta Bronx 1 Elementary 222 Alexander Ave., Bronx 929-458-3000 Zeta Inwood 1 Elementary Inwood/Washington Heights 652 W.187th St. 929-447-5282 zetaschools.org Zeta Schools welcomes you to register for visits on Dec. 10 and 16. Learn about our whole-child approach while touring one of our two locations. Two additional locations opening in 2020.

Apply now for January 2020 admission

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

DOCTORS & MEDICAL PROVIDERS JUDY GOLDSTEIN M.D.

Judy Goldstein, M.D. is a boardcertified pediatrician with extensive experience in pediatrics. Dr. Goldstein is featured as a Top Female Doctor of 2019 in Castle Connelly as part of New York Magazine. Regular visits are 45 minutes and are highly personalized. Being invested in the furthering of pediatrics and her community, she has students from Drexel University shadow her and is an honorary police surgeon for the NYPD. She provides complimentary pre-natal consults and makes house calls. She offers annual well visits, sick visits, and flu shots. Credentialed for all common insurances. Saving money on

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Professional 635 Madison Ave., 12th floor 646-727-7373 drjudygoldstein.com; judy@drjudygoldstein.com Dr. Judy Goldstein is a 68-time award-winning, board-certified pediatrician whose focus is “Pediatrics Made Personal.” Following the principles of the American Academy of Pediatrics, she performs mandatory vaccinations, regular checkups (school/camp), and sick visits.

FINANCIAL PLANNING & INSURANCE AFFINITY HEALTH PLAN

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.

LEGAL SERVICES ANDREW COHEN, ESQ., LAW OFFICES OF ANDREW M. COHEN

250 W. 57th St., Suite 1216 212-244-0595 1100 Franklin Ave., Suite 305, Garden City 516-877-0595 amcohenlaw.com; ac@amcohenlaw.com The Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen provide personalized, high quality special needs estate planning and special education legal services at a reasonable cost. It also conducts free workshops on several topics for agencies, schools, and parent groups.

THE LAW OFFICES OF DEBORAH S. BALL 488 Madison Ave., Suite 1120 212-223-4100 118-35 Queens Blvd., Suite 1220, Forest Hills 718-520-7754 ballnyelderlaw.com With more than 25 years of experience The Law Offices of Deborah S. Ball focuses on elder law issues, matters affecting the developmentally disabled of all ages, and trust and estate planning options including will preparation and estate administration.

VISHNICK MCGOVERN MILIZIO LLP

570 Lexington Ave., Suite 1600 212-759-3500 3000 Marcus Ave., Suite 1E9, Lake Success, NY 516-437-4385 255 Monmouth Road, 2nd floor, Oakhurst, NJ 732-531-8900 vmmlegal.com For 50 years, the law firm of Vishnick McGovern Milizio has helped private and business clients ensure their well-being, plan for their future, and protect their interests..

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THERAPY & COUNSELORS CREADDIVE SOLUTIONS

Andrea Elrom, certified ADHD and Executive Function coach 201-240-0921 creaddivesolutions.com elrom.andrea@gmail.com ADHD/Executive Function coach, offering extensive knowledge on parenting challenging behaviors through workshops, individual and group sessions. Through her Calm and Connected@ workshop series learn to improve the overall dynamics of family life.

TUTORS & TEST PREP EYE LEVEL MANHATTAN

437 E. 12th St., East Village 212-260-8020 eastvillage@myeyelevel.com 104 Reade St., Tribeca 212-346-PREP (7737) info@rsprep.com 307 E. 84th St., Upper East Side 212-737-3344 uppereastside@myeyelevel.com eyelevelny.com Eye Level offers math and English programs for ages 3-14. Whether the immediate goal is for early learning, remedial education, or academic education, Eye Level is the answer.

SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS NYC

333 E. 79th St. 646-634-9420 successfulstudentsnyc.com Your child’s academic success is our highest priority! Comprehensive tutoring services for students of all ages and grade levels. With our experience and personalized approach, students are given the tools they need to excel.

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

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Eye Level Learning Centers of Manhattan East Village

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BigAppleParent 45

raising kids voices

Shari Eberts and her family at a recent Hearing Loss Association of America Walk4Hearing

If I Can’t See You, I Can’t Hear You ›› The challenges of being a mother with hearing loss

“ s this the year we can finally get earbuds?” It’s a question my teenagers ask me every year on their birthday, but they already know the answer: No. And they know the reason why. I have an adult-onset genetic hearing loss passed down through my father’s side of the family. Thankfully, my children have healthy hearing so far, but I need them to guard it with a vengeance. If they develop problems with their hearing in adulthood, like I did, I want them to be starting off with as little residual damage as possible—hence, no earbuds. That’s not our first struggle triggered by my hearing issues. When you’re a mom with hearing loss, communication with your children is always a bit difficult. It’s just the nature of the challenge that changes as they grow. When they were infants, I would strain to hear their cries through the baby monitor. At night, with my hearing aids removed, I might sleep through the sound, even with the volume turned up to the max. Luckily, my husband would usually hear them and wake me up when necessary. If he was traveling for work, I slept fitfully, worried my babies might need me, but I wouldn’t hear them. In later years, I trained my children to seek me out at night if a problem arose, so I would be sure to respond. The struggles weren’t all bad. As toddlers, my kids reveled in the game hide-and-seek, probably because they were at such an advantage. I could hear their giggles and squeals, but had a hard

By Shari Eberts

time pinpointing the location of the sounds. When I walked past their hiding place, giggles would erupt, but I wouldn’t know exactly where to look. Circling back, I would hear laughter again. They enjoyed it so much, I made a point to wander back and forth calling, “Where are you?” for several minutes. I knew a limb would eventually poke out from their secret spot, and I would find them. When they started school, communication became even more important, and a few logistical rules were required: Remember to face me when you talk to me; speak slower so I can understand you; don’t cover your mouth with your hands; if I can’t see you, I can’t hear you. I know I sound like a broken record, but what choice do I have? Some days they remember, others they forget. They face me for one sentence but turn away for the next. It causes sadness and irritation on both sides. I wonder why they can’t consistently speak so I can understand them, and they get annoyed that their nagging mom can’t hear them. There are some tough moments, especially when they wave their hands at me in frustration and say, “Never mind.” That really brings me to a boil. The good news is, children can be very accepting. One day I asked my children if it bothered them to have a mom with hearing loss. They looked at me like they didn’t understand the question. It is all they have ever known.

Shari Eberts is a hearing health advocate, writer, and the founder of livingwithhearingloss.com, a blog and online community for people living with hearing loss and tinnitus. She serves on the board of trustees of Hearing Loss Association of America. Connect with Eberts on Facebook @livingwithhearingloss and Twitter @sharieberts.

November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Capturing life at its best

family photo shoots senior portraits mitzvahs sweet sixteens milestone birthdays and more!

BigAppleParent 47

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