Brooklyn Parent September 2019 by City Guide NY

Brooklyn rooklyn Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM SEPTEMBER 2019

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Talented? What you need to know about G&T programs and test prep Plus, back-to-school resources for every grade

Why are tweens and teens self-conscious? And the Winner Isâ&#x20AC;¦ A behind-the-scenes look at our cover contest photo shoot!

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

BrooklynParent

Discover your capable, confident Montessori child.

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Visit us online today to RSVP for an event or schedule a tour. Williamsburg Campus 717 Driggs Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11211 guidepostmontessori.com/williamsburg (347) 464-0490 Spanish Immersion available!

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Happy. Healthy. Loved. These are the dreams we have for our children. So we cherish the moments when little giggles fill the room, imaginations take us on great adventures, and when it seems our hearts could burst with pride and love. Here and now, we’d stop time if we could. Because when kids are being kids, we all feel better.

Let’s get every child covered. If your child needs health insurance, Fidelis Care is just a call, click, or visit away.

Call: 1-888-FIDELIS Click: fideliscare.org/everychildcovered Visit: A Fidelis Care community office near you. Search for locations at fideliscare.org/offices

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To learn more about applying for health insurance, including Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Essential Plan, and Qualified Health Plans through NY State of Health, The Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777.

BrooklynParent

contents table of

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

september 2019

back to school

And the Winner Is...

A behind-the-scenes peek at the 2019 Cover Kids photo shoot.

16 Is Your Child ‘G&T’? 18 Back-to-School Resources

22 After School at-a-Glance 24 Education Planner

Remembering 9/11 in NYC

Visit these Manhattan memorials to remember those who lost their lives.

The Age of Self-Doubt

Self-consciousness in early adolesence will lead to greater well-being in adulthood.

raising kids

things to do

family life

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 Empowering Your Differently-Abled Student 10 The Nanny-Baby Relationship 12 Savor Each Moment? 14 And the Winner Is... 36 The Age of Self-Doubt 38 Day Care Center, Nanny, or Relative? 42 Meet the Health Care Professional 43 Party Central, Open Houses 44 Professional Services 45 Advertisers’ Index 46 You’ve Got Mail

27 Family Activities Calendar

40 Separation Strategies

35 Remembering 9/11 in NYC

41 Made the Move

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› 14 And the Winner Is... 16 Gifted&Talented 36 Why are tweens and teens self-conscious? facebook.com/nymetroparents

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

Capturing life at its best family photo shoots senior portraits mitzvahs sweet sixteens milestone birthdays!

BrooklynParent

raising kids editor’s note

Cute Kid Alert!

id you see the beautiful teen on the cover? That’s 14-year-old Daniela from Suffolk County, the older than 6 grand-prize winner in our 2018 Cover Kids contest! She’s the last of the finalists from 2018 to grace the cover of Brooklyn Parent, so it’s only fitting that the 2019 grand-prize winners be announced in the behind-the-scenes peek of the photo shoot in this issue. It took a lot of work to get here, though. More than 1,000 of you, dear readers, submitted your children in our call for cover models, and our editors narrowed down the list to 10 (who knew looking at cute pictures of kids would be so difficult?!), shopped for outfits at Macy’s Backstage, planned the photo shoot at Sarah Marians Photography & Video Company in Manhattan, and coordinated 10 kids’ schedules. The results, as they say, are priceless! Flip to p. 14 to see our finalists in action—and be sure to keep an eye out in the coming months for our new cover stars! While we can’t stop thinking about the great photos we got of our 2019 Cover Kids finalists, we’re also planning for the back-to-school season. If you’re a parent of a child with a learning disability, you’ll want to read “Empowering Your Differently-Abled Student,” p. 10, for five great tips to ensure your child has the best school year possible. And if you’re wondering how to keep the fun of summer going all year-round, read, circle, and highlight (put those new office supplies you snuck in the cart when buying school supplies to work!) the “Back-to-School Resources” directory on p. 18. It’s full of fun after-school classes that will keep your kids engaged even after the school day ends. With all this thinking about school, don’t forget to soak up the last days of summer with your kids! This issue is packed with fun for September, but you can always find great things to do every day at nymetroparents.com—and get a curated list of weekend fun hand-picked by our editors sent to you at nymetroparents.com/register. Happy first day of school! Katelin Walling Editorial Director

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions P.S. Share your first-day-of-school photos with us by tagging @nymetroparents on Instagram!

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

SEPTEMBER 2019 • Vol.25 • No.1

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL

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

ADVERTISING SALES

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

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

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

OPERATIONS

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

PRODUCTION

DIRECTOR | PUBLISHING MANAGEMENT: Anthony Diaz DIRECTOR | DIGITAL CONTENT: Silvia Balu

MARKETING

ASSISTANT MARKETING MANAGER: Kristine Pulaski

Our Editors Find You the Best Events! When it comes to finding weekend fun with your kids, we make it easy for you! Our editors spend hours scouring the community for the best events happening. And every Thursday, you’ll receive a curated list of the best of what’s happening that weekend in Brooklyn —from sports and theater to festivals and petting zoos. Sign up today at nymetroparents.com/newsletter!

FINANCE

CREDIT MANAGERS: Rosa Meinhofer, Dan Finnegan

Davler Media Group davlermedia.com

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

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

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Courtesy PJ Library

raising kids new places, new programs

Nonprofit Program Offers One Free Book Per Child in NYC Area Who: PJ Library What’s New: One free Jewish book per child, instead of per family, to kids in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester, which began in May. By partnering with local funders, PJ Library is providing nearly 40,000 children in the New York area with monthly books. To become a part of PJ Library, all you have to do is sign up online and the books will come to your home each month. PJ Library offers a way for families to deepen and enrich kids’ Jewish lives through low-barrier, accessible engagement with Jewish tradition and values—all in the comfort of their homes. Want More Info: newyork.pjlibrary.org

210,000 children each month.

erican Pie Shop

In the United States, PJ Library reaches

l in opening Shop, says her goa of Miss American Pie an authentic, in nity mu Lindsey Hill, owner com te ng joy and facilita this pie shop is to bri e. fun-loving atmospher

Courtesy A Whole New World Acade

Who: Miss American Pie Shop What’s New: The pie shop, which opened Aug. 17. Lindsey Hill, owner of Miss American Pie Shop, was making pies for more than 2 years out of a rented kitchen. She says she hopes this storefront will be a place for joy and community where Park Slope residents can facilitate relationships. Hill says she hopes to host community activities and events such as holiday celebrations, pie eating contests, and ice cream socials. She also plans on having a gallery wall where Brooklyn-based artists can display their work. Want More Info: 86 5th Ave., Park Slope; 347-927-5743 ;missamericanpienyc.com

Courtesy Miss Am

Pie Shop Opens in Park Slope

Preschool Opens in Park Slope Who: A Whole New World Academy What’s New: The Park Slope location, slated to open this month. The preschool’s classrooms are designed to help children ages 2-5 reach their developmental goals. Plus, each classroom has a comfortable area for children to relax when they need a break. A dynamic curriculum incorporates music, art, and computers for kids. The preschool is open Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm. Optional extended care is from 7-9am and 3-7pm. Tuition includes lunch and extended hours. Want More Info: 910 Union St., Park Slope; 718-230-0022; 718-230-0026; awnwaparkslope@gmail.com; awnwa.com

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

At A Whole New World Academy, childr en will participate in activities such as piano, computers, playing in the tool shop, LEGO, and physical activities like HulaHooping.

Providing Quality Home-Based Early Intervention Evaluations and Services

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BrooklynParent

raising kids in the know

Empowering Your Differently-Abled Student ›› By Jacqueline Neber

ood parent-teacher communication is crucial for any successful school year, but being on the same page becomes even more important when your child has a learning disability. You should take a few key proactive steps to ensure your child has the best year possible. Know your rights and speak up. Parents are entitled to receive information about special education from their schools and teachers— reading up and staying informed is the best way to advocate for your kid. When attending Committee for Special Education meetings, annual review meetings, or parent-teacher conferences, if you don’t understand something, ask questions. Communicate with teachers frequently. Kathy Devine and Emily Cole co-teach at Waverly Avenue Elementary School in Holtsville. They say parents of students with special needs must be extra communicative with teachers. “We would like to know sooner when things might be happening at home, whether it’s medication changes or maybe something in the home life has changed,” Cole says. When it comes to homework, “reach out to us as soon as possible so that we’re not waiting until the end of a trimester to know [kids are] struggling,” Devine says. Another tip? Write a letter describing your child and his needs at the beginning of the year.

Understand Individualized Education Plan goals. Equally important is understanding your child’s IEP goals—which can differ from her classroom goals. This difference often confuses parents who see their student accomplishing goals on one end of the spectrum and not the other. Involve your child. Cassie Reilly, the current Transition Coordinator at Northport High School, suggests involving your kid in IEP and parent-teacher conferences. Being open with kids from the time of diagnosis helps them stand up for themselves and understand their learning disability does not make them inferior to others. Be sensitive to difference. Parents should understand their kids might be different at home than at school, Reilly adds. And, even more importantly, their kids might have an atypical path toward success. Communicating with teachers is key to understanding how your kid can progress in the best way.

raising kids child care

The Nanny-Baby Relationship ››

Courtesy Mommybites

t seems like a given: Your baby should feel comfortable with your nanny. There should be warmth and trust between the two. But since your baby, though adorable, can’t yet spill the beans about the details of her day, how do you know what’s really going on? Here are the two big signs the nanny-child relationship is working.

Happy Reunions

It’s important that your baby is excited, even overjoyed, to see your nanny each day. Once your baby knows your nanny and has spent time with her, your baby should be happy when he sees her. If your nanny enjoys being with your baby, he will feel her care and genuine interest. If your baby seems fearful or anxious when your nanny arrives, you should be concerned.

A Sense of Trust

Another essential sign? Your baby appears to trust and feel safe with your nanny. Babies instinctively know who cares for them, who they can trust, and who makes them feel safe. If your baby has sudden behavioral or emotional changes—like waking up at night crying and screaming without obvious cause—you should investigate what’s going on during the daytime. The bottom line: Trust your own intuition about your nanny. You are usually right about whatever you are feeling, aren’t you?

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

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Inspiring young women to be leaders of tomorrow. Fontbonne Hall Academy, a college preparatory school for young women located in Bay Ridge, founded on the gospel of Jesus Christ and inspired by the philosophy and charism of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, offers a superior educational program to form and empower women of confidence and compassion.

• The only all girls Catholic HS in NYC and Long Island to offer the AP Capstone Program; 16 AP courses offered • College partnerships in Performing Arts, Nursing, Elementary Education and more • FHA is the exclusive school in NY to offer the Brown University Women in Engineering Program as part of our comprehensive STEM program • Beautiful multi-building campus located in Bay Ridge • Over 30 Clubs and Activities and a wide selection of Athletics

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BrooklynParent 11

raising kids voices

Savor Each Moment? ››

It wasn’t until my own babies were tweens that I truly understood what “enjoy them while they’re young” means. By Kate Haas

hey were everywhere when my kids were small: older women smiling at me in the grocery store, approaching me at the library, their expressions softening at the sight of my baby’s plump cheeks, my toddler’s irrepressible grin. Before they opened their mouths to speak, I knew exactly what they were about to tell me: It all goes so fast. Enjoy them while they’re young. These women did not tend to catch me at my most serene. Typically, I was attempting to locate the mac and cheese on sale or explain to a distraught 3-year-old that Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! wasn’t on the library shelf today, but there were lots of other books—really!—that we could take home instead. Still, when approached by a member of the “treasure each moment” brigade, I always smiled politely and assured them I would do exactly that. Naturally, I didn’t mean a word of it. Life with young kids is full of moments no one treasures, and the hours until a toddler’s naptime can seem slower than the day of labor it took to produce him. Didn’t those old ladies remember that? Why, I wondered, did they feel so compelled to urge me to enjoy every second? Once my kids were tweens, those older women disappeared. There is universal agreement, it seems, that the parent of a 10-year-old need not be advised to enjoy every second. By then I felt far removed from the world of babies. My friends and I were focused on matters such as basketball practice and homework, and how to get our children to clean up their appalling rooms. I’d certainly acknowledge a cute infant when I spotted one in my daily rounds, but always with quick sigh of thankfulness to be done with diapers and sleepless nights. It was only when my kids were teenagers that I began to notice babies again—really notice them. One day, minding my own business at the grocery store, I became aware of a curious pair of eyes regarding me unblinkingly from over the shoulder of a woman in the produce department. The baby’s cheeks were so delectably plump that I was tempted to give them a squeeze, like an avocado. Instead I smiled—and was rewarded by a huge, delighted grin.

I wanted to scoop that baby up and give her a kiss. The impulse was so strong that I actually had to take a step back to avoid being mistaken for a creepy hoverer. The mother turned around and caught my smile. “Um, your baby’s super cute,” I said. She thanked me and moved on to the bananas. As she walked away, I realized there was something I wanted to tell that woman. But following her and her baby would have been stalkerish, so I didn’t. It was the sight of that baby’s uncomplicated smile that did it, that finally made me understand what those women had been trying to tell me all those years ago, when they repeatedly noted how fast it goes and urged me to enjoy each moment. Frazzled and sleep deprived, I could only interpret that advice literally, and puzzle over it. Which was not, I now realize, the intent. What those women were telling me to enjoy in my little kids was something specific, something I took for granted until it disappeared from my life as a parent: unconditional love and affection. I get it. I was a quiet, withdrawn teen myself, spending hours alone in my room with a book. I wasn’t particularly demonstrative—at least, not where my parents were concerned. I accepted their affection routinely, as my due. So I am unsurprised that my two teen boys don’t greet me with joy when I return home after a few hours away. I don’t expect them to tell me how much they love me, or to offer spontaneous hugs and kisses. But it sure was nice when they did those things. I’ll never be the type to advise a weary mother to treasure each moment. But that day in the produce section, I wanted to tell that woman something else: to soak up the embraces, the sweet heft of a toddler on the hip, the fun of coaxing a smile from a baby, the joy of a preschooler spotting you at pickup. Because if I had understood how much I’d miss all that affection, maybe I really would have tried to savor it a little more. Of course, I didn’t say a word to that mother at the grocery store. I’m not one of those older ladies. Not yet, anyway.

Kate Haas is a freelance writer and editor. A mother of two boys, she has written on parenthood for various publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Slate, and Salon.

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

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Certified Concussion Center

And the winner is…

A behind-the-scenes peek at the 2019 Cover Kids photo shoot

t’s official: You, dear readers, have cute kids! We knew picking finalists wasn’t going to be easy. In fact, it wasn’t easy times 1,000—that’s how many children were entered. Well, 1,006 to be exact. Once our editors were done exclaiming, “I love her hair!” “Look at his outfit!” and “Kids wearing glasses are adorable,” we poured over the entries and narrowed it down to nine cuties, plus our Fan Favorite. Those 10 kids were then invited to a photo shoot at Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company in Manhattan. And, boy, did they deliver! All the kids rocked the shoot decked out in clothes from Macy’s Backstage.

Promotional Partners:

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

The really difficult choice was choosing the two grand-prize winners. We powered through, though, and it’s Jasper from Manhattan and Jordan from Nassau County who are the grand-prize winners! Jasper and his family will celebrate the win with a two-night stay, plus two Paw Passes, at Great Wolf Lodge in Scotrun, PA, and Jordan will get nextlevel modeling advice with a scholarship to and photo shoot at Barbizon Modeling and Acting Studio. Nyla, our Fan Favorite from Brooklyn, also received a two-night stay at and two Paw Passes to Great Wolf Lodge. Congrats to everyone—and keep an eye out to see these beautiful faces on our future covers!

a Older th

WINNER

n6 a h t r e g n You

WINNER

Jordan

Jasper

Age: 13 y Nassau Count Hometown: t lis a hairsty He wants to be up. s ow gr when he

Age: 2 hattan Hometown: Man e colors in th He can name all d shoes. re lo co tihis very mul

FAN FAVORITE Nyla

Age: 5 Hometown: Brooklyn t Her favorite book is The Ca lly ecia esp She t. in the Ha loves Thing 1 and Thing 2.

Olivia

Age: 9 Hometown: Westchester County She loves to swim, and her favorite movie is Trolls.

Henry

Age: 3 Hometown: Brooklyn If he could pick a superpower to have, he would fly. His favorite superhero is his mommy!

Teagan

Age: 7 unty Hometown: Suffolk Co do! on ekw Ta do to es lov She

Leilani

Age: 9 Hometown: the Bronx the Her favorite books are sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and , ies ser ter Pot Harry . an up to Prisoner of Azkab

Zachary

Age: 4 Hometown: Queens He has an older sister and a younger brother who came to watch his photo shoot, and he liked answering questions with his sister.

Anthony

Age: 3 Hometown: Suffolk County His favorite colors are green and yellow.

Ghianna

Age: 11 unty Hometown: Rockland Co is w sho te Her favori es DanTDM, and she lov playing Minecraft. BrooklynParent 15

Is Your Child ‘G&T’? ››

What parents need to know about the Gifted & Talented program in New York—and how to prep for the test By Madeleine Burry

very year, tens of thousands of kids across New York City— and some in the suburbs of NYC—opt to take a test to qualify for the Gifted and Talented program. The program holds classes (within public schools) that are geared to the test’s highest scorers: kids the Department of Education deems “exceptional” students. The test is administered to kids entering kindergarten through third grade. Will your child be one of those test-takers? Find out what you need to know about the program and the exam—including the best way to prep your little ones for it.

The Basics

The city actually offers two separate district and citywide G&T programs. In the citywide option, children from all of the city’s neighborhoods attend a school with only G&T students. Districtlevel programs, in contrast, prioritize admitting students who live within the district, and these G&T students share the school with non-G&T kids. They also take some classes, such as art and PE, with the non-G&T students. Both programs rely on test results to determine eligibility. A score of 90 or above qualifies kids to apply to district programs; a score of 97 or above is required for application to the citywide programs. However, test score alone is not enough to guarantee entrance for either program—students are entered into a lottery system for programs since more kids qualify than there are available seats. That’s what happened to mom-of-two Dahlia Thompson’s oldest child. “Maya ended up scoring a 97 and made citywide,” Thompson says. But since Maya didn’t get a spot in a citywide school, she instead attended a neighborhood district G&T school 16

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

for kindergarten. If you live in a school district in New York City or the metro area that doesn’t offer a Gifted and Talented program, you can explore after-school programs that offer this type of enrichment. For example, Village East Gifted in Huntington Station and Roslyn Heights and G-tec Kids in New Rochelle offer hands-on activities and classes designed for advanced students to strengthen their cognitive skills.

Taking the Test

Any child who lives in New York City, and is entering kindergarten through third grade in September, can take the G&T test during the previous January (they just have to register by late fall). This includes students with disabilities (with accommodations potentially available for kids who have IEPs, IESPs, or 504 Plans). The exam is also administered in many languages other than English, including Arabic, Mandarin, Spanish, and Cantonese. Emily Levitt, vice president of education at Sylvan Learning, explains that the test is divided into two parts. Test-takers get both a raw and percentile score on each part, which are then combined into an overall score used to determine eligibility. The first part of the exam is nonverbal, Levitt says. Questions are drawn from the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test—students are shown pictures and asked to predict which one would come next in a pattern or combine objects to form a new pattern. The second part of the exam is verbal, with questions from the Otis-Lennon School Ability Test. This multiple-choice portion tests verbal comprehension and reasoning, Levitt says. With applying for kindergarten, the proctor will read the questions aloud once and mark down the child’s responses.

The test is untimed, but according to the NYC Department of Education, students usually complete it within 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Practice and Prepare

The biggest challenge for test takers is age. “Really little kids and tests don’t always go well together, for no other reason than that the kids are so little,” Levitt says. “Trying to prep a four-yearold for a test is going to look different than prepping your high schooler for the SAT.” One way to prepare your kid for the G&T exam (without causing undue stress) is to practice abstract lessons at home. Make it feel like playtime! Starting a few months before the exam, have kids identify patterns and sequences, Levitt suggests. Use toys to create a pattern of small, medium, large, and then have your child continue the pattern. Or use M&M’s to make color-based patterns. Another strategy she recommends is to ask questions throughout the day to help get kids in the habit of explaining their thinking and reasoning. The NYC DOE also publishes a booklet with practice exams (you can find it at schools.nyc.gov), though some warn against taking this too seriously. “We went through the examples in the DOE booklet a few times beforehand and that’s it,” Thompson says. Levitt also suggests parents avoid being drill sergeants—do a few questions per sitting, she says. Don’t forget: Your attitude toward the test can be contagious, and stress and anxiety aren’t helpful to your child. Frame any prep you do in terms of getting kids comfortable, so they know what to expect, Levitt says. And no need to go into detail about test results or their

implications. Thompson’s son missed the cut-off score by one point. “Lev vaguely knows he didn’t pass the test, but we didn’t make a big deal out of it,” she says.

Should your kids take the test?

There are few reasons not to take the test: A strong test result opens the door to potential inclusion in the program—and your child’s score will not be shared with schools. That said, the test—and in fact, the G&T program as a whole— is not without controversy. Students in wealthier districts are more likely to take the exam than students in poorer ones. And, while there are many G&T programs in Manhattan and parts of Queens, there are fewer G&T options in historically Black and Latinx districts in the Bronx and Brooklyn, according to a report from the DOE’s School Diversity Advisory Group. “The racial demographics of kindergarten G&T programs are not representative of the racial demographics of kindergarteners as a whole,” the SDAG report notes. Black and Latinx students make up 63 percent of all kindergartners, but only 18 percent of the G&T kindergarteners. Some schools are now considering phasing out their G&T programs because of these types of diversity issues. Levitt argues that you should only avoid the test if it will be a stressful event for your child. Thompson’s advice: Consider your kid’s personality. “I don’t think there’s harm in taking the exam to expand your options if the kid does well, but gauge the kid. My kids think workbooks and puzzles are fun, so the test didn’t stress them out,” she says. “But it’s not for everyone.” Madeleine Burry is a freelance writer and editor who has held staff positions at Parents. com, Scholastic, and About.com. Burry lives in Park Slope, Brooklyn, with her husband and their cat. You can follow her on Twitter @lovelanewest.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

ONE GOAL: Developing Your Child’s Potential

Science ● Technology ● Engineering ● Arts ● Mathematics STEAM Classes ● Gifted & Talented Thinking Program ● Tutoring Build, Code, Take Home Your Own Tablet ● Game Design ● 3-D Animation Microbiology & Nanotechnology ● Spa Science Build, Code, Take Home Your Own Robot

NEW! Songwriting & Voice

Ask About The Learnatory Junior!

Weekend Classes Begin September 28th The Berkeley Carroll School Park Slope, Brooklyn

347-787-0435 BrooklynParent 17

Back-to-School Resources AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT/LANGUAGE

FasTracKids

Williamsburg, Sheepshead Bay, Bay Ridge/ Dyker, Park Slope 347-983-2229 eyelevelny.com FasTracKids offers world-class educational enrichment programs for children ages 2-14, which are designed to help children accelerate their education, utilizing the latest in research driven, brain-based learning. Our centers offer a variety of programs ranging from preschool, to gifted and talented test prep, to math and English enrichment.

Girl Scouts of Greater New York

40 Wall St., Suite 708, Financial District 212-645-4000 girlscoutsnyc.org customercare@girlscoutsnyc.org Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. GSGNY is NYC’s largest girls-only leadership program, reaching more than 31,000 girls in each of the five boroughs. Girl Scouts enjoy programs that include business and entrepreneurship, outdoor adventure and education, STEM, and leadership development.

Huntington Learning Center

808 Union St., Park Slope 718-230-4600 huntingtonhelps.com Huntington is the premier tutoring and test prep provider for students kindergarten-12th grades, including SAT, ACT, and state tests. The company prides itself on personalized attention and proven results. Founded in 1977, Huntington’s mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn more about our mission at huntingtonhelps.com.

The Learnatory

St. Joseph’s College 245 Clinton Ave., Clinton Hill 347-787-0435 thelearnatory.org dthompson@thelearnatory.org The Learnatory at St. Francis College believes all students deserve access to world-class, hands-on, experiential learning empowering them to develop skills to thrive in college, succeed in careers, and optimize entrepreneurial opportunities. That’s why our STEAM programs provide engaging learning enrichment opportunities for students in grades third-10th.

ART CBE Kids-Congregation Beth Elohim

274 Garfield Place, Park Slope 718-768-3814 cbebk.org bfinkelstein@cbebk.org CBE KIDS after-school program at Congregation Beth Elohim offers children a wide variety of enrichment classes and recreational activities in a safe and caring environment. Our enrichment classes are taught by teachers or experienced artists. Classes include art, video, sewing, jewelry, bit bots, Legos, swimming, circus arts, ballet, and theater.

DANCE Brooklyn Music School

126 Saint Felix St., Fort Greene 718-638-5660 brooklynmusicschool.org contactus@brooklynmusicschool.org BMS’s after-school program, Arts Reaching Youth (ARY), offers a range of creative options with classes in music, dance, theater, and the performing arts, along with school pick-up, homework support, and healthy snacks. Appropriate for children ages 5-11.

The School at the Mark Morris Dance Center

3 Lafayette Ave., Fort Greene 718-624-8400 markmorrisdancegroup.org/school schooladmin@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 18 months-18 years, in a fully inclusive and nurturing environment located in the heart of the Brooklyn Cultural District.

MUSIC Brooklyn Music School

Music Together Brooklyn

BayRidge, Bensonhurst, Sheepshead Bay, Midwood, Marine Park 718- 499-2866 musictogetherbr.com Music Together is a nationwide educational program founded on the belief that all chil-

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

dren 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 caregiver. Now enrolling for summer.

STEM The Learnatory

St. Joseph’s College 245 Clinton Ave., Clinton Hill 347-787-0435 thelearnatory.org dthompson@thelearnatory.org Your child can get ahead while having fun! Whether it’s building take-home tablets and robots, creating and coding video games, or building smart devices, The Learnatory prepares your child for what’s coming next– including tests. Weekend classes and test prep begin Sept. 28 at the Berkeley Carroll School in Park Slope.

SWIMMING & WATER SPORTS CBE Kids-Congregation Beth Elohim

274 Garfield Place, Park Slope 718-768-3814 cbebk.org; bfinkelstein@cbebk.org CBE KIDS after-school program at Congregation Beth Elohim offers children a wide variety of enrichment classes and recreational activities in a safe and caring environment. Our enrichment classes are taught by teachers or experienced artists. Classes include art, video, sewing, jewelry, bit bots, Legos, swimming, circus arts, ballet, and theater.

TENNIS McCarren Tennis

McCarren Park, 50 Bedford Ave., Williamsburg 347-873-9698 mccarren.tennis; info@mccarren.tennis McCarren Tennis Center in Williamsburg offers premier kids tennis programming for beginners to tournament level, ages 3-17. Integrating USTA development guidelines including footwork training and modern stroke technique with drills and games, players progress while enjoying immediate benefits of tennis: fun, exercise, and competition! We offer school pick-up and affordable after-school programs.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SERVICES

DENTISTS & ORTHODONTISTS Brooklyn Family Orthodontics

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

bkfamilyortho.com Dr. Alexis Fermanis is an orthodontic specialist who practiced in Brooklyn for 10 years before starting Brooklyn Family Orthodontics in 2014. Dr. Fermanis believes that a beautiful smile makes a great first impression and is passionate about providing that to her patients.

Brooklyn Heights Orthodontics

Dr. Sue Liebman 185 Montague St., 8th Floor, Brooklyn Heights 718-622-6741 brooklyn-orthodontist.com info@brooklyn-orthodontist.com Exceptional smiles-Brooklyn Heights Orthodontics has been serving the Brooklyn community for more than 30 years. Under the compassionate leadership of Dr. Sue Liebman, we are dedicated to providing the most advanced treatments, including braces and Invisalign, to patients of all ages with convenient Saturday hours and affordable payment plans.

DOCTORS AdvantageCare Physicians

37 medical offices across the Metropolitan New York area. Learn about the location nearest you. acpny.com AdvantageCare Physicians understands that a child’s total health picture includes how they are doing physically and emotionally, what their diet is like, and how active they

are. We help you assess these important areas of your child’s health with wellness exams, regular checkups, sports physicals, and mandatory vaccinations.

Dr. Cascya Charlot

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

Gary N. McAbee, D.O.

Maimonides Children’s Hospital Pediatric Neurology 4802 10th Ave., Borough Park 718-283-7500 Dr. Gary McAbee is an experienced pediatric neurologist at the Maimonides Children’s Hospital. He is board-certified in pediatric neurology and general pediatrics. Dr. McAbee evaluates and treats infants, children, and adolescents with neurological disorders such as migraines and headaches, developmental delay, and autism spectrum disorder.

Maimonides Children’s Hospital

Brooklyn’s only children’s hospital and pediatric trauma center 4801 10th Ave., Borough Park 718-283-7500 maimonidesmed.org/childrens Maimonides Children’s Hospital is one of New York City’s leading pediatric hospitals, and is recognized by the National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI). Our expert team of board-certified pediatric physicians, surgeons, nurses, and nurse practitioners provides compassionate, family-centered care for infants, children, and adolescents.

Monita Mendiratta, M.D.

Maimonides Children’s Hospital Pediatric Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine 4802 10th Ave., Borough Park 718-283-7500 Dr. Monita Mendiratta is a highly experienced, board-certified pediatric pulmonologist specializing in pediatric sleep medicine and pediatric pulmonology. She leads a multidisciplinary team of pediatric specialists who diagnose and treat sleep disorders in infants, children, and adolescents that are related to medical, developmental, or behavioral conditions.

Pediatric Immediate Care

698 Manhattan Ave., Greenpoint 718-389-PEDS (7337)

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AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Preparatory Center for the Performing Arts The

Music, Theater, Dance & Filmmaking You’re invited to our Music, Dance & Theater

OPEN HOUSE

Saturday September 21 st 11:00AM – 4:00PM • For children and teens of all levels. • Take private lessons in different instruments. • Try out different styles from ballet to hip-hop and beyond. • Meet our teachers , well-known experts in their ﬁelds. Call / Email us to reserve your FREE mini private lesson, or group dance class – spaces are limited!

www.BCPrepCenter.org | bcpc@brooklyn.cuny.edu | 718-951-4111 2900 Bedford Ave • 234 Roosevelt Hall • Brooklyn, NY 11210 BrooklynParent 19

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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. More than 30 years of dedication to our patients. We are open seven days-a-week, including holidays.

Fred Ellis - Music Teacher and Music Therapist CD

Tina Rakitt, M.D.

Maimonides Children’s Hospital Pediatric Gastroenterology 4802 10th Ave., Borough Park 718-283-7500 Dr. Tina Rakitt is a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist at the Maimonides Children’s Hospital. She completed subspecialty training at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, and has more than 10 years of experience in treating a variety of conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), celiac disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES Fred Ellis - Music Teacher and Music Therapist CD

fredellis.com frdde8@aol.com Fred Ellis, an NYC elementary music teacher and music therapist, debuts his CD of original songs. The CD can be used to not only teach musical skills and knowledge, but to help children develop their mental, physical, communication, and social skills. Available at fredellis.com, itunes.com, cdbaby.com, and amazon.com.

PJ Library – Free Jewish Children’s Books

67 Hunt St., Suite 100, Agawam 413-276-0800 pjlibrary.org/metro pjlibrary@hgf.org PJ Library is a free program for families raising Jewish kids ages 6 months to 12 years old, offering books that capture children’s imaginations with fun characters, compelling stories, and vibrant illustrations. We send your child an age-appropriate, expertly curated Jewish children’s book every month. Sign up at pjlibrary.org/metro.

STORES & RESOURCES Fidelis Care New York

888-FIDELIS (343-3547) fideliscare.org Fidelis Care is a mission-driven health plan offering quality, affordable coverage for children and adults of all ages and at all stages of life. With more than 1.7 million members statewide, Fidelis Care believes that all New Yorkers should have access to affordable, quality health insurance.

TUTORS & TEST PREP FasTracKids

Huntington Learning Center

EDUCATION

DAY CARE & CHILD CARE Lil’ Footprints

7805 20th Ave., New Utrecht 718-234-5890 2033 76th St. 917-903-7838 lilfootprintsdaycare.com Lil’ Footprints is a family oriented daycare. We have been in business for 15 years. For ages 2-5, we offer a five-day program from 7am-6:30pm, a part-time schedule, outdoor playground, Italian lessons, yoga, and dance classes. Our staff is fully certified and prepared to meet your child’s every need.

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 childcare for 20 years. 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.

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

PAROCHIAL & RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS A. Fantis Parochial School

Pre-K3 through eighth grade, including UPK Theodore G. Tasoulas, principal 195 State St., Boerum Hill 718-624-0501 afantis.org A. Fantis graduates enter their high schools of choice fluent in Greek and educated in the Socratic Method with strong faith as foundation. The A. Fantis School is a small, private, and inclusive Greek Orthodox school in Brooklyn Heights for preschool to eighth grade. Visit us during our fall open houses.

The Dimitrios and Georgia Kaloidis Parochial School (DGK)

Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, 8502 Ridge Blvd., Bay Ridge 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, social, emotional, and spiritual development, while preparing them for 21st-century college and career readiness.

Saint Saviour Catholic Academy

701 8th Ave., Park Slope 718-768-8000 x4 saintsaviourcatholicacademy.org nlynch@sscaparkslope.org Saint Saviour Catholic Academy prepares students from nursery to eighth grade for higher education. Our academy offers a balanced curriculum of rigorous academics designed to meet the common core standards and a vibrant arts and extracurricular program paired with the spiritual teachings of Catholicism.

PRESCHOOLS ABC Child Center

109 Nassau Ave., Greenpoint 718-389-9004 abcchildcenter.com info@abcchildcenter.com Providing childcare since 1993. ABC’s goal is to provide safe, age-appropriate, and stimulating programs for children from ages 3 months to 5 years, while fulfilling their need to laugh, learn, play, make new friends, and discover new things. ABC is open year-round, Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm with rolling admission.

A Whole New World Academy

910 Union St., Park Slope 718-230-0022, 718-230-0026 awnwa.com A Whole New World Academy provides a safe and supportive environment. “The Mother Goose Time” curriculum embraces your child’s uniqueness to ensure they will learn 33 key skills. Lunch and snacks are provided by

Yumble Kids, since we believe in nurturing a child’s body as well as their mind.

A. Fantis Parochial School

Brooklyn Amity School

3867 Shore Parkway, Sheepshead Bay 718-891-6100 amityschool.org info@amityschool.org Brooklyn Amity School will now be offering a tuition-based pre-K-3 program. This early childhood program will offer two enrollment options: half-day (8am-12pm), and full-day (8am-3pm). Our free UPK program provides an integrated curriculum of activities balancing emotional, social, physical, and intellectual development. Visit amityschool.org, for more details about the program.

Bryan’s Educational Center

3922-3924 Church Ave., East Flatbush 718-282-6944

bryanseducationalcenter.com info@bryanseducationalcenter.com Give your child a strong start at Bryan’s Educational Center! We strive to provide access to high quality early childhood programming. Bryan’s is accepting applications for our preschool (ages 2-3), UPK, kindergarten, and after-school programs. Schedule your tour today.

Guidepost Montessori

717 Driggs Ave., Williamsburg 347-464-0490 guidepostmontessori.com/williamsburg 212 Hicks St., Brooklyn Heights 929-524-3588 guidepostmontessori.com/brooklyn-heights Guidepost Montessori is among a growing network of schools that serves more than 2,200 families worldwide. Our campuses in Brooklyn serve children age 12 months through fifth grade. Guidepost’s exceptionally beautiful classrooms are equipped with lovingly chosen furniture and authentic Montessori materials, designed to inspire your child. Visit guidepostmontessori.com.

International Academy of New York

4 E. 90th St., Upper East Side 212-641-0260 ianyc.org info@ianyc.org The International Academy of New York is multi-cultural and diverse, developing culturally astute, confident, and empathet-

ic students with fluency in Mandarin or Spanish, while excelling in literacy, math, and the arts. Pre-nursery (2s)-eighth grade, but accepting applications through fourth grade for 2019-20.

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 childcare for 20 years. 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.

Little Scholars Learning Center

718-210-3233, Mariana Korsunsky, M.S.ED, director 52 Quentin Road, Gravesend 448 Neptune Ave., West Brighton 104 West End Ave., Manhattan Beach 4123 Avenue U, Marine Park 1502 W. 1st St., Bensonhurst 631 E. 18th St., Flatbush littlescholarsnyc.com littlescholarsnyc@gmail.com At Little Scholars Childcare Center, we provide a carefully crafted curriculum to fit various learning styles. Children are provided opportunities to explore with hands-on learning activities to inspire creativity and continued on next page ››

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS Bit Bots Computer

Jazz, Tap, Ballet Video Making Textile Design

STEM Kodu Coding

After School Center

2019 FALL TERM

Quality Enrichment Programs

Sports Private Music Lessons DIY Haunted House Instructional Swim Circus Arts & Magic

Mini Camps during school vacations!

Congregation Beth Elohim 274 Garfield Place, Brooklyn, NY 11215 718.768.3814

BrooklynParent 21

PRIVATE SCHOOLS Guidepost Montessori

347 74th St. (corner of 4th Avenue and 74th Street), Bay Ridge 718-238-7676 silbekidz@aol.com

Art’s House Schools of Music, Dance and Fine Arts ahsny.org Congregation Beth Elohim cbebk.org

Dance

8 8

STREB streb.org

8 8

The Brooklyn Music School brooklynmusicschool.org

The League of Young Inventors yileague.org

The Learnatory (weekends only) thelearnatory.org The School at Mark Morris Dance Center markmorrisdancegroup.org/school

Cooking

Huntington Learning Center huntingtonhelps.com McCarren Tennis Center mccarren.tennis

Arts & Crafts

PROGRAMS: Academic Enrichment

Late Pickup

at-a-Glance

Snacks / Meals

After-School

Transportation

SERVICES:

Theater

Treasure Island

Saint Saviour Catholic Academy

Music

8411 Fort Hamilton Parkway, Bay Ridge 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.

4 E. 90th St., Upper East Side 212-641-0260 ianyc.org info@ianyc.org The International Academy of New York is multi-cultural and diverse, developing culturally astute, confident, and empathetic students with fluency in Mandarin or Spanish, while excelling in literacy, math, and the arts. Pre-nursery (2s)-eighth grade, but accepting applications through fourth grade for 2019-20.

7219 New Utrecht Ave., Bensonhurst 718-621-4216 6705 13th Ave. worldofwondersdaycare.com wrldofwonders@aol.com World of Wonders Early Childcare Center is a premier program that provides a safe and nurturing environment. Our developmentally appropriate curriculum helps foster each child’s cognitive, emotional, physical, and social development through free play, dramatic play, computers, music and movement, and outdoor play.

International Academy of New York

Mommy-and-Me

Smart Start Early Learning Center

World of Wonders Early Childcare Center

Special Needs

939 83rd St., Dkyer Heights 718-833-7700 Redeemer St. John’s Nursery School has served the community for more than 40 years. Our goal is to foster a child’s positive self-image, encourage curiosity, and promote cooperation by providing opportunities for problem solving, self-expression, and logical thinking. Thematic curriculum focuses on fun, age-appropriate activities-integrated into all subject areas.

2,200 families worldwide. Our campuses in Brooklyn serve children age 12 months through fifth grade. Guidepost’s exceptionally beautiful classrooms are equipped with lovingly chosen furniture and authentic Montessori materials, designed to inspire your child. Visit guidepostmontessori.com.

Sports

Redeemer St. John’s Nursery School

Every child deserves a champion who connects with them and helps them to become the best that they can be. At Treasure Island our staff are champions for all children, helping each child to become a confident, motivated, engaged learner. The program promotes social competencies, active thinking, and problem-solving skills.

STEAM / Robotics

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learning. Our philosophy centers on the idea that children should be taught how to think and not what to think.

Martial Arts

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September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

8 8

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

FROM PLATO TO PLUTO

O UR A PPROAch B Lends T RAdiTiOn

wiTh

i nnOvATiOn

Our graduates enter their high schools of choice fluent in Greek and educated in the Socratic Method with strong Christian values as their foundation. PreK3 - 8th grade.

SAINTS

DRAL

T I S S CHO

. 1963 .

TINE & HEL

FA N T I S A . FA N T I S S C H O O L

SAINTS CONSTANTINE & HELEN CATHEDRAL

Attend Our Fall Open Houses! Early Admissions Cycle Ends November 25 www.afantis.org

Susan Walsh, Principal Nathan Lynch Director of Admissions, Marketing, and Development

BROOKLYN AMITY SCHOOL A PreK3-Gr. 12 Private School Small Classes Sizes

Affordable Private School Tuition College Preparedness

Challenging Curriculum

Diverse Study-Body & Staff

Early-Childhood Enrichment Free UPK Available STEAM FOCUS

APPLY NOW @ amityschool.org

3867 Shore Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11235 | Phone: (718) 891-6100 BrooklynParent 23

Education Planner Schools

Type Day Care & Child Care

Lil’ Footprints

Little Hands & Feet Parochial & Religious Schools

littlehandsandfeetdaycare.com

718-234-5890

718-680-KIDS (5437)

A. Fantis Parochial School

afantis.org

718-624-0501

The Dimitrios and Georgia Kaloidis Parochial School (DGK)

dgkschool.com

718-836-8096

Saint Saviour Catholic Academy Preschools

saintsaviourcatholicacademy.org

718-768-8000 x4

109 Nassau Ave., Greenpoint abcchildcenter.com info@abcchildcenter.com

718-389-9004

awnwa.com

718-230-0022

afantis.org

718-624-0501

amityschool.org

718-891-6100

Bryan’s Educational Center

bryanseducationalcenter.com

718-282-6944

Guidepost Montessori

guidepostmontessori.com/ williamsburg

347-464-0490

ianyc.org

212-641-0260

ABC Child Center

A Whole New World Academy

A. Fantis Parochial School

Brooklyn Amity School

International Academy of New York Little Hands & Feet

Little Scholars Learning Center

lilfootprintsdaycare.com

littlehandsandfeetdaycare.com

littlescholarsnyc.com

718-680-KIDS (5437)

718-210-3233

Redeemer St. John’s Nursery School

718-833-7700

Smart Start Early Learning Center

718-921-1868

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Schools

Type Preschools

Treasure Island

718-238-7676

World of Wonders Early Childcare Center

worldofwondersdaycare.com

718-621-4216

Guidepost Montessori

guidepostmontessori.com/ williamsburg

347-464-0490

ianyc.org

212-641-0260

Private Schools

International Academy of New York

Saint Saviour Catholic Academy

saintsaviourcatholicacademy.org

718-768-8000 x4

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Private Lessons Group Classes Dance After School Classes Musical Theater & Performance Jazz & Rock Ensembles, Orchestra Adult Classes

Celebrating 110 Years!

Our Editors Find the Best Events for You! Every Thursday, you’ll receive a curated list of the best of what’s happening that weekend—from sports and theater to festivals and petting zoos.

NYMETROPARENTS.COM/NEWSLETTER BrooklynParent 25

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS THE SCHOOL

Fall 20192019Fall Spring 2020 Spring 2020

Kids Indoor s at e s Tennis s a l C e Danc McCarren at the

MARK MORRIS DANCE CENTER

FOR CHILD

S AGES 1 EN & TEEN

8 MONTH

S - 18 YEA

Tennis Center Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Enroll Now ! Ages 3-17 All Playing Levels

Tennis For Everyone! Creative Dance

Dances of the African Diaspora

Modern Dance

Tap Dance

Ballet

Music & Singing

Jazz

Special Kids Dance

Hip-Hop

Parent & Toddler Movement

Adult & Jr. Programs, Lessons & Clinics, Court Rentals, Stringing, Events & Parties.

Classes feature live musical accompaniment

Phone: 347.873.9698 Email: info@mccarren.tennis Web: www.mccarren.tennis

mmdg.org/school

WHERE EXPLORATION BEGINS! Our childcare programs consist of a comprehensive educational curriculum that provides an optimal environment for every child to thrive, succeed and excel. Programs are for ages 6 months through 5 years. We provide Math, Literacy, Art & Enrichment Programs. • Math, Literacy, Art & Enrichment Programs • For Ages 3 Months Through 5 Years • Full & Half Day Childcare Services • Accepting Childcare Vouchers

Bryan’s Educational Center

Give your child a strong start at Bryan's Educational Center!

• Sign up or Schedule A Tour • Spaces Limited

718-210-3233 | littlescholarsnyc.com Connect.Like.Share.Tag Little Scholars I 52 Quentin Road Now Open Register Today!

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September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

We strive to provide access to high-quality early childhood programming to children and their families. Bryan’s is now accepting applications for our preschool program (children ages 2-3), UPK, Kindergarten and Afterschool program. Schedule your tour today 718-282-6944 or join our open house.

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!

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Turn the page for details on The Big Chocolate Show (No. 7 on our list).

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SEPTEMBER CALENDAR

28 Editor’s Hot Tickets 29 We Can’t Believe It’s FREE! 30 Animal Lovers, WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?

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

Mini Musicians

31 Browse & Buy, On Screen, Special Needs

32 Dance Party, Crafty Kids 33 Smarty Pants 34 Fun Fairs & Festivals

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!

‘Goldilocks & the 3 Bears’

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 1, 12:30pm and 2:30pm WHERE: Puppetworks Inc., 338 6th Ave., Brooklyn AGES: 2 and older WHAT: Robert Southey’s 1837 English folktale is adapted for hand puppets by Jack Kaplan. WHY WE LOVE IT: This can be your child’s first show experience! WANT TO GO? $11; $10 children. 718-965-3391. puppetworks.org.

SI Philharmonic Labor Day Concert on the Great Lawn

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 1, 4pm WHERE: Conference House, 7455 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Come and celebrate Labor Day with the SI Philharmonic Labor Day Concert on the Great Lawn. WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s a way to get outside and appreciate some wonderful music with the family. WANT TO GO? $4 adults; $3 seniors and students. theconferencehouse.org.

Labor Day In Prospect Park FREE

WHEN: Monday, Sept. 2, 12-5pm WHERE: Prospect Park Audubon Center, 101 E. Drive, Flatbush AGES: All WHAT: Join Prospect Park Alliance on Labor Day for special family programming at the Prospect Park Audubon Center, Lefferts Historic House, and 1912 Carousel ($2.50 per ride). WHY WE LOVE IT: Activities include nature exploration, animal encounters, Caribbean Tales, and a family bird walk. WANT TO GO? 646-393-9031. prospectpark.org.

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Curious, Unusual, and Extraordinary!

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 7, 4pm WHERE: Barbes, 376 9th St., Park Slope AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Quirky author and composer Michael Hearst, along with his band, presents songs about Unusual Creatures, Extraordinary People, and Curious Constructions geared toward curious families, extraordinary children, and their unusual friends. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids will love the presentation of some of the most bizarre animals that roam the planet and odd and daring characters using such odd-ball instruments as theremin, claviola, and stylophone. WANT TO GO? $10. barbesbrooklyn.com.

Brooklyn Book Festival Children’s Day FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 21, 10am-4pm WHERE: MetroTech, Flatbush and Myrtle avenues, Downtown Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate Children’s Day’s 5th anniversary with a stellar lineup of picture books authors, illustrators, international children’s books, workshops, and activities including a costume parade, a scavenger hunt, and bilingual programs. WHY WE LOVE IT: Meet picture book stars Mo Willems, Nick Bruel, Grace Lin, and Sarah Mlynowski. WANT TO GO? brooklynbookfestival.org.

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 21, 12-4pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bears Pacific Street Community Garden, 590 Pacific St. (between Flatbush and 4th avenues), Boerum Hill AGES: All WHAT: This annual celebration honors thousands of community gardeners and greening professionals across New York City for their work during the season and gives our GreenThumb gardeners the opportunity to show off their harvest. WHY WE LOVE IT: Families will enjoy live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, games, arts and crafts, bike smoothies, making a scarecrow, and a grow-your-own-sprouts workshop. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.

The Big Chocolate Show

WHEN: Sept. 21-22, daily, 10am-5pm WHERE: Resorts World NYC, 110-00 Rockaway Blvd., Jamaica, Queens AGES: All WHAT: This family-friendly event features samples, chocolate tastings, live demonstrations, classes, and more. Families will enjoy the s›mores workshop, lollipop, truffle making, and cake decorating classes. WHY WE LOVE IT: Indulge for a good cause! The show benefits Cookies for Kids Cancer, a national nonprofit committed to putting an end to pediatric cancers. WANT TO GO? $15 and up. 800-630-4405. thebigchocolateshow.com.

Breukelen Country Fair 2019 FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 28, 1-5pm WHERE: Wyckoff House Museum, 5816 Clarendon Road, East Flatbush AGES: All WHAT: Bring the whole family for a day-long extravaganza of local growing, hands-on homesteading, and creativity that turns the traditional harvest festival on its ear and boasts an array of games, crafts, local food, music, demonstrations, and family-friendly workshops led by local partners. WHY WE LOVE IT: The fun includes face painting, children’s races, house tours, and Caribbean dancing and drumming. WANT TO GO? 718-629-5400. wyckoffmuseum.org.

45th Annual Atlantic Antic FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 29, 12-6pm WHERE: Atlantic Avenue, between Fourth Avenue and Hicks Street, Boerum Hill AGES: All WHAT: The largest street fest in New York City, Atlantic Antic is a mile-long, four-neighborhood party. The fest offers more than 500 merchants and vendors, 10 stages of musical performances, and food from around the world and street fair classics. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids will have a blast with pony rides, storytelling, and face painting, plus an entire block dedicated to family amusements. WANT TO GO? Free admission; prices for activities and food vary. atlanticave.org/atlantic-antic.

Get weekend activities delivered to you!

GreenThumb’s 40th Annual Harvest Fair FREE

Bowl Hashanah: Rosh Hashanah at Brooklyn Bowl

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 29, 10am WHERE: Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave., Williamsburg AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the Jewish New Year with Rabbi Daniel Brenner, Antibalas’ Jordan McLean and many others. The festivities include prayer, Shofar bowling, and meditation. WHY WE LOVE IT: Fuel up with a delicious vegetarian/dairy lunch from Blue Ribbon. WANT TO GO? $40 and up. 718-963-3369. therockandrollplayhouse.com.

nymetroparents.com/register ››

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

Cool Pools NYC: Media Education at the Commodore Barry Pool FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2-5pm WHERE: Commodore Barry Pool, Flushing Avenue and North Elliott Place, Downtown Brooklyn AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Learn photography and videography in these pop-up workshops while waiting on line or spending time at the Commodore Barry pool. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.

G.O.A.T. (Games on a Table) FREE

WHEN: Monday, Sept. 9, 3pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Drop in for tabletop gaming. There will be games on hand, but you are also welcome to bring your own games and hand-held devices such as Switch, 3DS, and so on. WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.

Future Saturdays Family Day: Sustainable September FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 21, 12:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Navy Yard, Building 77, 141 Flushing Ave., at Vanderbilt Avenue, Fort Greene AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Join this family-friendly program focused on sustainable practices featuring some of the yard’s most “green” businesses. The afternoon will include hands-on activities, demos, and different ways for children of all ages to engage and have fun. WANT TO GO? 718-907-5932. downtownbrooklyn.com.

Teen Tech Time FREE

WHEN: Sept. 3-24, Tuesdays, 4pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: 11-17 WHAT: Tweens and teens can play the Wii Switch and challenge their friends in Mario Kart, Arms, and more. WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.

New York Virtual Volcano Observatory FREE

WHEN: Through Oct. 27: Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: Governors Island, ferries leave from Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6, Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: Join volcanologists to discover the complex life of magmas and volcanos through virtual reality experiences, a volcano sound gallery, and kid-friendly activities. WANT TO GO? 212-440-2200. govisland.com ›› BrooklynParent 29

Reading Zoo

WHEN: Sept. 1-Oct. 6, Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday, 10am-5pm; Thursday, 10am-6pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-7pm WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Let your imagination run wild in this exhibit inspired by animal stories, natural habitats, and highlights from the museum’s collection of animal taxidermy. WANT TO GO? $11. 718-735-4400. brooklynkids.org.

MINI

MUSICIANS Music Class at FEED DUMBO FREE

ANIMAL LOVERS Dinosaurs and Fossils

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 1, 12-3pm WHERE: Staten Island Zoo, 614 Broadway, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: The Zoo will have a fossil-making station and interesting dinosaur artifacts. Meet modern-day relatives of the dinosaurs through special animal presentations. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $10; $7 seniors ages 60 and older; $6 children ages 14 and younger; free for children 2 and younger. 718-442-3100. statenislandzoo.org.

Bird and Nature Walk: Conference House Park

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 11, 10am-12pm WHERE: Staten Island Museum, 75 Stuyvesant Place, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Guests can expect to see more southbound migrants including warblers, vireos, tanagers, and such. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $8; $5 students and seniors; $2 children ages 2-12. 718-907-3488. statenislandmuseum.org.

Bird and Nature Walk: Brookfield Park FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 25, 10am-12pm WHERE: Staten Island Museum, 75 Stuyvesant Place, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Explore the diverse species of wading birds, waterfowl, and raptors on this guided walk through Brookfield Park. WANT TO GO? Donations welcome. 718-907-3488. statenislandmuseum.org.

Get Hooked Fishing Festival FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 28, 11am-2pm WHERE: Randall’s Island Park Alliance, 20 Randall’s Island Park, Randall’s Island AGES: All WHAT: Get up close and personal with the fish and wildlife that live along our shoreline at this free event! Expect catch-and-release fishing, games and crafts that celebrate our incredible underwater wildlife, plus live music and refreshments. WANT TO GO? 212-830-7722. randallsisland.org. 30

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 1, 9am WHERE: Feed Dumbo, 55 Water St., Brookyn AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Join in on the first Sunday of every month for a kids music session with Dan the Music Man. RSVP required. WANT TO GO? feedprojects.com.

Brooklyn Traditional Slow Jam FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 4, 7-9pm WHERE: Old Stone House & Stone Park, 336 3rd St., between 4th and 5th avenues, Park Slope AGES: All WHAT: This acoustic instrumental meet-up focuses on tunes in the Irish, English, New England Old Time, French Canadian, American Southern, and Scandinavian traditions. WANT TO GO? 718-614-2919. nycgovparks.org.

Reggae for Kids

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 8, 12:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave., Williamsburg AGES: All WHAT: Kids of all ages can sing and dance to popular reggae tunes. WANT TO GO? $12. 718-963-3369. therockandrollplayhouse.com.

The Boss Featuring The Music of Bruce Springsteen + More!

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 15, 12:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave., Williamsburg AGES: All WHAT: The Rock and Roll Playhouse keeps kids of all ages singing and dancing to the hits of Bruce Springsteen and other artists. WANT TO GO? $12. 718-963-3369. therockandrollplayhouse.com.

Music of The Grateful Dead for Kids

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 29, 12:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave., Williamsburg AGES: All WHAT: Kids of all ages can dance to the music of The Grateful Dead. WANT TO GO? $12. 718-963-3369. therockandrollplayhouse.com.

The Sparrow Sisters at Norman and Jules Backyard

WHEN: Sept. 2-30, 4pm WHERE: Norman and Jules, 158 7th Ave., Park Slope AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: The Sparrow Sisters perform a sweet mixture of folk and nursery songs with guitar, ukulele, and vocal harmony, plus there will be a visit from resident puppet Henry the Caterpillar. WANT TO GO? $10. 347-987-3323. normanandjules.com.

BROWSE & BUY Brooklyn Antiquarian Book Fair

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 7, 12-7pm WHERE: Brooklyn Expo Center, 72 Noble St., Greenpoint AGES: All WHAT: The 5th edition of BABF will bring more than 100 quality antiquarian book, print, photo, autograph, and ephemera dealers from all over the world. Expect all kinds of books, including children’s. WANT TO GO? $8 and up. 718-775-3315. brooklynexpocenter.com.

The Market at the Brooklyn Museum

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 14, 11am-6pm WHERE: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Prospect Heights AGES: All WHAT: Shop one-of-a-kind, handmade items from local artisans and vendors. This monthly event features more than 30 vendors offering artwork, jewelry, fashion, home and apothecary goods, and more. WANT TO GO? $16; $10 students and visitors with disabilities; free for children ages 19 and younger. 718-638-5000. brooklynmuseum.org.

Brooklyn Bike Jumble FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 14, 10am-4pm WHERE: Old Stone House & Stone Park, 336 3rd Street, between 4th and 5th avenues, Park Slope AGES: All WHAT: Find a used or new bike, accessories, and more. WANT TO GO? 718-614-2919. nybikejumble.com.

Brooklyn Book Festival: Festival Day and Literary Marketplace FREE WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 22, 10am-6pm WHERE: Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon St., Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: Presenting an array of national and international literary stars and emerging authors, the festival includes a week of Bookend Events throughout New York City, a lively Children’s Day, and a celebratory Festival Day with more than 300 authors, plus 250 booksellers filling a vibrant outdoor Literary Marketplace. WANT TO GO? 718-802-3700. brooklynbookfestival.org.

Fall Sidewalk Sale!

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 28, 10am WHERE: Greenlight Bookstore, 632 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Lefferts Garden AGES: All WHAT: Check out the outdoor tables and carts where you’ll find a wealth of slightly shelf-worn books at deep discounts WANT TO GO? Prices for books and merchandise vary. 718-246-0200. greenlightbookstore.com.

Hattie Carthan Sunday Market FREE

WHEN: Sept. 1-29, Sundays, 1-6pm WHERE: Hattie Carthan Herban Farm, 49 Van Buren St., Red Hook AGES: All WHAT: Shop for fresh, locally grown produce, stone fruits, vegetables, herbs, Hattie Carthan cage-free eggs, and more. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.

Brooklyn Borough Hall Saturday Greenmarket FREE

WHEN: Year-round, Saturdays, 8am-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon St., Downtown Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: Buy fresh and locally grown fruits and vegetables and take part in nutrition workshops, clothing collections, and food scrap collections. WANT TO GO? grownyc.org.

ON SCREEN Community Movie Night: ‘Avengers Endgame’ FREE

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 6, 8-11:30pm WHERE: Wyckoff House Museum, 5816 Clarendon Road, East Flatbush AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a family screening of Avengers: Endgame! WANT TO GO? 718-629-5400. wyckoffmuseum.org.

‘Minuscule, Valley of the Lost Ants’ FREE

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 6, 7:30-9:30pm WHERE: Msgr. McGolrick Park, Driggs Avenue and North Henry Street, Greenpoint AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy this free movie about two tribes of rival ants. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.

Movies @ the Library FREE

WHEN: Monday, Sept. 9, 3pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Carroll Gardens, 396 Clinton St., Carroll Gardens AGES: All WHAT: Watch a fun family film! WANT TO GO? 718-596-6972. bklynlibrary.org.

Movie Night at Habana Outpost FREE

WHEN: Sept. 1-29, Sundays, 8pm WHERE: Habana Outpost, 757 Fulton St., Fort Greene AGES: All WHAT: Movies include Jurassic Park and Wild Wild West. WANT TO GO? FREE with food or drink purchase. 718-858-9500. cafehabana.com/event/movie-nights.

SPECIAL NEEDS Youth Adaptive Running Program with Fast Feet NYC FREE

WHEN: Monday, Sept. 2, 5-6pm WHERE: McCarren Park, 900 Lorimer St., Williamsburg AGES: All WHAT: Is your child with a disability looking for a running program? Join NYC Parks and Fast Feet NYC for an opportunity to foster physical wellness, teamwork, and sportsmanship. WANT TO GO? 347-987-2765. townsquareinc.com.

Our Garden Club FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 4, 4:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: 3-8 WHAT: A garden grows in Brooklyn! Plant seeds, read stories, sing, and take home plants. For kids with and without disabilities. WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.

Sensory Room

WHEN: Sept. 1-29, Thursdays, Saturdays-Sundays, 2-2:30pm, 2:453:15pm, 3:30-4pm, 4:15-4:45pm WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Sensory Room is an inclusive space where children of all abilities can engage with their peers and explore their senses. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $11. 718-735-4400. brooklynkids.org. ›› BrooklynParent 31

CRAFTY KIDS

Media Education at Douglass and DeGraw Pool FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2-5pm WHERE: Douglass and Degraw Pool, Douglass and Nevins streets, Carroll Gardens AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Learn photography and videography in this pop-up workshop. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.

Creative Homesteading: Fruit Preserves & Jams

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 7, 12-2pm WHERE: Wyckoff House Museum, 5816 Clarendon Road, East Flatbush AGES: All WHAT: Spend the afternoon with Farmer Zach and learn to make jam. WANT TO GO? $5; $3 children ages 10-18;, students, and seniors; free for children ages 10 and younger. 718-629-5400. wyckoffmuseum.org.

Anime Club FREE

DANCE PARTY The Nou Series: An Embodied History and Body Installation Project Walking Tour! FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 7, 3-6pm WHERE: Wyckoff House Museum, 5816 Clarendon Road, East Flatbush AGES: All WHAT: Attendees will be asked to move through the museum engaging with “installed bodies” that share about what we learned, what we know, and what we hope to see in the future through movement. WANT TO GO? 718-629-5400. wyckoffmuseum.org.

The School at the Mark Morris Dance Center Open House 2019 FREE WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 7, 9am-3pm WHERE: Mark Morris Dance Center, 3 Lafayette Ave., Fort Greene AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Families have the opportunity to explore, connect, dance, and learn. WANT TO GO? 718-624-8400. markmorrisdancegroup.org.

FAMAJAM Family Dance Party Series FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 7, 11am-1pm WHERE: Greenwood Park Beer Garden, 555 7th Ave., between 19th and 20th streets, South Slope AGES: 3-8 WHAT: An outdoor, family dance party on the beer garden’s new 50-foot tented lawn. Enjoy music, food, contests, prizes, activities, and more. WANT TO GO? Free activities; various prices on food and drink. 718210-3080. greenwoodparkbk.com

Sing-Along with Hannah from The Buttons Band

WHEN: Sept. 5-26, Thursdays. 3:30pm WHERE: The Wild, 272 Driggs Ave., Williamsburg AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Join Hannah from the band for a lively song and dance party. WANT TO GO? $20 drop-in. shop-thewild.com.

Kriyol Dance! Collective Workshop: Part of a Protest Garden Series FREE WHEN: Saturdays, Sept. 21, 11am-4pm; Sept. 28, 2-3:30pm WHERE: Wyckoff House Museum, 5816 Clarendon Road, East Flatbush AGES: All WHAT: Dancers will lead movement workshops for the community. WANT TO GO? 718-629-5400. wyckoffmuseum.org. 32

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Wednesdays, Sept. 4-11, 4pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Brownsville, 61 Glenmore Ave., Brownsville AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Atendees will watch, read, and discuss their favorite shows and series! WANT TO GO? 718-498-9721. bklynlibrary.org.

Game Night at Stories Bookshop!

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 13, 6:30-8:30pm WHERE: Stories Bookshop + Storytelling Lab, 458 Bergen St., Park Slope AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Drop off your kids for an evening of DIY games and handmade crafts, pizza, and play, while you head out for a Friday date night! WANT TO GO? $45. 718-369-1167. storiesbk.com.

Kids Create FREE

WHEN: Thursdays, Sept. 5, 12, and 26, 4pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: 6-12 WHAT: Head to the library and get creative with art projects. WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.

DIY Friday FREE

WHEN: Sept. 6-27, Fridays, 4pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Make duct tape crafts, blackout poetry, manga comics, and more! WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.

Do It Yourself: DIY FREE

WHEN: Sept. 9-30, Mondays, 3:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Williamsburgh, 240 Division Ave., Williamsburgh AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Make things out of other things or make a gift for someone you love. WANT TO GO? 718-302-3485. bklynlibrary.org.

Transit Tots

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

SMARTY PANTS We Are Brooklyn: Immigrant Voices

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 1, 12-5pm WHERE: Lefferts Historic House, 452 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Park AGES: All WHAT: This exhibition is based on immigrant oral histories from The Brooklyn College Listening Project. Brooklyn College students interviewed family, friends, neighbors, and strangers and recorded their stories. WANT TO GO? $3 suggested donation. 718-789-2822. prospectpark.org.

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PLG Graphic Novel Book Group FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 4, 7:30pm WHERE: Greenlight Bookstore, 632 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Lefferts Garden AGES: All WHAT: Read and discuss comics and graphic novels in a variety of genres. For September, the group discusses Saga of the Swamp Thing, Book One by highly acclaimed and award-winning graphic novel writer Alan Moore. WANT TO GO? 718-246-0200. greenlightbookstore.com.

Free Full Day U.P.K. Program for All Call for Information!

Waterfront Heroes FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 5, 4-8pm WHERE: Waterfront Museum, 290 Conover St., Red Hook AGES: All WHAT: An exhibition by City Lore & L.I. Traditions, and folklorists Naomi Sturm and Dan Ward honoring New York Harbor maritime profiles. WANT TO GO? 718-624-4719. waterfrontmuseum.org.

Second Sundays: September FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 8, 12-6pm WHERE: Governors Island, ferries leave from Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6, Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: A free event series that engages Pioneer Works disciplines through live music, food, artists’ open studios, and interactive programs. WANT TO GO? 212-440-2200. govisland.com.

Specializing In: • • • • • • • •

4th Annual Camp Doughboy WWI History Weekend FREE

WHEN: Sept. 14-15, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Governors Island, ferries leave from Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6, Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: The largest free public WWI exhibition in the U.S. includes living history, reenactors, authors, experts, vintage vehicles, and animals. WANT TO GO? 212-440-2200. govisland.com.

City of Women Map 2.0: A Conversation With Joshua Jelly-Shapiro

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 19, 6:30-8:30pm WHERE: New York Transit Museum, 99 Schermerhorn St., Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: Joshua Jelly-Schapiro will discuss the significance of mapping New York City’s cultural history while shedding light on the names of the unsung heroines who contributed to it. WANT TO GO? $15. 718-694-1600. nytransitmuseum.org.

Harvard trained board certified pediatric and adult allergist

60 Plaza St. East | Suite 1L Brooklyn, NY 11238

Food Allergies Asthma Eczema Hay Fever Sinus Issues Recurrent Infection Hives Insect Allergies & much more! Same Day Same D & Evening E Appointments Available. Most Insurances Accepted.

& 311 Saint Nicholas Ave. Ridgewood, NY 11385

(347) 564-3211 • www.brooklynallergyDR.com

Schoolfest

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 21, 12-4pm WHERE: John Ericsson Middle School 126, 424 Leonard St., Williamsburg AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Now in its 12th year, Schoolfest is a one-of-a-kind school fair for North Brooklyn students and parents in which you can learn about schools and programs located in Greenpoint and Williamsburg. WANT TO GO? $3 reservation, to be refunded at the door. 347-559-1410. eventbrite.com/e/schoolfest-2019-admissions-tx-tickets-63008065821.

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BrooklynParent 33

WHAT: This festival features family-friendly performances, Brooklyn Children’s Museum programming, games, face-painting, kosher and non-kosher food vendors, health screenings, the New York City Parks & Recreation play mobile, the FDNY Smoke House, the Brooklyn Public Library Mobile Library, a bounce house, and soccer matches. WANT TO GO? 212-639-9675. cityparksfoundation.org.

Annual Brooklyn Indie Party FREE !

FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS NYC Unicycle Festival 2019 FREE

WHEN: Aug. 31-Sept. 1, Saturday-Sunday, 12-5pm WHERE: Governors Island, ferries leave from Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6, Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: Recreational riders, world-class performers, mountain and offroad unicycle enthusiasts, mono-wheel vehicle inventors, and thousands of people who have not ridden in umpteen years gather together for an unusual sight—even for NYC! WANT TO GO? 212-440-2200. govisland.com.

1776 Peace Conference Celebration

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 7, 11am-4pm WHERE: Conference House Park, 298 Satterlee St., Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: A live reenactment of the Sept. 11, 1776 Peace Conference, with Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Edward Rutledge meeting with Lord Admiral Howe. There will be Colonial music and dancing, 18thcentury crafts, and historic house tours. WANT TO GO? $5; $3 children younger than 12 and seniors. nycgovparks.org.

12th Annual African Film Festival, Inc. Family Day Celebration FREE WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 14, 11am-5pm WHERE: Governors Island, ferries leave from Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6, Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy storytelling, double-dutch, dance and drum workshops led by world-renowned instructors, arts and crafts and short films—all celebrating Africa and the diaspora. WANT TO GO? 212-440-2200. govisland.com.

Sunday Social on Montague Street FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 15, 12-5pm WHERE: Montague Street, between Court Street and the Brooklyn Promenade, Brooklyn Heights AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Sunday Social features more than 25 free activities including robot making, obstacle courses, STEM, Bey Blade tournaments, music, arts and crafts, film making, a bouncy house, photo booths, and entertainment. WANT TO GO? 718-522-3649. montaguebid.com.

One Crown Heights Neighborhood Festival FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 15, 1-6pm WHERE: Brower Park, Basketball Courts, Brooklyn Avenue and Prospect Place, Crown Heights AGES: All 34

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 20, 7:30pm WHERE: Greenlight Bookstore, 686 Fulton St., Fort Greene AGES: All WHAT: Greenlight partners with CLMP, as well as some of Brooklyn’s best independent book and magazine publishers, to throw a Brooklynsized party celebrating the spirit of literary independence in the borough with food, drinks, and music. WANT TO GO? 718-246-0200. greenlightbookstore.com.

4th Annual East Flatbush Touch a Truck

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 21, 11am-4pm WHERE: East 94th Street, between Rutland Road and East New York Avenue., East Flatbush AGES: 3-12 WHAT: The area will be transformed into a playground for children to climb into and play on vehicles donated by local businesses and city agencies, including a fire truck, ambulance, and construction equipment. WANT TO GO? $6 per wristband; $17 for three wristbands; $5 each additional wristband. ps770touchatruck.com.

BAM Animation Block Party

WHEN: Sept. 20-22, see website for schedule WHERE: BAM Rose Cinemas, 30 Lafayette Ave., Fort Greene AGES: All WHAT: BAM’s annual animation festival returns for its 16th edition, featuring international films, award winners, indie shorts, and more. WANT TO GO? see website for ticket prices. 718-636-4100. animationblock.com.

The Great Dumbo Drop FREE

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 27, 4-8pm WHERE: Washington Street, at Water Street, Dumbo AGES: All WHAT: Join in the fun at this annual free block party with live performances, food, and activities for kids and adults, where thousands of tiny elephants are dropped from the sky! WANT TO GO? dumbo.is/dropping-elephants.

Chile Pepper Festival 2019

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 28, 10am-7pm WHERE: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave., Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Indulge in tasty bites and sizzling sauces from food artisans who bring the heat from around the world. Enjoy spicy demonstrations, hands-on cooking classes, foodie-friendly tours and talks by BBG gardeners, activities for children in the Discovery Garden, and pop-up performances by roving musicians and artists. WANT TO GO? $15; $8 seniors and students ages 12 and older; free for children ages 11 and younger. 718-623-7200. bbg.org.

Smorgasburg FREE

WHEN: Through Oct. 27: Saturdays, 11am-6pm WHERE: Prospect Park, Eastside, Breeze Hill, Ocean Avenue, Prospect Lefferts Garden AGES: All WHAT: This open-air food fair returns with more than 100 local and regional food purveyors. WANT TO GO? 718-965-8951. prospectpark.org.

things to do

city bound

N Y C

Remembering 9/11 in NYC By Melissa Wickes

The Table of Silence Project aims to celebrate and honor peace in a united moment of silence.

A Moment of Silence

Courtesy NYC Fire Museum

The 9th Annual 9/11 Table of Silence Project is a free public dance tribute to Sept. 11 designed to commemorate those lost and pray for peace. More than 100 dancers from major companies and schools in New York City come together for a presentation that begins at 8:15am and ends exactly at 8:46am, the time the North Tower was struck. Wednesday, Sept. 11. Ages: All. Free to attend. Josie Robertson Plaza, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side. tableofsilence.org.

The NYC Fire Museum’s 9/11 Memorial Room is the first permanent memorial to the members of the FDNY who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.

Honor and Commemorate First Responders

The NYC Fire Museum holds a 9/11 Memorial Ceremony on the anniversary each year, led by a NYFD commissioner with a speech by the museum director. While you are there, spend some time at the museum’s memorial to the 343 members of the FDNY who lost their lives that day. The exhibit chronicles and commemorates with a marble and tile memorial, tools recovered from Ground Zero, and opportunities to learn more about the late firefighters. Wednesday, Sept. 11, 11am. Ages: All. Free to attend event. NYC Fire Museum, 278 Spring St., Hudson Square. Visit website for museum admission information: nycfiremuseum.org.

Ciara Bergin

On Sept. 11, 9/11 Memorial & Museum visitors place flowers in the names of victims on the memorial panels.

9/11 Memorial & Museum

Every year on Sept. 11, New Yorkers and Americans remember the thousands of lives lost in 2001. The reflecting pools and the new 9/11 Memorial Glade, a dedication to recovery workers and community members who have become sick or died due to toxins at the WTC site, offer a peaceful place for remembrance and meditation. And the museum offers an in-depth experience for families of all kinds. Visit it: 180 Greenwich St., Tribeca. 911memorial.org. Can’t-miss event: Tribute in Light; Wednesday, Sept. 11

Courtesy 9/11 Tribute Museum

Terri Gold

W he hile y re ou , v ’r isit e …

9/11 Tribute Museum Walking Tours are personal, emotional tours given by people who were there and directly affected by Sept. 11, 2001.

9/11 Tribute Museum Walking Tours

Survivors, family members of lost loved ones, first responders, recovery workers, and other people who lived and worked in lower Manhattan in 2001 offer their personal, emotional experiences of Sept. 11. Each tour is unique to your guide while also providing history of the WTC and the aftermath, stops at the Firefighter Memorial Wall, an opportunity to tour the 9/11 Tribute Museum, and more. Visit it: 92 Greenwich St., Tribeca. 911tributemuseum.org. Can’t-miss event: Annual 9/11 National Day of Service & Remembrance: Bike Build; Wednesday, Sept. 25, 10am-3:30pm BrooklynParent 35

raising kids teen

The Age of Self-Doubt

››

While self-consciousness in early adolescence can seem crippling for your child, it’s a phase that will lead to greater well-being in adulthood. By Jaimie Seaton

nyone with a teenager has witnessed the transformation: Their fearless, confident child becoming a reticent, self-conscious teen. One day, he marches out of the house on adventures, happily clad in clothes picked out by his parents. The next? He’s hiding out in his room with his phone, with zero interest in any ideas you have in regard to his clothes, his hairstyle, or even his backpack. She becomes obsessed with her looks and studies her face in the mirror as if it were an undiscovered country. A bad hair day or emergence of a pimple can turn into a crisis and leave her wishing she could stay home from school. As a parent, it’s hard to make sense of this—and even harder to know how to help.

Belonging Above All

Parents may be tempted to dismiss their teen’s behavior as typical adolescent self-absorption, but what may seem like egocentricity actually serves a higher purpose. It goes back to evolution and our need to belong. “If the goal in adulthood, at the most basic level, is to have social skills in order to ensure social belonging and the associated positive outcomes, then adolescence is a time of learning social competency,” explains Alexandra Rodman, Ph.D., lead author of a 2017 Harvard study on how adolescents and adults process and integrate peer feedback. “One way in which we learn all the complex social rules is by being hyper-attuned to feedback from others.” For example, your teen isn’t fixated on his looks, per se, but because he is so highly preoccupied by what others may think of him, he notices changes in himself more keenly than he did as a child, Dr. Rodman explains. His reaction to those changes depends on how he is viewed in the peer group. “It all depends on what enhances belonging and it corresponds with changing trends,” Dr. Rodman says. “If it was a sign of health and highly coveted to have a pimple, then maybe it wouldn’t lead to such distress to have a pimple.”

The Instagram Age

Most teenagers think they have it worse than their parents—and they’re right. When it comes to pressure to fit in, at least, today’s

Because your teen is preoccupied with how others perceive him, he’ll notice changes in himself more keenly than when he was younger.

teens really do have it worse, according to Seoka Salstrom, Ph.D., a child and adolescent psychologist who practices in New Hampshire. “There are so many more opportunities for compare and despair,” Dr. Salstrom says. “Before social media, we had half of our day at school and half of our day at home or with a few friends, but we didn’t have 45 people that we were interacting with in some way, often times in picture perfect form. Every time we see something like that, our mind is automatically geared toward, ‘How do I fit in to this?’ and sees the inadequacies.”

Coping Strategies

When teens express anxiety or distress about their looks or not fitting in, Dr. Salstrom advises parents to start from a place of “your feelings make perfect sense.” “It’s not to say that you agree with the statement behind it or the content. If they say, ‘I’m so ugly,’ of course you’re not going to agree with that,” Dr. Salstrom says. “But if we don’t start from the place of ‘it makes perfect sense that this thought/feeling is showing up’ (given our evolutionary and cultural context), then anything we say in that moment has the potential to be invalidating.” There’s no denying it can be difficult for parents to see their teens go through this stage, but Dr. Rodman explains it’s a normal and healthy part of development—and it does eventually end. “When you have this low-level or moderate level feedback from your peers, and you feel this drop in self-esteem, that actually feels bad in the short term, but in the long term it leads to greater gains and better outcomes and well-being in adulthood,” Dr. Rodman says. In late adolescence, a self-protective bias kicks in and teens no longer experience that drop in self-esteem after rejection, Dr. Rodman explains. Older teens start to buffer themselves from their peers’ rejection because they’ve gained social skills and learned the social rules they didn’t have or know as an early adolescent. “That’s all to say for parents that a little bit of feedback from peers isn’t a catastrophe, and feeling a little down on yourself, that’s just part of being a teenager,” Dr. Rodman says. “I think a helpful reframe is, it just helps kids learn how to get along with their peers.”

Jaimie Seaton has been a journalist for more than 20 years and is the former Thailand correspondent for Newsweek. Her work on divorce, parenting, dating, and a wide range of topics has been featured in The Washington Post, The Guardian, Glamour, and numerous other publications.

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Open year-round, Rolling admission Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 6:00 pm ABC Infant & Toddler Center Child Care for Infants & Toddlers, ages 3-24 months

ABC’s goal is to provide safe, age-appropriate and stimulating programs for children up to five years old, while fulfilling their need to laugh, learn, play, make new friends and discover new things. Providing quality child care since 1993.

Now lling Enro ll a for F ! n Sessio

Discover the power of family music making

Try a free class!

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

Bay Ridge • Bensonhurst • Midwood • Sheepshead Bay • Marine Park Open House Dates

Saturday | August 31& Sept 7th 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

• We accommodate for younger babies, infants & toddlers • Also available, 5 Day Program from 7:00 A.M. - 6:30 P.M.

• Provides A Safe, Loving, Environment For Children • We Accept Children From 8 Weeks To 5 Years Of Age A • Our Mission Is To Provide Quality Childcare Experience That Helps Your Child Develop Physically, Socially and Emotionally

www.LilFootprintsDaycare.com 7805 20th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11214 Tel: 718-234-5890 • Fax: 718-234-5832

2033 76th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11214 Tel: 917-903-7838

Join

NYMetroParents STREB offers classes in POPACTION, Get advance notice on activities, Trampoline and Flying Trapeze. participate in group discussions Classes available for kids (starting at 18 months) and adults. and receive special notices. Streb also offers parties, camps, and rental space. Email info@streb.org www.facebook.com/nymetroparents or call (718)384-6491 for more info. www.streb.org

musictogetherBR.com • 718-499-2866

Offering Morning, Afternoon, Evening and Weekend Classes

Bilingual. Multicultural. Diverse. Developing culturally astute and compassionate leaders with fluency in Mandarin Chinese or Spanish. Pre-Nursery (2’s) - Grade 8.

COME FOR A VISIT: 4 East 90th Street www.ianyc.org

Registering Now!

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NYMetroParents Get advance notice on activities, participate in group discussions and receive special notices.

www.facebook.com/nymetroparents

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

Call for Information about our Infant and Toddler Program!

Full day Pre-K for All

“We believe every child is special”

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

718-680-5437 (Full day Pre-K for All.) www.littlehandsandfeetdaycare.com

All Teachers Certified and Licensed by Dept of Ed & CPR trained

BrooklynParent 37

raising kids baby

Day Care Center, Nanny, or Relative? ›› Choosing a child care provider can be an anxiety-filled decision—you are leaving your infant with someone else, after all— but selecting the best option for your family is easier if you understand the pros and cons of each. By Christina Vercelletto

dding a new baby to your family, whether it’s your first or your fifth, is probably life’s most memorable milestone. And of course, along with the excitement and joy comes a long list of to-dos, including the task of identifying the right child care arrangement for your family if you’re heading back to work. This should be sorted out as early as possible—before birth, if possible. (Trust us: Your three months of maternity leave will feel more like three weeks.) But how do you make this very important and often challenging decision? Here, we weigh the three most popular options to help you choose.

Day Care Center

Pros: One major advantage of day care centers is they are statelicensed and regulated. (The U.S. Administration for Children & Families recommends you ask about a license when you visit.) They offer a structured day for children (yes, even for infants), with outdoor time, naps, meals, and snacks. And caregivers typically have a degree (or are earning one) in early childhood education. Many parents like the social aspect of day care centers— children are grouped by age, and starting at 2 years old spend the day in a preschool classroom with a real curriculum and progress reports. Plus, a familiar environment from infanthood through kindergarten is appealing. “The social element cannot be overstated,” says Jessica Wertheim, chief learning officer at Dearest Inc., a child care-sharing marketplace based in New York City. “Social-emotional skills that support children’s ability to 38

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

focus and engage in other classroom environments, manage their own emotions, and socialize well with peers are often taught more directly during day care and preschool than at any other time.” Cons: The day will come when your baby will have a wet diaper at pick-up, or your child will be given the center-provided snack instead of the special one you bring in every day, no matter how great the caregivers are. If these sorts of instances sound like deal-breakers, this probably isn’t the way to go. Cost: Due to state-regulated child-to-teacher ratios, the older the child, the lower the cost. Centers have to charge the most for infants, since they are required to hire more people to care for them. That said, day care centers are not cheap. In our area, you’re easily looking at $1,500 a month, if not more, for full-time day care. It can start to get cost prohibitive if a second child comes along and you, naturally, want both your kids in the same place. Also, day care centers charge extra for late pick-up or early drop-off. Bottom Line: Day care centers can be the right choice for parents with a 9-5 job, who don’t often work late, and prefer a socialized group setting for their child.

Nanny

Pros: Nannies (and plenty of mannies!) are committed sitters who enjoy being part of a family and watching their charges

grow up. It’s hard to beat the concept of a caring professional utterly dedicated to your child. Cons: All your eggs are in one person’s basket. Nannies get the flu, wake up to a busted water pipe in their home, have car trouble, and need to take their suddenly-sick cat to the vet like anyone else. When that happens, you’re stuck scrambling. Also, nannies can quit even under the best of circumstances (say, their spouse gets a new job out of state), and depending on the age of your child, this can be a devastating loss.

Mendez-Baldwin asks. Plus, with a relative, you will still have to lay out a few ground rules and make requests about how you want things done, which can create conflict in an already-delicate relationship. You still need a back-up plan for early mornings when the phone call starts with, “I’m so sorry, but…” Cost: While this could be a free arrangement, you may want to insist on paying your relative

to underscore the fact that this is a real responsibility. On the other hand, she might refuse payment, so cost really depends on the individual family. Bottom Line: If Grandma is energetic, and you have a solid relationship that can withstand honest and open communication, this may be worth considering (especially if money is an issue).

Child care arrangements are a big decision, and there is no one-size-fits-all option, Wertheim says. However, there is no bad option either. “When any adult creates experiences that are personalized and respond to a baby’s interests with enthusiasm, positivity, and warmth, they support that baby’s social and cognitive development,” she says.

Cost: Nannies are costly. In our area, parents can expect to pay upwards of $15 an hour for one child, according to payscale.com. As her employer, you need to provide your nanny with disability insurance, and you may need to pay the IRS an employment tax. It’s also expected that you ante up for birthday and holiday gifts, food in the fridge, and paid vacation. Livein nannies earn a lower salary, but many families don’t have enough space to make that option possible. Bottom Line: If you can afford it and prize personal attention above all else, this is the way to go.

Family Care

Pros: “Having a relative care for their baby often gives parents a sense of relief,” says Martha Mendez-Baldwin, Ph.D., a psychology of childhood assistant professor at Manhattan College in the Bronx. Cons: Your mother or motherin-law may have offered to step in, but as tempting as this alternative may feel, assess the situation realistically. She may not be prepared for the hard work of caring for a newborn. “Is this relative aware of today’s best child care practices? Do they know the safest sleep position is on the baby’s back?” Dr.

Maimonides Children’s Hospital The Only Children’s Hospital in Brooklyn Maimonides Children’s Hospital is one of New York’s leading pediatric hospitals, and is proud to be a member of the Children’s Hospital Association (CHA). Our expert team of board-certified pediatric physicians, surgeons, nurses and nurse practitioners provides compassionate, family-centered care for infants, children and adolescents. Our extensive range of pediatric services and specialties include allergy and immunology, cardiac care, neurology, orthopedic care, neonatal intensive care and critical care. Maimonides Children’s Hospital is also Brooklyn’s only Pediatric Trauma Center, and provides comprehensive pediatric emergency care in our fully-accredited Pediatric Emergency Room, a division of both Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics.

4802 Tenth Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11219 718.283.7500 MaimonidesMed.org Jeffrey Avner, MD, Chair George Foltin, MD, Vice Chair – Clinical Michael Marcus, MD, Vice Chair – Ambulatory Ingrid Walker-Descartes, MD, MPH, Vice Chair – Education

Children’s Hospital

BrooklynParent 39

family life legal

Separation Strategies Here’s how to develop a solid co-parenting plan you both will follow. ››

By Lambeth Hochwald

f you’re separated or divorced, you know how important it is to make a plan for sharing time with your child. However, this isn’t always easy and can lead to frustration or even anger. Here are eight tips to develop—and agree on—a plan to co-parent successfully.

be in a written form, such as email or text,” says Steven J. Mandel, a family law attorney in New York City. “Besides ‘making a record’ of events, this also really helps to avoid possible confusion.”

Consider everyone’s schedules.

It’s very common for kids to play the “mommy vs. daddy” game. “Children are great at wearing parents down until they get the ‘yes’ they want,” Mandel says. “That is why it is in the best interests of all concerned for everyone to be on the same page when it comes to making decisions concerning the health, education, and general welfare of your child.”

It’s important to take into account the kids’ schedules (including school, sports and other extracurriculars, and social activities), as well as each parent’s work schedule. If a father leaves for work at 6am and doesn’t come home until 7pm—but he doesn’t want to lose time with his kids—his schedule could make shared parenting hard, says Tanya Helfand, a divorced mom, lawyer in New York City, and author of 20 Great Tips for a Successful Divorce. “In this case, it’s important for his ex-partner to allow him to have a nanny so that he can get to work on those days that he has the child with him,” she suggests.

Keep it consistent.

A set schedule is key for fostering stability, says Emily Stulman Klein, a divorced life strategist and mom of a 12-year-old daughter who lives in Montclair, NJ. “For example, her dad sees my daughter on Wednesday afternoons/evenings, Friday nights for sleepovers, and Sunday evenings. Our daughter knows where she will be and when. It’s also great for the parents because we know our schedule for work, fun, and even dating.”

Put yourself in your kids’ shoes.

Children should have an open relationship with both parents—and never feel like the go-betweens. “A major problem arises when the parents prevent that relationship from happening and then put the children in the middle,” Helfand says. “You want to do your best to look at everything from your child’s perspective.”

Be practical and precise.

Leave the emotion out of discussions and decisions as much as possible. “I also suggest that communication between the parties

Skip the good-cop, bad-cop scenario.

Make kids feel treasured.

Kids should feel like both parents are choosing to spend time with them. “We want to be with our daughter, and she knows that,” Klein says. “So, when we have conversations about who has her, we use the words who ‘gets to’ be with her rather than who ‘has to’ be with her. This is important in ensuring that she feels loved and wanted.”

Be accommodating.

Life happens and sometimes you will need to swap times. Do your best to always be gracious about it. “My daughter’s dad is a realtor and sometimes he needs to show a property on ‘his night,’ so I am more than happy to support him in doing that if I am available,” Klein says. “I’ve been known to move things around to accommodate his schedule, and when I have a conference or retreat, he will stay at our home with our daughter and our pets.”

Remember: You will be in each other’s lives—for life.

“Too often, I hear about people being horrible to each other— saying mean things, not showing up, punishing the children out of spite,” Klein says. “Just because it didn’t work out for us doesn’t mean we have to be mean. The happier we are individually, the happier we all are as co-parents.”

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

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

family life home

Made the Move

›› Leaving your friends and community can be difficult; making friends and becoming part of the community in your new neighborhood doesn’t have to be. By Lambeth Hochwald

t’s super exciting to move to a new neighborhood—new cupcake shops to discover, new playgrounds for your kids to explore, and new friends for you all to meet. However, it can also be a challenge to feel like you are part of the community. We polled those in the know for tips on how to become part of your new neighborhood fabric.

Get your kids excited about their new town.

“It’s a big adjustment for kids to move to a new town, but my husband and I try to get them focused on new adventures to come,” says Liz Tenety, co-founder of Motherly, who has moved nine times since her first child was born seven years ago—due to changing careers, graduate schools, and a growing family. “We know that our moves were hard on our kids, but by focusing on new people and experiences, they were able to stay resilient.”

Visit your town’s website.

“Before the moving van even arrives at your door, you can learn a lot about your new town by visiting its website,” Tenety says. “You can request a welcome kit and start making connections— before you even unpack one box in your new neighborhood!”

Take an exercise class.

“Once you’ve settled in, an exercise class is a great way to meet new people,” says Alison Bernstein, founder of Suburban Jungle Group, a real estate firm exclusively focused on buyers leaving New York City for the suburbs. “Going to the same classes consistently can be like joining a squad. Friendships are bound to manifest in this ‘we’re in it together’ environment.”

Connect with Facebook groups in your new town.

“These are goldmines for answers to those key questions that come up,” Tenety suggests. “Who’s everyone’s favorite pediatrician? How do I enroll in public school? Who makes the best pizza in town?”

Find other parents with kids who are the same age.

“When I first moved back to my hometown of Greenwich [CT], I signed my kids up for activities, which helped me meet other new moms,” says Layla Lisiewski, a mom of three who started The Local Moms Network to share resources and create community for moms across the country. “Once my eldest was in a twos program, I met more moms, some of whom are still my closest friends. The important thing was meeting other moms with similarly aged kids—you have an underlying common factor, even if you have little else in common.”

Experts suggest taking group fitness classes in your new neighborhood to meet new people.

Consider adopting a pet.

If your family has been planning to add a dog to your family, right after you get settled in your new home may be the time to finally do it. “Dogs make great conversation starters and many towns have dog parks, which become great places for socialization,” Bernstein says. But make sure your family is ready to add a furry friend to the household.

Join neighborhood parent listservs.

“These include groups such as BoCoCa Parents, Park Slope Parents, or Next Door,” says Jennifer Rhodes, a broker at Ideal Properties Group, who moved to Brooklyn from Berlin in 2007 and has two daughters ages 14 and 18. “These groups provide a wealth of information on anything and everything parents in any given neighborhood care about, from lost keys to stoop sales to recommendations for local contractors.”

Seek out local volunteer opportunities.

“These are endless, whether it’s joining a gardening club, volunteering at a soup kitchen, or donating your time to, say, the town library,” Bernstein says. “There are tons of organizations in each town—find what interests you and connect with those with similar interests and a penchant for the altruistic.”

Be active in your child’s school or PTA.

“Being involved in your school is one of the best ways to meet other families,” Rhodes says. “This then helps to connect you to the community and keeps you aware of everything that’s going on.”

Do some playground networking.

“One thing about being a parent is that your social life changes considerably,” Rhodes says. “Not only do you want to socialize, but your little one does, too. When you move to a new town, I always recommend taking advantage of time on playgrounds, slow walks around the neighborhood, and time in the park to make connections with other parents in the neighborhood.”

Attend community board meetings.

“If you want to become more civically engaged, research which community board is in your neighborhood and when it meets,” Rhodes says. “There are multiple community boards that cover various neighborhoods and since those meetings are open to the public, consider attending one and introduce yourself to at least one neighbor.”

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

BrooklynParent 41

Meet the

Health Care Professional

Dr. Sue Liebman - Brooklyn Heights Orthodontics 185 Montague St., Brooklyn Heights, 8th Floor 718-622-6741 brooklyn-orthodontist.com info@brooklyn-orthodontist.com

Dr. Sue Liebman literally grew up in the field of orthodontics. Following in her dad’s footsteps, a love of orthodontics and changing people’s smiles was contagious. Board-certified as well as being a renowned lecturer, leader, and mentor, Dr. Liebman brings her own unique dedication to the field. What sets Dr. Liebman apart, is her commitment to truly understanding every patient’s concerns and combining her vast knowledge, experience, and expertise to develop the best treatment possible for each of her patients, at any age and any stage.

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

Gary N. McAbee, D.O. Maimonides Children’s Hospital Pediatric Neurology 4802 10th Ave., Borough Park 718-283-7500

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

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

Monita Mendiratta, M.D. Maimonides Children’s Hospital Pediatric Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine 4802 10th Ave., Borough Park 718-283-7500

Tina Rakitt, M.D. Maimonides Children’s Hospital Pediatric Gastroenterology 4802 10th Ave., Borough Park 718-283-7500

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

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

Dr. Monita Mendiratta is a highly experienced, board-certified pediatric pulmonologist specializing in pediatric sleep medicine and pediatric pulmonology. Dr. Mendiratta completed her pulmonary fellowship at the nationally renowned Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She leads a multidisciplinary team of pediatric specialists who diagnose and treat sleep disorders in infants, children, and adolescents that are related to medical, developmental, or behavioral conditions. The Maimonides Pediatric Sleep Center is a recently constructed, state-of-the-art facility specially designed to accommodate young patients. Dr. Mendiratta also has expertise in respiratory conditions such as asthma, pneumonia, and chronic cough.

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Dr. Gary McAbee is an experienced pediatric neurologist at the Maimonides Children’s Hospital. He is board-certified in pediatric neurology and general pediatrics. Dr. McAbee evaluates and treats infants, children, and adolescents with neurological disorders such as migraines and headaches, developmental delay, and autism spectrum disorder. In addition, Maimonides has a pediatric epilepsy monitoring unit with video EEG capability. He is a professor of pediatrics at SUNY Downstate College of Medicine, has been widely published in peer-reviewed publications, and has lectured extensively regionally and nationally.

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

Dr. Tina Rakitt is a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist at the Maimonides Children’s Hospital. She completed subspecialty training at the prestigious Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, and has more than 10 years of experience in treating a variety of conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), celiac disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Dr. Rakitt’s warm and engaging manner focuses not only on treating the disease itself, but also on combating any fears and concerns children and their parents may have.

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

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

PARTY PLACES ART FUN STUDIO

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

INTREPID SEA, AIR & SPACE MUSEUM

Pier 86, W. 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue, Manhattan 646-381-5166 intrepidmuseum.org Celebrate your child’s birthday with a one-of-a-kind party! The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum captivates groups of all ages and interests. Choose from exciting themes, value packages, and customization options to create an original birthday adventure they’ll never forget. Packages start at $30 per person.

SUGAR FACTORY

Sugar Factory - Meatpacking District 835 Washington St. Sugar Factory - The Row 700 8th Ave. Sugar Factory - Upper West Side

1991 Broadway 212-414-8700 sugarfactory.com sfny@sugarfactory.com Party where the stars play! Here at Sugar Factory, we offer pre-fixed and customizable party packages for any celebration and budget! From private large-scale events to private dinners for two, a Sugar Factory celebration is one you will never forget!

WHEEL FUN RENTALS

Marine Park Avenue U and East 33rd Street Prospect Park LeFrak Center at Lakeside 171 East Drive Bensonhurst Park 9000 Bay Parkway Flushing Meadows Corona Park at David Dinkins Circle Meridian Road Flushing Meadows Corona Park at North Meadow Lake Meadow Lake Road West 917-231-6229 wheelfunrentals.com/nyc wheelfunrentals.com Wheel Fun Rentals is the perfect place for birthday parties! Kids and adults can explore the area on one of our specialty bikes-or go on a Surrey Scavenger Hunt!

HOUSES 2019 A. Fantis Parochial School

Pre-K3 through eighth grade, including UPK Theodore G. Tasoulas, principal 195 State St., Downtown Brooklyn 718-624-0501 afantis.org Join us for an open house Sept. 18 at 6pm, or Oct. 1 at 9am.

Brooklyn College Preparatory Center for the Performing Arts

234 Roosevelt Hall, 2900 Bedford Ave., South Midwood 718-951-4111 bcprepcenter.org Join us for a music, dance, and theater open house Saturday Sept. 21 from 11am-4pm.

Guidepost Montessori

717 Driggs Ave., Williamsburg 347-464-0490 guidepostmontessori.com/williamsburg 212 Hicks St., Brooklyn Heights 929-524-3588 guidepostmontessori.com/brooklyn-heights Join us in Brooklyn Heights Sept.

15, 12-5pm at the Montague Street Fair, Sept. 26 at 6pm (open house for prospective families), and Oct. 6, 10am-12pm at City Point School Fair. Visit online to book a tour or RSVP for events in Williamsburg.

Lil’ Footprints

7805 20th Ave., Bensonhurst 718-234-5890 2033 76th St., Bensonhurst 917-903-7838 lilfootprintsdaycare.com Join us for an open house on Aug. 31, and Sept. 7 from 10am-2pm.

The School at the Mark Morris Dance Center

3 Lafayette Ave., Downtown Brooklyn 718-624-8400 markmorrisdancegroup.org/school schooladmin@mmdg.org Explore, connect, and dance at The School at the Mark Morris Dance Center’s annual free open house, Saturday, Sept. 7 from 9am–3pm. Catch a performance, meet faculty, try dance and music classes!

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY (WCS) ZOOS AND AQUARIUM

1-800- 433-4149 The Bronx Zoo: 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx Central Park Zoo: 830 Fifth Ave., Manhattan Queens Zoo: 53-51 111th St., Corona Prospect Park Zoo: 450 Flatbush Ave. New York Aquarium: 602 Surf Ave. wcs.org/birthdays Make your wildlife lover’s birthday an unforgettable experience with a party at our zoos or aquarium! Parties include park admission, a private party room with host, special animal guests, visits to our exhibits, and hands-on activities to make your party animal’s birthday a truly unforgettable experience!

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Quality Education In A Nurturing Environment

BrooklynParent 43

Professional services

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

DENTISTS & DENTAL PROVIDERS BROOKLYN FAMILY ORTHODONTICS

EMPLOYERS Moms Make Great Part-Time Staff People LOOKING FOR STAFF? POST YOUR JOB MOMMYBITES.COM/POSTJOB

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

DR. SUE LIEBMAN - BROOKLYN HEIGHTS ORTHODONTICS

185 Montague St., 8th Floor, Brooklyn Heights 718-622-6741 brooklyn-orthodontist.com info@brooklyn-orthodontist.com Under the compassionate leadership of Dr. Sue Liebman we are dedicated to providing the most advanced treatments, including braces and Invisalign, to patients of all ages with convenient Saturday hours and affordable payment plans.

DOCTORS & MEDICAL PROVIDERS

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CHARLOT, DR. CASCYA - ALLERGY AND ASTHMA CARE OF BROOKLYN

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

GARY N. MCABEE, D.O.

Maimonides Children’s Hospital Pediatric Neurology 4802 10th Ave. 718-283-7500 Dr. Gary McAbee is an experienced pediatric neurologist at the Maimonides Children’s Hospital. He is board-certified in pediatric neurology and general pediatrics. Dr. McAbee evaluates and treats infants, children, and adolescents with neurological disorders.

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

MONITA MENDIRATTA, M.D.

TINA RAKITT, M.D.

Maimonides Children’s Hospital Pediatric Gastroenterology 4802 10th Ave., Borough Park 718-283-7500 Dr. Tina Rakitt is a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist at the Maimonides Children’s Hospital. She has more than 10 years of experience in treating a variety of conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), celiac disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

PEDIATRIC IMMEDIATE CARE

698 Manhattan Ave., Greenpoint 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.

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

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

A Whole New World Academy .........................................7

Maimonides Medical Center ....................................39, 42

Brooklyn College Prep Center For Performing Arts .......19

Amity School ..................................................................23

Pediatric Immediate Care.........................................13, 42

Congregation Beth Elohim .............................................21

Bryan’s Education Center ..............................................26

Fastrackids Bklyn / SI ......................................................9

DGK Parochial School of Holy Cross ..............................7

music

Smart Start.....................................................................13

Fastrackids Bklyn / SI ......................................................9

Brooklyn College Prep Center For Performing Arts .......19

Treasure Island ..............................................................33

Fontbonne Hall Academy ..............................................11

Brooklyn Music School ..................................................25

Higher Ground Education - Guidepost Montessori ..........2

Llingsworth Music...........................................................43

child care / day care

Huntington Learning Center ..........................................11

Music Together of Bay Ridge .........................................37

ABC Childcare Center ..................................................37

International Academy of New York ...............................37

Lil’ Footprints .................................................................37

Little Hands and Feet ....................................................37

Mommybites...................................................................44

Little Scholars ................................................................26

Smart Start.....................................................................13

Music Together of Bay Ridge .........................................37

Treasure Island ..............................................................33

PJ Library ......................................................................13

World of Wonder Day Care ...........................................13

Redeemer St. John Nursery School ..............................43 St. Saviours Catholic Academy .....................................23

classes

The Learnatory ..............................................................17

Amity School ..................................................................23

Treasure Island ..............................................................33

Brooklyn College Prep Center For Performing Arts .......19

World of Wonder Day Care ...........................................13

Brooklyn Music School ..................................................25 DGK Parochial School of Holy Cross ..............................7

family entertainment / events / outings

Lil’ Footprints .................................................................37

Llingsworth Music...........................................................43

Little Hands and Feet ....................................................37

Streb ..............................................................................37

Mark Morris Dance Group .............................................26

The Atlantic Avenue Local Development Corporation ......11

play spaces Streb ..............................................................................37

religious A Fantis Parochial School ..............................................23 Congregation Beth Elohim .............................................21 DGK Parochial School of Holy Cross ..............................7 PJ Library ......................................................................13 Redeemer St. John Nursery School ..............................43 St. Saviours Catholic Academy .....................................23

retail Llingsworth Music...........................................................43

special events

Music Together of Bay Ridge .........................................37 Redeemer St. John Nursery School ..............................43

financial planning / insurance

Smart Start.....................................................................13

Affinity Health Plan ........................................................48

Sarah Merians Photography (Sarah Merians)..................5 The Atlantic Avenue Local Development Corporation ...11

World of Wonder Day Care ...........................................13

fitness

special needs

McCarren Tennis Center ................................................26

Huntington Learning Center ..........................................11

health

sports

developmental

Affinity Health Plan ........................................................48

McCarren Tennis Center ................................................26

Early Start Inc ..................................................................9

Allergy & Asthma Care of Brooklyn..........................33, 42

dance Mark Morris Dance Group .............................................26

Brooklyn Family Orthodontics ........................................42

tutors

education

Brooklyn Heights Orthodontics ......................................42

Fastrackids Bklyn / SI ......................................................9

A Fantis Parochial School ..............................................23

Fidelis Care New York (Donna Tamburrino)....................3

Huntington Learning Center ..........................................11

BrooklynParent 45

raising kids stuff we like

You’ve Got Mail

››

By Kirsten Clodfelter

Creative Reading

KidArtLit draws inspiration from specially curated children’s books to combine a love of reading with a love of making art. Unbox a beautiful new book to read together each month. Then, dig in to open-ended, process-based art projects that help kids unleash their creativity. Choose from Deluxe or Spark options and enjoy a monthly digital PDF with every subscription. (Ages 3-8; $39.95; kidartlit.com)

Lil’ Chefs, Big Appetites

Little Sous Kitchen Academy was launched from a Kickstarter campaign, and it’s working to inspire culinary interest from a young age. First, unbox a new kid-friendly kitchen tool or non-perishable ingredient each month. Next, learn how to put the special item to use with a step-by-step cooking lesson that empowers kids to cook confidently. Each box also includes collectable recipe cards, hands-on activities, a ready-to-color poster with games and puzzles, and a themed sticker sheet. MasterChef Junior, here you come. (Ages 5-12; $24.99 and up; mylittlesous.com)

World Culture at Home

Encourage your little ones’ wanderlust and open their minds with Little Global Citizens, an interactive culture box. Co-founders, parents, and world travelers Akeelah Kuraishi and Tim Minnick are on a mission to foster kids’ global awareness and compassion with a bimonthly box exploring a new country. Each box includes a guide booklet, a children’s book, cultural crafts and activities, a recipe, and country souvenirs. (Ages 3-8; $39.95; little-global-citizens.com)

Adding Art to STEM

To encourage a love of science, technology, engineering, art and math, start by getting your hands dirty. That’s the premise behind this monthly STEAM box subscription from Banyan Tree Kidz. Each box includes a hardcover book to introduce an idea, activity, or experiment. After reading, kids will find all the supplies they need for hands-on creative learning. You’ll appreciate the helpful parent’s instruction guide. (Ages 2-7; $29.99 and up; banyantreekidz.com)

Imagination Beyond the Page The super-fun, unique Little Bookish Wardrobe inspires imaginative play each month with an engaging hardcover book, plus a costume and craft to go along with it. After reading, kids can extend the life of every story through dress up and art. Bonus: The boxes have gender-neutral and sibling options for customization that fits any family. (Ages 3-7; $32.99; littlebookishwardrobe.com)

Kirsten Clodfelter is a Midwest-based freelance writer, the co-founder of Rise Marketing, Inc., and a mom of three. Learn more at kirstenclodfelter.com or follow her on Instagram: @icanmotheranyway.

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

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