Brooklyn Parent December 2018 by City Guide NY

Brooklyn rooklyn Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM DECEMBER 2018

Happy Holidays! • Sticking

to Your Gift-Giving Budget

• Elf

on the Shelf: Yay or Nay? • Kid-Safe Decorating

World-Aware Teens Raise kids who’ll change the world

Family Travel Destinations The best all-inclusive, family-friendly resorts

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

BrooklynParent 1

The Nutcracker, reimagined DEC 10 —18 ONLY

DEC 14—23

photo credit: Julieta Cervantes

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BAM and Mark Morris Dance Group present The Hard Nut | Based on the book by E.T.A. Hoffmann, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King Mark Morris Dance Group | Featuring the MMDG Music Ensemble | Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, The Nutcracker, Op. 71 Conducted by Colin Fowler | Choreography by Mark Morris

TICKETS START AT $25

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Leadership support for dance at BAM provided by:

Support for the Signature Artist Series provided by:

Season Sponsor:

BAM®, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Next Wave® and Teknopolis® are trademarks of Brooklyn Academy of Music, Inc. © Brooklyn Academy of Music, Inc. 2018.

Here for you with the health insurance your family deserves Money-saving plans that make you all feel better We’re here for you with help choosing the right health insurance. With our plans, you can save on medications, see specialists without a referral, even talk to a doctor 24/7.

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*Your enrollment period and coverage effective date may vary based on your application date and plan. Plans are offered by affiliates of Healthfirst, Inc. Plans include exclusions and limitations. Benefits vary per your Healthfirst plan. Telemedicine isn’t a replacement for your Primary Care Provider (PCP). Your PCP should always be your first choice for care and for regular visits. © 2018 HF Management Services, LLC

XP18_189

contents table of

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

december 2018

family travel

Holiday Joys

How to Save Money on Holiday Shopping

14 Become a Resort Family

Find something to help your family beat that winter chill!

These tips will help you stick to your budget while snagging real bargains.

How to Raise a World-Aware Teen

Your child’s now old enough to grasp global issues—and to change the planet for the better, too.

raising kids

things to do

family life

6 Editor’s Note 10 My Family Saved Someone’s Life 12 Keeping Your Family Healthy 18 The Pros and Cons of Elf on the Shelf 40 How to Raise a World-Aware Teen 42 Meet the Doctor 43 Party Central 43 Professional Services 45 Family Resource Guide 45 Advertisers’ Index 46 Parenting Humor

11 Glitter Gifts

16 13 Ways to Stay Safe This Holiday Season

20 Family Fun a Ride Away

38 How to Save Money on Holiday Shopping

23 Family Activities Calendar 36 Holiday Joys

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› 16 Kid-Safe Decorating 18 Elf on the Shelf: Yay or Nay? 38 Sticking to Your Gift-Giving Budget 40 World-Aware Teens facebook.com/nymetroparents

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

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raising kids editor’s note

DECEMBER 2018 • Vol.15 • No.5

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Katelin Walling ASSISTANT EDITORS: Anja Webb, Melissa Wickes DIRECTOR OF CONTENT: Deborah Skolnik

Season’s Readings!

absolutely adore this time of year, don’t you? The days may be short, but they’re jampacked full of joyful doings. Whether you’re shopping for presents for loved ones, admiring the twinkling holiday lights, or cooking up special treats, there’s a cozy feel to it all. And the only thing more delightful than savoring the season’s many pleasures is experiencing them from your child’s wide-eyed perspective. Of course, in all the excitement we want to make sure you and your kids steer clear of hazards—that’s why we urge you to read Lambeth Hochwald’s feature “13 Ways to Stay Safe This Holiday Season” on p. 16. Don’t light a candle, buy a festive new plant, or set out special décor before reading what the experts have to say. Speaking of experts, we also have the pros’ best tips for getting discounts on all those gifts you’re buying. Turn to p. 38 for “How to Save Money on Holiday Shopping” by Denise Porretto, which offers brilliant strategies for bargain-hunting, both online and at brick-and-mortar stores. You’ll wonder how you ever did without these easy ways to earn cash back on purchases, snag hot products at low prices, and more. Meanwhile, what would Christmas be without a few traditions? This issue, we take a closer look at a somewhat controversial one: Elf on the Shelf. He’s meant to watch over your young kids and report back to Santa about whether they belong on the ‘nice’ or ‘naughty’ list, but does that make him sweet, or a spy? In Anja Webb’s “The Pros and Cons of Elf on the Shelf” on p. 18, real parents, plus others who grew up with the steely-eyed sprite, offer advice on how to deploy your elf so he’s fun for little ones. Yet the holiday season isn’t only for small children, which is why those of you with older kids will appreciate Allison Ingrum’s story, “Raise a World-Aware Teen” on p. 40. These days more than ever, it’s important for our youth to know what’s happening around the globe—and help change our planet for the better. After the holidays wrap—or even before—you may just have had your fill of blustery weather and busy days. Who could blame you if you just want to get away from it all for a while? Not us! That’s what makes our travel story “Become a Resort Family” on p. 14 so timely. We’ve rounded up our picks of family-friendly all-inclusive resorts and destinations, blessed spots where all you have to do is relax. Even if you can’t book a getaway this minute, it’s a great read for fantasizing. On that subject, here’s wishing you and yours the holiday of your dreams! Deborah Skolnik Director of Content

REGIONAL EDITORS: Karen Demeter (Suffolk); Whitney C. Harris (Westchester); Shara Levine (Rockland); Karen Lo (Brooklyn, Manhattan); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke EDITORIAL INTERN: Megan Vasquez

ADVERTISING SALES

Big Apple Parent 212-315-0800 Jeunesse Jackson, Manager EJ Morales-Gomez Queens Parent 718-878-4860 Annene Guertin, Manager Westchester Parent 914-397-0200 Nini DeLuca, Manager Merrill Sugarman Brooklyn Parent 718-878-4860 Phyllis Crupi, Selene Rodriguez Rockland Parent 845-848-8021 Cara Roteman, Jim Russo Long Island Parent, Nassau 516-883-4543 Joan Bergman, Manager Lisa Herlihy Long Island Parent, Suffolk 631-472-5437 Karen Shapiro, Gayle Sherman To Advertise: nympads@davlermedia.com To Submit Events: nymetroparents.com/submitevents To Submit News: nymetroparents.com/submitnews

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MANAGING DIRECTOR: Amy Lazar-Pollack 516-851-7004

OPERATIONS

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

PRODUCTION

DIRECTOR|PUBLISHING MANAGEMENT: Anthony Diaz

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

MARKETING

Tell Us How You Give Back! In this season of showing gratitude and giving, we want hear how you help those who are less fortunate. Does your family volunteer on a regular basis? Do your kids raise money for a charity? Does your business give back to the community? Share your story of giving back with us, and we’ll share it with our readers on NYMetroParents. com. We’ll help you to raise the visibility of your cause and let others know how they can get involved. Sharing your story couldn’t be easier: Simply fill out the form at nymetroparents.com/submitnews. We look forward to hearing from you!

MARKETING DIRECTOR: Ryan Christopher ASSISTANT MARKETING MANGER: Kristine Pulaski

FINANCE

CONTROLLER: David Friedman CREDIT MANAGER: Elizabeth Teagarden CREDIT ASSISTANT: Rosa Meinhofer

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

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

Give your child the gift of academic excellence. • small class size • stress-free learnng • DOE services • computer technology • music performance • hands-on science lab

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Leif Ericson Day School 1037 72nd St. Brooklyn ledny.org 718-748-9023 BrooklynParent 7

Courtesy Circus Glow

raising kids new places, new programs

Glow-in-the-Dark Circus to Perform in Canarsie Who: Circus Glow What’s New: The show, which is scheduled to perform in Canarsie Dec. 21-25. Circus Glow is a new style of circus that features seven acts, including aerialists, contortionists, and LED robots. The performers are committed to providing children and families with an illuminated experience fused with art and entertainment at the highest level of excitement. All acts are performed completely in the dark and are illuminated by LED lights or glow-in-the-dark costumes. Illuminations vary depending on the style of act. The show is all people with no animals or fire. Circus Glow will perform eight shows over four days in Brooklyn before moving to Queens. Want More Info: PAC Dome, 1500 Paegadat Ave. N., Canarsie; 718-230-0891; circusglow.com

“Circus Glow is the next generation of family fun entertainment in the circus industry, combining new school traditions with an old school twist,” says Jewell Flint, project manager of Circus Glow.

Experiment with slim e and other scientiﬁc demonstrations at Clowns.com science parties.

Deer Park

Who: Clowns.com What’s New: STEM-themed birthday parties for kids, which are slated to begin January 2019. The science parties will consist of two scientists, Scientist X and Scientist Y (named after the chromosomes). Each scientist will perform demonstrations and lead hands-on experiments with the partygoers. The experiments can be anything from making slime to learning about magnetic fields, with each activity tailored to the party attendee’s age group. Comedy is a key aspect of the party performance as well. The science party is suitable for all ages, but its recommended for children ages 8-10. “We want to combine entertainment with some real-world learning experiences for kids,” says George Blackstone, owner of Clowns.com. Want More Info: clowns.com; 516-777-0000

Courtesy Clowns.com

Birthday Party Provider to Offer STEM-themed Parties

Who: Sky Zone Deer Park What’s New: A three-lane Warped Wall, which is coming to Sky Zone Deer Park this month. The three-lane wall is the kind of challenge you might see on the Ninja Warrior competitions, except the Sky Zone Deer Park Warped Wall has three lanes to accommodate all levels of ability, according to Anthony Grassa, general manager of Sky Zone Deer Park. The park also offers Fortnite parties and competitions, other birthday parties, dodgeball, Sky Slam and a foam pit, and toddler time in addition to Sky Zone Cares, a program for people with special needs. Want More Info: 111 Rodeo Drive, Deer Park; 631-392-2600; skyzone.com/deerpark 8

December 2018 | nymetroparents.com

ne Courtesy Sk y Zo

Deer Park Trampoline Park Welcomes Attraction

led and unmatched provide an unparalle Sky Zone aims to ss. tne ﬁ and by combining fun

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This free treatment research study is evaluating whether a weekly mindful parenting group and individual behavioral parent training program will improve parent-child relationship, family functioning, and symptoms of disruptive behavioral disorders (such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Conduct Disorder). Parent(s) and child must be fluent in English, parent(s) must be able to commit to attending a weekly parent group for 7 weeks followed by weekly individual sessions for 8-12 weeks, and the child must present with impairing disruptive behavioral problems.

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BrooklynParent 9

Courtesy Jenn Colucci

raising kids voices

My Family Saved Someone’s Life ›› The close call that was the ultimate teachable moment for my kids. By Jenn Colucci, as told to Deborah Skolnik

ave you ever had an ordinary day suddenly turn extraordinary? That’s what happened to us in late July. My husband Vinnie had come home early from work, and we’d gone to an afternoon movie at the Galleria Mall in Poughkeepsie with our four kids. As we left the theater around 4:30pm, I noticed a black BMW near our car in the parking lot. We got in our car and I pulled out of our parking spot. That’s when I saw the BMW’s driver: He was lying on his back across the center console, and his feet were sticking out the driver’s-side door. The car was running and the radio was blasting. “Something is wrong with this guy,” I said. Vinnie thought the man was just sleeping, but I urged him to check. Vinnie got out of the car and tapped the guy’s foot, saying “Hey buddy, hey bro.” There was no response. My husband looked at me. “Call nine-one-one,” he said. The emergency operator told us to pull the man out of the car and lay him on the ground. Vinnie got a couple of passersby to help him while I stayed on the phone with the operator. I pulled our car up so my kids couldn’t see what was happening, but I looked on. The driver—he was a young man—was taking breaths every 30 seconds, if that. He was pale, white, and sweaty, and his lips were blue-purple. The police showed up first. Immediately, they concluded the man was suffering from a drug overdose. They administered Narcan—a substance designed to counteract opioid overdose— through his nose, which did nothing. Paramedics arrived shortly thereafter and administered more Narcan through an IV. Immediately, miraculously, it brought the guy back to life. I heard him say he’d used two bags of heroin. He bounced back so much he wanted to go home, but of course

Jenn and Vinnie Colucci with their children

the paramedics insisted he go to the hospital for observation. As I sat there watching it all unfold, stunned, one of the police officers came up to me. “This man was dead,” he told me. “You literally just saved his life by calling nine-one-one.” The young man, now sitting up on a stretcher, looked at the police officer and said, “Thanks.” “Don’t thank me,” the officer replied. “You can thank these two over here. They’re the ones that called.” On the way home, my 8-year-old daughter asked me, “Mom, did that man have a heart attack?” I looked at my husband and said, “I’m just going to tell them.” “That man was dying because he did very bad drugs,” I explained. We talked about how dangerous illegal drugs are, and why you should never use them. My husband and I turned it into a teaching moment—not only about drugs, but also about how if you see someone in trouble, you should call for help and not just walk by, as I’m sure a lot of people might have done. The movie we’d seen was The Incredibles 2, and my son said, “Mommy, you and Daddy are just like Mr. and Mrs. Incredible!” It’s true I did feel inspired by what we’d done—but I was also sad for what we’d seen. I’m sure this experience will stay with my three older kids, who are 12, 8, and 6, for the rest of their lives. My 4-year-old probably won’t remember, but I’m hoping she’ll learn from her older siblings. I’m also hoping people start realizing how big the opioid addiction crisis is. Most of all, I’m hoping the young man we saved stays safe. What happens if he needs saving again—will anyone be there to rescue him the next time? Because the mother in me knows: He’s someone’s child.

Jenn Colucci is a mother of four and the content coordinator for the upcoming Living Lagrange magazine, as well as the receiver of taxes for the Town of Beekman.

December 2018 | nymetroparents.com

diy corner Colleen Cunningham

things to do

Glitter Gifts!

Add a little sparkle to your holiday season with these crafty gift ideas, perfect for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or just because! Create a cozy mug with some added ﬂair to enjoy a nice cup of hot cocoa, an abstract art canvas to unleash your inner Picasso, or a shining ornament to make your tree stand out. No matter what your occasion for gift giving, make it extra special with something handmade… and glittery! These crafts, excerpted from “Glitter!” by Adams Media, are sure to make your holiday season one to remember!

Abstract Art Canvas

What you’ll need:

Mod Podge

Plain art canvas

Paintbrush

Masking tape

Glitter

Next: 1. Tape off canvas to create the pattern you want to make. 2. Paint over canvas with Mod Podge. 3. Pour on your glitter. 4. Let dry, then tap the canvas over a piece of paper to shed any excess glitter. 5. Carefully peel off tape.

Glittery Mug

Make a (dishwasher safe) glitter-dipped mug with easy-to-find items! You’ll need:

Dishwasher safe Mod Podge

Masking tape

Paintbrush

Glass or porcelain mug

Glitter

Ornament Give the gift of glitter this season with glitter ornaments! All you need is: Glass bulb ornaments

Piece of paper

Floor finish

Fine glitter

Now... 1. Remove metal ornament caps and pour a tablespoon of floor finish into each bulb. 2. Use paper to funnel glitter into bulbs, then swirl the bulbs around to coat the inside of the ornament with the glitter mixture. 3. Pour out excess mixture and let bulbs dry for 10 minutes before replacing metal caps. Tie off each ornament with a sparkly bow and share the shimmer with friends and family this year.

Colleen Cunningham

Whether you’re a modern Picasso or more of a “stick-figure specialist,” there’s a way to unleash your inner glitter artist: easy abstract canvas art! Ta-da! Friends will insist that it’s store-bought

Now… 1. Tape off your mug and use paintbrush to apply Mod Podge below the tapeline. 2. Now go glitter-crazy! 3. Peel off tape and let dry for 4-8 hours. 4. Use paintbrush to dab a coat of Mod Podge over the glitter. Let sit for 28 days before washing. Beware: Friends will be tempted to “borrow” it.

BrooklynParent 11

raising kids in the know

5 Ways to Keep Your Family Healthy During Flu Season By Melissa Wickes

››

old and flu season: Every parent dreads it. It can feel crippling knowing there is likely a sneeze coming in your child’s direction or a kid with a fever drooling on your day care’s set of Legos. Remember: Kids are still building their immune systems, so it’s normal for them to get sick frequently. “I have parents tell me that they can remember more days when their kid had a runny nose than days when they didn’t,” says Aimée Kahn, M.D., M.P.H., pediatrician at Crystal Run Healthcare in Nyack. This year, get ahead of the cold and flu game by instilling these simple practices in your children and taking precautions, as suggested by Dr. Kahn.

weather, but you’re not getting the flu from the flu shot. In fact, it is nothing compared to the actual flu,” Dr. Kahn says. Maintain a healthy diet. Of course, your child should also be getting all the vitamins she needs—something that will happen as long as she’s eating a healthy, nutritious diet (though you can’t go wrong with a multivitamin!). Also check that your county’s water supply has fluoride in it. If not, you may want to make sure your child is getting the right amount of fluoride, Dr. Kahn suggests.

Wash your hands. It’s one of the most important things you, your child, or anyone can do to prevent spreading infection. Teach your children to wash before eating, after playtime, after playgroup, and after using the bathroom, Dr. Kahn suggests. Properly washing your hands means wetting, cleaning with soap for 10-15 seconds, and rinsing completely. Also emphasize sneezing and coughing into a sleeve or tissue and then throwing that tissue away.

Don’t let your child share things that go in his mouth. After spending the last few years teaching your child the importance of sharing, flu season is the time to throw those lessons out the window. Well, at least for utensils, pacifiers, cups, and other items that go in your child’s mouth, Dr. Kahn stresses. Even if a child in playgroup is not showing symptoms of a cold or flu, there is often an incubation period when she is contagious anyway, so it is best not to share these things ever. If your child drops his pacifier, don’t be so quick to give it a swift wipe and pop it back in his mouth.

Get your vaccinations. Especially this flu season, getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and your children from the flu. A record number of 183 pediatric deaths were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during the 2017-2018 season. Approximately 80 percent of the deaths occurred in children who did not receive a flu vaccination, according to the CDC. Many parents are concerned their child can contract the flu from the vaccine itself. “The injection is not a live vaccine, so if you are feeling under the weather after receiving the vaccine, it is simply your body’s autoimmune response. It may make you feel under the

Know when to take your child to the doctor. Although kids do get sick frequently, it’s important to know the signs that it is time to get your child evaluated by a pediatrician. If he has a high fever that won’t come down with Tylenol or Motrin, you should see the doctor. Once your child is fever-free, wait 24 hours before letting her go back to school. Think about it: Would you want someone else sending their sick kid into school to cough all over your child? Perhaps most importantly, if your child shows any signs of difficulty breathing, including fast breathing, nasal flaring, and using extra muscles to breathe, you should take her to the doctor immediately, Dr. Kahn says.

December 2018 | nymetroparents.com

raising kids child care

5 Ways to Involve Your Nanny in Holiday Celebrations ›› Courtesy Mommybites.com

olidays are an important time for your family and your nanny. Taking the time to think ahead, discuss, and plan properly will help ensure your nanny feels appreciated. Gifts are an important way of acknowledging your nanny over the holidays, but more important is the effort and respect you show in ensuring everyone has the opportunity to comfortably celebrate the holidays. Here are five ways you can involve your nanny in your family’s holiday celebrations. Encourage your kids to talk and ask questions. A nanny’s stories of how she celebrates the holidays will be met with enthusiasm, and the kids will gain from learning about her faith. Acknowledge each other’s faiths. This provides the opportunity to talk openly about upcoming celebrations and plan in advance. Invite your nanny to participate in your family’s holiday celebrations. Your kids may be thrilled to introduce her to traditional Jewish foods if you celebrate Hanukkah, or perhaps your family has a special Christmas or Kwanzaa tradition your kids want to share. If you prefer that your nanny not be present during your family’s holiday celebrations, the best way to prevent misunderstandings or bruised feelings is to talk about your expectations with her in advance. If there are differences in faith or observance, you and she should identify and discuss what are acceptable traditions to share.

M A G I C O F T H E HO L I D A YS FEATURING AMERICA’S GOT TALENT WINNER

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Create a holiday schedule. It should clearly show when your nanny will and won’t be working. Give her ample opportunity to make her holiday plans, and offer to help her make arrangements if needed. Consider giving her additional paid days off around the holidays, like Christmas Eve, to make sure she doesn’t lose any wages. Encourage her and the kids to plan their own holiday party. They can enjoy some special time together and exchange gifts. Decisions should be made with your nanny’s input and consent so that everyone feels at ease with the holiday plan.

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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.

BrooklynParent 13

Courtesy Club Med

esorts xury R on Lu lt a y o esy R Court

Guests at Club Med in Punta Cana and Opio en Provence in France can learn Cirque de Soleil skills at CREACTIVE. Inset: Float down the Lazy River at Royalton Bavaro in the Dominican Republic.

Become a Resort Family

››

Traveling with the kids can get expensive, so we found the best all-inclusive resorts that are sure to keep everyone happy. By Katelin Walling

efore kids, traveling with your partner was relatively easy. Sure, you had to figure out the logistics of getting from point A to destination B, along with where to stay, what to do, and places to eat, but that wasn’t too much of a hassle. Ever since kids entered the picture, though, planning a destination vacation has become a balancing act, one that includes making sure there are plenty of activities the little ones will love, that the restaurants you dine at have food your picky eaters will like, and that the hotel room has enough sleeping space for your brood. Does the thought of coordinating everything make you want to hire a vacation planner? Fear not! For a family vacation everyone will love, consider booking a stay at an all-inclusive resort. While some locations are for adults only, many others are turning their focus to families, offering unlimited activities, kids’ clubs, and dining options that even hardto-please children will love. This list doesn’t include every single all-inclusive resort brand out there; the five chosen here offer unique experiences for families, clubs for kids and teens, and other amenities to ensure everyone in the family has an unforgettable vacation.

Beaches

A sister brand to Sandals, the first Beaches resort opened in 1997 in response to requests from couples who loved Sandals Resorts and wanted a similar experience with their families. Destinations: Beaches has three family-friendly resorts: two are located in Jamaica and one is in Turks & Caicos. Highlights: Each location features a Pirates Island waterpark (Turks & Caicos recently expanded its waterpark offerings) with waterslides, spray areas, waterfalls, zero-entry pools, and more. Plus, Turks & Caicos is the only Beaches resort to offer SurfStream®, a surf simulator. Beaches has an exclusive partnership with Sesame 14

December 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Street, so you’ll frequently spot your favorite characters roaming the grounds for kids to meet, interact with in special themed activities, and see in stage shows and character parades. Tweens and teens can take advantage of the arcade Trench Town and the Xbox Play Lounge. These resorts also offer teens-only dance time at Club Liquid before it transitions to the 21 and older night club. And for teens who want a more meaningful vacation, Beaches offers Island Impact volunteer opportunities in July and August. Kids Clubs: All Beaches resorts have Kids Camp for younger guests, ages newborn to 12, and programs that are just for tweens and teens. And your children will be in good hands: Kids Camp staff and private child care providers are members of the International Nanny Association. In addition, Beaches’ Kids Camps are Certified Autism Centers through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, so staff members are able to cater to children who are on the spectrum. To book: beaches.com

Club Med

With more than 70 locations worldwide in a variety of destinations, you’ll find a resort in the spot of your dreams, whether you prefer tropical weather for beach lounging or snowier climates for all-day skiing. Destinations: In addition to its Sandpiper Bay resort in Florida, Club Med has locations in Mexico; the Caribbean; the Alps in France, Italy, and Switzerland; throughout Europe and the Mediterranean, including Greece, Portugal, and Turkey; across Asia, including Thailand, Maldives, China, Indonesia, Japan, and Malaysia; Brazil; and Africa, including Morocco, Tunisia, and Senegal. Highlights: Kids younger than 4 always stay free, though services for this age range sometimes cost extra. Some locations have a trapeze for high-flying fun, and Punta Cana in the Dominican

Dreams Resorts & Spas

If staying at an environmentally conscious resort is more your speed, Dreams Resorts & Spas has eight locations that are Rainforest Alliance-certified (they follow the alliance’s eight principles of sustainability). Destinations: Dreams has 15 destinations for families throughout Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Panama, and Puerto Rico. Highlights: There’s so much to do at Dreams, the kids will never complain of boredom. Though activities vary at each location, indoor and outdoor offerings include pingpong, volleyball, soccer, archery, painting, ocean trampoline, a scalable iceberg, Pilates and yoga, pool tables, croquet, a giant chess board, tennis, dance lessons, movies, and Euro-Bungee. In addition, water sport activities include water polo, kayaking, snorkeling, catamarans, sailing, and windsurfing. Once a week kids can have a camping adventure on the beach, hosted by the Explorer’s Club at all locations, while parents can enjoy a date night. Kids Clubs: Dreams resorts offer Explorer’s Club for ages 3-12 and various activities just for teens. Properties in the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and Dreams Sands Cancun Resort & Spa offer Core Zone Teens Club for ages 13-17. Private babysitting services are available at participating locations for an additional fee. To book: dreamsresorts.com

Grand Memories and Memories

Courtesy Beaches

As their names imply, Grand Memories and Memories resorts aim to help families create lasting memories with natural surroundings, white-sand beaches, and a host of activities for kids.

Beaches resorts has an exclusive partnership with Sesame Street, so you’ll see your favorite characters roaming the grounds.

Courtesy Grand Memories

Republic and Opio en Provence in France are home to CREACTIVE, a Cirque du Soleil-inspired playscape at which guests can learn acrobatic and artistic skills (including trapeze, high bungee, and trampoline). Cancun Yucatan recently underwent renovations and now offers an expanded Aguamarina, a family area featuring two-bedroom accommodations with a dedicated pool area and stretch of beach only for families staying in this part of the resort. Kids Clubs: Of the many locations worldwide, only a select few are adult-only resorts. Kids’ clubs are available at most locations for ages 4 months to 17 years, including Baby Club Med (ages 4-23 months), Petit Club Med (ages 2-3), Mini Club Med (ages 4-10), Juniors’ Club Med (ages 11-17), and Club Med Passworld (ages 11-17). In addition, Club Med offers Pyjama Club from 7-11pm and babysitting services (both an additional fee) for date nights or those times you wish to have an adults-only excursion. To book: clubmed.us

Grand Memories Splash in the Dominican Republic is home to the Cari bbean’s largest on-site water park.

Destinations: Memories and Grand Memories have eight family-friendly resorts located in Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Highlights: Memories Splash Punta Cana closed in August for renovations to become Grand Memories Splash and Grand Memories Punta Cana, both slated to open mid-November. Splash features family-friendly accommodations, including rooms with bunk beds, plus one of the largest on-site waterparks in the Caribbean, with seven slides, a wave pool, splash pads, and spray features. As a neighboring property, Grand Memories Punta Cana has access to Splash’s waterpark. Kids Clubs: Each of the Memories and Grand Memories properties offers a kids’ club for ages 4-12, where kids can socialize, play on the playground, and enjoy games. Plus, all kids’ clubs feature Toopy & Binoo, a cat-and-mouse duo that make interactive appearances and host activities and games, as well as a live show. Grand Memories Splash and Punta Cana, as well as Memories Parasio and Flamenco, are the only locations with a Teens’ Lounge for ages 13-17. In addition, Memories Parisio, Varadero, and Flamenco offer Baby Club for ages newborn to 3. To book: memoriesresorts.com

Royalton Luxury Resorts

Royalton resorts feature All-In Luxury®, where every aspect of your vacation has been carefully designed to meet your needs. And with the optional Diamond Club™ upgrade available at all locations, you can have access to an exclusive beach and pool, along with other amenities, for an unforgettable stay. Destinations: Royalton has seven family-friendly locations in Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Dominican Republic, and Mexico. Plus, Royalton Antigua is slated to open in early 2019. Highlights: Each property features a splash pad for kids, on-site entertainment, and an All-In White Party once a week featuring music, dancing, entertainment, and light shows. For extra water fun, select locations have additional waterpark attractions. Riviera Cancun features Splash Safari, with water slides for all ages, water spray features, and a Crocodile Walk Way challenge in the wading pool; White Sands features a pirate-themed splash park with water sprays and slides of varying heights; and Bavaro is the only property with a Flowrider surf machine. Meanwhile, as a sister resort to Grand Memories, Royalton Punta Cana guests and Diamond Club™ members at Bavaro have access to Grand Memories Splash’s waterpark. In addition, all locations have high-speed Wi-Fi, which makes checking in with each other easy (and prevents teens from going into social media withdrawal). Kids Clubs: All Royalton locations offer Clubhouse Kids Club for ages 4-12 and Hangout Teens Club for ages 13-17. The kids’ club allows young resort guests to have fun with their peers while interacting with the beloved brother-sister bunny duo, Max & Ruby. Meanwhile, the club for teen vacationers features PlayStation gaming consoles, pingpong tables, and scheduled activities across the resort. To book: royaltonresorts.com BrooklynParent 15

family life home

13 Ways to Stay Safe This Holiday Season

››

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but the holidays are also fraught with potential home safety hazards. Read on as we help you keep your entire family safe this season. By Lambeth Hochwald ’

is the season to be jolly for sure. But the holidays are also the time of year when things get so hectic that household accidents can easily occur. Whether it’s a Christmas tree that topples over or a bubbling pot of mulled cider that splatters, it’s important to be aware of the biggest potential safety hazards around the house during the holidays, when you may be more focused on stringing lights than the toddler getting tangled in the electrical cord. Here are the 13 most important things you can do to stay safe this holiday season. Practice smart Christmas tree set-up. Once you’ve hauled your tree into your home, make sure to place it in a sturdy, appropriately sized stand. You need to take this crucial step to ensure it doesn’t become a tipping hazard, says Debra Holtzman, a nationally recognized child safety and health expert and the author of The Safe Baby. “To prevent your tree from tipping over, securely anchor it or put a safety gate around it,” she says. In addition, place your tree away from the busiest trafficked areas in your home. “Always place it out of the doorways, exits, and heat sources,” she says. Stay on top of family members’ tree allergies. Some live Christmas trees, including cedars, can cause asthma, allergies, and an itchy skin rash because they can be filled with mold spores and allergens, says Robert Weitz, a certified microbial investigator and founder of RTK Environmental, a mold testing and mold inspec-

December 2018 | nymetroparents.com

tion company in New York City. In addition, the needles on pine, spruce, and fir trees are a definite choking hazard. How do you know if a family member may be allergic? “Rashes can be a sign of mold allergy or sensitivity,” Weitz says. “Other symptoms can include headaches, fatigue, throat and eye irritations, wheezing, and many respiratory problems including asthma.” If your child suffers from allergies or asthma consider purchasing a fake tree. Be choosy about artificial trees. Many are manufactured in China and made from two items: PVC, a petroleum-based plastic, and lead, used to stabilize PVC. “The lead in the ‘greens’ breaks down into lead dust, which is released into the air, poisoning everyone, but especially children younger than six,” Weitz says. “To protect your children from lead poisoning, be sure to buy a tree that’s made in the USA.” Tip: If you’re going the artificial tree route, also make sure it’s labeled “fire resistant,” Holtzman says. Decorate safely. Only purchase décor that is made of non-combustible or flame-retardant materials, Holtzman advises. “If you have small children, avoid decorations that are sharp, breakable, weighted, or have small movable parts,” she says, “and avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a child to eat them.” Some decorations may contain lead, cadmium (a toxic metal), or other toxic materials that can be harmful to young children, so it’s best to stow all holiday decorations out of reach. Tip: There’s an easy way to iden-

tify objects that are too small for your child. “If the object itself or a detachable part fits through an empty toilet paper roll, it is unsafe and should be kept away from children under the age of three years and from any child who still puts objects in her mouth,” Holtzman says. Assess your plants. There’s nothing like filling your home with cheery seasonal plants such as mistletoe, holly, Christmas rose, and Jerusalem cherry. However, these are all quite poisonous. “Be sure to keep these plants (and all plants) out of the reach of small children,” Holtzman says. Also, while those ubiquitous Christmastime poinsettias were once blamed for a death about a century ago, recent studies indicate they’re not as toxic as was thought at that time, Holtzman says. However, they may cause some gastric irritation and burning in the mouth if the leaves are ingested, so make sure your little ones stay away from them. Important tip: If you suspect your child has ingested a poisonous plant, call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 ASAP. Skip the candles. While they add wonderful atmosphere to a holiday celebration, avoid them, Holtzman says. “Consider using electric or battery-operated flameless candles instead,” she says. If you just can’t quit the candles, keep them on a stable, heat-resistant surface in sight where kids and pets cannot reach them or knock them over. “And always make sure you extinguish them when you leave the room or home or go to sleep, and never use lit candles to decorate the tree,” Holtzman adds. Use caution with electric lights. This means using only lights that have been tested for safety by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories. “And make sure to check outdoor lights for labels showing that the lights have been certified for outdoor use, and only plug them into a ground-fault circuit interrupter-protected receptacle or to a portable GFCI,” Holtzman says. “To be safe always read the manufacturer’s instructions for the maximum number of light strands to connect. Replace any strand [that has] a frayed cord or loose bulb connections.” Practice fireplace safety. Once a year you should hire a professional chimney sweep to prevent build-up and potential fire hazards in your fireplace, Holtzman says. “In addition, be sure to put a safety gate in the doorway to the room with a fireplace or install a hearth gate around the area,” she adds. Never leave your fire unattended. “Extinguish the fire fully before leaving the house or going to bed and allow the ashes to cool before removing them,” she says. Ashes should be disposed of in a tightly covered metal container and placed outdoors, at least 10 feet from the home and any other nearby buildings. “Never empty the ash directly into a trash can,” Holtzman says. “Always douse and saturate the ashes with water.” Take precautions with button batteries. You know those small, shiny batteries that are found in flashing holiday jewelry or holiday decorations? They’re a severe choking hazard. “When swallowed, a coin-sized lithium battery can lodge in the throat of a child,” Holtzman says. “Saliva then triggers an electrical current, causing a chemical reaction that can severely burn the esophagus in as little as two hours. The chemicals in the battery can also cause serious harm to a child if the battery is inserted into the ear or nose.” Your best bet: Corral any item that contains lithium batteries including your remote controls, toys, singing greeting cards, digital thermometers, flameless candles, calculators, key fobs, watches, flashing holiday jewelry, or decorations. “Know which items and devices in your home have button batteries,” Holtzman says. “Children love to pick up gadgets, play with them, and take them apart. Duct tape battery compartments if they do not have a screw to secure them closed, and keep these objects out of the sight and reach of small children.”

Keep alcohol out of reach. That bowl of spiked holiday punch and those cups of leftover drinks (including the ice cubes in them) that may be strewn around the house should be kept out of reach of children at all times. Ditto for the eggnog. “Alcohol affects children more drastically than adults, so even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous,” Holtzman says. “Remove all empty and partially empty cups as soon as possible.” Plan menus around guests’ allergies. The holidays are a wonderful time for friends and family to get together, but a celebration can go seriously awry if any guests have allergies to the foods you are serving or the ones that are being brought to a potluck. Send around a list of foods you plan to serve to your guests before they arrive at your house so you’re sure to keep your visitors safe. Place choking-hazard treats out of reach. For many families, holiday parties are best known for featuring delicious homemade Chex mix and bowls of mixed nuts. “Those are exactly the types of foods you should keep out of the reach of young children,” Holtzman says. “Any firm round foods such as popcorn, nuts, and candy canes should be kept as far away from children as possible because they pose a choking risk.” Create an no-kid zone. If you’re planning to serve food from your stovetop, whether it’s a bowl of chili, stew, or other cold-weather goodies, make your kitchen a no-kid zone, Holtzman says. Consider this a safe way to make sure your cuties don’t get splashed, burned, or injured while you’re cooking. Lambeth Hochwald is a New York City-based journalist covering trends, relationships, and life in New York City.

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The Pros and Cons of Elf on the Shelf ›› The little guy has sparked some big controversy! Which side of the shelf are you on? By Anja Webb

appy holidays! Many of you who celebrate Christmas have already unpacked your Elf on the Shelf and begun plotting the hijinks your little guy will get into for the ’gram. But is Elf on the Shelf really for everyone? While he’s loved by many, there are those who find the steelyeyed sprite manipulative or even—dare we say?—creepy. Let’s take a moment to think about the pros and cons of Santa’s little spy.

A Cute and Cherished Tradition

Now don’t get us wrong: We can see the value in creating a holiday tradition for your household. And, of course, we’ve all seen the pictures on social media of the little cuties bathing in marshmallow baths, sleeping in tissue boxes, and playing mini games of Twister with My Little Pony. A lot of families think their elf adds that extra dash of Christmas magic to their holiday season. “My kids absolutely love it! It’s such a fun experience for them in preparation for Christmas,” says Antoinette McCune, a mother of three. “It’s also a fun, and sometimes stressful, game for us as parents to try and think of new ways to hide our little elf.” And let’s not forget that the elf encourages kids to be on their best behavior during the month of December, which can certainly make parenting a little bit easier. “My son loves it! It works to remind him that Santa is watching if he is being good,” says Frank Martinez, a father of two. After all, a big part of the Santa lore is that ‘he sees you when you’re sleeping,’ whether that be through good old-fashioned omniscience or a scout elf.

(S)elﬁsh Motives?

But not everyone seems to agree that the elf is adorable. “I was a nanny for a nine-year-old boy who loved his Elf on the Shelf, but 18

December 2018 | nymetroparents.com

his parents misplaced it. The parents didn’t think anything of it, but every day after school he would come home and search the whole house for his elf. After seeing it wasn’t there, he assumed he was disliked by the elf,” says Sadie Sparks. “Trying to instill positive morals on a child by tricking them also seems very counterproductive to society.” Though it may seem a bit harsh, others also feel it’s selfinterested for parents to use the Elf to teach morals. And, they add, it’s an approach that may backfire: The concept of being constantly under surveillance could scare the child or teach him that he should only behave when there is some tangible benefit to him, like getting presents. “It really depends on the level of trust in the parent-child relationship. I definitely valued my privacy and my mom respected it to a degree,” says Brandon Klemm, a chef and pizza maker who grew up with the elf. “I don’t know how I feel about kids being afraid of being themselves because they believe they’re being watched at all times.” Now, that’s not entirely the Elf ’s fault; as previously mentioned, legend has it that Santa’s constantly watching kids. But something about having that abstract concept materialized and in the home doesn’t quite sit well with everyone.

A Less Invasive Elf

So what can we parents do if we still want a snazzy little add-on to our holiday celebrations, but one that doesn’t instill in our child a fear of being watched at all times? Well, we could try repurposing our Elf on the Shelf. “I had an alternate version in my house growing up. It was called the Kindness Elf and my mom did a pretty good job of

making it a positive thing,” says Lauren Farrell, a student at New York University. “It was generally kept in public spaces within the house and every day I had to find the elf and it was always holding a different card that challenged me to do something kind for someone that day.”

Elf Alternative

If the elf doesn’t quite match your aesthetic (even though felt is so in right now) you can always give Reindeer in Here a chance: It’s a plush toy children are meant to bond with during the month of December. It’s similar to the elf, except children can touch and play with it, and its purpose is to listen to what the child really wants for Christmas and then inform Santa. “It’s not about watching a child, or intimidating a child,” says Adam Reed, an author, television producer, and creator of Reindeer in Here. “It’s about empowering and creating a positive Christmas tradition that families can look back to.” Reindeer in Here is also designed with one antler shorter than the other and has a companion book that features a cast of sidekicks with visible differences, such as a cross-eyed penguin and a polar bear with a bit of a bald patch. “The true message is being different is normal, not being different is special,” Reed says. “This book is about getting to the heart of why each child is unique and different and finding what their true Christmas wishes are.”

Make Room for a Mensch

But let’s not forget that the holiday season is more than just Christmas. For all you guys and gals who celebrate Hanukkah, there’s a Mensch on the Bench—a Jewish man sitting on a bench—just for you. “It’s tough to be Jewish during the month of December. There’s Christmas music on every radio, there’s decorations up, and all your friends have trees. You’re already feeling a little left out, and then Elf on the Shelf comes along and now we’re seeing that on social media as well,” says Neal Hoffman, creator of Mensch on a Bench. “There was an opportunity for what would be a Jewish alternative.” Enter the Mensch (which translated literally means a person of integrity and honor). It’s a plush toy that watches over the menorah at night and encourages more family time and engagement with pre-existing Hanukkah traditions such as playing dreidel and eating latkes (potato pancakes) and gelt (chocolate coins). The Mensch also places an emphasis on charity and doing good, as the name would imply. “Mensches encourage kids to do one good deed,” Hoffman says. “One of the rules for having a mensch is that on one night of Hanukkah you give presents to someone in need rather than get presents yourself.”

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things to do

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Courtesy The Maritime Aquarium

In Fairﬁeld County, CT…

Courtesy Stepping Stones Museum for Children

Family Fun a Ride Away

The Maritime Aquarium’s 110,000-gallon habitat is home to a variety of sharks.

Stepping Stones Museum for Children’s Energy Lab teaches children about the science of energy.

The Maritime Aquarium

Stepping Stones Museum for Children

The Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum aims to help each child develop curiosity, confidence, and self-worth.

Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum

Located in the heart of Poughkeepsie’s historic waterfront, this children’s museum is the ideal destination for families with young children, who can immerse themselves in early literacy, art, STEM, health, and the community through exhibits such as Imagination Playground, Rivertown, and The Children’s Garden . The newest exhibition, Tell Me a Story, encourages early language and literacy through physical play and storytelling. Visit It: 75 N. Water St., Poughkeepsie; 845-471-0589; mhcm.org

December 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Explore exhibits that were built with input from those who know kids best: parents, educators, experts, and, of course, children! With fun for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and kids ages 7 and older, this museum has something every child will love: The Energy Lab is an exciting way for children to learn about energy, while Express Yourself is focused on social-emotional learning. Visit It: Mathews Park, 303 West Ave., Norwalk, CT; 203-899-0606; steppingstonesmuseum.org

Courtesy Liberty Science Center

Courtesy Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum

Visitors of all ages can appreciate and learn about The Long Island sound and the marine life that inhabits it. The Maritime Aquarium explores the ecosystem of, conservation issues surrounding, and animals living in the Long Island Sound throughout its exhibits. Explore the new jellyfish display, say hello to the aquarium’s two green sea turtles, touch several species of sharks and rays, and much more. Visit It: 10 N. Water St., Norwalk, CT; 203-852-0700; maritimeaquarium.org

and beyo nd!

The Doc McStuffins exhibit at Liberty Science Center aims to teach visitors about staying healthy and taking care of yourself.

Liberty Science Center

This learning center is home to a variety of exciting offerings, including 12 exhibition halls, a live animal collection with 110 species, aquariums, a 3-D theater, hurricane- and tornado-force wind simulators, and the Western Hemisphere’s biggest planetarium. Join the hundreds of thousands of students, teachers, and parents that visit each year and experience the tens of thousands of programs the center has to offer. Visit It: 222 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City; 201-200-1000;lsc.org

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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

HILLSDALE • MONTVALE

SEPTEMBER 2012

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

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

How to Manage Kids’ Schedules

What Makes a Good Mentor?

+ 174 Family

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(see our calendar, p. 26)

(see our calendar, p. 32)

Events

Plus: Learning to Let Go

Vaccines at Every Age Plus: Journaling for Your Child

Where-To Guide: Berry Picking

•

Dinosaur Fun

December 2018 | nymetroparents.com

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

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Turn the page for details on The Nutcracker) (No. 4 on our list).

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DECEMBER CALENDAR

Editor’s Hot Tickets

We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!

Mini Musicians, Holiday Fun

Smarty Pants

Once Upon a Time, Movers & Shakers

The Great Outdoors, Crafty Kids

Animal Lovers, Show Time!

On Screen, Little Foodies

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS

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

Sinterklaas: Saint Nicholas Day

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 1, 1-4pm WHERE: Wyckoff House Museum, 5816 Clarendon Road, East Flatbush AGES: All WHAT: Sip hot cider, try your hand at colonial games, decorate a Dutch clog for Sinterklaas, and dress the tree for the tree lighting. WHY WE LOVE IT: Children will enjoy a special visit from St. Nicholas and can feed his faithful horse carrots and hay. WANT TO GO? $7; $5 children. 718-629-5400. wyckoffmuseum.org.

F.A.M. (Family Art Magic)

WHEN: Through Dec. 9: Sundays, 1:30-2:45pm WHERE: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Prospect Heights AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Whether sketching stone creatures in our Sculpture Garden or hunting for ancient materials in our Egyptian galleries, together you and your child will unlock the power of your imagination. WHY WE LOVE IT: Learn about art, architecture, and performance while exploring the unique spaces at the museum and visit special exhibits that will inspire a site-specific art installation, created by you! WANT TO GO? One Session: $30; eight sessions: $218. 718-638-5000. brooklynmuseum.org.

3 24

Get Kinetic!

WHEN: Through Dec. 9: Saturday-Sunday, 10:30am-12pm WHERE: New York Transit Museum, 99 Schermerhorn St., Brooklyn Heights

December 2018 | nymetroparents.com

AGES: All WHAT: Inspired by Rube Goldberg devices, teams will be assembled to plan and construct wacky, winding machines! WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids will get a fun and hands-on lesson in the true forces of nature in this physics class. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 children ages 2-17. 718-694-1600. nytransitmuseum.org.

‘The Nutcracker’

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 14, 7pm WHERE: On Stage At Kingsborough, 2001 Oriental Blvd., Brooklyn AGES: 3 and older WHAT: The Nutcracker, a perennial holiday favorite, takes us on an enchanting adventure through a little girl’s fantasy world of fairies, princes, toy soldiers, and an army of mice. WHY WE LOVE IT: You’ll be transported to a winter fantasy by this stunning full-scale production with Tchaikovsky’s wondrous score and 40 Ukrainian ballet stars in glorious costumes. WANT TO GO? $32-$34. 718-368-5596. OnStageAtKingsborough.org.

Circus Glow

WHEN: Dec. 21 -25, Check schedule for details WHERE: PAC Dome, 1500 Paerdegat Ave. N., Canarsie AGES: All WHAT: See aerial acts, contortionists, LED robots, and more! WHY WE LOVE IT: This circus show actually glows in the dark! WANT TO GO? $24. 718-230-0891. http://secure.circusglow.com/ affiliate/nymp.

Winterfest FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Check schedule for details WHERE: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: Winter Wonderland features winter activities, holiday shopping from local and international vendors, and cultural programs. WHY WE LOVE IT: Don’t miss an enchanted tree maze, an interactive chocolate dome, a giant snow globe, Santa Land, and much more! WANT TO GO? 718-344-8962. winterfestbrooklynmuseum.com.

Think a freebie has to be ho-hum? Don’t let the price tag (or lack of one) fool you. Here are the five no-cost events we’re excited about now. You’re welcome. Farmhouse Family Day: Light at Night FREE

World Brooklyn

WHEN: Through Dec. 31: daily, 10am-5pm 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.

Harry Potter: A History of Magic

WHEN: Through Jan. 27, 2019: Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday, 10am-6pm; Friday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 10am5pm; Closed Mondays WHERE: New York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: The exhibition features rare books, manuscripts, and magical objects from museums, as well as original material from J.K. Rowling. WHY WE LOVE IT: NYHS will also host several Harry Potter-related events, including trivia, Hogwarts House Badge decorating, and more! WANT TO GO? $21; $16 teachers and seniors; $13 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children 4 and younger. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.

Bringing Stories to Life Through Music

WHEN: Through May 5, 2019: First Sunday of every month, 5:15pm and 6:15pm WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: This music and movement workshop connects famous children’s stories to everyday sounds, rhythms, and melodies. WHY WE LOVE IT: This workshop gives children the opportunity to experiment with new ways of self-expression through singing, playing instruments, and creating sounds to represent ideas. WANT TO GO? $11; free for children younger than 1. 718-735-4400. brooklynkids.org.

WE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FREE WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 15, 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 a hands-on candle-dipping activity. WANT TO GO? 718-629-5400. wyckoffmuseum.org.

Holiday Sale and Fundraiser FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 15, 1-8pm WHERE: Gasworks NYC, 673 5th Ave., South Slope AGES: All WHAT: Browse a holiday sale of student and member works with drinks and snacks. WANT TO GO? 718-635-1394. gasworksnyc.com.

The Holiday Handmade Cavalcade FREE

WHEN: Dec. 15 -16, Saturday and Sunday,11am-6pm WHERE: The Brooklyn Historical Society, 128 Pierrepont St., Brooklyn Heights AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Take part in raffles and interactive demos at the only allvolunteer, vendor-run handmade market in New York City. WANT TO GO? 646-410-3884. handmadecavalcade.com.

Ed Center Open Hours FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 16: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3-5pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 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’ scale model of Brooklyn Bridge Park, crafts, a reading corner, and more. WANT TO GO? 718-802-0603. brooklynbridgepark.org.

Santaland FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 24: daily, see website for store hours WHERE: Macy’s, 151 W. 34th St., 8th floor, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Every holiday season, visitors from around the world gather at the 13,000-square-foot Christmas village for a special visit with Santa Claus. WANT TO GO? 212-494-4495. macys.com/santaland. ››

Donald Zucker and Barbara Hrbek Zucker Ocean Wonders: Sharks!

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 stateof-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. BrooklynParent 25

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 both everyone singing and dancing. WANT TO GO? $15; $5 per additional child. 718-388-3663. edamama.com.

Thursday Workshops with The Little Orchestra Society

WHEN: Through May 23, 2019: Thursdays, 3pm and 4pm WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Create your own melodies, discover cultures, and more WANT TO GO? $11; free for children younger than 1. 718-735-4400. brooklynkids.org.

HOLIDAY FUN! Hanukkah Lights Up The World

MINI

MUSICIANS

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 2, 3pm WHERE: On Stage At Kingsborough, 2001 Oriental Blvd., Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: Daniella Rabbani, Inbar Goldmann, and 12th Night Klezmer will revel in international songs and stories inspired by the Festival of Lights. WANT TO GO? $34-$39. 718-368-5596. onstageatkingsborough.org.

Town Square’s Annual Santa Brunch The Knights: Family Show

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 2, 2pm WHERE: BRIC House, 647 Fulton St., Fort Greene AGES: All WHAT: An interaction to classical music in a fun, relaxed, and interactive setting. WANT TO GO? $10 advance; $14 day of show. 718-683-5600. bricartsmedia.org.

Mozart for Munchkins presents Hello, Cello! (With Holiday Favorites!)

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 15, 4:30pm WHERE: The Great Room, 194 Columbia St., Cobble Hill AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Meet the cello and hear the different sounds it makes when combined with piano, voice, and ukulele! WANT TO GO? $30; free for kids. 570-681-6081. mozartformunchkins.com.

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.

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.

December 2018 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 2, 9:30am, 11:30am, and 1:30pm WHERE: Greenpoint Beer and Ale, 7 N. 15th St., Greenpoint AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Get free photos taken with Santa, make arts and crafts, and enjoy a delicious homemade brunch. WANT TO GO? $15-$20. 347-987-2765. townsquareinc.com.

2018 Tree Lighting Ceremony FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 4, 5-6pm WHERE: MetroTech Commons, 2 MetroTech Center, Downtown Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: The ceremony features a holiday concert by students of the Brooklyn Music School. WANT TO GO? brooklynmusicschool.org.

Dumbo Holiday Tree Lighting FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 6, 4pm WHERE: Pearl Street Triangle, 155 Water St., Dumbo AGES: All WHAT: This year’s ceremony includes a visit from Santa Claus, live calypso music, caroling, treats and hot cocoa, and a toy drive. WANT TO GO? dumbo.is.

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Photos with Santa!

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 8, 10am-12pm WHERE: The Old Stone House, 336 3rd St., Park Slope AGES: All WHAT: Get your family photos taken with Santa! WANT TO GO? $10. 718-768-3195. theoldstonehouse.org.

‘The Largest Menorah in Brooklyn’ Lighting and Chanukah Celebration FREE

nymetroparents.com/register ››

WHAT: This event includes live entertainment, followed by fireworks at the stroke of midnight. WANT TO GO? 718-965-8945. prospectpark.org.

New Year’s Eve (Day) Party!

WHEN: Dec. 2 -9, Sunday-Sunday; Check website for times. WHERE: Grand Army Plaza, Flatbush Avenue, Eastern Parkway, and Prospect Park West , Prospect Heights AGES: All WHAT: The festivities will include a live concert on the first night, plus more music, fresh latkes, and gifts for children on every subsequent night of Hanukkah. WANT TO GO? 646-298-9909. chabadparkslope.com.

WHEN: Monday, Dec. 31, 1-3pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Welcome 2019 with games, crafts, refreshments, a performance by Music with Patrick, and a balloon drop finale! WANT TO GO? $8. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.

Family Festival

WHEN: Through Jan. 21, 2019: Monday-Friday, 9:30am-5pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona AGES: All WHAT: A holiday tradition not to be missed! Visitors marvel at homemade gingerbread houses made entirely of edible gingerbread, royal icing, and candy. WANT TO GO? $16 adults; $13 children, students, and senior citizens. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

WHEN: Dec. 3 -10, Monday-Thursday, Sunday-Monday, 12-4pm WHERE: Jewish Children’s Museum, 792 Eastern Parkway, Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Create your own one-of-a-kind Hanukkah treat at the doughnut bar, roll, shape, and decorate a dreidel made out of actual clay, and make a painted “stained glass” masterpiece. WANT TO GO? $1. 718-467-0600. jcm.museum.

Holiday Sale and Fundraiser FREE

Gingerbread Lane

The Holiday Handmade Cavalcade FREE

EVENTS

WHEN: Dec. 15 -16, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-6pm WHERE: The Brooklyn Historical Society, 128 Pierrepont St., Brooklyn Heights AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Take part in raffles and interactive demos at the only all-volunteer, vendor-run handmade market in New York City. WANT TO GO? 646-410-3884. handmadecavalcade.com.

‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens

WHEN: Through Dec. 16: Friday-Saturday, 8pm; Sunday 2pm WHERE: The Heights Players at The John Bourne Theater, 26 Willow Place, DUMBO AGES: All WHAT: Scrooge is visited by four spirits, including his old business partner Jacob Marley and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. WANT TO GO? $20. 718-237-2752. heightsplayers.org/theater/.

10th Annual Celebrate Kwanzaa!

WHEN: Dec. 26 -30, Check schedule for details WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Learn about the holiday and explore Kwanzaa’s seven principles. WANT TO GO? $11; free for children younger than 1. 718-735-4400. brooklynkids.org.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Prospect Park FREE

WHEN: Monday, Dec. 31, 10:30pm-12:30am WHERE: Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Park West and Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: All

Join

NYMetroParents Get advance notice on activities, participate in group discussions and receive special notices. www.facebook.com/nymetroparents BrooklynParent 27 ACTIVITIES

EVENTS

AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Students will learn the basics of the 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.

Secrets of Shipwrecks

SMARTY PANTS Game Show

WHEN: Dec. 3 -10, Monday-Thursday, Sunday-Monday, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm WHERE: Jewish Children’s Museum, 792 Eastern Parkway, Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Visitors can compete against each other to answer questions on Jewish life in a game show setting. WANT TO GO? $13; $10 seniors; free for children younger than 2 . 718-467-0600. jcm.museum.

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: 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.

The Dark Side of the Moon

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 22, 12 and 1pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Learn about lunar phases during the Winter Solstice and create your own charts in this science workshop. WANT TO GO? $8. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.

Circuit Power

WHEN: Dec. 15 -23, Saturday-Sunday, 10:30am-3:30pm WHERE: New York Transit Museum, 99 Schermerhorn St. , Brooklyn Heights AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Create a “paper circuit” light switch that will show off your electricity know-how! WANT TO GO? $10; $5 children ages 2-17. 718-694-1600. nytransitmuseum.org.

Baby Sign Language

WHEN: Through Dec. 25: Tuesdays, 9:45-10:45am WHERE: Spark by Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 1 John St., Dumbo 28

December 2018 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 27, 2-3:30pm WHERE: New York Aquarium, Surf Avenue and West Eighth Street, Coney Island AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Explore the submerged maritime history of New York through hands-on activities and games. WANT TO GO? $30. 718-265-3474. nyaquarium.com.

‘A Century of Honor’ FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 30: Thursday-Sunday, 12-4pm WHERE: Lefferts Historic House, 452 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: The display celebrates the centennial anniversary of the Girl Scouts and shows how Girl Scouting has evolved over the last century. WANT TO GO? 718-789-2822. prospectpark.org.

Train Operators Workshop

WHEN: Through Dec. 30: Saturday-Sunday, 3:30-4:30pm WHERE: New York Transit Museum, 99 Schermerhorn St., Brooklyn Heights AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Drop by the computer lab to take control of a NYC subway car and operate it over virtual miles of track in an incredibly realistic game. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 children ages 2-17. 718-694-1792. nytransitmuseum.org.

Waterfront Exhibition

WHEN: Through 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.

Holding History

WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Sundays, 11am WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Learn about artifacts from the museum’s collection through tactical investigation. 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 exhibition featuring more than 200 original works. 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 and Dragons and other role-playing games that your kids and teens will love. WANT TO GO? $48. 718-788-1122. brooklyngamelab.com.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Sensory Room Family Hours

NYRR Jingle Bell Jog and Reindeer Run for Kids

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.

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 1, 9:30am WHERE: Prospect Park Wellhouse, Vanderbilt Street and Prospect Park Southwest entrance, Windsor Terrace AGES: All WHAT: This festive 5K is more than just a road race, it’s also a celebration and a fundraiser for NYRR’s youth programs. WANT TO GO? $40-$50. 718-965-8999. prospectpark.org.

ONCE UPON A TIME

45th Anniversary Colgate Women’s Games Registration Day FREE

Brooklyn Holiday Book Fair FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 1, 10am-5pm WHERE: The Old Stone House, 336 3rd St., Park Slope AGES: All WHAT: Peruse rare, vintage, and out-of-print books from independent Brooklyn booksellers to find a perfect gift for the holidays. WANT TO GO? 718-768-3195. theoldstonehouse.org.

Story Time and Activities Featuring ‘How to Catch a Snowman’ FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 1, 11am WHERE: Barnes & Noble - Court Street, 106 Court St., Downtown Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: Travel through a winter wonderland with running, skating, and bouncing through trap after trap to catch the snowman and claim a prize. WANT TO GO? 718-246-4996. bn.com.

Pajama Story Time and Activities Featuring ‘The Polar Express’ FREE WHEN: Friday, Dec. 7, 7pm WHERE: Barnes & Noble - Court Street, 106 Court St., Downtown Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: A young boy goes on a magical trip to the North Pole to make his Christmas wish. Get free hot chocolate and a cookie, and wear your favorite cozy pajamas. WANT TO GO? 718-246-4996. bn.com.

Spellbound Theatre Presents: ‘A Book of Hours’

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 9, 10am and 11:15am WHERE: The Old Stone House, 336 3rd St., Park Slope AGES: All WHAT: A larger-than-life book leads children through familiar daily events using nursery rhymes, treasures, puppets, and songs to tell the story. WANT TO GO? $15. 718-768-3195. theoldstonehouse.org.

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 1, 9am-1pm WHERE: Pratt Institute, 200 Willoughby Ave., Clinton Hill AGES: 5 and older WHAT: The Colgate Women’s Games is the nation’s largest amateur track series open to all ladies from elementary school through college and beyond. WANT TO GO? colgategames.com.

Tiny Tots Yoga Workshop

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 8, 1-2pm WHERE: Bend + Bloom Yoga, 708 Sackett St., Park AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: This event focuses on baby-centered activities, language-building games, and fun! WANT TO GO? $30 per pair, $10 additional parent. 347-987-3162. bendandbloom.com.

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 2.5-3 mile runs, directed by volunteers. Open to all experience levels, walkers, strollers, and dogs. WANT TO GO? 718-222-9939. brooklynbridgepark.org.

TapeScape

WHEN: Through Jan. 6, 2019: daily, 10am-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: This universe made from everyday materials will spark the imagination and encourage curiosity, creativity, and gross motor play. WANT TO GO? $11; free for children younger than 12 months. 718-735-4400. brooklynkids.org. ››

Story Time FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 28: Fridays, 10-10:30am WHERE: Edamama Cute Cuts & More, 568 Union Ave., Unit B, Williamsburg AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Edamama staff reads aloud from 2-3 stories, ranging from children’s classics to new books. WANT TO GO? 718-388-3663. puppetsburg.com.

Staff Story Time FREE

WHEN: Through Oct. 7, 2019: 11:30am, see website for specific dates. WHERE: Greenlight Bookstore, 686 Fulton St., Fort Greene AGES: All WHAT: Greenlight staff choose their favorite stories to share, with great books ranging from classics to new releases. WANT TO GO? 718-246-0200. greenlightbookstore.com. BrooklynParent 29

CRAFTY KIDS Sled with Reindeer FREE

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Animal Tracking FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 1, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Blood Root Valley (Greenbelt), 700 Rockland Ave., Staten Island AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Learn to identify animals tracks to understand animal behavior. WANT TO GO? 718-351-3450. sigreenbelt.org.

Greenbelt Peepers Early Childhood Education Program FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 13: Thursdays, 9:45 and 11am WHERE: Blood Root Valley (Greenbelt), 700 Rockland Ave., Staten Island AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Through hands-on activities, observations, games, and stories, children will become familiar with the sights and sounds of the forest. WANT TO GO? 718-351-3450. sigreenbelt.org.

Family Science Night: Planetary Science FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 19, 6:30-8:30pm WHERE: Blood Root Valley (Greenbelt), 700 Rockland Ave., Staten Island AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Experience intergalactic elements that connect all matter in the universe while learning about our planetary home’s place within the cosmos. WANT TO GO? 718-351-3450. sigreenbelt.org.

Wild Waterfront

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 1, 9am-12pm WHERE: Home Depot Gowanus, 550 Hamilton Ave., Gowanus AGES: All WHAT: In this hands-on workshop you and your child can build a model sleigh pulled by a reindeer. Once your sleigh is complete, decorate it with paint and stickers. WANT TO GO? 718-832-8553. homedepot.com.

Family Workshop: Upcycled Wearables FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 8, 11am-2pm WHERE: BRIC House, 647 Fulton St., Fort Greene AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Create your own original wearable pieces from recycled e-waste, objects, craft supplies, and LED lights. WANT TO GO? 718-683-5600. bricartsmedia.org.

Con Edison Second Saturday Science! Pixelate Me!

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 8, 12-1pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Learn about the use of pixels to create game images and make your own pixel-inspired artwork. WANT TO GO? $8. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.

VR Art Studio Class - Create Artwork on a 360 Canvas

WHEN: Through Dec. 10: 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

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.

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.

Nature Exploration FREE

Tiny Tot Theater

WHEN: Through Dec. 30: Thursday-Saturday, 12-4pm; Sunday, 10am-1pm WHERE: Prospect Park Audubon Center, Lincoln Road and Ocean Avenue, Flatbush AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy animal encounter, guided tours, and litter cleaning projects. WANT TO GO? 718-287-3400. prospectpark.org.

Winter First Sundays

WHEN: Through March 3, 2019: First Sunday of each month; 10am-2pm WHERE: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave., Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy activities such as family story time in the atrium, a winter nature walk, and a guided tour of the conservatory’s seasonal highlights. WANT TO GO? $15; $8 seniors and students; free for children younger than 12. 718-623-7200. bbg.org. 30

December 2018 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Through Dec. 25: Tuesdays, 10:45-11:45 am 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.

Day-Off-From-School Drop-In Programs

WHEN: Dec. 26 -28, Wednesday-Friday, 10:30am-3:30pm WHERE: New York Transit Museum, 99 Schermerhorn St., Brooklyn Heights AGES: 3 and older WHAT: During school holidays, keep the family busy with the Discovery Room and the “rebuilding” of the Second Avenue subway!

WANT TO GO? $10; $5 children ages 2-17. 718-694-1600. nytransitmuseum.org.

Weekend Art Studio: Pop-Up Holiday Cards

WHEN: Through Dec. 30: Saturday-Sunday, 12-4pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Create pop-up cards inspired by snowy days. WANT TO GO? $8. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.

day, 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. WANT TO GO? $11; free for chil-

dren younger than 1. 718-7354400. 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.

Discovery Room

WHEN: Through Dec. 30: daily, 11:30am-12:30pm and 3:304:30pm WHERE: New York Transit Museum, 99 Schermerhorn St. , Brooklyn Heights AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy popular puzzles, books, toys, and building materials in the Transit Museum’s Education Center. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 children ages 2-17. 718-694-1600. nytransitmuseum.org.

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.

Kids’ ArtFest

WHEN: Dec. 23 - Jan. 1, 2019, 10am-5pm, see website for exact dates WHERE: Jewish Children’s Museum, 792 Eastern Parkway, Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy an incredible lineup of workshops and activities for children of all ages. WANT TO GO? $13; $10 seniors; free for children younger than 2 . 718-467-0600. jcm.museum.

ColorLab

WHEN: Through May 24, 2019: Thursday, 2-5pm; Saturday-SunBrooklynParent 31

Intro to Birdwatching FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 29: Saturdays, 12-1pm WHERE: Prospect Park Audubon Center, Lincoln Road and Ocean Avenue, Flatbush AGES: All WHAT: Join for a tour and learn about the magnificent array of birds that call Prospect Park home. WANT TO GO? 718-287-3400. prospectpark.org.

Zoo Year Celebration!

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 29, 10am-12:15pm WHERE: Prospect Park Zoo, 450 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Park AGES: All WHAT: When the clock strikes noon, celebrate by delivering some treats to the zoo animals, meeting animals up-close, and making a wildlife-friendly New Year’s craft. WANT TO GO? $25. 718-399-7339. prospectparkzoo.com.

ANIMAL LOVERS Breakfast with the Baboons: Holiday Treats

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 15, 9-10:30am WHERE: Prospect Park Zoo, 450 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Park AGES: All WHAT: Get early access to the baboons and enjoy a breakfast, meet an animal up close, and make a special treat for the primates. WANT TO GO? $25. 718-399-7339. prospectparkzoo.com.

Beastly Feast with Santa

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 15, 9:30-11am or 1-2:30pm WHERE: Staten Island Zoo, 614 Broadway, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy either breakfast or lunch with Santa, see the animals, ride the carousel, and make holiday arts and crafts! WANT TO GO? $30; $20 children ages 3-14; free for children 2 and younger. 718-442-3101. statenislandzoo.org.

Aquatic Adventure

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 27, 10am-2pm WHERE: Staten Island Zoo, 614 Broadway, Staten Island AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Learn about marine and freshwater habitats through investigations, animal encounters, meeting zoo keepers, crafts, games, and more. WANT TO GO? $50. 718-442-3101. statenislandzoo.com.

High Flying Fun

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 28, 10am-2pm WHERE: Staten Island Zoo, 614 Broadway, Staten Island AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Kids will learn about flying creatures through animal encounters, and investigations, crafts, and games. WANT TO GO? $50. 718-442-3101. statenislandzoo.com.

Aquarium Mornings with the Animals: Penguins

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 28, 9-10:30am WHERE: New York Aquarium, Surf Avenue and West Eighth Street, Coney Island AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Get early access to explore one of our exhibits, engage in oceanthemed activities, and enjoy a live penguin encounter. WANT TO GO? $30. 718-265-3474. nyaquarium.com. 32

December 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Happy Zoo Year

WHEN: Through Dec. 30: Saturday-Sunday, 10am-4:30pm WHERE: Prospect Park Zoo, 450 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Park AGES: All WHAT: Take part in science experiments based on the exciting things WCS researchers are doing around the world and find out how you can make a difference. WANT TO GO? $10; $7 children ages 3-12; free for children 2 and younger. 718-399-7339. prospectparkzoo.com.

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 like starfish and sea urchins. WANT TO GO? $11; free for children younger than 1. 718-224-5863. brooklynkids.org.

Live Animal Adventure

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.

SHOW TIME!

The Pop Ups: ‘Giants of Science Live’ FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 1, 1-2pm WHERE: Brooklyn Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: Explore dancing robots, sound waves you can make with your fingertips, full-scale puppets, live drawings, and even time travel! WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.

‘The Snow Queen’

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 1, 3pm WHERE: Center for the Arts, College of Staten Island, 2800 Victory Blvd., Staten Island AGES: 3-12 WHAT: The Snow Queen features a talking reindeer, a fierce Snow Monster,

and a witch with a green thumb. This highly theatrical adaptation is set to music and danced in a narrated ballet by larger-than-life puppets. WANT TO GO? $20. 718-982-2787. cfashows.com.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

WHEN: Through Dec. 2: Check schedule for details WHERE: Kings Theatre, 1027 Flatbush Ave., Flatbush AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with performances, more than 300 costumes, 20 of the world’s best acts, singers, and original music and seasonal favorites. WANT TO GO? $22 and up. 845-469-2287. kingstheatre.com.

The Rock and Roll Playhouse Presents: The Music of the Talking Heads

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 2, 12pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave., Williamsburg AGES: All WHAT: Using songs created by the most iconic musicians in rock history, The Rock and Roll Playhouse offers games, movement, stories, and an opportunity to rock out. WANT TO GO? $12. 718-963-3369. brooklynbowl.com/brooklyn.

‘The Brooklyn Nutcracker’

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 14, 7pm WHERE: Kings Theatre, 1027 Flatbush Ave., Flatbush AGES: All WHAT: This rendition represents the diverse traditions and vibrant culture of Brooklyn, fusing ballet, hip-hop, and world dance genres together. WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 845-469-2287. kingstheatre.com.

‘The Snow Queen’ and ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’

WHEN: Through Dec. 16: Saturday-Sunday, 12:30 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.

‘The Hard Nut’

WHEN: Dec. 14 -23, Check schedule for details WHERE: BAM Rose Cinemas, 30 Lafayette Ave., Fort Greene AGES: All WHAT: This rendition of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s original story is set in the ‘70s with raucous parties, dancing G.I. Joes, whimsical costumes, and a Waltz of the Snowflakes like no other. WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 718-636-4100. bam.org.

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 behindthe-scenes production. WANT TO GO? $8; $5 seniors and students with ID; $2 children ages 2-12. 718-727-1135. StatenIslandMuseum.org.

Home for the Holidays

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 14, 6:30-7:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Music School, 126 Saint Felix St., Fort Greene AGES: All WHAT: The show will feature holiday songs of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, and scenes from popular musicals such as Ragtime, Into the Woods, and The Wiz. WANT TO GO? $12; $15 at door. 718-638-5660. brooklynmusicschool.org.

Brandenburgers Holiday Concert

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 15, 2pm and 7pm WHERE: The Old Stone House, 336 3rd St., Park Slope AGES: All WHAT: The Old Stone House’s band, the Brooklyn Brandenburgers, will perform music by Bach, Mozart, and Franz Schubert. WANT TO GO? $10; FREE for children younger than 16. 718-7683195. theoldstonehouse.org.

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WHAT: Seven and a half million mostly unseen images of Saturn and Milky Way time lapses are brought to life in a groundbreaking journey across space. WANT TO GO? $22; $18 seniors, students, and children ages 2-17. 718699-0005. nysci.org.

‘Flight of the Butterflies 3D’

WHEN: Through June 30, 2019: daily, 11am and 1pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Follow the monarchs’ perilous journey and join hundreds of real butterflies in the remote mountain peaks of Mexico, with breathtaking cinematography from Peter Parks. WANT TO GO? $6; $5 children, students, and seniors. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

ON SCREEN BAMkids Movie Matinees: Martha & Niki

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 2, 2pm WHERE: BAM, 30 Lafayette Ave., Fort Greene AGES: 9 and older WHAT: This documentary chronicles the story of the first-ever female champions of the largest hip-hop street-dance competition in the world. WANT TO GO? $10; $7 children ages 12 and younger. 718-636-4100. bam.org.

Movies Under the Stars: ‘Paddington 2’ FREE

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 7, 7-8:45pm WHERE: Metropolitan Recreation Center, 261 Bedford Ave., Williamsburg AGES: All WHAT: Hoping to buy a present for his Aunt’s birthday, Paddington takes odd jobs. But, when the gift is stolen he sets out to unmask the thief and get the present back. WANT TO GO? 718-599-5707. nycgovparks.org.

Movies Under the Stars: ‘Teen Titans Go! To the Movies’ FREE

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 14, 5-6:35pm WHERE: McCarren Play Center, 776 Lorimer St., Williamsburg AGES: All WHAT: The Teen Titans realize they’re not “real” superheroes because there’s not a movie about them and vow to do something heroic enough to warrant a big-screen adaption. WANT TO GO? 718-218-2380. nycgovparks.org.

Classic Mew-vie Night

WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Third Friday of the month, 7:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Cat Cafe, 149 Atlantic Ave., Cobble Hill AGES: All WHAT: Watch a classic movie along with the cats of the Brooklyn Cat Cafe as they nap soundly in your lap and purr. WANT TO GO? $20. 347-946-2286. catcafebk.com.

In Saturn’s Rings 2D

WHEN: Through Jan. 31, 2019: Weekdays, 1 and 3pm; Weekends, noon and 3pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: 9 and older

December 2018 | nymetroparents.com

LITTLE FOODIES Holiday Concert and Cookie Swap

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 1, 3pm WHERE: All Saints Episcopal Church, 286-88 7th Ave., Park Slope AGES: All WHAT: Bring a batch of your favorite baked goodies and get ready to swap. Come with cookies for a free ticket. WANT TO GO? $15; free for children 4 and younger. 718-622-3300. bkcm.org.

FamilyLab: Latkes and Love

WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 5, 5:30-7:30pm WHERE: Beloved Brooklyn, Address provided upon RSVP, Clinton Hill AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Come for the latke making, stay for the candle lighting, song, story, and a home-cooked vegetarian dinner. WANT TO GO? $32-$40 for family up to 5 people. 212-908-2536 x7. labshul.org.

Brick Oven Brooklyn Meet Up: Community Baking Day! FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 9, 12-4pm WHERE: The Old Stone House, 336 3rd St., Park Slope AGES: All WHAT: Bring something to bake in the wood-fired oven. This event is outdoors, so dress warmly. WANT TO GO? 718-768-3195. theoldstonehouse.org.

We treat:

ShopRite Kidz Cook: Winter Holidays

• Food Allergies • Asthma • Eczema • Hay Fever • Sinus Issues • Recurrent Infections • Hives • Insect Allergies & much more!

WHEN: Dec. 7 -28, Fridays, 3 and 4pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Make delicious cookies to celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Omisoka, the Japanese new year. WANT TO GO? $8. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.

2018 Gingerbread Lane Workshops

WHEN: Through Dec. 30: Saturdays-Sundays, and Friday 12/27, 1pm and 3pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Each participant will receive a kit with all of the materials to create gingerbread houses and trains including gingerbread pieces, icing, and candy. WANT TO GO? $15. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

Farmer’s Market FREE

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.

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things to do

where-to guide

HOLIDAY JOYS for Girls & Boys Compiled by Anja Webb

Happy Holidays! Whether you’re celebrating Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Christmas, or just enjoying a cozy winter with your loved ones, December is certainly the most wonderful time of the year! Spend some time outside at an ice-skating rink (or inside, too!) and grab a delicious hot cocoa afterward to warm up from the chilly weather. Head out of town to hand cut your Christmas tree. And if the frost and snow of a winter day doesn’t make your heart sing, check out one of our favorite indoor play spaces to beat cabin fever without freezing.

BEST HOT COCOA SPOTS Jacques Torres 66 Water St., Dumbo 718-875-1269; mrchocolate.com Monday-Saturday, 9am-8pm; Sunday, 10am-6pm Makes its own hot chocolate powder from real chocolate. The Classic Hot Chocolate comes with a variety of add-ins, including handmade, all-natural ingredients (no syrups!) such as peanut butter, caramel, orange, and mocha. All of these flavors can be mixed with ground ancho and chipotle peppers, which transforms the hot chocolate into Wicked Hot Chocolate. Find more>> nymetroparents.com/hot-chocolate

CUT-YOUR-OWN CHRISTMAS TREE Shamrock Christmas Tree Farm 20685 Main Road, Mattituck 631-298-4619 or 631-298-4118; shamrockchristmastreefarm.com Hours: Open Nov. 23-Dec. 24, daily, 9am-5pm Tools and assistance provided. Pre-cut trees, handmade wreaths, and crafts also available. Santa appearances on weekends, 12-5pm. Shamrock Express train rides (weather permitting) and a fire pit to enjoy while you’re waiting for your ride. Ornaments, nutcrackers, tree toppers, and more available in the gift shop. No pets allowed. Find more>> nymetroparents.com/christmas-tree

ICE-SKATING INDOOR PLAYSPACES BounceU of Brooklyn 6722 Forth Hamilton Parkway, 2nd Floor, Bay Ridge 347-450-5867; bounceu.com/brooklyn-ny Kids will love the numerous other inflatables, while parents will love the early weekend hours. It also offers a Cosmic Open Bounce when kids can jump around in the dark. It’s a great way to burn off some steam. Reservations are recommended. Find more>> nymetroparents.com/indoor-play-spaces

Lakeside 171 East Drive, Southeastern Prospect Park 718-462-0010; lakesidebrooklyn.com Hours: Through March 31, 2019: Monday, 9am-5pm; TuesdayThursday, 9am-5:30pm; Friday, 9am-9pm; Saturday, 12-9pm; Sunday, 12-5pm. Price: $7 Monday-Friday; $10 Fridays after 4pm, SaturdaySunday, and holidays. $7 skate rentals. Find more>> nymetroparents.com/ice-skating

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family life finances

How to Save Money on Holiday Shopping

››

You don’t have to go into debt to buy great gifts for everyone on your list! These tips will help you stick to your budget while snagging real bargains. By Denise Porretto

t’s that time of year again, when gifts and toys are delivered free of charge to your living room, pre-wrapped and labeled, making every family member’s dreams come true. All you need to do is leave out a few cookies. If only it were so. In reality, holiday prep plays out more like this: You overpay for the popular toys your kids want. Giftwrap is surprisingly expensive— newspaper, anyone? In exasperation, you eat all the cookies. Holiday shopping is difficult, but don’t lose hope. There are plenty of ways to save money. We’ve spoken to some experts who know just how you can control your seasonal spending; read on for their smart advice.

each name and stick to it!” says Rachel Cruze, New York Times best-selling co-author, with her dad Dave Ramsey, of Smart Money Smart Kids. Download a free budgeting app such as EveryDollar, which has interactive visuals and goal-planning features. Another handy app, one for your phone, is Santa’s Bag. It includes holiday-specific features such as the ability to import receipts, plan budgets, create shopping lists, locate gifts, and track shopping progress.

Pre-Shopping Strategies

Locate any unused gift cards you have. You can spend them to buy holiday gifts, food, and décor, or sell them at a gift card exchange site such as Cardpool.com or Raise.com for some ready cash. (If you’re looking for gift cards, you can also purchase them on these sites at a percentage off face value.)

Create a list and a budget. “As you write down the names of everyone that you have to buy for, put a dollar amount next to

Sign up for cash-back sites that give you a rebate—typically 2-5 percent—on just about anything you buy online. Popular sites include Ebates.com, Shopathome.com, Mrrebates.com, and TopCashback.com. They work very simply: You go to the

Before you set foot in a brick-and-mortar store or click the “purchase” button, do the following:

December 2018 | nymetroparents.com

cash-back site and locate the store you want to shop. Then you purchase your desired item to earn your rebate, which can be paid to you in a variety of ways. Ebates, for example, will send you your accumulated rebate every quarter in the form of a check, a PayPal deposit, or, in some instances, as a digital gift card. Collect coupons. Many consumers think coupons are relics from the past. Not so; they’ve just gone digital. So put down those scissors and go online. Some well-trafficked coupon sites include Coupons.com, TheKrazyCouponLady.com, RetailMeNot.com, and CouponSherpa. com. Most of the sites offer coupons that can be used in a physical or digital store. Additionally, Honey is a browser extension that will automatically apply all coupon codes available to find the one that will save you the most money at select online retailers. Sign up with online stores, “like” their Facebook page, or follow them on Twitter, so you can be alerted to upcoming sales and promotions. You may end up getting an enormous amount of emails, but if you’re patient enough you may find what you’re looking for at a great price, and sometimes with free shipping too.

While You’re Shopping

Now that you’ve planned and are ready to stock up on gifts, remember to: Track the rise and fall of prices. It’s difficult to pin down an item’s price during the hectic holidays; even Amazon changes the prices of individual items frequently. The site CamelCamelCamel.com is designed for shopping on Amazon—it generates alerts based on price and availability, so you can be notified when the price for a desired item drops to a predetermined point. In addition, the site has price history charts for more than 18 million Amazon items. Be cyber-cart smart. One way you can potentially score coupons to an online store is by providing your email address and adding merchandise to your cart—and then abandoning it. This may trigger an automated coupon to be delivered to your inbox. You may have been willing to purchase the items at full price, but by waiting a couple of days, you can buy your merchandise at 10-20 percent off. Harness the power of price-matching apps. Whether you’re shopping online or at the mall, you can use a price-matching app to compare prices. The Flipp app brings up flyers from other stores, so you can easily determine where to find the best bargains. If the app shows a better price for an item at another store, you can show the cashier proof. (Many big box stores will match a lower price for the same item.) With Earny, your credit card and email link to the app so your past purchases can be tracked. If you’re eligible for a price adjustment you can get the money back automatically. Finally, InvisibleHand is a browser extension that notifies you if the product you’re shopping for is available for less from another retailer. A convenient button links you to the relevant page on the competing website. Come to stores prepared to crunch numbers. If you’re headed to a brick-and-mortar shop, have a calculator available so you can figure out the exact price of an item, including any discounts and sales tax. (You may lose the ability to do calculations in your head when you’re tired and the store is crowded). Bring cold, hard cash. “You actually spend less when you use cash,” Cruze explains. “Cash is emotional. You feel it when you

pay with tangible currency. You don’t get that same sensation when you swipe a piece of plastic. Also, you’ll be less anxious when you use cash because you know to stop spending when the money runs out. Even if you can’t buy everything you want, you’ll still feel relieved about not having to make a payment in the new year!” Shop on Black Friday—or not. If you’re convinced that Black Friday offers the best deals, then head to the mall in the wee hours. Indeed, Black Friday does have incomparable sales, such as classic toys at 40-50 percent off. If you’d rather bypass the chaos, however, venture out later in the day. “All the heavily promoted items will probably be gone, but you can still find pretty good deals while avoiding the crazy crowds that pile in when the doors open,” Cruze says. Set your sights on Cyber Monday, which is the Black Friday of the Internet. You can find a lot of good deals without having to camp out in a parking lot all night, Cruze says. In addition to shopping the sales at online stores, you may want to browse eBay. The reason? Some shoppers hit the stores on Black Friday to purchase popular items at rock-bottom prices and then sell them for a profit on eBay. So with a bit of luck, you may be able to pick up that gift at only a small premium over its Black Friday price. Don’t overlook off-peak shopping times. After the big sale days are over, try either shopping online on Tuesdays, as cyber retailers tend to offer their best deals on that day, or at brick-and-mortar stores in the evenings. Some retailers may have the next day’s early-morning sales already in effect, saving you from having to rise at the crack of dawn. Look for last-minute steals. For all the procrastinators out there, you may even do well shopping late in the season. Some of the best deals arrive the week before Christmas, according to the New York Times. Outsmart the shopping environment. Sure, you love stores’ holiday music and ambience—but they’re up to no good. Studies have shown that Christmas songs evoke nostalgia and generosity, leading to larger purchases, explains Mari Corella, a retail specialist who has worked for major retailers such as Sears and Saks Fifth Avenue. The same is true of scent. “During the holidays, stores often smell of gingerbread and pine, invoking a sense of warmth,” she says, leading to—yep—more spending. Some experts recommend wearing headphones with soothing music playing to calm you during the stress of shopping. (Can you guess what stress leads to?) Even the placement of products is designed to make you spend more. Brands pay to have their items on the end of the aisles or at eye level, Corella shares: “The cost of this additional exposure is added to the cost of the product.” She recommends browsing the entire section to make sure you’re getting the best price. Think out of the (gift) box. Not everything you buy has to be expensive or from a popular retailer. Consider shopping at thrift shops for vintage items, or gathering the family together to make DIY gifts, such as personalized stationery for the grandparents. Something handmade, and from the heart, is priceless—in every sense of the word. Denise Porretto is a freelance writer living in Princeton, NJ.

BrooklynParent 39

raising kids teen

Experts suggest teens volunteer to get involved with the community and broaden their view of the world around them.

How to Raise A World-Aware Teen ›› Your child’s now old enough to grasp global issues—and to change the planet for the better, too. By Allison Ingrum

very few minutes our phones light up with the latest news alert. From social issues to politics, there seems to be a constant flow of news cycling from around the globe. Being world-aware means understanding these issues and educating yourself about what is going on outside of yourself, your home, and your immediate neighborhood. For your teen, it also means realizing there is a world outside the latest video game or most recent post on Instagram. It isn’t always easy for your child to look beyond the bubble he exists in, though. A variety of things, from the technology that surrounds him to your own protective parenting style, can make it difficult. But with a little guidance from you, your teen can get on track to becoming a global citizen. It will benefit him, and the whole world, in the long run.

Big Kids, Big Ideas

We constantly hear that children are most likely to take risks when they’re in their teens. Sure, this can lead to accidents. But their risk-taking can also be a positive thing, putting them on the path to innovation, says Teodora Pavkovic, a parenting coach with a master’s degree in clinical psychology. The teenage years are the “most creative period of our lives,” Pavkovic says. “I think if we harness that teenage brain energy that they have, it can really make a big change for the world…[Teens] 40

December 2018 | nymetroparents.com

are just naturally very inquisitive, innovative. They have ideas all of the time. They want to try things out. I think they can probably help us figure things out more than we can do on our own.” The teenage years are also a time of self-exploration, and being world-aware aids a teen in figuring out her own identity, says Sophie Stoyadinovich, M.D., a life coach at Nobel Coaching, an online coaching and tutoring platform. Your teen should have as much information as possible to see where her particular interests lie and what kinds of problems she may like to solve. In fact, being world-aware might completely alter her direction in life.

What’s Blocking Your Teen’s Worldview?

While it’s only natural to feel protective of your child, being a helicopter parent can cause more harm than good. “[Kids] could get so comfortable that they become fearful of doing anything outside of their comfort zone, or you will have the flip side when they become very rebellious at some point, and you don’t want either one,” Pavkovic says. Technology can act as the other main roadblock that keeps children from being world-aware, she adds. While our devices give us access to almost any information we may need, a passive use of technology (such as scrolling through social media) has the potential to draw people into themselves in a negative way, she explains.

Along with this comes a lack of critical-thinking skills. “We take our view of the world from the media, from the news...and from the things that elicit the click response,” says Andrew Sachs, CEO of Nobel Coaching. “That is a… severely distorted version.” Instead, parents should teach children of all ages to have a critical eye toward the information they take in. “They will be on social media. They will read things and they will see things on TV. I think it is always good to keep that conversation going about what they think, why they think so, how accurate they think it is, and whether they have any other sources for that,” Stoyadinovich says.

Teaching Your Child to Think Global

While your child can grow up to be world-aware on his own, this is rarely the case. We humans have an instinctive tribal nature. While this tribalism served a great purpose when humans were pack animals, now it is simply a fear that holds us back from interacting with people and places that are different, Sachs explains. It takes a team of parents and teachers to coax a child into becoming more world-aware. Try these steps: Start simple. Talk about current events around the dinner table. These stress-free, no-pressure conversations foster an environment in which your child can speak her mind. Listen to what she is passionate about and try to incorporate that into the conversations. Pair your child with a pal from another place. When your teen tries to learn a language, connect her with a student in another country who speaks the language fluently. In the process of helping each other learn, they will hear about each other’s daily life. Even if it’s only an online call or chat, it is an immersive experience. Volunteer. It’s an easy yet effective way to get your child involved with the surrounding community, explains Zelda Warner, president of the Volunteer Referral Center. And it’s a two-way street: As your child helps someone, that person simultaneously impacts his life by opening his eyes and allowing him to see the world through a new lens. He will learn to appreciate those differences, and also see how lucky he is to live the life he leads. Travel. If you can, take a family vacation to another country or give your child the opportunity to participate in a studentexchange program. And do so as soon as you are able; the sooner you travel, the earlier your child’s brain begins to expand, Sachs says. “They are able to see the world for what it is, and they are not constrained by the little bubble. A lot of us exist in a bubble,” he explains. “Having that kind of opportunity to connect with real people I think can drastically change your view on the countries they are from and the rest of the world.” Likewise, even short cruises or camps expose children to others from around the country, or possibly the world, who will share experiences and stories. Dan Appleman, author of Developing Teen Leadership, suggests enrolling your child in a summer camp outside of her comfort zone. Send an athlete to theater camp or a musician to art camp. Send your teen to an overnight camp farther from home. These small changes will allow your child to meet peers with different backgrounds and experiences. Take a cultural field trip to NYC. Not up for international travel right now? You don’t have to venture far from home to help your child become more world-aware. Luckily, here in the New York area, we have the luxury of being surrounded by many different cultures and people from diverse backgrounds. A train ride will take you to Chinatown with Little Italy one block away. Talk to your child about these cultures and eat at authentic restaurants. You can also take him to one of the

many museums around New York. No matter what you do, this engaging experience will ignite his brain and get him thinking outside of his home. Model world-aware behaviors. Ultimately, remember your children are both mirrors and sponges, Pavkovic says—they reflect your behavior and absorb lessons from your actions. Whether you want your kids to use technology less, spend more time outdoors, or speak more kindly, you must do the same. Appleman seconds this sentiment, recalling parents he knows who bring their children to protests. “Have them be world-aware and have them involved in your life. Yes, there are other things one can do in providing guidance, but there is nothing like setting an example,” he says. This being said, “we need to take into account that the older your child is, the less they are under your influence. If they are seven, yes, obviously you are their greatest role model and you are the best,” Stoyadinovich says. “But as they grow older, their peers become that for them…Your direct influence, I think, at that point gets a little bit smaller and you need to lean more toward consulting with them and providing them with opportunities rather than instructing them and pushing them to do something.” Look at what the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School have done in Parkland, FL to raise awareness of gun violence. When one teen is world-aware and a leader, others will follow. In that case, millions from all over the world already have. At this rate, world-aware teens will be the ones to create a worldaware society. Allison Ingrum, a former NYMP editorial intern, is a junior at Syracuse University.

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

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

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

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

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

December 2018 | nymetroparents.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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. Kidfriendly; walk-ins welcome; most insurance plans accepted.

SPECIAL NEEDS

PARTY PLACES ART FUN STUDIO

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

BOUNCEU

LITTLE OPTICS, INC.

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

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

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.

Eye Level Sheepshead Bay 1605 Voorhees Ave. 718-891-5437 Eye Level Park Slope 150 4th Ave. 718-260-8100 myeyelevel.com Eye Level offers math and English programs for ages 3-14. Whether the immediate goal is early learning, remedial education, or academic education, Eye Level is the answer.

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

CHELSEA PIERS SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX

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

INTREPID SEA, AIR & SPACE MUSEUM

Pier 86, West 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue, Manhattan 646-381-5166 intrepidmuseum.org Celebrate your child’s birthday with a one-of-a-kind party! The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum will captivate groups of all ages and interests. Choose from exciting themes, value packages, and customization options to create a birthday adventure your kids will remember forever!

MAX ADVENTURES PARTY CENTER

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

SKY ZONE TRAMPOLINE PARK-DEER PARK

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

URBANGLASS

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

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The Only Resource a Family Needs to Plan Their Childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Simcha

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FAMILY RESOURCE GUIDE FOREIGN LANGUAGE CLASSES

La Récré De Paris

CBE Kids: Congregation Beth Elohim

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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

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special events Circus Glow ...................................................................48 Kings Theatre at the Ambassador Theatre ....................31 NYBG - Train Show..........................................................9

health Allergy & Asthma Care of Brooklyn..........................35, 42 Brooklyn Family Orthodontics.........................................42 Converge Direct/Health First ...........................................3

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BrooklynParent 45

raising kids parenting humor

How to Un-Fun the Holidays in 8 Easy Steps It’s easy to suck the joy right out of the holiday season, especially when you have kids—just follow this guide. If, by some chance, that’s not what you want to do, we have other recommendations for you! 1. Insist on getting the perfect photo for your annual holiday card. Dress up everyone in their finest clothes and keep stage-directing them (“a little to the left…a little to the right”) until their smiles are as frozen as a snowman’s. Instead: Go for a shot that’s casual or silly—it’s what life is really like with kids. 2. Knock yourself out trying to find this season’s hottest overpriced toy, even if your child didn’t ask for it. After all, isn’t that what caring parents do? Instead: Have your child help you pick out a toy for Toys for Tots or another organization that brings joy to children in need. Show her that it’s what caring families do. 3. Write a glowing holiday letter to your family and friends, then spend the rest of the season wishing your life were half as awesome as you made it sound. Instead: Be honest about some of the struggles you’ve faced, like losing your battle with the scale or struggling to make your kids understand that “no means no.” People will appreciate your honesty 4. Scurry around so much getting ready for the holidays that you spend less time with your kids than you want to. 46

December 2018 | nymetroparents.com

By Deborah Skolnik

Instead: Remember to slow down and enjoy the season together. Take an evening to drive around and admire the holiday lights, or go skating one afternoon. Your child may remember those moments more than all the fancy presents that come his way. 5. Decorate your home with lots of “don’t-touch” holiday objects, then get upset when your child breaks one (or worse, get scared when he ends up hurting himself). Instead: Learn how to keep your home festive, but hazard free, by reading “13 Ways to Stay Safe This Holiday Season” on p. 16. 6. Drag your children to a nighttime holiday religious service, then feel embarrassed when they can’t keep it together. Instead: Look for a “family” service, where kids are welcome and a certain amount of squirminess is permitted. 7. Pressure your kids to give hugs and kisses to family friends and relatives they barely know. Instead: Remember that kids, like adults, have the right to decide whom they want to be cozy with. If your child doesn’t feel like it, ask him to give a simple wave or say a friendly hello. Really young kids may not even be able to manage that much, but it’s okay; the adults around them will almost certainly understand. 8. Go into debt making this “the best holiday ever.” Instead: Create a reasonable budget and stick to it. You’ll start the new year feeling refreshed—not impoverished.

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