Bp 1017 by City Guide NY

Brooklyn Parent OCTOBER 2017

NYMETROPARENTS.COM

7 Hottest

Birthday Trendsof 2017 Emojis, unicorns, Shopkins, and more!

Boo!

Haunted houses, corn mazes, and other Halloween activities

Teaching Kids Life Skills • Emotional intelligence • Financial literacy

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

BrooklynParent

NYMetroParents Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

Contents

October 2017 ii

Features 16 The 7 Hottest Birthday Party Trends of 2017 This year brought new movies, toys, and fun ideas for your child’s next birthday party.

22 The Importance of EQ High emotional intelligence translates to success across the board—in children academically and in adults professionally. 38 The Payoff of Teaching Kids Financial Literacy Experts discuss how parents can establish skills from a young age to ensure kids will know how to handle their money. 40 An Unimaginable Tragedy Though local infant mortality rates are lower than the national average, more babies die in their ﬁrst year than most of us expect. Here’s how parents can reduce the risk. 44 Conquering Bake Sales Surviving the minefield of baking treats for your kid’s class, and tips to make allergy-free baked goods. 47 5 Tips to Cut Candy Consumption This Halloween How to control kids’ sugar intake despite their bountiful trick-or-treating hauls

Connections

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 Check Out Our New Website! 12 Quotables 13 NYMP Q&A: Laurie Gelman talks about being the class mom and why she was ﬁred. 50 Voices: Stop With the Trophies Already!

Fun & Activities

Family Activities CALENDAR ››

14 DIY Corner: Ring Toss Challenge 15 Media Matters: Apps to Teach 21stCentury Skills 26 Outing: Randall’s Island 27 Family Activities Calendar 36 Where-To Guide: Pick Your Own Pumpkins 37 Where-To Guide: Haunted Houses, Corn Mazes, and Pumpkin Activities

Directories 20 43 48 48 48 49

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

Birthday Party Directory Meet the Health Care Professional Party Central Professional Services Religious Schools Advertisers’ Index

ON THE COVER ii 16 7 Hottest Birthday Trends of 2017 37 Boo! Haunted houses, corn mazes, and other Halloween activities Teaching Life Skills: 22 Emotional intelligence 38 Financial literacy facebook.com/nymetroparents

@NYMetroParents

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

Lois A. Jackson, D.D.S., P.C. and Associates

Pediatric Dentistry 505 LaGuardia Place, New YRUN Â&#x2021; &RXrt Street, 6XLWH , Brookl\Q Â&#x2021; "PLAYING is one of the BEST and most FUN ways for children to LEARN and GROW." FAIRYTALE ISLAND to help broaden and enrich the educational, social opportunities for our children . HIGH QUALITY, SAFE and AMAZING INDOOR SPACE for hosting BIRTHDAY PARTIES!! We encourage social, emotional, language, cognitive and physical skill development. "Come away with your children for a moment in a place where MEMORIES are made and TIME STANDS STILL." Parents can connect with each other while children are at play over a DELICIOUS cup of coffee/smoothies, HEALTHY foods and DECADENT desserts that will WARM THE HEARTS.

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OCTOBER 2017 • Vol.14 • No.3

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Michael Kress MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling

EDITOR’S NOTE

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

A Season of Celebration

n our family, we have a birthday season: From Nov. 5 (my youngest daughter’s birthday) through Jan. 16 (mine), all five of us celebrate our special days. Sprinkle in a gaggle of other close-but-not-immediate family members—a cousin’s daughter, my brother and his son, a sister-in-law, among others—and it is a busy time. Joyful, to be sure, but even joy brings its stresses, especially when you need to plan three kids’ birthday parties over the course of almost six weeks while scheduling around a bevvy of others’ parties, not to mention Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and New Year’s. It’s around the middle of October when my wife and I kick into planning mode, and out come the Google spreadsheets, which we use to plan the parties and coordinate gifts. And, of course, the kids themselves are old enough to be involved and have their own wishes and opinions—which seem to change daily, especially as the event gets close. To help figure out this year’s parties, Bethany Braun-Silva looked into the hottest birthday themes of 2017, and she came back with unicorns, Shopkins, Star Wars, and much more (p. 16). As our kids settle into the new school year, we’re offering articles about how to teach them essential life skills: Samantha Neudorf looks at teaching kids financial literacy (p. 38), while Katelin Walling offers a report on the value of kids’ emotional intelligence (p. 22). You can also find a round-up of apps that help kids learn 21stcentury skills (p. 15). Together, they remind us that not all crucial skills come from classroom learning, and that we parents play such an important role in readying our kids for a successful, independent adult life. October has been designated Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, so we’re offering a special report on a subject none of us wants to contemplate: Why do some babies die before they even turn 1? Stacey Pfeffer looks at local infant mortality rates and offers tips on how we can minimize the risks—and how parents who’ve experienced this horrific tragedy cope with a pain that will never go away (p. 40). This month also, of course, brings Halloween and related fall fun. Find haunted houses and other Halloween venues near you (p. 37), discover where to pick pumpkins in our region (p. 36), or plan your kids’ Halloween activities with our calendar (p. 27). Last but not least, I invite you to jump from page to screen and visit our newly relaunched website! The redesigned NYMetroParents.com makes it easier and quicker to find information and presents our content and resources in a cleaner, more attractive way on any device, all with the goal of helping you make better decisions for your kids. Find out more about the new site (p. 10), and happy clicking! Michael Kress Editorial Director

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

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The Mary Louis Academy

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Weill Music Institute

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF MUSIC WITH THE ENTIRE FAMILY

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67,5 /6<:, Sunday, October 15, 2017 10am-3pm

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

Ages

6–12

Saturday, October 14 at 2 PM CARNEGIE HALL FAMILY CONCERT

PETER AND THE WOLF AND OTHER STORIES Introduce young audiences to the joy of classical music at this family-friendly event, featuring the Orchestra of St. Luke’s conducted by Edwin Outwater and narrated by John Lithgow. Tickets start at $10. Support provided by Wetherby-Pembridge School Thanks to the New York City Administration for Children’s Services and the Department of Homeless Services for supporting families during Family Concerts. Carnegie Hall Family Concerts are made possible, in part, by endowment gifts from The Irene Diamond Fund, Mr. and Mrs. Lester S. Morse Jr., and the Henry and Lucy Moses Fund.

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

BrooklynParent

NEW PLACES, NEW PROGRAMS

nymetroparents.com/np-bp

Who: MUSE Academy What’s New: An independent school in Fort Greene, which is scheduled to open September 2018 and has rolling enrollment for children in pre-K to second grades. “The curriculum is an inquiry-based learning model that is going to be highly integrated between a core curriculum of academics and an intense submersion in the arts, including music, dance, and visual arts,” says Deborah Bradley-Kramer, Ph.D., director of music and performance. Choir and after-school enrichment classes will also be offered. MUSE Academy intends to enroll an additional grade each year. Want More Info: Inside Brooklyn Music School: 126 Saint Felix St., Fort Greene; 929-400-1751; info@museacademybk.com; museacademybk.com

Courtesy MUSE Academy

Independent School with Arts Focus to Open in Fort Greene

MUSE Academy will have a strong focus on music and performing arts.

Kool Kidz hosts one party at a time in its 2,000-square-foot venue, which includes this space with black lights for a glow-inthe-dark party.

Courtesy Russian School of Mathematics

Who: Kool Kidz What’s New: A fully renovated party space, which is under new ownership and now offers customized party packages for children and adults. Alexandra Gordin and her family took over Kool Kidz in March. It reopened later in the month after full renovations, including the addition of a rockclimbing wall, black light glow-in-the-dark space, art station wall, and an electronic game setup. Kool Kidz offers three party packages and several add-ons, such as T-shirt decorating, character appearances, and a bubble show. Local restaurants from a variety of cuisines provide catering. Want More Info: 2412 Gerritsen Ave., Gerritsen Beach; 718-676-2008; info@koolkidz.nyc; koolkidz.nyc

Courtesy Kool Kidz

Party Center Expands Offerings

After-School Mathematics Program Moving to Sheepshead Bay Who: Russian School of Mathematics What’s New: A move within Brooklyn, from Bensonhurst to Sheepshead Bay, which is slated for November. The Russian School of Mathematics offers an array of after-school programs to help children in kindergarten through 12th grades with math. It aims to help children of all levels build a solid math foundation and develop their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Currently located in Bensonhurst at 2115 Benson Ave., the Brooklyn location is scheduled to move to 2583 Ocean Ave. in Sheepshead Bay. The Russian School of Mathematics also has locations in Manhattan and on Long Island. Want More Info: 2115 Benson Ave., Bensonhurst; 516-551-6428; brooklyn@russianschool.com; russianschool.com

October 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Russian School of Mathematics offers homework help, test prep, and more.

Celebrating 24 Years!

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Remember when it was the most important day of the year?

It still is at BounceU! Make this birthday unforgettable bounce, play, party. BounceU is where birthdays are the best!

• 100% Private Birthday Parties • Field Trips and Team Parties • Fundraisers and more! Call or visit our website to reserve your private party today!

BounceUBrooklyn

6722 Ft. Hamilton Pkwy. 2nd Floor • Brooklyn, NY 11219 BrooklynParent

Check Out Our New Website!

The redesigned NYMetroParents.com helps you make better decisions for your family—faster and easier than ever. s our kids were heading back to school with their new outﬁts and freshly chosen backpacks and lunch boxes, we here at NYMetroParents decided to get in the spirit and debut a new look of our own with the relaunch of NYMetroParents.com. The website is now cleaner, faster, easier to use, and more attractive—all to help you be a more informed parent. Our goal is to connect you seamlessly to all the relevant, useful local information and resources our site offers: business listings, kid-focused events and activities, and news and tips essential to moms and dads. Here are some of the highlights of our new site:

A cleaner look, softer color scheme, and new logo to match the new feel. We’re excited about our updated logo, which you can also ﬁnd on the cover of this magazine, while our uncluttered design helps you focus on the content and information for which you’re looking with fewer distractions.

Find your region easier. We know you need to find ballet schools and pediatricians and therapists close to your home, so we’ve made it super easy to find your region’s content, via a pop-up that greets you when you arrive and/or the “My Region” option on the navigation bar. Each region has its own color scheme, adding to the vibrancy of the site and giving each region a bit of its own flavor and personality. The new “megamenu” displaying the breadth and depth of the content the site offers.

Easier, clearer navigation. Across the top of our desktop site—and in the top-right “Topics” menu on mobile—you’ll find the core types of information we provide: business and resource listings, tips about things to do, advice and news about local parenting, and a comprehensive events calendar. For a deeper dive into the site and to find more specific listings, use our new “megamenu,” the “Search Categories” link at the top left of the page (“menu” on mobile). There you will find virtually our entire catalog of listings categories, from specific sports to special needs resources to summer camp options.

You’ll see this tool throughout the site to help you ﬁnd the resources you need in your area.

New ways to find businesses and resources. Connecting you with the local professionals, businesses, and resources that keep your family healthy, happy, and enriched is central to our mission. In addition to the easier navigation, you’ll find a tool throughout the site that asks you what kind of business you need and in what location—make your choices, click the arrow, and search the results to find what you’re looking for. 10

October 2017 | nymetroparents.com

A better mobile experience. As parents, we’re all on the go (sometimes it seems like we’re in motion 24/7!) and using our phones to access the content and information that helps us make the decisions we need to make. To help, our new site focuses on the mobile experience, ensuring it is just as rich, easy to use, and attractive as it is on desktop. And it’s fast. Because we know you don’t have time to wait!

As we all well know, being a parent requires making decisions large and small for our kids every day—no matter how busy we are. We spent the past several months designing a website to help you ﬁnd what you need to make better decisions faster, easier, and more accurately and fully. We are so proud to invite you to check out the newly relaunched NYMetroParents.com today!

BACK TO SCHOOL MARKETPLACE

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BrooklynParent 11

UOTABLES This was also about the point that they both started begging me to carry their treat bags. ‘I’ll carry your treat bags but that means I’m allowed to eat your candy,’ was my rule. That put a stop to the laziness real quick. —Illana Wiles, a NYC mom, in a post entitled “Halloween in NYC Gets Better Every Year” on her blog mommyshorts.com

in an instagram Morning commute. #nyckids #twins #bestfriends (Posted by @toastncandy, aka Nancy Deane, HeyMamaCo editor and New York mom).

HALLOWEEN FOR THE FRIGHTENED “If you can get kids to realize that Halloween involves fun activities that the whole family can take part in, they’ll feel more at ease about it. You can all carve pumpkins, bake cookies or make other Halloween treats, and decorate the house with items your child picked out. You can even forego trick-or-treating and just spend the evening roasting marshmallows or reading books as a family. ”

in an instagram I can’t wait to see the world with these girls but for right now, our backyard is adventure enough. (Posted by @luckypennyblog, aka Ana Fritsch, a Brooklyn mom who blogs at luckypennyblog.com).

—Samantha Neudorf, in an article entitled “Making Halloween Fun For Kids Who Are Scared.” Read it all at nymetroparents.com/scary-fun

MORE NYMetroParents.com HIGHLIGHTS: COSTUME PLANNING: What should your child be this Halloween? (nymetroparents.com/costume) GET CRAFTY: Find Spooky Art Projects at nymetroparents.com/halloween-diy. TODDLER FUN: How to trick-or-treat with your little one (nymetroparents.com/toddler-halloween) HALLOWEEN TREATS: Eyeball cake pops, monster ‘toes,’ and more at nymetroparents.com/halloween-treats

October 2017 | nymetroparents.com

BACK TO SCHOOL MARKETPLACE

NYMP Q&A

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Class Mom Qualms

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

ii By Bethany Braun-Silva

Laurie Gelman talks about her novel Class Mom and how she got fired from her class mom position after five years. Is Jennifer Dixon (the main character) based on anyone in particular? She’s someone I just pieced together. I wish she was me, she’s so cool. The only thing that comes from reality are the emails [in the book] because I sent emails either exactly like that or very similar to my class when I was class mom. The emails in the book are hilarious. What prompted you to get so creative with them during your time as class mom? When I wasn’t class mom I would get these really boring grocery list emails that were just cut and pasted from the parent-teacher association, and I thought, “I want to do something interesting, I want people to read these, I want people to actually have fun with it,” so I decided that I would write things that would shock or awe people or make them sit up and go, “Oh my gosh, did she just write that?” It actually worked, because I had more people participating and reading every word of my emails than any other class mom, because they were excited to see what I was going to say next. But I read that this backfired on you and you got fired from the class mom position, is that true? Well to be fair, it was in my fifth year, I’d been doing it for four years and everybody loved it and it’s all good until somebody doesn’t like you. In my fifth year I upset someone or someone didn’t understand my humor, so they complained to the PTA and asked me to step down as class mom, which was very hurtful. Do you have any advice for moms who may be contemplating taking on the class mom role? I think you have to make it your own and make it fun. Make it something the parents can’t resist being a part of. I used to give awards for the quickest response time to one of my emails or the person who embodied the spirit of a class mom the most. I just made it fun for everybody. I wrote one email for the Christmas party that had to be sung to the tune of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”. Everybody loved that because you end up humming it to yourself. I just tried to do things that piqued everybody’s interest and make it more fun for them. I think that’s the best way to be a great class mom. What’s your favorite thing about raising kids in NYC? I love the fact that we get to go to the museums, the fact that it’s a weekly thing, not a once-in-a lifetime adventure. There’s so much opportunity to experience culture and excitement and their backyard is something everyone in the world wants to see at least once. It’s really exciting to raise kids in New York. Something we started to do more of is Broadway—we are in the best place in the world to see a show and my girls love theater.

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Join our after-school program today! Exploring on Thursdays, Sept 7th - June 7th, 4:30-6pm

Jewish Explorers Club at Flatbush Jewish Center

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

BrooklynParent 13

DIY CORNER Birthday Party Game

Ring Toss Challenge Do you love fairground games but hardly ever get to play them? Why not create your own ring toss game at home? Invite your friends to play, then work on perfecting your aim. The game is very easy to make and will provide hours of fun for you and your friends. Make sure you store the board inside so you can use it again and again!

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

STEP 4

STEP 5

STEP 6

STEP 7

STEP 8

Difficulty Level: Easy What you will need: • Adhesive putty • Ruler • Scissors • Pencil • Paintbrushes • Paints • Large cardboard sheet Directions: 1. To make your target board, draw the outline of the board on a sheet of cardboard and add sloping flaps on either side. These will make the board stand up. 2. Carefully cut out your target board with scissors. Make sure you don’t cut off the sloping flaps! 3. Use a ruler and the tops of your scissors to score both sloping ends of the target board. Fold them back to create flaps to stand your board up. 4. It’s time to decorate the board. Paint the stand one color and each pin a different color, so they stand out. 5. Place your ring template (visit nymetroparents.com/ ring-toss to download) on a piece of cardboard and draw around it. Repeat the process to draw as many rings as you want. 6. Cut the rings out. Cut around the outside first, then place the adhesive putty underneath, pierce the center of the ring with a sharp pencil, and cut it out. 7. Paint the rings and leave them to dry. You can make them any color you like. You could even add patterns like stripes or dots to your set. 8. The ring toss board is ready. Find some friends and try it out. If you want to make things competitive, paint different point values on the pins and see who can reach 100 points first. Images and text of Out of the Box reprinted by permission of DK, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. Copyright © 2017 by Jemma Westing.

October 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Media Matters: APPS

Apps to Teach 21st-Century Skills

Breathe, Think, Do With Se

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Kids to Learn & Discover

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A superb mix of exploration , games, and offline activiti es Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad

Swift Playgrounds (Free)

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★★★ Learning feels like play in this sleek, approachable coder. Device: iPad Animoto Video Maker (Fre

Recommended Age: 13+ ★

★★

★ This Freemium slideshow tool is better on privacy tha n similar apps. Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Chromeboo k In Theaters Oct. 6: My Little Pony: The Movie Our Partner: Common Sense Media An independent nonprof it that helps families make smart media choices. Check out thousands of ratings and reviews at commonsensemedia.org

Parents need to know that My Little Pony: The Movie is an animated adventure that continues the beloved (if heavily marketed) franchise that began with the original ’80s TV show and is still popular today thanks to shows such as Friendship Is Magic. This movie has an all-star voice cast (Zoe Saldana, Kristin Chenoweth, Emily Blunt) playing the cute, colorful ponies who live in the magical land of Equestria. When their home is threatened, the “Mane 6” set out to save Ponyville, meeting new folks and overcoming obstacles along the way. The My Little Pony franchise is known for being kid-friendly and full of messages about friendship and teamwork, so expect the same here.

See more at NYMetroParents.com/media

BrooklynParent 15

The 7 Hottest Birthday Party Trends of 2017 This year brought new movies, toys, and fun ideas for your child’s birthday party. Here are our favorites. By Bethany Braun-Silva

the Tail on the Donkey. “I found a picture of Princess Leia and my husband printed it out on nine sheets of paper that I taped together. I then covered the bulk of the poster with clear adhesive contact paper. The kids wore a C3PO mask that I made so that they couldn’t see and attempted to ‘Pin the Bun on Princess Leia.’ The bun is brown yarn wrapped and hot glued to cardboard,” she writes on her blog. Courtesy Trisha Haas

Courtesy Amy Friend

We scoured the mom blogs and studied our Instagram feed in search of the trendiest kids’ birthday party themes of the year. And what did we ﬁnd? Plenty of unicorns, emojis, and Shopkins, among many other fun ideas. Here are our picks for the hottest birthday party themes of 2017:

Unicorn Poop Cupcake Cones, a hilarious and easy-to-make treat for a memorable unicorn-themed birthday party

Unicorns

A Star Wars-themed version of Pin the Tail on the Donkey

Star Wars With the release of Rogue One: A Star Wars Movie late last year and the impending December debut of The Last Jedi, many kids will be wanting a Star Wars-themed party, complete with light sabers, storm troopers, and more. Blogger Amy Friend of DuringQuietTime.com created a Stars Wars spin on the classic Pin 16

October 2017 | nymetroparents.com

These mythical creatures are deﬁnitely having a moment this year. With the launch of the Unicorn Frappuccino at Starbucks and a unicorn horn store in Brooklyn, it seems like unicorns are everywhere, including very possibly at your little one’s next birthday party. Think pastel colors and lots of glitter to make this party extra special. You can create personalized horns for each child, or have them decorate their own as a fun activity. Trisha Haas, who blogs at momdot.com, made fun Unicorn Poop Cupcake Cones that are as easy to create as they are hilarious. You just need some cake mix, ice cream cones, and food coloring to create this one-of-a-kind-treat.

Courtesy Alison Faulkner of thealisonshow.com

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Emojis The Emoji Movie was released this summer, and since then my 5-year-old has been running around the house screaming, “We’re number two! We’re number two!” So it’s no surprise we are considering an emoji-themed party for his next birthday. One easy-todo idea is creating emojis out of clementines. It’s a healthy snack option and a creative way to let the kids make their very own emoji. Hand out clementines to each of the children and lay out permanent markers. You can hang some emoji print outs for inspiration. Less healthy but lots of fun, you can also decorate sugar cookies for fun, edible emoji. This party is also great for teens and tweens. Invite guests to play “name that movie” using only emojis. Or if you’ve got an avid texter—is there a teen who isn’t?—an emoji party is a fun way for Mom and Dad to play the “cool card.”

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Pokémon cupcakes round out a birthday party of Pokémon-themed activities.

Pokémon No mobile devices are necessary to have a good time at this party. Manhattan mom blogger Nicole Gonzalez of LilliesandLeon.com threw a Pokémon-themed party for her son’s 5th birthday. “Lucas is Pokémon obsessed, and we wanted his party to be simple but true to the characters and theme,” Gonzalez says. “A highlight for the kids were the Pokéball cupcakes made by Chloe Sackett.” You can also create your very own Pokémon Go hunt right in your own home, sans cellphones. Just take a cue from the game and hide cut outs around the house. You can divide up the kids into teams and award points for each Pokémon found. Nothing like an old-fashioned scavenger hunt to keep the kids entertained. continued on next page ii

Find everything you need, faster at

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Courtesy Christy Bergerson

Courtesy Victoria Saley

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A fun idea for favors to top off a fun Lego-themed party

Lego

Courtesy Natalie Lesnefsky

For endless options and ways to play, Lego is the go-to toy—and it can also be the go-to option for birthday parties. Create a “bricks station” where partygoers can make an original creation to take home. And baking a Lego cake is fairly easy for the not-so-crafty parent: All you need is a cake pan, cupcake molds, and colorful frosting. Blogger Victoria Saley of www.Obseussed.com created Lego-themed party favors and put a mystery mini ﬁgurine in each one!

All ready for a Shopkins-themed birthday party

Shopkins

A colorful, Hawaiian-focused Moana birthday party

Moana Thanks to Disney’s hit Moana, you can expect to see a lot of Hawaiian-themed parties this year and next. Parents can get creative by using tons of ﬂowers for decoration as well as DIY costumes for the partygoers. Why not set up a designated area where kids can dress up like characters from the movie? Have temporary tattoos and straw skirts ready for your guests to get into the spirit. Christy Bergerson from Isty Belle Studio, a Printable Party Shop in Washington state, used pineapple blow-ups for her daughter’s Moana pool party. “I was hesitant when my daughter ﬁrst said she wanted a Moana-themed birthday party, but I decided to run with it and it ended up being one of our favorite events to date!,” she says. “Playing with bright colors and tropical touches instead of going strictly character based allowed us to really create a fun, playful event with just enough elements of her favorite movie included.”

October 2017 | nymetroparents.com

These delicious little toys are all the rage, and since they’re food-centric, planning sweets and treats for a Shopkins party should be a breeze. Create shopping basket party favors that kids can ﬁll themselves. Fill several bins with toys, treats, and other party favor paraphilia. Give each kid a basket and have her take a treat from each bin—it will be like they are “shopping” for their own favors. Natalie Lesnefsky of AtHomewithNatalie.com created a balloon garland over the must-have dessert table. “We were deep in the Shopkins craze over here so the party theme was a no brainer!,” she says. “It was really fun because both girls were old enough to help a lot with the party details. I had a balloon pump and they worked together to pump up almost all of the balloons... even tying them on their own! Together we created a fun balloon garland for the Dessert Table that immediately made it a party! The secret to the arch is the chicken wire! It’s awesome because it’s lightweight and moldable. All you do is hot glue clusters of balloons together, then make a tape tail and attach it to the chicken wire that you shaped and attached to the wall. (I had two nails holding it up.) Then go in and add more with tape or hot glue.”

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BIRTHDAY PARTIES 2017 Your local guide to party places, resources, and activities for kids!

Birthday Party Entertainment Clowns.com Proudly Serving Westchester, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx 516-577-0000 718-971-5862 clowns.com At Clowns.com, our goal is to create an unforgettable and memorable party experience for you and your family. We provide the highest quality children’s entertainment and rental services in the industry. If you’re looking for a professional, dependable, and enthusiastic team, you’ve come to the right place! 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.

Birthday Party Places Art Fun Studio 547 92nd St. 718-680-0508 artfunstudio.com alla@artfunstudio.com The Art Fun Studio is a place where children and adults create, learn, explore, and have fun! Book our hassle-free, all-inclusive kid’s birthday parties. Our creative and fun party packages are always a hit! They take all the stress away and make you look like “parent of the year!” We offer exciting art activities for kids: canvas painting, ceramic painting, unique mosaic, and other cool projects. We include everything in our package: pizza, drinks, decorations, and even professional photography. Just bring cake and smiles! Contact us today.

Aviator Sports and Events Center 3159 Flatbush Ave. 718-758-7551 aviatorsports.com/birthday-parties There are 11 birthday party packages at Aviator Sports that make it easy to create a memorable birthday party for children. All parties include a private party room throughout the duration of the party, and a dedicated party host! From invitations to party favors, food, beverages, and paper goods, let our birthday party experts take care of everything. Customize your party

with fun add-on activities and food such as gluten-free and Kosher options are available.

BounceU 6722 Fort Hamilton Parkway 2nd Floor (entrance on 67th Street and 9th Avenue), Dyker Heights 347-450-JUMP (5867) bounceu.com/brooklyn-ny BounceU is the ultimate party and play experience. BounceU is an indoor recreational facility with large inﬂatable play equipment in a 30,000-square-foot space. BounceU hosts private birthday parties, athletic team parties, church youth group functions, ﬁeld trips, and even corporate events. Parties at BounceU are safe and secure, held in our clean and comfortable indoor stadium. Relax! Enjoy! Be our guest! We coordinate, set up, facilitate, clean up, and pack up. For once, spend the party with the guest of honor, and make memories that really last a lifetime.

Brooklyn Music School 126 Saint Felix St. 718-638-5660 brooklynmusicschool.org Host your next birthday party at the Brooklyn Music School. BMS has several wonderful event spaces and can offer several fun activities including African Drums and Dance, beginning piano, guitar, bucket drums, or singing. Children younger than 5 would enjoy an early music class with singalongs and meet the instruments.

Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex West 23rd Street and Hudson River Park, Manhattan Field House Registration Desk: 212-336-6500 x6520 chelseapiers.com/youth Why cross the bridge for your next birthday party? Because Chelsea Piers parties are action-packed, entertaining, and hassle-free, with more sports, activities, and fun than any other party venue in NYC! The Field House offers gymnastics, rock climbing, soccer, and ninja warrior. Hit the ice at Sky Rink for ice-skating- or ice hockey-themed parties. Junior golfers can hit the range for a party at the Golf Club or hit the pins with a bowling celebration at Bowlmor. All

October 2017 | nymetroparents.com

parties are customizable. Choose from multiple packages that include pizza, beverages, cake, favors, and catering services.

Fairytale Island 7110 3rd Ave. 646-667-9096 facebook.com/fairytaleislandplayground ic3cream124@hotmail.com Playing is one of the best ways for children to learn and grow. It is our mission at Fairytale Island to help broaden and enrich the educational, social opportunities for our children ages 10 and younger. Fairytale Island provides a high-quality, safe, and amazing indoor space for hosting birthday parties. This environment will also encourage social, emotional, language, cognitive, and physical skill development. “Precious moments at Fairytale Island.” Free gifts giveaway at grand opening! Please follow us for update.

Green Apron Kitchen 7122 Bay Parkway 718-676-4792 greenapronkitchen.com info@greenapronkitchen.com Celebrate your child’s special day with a cooking party! At Green Apron Kitchen, we will take care of everything so you can relax and enjoy. We customize each event to provide a memorable day for your favorite chef. All events have exclusive use of the kitchen and a separate lounge area for adults. After cooking tasty treats, completely from scratch, chefs will enjoy their culinary creations, play games, and blow out the birthday candles. Memorable and delicious birthday fun awaits! Green Apron Kitchen offers a variety of menus and party package options. Don’t see what you like? We can customize anything and everything.

Kids ‘N Action 1149 McDonald Ave. 718-377-1818 kidsnaction.com steven@kidsnaction.com Fun and thrills are what your children will have at Kids ‘N Action. Kids never get bored enjoying our thrilling indoor roller coaster, amusing winding train, exciting go-karts, and action-ﬁlled arcade games. Younger children enjoy a unique soft play structure and

a toddler section. Our birthday party packages include personal hostess, private party room, pizza, drinks, coffee for the adults, personalized birthday cake, unlimited soft play, and rides. For more information, please call or visit our website.

Rabâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Country Lanes 1600 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island 718-979-1600 bowlatrabs.com fran@bowlatrabs.com Named the Best Spot for Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Birthday Parties by the Staten Island Advance, Rabâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prides itself on providing a great destination to celebrate. Rabâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s throws the best party in town making it easy on parents, exciting for the birthday child, and a blast for guests! Best of all, Rabâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s does all the work! Parties arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just for kids! Remember how much fun you had bowling as a kid? Why not have a ball celebrating that special occasion at Rabâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s? Perfect for milestone birthdays, company gatherings,

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Being able to discern others’ feelings and acting based on that information is part of emotional intelligence, so experts suggest parents begin clearly demonstrating empathy around elementary school-aged children to help them learn what it means to be a good friend.

The Importance of EQ

High emotional intelligence translates to success across the board—in children academically and in adults professionally. Here’s how you can help your child succeed in all development stages. By Katelin Walling motional intelligence (EQ) is a hot topic these days, from the slew of articles discussing characteristics of those with high emotional intelligence to the business articles revealing the emotional-intelligence job skills everyone needs to be successful. And members of Bachelor Nation will undoubtedly remember the showdown between Corinne Olympios and Taylor Nolan on Nick Viall’s season of ABC’s The Bachelor, when Nolan told Olympios she lacked emotional intelligence. But what exactly is emotional intelligence, and how can parents ensure their children have a high level? We spoke to experts to get a clear picture of EQ, its beneﬁts to children, and how parents can help children build their emotional intelligence skills.

Emotional Intelligence Explained Psychologists John D. Mayer, Ph.D., and Peter Salovey, Ph.D., ﬁrst coined the term emotional intelligence in the ’90s. Their 22

October 2017 | nymetroparents.com

definition of EQ is “the ability to monitor one’s own and others’ feelings and emotions, to discriminate among them, and to use this information to guide one’s thinking and action.” This is the definition the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence uses, says Kathryn Lee, M.A., director of RULER for Families at the center. (RULER is an acronym for the building blocks of emotional intelligence: recognizing, understanding, labeling, expressing, and regulating emotions.) Meanwhile, The Center for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning combines social and emotional intelligences and divides those into five skill areas: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making, according to Jennifer Miller, M.Ed., who formerly worked with CASEL and is currently an expert contributor for NBC’s Parent Toolkit and creator and author of the blog Confident Parents, Confident Kids.

Keeping these two deﬁnitions in mind, Lee and Miller say a child has a good EQ level if she is able to: name her feelings and moods, respond ﬂexibly to changes in her environment, show empathy toward others, appraise how others are feeling, recover more quickly from upset or disappointment, and manage emotions in a challenging environment (calm herself down, articulate what she’s feeling, and move forward).

by the social context,” Miller says. “Walk them to a safe place where they can calm down, you can model breathing, help them breathe, and then give them words to ask them whether you’re right about their feelings. It seems like you’re really frustrated, is that right? It seems like you’re angry, like you’re hurt, is that right?” This very brief statement about what he is feeling and experiencing can help him begin to name and label those feelings.

Beneﬁts of Emotional Intelligence While kids will utilize emotional intelligence skills in everyday life and social interactions, building those skills can help children be more successful academically and, later on, professionally. Schools with a focus on social-emotional learning had an 11-percent advantage on high-stakes achievement tests as compared to schools without such a focus, according to a 2011 meta-analysis published in the journal Child Development, which looked at the effectiveness of 213 school-based social and emotional learning programs. “That’s pretty signiﬁcant when you look at moving the needle on academic performance,” Miller says. A 20-year retrospective study published in the American Journal of Health in 2015 compared the social-emotional competencies in children as kindergarteners and again as 25-year-olds. The study found that for every point increase in the person’s original score, he was 54 percent more likely to graduate from high school, twice as likely to attain a college degree, and 46 percent more likely to have a full-time job at the age of 25. As children become members of the workplace of today and the future, they are required to be critical, creative, and innovative thinkers. Employers require employees that are able to collaborate, work in teams, and understand cross-cultural communications in a global economy, including perspective taking, empathy, and social awareness, Miller says. “You go down the list of social-emotional competencies, and they have become the foundation of what employers are looking for in the workforce, so it is absolutely critical in looking to the future,” she says.

How to Help Kids Build Emotional Intelligence Since social-emotional intelligence is a set of skills, “they can be learned at any point. You’re not born with it, it’s not static, it’s dynamic,” Miller says. “There is not a kid in the world that doesn’t need support in this area. As they develop, they are working on their skills, so [support] is critical. It’s not a low income issue, it’s not a cultural issue, it’s very much every child needs to understand and relate to each other effectively.” So how can parents help their children build social-emotional skills? Miller and Lee share their tips for various stages of development.

Toddlers and Pre-K Build your child’s feeling-word vocabulary. Help her learn to identify and name how she is feeling. “Even preschoolers can use words like frustrated, lonely, or surprised—and when they are able to name their feelings, they become more able to understand and work with their feelings,” Lee says. One way parents can help their toddler or pre-K age child is to separate him from the situation to take stock of his feelings. Lead “a young child into a safe space—in other words not in a public forum where a bunch of people are looking at them where they can get even more upset because they’re humiliated

Elementary School Cultivate friend-making skills. Pre-K to second-grade children are beginning to create genuine friendships, but they’re new to creating friendships, Miller says. “Children need a lot of help in figuring out how to be a good friend and to have friends,” she says. “At the beginning of the school year, you can practice making introductions if they’re nervous about not knowing other kids, and you can do that with stuffed animals or action figures that they play with: Hi, I want to introduce you to Betsy Bear. It’s nice to meet you, this is so-and-so.” Demonstrate empathy. “In elementary school, friends become increasingly important. Elementary school-aged children learn to identify and become attuned to peers’ facial expressions and perspectives. So parents can support their children by helping them learn how to understand others’ feelings, and to empathize with them, creating the basis for becoming a true friend,” Lee says. In the home, where emotions are okay to talk about and explore, Lee recommends parents try to model empathy by saying, I wonder how your friend’s doing. She looked a little sad when she was here the other day—have you noticed that? or Gosh, I remember his parents are separated. I wonder if there is anything we can do to show our love and support for him? “Helping your child learn to develop an empathic frame for their experience can really mean a lot for a child during those elementary school years,” Lee says. Practice self-management techniques. Third- through sixthgraders start to encounter more complicated social problems, such as bullying. So, Miller says, their self-management skills become really important. To help your child become a responsible decision-maker, discern what her values are, and act responsibly in social environments, Miller suggests practicing these scenarios with your child at home: how to deal when she is picked on, help her practice ways to respond to bullies whether she is the one being bullied or witnessing it, what to do when her friend is being bullied, when to disengage and not be an audience giving the bully power. Kids at this age can also become very performance oriented, worried about how teachers and peers are judging them, whether it’s sports or academic. Because of this pressure, Miller says kids need really good coping skills. Talk to your child about dealing with frustration, persisting toward a goal when the outcome isn’t perfect immediately, and dealing with feelings of embarrassment or humiliation in front of peers when he doesn’t first succeed.

Middle School Explore morals and ethics. In middle school, kids’ moral and ethical development begins, and awareness starts to shift from “me and my accomplishments to an awareness of one’s continued on page 25 ii

BrooklynParent 23

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membership in a larger community and humanity,” Lee says. “So parents exploring those topics with their middle-schoolers helps support their efforts to develop this larger vision and to formulate their own values.” Talk and listen. “I think a critical aspect of being a middle-school parent is keeping the lines of communication open,” Miller says. At this age, kids are in the throes of puberty, and part of it is parental pushback and pushing boundaries. So talk about those boundaries and discuss why they are important, she says. “Kids are learning and caring more about social justice as it relates to the world and as it relates to them, and so they want to know why.” When you are open with your child, she will come to you on her own time. You may not talk about little issues, “but when the big issues come up, they come to you, not somebody else,” Miller adds.

trying to ﬁgure out who they’re going to be in all of it, you want them to feel strong and feel like they can stand their ground if they need to,” she says. While giving your teen space to cultivate independence, stay connected to him and keep the relationship strong. “Parents can support their high-schooler’s development by thoughtfully thinking

issues through with them, by encouraging the ability of their teen to think critically in their decision-making. If we can recognize that this is a time when kids naturally begin to differentiate themselves from other adults, often including their parents, then we can avoid taking it personally and arguing,” Lee advises. “This is a healthy development—a necessary

part of formulating their own identities.” As with most life skills, parents are their children’s ﬁrst and main teachers. So to help your child build her emotional and social skills, you have to demonstrate and build these skills yourself. As Miller says, “Every human being can continue to hone their social and emotional competence.”

High School Give your teen space to create an identity. “Highschoolers are really working hard at creating their own identity and independence, so sometimes they’re going to need more alone time and time with their friends and away from you. I think it’s a tough time to create independence when you are still dependent in a household,” Miller says; so allow your teen space to develop his self-identity. Miller also suggests telling your teen stories from her childhood when she demonstrated strength and perseverance. “I think it’s really helpful because at the time when social pressure is at it’s height and they’re

BrooklynParent 25

OUTINGS: Randall’s Island

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Explore Nature and Get in the Game Hit a hole-in-one, explore an urban farm, check out bee hotels, and more on Randall’s Island. ii 2

Sabrina Sooknanan

Courtesy Randall’s Island Park Alliance

By Sabrina Sooknanan

Vincent LaForet

1 Hit a hole-in-one on the island’s 36-hole miniature-golf course. 2 Decorate pumpkins, enjoy live music, and watch the Randall’s Island Chef Showdown at the Harvest Festival. 3 The Urban Farm is an educational stop at which families can learn about sustainable gardening practices. 4 Randall’s Island contains more than 60 playing ﬁelds, so you can cheer on a local team or play ball. 5 Randall’s Island is home to six bee hotels.

andall’s Island Park, a multifaceted public park covering most of a 480-acre island in the East River between East Harlem, the South Bronx, and Astoria, Queens, is home to a variety of facilities and natural areas for every member of the family to enjoy.

Farm in the City The seasonal Urban Farm gives families the opportunity to plant, harvest, and compost. It offers lessons on sustainable gardening practices such as rainwater capture, soil fertility, pollination, and botany. Your family can see chickens, the only known rice paddies in New York, an apple orchard, greenhouses, and a berry patch.

Explore Themed Gardens Check out five themed gardens created using native species and sustainable practices, including the Rock Garden and the Waters Edge Garden. The White Garden is composed of plants with flowers or foliate in various tones of white. The Hell Gate Wildflower Meadow provides food and shelter for insects, and the Freshwater Wetlands Wildflower Meadow contains unusual native plants. There are also six bee hotels on the island. The park also has freshwater wetlands, a tidal salt marsh, an urban forest, and nearly 5 miles of coastal upland habitat. Bike or walk the almost 8 miles of pathways to catch a glimpse.

Play Sports (or Cheer on a Local Team) Randall’s Island is home to more than 60 playing ﬁelds. Come out to play and enjoy a good game of soccer, softball, lacrosse, rugby, and more. Randall’s Island Park Alliance works to ensure the ﬁelds are available for NYC children and adult leagues and teams. 26

October 2017 | nymetroparents.com

There’s also Icahn Stadium, a 400-meter running track used for local, national, and international track and ﬁeld events.

Become the Next Tennis Star The Sportime Tennis Center has 20 indoor and outdoor courts, a ﬁtness center, locker rooms, a café, a pro shop, and more. Programs, athletic training, and youth camps are available for all ages and levels.

Hit a Hole-in-One The Golf Center includes an indoor-outdoor, two-tier driving range with 80 stalls, a 36-hole miniature-golf course, batting cages, golf lessons, and free Wi-Fi.

Celebrate the Harvest In addition to the yoga, tours, birding, and outdoor movie nights on the island, the Harvest Festival on Oct. 15 will have live music, face painting, and pumpkins for kids to decorate, as well as the Randall’s Island Chef Showdown, during which three chefs will be judged on their creations using the Urban Farm’s harvest. Run the River 5K on Oct. 28 also includes a children’s fun run.

Want to Go? Address: 20 Randall’s Island Park, Randall’s Island Directions: Approximately a 1-hour, 10-minute subway ride from Park Slope Hours: Park: daily, 5am-12am; Urban Farm: Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm through Oct. 15 For more information: 212-830-7722 or randallsisland.org

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Turn the page for details on Autumn Moon Festival and Parade (No. 3 on our list).

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CALENDAR

Editor’s Hot Tickets

We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!

30 31 WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?

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

Fun Fairs & Festivals, Smarty Pants

Crafty Kids, Mini Musicians

The Great Outdoors

Holiday Fun

Movers & Shakers

Show Time!, On Screen

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! Chile Pepper Festival WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 1, 11am-6pm WHERE: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 900 Washington Ave., Prospect Heights/Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: One of Brooklyn’s favorite fall events returns with food, hot music, family workshops, ﬁre jugglers, and more in this grand celebration of the almighty chili pepper. WHY WE LOVE IT: The longest-running event of its kind on the East Coast, this festival features musical performers from around the world burning up the stage. WANT TO GO? $25; $20 seniors and students; free for children younger than 12. 718-623-7200. bbg.org.

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 8, 12-5pm WHERE: Narrows Botanical Garden, Shore Road between Bay Ridge Avenue and 72nd Street, Bay Ridge AGES: All WHAT: This annual event features the canine costume contest, Sean Casey Animal Rescue mobile adoption unit, the borough’s best crafters and artisans, and the Great Pumpkin Patch. WHY WE LOVE IT: This event boasts loads of arts-and-crafts and greenmarket goodies. WANT TO GO? narrowsbg.org.

Autumn Moon Festival and Parade FREE WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 8, 12-5pm WHERE: Leif Ericsson Park, 8th Avenue between 65th and 67th streets, Sunset Park AGES: All WHAT: This festival boasts cultural performances, arts and crafts, and food vendors. WHY WE LOVE IT: The Lantern Parade (from 1-3pm) is the highlight of this popular event. WANT TO GO? betterchinatown.com. 28

October 2017 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 14, 1pm WHERE: 3rd Avenue, between 76th and 92nd streets, Bay Ridge AGES: All WHAT: This parade held every fall, has been a Bay Ridge tradition since 1967. It is the only parade focused primarily on children marching for miles with smiles in costume. Every child who registers and marches receives a free gift. WHY WE LOVE IT: Those chosen as the grand prize winners for the most creative costumes receive bicycles donated by the local community. WANT TO GO? 718-307-7855. raggamufﬁnparadeny.com.

Ghouls and Gourds

The Annual Narrows Botanical Harvest Festival FREE

Ragamufﬁn Parade FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 28, 12-5:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 900 Washington Ave., Prospect Heights/Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Shake a tail feather, show off your costume, and carouse with colossal puppets and zany stilt-dancers at Brooklyn’s wackiest costume parade. WHY WE LOVE IT: This unique costume parade is an easy place for kids to get their march on. WANT TO GO? $20; $15 students and seniors; free for children younger than 12. 718-623-7200. bbg.org.

13th Annual Haunted Halloween Carnival

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 28, 11am-3pm WHERE: 1st Street Recreation Center of PS 372, 1st Street and 4th Avenue, Park Slope AGES: All WHAT: This annual event features activities for kids of all ages including games, crafts, snacks, a bouncy moon walk, and a haunted house. There will also be performances, free giveaways, and a costume contest. Special guests include Tuffy Tiger and cameos by Star Wars Characters from the 501st Empire City Garrison and the Echo Base Rebel Legion.

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WHY WE LOVE IT: The ﬁrst 200 kids will receive trick-or-treat gift bags ﬁlled with tons of goodies. WANT TO GO? Free admission; $3-5 activities. 718-768-3703. puppetryarts.org.

Boo at the Zoo WHEN: Oct. 28-29, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-4:30pm WHERE: Prospect Park Zoo, 450 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Park AGES: All WHAT: This year the focus will be on bats, from around the world and right here in Brooklyn where the zoo is working to understand their local ecology. The weekend will be jam-packed with fun activities such as a scavenger hunt, face painting, and other Halloween-themed games and crafts. WHY WE LOVE IT: A Halloween favorite! WANT TO GO? $8; $6 seniors; $5 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 718-220-5100. prospectparkzoo.com.

Greenpoint Children’s Halloween Parade, Spooktacular Party & Zombie Nerf War

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 29, 12-6pm WHERE: Polish & Slavic Center, 176 Java St., Greenpoint AGES: All WHAT: Calling all goblins and witches, princes and princesses, super heroes and villains for the annual Greenpoint Children’s Halloween Parade and Party. The costumed parade will assemble at 11:30am; party will take place from 1-3pm; and Nerf war is from 4-6pm. WHY WE LOVE IT: It will be a spooktacular time! WANT TO GO? $20 party admission. 347-987-2765. townsquareinc.com.

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. Schoolfest 2017 FREE WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 14, 12-4pm WHERE: John Ericsson Middle School 126, 424 Leonard St., Greenpoint AGES: All WHAT: Schoolfest is a one-of-a-kind school fair for North Brooklyn students and parents. All public, charter, and private; early childhood centers; and extracurricular activity providers are invited to share new information and projects. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 347-987-2765. townsquareinc.com.

Halloween Harvest Dog Parade and Costume Contest FREE WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 14, 12pm WHERE: Luna Park, 1000 Surf Ave., Coney Island AGES: All WHAT: Bring your cute canine companion to Luna Park for this popular event. WANT TO GO? 718-373-5862. lunaparknyc.com.

Open House New York Weekend FREE

BAMboo! FREE WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 4-7pm WHERE: Brooklyn Academy of Music, 30 Lafayette Ave., Fort Greene AGES: All WHAT: BAM’s annual free community Halloween celebration returns, featuring music, carnival games, arts and crafts, stilt walkers, roaming artists, costume contest, and a candy giveaway. WHY WE LOVE IT: This free event is sure to be a hit with your trick-or-treaters! WANT TO GO? 718-636-4100. bam.org.

Soulful Creatures: Animal Mummies in Ancient Egypt

WE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FREE

WHEN: Through Jan. 21, 2018: Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-6pm WHERE: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Prospect Heights AGES: All WHAT: The mummiﬁcation of animals in Egypt has remained largely a mystery. This exhibit explores the religious purpose of these mummies, how they were made, and why there are so many. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids and adults will love this unusual exhibit featuring 30 mummies on display. WANT TO GO? $16; $10 students and seniors; free for children 19 and younger. 718-638-5000. brooklynmuseum.org.

WHEN: Oct. 14-15, Saturday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: Locations throughout New York City, see website for addresses AGES: All WHAT: Go inside hundreds of buildings throughout the ﬁve boroughs to discover some of the city’s most noteworthy sites. WANT TO GO? ohny.org.

Marc and Maniac Pumpkin Carvers FREE WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 22, 12-6pm WHERE: Luna Park, Jack’s Pumpkin Shack, 1000 Surf Ave., Coney Island AGES: All WHAT: Chris Soria and Marc Evan combined their illustration and sculpting skills with their love of Halloween to create high end, custom pumpkin art. WANT TO GO? 718-373-5862. lunaparknyc.com.

Iridescence FREE WHEN: Through Oct. 29: Friday, 2-4pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: Governors Island - Colonels Row, The HoloCenter, ferries leave from Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6, Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: The HoloCenter transforms the post commander quarters with light-based installations. Six artists produced new holograms sculpting with light to explore how memory, motion, and images entwine. WANT TO GO? 212-440-2205. govisland.com. ii BrooklynParent 29

Mixed Up Vehicles Books WHEN: Oct. 14-22, Saturday-Sunday, 1:30pm WHERE: New York Transit Museum, Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Downtown Brooklyn AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Mix and match your favorite things in this bookmaking workshop. WANT TO GO? $7; $5 children ages 2-17. 718-694-1600. nytransitmuseum.org.

Dead or Alive: Special Effects WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 28, 1-4:30pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona, Queens AGES: All WHAT: Meet special effects artists and technologists while participating in hands-on activities and exploring the science of creepy. WANT TO GO? $16; $13 children, students, and seniors. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

Shadow Puppet Storytelling

CRAFTY KIDS Drop-in Play Workshops

WHEN: Through Oct. 5: During drop-in hours: Wednesday, 1-5pm; Thursday, 1-6pm; Friday-Sunday, 1-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Park, SPARK by Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 1 John St., Dumbo AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Come inside and enjoy these art projects and play opportunities taking place during SPARK drop-in hours. Workshops include collage, pop-up paper sculptures, corncob prints, and printed autumn trees. WANT TO GO? $15; free on Thursdays. 718-624-4719. brooklynkids.org.

FamJam: Picture This FREE WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 7, 11am-2pm WHERE: BRIC Arts Media House, Gallery at BRIC House, 647 Fulton St., Fort Greene AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Against the backdrop of the “Brooklyn Photographs” exhibition in the gallery, families will use analog photography techniques such as pinhole cameras and sun-prints, and develop their images in our pop-up red-light darkroom. WANT TO GO? 718-683-5600. bricartsmedia.org.

Drop-Off Pajama Party WHEN: Friday, Oct. 20, 6:30-9:30pm WHERE: Kidville Park Slope, 808 Union St., Park Slope AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Drop the kids at this 3-hour pajama party including free play, dinner, arts and crafts, story time, dance time, movie time, The SMART Playbook leadership building curriculum, and more. WANT TO GO? $60; $40 siblings. 516-807-0447. projectplaydate.org. 30

October 2017 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Oct. 28-29, Saturday-Sunday, 1:30-2:15pm WHERE: New York Transit Museum, Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Downtown Brooklyn AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Using the museum’s vintage subway cars as the stage, you’ll design a crowd of puppets that animate a tale of travel. WANT TO GO? $7; $5 children ages 2-17. 718-694-1600. nytransitmuseum.org.

Scharen Knippen (Paper Cutting) WHEN: Oct. 1-29, Sundays, 2-4pm WHERE: Lefferts Historic House, Prospect Park, 425 Flatbush Ave., Flatbush AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate fall at Lefferts Historic House with the old Dutch craft scharen knippen. Cut out autumn and halloween scenes and patterns, some designed in the 19th century by Mrs. Lefferts herself. WANT TO GO? $3 suggested donation. 718-789-2822. prospectpark.org.

Día de los Muertos WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 29, 1-4pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Ave., Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Learn about and honor Day of the Dead through a special Mexican traditional craft. WANT TO GO? $8; free for children younger than 1. 718-273-2060. statenislandkids.org.

MINI

MUSICIANS The Knights: Everything Illuminated Family Matinee WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 1, 2pm WHERE: BRIC Arts Media House, 647 Fulton St., Fort Greene AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Led by brothers Colin and Eric Jacobsen and evolving from late night chamber music reading parties among a group of friends, The Knights engage listeners and defy boundaries with programs that showcase the players’ roots in the classical tradition and passion for musical discovery. WANT TO GO? $12; $10 in advance. 718-683-5600. bricartsmedia.org.

Stomp, Clap, and Sing with Dinosaur O’Dell FREE WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 10, 11am-12pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Whether he’s counting monsters, ﬁxing spaceships or swimming in peanut butter, Dino’s interactive songs and tall tales are fun and engaging. WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.

3HREE for Louis WHEN: Friday, Oct. 13, 8pm WHERE: On Stage at Kingsborough, 2001 Oriental Blvd., Manhattan Beach AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Join a swinging tribute to jazz legend and American icon Louis Armstrong, with Eddie Allen and his six-piece all-star jazz ensemble. WANT TO GO? $40; $38 seniors and students. 718-368-5596. onstageatkingsborough.org.

Events for Youth & Families: Lucy Kalantari & the Jazz Cats FREE WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 14, 1-2pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: All WHAT: Multi-award winning children’s artist Lucy Kalantari brings delightful jazz-age inspired music everyone can enjoy. Kids and families will love the interactive jazz-scat-along play, while singing about the simple joys and delights of life. WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.

MOVERS & SHAKERS Free Skating Hours WHEN: Through Oct. 20: Mondays and Fridays, 3-6pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 2 Roller Rink, 150 Furman St., Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: Head to Brooklyn Bridge Park for some free roller skating. Take a spin with the whole family and skate along to today’s top music. WANT TO GO? Free admission; $6 skate rentals. 718-300-2401. brooklynbridgeskating.com.

New York Road Runners Open Run FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 15, 11am WHERE: Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave., Williamsburg AGES: 3-8 WHAT: This event is an early, and often ﬁrst, introduction to a child’s lifelong journey with live music and rock ‘n’ roll. This week features the music of The Ramones. WANT TO GO? $10. 718-963-3369. brooklynbowl.com.

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

Stomp, Clap, and Sing with Flor Bromley FREE

SPARK by Brooklyn Children’s Museum

The Rock and Roll Playhouse Presents: The Music of The Ramones

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 24, 11am-12pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Flor and her band will play songs from her brand new bilingual album Chiqui Music Boom, a collection of songs that transports you to a world of imagination inside a child’s mind. These songs along with bilingual versions of popular children’s classics and fun puppetry will have the whole family laughing and dancing, broadening their worldview during an international cultural encounter. WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.

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

Neighborhood Family Concerts FREE

WHEN: Through June 1, 2018: Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm WHERE: The Backyard, 196 N. 14th St., Williamsburg AGES: 3-5 WHAT: A pop-up tot party held in a giant, enclosed, Astroturfcovered ﬁeld is decked out with games and toys for kids and the bar sells refreshments for the adults. WANT TO GO? $20. 646-707-4372. facebook.com/thelittlepeopleparty. ii

WHEN: Through Dec. 2: Saturdays, 4pm WHERE: Bargemusic, 334 Furman St., Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: Walk across the gangplank of a renovated coffee barge for a onehour, family-friendly performance, including a Q-and-A session with the musicians. WANT TO GO? 718-624-4924. bargemusic.org.

The Little People Party Open Play

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

Children’s Fall Festival

FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS 92Y Street Fest FREE WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 1, 12-5pm WHERE: 92Y, Lexington Avenue between 79th and 94th Streets, Upper East Side, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: This year’s fest promises Broadway performances, mascots from the Winter 2018 Olympics in Korea, healthy snacks, games, face painting, slime, beading, STEM activities, and a mini-golf putting green. WANT TO GO? 212-415-5500. 92y.org.

Greenbelt Pumpkin Festival WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 7, 12-4pm WHERE: Willowbrook Park, Eaton Place and Victory Boulevard, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: This annual event kicks off with Music with Patrick, face painting and craft booths; old-fashioned activities; and carousel rides. Before you go, pick up a reasonably priced pumpkin. WANT TO GO? Free admission; fee for food and activities. sigreenbelt.org.

Harvest Festival FREE WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 21, 11am-3pm WHERE: Clay Pit Ponds State Preserve, 83 Nielsen Ave., Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Carve or paint a pumpkin, build a scarecrow, bob for apples, meet live animals, trick-or-treat with local environmental groups, take fall family photos, dance to live music, play lawn games, and more. WANT TO GO? 718-356-9235. parks.ny.gov.

Day of the Dead Festival FREE WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 22, 11am-7pm WHERE: Our Lady of Mount Carmel-St. Benedicta School, 285 Clove Road, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Come for culture, food, music, dancing, traditional crafts, and more. WANT TO GO? dayofthedeadnyc.org.

The Great American Harvest Fest WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 22, 10am-5pm WHERE: Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave., Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Experience old-fashioned American crafts from the 19th-century town and take the shuttle to Decker Farm for pumpkin picking and hayrides. WANT TO GO? $6; $20 for a family of four. 718-351-1611. historicrichmondtown.org. 32

October 2017 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 29, 11am-4pm WHERE: Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park, Queens AGES: All WHAT: Dress in costume! Kids will love the bounce houses, traditional games, pie-eating contests, and cartoon character look-alikes. Boogie down to live music, take a hayride, visit the Haunted House, and more. WANT TO GO? $20. 718-347-3276. queensfarm.org.

SMARTY PANTS All Wrapped Up WHEN: Through Oct. 8: Saturday-Sunday, 1:30-2:15pm WHERE: New York Transit Museum, Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Downtown Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: “Wrapped” train cars have celebrated special events such as the Subway Series and the openings of the Second Avenue Subway and the Library Train. What wacky and wild wrappings would you choose for the ﬂeet? WANT TO GO? $7; $5 children ages 2-17. 718-694-1600. nytransitmuseum.org.

Julia Oldham: How to Escape a Black Hole FREE WHEN: Through Oct. 20: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, 12-6pm WHERE: BRIC Arts Media House, The Project Room, 647 Fulton St., Fort Greene AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Part physics lesson, part voyage toward destruction, the starry universe/video installation Oldham presents in How to Escape a Black Hole replicates YouTube tropes of self-hypnosis and ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) videos that fabricate soothing soundscapes for listeners. WANT TO GO? 718-683-5600. bricartsmedia.org.

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

Brooklyn Block Lab and Studio WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Thursday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Visitors of all ages develop their engineering skills as they engage in open block play with large Imagination Playground blocks and table top sized Kapla Planks, Magnatiles, and more. WANT TO GO? $11; free for children younger than 1. 718-224-5863. brooklynkids.org.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Columbus Day in Prospect Park FREE WHEN: Monday, Oct. 9, 12-4pm WHERE: The Audubon Center, Lincoln Road and Ocean Avenue, Prospect Lefferts Gardens AGES: All WHAT: Join the Prospect Park Alliance during the Columbus Day holiday for family-friendly activities at the Prospect Park Audubon Center, Lefferts Historic House, and the Carousel. WANT TO GO? 718-287-3400. prospectpark.org.

the park. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn about gardening, enjoy nature, and help the park look its best. Children are welcome to volunteer with a parent or guardian. WANT TO GO? 212-348-1400. brooklynbridgepark.org.

Farmhouse Family Day FREE WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 21, 11am-3pm WHERE: The Wyckoff House Museum, 5816 Clarendon Road, Canarsie AGES: All WHAT: Explore NYC’s oldest house.

Enjoy scavenger hunts, artifact investigations, gardening, self-guided exploration, and hands-on activities. WANT TO GO? 718-629-5400. wyckoffmuseum.org.

Creepy Crawly Halloween FREE WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 28, 1-4:30pm WHERE: Prospect Park Audubon Center, Lincoln Road and Ocean Avenue, Flatbush AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Take a second look at the creatures that give you the creeps. Participate in fun activities and

experiments that will make your spine tingle. WANT TO GO? 718-287-3400. prospectpark.org.

Haunted Hikes FREE WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 28, 3-4:30pm WHERE: Clay Pit Ponds State Preserve, Gericke Farm, 2876 Arthur Kill Road, Staten Island AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Meet at Clay Pit’s historic Gericke Farm to hear spooky tales. WANT TO GO? 718-967-1976. parks.ny.gov. ii

Sukkot Nature Exploration FREE WHEN: Oct. 10-11, TuesdayWednesday, 12-4pm WHERE: Prospect Park Audubon Center, Lincoln Road and Ocean Avenue, Flatbush AGES: All WHAT: Join Prospect Park Alliance for nature education programs during Sukkot, at the Prospect Park Audubon Center, the ﬁrst urban Audubon Center in the nation. WANT TO GO? 718-965-8954. prospectpark.org.

Harvest Festival FREE WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 15, 12-4pm WHERE: Randall’s Island Park, Fields 62 and 63, Randall’s Island AGES: All WHAT: Each fall RIPA’s annual Harvest Festival celebrates the bounty of the earth and the completion of another fruitful season at the Urban Farm. Enjoy live music, face painting, selfguided tours of the Urban Farm, and more fun fall activities. WANT TO GO? 212-860-1899. randallsisland.org.

Green Team FREE WHEN: Through Oct. 21: Saturdays, 10am WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 1, Fulton Ferry Landing, Dumbo AGES: All WHAT: Join this dedicated corps of volunteers who keep Brooklyn Bridge Park beautiful. The Green Team meets every Saturday to provide essential horticultural care to

On View Now Baboon Appliqué from an Animal Mummy (detail). Possibly from Saqqara, Egypt. Ptolemaic Period, 305–30 B.C.E. Linen, 5½ x 2 in. (14.2 x 5.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum; Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.272E. (Photo: Gavin Ashworth, Brooklyn Museum)

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Scary Stories with Tammy Hall WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 28, 2-4pm WHERE: Lefferts Historic House, Flatbush Avenue and Empire Boulevard, Flatbush AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Make sure you’re sitting next to someone braver than you! Master storyteller Tammy Hall keeps the tradition of scary stories alive with tales told in the village of Flatbush 200 years ago. While you’re there, make a spooky Halloween cut-out based on a Lefferts family design. WANT TO GO? $3 suggested donation. 718-789-2822. nycgovparks.org.

Halloween Celebration

HOLIDAY FUN Live at the Archway: Oktoberfest FREE WHEN: Oct. 6-7, Friday, 5-9:30pm; Saturday, 1-10pm WHERE: Archway Under The Manhattan Bridge, 50 Adams St., Dumbo AGES: All WHAT: The Archway transforms into a traditional German “beer hall” with plenty of Dumbo ﬂair including Oompah bands, pickyour-own-apple photo experience, arts and crafts, and festive eats. WANT TO GO? 718-237-8700. dumbo.is.

Subway Shindig for Families: Halloween Central Station WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 24, 6-8pm WHERE: New York Transit Museum, Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: Get all dressed up for an evening of imaginative, subwaythemed family fun in the museum with face painting, a “glow zone,” and shadow puppet play. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 children ages 2-17. 718-694-1600. nytransitmuseum.org.

Halloween in Richmond Town WHEN: Friday, Oct. 27, 3:30-5pm WHERE: Historic Richmond Town, Decker Fram, 441 Clarke Ave., Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy trick-or-treating in the historic village. There will be tasty treats for costumed kiddies as well as crafts, apple bobbing, and games. Prepaid reservations required. WANT TO GO? $6; $12 children. 718-351-1611. historicrichmondtown.org.

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 28, 2-6pm WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West and 79th Street, Upper West Side, Manhattan AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Some of the museum’s popular halls will be open for trick-ortreating, arts and crafts, fun with cartoon characters, and live demos from a magician, stilt walkers, and performers from the Big Apple Circus. WANT TO GO? $15; $12 members. 212-769-5100. amnh.org.

The 19th Annual Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest FREE WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 28, 11:30am WHERE: Fort Greene Park, Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park, Fort Greene AGES: All WHAT: Dig out those wigs, cone collars, and all the velcro you can ﬁnd for the largest dog costume event in Brooklyn. WANT TO GO? 347-559-5142. fortgreenepups.org.

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

Haunted Carousel WHEN: Oct. 28-29, Saturday-Sunday, 12-5pm WHERE: Prospect Park Carousel, Flatbush Avenue and Empire Boulevard, Flatbush AGES: All WHAT: Take a spin on the spooky ride to your favorite Halloween jams. WANT TO GO? $2. 718-965-8951. prospectpark.org.

The Rock and Roll Playhouse and Brooklyn Bowl’s Halloween Party WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 29, 11am WHERE: Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave., Williamsburg AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Join this kid-friendly Halloween party featuring the music of The Grateful Dead. WANT TO GO? $10. 718-963-3369. brooklynbowl.com.

Halloween Haunted Walk and Fair FREE

The Annual Park Slope Halloween Parade FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 28, 12-3pm WHERE: Prospect Park Lookout Hill/Nethermeade, 16th Street and Prospect Park South West, Windsor Terrace AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Ghouls and goblins lurk behind the trees, ready to provide a silly scare. After some chills and thrills at the Haunted Walk, enjoy more Halloween fun at the carnival. WANT TO GO? 718-965-8960. prospectpark.org.

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 6:30pm WHERE: Washington Park, Parade starts at 7th Avenue and 14th Street and ends at 5th Avenue and 3rd Street, Park Slope AGES: All WHAT: Merchants on 7th and 5th avenues hand out an abundance of treats to trick-or-treaters strolling the streets of the Slope in the late afternoon and into the evening. WANT TO GO? parkslopeciviccouncil.org.

October 2017 | nymetroparents.com

SHOW TIME! Crossing the Line Festival: ‘Corbeaux (Crows)’ WHEN: Through Oct. 1: Saturday, 12pm and 4pm; Sunday, 3pm WHERE: Brooklyn Museum, Beaux-Arts Court, 3rd Floor, 200 Eastern Parkway, Prospect Heights AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Moroccan performers are joined by a local cast of New Yorkers for this frenzied, full-body performance. WANT TO GO? $16; free for children 19 and younger. 718-638-5000. brooklynmuseum.org.

Events for Youth & Families: ‘From The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler’ FREE

AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Leading Broadway dancers—backed up by Broadway vocalists and a live band—take the audience on a sweeping journey through the last century of American dance sensations. WANT TO GO? $30-$32. 718-368-5596. onstageatkingsborough.org.

Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights’ Harmony Filled Halloween Hootenanny WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 28, 11am WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Brooklynite Joanie Leeds sings tuneful, family-friendly melodies. Fans are invited to come in costume for a chance to win a copy of her latest CD. WANT TO GO? $17; $14 members. 503-293-9498. symphonyspace.org.

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 7, 1-2pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: All WHAT: ArtsPower’s musical, based on E.L. Konigsburg’s Newbery Medalwinning classic, follows Claudia Kincaid and her brother Jamie up the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art into the middle of an adventure. WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.

Magic at Coney

MARIO the Maker Magician

‘Pinocchio’

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 8, 4pm WHERE: The Brooklyn Music School Theater, 126 Saint Felix St., Fort Greene AGES: 3-12, adults WHAT: New York’s own Mario the Maker Magician brings his original magic and DIY robotics show with a special guest appearance by Chile’s Enzo Nelis in Enzo’s ﬁrst-ever U.S. performance. WANT TO GO? $20-$30. 917-605-0662. marioandenzo.brownpapertickets.com.

WHEN: Through Dec. 17: Saturday-Sunday, 12:30pm and 2:30pm WHERE: Puppetworks, 338 6th Ave., Park Slope AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Enjoy Carlo Collodi’s beloved folktale from 1883, Adventures of a Marionette. The show was adapted for marionettes by Nicolas Coppola. WANT TO GO? $11; $10 for children younger than 12. 718-965-3391. puppetworks.org.

‘La grenouille avait raison (The Toad Knew)’

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

WHEN: Oct. 12-14, Thursday-Saturday, 7:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Academy of Music, Peter Jay Sharp Building, 30 Lafayette Ave., Fort Greene AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Trapped in a dank subterranean world, two restless siblings are surrounded by the stuff of childhood nightmare: a grimy aquarium, a dusty piano, and a glowing, semi-animate surveillance apparatus. WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 718-636-4100. bam.org.

ON SCREEN

‘The Cat in the Hat’

BAMkids Movie Matinees

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 15, 4pm WHERE: St. George Theatre, 35 Hyatt St., Staten Island AGES: 3-12 WHAT: From the moment his red-and-white-striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know The Cat in the Hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat they have ever met. WANT TO GO? $22. 718-442-2900. stgeorgetheatre.com.

Movie Night WHEN: Through Oct. 29: Sundays, 8pm WHERE: Habana Outpost, 757 Fulton St., Fort Greene AGES: 9 and older WHAT: See website for schedule. WANT TO GO? Free with food/drink order. 718-858-9500. habanaoutpost.com. WHEN: Oct. 8-Nov. 26, Sundays, 2pm WHERE: BAM Rose Cinemas, 30 Lafayette Ave., Fort Greene AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Curated by BAMcinématek, this series offers families the perfect introduction to classic ﬁlms on the big screen. WANT TO GO? $10; $7 for children 12 and younger. 718-636-4129. bam.org/kids.

Events for Youth & Families: ‘Rapunzel’ FREE WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 21, 1-2pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: All WHAT: Based on the original Brothers Grimm classic fairytale, this original musical is a funny and touching version. WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.

American Dance Spectacular WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 28, 8pm WHERE: On Stage at Kingsborough, 2001 Oriental Blvd., Manhattan Beach

Coming up next month: NOV. 4: BAMkids Music Series presents Jojo & The Pinecones at BAMcafé in the Peter J. Sharp Building, Fort Greene NOV. 9-12: Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream at Barclays Center, Prospect Heights NOV. 11: The 11th Annual Children’s Book Fair at the Brooklyn Museum, Prospect Heights

BrooklynParent 35

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WHERE-TO GUIDE

Pick Your Own Pumpkins ii

Research by Lindsay Roussin

You can paint them, carve them, bake with them, and decorate with them! This fall, get out and pick your own pumpkins, then playfully master them into crafts or treats! Many pumpkin patches offer fun autumn activities, such as hayrides, corn mazes, and farm stands with fresh fruits, vegetables, and delicious pastries. Spooky or silly, picking your own pumpkin is deﬁnitely one thing: fun for the whole family. As always, conﬁrm details ahead of time. Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm 1335 Whitehill Road, Yorktown Heights 914-245-5111 wilkensfarm.com Pick your own pumpkins in October, Friday-Sunday, 10am-4:30pm. Bakery and Appleseed Gift Shop on-site, plus a Farm Market with pre-picked farm produce, snacks, apple cider, and more.

Rockland County

Decker Farm 435 Richmond Hill Road, Staten Island 718-351-1611 historicrichmondtown.org/decker-farm Pumpkin picking through October (weekends only starting Oct. 1, 11am4pm; closed Oct. 8, but open the following Sunday and Monday). Self-guided tours and hayrides offered. Cornﬁeld on-site. Free shuttle bus service available from the Historic Richmond Town parking lot to the farm. Admission: $6 per person or $20 for a family of four. Additional cost for pumpkins. Queens County Farm Museum 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park, Queens 718-347-3276 queensfarm.org Pick your own pumpkins through Oct. 29, weekends, 11am-4:30pm. Hayrides and a 3-acre interactive corn maze on-site.

Westchester County Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center 1271 Hanover St., Yorktown Heights 914-962-2368 hilltophanoverfarm.org 36

U-pick pumpkins and vegetables through the fall, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am4pm. Organic practice. Three hiking trails on-site. Guided tours available. Free parking. Farm stand with farm-grown produce, seasonal vegetables, herbs, cut ﬂowers, honey, grains, and maple syrup; open Fridays, 1-6pm, and Saturdays, 10am-4pm. Bring your own bags. Outhouse Orchards 139 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem 914-277-3188 outhouseorchardsny.com Pick your own pumpkins and apples through mid-October, daily, 9am-5pm. Stuart’s Fruit Farm 62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs 914-245-2784; stuartsfarm.com Pick your own pumpkins and apples through November, daily, 10am-5pm. School tours available weekdays in October. Group tours available through the barn, cider mill, and cold storage, ending with a chance to pick apples or pumpkins. Cash and check only. Bakery open daily with pies, apple cider, apple cider doughnuts, mufﬁns, scones, and other treats for sale. Corn maze open daily, 10am-5pm.

October 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Dr. Davies Farm 306 Route 304, Congers 845-268-7020 drdaviesfarm.com Pick your own pumpkins and apples through the first weekend in November, daily, 10am-4pm. Hayrides to the pumpkin fields offered on weekends (weekdays by appointment); $5 per person. Farmers market with homegrown and local produce open daily. Large field with picnic areas.

Bergen County, NJ Demarest Farms 244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale 201-666-0472 demarestfarms.com Pumpkin and apple picking in the fall, weekends and holidays, 9:30am-4:30pm, weekdays, 9:30am-4:30pm (group picking during the week by appointment only). Hayrides to the orchard. Store on-site open daily, 8am-6:30pm. Secor Farms 85 Airmont Ave., Mahwah 201-529-2595 secorfarms.com Pick your own pumpkins through October. Hay maze, corn maze, millet maze, apple cider doughnuts, pies, animal farm, and ﬂower garden. Hayrides offered weekdays, 3-5pm, and weekends, 10am-4:30pm. Farm stand open daily, 8am-6pm. Visit Facebook page for most up to date information. Find the full guide at ii nymetroparents.com/pumpkins

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WHERE-TO GUIDE

Haunted Houses, Corn Mazes, and Pumpkin Activities ii Research by Melissa Wickes

Tom Nycz/Historic Hudson Valley

Whether you’re looking for something spooky or just outdoor fall fun this Halloween season, these haunted houses, corn mazes, pumpkin blazes, and autumn activities in are sure to make this Halloween one to remember.

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze features more than 7,000 illuminated jack-o’-lanterns at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson.

Ghouls and Gourds, Brooklyn Botanic Garden 150 Eastern Parkway, Prospect Heights 718-623-7200; bbg.org While pumpkin-related crafts are involved, there’s so much to do at this annual 6-hour celebration. Enjoy book signings from renowned authors and illustrators, waltz with woodland creatures, and witness a ﬂying ﬂea circus. Costumes are essential: You’ll want to wear them to the day’s closing parade. Festivities will take place Oct. 28 at 12pm. Gravesend Inn Haunted Hotel 186 Jay St., Dumbo 718-260-5588; gravesendinn.org Produced by City Tech’s theatrical troupe, Theatreworks, as its annual fall production, this visually stunning haunted house is high-tech as well; sensors react to visitors’ movements from Oct. 19 through Halloween. Luna Park Halloween Harvest 1000 Surf Ave., Coney Island 718-373-5862; lunaparknyc.com Not only can you see one of NYC’s largest

pumpkins here (and win up to $1,000 if you guess its weight!), you can watch Maniac Pumpkin Carvers carve a giant pumpkin! Other offerings include a dog costume parade, marching bands, and pony rides. Wristbands are available for purchase online.

Halloween costume, dance to live music, get crafty with art projects, ghoul up with some spooky face paint, and enjoy locally harvested treats! Got a cute canine that loves to dress up in costume? Enter them in the Annual Juried Canine Costume Contest.

Puppetry Arts 13th Annual Haunted Halloween Carnival 1st Street Recreation Center, 1st Street at 4th Avenue, Park Slope puppetryarts.org The ﬁrst 200 children to attend this Halloween-day carnival receive a free trickor-treat bag! Expect Star Wars characters roaming around, puppet crafts, live music, and games. The carnival helps to give Halloween costumes to families in need through partnerships with local shelters and foster care programs.

Queens County Farm Museum 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park 718-347-3276; queensfarm.org This ‘maize’ maze is produced by the American Maze Company—its ﬁrst three corn mazes made it into the Guinness Book of World Records. This year’s upcoming events include the September Seasonal Farm Stand, the Queens County Fair, and of course The Amazing Maize Maze.

Queens Halloween Harvest Festival 32-01 Sculpture Park at Broadway, Long Island City 718-956-1819; socratessculpturepark.org At this free event, make your own

Rockaway Fall Festival Bay 32nd Street and Beach Channel Drive, Rockaway 718-318-4000 Now in its 11th year, this (free!) festival offers a pumpkin patch, pony and hayrides, and other seasonal entertainment. Find the full guide at ii nymetroparents.com/haunted-houses

The Payoff of Teaching Kids Financial Literacy

Experts discuss how parents can establish skills from a young age to ensure kids will know how to handle their money. By Samantha Neudorf hough teenagers may be successfully juggling AP classes, extracurricular activities, and standardized tests, they are failing at a vital subject necessary for life: financial literacy. A study released by the Program for International Student Assessment in May found that 1 in 5 teenagers in the U.S. lacks basic financial literacy skills, which is approximately 22 percent of the country’s teenage population. PISA surveyed 15-year-olds from 15 countries to test how well they understand financial concepts, products, and risks, and the U.S. ranked seventh overall, while China secured first place, followed by Belgium and Canada. Unfortunately, financial literacy skills are often not taught at school, so it is up to parents to equip their children with the knowledge and tools to be able to manage their money wisely. These conversations should not just take place during high school either. Experts say financial literacy skills should be instilled from a young age—even as young as 3. Here, financial experts share their strategies for teaching kids money skills for life.

Ages 3-6 Learn your 1, 2, 3s. Your child may learn how to count by the time she is 3 years old and start to grasp the idea that you need 38

October 2017 | nymetroparents.com

money to pay for items while shopping. Jean Chatzky, ﬁnancial editor of NBC’s Today Show, says she had discussions about money with her kids when they were young. For example, she explained that one particular brand of orange juice was cheaper than another, so that’s why she bought it. “It’s just a running dialogue where you talk about money,” Chatzky says. In learning that you need money to buy goods, this might also be the age your child understands how to count coins and dollars and may even begin to receive an allowance for doing chores.

Elementary School Give cash rewards for chores. When your child reaches elementary school, he may begin to take on more chores, such as folding laundry and putting it away or feeding a pet, and receive an allowance in cash to be able to see money as a tangible asset. This is a fundamental way to teach him how to earn and save money, and he will be able to physically see and count his cash. Chatzky recommends having two different jars: one for saving and one for spending money. (Some experts recommend adding a third jar, for money to be given to charity.) “So much of our money these days is invisible with Venmo and direct deposit,”

Chatzky says. “It’s important that kids actually see and use money before transitioning into electronic spending.” Differentiate between credit and debit cards. Though it may seem kids are too young to learn this, it is an opportune time to teach them the difference between credit and debit cards. Gregg Murset is the founder of BusyKid.com—an app to keep track of your child’s chores and allowance—and a certified financial planner based in Arizona. He says parents can create a teachable moment while waiting in line at a grocery store to compare the two types of cards. “That’s an easy way to teach them, and your cards are right there in your wallet,” Murset says. Open a savings account for your child, and have her go with you to learn how to deposit money into the account. Roy Paul, executive director of Cents Ability—a New York City-based nonprofit dedicated to teaching students from low-income families financial literacy—expressed the importance of teaching kids how to save allowance. “It really helps them understand how to take that money and put it into an institution that will protect it,” Paul says. “That’s also a good time to explain how interest works, and that when you put this money into an account, it will grow over a period of time.”

Middle School Get them involved. Middle school is the time when your child can learn about the value of real world items, such as the property value of your house and how much bills cost. This is also the age when he might receive his ﬁrst debit card and learn how to deposit and withdraw money. Discuss needs vs. wants. Have a conversation about discerning the difference between needs versus wants. Do you absolutely need a new pair of shoes or do you just want it? Asking questions like this establishes a foundation to be able to analyze whether spending hard-earned money on an item (especially material) is truly worth it. Talk about saving for college. If your child wants to go to college, it is important for her to understand how expensive tuition will be and that saving for it should start now. “A lot of kids, poor and wealthy, do not really have an understanding of how you pay for college, from the savings that happens on the parents’ ends to taking out loans and borrowing money,” Paul says. This is also a good opportunity to talk to your child about loans—that they’re not free money and they have to be paid back with an interest rate.

High School Have them start “adulting.” High school students will soon enough become full-ﬂedged adults and should begin taking on more responsibilities. Many high school-aged kids may get their licenses, so this can be an opportunity to send them out to run errands at the grocery store, or even have them pay for gas or oil changes to get the experience of making everyday transactions independently. Think about the big picture. Paul shared that Cents Ability teaches kids a 50-30-20 rule to manage their money. From each paycheck, 50 percent of it should go to absolute needs such as bills, rent, car insurance, etc.; 30 percent can go to miscellaneous items such as a vacation or clothes; and 20 percent should be saved in a bank account. Make an investment. Stocks are an equity investment, and when you invest in one, there is a chance that it will yield a higher return over time. Murset advises teens buy stocks as a ﬁrst step

in learning how to invest money, even if it is just $20. “The best learning is done by doing,” Murset says, “Just jump in and buy some [stocks] and start watching them grow.” Speak with a professional together. It’s okay to ask for help when you do not know the answer to your child’s question. Paul recalls a time when his mother set up an appointment for the two of them to speak with her tax accountant to learn about interest rates for college. “If parents do not know the answers to these questions, they should not feel embarrassed about it,” Paul says. “If you have someone who does your taxes every year, ask them to take a few extra minutes to explain these concepts to your kids. Most of them are happy to do it.”

THE ALLOWANCE DEBATE While whether kids should receive an allowance at all is a debate in itself, parents who are pro-allowance typically fall between two sides of the spectrum. Some believe allowance should be earned by doing chores and others say it should just be given and it is up to the child to manage his own money. There is even debate on whether kids should receive money electronically or as cold hard cash. Gregg Murset, founder of BusyKid.com, is a proponent of the idea you have to do something in order to earn your money. “You need to challenge them by providing different opportunities for them to make money, and challenge them with these concepts we’ve been talking about: saving, sharing, and spending,” Murset says. Murset’s app BusyKid allows parents to assign chores to their kids, and the kids can see how close they are to “payday” and decide how to budget their money. “It doesn’t make sense to give kids $20 at the end of the week when they just sit around and watch Netﬂix,” Murset says. “We need to teach kids what we do every day: We work, earn some money, save some, share some with charity or people we care about, and then spend the rest.” Rather than using cash, Murset says kids should learn how to use debit cards or phones to pay because most forms of payment have shifted over to technology. “One thing that drives me nuts is when people say, ‘Kids don’t know how to balance a checkbook these days.’ Well, no one really uses checkbooks anymore,” Murset says. “We have to change our mindset and teach kids in a way that makes sense.” Roy Paul, executive director of Cents Ability, agrees that kids should earn money through work, but should receive cash to be able to see their money in their hands. “We really want young people to turn into responsible adults to understand the concept of hard work and what they should get in return because those trickle down into fundamental beliefs about the workplace and to work hard for money,” Paul says. However, Jean Chatzky, ﬁnancial editor of the NBC’s Today Show, has a viewpoint that is more in the middle of these two ideologies and favors giving kids cash. She believes kids should not be paid for doing chores because she says they are tasks that should just get done without a monetary incentive. Instead, kids should be given money to buy things that parents no longer want to pay for, which will teach kids how to save and budget within reason. “You shouldn’t give them so much that they can buy as much as they want,” Chatzky says. As with all things when it comes to raising kids, ultimately it is up to you whether your child receives allowance, for what, and how. Where do you stand on this debate? BrooklynParent 39

Courtesy Stacey Follman

PREGNANCY AND INFANT LOSS AWARENESS MONTH

Photos of Aaron Follman and his mom, Stacey Follman, from his too-short life. Aaron died from a genetic disorder days shy of his 8-month birthday.

An Unimaginable Tragedy

Though local infant mortality rates are lower than the national average, more babies die in their first year than most of us expect. Here’s a look at this tragedy and what parents can do to reduce the risk. By Stacey Pfeffer tacey Follman, a Westchester mom, had a healthy pregnancy, with everything progressing normally and as she and her doctors expected. But when her son Aaron Ross Follman was born on May 21, 2002, and taken to the neonatal intensive care unit immediately, she knew something obviously was wrong. Aaron had a seizure shortly after delivery and hardly moved or cried. It took the doctors 10 days to figure out he suffered from a rare congenital disorder called Zellweger’s Syndrome. The doctors expected Aaron to have a life expectancy of about 12 months. He died just a few days short of his 8-month birthday on Jan. 16, 2003. Nothing can prepare parents for losing a baby. Follman believed Aaron would live longer despite being told he probably would die within a year. “We were buying him new pajamas because he was growing,” she says. “We had faith that he was going to live until the day he died.” It’s a heartbreak that will never go away. Most parents thankfully do not have to face the horrors of losing a baby, and it’s difficult to imagine the pain endured by that small minority of parents who, like Follman, never see their babies make it to their 1st birthday. Despite its advanced health care system, America still lags behind other industrialized nations in its infant mortality rate (IMR),

October 2017 | nymetroparents.com

which is defined as “the death of a child under the age of 1— from birth through 364 days,” explains Deborah E. Campbell, M.D., the director of neonatology at The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore in the Bronx. The reasons for this are complicated and varied, and with October designated as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, it’s a moment to try to understand why some babies die in the first year, how our area compares to the nation as a whole, and what parents can do to minimize the risk.

Understanding the Statistics Experts break down the IMR into two categories: neonatal mortality, which occurs the ﬁrst 28 days after birth, and post-neonatal mortality (29-364 days). “Most infant deaths take place in the neonatal period,” says Dr. Campbell, who lost a baby herself many years ago. The IMR does not include miscarriages or stillbirths. Although the U.S. is a developed nation, 25 other industrialized nations do a better job at keeping babies alive in the ﬁrst year of life. While these statistics are startling for expectant parents, the relatively good news for New Yorkers is the IMR in New York City and the surrounding areas is at a historic low. In 2013, the most recent year IMR statistics are available, our area’s IMR averaged

nearly 30 percent lower than the overall U.S. rate of 6 deaths per 1,000 live births (see sidebar on p. 42 for details). The three leading causes of infant death in our region were prematurity, birth defects or congenital diseases—such as Aaron’s Zellweger’s Syndrome—and cardiovascular disease. Other infant death causes include babies born to a mother with an underlying medical condition and babies who die from sudden infant death syndrome or accidental suffocation while sleeping, usually with other family members, Dr. Campbell explains.

The Perfect Combo of Fun at Aviator Sports!

Disparities in Infant Death Rates Infant death rates vary greatly depending on the mother’s race and ethnicity. The infant mortality rate for African-American infants in the metropolitan area was 8.3 per 1,000 births versus a rate of 3.0 among white infants in 2013. Infant mortality rates were also higher for Puerto Ricans (4.8) and other Hispanics and Latinas (4.3). Infant mortality rates likewise differ by socioeconomic status, with high-poverty areas such as the South Bronx reporting 1.9 times greater rates—5.2 per 1,000 live births compared to 2.8 in higher-income places such as the Upper East Side or Scarsdale. Dr. Campbell notes that years ago certain areas of Brooklyn had a much higher IMR but with gentrification those numbers have been dropping significantly. David Bateman, M.D., an attending neonatologist and professor of pediatrics at Columbia University Medical Center, has been treating newborns for more than four decades. In the 1980s, he practiced at Harlem Hospital and witnessed firsthand how the trifecta of AIDS, crack, and syphilis in Harlem was wreaking havoc on the IMR rates in that neighborhood. “In the past 30 years, IMR in New York City has had a threefold drop,” Dr. Bateman says. “You can look at changes in medical care, you can look at access to medical care, but it is all about poverty and the changing demographics of NYC. Our IMR has been dropping because you don’t have the same concentration of desperately poor people in NYC that you used to.” IMR tends to drop as doctors discover new ways to save infants’ lives, such as the increased availability of clean water in the first half of the 20th century and the advent of neonatal intensive care units in the 1960s and early ’70s. However, Dr. Bateman cautions, “until the social and economic problems are taken care of, the problem of high IMR is not going to go away.” There have been many studies looking at the inequity of health care delivery and how that correlates with infant mortality. “There are still women who get late or no prenatal care or have trouble accessing prenatal care, particularly minority women,” Dr. Campbell says. While the teen pregnancy rate has dropped almost 50 percent in recent years, babies born to women younger than 20 have higher infant mortality rates and their mothers are less likely to have had prenatal care. On the flip side, many studies have shown that women with advanced maternal age (defined by doctors as older than 35) also have babies who are at a higher risk of infant mortality. Other factors also play a role. Babies born to obese mothers, for instance, face higher infant mortality rates, as obesity can lead to health problems in the mother such as hypertensive disorders or preeclampsia, putting her baby at a higher risk of complications for pre-term or low birth weight. And some experts believe assisted reproductive technology may play a role in infant mortality, especially when several embryos have been implanted, Dr. Campbell says.

Minimizing the Risk of Infant Mortality While there is no way to eliminate the risk of infant death, pregnant women can take steps to minimize the danger, starting continued on next page ii

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Children can kick their soccer skills into high gear with Dutch Total Soccer Youth Clinics at Aviator Sports. With classes for beginners to club players, there is a class for every child. Learn more at AviatorSports.com/youth-soccer-clinics

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Tours are available for applying families! We have full and half day options for 3 and 4 years olds. Applications for the 2017-2018 school year are available on our website.

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

A new afterschool program in Brooklyn Heights opening in September!

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81 Atlantic Ave. Brooklyn NY Call for an interview at (917)525-0511 or email: fredericka1917@gmail.com

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with getting prenatal care; moms who do not receive prenatal care have babies that are at a higher risk of infant mortality. Doctors prescribe prenatal vitamins, recommend exercises and offer instruction on healthy pregnancy diets, and monitor the mom and baby to help ensure a successful pregnancy, delivery, and infancy. In addition, tests during the prenatal period can pinpoint a fetus’ growth and show if there are any genetic defects or other problems in utero. Doctors are regularly developing more advanced tests that can screen for a multitude of genetic disorders. When Aaron Follman was born 15 years ago, there were no genetic tests for his disease, but today, with the help of genetic counseling, expectant parents can now test for that and many other congenital diseases. Armed with this information, doctors can sometimes perform interventions in utero or soon after birth to help the baby, while parents can make informed decisions about whether to continue the pregnancy or how to care for the baby after birth. As terrifying as it is to prepare for the worst, expectant parents should learn about the differences in NICUs and what types of services are offered at different hospitals in the area. NICUs are rated on levels from 1-4, with Level 1 offering basic newborn care for healthy infants and Level 2 offering advanced newborn care for babies born at 32 weeks or more or those recovering from more serious conditions. Levels 3 and 4 are for the most complex cases, with Level 3 providing care for babies born at less than 32 weeks who may require access to pediatric sub-specialists or babies who are born with critical illnesses. Level 4 NICUs provide the most acute care. These nurseries are located in hospitals that can provide surgical repair of complex congenital or acquired conditions. If the delivery is expected to be complicated or the baby is determined to be high-risk, having access to a level 3 or 4 NICU is key. Once a baby is born, doctors obviously do everything they can to keep her healthy, and a lot of medical research focuses on keeping babies alive in this neonatal period. Parents can also take steps to maintain their baby’s overall health, including getting children immunized on schedule, experts say. Ensuring a safe sleep environment is also essential, as many babies die during their ﬁrst year because of SIDS or suffocation while sleeping. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents follow the ABCs of safe sleep: Alone, On Back, In a Crib. That translates to having babies share a room with their parents if possible, but not in the same bed. And babies should always be put to sleep on their backs.

‘I Don’t Want Aaron to be Forgotten’ For those who have endured the loss of a baby, the grieving process varies from individual to individual. Family, friends, and community members are left to try to offer some comfort to those parents; however, even the best-intentioned efforts can sometimes cause the mourning parents pain and leave them feeling lonely. “Our society is very uncomfortable with baby loss, so people express their sympathy with platitudes such as, ‘You are young, you can have another kid,’ which really minimizes the loss,” says Marianne Walsh, a grief counselor at the Maggie Rose Perinatal Bereavement Program at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco. Dr. Campbell echoes that sentiment, saying she often hears people say to the parents, “At least the baby didn’t live long—you didn’t have time to get too attached.” Current research on grief shows there are four stages bereaved parents generally face, Walsh says: (1) Accepting the death, (2) working through the feelings of pain and grief, (3) adjusting to life without their beloved child, and (4) continuing a bond with their 42

October 2017 | nymetroparents.com

baby, which often happens by memorializing their lost loved one, whether it be through a ritual or by joining or starting a group. Follman decided to take that last route after Aaron died. To raise awareness of the disease that killed him, she created a nonprofit called the Aaron Ross Foundation (zellweger-syndrome.org). “I want people to know about Zellweger’s Syndrome and I want Aaron’s name to live on and for our nonprofit to outlive me,” Follman says. “I don’t want Aaron to be forgotten.” The process of memorializing or honoring a deceased baby has changed dramatically during recent years with the help of social media and groups such as Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, a nonprofit that provides professional-quality photographers free of charge to grieving parents to take photos of their child prior to the funeral. This remembrance photography can be a very powerful part of the healing process for grieving parents. The grieving process is not a linear progression, Walsh says, and the needs of the bereaved parents will fluctuate over time. “I often use the analogy of a roller coaster. After a while it [the grief] becomes like a kiddie roller coaster; the highs aren’t so high and the lows aren’t so low.” It is impossible to predict the duration of grieving from person to person. “Bereavement groups provide wrap-around support because when a baby dies the world stops for these families,” Walsh says. Follman says she found it very difficult to be in a bereavement group with other parents who had lost older children. For her and her husband, individual counseling was a better option, and the doctors at Mount Sinai Hospital, where she delivered, were able to put them in touch with other couples who had babies with ZS. “They were the only ones who truly understood us,” she says. After Aaron died, Follman says she felt very selfish for a long time. Despite knowing that Aaron had no quality of life, she wondered if she did the right thing by signing a “do not resuscitate” order. “In hindsight, I know I gave everything to my child. His whole life he knew people loved him,” she now says. Dr. Campbell says many parents drift in and out of support groups, often showing an elevated need for help around birthdays, the anniversary of their due dates, or family holidays. “After the funeral, everyone is around but then the world wants everything to go back to normal,” she says. “People are worried to talk to the mother about it because they don’t want her to dwell on the death. But as a mother, you are going to think about that loss every single day. And then there comes a day that you don’t think about it and then you realize you are more upset, so you beat yourself up that you forgot about your baby.” No matter how short a life the child lived, that time was still important and marks the life of a human being. “Having lost a child, even if it was a newborn or baby, still means you are a parent,” Dr. Campbell says. “You may not have that child with you physically in your arms anymore but you are still a parent and that child will always be in your head and in your heart.” Stacey Pfeffer is a writer based in Chappaqua.

Local Infant Mortality Rates The following are IMR expressed per 1,000 live births in 2013, the most recent year statistics are available: Bronx: 5.1 Brooklyn: 3.6 Manhattan: 3.7 Nassau: 4.0 Queens: 4.2

Rockland County: 4.4 Staten Island: 3.8 Suffolk: 4.8 Westchester County: 4.7 United States overall: 6.0

Sources: NYC Department of Health; March of Dimes Perinatal Stats; health.ny.gov

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Pediatric Immediate Care 698 Manhattan Ave. 718-389-PEDS (7337) 150 E. Sunrise Highway, Suite 105, North Lindenhurst 631-956-PEDS (7337) 1077 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown 631-864-PEDS (7337); pediatricimmediatecare.com Pediatric Immediate Care is a team of hearts where kids come first. State-of-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.

Park Slope Kids Dental Care 150 4th Ave. 718-488-0200 parkslopekidsdental.com At Park Slope Kids Dental Care, children who are first seen for a friendly examination and cleaning are able to enjoy the dental experience and build a bond of trust with us. A customized dental plan that includes prevention, growth development, and possible treatment is created to fit your child’s specific dental needs. We are committed to giving children the best possible experiences at our office to help set them up for a lifetime of good oral health.

Dr. Charlot Cascya - Allergy and Asthma Care of Brooklyn 10 Plaza St. E., Suite 1E 311 Saint Nicholas Ave., Ridgewood 347-564-3211 brooklynallergydr.com Dr. Cascya Charlot is an award-winning, Harvard Medical School-trained physician who is board-certiﬁed in pediatric and adult allergy and immunology. She is the chief of pediatric allergy at Methodist Hospital in Park Slope and medical director of Allergy and Asthma Care of Brooklyn in Park Slope and Williamsburg. She evaluates patients for a wide variety of allergic conditions including asthma, eczema, food allergies, sinusitis, and environmental allergies. Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades including the prestigious Patients’ Choice “Most Compassionate Doctor” award in 2012 and 2013.

Lois Jackson, D.D.S., P.C. and Associates 16 Court St., Suite 2211 718-855-8833 505 LaGuardia Place, Suite L4, Greenwich Village near Washington Square Park 212-995-8888; lajacksondds@aol.com Dr. Lois Jackson is very experienced in pediatric dental care for children, adolescents, and patients with special needs. She is the president of the New York State Association of Pediatric Dentists. To give back to the community, Dr. Jackson volunteers and supports numerous civic and cultural organizations. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the Camp Brooklyn (sending children to camp), Flatbush Development Corporation, East Midwood Jewish Center, and Fisk Terrace Neighborhood Association. Dr. Jackson was a Nickelodeon Parents’ Pick for Best Dentist for two years running!

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FOOD & NUTRITION

Conquering Bake Sales

Gluten-free, nut-free, vegan—with variety of dietary needs becoming more common, baking treats for your kid’s class can be a mineﬁeld. Here’s how to win the battle. By April Peveteaux

t’s hard enough to prepare food for your own family with all of their “I can’t eat anything with green stuff on it,” and “Oh, I didn’t tell you? I’m a ‘porkaterian’ now” bulls**t. Add in a few other kids to the mix, and it’s downright terrifying. So, it makes sense to just forget about this whole baking for others thing and move on. I get it. If you’re like me, you mostly ignore any and all emails that come from your child’s school for this reason, and many other good ones. You can only read about the latest pinkeye breakout so many times before you embrace the philosophy of, “Let Go and Let God.” And this is how I have mostly avoided providing baked goods for ﬁve-plus years of elementary school events! Apparently, God doesn’t want me baking for kindergarteners. Understood. But I did reconsider my no-baking policy once I learned about a newly diagnosed celiac in our community. I realized that if I

October 2017 | nymetroparents.com

didn’t provide some gluten-free chocolate chip cookies, no one would. Except for his parents, of course, but they were probably too busy freaking out about letting their little dude eat in public, much less trying to ﬁnd a great gluten-free, nut-free, kosher recipe for shortbread. As I began to hear about more and more kids with food allergies and intolerances, I knew that a bake sale without options would be a very sad bake sale, indeed. All of a sudden, I wasn’t the only one walking by the rows of bento box-shaped cookies and luscious pieces of chocolate cake, crying because I would never know the feel of a pecan tart pie crust crunching all around my mouth ever again. The exclusive bake sale treats were no longer only upsetting to me—an adult who, in theory, can tolerate the pain of ﬂaky pastry denial. I knew at that point that I must think about the children. THE CHILDREN!!!! Of course, I also wanted to eat a lemon bar that wouldn’t make

me poop my pants, but if I lost control of my bowels, at least it wouldn’t be in front of a group of 8-year-old boys during gym class. Probably. From that point on, I vowed to re-create allergyfriendly treats to offer up whenever I was called upon to do so. This, my friends, is easier said than done. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t do it, though.

A much more exhaustive list of allergy-friendly products lives in the resource section of [Bake Sales are My B*tch], but if you want to get started baking right away, here are a few items to consider stocking in your pantry before you put on your allergen-free apron. (Okay, that’s not a real thing, so don’t panic. Any old apron without clumps of food on it will do.)

How to Not Screw Up

Butter Substitutes

There are many ways to screw up in the kitchen, and, believe me, I’ve done most of them. We’re still trying to get that chocolatebarbecue sauce off my kitchen ceiling. It becomes very crucial to avoid screwing up, however, when you’re handling food for kids who could react badly to an allergen. Crucial. While you’re preparing these allergy-free recipes, please keep the following in mind.

Earth Balance: This vegan butter alternative comes in many forms, but you’ll most likely be picking up the baking sticks. If you’re making a soy-free treat, do not buy the buttery baking sticks, but instead pick up the soy-free version. Nutiva Organic Vegan Superfood Shortening: This soy-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, GMO (genetically modified organism)-free, fair-trade product is a combination of red palm oil and virgin coconut oil. You can find a million different coconut oils on the market, but Nutiva’s combination with palm oil makes it a better option for baking when you’re avoiding the eight main allergens. Crisco Vegetable Shortening, Butter Flavor: I grew up using Crisco butter flavor in so many family recipes that I naturally tried it first when I went about experimenting with dairy-free baked goods. While my family probably used Crisco as a butter substitute for completely different, now-defunct reasons (it was the 1980s, and butter was the enemy), it does hold up in recipes pretty well. Crisco contains soy, along with artificial flavors, so if you’re not on board with either of those, you should probably try Spectrum organic all-vegetable shortening. The main ingredient in both vegetable shortening brands is also palm oil.

Wrap It for Safety You must prepare allergy-free food on clean surfaces and in clean pots, pans, and baking sheets. You absolutely cannot boil some gluten-free pasta for your mac and cheese in the same pot you just used to boil up your gluten-filled pasta. You cannot bake an egg- and dairy-free cookie on a sheet that has been habitually used to bake cookies chock-full of eggs and dairy without covering it with parchment or scrubbing it so hard you probably scrub off the nonstick surface. You can scrub pots and pans within an inch of their lives, but if they have even a crumb of allergen left over, it’s possible it will stick on your nice, allergy-free dough. You also cannot bake nut-filled cookies on the same sheet as their nutless brothers and sisters. This may sound like a pain, so I have two words that will make it much easier to keep things clean and separate: aluminum foil. Oh, and two more: parchment paper. Before you bake, cover your bakeware with aluminum foil, or parchment paper for the cookies that stick. Before you grill, place aluminum foil down on the grill that will hold your allergy-free options. If you don’t have a cutting board, or very clean surface to prepare your safe food, put down aluminum foil or parchment paper. Your new best friend is aluminum foil. Get to know him, along with his BFF, parchment paper. No Holding Hands or PDA When you’re preparing food, keep the allergens far away from the allergen-free ingredients. If they get mixed up, your allergen-free dish is toast. Don’t use the same cutting board for fish that you do for chicken, if you have a fish-allergic guest. Also, don’t think fish is a great ingredient for a school bake sale or a 6-year-old birthday party. That’s a mistake you’ll only make once. Additionally, don’t let all this hard work keeping surfaces bleached and ingredients separate go to waste by serving up all of your safe food on a platter alongside the dangerous food. Continue to keep these foods separate, using separate cooking pots, pans, and sheets, as well as separate utensils. Consciously uncouple the allergy-laden from the allergy-free foods to make sure that the end result is safe for all. Whew! That’s a lot, but if you remember to keep your allergysafe treats safe from the first time you pick up the ingredients until they are safely delivered to the sale, you’ll make a heck of a lot of kiddos happy, as well as their very anxious parents. It’s like farm to table, but without the hipster element.

Egg Substitutes Ener-G Egg Replacer: The OG of egg replacement, Ener-G has been helping out egg-free bakers for a very long time. If you’re going to be baking egg-free a lot, I would suggest grabbing a box and going to town. Since it’s also eight main allergen-free, it’s a good substitute for the kids. Golden Flax Meal: Flax meal has become my go-to for baking without eggs. You combine 1 tablespoon of flax meal with 3 tablespoons of water per egg called for in the recipe. The key is in letting it sit for a little while before you use it. (I say at least 10 minutes, but if you have a half-hour to wait, do that for optimum egglike properties.) You can either buy the golden flaxseeds and grind them in a coffee grinder when you’re ready to use them, or buy the meal and keep it sealed up tight so it will retain its freshness. Chia Seeds: Chia seeds work in the same manner as flaxseeds, and are truly gelatinous. My only issue is if you’re creating something light in color, you can get a little black spot action in the final product. Both work well, so go with what you like. Follow Your Heart VeganEgg: What’s great about this all allergen-free product is that you can even cook this up and make an omelet if you’ve been craving one since you had to go egg-free. Baking Soda and Vinegar: I’ve used the baking-soda-andvinegar combo in a pinch and, while it didn’t seem to work as well as the magic flax meal, it’s definitely serviceable in your baked goods. Combine 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of vinegar (watch, as it will bubble up), allow to dissolve, and you have a substitute for 1 egg. continued on next page ii

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Mitzvah Market magazine

Gluten Substitutes Cup4Cup: For baking, I’ve always loved Cup4Cup multipurpose gluten-free flour, but it will not work as a flour in the dairy-free recipes, as one of the ingredients is milk powder. I also like to use all-purpose flours so I don’t have to experiment with xanthan gum or add anything else to the mix. It makes it easier, and that makes me happier. Better Batter: Luckily, my other favorite gluten-free, allpurpose flour is dairy-free (and every other allergen-free, plus kosher), and it also gives fantastic results. It’s become one of my go-tos now that I’m experimenting with gluten- and dairy-free recipes, but it is sadly harder to find than many other popular brands. I recommend ordering online and stocking up if you’re going to be the bake-sale queen. King Arthur Gluten-Free All-Purpose: Another great gluten- and dairy-free option, I also love to use King Arthur’s recipes. It’s a solid choice, and I almost always have a box in my cupboard. Almond Meal: Only if you know there are no nut allergies around, almond meal makes for some delicious cakes. The texture is lovely and moist, and the slight nutty flavor can enhance any cake recipe. You do have to experiment with it, unlike the all-purpose flours above, but if you’re 100-percent sure that you don’t need to keep it tree nut-free, have some fun with the almond flour family.

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Milk Substitutes The trouble with milk substitutes in baking is the lack of eight main allergen-free options if (and this is a pretty big if) you have a coconut problem. While rice milk ﬁts the bill, it is not as rich and appropriate for baking as coconut milk cream and coconut milk are. Soy milk and nut milks are also great substitutes, but have the obvious problem of being in the eight main allergen family. I generally recommend coconut cream and coconut milk regardless, as a coconut allergy as part of a tree-nut allergy is so incredibly rare. And when it comes to baked goods, coconut milk does have the best result in a recipe. Still, be sure you know the speciﬁcs of any allergies kids may have before you start to mix up your eight main allergen-free brownies. One more note for the bake-sale bakers: If you’re preparing food for a party, bake sale, or anywhere that you will be dropping off and not sticking around to explain what’s up with your cookies, label your treats. Let the dairy-free know if something is safe to eat by being very clear with your packaging. After all, what’s the point of making allergy-friendly treats if no one knows about it? (Note to parents of the severely allergic: You still don’t want to risk homemade treats from someone’s kitchen unless you’ve had a very detailed convo and know without a doubt that they’re safe for your kiddo. But you knew that already, I’m sure.) Now, stock up on your cellophane and decorative twine...it’s bake sale time!

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Find three of April Peveteaux’s eight main allergen-free recipes at ii nymetroparents.com/allergen-free.

5 Tips to Cut Candy Consumption This Halloween

How to control kids’ sugar intake despite their bountiful trick-or-treating hauls s kids collect pounds of candy this Halloween, this can leave parents playing the candy police, using their best bargaining skills, or just navigating meltdowns. Childhood weight and health expert Thea Runyan, co-founder and head of content and counseling at Kurbo Health, shares these tips to keep kids’ candy consumption under control after trick-or-treating.

Pick Your Favorites The ritual of sorting and trading candy collected from a night of trick-or-treating is a huge part of Halloween fun. This year, instead of keeping all of the candy, when the sorting is done, ask your kids to choose 20-40 of their favorite pieces and consider doing something else with the rest.

Leave Your Candy for the Switch Witch A very popular solution to getting rid of extra candy is to leave it outside for the Switch Witch. In the middle of the night, the candy gets taken away and is replaced with a present. This present will vary based on the age of the child, but books, gift cards, and small toys are popular options.

Donate Your Candy Another popular solution to getting the extra candy out of the house is to donate it. Kids enjoy donating their candy to troops overseas, homeless shelters, and cancer programs that provide candy for chemotherapy patients. Consider starting a donation program at your kids’ school and have other students participate. Another option: See if a local dentist will buy your kids’ candy; many already run candy buy-back programs.

Hand Out Candy You Don’t Like This is what I do. To resist temptation while I am handing out candy to trick-or-treaters (or before Halloween when it is sitting in my pantry), I buy my least-favorite candy. Then I pick my favorites from my kids’ trick-or-treat collection.

Hand Out Non-Food Items Parents often think this will make their house unpopular, but my experience is quite the opposite. Kids are accumulating so much candy, so getting a Halloween toy or game is a fun change. Sugarless gum is also a guilt-free choice that is popular with all age groups. BrooklynParent 47

PartyCentral 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. 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! Seventy ﬁve-star reviews on Google and Yelp. Fun and creative packages for all ages.

212-336-6500 x6520 chelseapiers.com/youth Why cross the bridge for your next birthday party? Because Chelsea Piers parties are action-packed, entertaining, and hassle-free, with more sports, activities, and fun than any other party venue in NYC! FAIRYTALE ISLAND 7110 3rd Ave. 646-667-9096 facebook.com/fairytaleislandplayground ic3cream124@hotmail.com Fairytale Island provides a highquality, safe, and amazing indoor space for hosting birthday parties. This environment will also encourage social, emotional, language, cognitive, and physical skill development. GREEN APRON KITCHEN 7122 Bay Parkway 718-676-4792 greenapronkitchen.com info@greenapronkitchen.com Green Apron Kitchen hosts birthday parties, cooking classes, cooking camps, playdates, corporate events, bridal showers, girls’ night out, and Mommy & Me classes.

AVIATOR SPORTS AND EVENTS CENTER 3159 Flatbush Ave. 718-758-7551 aviatorsports.com/birthday-parties There are 11 birthday party packages at Aviator Sports that make it easy to create a memorable birthday party for children. All parties include a private party room throughout the duration of the party, and a dedicated party host!

KIDS ‘N ACTION 1149 McDonald Ave. 718-377-1818 kidsnaction.com steven@kidsnaction.com Fun and thrills are what your kids will have at Kids ‘N Action. Kids never get bored enjoying our thrilling indoor roller coaster, amusing winding train, exciting go-karts, and action-ﬁlled arcade games. Parties include unlimited soft play and rides.

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

WHEEL FUN RENTALS MARINE PARK Avenue U and East 33rd Street, Marine Park 917-533-6196 LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park 171 East Drive 718-462-0010 Bensonhurst Park, 9000 Bay Parkway 805-650-7770 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!

CHELSEA PIERS SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX West 23rd Street and Hudson River Park Field House Registration Desk: 48

October 2017 | nymetroparents.com

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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

DOCTORS & MEDICAL PROVIDERS PEDIATRIC IMMEDIATE CARE 698 Manhattan Ave. 718-389-PEDS (7337) 150 E. Sunrise Highway, Suite 105, North Lindenhurst 631-956-PEDS (7337) 1077 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown 631-864-PEDS (7337) pediatricimmediatecare.com Pediatric Immediate Care is a team of hearts where kids come first. State-ofthe-art medical office equipment allows us to deliver your test results during your visit. Kid-friendly; walk-ins welcome; most insurance plans accepted. EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANTS STRATEGIC STAFFING WORKS Brooklyn and Long Island locations 631-649-6573 strategicstaffingworks.com strategicstaffingworks@gmail.com Offers workshops designed to help parents, family, and friends aid people with diverse abilities in their search for volunteer opportunities related to their field of college interest. .

SPECIAL NEEDS

LITTLE OPTICS INC. 192-07 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows 53-15 Roosevelt Ave., Woodside 718-468-7500; Hablamos Español littleopticsinc@yahoo.com

We provide eyeglasses and professional eye care for children, including infants, and young adults. We also alleviate any self-esteem issues associated with the stigma of wearing glasses. When your child leaves Little Optics, rest assured they will feel confident. SPECIAL NEEDS EMPLOYMENT STRATEGIC STAFFING WORKS Brooklyn and Long Island locations 631-649-6573 strategicstaffingworks.com strategicstaffingworks@gmail.com Offers workshops designed to help parents, family, and friends aid people with diverse abilities in their search for employment and life-fulfilling volunteer opportunities. TUTORS & TEST PREP EYE LEVEL BROOKLYN Eye Level Sheepshead Bay 1605 Voorhees Ave. Veronica Verdino: 718-891-5437 888-835-1212 Eye Level Park Slope 150 4th Ave. Danielle Guelbart: 718-260-8100 888-835-1212 myeyelevel.com Eye Level offers math and English programs for ages 3-12. Whether the immediate goal is for early learning, remedial education, or academic education, Eye Level is the answer.

Religious Schools Mary Louis Academy: Empowering Young Women Since 1936 176-21 Wexford Terrace, Jamaica Estates 718-297-2120 tmla.org The Mary Louis Academy is proud to announce the establishment of several new and exciting initiatives designed to provide young women with increased opportunities to achieve academic success, develop leadership skills, set career goals, and form strategies to achieve those goals. Successful completion of a program, all of which began in September, will be recognized at graduation with a special designation certiﬁcate. The academic concentrations will include: Pre-Med, Dual-Language/International Studies Program, S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), Fine Art, Music, and Physical Education and Wellness. For more information, visit tmla.org.

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April’s Dance - N - Feet ..........................................................9

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

Northside Center .................................................................. 11

Carnegie Hall ..........................................................................7

BIRTHDAY / PARTY SERVICES Art Fun Studio.......................................................................21 Aviator Sports Recreation.....................................................41 BounceU .................................................................................9 Fairytale Island .......................................................................5 Green Apron Kitchen ............................................................21

Llingsworth Music .................................................................41 EDUCATION ABC Child Center .................................................................21

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On Stage at Kingsborough ...................................................19

Eye Level Learning Center ................................................... 11 Mary Louis Academy (The).....................................................7

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Northside Center .................................................................. 11

BounceU .................................................................................9

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Fairytale Island .......................................................................5

April’s Dance - N - Feet ..........................................................9

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Aviator Sports Recreation.....................................................41

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

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Kids ‘N Action .........................................................................9

Rab’s Country Lanes ............................................................52

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FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT /

Flatbush Jewish Center ........................................................13

Stepping Stones Preschool ..................................................17

ENTERTAINMENT / OUTINGS

Mary Louis Academy (The).....................................................7

BounceU .................................................................................9 CHILD CARE / DAY CARE ABC Child Center .................................................................21 Smart Start ...........................................................................13 Stepping Stones Preschool ..................................................17 Two by Two Childcare ..........................................................21 Williamsburg Neighborhood School .....................................41

CLASSES Art Fun Studio.......................................................................21 Brienza’s Academic Advantage ............................................15

Brooklyn Museum .................................................................33 Carnegie Hall ..........................................................................7 Fairytale Island .......................................................................5

Green Apron Kitchen ............................................................21

Llingsworth Music .................................................................41 On Stage at Kingsborough ...................................................19 Play Fair / LeftField Media ......................................................3 Rab’s Country Lanes ............................................................52 Raine & Riley’s .....................................................................21

FITNESS Kids ‘N Action .........................................................................9

Northside Center .................................................................. 11 Rab’s Country Lanes ............................................................52 Raine & Riley’s .....................................................................21 Smart Start ...........................................................................13 Two by Two Childcare ..........................................................21

Llingsworth Music .................................................................41 Raine & Riley’s .....................................................................21

Green Apron Kitchen ............................................................21

Eye Level Learning Center ................................................... 11 Flatbush Jewish Center ........................................................13

RETAIL

HEALTH Allergy & Asthma Care of Brooklyn ................................19, 43 Jackson, Lois Dr. ..............................................................5, 43

SPECIAL EVENTS Art Fun Studio.......................................................................21 Carnegie Hall ..........................................................................7 Play Fair / LeftField Media ......................................................3

SPECIAL NEEDS Northside Center .................................................................. 11

SPORTS Aviator Sports Recreation.....................................................41 Mary Louis Academy (The).....................................................7

LiceXchange .........................................................................19 Park Slope Kids Dental Care ..........................................25, 43

THEATER

Pediatric Immediate Care ...............................................19, 43

On Stage at Kingsborough ...................................................19

April’s Dance - N - Feet ..........................................................9

HOME SERVICES

TUTORS

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

LiceXchange .........................................................................19

Brienza’s Academic Advantage ............................................15

Urban Umbrella ....................................................................41

DANCE

BrooklynParent 49

VOICES

Stop With the Trophies Already! ii

One mom offers a plea for kids to be awarded trophies only when they’ve accomplished something that deserves the recognition. By Karen J. Bannan

y kids are 12 and 8. They have been playing sports since they were little. They aren’t superstars, and yet we have more than 20 trophies sitting in our home. Trophies that take up room, gather dust, and are pretty much meaningless. We’ve got trophies for kindergarten Catholic Youth Organization basketball, our beach club’s swim team, the National PTA Reflections contest, a first-grade soccer tournament, and cheerleading. Last month the girls and I cleaned their rooms. All those trophies ended up sitting in the hallway of our upstairs. The girls didn’t want them cluttering up their shelves. “Mommy,” they said, “we don’t need them.” No kidding, I thought. No kidding. I have been against giving out trophies since we got the first shiny plastic and stone monstrosity complete with a little soccer ball. (That one was for participating in a local peewee soccer program that didn’t even have games!) My biggest complaint has always been that trophies should be for real accomplishments. Big wins. Amazing feats of prowess, academic or athletic. You don’t need a trophy to commemorate 10 weeks of kindergarten sports skills classes! I’m not the only one who feels this way. Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison created a firestorm when he posted on Instagram about taking away trophies his little ones got. The photo was accompanied by this post: “I came home to find out that my boys received two trophies for nothing, participation trophies! While I am very proud of my boys for everything they do and will encourage them till the day I die, these

trophies will be given back until they EARN a real trophy. I’m sorry I’m not sorry for believing that everything in life should be earned and I’m not about to raise two boys to be men by making them believe that they are entitled to something just because they tried their best… cause sometimes your best is not enough, and that should drive you to want to do better…not cry and whine until somebody gives you something to shut u up and keep you happy. #harrisonfamilyvalues” I totally agree and wish others did, but alas, I am in the minority. For example, a few years ago I ran our elementary school’s Reflections program and I championed phasing out the trophies. We could give out ribbons and medals, I said. It would be cheaper, I said. It didn’t fly. The trophies were ordered, and I silently cursed the fact that I would have another four of them in my house. (My kids tend to do well at those types of contests.) But I digress, as usual. When my kids handed over their shiny loot I took to the Internet to find out if I could recycle them. Yes, I discovered, there are companies that will recycle trophies, but I couldn’t find any close by. Today I posted on Facebook and a friend sent me a link about a place way out east that takes them and refurbishes them for charities. It’s about an hour away from my home, but it may be worth the trip just to get them out of my sight. In the meantime, I know I am blessed that my kids are able to be involved with sports and contests to earn trophies at all. There are many children who don’t have the same opportunities. Does that earn me a medal?

Karen J. Bannan is a Long Island writer who blogs at naturalaspossiblemom.com, where this post ﬁrst appeared.

October 2017 | nymetroparents.com

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

How to Manage Kids’ Schedules

What Makes a Good Mentor?

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Events

Plus: Learning to Let Go

Vaccines at Every Age Plus: Journaling for Your Child

Where-To Guide: Berry Picking

Dinosaur Fun

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

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