BigApple igApple Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM DECEMBER 2018
Happy Holidays! • Sticking
to Your Gift-Giving Budget
• Elf
on the Shelf: Yay or Nay? • Kid-Safe Decorating
World-Aware Teens Raise kids who’ll change the world
Family Travel Destinations The best all-inclusive, family-friendly resorts
HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS
BigAppleParent 1
With more than
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BigAppleParent 3
contents table of
Original photo by ›› Big Apple Portraits (bigappleportraits.com) Clothing provided by Land’s End (landsend.com)
december 2018
family travel
35
Holiday Joys
38
How to Save Money on Holiday Shopping
40
16 Become a Resort Family
raising kids 6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 My Family Saved Someone’s Life 12 Keeping Your Family Healthy 14 Where Little Ones Learn a New Language (Or Two) 36 The Pros and Cons of Elf on the Shelf 40 How to Raise a World-Aware Teen 42 Party Cental 43 Professional Services 43 Open Houses 45 Advertisers’ Index 45 Party Planner 46 Parenting Humor
Find something to help your family beat that winter chill!
These tips will help you stick to your budget while snagging real bargains.
How to Raise a World-Aware Teen
Your child’s now old enough to grasp global issues—and to change the planet for the better, too.
things to do
family life
11 Glitter Gifts
18 13 Ways to Stay Safe This Holiday Season
20 Family Fun a Ride Away
38 How to Save Money on Holiday Shopping
21 Family Activities Calendar 35 Holiday Joys
NYMetroParents
Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› 18 Kid-Safe Decorating 36 Elf on the Shelf: Yay or Nay? 38 Sticking to Your Gift-Giving Budget 40 World-Aware Teens facebook.com/nymetroparents
@NYMetroParents Visit NYMETROPARENTS.COM for family activities updated daily and more than 2,000 parenting articles!
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BigAppleParent 5
raising kids editor’s note
DECEMBER 2018 • Vol.33 • No.11
NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com
EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Katelin Walling ASSISTANT EDITORS: Anja Webb, Melissa Wickes DIRECTOR OF CONTENT: Deborah Skolnik
Season’s Readings!
I
absolutely adore this time of year, don’t you? The days may be short, but they’re jampacked full of joyful doings. Whether you’re shopping for presents for loved ones, admiring the twinkling holiday lights, or cooking up special treats, there’s a cozy feel to it all. And the only thing more delightful than savoring the season’s many pleasures is experiencing them from your child’s wide-eyed perspective. Of course, in all the excitement we want to make sure you and your kids steer clear of hazards—that’s why we urge you to read Lambeth Hochwald’s feature “13 Ways to Stay Safe This Holiday Season” on p. 18. Don’t light a candle, buy a festive new plant, or set out special décor before reading what the experts have to say. Speaking of experts, we also have the pros’ best tips for getting discounts on all those gifts you’re buying. Turn to p. 38 for “How to Save Money on Holiday Shopping” by Denise Porretto, which offers brilliant strategies for bargain-hunting, both online and at brick-and-mortar stores. You’ll wonder how you ever did without these easy ways to earn cash back on purchases, snag hot products at low prices, and more. Meanwhile, what would Christmas be without a few traditions? This issue, we take a closer look at a somewhat controversial one: Elf on the Shelf. He’s meant to watch over your young kids and report back to Santa about whether they belong on the ‘nice’ or ‘naughty’ list, but does that make him sweet, or a spy? In Anja Webb’s “The Pros and Cons of Elf on the Shelf” on p. 36, real parents, plus others who grew up with the steely-eyed sprite, offer advice on how to deploy your elf so he’s fun for little ones. Yet the holiday season isn’t only for small children, which is why those of you with older kids will appreciate Allison Ingrum’s story, “Raise a World-Aware Teen” on p. 40. These days more than ever, it’s important for our youth to know what’s happening around the globe—and help change our planet for the better. After the holidays wrap—or even before—you may just have had your fill of blustery weather and busy days. Who could blame you if you just want to get away from it all for a while? Not us! That’s what makes our travel story “Become a Resort Family” on p. 16 so timely. We’ve rounded up our picks of family-friendly all-inclusive resorts and destinations, blessed spots where all you have to do is relax. Even if you can’t book a getaway this minute, it’s a great read for fantasizing. On that subject, here’s wishing you and yours the holiday of your dreams! Deborah Skolnik Director of Content
REGIONAL EDITORS: Karen Demeter (Suffolk); Whitney C. Harris (Westchester); Shara Levine (Rockland); Karen Lo (Brooklyn, Manhattan); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke EDITORIAL INTERN: Megan Vasquez
ADVERTISING SALES
Big Apple Parent 212-315-0800 Jeunesse Jackson, Manager EJ Morales-Gomez Queens Parent 718-878-4860 Annene Guertin, Manager Westchester Parent 914-397-0200 Nini DeLuca, Manager Merrill Sugarman Brooklyn Parent 718-878-4860 Phyllis Crupi, Selene Rodriguez Rockland Parent 845-848-8021 Cara Roteman, Jim Russo Long Island Parent, Nassau 516-883-4543 Joan Bergman, Manager Lisa Herlihy Long Island Parent, Suffolk 631-472-5437 Karen Shapiro, Gayle Sherman To Advertise: nympads@davlermedia.com To Submit Events: nymetroparents.com/submitevents To Submit News: nymetroparents.com/submitnews
STATEN ISLAND PARENT
EDITOR/PUBLISHER: Roselle Farina-Hecht 718-494-1932
MOMMYBITES
MANAGING DIRECTOR: Amy Lazar-Pollack 516-851-7004
OPERATIONS
DIR. OF OPERATIONS -- EVENTS: Rebecca Stolcz DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Ray Winn OPERATIONS COORDINATORS: Elvins Cruz, Leonard Porter DIRECTOR OF TRAFFIC: Heather Gambaro ADMINISTRATION MANAGER: Erin Jordan
PRODUCTION
DIRECTOR|PUBLISHING MANAGEMENT: Anthony Diaz
Keep in Touch: @nymetroparents nymetroparents.com editor@nymetroparents.com
MARKETING
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Tell Us How You Give Back! In this season of showing gratitude and giving, we want hear how you help those who are less fortunate. Does your family volunteer on a regular basis? Do your kids raise money for a charity? Does your business give back to the community? Share your story of giving back with us, and we’ll share it with our readers on NYMetroParents. com. We’ll help you to raise the visibility of your cause and let others know how they can get involved. Sharing your story couldn’t be easier: Simply fill out the form at nymetroparents.com/submitnews. We look forward to hearing from you!
MARKETING DIRECTOR: Ryan Christopher ASSISTANT MARKETING MANGER: Kristine Pulaski
FINANCE
CONTROLLER: David Friedman CREDIT MANAGER: Elizabeth Teagarden CREDIT ASSISTANT: Rosa Meinhofer
Davler Media Group davlermedia.com
CEO: David L. Miller GENERAL MANAGER: Thomas K. Hanlon 213 W. 35th St., Suite 12W, New York, NY 10001 Phone: 212-315-0800; Fax: 212-271-2239
BIG APPLE PARENT, QUEENS PARENT, WESTCHESTER PARENT BROOKLYN PARENT, ROCKLAND PARENT, BERGEN • ROCKLAND PARENT, STATEN ISLAND PARENT, and LONG ISLAND PARENT are published monthly by Davler Media Group, LLC Copyright © 2017, Davler Media Group, LLC No part of contents may be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher. Subscription rates per year, per publication: $39
THE BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF NEW YORK www.bisͲny.org 212 Ͳ 481 Ͳ2700/ 23rd St & East River More than a school, it’s an education.
JOIN US FOR A PRIVATE TOUR Call us or email on admissions@bisͲny.org Nursery 3’s Ͳ Upper School
NORY STEM
“A summer that stays with you after years.”
Welcome to the innovator’s playground powered by NYC’s premier camp providers. If you have a 3-12 year-old who is creative and loves to ask why, join us for an awe-inspiring summer. nory.co/summer | matt@nory.co | 914 557 8694 (Early Bird Discount Until 1/15) Low camper-instructor ratio with inspiring educators
State-of-the-art facilities throughout Manhattan
BigAppleParent 7
raising kids new places, new programs
Courtesy Turtle Bay Mus
Who: Turtle Bay Music School What’s New: The preschool, which is scheduled to open September 2019. Children ages 2-5 can attend the school, which will use music as a central tool for exploration and support as students are prepared for kindergarten. Every class will have a daily visit from one of Turtle Bay’s music specialists. The lessons will include instruction in movement, percussion, vocal development, and world music. Class sizes will be kept small, with no more than 12 children per class. Turtle Bay Music School also offers free concerts and events, private lessons, group classes, and the Saturday Music Project, a music education program offered to students across the city who have limited access to music instruction. Want More Info: 330 E. 38th St., Murray Hill; tbms.org; 212-753-8811
ic School
Music School in Murray Hill to Open Preschool
At Turtle Bay Music Sch ool, music helps suppor t other aspects of the curriculum, incl uding activities that foc us on math and pre-literacy skills.
Who: Circus Glow What’s New: The show, which is scheduled to begin Dec. 21 in Brooklyn and will move to Queens Dec. 28. Circus Glow is a new style of circus featuring seven acts, including aerialists, contortionists, and LED robots. The performers are committed to providing children and families an illuminated experience fused with art and entertainment at the highest level of excitement. All acts are performed completely in the dark and are illuminated by LED lights or glow-in-the-dark costumes. Illuminations vary depending on the style of act. The show is all people with no animals or fire. Circus Glow will perform eight shows over four days in Brooklyn before moving to Queens with a similar schedule. Want More Info: PAC Dome, 1500 Paegadat Ave. N., Canarsie, Brooklyn; AMUZARA, 91-12 144th Place, Jamaica, Queens; 718-230-0891; circusglow.com
Courtesy Circus Glow
Glow-in-the-Dark Circus Comes to Brooklyn and Queens
“Circus Glow is the next generation of family fun entertainment in the circus industry, combining new school traditions with an old school twist,” says Jewell Flint, project manager of Circus Glow.
Who: Clowns.com What’s New: STEM-themed birthday parties for kids, which are slated to begin January 2019. The science parties will consist of two scientists, Scientist X and Scientist Y (named after the chromosomes). Each scientist will perform demonstrations and lead hands-on experiments with the partygoers. The experiments can be anything from making slime to learning about magnetic fields, with each activity tailored to the party attendee’s age group. Comedy is a key aspect of the party performance as well. The science party is suitable for all ages, but its recommended for children ages 8-10. “We want to combine entertainment with some real-world learning experiences for kids,” says George Blackstone, owner of Clowns.com. Want More Info: clowns.com; 516-777-0000
8
December 2018 | nymetroparents.com
Courtesy Clowns.com
Birthday Party Provider to Offer STEM-themed Parties
Experiment with slim e and other scientific demonstrations at Clowns.com science parties.
M AGI C OF THE HOLI DA YS F E A T U RI N G A M E R I C A ’ S G O T T A L E N T W I N N E R
SHIN LIM
AND FINALISTS
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 ◆
Ticketmaster.com • 877-250-2929 Marquis Theatre 210 West 46th Street TheI llusionistsLive.com
www.manhattancharterschool.org BigAppleParent 9
Courtesy Jenn Colucci
raising kids voices
My Family Saved Someone’s Life ›› The close call that was the ultimate teachable moment for my kids. By Jenn Colucci, as told to Deborah Skolnik
H
ave you ever had an ordinary day suddenly turn extraordinary? That’s what happened to us in late July. My husband Vinnie had come home early from work, and we’d gone to an afternoon movie at the Galleria Mall in Poughkeepsie with our four kids. As we left the theater around 4:30pm, I noticed a black BMW near our car in the parking lot. We got in our car and I pulled out of our parking spot. That’s when I saw the BMW’s driver: He was lying on his back across the center console, and his feet were sticking out the driver’s-side door. The car was running and the radio was blasting. “Something is wrong with this guy,” I said. Vinnie thought the man was just sleeping, but I urged him to check. Vinnie got out of the car and tapped the guy’s foot, saying “Hey buddy, hey bro.” There was no response. My husband looked at me. “Call nine-one-one,” he said. The emergency operator told us to pull the man out of the car and lay him on the ground. Vinnie got a couple of passersby to help him while I stayed on the phone with the operator. I pulled our car up so my kids couldn’t see what was happening, but I looked on. The driver—he was a young man—was taking breaths every 30 seconds, if that. He was pale, white, and sweaty, and his lips were blue-purple. The police showed up first. Immediately, they concluded the man was suffering from a drug overdose. They administered Narcan—a substance designed to counteract opioid overdose— through his nose, which did nothing. Paramedics arrived shortly thereafter and administered more Narcan through an IV. Immediately, miraculously, it brought the guy back to life. I heard him say he’d used two bags of heroin. He bounced back so much he wanted to go home, but of course
Jenn and Vinnie Colucci with their children
the paramedics insisted he go to the hospital for observation. As I sat there watching it all unfold, stunned, one of the police officers came up to me. “This man was dead,” he told me. “You literally just saved his life by calling nine-one-one.” The young man, now sitting up on a stretcher, looked at the police officer and said, “Thanks.” “Don’t thank me,” the officer replied. “You can thank these two over here. They’re the ones that called.” On the way home, my 8-year-old daughter asked me, “Mom, did that man have a heart attack?” I looked at my husband and said, “I’m just going to tell them.” “That man was dying because he did very bad drugs,” I explained. We talked about how dangerous illegal drugs are, and why you should never use them. My husband and I turned it into a teaching moment—not only about drugs, but also about how if you see someone in trouble, you should call for help and not just walk by, as I’m sure a lot of people might have done. The movie we’d seen was The Incredibles 2, and my son said, “Mommy, you and Daddy are just like Mr. and Mrs. Incredible!” It’s true I did feel inspired by what we’d done—but I was also sad for what we’d seen. I’m sure this experience will stay with my three older kids, who are 12, 8, and 6, for the rest of their lives. My 4-year-old probably won’t remember, but I’m hoping she’ll learn from her older siblings. I’m also hoping people start realizing how big the opioid addiction crisis is. Most of all, I’m hoping the young man we saved stays safe. What happens if he needs saving again—will anyone be there to rescue him the next time? Because the mother in me knows: He’s someone’s child.
Jenn Colucci is a mother of four and the content coordinator for the upcoming Living Lagrange magazine, as well as the receiver of taxes for the Town of Beekman.
10
December 2018 | nymetroparents.com
diy corner
Colleen Cunningham
things to do
Glitter Gifts!
Flipping into Fall @ USC Gymnastics! SIGN UP for a Fun-tastic Gymnastics Class! Weekend & Weekday Classes Available! Boys & Girls Ages 2-17yrs!
CALL NOW TO REGISTER!
Add a little sparkle to your holiday season with these crafty gift ideas, perfect for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or just because! Create a cozy mug with some added flair to enjoy a nice cup of hot cocoa, an abstract art canvas to unleash your inner Picasso, or a shining ornament to make your tree stand out. No matter what your occasion for gift giving, make it extra special with something handmade… and glittery! These crafts, excerpted from “Glitter!” by Adams Media, are sure to make your holiday season one to remember!
Ornament
USC Gymnastics & Baseball Training Facility
Give the gift of glitter this season with glitter ornaments!
636 S. Broadway, Yonkers NY 10705 Tel.914-965-2619 Fax. 914-476-2050 www.uscgymnasticsandbaseball.com
All you need is: Glass bulb ornaments
Piece of paper
Floor finish
Fine glitter
Now... 1. Remove metal ornament caps and pour a tablespoon of floor finish into each bulb. 2. Use paper to funnel glitter into bulbs, then swirl the bulbs around to coat the inside of the ornament with the glitter mixture. 3. Pour out excess mixture and let bulbs dry for 10 minutes before replacing metal caps. Tie off each ornament with a sparkly bow and share the shimmer with friends and family this year.
Follow us on
USCGymnastics.Baseball
FREE Research Treatment Study for Children Does your 6-11 year-old child: Have a hard time sitting still? Have difficulty paying attention? Have trouble listening and following directions? Frequently get into arguments with adults?
Glittery Mug
Make a (dishwasher safe) glitter-dipped mug with easy-to-find items!
Have difficulty complying with requests or obeying rules?
You’ll need:
Dishwasher safe Mod Podge
Or, often blame others for his/her misbehavior and mistakes?
Masking tape
Paintbrush
Glass or porcelain mug
Glitter
Now… 1. Tape off your mug and use paintbrush to apply Mod Podge below the tapeline. 2. Now go glitter-crazy! 3. Peel off tape and let dry for 4-8 hours. 4. Use paintbrush to dab a coat of Mod Podge over the glitter. Let sit for 28 days before washing. Excerpted from “Glitter!” by Adams Media. Copyright © 2018 Adams Media, a division of Simon and Schuster. Used by permission of the publisher. All rights reserved. Interior design by Colleen Cunningham.
Often feel angry, irritable, and/or resentful?
This free treatment research study is evaluating whether a weekly mindful parenting group and individual behavioral parent training program will improve parent-child relationship, family functioning, and symptoms of disruptive behavioral disorders (such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Conduct Disorder). Parent(s) and child must be fluent in English, parent(s) must be able to commit to attending a weekly parent group for 7 weeks followed by weekly individual sessions for 8-12 weeks, and the child must present with impairing disruptive behavioral problems.
If you are interested, contact the FACES Lab (Families and Children Experiencing Success) Call: 212-992-7699 Email: faceslab@nyu.edu
BigAppleParent 11
raising kids in the know
Keeping Your Family Healthy ›› By Melissa Wickes
E
very parent dreads cold and flu season. Kids are still building their immune systems, so it’s normal for them to get sick frequently. “I have parents tell me that they can remember more days when their kid had a runny nose than days when they didn’t,” says Aimée Kahn, M.D., M.P.H., pediatrician at Crystal Run Healthcare in Nyack. This year, get ahead of the cold and flu game by taking these precautions, as suggested by Dr. Kahn. Wash your hands. It’s one of the most important things anyone can do to prevent spreading infection. Teach your children to wash before eating, after playtime, and after using the bathroom, Dr. Kahn suggests. Properly washing your hands means wetting, cleaning with soap for 10-15 seconds, and rinsing completely. Get your flu vaccinations. It’s the best way to protect yourself and your children. A record 183 pediatric deaths were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during the 2017-2018 season. Nearly 80 percent of those deaths occurred in kids who did not receive a flu vaccine, according to the CDC. Many parents are concerned their child can contract the flu from the vaccine, but it’s “not a live vaccine, so if you are feeling under the weather after receiving the vaccine, it is simply your body’s autoimmune response... In fact, it is nothing compared to the actual flu,” Dr. Kahn says. Maintain a healthy diet. Your child should get all the vitamins she needs—something that will happen as long as she’s eating a healthy, nutritious diet. Also, check that your county’s water supply has fluoride in it. If not, you may want to make sure your child is getting the right amount, Dr. Kahn suggests. Don’t let your child share things that go in his mouth. After spending the last few years teaching your child the importance of sharing, flu season is the time to throw those lessons out the window. Well, at least for utensils, pacifiers, cups, and other items that go in your child’s mouth, Dr. Kahn stresses. If your child drops his pacifier, don’t be so quick to give it a swift wipe and pop it back in his mouth. Know when to take your child to the doctor. If he has a high fever that won’t come down with Tylenol or Motrin, you should see the doctor. Once your child is fever-free, wait 24 hours before letting her go back to school. Perhaps most importantly, if your child shows any signs of difficulty breathing, including fast breathing, nasal flaring, and using extra muscles to breathe, you should take her to the doctor immediately, Dr. Kahn says. 12
December 2018 | nymetroparents.com
raising kids child care
Your child’s
amazing summer experience starts on the Hofstra campus! With more than 75 programs for campers in grades K-12 in arts, academics, sports, STEAM, precollegiate and more, there’s something for everyone!
5 Ways to Involve Your Nanny in Holiday Celebrations ›› Courtesy Mommybites.com
H
olidays are an important time for your family and your nanny. Taking the time to think ahead, discuss, and plan properly will help ensure your nanny feels appreciated. Gifts are an important way of acknowledging your nanny over the holidays, but more important is the effort and respect you show in ensuring everyone has the opportunity to comfortably celebrate the holidays. Here are five ways you can involve your nanny in your family’s holiday celebrations.
Learn more at
hofstra.edu/camp or call 516-463-CAMP.
Encourage your kids to talk and ask questions. A nanny’s stories of how she celebrates the holidays will be met with enthusiasm, and the kids will gain from learning about her faith.
5
yrs. of Fun, Frien ds, & Fitness !
Acknowledge each other’s faiths. This provides the opportunity to talk openly about upcoming celebrations and plan in advance. Invite your nanny to participate in your family’s holiday celebrations. Your kids may be thrilled to introduce her to traditional Jewish foods if you celebrate Hanukkah, or perhaps your family has a special Christmas or Kwanzaa tradition your kids want to share. If you prefer that your nanny not be present during your family’s holiday celebrations, the best way to prevent misunderstandings or bruised feelings is to talk about your expectations with her in advance. If there are differences in faith or observance, you and she should identify and discuss what are acceptable traditions to share.
Fo r K id s 9 mos to 12 yrs
Grea t Pe rk s Fo r M em be rs
Create a holiday schedule. It should clearly show when your nanny will and won’t be working. Give her ample opportunity to make her holiday plans, and offer to help her make arrangements if needed. Consider giving her additional paid days off around the holidays, like Christmas Eve, to make sure she doesn’t lose any wages.
Nothing Else Even Comes Close!
Encourage her and the kids to plan their own holiday party. They can enjoy some special time together and exchange gifts. Decisions should be made with your nanny’s input and consent so that everyone feels at ease with the holiday plan.
Gymnastics • Music • Playtime • Summer Camps School Break Camps • Ninja Challenge Jodi’s To Go • Best Birthdays Ever
Mommybites’ mom-generated nanny, babysitter, and nanny-share boards have been some of the most popular child-care resources in New York City since 2006. You can find nannies and babysitters as well as help them get new jobs. Join this community of moms and receive weekly parenting advice at mommybites.com/newyork.
www.jodisgym.com 25 Hubbels Dr. Mt. Kisco • 914.244.8811 244 E. 84th St. NYC • 212.772.7633 BigAppleParent 13
Courtesy Pusteblume International Preschool
raising kids independent school spotlight
Where Little Ones Learn a New Language (Or Two)
Foreign language immersion makes this cozy preschool a great place to nurture global citizens. ›› By Deborah Skolnik
Name of School: Pusteblume International Preschool Grades: Pre-K
Circle time at Pusteblume International Preschool
Size of Student Body: 50-55 students
want anybody not to be able to function in a public or private school that is strictly American language…we want them, of course, to do well in whatever continuing school they choose.”
Educational approach or philosophy: “Our philosophy is basically to have a multicultural environment where German and Spanish serve as catalysts for the development of the children,” says Carola Grundmann, co-founder and marketing director. The school offers immersive classes in both languages and follows the International Baccalureate plan of education. Students, who range between 2-5 years old, become fluent in the language or languages in which they are instructed (some students switch weekly between Spanish and German). Along the way, they have plenty of fun: “We follow an inquiry-based curriculum that fosters a lifelong love for learning,” Grundmann explains. Once a week the school’s educational director, Mindy Guss, visits the classrooms to teach English circle time. That way “she can gauge if the children have everything they need to seamlessly integrate into an American continuing school,” Grundmann says. “When the children are five years old, they age out, and we don’t
What makes the school unique: Pusteblume (its name signifies a white, fuzzy dandelion) is the first and only licensed preschool in the city to offer German and Spanish language immersion. Its distinctive curriculum, which includes activity-based after-school immersion classes for children up to age 12, draws students from throughout New York City. Thanks to its proximity to the 14th Street PATH station, the school also has a contingent of children from the Jersey City and Hoboken, NJ areas. The Parent Council is extraordinarily involved and engaged, Grundmann adds. “They help with a lot of school events and things that pertain to the school community.” A holiday bazaar and market is planned for the first Saturday of December—true to the Pusteblume’s spirit, it will feature a visit from St. Nick along with churros, Spanish-style hot chocolate, and a piñata.
Independent School Spotlight
INCLUSION • DIVERSITY • EXCELLENCE • ACCEPTANCE • LEADERSHIP
The IDEAL Difference
On any given day at The IDEAL School of Manhattan, students may give a presentation on a civil rights leader; participate in a dance workshop with a national troupe; enjoy Riverside Park; program a robot; or visit the Met. IDEAL is New York’s only K-12 independent inclusion school, where we celebrate the tremendous social, emotional, and academic growth born in a diverse and nurturing educational community.
#SchoolCanBeIDEAL
Sign up for a Tuesday Talk and Tour or an Open House to learn more about IDEAL’s rigorous and differentiated program, innovative social justice curriculum, and uniquely inclusive community. LOWER SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE, Grades K-5: Wednesday, April 10, 2019, 9 AM UPPER SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE, Grades 6-12: Wednesday, April 17, 2019, 9 AM IDEAL has mid-year openings in select grade levels for qualified candidates. 14
December 2018 | nymetroparents.com
www.theidealschool.org For further information, contact us at admissions@theidealschool.org or 212-769-1699.
Independent School Spotlight WELCOME
欢迎
BIENVENIDOS
The École, formerly École Internationale de New York, is an intimate and independent French-American school located in New York’s vibrant Flatiron District that cultivates an internationally-minded community of students. From maternelle to middle school, we artfully blend the best of the French and American educational systems, gifting our students with deep academic bi-literacy, whole-child skills and knowledge, and an optimistic, multi-cultural perspective.
Bilingual. Multicultural. Diverse. Giving children the skills, confidence and compassion to contribute and thrive in today’s world.
Open Houses in December & January: Thursday, December 6, 2018 at 6pm Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at 8:15am Thursday, January 24, 2019 at 6pm
Our curriculum fosters outstanding literacy and math skills, nurtures creative expression, and develops fluency in Mandarin Chinese or Spanish.
Pre-Nursery (age 2) - Grade 8. Placement is still available in our Mandarin and Spanish tracks for Pre-Nursery through Grade 4.
SCHEDULE A VISIT www.ianyc.org / 212-641-0260
4 East 90th Street
For more dates or to sign up for an Open House, please visit theEcole.org/admissions/open-houses
111 East 22nd Street New York, NY 10010 646.410.2238 bonjour@theEcole.org www.TheEcole.org BigAppleParent 15
Courtesy Club Med
esorts xury R on Lu lt a y o esy R Court
Guests at Club Med in Punta Cana and Opio en Provence in France can learn Cirque de Soleil skills at CREACTIVE. Inset: Float down the Lazy River at Royalton Bavaro in the Dominican Republic.
Become a Resort Family
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Traveling with the kids can get expensive, so we found the best all-inclusive resorts that are sure to keep everyone happy. By Katelin Walling
B
efore kids, traveling with your partner was relatively easy. Sure, you had to figure out the logistics of getting from point A to destination B, along with where to stay, what to do, and places to eat, but that wasn’t too much of a hassle. Ever since kids entered the picture, though, planning a destination vacation has become a balancing act, one that includes making sure there are plenty of activities the little ones will love, that the restaurants you dine at have food your picky eaters will like, and that the hotel room has enough sleeping space for your brood. Does the thought of coordinating everything make you want to hire a vacation planner? Fear not! For a family vacation everyone will love, consider booking a stay at an all-inclusive resort. While some locations are for adults only, many others are turning their focus to families, offering unlimited activities, kids’ clubs, and dining options that even hardto-please children will love. This list doesn’t include every single all-inclusive resort brand out there; the five chosen here offer unique experiences for families, clubs for kids and teens, and other amenities to ensure everyone in the family has an unforgettable vacation.
Beaches
A sister brand to Sandals, the first Beaches resort opened in 1997 in response to requests from couples who loved Sandals Resorts and wanted a similar experience with their families. Destinations: Beaches has three family-friendly resorts: two are located in Jamaica and one is in Turks & Caicos. Highlights: Each location features a Pirates Island waterpark (Turks & Caicos recently expanded its waterpark offerings) with waterslides, spray areas, waterfalls, zero-entry pools, and more. Plus, Turks & Caicos is the only Beaches resort to offer SurfStream®, a surf simulator. Beaches has an exclusive partnership with Sesame 16
December 2018 | nymetroparents.com
Street, so you’ll frequently spot your favorite characters roaming the grounds for kids to meet, interact with in special themed activities, and see in stage shows and character parades. Tweens and teens can take advantage of the arcade Trench Town and the Xbox Play Lounge. These resorts also offer teens-only dance time at Club Liquid before it transitions to the 21 and older night club. And for teens who want a more meaningful vacation, Beaches offers Island Impact volunteer opportunities in July and August. Kids Clubs: All Beaches resorts have Kids Camp for younger guests, ages newborn to 12, and programs that are just for tweens and teens. And your children will be in good hands: Kids Camp staff and private child care providers are members of the International Nanny Association. In addition, Beaches’ Kids Camps are Certified Autism Centers through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, so staff members are able to cater to children who are on the spectrum. To book: beaches.com
Club Med
With more than 70 locations worldwide in a variety of destinations, you’ll find a resort in the spot of your dreams, whether you prefer tropical weather for beach lounging or snowier climates for all-day skiing. Destinations: In addition to its Sandpiper Bay resort in Florida, Club Med has locations in Mexico; the Caribbean; the Alps in France, Italy, and Switzerland; throughout Europe and the Mediterranean, including Greece, Portugal, and Turkey; across Asia, including Thailand, Maldives, China, Indonesia, Japan, and Malaysia; Brazil; and Africa, including Morocco, Tunisia, and Senegal. Highlights: Kids younger than 4 always stay free, though services for this age range sometimes cost extra. Some locations have a trapeze for high-flying fun, and Punta Cana in the Dominican
Republic and Opio en Provence in France are home to CREACTIVE, a Cirque du Soleil-inspired playscape at which guests can learn acrobatic and artistic skills (including trapeze, high bungee, and trampoline). Cancun Yucatan recently underwent renovations and now offers an expanded Aguamarina, a family area featuring two-bedroom accommodations with a dedicated pool area and stretch of beach only for families staying in this part of the resort. Kids Clubs: Of the many locations worldwide, only a select few are adult-only resorts. Kids’ clubs are available at most locations for ages 4 months to 17 years, including Baby Club Med (ages 4-23 months), Petit Club Med (ages 2-3), Mini Club Med (ages 4-10), Juniors’ Club Med (ages 11-17), and Club Med Passworld (ages 11-17). In addition, Club Med offers Pyjama Club from 7-11pm and babysitting services (both an additional fee) for date nights or those times you wish to have an adults-only excursion. To book: clubmed.us
renovations to become Grand Memories Splash and Grand Memories Punta Cana, both slated to open mid-November. Splash features family-friendly accommodations, including rooms with bunk beds, plus one of the largest on-site waterparks in the Caribbean, with seven slides, a wave pool, splash pads, and spray features. As a neighboring property, Grand Memories Punta Cana has access to Splash’s waterpark. Kids Clubs: Each of the Memories and Grand Memories properties offers a kids’ club for ages 4-12, where kids can socialize, play on the playground, and enjoy games. Plus, all kids’ clubs feature Toopy & Binoo, a cat-and-mouse duo that make interactive appearances and host activities and games, as well as a live show. Grand Memories Splash and Punta Cana, as well as Memories Parasio and Flamenco, are the only locations with a Teens’ Lounge for ages 13-17. In addition, Memories Parisio, Varadero, and Flamenco offer Baby Club for ages newborn to 3. To book: memoriesresorts.com
Dreams Resorts & Spas
Royalton Luxury Resorts
If staying at an environmentally conscious resort is more your speed, Dreams Resorts & Spas has eight locations that are Rainforest Alliance-certified (they follow the alliance’s eight principles of sustainability). Destinations: Dreams has 15 destinations for families throughout Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Panama, and Puerto Rico. Highlights: There’s so much to do at Dreams, the kids will never complain of boredom. Though activities vary at each location, indoor and outdoor offerings include pingpong, volleyball, soccer, archery, painting, ocean trampoline, a scalable iceberg, Pilates and yoga, pool tables, croquet, a giant chess board, tennis, dance lessons, movies, and Euro-Bungee. In addition, water sport activities include water polo, kayaking, snorkeling, catamarans, sailing, and windsurfing. Once a week kids can have a camping adventure on the beach, hosted by the Explorer’s Club at all locations, while parents can enjoy a date night. Kids Clubs: Dreams resorts offer Explorer’s Club for ages 3-12 and various activities just for teens. Properties in the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and Dreams Sands Cancun Resort & Spa offer Core Zone Teens Club for ages 13-17. Private babysitting services are available at participating locations for an additional fee. To book: dreamsresorts.com
Grand Memories and Memories
As their names imply, Grand Memories and Memories resorts aim to help families create lasting memories with natural surroundings, white-sand beaches, and a host of activities for kids. Destinations: Memories and Grand Memories have eight family-friendly resorts located in Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Highlights: Memories Splash Punta Cana closed in August for
Royalton resorts feature All-In Luxury®, where every aspect of your vacation has been carefully designed to meet your needs. And with the optional Diamond Club™ upgrade available at all locations, you can have access to an exclusive beach and pool, along with other amenities, for an unforgettable stay. Destinations: Royalton has seven family-friendly locations in Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Dominican Republic, and Mexico. Plus, Royalton Antigua is slated to open in early 2019. Highlights: Each property features a splash pad for kids, on-site entertainment, and an All-In White Party once a week featuring music, dancing, entertainment, and light shows. For extra water fun, select locations have additional waterpark attractions. Riviera Cancun features Splash Safari, with water slides for all ages, water spray features, and a Crocodile Walk Way challenge in the wading pool; White Sands features a pirate-themed splash park with water sprays and slides of varying heights; and Bavaro is the only property with a Flowrider surf machine. Meanwhile, as a sister resort to Grand Memories, Royalton Punta Cana guests and Diamond Club™ members at Bavaro have access to Grand Memories Splash’s waterpark. In addition, all locations have high-speed Wi-Fi, which makes checking in with each other easy (and prevents teens from going into social media withdrawal). Kids Clubs: All Royalton locations offer Clubhouse Kids Club for ages 4-12 and Hangout Teens Club for ages 13-17. The kids’ club allows young resort guests to have fun with their peers while interacting with the beloved brother-sister bunny duo, Max & Ruby. Meanwhile, the club for teen vacationers features PlayStation gaming consoles, pingpong tables, and scheduled activities across the resort. To book: royaltonresorts.com
MUSEUM & VENUE MARKETPLACE
Children’s Museum of the Arts Enjoy an art-filled celebration with your child and friends! Register Today at CMANY.org or Email birthdays@cmany.org for more information and booking. Hosting a party at home, the patio, the park, or another space? We will design a private workshop for your party! BigAppleParent 17
family life home
13 Ways to Stay Safe This Holiday Season
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It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but the holidays are also fraught with potential home safety hazards. Read on as we help you keep your entire family safe this season. By Lambeth Hochwald ’
T
is the season to be jolly for sure. But the holidays are also the time of year when things get so hectic that household accidents can easily occur. Whether it’s a Christmas tree that topples over or a bubbling pot of mulled cider that splatters, it’s important to be aware of the biggest potential safety hazards around the house during the holidays, when you may be more focused on stringing lights than the toddler getting tangled in the electrical cord. Here are the 13 most important things you can do to stay safe this holiday season. Practice smart Christmas tree set-up. Once you’ve hauled your tree into your home, make sure to place it in a sturdy, appropriately sized stand. You need to take this crucial step to ensure it doesn’t become a tipping hazard, says Debra Holtzman, a nationally recognized child safety and health expert and the author of The Safe Baby. “To prevent your tree from tipping over, securely anchor it or put a safety gate around it,” she says. In addition, place your tree away from the busiest trafficked areas in your home. “Always place it out of the doorways, exits, and heat sources,” she says. Stay on top of family members’ tree allergies. Some live Christmas trees, including cedars, can cause asthma, allergies, and an itchy skin rash because they can be filled with mold spores and allergens, says Robert Weitz, a certified microbial investigator and founder of RTK Environmental, a mold testing and mold inspec-
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tion company in New York City. In addition, the needles on pine, spruce, and fir trees are a definite choking hazard. How do you know if a family member may be allergic? “Rashes can be a sign of mold allergy or sensitivity,” Weitz says. “Other symptoms can include headaches, fatigue, throat and eye irritations, wheezing, and many respiratory problems including asthma.” If your child suffers from allergies or asthma consider purchasing a fake tree. Be choosy about artificial trees. Many are manufactured in China and made from two items: PVC, a petroleum-based plastic, and lead, used to stabilize PVC. “The lead in the ‘greens’ breaks down into lead dust, which is released into the air, poisoning everyone, but especially children younger than six,” Weitz says. “To protect your children from lead poisoning, be sure to buy a tree that’s made in the USA.” Tip: If you’re going the artificial tree route, also make sure it’s labeled “fire resistant,” Holtzman says. Decorate safely. Only purchase décor that is made of non-combustible or flame-retardant materials, Holtzman advises. “If you have small children, avoid decorations that are sharp, breakable, weighted, or have small movable parts,” she says, “and avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a child to eat them.” Some decorations may contain lead, cadmium (a toxic metal), or other toxic materials that can be harmful to young children, so it’s best to stow all holiday decorations out of reach. Tip: There’s an easy way to iden-
tify objects that are too small for your child. “If the object itself or a detachable part fits through an empty toilet paper roll, it is unsafe and should be kept away from children under the age of three years and from any child who still puts objects in her mouth,” Holtzman says. Assess your plants. There’s nothing like filling your home with cheery seasonal plants such as mistletoe, holly, Christmas rose, and Jerusalem cherry. However, these are all quite poisonous. “Be sure to keep these plants (and all plants) out of the reach of small children,” Holtzman says. Also, while those ubiquitous Christmastime poinsettias were once blamed for a death about a century ago, recent studies indicate they’re not as toxic as was thought at that time, Holtzman says. However, they may cause some gastric irritation and burning in the mouth if the leaves are ingested, so make sure your little ones stay away from them. Important tip: If you suspect your child has ingested a poisonous plant, call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 ASAP. Skip the candles. While they add wonderful atmosphere to a holiday celebration, avoid them, Holtzman says. “Consider using electric or battery-operated flameless candles instead,” she says. If you just can’t quit the candles, keep them on a stable, heat-resistant surface in sight where kids and pets cannot reach them or knock them over. “And always make sure you extinguish them when you leave the room or home or go to sleep, and never use lit candles to decorate the tree,” Holtzman adds. Use caution with electric lights. This means using only lights that have been tested for safety by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories. “And make sure to check outdoor lights for labels showing that the lights have been certified for outdoor use, and only plug them into a ground-fault circuit interrupter-protected receptacle or to a portable GFCI,” Holtzman says. “To be safe always read the manufacturer’s instructions for the maximum number of light strands to connect. Replace any strand [that has] a frayed cord or loose bulb connections.” Practice fireplace safety. Once a year you should hire a professional chimney sweep to prevent build-up and potential fire hazards in your fireplace, Holtzman says. “In addition, be sure to put a safety gate in the doorway to the room with a fireplace or install a hearth gate around the area,” she adds. Never leave your fire unattended. “Extinguish the fire fully before leaving the house or going to bed and allow the ashes to cool before removing them,” she says. Ashes should be disposed of in a tightly covered metal container and placed outdoors, at least 10 feet from the home and any other nearby buildings. “Never empty the ash directly into a trash can,” Holtzman says. “Always douse and saturate the ashes with water.” Take precautions with button batteries. You know those small, shiny batteries that are found in flashing holiday jewelry or holiday decorations? They’re a severe choking hazard. “When swallowed, a coin-sized lithium battery can lodge in the throat of a child,” Holtzman says. “Saliva then triggers an electrical current, causing a chemical reaction that can severely burn the esophagus in as little as two hours. The chemicals in the battery can also cause serious harm to a child if the battery is inserted into the ear or nose.” Your best bet: Corral any item that contains lithium batteries including your remote controls, toys, singing greeting cards, digital thermometers, flameless candles, calculators, key fobs, watches, flashing holiday jewelry, or decorations. “Know which items and devices in your home have button batteries,” Holtzman says. “Children love to pick up gadgets, play with them, and take them apart. Duct tape battery compartments if they do not have a screw to secure them closed, and keep these objects out of the sight and reach of small children.”
Keep alcohol out of reach. That bowl of spiked holiday punch and those cups of leftover drinks (including the ice cubes in them) that may be strewn around the house should be kept out of reach of children at all times. Ditto for the eggnog. “Alcohol affects children more drastically than adults, so even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous,” Holtzman says. “Remove all empty and partially empty cups as soon as possible.” Plan menus around guests’ allergies. The holidays are a wonderful time for friends and family to get together, but a celebration can go seriously awry if any guests have allergies to the foods you are serving or the ones that are being brought to a potluck. Send around a list of foods you plan to serve to your guests before they arrive at your house so you’re sure to keep your visitors safe. Place choking-hazard treats out of reach. For many families, holiday parties are best known for featuring delicious homemade Chex mix and bowls of mixed nuts. “Those are exactly the types of foods you should keep out of the reach of young children,” Holtzman says. “Any firm round foods such as popcorn, nuts, and candy canes should be kept as far away from children as possible because they pose a choking risk.” Create an no-kid zone. If you’re planning to serve food from your stovetop, whether it’s a bowl of chili, stew, or other cold-weather goodies, make your kitchen a no-kid zone, Holtzman says. Consider this a safe way to make sure your cuties don’t get splashed, burned, or injured while you’re cooking. Lambeth Hochwald is a New York City-based journalist covering trends, relationships, and life in New York City.
MUSEUM & VENUE MARKETPLACE
Galli Theater New York Theater For The Whole Family SHOWS • BIRTHDAY PARTIES • CAMPS The Snow Queen: December 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd, 29th & 30th at 2pm
Princess and the Pea December 29th & 30th at 4pm
Brand New Tribeca Location
Galli Theater At GSM 74 Warren Street New York, NY 10007 212-731-0668 galliny@gmail.com gallitheaternyc.com
BigAppleParent 19
things to do
outbound
Family Fun a Ride Away Courtesy Stepping Stones Museum for Children
Courtesy The Maritime Aquarium
In Fairfield County, CT…
The Maritime Aquarium’s 110,000-gallon habitat is home to a variety of sharks.
Stepping Stones Museum for Children’s Energy Lab teaches children about the science of energy.
The Maritime Aquarium
Stepping Stones Museum for Children
The Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum aims to help each child develop curiosity, confidence, and self-worth.
Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum
Located in the heart of Poughkeepsie’s historic waterfront, this children’s museum is the ideal destination for families with young children, who can immerse themselves in early literacy, art, STEM, health, and the community through exhibits such as Imagination Playground, Rivertown, and The Children’s Garden . The newest exhibition, Tell Me a Story, encourages early language and literacy through physical play and storytelling. Visit It: 75 N. Water St., Poughkeepsie; 845-471-0589; mhcm.org
Explore exhibits that were built with input from those who know kids best: parents, educators, experts, and, of course, children! With fun for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and kids ages 7 and older, this museum has something every child will love: The Energy Lab is an exciting way for children to learn about energy, while Express Yourself is focused on social-emotional learning. Visit It: Mathews Park, 303 West Ave., Norwalk, CT; 203-899-0606; steppingstonesmuseum.org
Courtesy Liberty Science Center
Courtesy Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum
Visitors of all ages can appreciate and learn about The Long Island sound and the marine life that inhabits it. The Maritime Aquarium explores the ecosystem of, conservation issues surrounding, and animals living in the Long Island Sound throughout its exhibits. Explore the new jellyfish display, say hello to the aquarium’s two green sea turtles, touch several species of sharks and rays, and much more. Visit It: 10 N. Water St., Norwalk, CT; 203-852-0700; maritimeaquarium.org
and bey ond !
The Doc McStuffins exhibit at Liberty Science Center aims to teach visitors about staying healthy and taking care of yourself.
Liberty Science Center
This learning center is home to a variety of exciting offerings, including 12 exhibition halls, a live animal collection with 110 species, aquariums, a 3-D theater, hurricane- and tornado-force wind simulators, and the Western Hemisphere’s biggest planetarium. Join the hundreds of thousands of students, teachers, and parents that visit each year and experience the tens of thousands of programs the center has to offer. Visit It: 222 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City; 201-200-1000;lsc.org
Ideas When You Need Them:
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Turn the page for details on LIGHT UP! A Chanukah Family Concert Featuring the Pop Ups (No. 2 on our list).
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nymetroparents.com/submitevent UPDATED DAILY AT nymetroparents.com/calendar
EDITOR: WHITNEY C. HARRIS nyccalendar@davlermedia.com
DECEMBER CALENDAR
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Editor’s Hot Tickets
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Mini Musicians
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We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!
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Once Upon a Time
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Crafty Kids
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25
Holiday Fun
Smarty Pants, Special Needs
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Show Time!
33
Fun Fairs & Festivals
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Dance Party, Animal Lovers
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Movers & Shakers, Little Foodies
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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!
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Hanukkah Family Day
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 2, 11am-4pm WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Build a sculptural Hanukkah lamp with funky found objects, dance to the pop-rock tunes of Josh & The Jamtones, and watch a unique Hanukkah story come to life through a drawing performance by Jeff Hopkins. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids will appreciate all the interactive fun, such as collaborating on a giant work of art. WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $18; $8 students; free for children 18 and younger. 212-423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org.
LIGHT IT UP! A Chanukah Family Concert Featuring The Pop Ups
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WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 2, 10:30am WHERE: 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3 and older WHAT: A raucous Hanukkah concert with the Pop Ups, whose live rock and roll puppet show breaks the mold for children’s music. WHY WE LOVE IT: There will be a candle-lighting with classic Maccabee melodies. WANT TO GO? $24; free for children younger than 1. 212-415-5500. 92y.org.
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Nutcracker Highlights in Soho
WHEN: Dec. 7-8, Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 4pm WHERE: Rebecca Kelly Ballet, 579 Broadway, 4B, Soho AGES: 5 and older WHAT: An annual tradition, each 50-minute event features
December 2018 | nymetroparents.com
soloists who will soon appear as guest artists in regional productions of The Nutcracker. WHY WE LOVE IT: The weekend matinee is a family affair, where guests mingle afterward with the artists and share refreshments, including the traditional Tray of Sweets. WANT TO GO? $40-$45; $15 students; free for children ages 4-7. 212431-8489. rebeccakellyballet.org.
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Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 9, 11:30am WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-8, adult WHAT: Kindie rockers Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights celebrate the last day of Hanukkah with playful twists on holiday favorites as well as original tunes for the day and songs from Brooklyn Baby, Good Egg, and Meshugana. WHY WE LOVE IT: The group’s unique style draws from pop rock, country music, and gospel. WANT TO GO? $14-$18. 212-423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org.
Broadway Under the Stars FREE
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WHEN: Through Dec. 10: Mondays, 5pm WHERE: The Shops at Columbus Circle, 10 Columbus Circle, Upper West Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Select cast from Dear Evan Hansen and The Prom (Dec. 3) and Mean Girls and Wicked (Dec. 10) will perform on the second-floor mezzanine, with the final performance of the Broadway series against the backdrop of the famous twelve massive stars. WHY WE LOVE IT: A chance to catch 20 minutes of popular Broadway shows! WANT TO GO? 212-823-6300. theshopsatcolumbuscircle.com.
Kwanzaa 2018
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WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 29, 12-5pm WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West and 79th Street, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: A celebration of African-American heritage that is rooted in seven principles known as Nguzo Saba, which promote unity, culture, and community development. Black Comics Collective will host a live drawing performance and Oyu Oro Collective will perform music and dance from Afro-Cuban traditions. WHY WE LOVE IT: The festival features a local artisan marketplace too! WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $23; $18 seniors and students; $13 children ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2. 212-769-5100. amnh.org.
27th Annual Holiday Train Show
WHEN: Through Jan. 21, 2019: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am6pm WHERE: The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Featuring model trains, trolleys, and ferries, this annual show highlights NYC landmarks using natural materials. WHY WE LOVE IT: For the first time ever, this year’s display will feature two vintage ferry boats! WANT TO GO? $23; $10 children ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2. 718-817-8700. nybg.org.
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Harry Potter: A History of Magic
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WHEN: Through Jan. 27, 2019: Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday, 10am-6pm; Friday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: The exhibition features rare books, manuscripts, and magical objects from museums, as well as original material from J.K. Rowling. WHY WE LOVE IT: NYHS will also host several Harry Potter-related events, including trivia, Hogwarts House Badge decorating, and more! WANT TO GO? $21; $16 teachers and seniors; $13 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children 4 and younger. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.
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Big Apple Circus
WHEN: Through Jan. 27, 2019: See website for schedule WHERE: Lincoln Center, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: See horizontal juggling, an award-winning aerial duo, the quadruple somersault on the flying trapeze, clowns, acrobats, and much more. WHY WE LOVE IT: Clowning around is serious business at this landmark city circus, now in its 41st year. WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 212-257-2330. bigapplecircus.com.
Mickey: The True Original Exhibition
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. Chanukah Celebration FREE
WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 4, 3:15-4pm WHERE: Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave., Upper West Side AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Together with the community, explore the festival of lights through songs, art, and sensory play. WANT TO GO? 646-505-5708. jccmanhattan.org.
The Playroom from Fatherly FREE
WHEN: Dec. 6-9, Thursday, 10am-6pm; Friday-Saturday, 10am-7pm; Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: 140 W. Broadway, Tribeca AGES: All WHAT: The Playroom features a schedule filled with musical performances, storytime, and arts and crafts. On Sunday, stop by for a free picture with Santa! WANT TO GO? fatherly.com/the-playroom-from-fatherly.
Saturday Morning Show FREE
WHEN: Through Dec. 15: Saturdays, 10am-12pm WHERE: Brookfield Place, 230 Vesey St., Battery Park City AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Family-friendly performances include interactive sing-alongs, children’s book readings, and crafts. WANT TO GO? 212-978-1698. brookfieldplaceny.com.
New York City’s Oldest Christmas Tradition FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 16, 3pm WHERE: The Church of the Intercession, 550 W. 155th St., Sugar Hill AGES: All WHAT: A performance of holiday music, followed by a candlelight reading of Clement Clarke Moore’s Twas the Night Before Christmas, and a lantern procession and wreath-lay ceremony at Clement Moore’s mausoleum at Trinity Church. WANT TO GO? 212-289-7779. ypc.org.
Santaland FREE
WHEN: Through Dec. 24: daily, see website for store hours WHERE: Macy’s, 151 W. 34th St., 8th Floor, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Every holiday season, visitors from around the world gather at the 13,000-square-foot Christmas village for a special visit with Santa Claus. WANT TO GO? 212-494-4495. macys.com/santaland. ››
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WHEN: Through Feb. 10, 2019: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-8pm WHERE: 60 Tenth Ave., Chelsea AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate 90 years of Mickey Mouse’s influence on art and pop culture. WHY WE LOVE IT: This exhibition features artwork and highlights Mickey’s contributions to fashion, commerce, and media. WANT TO GO? $38; free for children 3 and younger. partners.disney.com. BigAppleParent 23
Family Fun: Warhol the Experimenter!
CRAFTY KIDS Nordic Christmas Children’s Workshop
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 1, 1-3pm WHERE: Scandinavia House, 58 Park Ave., Murray Hill AGES: 5-10 WHAT: Children and their parents or caretakers can experience how Scandinavians prepare for Christmas by making traditional holiday crafts. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $15. 212-779-3587. scandinaviahouse.org.
Family Day: Skyscrapers
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 1, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm WHERE: Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place, Greenwich Village AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Take inspiration from the exhibition Paul Rudolph: The Hong Kong Journey to look at some historical skyscraper designs. Families will then design and build their own model skyscraper. WANT TO GO? $6; $12 children. 212-358-6133. centerforarchitecture.org.
Family Tour and Studio Workshop: Hilma af Klint
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 2, 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 7 and older WHAT: Inspired by the paintings of Hilma af Klint, families will create unique and colorful abstract art and experiment with color mixing to build their own palettes. WANT TO GO? $40 per family. 212-423-3500. guggenheim.org.
Artslab with Nirvana Santos
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 14, 4-6pm WHERE: The Museum of Arts and Design, 2 Columbus Circle, Columbus Circle AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Join artist Nirvana Santos for an introduction to life casting. Participants will work in pairs to make a mold of their own hands using the nontoxic alginate method. WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $16; $14 seniors; $12 students; free for children 18 and younger. 212-299-7777. madmuseum.org.
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December 2018 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 15, 2:30-4:30pm WHERE: Whitney Museum of American Art, 99 Gansevoort St., Meatpacking District AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Visit the Andy Worhol exhibition then create your own experimental artwork in the studio. WANT TO GO? $10 per child; adults are free with museum admission: $25; $18 seniors; free for children younger than 18. 212-570-7713. whitney.org.
Woodblock Printing
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 16, 2:30-4pm WHERE: Japan Society, 333 E. 47th St., Midtown AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Explore Japanese woodblock printmaking techniques practiced by ukiyo-e masters. Create your own woodblock prints using authentic materials just in time for the holiday card season. WANT TO GO? $15; free for children 2 and younger. 212-832-1155. japansociety.org.
CMA Art Station at Union Square Holiday Market FREE
WHEN: Through Dec. 24: Monday-Friday, 3-6pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11am-6pm WHERE: Union Square Holiday Market, Union Square AGES: All WHAT: CMA Teaching Artists will be leading hands on workshops on weekday afternoons and weekends in the southeast corner of Union Square. WANT TO GO? 212-274-0986. cmany.org.
Archaeology Mondays
WHEN: Monday, Dec. 24, 3-5pm WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Unique in New York City, the Jewish Museum’s simulated archaeological dig highlights replicas from ancient to modern times in a hands-on experience. WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $18; $8 students; free for children 18 and younger. 212-423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org.
Winter Scene Painting
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 27, 11am-2pm WHERE: Museum of The City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave., East Harlem AGES: All WHAT: Use paint and your imagination to create your own wonderful winter artwork. WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $18; $12 seniors and students; free for children 19 and younger. 212-534-1672. mcny.org.
Winter Wonderland: Snow Globes
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 28, 11am-2pm WHERE: Museum of The City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave., East Harlem AGES: All WHAT: Explore images from the museum’s collection and discover some of New York’s iconic buildings. Make your own NYC-inspired snow globe to display what is iconic in your life. WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $18; $12 seniors and students; free for children 19 and younger. 212-534-1672. mcny.org.
HOLIDAY FUN
WHAT: Celebrate Kwanzaa at the museum by making a mkeka to learn about this African-American holiday, and enjoy a special snack. WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $18; $12 seniors and students; free for children 19 and younger. 212-534-1672. mcny.org.
Victorian Christmas
Kwanzaa Unity Cup
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 1, 6:30pm WHERE: Mount Vernon Hotel Museum and Garden, 421 E. 61st St., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Visit the museum first, then sit for a proper holiday portrait with a Victorian Santa. WANT TO GO? $25. 212-838-6878. mvhm.org.
Holiday Card-Making
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 1, 10:30-11:45am WHERE: The Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place, Battery Park City AGES: 3-12 WHAT: After a tour of the Museum and the exhibit SKYLINE, kids will draw a winter wonderland New York skyscraper, creating holiday cards to share with friends and family. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $5. 212-945-6324. skyscraper.org.
Holiday Candlelight Tours
WHEN: Dec. 7-8, Friday-Saturday, 6:15pm and 7:30pm WHERE: Mount Vernon Hotel Museum and Garden, 421 E. 61st St., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Step into the holiday season of 1830 with an intimate and magical tour of the museum by candlelight. Enjoy popular refreshments and confections of the time and classical and holiday music. Reservations required. WANT TO GO? $20; $5 children younger than 12. 212-838-6878. mvhm.org.
Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel!
WHEN: Dec. 8-9, Saturday-Sunday, 11am and 12pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: 6 and older WHAT: Learn about Hanukkah and its traditions as you design your own dreidel while learning the history and rules of the game. WANT TO GO? $14; $11 seniors and visitors with disabilities; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.
MusicTalks: Hanukkah Concert for Families
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 9, 11am WHERE: Center for Jewish History, 15 W. 16th St., Flatiron AGES: All WHAT: Kids can create Hanukkah gelt pouches and explore the Hey, Wow! art exhibition on a special holiday-themed gallery hunt. Then enjoy Hanukkah music from around the world. WANT TO GO? $10-$15; free for children younger than 5. 212-294-8301. cjh.org.
Hanukkah Family Celebration
WHEN: Dec. 26-27, Wednesday-Thursday, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Kwanzaa has seven symbols that represent the values and concepts of African culture and community building. Create a Kikombe cha Umoja (Unity Cup) out of clay as a gift this holiday season. WANT TO GO? $14; $11 seniors and visitors with disabilities; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.
New Year’s Eve Ball Drop & Dance Party
WHEN: Monday, Dec. 31, 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Join for a kid-friendly countdown party to the New Year! WANT TO GO? $14; $11 seniors and visitors with disabilities; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.
Second Annual Winter ONEderland
WHEN: Through Jan. 7, 2019: See website for schedule WHERE: One World Observatory, 285 Fulton St., World Trade Center AGES: All WHAT: The magical journey starts with a snowy ride to the top of One World Trade Center, includes family-friendly displays, festive food and beverage, and visits with Santa. WANT TO GO? $34 and up. 844-696-1776. oneworldobservatory.com.
Origami Holiday Tree
WHEN: Through Jan. 13, 2019: daily, 10am-5:45pm WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West, at 79th Street, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: The theme of this year’s 13-foot tree is Oceans of Origami, with models inspired by the museum’s special exhibition Unseen Oceans. Volunteers will be on hand to teach visitors the art of paper folding. WANT TO GO? $23; $18 seniors and students; $13 children ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2. 212-769-5250. amnh.org.
17th Annual Holiday Train Show FREE
WHEN: Through Feb. 3, 2019: Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: New York Transit Museum Gallery and Store in Grand Central Terminal, Shuttle Passage, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: The model trains featured in this year’s festive exhibit will be set against a backdrop designed by artist Ebony Bolt. WANT TO GO? 877-946-4868. grandcentralterminal.com. ››
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 9, 11am-3pm WHERE: Museum of The City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave., East Harlem AGES: All WHAT: Explore images from the collections to find elements of Jewish culture and learn about the holiday. Enjoy a traditional snack as you create a menorah. WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $18; $12 seniors and students; free for children 19 and younger. 212-534-1672. mcny.org.
Kwanzaa Family Celebration
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 26, 11am-2pm WHERE: Museum of The City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave., East Harlem AGES: All BigAppleParent 25
‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’ & More Magical Stories by Hans Christian Andersen
WHEN: Through Dec. 22: See website for showtimes WHERE: Theatre Row, 410 W. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: A young girl gets swept away into four famous fairy tales: The Princess and the Pea, The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Nightingale, and The Ugly Duckling. WANT TO GO? $29.25 and up; $1 lap seat at the box office for children ages 2 and younger. 212-573-8791. nycchildrenstheater.org.
SHOW TIME!
‘The Velveteen Rabbit’: A New Dance Musical
WHEN: Through Dec. 2: Saturday-Sunday, 1pm WHERE: 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., Manhattan AGES: 3-8 WHAT: A show about a rabbit who comes to life— with an original score WANT TO GO? $18 and up. 212-415-5500. 92y.org.
Galli Theater’s ‘The Three Little Pigs’
WHEN: Through Dec. 2: Saturday-Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Galli Theater New York, 74 Warren St., Tribeca AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Gordy, Perkey, and Snoozy must build houses of their own WANT TO GO? $20; $15 children. 212-731-0668. gallitheaternyc.com.
‘Not My Monster!’
WHEN: Through Dec. 8: Saturdays, 11am and 2pm WHERE: The Flea Theater, 20 Thomas St., Tribeca AGES: 5 and older WHAT: A family is forced to move from their home to a cabin in a swamp, but at least they have their family monster to keep them safe. WANT TO GO? $17. 212-226-0051. theflea.org.
‘Peter & the Wolf’ with Isaac Mizrahi
WHEN: Dec. 1-9, Friday, 6:30pm; Saturday, 1pm, 2:30pm, and 4pm; Sunday, 2:30pm and 4pm WHERE: The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Peter B Lewis Theater, 1071 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Isaac Mizrahi narrates Sergei Prokofiev’s charming children’s classic WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 646-765-4773. guggenheim.org.
‘The Wizard of Oz’
WHEN: Through Dec. 15: select Saturdays, 3pm WHERE: Harlem Rep, Tato Laviera Theatre, 240 E. 123rd St., Harlem AGES: All WHAT: The classic musical with a jazzy underscore WANT TO GO? $10 and up. 212-868-4444. harlemrepertorytheatre.com.
‘The Nutcracker’
WHEN: Dec. 14-16, Friday, 6pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11am, 1pm, and 3:30pm WHERE: Florence Gould Hall, 55 E. 59th St., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: The re-imagined classic bursts with energy and excitement WANT TO GO? $27; $15 children. 212-679-0401. nytb.org.
La MaMa Kids Fall Season
WHEN: Through Dec. 22: Check schedule for details WHERE: La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club, 66 E. 4th St., East Village AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Learn the basics of storytelling and mask and puppet making! WANT TO GO? Workshops $10; performances $15. 212-254-6468. lamama.org. 26
December 2018 | nymetroparents.com
‘The Apple Boys: A Barbershop Quartet Musical’
WHEN: Through Dec. 23: Tuesday-Saturday, 7pm; Saturday-Sunday, 2pm WHERE: HERE Arts Center, 145 Sixth Ave., Soho AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Four actors play more than 40 characters and sing barbershop harmony. WANT TO GO? $15-$45. 212-352-3101. appleboysnyc.com.
‘Very Hungry Caterpillar Show’
WHEN: Dec. 27-29, Thursday, 3pm; Friday, 10am, 1pm, and 3pm; Saturday, 1pm and 3pm WHERE: The Town Hall Times Square, 123 W. 43rd St., Times Square AGES: 3-8, adult WHAT: Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, the critically acclaimed production features 75 lovable puppets, adapting four of Eric Carle’s stories. WANT TO GO? $49 and up. 800-982-2787. hungrycaterpillarshow.com.
FunikiJam’s Holiday Beat
WHEN: Through Dec. 30: See website for exact dates and showtimes WHERE: Actor’s Temple Theatre, 339 W. 47th St., Midtown AGES: 3-12, adult WHAT: Part live concert and part stage show, this is New York City’s only off-Broadway show for kids this season to celebrate every holiday WANT TO GO? $30. 212-947-3499. funikijam.com.
Galli’s: ‘The Snow Queen’
WHEN: Dec. 8-30, Saturday-Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Galli Theater New York, 74 Warren St., Tribeca AGES: 3-12 WHAT: A story of enduring friendship and the journey of a young girl WANT TO GO? $20; $15 children. 212-731-0668. gallitheaternyc.com.
Circus Abyssinia: ‘Ethiopian Dreams’
WHEN: Through Dec. 30: See website for showtimes WHERE: The New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Watch in awe as agile tumblers ricochet around the stage WANT TO GO? $22 and up. 646-223-3010. newvictory.org.
‘Frankenstein’
WHEN: Through Dec. 31: select Mondays, 7pm WHERE: St. Luke’s Theatre, 308 W. 46th St., Midtown AGES: 13 and older WHAT: This musical honors Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. WANT TO GO? $20 and up. 212-246-8140. thefrankensteinmusical.com.
CityParks Foundation Presents ‘Yeti, Set, Snow!’
WHEN: Through Feb. 24, 2019: See website for exact dates and showtimes WHERE: Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in Central Park, West 81st Street and Central Park West, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Yeti, Set, Snow! is the story of a young girl who encounters a yeti named Pascetti on the first snow of the winter season. WANT TO GO? $8-$12. 212-988-9093. cityparksfoundation.org/swedish-cottage-marionette-theatre.
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In Grandma’s Attic Where the world of ballet comes alive with fairytales, original tales, and the great ballet classics with dress-up and make-believe! WINTER REGISTRATION NOW for Ages 2-12 Winter Dance Classes Begin JANUARY 2nd Daytime, After-School, & Weekend Classes Unique All-Boys Program UWS, Midtown West, Washington Hts
2-hour NUTCRACKER Workshops: DECEMBER 4th - 30th for Ages 3-12 Dance class, plus exciting Nutcracker excerpts with costumes & art project! More Workshop info at: ingrandmasattic.com/workshops/. BIRTHDAY PARTIES too! Visit ingrandmasattic.com/parties/ for details.
Deborah Bailay, Director ingrandmasattic.com | P: 212-726-2362, leave a message Email: grandma@ingrandmasattic.com
BigAppleParent 27
Dances Patrelle Presents ‘The Yorkville Nutcracker’
WHEN: Dec. 6-9, Thursday and Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 2pm and 7pm; Sunday, 12pm and 5pm WHERE: The Kaye Playhouse, 695 Park Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3 and older WHAT: The Yorkville Nutcracker provides an opportunity for young dancers to dance alongside professional artists. WANT TO GO? $65. 646-765-4773. dancespatrelle.org.
Brooklyn Irish Dance Company Presents ‘A Celtic Christmas Story’
DANCE PARTY Barnard/Columbia Dances at New York Live Arts
WHEN: Dec. 17-18, Monday-Tuesday, 7pm WHERE: Theatre 80, 80 St. Marks Place, East Village AGES: 3 and older WHAT: A Celtic Christmas Story is the premiere production from Brooklyn Irish Dance Company, a women-owned and -operated business that features performers from companies including Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, and Celtic Fyre. WANT TO GO? $35.50. 631-375-3575. brooklynirishdancecompany.org.
WHEN: Through Dec. 1: Thursday-Friday, 7:30pm; Saturday, 2pm and 7:30pm WHERE: New York Live Arts, 219 W. 19th St., Chelsea AGES: All WHAT: An annual performance featuring choreography by Amy Hall Gardner, David Dorfman, Adrienne Truscott, and modern dance legend Merce Cunningham. WANT TO GO? $25; $20 students. 212-691-6500. newyorklivearts.org.
‘Nut/Cracked’
Twyla Tharp Family Matinee
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo: Your Favorite Men in Tights!
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 1, 2pm WHERE: The Joyce Theater, 175 Eighth Ave., Chelsea AGES: 9 and older WHAT: A rare opportunity to see an acclaimed artist and her innovative style. The Joyce Family Matinee Series makes serious dance seriously fun with welcome packets for all kids and the opportunity to meet a few of the artists after the performance. WANT TO GO? $26 and up; $10 children ages 6-14. 212-691-9740. joyce.org.
New York City Ballet Behind the Magic
WHEN: Dec. 20-22, Thursday-Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 3pm WHERE: The Flea, 20 Thomas St., Tribeca AGES: All WHAT: Set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score as played traditionally, and in versions by Duke Ellington and Glenn Miller, the show’s dance styles range from classical to tap to disco. WANT TO GO? $35-$55. 212-226-0051. thebanggroup.com. WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 22, 3pm WHERE: The Joyce Theater, 175 Eighth Ave., Chelsea AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Another round of brilliant pointe work and hilarious parodying of ballet classics by your favorite men in tights, The Trocks. WANT TO GO? $26 and up; $10 for children ages 5-14 with accompanying adult. 212-242-0800. joyce.org.
‘The Little Dancer: A Holiday Family Musical’
WHEN: Dec. 1-31, see website for schedule WHERE: Theatre 71, 152 W. 71st St., Upper West Side AGES: 6 and older WHAT: The heartwarming story of how a young girl became most famous ballerina in the world. WANT TO GO? $49.50-$59.50. 215-849-1762. thelittledancermusical.org.
WHEN: Monday, Dec. 3, 6:30-7:30pm WHERE: David H. Koch Theater, 20 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: This new onstage program will feature performance excerpts from George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, demonstrations, and the opportunity to hear interviews with the artists who make NYC Ballet’s magical production possible. WANT TO GO? $20. 212-496-0600. nycballet.com.
ANIMAL LOVERS
Open House FREE
Family Breakfast With Animals: Primates
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 6, 11-11:45am WHERE: Ballet Academy East, 1651 Third Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 18 months to 2½ years WHAT: A free, 45-minute open ballet class with staff available to answer questions. RSVP required. WANT TO GO? 212-410-9140. baenyc.com.
Graham 2 Appalachian Spring Holiday Event
WHEN: Dec. 8-9, Saturday, 1pm and 6pm; Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Martha Graham Studio Theater, 55 Bethune St., West Village AGES: All WHAT: For the Saturday family matinee there will be Americana crafts, snacks, and a chance to try some of the moves from the dance and be photographed with the dancers. WANT TO GO? $20-$45. 212-229-9200. marthagraham.org. 28
December 2018 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 1, 9-10am WHERE: Central Park Zoo, East 64th Street and Fifth Avenue, Upper East Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Following a light breakfast and animal-themed activities, children and caregivers will visit exhibits and watch as animals receive their breakfast. WANT TO GO? $25-$30. 800-433-4149. centralparkkzoo.com.
Mozart for Munchkins Presents Our Holiday Musical Wilderness
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 8, 4pm WHERE: The Community Church of New York, 40 E. 35th St., Murray Hill AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Each piece will have an animal reference from Butterflies in Chopin to a barn dance in Barber. Beyond the classics there will be some singalong favorites and some holiday tunes. WANT TO GO? $30; free for children younger than 12. 570-861-6081. mozartformunchkins.com.
Junior Keepers: Primates
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 9, 9-10:30am WHERE: Central Park Zoo, East 64th Street and Fifth Avenue, Upper East Side AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Think you’ve got what it takes to be a zookeeper? Put your skills to the test during this hands-on, interactive program. WANT TO GO? $50-$60. 800-433-4149. centralparkkzoo.com.
Carnival of the Animals
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 15, 1pm and 4pm WHERE: Miller Theatre at Columbia University School of the Arts, 2960 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Audiences will experience magic as everyday objects take on new lives as lions, elephants, and birds. WANT TO GO? $15-$30; $9-$21 students and children. 212-854-7799. millertheatre.com.
4-D Theater
WHEN: Nov. 1 - Dec. 31, 10am-5pm, see website for details WHERE: Central Park Zoo, East 64th Street and Fifth Avenue, Upper East Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: An experience featuring the visual drama of a 3-D film with a variety of built-in sensory effects. WANT TO GO? $7. 800-433-4149. centralparkzoo.com.
The Butterfly Conservatory: Tropical Butterflies Alive in Winter WHEN: Through May 27, 2019: daily, 10am-5:45pm WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: This exhibition features up to 500 live butterflies housed in a vivarium that approximates their natural habitat. WANT TO GO? $28; $22.50 students and seniors; $16.50 children ages 2?12. 212-769-5800. amnh.org. ››
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Camp SAY provides an environment of inclusiveness, builds confidence, communication skills, friendships & community for kids and teens, ages 8-18. Camp SAY is ACA-accredited, and located in the Pocono Mountains, PA.
Education with a heart and soul – and the power to transform.
Maryel School of New York is an independent, bilingual English/Spanish, and co-educational school, educating children from Nursery through Fifth Grade. Located in the heart of Manhattan, Maryel is a harmonious combination of the educational system of the United States and Europe. With a rigorous and challenging education, Maryel incorporates all forms of critical thinking 28 E. 35th St., New York, NY, 10016 and inspires a life-long Mail@maryel.org | 212-213-2097 www.MaryelSchool.org love of learning. Now Accepting Applications For Preschool, Kindergarten, And First Grade For The 2019-2020 School Year. BigAppleParent 29
For the Miracles: A Holiday Celebration
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 9, 3pm WHERE: Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium, Metropolitan Museum, 1000 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Two joyous works: The Flames of Freedom in eight movements, each representing the eight lights of Hanukkah, and Benjamin Britten’s traditional Christmas favorite “A Ceremony of Carols” for chorus and harp. WANT TO GO? $65; $1 children accompanied by an adult. 212-535-7710. metmuseum.org.
45th Annual Merry Tuba Christmas FREE
MINI
MUSICIANS Just Kidding: Lucy Kalantari and the Jazz Cats
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 1, 11am WHERE: Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theatre at Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: A musical morning of upbeat goodness, straight from the bygone jazz era. WANT TO GO? $14-$17. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.
Shine and the Moonbeams FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 1, 11am WHERE: David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center, 61 W. 62nd St., Upper West Side AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: A soulful, groove-heavy R&B musical extravaganza in a rock ‘n’ roll package, capturing the sweetness, uncertainty, and simplicity of youth. WANT TO GO? kids.lincolncenter.org.
Hanukkah Playhouse: A Holiday Musical Revue for Families
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 2, 11am WHERE: Merkin Hall at Kaufman Music Center, 129 W. 67th St., Upper West Side AGES: 3 and older WHAT: The Broadway Playhouse cast takes families on a music- and comedy-filled celebration of Hanukkah, with songs, stories, sing-alongs, and audience participation games. Some children will be invited to the stage to join the performance. WANT TO GO? $20. 212-501-3330. kaufmanmusiccenter.org/mch/event/hanukkah-playhouse1
National Children’s Chorus Winter Showcase
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 6, 7:30pm WHERE: The Church of Saint Paul the Apostle, 405 W. 59th St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: From the Prelude Level featuring children as young as 5 through the Premier Ensemble with young adults as old as 18, the Winter Showcase will demonstrate the extraordinary progression of vocal skills of the NCC. WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 646-308-1744. nationalchildrenschorus.com. 30
December 2018 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 9, 3:30-4:15pm WHERE: The Rink at Rockefeller Center, 49th and 50th streets, between 5th and 6th avenues, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Tubists of all ages will line up under the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and fill the plaza with holiday classics. WANT TO GO? 212-843-8591. rockefellercenter.com.
Holiday Voices FREE
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 12, 7-8pm WHERE: Turtle Bay Music School, 330 E. 38th St., Turtle Bay AGES: All WHAT: Guests will enjoy performances by TBMS choral ensembles and are welcome to add their voice to the sing-along portion of the concert. WANT TO GO? 212-753-8811. tbms.org.
Winter Wonder
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 12, 7pm WHERE: Carnegie Hall, 881 Seventh Ave., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: A spectacular holiday concert featuring the artistry and showmanship of YPC’s spirited young choristers and their special guests, Time for Three. WANT TO GO? $30 and up. 212-247-7800. carnegiehall.org.
Too Hot to Handel: The Gospel Messiah
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 15, 3pm WHERE: United Palace, 4140 Broadway, Washington Heights AGES: 5 and older WHAT: The Washington Heights Chamber Orchestra, together with the United Palace of Cultural Arts, Fort Washington Community Choir, and an all-star roster of guest vocalists, re-imagine the melodies and orchestration of Handel’s famous oratorio. WANT TO GO? $11 and up. 212-568-6700. washingtonheightsorchestra.org.
InterSchool Orchestras of New York’s Winter Concert
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 16, 4pm WHERE: Peter Norton Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: A combination of classical orchestral music, along with holiday favorites such as “Sleigh Ride,” “Waltz of the Flowers,” and “Polar Express.” WANT TO GO? $25; free for children younger than 18. 212-353-9585. symphonyspace.org.
Mozart for Munchkins Presents Calliope Brass
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 16, 3pm WHERE: The Church of The Epiphany, 1393 York Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Children of all ages are welcome to roll, crawl, squeal, and dance to their hearts’ content. Each interactive performance is followed by an instrument petting zoo. WANT TO GO? $30; free for children younger than 12. 570-861-6081. mozartformunchkins.com.
Robert & Clara Schumann! A Gift of Music
WHEN: Dec. 15-16, Saturday, 10am and 11:30am; Sunday, 10am, 11:30am, and 1pm WHERE: Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, 695 Park Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Be transported back to the Romantic Era through a celebration of two composers’ works and incredible stories. WANT TO GO? $16 and up. 212-971-9500. littleorchestra.org.
Broadway Princess Party Holiday Edition
WHEN: Monday, Dec. 17, 7:30pm WHERE: Sony Hall, 235 W. 46th St., Midtown AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Brush off your tiara and unleash your inner princess with Broadway’s original Cinderella, Belle, and Jasmine. Dress in your best royal attire (or cosplay) and you may even win a prize. WANT TO GO? $40 and up. 800-745-3000. sonyhall.com.
Make Music Winter FREE
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 21, see website for schedule WHERE: Throughout New York City AGES: All WHAT: The all-day musical celebration on the winter solstice brings out New Yorkers of all ages and musical ability to sing, play, march, and dance their way across streets, parks, plazas, and other public spaces across the five boroughs. WANT TO GO? 917-779-9709. makemusicny.org/winter.
Paul Winter’s 39th Annual Winter Solstice Celebration
WHEN: Dec. 20-22, Thursday-Friday, 7:30pm; Saturday, 2pm and 7:30pm WHERE: Cathedral of St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Ave., Upper West Side AGES: 9 and older WHAT: A dazzling extravaganza of music, dance, and spectacle within the awesome space and acoustics of the world’s largest cathedral. WANT TO GO? $38 and up. 866-811-4111. solsticeconcert.com. wintersolstice.
ONCE UPON A TIME ‘The Grinch’: Story Time and Craft FREE
WHEN: Dec. 1-9, Saturday-Sunday, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Strand Books, 828 Broadway, Union Square AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Meet your favorite characters, hear new and old classic stories, and participate in arts and crafts and other fun family activities. WANT TO GO? 212-473-1452. strandbooks.com.
WHAT: A reading and discussion of Limitless, which honors the extraordinary achievements of 24 American women whose vision, grit, and guts paved the way for Tinari’s own artistic journey and for generations to come. WANT TO GO? $25-$40 per family. 212-423-3500. guggenheim.org/event/childrens-book-illustrator-series-leah-tinari.
Winter Weather Storytime
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 21, 10:30am WHERE: Mount Vernon Hotel Museum and Garden, 421 E. 61st St., Upper East Side AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Listen to winter-themed stories and search the museum for ways 19th-century New Yorkers kept warm. Afterward, have fun with a mitten-inspired craft. WANT TO GO? 212-838-6878. mvhm.org.
Boogie Woogie Books
WHEN: Through Dec. 22: Saturdays, 11am and 12pm WHERE: Park Avenue United Methodist Church, 106 E. 86th St., Upper East Side AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Children and their caregivers will explore children’s books through live music, songs, movement, and imaginative play! WANT TO GO? $29.95. 212-427-5421. nycchildrenstheater.org.
Storytelling Arts at JCC Harlem FREE
WHEN: Through Dec. 22: Saturdays, 12:30-2pm WHERE: JCC Harlem, 318 W. 118th St., Harlem AGES: 5-12 WHAT: JCC Harlem and Zest for Youth Brings Rhythm Arts and Humanities present Z-STORY Storytelling/Arts Workshops, which will explore interactive storytelling, theatre improvisation, music, and dance. It will highlight African-based drumming, dance, and music through a series of workshops lead by various teaching artists, leading up to Community Share Day. WANT TO GO? 212-865-1215. jccmanhattan.org.
Showtime Saturdays
WHEN: Through Dec. 29: Saturdays, 1-2pm WHERE: Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art & Storytelling, 898 Saint Nicholas Ave., Sugar Hill AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Move your body, make music, and be a part of the story with dancer and actor Alexander Elisa. WANT TO GO? $7; $4 seniors, students, and children ages 9-17; free for children younger than 9. 212-335-0004. sugarhillmuseum.org. ››
‘Dragons Love Tacos’
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 15, 11am WHERE: BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers St., Tribeca AGES: 3-8 WHAT: A musical revue of beloved contemporary children’s books, including Dragons Love Tacos, Interrupting Chicken, The Dot, Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride, and Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa School Days. WANT TO GO? $30. 212-220-1460. tribecapac.org.
Children’s Book Illustrator Series: Leah Tinari
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 16, 1?4pm WHERE: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 5-17 BigAppleParent 31
Ripley’s Relic
WHEN: Through Dec. 31: daily, 9am-1am WHERE: Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Times Square, 234 W. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Work together to unlock a series of puzzles and decipher a strange assortment of scientific symbols. WANT TO GO? $15. 212-398-3133. ripleysnewyork.com.
Our Senses: An Immersive Experience
SMARTY PANTS
WHEN: Through Jan. 6, 2019: daily, 10am-5:45pm WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, 79th Street and Central Park West, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: An interactive exhibit with access to 11 different funhouse-like spaces full of adventures in sight, smell, hearing, touch, taste, and balance. WANT TO GO? $23; $18 seniors and students; $13 children ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2. 212-769-5100. amnh.org.
Bright Ideas FREE
Monthly Youth Stamp Club FREE
Girls + Data Presents a DATA CAMP
SPECIAL NEEDS
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 1, 11am-3pm WHERE: Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, 2 E. 91st St., Upper East Side AGES: 5-12 WHAT: In this hands-on workshop, participants will work with guest designer Oscar Lopez to design a light fixture prototype. WANT TO GO? 212-849-3251. cooperhewitt.org. WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 1, 9am-12pm or 1:30-4:30pm WHERE: Looker Data Sciences, 40 W. 25th St., 9th Floor, New York AGES: 13-17 WHAT: At this workshop, girls will engage in real world, hands-on activities in data analytics as well as hear from a number of female professionals about their careers in data analysis and STEM fields. WANT TO GO? $20-$25. 414-604-6261. girlsanddata.org.
Volumes: How the Universe Got Its Spots
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 6, 6:30-8pm WHERE: National Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26th St., Gramercy AGES: All WHAT: Cosmologist Janna Levin shows how the pattern of hot and cold spots left over from the Big Bang may one day reveal the size and shape of the cosmos. WANT TO GO? $10. 212-542-0566. momath.org.
Saturday Science FREE
WHEN: Through Dec. 8: Saturdays, 1-4pm WHERE: Columbia University’s Zuckerman Institute, Education Lab, 609 W. 129th St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Explore the workings of the brain through hands-on activities and unique scientific resources. WANT TO GO? 212-853-0600. zuckermaninstitute.columbia.edu.
Tensegrity Model Workshop
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 15, 10:30-11:45am WHERE: The Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place, Battery Park City AGES: 5-17 WHAT: In this hands-on workshop, kids will learn about balancing push and pull through a series of experiments, then build their own tensegrity models, while learning some history along the way. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $5. 212-945-6324. skyscraper.org.
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WHEN: Through May 18, 2019: select Saturdays, 10-11:30am WHERE: Collectors Club of New York, 22 E. 35th St., Murray Hill AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Stamp collecting is a hobby that provides fun while offering learning opportunities about almost every imaginable topic. WANT TO GO? 212-683-0559. collectorsclub.org.
Inclusive stART for Children with a Physical Disability FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 2, 9:30-10:45am WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Greenwich Village AGES: All WHAT: Students develop motor and language skills through art-making by layering a variety of exciting tactile materials to create new surfaces, textures, forms, shapes, and colors. Children are encouraged to self-regulate through individual projects and are supported through collaborative projects to gain important social skills. WANT TO GO? 212-274-0986. cmany.org.
Workshops for Kids with Disabilities
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 16, 10:30am and 2:30pm WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Examine art and create a work of your own in these programs for families with children who have developmental and learning disabilities. WANT TO GO? FREE with advanced registration. 212-423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org.
New York City Ballet Workshop for Children with Physical Disabilities FREE
WHEN: Dec. 15-16, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-12pm WHERE: New York City Ballet Rehearsal Studios, 165 W. 65th St., Upper West Side AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Join the artists of New York City Ballet in an exploration of the music, movement, and themes of the treasured holiday classic George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. This workshop is designed for children with physical disabilities and movement disorders. WANT TO GO? Reservations required. 212-496-0600. nycballet.com.
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Grand Holiday Bazaar FREE
WHEN: Through Dec. 30: Sundays, 10am-5:30pm WHERE: Grand Bazaar NYC, 100 W. 77th St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Shop from more than 150 hand-picked, local artisans and dealers. WANT TO GO? 212-239-3025. grandbazaarnyc.org.
Holiday Market at the Oculus FREE
WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Monday-Saturday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 11am-7pm WHERE: Westfield World Trade Center, 185 Greenwich St., World Trade Center AGES: All WHAT: Enter a magical, enchanted forest with popular life-size chrome Snowmen and browse shopping galleries, live music, and tasty treats. WANT TO GO? 212-284-9982. westfield.com/wtc/holiday.
FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS 15th Annual Book Fair FREE
WHEN: Dec. 5-6, Wednesday-Thursday, 8:30am-4:30pm WHERE: La Escuelita, 225 W. 99th St., Upper West Side AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Discover new stories and share treasured favorites in an atmosphere that fosters the school’s connection with the wider bilingual community. WANT TO GO? 212-877-1100. laescuelitanyc.org.
11th Annual Holiday Handmade Cavalcade FREE
WHEN: Dec. 3-9, Monday-Sunday, 10:30am-7:30pm WHERE: Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Ave., Chelsea AGES: All WHAT: A week-long pop-up inside Chelsea Market offering a selection of vendors of handmade goods. WANT TO GO? handmadecavalcade.com.
Deck the Stalls Holiday Market FREE
WHEN: Dec. 2-23, Sundays, 11am-5pm WHERE: Seaport District NYC, Water Street, between Fulton and Beekman streets, Lower Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Market-goers can enjoy holiday gifts, locally made food, and more WANT TO GO? 212-349-1380. deckthestalls.org.
The Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair FREE
WHEN: Through Dec. 24: Monday-Friday, 10am-8pm; Saturday, 10am7pm; Sunday, 11am-6pm WHERE: Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Terminal, 87 E. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Forty vendors will take over half of the historic Vanderbilt Hall for the holiday season so that New Yorkers and tourists can find the perfect gifts. WANT TO GO? 212-576-2700.
Bank of America Winter Village
WHEN: Through March 3, 2019: See website for dates and times WHERE: Bryant Park, 40th Street, between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: The iconic holiday experience will feature its beloved ice-skating rink and more than 170 holiday shop vendors WANT TO GO? $20 skate rental. 212-768-4242. bryantpark.org.
R&R Shabbat FREE
WHEN: Dec. 1-March 16, 2019, select Saturdays, 2-5pm WHERE: Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy face painting with Jaime Gruber, structured play and circle games with Ian and Lisa, art projects, and more. WANT TO GO? 347-604-3964. jccmanhattan.org. ››
Weekly Chess Meets
Sanctioned by the New York City Chess LeagueTM
Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays From absolute beginners to MASTERS! (3) USCF Rated Matches“ In by 11am, home by 2pm” Never Too Young To Start Your Training
See you at our Headstart Jr.TM program!
From the ground up preparation to play from age 4 & up
More Information and Registration @
*Financial assistance available for all Chess NYC group programs
BigAppleParent 33
Central Park Discovery Walk for Families: Woodland Wonderland - The Ramble FREE
WHEN: Dec. 28-29, Friday, 11am-12:30pm; Saturday, 2-3:30pm WHERE: Loeb Boathouse Express Cafe, Park Drive North and East 72nd Street, Central Park AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Discover who calls the forest floor, lake shoreline, and treetops home. WANT TO GO? 212-794-4064. centralparknyc.org.
DreamWorks Trolls The Experience
MOVERS & SHAKERS Tweens After Dark: Knock Out Saturday Night
WHEN: Through May 31, 2019: Monday-Friday, 10am-8pm; SaturdaySunday, 9am-8pm WHERE: 218 W. 57th St., Midtown AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Guided by a rainbow path, visitors will sing, dance, and celebrate alongside DreamWorks Trolls. WANT TO GO? $40. 800-844-3545. trollstheexperience.com.
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 1, 6-8:30pm WHERE: Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave., Upper West Side AGES: 9-12 WHAT: The evening will begin with a boxing class to practice jabs, hooks, and uppercuts (safely, of course). After working up a sweat, tweens will prepare their own sushi dinner and delicious dessert. The night concludes with the kids engaging in community service, creating blankets for a local women’s shelter. WANT TO GO? $45-$55. 646-505-5708. jccmanhattan.org.
LITTLE FOODIES
Unlimited
Chocolate Tiramisu Workshop
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 9, 6:30-8pm WHERE: National Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26th St., Gramercy AGES: 13-17 WHAT: A fun-filled, math-focused night where you can hang out with old and new friends, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, and move to some great tunes. WANT TO GO? $15-$20. 212-542-0566. momath.org.
Infant Massage
WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2:45-3:30pm WHERE: Prenatal Yoga Center, 251 W. 72nd St., 2F, Upper West Side AGES: 3-5, adult WHAT: You will be guided carefully through each stroke until you are confident in communicating your love through touch. WANT TO GO? $30-$35. 212-362-2985. prenatalyogacenter.com.
Central Park Discovery Walk for Families: Towering Trees The North Woods FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 15, 2-3:30pm WHERE: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, 110th Street, between Lenox and Fifth avenues, Central Park AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Learn how trees contribute to the health of an urban park woodland community. WANT TO GO? 347-443-0656. centralparknyc.org.
Latkepalooza!
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 2, 11am-1pm WHERE: Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St., Lower East Side AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Kick off the Festival of Lights with food, music, and activities. WANT TO GO? $8-$14. 212-889-6800. latkepalooza.eventbrite.com. WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 15, 3:30-5pm WHERE: Union Square Loft, 873 Broadway, Union Square AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Kids can make delicious tiramisu with hot chocolate. WANT TO GO? $30. 212-603-9685. speakitalynyc.com.
3D Gingerbread House Installation
WHEN: Dec. 21-23, Friday, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm; Saturday, 11am1pm; Sunday, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Contribute to an evolving 3-D gingerbread house installation WANT TO GO? $14; $11 seniors and visitors with disabilities; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.
Choco-Story NYC
WHEN: Through Oct. 16, 2019: Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Jacques Torres Chocolate, 350 Hudson St., Hudson Square AGES: All WHAT: Children can dig for “undiscovered artifacts” in a sandpit, play chocolate shop proprietor, and take a photo with the Choclala mascot. WANT TO GO? $10-$15. 917-261-4252. mrchocolate.com.
Watson Adventures’s Ho-Ho Holiday Midtown Family Scavenger Hunt
WHEN: Dec. 8-29, select Saturdays and Sundays, 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE: Paley Park, 3 E. 53rd St., Midtown AGES: 9 and older WHAT: This scavenger hunt includes the Fifth Avenue windows, the Rockefeller Center tree, and the train display in the Transit Museum. WANT TO GO? $17.50-$21.50. 877-946-4868. watsonadventures.com.
Coming up next month: JAN. 5: The Okee Dokee Brothers, Symphony Space, Upper West Side JAN. 12: Malpaso Dance Company: ¡Baile!, The Joyce Theater, Chelsea JAN. 26: Winter Jam, Central Park, Uptown
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things to do
where-to guide
HOLIDAY JOYS for Girls & Boys Compiled by Anja Webb
Happy Holidays! Whether you’re celebrating Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Christmas, or just enjoying a cozy winter with your loved ones, December is certainly the most wonderful time of the year! Spend some time outside at an ice-skating rink (or inside, too!) and grab a delicious hot cocoa afterward to warm up from the chilly weather. Head out of town to hand cut your Christmas tree. And if the frost and snow of a winter day doesn’t make your heart sing, check out one of our favorite indoor play spaces to beat cabin fever without freezing.
BEST HOT COCOA SPOTS Max Brenner
841 Broadway, Union Square 646-467-8803; maxbrenner.com Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9am-1am; Friday, 9am-2am; Sunday, 9am-12am The hot chocolate, which is made with 100-percent chocolate, is a light and frothy beverage that comes in dark, milk, white, or Swiss whipped cream varieties and is served in a Hug Mug. Classic chocolate beverages such as Italian Thick Hot Chocolate with vanilla cream and Mexican Spicy Hot Chocolate with red chili, nutmeg, cinnamon, and pepper are also on the menu. Find more>> nymetroparents.com/hot-chocolate
INDOOR PLAYSPACES The Playroom NYC
1439 First Ave., Upper East Side 212-729-6149; theplayroomnyc.com The 3,000-square-foot facility offers all-day open play hours Monday-Friday, with morning hours on weekends. The space features an indoor climbing structure, a toddler room, and a pretend play area. Kids 5 and younger are welcome. Find more>> nymetroparents.com/indoor-play-spaces
CUT-YOUR-OWN CHRISTMAS TREE Stuart’s Farm
62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs 914-245-2784; stuartsfarm.com Hours: Through Dec. 24, Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm Handsaws and baling available. Wreaths, garland, and roping for sale. Bakery is open with hot and cold cider, fruit pies, fresh apple cider doughnuts, jams, and jellies. Leashed dogs welcome. Cash or check only.
ICE-SKATING
Find more>> nymetroparents.com/christmas-tree
Find more>> nymetroparents.com/ice-skating
The Rink at Brookfield Place
230 Vesey Street, Upper plaza between the Winter Garden and the North Cove Marina, Lower Manhattan 212-978-1698; therinkatbrookfieldplace.net Hours: Monday-Friday, 1-8:30pm; Saturday-Sunday and holidays, 10:15am-9:30pm.
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The Pros and Cons of Elf on the Shelf ›› The little guy has sparked some big controversy! Which side of the shelf are you on? By Anja Webb
H
appy holidays! Many of you who celebrate Christmas have already unpacked your Elf on the Shelf and begun plotting the hijinks your little guy will get into for the ’gram. But is Elf on the Shelf really for everyone? While he’s loved by many, there are those who find the steelyeyed sprite manipulative or even—dare we say?—creepy. Let’s take a moment to think about the pros and cons of Santa’s little spy.
A Cute and Cherished Tradition
Now don’t get us wrong: We can see the value in creating a holiday tradition for your household. And, of course, we’ve all seen the pictures on social media of the little cuties bathing in marshmallow baths, sleeping in tissue boxes, and playing mini games of Twister with My Little Pony. A lot of families think their elf adds that extra dash of Christmas magic to their holiday season. “My kids absolutely love it! It’s such a fun experience for them in preparation for Christmas,” says Antoinette McCune, a mother of three. “It’s also a fun, and sometimes stressful, game for us as parents to try and think of new ways to hide our little elf.” And let’s not forget that the elf encourages kids to be on their best behavior during the month of December, which can certainly make parenting a little bit easier. “My son loves it! It works to remind him that Santa is watching if he is being good,” says Frank Martinez, a father of two. After all, a big part of the Santa lore is that ‘he sees you when you’re sleeping,’ whether that be through good old-fashioned omniscience or a scout elf.
(S)elfish Motives?
But not everyone seems to agree that the elf is adorable. “I was a nanny for a nine-year-old boy who loved his Elf on the Shelf, but 36
December 2018 | nymetroparents.com
his parents misplaced it. The parents didn’t think anything of it, but every day after school he would come home and search the whole house for his elf. After seeing it wasn’t there, he assumed he was disliked by the elf,” says Sadie Sparks. “Trying to instill positive morals on a child by tricking them also seems very counterproductive to society.” Though it may seem a bit harsh, others also feel it’s selfinterested for parents to use the Elf to teach morals. And, they add, it’s an approach that may backfire: The concept of being constantly under surveillance could scare the child or teach him that he should only behave when there is some tangible benefit to him, like getting presents. “It really depends on the level of trust in the parent-child relationship. I definitely valued my privacy and my mom respected it to a degree,” says Brandon Klemm, a chef and pizza maker who grew up with the elf. “I don’t know how I feel about kids being afraid of being themselves because they believe they’re being watched at all times.” Now, that’s not entirely the Elf ’s fault; as previously mentioned, legend has it that Santa’s constantly watching kids. But something about having that abstract concept materialized and in the home doesn’t quite sit well with everyone.
A Less Invasive Elf
So what can we parents do if we still want a snazzy little add-on to our holiday celebrations, but one that doesn’t instill in our child a fear of being watched at all times? Well, we could try repurposing our Elf on the Shelf. “I had an alternate version in my house growing up. It was called the Kindness Elf and my mom did a pretty good job of
making it a positive thing,” says Lauren Farrell, a student at New York University. “It was generally kept in public spaces within the house and every day I had to find the elf and it was always holding a different card that challenged me to do something kind for someone that day.”
Elf Alternative
If the elf doesn’t quite match your aesthetic (even though felt is so in right now) you can always give Reindeer in Here a chance: It’s a plush toy children are meant to bond with during the month of December. It’s similar to the elf, except children can touch and play with it, and its purpose is to listen to what the child really wants for Christmas and then inform Santa. “It’s not about watching a child, or intimidating a child,” says Adam Reed, an author, television producer, and creator of Reindeer in Here. “It’s about empowering and creating a positive Christmas tradition that families can look back to.” Reindeer in Here is also designed with one antler shorter than the other and has a companion book that features a cast of sidekicks with visible differences, such as a cross-eyed penguin and a polar bear with a bit of a bald patch. “The true message is being different is normal, not being different is special,” Reed says. “This book is about getting to the heart of why each child is unique and different and finding what their true Christmas wishes are.”
Make Room for a Mensch
But let’s not forget that the holiday season is more than just Christmas. For all you guys and gals who celebrate Hanukkah, there’s a Mensch on the Bench—a Jewish man sitting on a bench—just for you. “It’s tough to be Jewish during the month of December. There’s Christmas music on every radio, and there’s decorations up, and all your friends have trees. You’re already feeling a little left out, and then Elf on the Shelf comes along and now we’re seeing that on social media as well,” says Neal Hoffman, creator of Mensch on a Bench. “There was an opportunity for what would be a Jewish alternative.” Enter the Mensch (which translated literally means a person of integrity and honor). It’s a plush toy that watches over the menorah at night and encourages more family time and engagement with pre-existing Hanukkah traditions such as playing dreidel and eating latkes (potato pancakes) and gelt (chocolate coins). The Mensch also places an emphasis on charity and doing good, as the name would imply. “Mensches encourage kids to do one good deed,” Hoffman says. “One of the rules for having a mensch is that on one night of Hanukkah you give presents to someone in need rather than get presents yourself.”
national dance
ndicenter classes Winter 2019
institute
come dance with us!
nationaldance.org
Arts Encounter • NDI Dance • Ballet • Modern Dance • World Percussion
Whether you love your elf (or mensch) or wish it would just stop staring at you, here’s to a happy and wholesome holiday season with your family.
From our sponsors: The mission of Allied Foundation is to impact and improve the health and well-being of residents within Allied Physicians Group’s geographical footprint, which currently includes Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk), Queens, Brooklyn, Richmond, Westchester, Rockland, and Orange. The Allied Foundation funds community-based strategies and initiatives, including Breastfeeding Support (toll-free Support Line: 866-621-2769; Breast Milk Depots), Community Education (free app—AlliedPG—and lectures about such topics as ADHD, managing food allergies, behavioral health, and infant CPR), Early Childhood Literacy (proud partner of Reach Out and Read and The BookFairies); and Community Service (Diaper Bank of Long Island). For more information, visit alliedfoundation.org.
WED. JANUARY 9, 2019 6-7:30PM
MOUNT SAINT MICHAEL ACADEMY 4300 Murdock Avenue │Bronx, NY 10466 (718) 515-6400 │www.mtstmichael.org BigAppleParent 37
family life finances
How to Save Money on Holiday Shopping
››
You don’t have to go into debt to buy great gifts for everyone on your list! These tips will help you stick to your budget while snagging real bargains. By Denise Porretto
I
t’s that time of year again, when gifts and toys are delivered free of charge to your living room, pre-wrapped and labeled, making every family member’s dreams come true. All you need to do is leave out a few cookies. If only it were so. In reality, holiday prep plays out more like this: You overpay for the popular toys your kids want. Giftwrap is surprisingly expensive— newspaper, anyone? In exasperation, you eat all the cookies. Holiday shopping is difficult, but don’t lose hope. There are plenty of ways to save money. We’ve spoken to some experts who know just how you can control your seasonal spending; read on for their smart advice.
each name and stick to it!” says Rachel Cruze, New York Times best-selling co-author, with her dad Dave Ramsey, of Smart Money Smart Kids. Download a free budgeting app such as EveryDollar, which has interactive visuals and goal-planning features. Another handy app, one for your phone, is Santa’s Bag. It includes holiday-specific features such as the ability to import receipts, plan budgets, create shopping lists, locate gifts, and track shopping progress.
Pre-Shopping Strategies
Locate any unused gift cards you have. You can spend them to buy holiday gifts, food, and décor, or sell them at a gift card exchange site such as Cardpool.com or Raise.com for some ready cash. (If you’re looking for gift cards, you can also purchase them on these sites at a percentage off face value.)
Create a list and a budget. “As you write down the names of everyone that you have to buy for, put a dollar amount next to
Sign up for cash-back sites that give you a rebate—typically 2-5 percent—on just about anything you buy online. Popular sites include Ebates.com, Shopathome.com, Mrrebates.com, and TopCashback.com. They work very simply: You go to the
Before you set foot in a brick-and-mortar store or click the “purchase” button, do the following:
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December 2018 | nymetroparents.com
cash-back site and locate the store you want to shop. Then you purchase your desired item to earn your rebate, which can be paid to you in a variety of ways. Ebates, for example, will send you your accumulated rebate every quarter in the form of a check, a PayPal deposit, or, in some instances, as a digital gift card. Collect coupons. Many consumers think coupons are relics from the past. Not so; they’ve just gone digital. So put down those scissors and go online. Some well-trafficked coupon sites include Coupons.com, TheKrazyCouponLady.com, RetailMeNot.com, and CouponSherpa. com. Most of the sites offer coupons that can be used in a physical or digital store. Additionally, Honey is a browser extension that will automatically apply all coupon codes available to find the one that will save you the most money at select online retailers. Sign up with online stores, “like” their Facebook page, or follow them on Twitter, so you can be alerted to upcoming sales and promotions. You may end up getting an enormous amount of emails, but if you’re patient enough you may find what you’re looking for at a great price, and sometimes with free shipping too.
While You’re Shopping
Now that you’ve planned and are ready to stock up on gifts, remember to: Track the rise and fall of prices. It’s difficult to pin down an item’s price during the hectic holidays; even Amazon changes the prices of individual items frequently. The site CamelCamelCamel.com is designed for shopping on Amazon—it generates alerts based on price and availability, so you can be notified when the price for a desired item drops to a predetermined point. In addition, the site has price history charts for more than 18 million Amazon items. Be cyber-cart smart. One way you can potentially score coupons to an online store is by providing your email address and adding merchandise to your cart—and then abandoning it. This may trigger an automated coupon to be delivered to your inbox. You may have been willing to purchase the items at full price, but by waiting a couple of days, you can buy your merchandise at 10-20 percent off. Harness the power of price-matching apps. Whether you’re shopping online or at the mall, you can use a price-matching app to compare prices. The Flipp app brings up flyers from other stores, so you can easily determine where to find the best bargains. If the app shows a better price for an item at another store, you can show the cashier proof. (Many big box stores will match a lower price for the same item.) With Earny, your credit card and email link to the app so your past purchases can be tracked. If you’re eligible for a price adjustment you can get the money back automatically. Finally, InvisibleHand is a browser extension that notifies you if the product you’re shopping for is available for less from another retailer. A convenient button links you to the relevant page on the competing website.
pay with tangible currency. You don’t get that same sensation when you swipe a piece of plastic. Also, you’ll be less anxious when you use cash because you know to stop spending when the money runs out. Even if you can’t buy everything you want, you’ll still feel relieved about not having to make a payment in the new year!” Don’t overlook off-peak shopping times. After the big sale days are over, try either shopping online on Tuesdays, as cyber retailers tend to offer their best deals on that day, or at brick-and-mortar stores in the evenings. Some retailers may have the next day’s early-morning sales already in effect, saving you from having to rise at the crack of dawn. Look for last-minute steals. For all the procrastinators out there, you may even do well shopping late in the season. Some of the best deals arrive the week before Christmas, according to the New York Times. Outsmart the shopping environment. Sure, you love stores’ holiday music and ambience—but they’re up to no good. Studies have shown that Christmas songs evoke nostalgia and generosity, leading to larger purchases, explains Mari Corella, a retail specialist who has worked for major retailers such as Sears and Saks Fifth Avenue. The same is true of scent. “During the holidays, stores often smell of gingerbread and pine, invoking a sense of warmth,” she says, leading to—yep—more spending. Some experts recommend wearing headphones with soothing music playing to calm you during the stress of shopping. (Can you guess what stress leads to?) Even the placement of products is designed to make you spend more. Brands pay to have their items on the end of the aisles or at eye level, Corella shares: “The cost of this additional exposure is added to the cost of the product.” She recommends browsing the entire section to make sure you’re getting the best price. Think out of the (gift) box. Not everything you buy has to be expensive or from a popular retailer. Consider shopping at thrift shops for vintage items, or gathering the family together to make DIY gifts, such as personalized stationery for the grandparents. Something handmade, and from the heart, is priceless—in every sense of the word. Denise Porretto is a freelance writer living in Princeton, NJ.
Come to stores prepared to crunch numbers. If you’re headed to a brick-and-mortar shop, have a calculator available so you can figure out the exact price of an item, including any discounts and sales tax. (You may lose the ability to do calculations in your head when you’re tired and the store is crowded.) Bring cold, hard cash. “You actually spend less when you use cash,” Cruze explains. “Cash is emotional. You feel it when you BigAppleParent 39
raising kids teen
Experts suggest teens volunteer to get involved with the community and broaden their view of the world around them.
How to Raise A World-Aware Teen ›› Your child’s now old enough to grasp global issues—and to change the planet for the better, too. By Allison Ingrum
E
very few minutes our phones light up with the latest news alert. From social issues to politics, there seems to be a constant flow of news cycling from around the globe. Being world-aware means understanding these issues and educating yourself about what is going on outside of yourself, your home, and your immediate neighborhood. For your teen, it also means realizing there is a world outside the latest video game or most recent post on Instagram. It isn’t always easy for your child to look beyond the bubble he exists in, though. A variety of things, from the technology that surrounds him to your own protective parenting style, can make it difficult. But with a little guidance from you, your teen can get on track to becoming a global citizen. It will benefit him, and the whole world, in the long run.
Big Kids, Big Ideas
We constantly hear that children are most likely to take risks when they’re in their teens. Sure, this can lead to accidents. But their risk-taking can also be a positive thing, putting them on the path to innovation, says Teodora Pavkovic, a parenting coach with a master’s degree in clinical psychology. The teenage years are the “most creative period of our lives,” Pavkovic says. “I think if we harness that teenage brain energy that they have, it can really make a big change for the world…[Teens] 40
December 2018 | nymetroparents.com
are just naturally very inquisitive, innovative. They have ideas all of the time. They want to try things out. I think they can probably help us figure things out more than we can do on our own.” The teenage years are also a time of self-exploration, and being world-aware aids a teen in figuring out her own identity, says Sophie Stoyadinovich, M.D., a life coach at Nobel Coaching, an online coaching and tutoring platform. Your teen should have as much information as possible to see where her particular interests lie and what kinds of problems she may like to solve. In fact, being world-aware might completely alter her direction in life.
What’s Blocking Your Teen’s Worldview?
While it’s only natural to feel protective of your child, being a helicopter parent can cause more harm than good. “[Kids] could get so comfortable that they become fearful of doing anything outside of their comfort zone, or you will have the flip side when they become very rebellious at some point, and you don’t want either one,” Pavkovic says. Technology can act as the other main roadblock that keeps children from being world-aware, she adds. While our devices give us access to almost any information we may need, a passive use of technology (such as scrolling through social media) has the potential to draw people into themselves in a negative way, she explains.
Along with this comes a lack of critical-thinking skills. “We take our view of the world from the media, from the news...and from the things that elicit the click response,” says Andrew Sachs, CEO of Nobel Coaching. “That is a… severely distorted version.” Instead, parents should teach children of all ages to have a critical eye toward the information they take in. “They will be on social media. They will read things and they will see things on TV. I think it is always good to keep that conversation going about what they think, why they think so, how accurate they think it is, and whether they have any other sources for that,” Stoyadinovich says.
Teaching Your Child to Think Global
While your child can grow up to be world-aware on his own, this is rarely the case. We humans have an instinctive tribal nature. While this tribalism served a great purpose when humans were pack animals, now it is simply a fear that holds us back from interacting with people and places that are different, Sachs explains. It takes a team of parents and teachers to coax a child into becoming more world-aware. Try these steps: Start simple. Talk about current events around the dinner table. These stress-free, no-pressure conversations foster an environment in which your child can speak her mind. Listen to what she is passionate about and try to incorporate that into the conversations. Pair your child with a pal from another place. When your teen tries to learn a language, connect her with a student in another country who speaks the language fluently. In the process of helping each other learn, they will hear about each other’s daily life. Even if it’s only an online call or chat, it is an immersive experience. Volunteer. It’s an easy yet effective way to get your child involved with the surrounding community, explains Zelda Warner, president of the Volunteer Referral Center. And it’s a two-way street: As your child helps someone, that person simultaneously impacts his life by opening his eyes and allowing him to see the world through a new lens. He will learn to appreciate those differences, and also see how lucky he is to live the life he leads. Travel. If you can, take a family vacation to another country or give your child the opportunity to participate in a studentexchange program. And do so as soon as you are able; the sooner you travel, the earlier your child’s brain begins to expand, Sachs says. “They are able to see the world for what it is, and they are not constrained by the little bubble. A lot of us exist in a bubble,” he explains. “Having that kind of opportunity to connect with real people I think can drastically change your view on the countries they are from and the rest of the world.” Likewise, even short cruises or camps expose children to others from around the country, or possibly the world, who will share experiences and stories. Dan Appleman, author of Developing Teen Leadership, suggests enrolling your child in a summer camp outside of her comfort zone. Send an athlete to theater camp or a musician to art camp. Send your teen to an overnight camp farther from home. These small changes will allow your child to meet peers with different backgrounds and experiences. Take a cultural field trip to NYC. Not up for international travel right now? You don’t have to venture far from home to help your child become more world-aware. Luckily, here in the New York area, we have the luxury of being surrounded by many different cultures and people from diverse backgrounds. A train ride will take you to Chinatown with Little Italy one block away. Talk to your child about these cultures and eat at authentic restaurants. You can also take him to one of the
many museums around New York. No matter what you do, this engaging experience will ignite his brain and get him thinking outside of his home. Model world-aware behaviors. Ultimately, remember your children are both mirrors and sponges, Pavkovic says—they reflect your behavior and absorb lessons from your actions. Whether you want your kids to use technology less, spend more time outdoors, or speak more kindly, you must do the same. Appleman seconds this sentiment, recalling parents he knows who bring their children to protests. “Have them be world-aware and have them involved in your life. Yes, there are other things one can do in providing guidance, but there is nothing like setting an example,” he says. This being said, “we need to take into account that the older your child is, the less they are under your influence. If they are seven, yes, obviously you are their greatest role model and you are the best,” Stoyadinovich says. “But as they grow older, their peers become that for them…Your direct influence, I think, at that point gets a little bit smaller and you need to lean more toward consulting with them and providing them with opportunities rather than instructing them and pushing them to do something.” Look at what the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School have done in Parkland, FL to raise awareness of gun violence. When one teen is world-aware and a leader, others will follow. In that case, millions from all over the world already have. At this rate, world-aware teens will be the ones to create a worldaware society. Allison Ingrum, a former NYMP editorial intern, is a junior at Syracuse University.
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PartyCentral
Your local guide to entertainers, party places, activities, and other resources. PARTY ENTERTAINMENT
BOLD ARTS
419-349-2465 bold-arts.com chelsea@bold-arts.com BOLD Arts offers fun and personalized dance birthday parties for children ages 4 and older! You provide the space and BOLD will provide a memorable, high-energy dance party. BOLD birthdays are a unique way to celebrate with dance and friends.
CLOWNS.COM
Proudly serving Westchester, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx 516-577-0000 718-971-5862 clowns.com We are a family-owned and -operated entertainment company, offering a wide range of party and entertainment services including clowns, inflatable bounce houses, characters, magicians, princesses, magic shows, face painting, and party concession rentals.
CONFETTI GRACE
confettigrace.org Confetti Grace DIY subscription boxes contain supplies to create two gifts and cards. Craft with friends “Let’s Confetti” party for eight or more guests! 20 percent of profits go to charity. Dave’s Cast Of Characters 914-235-7100 davescast.com Make your party a special one! Dave’s entertainment services include more than 100 costumed characters. From princesses and super heroes to pirates and tea parties, there’s something for everyone.
FROGGLE PARTIES
1732 First Ave., Suite 20955 646-480-0570 frogglepartytime.com frogglepartytime.com/video As seen on TV! We offer heaps of kids’ party packages from hilarious clowns and party performers, to mesmerizing magicians, puppet shows, balloon twisters, face painting, games, dancing, bubble parties, characters, super heroes, princesses, pirates, and fairies! Get a $20 discount when you quote NY METRO.
MYSTERY & MAYHEM
212-260-2295 mysteryandmayhem.com mitzvahzoe@aol.com
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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 dramas, or a Nancy Drew, Sherlock Holmes, or Harry Potter theme.
PET PORTRAIT FUN
646-418-5718 petportraitfun.com michelecahill@petportraitfun.com Have a Pet Portrait Fun “Paint Your Pet Party” with your friends! Email the photos, and a sketch of your pet is prepared for you to trace and watercolor with easy to follow instructions.
PARTY PLACES BROADWAY DANCE CENTER CHILDREN AND TEENS
37 W. 65th St., 3rd floor 212-582-9304 broadwaydancecenter.com Broadway Dance Center Children & Teens loves a good dance party! Your birthday dancer and guests are sure to love these birthday parties set in our beautiful, spacious studios. Choose a theme and party package. Come celebrate with us!
CHELSEA PIERS SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
West 23rd Street and Hudson River Park Field House Registration Desk: 212-3366500 x6520 chelseapiers.com/birthday Chelsea Piers parties are action-packed, entertaining, and hassle-free, with more sports, activities, and fun than any other party venue in NYC!
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF THE ARTS 103 Charlton St. 212-274-0986 cmany.org/about/birthdays-rentals/ birthdays Art-filled parties begin with time to explore the museum’s hands-on workshops. Experienced teaching artists lead children in your choice of private workshop. Parties end with food and cake.
EPIPHANY COMMUNITY NURSERY SCHOOL
510 E. 74th St. 212-737-2977 ecnsnyc.org Let ECNS ETC. help you plan your child’s next birthday party. Children ages 2-10 love our gymnastics parties. Start with
December 2018 | nymetroparents.com
45 minutes in our 2100-square-foot, fully-equipped, child-friendly gymnasium with our gym coaches, followed by 45 minutes in our private party room.
FUNFIT BLOOMING BRANCHES SPECIFIC SPORTS
550 W. 110th St. 646-580-3758 funfitnyc.com info@funfitnyc.com FunFit parties are customized for the birthday child. Children will be entertained by participating in age-appropriate, high-energy, sport games and FunFit activities led by our expert coaches.
FUNFUZION AT NEW ROC CITY
29 LeCount Place (Exit 16 off I-95), New Rochelle Party Central: 914-637-7575, option 1 funfuziononline.com Calling all birthday superstars! You and your guests will be dazzled by a unique, interactive party experience!
GALLI THEATER NEW YORK
at GSM, 74 Warren St. 212-731-0668 gallitheaternyc.com galliny@gmail.com Party with the Galli Theater New York and experience the magic of live theater for your special event! Does your child love the theater and being on stage? Allow your child to experience the most amazing theater party in town!
INTREPID SEA, AIR & SPACE MUSEUM
Pier 86, West 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue 646-381-5010 intrepidmuseum.org groupsales@intrepidmuseum.org Celebrate your child’s birthday with a one-of-a-kind party! The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum will captivate groups of all ages and interests. Choose from exciting themes, value packages, and customization options to create a birthday adventure they’ll remember forever!
JODI’S GYM
244 E. 84th St. 212-772-7633 25 Hubbels Drive, Mount Kisco 914-244-8811 jodisgym.com Kids run, jump, climb, tumble, slide, bounce, and giggle to their hearts’ delight at Jodi’s Gym, where action-packed parties and unmatched experience have won children’s hearts for 34 years.
JUST KIDDING AT SYMPHONY SPACE
2537 Broadway 212-864-1414 x289 symphonyspace.org/justkidding Just Kidding parties are artsy, imaginative, and fun, designed to make party planning easy and engaging! Through the show kids have the chance to interact with Just Kidding artists creating a oncein-a-lifetime birthday party experience.
KATE TEMPESTA’S URBAN GOLF ACADEMY
917-270-7257 ktuga.com/birthday-parties mari@ktuga.com KTUGA’s parties are customized to your child’s interests. Think Pirate Golf Fun to Princess Castle Chipping. Ideal for ages 3-8. Select from different activities to highlight our golf games including storytelling, shadow screen play, and music and movement.
THE LITTLE GYM
2121 Broadway, 2nd Floor (between 74th and 75th streets) Upper West Side 212-799-1225 tlgupperwestsideny.com 207 E. 94th St. (between Second and Third avenues) Upper East Side 212-787-1124 tlguppereastsideny.com 777 White Plains Road, Scarsdale 914-722-0072 tlgscarsdaleny.com 28 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick, NJ 201-445-4444 tlgwaldwicknj.com A private party at The Little Gym is a perfect way to celebrate your child’s next birthday. Gymnastics, games, obstacle courses, trampoline, sports, and music are tailored to your child’s interests!
MARTIAL ARTS FAMILY STUDIO
290 Mulberry St. 646-460-3770 martialartsfamilystudio.com info@martialartsfamilystudio.com At Martial Arts Family Studio we will be delighted to organize your child’s birthday party so you can focus on your guests. We offer music, theater, and puppets based birthday parties for the little ones and dance or martial arts birthday parties for older kids.
NY CAKE
118 W. 22nd St. 212-675-2253 nycakeacademy.com
info@nycakeacademy.com Have a unicorn themed adventure or take off with a galaxy cake that everyone will talk about for weeks to come. Let NY Cake Academy take care of everything for you.
our VIP Birthday Party Package at Hudson River Park’s whimsical carousel on the water!
PALISADES CLIMB ADVENTURE
Water Street and State Street 718-788-2676 seaglasscarousel.nyc/birthdays info@nycarousel.com Celebrate your next birthday at SeaGlass Carousel! VIP Birthday Packages start at $535 within your own exclusive party area. Book online: seaglasscarousel.nyc/birthdays.
4590 Palisades Center Drive, Level 4 of the Palisades Center, West Nyack 845-727-3500 palisadesclimb.com Palisades Climb Adventure offers the world’s tallest indoor ropes challenge course with 75 unique challenge elements. Our Sky Tykes kids’ ropes course is designed for ages 2-7. Both courses are available for birthday parties. Book your party today!
PIER 62 CAROUSEL
Pier 62 at Hudson River Park (by Chelsea Piers) 718-788-2676 pier62carouselnyc.com info@nycarousel.com Give your child the best birthday with
SEAGLASS CAROUSEL AT THE BATTERY
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 a one-hour private room for pizza.
Professional services
Your local guide to tutors, teachers, lawyers, financial planners, and other professionals 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 can help you achieve your objectives through careful special needs legal planning, regardless of the size of your estate. All clients are provided with high quality service at a reasonable cost. SPECIAL NEEDS ANDREW COHEN, ESQ., LAW OFFICES OF ANDREW M. COHEN 250 W. 57th St., Suite 1216 212-244-0595 1100 Franklin Ave., Suite 305, Garden City 516-877-0595 amcohenlaw.com ac@amcohenlaw.com The Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen can help you achieve your
objectives through careful special needs legal planning, regardless of the size of your estate. All clients are provided with high quality service at a reasonable cost. LITTLE OPTICS, INC. 192-07 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows 53-15 Roosevelt Ave., Woodside 718-468-7500 Hablamos Español. littleopticsinc@yahoo.com We provide eyeglasses and professional eye care for children, including infants, and young adults. We also alleviate any self-esteem issues associated with the stigma of wearing glasses. When your child leaves Little Optics, rest assured that they will feel confident. THERAPY & COUNSELORS
OPEN HOUSES 2018 Atlas Foundation For Autism Atlas School
252 W. 29th St., 3rd Floor 212-256-0846 atlasforautism.org; info@atlasforautism.org Class culture meets academic, behavioral, and sensory needs in an emotionally supportive environment. Tour our 7300-square-foot facility and meet with the Atlas team. Call or email to schedule a time.
The École
111 E. 22nd St. 646-410-2238 theecole.org; admissions@theecole.org School tours will be held Thursday, Dec. 6 at 6pm and Tuesday, Jan. 8 at 8:15am. Those not able to attend, please contact Mireille Desalm, director of admissions to schedule a private tour.
Mount Saint Michael Academy
Thomas Fraher, admissions director 4300 Murdock Ave., Bronx 718-515-6400 mtstmichael.org Join us for an open house on Wednesday, Jan. 9 from 6-7:30pm.
National Dance Institute
217 W. 147th St. 212-226-0083 nationaldance.org; caguirre@nationaldance.org Join NDI on Jan. 12 from 2-4pm for our open house at the NDI Center in Harlem! Families can participate in free dance classes and enjoy a performance. RSVP at nationaldance.org.
Sara Curry Day School
93 Saint Marks Place 212-777-9774 saracurrydayschool.org; saracurryschool@aol.com Once an application is submitted, we will contact you to schedule a school visit or a private tour.
Bar Bat Mitzvah Facebook Groups Ask questions, share ideas, and get advice.
Join today! New York City facebook.com/groups/NewYorkCityBarBatMitzvah
MR. SPEECH PATHOLOGY 347-399-4836 mrspeechpathology.com info@mrspeechpathology.com
Eugene Chuprin is a bilingual (EnglishRussian) speech-language pathologist conducting evaluations and providing therapy in the New York City area. His specialty is treating pediatrics with language disorders, articulation disorders, and stuttering.
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raising kids ad index NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY metropolitan area! acrobatics / gymnastics
Jodi’s Gym ...................................................................13 Little Gym .....................................................................3
birthday / party services
Big Apple Parent Party Planner ...................................45 Broadway Dance Center ..............................................2 City Parks Foundation ................................................37 Confetti Grace ............................................................37 In Grandma’s Attic ......................................................27 Jodi’s Gym ..................................................................13 Little Gym .....................................................................3 Martial Arts Family Studio ..............................................5
camps
British International School of New York .......................7 Broadway Dance Center ..............................................2 Camp SAY ...................................................................29 Chelsea Piers .............................................................27 Children’s Museum of The Arts ...................................17 Hofstra Summer Camps .............................................13 Jodi’s Gym ..................................................................13 Little Gym .....................................................................3 Maryel School of New York .........................................29 National Dance Institute .............................................37 NORY ...........................................................................7 NYC Chess Inc. ..........................................................33 Play On! Studios .........................................................12 The Ecole ....................................................................15 USC Gymnastics & Baseball Training Facility ............ 11
child care / day care
Maryel School of New York .........................................29 Mommybites ................................................................47 Sara Curry Day School .................................................9
classes
Camp SAY ...................................................................29 Chelsea Piers .............................................................27 Children’s Museum of The Arts ...................................17 Ideal School (The) ......................................................14 In Grandma’s Attic ......................................................27 International Academy of New York ............................15 Kumon Manhattan .......................................................48 L’Atlier NY School ........................................................27 Martial Arts Family Studio ..............................................5 National Dance Institute .............................................37 NORY ...........................................................................7 NYC Chess Inc. ..........................................................33 USC Gymnastics & Baseball Training Facility ............ 11
dance
Broadway Dance Center ..............................................2 In Grandma’s Attic ......................................................27 National Dance Institute .............................................37
developmental
Atlas Foundation for Autism ........................................29 Cosmic Cubs Club ........................................................7 L’Atlier NY School ........................................................27 NYC Chess Inc. ..........................................................33 NYU Steinhardt School ............................................... 11 The Ecole ....................................................................15
education
Atlas Foundation for Autism ........................................29 British International School of New York .......................7
Cosmic Cubs Club ........................................................7 Ideal School (The) ......................................................14 International Academy of New York ............................15 Kumon Manhattan .......................................................48 L’Atlier NY School ........................................................27 Manhattan Charter School ............................................9 Maryel School of New York .........................................29 Mount Saint Michael Academy ...................................37 New York City Education Consulting ..........................39 NORY ...........................................................................7 Sara Curry Day School .................................................9 The Ecole ....................................................................15
family entertainment / events / outings Children’s Museum of The Arts ...................................17 City Parks Foundation ................................................37 Confetti Grace ............................................................37 Galli Theater ................................................................19 Illusionists .....................................................................9 NYBG - Train Show .......................................................5
family travel
Disney Travel Agent ....................................................27
health
iSmile Orthodontics ....................................................12 Smile Savers Orthodontics .........................................27
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home services
Cosmic Cubs Club ........................................................7
performing arts / acting
Galli Theater ................................................................19 Play On! Studios .........................................................12
real estate
Chelsea Associates LLC - Vanguard ..........................12 River Terrace Associates LLC-The Solaire .................27
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religious
Mount Saint Michael Academy ...................................37
research
NYU Steinhardt School ............................................... 11
special events
NYBG - Train Show .......................................................5
special needs
Atlas Foundation for Autism ........................................29 Camp SAY ...................................................................29 NYU Steinhardt School ............................................... 11
sports
Chelsea Piers .............................................................27 Martial Arts Family Studio ..............................................5 USC Gymnastics & Baseball Training Facility ............ 11
theater
City Parks Foundation ................................................37 Galli Theater ................................................................19 Illusionists .....................................................................9 Play On! Studios .........................................................12
tutors
Kumon Manhattan .......................................................48 New York City Education Consulting ..........................41
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raising kids parenting humor
How to Un-Fun the Holidays in 8 Easy Steps It’s easy to suck the joy right out of the holiday season, especially when you have kids—just follow this guide. If, by some chance, that’s not what you want to do, we have other recommendations for you! 1. Insist on getting the perfect photo for your annual holiday card. Dress up everyone in their finest clothes and keep stage-directing them (“a little to the left…a little to the right”) until their smiles are as frozen as a snowman’s. Instead: Go for a shot that’s casual or silly—it’s what life is really like with kids. 2. Knock yourself out trying to find this season’s hottest overpriced toy, even if your child didn’t ask for it. After all, isn’t that what caring parents do? Instead: Have your child help you pick out a toy for Toys for Tots or another organization that brings joy to children in need. Show her that it’s what caring families do. 3. Write a glowing holiday letter to your family and friends, then spend the rest of the season wishing your life were half as awesome as you made it sound. Instead: Be honest about some of the struggles you’ve faced, like losing your battle with the scale or struggling to make your kids understand that “no means no.” People will appreciate your honesty. 4. Scurry around so much getting ready for the holidays that you spend less time with your kids than you want to. 46
December 2018 | nymetroparents.com
By Deborah Skolnik
Instead: Remember to slow down and enjoy the season together. Take an evening to drive around and admire the holiday lights, or go skating one afternoon. Your child may remember those moments more than all the fancy presents that come his way. 5. Decorate your home with lots of “don’t-touch” holiday objects, then get upset when your child breaks one (or worse, get scared when he ends up hurting himself). Instead: Learn how to keep your home festive, but hazard free, by reading “13 Ways to Stay Safe This Holiday Season” on p. 18. 6. Drag your children to a nighttime holiday religious service, then feel embarrassed when they can’t keep it together. Instead: Look for a “family” service, where kids are welcome and a certain amount of squirminess is permitted. 7. Pressure your kids to give hugs and kisses to family friends and relatives they barely know. Instead: Remember that kids, like adults, have the right to decide whom they want to be cozy with. If your child doesn’t feel like it, ask him to give a simple wave or say a friendly hello. Really young kids may not even be able to manage that much, but it’s okay; the adults around them will almost certainly understand. 8. Go into debt making this “the best holiday ever.” Instead: Create a reasonable budget and stick to it. You’ll start the new year feeling refreshed—not impoverished.
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