Brooklyn rooklyn Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM PARENTS.COM OCTOBER 2018
Birthday
Bl o w o u t !
• What your child really wants at her party • Venues, entertainment, and resources, oh my!
Get in the Halloween Spirit Pumpkin picking, haunted houses, and more!
Welcome to ‘Sharenthood’
Weighing the pros and cons of posting your baby on social media
HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS
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Party packages include: • A fun theme, such as pilot, astronaut, marine or spy • Exploration of the ship and submarine • Hands-on activities • Lunch and birthday cake • Costumed party host
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performed or played without
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contents table of
Original photo by ›› Big Apple Portraits (bigappleportraits.com) Clothing provided by Land’s End (landsend.com)
october 2018
22 34
birthday parties 16 What Kids Really Want at Their Birthday Parties
40
18 Birthday Party Directory 19 Birthday Planner
October Chills & Spooky Thrills
Get in the Halloween spirit with some ghoulish fun and light-hearted haunts
‘Sharental’ Advisory
Which moments with your baby you should share, and which ones you shouldn’t
401K vs. IRA vs. Nothing
Let us help you determine which retirement savings vehicle is best for you
raising kids
things to do
family life
6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 11 The Benefits of a Nanny Share 12 The Road to Happy Motherhood 13 How to Help Your Teen Be Active & Healthy 20 Parochial Schools and Private Schools 34 ‘Sharental’ Advisory 38 Teen Milestones You Need to Know 41 Open Houses 42 Professional Services and Party Central 44 Meet the Doctor 45 Family Resource Guide 45 Advertisers’ Index 46 Quotables
10 Dream Catcher
36 Babyproofing 2.0
21 10 Best Doughnut Shops in Brookyn
40 401K vs. IRA vs. Nothing
22 Family Fun a Ride Away 23 Family Activities Calendar 33 October Chills & Spooky Thrills
NYMetroParents
Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› 16 What Your Child Really Wants at Her Party 18 Venues, Entertainment, and Resources 33 Get in the Halloween Spirit 34 Welcome to ‘Sharenthood’ facebook.com/nymetroparents
@NYMetroParents Visit NYMETROPARENTS.COM for family activities updated daily and more than 2,000 parenting articles!
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OCTOBER 2018 • Vol.15 • No.3
raising kids editor’s note
NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com
EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Katelin Walling ASSISTANT EDITORS: Anja Webb, Melissa Wickes
Party Secrets
DIRECTOR OF CONTENT: Deborah Skolnik
I
love every issue of Brooklyn Parent we publish, but there’s something extra-sweet about the months when we cover kids’ birthday parties. After all, who doesn’t love a celebration? It’s a blast seeing your child so happy, and it’s also a terrific chance to put your parental pride on display. But when it comes to kids’ parties, is bigger always better? What do our children actually remember about their special day? We asked writer Lambeth Hochwald to investigate. The result: “What Kids Really Want at Their Birthday Parties” on p. 16, an unflinching look at the gotta-haves, nice-to-haves, and don’t-really-needs, through the eyes of those who know children the best. Read this insightful piece right now—it may significantly change the way you go about your party planning in the future. Speaking of public shows of parental pride, do you run to social media and share the news each time your baby does something cute or new? There’s a name for that— ‘sharenting’—and we’re almost all doing it. Dasha Kofman examines our motives, as well as this trend’s pros and cons, in her report “Sharental Advisory” (p. 34). It may make you think twice about safeguarding your little one’s privacy. Meanwhile over on p. 36, Anja Webb’s story, “Baby Proofing 2.0,” will have you thinking about how to safeguard your little one in general. It gives a terrific rundown of ways to keep active and curious toddlers safe at home; you’ll want to make sure you take every tip to heart. Then there’s a story near and dear to my own heart: “Teen Milestones You Need to Know,” on p. 38. As the mom of two teenage daughters, I know kids make some real quantum leaps in their adolescent years, especially when it comes to cognitive and emotional development. No, these milestones aren’t Insta-worthy—sorry, sharents!—but they’re important signs that your child’s growth is right on track. Read on and you’ll see why it’s actually a good (if annoying) thing that your teen is embarrassed by you or disagrees with your politics. While you’re focused on your child’s well-being (and what decent parent isn’t?) it’s easy to forget your own. That’s why Melissa Wickes’s article, “Saving for Retirement” (p. 40), is so vital to read. It demystifies the most common types of savings vehicles, and explains painless ways to build your nest egg now so it’s ready when you need it most. And don’t miss my essay, “The Road to Happy Motherhood” on p. 12. I share the “selfish” decision that helped me escape a dreary bout of postpartum blues, and made me a happier, better mom—I guess it wasn’t so selfish doing something for myself after all. Would you like to share your personal essay about parenthood with us? We’re always looking for great new submissions for our Voices page. Feel free to send yours to editor@nymetroparents.com! Of course, no October issue of our magazine would be complete without a celebration of my favorite holiday: Halloween! There’s something about the sight of little kids in costumes (and, I’ll admit, mounds of candy) that makes me so happy, and you too, I bet. For some chills and thrills, turn to p. 33, where we share information on pumpkinpicking spots, haunted houses, and more. Wishing you a boo-tiful month ahead!
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Lighthouse was previously opened in Manhattan for the last 18 years and we are excited to start a brand new chapter in Brooklyn. Lighthouse Group Family Daycare has trained staff members that will be educating young children and preparing them for their future academic careers. Come join our acclaimed program and feed your child’s insatiable appetite for learning. At Lighthouse, your child will learn reading, writing, math, social and natural science. We offer offer our students training, for the gifted and talented test!
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sic School
raising kids new places, new programs
Who: Brooklyn Music School What’s New: Four music therapy programs for kids and adults. The fall session will begin Sept. 30. Music therapy sessions range from 45 minutes to an hour, and all services are provided by board-certified music therapists or the resident licensed creative art therapist. Though the programs themselves are new, BMS has a deeprooted tradition of music therapy spanning back to World War I, during which instructors used music to help soldiers after they returned home from war. MusicKids, the music therapy program for ages 5-7, will be held from 3-4pm on Sundays, and there is a $22 fee per class. Want More Info: 126 St. Felix St., Fort Greene; 718-6385660; brooklynmusicschool.org
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October 2018 | nymetroparents.com
yn Mu Courtesy Brookl
Music School in Fort Greene Introduces Music Therapy Programs for Kids and Adults
mune together in opportunity to com BMS provides an cess,” says Piruz pro the in s lve “Music Therapy at ourse with others and to the guidance g tin ith nec “W l. con oo , sic Sch mu Music s allow the director of Brooklyn up ive gro cut y rap exe , the tow Par S music sic therapists, BM .” mu wth ed gro rtifi al -ce son ard of bo sion, and per s, physical expres release of emotion
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things to do
diy corner
Dream Catcher
Going to bed alone can be scary for children, especially those who tend to have nightmares or difficulty getting settled down for the night. One thing that can help relieve bedtime anxiety is the reassurance a dream catcher can provide. Because they were made to protect children from bad dreams, you can help your kid get some shut-eye by making this dream catcher craft from Laura Minter and Tia Williams’s “The Big Book of 100 Outdoor Activities.” This dream catcher is made from the center part of an embroidery hoop, which you can find in most craft stores. A dream catcher is traditionally woven to resemble a spider’s web. You will need some feathers, which you can search for on a woodland walk, and some beads to decorate. You will need
Different-colored beads
2 shades of brightly colored twine
6 feathers
Embroidery hoop
Glue
1. To make the weave on the embroidery hoop, begin by tying the end of the twine onto the hoop. Pull the twine about 1½ inches along and fold it over the top of the hoop from the front. Bring the twine in through the loop and pull tight. Continue all the way along the hoop. 2. When you get to the beginning, continue to loop the twine and go forward, but instead of looping around the hoop, loop through the previous row of twine, in the center of each loop. Pull tight each time.
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3. Keep going round, looping and pulling tight, until the gaps become too small to continue easily. Tie the twine in the center and trim the loose ends. 4. Tie three pieces of twine onto the bottom of the hoop, evenly spaced out. Add beads to each one, then cut to your preferred lengths (this one was about 10 inches in the center). Glue two feathers onto the bottom of each piece of twine. Add another length of twine to the top of the hoop to enable you to hang your dream catcher.
Extract reprinted here with permission from GMC Publications, The Big Book of 100 Outdoor Activities by Laura Minter and Tia Williams, RRP $19.95, published July 2018
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October 2018 | nymetroparents.com
raising kids child care
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s a parent, one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is who will care for your child when you can’t. For most, that means choosing between a nanny and day care center while Mom and Dad are at work. But why not consider a third option such as a nanny share? It’s a new trend on the rise— two or more families employ one nanny and share the cost of her or his salary. It’s a solution that offers the best of having a nanny and sending your child to a child care center. Here are the top three benefits of participating in a nanny share with another family. Significant savings: The cost of the nanny’s salary is shared across two or more families, which means the financial burden one family bears is usually significantly lower than any other child care options available. Individual attention: In a nanny-share setup, the nanny cares for two or more children (but not too many), which provides a more intimate environment than day care centers. This allows the nanny to give each of the children more individual attention every day than they would likely receive at a child care facility. Socialization: In addition to the individual attention your child will receive, she’ll also gain the benefits of socializing with the other kids involved in the nanny share. It’s like getting the best of both worlds.
Mommybites’ mom-generated nanny, babysitter, and nanny-share boards have been some of the most popular child-care resources in New York City since 2006. You can find nannies and babysitters as well as help them get new jobs. Join this community of moms and receive weekly parenting advice at mommybites.com/newyork.
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The Road to Happy Motherhood
TP Enders
raising kids voices
››
The author, her family, and her Miata, almost six months after she purchased it
How my dream car helped me get back in gear after the post-baby blues.
I
fell in love with the Mazda Miata around the same time I fell in love with my husband. Both were great looking, dependable, and made me feel like life’s journeys would be a whole lot more exciting if we made them together. I married my prince charming a few years later, but we drove away in his Buick, not my tiny dream car. I didn’t mind, especially since marriage itself speeded us along in thrilling new directions. We had a daughter, traded our cool Manhattan apartment for a little house with a white picket fence in my hometown, and welcomed another daughter. It felt like we’d gone from zero to two kids in under 60 seconds! We bought a minivan, something I thought I’d never do. Indeed, between sour-milk baby bottles and suburban living, some days I scarcely recognized myself. But I was content. Then something happened: An invitation to my high school reunion arrived along with a form asking what I’d done with my life. Suddenly I felt as blank as the form. What had I done with my life? My teenage dreams were a bust. I wasn’t a famous writer living in Manhattan, the way I’d planned. I was back living in my hometown. I was a minivan mom. Blame it on the high-school reunion committee or hormones (I was postpartum), but as I measured the unexciting progress of my life against the ruler of adolescent ambition, I felt like a huge failure. I slipped into a grey, tearful state that lasted for months. Sleepless, I’d hit the gym at 5am. Then one morning on the way home, I passed a Miata. My heart leapt at the sight; it was the best I’d felt in a long time. And a realization washed over me: I didn’t have to be a minivan mom after all. “I’m buying a Miata,” I told everybody. My husband was cool with it—but my mom friends disapproved. “Will you use it enough?” asked one pal, though she herself had once bought an expensive party dress she’d worn only once. “Can you afford it?” quizzed another friend, whose SUV cost multiples of what my Miata, which I planned to buy used, would. Then finally, 12
October 2018 | nymetroparents.com
By Deborah Skolnik
one friend voiced the true sticking point: “It’s a two-seater. Where will you put the kids?” she pressed, even knowing we were keeping the minivan and the Buick. I was disappointed in, or rather for, my friends. We mothers have only come so far. We urge one another to do things that affirm our individuality—provided they tie into our families. We cheer each other on to assert our financial power—so long as our purchases can be stashed in the closet, away from judgmental eyes. It’s fine for a dad to buy himself a sports car— in fact my neighbor just had—but if a mom buys herself one, it’s unseemly. Rattled, I called my oldest friend, Matt, for advice. “You’re in a full-fledged midlife crisis!” he teased. Then he grew serious. “My buddy used to drive me around in his sports car,” he mused. “On the highway, it felt like all four wheels had lifted off the ground.” He paused. “Buy the car.” So I did. I had to learn to drive stick, which was intimidating. It takes finesse to start a manual transmission car from a dead stop. At first I either stalled out or hit the gas too fast, sending the engine into frenetic revolutions. Yet each day, my driving improved, and so did my blues, until both miraculously smoothed out. Who knew a car had healing powers? Okay, it wasn’t really the car; it was the fact that I had done something solely for myself. Some shifts, I came to see, are automatic—girlhood’s dreams give way to motherhood’s realities. But figuring out how to be a mom while still asserting your individuality? That’s a conscious shift, but one worth making. After weeks of practice, I drove my daughter to preschool in the Miata. As I pulled out of the parking lot, several mothers gathered around. One stroked the Miata’s door. “Looks fun,” she said. I smiled. Then I prayed, Please God, don’t let me stall out in front of everyone. I pulled out smoothly. I was barely going 10 miles per hour, but it felt like all four wheels had lifted off the ground.
raising kids in the know
How to Help Your Teen Be Active & Healthy ››
G
By Melissa Wickes
ood exercise and eating habits are vital and are best established at a young age. By teaching your teen effective and enjoyable ways to exercise and stay well, you are setting her up to live a healthy, happy life. Here are five ways you can help your teen get excited about fitness and wellness, according to Christian Palmer, strength and conditioning coach and personal trainer at Equinox Mamaroneck. Make sure his focus isn’t the scale. In a world dominated by social media and superficial mindsets, teens are very conscious of how they look versus how they feel. Palmer suggests the first thing to teach your child when it comes to exercising is not to focus on the scale, but instead on the way that exercising makes him feel. Help her eat healthy, but don’t enforce a strict diet. Developing a healthy and well-balanced diet is important, especially in growing teenagers. But, giving a strict, structured diet to a teen may not be necessary or the best option for her. Instead, Palmer suggests encouraging her to make the best choices she can and emphasize eating from the ground (unprocessed, natural foods).
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Don’t be afraid of weights. A lot of parents are afraid their child will stunt his growth if he begins lifting weights at a young age. The reality, Palmer says, is most kids aren’t strong enough to lift weights that would negatively impact their growth in any way. Teach him the proper form for motions such as squatting, deadlifting, and pressing. “Strength is typically what translates to better movers, better athletes, and ultimately more confidence,” Palmer says. Help your child develop a structured weightlifting plan, and keep it simple! Make sure she loves what she’s doing. Forcing your kid to work out in a way she doesn’t find enjoyable can be the easiest way to make her hate exercising, Palmer warns. Instead of making her go for a run when she really doesn’t want to, find out what she loves and integrate it into the exercise plan. “Take your daughter to the field, invite her friend, and make it a competition. Make it fun but add a challenge so she gets the cardiovascular benefit as well,” Palmer says Lead by example. “A lot of kids come to me and say, ‘my dad wants me to go to the gym but he doesn’t really do it so I don’t really think it’s that important,’” Palmer says. Parents are the strongest influence on their children. If you are implementing healthy eating and exercise habits in your own life, it will not only be easier for your teen to do so, but it might make him want to.
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online extras Wondering when to start planning your child’s birthday party? Check out our ultimate party planning timeline at ›› nymetroparents.com/party-timeline
Was your child born near or on a holiday? Find out how to make the birthday party still feel special at ›› nymetroparents.com/holiday-birthday
Your teen has hit a birthday milestone, now what? Event planners share their tips for planning bar and bat mitzvahs, sweet 16s, and quinceañeras at ›› nymetroparents.com/birthday-bash
When the attention is all on them, kids can sometimes find it difficult to focus on whether their friends are having fun. Read tips for how to raise a gracious host at ›› nymetroparents.com/gracious-host
inside
raising kids birthday parties
16 W hat Kids Really Want at Their Birthday Parties: Learn what will make the celebration truly special for your child. irthday Party Directory: Find 18 B all the resources you need to plan your child’s ultimate party. 19 B irthday Planner: Find the perfect party place or entertainment.
What Kids Really Want at Their Birthday Parties ››
Bigger isn’t always better—learn what will make the celebration truly special.
T
ake it from parents who know: Your kids may say they want a huge birthday blowout at the local arcade, but what they really want is a celebration that’s far more meaningful—and less chaotic. “A birthday is a time to enter your child’s world,” says Julie Morganstern, author of several books, including her latest, Time to Parent: Organizing Your Life to Bring Out the Best in Your Child and You. “All kids want is for someone to see [them] and to understand [them] and that’s what I think a birthday celebration is really about.” In fact, keeping the party smaller and simpler may make a bigger impression on your kid in the long run. “The most memorable experiences are those that incorporate multiple senses, evoke an emotional connection, and incorporate an element of novelty,” says Chrissy Khachane, an educational consultant and parenting coach. “Slowing down a bit to focus on some of life’s simple pleasures—family, good food, and laughter—affords children a party that incorporates the most important parts of childhood.” So this year, instead of getting into a frenzy planning your child’s party, consider tapping into your sense of nostalgia. Plan a day that involves playing tag in the backyard, tossing a ball, gathering on a beach or in the park, or playing board games or Duck, Duck, Goose. And whatever you do, consider taking a few cues from these parents and experts as they share their take on rethinking our kids’ birthday parties.
Step Away from the Competition
It’s super easy for birthday parties to become competitive, or all about status, where parents are one-upping each other over everything from the venue to just how deluxe the goodie bags are, Morganstern warns. Instead, “you want to establish values and make sure your kids 16 October 2018 | nymetroparents.com
By Lambeth Hochwald
don’t get caught up in all that external pressure to compete,” Moganstern says. “You also want to focus on redefining what the real value is of a birthday party. In my book it’s all about celebrating who you are, it’s connecting with the people you really love and the ones who care most about you. That’s your family and friends. It’s not about impressing anybody. If it’s about competition with other parents then the party isn’t about [your child], it’s about other people.”
Let Your Child Play Party Planner
If your child insists on helping out with the party planning, don’t hesitate to invite him to play an important role—depending on how old he is, of course. “One way you can let your child take the lead is picking out the party theme,” says Amy Horta, owner of AEH Events, a custom event planning and design firm in Westchester County. Horta let her own 3-year-old son have a hand in creating his construction-themed birthday party. “He went with me on a trip to Home Depot (his favorite place!) for décor,” she says. “He also helped paint toolbox favors for all his guests.”
Exercise Crowd Control
If you have a toddler who doesn’t love big crowds, having a party with lots of guests just won’t be fun for her. “If there are loads of family and friends who want to shower the birthday boy or girl with good wishes, consider inviting family over for cake the weekend before the birthday and then have a small kids’ party the weekend after,” Horta recommends. “It may be a little more work planning two events, but it helps make sure that the birthday boy or girl don’t get completely overwhelmed on their big day!”
Teens, too, may feel that a crowded bash isn’t right for them. They may prefer to do a special activity with couple of friends in place of a bustling party. “Think indoor rock climbing, a trapeze class, a double feature at the movies—with popcorn—or even a day out in Manhattan,” Horta says. “A birthday celebration doesn’t always have to mean a big party with lots of people.”
BIRTHDAY MARKETPLACE
Art’s House Schools of Music, Dance and Fine Arts
Gather Somewhere Unique
“We keep our daughter’s birthday parties pretty low key,” says Raakhee Mirchandani Singh, a Hoboken, NJ mom of Satya, 5, and author of the forthcoming kids’ book, Super Satya Saves the Day. “For Satya’s second, third, and fourth birthdays, we’ve had a story time at our local bookstore,” she says. The owner “reads some of Satya’s favorite titles, and some new ones too. And Satya and her friends love it,” Singh says. Instead of receiving goodie bags, “the kids go home with a book,” Singh adds. “I feel awesome knowing we’re...encouraging the next generation of bookworms!”
Honor Your Kid’s Passions
“When my daughter was seven, we decided to focus her birthday party around her interest in dance,” Morganstern says. “I invited a woman who did dance parties to come and lead the kids in a series of dances. It was so wonderful to watch our daughter share something she loved with her friends.” Incorporating your child’s interests is a great way to make a party special, Khachane agrees: “Through focusing on something that is important to the birthday girl or boy there is a strong connection that takes the experience beyond what one might find at a [generic] party.”
See a Party as a Way to Build Community
A birthday party should absolutely focus fully on the birthday boy or girl, but it can also serve another purpose, especially if you’re new in town. For Cherie Corso, a Westchester parent expert, blogger, and mom of a 15-year-old daughter, birthday parties through the years have been wonderful ways to meet other families in town. “My daughter always wanted to invite her whole class so these gatherings were a great way for me to get to know the parents,” Corso says. “Best of all, my daughter has wonderful memories of those gatherings and I got to meet so many other families, too.”
Let Your Kids Have a Say
After Fort Lee, NJ mom Zaida Khaze’s daughters spent their sixth and seventh birthday parties with close friends, they both announced that for their next birthdays they’d rather go somewhere special. “With all the money that was spent per party for ninety minutes of fun and a goodie bag, I didn’t object,” Khaze says. “The next year, my older daughter opted for a weekend visit with the immediate family to [Great] Wolf Lodge and my younger daughter wanted to go to Six Flags.” Khaze says she was happy to not spend the time or money planning parties. “I would rather spend that money on their birthday presents. I was very impressed how my kids figured this out on their own.”
Register Now for Fall Classes
Music, Dance & Fine Art Lessons for All Ages
Tired of running between activities?
Save valuable hours each month by scheduling music, dance and art lessons for your children at the same time.
Private Music Lessons
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Visit our website for Helpful Free Parent Guides Art’s House Schools 1003 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11224
Call us today to see how we can help you save time in your busy schedule.
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ART BIRTHDAY PARTIES FOR CREATIVE KIDS AT ART FUN STUDIO • CANVAS • CERAMIC • MOSAIC • TODDLER PACKAGES AVAILABLE
"I had my daughter's 9 years old birthday party here and I was extremely happy we chose Art Fun Studio." S.B. Review on Yelp. 547 92 Street, Brooklyn, NY 11209 718-680-0508 www.artfunstudio.com
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Focus on the Love
GLASSBLOWING NEON BEADMAKING FUSING AND MORE... Celebrate your special day with a memorable art making experience!
“Satya just wants to feel loved and celebrated,” Singh says. “I don’t think she cares about the specifics of the venue, the cake, or anything else...As for gifts, we’re pretty aggressive in our ‘no gifts’ policy and have been since her first birthday as Satya is a cancer survivor. Our friends bring gift cards to the party that we donate to the Tomorrows Children’s Fund in Hackensack,” she says. “Truth is, the kid has everything a little girl could want and then some: good health, sneakers that light up, parents who adore her, and more Wonder Woman junk than I ever thought humanly possible. So we encourage her to share with others.” And isn’t that the point of an awesome birthday party after all? Lambeth Hochwald is a New York City-based journalist covering trends, relationships, and life in New York City.
Art Classes
647 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11217
www.urbanglass.org contact karina@urbanglass.org or 718.625.3685 for more info
BrooklynParent 17
Birthday Party Directory 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.
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. It is an indoor recreational facility with large inflatable play equipment in a 30,000-squarefoot 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.
Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex
West 23rd Street and Hudson River Park, Manhattan chelseapiers.com/birthday 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 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 parties customizable. Choose from packages that include pizza, beverages, cake, favors, and catering.
Fairytale Island
7110 3rd Ave. 646-667-9096 facebook.com/fairytaleislandplayground icecream124@hotmail.com Playing is one of the best ways for children to learn and grow. It is our mis-
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sion at Fairytale Island to help broaden and enrich the educational and 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.”
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Pier 86, West 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue, Manhattan 646-381-5010 intrepidmuseum.org groupsales@intrepidmuseum.org Celebrate your child’s birthday with a one-of-a-kind party! The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum will captivate groups of all ages and interests. Choose from exciting themes, value packages, and customization options to create a birthday adventure they’ll remember forever. Packages start at $30 per person. Experience life aboard an aircraft carrier during Operation Slumber! Enjoy after-hours access to the ship and the Space Shuttle Pavilion as well as tours and activities. It’s ideal for scouts, students, and campers ages 6-17.
Max Adventures Party Center
2378 Flatbush Ave. 718-676-9577 maxadventuresny.com party@maxadventuresny.com We are unique, we are big, and we are private. Our mission is to provide fun for our guests in a safe environment in our new, and beautiful, two-floor, 7,000-square-foot facility. We are unlike any other party place or entertainment venue. When the lights are off and the special effects are turned on, the whole place will glow. Our 1,000-square-foot private party room can accommodate a large number of children and adults. Max Adventures is a private party facility with reasonable pricing and unique attractions.
UrbanGlass
647 Fulton St. 718-625-3685 urbanglass.org/classes Celebrate your next birthday or occasion with UrbanGlass and discover the thrill of glass in all its forms! Located in the heart of Brooklyn, we offer fun-filled party packages that include 1-, 2-, and 3-hour lessons in glassblowing, bead making, neon, and fusing. Expert instructors will guide the activity of your choice, with safety talks and demonstrations tailored to the age and interests of your group. Continue your exploration of glass with one of our youth and all-ages weekend workshops. Scholarships are available! Visit urbanglass. org/scholarships to apply.
Wheel Fun Rentals: Marine Park
Avenue U and East 33rd Street, Marine Park 917-533-6196 LeFrak Center at Lakeside, 171 East Drive, Prospect Park 718-462-0010 9000 Bay Parkway, Bensonhurst Park 805-650-7770 Flushing Meadows-Corona Park David Dinkins Circle Meridian Road, Queens 929-343-2366 Flushing Meadows-Corona Park at North Meadow Lake Meadow Lake Road West, Queens 917-231-5519 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 in which teams can compete to solve riddles. There’s no better way get active! Visit us in Queens at Flushing Meadows North Meadow Lake, and David Dinkins’ Circle or Brooklyn’s Marine Park, Bensonhurst Park, or Lakeside Prospect Park. Call today to book your event: 805-650-7770.
Birthday Planner Classes & Programs
Activity Birthday Party Entertainment
Clowns.com
Birthday Party Places
Art Fun Studio BounceU Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex
clowns.com
516-577-0000
artfunstudio.com
718-680-0508
bounceu.com/brooklyn-ny
347-450-5867
chelseapiers.com/youth
212-336-6500 x6520
facebook.com/ fairytaleislandplayground
646-667-9096
intrepidmuseum.org
646-381-5166
Max Adventures Party Center
maxadventuresny.com
718-676-9577
UrbanGlass
urbanglass.org/classes
718-625-3685
wheelfunrentals.com
917-533-6196
Fairytale Island Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Wheel Fun Rentals: Marine Park
SMART START
Early Childhood Center, Inc. 8411 Fort Hamilton Pkwy. Brooklyn, NY 11209 718-921-1868 Fax-718-921-6713
REGISTER NOW! For Fall 2018 Full/Part Time Sessions available for: 2 year old class & 3 year old class
FREE Full Day D.O.E. Pre-K For All! Our curriculum helps children understand and develop skills which will enable them to succeed and make sense of the world through: Dramatic Play, Free Play, Outdoor Play, Arts, Crafts, Music, and Movement while incorporating: Literacy, Math, Science, and Social Studies Child Centered, Certified Teachers, Extended Hours, Year Round Care
Susan Walsh, Principal Nathan Lynch Director of Admissions, Marketing, and Development BrooklynParent 19
Parochial Schools and Private Schools PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS
A. Fantis Parochial School Pre-K3 through eighth grade, including UPK
Theodore G. Tasoulas, principal 195 State St. afantis.org Since 1963, A. Fantis Parochial School of Saints Constantine and Helen Cathedral has established a tradition of excellence in Brooklyn Heights. A. Fantis provides a modern education infused with Hellenic culture and Christian values. We promote academic excellence and strength of character in a small, nurturing environment that cultivates scholars who will mature into responsible citizens and real-world problem-solvers. Our high school admissions team has helped our graduates enter their schools of choice, including Stuyvesant, Poly Prep, and Dominican Academy. We invite you to tour the facility at the next open house.
Leif Ericson Day School
1037 72nd St. 718-748-9023 Christine Hauge, principal ledsny.org Leif Ericson Day School celebrates more than 50 years as a Christian school for children in nursery-eighth grade. Small class sizes and state-approved curriculum (but no state tests) are enhanced by multi-faceted music performance classes and a state-of-the-art computer technology program. Professional, nurturing faculty and staff, and a safe, caring environment are offered. Graduates go on to the finest high schools. Counseling, DOE services, door-to-door bus service, and morning and afternoon extended hours are provided. Personal tours always available.
Mary Louis Academy: Empowering Young Women Since 1936
176-21 Wexford Terrace, Jamaica Estates, Queens 718-297-2120 tmla.org The Mary Louis Academy has established several exciting initiatives designed to provide young women with increased opportunities to achieve academic success, develop leadership skills, set career goals, and form
strategies to achieve those goals. Successful completion of a program, all of which begin September 2018, will be recognized at graduation with a special designation certificate. The academic concentrations will include: Pre-Med, Dual-Language/International Studies Program, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), Fine Art, Music, and Physical Education and Wellness. For more info, visit tmla.org.
Saint Saviour Catholic Academy
701 8th Ave., Park Slope 718-768-8000 x4 saintsaviourcatholicacademy.org nlynch@sscaparkslope.org Saint Saviour Catholic Academy prepares students from nursery-eighth grade for higher education. We welcome and support diversity of ethnicity and race, religion, socioeconomic background, and learning style. Our academy offers a balanced curriculum of rigorous academics, designed to meet the common core standards, and a vibrant arts program paired with the spiritual teachings of Catholicism. We welcome you to visit our academy! To schedule a visit with our director of admissions, Nathan Lynch, see contact information above.
St. Francis Xavier-Queen of All Saints Catholic Academy
300 Vanderbilt Ave. 718-857-3114 sfx-qas.org St. Francis Xavier-Queen of All Saints Catholic Academy values and nurtures the whole child in an ethically responsive manner. To this end, the academy is more than a building; it is a source of support, growth, community, and family throughout the student’s life. Our active alumni community is part of a living system of the St. Francis Xavier-Queen of All Saints Catholic Academy network and the success of any member of our network is a success for all.
St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Academy
241 Prospect Park W. 718-768-7629 sjwca.org St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Academy offers Toddler Time, Pre-K3, Pre-K4, and kindergarten-eighth grades. The academy is a safe, encour-
BROOKLYN’S MUSIC EDUCATION CHOICE
FOR T ODAY’S MODERN FAMILY
Fun and exciting group piano, music composition & production, and performance/band classes for ages 5 to adult.
ENROLL TODAY!
94 LUQUER ST. BROOKLYN, NY 11231
718.576.3514 keyl ab.nyc 20
October 2018 | nymetroparents.com
aging environment that challenges bright minds to discover the best in themselves, their classmates, and the world. Development of character, self-discipline, and respect are strong pillars of SJWCA’s curriculum and culture. SJWCA offers affordable after-school, Spanish, Music, Computer and Coding, Honors Club, SETSS, OT, Speech Services, IEP, and a nurse. Prime location in Windsor Terrace, nearby Prospect Park. F/G trains across the street. Bus and tuition assistance is available for those who qualify.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Lighthouse Group Family Daycare
212-219-8813 lighthouse-familydaycare.com lighthouse11209@yahoo.com Lighthouse Group Family Daycare was originally called Lighthouse Preschool Inc. and was founded in New York City in 2001. Despite our change of location, our teachers still have the ambitious idea of guiding children through their early years of life in a preschool setting. We welcome children ages 2-5 and provide them with everything they need to succeed and thrive in school: love, encouragement, social interaction with children their age, and a variety of fundamental skills to prepare them for school. Registration is open year-round.
Stepping Stones Nursery School
245 86th St., Bay Ridge 718-630-1000 Stepping Stones-The Next Step 9321 Ridge Blvd. 718-630-1001 steppingstones86.com steppingstones86@aol.com Join Stepping Stones this fall to share the joys of early exploration and discovery. The children at Stepping Stones achieve successful social skills and build a wonderful rapport with their peers and teachers. Watch your child grow through hands-on learning and small group instruction based on an independent and creative curriculum. Full- and part-time programs for ages 2-4, as well as an after-school program are offered. Hours of operation are from 7am-6:30pm. Come visit us. We look forward to meeting you and your child.
things to do
where-to guide Courtesy Du’s Donuts
10 Best Doughnut Shops in Brookyn ›› By Allison Ingrum
T
here is no better way to start (or end) your day than with a stop into one of the best Brooklyn-based doughnut shops. With vegan owners selling vegan doughnuts and family-owned local shops that have been passed down through the generations, Brooklyn offers it all. Whether you live in Williamsburg or Flatbush or you are just passing through Greenpoint, Bed-Stuy, or Park Slope, these doughnut shops are definitely worth the stop, especially since they won’t break the bank. Du’s Donuts and Coffee 107 N. 12th St., Williamsburg 718-215-8770 Specially made by award-winning Chef Wylie Dufresne, Du’s Donuts are perfect for your taste buds (and your next Instagram). With wild flavors such as orange-pistachio, Nutella cherry, and PB&J, these “science-driven” cake doughnuts are priced at $3.50 each. Dough 488 Lafayette Ave. (at Franklin Avenue), Bed-Stuy 347-533-7544 Head into the original location in Bed-Stuy, which opened in 2010, for the essence and culture that Dough began with. While it offers a range of unique, delicious flavors inspired by the tastes of Latin America, the most popular are the salted chocolate caramel, Dulce de leche with toasted almonds, and hibiscus.
Du’s Donuts and Coffee, located in Williamsburg, offers up such doughnut flavors as cinnamon apple, chocolate caramel brownie, brown butter key lime, and oatmeal chai.
7th Avenue Donuts & Diner 324 7th Ave., Park Slope 718-768-3410 7th Avenue Donuts & Diner has been operating 24 hours a day for more than 40 years and still maintains the family-owned coffee shop and diner feel. The shop’s hand-made doughnuts are made every day with the same Hobart mixer that was used on day one. Shaikh’s Place 1503 Avenue U, Sheepshead Bay 718-375-2572 Step into Shaikh’s Place, formerly known as Donut Shoppe, to get a fresh doughnut, made daily by the owner, Shaikh Kalam, for less than a dollar.
Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop 727 Manhattan Ave., Greenpoint 718-389-3676 Hardly anything has changed inside the shop since your grandparents frequented the shop in the 1950s. The old school pink and teal uniforms, the original prices, and the shops original signage will make you feel as if you have been transported back in time.
Nostrand Donut Shop 1449 Nostrand Ave., Flatbush 718-826-3008 The classic, diner-style donuts are a neighborhood staple that are hard to beat. Along with the classic flavors such as Chocolate frosted, unique flavors such as toasted coconut and chocolate marble are available for $1.
Dun-Well Doughnuts 222 Montrose Ave., East Williamsburg 347-294-0871 Starting with a call between two old college friends following a doughnut-filled Simpsons episode, Dun-Well Doughnuts was born. When these vegan best friends realized there were no vegan doughnut options in town, they got to work. Now with more than 200 flavors, the friends’ doughnuts have become a Williamsburg staple.
Darn Donuts 8723 4th Ave., Bay Ridge 718-833-6300 Darn Donuts has been making fresh, gourmet doughnuts daily since 2016. It specializes in one-of-a-kind flavors including caramel apple pie, fruity pebble, pumpkin pie, and salted caramel and pretzels. New flavors are released often, so be sure to keep an eye out.
Mike’s Donuts 718-745-6980 6822 5th Ave., Bay Ridge Walk into Mike’s Donuts at any time to see Mike and Christina, his wife, running the shop just as they did when they started nearly 30 years ago. Maintaining the old-school décor, this no-frill momand-pop shop will make you feel right at home.
Brooklyn Doughnutry 50 Malcolm X Blvd., Bed-Stuy A local fan favorite where dulce de leche and banana walnut are among the most common doughnuts, Brooklyn Doughnutry caters to the locals in Bed-Stuy. The shop opened last year and currently offers 17 flavors (in rotation) made completely from scratch. One of the shop’s specialties is the plain doughnut (yes, without icing!), which will leave you wondering why you’ve never had it before.
Allison Ingrum, a former NYMetroParents editorial intern, is a junior at Syracuse University.
BrooklynParent 21
things to do
outbound
Family Fun a Ride Away Courtesy Van Cortlandt Manor
Courtesy Boundless Adventures
In Westchester County, NY…
Boundless Adventure Park hopes to get kids off their phones and active outside.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at the Van Cortlandt Manor features more than 10,000 individually hand-carved, illuminated jack-o’-lanterns.
Boundless Adventure Park
Van Cortlandt Manor
Create a keepsake “scrimshaw” box at Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum during one of the many crafting programs.
Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum
Long Island is rich with whaling heritage, as it was one of the island’s most important commercial industries. This unique museum provides exhibits and programs that leave visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the industry that shaped the economic and social foundation of the region. View approximately 6,000 artifacts, the only fully-equipped whaling vessel with original gear on display in New York, scrimshaw collections, ship logs, and more. Visit It: 279 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor; 631-367-3418; cshwhalingmuseum.org
The beautiful stone manor house and brick ferry house in Hudson Valley is the perfect place for Halloween thrills and not-so-spooky fun with the whole family. Explore the beautiful, historic, 18th-century riverside landscape during the day or come back for a breathtaking display of jacko’-lanterns at The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze on select evenings through the end of November. Visit It: 525 S. Riverside, Croton-on-Hudson; hudsonvalley.org
o and bey nd! Courtesy Hudson Highlands Nature Museum
Courtesy Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum
There’s an obstacle course for every climber at Boundless Adventure, whether you’re a beginner or a pro. During the 3 hours you spend here, you can do as many courses as you wish. If you’re interested in a less physical experience, walking paths and benches are available throughout the park as well. Leave your valuables in the car because this is quite the outdoor adventure! Visit It: 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase; 914-893-4550
The Hudson Highlands Nature Museum highlights the role human interaction has in the well-being of our earth.
Hudson Highlands Nature Museum
This museum aims to teach its visitors how to responsibly take care of our environment. Educational programming, native animals, natural habitats, and trails are just some of the things to experience when you visit—all highlighting the unique ecology of the Hudson Highlands. Throughout October, participate in a variety of fun events including Halloween ‘I Spy’ and ‘Fungus Among Us.’ Visit It: 120 Muser Drive, Cornwall; 845-534-5506; hhnm.org
Ideas When You Need Them:
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Turn the page for details on Children’s Halloween Parade (No. 4 on our list).
OCTOBER
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CALENDAR 29
Smarty Pants, Fun Fairs & Festivals
Holiday Fun
30
27
Mini Musicians, Movers & Shakers
Animal Lovers, Special Needs
31
Show Time!
28
Once Upon a Time, The Great Outdoors
32
Crafty Kids
24
Editor’s Hot Tickets
25
We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!
26
2
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!
1
Smorgasburg FREE
WHEN: Through Oct. 7: Sundays, 11am-6pm WHERE: Prospect Park, Breeze Hill, Ocean and Parkside avenues, Prospect Lefferts Garden AGES: All WHAT: Take in some sun and enjoy delicious food from more than 100 local vendors. WHY WE LOVE IT: Get a bite to eat before the festival closes for the year! WANT TO GO? 718-928-6603. smorgasburg.com.
Family Workshop: Stop-Motion Animation FREE
2
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 13, 11am-2pm WHERE: BRIC House, 647 Fulton St., Fort Greene AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Create animated stories as a family using hand-made, moving characters, settings, music, sound effects, and your own voices to narrate. WHY WE LOVE IT: Learn both digital and analog skills in this awesomely immersive workshop where family stories are brought to life! WANT TO GO? 718-683-5600. bricartsmedia.org.
3
Spooktacular!
WHEN: Oct. 13-14, Saturday-Sunday, 5-8:30pm WHERE: Staten Island Zoo, 614 Broadway, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: This year features trick-or-treating, free carousel rides, “Halloween Town” for the young ones, “Monster Alley” for the bravest ghouls, an enchanted forest, Zoo Family Feud, a costume contest, live performances, and more! WHY WE LOVE IT: This yearly event bills itself as the largest Hallow-
24
October 2018 | nymetroparents.com
een-themed event on all of Staten Island, and is absolutely jampacked with spooky fun! WANT TO GO? $24; free for children younger than 2. 718-4423101. statenislandzoo.org.
4
Children’s Halloween Parade FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 27, 10am WHERE: Coney Island, 1904 Surf Ave., Coney Island AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Head to Coney Island for Halloween-themed games, face painting, live entertainment, trick-or-treating, and the official Coney Island costume contest! WHY WE LOVE IT: The first 1,500 registered kids receive a 2-hour Luna Park wristband! WANT TO GO? 718-594-7895. coneyislandfunguide.com.
Halloween Harvest Festival
5
WHEN: Sept. 29-Oct. 28, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-8pm WHERE: Luna Park, 1000 Surf Ave., Coney Island AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Enjoy nonstop rides, candy, face painting, pumpkin picking and decorating, caricatures, storytelling, pirate entertainment, Argghs and Crafts, a pirate puppet show, magic shows, and Tilly’s Tractor Race! WHY WE LOVE IT: Is it too soon to think about Halloween? No way! Spend a weekend at Luna Park and welcome the changing of the seasons with some pirate-themed mischief. WANT TO GO? $41; $29 children shorter than 48 inches; prices may be higher on-site. 718-373-5862. lunaparknyc.com.
Summertime Skating Rink
6
WHEN: Through Oct. 31: Monday-Thursday, 10am5pm; Friday, 10am-9pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: Mel’s Rink Governors Island, ferries leave from Pier 6, Brooklyn Bridge Park AGES: All WHAT: Made from a synthetic material designed for metal ice-skates, New Yorkers can skate outdoors during the summer months. WHY WE LOVE IT: Ice-skating in the summer—need we say more?! WANT TO GO? $20; $15 children. 212-440-2200. govisland.com.
Wafels & Dinges Factory Tour
WHEN: Through Nov. 9: Fridays, 10am WHERE: Wafels & Dinges Headquarters, 264 Butler St., Gowanus AGES: All WHAT: Take a tour inside the Royal Dinges Factory, the commissary, production space, and headquarters. WHY WE LOVE IT: Put your hands in some wafel dough, and cook your own fresh-made wafel in their custom-made irons! WANT TO GO? $25; $12.50 children ages 5-11; free for children younger than 5. 347-903-8687. dinges.nyc.
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World Brooklyn
WHEN: Through Dec. 31: See website for schedule WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Kids take on the roles of shopkeeper, baker, grocer, shopper, designer, performer, and builder as they gain an understanding of the cooperative roles that help communities thrive. WHY WE LOVE IT: This exhibit features material objects and stores that belong to the real-life residents of Brooklyn’s many diverse neighborhoods. WANT TO GO? $11; free for children younger than 1. 718-735-4400. brooklynkids.org.
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ColorLab
WHEN: Through May 24, 2019: Thursday, 2-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Learn about contemporary Afrofuturism through books, materials, and prompts to guide creating. WHY WE LOVE IT: Inspired by modern African and African-American artwork, children will be given the tools to create fascinating artwork. WANT TO GO? $11; free for children younger than 1. 718-735-4400. brooklynkids.org.
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Donald Zucker and Barbara Hrbek Zucker Ocean Wonders: Sharks!
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WHEN: Through June 30, 2019: daily, 10am-6pm WHERE: New York Aquarium, 602 Surf Ave., Coney Island AGES: All WHAT: See the more than 115 species—including sand tiger sharks, sandbar sharks, and loggerhead sea turtles—that live in this state-of-the-art exhibit. WHY WE LOVE IT: This awe-inspiring shark exhibit is a great complement to the upcoming Shark Week on the Discovery Channel! WANT TO GO? $12; free for children 2 and younger. 718-265-3474. nyaquarium.com.
WE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FREE Think a freebie has to be ho-hum? Don’t let the price tag (or lack of one) fool you. Here are the six no-cost events we’re excited about now. You’re welcome. Understanding Your Child’s Emotions: Ages 3-5 FREE
WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 4, 6pm WHERE: A. Fantis School, 195 State St., Downtown Brooklyn AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Get tips on how to better understand and handle tantrums and help your child begin to self-regulate. WANT TO GO? 718-624-0501. afantis.org.
New York Transit Museum’s 25th Annual Bus Festival FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 7, 10am-4pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Plaza, 11 Water St., Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy special activities and photo ops, meet some of the bus drivers who help keep our city moving, and take in the view of the Manhattan skyline from Brooklyn Bridge Plaza. WANT TO GO? 212-348-1400. nytransitmuseum.org.
Farmhouse Family Day FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 20, 11am-3pm WHERE: Wyckoff House Museum, 5816 Clarendon Road, East Flatbush AGES: All WHAT: Explore NYC’s oldest house with scavenger hunts, artifact investigation, gardening, self-guided exploration, and hands-on activities. WANT TO GO? 718-629-5400. wyckoffmuseum.org.
Astronomy: Phases of the Moon FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 20, 8-9:30pm WHERE: Bushwick Inlet Pop-Up Park, 50 Kent Ave., Williamsburg AGES: All WHAT: Urban Park Rangers will be your guides to the solar system. They’ll discuss the science, history, and folklore of the universe. WANT TO GO? 718-421-2021. nycgovparks.org.
Museum Makers: Designing With Data FREE
WHEN: Through Nov. 8: Thursdays, 3:30-5:30pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona, Queens AGES: 5-8, adult WHAT: Participants can ask questions, collect data, uncover patterns, and design and create their very own exhibit. WANT TO GO? 718-699-0005. nysci.org.
Ed Center Open Hours FREE
WHEN: Through Dec. 16: Tuesday and Thursday, 3-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 1-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Park, 111 Plymouth St., Dumbo AGES: All WHAT: See a 250-gallon aquarium filled with critters from the East River, a 10-foot scale model of Brooklyn Bridge Park, crafts, a reading corner, and more. WANT TO GO? 718-802-0603. brooklynbridgepark.org. ››
BrooklynParent 25
HOLIDAY FUN! Greenbelt Annual Pumpkin Festival FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 6, 12-4pm WHERE: Willowbrook Park, Eton Place and Richmond Avenue, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Pick up pumpkins then take part in fishing lessons, a nature-inspired craft, face painting, and a visit from Quiver Farms Petting Zoo. WANT TO GO? 718-667-3545. sigreenbelt.org.
Pumpkin Picking
WHEN: Through Oct. 21: Saturday-Sunday, 11am-4pm WHERE: Green Meadows Farm, 3159 Flatbush Ave., Floyd Bennett Field AGES: All WHAT: Visit the farm’s friendly animals, giggle on a hayride, and pick your own pumpkin in the patch (multiple sizes available)! WANT TO GO? $9. 718-470-0224. greenmeadowsfarmny.com.
Members-Only Halloween Party!
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 26, 6-8pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Enjoy live entertainment, light dinner, candy, spooky crafts, and the famous haunted house. WANT TO GO? $15. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.
Halloween Harbor
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 27, 11am-5pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Get your fill of trick-or-treating, spooky movies, arts and crafts, mad science, and a costume contest at this year’s Halloween Harbor! WANT TO GO? $8. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.
A Twilight Ride to Green-Wood Cemetery
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 27, 2:30-8pm WHERE: Green-Wood Cemetery, 500 25th St., Sunset Park AGES: All WHAT: Travel back in time in vintage IND R1-9 subway cars, pack a picnic and take a guided tour to learn the fascinating stories of GreenWood’s permanent residents from the Victorian era and beyond. WANT TO GO? $50. 718-768-7300. nytransitmuseum.org. 26
October 2018 | nymetroparents.com
Little Makers: Frankentoys
WHEN: Oct. 7-28, Sundays, 10:30am WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona, Queens AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Little makers will everyday materials into frankentoys of their own WANT TO GO? $6 per child, plus NYSCI admission: $16; $13 seniors, students, and children ages 2-17; free for children younger than 2. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.
Día de los Muertos Celebration
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 28, 12-1pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Ave., Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Join artist Tamara Geisler in creating Mexican folk art and sample traditional foods for a Day of the Dead celebration. WANT TO GO? $8. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.
Musical Haunted House
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 28, 3-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Music School, 126 Saint Felix St., Fort Greene AGES: All WHAT: Participants will be lead on a spooky tour of the school where they will encounter rooms such as Zombeethoven, Glenn Ghoul, and Knife at the Opera. For younger ones, an instrument graveyard will be offered. WANT TO GO? $5. 718-638-5660. brooklynmusicschool.org.
Subway Shindig for Families: Halloween Central Station
WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 30, 6-8pm WHERE: New York Transit Museum, 99 Schermerhorn St., Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: Join for a nighttime neon subway car encounter and shadow puppet play! Show up in costume or make a mask to wear and take home. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 children ages 2-17 and seniors. 718-694-1600. nytransitmuseum.org.
Pumpkin Picking
WHEN: Oct. 1-31, Saturdays and Sundays, 11am-4pm WHERE: Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave., Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Visit for pumpkins, tractor rides, face painting, vendors, and more. WANT TO GO? $6; $20 family four-pack. 718-351-1611. historicrichmondtown.org.
Yo Re Mi Music and Movement
WHEN: Through Dec. 21: Fridays, 10:45-11:45am WHERE: Spark by Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 1 John St., Dumbo AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Through integration of movement and live music, children explore nature, geography, culture, language, rhythm, dance, songwriting, and playing instruments. WANT TO GO? $36 per child; free for adults. 718-852-2470. brooklynkids.org/spark/classes.
Lavender Blues Music & Movement
WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Thursdays, 10:45-11:45am WHERE: Spark by Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 1 John St., Dumbo AGES: 3-5 WHAT: During this class, kids develop an understanding of rhythm and music, build awareness of their body, and develop social skills and coordination. WANT TO GO? $33. 718-852-2470. brooklynkids.org/spark.
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MUSICIANS RRPH Presents: The Music of Beyoncé for Kids
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 7, 11:30am WHERE: Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave., Williamsburg AGES: All WHAT: This show features the hit songs of Beyoncé, from “Crazy in Love” to “Single Ladies” and “Love on Top.” WANT TO GO? $12. 718-963-3369. therockandrollplayhouse.com.
The Buttons Weekend Sing-Along
WHEN: Through March 17, 2019: Saturdays, 11-11:45am WHERE: Edamama Cute Cuts & More, 568 Union Ave., Unit B, Williamsburg AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: This sing-along features original tunes, classic children’s songs, and oldies rock ‘n’ roll to get everyone singing and dancing. WANT TO GO? $15; $5 per additional child. 718-388-3663. edamama.com.
MOVERS & SHAKERS
Mozart for Munchkins Presents KidFolk! DUMBO
Pizza Party! Special ShopRite Kidz Cook
RRPH Presents: The Music of Disney for Kids
Pigeonholed Theater Company’s After School Acting Classes
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 20, 4pm WHERE: Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet, 29 Jay St., Dumbo AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: The strumming of guitars, banjos, and ukuleles are bound to make you and you little ones clap your hands and tap your feet! WANT TO GO? $30; free for children younger than 12. 212-600-0047. mozartformunchkins.com. WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 21, 11:30am WHERE: Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave., Williamsburg AGES: All WHAT: Kids will go crazy over this concert featuring the music of all their favorite Disney movies such as Frozen, Tangled, Moana, and even classics from your childhood! WANT TO GO? $12. 718-963-3369. therockandrollplayhouse.com.
The Knights: Family Matinee
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 27, 2pm WHERE: BRIC House Ballroom, 647 Fulton St., Fort Greene AGES: All WHAT: Audiences of all ages will be introduced to classical music in a fun, relaxed, and interactive setting! WANT TO GO? $10 advance; $14 day of. 718-683-5600. bricartsmedia.org.
Spooky Strings
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 28, 1pm and 2pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Get in the Halloween spirit and enjoy music from the young performers of The Mighty String Demons. WANT TO GO? $8. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 19, 3pm and 4pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Celebrate Italian Heritage Month and meet Julian Rosen, watch a dough-throwing demo, and taste a slice! WANT TO GO? $8; free for children younger than 1. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org. WHEN: Through Nov. 14: Wednesdays, 3:45-4:40pm WHERE: Chaos Studios, 247 Water St., Suite 202, Dumbo AGES: 4-9 WHAT: In this class, students will learn theater games, improvisation, listening and communication skills, as well as how to create an original play. WANT TO GO? $30. 914-341-2959. pigeonholedtheater.org/classes-for-kids.
Pigeonholed Theater Company’s Acting Technique and Scene Study Classes
WHEN: Through Nov. 14: Wednesdays, 4:45-5:45pm WHERE: Chaos Studios, 247 Water St., Suite 202, Dumbo AGES: 10-14 WHAT: This class incorporates both improvisation and scene study with a focus on Meisner, movement, and voice and speech. WANT TO GO? $30. 914-341-2959. pigeonholedtheater.org/classes-for-kids.
New York Road Runners Open Run FREE
WHEN: Through Dec. 18: Tuesdays, 7pm WHERE: Pier 6, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Atlantic Avenue and Furman Street, Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: Participate in free weekly 2½- to 3-mile runs, directed by volunteers. Open to all experience levels, walkers, strollers, and dogs. WANT TO GO? 718-222-9939. brooklynbridgepark.org. ›› BrooklynParent 27
Pamela Zagarenski and Randall de Sève Present ‘Zola’s Elephant’ FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 27, 11:30am WHERE: Greenlight Bookstore, 686 Fulton St., Fort Greene AGES: All WHAT: Zagarenski and de Sève present their book about friendship and the power of make-believe with a special drawing session. WANT TO GO? 718-246-0200. greenlightbookstore.com.
Saturday Author Story Time FREE
WHEN: Through March 17, 2020: Saturdays, 11:30am and 1:30pm WHERE: Greenlight Bookstore, 686 Fulton St., Fort Greene AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Authors and illustrators of picture books visit on Saturdays to read from their new books, and neighborhood performers or the Greenlight staff sometimes read as well. WANT TO GO? 718-246-0200. greenlightbookstore.com.
ONCE UPON A TIME David Ezra Stein Presents ‘Interrupting Chicken and the Elephant of Surprise’ FREE
THE GREAT OUTDOORS Coastal Cleanup
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 6, 11:30am WHERE: Greenlight Bookstore, 686 Fulton St., Fort Greene AGES: All WHAT: Stein will present his book with a reading, Q-and-A, signing, and some special activities. WANT TO GO? 718-246-0200. greenlightbookstore.com.
WHEN: Through Oct. 3: See website for schedule WHERE: Pier 1, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Old Fulton Street, Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: Help us remove hundreds of pounds of trash from Pier 1 salt marshes and beaches. WANT TO GO? 718-683-5600. brooklynbridgepark.org.
Michael Rex Presents ‘Eat Pete!’ FREE
Family Camping FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 13, 11:30am WHERE: Greenlight Bookstore, 686 Fulton St., Fort Greene AGES: All WHAT: Eat Pete! is a laugh-out-loud friendship story that perfectly captures a typical playdate...between a boy and his monster friend. WANT TO GO? 718-246-0200. greenlightbookstore.com.
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 6, 7pm to Sunday, Oct. 7, 7am WHERE: Blue Heron Nature Center, 222 Poillon Ave., Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: We camp to create lasting memories, connect with the natural world, and bond with our families. WANT TO GO? 212-306-1311. nycgovparks.org.
Caron Levis Presents ‘Stop That Yawn!’ FREE
First Discoveries for Toddlers
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 20, 11:30am WHERE: Greenlight Bookstore, 686 Fulton St., Fort Greene AGES: All WHAT: Author Caron Levis presents her book about a runaway yawn with an interactive story time and activities. WANT TO GO? 718-246-0200. greenlightbookstore.com.
WHEN: Oct. 5-26, Fridays, 9:30-11:30am WHERE: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 990 Washington Ave., Prospect Park AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Plant a seed, touch a wriggly worm, read a story, or create a unique nature craft. WANT TO GO? $15; free for children younger than 12. 718-623-7200. bbg.org.
‘The Last Kids on Earth and the Cosmic Beyond’ by Max Brallier FREE
Governors Island Open Season
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 20, 2pm WHERE: Barnes & Noble, 267 7th Ave., Park Slope AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Meet author Max Brallier and check out his latest book, The Last Kids on Earth and the Cosmic Beyond. WANT TO GO? 718-832-9066. bn.com.
WHEN: Through Oct. 31: Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-7pm WHERE: Governors Island, ferries leave from Pier 6, Brooklyn Bridge Park AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy lush landscapes and a calendar full of concerts and free programming. WANT TO GO? $3; free for children younger than 13; free for all passengers Saturday-Sunday until 11:30am. 212-440-2200. govisland.com.
Stories and Songs Presented by Drag Queen Story Hour
Wild Waterfront
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 27, 3pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Kids will listen to stories about the beauty of being themselves and sing songs with drag queen Ms. Ona! WANT TO GO? $8. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.
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October 2018 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Through Dec. 28: Fridays, 9:30-10:30am WHERE: Spark by Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 1 John St., Dumbo AGES: 3-5 WHAT: We’ll have a close look at some of the plants and animals in Brooklyn, and create hands-on projects. WANT TO GO? $36 per child; free for adults. 917-775-4636. brooklynkids.org/spark/classes.
SMARTY PANTS Spanish at Spark with Espáñate!
WHEN: Through Dec. 19: Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30am WHERE: Spark by Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 1 John St., Dumbo AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Through game-based interactions children build cognitive, finegross motor, social, and artistic skills, and learn Spanish. WANT TO GO? $36 per child; free for adults. 718-852-2470. brooklynkids.org/spark.
French at Spark with ABC Languages!
WHEN: Through Dec. 19: Wednesdays, 10:45-11:45am WHERE: Spark by Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 1 John St., Dumbo AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Through song, theatrical play, and movement, children become familiar with French vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar. WANT TO GO? $36 per child; free for adults. 718-852-2470. brooklynkids.org/spark/classes.
Baby Sign Language
WHEN: Through Dec. 25: Tuesdays, 9:45-10:45am WHERE: Spark by Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 1 John St., Dumbo AGES: 3-5 WHAT: In this program, students will learn the basics of sign language, including numbers, colors, greetings, and family terms through a variety of songs and games. WANT TO GO? $36 per child; free for adults. 718-852-2470. brooklynkids.org/spark/classes.
FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS 2018 Dumbo Dance Festival
WHEN: Oct. 11-14, See website for schedule WHERE: Gelsey Kirkland Arts Center, 29 Jay St., Dumbo AGES: All WHAT: Experience the best of contemporary dance, as showcased by dancers from around the world. Plus, take part in family-friendly and kid-focused dance classes. WANT TO GO? $15. 212-600-0047. whitewavedance.com.
Harvest Festival FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 20, 11am-2pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 6 Lawns, 334 Furman St., Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: A pumpkin patch, arts and crafts, face painting, music, and games await at this year’s Harvest Festival. WANT TO GO? 718-802-0603. brooklynbridgepark.org.
Gowanus Open Studios 2018 FREE
WHEN: Oct. 20-21, Saturday-Sunday, 12-6pm WHERE: Gowanus Neighborhood, 540 President St., Gowanus AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Artists in the Gowanus neighborhood open their studio doors and welcome the public to view art, meet the artists, learn about the process of art-making, and get a glimpse of the lives of artists. WANT TO GO? 917-862-3909. artsgowanus.org.
Waterfront Exhibition
Halloween Haunted Walk and Fair FREE
Holding History
Farmer’s Market FREE
WHEN: Though Dec. 31: Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-6pm WHERE: Brooklyn Historical Society Dumbo, 55 Water St., Dumbo AGES: All WHAT: Waterfront is an exhibition and multimedia experience that presents stories of workers, artists, industries, activists, families, neighborhoods, and ecosystems. WANT TO GO? $10; $6 seniors and teachers; free for members and students. 917-775-4636. brooklynhistory.org/dumbo. WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Sundays, 11am WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Children will learn about artifacts from the museum’s collection through tactical investigation and relating to their own lives. WANT TO GO? $11; free for children younger than 1. 718-735-4400. brooklynkids.org.
Escher: The Exhibition and Experience
WHEN: Through Feb. 3, 2019: Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Sunday, 10am-7pm; Thursday, 10am-9pm WHERE: Industry City, 34 34th St., Building 6, Sunset Park AGES: All WHAT: Experience the work of M.C. Escher in this exhibit. WANT TO GO? $20; $13 children ages 12-17; $6 children ages 5-11. eschernyc.com.
Friday/Saturday Drop-In
WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Friday-Saturday, 6:30-9:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Game Lab, 310 7th Ave., Park Slope AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Drop in for Dungeons & Dragons and other role-playing games that your kids and teens will love. WANT TO GO? $48. 718-788-1122. brooklyngamelab.com.
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 27, 12-3pm WHERE: Lookout Hill, 150 West Drive, Prospect Park AGES: All WHAT: Encounter Halloween spirits on a walk through the Lookout Hill. Then, enjoy a festive Halloween fair on the Nethermead, featuring family-friendly activities and treats from some of the city’s top food trucks. WANT TO GO? 718-965-8951. prospectpark.org. WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Saturdays, 8am-4pm WHERE: Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Park West and Grand Army Plaza, Park Slope AGES: All WHAT: View an array of farm fresh products and participate in programming and cooking demonstrations. WANT TO GO? 718-965-8945. prospectpark.org. ››
Touch Tank
WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Saturday-Sunday, 12:30-1pm WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Meet and touch real, live sea creatures such as starfish and sea urchins. WANT TO GO? $11; free for children younger than 1. 718-224-5863. brooklynkids.org.
Live Animal Adventure
ANIMAL LOVERS Discovery Hike: Nocturnal Insects FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 7, 7-8:30pm WHERE: Marine Park Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Avenue U, Marine Park AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy learning about the diversity of insects that inhabit our parks. WANT TO GO? 718-421-2021. nyc.gov/parks.
Aquarium Mornings with the Animals: Sharks!
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 21, 9-10:30am WHERE: New York Aquarium, Surf Avenue and West 8th Street, Coney Island AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Get early access to explore the exhibits, engage in oceanthemed activities with your family, and meet a shark! WANT TO GO? $30. 718-265-3474. nyaquarium.com.
Winged Jewels of the Forest: Images of Birds in the Surrounding Hudson Valley
WHEN: Through Oct. 28: Monday-Friday, 9:30am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona, Queens AGES: All WHAT: This exhibition features photographs of birds from Rockefeller State Park Preserve and highlights the diversity of said birds. WANT TO GO? $16, $13 children, students, and senior citizens. 718699-0005. nysci.org.
NYC Audubon Summer Residence FREE
WHEN: Through Oct. 28: Saturday-Sunday, 12-5pm WHERE: Governors Island, ferries leave from Pier 6, Brooklyn Bridge Park AGES: All WHAT: This year’s nature center will feature displays on conservation, a children’s room with books and activities, bird-inspired artwork, and a studio space showcasing artists creating work inspired by Governors Island and its variety of avian residents. Guests can borrow binoculars and participate in one of the free guided bird walks. WANT TO GO? 212-440-2200. govisland.com.
Stroller Safari: Fall Tuesdays
WHEN: Oct. 2-Nov. 6, Tuesdays, 9:30-11am WHERE: Prospect Park Zoo, 450 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Park AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Discover zoo animals through movement, song, play, early access to exhibits, and live animal encounters. WANT TO GO? $25. 800-433-4149. prospectparkzoo.com. 30
October 2018 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Saturday-Sunday, 4:15pm WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Join a museum educator to learn about and touch an animal from the museum’s living collection. WANT TO GO? $11; free for children younger than 1. 718-224-5863. brooklynkids.org.
SPECIAL NEEDS Art Studio
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 1, Saturday-Sunday, 1-4pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Ave., Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Judith Scott was an American fiber sculptor born with Down syndrome. Create fiber sculptures and honor her legacy. WANT TO GO? $8. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.
Autism Awareness Workshop: Create and Connect Puzzles and Imagination Playground FREE
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 8, 11am-4:30pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Ave., Staten Island AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Create your own puzzle to support autism awareness. Pick up a timed ticket for a 30-minute session. Afterward, play in the Imagination Playground. WANT TO GO? 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.
Staten Island Zoo Goes Blue for Autism
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 8, 9am-12pm WHERE: Staten Island Zoo, 614 Broadway, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy animal presentations, sensory exploration activities, a scavenger hunt, and a designated quiet area for breaks. WANT TO GO? $6. 718-442-3101. statenislandzoo.org.
The Science of Sight
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 13, 12-1pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Ave., Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Learn about braille, create braille nametags, and investigate Daltonism, or color blindness, through a series of activities. WANT TO GO? $8. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.
Sensory Room Family Hours
WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Thursday and Saturday-Sunday, 2-4:45pm WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: The Sensory Room is a welcoming environment for children on the autism spectrum. WANT TO GO? $9; $1 for children 1 and younger. 718-224-5863. brooklynkids.org.
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NYMetroParents
SHOW TIME! Up and Down Again
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 27, 10am and 11:15am WHERE: The Old Stone House, 336 3rd St., Park Slope AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: This one-of-a-kind performance features digging, lifting, rolling, stacking, measuring, and bulldozing! WANT TO GO? $15. 718-768-3195. theoldstonehouse.org.
‘The Snow Queen’ and ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’
WHEN: Through Dec. 16: Saturday-Sunday, 12:30pm and 2:30pm WHERE: Puppetworks, 338 6th Ave., Park Slope AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Enjoy two of Hans Christian Anderson’s classic fairy tales adapted for marionettes. WANT TO GO? $11; $10 children. 718-965-3391. puppetworks.org.
Classic Mew-vie Night
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 19, 7:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Cat Café, 149 Atlantic Ave., Cobble Hill AGES: All WHAT: Watch a classic movie along with the cats of the Brooklyn Cat Café as they nap soundly in your lap and purr. WANT TO GO? $20. 347-946-2286. catcafebk.com.
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Exhibition: Impractical Jokers: Homecoming
WHEN: Through March 17, 2019: Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: Staten Island Museum at Snug Harbor, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: See original costumes, props, and art, and learn about behind-the-scenes production. WANT TO GO? $8; $5 seniors and students with ID; $2 children ages 2-12. 718-727-1135. statenislandmuseum.org.
‘Flight of the Butterflies 3D’
WHEN: Through June 30, 2019: Monday-Friday, 11am and 2pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11am and 1pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona, Queens AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Follow the monarchs’ perilous journey and join hundreds of real butterflies in the remote mountain peaks of Mexico. WANT TO GO? $6; $5 children, students and seniors. 718-6990005. nysci.org. ››
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VR Art Studio Class: Create Artwork on a 360° Canvas
WHEN: Oct. 22-Dec. 10, Mondays and Tuesdays, 4-5:30 WHERE: YokeyPokey Virtual Reality Club, 537 Atlantic Ave., Boerum Hill AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Students will learn and explore inside paintings, recreate works of art in the same style, and then create their own unique paintings. WANT TO GO? $44. 732-965-3969. yokeypokey.com.
Little Artists
CRAFTY KIDS Creativity Lab
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 14, 4-5:30 WHERE: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Prospect Heights AGES: All WHAT: In this drop-in workshop for all ages, take inspiration from the galleries and get messy, experiment with materials, and learn artistic techniques. WANT TO GO? $16; $10 seniors and students; free for guests younger than 19. 718-638-5000. brooklynmuseum.org.
Stroller Tour
WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 17, 10-11am WHERE: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Prospect Heights AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: This baby-friendly tour features touchable objects, songs, and an opportunity for adults to connect. WANT TO GO? $16; $10 seniors and students; free for guests younger than 19. 718-638-5000. brooklynmuseum.org.
Children’s Museum of the Arts Free Island Outpost FREE
WHEN: Through Oct. 31: Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: Governors Island, ferries leave from Pier 6, Brooklyn Bridge Park AGES: All WHAT: Visit for hands-on art making workshops and art-viewing experiences, utilizing found objects and traditional mediums. WANT TO GO? 212-440-2200. govisland.com.
Fireboat Model Building Workshop FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 6, 9am-12pm WHERE: Home Depot Gowanus, 550 Hamilton Ave., Gowanus AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Celebrate National Fire Safety Month in a workshop in which your child can build, decorate, and name a model fireboat. WANT TO GO? 718-832-8553. homedepot.com.
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October 2018 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Through Dec. 20: Thursdays, 9:30-10:30am WHERE: Spark by Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 1 John St., Dumbo AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Explore art in the SPARK studio, experiment with materials, discover hidden objects on scavenger hunt challenges, and create masterworks. WANT TO GO? $36 per child; free for adults. 718-852-2470. brooklynkids.org/spark/classes.
Tiny Tot Theater
WHEN: Through Dec. 18: Tuesdays, 10:45-11:45am WHERE: Spark by Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 1 John St., Dumbo AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Join the enchanting world of puppets and stories through creative play, movement, and puppet making. WANT TO GO? $36 per child; free for adults. 718-852-2470. brooklynkids.org/spark/classes.
Totally Tots
WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-4:30pm; Thursday, 10am-5:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: 3-8 WHAT: This pint-sized paradise features nine different sensory play areas including water, sand, music, dress up, and blocks. WANT TO GO? $11; free for children younger than 1. 718-224-5863. brooklynkids.org.
Transit Tots
WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Thursdays, 10:15-11am WHERE: New York Transit Museum, 99 Schermerhorn St., Brooklyn Heights AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Young train enthusiasts explore themes like animals underground, the people and buildings of New York City, colors and shapes, and, the city’s subways and buses. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 children ages 2-17. 718-694-1600. nytransitmuseum.org.
Coming up next month: NOV. 3: Slime Expo NYC at Saunders Studios, Clinton Hill NOV. 4: Red Storm Drum Circle at Staten Island Children’s Museum, Staten Island NOV. 17: Breakfast with the Baboons: Fall Harvest at Prospect Park Zoo, Prospect Park
things to do
where-to guide
October Chills & Spooky Thrills Compiled by Anja Webb
Get in the Halloween spirit and get ready for a fun-filled fall! Whether you’re looking for some ghoulish fun to scare the pants off your teens or some more light-hearted haunts for the little ones, we’ve got you covered with our ultimate Halloween guide. Keep the thrills going with escape rooms that allow you to embrace your inner Houdini and give your kids the perfect opportunity to show off their detective skills. Or, if you’d rather take it easy, try taking a family day trip to the farm for some pumpkin picking. Now if it’s already a little too chilly outside, you might want to stay indoors and go for a skate at your local roller rink instead. Whatever you’re looking for, we’ve got what you need to get ready for the Halloween season and make it a great October with your family!
PUMPKIN PICKING Hurd’s Family Farm 2187 State Route 32, Modena, Ulster County` 845-883-7825; hurdsfamilyfarm.com Open daily, 9am-5pm U-pick pumpkins, veggies, and apples, plus family-friendly mystery corn mazes, storybook corn maze, and hayrides; big apple bounce pillow, rubber duck derby, apple launcher, cow train, giant slide, fish feeding, farm animals, nature trails, and gem mining daily. Educational school tours and birthday parties available. Check website for themed weekends, music, and special events. Find more>> nymetroparents.com/pumpkins
HALLOWEEN FOR KIDS Gravesend Inn Haunted Hotel Voorhees Theatre, 186 Jay St., Downtown Brooklyn 718-260-5588; gravesendinn.org Oct. 19-31; see website for schedule Produced by City Tech’s theatrical troupe, Theatreworks, as its annual fall production, this visually stunning haunted house is hightech as well: sensors react to visitors’ movements. Find more>> nymetroparents.com/Halloween
ROLLER RINKS Komnata Quest 52 Kent St., Greenpoint 347-551-4808; komnataquest.com/newyork With locations around the world, the Greenpoint venue has a mix of scary and kid-friendly rooms, such as Hex of the Chinese Jewelry Box, Doctor Frankenstein, and The Robbery That Changed the World.
Dreamland Roller Disco LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park, 171 East Drive, Prospect Park 844-765-5758; dreamlandrollerrink.com If you’re looking for a unique roller-skating experience, Dreamland is your destination. Anything but traditional, these themed skate parties include ’80s roller disco attire, dance contests and lessons, and many carnival and burlesque performers. Check the website for the upcoming themes.
Find more>> nymetroparents.com/escape-rooms
Find more>> nymetroparents.com/roller-rinks
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Posting about your little one’s life on social media is big-time fun—but is it smart? And safe?
I
n parenthood, there are moments of mayhem we don’t want anyone else to see and moments we want to highlight on Instagram—and, if we’re being honest, moments of mayhem that are totally worthy of a post on Instagram. If this is something you know all too well, welcome to ‘sharenthood.’ It is no secret that as we scroll through our various social media feeds, most (if not all) of what we see is staged. Everyone has a different motive for posting their children on social media, and some choose to keep their babies off Facebook and Instagram completely. The 38,000-follower Instagram account @thispugslife, winner of The Ellen DeGeneres Show’s Ellen Rate My Baby, began as an account showcasing Charlie, a black pug. Account creator Meredith Kreuger’s daughter was added to the mix when she was born. “Followers tell me all the time that the two of them make them smile and make them happy,” Kreuger says. “My goal is to make people laugh via Instagram and blogging. I love captioning photos and I love to write!” There are parents who post pictures to keep their families in the loop, some who use Instagram as a scrapbook of sorts, others who are aiming to send a greater message, and in some cases, to receive a sense of validation. This all leads us to the question: to post or not to post?
Why Sharent?
Mac & Mia, an online children’s clothing service, surveyed 2,000 new parents about how they felt when it came to posting their babies on social media. The survey concluded there are two types 34
October 2018 | nymetroparents.com
By Dasha Kofman
of parents: those who claim they use social media to keep friends and family involved and develop content for future scrapbooking projects (87 percent) and those who have no shame in saying ‘it just feels good to show off my kid’ (13 percent). Although parents link their posting motives to being about their kids, it turns out it’s more about appeasing themselves, according to Ida Jeltova, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist in Rockland and Bergen counties with more than 14 years of clinical experience working with children, youths, and families. “Social media provides a perception, if not actual validation, of ‘my child is liked and doing well. I am a good parent’,” she says. There is a small population of parents who are competitive due to insecurity, Dr. Jeltova adds, which forces the child to develop an extension of parental ego and self-esteem. “The parent needs the child to be liked to feel likeable themselves,” she says. At the end of the day, every parent is different, and there’s nothing wrong with feeling validated, whether you’re helping others by sending a message or it gives you an extra boost—as long as it’s all in good spirit.
Sending a Message
A national survey conducted by Edison Research, as a part of Minute Maid’s this is GOOD campaign, revealed that 94 percent of sharents stage their social media posts. Although this might seem shocking, it is important to remember that social media is meant for an audience and the photos are staged to project a motive, whether it’s clear or ambiguous.
For example, the Instagram account @papaanddaddy, which has 44,600 followers, is clear in its message and role in the social media world: to normalize same-sex parenting. “There’s a lot of work left to be done in normalizing same-sex parenting. This is our small way of paying it forward,” says James Loduca, one of the dads behind the account. “At the end of the day, representation matters. It’s hard to dream about what you can’t see. As kids, there weren’t gay families represented in media. We want to do our part to change that for generations to come.”
But Be Conscious of Cyber Bullying
Christine Di’Amore, a Youtuber with nearly 300,000 subscribers, is best known for her videos about makeup and lifestyle. Despite her Internet presence, she has chosen to keep her daughter out of the public eye for now. “While hateful comments don’t hurt me, a lot of people who aren’t conditioned to the harsh world that social media can be (like my daughter) might be more affected by those words, regardless of how ridiculous or untrue they are,” Di’Amore says. “If my daughter does come across any negative comments, she knows I will have a conversation with her and try to help her understand the psyche behind those who bully others, and the reason they want to bring others down to their level.” As children grow older and have more access to the Internet they will come to realize cyber bullies are everywhere. While their hurtful comments can be ignored, they might be hard to brush off. On the flip side, being exposed to cyber bullying at a young age can help children understand how to deal with it as they enter their teenage years. “Another reason for not sharing that I often hear is a desire to protect the child’s privacy. The child has the right to be growing up in a protected, emotionally safe environment,” Dr. Jeltova says. “Having his or her images posted is inviting feedback and judgment and potentially jeopardizes the privacy and emotional safety.” When you place yourself in the public eye, whether it’s to express a message to thousands of followers or you’re sharing your child’s preschool graduation, there is a safety concern and a leeway for hatred. “There are a ton of people out there that are looking to do harm in a variety of ways,” says Amaliya Makarovskaya, a Manhattan mom of two. “I find that there is very little to be gained from social media in general, especially through my kids posts.” Circling back to the Mac & Mia survey, 42 percent of parents say they have planned posts of their children in advance and have spent up to 2 hours to get the perfect shot. As with all things when it comes to parenting, it’s ultimately up to you to weigh the pros and cons of sharing snapshots of your children on social media, but think beyond safety and look into your true motive for posting a photo of your child. Remember: There is a definitive line between remembering a moment and wasting time.
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Make sure to put child-proof latches on all cabinets and drawers containing hazardous materials, such as household cleaners, to keep your toddler safe.
Baby Proof ing 2.0
››
How to update your safety measures at home once your baby becomes a toddler
W
hen your little one starts walking and begins exploring in greater depth, you may start to wonder what the next step is for child proofing your living space. It’s a good question to ask yourself: “As you prepare your home for the toddler stage, every part of the home should be reviewed to ensure the safety of your newly and very mobile little one,” says Geneuviève Thibault, founder of bblüv, a baby and toddler accessory retailer. “As your toddler grows and develops strength and ability, some tools, such as gates and play yards, can become obsolete as they triumphantly climb right over them. Now, the little things we can easily overlook, like outlet covers, cabinet door locks, door handles, potentially hazardous house plants, pets, and cleaning products, become critically important as your toddler expands and explores his environment.” With this in mind, here are five areas of your home that you’ll want to scrutinize.
Bathroom
There are so many things a child could get into—and make a major mess with—in a bathroom, from lipstick to toilet-paper rolls. “The toddler stage finds little ones still testing every object with their hands and mouth,” Thibault says. As a result, parents should lock all cabinets with a child-proof latch to keep any cleaners and medications out of reach. It’s also important to keep your poisons and sharps “well out of reach…high up above the reach of the child,” in case someone forgets to relock the cabinet after use, says Carolyn Ziegler, a child proofer with 35 years of experience and 36
October 2018 | nymetroparents.com
By Anja Webb
founder of Dreambaby, a child safety company. There’s another potential danger lurking in your bathroom: the toilet. Besides the obvious sanitary issues surrounding children playing in the toilet, they could also drown, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The water may seem shallow enough to us, but it’s the perfect height and depth for a toddler to fall in face first and get stuck with his head underwater. “You have to be very careful that your child does not have access to the toilet,” Ziegler says. “There are a number of products that can be used to close your toilet and make sure it is fully closed.” You can either purchase a latch specifically for the toilet, or use a childproof safety lock like the ones on your cabinets.
Windows
Nearly 5,000 children fall out of windows annually, with urban children being the most frequently affected, according to the CPSC. Though most modern homes have windows with screens and locks, those measures just simply aren’t enough. Screens are meant to stop insects, not children, so they are not a means of preventing falls. “When living in an apartment you need to understand the height of your apartment. You do not want children to have access to fall out of those windows,” Ziegler says. “So you must make sure you have a restrictor on [windows] so they will only open four inches, no more. You want to be able to make sure you can get a bit of fresh air, but the children are secured within.” Though there’s no substitute for parental supervision, parents
can’t keep a watchful eye 24/7. “Window and door alarms also alert parents quickly to potential dangers and are especially helpful during times when parents are sleeping,” Thibault recommends. “Avoid putting shelves or climbable furniture under windows.” Falling isn’t the only window-related danger for children. A study by the Center for Injury Research and Policy shows that nearly 17,000 children younger than 6 are hospitalized annually for injuries caused by window blinds, which can be a potential strangulation hazard. “Many blinds have got long cords,” Ziegler says. “Make sure you keep those well out of reach of children.” In order to prevent injury, replace traditional blinds with cordless blinds, or get a retrofitting kit that allows you to tie up cords in spaces that are out of reach of children. And don’t let renting inhibit your toddler proofing. “If you can’t screw things in because you’re renters, don’t do it. There are plenty of products that are adhesive, or work on handles that you can slide over,” according to Ziegler.
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Furniture
The CPSC advises parents anchor all furniture to the wall, or secure it with anti-tip brackets. This includes dressers, entertainment sets, televisions, and any furnishings with drawers. Additionally, to reduce risk of any of these items toppling over, be certain to use all products according to manufacturer instructions. Even if your furniture is safely mounted, children can climb up shelves, according to anchorit.gov. To discourage children from scaling furnishings in an attempt to reach appealing objects, never store toys, remote controls, or other desirable items on top of tall furniture.
Kitchen
Just like the bathroom, the kitchen is filled with potential hazards. As always, you’ll want to secure all cabinets and drawers with childproof latches, but that’s not all. “One of the things I try to encourage parents to do is actually do most of the cooking while the child is asleep so you haven’t got all of this buzzing activity, sharp knives, hot stoves, ovens, and everything at the same time,” Ziegler advises. Of course, on a busy day it’s not always convenient to wait until nighttime to prepare dinner or do the week’s meal prep. When waiting isn’t an option, try to cook on the back burners so children can’t reach up and grab anything. Additionally, “make sure you always turn [pots’ and pans’] handles inwards,” Ziegler says.
Heating System
We all know how cold it can get in New York when winter rolls around. However, radiators may be a potential hazard. “Parents with radiators can install covers that are both functional and fashionable,” Thibault says. These covers can prevent children from coming into direct contact and sustaining serious burns. Also begin educating your children about the risk of injury from burns. “Start teaching them the word ‘hot’ very early,” Ziegler advises. “You need to sound a little alarming when you say the word. You need to start instilling the understanding of hot. You don’t want them to be touching that hot radiator and getting that burn.” And though a nice hot bath may seem ideal after a day in the snow, keep your water heater set to lower than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. “A lot of water that comes out of your tap is very, very hot and a child can be scalded by it,” Ziegler warns. “Make sure that if there is a temperature gauge that you can vary, bring it down.” If you’re not sure if an area of your home is fully toddler proofed, you may need a change of perspective. “Check out your home from your toddler’s viewpoint,” Thibault advises. “What looks interesting but is potentially dangerous?” This could point out any aspects of child proofing you might have overlooked.
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raising kids teen
Teen Milestones You Need to Know ›› This tumultuous time of life is full of firsts—here’s how to roll with some of your child’s big changes.
I
t seems like only yesterday your child was a baby and you were cooing over his every breakthrough. From first smile to first laugh to first wobbly step, your days were filled with scrapbook-stuffers and Insta-worthy occasions. Guess what? As your child enters the teen years, she’ll be launching into a period of all-new milestones. No, they’re (mostly) not so cute— no need to pull out that scrapbook again!—but they are important signs that he’s growing up and branching out in healthy new ways. While children develop at their own pace, we asked leading experts to identify some of the leaps forward you might experience soon, and offer advice to help you cope with the challenges they may present.
Peer-Group Preference
Remember the good old days when your child wanted you to accompany her everywhere, and fought with her siblings and even your partner for the right to sit next to you at dinners out? Steel yourself: Your days at the top of the A-list may be numbered. “One [milestone] I think is common is shifting to your peer group instead of your family as a source of guidance and companionship,” says Rachel Annunziato, Ph.D., an associate professor of clinical psychology at Fordham University in the Bronx. “That can be hard for us as parents, but it can be a normal part of adolescent development,” Dr. Annunziato says. Teens “are being given more autonomy, and it’s a time when there’s more experimenting. It’s more of a chance to socialize on their own terms.” Your best response? Give your child some of the space he’s craving. “This is where they are working things out in a way that will be helpful before going into the college environment,” Dr. Annunziato explains. It doesn’t mean you have to retreat entirely—plan parent-kid activities scheduled around his other obligations. “I sometimes call it ‘calendaring backwards,’ where you set up the 38
October 2018 | nymetroparents.com
By Deborah Skolnik
stuff that’s fixed and you can’t change in the calendar, and then put in the stuff that you want to prioritize,” says Mark Bertin, M.D., a developmental pediatrician in Pleasantville and author of How Children Thrive and Mindful Parenting for ADHD.
Social Calendar Commandeering
It can be a little distressing when your child’s social plans no longer include you. But if you’re at least consulted, you’re better off than many parents! That’s because the day may come when your kid makes plans for herself without asking your permission at all. (It may happen sooner in the city and in areas where there’s good public transportation.) In part, your child has become his own social director because he’s developing a better sense of time management. But for you it can be “very fear-inducing,” Dr. Annunziato says, especially if your child’s plans involve new friends you haven’t met yet. Your greatest ally, she says, is social media; thanks to it you may have more of an opportunity to get to know your kids’ friends’ parents, not to mention the friend herself. Alternatively, you can suggest the kids come over before going out. Don’t be afraid to nix a plan that seems unsafe or involves unsavory people, or a locale or return time that breaks family rules.
Extreme Embarrassment
Times were, you could be yourself around your child and his friends. Doing your victory dance at sports games will send her into a red-faced tizzy. And singing? Don’t even try. Why are you suddenly such a disgrace, no matter what you do? “That sense of being embarrassed by your parents is kind of exactly what you’d expect from teens. It’s because of the kind of tightrope they’re trying to walk, of staying connected to their parents—which you know is still the goal even though they’re trying
to become individuals—while also becoming more and more involved with their peers for support,” Dr. Bertin says. “That sense of embarrassment is probably just a natural reflection of a situation that’s confusing to them. They’re trying to be their own person and that puts them in a situation where they’re still connecting to you and connecting to their social group and trying to find a place that fits for all of that.” Again, the solution is to give your child some space (and tone down any of your embarrassing behaviors). Of course, adds Dr. Bertin, “know as a parent that there are still going to be times when you need to set a boundary and do something even if it’s embarrassing,” such as being stricter than everyone else’s parents (according to your child).
when moral reasoning really amps up and cognitively a lot is happening.” These changes may manifest themselves in strident ways: Your child could proclaim that meat is murder or argue with your politics heatedly. This is a positive transformation, Dr. Annunziato says. “It’s great to foster teens’ expression...to teach them how to respectfully disagree,” she explains. Acknowledge your teen’s opinions, and accommodate his wishes whenever possible without necessarily backing off of your viewpoints.
Future-Facing Planning
No one’s saying your child didn’t plot out her future when she was younger. Perhaps she planned on being a rock star, but now her dreams may come down to earth and start taking on a more realistic slant—she may say she wants to become a physician or a mechanical engineer. Teens “begin to become more goal oriented,” Dr. Annunziato says. “I think that it’s something that I am seeing even younger, and it lasts into the college years.” As teens’ sense of time becomes refined and their cognitive skills
develop, planning for the future seems more doable. “If someone is showing an interest in [their future], run with it, make sure their plans make sense, let them take the lead if they’re showing maturity in that way,” Dr. Bertin says. But not all kids will be laser-focused on their life after school, he cautions.” And don’t be disappointed if your child’s desire ultimately peters out: “A lot of us are a lot different in college than in high school... Things are going to keep changing,” he says—an apt description of the teen years.
Real Romance
Sure, your child may have given a valentine to Jane a few years ago, and then had a crush on another girl the next year. But sometime in your kid’s midteens, you may start to realize that you’re no longer his main squeeze. “Certainly [there’s] more interest in dating; that will start around then, whether it’s with the opposite sex or the same sex,” Dr. Annunziato says. While pairing off can stem from genuine interest, it can also be a result of dating pressure. How do you help your child resist the urge to follow the crowd in forming couples? “To the extent you can, keep communication open,” Dr. Annunziato recommends. Let your child know she can always come to you for guidance. As for when to allow your child to date, Dr. Annunziato says it’s all a matter of individual maturity—make sure he understands what it means, and is prepared for potentially getting hurt. And set ground rules and stick to them.
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Philosophical Pushiness
Your child’s been learning a lot in school, and from you, lately. “Maybe empathy for others is changing and increasing,” Dr. Annunziato says. “This is a time
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family life finances
Saving for Retirement
››
IRAs and 401Ks can be overwhelming for many. Fear not: We’re here to help!
W
hether you’re just starting your career, switching jobs, or you’ve been working for three decades, making sure you’re saving for retirement is one of the most important things you can do to set yourself up for the future. And the sooner you start saving, the better off you’ll be financially. After all, of those who participated in the Charles Schwab 2018 401K Participant Survey, 60 percent said their 401K will be their main source of income in retirement. In that same survey, though, 40 percent said saving enough money for a comfortable retirement was their most significant source of financial stress. And with all of the savings options available, you may be feeling the stress too. It can be difficult to navigate what retirement savings vehicle is best for you, especially if financial knowledge isn’t your strong suit. The two most-common ways to save for retirement are a 401K and an Individual Retirement Account. Both are great tax-advantaged options, but it is a common misconception that you have to choose one. Those who are aggressively saving for retirement may have both a 401K and an IRA.
What is a 401K?
A 401K is an employer-sponsored program that allows eligible employees of a company to save and invest a percentage of their own salary for retirement without paying taxes on it, according to Rosanna Guardavaccaro, financial advisor with Strategies for Wealth in Rye Brook and The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America. This savings plan allows you to put away up to $18,500 each year. Only an employer can sponsor a 401K for its employees, and this includes if you work for yourself. 40
October 2018 | nymetroparents.com
By Melissa Wickes
If you are lucky enough to work for a company that offers a 401K, especially one that will make a matching contribution, Daniel D’Ordine, CPF, founder of DDO Advisory Services in Rhinebeck, suggests contributing at least the matching percentage, if it’s financially feasible for you to do so. For example, if your employer will make a matching contribution of up to 6 percent of your salary, you should contribute 6 percent of your salary. There are a handful of benefits to a 401K. “Contribution limits are so high that you can really lower your current income tax bill by taking money and putting it into your 401K,” D’Ordine says. If you live in a high tax area, this is especially valuable because you are lowering your tax bracket by contributing to your 401K. For example, if you pocket $12,000 of your paycheck, you will have to pay up to 40 percent of taxes on that amount. However, if you put that same $12,000 into your 401K, it’s tax-free money and you have the opportunity to have a portion of that matched by your company (aka free money). Another advantage is a 401K is ‘automated invisible savings,’ D’Ordine says. “Once you can adjust to this slight reduction in your paycheck, the savings are happening automatically,” he says. “You forget about it and it takes away the emotional component of saving.” Another great benefit of investing in a 401K is dollar-cost averaging, which means you are investing a fixed dollar amount on a regular schedule and any market fluctuations will not affect this investment, D’Ordine says. Should your salary or your financial situation change, you can change your investment contributions on a quarterly or yearly basis, depending on your company’s policy.
What is an IRA?
An IRA is a mini-federal retirement account you can set up on your own, without sponsorship from an employer, according to D’Ordine. An investment custodian, bank, mutual fund company, or advisor can help you set up a traditional or Roth IRA. With both IRAs, you can put away up to $5,500 each year, plus an additional $1,000 if you are older than 50. The difference between the two is in contributions. When you contribute to a traditional IRA, you can claim the contribution on your tax return. This means you will pay taxes on the money when you retire, Guardavaccaro says. But you might not get the full amount back in your refund. If your employer offers a retirement plan and your income exceeds certain levels, your deduction may be limited; if your employer doesn’t offer a plan, your deduction is allowed in full, according to the Internal Revenue Service. Roth IRA contributions are not tax-deductible, and you will receive that sum of money tax-free when you retire. If your modified adjusted gross income (the total income you report that is eligible to be taxed, minus some adjustments you can make) is more than $120,000 as a single or $189,000 as a couple, you may no longer qualify for an IRA. It’s best to consult your accountant or tax advisor if you think this may be the case.
Choosing a Retirement Fund
Determining which plan is best for you is easier than you may think. If your company will match any amount of your 401K contribution, D’Ordine suggests to do that. A matching contribution should be your number-one priority when determining how to invest for your future since it is a 100-percent return on investment. Many people believe 401Ks are not the most beneficial options due to fees and investment selections, however having access to one is actually a huge benefit of working for a company, D’Ordine says. “Put in enough to get your match, and if you don’t love the idea of solely investing in a 401K, invest in other stuff as well,” D’Ordine says. While most large companies offer 401K plans, some ‘mom and pop shop’ businesses may not, D’Ordine says. However, this doesn’t mean your boss doesn’t have a retirement plan in place. Some small business owners may put away money for employees in their own plan. Things get a little more jumbled when your company doesn’t match or doesn’t begin to match until after a few years of employment, or if your company doesn’t offer a 401K. At that point, look into an IRA. When opening an IRA, whether traditional or Roth, D’Ordine suggests working with an investment professional who can give you advice, as well as a CPA who can double check all of the numbers for you. It is important to know the difference between an investment shop, which can help you set up your plan, and someone who is in the business of giving tax advice because there is a huge tax component to investing for retirement, according to D’Ordine. An IRA is a great option for anyone, whether your company offers a 401K plan or not, so why not have both if you can afford it?
OPEN HOUSES 2018 A. Fantis Parochial School
Pre-K3 through eighth grade, including UPK Theodore G. Tasoulas, principal 195 State St. afantis.org Join us for an information session on Sept. 26 at 9am, Oct. 9 at 9am, or Oct. 23 at 6pm.
Mary Louis Academy: Empowering Young Women Since 1936
176-21 Wexford Terrace, Jamaica Estates, Queens 718-297-2120 tmla.org At The Mary Louis Academy, you will find your own voice-distinctive, confident, intelligent, creative, and empowered. Join us at our open house on Sunday, Oct. 14 from 10am-3pm. Pre-register at tmla.org.
Saint Saviour Catholic Academy
701 8th Ave., Park Slope 718-768-8000 x4 saintsaviourcatholicacademy.org; nlynch@sscaparkslope.org We welcome you to visit our academy! Tours are by appointment with our director of admissions, Nathan Lynch, see contact information above. All tours start at 9am.
St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Academy
241 Prospect Park W. 718-768-7629 sjwca.org Join us for an open house on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 12-2pm. Toddler Time at SJWCA starts on Sept. 28. To schedule a tour or inquires, contact kschneck@sjwca.org.
Stepping Stones Nursery School
245 86th St., Bay Ridge 718-630-1000 Stepping Stones-The Next Step 9321 Ridge Blvd. 718-630-1001 steppingstones86.com; steppingstones86@aol.com Join us for an open house on Oct. 24 at 6pm at the Next Step, 9321 Ridge Blvd. for children born in 2015.
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“Retirement is an important goal and individuals should continuously save for it,” Guardavaccaro says. This is, of course, subject to the individual, the time she is at in her life, and where she currently stands in the economic ecosystem, D’Ordine says. If you are saving toward a shorter-term goal (a down payment on a house), it may be best for you to stop 401K contributions for that period of time. “Bite the bullet for those couple of years, pay the taxes, and throw all of your money into that goal,” D’Ordine says. A lot of companies will allow you to pause your 401K or adjust your contribution, according to D’Ordine. Your IRA is up to your discretion as far as changing contributions and pausing. The most important thing is making choices about where your money goes that make sense for you. BrooklynParent 41
Professional PartyCentral 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-of-the-art medical office equipment allows us to deliver your test results during your visit. We are kid-friendly. Walk-ins welcome. Most insurance plans are accepted.
SPECIAL NEEDS LITTLE OPTICS INC. 192-07 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, Queens 53-15 Roosevelt Ave., Woodside, Queens 718-468-7500; hablamos Español littleopticsinc@yahoo.com We provide eyeglasses and professional eye care for children, including infants, and young adults. We also alleviate any self-esteem issues associated with the stigma of wearing glasses. When your child leaves Little Optics, rest assured they will feel confident.
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.
BOUNCEU THERAPY & COUNSELORS MR. SPEECH PATHOLOGY 347-399-4836 mrspeechpathology.com info@mrspeechpathology.com Eugene Chuprin is a bilingual (English-Russian) speech-language pathologist conducting evaluations and providing therapy in the New York City area. His specialty is treating pediatrics with language disorders, articulation disorders, and stuttering.
TUTORS & TEST PREP EYE LEVEL BROOKLYN Eye Level Sheepshead Bay 1605 Voorhees Ave. 718-891-5437, Veronica Verdino Eye Level Park Slope 150 4th Ave. 718-260-8100, Daisy Farrugia myeyelevel.com Eye Level offers math and English programs for ages 3-14. Whether the immediate goal is for early learning, remedial education, or academic education, Eye Level is the answer. SCIENTIA TUTORING Servicing Brooklyn and Manhattan scientia.brooklyn@gmail.com Experienced, understanding, compassionate, independent school teachers offer support for all levels of Spanish, Latin, French, English, essays, literature, physics, biology, chemistry, algebra, and geometry.
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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.
CHELSEA PIERS SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
West 23rd Street and Hudson River Park, Manhattan Field House Registration Desk: 212-3366500 x6520 chelseapiers.com/youth Why cross the bridge for your next birthday party? Because Chelsea Piers parties are action-packed, entertaining, and hasslefree, with more sports, activities, and fun than any other party venue in NYC!
FAIRYTALE ISLAND
7110 3rd Ave. 646-667-9096 facebook.com/fairytaleislandplayground icecream124@hotmail.com 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.
INTREPID SEA, AIR & SPACE MUSEUM
Pier 86, West 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue, Manhattan 646-381-5166 intrepidmuseum.org Celebrate your child’s birthday with a one-of-a-kind party! The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum will captivate groups of all ages and interests. Choose from exciting themes, value packages, and customization options to create a birthday adventure they’ll remember forever!
MAX ADVENTURES PARTY CENTER
2378 Flatbush Ave. 718-676-9577 maxadventuresny.com party@maxadventuresny.com We are unique; we are big; and we are private, unlike any other party place or entertainment venue. When the lights are off and the special effects are turned on, the whole place will glow.
URBANGLASS
647 Fulton St. 718-625-3685 urbanglass.org/classes Celebrate your next birthday with UrbanGlass and discover the thrill of glass in all its forms! Located in the heart of Brooklyn, we offer fun-filled party packages that include lessons in glassblowing, bead making, neon, and fusing.
WHEEL FUN RENTALS: MARINE PARK
Avenue U and East 33rd Street, Marine Park 917-533-6196 LeFrak Center at Lakeside, 171 East Drive, Prospect Park 718-462-0010 9000 Bay Parkway, Bensonhurst Park 805-650-7770 Flushing Meadows-Corona Park David Dinkins Circle, Meridian Road, Queens 929-343-2366 Flushing Meadows-Corona Park at North Meadow Lake Meadow Lake Road West, Queens 917-231-5519 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!
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY! NYMetroParents.com is parents' Party Central—one-stop shopping for the best in: H Party Places (for the trendiest, newest, or most classic locale) H Entertainers (clowns, balloon twisting, magicians, spa parties & so much more!) H Gift-Giving (from charitable ideas to the best presents for every age) H At-Home Party Themes (think pirates, princesses, superheroes, Harry Potter…) H Planning Help H Tips & Tricks from the Pros (…and parents who’ve been there!) Bergen•RocklandParent NORTH
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Back-to-School Resource Guide Pack a Smarter Lunch Ease the Morning Rush Advocate for Your Twins
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Where-To Guide: Berry Picking
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Meet the
Health Care Professional
Pediatric Immediate Care 698 Manhattan Ave. 718-389-PEDS (7337) 150 E. Sunrise Highway, Suite 105, North Lindenhurst 631-956-PEDS (7337) 1077 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown 631-864-PEDS (7337) pediatricimmediatecare.com
Pediatric Immediate Care is a team of hearts where kids come first. Stateof-the-art medical office equipment allows us to deliver your test results during your visit. Kid-friendly, walk-ins welcome, and 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.
Keith Breglio, M.D. Maimonides Children’s Hospital Pediatric Gastroenterology 4802 10th Ave. 718-283-7500
Dr. Keith Breglio, one of Brooklyn’s top doctors, is a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist at Maimonides Children’s Hospital. He treats a wide variety of conditions including inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis), celiac disease, and gastroesophageal reflux. Dr. Breglio focuses on not only treating the disease itself, but also combating any fears and concerns children and their parents might have. This allows his patients to enjoy this wonderful period of growth despite the illness being treated.
Monita Mendiratta, M.D. Maimonides Children’s Hospital Pediatric Pulmonology, Sleep Medicine 4802 10th Ave. 718-283-7500
Dr. Mendiratta is a highly respected, board-certified pediatric pulmonologist who specializes in pediatric sleep medicine and pediatric pulmonology. After her pediatric training at Maimonides, she completed her pulmonary fellowship at the nationally renowned Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Mendiratta leads a multidisciplinary team that diagnoses and treats sleep disorders in infants and children related to medical, developmental, or behavioral conditions in our Institute for Sleep and Breathing Disorders. She also has expertise in respiratory conditions such as asthma, pneumonia, and chronic cough.
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Park Slope Kids Dental Care 150 4th Ave. 718-488-0200 parkslopekidsdental.com
At Park Slope Kids Dental Care, children who are first seen for a friendly examination and cleaning are able to enjoy the dental experience and build a bond of trust with us. A customized dental plan that includes prevention, growth development, and possible treatment is created to fit your child’s specific dental needs. We are committed to giving children the best possible experiences at our office to help set them up for a lifetime of good oral health.
Dr. Charlot Cascya - Allergy and Asthma Care of Brooklyn 10 Plaza St. E., Suite 1E 311 Saint Nicholas Ave., Ridgewood 347-564-3211 brooklynallergydr.com
Dr. Cascya Charlot is an award-winning, Harvard Medical School-trained physician who is board-certified in pediatric and adult allergy and immunology. She is the chief of pediatric allergy at Methodist Hospital in Park Slope, and medical director of Allergy and Asthma Care of Brooklyn in Park Slope and Williamsburg. She evaluates patients for a wide variety of allergic conditions including asthma, eczema, food allergies, sinusitis, and environmental allergies. Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades including the prestigious Patients’ Choice “Most Compassionate Doctor” award in 2012 and 2013.
Brooklyn Family Orthodontics Alexis K. Fermanis, D.D.S., M.S. 142 Joralemon St., 6B, Brooklyn Heights 73 8th Ave., at Union Street, Park Slope 718-395-6582 bkfamilyortho.com
Dr. Alexis Fermanis is an orthodontic specialist who practiced in Brooklyn for 10 years before starting Brooklyn Family Orthodontics in 2014. She is a native New Yorker and enjoys running and traveling in her free time. Dr. Fermanis believes a beautiful smile makes a great first impression and she is passionate about providing that to her patients. She is active in her alumni societies and local dental organizations and regularly attends continuing education classes so she can provide the most successful results for her patients.
Lynn Model, M.D. Maimonides Children’s Hospital and Pediatric Trauma Center Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Minimally Invasive & Robotic Surgery 984 50th St. 718-283-7384
Dr. Lynn Model is a highly regarded and experienced pediatric surgeon. She completed her residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital and fellowship in pediatric surgery at Miami Children’s Hospital. Dr. Model is board-certified in general surgery and trauma and critical care. She provides services ranging from prenatal consultations to complex laparoscopic surgeries, all with compassion and delivered in a child-friendly environment. Dr. Model also leads an interdisciplinary pediatric trauma surgery team, which is part of the only pediatric trauma center in Brooklyn.
FAMILY RESOURCE GUIDE FOREIGN LANGUAGE CLASSES
La Récré De Paris
CBE Kids: Congregation Beth Elohim
Need to plan the perfect party? FIND venues, entertainers, suppliers, and other ideas to create the ideal party in our online Parent Resources Directory.
NYMetroParents.com
274 Garfield Place, Park Slope
Servicing Brooklyn and Manhattan
Ha’Geemnasia is CBE’s Hebrew language and Israeli culture after-school program. All Ha’Geemnasia classes allow children to have fun while engaging in activities with Israeli teachers. Ha’Geemnasia offers after-school pickup from local schools.
The art of teaching children French through recreation is our way of approaching a new language. Come and join us for a creative, loving, and fun experience.
718-768-3814 congregationbethelohim.org • bfinkelstein@cbebk.org
917-436-0477 larecredeparis.com • info@larecredeparis.com
raising kids ad index NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY metropolitan area! birthday / party services
dance
Allergy & Asthma Care of Brooklyn..........................35, 44
Art Fun Studio.................................................................17
April’s Dance - N - Feet....................................................9
Brooklyn Family Orthodontics...................................35, 44
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum...................................3
Art’s House Schools.......................................................17
Maimonides Medical Center.....................................39, 44 Park Slope Kids Dental Care......................................5, 44
Max Adventures................................................................2
education
Pediatric Immediate Care.........................................13, 44
camps
A. Fantis Parochial School.............................................13
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum...................................3
Blue School....................................................................20
music
Key Lab NYC..................................................................20
Brienza’s Academic Advantage........................................5
Art’s House Schools.......................................................17
Leif Ericson Day School...................................................8
Key Lab NYC..................................................................20
Lighthouse Family Day Care............................................7
Llingsworth Music...........................................................37
Leif Ericson Day School...................................................8 Smart Start.....................................................................19 Stepping Stones Preschool............................................11
child care / day care Lighthouse Family Day Care............................................7 Mommybites...................................................................14 Smart Start.....................................................................19 Stepping Stones Preschool............................................11
Mary Louis Academy (The)...............................................9 St. Francis Xavier / Queen of All Saints
religious
Catholic Academy.............................................................7
Leif Ericson Day School...................................................8
St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Academy......................11
Mary Louis Academy (The)...............................................9
St. Saviours Catholic Academy......................................19
St. Francis Xavier / Queen of All Saints
Stepping Stones Preschool............................................11
Catholic Academy.............................................................7 St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Academy......................11
family entertainment /
St. Saviours Catholic Academy......................................19
events / outings classes April’s Dance - N - Feet....................................................9 Art Fun Studio.................................................................17
Hurd’s Family Farms......................................................37
retail
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum...................................3
Llingsworth Music...........................................................37
Llingsworth Music...........................................................37
Blue School....................................................................20
special events
Brienza’s Academic Advantage........................................5
family travel
Art Fun Studio.................................................................17
Key Lab NYC..................................................................20
Hurd’s Family Farms......................................................37
National Fire Protection Association.................................9
Smart Start.....................................................................19
health
tutors
Urban Glass....................................................................17
Advantage Care Physicians...........................................48
Brienza’s Academic Advantage........................................5
Lighthouse Family Day Care............................................7
BrooklynParent 45
raising kids quotables
What do you think your kids will be for Halloween? “My six-year-old son, Dillon, and four-year-old son, Reed, can’t get enough of Star Wars. My husband and I are trying to influence them to dress up as a member of the Resistance, but it is looking more likely that Dillon will be a Tusken Raider and Reed will be Darth Vader!” —Felicia Soler, Westchester County
“My five-year-old daughter is obsessed with Cookie Monster (second year in a row), so she will probably wear that costume again. My seven-year-old son is thinking of being a character from his favorite video game, Fortnite.” —Karen Ann, Rockland County
“Last year, for my daughter’s first Halloween, she was a peapod. This year I was thinking some kind of a woodland animal like a fox or a raccoon. I asked my three-year-old niece what Baby Gigi should be and she said a witch. When I said I wasn’t sure about that one, she said a pumpkin without hesitation. So a pumpkin it is!” —Amy Elliott, Brooklyn
“My daughter is four and she wants to be a fairy.” —Cathy Como-Marcotrigiano, Queens
“A giraffe. We already have the costume because I was so excited.” —Leslie Brachfeld Sanchez, Manhattan
Ultimately, my goal is for my girls to know that their ideas and creations are loved and valued. Whether it be a drawing, a dance move, a song they made up, or a funny-looking batch of peanut butter cookies. — Ilana Wiles, in a post entitled “Encouraging Creativity and Confidence in My Girls” on mommyshorts.com
“Stop putting kids first. Imagine a relationship that centers on the two of you, and all the stability and care your kids will take from that. Accept that a truly wonderful relationship only multiplies the love available to your kids— not robs them of some of yours. Because in those families, there is all the more love to go around.” — Emma Johnson, in a post entitled “Why Single Parents Should Put Their Kids Second When Dating” on wealthysinglemommy.com
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October 2018 | nymetroparents.com
“Since my one-year-old son loves airplanes, he will most likely be dressed as a pilot. My daughter? Definitely Peppa Pig! She loves everything Peppa, especially ‘Princess Peppa.’” —Vanessa Gordon, Suffolk County
“Seriously, any Fortnite character.” —Chrissy MonteMastro, Nassau County
YOU SNOOZE OR YOU LOOSE “Anyone with a toddler who woke up a little too early, stayed up a little too late, or missed a nap knows the dreaded consequences: whines that escalate into ear-shattering screams that make you want to run away and join the circus — if that were an option. One simpler remedy is adequate sleep. In about a third of all-cases, sleep-deprived behavior is often misdiagnosed as ADHD.” —Rebecca Kempton, JD, in an article entitled “10 Ways Good Sleep Habits Make Kids Smarter, Happier, and Healthier.” Read the whole story at nymetroparents.com/sleep-habits.
More NYMetroParents.com Highlights: NO BOO-BOOS: Learn how to have a safe and healthy Halloween (nymetroparents.com/safe-Halloween) HOMEWORK HELPERS: Five apps that make schoolwork simpler (nymetroparents.com/homework-apps) PAY? NO WAY!: When to visit NYC’s museums, zoos, and gardens admission free (nymetroparents.com/free-admission) TABLE TALK: Simple ways to reclaim dinnertime (nymetroparents.com/dinner)
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