Bp 0917 by City Guide NY

Brooklyn Parent SEPTEMBER 2017

NYMETROPARENTS.COM

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

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

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

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

BrooklynParent

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

Contents

September 2017 ››

Features

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

18 Extracurricular vs. Extra Downtime When it comes to scheduling after-school activities, how much is too much? 42 10 Tips to Master Meal Planning Spend time once a week to create a menu, and you’ll save time, money, and stress. 44 Is My Kid a Genuis? How to tell if your child is gifted, a prodigy, or just plain smart 46 Left Behind Tips to help your younger child cope when an older sibling goes to college

Connections

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 Quotables 11 NYMP Q&A: Parenting expert Sarah Ockwell-Smith talks discipline. 14 Mommybites Tip of the Month 54 Voices: The Lesson of the Pizza Bowl Fail

Fun & Activities 12 13 14 28 31 40

Family Activities CALENDAR ››

DIY Corner: Why Is the Sky Blue? Media Matters: Homework Helping Apps Beat the Back-to-School Blues at LI Parents Day Outing: Roosevelt Island Family Activities Calendar Where-To Guide: Pick Your Own Apples

Directories

22 48 50 51 53

Back-to-School Directory Meet the Health Care Professional Party Central Professional Services Advertisers’ Index

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

››

ON THE COVER ›› After-School Activities: 18 How Much is too Much? 22 Find the Best Programs 42 10 Tips for Easy Meal Planning facebook.com/nymetroparents

@NYMetroParents

44 Gifted Kids

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

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SEPTEMBER 2017 • Vol.14 • No.2

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Michael Kress MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling

EDITOR’S NOTE

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

New Beginnings, New Routines

To Submit Events: nymetroparents.com/submitevents

ere we are, another school year upon us! Some of you, I’m sure, are rejoicing at the return to routine, while others are probably misty-eyed at another summer ending. I am somewhere in between, feeling wistful at the speed with which time passes yet excited for the opportunities my kids will face in the coming academic year—not to mention the comforting (for us parents, at least) return to a full and predictable schedule. In our family, however, deciding on the kids’ schedules can be a challenge. There are so many after-school activities to choose from and my kids are excited about exploring multiple interests. There are times when I feel as if they are so busy with extracurricular programs they don’t have enough time for their homework or to study for tests—let alone to relax, play, and socialize. So for this back-to-school issue, we turned to the experts and asked: When it comes to after-school activities, how much is too much? In our seemingly over-programmed culture, the answer may surprise you (p. 18). And if you are looking for great programs in your neighborhood, check out or back-to-school directory (p. 22). For some families, this time of year marks a more dramatic transition: a child leaving for college. It’s a momentous milestone, of course, but for a younger sibling still at home, it can bring challenges and difficult emotions. To help, we look at how parents can help their younger kids navigate the new realities at home (p. 46). Also in this issue, meet our 2017 Kids Cover Contest finalists and winners (p. 16)! We received a record number of submissions this year, and choosing finalists from these amazingly cute kids was a challenge. I’m sure you’ll agree, though, that our finalists and winners are bursting with personality, ﬂashing smiles that will light up our covers during the year ahead (including this month’s cover!). Speaking of our magazine cover, you might have noticed something different: our new logo. We love the sleek, updated look and are excited to show it off. And stay tuned for more changes, as we prepare to relaunch our website in the coming weeks! Lastly, if you’re looking for a great way to spend a Sunday this month, join us for Long Island Parents Day on Sept. 17. See p. 14 for more details on this fun, informative event for the whole family. Michael Kress Editorial Director

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

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

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MANAGING DIRECTOR: Rebecca Dixon 917-572-9192

Davler Media Group davlermedia.com

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

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

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

BrooklynParent

NEW PLACES, NEW PROGRAMS

nymetroparents.com/np-bp

Who: Raine and Riley’s What’s New: A move to a new location within Bay Ridge, which opened in July. Raine and Riley’s sells clothes for kids from brands such as Mud Pie as well as its own custom-made clothing line, featuring bright pops of color and soft, natural fabrics. The boutique also carries mommy-and-me fashion. “A majority of our items are handmade in the U.S.,” says owner Sarah Oszust. She says she strives to “aid in the expression of every child’s unique and individual characteristics.” This fall, the store will offer yoga, story time, and music exploration. Want More Info: 9002 3rd Ave., Bay Ridge; 347-497-3450; raineandrileys@yahoo.com

Courtesy Raine and Riley’s

Children’s Boutique in Bay Ridge Moves to New Location

Raine and Riley’s sells custom-made pieces so parents and children can design their own style and look.

Who: April’s Dance-N-Feet What’s New: A Peewee Competition Program for children ages 5-9, starting in late September at the Canarsie studio location. April’s Dance-N-Feet offers a wide variety of dance classes for students of all ages in styles such as tap, ballet, hip-hop, and more. It currently offers a competition team for children ages 9 and older. “My goal is to expand the arts in the community so kids have more opportunities,” says April Scandariato, who started April’s Dance-N-Feet in 1995. April’s Dance-N-Feet has four Brooklyn studios and more than 750 students. Want More Info: 9411 Avenue L, Canarsie; see website for more locations; 718-272-1813; aprilsdancingfeet.com

Courtesy April’s Dance-N-Feet

Dance School Adds Peewee Competition Program in Canarsie

April’s Dance-N-Feet serves dancers ages 2 and older, including boys, girls, and adults.

Who: Fairytale Island What’s New: An indoor playground and café for children ages 1-12, which will open late September in Bay Ridge. The interactive playground will feature safe and colorful equipment including two climbing walls, slides, a ball pit, a sandbox, and an educational supermarket. “It is our mission at Fairytale Island to help broaden and enrich the educational and social opportunities for our children,” says co-owner Cathy Chen. While children play, parents can enjoy coffee, smoothies, and desserts in the café. The entire indoor playground can be rented for private birthday parties. Want More Info: 7110 3rd Ave., Bay Ridge; 646-667-9096; thefairytaleisland@gmail.com; facebook.com/fairytaleislandplayground

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Courtesy Fairytale Island

Indoor Playground and Café to Open in Bay Ridge

A rendering of Fairytale Island, an indoor playground opening in Bay Ridge late September.

Where Happy, Healthy Smiles Dr. T. Francis Are Second Nature Board Certified Pediatric Dentist 150 Fourth Avenue (Between Butler St. & Douglas St.) Brooklyn, NY 11217 718-488-0200 www.parkslopekidsdental.com Tues 2-6 Wed 2-6 Thu 8-5 Fri 8-5 Sat 8-2 A Brand New, State-of-the-Art Pediatric Dental Office Participating With Most Insurances Latex-free Office

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

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

MOTHER-DAUGHTER WEEKEND

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

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

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

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

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

NYMP Q&A

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

›› By Bethany Braun-Silva

TMLA +

Claire Moir Photography

Be Gentle

The Mary Louis Academy

What are some misconceptions parents have about disciplining their kids? There are three main misconceptions parents have around child behavior and discipline. One, far too many parents expect children to act like adults. They expect quite sophisticated thought processes and neurological regulation that children just don’t have yet because their brains are not fully developed. A good example is expecting a toddler to not tantrum or to be able to calm down in the middle of a tantrum. Toddlers tantrum because they have really poor emotion regulation skills. They can’t control their emotions like we can as adults—they’re not being naughty, just being toddlers! Two, most mainstream discipline methods work on the presumption that kids need to be motivated to “do better.” In fact, most kids are motivated to do better. They don’t want to get in trouble or upset you. Most misbehave because they can’t do better. The motivation is there already, it’s the ability that is missing. Three, another problem with mainstream discipline is, it focuses strongly on punishing and shaming kids. The thing is, a major cause of poor behavior is a lack of self-esteem in kids. If they feel bad, they’ll act bad. What tips do you have for parents when they feel they are about to lose their temper? I think it’s important that we have realistic expectations of our own behavior. Everybody screws up as a parent and everybody loses their temper sometimes, including myself. Stop trying to be perfect. Accept that anger and losing control are normal parts of life as a parent and it doesn’t mean that you’re not good at it! What is important is keeping a check on your own emotions. Being mindful of how you’re feeling, trying to reduce triggers and taking a break to recharge when you feel frazzled. When you feel that you just can’t take any more, you need an emergency break from your kids. Maybe a day with friends, going for a run—whatever it is that replenishes and relaxes you. What’s your take on “time-outs?” Time-outs work on the idea that separating the child from yourself and their peers punishes them for their wrongdoing and makes them think about what they’ve done wrong. This time in quiet contemplation is meant to make the child behave more appropriately next time. Unfortunately, none of these assumptions are true. Young kids don’t have the brain development for such sophisticated thought, they don’t have a developed sense of empathy, they can’t think about future actions, and they can’t control their behavior anywhere near as much as adults think they can. Another huge problem with time-out is, kids often misbehave because they feel a disconnect with their caregivers. It makes no sense that a child who is desperate for love and attention is further separated—it just makes them feel worse, which in time will make their behavior problems escalate.

At The Mary Louis Academy, you will find your own voice—distinctive, confident, intelligent, creative, and empowered—a voice that will be one of your greatest assets in life.

OPEN HOUSE Sunday, October 15, 2017 10am-3pm

SHADOW A STUDENT buddy@tmla.org

Please pre-register for our open house at tmla.org

VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.tmla.org

The Mary Louis Academy is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood, New York. Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and Chartered by the State of NY.

176-21 Wexford Terrace, Jamaica Estates, NY 11432 Phone: 718-297-2120 | Fax: 718-739-0037 @WEARETMLA | #HILLTOPPERNATION | TACHS #016 BrooklynParent 11

DIY CORNER SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

Why Is the Sky Blue?

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

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

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

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

Media Matters: APPS

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

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

See more at NYMetroParents.com/media

"Come away with your children for a moment in a place where MEMORIES are made and TIME STANDS STILL." Parents can connect with each other while children are at play over a DELICIOUS cup of coffee/smoothies, HEALTHY foods and DECADENT desserts that will WARM THE HEARTS.

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FREE gifts giveaway at Grand Opening!! Please follow us for updates.

7110-3rd Avenue Brooklyn N.Y. 11209 646-667-9096 BrooklynParent 13

MOMMYBITES TIP OF THE MONTH

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

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

Beat the Back-toSchool Blues at LI Parents Day ››

Fun activities for kids while Mom and Dad find out about after-school programs, doctors, and other useful resources

ids may drag their feet when they bid farewell to summer and return to school, but here’s something to cheer them up this month. Our annual LI Parents Day will be held on Sunday, Sept. 17, and aims to make back-to-school season fun and exciting. While kids participate in classes and activities, parents will meet with local businesses, including after-school programs and doctors, to help make the transition to a new school year easier. This year, we also are introducing a new Special Needs Alley, a section dedicated to families of children with special needs. At LI Parents Day, kids will play in a Kids Corner and participate in activities such as a live reptile demonstration, a Zumba class, a bounce house, a robotics demonstration, and much more!

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

While they’re busy having fun, parents can meet with more than 50 back-to-school exhibitors, including after-school programs, birthday party venues, special-needs providers, and health and wellness professionals. Tickets are $10 per family, which covers two adults and as many as four children. Every family who attends will receive a free goodie bag filled with fun samples, courtesy of exhibitors and us, NYMetroParents! LI Parents Day takes place from 11am-3pm at the Pratt Recreation Center at Long Island University, 720 Northern Blvd. in Brookville. For regular updates on exhibitors and the activity schedule, check liparentsday.com.

S.T.E.A.M. Saturday Program

Science

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Xbox Game Design

Technology

●

Engineering

●

Arts

●

Math

Rockin’ Robotics The Internet of Things

Coding Virtual Reality Wearable Technology

App Development Motion Graphics Animation

Minecraft Modding Flight & Aviation Computer Science

Engineering Tutoring Also Available

Explore. Discover. Build. Saturdays Starting October 7th, 2017 Grades 1st – 10th

The Learnatory at St. Francis College 180 Remsen Brooklyn, New York Limited Seating. Registration Now Open.

www.thelearnatory.org 347-787-0435

DGK

Dimitrios & Georgia Kaloidis Parochial School Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church

PRE-K FOR ALL

An Official NYC Early Education Center Program

FREE Full Day SEATS Available September 2017-2018 ENROLLMENT OPEN NOW! 8502 Ridge Blvd. Brooklyn NY 11209 718-836-8096 | www.dgkschool.org info@dgkschool.org

DGK

Dimitrios & Georgia Kaloidis

Parochial School Holy Cross GreekOrthodox Church "Continuing a Tradition of Excellence in Education"

Kindergarten - 8th Grade Featuring Small Class Sizes Low Student Teacher Ratio NYS Certified Teachers

Nursery School 3 Year Old Program

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Currently Accepting Applications 2017-2018 School Year Extended Day Care Available 8502 Ridge Boulevard, Brooklyn N.Y. 11209 | 718-836-8096 www.dgkschool.org | info@dgkschool.org BrooklynParent 15

Cover Stars!

››

Meet the finalists and winners of our 2017 cover contest.

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

c Sydney

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

FAN FAVORITE

Olivia

GRAND PRIZE WINNER (YOUNGER THAN 6 CATEGORY)

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

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

Hudson

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

Sean

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

Emma

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

Sophie

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

c Cameron

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

Ian

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

Victoria

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

GRAND PRIZE WINNER (6 AND OLDER CATEGORY) BrooklynParent 17

FOCUS ON: ME TIME

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

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

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

What the Research Says

To discuss the balance between scheduled activities and unscheduled me time for kids, it’s important first to ask: Are today’s kids actually overscheduled—or does it just feel that way? A recent paper in the journal Social Policy Report reviewed the research and found more than 80 percent of American children take part in some extracurricular activity, including sports, lessons, or clubs. Approximately 7 million of those are enrolled in after-school programs and many more participate in clubs and organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Girls Inc., according to the report. Even though those numbers may seem high, the same report shows children and adolescents spend an average of only five hours per week participating in organized activities. So, although extracurricular activities get a lot of attention, other activities—screen time, chores, spending time with friends and family, working, and doing homework—occupy as much (and often more) time than organized activities. In other words, it may make more sense to worry about your child’s screen time than about the hours he spends at after-school programs. 18

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

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

teenage crowd tends to be more over-scheduled, due to the pressures of school and extracurricular demands.”

The Beneﬁts of Downtime

Even if kids may not, for the most part, be overscheduled, there are many studies emphasizing the pluses of unscheduled free time for children as well as adults. A 2012 report by Mary Helen Immordino-Yang of the University of Southern California showed that when we are resting, our brains are not actually idle and downtime is essential to many of our mental processes. The report examined related research showing this relaxed time is an opportunity for the brain to make sense of what it has recently learned. Kids need to play and explore, says Sharon Peters, who founded the Park Slope-based marriage and family counseling practice Parents Helping Parents. She is a big proponent of building downtime into a family’s schedule. For more than 20 years, she has been supporting parents as they raise their children. She also draws from her own personal experiences as a mother of five children, several of whom have special needs. “All group settings or one-on-one lessons with a teacher are demanding in ways that individual time isn’t,” she says. Young kids can’t simply roam the streets alone, Peters notes, but it’s essential to fit into their schedules the type of play that encourages exploration and independence. “A great way to incorporate this for younger children is finding a safe space for them to wander and make decisions on their own,” she says. Her comment rings true for me personally, as I’ve noticed my 2-year-old is at his most relaxed and engaged when he is wandering through Prospect Park with me following a few feet behind him. Downtime benefits kids of all ages, according to Dr. Copenhaver.

“In younger children ages 2-5 unstructured play time encourages imagination and cooperation. It can also allow them time to rest and recharge, avoiding becoming overstimulated and cranky,” she says. Me time also has specific benefits for older children. “In schoolaged kids, I find that non-scheduled downtime allows them to more deeply explore their likes and develop their talents,” Dr. Copenhaver says. “Some kids develop a love of reading, others find that they still enjoy playing at the park, while others take the time to participate in preparing meals for their family.” She adds that in teens, stress levels decrease and sleep duration and quality usually benefit first from non-scheduled down time.

Finding the Right Balance

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

HEADSTART

URBAN STRATEGIES, INC. EARLY LEARN PROGRAM 1091 SUTTER AVENUE, BROOKLYN NY 11208

TEL: 718-647-7700/718-235-6151 FAX: 718-235-2206 EMAIL: USHEADSTART1@AOL.COM

Urban Strategies Early Learn Program provides Child Care and Head Start services for children 2-5 years old. Urban Strategies is a safe and supportive Early Learn Program that promotes discovery and growth. Our program combines state-of-the-art facilities, a nationally recognized early childhood curriculum. We collaborate with families to help each child achieve Pre-kindergarten readiness. Get ready to invest in your child’s future as a life-long learner. BrooklynParent 19

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Carefully consider what activities are right for your child. Dr. Wilson-Taylor recommends parents ask their child if she enjoys the activity and to consider whether there are true benefits—academic, social, personal development—in it. She cautions that sometimes the amount of time a child spends in an activity is reasonable but the type of activity may not fit the personality of the child. Parents should consider whether their child prefers group or individual activities, for instance, or whether the child will experience undue anxiety of performing in an end-of-year production or recital. “Parents should also be mindful about how extracurricular activities affect the behavior and self-worth,” Dr. Wilson-Taylor says. “If the child is focused on always winning and values themselves based on their ability to succeed in the activity, caregivers should re-evaluate the importance of that activity.” One good rule of thumb she tells her patients: Due to a limited attention span, structured activities for children younger than 6 should be limited to 30 minutes at a time. Older children can tolerate activities that are an hour or two. Look out for the red flags. According to Dr. Wilson-Taylor, temperament and age play a big part in judging whether a child is overscheduled. Some children like participating in activities outside of school or on the weekends and thrive on constantly doing something. Other children are homebodies or prefer unstructured activities. She cautions that “an overscheduled child has more tantrums prior to the activity, may take a long time to get ready, and may outright say ‘no’ to going. Older children may exhibit poor sleep patterns the night before in anticipation of participating in the event the next day. They also may seem more isolated from friends or family because they are always ‘doing something.’”

Parents should be concerned if they notice a child is clingier to caregivers, his grades are dropping, or her homework is getting squeezed into small gaps of free time—in the car, on the bus, waking up early before school. “If not attended to, young kids communicate discomfort one way or the other and raise the flag. This could be acting out in school or more tantrums at home,” Peters says. Children may also exhibit stress-induced physical symptoms, some of which can mimic actual illness. “When a child’s day is scheduled down to the minute, they can become stressed, and sometimes manifest physical symptoms of that stress,” Dr. Copenhaver says. “Stomach aches, headaches, and fatigue are common symptoms that children present to my office with, and the problem is sometimes an overloaded schedule without enough down time.” In her practice, she also sees teens complaining of fatigue, and often finds out they are sleeping fewer than five hours a night because of their busy school and after-school schedules. Trust your gut. “Like everything connected to parenting,” Peters says “this issue is very individual to each family.” Ultimately, she says, parents know their children—and since each situation and child is different, parents must rely on their instincts to decide when their child needs fewer after-school activities and more me time. The bottom line: You probably don’t need to worry that your child is overscheduled or that the number of activities in which he participates will have a negative impact on him. However, me time remains an essential part of everyone’s life and plays an important role in children’s development—so make sure to schedule some unscheduled time into your child’s life regularly. This is the second in a two-part series about the importance of downtime. To read last month’s article on me time for moms, see nymetroparents.com/mom-time.

Why a

midwife

Chris Wynn CNM is a certified nurse midwife. She provides excellent care for women of all ages. She is a compassionate and dedicated provider to all her OB/GYN patients and delivers the highest standard of medical care to them.

WOMEN CARING FOR WOMEN

Midwives monitor the physical, psychological and social well-being of the mother throughout the childbearing cycle. Midwifery also encompasses a full range of primary health care services for women from adolescence beyond menopause. These services include primary care, gynecological and family planning services and preconception care. They provide the mother with individualized education, counseling and prenatal care. WOMEN CARING FOR WOMEN is a comprehensive women's healthcare center where certified midwife Chris Wynn CNM provides quality medical care to her patients under the guidance of board certified OB/GYN Dr. Eman Al-Janabi.

www.WomenCaringForWomenNYC.com 367 Bay Ridge Parkway, Brooklyn NY 11209 | Phone# 718-630-1300 | Fax# 718 921-6299 20

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES MARKETPLACE In order to participate in our Early Head Start/ Head Start Programs. Needed:

• Families must reside in the Fort Greene Community-in the 11201 and 11205 zip codes, and Brooklyn Shelter • Must be pregnant or have a child from birth- 5 years of age (*Must meet federal low-income guidelines)

Early Head Start Program • Home-Based Services for pregnant women and children birth to 3 years old Center-Based Services Children 1 to 3 years old.

Head Start Program • Center-Based full day program for children 3 to 5 years old. Fort Greene Children & Family Services Northside Center for Child Development, Inc. 44-60 Rockwell Place Brooklyn, NY 11201 For More Information, Please Call Us At: Phone: 347-505-5501 | Fax: 347-505-5551 We provide pregnant women and families with children between the ages of Birth to 3 years of low income households with free family centered services that facilitate child development, support parental roles, and promote self-suﬃciency. Weekly visits for Pregnant Mothers and children (Birth to 3) IMMEDIATE OPENINGS FOR CHILDREN AND PREGNANT MOTHERS

For more information please contact the Early Head Start Program of Northside Center At 347-505-5501 | Northsidecenter.org

BrooklynParent 21

Back-to-School

The annual guide to schools, resources, programs, & activities for kids! ABC Child Center

109 Nassau Ave., Greenpoint 718-389-9004 abcchildcenter.com info@abcchildcenter.com ABC is open year-round, Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm with rolling admission. Providing child care since 1993. ABC’s goal is to provide safe, age-appropriate, and stimulating programs for children from ages 3 months to 4 years, while fulfilling their need to laugh, learn, play, make new friends, and discover new things. Utilizing age-appropriate curriculum, along with the support of its families and devoted staff, ABC will ensure that every child achieves success and will set them on a path of lifelong learning. For more information or to schedule a tour, email info@ abcchildcenter.com.

April’s Dance-N-Feet

9409 and 9411 Avenue L 718-272-1813 4626 Flatlands Ave. 718-692-4809 aprilsdancingfeet.com Our classes are for ages 2 through adult. We teach ballet, tap, hip-hop, jazz, pointe, gymnastics, majorette, Caribbean, African, boys’ classes, adult classes, lyrical, praise dance, karate, private lessons, and competition classes. Call or stop in to one of our three convenient Brooklyn locations for more information.

Aviator Sports and Events Center 3159 Flatbush Ave. 718-758-7510 Jason Vasquez, Youth Programs director 718-758-7510 jason@aviatorsports.com Jenna Jones, Hospitality Department manager 718-758-7549 jenna@aviatorsports.com Aviator Sports After-School Program is designed to make after school fun, enjoyable, and easy for children and families. Each day starts off with homework help from a professional homework aide. This helps to

develop positive study habits and problem-solving skills. Once homework is complete, children partake in a variety of activities in Aviator’s 175,000-square-foot facility. Children never grow bored with after school while participating in specialized recreation activities such as ice-skating, gymnastics, rock climbing, sky jump, arts and crafts, dance, and a variety of sports.

The Bible Speaks Academy

5205 Foster Ave. 718-629-4559 tbsbrooklyn.org info@tbsbrooklyn.org The Bible Speaks Academy is a Christian school in the heart of East Flatbush, where students receive a quality Christian education that benefits them, their homes, and their communities. The Bible Speaks Academy offers an individualized learning system that addresses the academic needs and progress of each child; and this year we are adding language choices and music to our program. Our dedicated staff provides the training, love, patience, and encouragement necessary to make a difference in the lives of pre-K through eighth grade students. For more information: 718-629-4559.

Brienza’s Academic Advantage

8696 18th Ave. 1902 Avenue T 718-232-0114 brienzas.com Brienza’s Academic Advantage offers a wide variety of academic programs for students attending kindergarten through 12th grade. We specialize in reading and math tutoring along with TACHS, SHSAT, Regents, SAT, and ACT preparation. Our programs provide students with the opportunity to increase their skills and knowledge, enabling them to reach their full potential. Programs offered: tutoring in all subjects, test preparation courses, and SETSS (P-4) services. Call our office to speak to our educational specialists who can help you choose the best option for your child.

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Brooklyn College Preparatory Center for the Performing Arts

234 Roosevelt Hall, 2900 Bedford Ave. 718-951-4111 bcprepcenter.org For almost 40 years, The Preparatory Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College has offered private and group classes in music (piano, winds, percussion, traditional, and Suzuki strings), theater (audition prep, acting, and musical theater), and dance (from ballet to hip-hop and beyond), for children of all ages and levels. We are now launching classes in other fields of performance arts including Live-Action Film Making, Puppetry, and Beat Making! Our professional teachers, well-known experts, encourage students’ growth at all levels in a nurturing and supportive college environment. Registration is underway for our 30-week, 2017-18 school year!

Brooklyn Music School

126 Saint Felix St. 718-638-5660 brooklynmusicschool.org Brooklyn’s best after-school program, Arts Reaching Youth, offers a range of creative options with classes in music, dance, theater, and the performing arts, along with homework support and healthy snacks. BMS offers free after-school pick-up from selected schools, and our location in Brooklyn’s cultural district makes us convenient for families with kids in kindergarten-fifth grades from around Brooklyn.

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 Stay active after school and on weekends at Chelsea Piers! This fall the Field House will offer youth volleyball, yoga, and running and fitness classes, in addition to basketball, soccer, football, gymnastics, dance, and parkour. Additional programs at Chelsea Piers include

figure skating, ice hockey, and golf. Our team of accomplished coaches and teachers work to build your child’s skills and confidence in every class, program, and competitive league. Register for your fall favorites today!

CBE Kids Congregation Beth Elohim

274 Garfield Place, Park Slope 718-768-3814 congregationbethelohim.org bfinkelstein@cbebk.org CBE KIDS, the after-school program at Congregation Beth Elohim offers children a wide variety of enrichment classes and recreational activities in a safe and caring environment. We believe that each child develops at his or her own pace. All of our enrichment classes are taught by teachers or experienced freelance artists. Some of our classes include art, video, sewing, jewelry, bit bots, Legos, instructional swim, circus arts, ballet, and theater. Our program is also available on-site at P.S. 295 and P.S. 39. Registration is on a trimester basis and is available online at cbebk.org/afterschool.

Cookie’s Kids The Kids’ Department Store

Brooklyn: 265 Livingston St. 718-797-3300 510 Fulton St. 718-797-3300 982 Flatbush Ave. 718-287-2300 Queens: 166-21 Jamaica Ave. (at 168th Street) 718-291-7700 Bronx: 1534 Westchester Ave. 718-991-9500 576 Melrose Ave. 718-585-0800 cookieskids.com marvin@cookieskids.com Sept. 7 marks the beginning of school for most NYC students, and record numbers of kids are going back in clothing and uniforms from Cookie’s Kids. With an unbeatable selection of uniforms, including hard-to-find

sizes, Cookie’s Kids has earned its reputation as the premier school uniform supplier in New York City. The retailer’s updated selection of clothing, backpacks, accessories, and a full-service shoe department has made it a destination for the latest trends. Add in everyday low prices, and it is clear why Cookie’s Department Stores are the city’s backto-school superstores.

The Dimitrios and Georgia Kaloidis Parochial School (DGK)

Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, 8502 Ridge Blvd. 718-836-8096 dgkschool.com principal@dgkschool.org The Dimitrios and Georgia Kaloidis Greek American Parochial School is committed to providing students from nursery, pre-K, and kindergarten through eighth grade, with a quality education that emphasizes academic achievement and social, emotional, and spiritual development, while preparing them for 21st-century college and career readiness.

Fred Ellis - Music Teacher and Music Therapist - CD

fredellis.com CD at itunes.com, cdbaby.com, and amazon.com frdde8@aol.com Fred Ellis, an NYC elementary music teacher and music therapist, debuts his CD of original songs. His objectives are not only to teach musical skills and knowledge, but to help children develop their mental, physical, communication, and social skills. The CD can be used to reach these objectives. The songs are designed to encourage socialization, love, and respect for cultural diversity. Through music, we, as people, can form one big family. Available at fredellis.com, itunes.com, cdbaby. com, and amazon.com.

Flatbush Jewish Center

327 E. 5th St. 718-871-5200 fjcbrooklyn.wordpress.com Jewish Explorers Club. Better than Hebrew School! Explore Jewish holidays, Torah, culture, liturgy, and the Hebrew language through a variety of genres including cooking, drama, dance, movie making, and yoga with the Jewish Explorers Club! JEC’s Thursday after-school program for children ages 4-7 is active, hands-on, and multi-modal,

giving access to multiple types of learners from a variety of Jewish backgrounds. Programming is led by JEC Director Lizzi Mazal, who holds an M.S. in Early Childhood and Special Education. Register at flatbushjewishcenter.com and click “events” or call FJC at 718-8715200.

Green Apron Kitchen

7122 Bay Parkway 718-676-4792 greenapronkitchen.com info@greenapronkitchen.com Come and cook with us at Green Apron Kitchen! Kids learn everything from basic kitchen techniques to more complex culinary creations. Cooking teaches kids math, science, teamwork, and communication skills. Everything we make is from scratch. It’s never too early or late to learn your way around a kitchen! Green Apron Kitchen offers drop-off classes for kids 6 and older, mommy-and-me classes for kids 5 and younger, family classes for kids of all ages, as well as adult classes!

Huntington Learning Center

808 Union St., Park Slope 718-230-4600 huntingtonhelps.com Huntington Learning Center is an accredited, K-12th tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified teachers provide individualized instruction in phonics, reading, writing, math, science, study, and executive functioning skills. Huntington also helps students prepare for the SAT, ACT, High School Entrance Exams, and other state and standardized exams. Huntington students achieve results at all skill levels. According to one parent: “In just four months I have seen incredible improvements in Jessica’s grades and confidence. She actually went up two grade levels!” Huntington offers convenient 1-on-1 tutoring programs. Call today!

programs in Science, Technology, Engineering, (Digital) Arts, and Medicine (STEAM) provide engaging learning enrichment opportunities in after-school programs and on Saturdays for students in third through 10th grades. Our research-supported approach develops the curiosity to explore, confidence to discover, and the character to build with excellence. We inspire. Contact us: thelearnatory.org; 347-787-0435.

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. Small class sizes, progressive state-approved curriculum, music performance classes, computer technology classes, and hands-on science lab contribute to academic success. Dedicated faculty, counseling, tutoring, door-to-door bus service, extended hours, and extracurricular activities enhance all that LEDS has to offer. Call for a personal tour!

LiceXchange - The No-Lip-Service Lice Service

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

Little Hands & Feet

1270 Bay Ridge Parkway 718-680-KIDS (5437) littlehandsandfeetdaycare.com Little Hands & Feet was founded by Aneshah, who has been certified in child care for 20 years. continued on next page ››

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES MARKETPLACE

The Learnatory

St. Francis College, 180 Remsen St. 347-787-0435 thelearnatory.org dthompson@thelearnatory.org The Learnatory at St. Francis College believes all students deserve access to worldclass, hands-on, experiential learning empowering them to develop skills to thrive in college, succeed in careers, and optimize entrepreneurial opportunities. That’s why our

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Our goal is to provide a healthy, safe, and nurturing environment while focusing on educational and social development. We believe each child is special and unique. Our staff is dedicated, qualified, and trained. At Little Hands & Feet be assured it is a home-awayfrom-home and your child will have the best care available. Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 6:30am-6:30pm. Pre-K for all: 8:30am-2:50pm (early care and after care available for enrolled students). Call for more information about our infant-toddler programs and our Preschool programs. Or find us online at littlehandsandfeetdaycare.com

Mary Louis Academy: Empowering Young Women Since 1936

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

MatchPoint NYC

2781 Shell Road 718-769-0001 2350 E. 69th St. 718-444-3600 matchpointnyc.us info@matchpoint.nyc MatchPoint NYC is the sports and fitness destination for the entire family. Spread across 120,000 square feet, this luxury health and fitness complex features nine indoor tennis courts; a brand-new, stateof-the-art fitness center; aquatics center; rhythmic gymnastics center; and a variety of youth and adult programs. Call to register for the kids after-school programs, or visit our website for details.

Music Together

BayRidge, Bensonhurst, SheepsheadBay, Flatbush, Mill Basin, Marine Park 718-499-2866 musictogetherbr.com Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, and Bed Stuy 212-604-4307 musictogetherfortegreene.com Brooklyn Heights and Boerum Hill 718-855-8908 musictogetheratkiddiecorner.com Park Slope 718-369-3099 nikoskids.com Music Together is a nationwide educational program founded on the belief that all children are musical, and that music is a perfect way for children to learn and grow. We sing, dance, and play instruments in a fun, informal, supportive atmosphere. Limited to 12 children with parent or caregiver. Classes meet once a week for 45 minutes. Morning, afternoon, evening, or weekend class times available. Newborn to age 6. Free trial classes offered to sample a class before enrolling. Sessions start in September, January, April, and July.

My Gym - Park Slope

367 5th Ave. 718-788-2200 mygym.com/parkslope My Gym has developed an extraordinary program and facility devised to help children 6 weeks through 10 years of age develop physically, cognitively, and emotionally. We have hundreds of locations in more than 30 countries offering structured, age-appropriate, weekly classes that incorporate music, dance, relays, games, special rides, gymnastics, and sports. Children have loads of fun as they gain strength, balance, and coordination, all while developing social skills, confidence, and self-esteem. With classes now in session, we welcome everyone to enroll with our special or take a trial class.

New York City Tae Kwon Do

7909 3rd Ave. 718-625-5425 526 Court St. gotaekwondo.com; nyctkd@aol.com Every child needs a sense of achievement. There is no greater reward than seeing yourself do what you set your mind to. Our program helps give children the foundation for commitment, ded-

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

ication, and greatness in athletic ability. It provides children with the necessary basic skills to do well in all sports. It helps develop their balance, coordination, patience, good listening skills, respect, courtesy, and self-confidence. It provides children with the necessary body control and endurance that are the cornerstones of success. After-school program includes pickup at school, help with homework, and taekwondo classes.

Northside Center, Fort Greene – Brooklyn Children and Family Services Center

44-60 Rockwell Place 347-505-5517 northsidecenter.org Northside Center is a nonprofit that provides expert behavioral, mental health, education, and enrichment programs to children and families living in poverty. Our high-quality, outcome-driven behavioral, mental health, and education services propel struggling children forward—away from the ill-effects of poverty and racism, toward a future limited only by the scope of their dreams. Northside’s programs operate out of five locations around New York City in Harlem, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. Our programs fall into three main categories: mental and behavioral health, early education, and enrichment.

Pediatric Immediate Care

bowlatrabs.com fran@bowlatrabs.com Rab’s Country Lanes, has been providing a fun, safe haven for Staten Island residents for 20 years. Rab’s provides a venue perfect for recreational, competitive, social play, and to celebrate that special occasion. It is more than just your neighborhood bowling alley: try Cosmic Bowling complete with a LED light show, or play the Laser Maze Challenge, in which you navigate through a puzzle of lasers. This fall, join one of Rab’s amazing Bowling Leagues, whether you are a novice or pro, get in the game for a lifetime of great memories.

Raine and Riley’s Children’s Clothing Store

9002 3rd Ave. 347-497-3450 raineandrileys.com raineandrileys@yahoo.com “Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.” – Oscar Wilde. Come celebrate the beginning of fall and bring your little ones in to experience a unique addition to Brooklyn. Located in the heart of Bay Ridge, Raine and Riley offers a carefully selected handmade line of clothing and accessories for moms and kids. Starting in September, they will also be hosting special classes such as children’s yoga, storytelling adventures, family events, and more. Back to school has never been so fun!

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. Kid-friendly, walk-ins welcome, most insurance plans accepted. Complete pediatric and adolescent care, babies, 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.

Redeemer St. John’s Nursery School

Rab’s Country Lanes

2583 Ocean Ave. 516-551-6428 brooklyn@russianschool.com

1600 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island 718-979-1600

939 83rd St. 718-833-7700 Redeemer St. John’s Nursery School has served the community for more than 40 years and is licensed by the New York City Department of Health. Our goal is to foster a child’s positive self-image, encourage curiosity, and promote cooperation by providing rich experiences and opportunities for problem-solving, self-expression, and logical thinking. Our thematic curriculum focuses on fun, age-appropriate activities-integrated into all subject areas. In addition to offering a two-day toddler program, we offer a three-day (fullor half-day) nursery program and a free UPK program for children born in 2012.

RSM Russian School of Mathematics

continued on p. 26 ››

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES MARKETPLACE

THE BIBLE SPEAKS ACADEMY

THE BIBLE SPEAKS CHURCH

K 3 t h r o u g h 8 th G r a d e

5205 Foster Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11203 Phone: (718) 629-4559 Website: tbsbrooklyn.org ͲŵĂŝů͗ info@tbsbrooklyn.org

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WE TEACH CHILDREN HOW TO LIVE tĞ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ Ă ŚƌŝƐƚͲĐĞŶƚĞƌĞĚ͕ ŝďůĞ ďĂƐĞĚ ůĞĂƌŶŝŶŐ ĞŶǀŝƌŽŶŵĞŶƚ ĂŶĚ ĐƵƌƌŝĐƵůƵŵ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ǁŚŝĐŚ ŽƵƌ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƐ ĂĐƋƵŝƌĞ ƚŚĞ ƐŬŝůůƐ ŶĞĞĚĞĚ ƚŽ ƐƵĐĐĞĞĚ ŝŶ ůŝĨĞ͘

WE TEACH CHILDREN HOW TO LEARN tĞ ĚŝƐĐŝƉůĞ ŚƌŝƐƟĂŶ ǇŽƵƚŚ͕ ďǇ ǁŽƌĚ ĂŶĚ ĞǆĂŵƉůĞ͕ in the Spirit of God to love the Lord God with all ƚŚĞŝƌ ŚĞĂƌƚ͕ ƐŽƵů͕ ŵŝŶĚ͕ ĂŶĚ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚ͘

It is a privilege to serve and invest in the children of Canarsie, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Flatlands, and Staten /ƐůĂŶĚ͘ &Žƌ ƚŚĞ ƉĂƐƚ ϯϬ ǇĞĂƌƐ͕ ǁĞ ŚĂǀĞ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞĚ Ă ƐƚƌŽŶŐ ŚƌŝƐƟĂŶ ĐƵƌƌŝĐƵůƵŵ ǁŝƚŚ ĐŚĂƌĂĐƚĞƌͲďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ ƉƌŝŶĐŝƉůĞƐ͘ dŚĞ ƌĞƐƵůƚ ŝƐ ƐŽƵŶĚ ŚŽŵĞƐ ĂŶĚ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ǁŚŽ ŚŽŶŽƌ ĂŶĚ ǀĂůƵĞ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƉĂƌĞŶƚƐ͕ ƚŚĞŝƌ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƟĞƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ŽŶĞ ĂŶŽƚŚĞƌ͘͟

EXTENDED HOURS 7:30 am to 6:00 pm WůĞĂƐĞ ĐĂůů ƚŽ ƐĞƚ ƵƉ ĂŶ ŝŶƚĞƌǀŝĞǁ ĂŶĚ ĨŽƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ʹ ;ϳϭϴͿ ϲϮϵͲϰϱϱϵ

CBE

KIDS

After School Center

2017 Fall Term REGISTRATION FORMS We start Monday, September 11th for the 2017-2018 season.

Come Enjoy Our Classes in:

Chess, Sewing, Swimming, Sports, Art, Video, Computers, Bit Bots, Hands on Science, Gymnastics, Theater and Much More! DIRECTOR OF YOUTH SERVICES Bobbie Finkelstein 718.768.3814 ext. 210 bfinkelstein@cbebk.org

Congregation Beth Elohim (After School Programs) 274 Garfield Place, Brooklyn, NY 11215 BrooklynParent 25

Smart Start Early Learning Center

‹‹ continued from p. 24

russianschool.com RSM Brooklyn is moving in the fall! In the new semester we will be in Sheepshead Bay at 2583 Ocean Ave.! Recently featured on NPR and in The Atlantic magazine as one of the key players in the “Math Revolution,” and ranked one of the best schools in the world by the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, RSM helps children of all levels build a solid math foundation and develop their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Sign up for a free math evaluation today! Website: russianschool.com.

The School at the Mark Morris Dance Center

3 Lafayette Ave., Fort Green 718-624-8400 mmdg.org; info@mmdg.org Founded on the principle of choreographer Mark Morris that dance should be available to everyone, The School at the Mark Morris Dance Center offers year-round, community-based dance and music programming for children ages 18 months to 18 years, in a fully inclusive and nurturing environment located in the heart of the Brooklyn Cultural District. The school’s diverse and professional faculty provides progressive and non-competitive instruction with classes accompanied by live music. Though we are a non-recital school, there are opportunities for students to perform and for parents to see their dancers in action.

8411 Fort Hamilton Parkway 718-921-1868 smartstart@verizon.net While providing a safe, warm, and nurturing environment, our staff addresses the social, emotional, and physical needs of children. Through thematic units, arts and crafts, and dramatic play, the “whole” child will flourish. Full- and part-time classes for ages 2-3, and free universal pre-K for age 4, with extended-day option. Open year-round; summer program available.

Stepping Stones Nursery School

245 86th St., Bay Ridge 718-630-1000 steppingstones86.com steppingstones86@aol.com Join Stepping Stones for fall to share the joys of early exploration and discovery. The children at Stepping Stones achieve successful social skills and build a wonderful rapport with their peers and teachers. Watch your child grow through hands-on learning and small group instruction based on an independent and creative curriculum. Full- and part-time programs for ages 2, 3, and 4, as well as an after-school program are offered. Hours of operation are from 7am-6:30pm. Come visit us. We look forward to meeting you and your child.

Treasure Island

347 74th St. (corner of 4th Avenue and 74th Street) 718-238-7676 silbekidz@aol.com Every child deserves a champion

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES MARKETPLACE

Love

Our award-winning, after school program helps K-12 students build excellence in math and critical thinking. Families of over 17,000 students trust RSM to deliver a world-class math education for their children.

Fall Classes Now Enrolling!

Schedule a Free Math Evaluation

RSM - Brooklyn • 2583 Ocean Ave Brooklyn, NY 11229 • (516) 551-6428 • www.RussianSchool.com/Brooklyn 26

Two By Two Childcare Academy

418 Keap St. 718-388-5600 twobytwoacademy.com Two By Two Childcare Academy is a locally owned day care center, serving clients in the Brooklyn area. Our ultimate goal is to guide and nurture each child’s development using materials that aide in their social, physical, emotional, aesthetic, and creative expression, and cognitive development. We create a community in which the staff, children, and parents work together to achieve our shared vision. We take pride in the quality of trustworthy child care we provide, and know you will agree. Contact us today for more information!

combines state-of-the-art facilities, and a nationally recognized early childhood curriculum. We collaborate with families to help each child achieve pre-kindergarten readiness. Get ready to invest in your child’s future as a lifelong learner.

Urban Umbrella

81 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn Heights nymetroparents.com/listing/ urban-umbrellafredericka1917@gmail.com Urban Umbrella is a challenging after-school program for children ages 4-12. In providing enrichment through a comprehensive curriculum, the Ecological Covenant, we help the highly motivated student further his or her gifts by working on projects in content areas not generally found in the regular school setting. Using a heuristic, interdisciplinary, developmental approach in thematic hands-on activities, it places the child at the center of the learning process; the teacher is an enabler connecting research tools with exciting topics that catch the imagination and increase critical thinking skills.

The Williamsburg Neighborhood Nursery School

54 S. Second St. 718-782-4181 wnns.org; info@wnns.org At the Williamsburg Neighborhood Nursery School our curriculum is play-based, child-centered, and focused on social-emotional growth. Here at WNNS we combine the safety and comfort of home with the social and intellectual stimulation of school. We have limited slots available in our 3s and 4s program for the 2017-2018 school year. Half- and full-day schedules available.

Urban Strategies Inc., Early Learn Program

1091 Sutter Ave. 718-647-7700; 718-235-6151 usheadstart1@aol.com Urban Strategies Early Learn Program provides child care and Head Start services for children ages 2-5. Urban Strategies is a safe and supportive Early Learn Program that promotes discovery and growth. Our program

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES MARKETPLACE

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who connects with them and helps them to become the best they can be. At Treasure Island you will find that our staff are champions for all children; helping each child to become a confident, motivated, engaged learner. The program promotes social competencies, active thinking, problem-solving skills, and an awareness of the diversity in our world, building a foundation of respect for differences. We serve children ages 2½-4. Hours are 7:15am-6pm, Monday-Friday. Meals included. Music and Zumba, and UPK are available. Maria Nogueira, director.

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

A new afterschool program in Brooklyn Heights opening in September!

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

LICEXCHANGE The No Lip Service Lice Service CLASSES ARE ACCOMP ANIED BY LIVE MUSIC

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BrooklynParent 27

OUTINGS: Roosevelt Island

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

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

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

Where Else Can You Ride a Tram in the City?

The kids will love taking the 4-minute tram ride to this storied island. With one swipe of a Metrocard at East 59th Street and Second Avenue (including a free transfer to the subway or MTA buses) the Roosevelt Island Tramway climbs to 250 feet above the East River and travels along the north side of the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge (expect brief wait times due to maintenance work on both sides of the tram through the winter). The F train has a stop at Roosevelt Island as well, and starting Aug. 29 visitors can reach the island via the NYC Ferry on the Astoria Line. At the Roosevelt Island Visitor Center you can buy souvenirs, historical books about the island, and maps. 28

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

See a Lighthouse and Enjoy Its Park

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

An Art Gallery With a Storied Past

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

The Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park

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

Courtesy Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation

By Vanessa Petit

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

Celebrating 24 Years!

April’s Da Dan Dance-N-Feet nce-N-Fee ce-N-Feett Tap • Ballet • Jazz • Pointe • Gymnastics Majorette • Karate • Praise • Step African • Caribbean • Private Lessons Hip-Hop • Competition Classes • Lyrical Classes for Ages 2 – Adult / Boys Classes Available!

Family-Friendly Roosevelt Island Activities

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

TAKE TWO CLASSES, GET THE THIRD ONE FOR HALF PRICE!

Want to Go?

Address: 591 Main St., Roosevelt Island Directions: Approximately a 45-minute subway ride from Park Slope Hours: The Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park is open April 1-Sept. 30, Wednesday-Monday, 9am-7pm, and Oct. 1-March 31, Wednesday-Monday, 9am-5pm Admission: FREE For more information: rioc.ny.gov

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718-388-5600 • twobytwoacademy.com 418 Keap Street • Brooklyn , NY

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BrooklynParent 29

ATTENTION PARENTS: YOUR CHILD IS OUR PRIORITY

Leif Ericson Day School Nursery – Grade 8

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Pediatric Dentistry

505 LaGuardia Place, New York • 212.995.8888 16 Court Street, Suite 2211, Brooklyn • 718.855.8833 30

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Ideas When You Need Them:

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

nymetroparents.com/register

Turn the page for details on 16th Annual Autumn Moon Festival (No. 8 on our list).

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WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?

nymetroparents.com/submitevent UPDATED DAILY AT nymetroparents.com/calendar EDITOR: ROSALIND MUGGERIDGE bkcal@davlermedia.com

SEPTEMBER CALENDAR 36

Show Time!, Fun Fairs & Festivals

Smarty Pants, The Great Outdoors

Browse & Buy, Little Foodies

On Screen, Movers & Shakers

Holiday Fun

Mini Musicians

Editor’s Hot Tickets

We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!

34 35

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS

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

NYC Unicycle Festival FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 3: daily, see website for schedule WHERE: Governors Island, ferries leave from Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6, Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: World-famous riders display their skills, and members of the public have the opportunity to try one-wheel riding. This festival’s main event includes races, competitions, exhibitions, and a variety of unicycle sports including basketball, hockey, and sumo. WHY WE LOVE IT: This is a great opportunity for all ages to try out this unique sport. WANT TO GO? 212-938-0836. nycunifest.com.

Richmond County Fair

WHEN: Sept. 2-4, Saturday-Monday, 11am-6pm WHERE: Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave., Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Everything you would expect to find at a county fair: amusement rides, contests, pig races, classic cars, three stages of music and entertainment, pony rides, specialty vendors, crafts, farm animals, and more. WHY WE LOVE IT: One last hurrah before summer ends! WANT TO GO? $14; $10 seniors; free for children shorter than 30 inches. 718-351-1611. historicrichmondtown.org.

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

1776 Peace Conference Celebration

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 9, 11am-4pm WHERE: Conference House Park, Hylan Boulevard and Satterlee Street, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: There will be a re-enactment of the Sept. 11, 1776, conference attended by Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Edward Rutledge, and British Adm. Richard Howe in an attempt to end the Revolutionary War, along with 18th century activities such as spinning and weaving demonstrations, wood crafting, quilting, canoeing, calligraphy, and more. WHY WE LOVE IT: Step back in time! WANT TO GO? $5; $3 for children 12 and younger. 718-869-6327. conferencehouse.org.

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

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 10, 11am-5pm WHERE: Governors Island, Ferries leave from Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6, Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy free activities including storytelling, double-Dutch, dance, needlepoint, and short films—all celebrating Africa and the diaspora. WHY WE LOVE IT: A fun day for the whole family! WANT TO GO? 212-440-2200. govisland.com.

Brooklyn Book Festival Children’s Day FREE

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

Worlds Fair Nano

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

Get Hooked FREE

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.

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

‘Uni the Unicorn and the Dream Come True’ FREE

16th Annual Autumn Moon Festival

WHEN: Monday, Sept. 4, 11am-2pm WHERE: Habana Outpost, 757 Fulton St., Fort Greene AGES: All WHAT: A celebration kickoff to the school year hosted by the nonprofit Habana Works. Each year, it gives away free school supplies to kids and hosts lots of fun activities and events. WANT TO GO? 718-858-9500. habanaoutpost.com.

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 23, 12-3pm WHERE: Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: The annual Autumn Moon Festival features tours, traditional music, dance performances, martial arts and tai chi demonstrations, and lessons in Chinese calligraphy. WHY WE LOVE IT: The enduring celebration of Asian culture aligns with harvest festivals when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. WANT TO GO? $10; $8 students and seniors; free for children younger than 5. 718-727-1135. snug-harbor.org.

6th Annual Breukelen Country Fair FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 23, 1-5pm WHERE: Wyckoff House Museum, 5816 Clarendon Road, Canarsie AGES: All WHAT: Join the Wyckoff Farmhouse museum for an extravaganza of crafting, creating, and hands-on fun celebrating Breukelen’s agricultural roots. WHY WE LOVE IT: It turns the traditional harvest festival on its ear! WANT TO GO? 718-629-5400. wyckoffmuseum.org.

The 43rd Annual Atlantic Antic Street Festival

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 24, 12-6pm WHERE: Atlantic Avenue, 4th Avenue to Hicks Street, Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: This longstanding New York City tradition features international delicacies and unique merchandise with more than 500 vendors, 100 local merchants, 15 live music stages, and one block dedicated to family-friendly fun. WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s the largest and most celebrated street festival in NYC. WANT TO GO? Free admission; fee for food and activities. 718-8758993. atlanticave.org.

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 2, 11am WHERE: Barnes & Noble, 267 7th Ave., Park Slope AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Join this storytime and activities featuring the sequel to Uni the Unicorn. Follow Uni and the little girl who believes in unicorns, as they finally meet and work together to save a magical land and its inhabitants. WANT TO GO? 718-832-9066. barnesandnoble.com.

Back to School Bash FREE

Brooklyn Bike Jumble FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 9, 10am-4pm WHERE: The Old Stone House, 336 3rd St., Park Slope AGES: All WHAT: Fulfill all of your family’s cycling needs for the fall. Get yourself a new or used bike, new and used accessories, clothing, collectibles, artwork, overstocks, and bargains galore. WANT TO GO? 718-768-3195. theoldstonehouse.org.

Art Lab Annual Open House FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 9, 11am-3pm WHERE: Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, Art Lab, Building H, 2nd Floor, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Join Art Lab for this annual open house and take free workshops with some of the instructors. Enjoy refreshments and a sneak peek at our Faculty Show opening later in the day. WANT TO GO? 718-727-1135. snug-harbor.org.

Museum Day Live! FREE

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

BrooklynParent 33

and architecture, visitors of all ages develop their engineering skills as they engage in open block play with large Imagination Playground blocks and table top sized Kapla Planks and Magnatiles, as well as artist James Paulius’ house-shaped wooden blocks and pegs from his installation Sky Village. WANT TO GO? $11; free for children younger than 1. 718-224-5863. brooklynkids.org.

Gulliver’s Gate

SMARTY PANTS Sunset TankerTime, Second Sundays FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 10: Sundays, 5pm-12am WHERE: Aboard the Mary A. Whalen, 190 Pioneer St., Red Hook AGES: All WHAT: During TankerTime, PortSide NewYork opens the main deck of the tanker Mary A. Whalen to the public for passive enjoyment. Hammocks, tables, chairs, stools, info about the ship, and books from the maritime library to read while aboard will be provided. WANT TO GO? 917-414-0565. portsidenewyork.org/summer-2017.

Eloise at the Museum

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

Library Lab: Coding FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 20: Wednesdays, 4pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Explore science, technology, engineering, and math concepts with fun, free activities that will spark curiosity through hands-on experiments. WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.

Train Operators Workshop

WHEN: Through Dec. 23: Saturday-Sunday, 3:30-4:30pm WHERE: New York Transit Museum, Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Downtown Brooklyn AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Drop by the Computer Lab to take control of a NYC subway car and operate it over virtual miles of track in this realistic game. WANT TO GO? $7; $5 seniors and children ages 2-17. 718-694-1792. nytransitmuseum.org.

Brooklyn Block Lab and Studio

WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Thursday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: 3-8 WHAT: In the museum’s new second floor studio, which focuses on art 34

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Through Dec. 31: daily, 9am-10pm WHERE: Times Square, 216 W. 44th St., Times Square, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Artists from eight countries took part in building this fantastic miniature world, featuring cities from across the globe, all built to scale. You can even pay to have your body scanned and become part of the exhibit. WANT TO GO? $36; $27 seniors and for children 12 and younger. gulliversgate.com.

Mummies

WHEN: Through Jan. 7, 2018: daily, 10am-5:45pm WHERE: The American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West and 79th Street, Upper West Side, Manhattan AGES: 5 and older WHAT: A new exhibition, which will give you a chance to get up close to one of the largest collections of mummies housed in North America. Featuring mummies from ancient Egypt to pre-Columbian Peru. The exhibit uses high-resolution CT scans and forensic reconstructions so visitors can “see” what’s inside as well as out. WANT TO GO? $27; $22 seniors and students; $16 children. 212-7695100. amnh.org.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Karaoke and Fireworks FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 1: Fridays, 9:30pm WHERE: Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk, West 10th Street and Surf Avenue, Coney Island AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy singing karaoke with family and friends on the Coney Island Boardwalk in front of Deno’s Wonder Wheel, then watch the fireworks illuminate the sky. WANT TO GO? 718-965-8993. coneyislandfunguide.com.

The Awesome Oyster

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 6, 6:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 5, Joralemon and Furman streets, Brooklyn Heights AGES: 5 and older WHAT: While investigating the oyster gardens at the Brooklyn Bridge Park, examine the various critters that live in the East River and the history of New York Harbor’s keystone species: the eastern oyster. WANT TO GO? $5. 718-222-9939. brooklynbridgepark.org.

Historical Tour

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 9, 12-1pm WHERE: Owl’s Head Park, 67th Street and Colonial Road, Bay Ridge AGES: All WHAT: Take a historical tour of Owl’s Head Park with Bay Ridge history buff, Henry Stewart. Participants will meet at the Owl’s Head Park Horticulture Group’s table in front of the sprinkler plaza. WANT TO GO? $5 donation appreciated. 718-748-9522. facebook.com/owlsheadvolunteers.

Anish Kapoor: Descension FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 10: daily, 9am-9pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Park - Pier 1 Entrance, 334 Furman St., Dumbo AGES: All WHAT: World-renowned artist Anish Kapoor’s “Descension” comes to New York for the first time as part of Public Art Fund’s 40th anniversary season. Through the piece, Kapoor blurs the boundaries between nature, landscape, and art, allowing us to perceive space differently. WANT TO GO? 347-683-7028. brooklynbridgepark.org.

Dynamic H2O

WHEN: Through Sept. 30: Sunday-Friday, 10am-5pm; Saturday, 10am-7pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: With hands-on interactives and cool colorful graphics, the exhibit offers visitors a fun place to chill while they learn how New York City gets its water and the role water plays in our local environment. Children can pump water to the top of a skyscraper, create their own 92mile aqueduct, and construct a city at the water’s edge. WANT TO GO? $12; free for children younger than 1; seniors pay as you wish. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

Green Team FREE

WHEN: Through Oct. 21: Saturdays, 10am WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Park - Pier 1, Pier 1, Fulton Ferry Landing, Dumbo AGES: All WHAT: Join this dedicated corps of volunteers who keep Brooklyn Bridge Park beautiful. The Green Team meets every Saturday to provide essential horticultural care to the park. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn about gardening, enjoy nature, and help the park look its best. Children are welcome to volunteer with a parent or guardian. WANT TO GO? 212-348-1400. brooklynbridgepark.org.

Governors Island Open Season

WHEN: Through Oct. 31: Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm; SaturdaySunday, 10am-7pm WHERE: Governors Island, ferries leave from Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6, Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: Visitors to Governors Island this year will enjoy more arts, cultural, recreational, and educational programs than ever before. This year also features the opening of Island Oyster, a new food and beverage concession featuring sustainably sourced seafood in a garden-like atmosphere. WANT TO GO? $2 ferry round trip fee. 212-440-2200. govisland.com.

HOLIDAY FUN Blue Star Museums FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 4: See website for museum times WHERE: Various museums in New York City and Long Island, see website for addresses AGES: All WHAT: Blue Star Museums offers free admission to the nation’s activeduty military personnel and their families through Labor Day. See the website for a complete list of museums. WANT TO GO? 202-682-5606. arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

West Indian American Day Parade and Carnival FREE

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

2017 NYC Labor Day Parade FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 9, 10am-3pm WHERE: Labor Day Parade, Fifth Avenue at 44th Street, Midtown, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Join the leadership of Workers United and Local One to celebrate and commemorate all the hard-working laborers who make our city so great. From engineers to nurses to teachers to actors, all will be walking in the parade for families to recognize and honor for their constant hard work. WANT TO GO? 212-604-9552. nycclc.org.

Halloween Harvest Festival

WHEN: Sept. 16-Oct. 29, Saturday-Sunday, 12-6pm WHERE: Luna Park in Coney Island, 1000 Surf Ave., Coney Island AGES: All WHAT: Luna Park’s Halloween Harvest features pumpkin picking and painting and free activities such as trick-or-treating, daily entertainment, costumed characters, caricature artists, balloon benders and twisters, magicians, one of NYC’s largest pumpkins, and more. WANT TO GO? Free admission; $5 pumpkin picking and painting. 718373-5862. lunaparknyc.com.

Pumpkin Picking

WHEN: Sept. 30-Oct. 29, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-4pm WHERE: Historic Richmond Town, Decker Fram, 441 Clarke Ave., Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Visit the historic 1800s Decker Farm and bring home a pumpkin. Enjoy a farmhouse tour, hayride, face painting, arts and crafts, and corn stalk maze. WANT TO GO? $6; free for children younger than 1. 718-351-1611. historicrichmondtown.org. ›› BrooklynParent 35

Magic at Coney

WHEN: Through Dec. 17: Sundays, 12pm WHERE: Coney Island Museum, 1208 Surf Ave., Coney Island AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a magical variety show highlighting a vast array of magicians and featuring illusionists, escape artists, and mentalists from around the world. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 for children 12 and younger. 718-372-5159. coneyisland.com.

‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’

SHOW TIME! BK Block Parties FREE

WHEN: Sept. 2-Dec. 30, Saturdays and select weekdays, 11am WHERE: St. Luke’s Theatre, 308 W. 46th St., Midtown, Manhattan AGES: 5 and older WHAT: A highly theatrical adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ classic book brings audiences along as Peter, Susan, Lucy, and Edmund courageously battle the forces of evil, discovering that love is the deepest magic of all. WANT TO GO? $35. 212-239-6200. narniaoffbroadway.com.

WHEN: Through Sept. 16: Saturdays, 11am WHERE: Albee Square, Fulton Mall, Fulton and Bond streets, Downtown Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: Once a month, bring the kids for live music, face painting, balloon animals, and more. This month, see the Burdetsky Family Circus: an amazing family circus featuring contortionists and dancing dog acts. WANT TO GO? 212-889-0808. downtownbrooklyn.com.

FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS

67th Annual Fence Show FREE

West Indian American Day Junior Carnival Parade FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 16, 11am-5pm WHERE: Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, Building A, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: This long-standing arts and crafts show welcomes both novice and established artists to display and sell their work on the grounds of Snug Harbor. WANT TO GO? 718-727-1135. snug-harbor.org.

We Are All Tourists

WHEN: Sept. 16-23, Saturdays, 11:30am-3pm WHERE: Governors Island - Colonels Row, ferries leave from Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6, Brooklyn Heights AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Alpha and Scout are searching for their friend and colleague, Lou. Could she be stuck in an alternate reality? Explore Governors Island’s breathtaking views and solve the clues to reunite these reality hoppers in this theatrical tour experience. WANT TO GO? $20. 212-440-2205. govisland.com.

The Fourth Annual Rolex Central Park Horse Show

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

CityParks Puppetmobile: ‘Cinderella Samba’ FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 30: See website for schedule WHERE: Various parks throughout Brooklyn and Staten Island, see website for locations AGES: All WHAT: As Brazil continues to celebrate the 100th anniversary of samba, the CityParks PuppetMobile will bring the magic and grandeur of Rio de Janeiro’s world-famous Carnaval festivities to neighborhood parks across the five boroughs with more than 100 free performances of Cinderella Samba. WANT TO GO? cityparksfoundation.org. 36

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

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

Brazilian Day FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 3, 10am-6pm WHERE: Little Brazil, Sixth Avenue and 46th Street, Midtown East, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate Brazil’s Independence Day. WANT TO GO? 212-382-1631. brazilianday.com.

Southwest Brooklyn Fall Festival FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 16, 12-5pm WHERE: Columbia Waterfront District, Columbia and Union streets, Carroll Gardens AGES: All WHAT: Stop by this popular annual street fair to enjoy local food, retail vendors, children’s rides and activities, and live music throughout the day. WANT TO GO? 718-243-9301. carrollgardensassociation.com.

36th Annual Great Irish Fair of New York

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 16, 10am-8pm WHERE: Ford Amphitheater, 3052 W. 21st St., Coney Island AGES: All WHAT: A family-friendly event celebrating New York City’s IrishAmerican heritage and culture featuring traditional and contemporary Irish music, food, Irish dancing, and children’s activities and attractions. WANT TO GO? $20-$45. fordamphitheaterconeyisland.com.

Sunset Park Boulevard Street Fair FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 17, 11am-6pm WHERE: 5th Avenue, 44th to 59th streets, Sunset Park

AGES: All WHAT: Hundreds of vendors, local businesses, and nonprofits set up stands to offer their goods and services. Festival-goers can purchase food, music, jewelry, clothing, gift items, and toys, and enjoy pony rides, free popcorn, cotton candy, face paintings, balloons, and more. WANT TO GO? sunsetparkbid.com.

Flatbush Frolic FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 17, 11am-6pm WHERE: Cortelyou Road, between Ocean and Coney Island avenues, Flatbush AGES: All WHAT: This annual street fair will be filled with live music, international food, children’s activities, merchandise, and the Cortelyou Beer Garden. WANT TO GO? 718-859-3800. fdconline.org.

LI Parents Day

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

Photoville FREE

WHEN: Sept. 13-24, see website for schedule WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Plaza, Water and New Dock streets, Dumbo AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Photoville celebrates its 6th year featuring containers, exhibitions, talks, and workshops. The Smorgasburg Beer Garden and food vendors will also be serving up delicious food and drink. WANT TO GO? 212-348-1400. brooklynbridgepark.org.

The 91st Annual Feast of San Gennaro FREE

BROWSE & BUY Greencycle Back-to-School Swap

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 9, 12-3pm WHERE: Leonard Street Public Library, 81 Devoe St., Greenpoint AGES: All WHAT: Cleaning out your closet? Bring clean, gently used, and working items over to Greencycle Swap. WANT TO GO? $5 suggested donation. 347-987-2765. townsquareinc.com.

The ShopUp Children’s Shopping Fest by Babyccino

WHEN: Sept. 17-18, Sunday, 12-6pm; Monday, 10am-5pm WHERE: 501 Union, 501 Union St., Park Slope AGES: All WHAT: Featuring more than 30 independent children’s boutiques from around the world, The ShopUp showcases original and creative toys, gifts, stylish clothes and accessories, home decor, and more, along with activities to keep the little ones entertained. WANT TO GO? Free admission. 213-385-1561. theshopup.com.

LITTLE FOODIES

Family Cooking in the Garden

WHEN: Sept. 14-24, Sunday-Thursday, 11:30am-11pm; FridaySaturday, 11:30-12am WHERE: Grand and Mott streets, Little Italy, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: This 11-day festival takes place in the streets of historic Little Italy to celebrate Italian heritage. WANT TO GO? 212-768-9320. sangennaro.org.

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 23, 1-2:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 990 Washington Ave., Crown Heights AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Bring the whole family to the Children’s Garden for an afternoon cooking class. The group will harvest ingredients straight from the garden and prepare one salad, one farm-fresh entree, and one dessert to share. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $17. 718-623-7200. bbg.org.

35th Annual Queens County Fair

Smorgasburg

WHEN: Sept. 23-24, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-6pm WHERE: Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park, Queens AGES: All WHAT: This traditional county fair boasts blue ribbon competitions in produce, livestock, and arts and crafts. Plus pie eating and corn husking contests, carnival rides, midway games, live music, and food vendors. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 for children 12 and younger. 718-347-3276. queensfarm.org.

WHEN: Through Oct. 22: Sundays, 11am-6pm WHERE: Breeze Hill, Prospect Park AGES: All WHAT: Smorgasburg, the celebrated open-air food fair, returns to Prospect Park featuring more than 100 local and regional food purveyors who gather on Breeze Hill to offer a range of cuisines. WANT TO GO? Free admission; food prices vary. prospectpark.org. ››

24th Annual Bus Festival

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 24, 11am-6pm WHERE: Atlantic Antic, Boerum Place between State Street and Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: Step aboard more than a dozen vintage buses, representing more than 80 years of New York City surface transit history. WANT TO GO? Free admission; $1 museum admission. 718-694-1600. nytransitmuseum.org. BrooklynParent 37

‘Dream Big: Engineering Our World’

ON SCREEN

WHEN: Through June 30, 2018: daily, 2pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona, Queens AGES: All WHAT: From the Great Wall of China and the world’s tallest buildings to underwater robots, solar cars and smart, sustainable cities, this film celebrates the human ingenuity behind engineering marvels big and small. WANT TO GO? $6; $5 children with admission: $16; $13 children ages 2-17; free for children younger than 2. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

‘Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Secret Ocean 3D’

Movie Night: ‘Planet of the Apes’ FREE

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 8, 8pm WHERE: Narrows Botanical Garden, Shore Road between Bay Ridge Avenue and 72nd Street, Bay Ridge AGES: All WHAT: Taylor and two other astronauts come out of deep hibernation to find that their ship has crashed. Escaping with little more than their clothes, they find they have landed on a planet where humans are prelingual and uncivilized, while apes have learned speech and technology. WANT TO GO? narrowsbg.org.

WHEN: Through June 30, 2018: daily, 11am and 1pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona, Queens AGES: All WHAT: A breakthrough look at a secret world within the ocean that is perhaps the biggest story of all: that the smallest life in the sea is the mightiest force on which we all depend. Cousteau invites viewers to dive into this whole new world that will leave them in awe of the beauty and diversity of the oceans. WANT TO GO? $6; $5 children with admission: $16; $13 children ages 2-17; free for children younger than 2. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

‘NYsferatu: Symphony of a Century’ Screening FREE

‘Journey To Space 3D’

‘Humpback Whales’

MOVERS & SHAKERS

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 9, 7:30pm WHERE: Sunset Park, 4200 7th Ave., Sunset Park AGES: All WHAT: A hand-animated, silent film that combines music and community engagement to create a powerful and poignant statement about the horrors of the unknown and the inspiring search for liberty. Bring your own picnic blanket or chair. Family-friendly drawing and animation art activities start at 6pm. WANT TO GO? 646-416-6940. nysferatu.org. WHEN: Through Sept. 14: daily, 10:30am-4:30pm WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West and 79th Street, Upper West Side, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Set in the spectacular waters of Alaska, Hawaii, and the remote islands of Tonga, this ocean adventure offers audiences an up-close look at how these whales communicate, sing, feed, play, and care for their young. WANT TO GO? $27; $17 seniors and students; $16 children ages 2-12. 212-769-5100. amnh.org.

Movies Under the Stars: ‘Moana’ FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 23, 8pm WHERE: Fort Greene Park - Myrtle Lawn, Myrtle and North Portland avenues, Fort Greene AGES: All WHAT: In ancient Polynesia, when a terrible curse incurred by the demigod Maui reaches an impetuous chieftain’s daughter’s island, Moana answers the ocean’s call to seek out Maui to set things right. Bring your blanket to the park to watch this Disney film. WANT TO GO? 347-559-5142. fortgreenepark.org.

Movie Night

WHEN: Through Oct. 29: Sundays, 8pm WHERE: Habana Outpost, 757 Fulton St., Fort Greene AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Habana Outpost presents movies under the stars every sunday at 8pm. See website for schedule. WANT TO GO? Free with food or drink order. 718-858-9500. habanaoutpost.com. 38

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Through June 30, 2018: daily, 12pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona, Queens AGES: All WHAT: A celebration of space exploration, a tribute to international cooperation in space research, and a vision toward a manned mission to Mars within a generation. Narrated by Sir Patrick Stewart. WANT TO GO? $6; $5 children with admission: $16; $13 children ages 2-17; free for children younger than 2. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

Pop-Up Pool FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 4: daily, 10am-6pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Park, 334 Furman St., Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: Brooklyn Bridge Park provides a great way to beat the summer heat with the Pop-Up Pool near Pier 2. Swimmers of all ages and levels are welcome to enter for 45-minute sessions. WANT TO GO? 718-222-9939. brooklynbridgepark.org.

Yoga in the Garden FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 6: Wednesdays, 7pm WHERE: Kosciuszko Garden Learning Center, 385 Kosciuszko St., Bedford-Stuyvesant AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Join free yoga classes in the garden every Wednesday. The classes are taught by a certified yoga instructor. WANT TO GO? 718-453-9490. greenthumbnyc.org.

Yoga with Erica Ginger

WHEN: Sept. 2-9, Saturdays, 12-1pm WHERE: Owl’s Head Park, 67th Street and Colonial Road, Bay Ridge AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Join these yoga classes conducted by Yoga in Bay Ridge’s instructor Erica Ginger. Classes will be held across from the basketball courts on the green lawn, weather permitting. Participants must bring their own mat or towel and any props they might need. WANT TO GO? $5 donation appreciated. 718-748-9522. facebook.com/owlsheadvolunteers.

Kayak Polo FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 24: Sundays, 12:30-1:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 2 Dock, Furman and Clark streets, Brooklyn Heights AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Kayak polo is a mix of basketball, water polo, and kayaking and a whole lot of fun. Your level of experience doesn’t matter, and nothing will improve your kayaking skills as quickly as playing this game. WANT TO GO? 718-802-0603. brooklynbridgepark.org.

New York Road Runners Open Run FREE

WHEN: Sept. 6-Dec. 27, Tuesdays, 7pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 6, Atlantic Avenue and Furman Street, Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: Open Run is a community-based initiative that empowers local volunteers to bring free weekly runs to local neighborhood parks. All runs are directed by volunteers, and courses are usually 2½-3 miles. Open to all ages, experience levels, walkers, strollers, and dogs. WANT TO GO? 718-222-9939. brooklynbridgepark.org.

SPARK by Brooklyn Children’s Museum

WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Tuesday and Friday-Sunday, 1-5pm; Wednesday, 1-3pm; Thursday, 1-6pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Park, 1 John St., Dumbo AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: SPARK is a new art and play space located in Brooklyn Bridge Park and features an outpost of the popular Brooklyn Block Lab exhibit, as well as daily art and design workshops, music classes, birthday parties, and more. WANT TO GO? $15; free on Thursdays. 718-624-4719. brooklynkids.org.

MINI

MUSICIANS Fort Greene Park Jazz Festival FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 9, 3-7pm WHERE: Fort Greene Park, Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park, Fort Greene AGES: All WHAT: Come hear a variety of jazz musicians near the park’s Visitor Center, including five different vocalists. See website for full schedule. WANT TO GO? 347-559-5142. fortgreeneparkjazzfestival.com.

The Rock and Roll Playhouse Presents Sunset Sounds FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 23: Wednesday-Thursday and Saturday, see website for times WHERE: Industry City, 241 37th St., Sunset Park AGES: All WHAT: Sunset Sounds is series of free shows for all kinds of music lovers. Family concerts and family-friendly DJ dance parties take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and popular bands will be featured on Thursdays, offering funk, soul, rock, and more. WANT TO GO? 917-679-5306. brooklynbowl.com.

Fall Family Day FREE

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

The World Is Sound

WHEN: Through Sept. 30: Monday and Thursday, 11am-5pm; Wednesday, 11am-9pm; Friday, 11am-10pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11am-6pm WHERE: The Rubin Museum, 150 W. 17th St., Chelsea, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Featuring work by more than 20 artists, the exhibit showcases on-site commissions juxtaposed with historical objects from the museum’s collection. The museum itself will be turned into a musical instrument and visitors will be able to participate. WANT TO GO? $15; $10 students and seniors; free for children younger than 12. 212-620-5000. rubinmuseum.org.

Neighborhood Family Concerts FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 23: Saturdays, 4pm WHERE: Bargemusic, 334 Furman St., Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: Walk across the gangplank of a renovated coffee barge for a 1-hour, family-friendly performance, including a Q-and-A session with the musicians. WANT TO GO? 718-624-4924. bargemusic.org.

Live at the Archway Music Series FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 14: Thursdays, 6-9pm WHERE: The Archway Under the Manhattan Bridge, Water Street between Adams Street and Anchorage Place, Dumbo AGES: All WHAT: Live at the Archway features free performances, a pop-up gallery, and interactive live art in a unique setting. This month, see the Espiritu Gitano Ensemble on Sept. 7; The Hot Sardines on Sept. 14; Nickodemus on Sept. 21; and Gaijin à Go-Go on Sept. 28. WANT TO GO? 718-237-8700. dumbo.is.

Coming up next month: OCT. 1: Chile Pepper Festival at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Crown Heights OCT. 22: The Great American Harvest Fest at Historic Richmond Town, Staten Island OCT. 29: Greenpoint Children’s Halloween Parade, Spooktacular Party, and Zombie Nerf War at the Polish and Slavic Center, Greenpoint

BrooklynParent 39

WHERE-TO GUIDE

nymetroparents.com/where-to

Pick Your Own Apples

››

Research by Jaime Bonchick and Amanda Marrone

Bite into crunchy, juicy, just-picked apples this month! A day trip to a local orchard yields fresh fruit to take home by the bucket, sweet pastries and baked goods (apple cider doughnuts, please!), and lots of kid-friendly perks, from hayrides to petting zoos. Grown-ups: Some farms even serve up hard cider and homemade wines! Note: Dates are projected and availability is subject to change. We recommend calling ahead before visiting these locations. Farmers market with pre-picked fruits and vegetables, roasted corn, homemade pies, jams, and snacks. Call for availability. Wickham’s Fruit Farms 28700 Route 25, Cutchogue 631-734-6441 wickhamsfruitfarm.com Apple picking through September into mid-October, Monday-Saturday, 9am4pm. Closed Sunday. Also offers U-pick blackberries and pumpkins. Hayrides in October on Saturdays and Columbus Day, 9am-4pm.

Westchester County

Long Island Hank’s Pumpkin Farm 240 Montauk Highway, Water Mill Farm stand: 324 County Road 39, Southampton 631-726-4667 hankspumpkintown.com Apple and pumpkin picking early September through late October, daily, 9:30am-6pm. Corn maze, wagon rides, face painting, farm stand, and roasted corn shack with sweet corn, pies, doughnuts, candy apples, apple cider, and kettle corn. Farm stand open through mid-September. Hayden’s Orchard 561 Hulse Landing Road (near Wildwood State Park), Wading River 631-929-1115 Pick-your-own nectarines through late September, peaches through mid-October, and apples through late October. Call for availability. Open daily, 9am-5pm. Lewin Farms 812 Sound Ave., Wading River

Second location: Fresh Pond Avenue, Baiting Hollow 631-929-4327 lewinfarm.com Apple picking late August through early October, weekends, 9am-4:30pm. Pumpkin picking late September through October. Farm open Monday-Sunday, 9am-5pm. Milk Pail Farm & Orchard 50 Horsemill Lane, Watermill 631-537-2565 milk-pail.com Apple and pumpkin picking from Labor Day through late October, Friday-Sunday and holidays, 10am-5:30pm. The Country Store offers cider, doughnuts, muffins, pies, cookies, and more. Seven Ponds Orchard 65 Seven Ponds Road, Water Mill 631-726-8015 Apple, pumpkin, winter squash, and raspberry picking, daily, 9am-6pm, through Thanksgiving. Hayrides, 5-acre corn maze, wooden toys, and picnic area.

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Harvest Moon Farm and Orchards 130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem 914-485-1210 harvestmoonfarmandorchard.com Apple picking begins in early September after Labor Day (call for availability). Fresh pies, doughnuts, produce, and local honey, local dairy products, and maple syrup for sale, as well as New York state wines and spirits and the farm’s own hard cider. Open daily, 8am-6pm. Outhouse Orchards 139 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem 914-277-3188 outhouseorchardsny.com Apple picking Sept. 1-Nov. 1, daily, 9am5pm while supplies last. Fresh cider for sale, hayrides, and corn maze on-site, and a pick-your-own pumpkin patch. Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm 1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights 914-245-5111 wilkensfarm.com Apple picking through mid-October, daily, 10am-4:30pm. Farm market with apple cider, baked goods, pre-picked produce, and gifts. Find the full guide at ›› nymetroparents.com/apples

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Put a line on top of the logo, FALL 2017 address and open house, to ENROLLMENT For Children of alltext agespart separate it from the of the ad. OPEN HOUSE Sunday, 22nd Also send meOctober 2 versions, at 11am one in the light blue and 245 86th Street market blue.

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FOOD & NUTRITION

10 Tips to Master Meal Planning ››

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

nce a week when I was growing up, my parents would have my brothers and me go through our cookbooks and cooking magazines to each pick out one meal we wanted to try and write down the ingredients we needed to buy at the grocery store for that recipe. We also had to check to see what we had in the cupboards already to avoid purchasing ingredients we had on hand. Now that I’m older and living on my own, I do the same, except I have to plan a meal for every day. So on Sunday mornings, I comb through my cookbooks, recipes torn out of magazines, and my favorite cooking blogs, and plan what I’m going to eat for the week. Why? Meal planning saves me time and money, and it can for you, too. Plus, it will save you a lot of stress, says Ruthy Kirwan, creator of PercolateKitchen.com. “Speaking to other parents who were in my position where they’re tired and they’re stressed, and they’re coming home from a long day, the kitchen and cooking and figuring out what to make for dinner is the last thing they want to do at the end of a long day,” she says. “But if you sit down for maybe five to ten minutes at the start of the week, and you look at how your schedule is, figure out what’s in your kitchen already, and then work that into a plan…[it] can save you a ton of time and stress throughout the next seven days.” Meal planning is a money-saver because “you’re not going to end up ordering in as much or doing takeout or going to whatever the closest store is that may not have the items [you need] on sale,” says Jessica Levinson, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N. It also cuts down on food waste, Levinson adds, whether it’s picking two meals that include fresh parsley so you’re not throwing any away (or composting it) or enjoying leftovers for lunch the next day. Levinson also notes that meal planning helps to ensure you have healthy, balanced meals on the table each night, and that you have all the ingredients in the house to make those balanced meals. 42

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

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

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

Tips for Successful Meal Planning

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

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

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

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Is My Kid a Genius?

››

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

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

Identifying Giftedness

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

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

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

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

Behavior Issues

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

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

Beyond Just Gifted

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

Raising a Gifted Child

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

BrooklynParent 45

Left Behind

››

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

hen Queens resident Sarah Richard is asked if she will miss her little sister when Sarah leaves for college next year, the 17-year-old rolls her eyes and says, “Yeah, I’m going to miss that dork.” Although it is just about a year away, the Richard girls are already contemplating Sarah’s departure. The girls have lived across the hall from one another for the past 14 years, a fact that is on 14-year-old Rebecca’s mind when she says, “I’ll be sad, for sure, but I definitely want to visit.” Even if it seems like your kids spent the past 15 years fighting over everything, this is an all-too-common feeling when one sibling leaves for college—especially for families with two children, where the younger one suddenly finds herself an “only child.” The sibling who remains at home can be left with a number of new emotions to deal with, not to mention a shift in the family dynamics and a much quieter house. These feelings can range from relief to abandonment, and will often fluctuate even after a new routine is put in place. To help with the adjustment, we’re offering tips on how to help your younger child cope when his sibling goes off to college. (Families with more than two children will face their own unique issues when the eldest leaves home, but these tips are applicable to them as well.) 46

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Inclusion is Key

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

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

Time for a New Routine

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

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Encourage Communication

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

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ABC Child Center Child Care and Preschool for children ages 2 - 4 years Full Day, Half Day Programs & Drop-off Care Available 109 Nassau Avenue, Greenpoint - Brooklyn, NY (718) 389-9004 • www.abcchildcenter.com For more information or to schedule a tour email us at info@abcchildcenter.com

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Hours of operation is Mon-Fri 6:30am to 6:30pm

718-680-KIDS

www.littlehandsandfeetdaycare.com www.facebook.com/nymetroparents All Teachers Certified and Licensed by Dept of Ed & CPR trained

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September 2017 | nymetroparents.com ACTIVITIES

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CLOWNS.COM FAIRYTALE ISLAND Proudly Serving Westchester, Long 7110 3rd Ave. Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhat646-667-9096 tan, and the Bronx facebook.com/fairytaleislandplayground 516-577-0000 ic3cream124@hotmail.com 718-971-5862 Fairytale Iwsland provides a clowns.com high-quality, safe, and amazing We are a family-owned and -operated indoor space for hosting birthday entertainment company, offering a parties. This environment will wide range of party and entertainment also encourage social, emotional, notice on activities, services includingGet clowns,advance inflatable language, cognitive, and physical bounce houses, characters, magicians, skill development. princesses, magicparticipate shows, face painting,in group discussions and party concession rentals. GREEN APRON KITCHEN

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7122 Bay Parkway 718-676-4792 greenapronkitchen.com info@greenapronkitchen.com ART FUN STUDIO Green Apron Kitchen hosts birthday www.facebook.com/nymetroparents 547 92nd St. parties, cooking classes, cooking 718-680-0508 camps, playdates, corporate events, artfunstudio.com bridal showers, girls’ night out, and alla@artfunstudio.com Mommy & Me classes. Canvas and ceramic painting art KIDS ‘N ACTION studio in Brooklyn. Plan a child’s budget-friendly birthday party or adult’s 1149 McDonald Ave. 718-377-1818 Sip and Paint event, check our classes kidsnaction.com or just walk in for spontaneous fun! steven@kidsnaction.com Seventy five-star reviews on Google Fun and thrills are what your kids will and Yelp. Fun and creative packages have at Kids ‘N Action. Kids never for all ages. Get advance notice onenjoying activities, get bored our thrilling indoor AVIATOR SPORTS AND roller coaster, amusing winding train, participate in group discussions EVENTS CENTER exciting go-karts, and action-filled arand receive special notices. 3159 Flatbush Ave. cade games. Parties include unlimited 718-758-7551 soft play and rides. aviatorsports.com/birthday-parties WHEEL FUN RENTALS There are nine birthday party packwww.facebook.com/nymetroparents MARINE PARK ages at Aviator Sports that make it Avenue U and East 33rd Street, easy to create a memorable birthday Marine Park party for children. All parties include 917-533-6196 a private party room throughout the LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park duration of the party, and a dedicated 171 East Drive party host! 718-462-0010 BOUNCEU Bensonhurst Park 6722 Fort Hamilton Parkway 9000 Bay Parkway (entrance on 67th Street and 9th 805-650-7770 Avenue), Dyker Heights wheelfunrentals.com 347-450-5867 Wheel Fun Rentals is the perfect bounceu.com/brooklyn-ny place for birthday parties! Kids and BounceU, the premier birthday party adults can explore the area on one of and play experience in all of Brooklyn. our specialty bikes-or go on a Surrey We’re a 30,000-square-foot indoor recScavenger Hunt! PARTY PLACES

1270-Bayridge Pkway BIG BEAUTIFUL BRIGHT STIMULATING WELCOMING & NURTURING ENVIRONMENT Professional Dedicated Experienced Staff who will care for your children!

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reational facility with “YUGE” inflatable play equipment.

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

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PEDIATRIC IMMEDIATE CARE 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.

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

EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANTS

SPECIAL NEEDS EMPLOYMENT

STRATEGIC STAFFING WORKS Brooklyn and Long Island locations 631-649-6573 strategicstafﬁngworks.com strategicstafﬁngworks@gmail.com Offers workshops designed to help parents, family, and friends aid people with diverse abilities in their search for volunteer opportunities related to their field of college interest.

STRATEGIC STAFFING WORKS Brooklyn and Long Island locations 631-649-6573 strategicstafﬁngworks.com strategicstafﬁngworks@gmail.com Offers workshops designed to help parents, family, and friends aid people with diverse abilities in their search for employment and life-fulfilling volunteer opportunities.

Board certified pediatric & adult allergist.

10 Plaza Street East Suite 1E Brooklyn, NY 11238 & 311 Saint Nicholas Ave., Ridgewood, NY 11385

(347) 564-3211 www.brooklynallergyDR.com

• Cooking Birthday Parties! • Kids make their menu from scratch, led by our Head Chef and assistants • Party games and dance competitions • Several party packages available, each with unique menu options. • Lounge area for adults • Exclusive use of our kitchen during parties

RAINE & RILEY'S Children's Clothing GRAND OPENING! Look Your Best This Coming Year, Back to School is Finally Here!!

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www.RAINEandRILEYS.com

347-497-3450 • 9002 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209 RAINEandRILEYS@yahoo.com Play-based. Progressive. Serving families and children since 1999.

Tours are available for applying families! We have full and half day options for 3 and 4 years olds.

Applications for the 2017-2018 school year are available on our website.

The Williamsburg Neighborhood Nursery School

54 South Second Street, Brooklyn, NY 11249 wnns.org • (718) 782-4181 • info@wnns.org

Cooking Classes! • Mommy & Me, Family Classes, Drop-off Classes • Corporate Events Team Building • Holiday Parties • Camps

www.greenapronkitchen.com | 718-676-4792 7122 Bay Parkway, Brooklyn NY 11204

Better than Hebrew School?!?

JEC at FJC

Explore Jewish holidays, Torah, culture, liturgy and the Hebrew language through a variety of genres including cooking, drama, dance, movie-making and yoga!

Join our after-school program today! Exploring on Thursdays, Sept 7th-June 7th, 4:30-6pm Jewish Explorers Club at Flatbush Jewish Center

327 East 5th Street (718) 871-5200 www.flatbushjewishcenter.org Flatbush Jewish Center is a Traditional Egalitarian Community in Kensington, Brooklyn

BrooklynParent 51

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

ACROBATICS / GYMNASTICS

Two by Two Childcare.................................................. 29

HEALTH

April’s Dance - N - Feet................................................ 29

Urban Strategies Early Learning Center....................... 19

Affinity Health Plan....................................................... 56

NYC Tae Kwon Do........................................................ 49

Urban Umbrella............................................................ 26

Allergy & Asthma Care of Brooklyn........................ 48, 51

BIRTHDAY / PARTY SERVICES

DANCE

Jackson, Lois Dr..................................................... 30, 48

Aviator Sports Recreation............................................. 29

April’s Dance - N - Feet................................................ 29

BounceU......................................................................... 5

Brooklyn College Prep Center...................................... 21

Fairytale Island............................................................. 13

Brooklyn Music School................................................... 2

Green Apron Kitchen.................................................... 51

Mark Morris Dance Group............................................ 27

Women Caring for Women........................................... 20

Kids N Action................................................................ 49

DEVELOPMENTAL

HOME SERVICES

MatchPoint NYC........................................................... 29 My Gym - Park Slope................................................... 23 CAMPS April’s Dance - N - Feet................................................ 29 Aviator Sports Recreation............................................. 29 Brooklyn Music School................................................... 2 Leif Ericson Day School............................................... 30 My Gym - Park Slope................................................... 23 Rab’s Country Lanes...................................................... 7 Smart Start................................................................... 49 Stepping Stones Preschool.......................................... 41 The Learnatory............................................................. 15 Treasure Island............................................................. 47 CHILD CARE / DAY CARE ABC Child Center......................................................... 50 Little Hands and Feet................................................... 50 Smart Start................................................................... 49 Stepping Stones Preschool.......................................... 41 Treasure Island............................................................. 47 Two by Two Childcare.................................................. 29 Williamsburg Neighborhood School............................. 51 CLASSES Brienza’s Academic Advantage...................................... 9 Brooklyn College Prep Center...................................... 21 Congregation Beth Elohim............................................ 25 DGK Parochial School of Holy Cross........................... 15 Flatbush Jewish Center................................................ 51 Green Apron Kitchen.................................................... 51

LiceXchange................................................................. 27 Park Slope Kids Dental Care.................................... 9, 48 Pediatric Immediate Care....................................... 48, 49

Flatbush Jewish Center................................................ 51

LiceXchange................................................................. 27

Huntington Learning Center......................................... 27

MUSIC

Northside Center.......................................................... 21

Brooklyn College Prep Center...................................... 21

EDUCATION ABC Child Center......................................................... 50 Bible Speaks Academy................................................. 25 Brienza’s Academic Advantage...................................... 9 Congregation Beth Elohim............................................ 25 DGK Parochial School of Holy Cross........................... 15 Huntington Learning Center......................................... 27 Leif Ericson Day School............................................... 30 Little Hands and Feet................................................... 50 Mary Louis Academy (The)............................................11 Northside Center.......................................................... 21 New-York Historical Society......................................... 47 Redeemer St. John Nursery School............................. 48 Stepping Stones Preschool.......................................... 41 The Learnatory............................................................. 15 Treasure Island............................................................. 47 Two by Two Childcare.................................................. 29 Urban Strategies Early Learning Center....................... 19 Urban Umbrella............................................................ 26 Williamsburg Neighborhood School............................. 51 FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT / EVENTS / OUTINGS Big Apple Circus........................................................... 52 BounceU......................................................................... 5 Fairytale Island............................................................. 13 Green Apron Kitchen.................................................... 51 Llingsworth Music......................................................... 51

Brooklyn Music School................................................... 2 Keylab........................................................................... 41 Llingsworth Music......................................................... 51 Music Together of Bay Ridge........................................ 41 PLAY SPACES BounceU......................................................................... 5 Fairytale Island............................................................. 13 Kids N Action................................................................ 49 Music Together of Bay Ridge........................................ 41 RELIGIOUS Bible Speaks Academy................................................. 25 Congregation Beth Elohim............................................ 25 DGK Parochial School of Holy Cross........................... 15 Flatbush Jewish Center................................................ 51 Leif Ericson Day School............................................... 30 Mary Louis Academy (The)............................................11 Redeemer St. John Nursery School............................. 48 RETAIL Cookie’s Department Stores........................................... 3 Llingsworth Music......................................................... 51 Raine & Riley’s............................................................. 51 SPECIAL EVENTS Big Apple Circus........................................................... 52 New-York Historical Society......................................... 47

New-York Historical Society......................................... 47

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Rab’s Country Lanes...................................................... 7

Huntington Learning Center......................................... 27

Raine & Riley’s............................................................. 51

Northside Center.......................................................... 21

VR World...................................................................... 48

Urban Strategies Early Learning Center....................... 19

Wild West City.............................................................. 43

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Northside Center.......................................................... 21

FAMILY TRAVEL

Aviator Sports Recreation............................................. 29

Rab’s Country Lanes...................................................... 7

Wild West City.............................................................. 43

Mary Louis Academy (The)............................................11

Raine & Riley’s............................................................. 51

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Keylab........................................................................... 41 Little Hands and Feet................................................... 50 Mark Morris Dance Group............................................ 27 Music Together of Bay Ridge........................................ 41 My Gym - Park Slope................................................... 23

Redeemer St. John Nursery School............................. 48 Russian School of Mathematics................................... 26 Smart Start................................................................... 49 The Learnatory............................................................. 15

Kids N Action................................................................ 49

MatchPoint NYC........................................................... 29 NYC Tae Kwon Do........................................................ 49

Mark Morris Dance Group............................................ 27

TUTORS

MatchPoint NYC........................................................... 29

Brienza’s Academic Advantage...................................... 9

NYC Tae Kwon Do........................................................ 49

Russian School of Mathematics................................... 26

BrooklynParent 53

VOICES

The Lesson of the Pizza Bowl Fail ››

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

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

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

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

September 2017 | nymetroparents.com

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

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

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

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