Brooklyn Parent February 2019 by City Guide NY

Brooklyn Brooklyn Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM FEBRUARY 2019

Camp Directors

Tell All

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

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

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

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

BrooklynParent

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3832 Flatlands Ave • Brooklyn, NY 11234 718-951-9732 • www.urbanexplorers.nyc BrooklynParent

contents table of

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

february 2019

18 camp 12 What Camp Directors Wish Parents Knew 14 Camp Directory 16 At-a-Glance Camp Guide

Family Fun a Ride Away

Things to do this month a train ride away.

Ways to Get (and Stay) Closer to Your Teen

Checking Out Neighborhoods

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

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

raising kids

things to do

family life

6 Editor’s Note 8 Crossing the Digital Divide 10 5 Tips for Traveling with Young Children 11 Creative Child Care Solutions in NYC 32 Orthodontia Explained 34 Baby Cry Decoder 36 Ways to Get (and Stay) Closer to Your Teen 42 Professional Services 42 Party Central 43 Open Houses 43 SAT & ACT Prep Directory 44 Meet the Health Care Professional 45 Family Resource Guide 45 Advertiser’s Index 46 Stuff We Like

18 Family Fun a Ride Away

38 Credit Check-Up

19 Family Activities Calendar

40 Checking Out Neighborhoods

30 Fun Times this Valentines

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› 12 Camp Directors Tell All 14 Find the Perfect Camp 32 Orthodontia Explained 36 The Parent-Teen Bond facebook.com/nymetroparents

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

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raising kids editor’s note

FEBRUARY 2019 • Vol.16 • No.7

NYMetroParents

All About Camp!

s I write this, we’re getting weather warnings for Winter Storm Harper, and I couldn’t be happier about it. What can I say; this Maine-girl-at-heart loves the cold and snow! But, I’m sure many of you can’t wait for the warmer weather of summer to arrive—dreaming of beach days and no school (well, the kids are dreaming of this at least). We here at Brooklyn Parent are also turning our thoughts to the summer months—reminiscing about our long-gone days of summer camp. While you may think it’s too early to consider your child’s summer camp plans, the American Camp Association actually suggests that now is the perfect time to start planning. And we’re here to help you make the best decisions for your children to set them up for the. Best. Summer. Ever. In this issue, camp directors and counselors tell all, revealing the top things they wish you knew about summer camp, from choosing a camp to ensuring your kids have a great experience (p. 12). You’ll also find two must-read camp planning resources: our Camp Directory (p. 14), full of the area’s best summer camp options, and our At-aGlance Camp Guide (p. 16), where you’ll be able to quickly see which camps offer transportation, extended hours, lunch, flexible schedules, and other specialty programs. And to help you even more, this year we are publishing our first-ever Brooklyn Parent Digital Camp Guide, which is full of great free content, including expert advice for planning your child’s summer, descriptions of area camps, camp comparison charts, and open house schedules. You won’t want to miss this ultimate, all-in-one, camp planning resource! You can find it at nymetroparents.com/campguide/brooklyn beginning Feb. 15! Of course, camp isn’t the only thing on our minds right now. This issue is also full of great advice, including ways to get and stay close to your teens at a time when it feels like they’re pulling away from you (pg. 36), how you can begin to discern what your baby’s cries mean (pg. 34), tips for improving your credit score in a year (really!) (pg. 38), and how to thoroughly check out a neighborhood to see if it’s the right place for your family to live (pg. 40). Plus, February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, so local orthodontists share all you need to know about orthodontic appliances (pg. 32). And since February also brings us Valentine’s Day, we’re wishing you lots of love, laughter, and great memories with your kids! Katelin Walling Editorial Director

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

nymetroparents.com

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

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

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Courtesy Emily Orton

raising kids voices

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

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

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

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

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

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

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raising kids in the know

Traveling with Young Children ›› By Melissa Wickes

very parent is familiar with the stares and groans aimed in their direction when boarding an airplane with a baby. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to predict how your little one will react to being in a contained space like this for an extended period of time. Similarly, it’s difficult to predict how your child will be once you reach your destination. After all, you’re turning your tot’s world upside down for a couple of days, if not more. Harvey Karp, M.D., pediatrician, faculty member of University of Southern California School of Medicine, and author of Happiest Baby on the Block, shares how to make traveling with young children a little easier. Pre-trip prep. Before traveling anywhere with your children, make sure you have a local doctor’s contact information on hand. If your child is old enough, tell them about where they’re going, Dr. Karp suggests. Children are very visual, so show them pictures of where they’re going, the people they’ll meet, and the things they’re going to see. If you can, make a little book to get your child excited about the adventure. In order to later create familiarity in the new place you’re staying, rub some essential oils on your child’s crib at home, and bring that same scent on the trip. If you anticipate needing to help your child sleep during a longer trip, make sure you talk to your doctor and test out medications to ensure they don’t make your child hyper instead of drowsy. If you’re driving, plan stops for snacks, bathroom breaks, and getting out of the car seat. Have modest expectations. This is one of the most important things, according to Dr. Karp. If you are traveling with an infant, you can easily wear your baby in a baby carrier and walk around a museum as long as your heart desires. However, once your baby begins to toddle, these sorts of activities are no longer a breeze. Plan kid-friendly activities, but don’t over-schedule; having some days to just relax by the pool is a good idea. If you’re staying in a different time zone for a very short period of time, keep your watches in your

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

usual time zone, suggests Dr. Karp, because your child won’t have enough time to adjust to a new one. Be prepared. Always bring a kit filled with essentials and medicines just in case to minimize frantic trips to the pharmacy while you’re traveling. Dr. Karp suggests ibuprofen for fevers, cortisone creams for burns, Benadryl for allergies, and anything your child may need specific to his health needs. Other things to bring include your child’s “lovie,” a backup “lovie,” and of course, a Marry Poppins-style bag of tricks. If you’re on a long plane ride, distractions are key, Dr. Karp says. Bring a supply of trinkets and toys you can use to keep the child interested throughout the period including electronic distractions. Anticipate pressure changes on a plane. One of the most difficult parts of taking a baby on a plane are the pressure changes. Think about it: When you experience that painful throbbing in your ears as a result of take-off or landing, you respond by popping your ears by chewing gum, holding your nose, or drinking water. However, babies don’t know what is causing this pain, or how to fix it. The last thing you want is a shrieking baby on a flight, so Dr. Karp suggests giving your baby a bottle 10 minutes into take-off and again 30 minutes before landing to get your baby swallowing to relieve some of that pressure. Baby-proof your space. “Be prepared to baby-proof wherever you’re going to stay, which is often a lot easier in a hotel than in another person’s home because you can rearrange whatever you want,” Dr. Karp says. “Bring paper bandage tape to tape electric outlets, cords up against walls, and the toilet and fridge shut. You can also tape cotton balls on sharp corners.” While baby-proofing the hotel room, or whatever space you may be staying in, Dr. Karp suggests creating a sense of familiarity in the space, whether it’s by playing white noise in the hotel room, hanging up your child’s drawings on the wall, or packing your child’s favorite blanket.

raising kids child care

LEARN AND GROW WITH HEBREW LANGUAGE ACADEMY!

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

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

Love Your Neighborhood

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

From personalized math and English, to learning a new language, we provide your child with a well-rounded academic experience that will set them on a path to success.

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Come join our acclaimed program and feed your child’s insatiable appetite for learning. At Lighthouse, your child will learn reading, writing, math, social and natural science. Registration is open all year round and your child can come in any time of the year.

Treat Your Quiet Apartment Like a Hot Commodity

Once the kids are in bed, your apartment is a priceless destination for those lacking personal space. Your quiet living room provides a refuge for single friends escaping roommate drama or married couples craving breathing room. By recruiting a friend to watch Netflix at your place, you can have a night out without draining your bank account. This is part one in a two-part series of creative child care solutions in New York City. Look in March issue for part two. Mommybites’ mom-generated nanny, babysitter, and nanny-share boards have been some of the most popular child-care resources in New York City since 2006. You can ﬁnd nannies and babysitters as well as help them get new jobs. Join this community of moms and receive weekly parenting advice at mommybites.com/newyork.

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What Camp Directors Wish You Knew

››

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

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

Know the camp’s reputation and accreditation.

Checking into the camp’s reputation should be high on your to-do list, Budah says. Do your usual due diligence: Ask fellow parents about their impression of the camp, and check online reviews. Budah also strongly urges parents to confirm the camp is accredited by the American Camping Association and inspected by the health department. The ACA sets standards for everything from the age appropriateness of activities to first-aid equipment standards.

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

Does this sound like a minor detail? Not so, says Jack Grosbard, owner of Mill Basin Day Camp in Brooklyn. “If a camper travels long ways back and forth, it can really ruin the experience,” Grosbard says. So, keep proximity in mind during the selection process. Think about the camp’s size, too, says Joseph O’Sullivan, camp director at Magic Day Camp in Queens. “Many camps 12

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

are so big that kids can get lost, and if you’re the type of child who doesn’t make friends easily, this can be lonely,” he says. Check the camp’s website for the staff-to-child ratio, as well as its overall size.

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

“The first thing I really hope parents do prior to choosing a camp is understand their children and know their likes and dislikes,” Grosbard says. For kids, he says, summertime is a break from school—that doesn’t just mean a respite from testing, homework, and the classroom, but an opportunity to do what they enjoy. And while it’s nice to go into the first day of camp knowing someone, don’t automatically opt for your child’s best friend’s camp. “You want to pick the best camp for your individual child and that might not be the camp that their friends go to,” says Roberta Katz, co-owner and director of Deer Mountain Day Camp in Pomona.

Trust the camp director.

If something comes up, by all means, get in touch. But one perk of sending your kid to camp, says Matt Davanzo, camp director at Squire Day Camp in Hartsdale, is feeling secure knowing your child is well taken care of by an experienced, capable staff. “What I like to impart to my parents is: We’ve got this. We’ll take care of it,” Davanzo says. “My goal is to be a non-factor.”

Feel free to pick up the phone.

Ultimately, you should feel confident in the camp you select. But if something comes up, camp directors urge you to get in touch.

“Call me with anything,” Katz says. “In order to make camp the best possible experience for each child here, we need to have very open communication with each of our families,” she says. O’Sullivan agrees. At his camp, parents get cellphone numbers for every staff member their kids will encounter. That way, there’s no need to navigate the office or make multiple calls in order for parents to speak to their child, or their child’s counselor.

CAMP MARKETPLACE WHERE THERE’S A Y

THERE’S A WAY

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

The first day of camp can be nerve-wracking—for you, and for your child. To quell those concerns, Katz urges parents to focus on how your child will feel at the end of the experience. And worry less about your kid fitting in or making friends right away too, she recommends. “I try to make parents feel comfortable with the idea of helping kids ﬂourish as individuals,” she says.

SUMMER CAMP

Familiarize yourself with the camp’s procedures.

Every camp has a set of rules and procedures, so consider getting to know these guidelines your homework. And “pay attention to correspondence,” Grosbard says. That way, if there’s a dance show with everyone wearing white T-shirts, your kid won’t be the lone performer in a red tank top. And, Grosbard adds: be on time for pick-up and drop-off. Even more than keeping up with logistics, it’s nice to have a sense of what your kid does during the day, says David Stapleton, camp director of Future Stars Summer Camps in Old Westbury. Tip: Depending on your camp, social media can be a way to keep up with your kid’s daytime adventures.

Talk to your kid about their day.

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

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

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

CBE Kids-Congregation Beth Elohim CBE KIDS CAMP

Elementary and Travel camps: 718-768 3814 x210 cbebk.org/camp bfinkelstein@cbebk.org CBE Kids Camps offers a summer of new experiences! The Elementary Division (ages 4½-8) includes swimming, sports, music, gymnastics, arts and crafts, nature, and circus arts. Ha’Geemnasia, our Hebrew immersion camp includes Israeli culture and the activities above. Movin’ On, CBE’s Travel Camp (ages 9-13), offers daily trips and two overnights.

The Learnatory

St. Francis College, 180 Remsen St. 347-787-0435 thelearnatory.org dthompson@thelearnatory.org The Learnatory Summer Camp is the fast track to developing kids for 21st century success! From math to music, reading to robotics, summertime becomes a memorable experience for kids ages 7-17 as they do new things, make new friends, and keep their minds sharp. More than 30 innovative courses!

Mill Basin Day Camp

5945 Strickland Ave. 718-251-6200 millbasindaycamp.com Mill Basin Day Camp is dedicated to providing exciting and fulfilling camp experiences with fun, recreational, and safe activities for children entering Pre-K through ninth grade. Attend an open house and please bring the whole family for a personal tour of the facility and discussion of the camp program.

Oasis in Brooklyn Bridge Park

St. Francis College, 182 Remsen St. 646-519-5059 oasischildren.com Oasis Day Camp prides itself on age-appropriate programming for ages 3-15. Early Start (ages 3-5) is a nurturing camp environment. Lower (first-second grade) offers sports, arts, swim, enrichment, and nature. Upper (third-sixth grades) is bigger and better for older campers. Teen

Travel (seventh-ninth grades) offers unique trips, overnights, and friendships.

The Park Slope Day Camp

Ronny Schindler, executive director 718-788-7732 parkslopedaycamp.com For 28 years, Park Slope Day Camp has been providing Brooklyn families with a safe, nurturing, and unique day camp experience. Located in Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Carroll Gardens, and Bay Ridge, we offer a wide variety of activities and options including traditional, circus, soccer, and travel camps.

Smart Start Early Learning Center

8411 Fort Hamilton Parkway 718-921-1868 smartstart@verizon.net Summer Fun at Smart Start is an extension of our preschool program with the addition of water play and outdoor activities. Your child’s day will be filled with fun and learning. Activities include art, music, and movement, outdoor playtime, and center time. Smart Start is licensed for ages 2-5.

Stepping Stones Nursery School

245 86th St., Bay Ridge 718-630-1000 Stepping Stones-The Next Step 9321 Ridge Blvd. 718-630-1001 steppingstones86.com steppingstones86@aol.com Stepping Stones believes in engaging children in large and small muscle activities, sensory and discovery exploration, social interaction, and creative expression for ages 2-9. Join us for a fun summer camp where your child will travel on local trips, play with water in our playground, enjoy themed lessons and enrichment classes.

Treasure Island

347 74th St. (corner of 4th Avenue and 74th Street) 718-238-7676 silbekidz@aol.com Treasure Island provides campers with a nurturing, supportive, intellectually stimulating environment that promotes learning and exploration, builds self-esteem and self-confidence, empowers each child, promotes socialization, kindness, and empathy, builds upon the diversity of campers, and encourages campers to be independent and unique individuals. Campers explore exciting themes and enjoy enrichment.

Urban Explorers Day Camp

38-32 Flatlands Ave. 718-951-9732 urbanexplorers.nyc admin@urbanexplorers.nyc Urban Explorers has 45 years of experience

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

providing fun-filled programs geared toward your child’s age, ability, learning, and socialization. Each day provides exciting activities and each week exciting trips. All supervised by a fully licensed staff. We believe the more children explore, the faster they discover themselves.

YMCA Summer Camps

ymcanyc.org/camp At YMCA Summer Camps, children learn leadership skills and develop self-confidence in a safe, accepting, and stimulating environment. They also build robots, go on field trips, shoot hoops, learn to swim, make new friends, and laugh all summer long! Six locations in Manhattan and the Bronx!

Specialty Camps FasTracKids

Williamsburg, Sheepshead Bay, Bay Ridge/Dyker, Park Slope 347-983-2229 ftkny.com Summer camp is designed for ages 4-10. We offer full- or half-day one-week sessions. Fastpaced, fun, and interactive, these learning adventures will captivate and entertain as they deliver meaningful lessons. Nine enrichment topics are explored. Math and English classes, computers, arts and crafts, puzzles, games, and yoga are offered.

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Camp Intrepid

Pier 86, West 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue, Manhattan 646-381-5166 intrepidmuseum.org/camp camp@intrepidmuseum.org Camp Intrepid is Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum’s full-day camp program where history and STEM come together! Winter, spring, and summer camp dates available. Sign up for daily or weekly sessions. Discounts available for museum members and early bird sign-ups. Camp groups also welcome!

Leif Ericson Day School’s Summer Creative Arts & Music Program (SCAMP)

1037 72nd St. 718-748-9023 Christine Hauge, principal ledsny.org Leif Ericson Day School’s Summer Creative Arts and Music Program begins its 22nd year of fun June 24-Aug 2. Children in pre-K to seventh grade enjoy computers, art, music, movement, and drama. SCAMP hours are 9am-3pm with “Early Bird” care (8am) and “Late Bird” care (5pm) for additional fees.

CAMP MARKETPLACE

OPEN HOUSES Sunday,Feb 24 Sunday, Mar 3 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.

June 24th-August 2nd

LeifEricsonDaySchool BrooklynParent 15

92Y Camps 92y.org CBE Kids Camps cbebk.org

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Dyker Heights FasTracKids ftkny.com

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FasTracKids of Sheepshead Bay ftkny.com

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Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum intrepidmuseum.org Leif Ericson Day School’s Summer Creative Arts & Music Program ledsny.org

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Mill Basin Day Camp millbasindaycamp.com

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Park Slope Day Camp parkslopedaycamp.com

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Smart Start Early Childhood Center Inc. smartstartecc.com

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Stepping Stones steppingstones86.com

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The Learnatory thelearnatory.org

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Treasure Island

Urban Explorers Day Camp urbanexplorers.nyc

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Williamsburg FasTracKids STEAM Careers Camp campwilliamsburg.com

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YMCA Summer Camps ymcanyc.org Young People’s Day Camp ypdc.com

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treasureislandmyclassroomconnection.com

Dance

Arts & Crafts

Special Needs

Music

Academic Enrichment

Day Trips

Swimming

Sports

Theater

STEAM/Robotics

PROGRAMS:

Half-Day

Flexible Scheduling

Extended Hours

Lunch

Transportation

Camp Guide

SERVICES:

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February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

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CAMP MARKETPLACE

SMART START

Camp Planner For Every Family

Early Childhood Center, Inc. 8411 Fort Hamilton Pkwy. Brooklyn, NY 11209 718-921-1868 Fax 718-921-6713

OPEN HOUSE DATES

Digital Camp Guide WEB • TABLET • MOBILE FRIENDLY

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

Coming February 15! nymetroparents.com/campguide/brooklyn

Wednesday – Feb 6th • 10:00 AM-11:00 AM Sunday – Feb 10th • 10:00 AM-11:00 AM Tuesday – Feb 12th • 5:30 PM-6:30 PM

FREE Full Day D.O.E. Pre-K For All! Our curriculum helps children understand and develop skills which will enable them to succeed and make sense of the world through:

Dramatic Play, Free Play, Outdoor Play, Arts, Crafts, Music and Movement while incorporating: Literacy, Math, Science and Social Studies Child Centered, Certified Teachers, Extended Hours, Year Round Care

We’re learning step-by-step at...

School Programs • Two Year Old Classes • Three Year Old Classes • Four Year Old Classes

After School Programs

Kindergarten through 5th grade

Full and Half Day Programs Available School Session: September – June

Summer Session: July – August

Please call or email us to schedule a tour to view the school.

Call Us or Come to Our

OPEN HOUSES Wednesday, February 6th at 6:00pm or April 10th at 6:00pm at At 245 – 86th Street Brooklyn NY 11209 Register on our website www.steppingstones86.com under the open house tab!

Nursery School

245 86th street • brooklyn, ny 11209 • p.718-630-1000 • f.718-630-1446

The Next Step

9321 ridge boulevard • brooklyn, ny 11209 • p.718-630-1001

steppingstones86.com • Steppingstones86@aol.com BrooklynParent 17

things to do

outbound

Family Fun a Ride Away By Whitney C. Harris

Courtesy Bergen County Zoo

Courtesy Campgaw Mountain

In Bergen County, NJ...

All you have to do is show up for fun in the snow; you can rent all equipment, including helmets.

Campgaw Mountain Ski Area

As New Jersey’s premier learn-to-ski or -snowboard and tubing destination, Campgaw Mountain offers an alpine escape less than an hour from the city. Located in northern Bergen County, it’s the closest ski area to the New York metro area with 100-percent snowmaking capabilities, only 18 miles north of the George Washington Bridge. Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and tubing (with a surface lift!) for all abilities on uncrowded trails. Equipment rentals and instruction available for all ages. Visit it: Mahwah, NJ; skicampgaw.com; 201-327-7800

Bergen County Zoo

Bergen County Zoological Park is a 15-acre animal park within the beautiful Van Saun Park. This Association of Zoos & Aquariums-accredited zoo houses animals from North, South, and Central America including tapir, spider monkeys, bison, elk, and a Colonial Dutch Farmyard featuring rare-breed farm animals. Be sure to stop by the Education Center to visit with the reptiles, amphibians, and more. Visit it: Paramus, NJ; co.bergen.nj.us; 201-262-3771

Jessica Munich

Courtesy Bear Mountain Ice Rink

and beyo nd!

Bear Mountain Ice Rink is open through March 2; see website for public skate hours.

Bear Mountain Ice Rink

If you head up to Bear Mountain State Park this winter, a stop by the ice rink is a must. Lace-up and enjoy skating outdoors around an open-air rink. Five bucks will give you access to a 90-minute session. There are figure skating and hockey clubs, plus private parties. Rental skates run as small as toddler size 8. Check the website for any unscheduled closure due to inclement weather or mechanical maintenance. Visit it: Tomkins Cove, Rockland County; bearmountainicerink.com; 845-786-2701 18

Through the end of February, enjoy ice-skating, face painting, balloon artists, and ice carving demonstrations at the zoo’s annual Winter Wonderland.

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

This month’s Eaglefest, hosted by Trailside Museums and Zoo at Croton Point Park, features bird presentations, nature walks, and more.

Trailside Museums and Zoo

Woodchucks, and coyotes, and bears, oh my! Trailside Museums and Zoo has it all when it comes to mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish. This wildlife mecca on the Hudson River is worth a visit for both its vistas and its animal inhabitants. Plus, there are four museums all devoted to different aspects of nature, including geology. Trailside will host Eaglefest at Croton Point Park this month, with bird presentations, nature walks, live music, food trucks, and more. Visit it: Highland Falls, Rockland County; trailsidezoo.org; 845-786-2701

Ideas When You Need Them:

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

nymetroparents.com/register

Turn the page for details on ‘Sesame Street Live: Make Your Magic!’ (No. 6 on our list).

FEBRUARY

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WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?

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

CALENDAR

Editor’s Hot Tickets

Smarty Pants

We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!, Show Time!

On Screen

Movers & Shakers

Mini Musicians, Holiday Fun

The Great Outdoors

Animal Lovers

Crafty Kids

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS

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

BAMkids Film Festival 2019

Senegalese Dancer and Griot Lamine Thiam FREE

WHEN: Feb. 2-3, Saturday-Sunday, see website for schedule WHERE: BAM Rose Cinemas, 30 Lafayette Ave., Fort Greene AGES: 3-8 WHAT: This year’s fun-filled program showcases curated selections from the top children’s festivals in North America. WHY WE LOVE IT: Get to your cinema seat a little early to enjoy the comedic magic of The Amazing Max. WANT TO GO? Check website for prices. 718-636-4100. bam.org.

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 16, 1-2pm WHERE: Brooklyn Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: Lamine and the Bousso Ensemble will perform Senegalese traditional dances and songs while inviting the audience to dance along. WHY WE LOVE IT: Families will be given seating priority! WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.

Lunar New Year Celebration

‘Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic’

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 3, 3:30-5:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, 58 7th Ave., Park Slope AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a traditional Chinese celebration for the Year of the Pig, complete with a live performance of the lion dance, traditional music, rolling dumplings, and origami pig workshops. WHY WE LOVE IT: Bigger kids can practice Chinese calligraphy. WANT TO GO? $20; $15 BKCM families and students; $10 children; free for children 3 and younger. 718-622-3300. bkcm.org.

Lunar New Year in Prospect Park FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 5, 12-4pm WHERE: Prospect Park Audubon Center, 101 East Drive, Flatbush AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy paper-lantern making and good luck paper crafts while enjoying traditional New Year treats. WHY WE LOVE IT: There will be nature activities as well, including a Bird Nerds Game Hour and Animal Encounter. WANT TO GO? 646-393-9031. prospectpark.org.

F.A.M. (Family Art Magic)

WHEN: Through Feb. 10: Sundays, 11am-12:15pm and 1:302:45pm WHERE: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Prospect Heights AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Children and their adult companions can explore together to discover the world through art, play fun gallery games, and create their own masterpieces in the studio. Winter classes will focus on Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power to explore themes of art and community. WHY WE LOVE IT: This month, kids will explore work by artists in Brooklyn and the rest of New York, then get to know community-minded artists from around the world. WANT TO GO? $27. 718-638-5000. brooklynmuseum.org. 20

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Feb. 15-24, check website for schedule WHERE: The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, Midtown, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: With high-energy dance numbers and a soundtrack that’s sure to get everyone out of their seats, Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic showcases live theater and the art of illusion. WHY WE LOVE IT: A good introduction to stage productions for littlest ones! WANT TO GO? $15 and up. 800-345-3000. msg.com/sesame.

Disney’s ‘Frozen: The Broadway Musical’

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

Bringing Stories to Life Through Music

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 3, 5:15pm and 6:15pm WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: A music-and-movement workshop that connects famous children’s stories to everyday sounds, rhythms, and melodies. WHY WE LOVE IT: Children can experiment with new ways of selfexpression through singing, playing instruments, and creating sounds to represent ideas. WANT TO GO? $11; free for children younger than 1. 718-735-4400. brooklynkids.org.

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. Target First Saturdays at the Brooklyn Museum FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 2, 5-11pm WHERE: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Prospect Heights AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy engaging and eclectic free art and entertainment every month. WANT TO GO? 718-638-5000. brooklynmuseum.org.

LDBA Free Art Fridays FREE

Hair & Other Stories

WHEN: Through Feb. 9: Thursday-Saturday, 8pm WHERE: BRIC Arts Media, 647 Fulton St., Fort Greene AGES: 9-17 WHAT: A durational dance-theater work that explores disquieting ideas of beauty, identity, and race through the lens of hair. WANT TO GO? $20 in advance; $25 day-of-show. 718-855-7882. bricartsmedia.org.

Children’s Cultural Film Festival

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 9, 2-6pm WHERE: The Katmint Learning Initiative, 506 MacDonough St., Bedford-Stuyvesant AGES: All WHAT: This initiative offers periodic film screenings, exploring the diversity of our communities through feature presentations about heritage. WANT TO GO? Early Bird Special: $15; Children Early Bird Special: $5. 347-453-6609. thekatmint.com.

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 8, 3-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Williamsburg Branch, 240 Division Ave., Williamsburg AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Explore new techniques and materials in this visual arts workshop. WANT TO GO? 718-302-3485. bklynlibrary.org.

‘Fly Feather’ by Periferia Teatro (Spain)

Discovery Room: All Over the Map

Disney’s DCappella

WHEN: Feb. 2-24, Saturday-Sunday, 11:30am-12:30pm WHERE: New York Transit Museum, 99 Schermerhorn St., Brooklyn Heights AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Think about all the places you go and design your own subway or bus map. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 children ages 2-17. 718-694-1600. nytransitmuseum.org.

Teen Tech Time FREE

WHEN: Feb. 6-27, Wednesdays, 4-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Kensington Branch, 4207 18th Ave., Kensington AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Play various games in a friendly, competitive environment. WANT TO GO? 718-436-0545. bklynlibrary.org.

Homework Help FREE

WHEN: Feb. 7-28, Thursdays, 3-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Gerritsen Beach Branch, 2808 Gerritsen Ave. AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Got homework questions? See the Homework Helper! WANT TO GO? 718-368-1435. bklynlibrary.org. ››

SHOW TIME! ‘Alida and the Hummingbird’

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 2, 4-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Music School, 126 Saint Felix St., Fort Greene AGES: All WHAT: Alida and the Hummingbird tells a touching story of true love WANT TO GO? BMS students and parents: $10 in advance, $12 at the door; general admission: $15 in advance, $20 at the door. 646-765-4773. brooklynmusicschool.org.

WHEN: Feb. 5-10, Tuesday, 10:30am; Saturday-Sunday, 10:30am and 3:30pm WHERE: BAM Fisher, 321 Ashland Place, Fort Greene AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Using wood-carved hand puppets and imaginative set design, the Spanish Puppet Theater Company presents this warm and enduring show. WANT TO GO? $18. bam.org. WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 16, 8pm WHERE: Kings Theatre, 1027 Flatbush Ave., Flatbush AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Created by Disney and a contemporary a cappella legend, DCapella appeals to fans of both Disney and a cappella. WANT TO GO? Prices vary. 845-469-2287. kingstheatre.com.

Sing Along with Amy Miles

WHEN: Feb. 3-24, Sundays, 10-10:45am and 11-11:45am WHERE: Lark Café, 1007 Church Ave., Flatbush AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: Amy plays original and well-known songs on guitar, ukulele, and percussive things, with plenty of puppets and bubbles. WANT TO GO? $10/family. 718-469-0140. larkcafe.com.

Sing Along with the Sparrow Sisters

WHEN: Feb. 7-28, Thursdays, 10-11am WHERE: Lark Café, 1007 Church Ave., Flatbush AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: The Sparrow Sisters perform a sweet mixture of folk and nursery songs with guitar, violin, vocal harmony, and sometimes a rhythm section. WANT TO GO? $10 per family. 718-469-0140. larkcafe.com.

Impractical Jokers: Homecoming

WHEN: Through March 17: Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: Staten Island Museum at Snug Harbor, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: See original costumes, props, and art, and learn about behindthe-scenes production of this hidden-camera, comedic television show. WANT TO GO? $8; $5 seniors and students with ID; $2 children ages 2-12. 718-727-1135. statenislandmuseum.org.

Tiny Tot Theater

WHEN: Through April 4: Thursdays, 9:30am WHERE: Spark by Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 1 John St., Dumbo AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Along with a storyteller and puppeteer from Spellbound Theatre, you and your child will explore creative play, movement, and puppet making. WANT TO GO? $36. 718-852-2470. brooklynkids.org/spark. BrooklynParent 21

Family Bowl FREE

WHEN: Feb. 2-23, Saturdays, 11am-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave., Williamsburg AGES: All WHAT: Bring the whole family and get your bowl on. WANT TO GO? 718-963-3369. therockandrollplayhouse.com.

The Rock and Roll Playhouse Presents: The Music of Stevie Nicks & Fleetwood Mac for Kids

MOVERS & SHAKERS The Rock and Roll Playhouse Presents: The Music of The Rolling Stones for Kids

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 10, 11:30am WHERE: Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave., Williamsburg AGES: All WHAT: Using the songs created by the most iconic musicians in rock history, enjoy games, movement, stories, and an opportunity to rock out. WANT TO GO? $12. 718-963-3369. therockandrollplayhouse.com.

Stroller Tour

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 13, 10-11am WHERE: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Prospect Heights AGES: Newborn to 2, adult WHAT: Touchable objects, songs, and exploration of a small selection of art. WANT TO GO? $16. 718-638-5000. brooklynmuseum.org.

Kids Week Brooklyn: Fort Greene History and Colonial Games FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 19, 1-2:30pm WHERE: Fort Greene Park Visitor Center, Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park, Fort Greene AGES: All WHAT: Step back in time and play some colonial games. WANT TO GO? 718-722-3218. nycgovparks.org.

Family Playtime FREE

WHEN: Feb. 1-22, Fridays, 11am-12pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Eastern Parkway Branch, 1044 Eastern Parkway, Crown Heights AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Come and play and meet new friends. WANT TO GO? 718-953-4225. bklynlibrary.org.

Preschool Playtime FREE

WHEN: Feb. 1-22, Fridays, 11am-12pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Kensington Branch, 4207 18th Ave., Kensington AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, new friends, and play. WANT TO GO? 718-436-0545. bklynlibrary.org.

Lavender Blues Sing Along

WHEN: Feb. 2-23, Saturdays, 9:30-10:15am and 10:30-11:15am WHERE: Lark Café, 1007 Church Ave., Flatbush AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: Little ones will sing songs, play instruments, dance, march and more. WANT TO GO? $10. 718-469-0140. larkcafe.com.

Roll-a-rama Family Skate Extravaganza

WHEN: Feb. 2-23, Saturdays, 1-4pm WHERE: Dreamland Roller Rink at Industry City, 233 37th St., Greenwood Heights AGES: All WHAT: Expect a mix of contemporary and retro tunes, a red carpet where you can take roller disco glam photos, and NYC Roller Blitz. WANT TO GO? $15 and up. dreamlandrollerrink.com/roll-a-rama/. 22

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 24, 11:30am WHERE: Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave., Williamsburg AGES: All WHAT: Introduce your kids to the music of Fleetwood Mac with plenty of games, movement, and stories. WANT TO GO? $12. 718-963-3369. therockandrollplayhouse.com.

NYTM Train Operators Workshop

WHEN: Feb. 2-24, Saturday-Sunday, 11:30am-12:30pm WHERE: New York Transit Museum, 99 Schermerhorn St., Brooklyn Heights AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Take control of a subway car and operate it over virtual miles of track. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 children ages 2-17. 718-694-1600. nytransitmuseum.org.

Children’s Open Play

WHEN: Feb. 4-25, Mondays, 11am-12pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Gerritsen Beach Branch, 2808 Gerritsen Ave., Gerritsen Beach AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: Check out the children’s space for an open play session with plenty of toys, tents, and fun. WANT TO GO? 718-368-1435. bklynlibrary.org.

Discovery Table FREE

WHEN: Feb. 4-25, Mondays, 10-11am WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, McKinley Park Branch, 6802 Fort Hamilton Parkway, Dyker Heights AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Enjoy fun with Legos. WANT TO GO? 718-748-8001. bklynlibrary.org.

Toddler Time FREE

WHEN: Feb. 6-27, Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30am WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Williamsburg Branch, 240 Division Ave., Williamsburg AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Listen to picture books, discover delightful finger plays with peers. WANT TO GO? 718-302-3485. bklynlibrary.org.

Sing Along with Debbie Deane

WHEN: Feb. 6-27, Wednesdays, 11am-12pm WHERE: Lark Café, 1007 Church Ave., Flatbush AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Sing, dance, play percussion, and listen to a storybook or two. WANT TO GO? Suggested $10. 718-469-0140. larkcafe.com.

Storytime & Sensory Lounge

WHEN: Through April 2: Tuesdays, 9:20am WHERE: Spark by Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 1 John St., Dumbo AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Children explore their senses with songs, storytelling, role-play, and art. WANT TO GO? $36. 718-852-2470. brooklynkids.org/spark.

The Buttons

WHEN: Through May 30: Thursdays, 3:30pm WHERE: Wild Was Mama, 272 Driggs Ave., Greenpoint AGES: All WHAT: Check out this mom and baby boutique to hear original kids music. WANT TO GO? $10 per family. 718-576-3806. thebuttonsband.com.

DreamWorks Trolls The Experience

WHEN: Through May 31: Monday-Friday, 10am-8pm; Saturday-Sunday, 9am-8pm WHERE: 218 W. 57th St., Midtown, Manhattan AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Guided by a rainbow path, visitors will sing, dance, hug, and celebrate alongside DreamWorks Trolls. WANT TO GO? $40. 800-844-3545. trollstheexperience.com.

Shipwreck Adventures

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 17, 9-10:30am WHERE: New York Aquarium, 602 Surf Ave., Coney Island AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Explore the shipwrecks of the New York seascape, engage in hands-on activities, learn about local shipwrecks, and discover how those wrecks impact our sea life. WANT TO GO? $30; $25 members. 718-265-3474. nyaquarium.com.

Kids Week Brooklyn: Find My Way FREE

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 18, 1-2:30pm WHERE: Marine Park Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Avenue U, Marine Park AGES: All WHAT: Learn how to use a map and compass for safe hiking, then try out your skills on an orienteering trail. WANT TO GO? 718-421-2021. nyc.gov/parks/rangers.

Kids Week Brooklyn: Build a Birdfeeder FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 21, 1-2:30pm WHERE: Fort Greene Park Visitor Center, Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park, Fort Greene AGES: All WHAT: Learn how to build a birdfeeder for your backyard. WANT TO GO? 718-722-3218. nycgovparks.org.

New York Road Runners Open Run FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 18: Tuesdays, 7pm WHERE: Pier 6, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Atlantic Avenue and Furman Street, Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: Participate in free, weekly 2½- to 3-mile runs, directed by volunteers. Open to all experience levels, walkers, strollers, and dogs. WANT TO GO? 718-222-9939. brooklynbridgepark.org.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS First Sundays at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 3, 10:30am-3pm WHERE: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave., Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Experience the serenity and wonder of the garden with programs for the entire family! WANT TO GO? $15; $8 seniors and students; free for children 12 and younger. 718-623-7200. bbg.org.

Black History Month: Brooklyn and the Underground Railroad FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 9, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Park, 334 Furman St., Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: Join the Urban Park Rangers for a walk in Brooklyn Bridge Park highlighting Brooklyn’s link to freedom. WANT TO GO? 718-222-9939. brooklynbridgepark.org.

BrooklynParent 23

Kids Create: Beading FREE

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 8, 2-3pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Gerritsen Beach Branch, 2808 Gerritsen Ave., Gerritsen Beach AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Have fun with beads while creating beautiful necklaces and bracelets. WANT TO GO? 718-368-1435. bklynlibrary.org.

CRAFTY KIDS Kids Create: Lanyard FREE

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 1, 2-3pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Gerritsen Beach Branch, 2808 Gerritsen Ave., Gerritsen Beach AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Kids have fun making key chains and bracelets with a lanyard. WANT TO GO? 718-368-1435. bklynlibrary.org.

Kids Create: Valentine’s Day Cards FREE

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 1, 3-4:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Walt Whitman Branch, 93 Saint Edwards St., Fort Greene AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Create Valentine’s Day cards for seniors in the community and your family and friends. WANT TO GO? 718-935-0244. bklynlibrary.org.

ProjectArt Art Workshops FREE

WHEN: Feb. 4-6, Monday and Wednesday, 4-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Crown Heights Branch, 560 New York Ave., Crown Heights AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Explore, create, and express yourself through art. WANT TO GO? 718-773-1180. bklynlibrary.org.

Learn How To Cross-Stitch/Embroider FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 7, 5-6pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Williamsburg Branch, 240 Division Ave., Williamsburg AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Bring your imagination, patience, and willingness to learn so you can create a gift. WANT TO GO? 718-302-3485. bklynlibrary.org.

DIY: Knit a Scarf FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 7, 4-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Spring Creek Branch, 12143 Flatlands Ave., East New York AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Head to the library to learn the basics of knitting, then use those skills to create a scarf. WANT TO GO? 718-257-6571. bklynlibrary.org.

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Soak Up Some Science

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 9, 12-1pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Ave., Staten Island AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Experiment with water pressure using the Super Soaker. Fill some soakers with paint to create abstract pieces of art. WANT TO GO? $8; free for children younger than 1. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.

DIY: Light Up Valentine’s Day Cards FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 13, 4-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Mill Basin, 2385 Ralph Ave., Mill Basin AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Learn the basics of circuitry and make a light-up card for the special someone in your life. WANT TO GO? 718-241-3973. bklynlibrary.org.

Jewelry Making Workshop with Chaya Adler FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2-3pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, McKinley Park Branch, 6802 Fort Hamilton Parkway, Dyker Heights AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Transform wire and beads of all shapes, colors, and sizes into stylish accessories. WANT TO GO? 718-748-8001. bklynlibrary.org.

Kids Create: Black History Month FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 21, 2:30-3:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Fort Hamilton Branch, 9424 4th Ave., Fort Hamilton AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Celebrate Black History Month with a fun craft. WANT TO GO? 718-748-6919. bklynlibrary.org.

Future of Fashion

WHEN: Feb. 19-21, Tuesday-Thursday, 11am WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Ave., Staten Island AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Create paper dolls in celebration of fashion week and see the work of stylists and models. WANT TO GO? $8; free for children younger than 1. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.

Kids Create: Arts and Crafts FREE

WHEN: Feb. 1-22, Fridays, 3-4pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Gerritsen Beach Branch, 2808 Gerritsen Ave., Gerritsen Beach AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Make a different craft each week! WANT TO GO? 718-368-1435. bklynlibrary.org.

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Kids Create: Digital Stills FREE

WHEN: Feb. 1-22, Fridays, 4-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Kensington Branch, 4207 18th Ave., Kensington AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Use an iPad to virtually finger-paint and digitally sketch. WANT TO GO? 718-436-0545. bklynlibrary.org.

Learn & Paint (Black History Edition)

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 23, 4-6pm WHERE: Fresh as Daisy Kids Spa, 9305 Glenwood Road, Brooklyn AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Experience a lesson about African-American history, then have a light snack followed by a painting activity. WANT TO GO? $30. 917-650-9402. freshasdaisy.com.

Art Studio

WHEN: Feb. 2-24, Saturday-Sunday, 1-4pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Ave., Staten Island AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Create a surrealist collage inspired by Kenyan-born artist Wangechi Mutu. WANT TO GO? $8; free for children younger than 1. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.

First Five Years Kids Create FREE

WHEN: Feb. 4-25, Mondays, 11am-12pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, McKinley Park Branch, 6802 Fort Hamilton Parkway, Dyker Heights AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy fun arts and crafts projects. WANT TO GO? 718-748-8001. bklynlibrary.org.

Kids Create: 3-D Printing FREE

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 25, 4-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Kensington Branch, 4207 18th Ave., Kensington AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Learn the basics of what 3-D Printing is and where we can apply it in everyday life. WANT TO GO? 718-436-0545. bklynlibrary.org.

DIY for Teens FREE

WHEN: Feb. 5-26, Tuesdays, 4-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, McKinley Park Branch, 6802 Fort Hamilton Parkway, Dyker Heights AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Learn how to make useful and fun crafts while socializing with other teens. WANT TO GO? 718-748-8001. bklynlibrary.org.

Knitting for Adults and Teens

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 27, 3-4pm FREE WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Williamsburg Branch, 240 Division Ave., Williamsburg AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Please bring a pair of size 7 or 8 needles and worsted-weight yarn. WANT TO GO? 718-302-3485. bklynlibrary.org.

Knitting & Crocheting Club: Fun With Yarn! FREE

WHEN: Feb. 6-27, Wednesdays, 4-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Kensington Branch, 4207 18th Ave., Kensington AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Learn to crochet or knit your own hat, scarf, or bag. WANT TO GO? 718-436-0545. bklynlibrary.org.

DIY FREE

WHEN: Feb. 7-28, Thursdays, 3-4pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Crown Heights Branch, 560 New York Ave., Crown Heights AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Hang out with friends, do homework, and participate in arts and crafts. WANT TO GO? 718-773-1180. bklynlibrary.org.

Kids Create: Arts and Crafts FREE

WHEN: Feb. 7-28, Thursdays, 4-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Williamsburg Branch, 240 Division Ave., Williamsburg AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Do a new craft project every week. WANT TO GO? 718-302-3485. bklynlibrary.org.

Little Artists

WHEN: Through April 2: Tuesdays, 10:35am WHERE: Spark by Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 1 John St., Dumbo AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Explore art, experiment with materials, discover hidden objects from the BCM collection on scavenger hunt challenges, and create masterworks. WANT TO GO? $36. 718-852-2470. brooklynkids.org/spark.

ColorLab

WHEN: Through May 24: Thursday, 2-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Learn about contemporary Afrofuturism through books, materials, and prompts that guide creating. WANT TO GO? $11; free for children younger than 1. 718-735-4400. brooklynkids.org.

Transit Tots

WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Thursdays, 10:15-11am WHERE: New York Transit Museum, 99 Schermerhorn St., Brooklyn Heights AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Young train enthusiasts explore themes like animals underground, the people and buildings of New York City, colors and shapes, and the city’s subways and buses. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 children ages 2-17. 718-694-1600. nytransitmuseum.org. ››

BrooklynParent 25

Chess Workshop FREE

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 4, 3:30-4:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Crown Heights Branch, 560 New York Ave., Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Learn how to master the game of chess with a trained instructor. WANT TO GO? 718-773-1180. bklynlibrary.org.

Future Dentists!

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 5, 1-3pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Ave., Staten Island AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Meet Dr. Marcia Greene of Bayview Dental Care as she demonstrates proper oral hygiene for National Children’s Dental Health Month. WANT TO GO? $8; free for children younger than 1. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.

Homework Help FREE

SMARTY PANTS Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) FREE

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 1, 2-4pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Crown Heights Branch, 560 New York Ave., Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Check out this drop-in early literacy program. WANT TO GO? 718-773-1180. bklynlibrary.org.

Black History Month with Tammy Hall FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 2, 2-3pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Gerritsen Beach Branch, 2808 Gerritsen Ave., Gerritsen Beach AGES: All WHAT: Storyteller Tammy Hall will lead you in a fantastic literary journey through stories from the African Diaspora. WANT TO GO? 718-368-1435. bklynlibrary.org.

If These Walls Could Talk

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 2, 10am WHERE: Brooklyn Historical Society, 128 Pierrepont St., Brooklyn Heights AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Gain hands-on experience conducting house research in the library using archival images, records, and documents. WANT TO GO? $20 general admission; $10 members. 718-222-4111. brooklynhistory.org.

Escher: The Exhibition and Experience

WHEN: Through Feb. 3: Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Sunday, 10am-7pm; Thursday, 10am-9pm WHERE: Industry City, 34 34th St., Building 6, Sunset Park AGES: All WHAT: Experience the art of M.C. Escher in this exhibition featuring more than 200 original works. WANT TO GO? $20; $13 children ages 12-17; $6 children ages 5-11. eschernyc.com. 26

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 5, 4-6pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Crown Heights Branch, 560 New York Ave., Crown Heights AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Get support, assistance, and encouragement for children who need a little extra help with their homework. WANT TO GO? 718-773-1180. bklynlibrary.org.

Hot Cocoa & Coding at Blue Studios

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 16, 2-4pm WHERE: Blue Studios Brooklyn, 396 Atlantic Ave., Boerum Hill AGES: All WHAT: Kids and parents engage in coding activities while sipping hot cocoa. WANT TO GO? $15. 718-858-4038. bluestudios.io.

Reading is Fundamental (RIF) FREE

WHEN: Feb. 1-22, Fridays, 2-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Gerritsen Beach Branch, 2808 Gerritsen Ave., Gerritsen Beach AGES: All WHAT: Check out two books each week and receive a free book the third week. WANT TO GO? 718-368-1435. bklynlibrary.org.

Teen Tech Time: Video Games FREE

WHEN: Feb. 1-22, Fridays, 4-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, McKinley Park Branch, 6802 Fort Hamilton Parkway, Dyker Heights AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Play various games in a friendly, competitive environment. WANT TO GO? 718-748-8001. bklynlibrary.org.

DIY: Creative Writing Club FREE

WHEN: Feb. 1-22, Fridays, 4-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Kensington Branch, 4207 18th Ave., Kensington AGES: 13-17 WHAT: With the guidance of a professional writer, teens work on their creative writing process in an encouraging environment. WANT TO GO? 718-436-0545. bklynlibrary.org.

Kids Tech Time FREE

WHEN: Feb. 1-22, Fridays, 4-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Spring Creek Branch, 12143 Flatlands Ave., East New York AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Play on the library’s Playstation 4 or other new technology. WANT TO GO? 718-257-6571. bklynlibrary.org.

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History On Wheels

WHEN: Feb. 2-24, Saturday-Sunday, 11:30am-12:30pm WHERE: New York Transit Museum, 99 Schermerhorn St., Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: Learn about public transportation through handling materials, including maps from transit history. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 children ages 2-17. 718-694-1600. nytransitmuseum.org.

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Opening Week: Science + You Exhibit

WHEN: Feb. 4-25, Mondays, 3:30-4:45pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Eastern Parkway Branch, 1044 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn AGES: 13-17 WHAT: A creative writing workshop hosted by the New York Writers Coalition. WANT TO GO? 718-953-4225. bklynlibrary.org.

WHEN: Through April 28: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10am-5pm; Thursday, 10am-6pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-7pm WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Learn about health and nutrition, scientific tools, and the methods scientists use for problem solving, investigation, and experimentation. WANT TO GO? $11; free for children younger than 1. 718-735-4400. brooklynkids.org.

Chess Master

Friday Drop-Off

Writing Workshop with NYWC FREE

WHEN: Feb. 4-25, Mondays, 4-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, McKinley Park Branch, 6802 Fort Hamilton Parkway, Dyker Heights AGES: All WHAT: Open chess program for kids to learn chess from a real Chess Master. WANT TO GO? 718-748-8001. bklynlibrary.org.

WHEN: Through Dec. 27: Fridays, 6:30-9:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Game Lab, 310 7th Ave., Park Slope AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Drop in for Dungeons and Dragons and go on a multi-month campaign with a band of adventurous kids each week. WANT TO GO? $48. 718-788-1122. brooklyngamelab.com.

Kids Tech Time + RIF FREE

WHEN: Feb. 5-26, Tuesdays, 3-4pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Eastern Parkway Branch, 1044 Eastern Parkway, Crown Heights AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Play on iPads and check in for Reading Is Fundamental WANT TO GO? 718-953-4225. bklynlibrary.org.

Teen Tech Time FREE

WHEN: Feb. 7-28, Thursdays, 3-4pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Gerritsen Beach Branch, 2808 Gerritsen Ave., Gerritsen Beach AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Play various video games in a friendly, competitive environment. WANT TO GO? 718-368-1435. bklynlibrary.org.

Teknopolis 2019

WHEN: Feb. 23-24, Saturday-Sunday, see website for schedule WHERE: BAM Rose Cinemas, 30 Lafayette Ave., Fort Greene AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Unleash your creative mind at this interactive technology showcase. WANT TO GO? See website for pricing. 718-636-4100. bam.org.

Baby Sign Language

ON SCREEN Black History Month Family Movie FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 5, 4-6pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Ulmer Park Library, 2602 Bath Ave., Gravesend AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Catch a screening of The Princess and the Frog. WANT TO GO? 718-265-3443. bklynlibrary.org.

Family Movies FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 12, 3-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Eastern Parkway Branch, 1044 Eastern Parkway, Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a free family movie. WANT TO GO? 718-953-4225. bklynlibrary.org.

Morning Movies: ‘E.T. The Extra Terrestrial’ FREE

WHEN: Through April 3: Wednesdays, 10:45am WHERE: Spark by Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 1 John St., Dumbo AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Learn the basics of sign language, including numbers, colors, greetings, and family terms. WANT TO GO? $36. 718-852-2470. brooklynkids.org/spark.

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 25, 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Williamsburg Branch, 240 Division Ave., Williamsburg AGES: All WHAT: This heartwarming story follows the unforgettable journey of a lost alien and the 10-year-old boy he befriends. WANT TO GO? 718-302-3485. bklynlibrary.org.

Spanish at Spark with Espanate!

Teen Tech Time FREE

WHEN: Through April 5: Fridays, 10:45am WHERE: Spark by Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 1 John St., Dumbo AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Through game-based interactions, children build cognitive, fine-gross motor, social, and artistic skills. WANT TO GO? $36. 718-852-2470. brooklynkids.org/spark.

WHEN: Feb. 7-28, Thursdays, 4-5:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Crown Heights Branch, 560 New York Ave., Crown Heights AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Play with a PS4 or Xbox in this friendly, competitive gaming session. WANT TO GO? 718-773-1180. bklynlibrary.org. ››

BrooklynParent 27

Toddler Time FREE

WHEN: Feb. 5-26, Tuesdays, 10:15-10:4am and 11-11:30am WHERE: Brooklyn Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Have fun listening to great picture books and playing with other children. WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.

MINI

MUSICIANS Brooklyn Traditional Slow Jam

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 6, 7-9pm WHERE: The Old Stone House, 336 3rd St., Park Slope AGES: All WHAT: This group is intended to provide a musical home for folks interested in playing with other musicians, learning to play by ear, and increasing their own musical skill. WANT TO GO? $5. 718-768-3195. theoldstonehouse.org.

Music Technology Youth Workshops with Sonic Arts for All FREE

The Music Room

WHEN: Through Feb. 28: daily, 1-4pm WHERE: Jewish Children’s Museum, 709 Eastern Parkway, Crown Heights AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Let children discover the music within with a hands-on temporary exhibit. WANT TO GO? $13. 718-907-8833. jcm.museum.

Silly Sing-a-Long

WHEN: Through April 2: Tuesdays, 11:45am WHERE: Spark by Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 1 John St., Dumbo AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Go on an exciting theatrical journey filled with instruments, puppets, scarves, bubbles, and more. WANT TO GO? $36. 718-852-2470. brooklynkids.org/spark.

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 16, 11am WHERE: Sawdust, 80 N. 6th St., Williamsburg AGES: 5-12 WHAT: This workshop will empower students to make music without having to learn to read it first, harnessing the potential of new technology to interact directly with sound. WANT TO GO? 646-779-8455. nationalsawdust.org.

Big Trip!: A Musical Journey Around NYC

Mandarin Storytime FREE

Yo Re Mi Music and Movement

Drop in and Sing with Loyd Miller

Thursday Workshops with The Little Orchestra Society

WHEN: Feb. 1-22, Fridays, 10:30-11:30am WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, McKinley Park Branch, 6802 Fort Hamilton Parkway, Dyker Heights AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Sing songs and hear stories in Mandarin. WANT TO GO? 718-748-8001. bklynlibrary.org. WHEN: Feb. 1-22, Fridays, 10-10:45am and 11-11:45am WHERE: Lark Café, 1007 Church Ave., Flatbush AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Join Lloyd H. Miller of The Deedle Deedle Dees for an interactive sing-along filled with original songs about the history of New York City. WANT TO GO? Suggested $10 per family. 718-469-0140. larkcafe.com.

Shine and the Moonbeams FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 23, 1-2pm WHERE: Brooklyn Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: All WHAT: Shine and the Moonbeams take the best rhythmic elements of soul songs and music. WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.

Toddler Time FREE

WHEN: Feb. 5-26, Tuesdays, 10-11am WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, McKinley Park Branch, 6802 Fort Hamilton Parkway, Dyker Heights AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: An hour of fun songs, stories, and toys with other toddlers. WANT TO GO? 718-748-8001. bklynlibrary.org. 28

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Through April 4: Thursdays, 10:45am WHERE: Spark by Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 1 John St., Dumbo AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Explore imaginary play through seated and standing movement, musical instruments, dance, and lots of sing-alongs. WANT TO GO? $36. 718-852-2470. brooklynkids.org/spark. WHEN: Through April 5: Fridays, 9:30am WHERE: Spark by Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 1 John St., Dumbo AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Children will explore nature, geography, culture, language, rhythm, dance, songwriting, and playing instruments. WANT TO GO? $36. 718-852-2470. brooklynkids.org/spark. WHEN: Through May 23: Thursdays, 3pm and 4pm WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Create your own melodies, discover cultures, and build communities as you explore new sounds and songs. WANT TO GO? $11; free for children younger than 1. 718-735-4400. brooklynkids.org.

HOLIDAY FUN! Groundhog Day 2019

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 2, 6am-2pm WHERE: Staten Island Zoo, 614 Broadway, Staten Island AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Watch groundhog Chuck make his famous prediction! There will also be musical performances by the P.S. 29 Chorus and Patrick Raferty, keeper talks, animal feedings, and other featured animals. WANT TO GO? $10; $7 seniors; $6 children ages 3-14; free for children ages 2 and younger. 718-442-3101. statenislandzoo.org.

Cool School Holiday: Lunar New Year FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 5, 11am-4pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Ave., Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Create red envelopes and decorate them with gold-colored calligraphy. WANT TO GO? 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.

Chinese New Year Celebration FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 9, 1-2pm WHERE: Brooklyn Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza AGES: All WHAT: See the artists of the renowned Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company dancing in colorful costumes accompanied by the sound of authentic Chinese instruments. WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.

Valentine’s Printmaking

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 10, 11:30am-12:30pm WHERE: Private Picassos, 237 5th Ave., Park Slope AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Kids will learn basic relief printmaking techniques to create unique Valentine’s Day cards. WANT TO GO? $30 per child; $50 for two siblings. 718-215-0589. privatepicassos.com.

Presidents’ Day Art Workshop

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 18, 10am-5pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Ave., Staten Island AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Create your own portrait and see some of Kehinde’s work. WANT TO GO? $8; free for children younger than 1. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.

Lunar New Year Celebration

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 24, 2pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Ave., Staten Island AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Play a bamboo pole game with the Vietnamese Heritage Center. WANT TO GO? $8; free for children younger than 1. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.

ANIMAL LOVERS Family Overnight: Sharks After Dark

WHEN: Feb. 2-3, Saturday-Sunday, 6pm-9:30am WHERE: New York Aquarium, 602 Surf Ave., Coney Island AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Discover the marine life of the Hudson Canyon with a behind-thescenes tour, dive chat, and fun activities. You’ll even meet a live animal. WANT TO GO? $100; $80 members. 718-265-3474. nyaquarium.com.

Researcher for a Day: Sharks!

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 21, 9-10:30am WHERE: New York Aquarium, 602 Surf Ave., Coney Island AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Explore the tools researchers use in tagging and tracking sharks and find out how you can track sharks from your phone. WANT TO GO? $60; $50 members. 718-265-3474. nyaquarium.com.

Kids Week Brooklyn: Birds of Prey FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 21, 1-2:30pm WHERE: Marine Park Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Avenue U, Marine Park AGES: All WHAT: Learn about eagles, hawks, and owls, and the important role they play in nature. WANT TO GO? 718-421-2021. nyc.gov/parks/rangers.

Mid-Winter Break Camp

WHEN: Feb. 18-22, Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm WHERE: Prospect Park Zoo, 450 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Park AGES: 3-5 WHAT: A fun-filled, one-day zoo camp full of hands-on activities, animal investigations, and animal encounters. WANT TO GO? Prices vary. 800-433-4149. prospectparkzoo.com/programs.

ShopRite Kidz Cook

WHEN: Through Feb. 22: Fridays, 3pm and 4pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Ave., Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: A hands-on class demonstrating how to create dishes that are tasty for kids and their pets. WANT TO GO? $8. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org. ››

BrooklynParent 29

things to do

where-to guide

Fun Times this Valentines

Compiled by Anja Webb

In between spending time with your special someone and picking out the perfect gift, how about a little family fun? Get away from everyday life for a weekend on the slopes. Take your little ones to a warm and cozy indoor play space for a play date. Learn all about maple sugaring and taste something sweet with the sweethearts in your life! And, of course, if all the romance of February is too much, why not put all the mushiness behind and try your hand at finding your way out of an escape room with your teen?

SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING Plattekill Mountain 469 Plattekill Mountain Road, Roxbury 607-326-3500; plattekill.com Features 38 trails and a terrain park. Group ski lessons for kids as young as 4. Lift-serviced snow tubing on weekends and holidays; children must be at least 3 feet tall. Kids younger than 6 ski for free. Round-trip bus service available from New York metro area locations online via skedaddle.com. Find more>> nymetroparents.com/skiing

INDOOR PLAY SPACES Kids Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Action 1149 McDonald Ave., Midwood 718-377-1818; kidsnaction.com Drop by to play in the four-level playground, with activities geared toward younger kids on the lower level and older kids on the higher levels. There are also arcade games, a go-Kart track, and an indoor roller coaster. Find more>> nymetroparents.com/indoor-play-spaces

MAPLE SUGARING ESCAPE ROOMS Brooklyn Escape Room 594 Pacific St., Downtown Brooklyn 347-721-3350; brooklynescaperoom.com Choose from Shelter R, The Haunted, and Medieval Dungeon with small groups of two to eight participants. Also available for birthday parties and corporate events. Free indoor parking on a first-come, first-served basis.

Rye Nature Center 873 Boston Post Road, Rye 914-967-5150; ryenaturecenter.org Maple Sugaring Saturday: Saturdays, Feb. 16 and 23, 1pm. Tap a tree the old-fashioned way! Learn how maple trees produce sap and get a peek at the sugaring process in the Rye Nature Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own sugar shed. Please call to reserve your places. Suggested for ages 4 and older. $15 per family; $10 per family (members).

Find more>> nymetroparents.com/escape-rooms

Find more>> nymetroparents.com/maple-sugaring

Sunday, March 24th • 12-4 PM Long Island Marriott • Uniondale, NY

• Venues • Favors • Invitations

• Food Samples • Photographers • Décor

• DJs and Entertainment • Judaica • And More!

Get your FREE family ticket for Celebrate! Party Showcase celebrateshowcase.com Tickets purchased at the door are $10 BrooklynParent 31

raising kids national children’s dental health month

Orthodontia Explained

››

What you need to know about the various orthodontic treatments available

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

What is Orthodontics?

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

When to See an Orthodontist

There are a number of reasons that would indicate it’s a good time for your child to see an orthodontist. Maybe you noticed something 32

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

By Anja Webb

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

Methods of Treatment

Orthodontia relies on using various appliances to correct issues, and as technology advances, so do the materials used in treatment. The braces available today have made advances since the braces of your childhood, but braces aren’t the only option. Palate Expanders. Braces are not recommended for children younger than 7, but there are pre-braces appliances that can be used to help set your child up for a lifetime of good oral health. “One of the more famous ones is an expander,” Dr. Zweihorn says, “which helps the upper jaw to grow properly, helps to have enough room for teeth to grow in if that’s needed, and helps the jaws to relate to each other with a proper bite if necessary.” Traditional Braces. This is the most common and well-known method of correcting orthodontic issues. Braces involve gluing brackets to the teeth and using connecting wires to reposition the teeth and/or jaws. One of the biggest benefits of braces is the orthodontist has more control of your child’s treatment, according to Dr. Fermanis. Additionally, the impact braces will have on his teeth is very predictable, and they are easy to adjust in office. Unfortunately, braces have some downsides worth thinking about. “The disadvantage is you have to watch what you eat,” Dr. Sachdev says. “You have to take care of your braces because if you keep breaking them, your treatment can be prolonged.” Lingual Braces. For the cosmetically conscious patient, there are lingual braces, which attach to the back of the teeth instead of the front. Lingual braces “are the most aesthetic option because they’re the least noticeable,” Dr. Fermanis says. “You’re not taking something in and out of your mouth all the time, but those are the most difficult to get used to because they’re next to your tongue.” Clear Aligners. Made popular by the brand Invisalign, clear aligners are pieces of plastic specifically molded to the individual’s mouth that can be taken out when necessary. However, this convenience can also reduce effectiveness. “Because they’re removable, they’re much more dependent upon the cooperation of the patient and wearing them as they’re supposed to,” Dr. Zweihorn says. Clear aligners also make it more difficult to have a flexible treatment plan, as is available with traditional braces. “Because the appliances are made by a laboratory, changes need to be made working with the laboratory and are harder to make in the office as needed,” Dr. Zweihorn says. Head Gear. Though less popular in recent times, another means of orthodontic treatment is headgear, or night braces, which attaches via straps around the head and/or neck. “Headgear is typically used to correct a skeletal problem in younger children such as a severe overbite or an underbite,” Dr. Fermanis says. Though it may seem like an appliance doomed to cramp your kid’s style, headgear is “prescribed for home-only wear to address growth problems in the upper jaw,” Dr. Zweihorn says.

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Retainers. After orthodontic treatment is completed, it’s common to have a retainer prescribed. There are a number of different types, both removable and semi-permanent, but the function is more or less the same. “A retainer won’t necessarily move the teeth,” Dr. Fermanis says. “Instead, a retainer is supposed to hold the teeth in their current position.” The goal is “to maintain the results achieved with braces or aligners,” Dr. Zweihorn says. “Believe it or not there are a lot of people don’t like to smile… because they’re very conscious about their teeth,” Dr. Sachdev says. Maintaining a good bite and healthy teeth are valuable, but orthodontic care can do more than that; it can boost your child’s confidence. BrooklynParent 33

raising kids baby

Baby Cry Decoder

››

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

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

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

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

Learning to Decipher the Cries

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

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

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Don’t Give Up

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

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It’s a fact that babies will always cry. And not every parent will become a pro at recognizing the reason for each and every cry. Many experienced parents and medical experts disagree with the popular notion that constantly running to a crying baby spoils them. Parents should always respond to a crying baby, even if they aren’t sure why she’s crying, according to Cralle. “It’s a myth that promptly picking up a baby every time he or she cries will spoil a child,” she says. “Toddlers can be spoiled and are smart and know how to manipulate to get their way,” Bailey says. “Babies aren’t being manipulative when they cry. It is their sole means of communication. They’re trying to tell us something is wrong.”

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

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raising kids teen

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

ere’s what it felt like to me: There was a time when I couldn’t do a thing wrong in my child’s eyes, and I often found myself thinking, “I don’t deserve this sweet, forgiving kid.” Then, in a twinkling, I couldn’t do a thing right in my child’s eyes, and I often found myself thinking, “I don’t deserve this...kid.” And I’m far from alone. As Nanci Kenny, a mom of three in Suffolk County, puts it about her 15-year-old, “the teen years are truly a tough time for both of us. I feel so distant from my daughter, even though I know she needs me.” There is a reason the teen years are notorious for being tricky for parents to navigate, and you’ll be happy to hear it’s got nothing to do with terrible parenting. “The task of adolescence is to be more independent, to develop satisfying relationships outside of your family unit, and to develop one’s identity and personal moral code,” says Kashmira Rustomji, M.D., M.P.H., a psychiatrist at the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center in Manhattan. And that natural and beneficial struggle for independence causes the friction. “Teens alternate between a wish to be autonomous and their wish to be taken care of,” Dr. Rustomji explains. So, the way most teens act defiant, or indifferent, is them trying to fight the feeling of being dependent on you, which they, on some level, know will keep them from having a successful life. While it can be all too easy for teens and parents to drift apart, the good news is it doesn’t have to be that way. Here’s what to do to stay close to your aspiring adult. Pick your battles. Decide what is and isn’t worth fighting over and stick to those lines in the sand. You might start by identifying which behaviors your teen is exhibiting are annoying, as opposed to those that are in opposition to your family’s important values or a safety concern. 36

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

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

and sadness, and that boys express more externalizing emotions, like anger,” Dr. Rustomji says. The most prominent difference between genders is girls mature faster than boys, says John E. Mayer, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist specializing in treating families with adolescents and the author of Family Fit: Find Your Balance. “Parents need to be mindful of that and adjust their expectations accordingly,” he adds. Observe. “If we observe our kids, we can intervene when they need us and learn who they are,” Dr. Mayer says. The only way to truly do that is to participate in his life. Aside from attending games, performances, and the like, and staying in contact with his teachers, make your home the hang-out place. “Try inviting their friends over for dinner, and on weekends,” Dr. Rustomji suggests. “This is a way for you to keep your eyes and ears open to their inner world, without seeming nosey.” Leveraging car rides accomplishes the same thing. Offer to pick up and drop off friends when you’re driving your own kid to a party, the mall, or a school event. You might be surprised how much you learn about your teen by listening on a 15-minute ride. A car ride with only the two of you is still an opportunity to build your bond. “Face-to-face conversations can be uncomfortable and intimidating for a teen,” Carino says. “Having the music on low and not looking at each other may create an environment in which a teen feels more comfortable opening up.” Work on yourself. Who says your teen will grow out of idolizing you? True, eventually we all realize our parents are flawed. Nevertheless, your lease on being a role model never has to expire. “Be someone they want to admire,” Dr. Mayer insists. “Be healthy. Keep yourself fit. Be socially engaged. Be dynamic. Don’t let yourself go.” If you have a cheerful, positive attitude and continually try to improve yourself in whatever ways resonate with you, others will want to be around you. That includes your kid and her friends. “If you do all that, their friends will say, ‘You have a cool mom or dad’.” And once that happens, it may not be a stretch to say you’re golden. Never give up. Ever. The senior year of high school can be a difficult time to try to forge a better relationship because of the focus on college and the future. Plus, “seniors tend to zone in even more on their friendships because they know many changes will be happening socially once they graduate,” Carino notes. If your son is in his later teens, and you’ve had a rough ride of a relationship, you may think it’s too late to close the gap between you. Don’t. “It’s never too late,” Carino insists. “It’s usually after high school that young adults connect with their parents in ways they didn’t before. Especially if they’re away at college, relationships often improve because of the space and distance.” Try to remember you’re aiming for the long haul. “We have many more years of a close, meaningful relationship with our children in adulthood than the short span of adolescence,” Dr. Mayer says. Whether we like it or not, our relationships with our children will change. “Being prepared for this change will help you overcome the loss and grief of going from the always-needed parent to one who is supportive from a distance,” Dr. Rustomji says. Your child—even when she technically isn’t a child—will always benefit from your comfort and guidance. Parenting a teen is rarely easy. Getting and staying close to your older child won’t happen in a weekend. Consider it a work in progress.

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family life finance

Credit Check-Up

››

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

By Megan Vasquez

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

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

Check Your Credit Score

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

FICO scores are based on five different criteria: 35 percent payment history, 30 percent amounts owed, 15 percent length of credit history, 10 percent new credit, and 10 percent types of credit. It’s very important to stay on top of your payment history and credit 38

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Look for Inaccuracies

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

Protect Against Fraud

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

Mitzvah Market magazine

Watch Those Credit Card Balances

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

Pay Off Debt

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

Pause Before Closing Card Accounts

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

Consider Opening New Card Accounts

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

Plan Ahead, But Be Flexible

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

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BrooklynParent 39

family life real estate

Checking Out Neighborhoods

››

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

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

Visit at varying times.

You should always consider the time of day and time of year you visit a neighborhood, which can vary depending on the nature of the location. For example, if the house you’re interested in is near a school, visit during drop-off and pick-up times to see how busy it gets, suggests Melanie Kalmaer Lichaa, CBR, BFA, MA, M.Ed., licensed salesperson at Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International Realty. “If you’re near a highway or busy street with a double yellow line, you should go at various times throughout the day to determine which is the busiest,” she says. “Visiting during the weekend 40

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

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

Pay attention to the neighborhood vibe.

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

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

Take a look at the statistics.

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

Determine what “a good school” means to you.

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

The Jewish Week’s

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

City Winery, 155 Varick Street, New York, NY Taste over 250 kosher wines, including the winners of The Jewish Week’s recent Top 18 Kosher Wine Competition Sample delicious kosher snacks and win incredible raffle prizes, including a FREE RT flight to Israel from El Al Talk to kosher wine vintners, wine experts and local retailers Order your favorite wines to enjoy at your Seder, for your simcha and all year long Get your free copy of The Jewish Week’s Kosher Wine Guide packed with wine features, as well as our Top 18 kosher wines in 10 categories, and more! For tickets, VIP Early Access & details visit http://jewishweek.timesofisrael.com/wine-tasting/ VIP/Early Access 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm $89

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

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

NEW JERSEY JEWISH NEWS

The Jewish Week

BrooklynParent 41

REC

wit

JWF

Professional PartyCentral services

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

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

DENTISTS & DENTAL PROVIDERS BROOKLYN FAMILY ORTHODONTICS

Alexis K. Fermanis, D.D.S., M.S. 142 Joralemon St., 6B, Brooklyn Heights 73 8th Ave. at Union Street, Park Slope 718-395-6582 bkfamilyortho.com Dr. Alexis Fermanis is an orthodontic specialist who practiced in Brooklyn for 10 years before starting Brooklyn Family Orthodontics in 2014. Dr. Fermanis believes that a beautiful smile makes a great first impression and is passionate about providing that to her patients.

PARK SLOPE KIDS DENTAL CARE

150 4th Ave. 718-488-0200 parkslopekidsdental.com At Park Slope Kids Dental Care, we are committed to giving children the best possible experiences at our office to help set them up for a lifetime of good oral health.

DOCTORS & MEDICAL PROVIDERS CHARLOT, DR. CASCYA - ALLERGY AND ASTHMA CARE OF BROOKLYN

10 Plaza St. E., Suite 1E 311 Saint Nicholas Ave., Ridgewood 347-564-3211 brooklynallergydr.com Dr. Cascya Charlot is an award-winning, Harvard Medical School-trained physician who is board-certified in pediatric and adult allergy and immunology. She evaluates patients for a wide variety of allergic conditions including asthma, eczema, food allergies, sinusitis, and environmental allergies.

PEDIATRIC IMMEDIATE CARE

698 Manhattan Ave. 718-389-PEDS (7337) 150 E. Sunrise Highway, Suite 105, North Lindenhurst 631-956-PEDS (7337) 1077 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown 631-864-PEDS (7337) pediatricimmediatecare.com Pediatric Immediate Care is a team of hearts where kids come first. State-of-the-art medical office equipment allows us to deliver your test results during your visit. Kidfriendly; walk-ins welcome; most insurance plans accepted.

EYE LEVEL BROOKLYN

TUTORS & TEST PREP

150 4th Ave., Park Slope 718-494-1232 slopeenrichment@gmail.com 1605 Voorhies Ave., Sheepshead Bay 718-494-1232 brooklynenrichment@gmail.com myeyelevel.com Eye Level offers math and English programs for ages 3-14. Whether the immediate goal is early learning, remedial education, or academic education, Eye Level is the answer.

February 2019 | nymetroparents.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.

PARTY PLACES ART FUN STUDIO

547 92nd St. 718-680-0508 artfunstudio.com; alla@artfunstudio.com Canvas and ceramic painting art studio in Brooklyn. Plan a child’s budget-friendly birthday party or adult’s Sip and Paint event, check our classes or just walk in for spontaneous fun! 70 fivestar reviews on Google and Yelp. Fun and creative packages for all ages.

BOUNCEU

6722 Fort Hamilton Parkway (entrance on 67th St. & 9th Ave), Dyker Heights 347-450-5867 bounceu.com/brooklyn-ny BounceU, the premier birthday party and play experience in all of Brooklyn. We’re a 30,000-square-foot indoor recreational facility with “YUGE” inflatable play equipment.

CHELSEA PIERS SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX

West 23rd Street and Hudson River Park, Manhattan Field House Registration Desk: 212-336-6500 x6520 chelseapiers.com/youth Why cross the bridge for your next birthday party? Because Chelsea Piers parties are action-packed, entertaining, and hassle-free, with more sports, activities, and fun than any other party venue in NYC!

INTREPID SEA, AIR & SPACE MUSEUM

Pier 86, West 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue, Manhattan 646-381-5166 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!

MAX ADVENTURES PARTY CENTER

2378 Flatbush Ave. 718-676-9577 maxadventuresny.com; party@maxadventuresny.com We are unique, we are big, and we are private. Unlike any other party place or entertainment venue. When the lights are off and the special effects are turned on, the whole place will glow.

SKY ZONE TRAMPOLINE PARK-DEER PARK

111 Rodeo Drive, Deer Park 631-392-2600 skyzone.com/deerpark; deerparkinfo@skyzone.com The best birthday parties are at Sky Zone, Deer Park. We customize every birthday party. We have themed parties and super hero parties that include Dodgeball, Foam Zone, Sky Slam, and endless jumping opportunities!

URBANGLASS

647 Fulton St. 718-625-3685 urbanglass.org/classes Celebrate your next birthday with UrbanGlass and discover the thrill of glass in all its forms! Located in the heart of Brooklyn, we offer fun-filled party packages that include lessons in glassblowing, beadmaking, neon, and fusing.

OPEN HOUSES 2019 92nd Street Y Camps

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

CBE KIDS CAMP

Elementary and Travel camps 274 Garfield Place, Park Slope 718-768-3814 cbebk.org/camp bfinkelstein@cbebk.org Join us for Taste of Camp and Family Day, Sunday, Feb. 10. Camp Open House 12-2pm, Family Day, 2-6pm at the Temple House, 274 Garfield Place, Park Slope.

Leif Ericson Day School

1037 72nd St. 718-748-9023 Christine Hauge, principal ledsny.org Leif Ericson Day School offers a well-rounded quality education for children in nursery-eighth grade. Join us for an open house on Feb. 24 or March 3 from 2-4pm.

Mill Basin Day Camp

5945 Strickland Ave. 718-251-6200 millbasindaycamp.com For children entering pre-K through 10th grade. Register online to attend an open house. All are invited for a personal tour of the facility and discussion of the camp program.

Stepping Stones Nursery School

245 86th St., Bay Ridge 718-630-1000 Stepping Stones-The Next Step 9321 Ridge Blvd. 718-630-1001 steppingstones86.com steppingstones86@aol.com Join us for an open house on Feb. 6 or April 10 at 6pm at 245 86th St.

Smart Start Early Learning Center

8411 Fort Hamilton Parkway 718-921-1868 smartstart@verizon.net Join us for an open house on Wednesday Feb. 6, and Sunday Feb. 10 from 11am-12pm, and Tuesday Feb 12, from 5:30-6:30pm.

Education SAT & ACT Prep

Brienza’s Academic Advantage Inc.

Several locations in Brooklyn and Staten Island. Call for a location near you! 718-232-0114 brienzas.com Brienza’s Academic Advantage offers a wide variety of academic programs for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Specializing in reading and math tutoring, and TACHS, SHSAT, Regents, SAT and ACT preparation. Programs offered include tutoring in all subjects, test preparation, Mandated Summer School programs, and SETSS (P-4) services to qualified students.

We've got everything for a…

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

H Party Places (for the trendiest, newest, or most classic locale)

H Entertainers (clowns, balloon twisting, magicians, spa parties & so much more!)

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pirates, princesses, superheroes, Harry Potter…)

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HILLSDALE • MONTVALE

SEPTEMBER 2012

NORTHVALE • NORWOOD • OLD TAPPAN • PARK RIDGE • RAMSEY • RIDGEWOOD • SADDLE RIVER/UPPER SADDLE RIVER • WALDWICK • WESTWOOD • WYCKOFF

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LongIslandParent Parent SPETEMBER 2012

Class Is In!

After-School Activities

✓ ❑ ✓ ❑

Resource Guide

✓ ❑ ✓ ❑

SLOW DOWN!

How to Manage Kids’ Schedules

NYMETROPARENTS.COM

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

What Makes a Good Mentor?

+ 174 Family

+ 130 Family Events

Events

(see our calendar, p. 32)

(see our calendar, p. 26)

Plus: Learning to Let Go

Vaccines at Every Age Plus: Journaling for Your Child

Where-To Guide: Berry Picking

•

Dinosaur Fun

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

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions BrooklynParent 43

Meet the

Health Care Professional

Pediatric Immediate Care 698 Manhattan Ave. 718-389-PEDS (7337) 150 E. Sunrise Highway, Suite 105, North Lindenhurst 631-956-PEDS (7337) 1077 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown 631-864-PEDS (7337) pediatricimmediatecare.com

Pediatric Immediate Care is a team of hearts where kids come first. State-ofthe-art medical office equipment allows us to deliver your test results during your visit. Kid-friendly; walk-ins welcome; most insurance plans accepted. Complete pediatric and adolescent care, as well as baby, camp, school, and sports physicals. Certified urgent care recommended by Urgent Care Association of America. Thirty years of dedication to our patients. The offices are open seven days a week including holidays, 8am-11pm.

Yelena Kogelman, M.D. Maimonides Children’s Hospital Pediatric Endocrinology 4802 Tenth Ave. 718-283-7500

Dr. Kogelman is a highly respected board-certified pediatric endocrinologist who, as part of a team of experienced pediatric endocrine subspecialists, provides care for children and teens who have problems with growth, puberty, obesity, diabetes, hypoglycemia, and other disorders related to hormones and the glands that produce them. She also has expertise in transgender care. Dr. Kogelman provides the highest level of compassionate, family-centered care in an environment designed just for children.

Juan Kupferman, M.D., M.P.H. Maimonides Children’s Hospital Pediatric Nephrology & Hypertension 948 48th St., 3rd floor 6701 Bay Parkway, 4th floor 718-283-7500

Dr. Kupferman is a highly regarded, board-certified pediatric nephrologist and hypertension specialist. He is an accomplished researcher in the areas of hypertension, urinary tract abnormalities, and chronic kidney disease. He offers expertise in the diagnosis and management of children from infancy through late adolescence for disorders affecting the kidney and urinary tract, including hematuria, proteinuria, high blood pressure, urinary tract abnormalities, inherited kidney diseases, kidney stones, as well as clinical complications of chronic kidney disease.

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Park Slope Kids Dental Care 150 4th Ave. 718-488-0200 parkslopekidsdental.com

At Park Slope Kids Dental Care, children who are first seen for a friendly examination and cleaning are able to enjoy the dental experience and build a bond of trust with us. A customized dental plan that includes prevention, growth development, and possible treatment is created to fit your child’s specific dental needs. We are committed to giving children the best possible experiences at our office to help set them up for a lifetime of good oral health.

Dr. Charlot Cascya - Allergy and Asthma Care of Brooklyn 10 Plaza St. E., Suite 1E 311 Saint Nicholas Ave., Ridgewood 347-564-3211 brooklynallergydr.com

Dr. Cascya Charlot is an award-winning, Harvard Medical School-trained physician who is board-certified in pediatric and adult allergy and immunology. She is the chief of pediatric allergy at Methodist Hospital in Park Slope, and medical director of Allergy and Asthma Care of Brooklyn, in Park Slope and Williamsburg. She evaluates patients for a wide variety of allergic conditions including asthma, eczema, food allergies, sinusitis, and environmental allergies. Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades including the prestigious Patients’ Choice “Most Compassionate Doctor” award in 2012 and 2013.

Brooklyn Family Orthodontics Alexis K. Fermanis, D.D.S., M.S. 142 Joralemon St., 6B, Brooklyn Heights 73 8th Ave. at Union Street, Park Slope 718-395-6582 bkfamilyortho.com

Dr. Alexis Fermanis is an orthodontic specialist who practiced in Brooklyn for 10 years before starting Brooklyn Family Orthodontics in 2014. She is a native New Yorker and enjoys running and traveling in her free time. Dr. Fermanis believes that a beautiful smile makes a great first impression and she is passionate about providing that to her patients. She is active in her alumni societies and local dental organizations and regularly attends continuing education classes so that she can provide the most successful results for her patients.

Prema Ramaswamy, M.D. Maimonides Children’s Hospital Pediatric Cardiology 948 48th St., 3rd floor 6701 Bay Parkway, 4th floor 718-283-7500

Dr. Prema Ramaswamy is a board-certified pediatric cardiologist and chief of the Division of Pediatric Cardiology at Maimonides Children’s Hospital. Dr. Ramaswamy leads a dedicated team of highly trained pediatric cardiologists, providing comprehensive evaluation and management of children, from fetus—adolescent, with congenital heart disease, arrhythmia, and other heart related problems. Maimonides offers state-of-the art technology and is accredited in Pediatric Transthoracic and Fetal Echocardiography. Dr. Ramaswamy focuses on not only treating the heart ailment, but also combating any fears and concerns the children and their parents might have.

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Lighthouse Family Day Care .........................................11

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Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum ...............................7 Leif Ericson Day School ................................................15 Mill Basin Day Camp .......................................................5 Park Slope Day Camp ...................................................48 Smart Start.....................................................................17 Stepping Stones Preschool ...........................................17

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BrooklynParent 45

raising kids stuff we like

Show a Little

››

By Katelin Walling

To Chew and To Hold

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

Better Than a Bouquet

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

A V-Day Accessory

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

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Personalized Pendants

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

Nanny Board

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parentrecommended nannies

HELP your nanny ďŹ nd a new family

mommybites.com/newyork Parenting resources, education, and support since 2006

BrooklynParent 47

TRADITIONAL DAY CAMP CIRCUS CAMP SPORTS ACADEMY ON WHEELS TRAVEL CAMP LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE Sign up on our website for: Info Session Saturday, February 9 | 339 8 Street Presentations at 1:00 & 2:30 PM MINI CAMPS Mid-Winter Recess February 18 - 22