BrooklynParent FEBRUARY 2017
NYMETROPARENTS.COM
Amazing Camp Experiences
Kids tell us why summer camp is so special
Plus: Find the right camp
Adulting 101
How to raise kids ready for life
Brooklyn s
Caring Kids
Your amazing stories of giving back to the community
INDOOR PLAY SPACES
•
TEACHING KIDS CONSENT
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February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
FEBRUARY IS NATIONAL CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH
From school pictures to hundreds of family photos and thousands of selfies, children’s smiles brighten our lives. Let’s give them healthy smiles that will shine for a lifetime. Good dental habits start at a young age and continue as children grow with: • Regular dental checkups (2x a year) • Brushing and flossing (at least 2x a day) • A healthy diet with fruits and vegetables
Fidelis Care covers preventive and routine dental care for kids!
1-888-FIDELIS • fideliscare.org (1-888-343-3547)
TTY: 1-800-421-1220
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NYMetroParents Helping Parents Make Better Decisions
Contents
February 2017 ››
50
Features
16 Brooklyn’s Caring Kids Learn how area families volunteer 18 Adulting 101 How to get your children ready for the real world—while they’re still young 22 Why Camp Is Great Kids share why they love summer camp. 44 Teaching Kids Consent Tips to talk to children of all ages about appropriate and inappropriate touching 46 Demystifying the Dentist What to expect at kids’ dental visits, and how to keep their mouths healthty
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48 Soup and a Sandwich Two combos to warm up on a chilly day
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50 Learning to Ski A peek at how to New York mountains teach newbies the popular winter sport
Connections
6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 8 NYMP News: Mommybites Joins the NYMetroParents Family 10 Quotables 12 NYMP Q&A: Laurie Hollman, Ph.D., discusses parental intelligence 54 Voices: Why I hated all nine months of pregnancy
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Fun & Activities
Family Activities CALENDAR ››
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Original photo by PhotoOp NYC (photoopnyc.com) Clothing provided by Appaman (appaman.com)
14 DIY Corner: Mini Terrarium 15 Media Matters: Family Favorite Films 26 Outing: Rye Nature Center 29 Family Activities Calendar 42 Where-To Guide: Indoor Play Spaces
Directories 24 51 52 52 52 53
Camp Guide Meet the Health Care Professional Professional Services Party Central Open Houses Advertisers’ Index
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ON THE COVER ›› 16 Brooklyn’s Caring Kids 18 Adulting 101 22 Amazing Camp Experiences facebook.com/nymetroparents
42 Indoor Play Spaces
@NYMetroParents
44 Teaching Kids Consent
Visit NYMETROPARENTS.COM for family activities updated daily and more than 2,000 parenting articles!
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FEBRUARY 2017 • Vol.13 • No.7
EDITOR’S NOTE
NYMetroParents Publications EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Michael Kress MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling
Raising Kids Ready for Life
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ne recent Sunday, we converted our youngest daughter’s crib to a toddler bed, and just like that, with 15 minutes of tinkering, she was on to a new, exciting stage of her life. Needless to say, the actual transition—from baby to toddler to stages beyond—is hardly that seamless or quick. As parents, our deepest hope is to raise our kids to be independent adults, able to navigate their way in the world successfully on their own. Lately, though, there’s been a focus in the media on the difficulties many young adults face in doing that. “Adulting” has become a verb that connotes the conscious effort it takes to accomplish basic life skills. To help your kids avoid having to learn to “adult” when they are adults, we’re offering a guide to raise independent kids who will be ready for life in the real world when their time comes to leave your crib for their own grown-up lives (p. 18). When I was a child and especially a teenager, it was summer camp, particularly sleepaway camp, that had one of the most profound influences on my growth and readiness to be independent. The classroom gave me knowledge and the ability to think and understand, but the fields and hiking trails and activity centers of camp gave me the chance to do for myself and become the person I was meant to be. And I am far from alone in this. Since it’s now camp enrollment season, check out stories from kids around the region who tell us, in their own words, the impact camp has had on their lives (p. 22). As our kids grow up, there are any number of difficult conversations we must have with them. One involves touching—what is appropriate and what is inappropriate, and who gets to decide (short answer: they do). It’s never too early, and certainly never too late, to have this discussion; in truth, it’s likely more than one conversation, one you need to revisit over the years as your child matures. Since these talks are inevitably awkward and hard for you and your child, we hope our guide to discussing consent with kids of all ages helps as you address this important topic (p. 44). February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and we know going to the dentist can be scary and confusing for kids. To help, check out our explanation of common pediatric dental procedures and find some great tips for keeping your kids’ mouths healthy (p. 46). And, of course, this month also brings Valentine’s Day, and in that spirit, I wish you and your family a month of love and happiness.
DEPUTY EDITOR: Caitlin Berens SENIOR EDITOR: Bethany Braun-Silva ENGAGEMENT EDITOR: Samantha Neudorf REGIONAL EDITORS: Samantha Beranbom (Rockland); Karen Demeter (Suffolk); Rosalind Muggeridge (Brooklyn); Jamie McGillian (Westchester); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Emma Steven (Manhattan); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke
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NEW PLACES, NEW PROGRAMS
nymetroparents.com/np-bp
Usdan offers more than 70 programs in music, theater, visual arts, dance, and more.
NYMP NEWS
Mommybites Joins the NYMetroParents Family ›› Mommybites.com provides parents with trusted Nanny Boards, online classes, local events, and more. By Caitlin Berens
N
early 10 years ago Laura Deutsch was a new mom living in Manhattan, eager to find a community. So in 2006 she created one on her own, a grassroots events company for local moms. She partnered with Heather Ouida in 2009, and today Mommybites is an online parenting resource offering education, nanny placement, and activity information services for families in New York City and beyond. Mommybites offers two to three convenient online classes for parents each month such as the upcoming Support Your Child’s Development Through Play, as well as many other topics, including infant and toddler sleep, potty training, and preschool readiness. These classes are always free. On the mom-generated Nanny Boards, parents can post their trusted nannies looking for work or find a mom-approved nanny for their own family. By visiting mommybites.com parents can sign up for a weekly newsletter, read articles written by experts, and check out the jobsfor-moms portal. Mommybites was recently acquired by Davler Media Group, owner of NYMetroParents.
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February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Courtesy Mommybites
Who: Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts What’s New: Classes in art and architecture, plus the option to attend a shorter, two-week camp session. The sustainable art curriculum, designed by Usdan staff and noted artist Olafur Eliasson’s Little Sun team, is also new to the 2017 season. “Usdan has a history of collaborating with major artists and cultural organizations,” says Lauren Brandt Schloss, Usdan’s executive director. Sessions are offered in two-, four-, or seven-week periods with classes for children ages 4-18. Other offerings include Quidditch, stop motion animation, building with Minecraft, and dance classes with Alvin Ailey, Martha Graham, and Pilobolus. Want More Info: 185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights; 631-643-7900; usdan.org
Courtesy Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts
Suffolk County Summer Camp Expands Offerings
From left: Heather Ouida, Rebecca Dixon, and Laura Deutsch, the moms behind Mommybites
“Mommybites is a great brand and perfect fit for NYMetroParents,” says David Miller, CEO of Davler Media Group. “We look forward to bringing Mommybites’ online education classes and Nanny Boards to the one million families we reach every month. Their editorial content also expands our offerings for parents of newborns and toddlers.” Mommybites’ recently appointed managing director, Rebecca Dixon, joined the team in 2011. The Manhattan mom of three will take over as the head of Mommybites, with Deutsch and Ouida staying on as advisors. “I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to help Mommybites grow into one of the most respected parenting resources in the greater New York metro area,” Dixon says. “I’m excited to leverage the expertise of the NYMetroParents team to grow our offerings.” Visit mommybites.com to find a nanny, post a nanny job, or sign up for an online class.
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UOTABLES Be true to yourself, and don’t throw shade at other moms. Please, please let’s just throw away our Judgy McJudgerson Pants because, for starters, judgy pants were, like, so 1990s, and they never looked good on you anyway. —Heather Sadlemire, in a post entitled “The Best Resolution I Ever Made Was To Quit Mom-Shaming,” on scarymommy.com
in an instagram Max has had a fascination with #LadyLiberty ever since we visited #EllisIsland and requires a photo with her every time we see her now. Except the creepy guy in Times Square. I have to draw the line somewhere, but you have to love his patriotic passion! (Posted by @missstephanieb, aka Stephanie B., who blogs at footballfoodandmotherhood.com)
THE MAGIC BEGINS
in an instagram You guys, the new subway is almost here!!! Open house for the public today at 96th Street. #MyRide#2ndAveSubway #nyc (Posted by @thenycjenny, aka Jenny, who blogs at nycjenny.com)
“Seeing and experiencing New York (outside of the city), is easy. Within an hour the city turns to dust in the distance and you are shown expansive lands, lakes to swim, towns with feasts, and mountains to hike. Experiencing this as a family…. has been the greatest gift.” —Latonya Yvette, in a post entitled “Experience New York: Hike Up Bear Mountain,” on her blog, blog.latonyayvette.com.
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February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
“Suddenly the lights went out and the students started to scream and shriek. Tiny pairs of eyes began to light up on and around the stage. The music gained momentum. The Inside Broadway experience had begun. Students heard from the actors, both in and out of costume, as well as the behind-the-scenes crew responsible for the lighting, props, makeup, music, set, and more.” —Caitlin Berens in an article entitled “NYC Students Get a Peek Behind the Scenes of ‘Cats’ on Broadway.” Read the whole thing at nymetroparents.com/cats-on-broadway.
MORE NYMetroParents.com HIGHLIGHTS: BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Find where you can celebrate at nymetroparents.com/black-history. DISCOVER HISTORY: Check out historical locations in and around New York City at nymetroparents.com/historical-places TAKE A TRIP: Discover amazing winter day trips in the NYC area at nymetroparents.com/winter-trips. HIT THE SLOPES: Where to ski and snowboard (nymetroparents.com/ski)
Success starts with igniting imaginations. Apply Now at SuccessAcademies.org
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NYMP Q&A
Finding the Meaning Behind Your Child’s Behavior ›› By Bethany Braun-Silva
Laurie Hollman, Ph.D., is a psychoanalyst who recently wrote the book Unlocking Parental Intelligence. What is parental intelligence? The crux of parental intelligence is trying to understand your child’s mind. Finding meaning in the child’s behavior, trying to understand the underlying issues of the behavior, and how to solve that behavior. It’s slowing down, pausing, taking no action, which may be counterintuitive to most parents, and instead taking the time to review the behavior, going over what your child did, when they did it, and looking for a sequence to track the behavior. It’s suspending judgment about your child’s behavior as well as your own parenting behavior. It gives you permission to not know what to do. If you don’t understand how to do something, then what can you do about it? When kids see parents taking their time, it has a calming effect on the situation.
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What advice do you have for handling outbursts or temper tantrums in public? I think the key is that you’re in public. The parent is often humiliated and embarrassed, and the child isn’t listening. If the behavior really gets out of hand, I would leave the store. That isn’t a time where you can sit and understand the child’s feelings. You need to remove them from the environment. It is inconvenient and you don’t get the shopping done, but it gives you a chance to slow the child down and not give them the experience of a full-blown temper tantrum. Once you’re home and time has passed where they’ve calmed down, you can use parental intelligence to figure out what was going on and what is behind this behavior. Parental intelligence sounds like an effective way to parent, but do you believe in any more traditional forms of discipline? The word discipline comes from the word disciple, which means teaching. If you think about wanting to teach your child a lesson, using parental intelligence is the best avenue. Most parents give consequences for bad behavior immediately and react immediately. This is usually not effective because the child doesn’t understand the punishment necessarily. They stop and follow the punishment but they don’t learn from it. Parental intelligence is discipline, but it is from a different point of view. It is an approach that says, “I know what is in my child’s mind, I know how to solve it.”
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DIY CORNER
Mini Terrarium
One of the best ways to use a large jar is to transform it into a terrarium. I love succulents and they have made a real comeback recently. What better way to display them than with fun pink flamingos and decorative white sand—a mini beach scene for your table! In the smaller jar, a gold-painted dinosaur roars out from a succulent forest—I think the little ones in your life will appreciate this one. Make sure your jar is big enough for your plant to grow, so search the supermarket shelves for the biggest jar they have! Editor’s note: We love this idea for showing your valentine how much they mean to you!
You Will Need Large glass jars Pebbles Potting compost
Small plants, such as succulents Decorative fine white sand Small pebbles or gravel Little ornaments
Directions 1. Start by placing a layer of pebbles in the base of your jar —this will help with drainage and will prevent the potting compost from becoming waterlogged. 2. Put a layer of potting compost on top and position your plants. 3. Top with more potting compost, firming it in around the base of the plant, then add a layer of decorative sand or pebbles. 4. Place your chosen ornaments around the plants for a whimsical effect. 5. Water the plants very carefully, trying not to disturb the sand or pebbles. Succulents and cacti make a good plant choice as they require little watering. Crafting with Mason Jars by Hester Van Overbeek, CICO Books, $19.95. rylandpeters.com. Photography by CICO Books.
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February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Media Matters: Favorite Family Films
For Oscars season, some top 2016 picks
A Beautiful Planet (G)
Recommended Age: 6+ H
HHHH
A stunning look at Earth—and hum
Arrival (PG-13)
Recommended Age: 11+ H
anity’s sobering impact on it
HHHH
A great, deeply thoughtful, compas
sionate sci-fi tale
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (PG-
Recommended Age: 11+H
HHH
13)
This epic but violent adventure offe
La La Land (PG-13)
Recommended Age: 13+ H
rs diversity and role models.
HHHH
A profound, beautiful film about love
and creativity
In Theaters Feb. 10: The Lego Batman Movie
Our Partner: Common Sense Media An independent nonprof it that helps families make smart media choices. Check out thousands of ratings and reviews at commonsensemedia.org
Parents need to know that The Lego Batman Movie gives one of the most popular characters from The Lego Movie his own super spin-off. In a Gotham City completely built out of Lego bricks, mysterious hero Batman (voiced by Will Arnett) sulks in his mansion/Batcave while his disappointed butler, Alfred (Ralph Fiennes), tries to get him to take a greater interest in his adopted son, Robin (Michael Cera). Batman eventually agrees to take Robin under his wing, so to speak, but he must learn that if he wants to save the day, he can’t go it alone. While much of the fun-loving spirit of the first Lego movie remains, this one seems like it might be more oriented toward older kids. The animation is darker and edgier, and the humor seems more reliant on rude behavior (for example, Robin loses his pants, and Batman accidentally karate-chops Alfred into a piano). But kids are sure to want to flock to this “block”-buster.
See more at NYMetroParents.com/media CAMP MARKETPLACE
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Caring AWARDS Kids
Brooklyn’s Caring Kids We asked how your family gives back, and here are your stories of amazing kids who make our community better every day. ›› For the NYMetroParents Caring Kids Awards, we invited you to submit stories and photos of families and kids who do volunteer work to help others. We hope you will be as inspired as we were by these stories of young Brooklyn residents committed to making the world a better place and helping those in need. These local kids are making a difference in the community every day, and we salute all of them!
Taelynn-Marie and Her Family Help the Homeless
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As a Caring Kids Award Recipient, Taelynn-Marie will receive a $500 gift card and a certificate of recognition for her community service.
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My 9-year-old daughter Taelynn-Marie has been volunteering with my nonprofit foundation GOTI since she was 6. I founded GOTI three years ago and she has been a vital part of its success and impact on the Brooklyn community since then. Each year we feed Albemarle Family Shelter in Brooklyn Thanksgiving dinner, and we gift all 200 kids Christmas gifts and serve breakfast. Taelynn-Marie has served food, wrapped gifts, decorated trees, and donated time and service to the homeless families year after year without complaint. She even happily traveled to Haiti with me on a mission trip to paint houses and plant trees when she was 7 years old. Taelynn-Marie has served others without expecting anything in return and finds joy in doing so. She is shaping up to be a true servant leader.
i Recip
Genevieve, 9, Raises Money for Charity With Homemade Bracelets I have had the pleasure of knowing Genevieve from Staten Island for a few years, and she is quite amazing! She raises money for breast cancer and autism awareness by making her rainbow loom bracelets with embellishments. She is 9 years old and has been doing it for three years. Her mother and grandmother are her inspiration—her grandmother is a breast cancer survivor. Her grandmother had a full mastectomy and her mom had a lumpectomy several years ago and about 10 biopsies. So it’s an ongoing scare they have as a family. She’s just a loving and caring special little girl. She also suffers from epilepsy, for which she has started fundraising.
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February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
A Family That Offers Services and Toys to the Needy I have cosmetology skills, so I do little girls’ hair in my apartment building for free since it costs so much to go to the beauty salon. My three children take out toys from their toy bin every month and send them to the Dominican Republic for less-fortunate kids as well as clothing they’ve outgrown. For the holidays we purchase toys and give them out to kids in the shelters. We love helping others as a family.
Sienna Donates Socks and Other Essentials to Homeless Shelters Socks are one of the most requested but least donated items at homeless shelters, which is why my 7-year-old daughter, Sienna, and I are donating sock bundles. Sock bundles consist of a water bottle and a piece of candy wrapped in a pair of socks with a personalized note.
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A Bake Sale for Charity My daughter started a community service group in her high school this year. They baked cookies, brownies, and cupcakes, and raised enough money to donate 25 boxes of food (yes I was able to get teenagers in the grocery store!!) for Thanksgiving to the NY Common Pantry!!! They even added decorations to the boxes for a nice touch. Because of them, at least 25 families in NYC had a nice Thanksgiving.
Olivia, 8, Raises Funds for Clean, Safe Water For her 8th birthday, my daughter Olivia gave up gifts and instead asked friends and family to make a donation to Charity Water. She also made a presentation to her class about what she was doing and why. Her presentation and birthday campaign inspired her teacher and three classmates to use their birthdays to raise money for causes important to them. Olivia set up a web page to raise funds, sent out emails, and spoke 1-on-1 to her friends about her mission. She asked for $8, with a goal of $800 for her 8th birthday. I am thrilled to report she met her goal in less than 24 hours and went on to raise more than $1,600 to bring more than 50 people access to clean, safe water every day.
Siblings Supporting a Food Drive Both of my kids have expressive language disorder and severe anxiety. Through their Bear Boy Scout Troop 815 and Brownie Girl Scout Troop 2339, they signed up for a food drive, believing they would only be handing out flyers to help feed the hungry for Thanksgiving. Little did they know that they would also have to approach strangers entering the supermarket and verbally elaborate on further questions from the strangers in great detail. This is an extremely difficult task for both of them. What was most difficult was each of them standing at opposite ends of the long entrance ramps all by themselves and making it happen without the rest of the troop since they volunteered in shifts. Nonetheless, despite the anxiety and fear visibly kicking in, they used every strategy they knew of to dig deep into themselves and pull out the courage to get this food for the hungry. They were only supposed to give an hour of their time but because they were so eager to join the cause, they showed up 45 minutes earlier and stood there for almost 2 hours. As I and some other adults watched them get stuck on their words at times, yet reach some good Samaritans that chose to donate food, our eyes welled up with tears of pride for their perseverance and hope for their own personal challenges as well. As a parent, I was proud of my contribution to the world in raising caring kids.
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Learn about other Caring Kids throughout the New York metro area at nymetroparents.com/caring-kids. BrooklynParent 17
Adulting 101
››
How to get your children ready for the real world—while they’re still young By Laurie Sue Brockway
R
emember the days when parents figured they’d be done with childrearing by the time their children reached voting age or graduated from college? Ha! These days, the timeline for becoming a full-fledged, rentpaying, independently living adult has stretched into the mid-20s and beyond for many families. Forbes recently reported that less than half of the population ages 22-26 surveyed pay their own rent (47 percent), health insurance (41 percent), or contribute to a retirement account (27 percent). Just surveying the proliferation of YouTube videos and other instructional content on the web detailing how to cook an egg, do one’s laundry, and accomplish other everyday tasks, it’s clear there’s a need out there for basic life-skills instruction. It’s fondly known as “adulting,” and UrbanDictionary.com describes it this way: “Adulting (v): to do grown-up things and hold responsibilities such as a 9-5 job, a mortgage/rent, a car payment, or anything else that makes one think of grown-ups.” It’s not the worst thing in the world to have your kids living at home longer. But it is important for them to acquire basic life 18
February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
skills along the way, so whether they are living with you or on their own they can cook their own dinner and wash their own clothes. Experts say how we raise our kids can make or break their ability to run their own lives as they age out of their adorable phase and grow into adulthood. We asked experts for their best tips on how, when, and why to prepare your kids practically and emotionally to be grown-ups.
Act like an adult
Parents must be role models for grown-up behavior. “Your children are watching you even when you think they aren’t paying attention,” says developmental psychologist Martha Mendez-Baldwin, Ph.D., an assistant professor of psychology at Manhattan College in the Bronx. “They pick up a tremendous amount of information about your value system and your patterns of behavior simply by watching you.” As our children’s first teachers, we can impart skills necessary for them to function in life as productive members of society, she says. “This includes life lessons about respect, accountability, hard work, perseverance, and emotional regulation.”
Be authoritative
Parents often struggle with the balance between being loving and being the boss, but firm guidance is essential. “Authoritative parents are emotionally and physically available but are not their child’s pal or friend,” Dr. Mendez-Baldwin says. “There are clear boundaries and rules and expectations are enforced consistently.” Authoritative parents can listen to their children’s opinions and respect their feelings and encourage communication and family time, she adds. On the flip side, pushing kids too hard toward specific achievements can backfire.
Plant the seeds of self-esteem early
A healthy sense of self is one of the keys to healthy adulting. “Without self-esteem children will be ill prepared to navigate the world of decisions and social dilemmas that await them as they voyage through adolescence and into adulthood,” Dr. Mendez-Baldwin says. In addition to life skills, parents should start molding their child’s self-esteem as early as possible, she advises. Begin as early as age 2, when kids begin to test the limits of their independence.
Stop helicopter parenting
It is natural to want to protect your child from negative events and emotions because you don’t want to see him hurt or experience a blow to his self-esteem. “But we live in a world of positive and negative, good and bad,” says Angela Reiter, Ph.D., who offers therapeutic services and psychological evaluations in Eastchester. “In order to know how to handle the negative and appreciate the positive in life, we have to actually experience the negative and learn from it, in order to develop a sense of self-efficacy and a
positive self-schema of what we can do when faced with a similar situation or emotion the next time it comes around. “
Let them feel disappointment
Lindsey Cormack, Ph.D., of Stevens Institute of Technology, College of Arts and Letters, in Hoboken, NJ, is a parent of a 4-yearold and a professor to students ages 18-22. “With my own child, I try to let her experience letdown,” she says. “For instance when a playdate is cancelled, I find that I have an urge to protect my child from sadness by offering an alternative, like a date with me.” She refrains from trying to fix it and instead helps her daughter through a lesson in knowing that sometimes things don’t work out, and sadness is OK. “I think letting children experience and understand letdown in the small forms of childhood may better prepare them for the relatively larger let downs of their college years, such as bad grades on an assignment, non-admittance to certain schools and programs, and more,” she adds.
Allow kids to develop naturally
Parents and teachers often underestimate when children are capable of doing activities on their own, and we may inadvertently slow down their natural reflexes to deal with the world around them, says parenting coach Jesse McCarthy, a former school principal and Montessori educator. “As adults, we can infantilize children from the very beginning, when they’re infants,” she says. “A toy rattle might—seemingly—be just out of the reach of a baby girl, and instead of letting her struggle a bit to reach it, we almost instinctually help her by placing the toy in her hands.” She points out that we forget that with children, sometimes the process of striving for a toy is just as important as the recontinued on next page ››
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sult of playing with the toy. It’s a metaphor for the older years, when we still tend to do more for our children than they need, making them accustomed to having things “handled” for them in life.
Create environments that foster independence
Avoid “an unintentional breeding of dependence” as kids continue to grow, McCarthy says. “Our children are fully capable of all sorts of independent activities, when we prepare the environment for their success.” For example, when child-sized shelves with cups and a movable stool are within 5- and 6-year-olds’ reach, they don’t have to ask an adult for help just to get a drink of water from the sink. Show 8- and 9-year-olds how to do the laundry, and mom and dad are no longer needed for that process afterward. Let 11- and 12-year-olds walk to school to learn to navigate the streets and the world around them. Trust teenagers not to burn the house down and leave them alone for short periods of time. She points out that little steps toward independence at every stage prepares kids while doing everything for them stunts their development.
Encourage your child to take on chores
If kids are not given responsibilities, it will be hard for them to learn responsibility. “Assign children age-appropriate chores and praise them when they are completed,” says Deena Blanchard, M.D., M.P.H., a board-certified pediatrician at Premier Pediatrics in Brooklyn. “Part of this process may involve parents letting children experiment and find the best way to complete the chore.” As parents, it’s challenging to let go of some of the control but it is important to let children figure out their way to do it, which may not be exactly the same as yours, she says. “If a child feels they accomplished the chore their way and on their own, they will be more likely to feel a sense of pride and responsibility for that task and continue to do it.”
Show them how to manage money
Earning, managing, and saving money is key to adulting, so give kids a sense of financial reality and ownership early, starting with a home savings bank to get them thinking about acquiring and managing income early. “Get them a bank account and stress saving for the future rather than rushing out to spend their money without giving it thought,” advises Laurie Hollman, Ph.D., a psychoanalyst specializing in infant-parent, child, adolescent, and adult psychotherapy and author of Unlocking Parental Intelligence. Also, having them write checks and pay bills is a good lesson for the future.
Have them invest time and money in others
Vivian Glyck encouraged her son Zak to forgo gifts and divert his bar mitzvah money to a special online fund that was used to build a much-needed library at the Namunia Primary School in Luwero, Uganda. The fundraiser was also opened to the public, and he raised $10,000, but it wasn’t meant as just a charitable exercise. “This was about giving him a connection to the world,” says Manhattan-born Glyck, founder of the Just Like My Child Foundation, which runs many humanitarian programs in Africa. “It was about having an impact on someone’s life.” She recently took him to see the outdoor structure with books that was built by his good deed. It’s called Zak’s Library. Local children gathered around to thank him. In that moment, Glyck said to her son: “How much bigger is this than having $1,000 in your savings account?” It was a good life lesson in sacrificing his needs for a greater outcome.
Don’t make excuses for your children
It may be hard to watch them flounder and flail through life ex20
February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
periences, but accountability is a building block toward behaving like an adult. “Let children get out of their own messes, unless they are in real danger,” says parenting and relationship expert Thomas Gagliano, author of The Problem Was Me and his newest title, Don’t Put Your Crap in Your Kid’s Diaper: The Clean Up Cost Can Last a Lifetime. “Don’t call into school if their excuse for not going to school is a lie. Let them call in for themselves. Let them face life on life’s terms. No bailouts. Always be there to talk to them or guide and support them, but let them be responsible for their own actions.”
Teach children their choices affect outcomes
Encourage independent choices but hold kids accountable for their decisions. “If you don’t put your toys away, then you choose not to play with your toys later,” Gagliano says. “If you choose to not clean your room, then you choose to not get your allowance. If you choose to come home past the curfew we have agreed upon, then you have chosen to not go out this weekend.”
Consider a more limited life menu
Providing children with too many choices can open them to life’s possibilities but can also be overwhelming. Opening all of life’s doors for them can also present a false sense of reality about what the real world is like when they get there. “Having many choices is a double edged sword,” Dr. Mendez-Baldwin says. “While it creates many opportunities for children, it also requires decision making and problem solving. Children who do not have a healthy sense of self-esteem, children who are insecure, and children who do not have a trusted adult to talk to will have trouble making the right choices.”
Give them age-appropriate freedom
The amount of freedom given to a child must be a good fit between their age and their personality. “A 5-year-old may have freedom to choose a Halloween costume or choose between two snacks to pack in their lunch box but cannot choose their bed time,” Dr. Mendez-Baldwin says. “Keep in mind that children develop at slightly different rates. For example, two 16-year-olds many not be able to handle the same amount of freedom.” She points out that appropriate levels of freedom will allow children to make decisions and start to gain confidence in their decision-making process while still having you around to support and guide them in areas where parental assistance is still required. “If parents control too much of a child’s life, children tend to rebel and often will make poor decisions because they have had no practice in this important life skill.”
Coach them on planning for the future
Having kids think about goals is healthy and helpful. “Let them establish a timeline even if it’s tentative and will change with new experiences,” Dr. Hollman says. “Encourage them to think about where they want to be in two years, five years, 10 years, and beyond.” Just make sure this is an exercise in creating the life they choose, not a stressful mandate for achievements.
Let them see news
We may be tempted to shield their eyes and ears but learning about current events, problems in the world, and differing points of view is an important part of growing up. “We can’t protect them from everything,” says parenting expert and blogger Cherie Corso. She watches the news and reads the newspaper with her young daughter and discusses events, something she recommends for kids older than 6. Just skip the graphic details and images, answer their questions, and explain some of the more complex issues. “When explained, kids can logically think about events and they do have opinions and
it’s great to discuss and hear what they think,” Corson says. “News and information is now 24/7. The greatest gift you can give your children is to teach them the tools to process it.”
CAMP MARKETPLACE We’re learning step-by-step at...
Don’t let them adult too fast
On the flip side of kids struggling to grow up are those who try to fast track to adulthood. They also need a little help. “Children who are inherently more responsible may try to take on roles of taking care of everything for various people in their lives,” Dr. Blanchard says. “These children may feel the pressure to do “the right” thing all the time. While this is a good character trait, it can sometimes lead to children being taken advantage of by peers or having trouble saying no.” She says to especially teach tweens and adolescents that sometimes saying no is actually the right thing to do and that being responsible is not about always trying to make everyone happy.
Be patient
Give kids space to find their way on their own time. “Not every child will be able to accept independence and responsibility in the exact time frame you would like,” Dr. Blanchard says. “Some children will take longer to be able to do chores that other children in their age group can do. Try not to compare your child to their peers or scold them if they really can’t do something. Praise them when they are doing a good job and praise the process of trying as well.” Laurie Sue Brockway is a journalist and author who has written extensively on love, romance, marriage, parenting, well-being, and emotional health. Her work has appeared in hundreds of print and online publications, including Woman’s Day, Everyday Health, and The Huffington Post.
School Programs
• Two Year Old Classes • Three Year Old Classes • Four Year Old Classes
Kindergarten through 5th grade
FOR SUMMER & FALL
2017 ENROLLMENT
Full and Half Day Programs Available
Open Houses
at 245 86th Street Tuesday, January 31st
School Session: September – June
5:30-7:30 pm for children born 2013 and 2014
Summer Session:
Tuesday, February 7th
July – August
5:30pm-7:30pm for children born 2015
Please call or email us to schedule a tour to view the school.
Thursday, March 2nd 5:30pm-7:30pm for children of all ages
Nursery School
245 86th street • brooklyn, ny 11209 • p.718-630-1000 • f.718-630-1446
The Next Step
9321 ridge boulevard • brooklyn, ny 11209 • p.718-630-1001
steppingstones86.com • Steppingstones86@aol.com
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Summer 2017!
at St. Francis College
Early Start Imagination Camp ESIC • Specialized Programming for Pre-K campers ages 3-5
• 8:30am - 5:30pm with extended hours available • Beautiful outdoor facilities • Ample air-conditioned indoor space • Sports, games & outdoor adventure • Visual arts, crafts & performing arts • Special events, theme days, carnivals & all traditional camp activities • Red Cross Swim Instruction. • Healthy hot lunch & transportation available (A/C) • Low ratios with mature staff • Flexible enrollment for 2-8 weeks (Traditional Day Camp (ages 6-11), Teen Travel (ages 12-14) & CIT/LIT Program (ages 14-16) also available)
Info Sessions at St. Francis College
(180 Remsen St., Brooklyn, NY 11201) Feb. 25, 2017 at 11:00 am - Room 3402
Visit us online for 2017 info session dates & locations!
www.oasischildren.com • 718-596-4900
@oasisdaycamps
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Why Camp Is Great
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Kids share why they love summer camp. By Lisa Fogarty
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sk parents about the benefits of a children’s summer camp program and you can pretty much guarantee that those who have either attended camp themselves or whose children return to the same camp each year will wax poetic about the experience. Those of us whose knowledge of camp stems only from sentimental movies may question the value of bunking together in cabins or jumping into murky lakes on frigid mornings. But even skeptics find it difficult to ignore the allure of providing children with the kind of independence that has become increasingly rare in a world of helicopter parenting. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that research is on the side of camps. In an article for Psychology Today, Michael Ungar, Ph.D., co-director of The Resilience Research Centre, spoke to 300 camp directors and concluded that camp can help make children more resilient and strengthen their coping strategies. Another study performed at Clemson University found camp experiences push children’s boundaries in a positive way, build self-confidence, and have a lasting and measurable impact on children, thanks to skillbuilding and decision-making exercises.
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Clearly, more and more adults are hip to the benefits of sleepaway and day camps. But what do kids really think about their camp experiences? At the end of the day, most parents who send their children to camp want to be sure they are investing in their futures—because learning, fostering social connections, and growing as individuals shouldn’t be put on hold simply because the academic year has wrapped up. The proof that camps are helping to expand our kids’ minds and horizons is evident in the lasting memories and lessons children take from camp and carry with them into adulthood. We spoke with kids and teens who say camp isn’t just a place— it’s a second home and an experience that doles out important life lessons they continue to use long after their camp’s closing ceremonies. In their own words, here’s what they had to say about why they feel camp is beneficial. “I attended Silver Lake Camp in New York. My favorite thing about camp was playing Color War [a competition in which teams are divided into various colors and each team competes against the others in challenges and events to earn points and rewards]. I liked
it a lot because Color War is something you can only do at camp. It made it feel special.” —Emma R., 14, Long Island “I split my summer vacation between two camps: Felix Neck and the Y camp, both on Martha’s Vineyard [Felix Neck is run by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, and the YMCA runs the Y camp]. I enjoy catching and observing creatures at Felix Neck, and I love swimming at the Y with my friends. Most of all, I am happy to have time to play outdoors with my summer friends. I even ride on the 4th of July float with fellow Felix Neck campers!” —Abigail, 7½, Massachusetts. “I attended Brown Ledge Camp in Colchester, VT. My camp experience was unlike any I had ever had before. With all the different activities to choose from, it’s practically impossible to be bored. The thing I enjoyed the most was meeting girls from all over the world. This past year there were campers and counselors from 18 different countries, so now I can say I have friends from almost every continent. There is a real sense of community at my camp and a huge emphasis is put on the freedom to choose. There is only a single activity that is scheduled and that is riding. My first year at camp I learned how to become more selfsufficient and I developed good leadership skills that I use every day. Every activity at camp comes with the ability to learn more and more. I gravitated toward riflery—something I never would have thought of doing back home—and I immediately took to it. I still do it now and I even compete. Camp has given me so many opportunities and I wouldn’t trade my camp experience for anything.” —Rebecca P., 17, New Jersey “I loved being with my friends all day, and I loved being outside a lot. I attended a theater camp and it inspired me to join my school’s drama club this year. At camp, we put on several small skits at the end of each week and a larger production once a month. We learned some blocking, how to project our voices without screaming, set design, set direction, and we did acting exercises like improv, breathing techniques, becoming different characters, and changing emotions.” —Sydney C., 13, Brooklyn, who attended Our Lady of Angels’ Brooklyn Sports and Theatre Camp in Bay Ridge “I enjoyed doing the Lion King in Impact Conservatory because it showed how fun acting can be and it had great snacks and field trips. I also enjoyed the cooking camp at Culver City Adult School because it taught me how to cook food so that I can eat healthier— and it taught me how to be creative with food. I didn’t know how to swim when I went to Saken Sports Camp, but it helped me develop as a swimmer.” —Morgan, 10, Los Angeles, CA “I went to camp for the first time this summer at Allen Park in Farmingdale, Long Island. Every day the camp counselors set up new things for us to do so we never got bored. I loved getting to put on a big dance and show at the end of the summer because we got to practice our dance and work together to make up a cheer. I liked that we made it up ourselves with only a little bit of help. Carnival day was also amazing—the park was set up so that different spots were different holidays. It was so much fun getting to make snowmen crafts in the summer!” —Kiera F., 5, Long Island, who attended the Town of Oyster Bay Summer Recreation Program “I really love summer camp because you get to meet so many new people, especially the people in your cabin. Also, you can try
lots of new activities you may have never had the chance to. Last year at camp, I learned how to windsurf, play the guitar, and canoe, which were all super fun. Camp is an awesome way to find good activities and great friends! I admit, I was nervous to go to a summer camp away from home, but I had so much fun that I didn’t get homesick. On our last night at camp, all of the cabins staying for one week gathered around a campfire in the woods. We sang songs, made s’mores, and watched as the counselors played funny skits. I had so much fun there! I went to Camp Foley in Minnesota.” —Reese D., 12, Minneapolis, MN “I go to Silver Lake Camp in New York. Everything about the experience is so much fun. But my favorite thing of all is when we have shampoo wars!” —Sabrina R., 11, Long Island “I went to Windsor Mountain International in New Hampshire from seventh grade until junior year of high school. The camp is known for hosting a large number of campers who come from all over the world. Having camp friends is a very unique experience because you find people are really different at camp than they are in the actual world. I was a nerdy kid who played Dungeons & Dragons and I had no idea I’d meet these kids from New Jersey who wanted to play these nerdy games with me. The social boundaries we develop in our real lives are gone at camp. After a few years [at Windsor Mountain], they offer a lot of different programs once you get into high school for traveling outside of the United States. After I was a camper for a couple of years, I became a Leader in Training and helped with certain classes. I also had a group of campers I worked with and tried to mentor. A year after that, I became a Leader in Action. All of the leaders took a trip to St. Vincent in the Caribbean, where we traveled to different villages on the island and set up a camp for the kids in those villages. We had a little help, but we were mostly left entirely in charge of setting up those camps. The experience gave us a lot of independence and that independence allowed us to gain a much stronger connection to the community. It wasn’t like we were getting to know the villagers through a third party—it was just us getting to know them. Now, as a college student, I try to travel as much as possible because I learned from that age onward that the best opportunities come from traveling and meeting people.” —Seamus, 20, New Hampshire Lisa Fogarty is a freelance writer based in New York whose work has appeared in Redbook, Men’s Health, Racked, and other publications. She lives with her husband and two children.
CAMP MARKETPLACE Become Part of Our Family!
Special Summer Activities, Crafts, Trips and more...
Our unique, inclusive and welcoming experienced staff , engaging, innovative programs - state of the art environment will astonish you!
Flexible Schedule and Fees
Customize your preferred days per week and hours per day
Call to Schedule a FREE Tour Now! 718-388-5600 • twobytwoacademy.com 418 Keap Street • Brooklyn , NY
BrooklynParent 23
camp GUIDE 2017 CAMPS
ABC Child Center
109 Nassau Ave., Greenpoint 718-389-9004 abcchildcenter.com info@abcchildcenter.com ABC is open year-round, Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm with rolling admission. Providing child care since 1993. ABC’s goal is to provide safe, age-appropriate, and stimulating programs for children ages 3 months to 5 years, while fulfilling their need to laugh, learn, play, make new friends, and discover new things. Utilizing age-appropriate curriculum, along with the support of its families and devoted staff, ABC will ensure that every child achieves success and will set them on a path of lifelong learning. For more information or to schedule a tour, email info@ abcchildcenter.com.
BounceU
6722 Fort Hamilton Parkway (entrance on 67th Street and 9th Avenue), Dyker Heights 347-450-5867 bounceu.com/brooklyn-ny Where fun knows no limits. Kids ages 4-12 spend their time laughing, bouncing on our huge inflatables, playing different games every day that tickle them silly and stimulate their minds, and create art projects that are fun and can be taken home. So make your next camp a BounceU Camp!
Congregation Beth Elohim
274 Garfield Place, Park Slope 718-768-3814 Elementary and Travel camps: 718-768 3814 x210 congregationbethelohim.org bfinkelstein@cbebk.org CBE kids camps offer campers a summer of new experiences! The Elementary Division (ages 4½-9) includes swimming, sports, music, gymnastics, arts and crafts, nature, and circus arts. Movin’ On, CBE’s travel camp, uses the Temple House as a base for daily
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trips in and around NYC; two overnights are included. Native Hebrew-speaking counselors; Hebrew integrated into the daily activities. For more information and registration, please contact Bobbie Finkelstein at 718-7683814 x210 or email bfinkelstein@ cbebk.org.
Mill Basin Day Camp
5945 Strickland Ave. 718-251-6200 millbasindaycamp.com Summers are times to spend with friends, make memories, and share experiences that last a lifetime. MBDC is dedicated to providing exciting and fulfilling camp experiences for children through fun, recreational, and safe activities. Our modern, air-conditioned and private facility offers a wide range of activities for children entering pre-K through ninth grade. There are six individual camps, each with unique and innovative programming. Bring the family for a personal tour of the facility and discussion of the camp program.
Oasis in Brooklyn Bridge Park
800-317-1392 Mary McDowell Friends School Middle School 133-135 Summit St. oasischildren.com Oasis Camp offers programs for children ages 3 years to sixth grade! With facilities in Manhattan, Queens, Long Island, Westchester, and New Jersey, Oasis features mature staff with low camper-to-staff ratio and a warm environment in which kids can participate in activities tailored to their interests. The Early Start camp for kids ages 3 to kindergarten offers sports, daily Red Cross swim, arts, dance, theater, and a Ready for September enrichment program. The Traditional Camp (firstsixth grades) provides campers with sports, crafts, theater, dance, and Red Cross Swim. Teen Travel has daily trips, team building, and overnights.
February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
The Park Slope Day Camp
Ronny Schindler, executive director 718-788-7732 parkslopedaycamp.com For 26 years, The Park Slope Day Camp has been providing Brooklyn families with a safe, nurturing, and unique day camp experience. Located in Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Carroll Gardens, and Bay Ridge, The Park Slope Day Camp offers a wide variety of activities and options including our traditional day camp, circus camp, travel camp, soccer academy, and leadership training. Flexible and accommodating schedules for parents available. Professionally managed and organized, with an enthusiastic, caring, and well-trained staff. Transportation to and from camp available in most Brooklyn locations in air-conditioned buses. Accredited by the American Camp Association.
Smart Start Early Learning Center
8411 Fort Hamilton Parkway 718-921-1868 smartstart@verizon.net Register now for our summer programs for ages 2-4. Parttime mornings and afternoons and full-time sessions are available. Summer activities include safe, outdoor water play, arts and crafts, dramatic play, music and movement, and free play in science, block, and housekeeping centers. A healthy snack is included.
Stepping Stones Nursery School
245 86th St., Bay Ridge 718-630-1000 steppingstones86.com steppingstones86@aol.com Stepping Stones believes in engaging every child in large and small muscle activities, sensory and discovery exploration, social interaction, and creative expression. Stepping Stones invites all children ages 2-6. We will travel on class trips and do many sand and water activities, as well as arts and crafts, read
stories, and have dramatic play. We have central air-conditioning, new learning materials, and a safe surface playground. We are open 7am-6:30pm, from July through August.
Treasure Island
347 74th St. (corner of 4th Avenue and 74th Street) 718-238-7676 silbekidz@aol.com Treasure Island provides each camper with a nurturing, supportive, intellectually stimulating environment that promotes learning and exploration; builds self-esteem and self-confidence; empowers each child; promotes socialization, kindness and empathy; builds upon the diversity of our campers; and encourages campers to be independent and unique individuals. Campers explore exciting themes and enjoy enrichment experiences such as Kindermusik, cultural dance program, and the creative movement program “Jump for Joy.” Outdoor water play is an essential part of the camp experience. Maria Nogueria, director.
Two By Two Childcare Academy
418 Keap St. 718-388-5600 twobytwoacademy.com eli@plsdata.com Two By Two Childcare Academy is a locally-owned day care center serving clients in the Brooklyn area. Our ultimate goal is to guide and nurture each child’s development using materials that aide in their social, physical, emotional, aesthetic, and creative expression and cognitive development. We create a community in which the staff, children, and parents work together to achieve our shared vision. We take pride in the quality of trustworthy child care we provide, and know you will agree. Open through the summer providing special summer activities, crafts, and trips. Contact us today for more information!
SERVICES FOR CAMPERS 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. 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.
SPECIALTY CAMPS A+ Academy
6802 8th Ave. 718-748-6802 aplusnewyork.com Want to get ahead for the next school year or prepare for an important upcoming examination? A+ Academy offers summer enrichment classes in math and ELA common core curriculum for students in third-seventh grades in their upcoming school year. We also offer an extensive SHSAT, SAT, and ACT summer preparation program for rising eighth and 11th grade students as they prepare for high school and college admissions. SHSAT classes start July 5 and all other summer classes start July 10 and end on Aug. 18, Monday-Friday, 9am-12pm, 12:30-3:30pm and 4-7pm.
Brienza’s Academic Advantage
718-232-0114 8696 18th Ave. 1902 Avenue T 259 Rose Ave., Staten Island brienzas.com Brienza’s Academic Advantage offers a wide variety of academic programs for students attending kindergarten through 12th grade. We specialize in TACHS, SHSAT, Regents, SAT, and ACT preparation. Our programs provide students with the opportunity to
increase their skills and knowledge, enabling them to reach their full potential. Programs offered are tutoring in all subjects, test preparation, summer school programs, and SETSS (P-4) services. Call our office to speak to one of our educational specialists who can help you choose the best option for your child. Please register early, as space is limited.
Camp Clio
Held at Camp Claire, Lyme, CT 212-472-5207 campclio.org Camp Clio and our new Camp Clio Teen offer a unique experience for adopted children (ages 9-12) and teens (ages 13-17). Camp Clio campers and counselors (themselves adopted and serving as role models) share the intimacy and safety of being with other adopted friends, providing the opportunity to share feelings and adoption stories with others who understand adoption without explanation because they are “just like me”–all in a fun camp environment. Camp Clio Teen: June 25-July 7. Camp Clio youth: July 2-22. Campers may come for one or more sessions. Scholarships available.
ConstructionKids
Brooklyn Navy Yard BLDG92 63 Flushing Ave. The Co-Op School 40 Brevoort Place The British International School of New York 20 Waterside Plaza, Manhattan Corlears School 324 W. 15th St., Manhattan Avenues: The World School 259 Tenth Ave., Manhattan Bard Graduate Center 38 W. 86th St., Manhattan Dwight School 291 Central Park West, Manhattan constructionkids.com info@constructionkids.com ConstructionKids’ Camps are known for the dynamic projects campers build. We teach safe, appropriate tool usage, along with creative play. Camp for ages 4-6: We encourage the imagination and problem-solving skills of our campers by showing them they can learn to make anything they want with the help of some wood, a hammer, and nails. Advanced Camp for ages 7-9 is designed for first time and experienced campers who are looking to challenge their
engineering, problem solving, and critical reasoning abilities with complex multi-day projects.
and “Late Bird” care (5pm) for additional fees.
FasTracKids
7909 3rd Ave. 718-625-5425 526 Court St. nyctaekwondo.com nyctkd@aol.com We offer eight weeks of exciting, well-rounded training in taekwondo, soccer, basketball, softball, and bowling. We also offer weekly safety and leadership, and fun, educational field trips. Choose from one-five days a week and one-eight weeks (only $280 per five-day week). Camp hours are 8am–3pm, (later pick-up times available).
Williamsburg, Sheepshead Bay, Bay Ridge/Dyker Heights, Park Slope 347-983-2229 ftkny.com Summer camp is designed for children ages 4-10. Sessions last for one week at a time. We have full- or half-day sessions available. Fast-paced, fun, and fully interactive, these learning adventures will captivate and entertain as they deliver truly meaningful lessons. Nine enrichment topics are explored. Math and English classes, as well as computers, arts and crafts, puzzles, games, and yoga are offered. Call for details!
Leif Ericson Day School
1037 72nd St. 718-748-9023 Christine Hauge, principal ledsny.org Leif Ericson Day School’s Summer Creative Arts and Music Program begins its 19th year of fun this June through the end of July. Children in pre-K to seventh grade enjoy computers, art, music, movement, and drama. Professional, caring staff and junior counselors are enthusiastic and attentive. Limited group size allows for a more fulfilling experience. All activities are onsite. Two snacks provided daily. SCAMP hours are 9am-3pm with “Early Bird” care (8am)
New York City Tae Kwon Do
Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts
185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights 844-824-9790 usdan.com Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts, the nation’s pre-eminent arts day camp offers more than 70 programs of study in the arts— visual art, dance, music, theater, writing—and arts-related fields— nature, chess, and recreational arts. Each summer, more than 1,500 students ages 4-18 are immersed in art and nature and surrounded by friends who share their interests and enthusiasm. Transportation is provided in air-conditioned buses departing from throughout the New York metro and Long Island areas. Two-, four-, and seven-week sessions are offered from June 26-Aug. 11.
CAMP MARKETPLACE
Open year-round, Rolling admission Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
ABC Infant & Toddler Center ABC’s goal is to provide safe, age-appropriate and stimulating programs for children up to five years old, while fulfilling their need to laugh, learn, play, make new friends and discover new things. Providing quality child care since 1993. Child Care for Infants & Toddlers, ages 3 - 24 months
ABC Child Center
Child Care and Preschool for children ages 2 - 5 years
Full Day, Half Day Programs & Drop-off Care Available 109 Nassau Avenue, Greenpoint - Brooklyn, NY (718) 389-9004 • www.abcchildcenter.com For more information or to schedule a tour email us at info@abcchildcenter.com
BrooklynParent 25
OUTINGS: Rye Nature Center
nymetroparents.com/outings
An Immersive Nature Experience in Rye 3
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Courtesy Rye Nature Center
Explore and learn about the wilderness year-round at Rye Nature Center, New York’s environmental conservation organization. ›› By Melissa A. Kay
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1 As the temperature dips, Nanderwhere Pond is still as serene as ever. 2 Fresh greenery and lush landscaping make the garden a sight to see. 3 The observation hive allows visitors to see honeybees hard at work. 4 Rye Nature Center is set on 47 acres of forest and trails so families can walk in the wilderness and take in the natural surroundings. 5 Ecology students enjoy winter activities.
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ye Nature Center protects natural resources and promotes environmental education and stewardship within its urban forest, wildlife sanctuary, and surrounding community. The independent, nonprofit organization offers exciting programs for kids and adults of all ages and abilities.
Year-Round Fun
There’s so much to explore at Rye Nature Center. See honeybees in action by viewing the traditional and observational hives. Nature’s Playground features natural elements, such as tree stumps. And there’s also a new Con Edison STEM Challenge Course. Nanderwhere Pond, one of the center’s favorite teaching sites, is full of natural beauty year-round. Families can take a hike along the surrounding trail, or any of the 47 acres of forest trails. Explorers of all ages can go hunting for rocks and minerals at the Old Quarry. Weekly ecology classes allow elementary school kids to get outdoors and learn. There 26
February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
are also mommy/daddy-and-me classes, along with public programs and festivals.
Annual Events
Rye Nature Center’s summer day camp for preschool through 10th-grade students offers a hands-on approach to science and the environment. Oktoberfest is an annual fundraiser with delicious food and fun activities. Wilderness Encounters, an immersive outside program, challenges elementary school students to work together to explore the woodlands in the winter, spring, and fall. The Forest Kindergarten program, also in the winter, spring, and fall, uses Swiss concepts and principles to encourage children to connect to the natural world. Rye Nature Center offers a Preschool Ecology extended-day program, and its Forest Preschool program will be held five days a week, beginning in September 2017. Fifty percent of class time will be outside.
February Highlights
The annual Old-Fashioned Winter’s
Afternoon with a log-sawing contest, nature crafts, hiking, pony rides, candy making, archery, and more will be held Feb. 4. Rye nature center also has vacation camps for preschool through elementary school kids with programs throughout the month in which kids can learn about winter animals, glaciers, forest ecology, and more. On Feb. 11 and Feb. 25 see a tree being tapped, learn about the production of sap, and visit the Maple Sugar Shed to get a sneak peek at the maple sugaring process.
Details
Address: Rye Nature Center, 873 Boston Post Road, Rye Directions: Approximately an hour train ride from Grand Central; take the MetroNorth New Haven Line to Rye Hours: Visitor Center, Museum, and Office: Monday-Saturday, 10am-4pm; Grounds, trails, and playgrounds: daily, dawn to dusk Admission: Free (membership required for special programs) For more information: ryenaturecenter.org, info@ryenaturecenter.org, or 914-967-5150
CAMP MARKETPLACE
SMART START Early Childhood Center, Inc.
8411 Fort Hamilton Parkway Brooklyn, NY 11209 Phone 718-921-1868 Fax 718-921-6713
Register Now for Fall & Camp 2017!
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Our curriculum helps children understand and develop skills which will enable them to succeed and make sense of the world through: Dramatic Play, Free Play, Outdoor Play, Arts, Crafts, Music and Movement while incorporating: Literacy, Math, Science and Social Studies Child Centered, Certified Teachers, Extended House, Year Round Care
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BrooklynParent 27
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646 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn, New York www.hccs-nys.org • 718.499.0957 Grades PRE-K to Eight
Open House Dates: February 9th, 2017 @ 6 pm • March 11th, 2017 @ 10 am
Goal: To provide students with a rigorous classical education rich in challenging content. • Partnership with Teachers College Columbia University, The Greek Government, The Sports and Arts Foundation, The Brooklyn Public Library, The Urban Advantage STEM Program, The NYC Ballet, Carnegie Hall Kids, Project Green Brooklyn Botanic Garden. • NYSED REWARD SCHOOL and High Performance School 2016-2017 • Universal PreK Programs • Received the 2016 Building Brooklyn Award for Community and Culture • NYS and NYC Winners of The National History Day Fair 2015 and 2016 • Paideia Seminars • Regents Courses: Algebra, Earth Science and Greek • Studio in a School Art Residency • Enrichment classes in Greek and Latin • Junior National Honor Society, Student Government and Community Service Projects • NFTE (Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship) • Book Clubs, Chess Fridays, Athletic Clubs, Mighty Milers, Greek Dance Troupe, Science Olympiad, Math Olympiad, NYC Spelling Bee and Geography Bee 28
February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
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Turn the page for details on Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus Presents ‘Out of This World’ (No. 10 on our list).
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FEBRUARY CALENDAR
30 Editor’s Hot Tickets 32 We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!, Smarty Pants 34 Movers & Shakers, Dance Party WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?
nymetroparents.com/submitevent UPDATED DAILY AT nymetroparents.com/calendar EDITOR: ROSALIND MUGGERIDGE bkcal@davlermedia.com
35 Special Needs
36 Crafty Kids, Holiday Fun 37 Show Time! 38 Animal Lovers 40 The Great Outdoors, Mini Musicians
2
EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS
Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the 10 events we consider can’t-miss—the ones we’re taking our own kids to. Consider it your cheat sheet to the best of what’s great this month!
1
‘The Berenstain Bears Live! Family Matters the Musical’
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 4, 3pm WHERE: Center for the Arts/College of Staten Island, Williamson Theatre, 2800 Victory Blvd., Building 1P, Staten Island AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Adapted from the classic children’s book series by Stan and Jan Berenstain, Family Matters the Musical brings everyone’s favorite bear family to life in this theatrical experience. WHY WE LOVE IT: This live musical production is filled with fun songs and dance and follows the the Berenstain Bears as they learn important life lessons. WANT TO GO? $20. 718-982-2787. cfashows.com.
‘Twinkle Tames a Dragon’
2
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 5, 2pm WHERE: On Stage at Kingsborough, 2001 Oriental Blvd., Manhattan Beach AGES: All WHAT: Twinkle has always wanted a pet and is thrilled when Fairy Godmother grants her wish. While her friends get cute little pets, a naughty pet dragon named Scruffy is not what Twinkle had in mind. WHY WE LOVE IT: This charming new musical is based on the book of the same title by Katharine Holabird, the author of the classic book series Angelina Ballerina. WANT TO GO? $12. 718-368-5596. onstageatkingsborough.org.
3
First Sundays
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 5, 10am-2:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 900 Washington Ave., Prospect Heights AGES: All WHAT: Join this series of pop-up programs inspired by water, in honor of the opening of the Shelby White and Leon Levy Water Garden. 30
February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
WHY WE LOVE IT: This month’s activities include creating a Mo Willems story time, a build a bird’s nest workshop, and a nature walk with Brad Klein. WANT TO GO? $12; free for children younger than 12. 718-623-7200. bbg.org.
4
‘Coyote’s Dance’
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 11, 2pm WHERE: Kumble Theater, 1 University Plaza, Downtown Brooklyn AGES: 3-12 WHAT: This interactive spectacle leads young audiences into the remarkable world of Coyote, the infamous mischiefmaker from Native American cultures. Written and choreographed by Treehouse Shakers’ co-founders Mara McEwin and Emily Bunning, Coyote’s Dance envelops the culture and story of Coyote, whose exploits are recounted among many North American Indian Nations. WHY WE LOVE IT: The engaging contemporary dance, live music, and beautiful costumes in this production will have even the youngest of audience members dancing and laughing in their seats. WANT TO GO? $15. 718-951-4500. brooklyncenter.org.
Celebrating the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Rooster FREE
5
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 11, 11am-2:30pm WHERE: P.S. 310, 942 62nd St., Borough Park AGES: All WHAT: Presented by the Chinese-American Planning Council, this celebration includes family activities and live performances, vendors, traditional paper lantern arts and crafts, lion dances, and martial arts performances. WHY WE LOVE IT: This event includes a children’s costume contest, where children take part in an exhibition of their traditional garments. WANT TO GO? 718-492-0409. cpc-nyc.org.
6
‘Do Not Disturb’
WHEN: Feb. 11-12, Saturday-Sunday, 11am and 2pm WHERE: BAM Fisher, Fishman Space, 321 Ashland Place, Fort Greene AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Four factory workers struggle to assemble a gigantic wheel in this creative evocation of play through work. A simple story of teamwork reaches new heights—figurative and literal—through incredible partner balances, acrobatic feats, and choreographed dances. WHY WE LOVE IT: Students experience firsthand the power of people working together. WANT TO GO? $15. 718-636-4100. bam.org/kids.
‘Madagascar’
7
WHEN: Friday, Feb. 24, 6pm WHERE: St. George Theatre, 35 Hyatt St., Staten Island AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Take a musical journey out of the zoo and onto the stage with your favorite crack-a-lackin’ friends from the blockbuster Dream Works film. WHY WE LOVE IT: This kid-friendly performance runs for only one hour and is followed by a meet-and-greet with the cast in the lobby. WANT TO GO? $22. 718-442-2900. stgeorgetheatre.com.
Wild in Winter: Mid-Winter Break FREE
WHEN: Feb. 20-24, Monday-Friday, 12-4pm WHERE: Prospect Park Audubon Center, Lincoln Road and Ocean Avenue, Flatbush AGES: All WHAT: Join the Prospect Park Alliance during mid-winter break for family-friendly activities at the Prospect Park Audubon Center. WHY WE LOVE IT: Engage the kids during their week off school with events including the Great Backyard Bird Count, Animal Encounter, and Nature Exploration. WANT TO GO? 718-287-3400. prospectpark.org.
8
Build a Second Avenue Subway
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Three sessions, June and July 2017 Three sessions, June and July 2017 375and PearlJuly Street2017 in Brooklyn Three sessions, sessions,June June Three July 2017 375and Pearl Street in Brooklyn
near MetroTech & Boro Hall 375Pearl Pearl Street Brooklyn 375 Street inin Brooklyn near MetroTech & Boro Hall 718.852.1029 ext. 248 nearMetroTech MetroTech & Boro Hall near Boro Hall 718.852.1029 ext.&248 brooklynfriends.org/summerarts 718.852.1029 ext. 248 brooklynfriends.org/summerarts 718.852.1029 ext. 248
brooklynfriends.org/summerarts brooklynfriends.org/summerarts
9
WHEN: Feb. 18-26, Saturday-Sunday, 1:30-2:15pm WHERE: New York Transit Museum, Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn Heights AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Celebrate the city’s newest subway route as you build structures and infrastructure above and below the streets of the Upper East Side of Manhattan, block by block. WHY WE LOVE IT: This marks the long-awaited opening of the 2nd Avenue subway with a fun, hands-on workshop. WANT TO GO? $7; $5 seniors and children ages 2-17. 718-694-1792. nytransitmuseum.org.
10
BECOME THE ARTIST ARTIST YOU YOUARE AREMEANT MEANTTO TOBE BE BECOME THE BECOME THE ARTIST YOU ARE MEANT TO Summer ArtsTHE at BROOKLYN BECOME ARTIST FRIENDS YOU ARESCHOOL MEANT TO BEBE Summer Arts at BROOKLYN FRIENDS SCHOOL
Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus Presents ‘Out of This World’
WHEN: Feb. 23-March 3, Thursday-Sunday and Tuesday-Friday, see website for times WHERE: Barclays Center, 620 Atlantic Ave., Prospect Heights
AGES: All WHAT: Through the lens of a magic telescope, Out Of This World transports your entire family on an unforgettable journey as the circus Star Seeker battles to bring the most spectacular and talented performers back to Earth after years in outer space. WHY WE LOVE IT: All ages will be amazed by the cosmic voyage of gravity-defying acrobats, orbital aerialists, majestic animals, fearless daredevils, and wacky clowns. WANT TO GO? $15 and up. 212-359-6387. barclayscenter.com. ››
2017 - 2018
APPLY NOW
2017 - 2018
K - 5th GRADE STUDENTS
(718) 221-5095
(718) 384-1386
Apply by April 1st, 2017 Apply online at www.cwc-crownheights.org or www.cwc-williamsburg.org
At CWC your child will receive:
+ A free progressive education within a diverse school setting; + Small class size where all students receive individualized attention; + in every room; + Art, music, dance, and yoga instruction for all students; + After-school enrichment program until 5:45pm; + Pupil transportation Citizens of the World Crown Heights Charter School 791 Empire Boulevard, Brooklyn, NY 11213 enroll.ch@cwc-newyork.org
Citizens of the World Williamsburg Charter School 424 Leonard Street, 3rd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11222 enroll.wb@cwc-newyork.org
BrooklynParent 31
Pop-Up Exhibit: Brooklyn Children’s Museum Block Lab FREE
WHEN: Through March 16: Thursday-Friday, 10am-1pm; SaturdaySunday, 11:30am-5pm WHERE: Industry City, 220 36th St., Sunset Park AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: The exhibition combines art with play space, featuring largescale, interactive pieces by five New York City-based artists and the museum’s signature Brooklyn Block Lab, a set of block play activities including David Rockwell’s giant, blue Imagination Playground blocks. WANT TO GO? 718-965-6540. industrycity.com.
SMARTY PANTS WE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FREE
Think a freebie has to be ho-hum? Don’t let the price tag (or lack of one) fool you. Here are the five no-cost events we’re excited about now. You’re welcome.
Free Family Art Day FREE
WHEN: Feb. 4-5, Saturday-Sunday, 1:30-2:15pm WHERE: New York Transit Museum, Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn Heights AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Inspired by Rube Goldberg devices, this workshop involves joining a team to plan and construct wacky, winding machines of miraculous motion. WANT TO GO? $7; $5 children ages 2-17. 718-694-1600. nytransitmuseum.org.
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 4, 10:30am-12pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Park Slope Branch, 431 6th Ave., Park Slope AGES: All WHAT: Free Family Art Days are opportunities for families to play, imagine, and explore through a variety of different art forms. Each month storytellers present crafts, songs, stories, and creative play based on a theme. WANT TO GO? 718-832-1853. spellboundtheatre.com.
Science Discovery Workshop FREE
Artists in the Atrium: The Okee Dokee Brothers FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 11, 1-2:30pm WHERE: Blue Heron Nature Center, 222 Poillon Ave., Staten Island AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Create a field guide journal with an artistic twist, chronicling the changes of the winter season with the Urban Park Rangers. WANT TO GO? 718-967-3542. nycgovparks.org.
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 4, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Lincoln Center, David Rubenstein Atrium, Broadway between 62nd and 63rd streets, Upper West Side, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: The Grammy award-winning duo brings its signature blend of American folk music, witty lyrics, and stories of thrilling outdoor adventures to the Upper West Side. With great tunes such as “Can You Canoe?” and “Through the Woods,” it’ll inspire you to head outside. WANT TO GO? 212-875-5456. lincolncenter.org/atrium.
12th Annual Seed Celebration and Swap FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 4, 10am-4pm WHERE: The Old Stone House, 336 3rd St., Park Slope AGES: All WHAT: This annual event brings together gardeners of all stripes to engage in the traditional activity of trading seeds. Our seed heritage is as old as our love of great food and Brooklyn gardeners are savvy to the benefits of top quality, organic seeds. WANT TO GO? 718-768-3195. oldstonehouse.org.
Find My Way: Maps and Compasses FREE
WHEN: Monday, Feb. 20, 1-2:30pm WHERE: Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Avenue U, Marine Park AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Learn how to use a map and compass for safe hiking, then try out your skills on an orienteering trail as part of Kids Week Brooklyn. WANT TO GO? 718-421-2021. nycgovparks.org. 32
Get Kinetic
February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 11, 1-2pm WHERE: Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Avenue U, Marine Park AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Engage in fun science experiments and games to learn about the wonders of nature. WANT TO GO? 718-421-2021. nycgovparks.org.
Winter Journal Writing FREE
Dig It!
WHEN: Feb. 11-12, Saturday-Sunday, 1:15-2:30pm WHERE: New York Transit Museum, Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn Heights AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Work together at a makeshift excavation site to discover archaeological treasures. WANT TO GO? $7; $5 children ages 2-17. 718-694-1600. nytransitmuseum.org.
Super Science Saturday: Geology FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 18, 10am-2pm WHERE: Staten Island Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A, Staten Island AGES: 5-17 WHAT: At this workshop, kids can put their own deductive skills to work by testing minerals, identifying rocks, and taking a pet rock home. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 members. 718-727-1135. statenislandmuseum.org.
Underground Railroad
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 22, 1-4pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Ave., Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: A Historic Sandy Ground presentation about the Underground Railroad and African-American History. WANT TO GO? $8; free for children younger than 1. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.
Kids Week 2017
WHEN: Feb. 20-25, Monday-Saturday, see website for times WHERE: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, West 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue, Chelsea, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Annual program of discovery during the mid-winter school recess. This year’s theme is gaming and kids will have the chance to play cutting-edge digital games, design their own games, and explore interactive displays. WANT TO GO? $24; $20 seniors and college students; $19 children ages 7-17; $17 veterans; $12 children ages 3-6; free for children younger than 3. 212-245-0072. intrepidmuseum.org.
“
Teknopolis 2017
WHEN: Feb. 25-March 12, Saturday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: BAM Fisher, 321 Ashland Place, Fort Greene AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Teknopolis is a three-week-long digital art installation experience designed to inspire creativity, connect with the future, and imagine new possibilities through interaction with technology. WANT TO GO? $15. 718-636-4100. bam.org/kids.
Train Operators Workshop
WHEN: Through Dec. 23: Saturday-Sunday, 3:30-4:30pm WHERE: New York Transit Museum, Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, 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 this realistic game. WANT TO GO? $7; $5 seniors and children ages 2-17. 718-694-1792. nytransitmuseum.org.
Brooklyn Block Lab and Studio
WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Thursday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: 3-8 WHAT: In the museum’s new second floor studio, which focuses on art and architecture, visitors of all ages develop their engineering skills as they engage in open block play with large Imagination Playground blocks and table top-sized Kapla Planks and Magnatiles, as well as artist James Paulius’ house-shaped wooden blocks and pegs from his installation Sky Village. WANT TO GO? $11; free for children younger than 1. 718-224-5863. brooklynkids.org. ››
You can’t quite believe what you’re seeing.” The Scotsman
PHOTO: EINAR KLING ODENCRANTS
The future of juggling GUINNESS W ORLD RECORD HOLDERS!
Designed for space stations and distant planets FOR EVERYONE AGES 5+
Feb 10 – 26
Added Performances for Winter Break
TICKETS START AT $16
THE NEW VICTORY THEATER ®
®
NewVictory.org 646.223.3010 209 W 42ND STREET, just west of Broadway BrooklynParent 33
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
WHEN: Through April 1: 8:30am-10pm, see website for session times WHERE: The Rockefeller Center, 600 Fifth Ave., Midtown, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: The most famous rink in NYC. January is a great time to skate around this landmark as the crowds are much smaller. WANT TO GO? $25-$32; $15 seniors and for children 11 and younger; $12 skate rental. 212-938-0005. therinkatrockcenter.com.
New York Road Runners Open Run FREE
MOVERS & SHAKERS Coming in From the Cold
WHEN: Feb. 20-24, Monday-Friday, 1-3pm WHERE: Lefferts Historic House, Flatbush Avenue and Empire Boulevard, Flatbush AGES: All WHAT: Have some good old-fashioned fun at this event featuring traditional toys and games. WANT TO GO? $3 suggested donation. 718-789-2822. prospectpark.org.
Bank of America Winter Village
WHEN: Through March 5: daily, 8am-10pm WHERE: Bryant Park, 40th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown, Manhattan AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Not just for the holidays! This rink stays open until March so now is a great time to take a spin. WANT TO GO? Free entry, skate hire starts at $20. wintervillage.org.
Wollman Rink Public Skating
WHEN: Through March 10: Monday-Tuesday, 10am-2:30pm; Wednesday-Thursday, 10am-10pm; Friday-Saturday, 10am-11pm; Sunday, 10am-9pm WHERE: Trump Wollman Rink, 59th Street and Central Park South, Central Park, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Don’t miss a skate around the rink with the amazing view of the Manhattan skyline in front of you. Central Park’s famous rink is a tourist favorite, but worth doing even if you are a local. There is also a carousel to ride on in between skates with a $3 fee. WANT TO GO? Monday-Thursday: $12; $6 for children 11 and younger; $5 seniors. Friday-Sunday and holidays: $19; $9 seniors; $6 for children 11 and younger. 212-819-8165. wollmanskatingrink.com.
Ice-Skating
WHEN: Through March 26: Monday-Thursday, 9am-5:15pm; Friday, 9am-9pm; Saturday, 11:30am-9pm; Sunday, 11:30am-5:15pm WHERE: Prospect Park Lakeside, Parkside/Ocean avenues entrance or Lincoln Road/Ocean Avenue entrance, Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: In addition to public ice-skating, the LeFrak Center features figure skating, ice hockey, curling, indoor and outdoor dining at Bluestone Café, and an array of special events and public recreational programming. WANT TO GO? $6 weekdays; $9 weekends and holidays; $6 skate rentals. 718-462-0010. lakesidebrooklyn.com.
34
February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Through Dec. 27: Tuesdays, 7pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 6, Atlantic Avenue and Furman Street, Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: Open Run is a community-based initiative that empowers local volunteers to bring free weekly runs to local neighborhood parks all over NYC. All runs are directed by volunteers, and courses are usually between 2½-3 miles. Open to all ages, experience levels, walkers, strollers, and dogs. WANT TO GO? 718-222-9939. brooklynbridgepark.org.
SPARK by Brooklyn Children’s Museum
WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Tuesday and Friday-Sunday, 1-5pm; Wednesday, 1-3pm; Thursday, 1-6pm WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge Park, 1 John St., DUMBO AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: SPARK is an art and play space located in Brooklyn Bridge Park and features an outpost of the popular Brooklyn Block Lab exhibit, as well as daily art and design workshops, music classes, birthday parties, and more. WANT TO GO? $15; free on Thursdays. 718-624-4719. brooklynkids.org.
DANCE PARTY Teen Night: Ruins and Rituals and Pretty/Dirty FREE
WHEN: Friday, Feb. 10, 5-7:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Prospect Heights AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Planned by teens for teens, this free evening at the museum is filled with art, friends, food, and fun. February’s Teen Night explores the exhibitions Beverly Buchanan-Ruins and Rituals and Marilyn Minter: Pretty/Dirty. WANT TO GO? 718-638-5000. brooklynmuseum.org.
‘Do Not Disturb:’ Relaxed Performance
Treehouse Shakers’ ‘Under the Tangle’
WHEN: Feb. 13-14, Monday-Tuesday, 11am WHERE: Gelsey Kirkland Arts Center, 29 Jay St., DUMBO AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Under the Tangle is the original dance-play about an adolescent girl who becomes ensnarled in a labyrinth after the sudden loss of her parents. Throughout her journey, she twists along the brambling pathways being confronted with obstacles, finding numerous clues and meeting many unusual characters. WANT TO GO? $20-$35. 212-715-1914. treehouseshakers.org.
The Little People Party
WHEN: Through Aug. 15: Mondays, 3-5pm; Wednesdays, 9-11am WHERE: The Backyard, 196 N. 14th St., Greenpoint AGES: 3-5 WHAT: The Little People Party is a twice-weekly, daytime playgroup for young children and their caregivers. The giant, enclosed, Astroturf-covered field is decked out with games and toys for kids. WANT TO GO? $10 children. 646-707-4372. facebook.com/thelittlepeopleparty.
SPECIAL NEEDS Autism-Friendly Performance: ‘Elephant and Piggie’
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 5, 3pm WHERE: New Victory Theatre, 229 W. 42nd St., Theater District, Manhattan AGES: 3-12 WHAT: An autism-friendly version of the musical adaption of the best selling children’s books. WANT TO GO? $25. 646-223-3010. newvictory.org.
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 11, 2pm WHERE: BAM Fisher, Fishman Space, 321 Ashland Place, Fort Greene AGES: 5 and older WHAT: To better support the needs and enjoyment of neural, atypical audience members, modifications of this performance will include elimination of blackouts and sudden theatrical cues; maintaining moderate house lighting through the performance; lowering the overall volume of sound elements; allowing for audience vocalization and movement; and allowing for patron exits and entrances whenever needed. WANT TO GO? $15. 718-636-4100. bam.org/kids.
Paint Party: Workshop for Children with ASD FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 18, 10:30am WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona, Queens AGES: 3-5, adult WHAT: Kids investigate colors, invent new ones, and mix up their own batch of washable paint from everyday ingredients to make a work of art. WANT TO GO? 718699-0005. nysci.org. ››
Lois A. Jackson, D.D.S., P.C. and Associates
Pediatric Dentistry
505 LaGuardia Place, New York • 212.995.8888 16 Court Street, Suite 2211, Brooklyn • 718.855.8833 BrooklynParent 35
AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Explore the special fleets of buses and trains deployed to clear the streets and train tracks of ice and snow, then design your own winter work vehicles. WANT TO GO? $7; $5 children ages 2-17. 718-694-1792. nytransitmuseum.org.
Historical Crafts
CRAFTY KIDS
Free Family Art Day with Spellbound Theatre FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 4, 10:30am WHERE: Pipsqueak Children’s Shoppe, 1124 Bedford Ave., Bedford-Stuyvesant AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Each month, storytellers present crafts, songs, stories, and creative play based on a theme. WANT TO GO? 718-398-1200. spellboundtheatre.com.
Headed to Houston?
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 5, 11am-4pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Ave., Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Is your favorite team headed to Houston for the Super Bowl? Show your fan pride and make a pennant or have your face painted. WANT TO GO? $8; free for children younger than 1. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.
Creativity Lab
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 5, 4-5:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Prospect Heights AGES: All WHAT: Visitors of all ages are invited to drop by our studios and explore their creative side. In this drop-in workshop, take inspiration from our galleries and get messy, experiment with materials, and learn artistic techniques with a new project each month. WANT TO GO? $16; $10 students; free for children 19 and younger. 718-638-5000. brooklynmuseum.org.
Free Family Day FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 18, 1-4pm WHERE: The Wyckoff House Museum, 5816 Clarendon Road, Canarsie AGES: All WHAT: Visit the Wyckoff Farmhouse this winter for a free family day. While public tours on Fridays and Saturdays are normally geared toward an adult audience, this day features engaging, kid-friendly tours, hands-on activities, and scavenger hunts. WANT TO GO? 718-629-5400. wyckoffmuseum.org.
Design a Winter Vehicle
WHEN: Feb. 21-24, Tuesday-Friday, 1:30-3:30pm WHERE: New York Transit Museum, Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn Heights 36
February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Feb. 21-24, Tuesday-Friday, 11am-4pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Ave., Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Make an historical craft and design a gold coin in honor of Alexander Hamilton, founder of the Federal Reserve: the First Bank of the United States. WANT TO GO? $8, free for children younger than 1. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.
Natural Fiber Workshop FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 25, 1-2:30pm WHERE: Fort Greene Park Visitor Center, Fort Greene Park, Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park, Fort Greene AGES: All WHAT: Learn how to extract fiber and dyes from natural plants and try your hand at tying and weaving techniques using cordage made from plant fiber. WANT TO GO? 718-722-3218. nycgovparks.org.
Hieroglyphs in the Art Studio
WHEN: Feb. 4-26, Saturday-Sunday, 1-4pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Ave., Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Can you find the Egyptian gods Hather, Hake, and Horos in hieroglyphs? Learn this ancient form of communication and create your own pictographs. WANT TO GO? $8; free for children younger than 1. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.
HOLIDAY FUN Groundhog Day FREE
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 2, 7am WHERE: Staten Island Zoo, 614 Broadway, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: With a spring prediction success rate of more than 80 percent, Chuck will once again emerge from underground to make his annual prediction. The Patrick Raftery Rock-a-Silly Band will perform at the ceremony. WANT TO GO? 718-442-3101. statenislandzoo.org.
Chinese New Year Celebration, Year of the Rooster
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 4, 1-7pm WHERE: China Institute in America, 100 Washington St., Lower Manhattan, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Families can enjoy New Year-themed workshops and activities including dumpling making, storytelling, and lantern making. In the evening there is a party featuring a lion dance, food, and live music. WANT TO GO? $20. 212-744-8181. chinainstitute.org.
First Saturday Family Art Workshop: Sailors’ Valentines FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 4, 1-3pm
SHOW TIME! BAMkids Movie Matinees: ‘Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown (and Don’t Come Back!!)’
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 19, 2pm WHERE: BAM Rose Cinemas, 30 Lafayette Ave., Fort Greene AGES: 5-12 WHAT: The patented Peanuts charm is on full display as Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Woodstock, and the gang head to Europe in this children’s classic, which features plenty of scene-stealing Snoopy moments. WANT TO GO? $10; $7 for children 12 and younger. 718-636-4129. bam.org/kids.
TADA!’s Original Musical ‘The History Mystery’
WHERE: Staten Island Museum at Snug Harbor, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Sailors’ valentines from the end of the 19th century often had sentimental messages such as “Forget Me Not,” and “Home Sweet Home.” Create your own sailors’ valentine for someone special. WANT TO GO? $8; $5 students and seniors; $2 children ages 2-12. 718-727-1135. statenislandmuseum.org. 18th Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival FREE WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 5, 12-4:30pm; parade at 1pm WHERE: Parade begins at Canal and Mott streets and ends at Sara D Roosevelt Park, Chinatown AGES: All WHAT: Watch traditional Chinese New Year performances, marvel at decorations and costumes, throw confetti, and enjoy great food. WANT TO GO? 917-660-2402. betterchinatown.com.
Valentines Tot’s Time Plus
WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 14, 11am-1pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Ave., Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Preschoolers will create artwork, sing-along, and listen to stories. WANT TO GO? $5 per child. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.
Lunar Year of the Rooster
WHEN: Feb. 18-19, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-4pm WHERE: Prospect Park Zoo, 450 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Park AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Celebrate the Year of the Rooster with themed activities such as a zodiac scavenger hunt, crafts, and puppet performances by the Chinese Theatre Works. Learn how the Wildlife Conservation Society is saving wildlife throughout Asia, and meet the zoo’s chickens and roosters. WANT TO GO? $8; $5 children ages 3-12; free for children 2 and younger. 718-220-5100. prospectparkzoo.org.
WHEN: Through Feb. 20: See website for dates and times WHERE: TADA! Youth Theater, 15 W. 28th St., 3rd Floor, Chelsea, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Travel back in time to meet famous and “not so famous” kids who changed the world, such as Ben Franklin, Eleanor Roosevelt, the Wright brothers, Suffragettes, and Martin Luther King Jr. WANT TO GO? $10-$25. 212-252-1619. tadatheater.com.
‘Sesame Street Live: Make a New Friend’
WHEN: Feb. 16-26, Thursday-Monday, see website for times WHERE: The Theater at Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, Midtown, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: See Elmo, Grover, and Cookie Monster live onstage as they welcome Chamki, Grover’s friend from India, to Sesame Street. This musical production will be a big hit with the preschool set. WANT TO GO? $15 and up. 866-858-0008. theateratmsg.com.
Spellbound Theatre: ‘Ears, Nose, and Tail’
WHEN: Feb. 25-26, Saturday-Sunday, 10am and 11:15am WHERE: The Old Stone House, Washington Park, Third Street and 5th Avenue, Park Slope AGES: All WHAT: Ears, Nose, and Tail follows the adventures of Dog, who isn’t sure he wants to be a dog anymore. WANT TO GO? $15. 718-768-3195. oldstonehouse.org.
Shadow Box Theater Presents ‘The African Drum’
WHEN: Through March 10: See website for schedule WHERE: P.S. 3, The Bedford Village School, 50 Jefferson Ave., Bedford-Stuyvesant AGES: All WHAT: The Shadow Box Theater honors Black History Month with its adaptation of this African folktale. The show features unique shadow puppetry and accompaniment from drums and guitar. WANT TO GO? $15. 212-724-0677. shadowboxtheatre.org. ››
Cool School Holiday FREE
WHEN: Monday, Feb. 20, 10am-5pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Ave., Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy free admission to the museum sponsored by the Staten Island Rotary Foundation. WANT TO GO? 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org. BrooklynParent 37
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Kids Week Staten Island: Animal Tracks FREE
WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 21, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Visitor Center-Conference House Park, Hylan Boulevard and Satterlee Street, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: On this Urban Park Ranger-led walk, kids will discover and follow different footprints of wild animals and see where they lead. WANT TO GO? 718-869-6327. conferencehouse.org.
Kids Week Staten Island: Living With Deer FREE
ANIMAL LOVERS
WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 21, 1-2:30pm WHERE: Bloomingdale Park Playground, Lenevar and Ramona avenues, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: We will look for, learn about, and discover the signs of white-tailed deer with the Urban Park Rangers. WANT TO GO? 718-430-1890. nycgovparks.org.
Zoo-Dunnit
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 5, 10am WHERE: Prospect Park Audubon Center, Lincoln Road and Ocean Avenue, Flatbush AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Join the Prospect Park Alliance and learn about the Great Backyard Bird Count and search for your favorite backyard bird. Find woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches eating from feeders along Prospect Park’s nature trails. WANT TO GO? 718-287-3400. prospectpark.org.
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 25, 2-4pm WHERE: Prospect Park Zoo, 450 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Park AGES: 5 and older WHAT: One of the zoo animals has disappeared and only you can solve the mystery and find the animal. Participants will explore the zoo solving puzzles, interviewing suspects, and finding hidden clues to unravel the mystery and, ultimately, meet our animal friend. WANT TO GO? $8; $5 children. 718-220-5100. prospectparkzoo.org.
Healthy Habits for Pets FREE
NYC Audubon Winter Eco Cruise
Early Morning Bird Walk: Backyard Birds FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 11, 11am-12pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Ave., Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Join friends from the Staten Island Zoo and discover survival techniques used by animals during the chilly winter months. Pick up some healthy habits that keep your pets warm this winter. WANT TO GO? 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.
Winter Wildlife Animal Tracking FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 19, 1pm WHERE: Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Avenue U, Marine Park AGES: 5 and older WHAT: New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle. Can you distinguish between a coyote track and a dog track? Learn to identify different animal tracks using simple observations. Developing these skills makes it easier to find and observe wildlife in any season. WANT TO GO? 718-421-2021. nycgovparks.org.
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WHEN: Through March 12: Sundays, 12-2pm WHERE: South Street Seaport, Pier 16, 89 South St., Lower Manhattan, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Look for harbor seals and learn about the surprisingly diverse winter birds of New York City; including long-tailed ducks, geese, common loons, and sandpipers. WANT TO GO? $35; $25 children. 212-742-1969. nywatertaxi.com.
The Butterfly Conservatory
WHEN: Through May 28: daily, 10am-5:45pm WHERE: The American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park W., Upper West Side, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: One of the museum’s most popular, annual events, this exhibit features up to 500 live, iridescent, tropical butterflies from the Americas, Africa, and Asia. WANT TO GO? $27; $22 seniors and students; $16 children ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2. 212-769-5100. amnh.org. ››
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BrooklynParent 39
Kids Week Brooklyn: Fort Greene History and Colonial Games FREE
WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 21, 1-2:30pm WHERE: Fort Greene Park Visitor Center, Fort Greene Park, Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park, Fort Greene AGES: All WHAT: The history of Fort Greene Park provides the perfect backdrop as we experience what Colonial-era kids played during their free time. WANT TO GO? 718-722-3218. nycgovparks.org.
February Break Discovery Days FREE
THE GREAT OUTDOORS Fire Making Skills FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 5, 1-2pm WHERE: Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Avenue U, Marine Park AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Learn primitive and modern methods for making fire safely and responsibly while exploring the great outdoors. WANT TO GO? 718-421-2021. nycgovparks.org.
GreenThumb Workshop: Sharing Our Farm Traditions FREE WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 7, 5:30-7pm WHERE: Brownsville Recreation Center, 1555 Linden Blvd., Brownsville AGES: 9 and older WHAT: The goal of this workshop is to connect and educate participants on the diversity of gardening traditions among GreenThumb gardeners, and to demonstrate how these traditions can be maintained and promoted on various-sized land parcels. Speakers will highlight the online Vegetable Garden Planner tool to demonstrate how to take the guesswork out of planning for a bountiful garden season. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.
Winter Tree ID (light) FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 18, 11am WHERE: Prospect Park Audubon Center, Lincoln Road and Ocean Avenue, Flatbush AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Whether on the street or in the woods, the Urban Park Rangers will show distinguishable characteristics for identifying trees in the winter. WANT TO GO? 718-287-3400. prospectpark.org.
Kids Week Brooklyn: Shelter Building FREE
WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 21, 1-2:30pm WHERE: Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd Street and Avenue U, Marine Park AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Develop skills that will help you create a shelter from natural and man-made objects. WANT TO GO? 718-421-2021. nycgovparks.org. 40
February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Feb. 20-23, Monday-Thursday, 11am-1pm WHERE: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 900 Washington Ave., Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Explore the lush conservatories on scavenger hunts, listen to stories, and pot up a plant to bring home. Activities are the same each day, but visitors are welcome to come for repeat visits. WANT TO GO? 718-623-7200. bbg.org.
Exhibition: Wilderness Camp
WHEN: Through June 4: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm; Thursday, 10am-6pm WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: This indoor experience brings the great outdoors to family audiences through role-play and the exploration of nature. Kids and their caregivers will learn about different ways of creating shelters, plants that provide food and building materials, and techniques that transform natural materials into functional, everyday objects. WANT TO GO? $11; free for children younger than 1. 718-224-5863. brooklynkids.org.
Shayne Dark Exhibit
WHEN: Through July 31: Tuesday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm; SaturdaySunday, 10am-4:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 900 Washington Ave., Prospect Heights AGES: All WHAT: Shayne Dark is known for making complex sculptures from tree branches, trunks, and roots that evoke nature while taking on majestic new forms. In July 2016, the artist worked on the grounds of Brooklyn Botanic Garden to create a new site-specific, large-scale installation on Cherry Walk. WANT TO GO? $12; free for children younger than 12. 718-623-7200. bbg.org.
MINI
MUSICIANS The Grammy Museum: Taylor Swift Experience
WHEN: Through Feb. 19: Monday-Thursday, 12-6pm; Friday, 10am7pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: The Seaport District, 19 Fulton St., South Street Seaport, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: On tour from L.A. this exhibition gives an in-depth look at the multi platinum-selling artist. See photographs and home videos, interactive experiences, handwritten lyrics, and iconic performance outfits. WANT TO GO? $9; free for children 5 and younger. southstreetseaport.com.
Greg Weiss Sing-Along
WHEN: Through Dec. 27: Wednesdays, 11am WHERE: Elk Café, 154 Prospect Park Southwest, Windsor Terrace AGES: All WHAT: With his guitar and a wagon full of kids’ instruments, Weiss sings both originals and favorites old and new. WANT TO GO? $5. 718-853-5500. elkcoffee.com.
Sing-Alongs
Rock and Roll for Kids
WHEN: Through March 26: Sundays, 11am WHERE: Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave., Williamsburg AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: This unique program is designed to keep children moving, playing, and singing while simultaneously listening to classic tunes and reaching developmental milestones. Adults will love the selection of genres and popular-music hits, and all are encouraged to fully participate. WANT TO GO? $10. 718-963-3369. brooklynbowl.com.
WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Monday-Friday, 10:30am WHERE: The Dean Street, 755 Dean St., Prospect Heights AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: These weekday sing-alongs featuring a different favorite local musicians each day, including Rolie Polie Guacamole and the Dirty Sock Funtime Band. WANT TO GO? $8 per family. 718-783-3326. deanstreetbrooklyn.com.
Tavern Concerts
WHEN: Through April 1: Friday-Saturday, 8pm WHERE: Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave., Staten Island AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Get cozy in the historic tavern and enjoy these intimate concerts. Join talented musicians as they regale the tavern with their stories and tunes. WANT TO GO? $18. 718-351-1611. historicrichmondtown.org.
Coming up next month: MARCH 11: The Beauty of Ballet at the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts, Walt Whitman Theatre, Flatbush MARCH 21-24: The Peter Pan Experience at BAM Fisher, Fishman Space, Fort Greene MARCH 26: Bay Ridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade along 3rd Avenue, Bay Ridge
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BrooklynParent 41
WHERE-TO GUIDE
Indoor Play Spaces
››
Research by Jonathan Perry
If you’re looking for a fun place for your kids to get the sillies out, don’t let the cold weather keep you home. There are plenty of enjoyable ways to keep children amused during the winter months, including bounce houses, sports centers, and indoor gyms. When you’re looking to get out of the house but still stay warm, you can drop in at these places on a moment’s notice, no reservation or membership required. Hours are subject to change—please call ahead or check the website to confirm. the playground structures and beautiful murals, which give the feeling of being outdoors. Drop-ins cost $22 for one child and $11 for additional siblings.
BounceU of Brooklyn 6722 Fort Hamilton Parkway, 2nd Floor, Bay Ridge 347-450-5867 bounceu.com Kids will love the numerous inflatables, while parents will love the early weekend hours. It offers a Cosmic Open Bounce during which kids can jump around in the dark. It’s a great way to burn off some much needed steam. Reservations are recommended. The Gym Park 169 Cayler St., Greenpoint 718-349-6278 thegympark.com The Gym Park is a gymnastics center for children ages 6 months to 6 years old. The space has tons of things for kids to jump, roll, and tumble on. Your little gymnast is sure to have a blast. Drop-ins cost $20 per child. Kids N’ Action 1149 McDonald Ave., Midwood 42
February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
718-377-1818 kidsnaction.com Drop by to play in the four-level playground, with activities geared toward younger kids at the lower level and older kids at the higher levels. There are also arcade games, a go-kart track, and an indoor roller coaster. Juguemos a Cantar 511 5th Ave., Park Slope 917-453-1187 juguemos.org Jueguemos a Cantar is a place for budding bi-linguists to learn and play in Spanish. In addition to its weekly classes, it offers dropin open play for kids ages 4 and younger. PLAY Greenpoint 33 Nassau Ave., Greenpoint 718-387-2071 playgreenpoint.com This place has it all. The 3,000-square-foot space is full of imaginative toys, musical instruments, and books. Not to mention
Prospect Gymnastics 6632 3rd Ave., Prospect Heights 718-492-8997 prospectgymnastics.com Prospect Gymnastics is a developmental gymnastics program for children. Kids can walk on the balance beam, tumble, swing on the uneven bars, and bounce on the trampoline during open play sessions. Recess DUMBO 81 Washington St., Dumbo 347-987-3509 recessdumbo.com Recess is a unique play space that offers flexible hours. Its custom-made play structures are designed for curious minds and busy bodies to explore. Make sure to sign up in advance. Twinkle Play Space 144 Frost St., Williamsburg 718-349-1300 twinkleplayspace.com Twinkle is a family-owned and -operated indoor play space. The 4,500-squarefoot facility has innovative custom-made exhibits to cater to any child’s wildest imagination. The space is designed for kids ages 6 and younger. Space gets filled up so it’s best to reserve your spots in advance.
Manhattan Apple Seeds 10 W. 25th St., Chelsea 212-792-7590 200 West End Ave., Upper West Side 212-792-7591 252 First Ave., Stuyvesant Town 212-792-7590 appleseedsplay.com Apple Seeds is a family-operated play center with three locations in Manhattan.
nymetroparents.com/where-to The center boasts a sports playground with basketball nets, soft gym equipment, and nine permanent NYC-themed exhibits to ensure safe, ageappropriate activities for ages newborn to 5. A full service snack bar on-site gives parents the chance to relax while the kids play. The Art Farm 419 E. 91st St., Upper East Side 212-410-3117 theartfarms.org Are you a family of animal lovers? If so, be sure to head over to The Art Farm, a unique indoor petting zoo. Kids will be able to get close to all sorts of animals (including guinea pigs, lizards, turtles, and bunnies), learn about them, and have fun while doing it. The Art Farm also offers music, cooking, and art programs for children ages 6 months to 8 years. Chelsea Piers 62 Chelsea Piers, Chelsea 212-336-6666 chelseapiers.com Drop-in activities are available for children of all ages, including a Toddler Gym with open play equipment for ages 4 and younger; open hockey, soccer, rock climbing, basketball, and ice-skating; and a class for preschoolers called CP Champs with activities such as gymnastics, trampoline, and foam pit play.
tunnels. There’s also a familyfriendly café that offers plenty of tasty delights to keep your little ones’ energy levels up all day long! City Treehouse 129A W. 20th St., Chelsea 212-255-2050 citytreehouse.com City Treehouse, a children’s play and learning facility, brings
the great outdoors inside with nature-themed play areas, interactive water play, and supervised activities for children ages 2 months to 8 years. Children can pick from a host of fun adventures including learning how to construct a dam in the water play area, climbing up the two-story tree house, or exploring the fiberoptic star cave.
The Playroom NYC 1439 First Ave., Upper East Side 212-729-6149 theplayroomnyc.com The 3,000-square-foot facility offers all-day open play hours Monday-Friday, with morning hours on weekends. The space features an indoor climbing structure, a toddler room, and a pretend play area. Kids ages 5 and younger are welcome.
Citigym at Citibabes 52 Mercer St., 3rd Floor, Soho 212-334-5440 citibabes.com This 1,500-square-foot indoor play space located inside of the main Citibabes center is jam-packed with soft climbing and sliding structures for kids ages 10 and younger. Equipment highlights include trampolines, balance beams, a mini-rock wall, ball pits, and BrooklynParent 43
Teaching Kids Consent
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How to talk to children of all ages about appropriate and inappropriate touching By Bethany Braun-Silva
A
s parents, we naturally try to compensate for our kids’ shortcomings. My son is painfully shy around people he doesn’t know, a fact I often tell people before they have a chance to make assumptions about him. However, with family I tend to compensate in the other direction and insist that my son give Aunt So-and-So a hug when we leave family events. However, I recently learned this is not recommended as a parenting technique: Our kids need to learn consent and how to set boundaries themselves. Though you can guide them, they will ultimately have to decide for themselves. If my son doesn’t want to give his aunt a hug, then she will just have to accept that—and so will I. Here are some helpful tips for discussing consent with your kids and helping them to establish their own boundaries.
Young Children
Teaching “no” and “stop”: Empower your children to say no when they don’t want to have physical contact with another person, including relatives. “When kids can speak up about what kind of play and affection is and is not okay with them, even under emotional pressure to please someone, they are far better prepared to handle sexual pressure as they get older,” says Irene van der Zande, founder of Kidpower, a nonprofit that teaches kids and adults skills for child protection, positive communication, and personal safety. Teach empathy. Very young children don’t understand their actions have consequences. Teach them that if they hit, the
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person they hit gets hurt. Ask them how they would feel if they were hit. Keep the tone kind and casual, so you don’t induce shame in your child. Help children understand facial expressions and body language. Being able to read another person is a great way for children to understand consent and also to be able to react appropriately. They can learn to back off if they are overwhelming a friend or offer kind words if they notice a sibling is sad. Help them recognize when something feels strange. Teaching kids to honor their gut instincts is a great way to teach consent and awareness. If something doesn’t feel right, then it probably isn’t. Teach your children to speak up in uncomfortable situations. Talk to them on their level. When discussing issues like touching and consent with young children, keep conversations short, very focused, and to the point, says Lisa Cassidy, Ph.D., a psychologist who practices on Long Island.
Big Kids
Encourage kids to check in with each other during playtime. Imaginary worlds can sometimes be consuming to children at play, and it’s important to remind them to take a timeout now and again to make sure every one is okay. Encourage your child to be more mindful. Did he see bullying on the playground? Did she say something hurtful unknowingly? Ask your kids how they would handle the situation
differently next time. Also, this is a good age to discuss stranger safety, Dr. Cassidy says. Don’t tease, even if you think it’s harmless. Children may start to develop crushes during this time, and it’s important to take your children’s emotions seriously. You can ask questions, but make sure your child feels comfortable enough to talk about it. “As children mature, open conversations are essential,” says Jeffrey Kassinove, Ph.D., clinical director at Therapy West in Manhattan. “Your child needs to feel that they won’t be judged by you. As they move into the pre-teen and teenager stage, emotions are strong. Teaching them about situations that can put them at risk is key.” Reinforce the idea that your child’s behavior has an effect on others. And encourage her to help others when she can. This includes things as simple as noticing litter on the street, cleaning her room (and noticing what happens when she doesn’t), or sharing with a sibling. If your child learns the effect he has on his surroundings, he will be more inclined to make positive choices.
Teens
Build self-esteem. As kids grow, they become more selfconscious and fall into the habit of comparing themselves to their peers or to images on social media (thanks, Instagram!). Continue to remind her that she is special and unique. Highlight his talents and accomplishments and remember to keep an eye out for signs of bullying. Nix “locker room” talk. While this phrase has gotten a lot of press lately, it’s important to teach our children that offensive and disrespectful talk is unacceptable even in private. Remind your teenagers that words carry weight and talking about people like they are objects can have some serious repercussions and leave badly hurt feelings in its wake. Discuss changing hormones. Teens’ bodies go through a lot of changes. Some can be scary and unusual, so tell your teen that as embarrassing as it may be, she can always come to you with questions about her body. Set expectations about drinking and partying. Set clear boundaries. Let your child know that you do not want him drinking or doing drugs but you understand that there will be parties. Loading your child with information about drugs and alcohol will be the best defense. Explain how behaviors change when a person gets inebriated and that defenses go down. Explain that someone who is impaired by drugs or alcohol is not capable of making decisions about whether to be kissed or touched—and drunkenness or being high is certainly no excuse for someone to be physically aggressive or to try to push them to have unwanted physical contact. Empower her to not fall victim to peer pressure. Talk about sex. This promises to be an awkward but nonetheless important talk. Teaching children what is and is not appropriate when it comes sex will lay the groundwork for them for years to come. Teens, though they hate to admit it, still need guidance from their parents. You are their best resource when it comes to explaining hormones and sexuality. Tell him whatever he decides to do sexually is ultimately his own choice, and though it can be scary, the best thing is for him to be empowered and informed. It’s okay to tell her that a healthy, consensual, sexual relationship can be a wonderful thing—and be sure to emphasize in no uncertain terms that mutual consent and practicing safe sex are non-negotiable.
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Demystifying the Dentist
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A guide to what to expect at kids’ dental visits and tips for keeping their mouths healthy By Jonathan Perry
I
t’s no secret that many children are scared of going to the dentist, a fear that is unfortunately often reinforced by dentists’ portrayal on TV shows and in pop culture—as well as by many grown-ups’s own reactions to the twice-yearly need for dental checkups. For sure, visits to the dentist can be confusing, for kids and parents, coming as they do with an array of procedures and terminology, not to mention equipment and instruments that are all unique to the dentists’ and orthodontists’ offices. In that spirit, we spoke with several area pediatric dentists and orthodontists in an effort to demystify visits to their offices and explain what goes on there and why these procedures are so important. “Children fear the unknown, and are often misinformed about the dentist,” says Marc Adelberg, D.D.S., who practices at Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dentistry, which has three locations on Long Island. “We understand that what we do impacts the child’s life forever, so we try to make things fun and inviting for them.” Since February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, here’s a primer to what generally goes on when kids visit the dentist and orthodontist. 46
February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Dental Procedures Explained
Routine dental exams are evaluations that gauge your child’s overall dental health. At the exam, the dentist (and/or hygienist) will clean your child’s teeth, review the technique for how she should be flossing and brushing, discuss oral hygiene generally, and apply topical fluoride treatment, which is a delivery of fluoride minerals to the teeth to help protect them from cavities. At some visits, the dentist will take X-rays. Checkups can address potential problems in your child’s mouth early so she’ll need minimal treatment or interventions when she’s older. Children, like adults, should have routine dental exams every six months. “Bad brushing habits and hygiene habits can all be taken into account,” Dr. Adelberg says. “Parents should get them to the dentist early so we can help treat and coach them at an early age.” X-rays are screenings that take images of your child’s mouth on each side. They provide a close-up view of your child’s jaw and tooth structure, and can reveal weaknesses such as cavities and demineralization, which is the reduction of mineral substances in the teeth. X-rays provide a view of your child’s mouth that normal eyesight can’t provide, according to Rania
Elbaz, D.D.S., who practices at Merrick Pediatric Dentistry in Merrick. “Bite-wings, occlusal, and panoramic X-rays take images of the child’s mouth from front to back, including the molars,” Dr. Elbaz says, referring to three different types of X-rays. “These X-rays can evaluate a child’s bite and even identify jaw abnormalities.” Your child’s teeth push closer together as they grow, making them more prone to cavities as more plaque accumulates between the teeth. When your child is 2 or 3 years old, dentists will take X-rays of his mouth to help track the teeth’s progression. Sealants are thin, white plastic coatings that are placed at the tops of the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to help prevent tooth decay. The groves and chewing surfaces of the teeth can accumulate plaque, since they’re the most susceptible to cavities in children and teens. The protective coating offered by sealants is recommended for kids ages 6-8 for the first set of molars and ages 12-14 for the second set of molars. Fillings are composites that are placed in the weakened mineral deposits of one’s teeth to help prevent cavities or fill the holes when cavities occur. Fillings can prevent the teeth from decaying further by blocking bacteria from entering the teeth. They can also be used to restore teeth for cosmetic purposes by giving them the appropriate shade of color that matches one’s teeth. Extractions are used to either facilitate other procedures in a crowded mouth or to remove a tooth that is beyond saving. Extractions can also be necessary to correct jaw spacing or provide the room necessary for braces. Every child’s mouth is different, says Glen Ehrenman, D.D.S., who practices at Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry in Westbury. “Kids are evaluated each time they come in with growth and development, but everyone grows and develops at their own pace.” Pediatric dentists will evaluate your child’s mouth to see if she needs any extractions. If your child is anxious about the procedure, dentists can offer the option of sedating your child through the extraction. Laser treatment is a method of handling delicate procedures in children as young as 2-3, such as cavities and lip ties, which happen when the upper lips of infants are tethered to the upper gums from birth. The laser can remove tooth decay without touching the tooth, and it also numbs the tooth as an added bonus for your child’s comfortability. Laser treatment is not a common treatment, and only select offices have this equipment. Renuka Bijoor, D.D.S., who practices at Briarcliff Pediatric Dentistry in Briarcliff Manor, says laser technology is her practice’s most utilized procedure tool. She explains that it can be used in multiple procedures in children without instilling any trauma like anesthesia shots. For example, dentists can use laser treatment in place of the conventional drill when treating cavities, eliminating the need for anesthesia shots and making your child’s experience the least invasive and painful as possible. “The experience is shorter and much less dramatic,” Dr. Bijoor says. “It gives the patient a healthy experience and prevents the fear of the dentist from developing early on.” Braces are used for aligning crooked teeth and to help position someone’s bite. Wires are attached along the teeth to align them slowly over time causing minimal discomfort. Pediatric dentists evaluate kids’ mouths to decide if braces may be required, while an orthodontist will make the decision and do the work of installing
braces. The wires on the braces are tightened to adjust teeth every four to six weeks, and children can wear them for two to three years on average.
Top Dental Health Tips
Of course, a strong dose of prevention can help your child avoid some of the more invasive and intense dental procedures (though, as with everything health-related, there is no way to guarantee it). Here is some advice for securing, recovering, and sustaining oral health. Oral health begins as early as in infancy. Clean your child’s gums and mouth with a washcloth before teeth start coming in, Dr. Bijoor says. Once his teeth come in, you can use a finger brush or baby toothbrush with just water, no toothpaste required, and then maintain the routine of brushing every morning and night. Your child should see a dentist regularly after her first tooth comes in. Dr. Bijoor recommends your child see the dentist when she turns 1 or six months after her first tooth comes in. She should then see the doctor every six months thereafter. Understand your dentist’s emergency procedures early on. At an early age, your child’s teeth are vulnerable to trauma such as tooth chipping from tripping on the playground, Dr. Elbaz says. Most dentists reserve time in their daily schedules for such emergency occasions, allowing them to take action on her teeth immediately. Discuss with your dentist what to do when emergencies arise—before any actually happen. Visit the proper pediatric dentist. Go to the dentist that best fits your child’s specific needs, Dr. Ehrenman says. Some examples of what your child may need include habit counseling for pacifier use or thumb sucking, special preventative care for teething and gum disease, or management of conditions such as ulcers and tongue-tie. Maintain regular routines. Dr. Elbaz recommends your child follow the proper routine of having her teeth brushed every morning and night once they start coming in. Brushing and flossing should be as much a part of her expected daily set of activities as bathing, changing clothes or pajamas, and the like. Eat a proper diet. Limit juice, snacks, and sugars, Dr. Ehrenman says. Frequent snacking can build up carbohydrates in the mouth, leading to acids that could promote tooth decay. Snacks should be healthy and not too sticky or full of sugar. Avoid caloric drinks after nighttime brushing. Consuming calories after brushing one’s teeth—which we do to eliminate the buildup of plaque on the teeth—defeats the point of brushing, Dr. Elbaz says. Items to avoid include soda, juices, and milk; water is okay. Help your children with brushing until they learn to tie their own shoes. That’s when a child’s motor skills are advanced enough for him to be adept at brushing his own teeth properly. Give your child fluoride supplementation. Children can be given fluoride vitamin supplements that’ll help strengthen their permanent teeth in the future, Dr. Ehrenman says. Don’t give up. It is important for you not to stop performing a dental-health routine or technique because your child isn’t cooperating or making a fuss, Dr. Bijoor says. Eventually, children will get used to the routine. And, eventually, they may even thank you for helping to keep their mouths healthy. Jonathan Perry is a former NYMP editorial intern.
BrooklynParent 47
Soup and a Sandwich
››
Nothing goes better with soup than a sandwich. Here are three combos to warm up after a chilly day. By Hannah Miles Vegetable soup with Reuben sandwiches This is a true comfort food combination—a wholesome vegetable soup served with classic New York Reuben sandwiches. I have to confess that I utterly adore a Reuben sandwich—there is just something so comfortingly indulgent about tangy horseradish mayo, sauerkraut, and salt beef all warm with melting gooey cheese. It’s happiness on a plate! This vegetable soup can be made with any vegetables you chose, so it is great for using up whatever is in your fridge. If you prefer a chunky vegetable soup, cut the vegetables into small pieces and simmer until soft but do not blend the soup. If you are short of time you can substitute store-bought mayonnaise for the Russian dressing and just stir through a little ketchup and horseradish. Serves 4 For the soup 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped 1 rib celery, trimmed and chopped 1 clove garlic, peeled and finely chopped 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 leek 2 tablespoons butter 3 carrots (approximately 8 oz.), peeled and chopped 2 parsnips (approximately 12 oz.), peeled and chopped generous 3¼ cups chicken or vegetable stock
48
For the Russian dressing 2 egg yolks 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar generous ¾ cup mild olive oil 1 tablespoon horseradish 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup salt and pepper, to season For the Reuben sandwiches 8 slices rye bread 8-12 slices salt beef or pastrami 4 tablespoons prepared sauerkraut 8 slices Swiss cheese panini press
February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Directions 1. Begin by preparing the Russian dressing. Place the egg yolks, mustard, and vinegar in a blender or food processor and blitz. Very slowly drizzle in the olive oil and whisk until the mayonnaise is thick. Carefully fold through the horseradish and ketchup and season with salt and pepper. Store in a jar in the refrigerator until needed. 2. For the soup, add the onion, celery, and garlic to a large saucepan with the olive oil and fry over a gentle heat until soft. Trim the ends of the leek, discard any damaged leaves, and finely slice. Rinse well to remove any dirt and then add to the pan with the butter. Cook gently for approximately 5 minutes until the leeks have sweated down and are soft. Add the chopped carrots and parsnips to the pan with the stock and simmer for approximately 15 minutes until the carrots and parsnips are soft. The actual cooking time will depend on the size of the vegetables. Once the vegetables are soft, carefully transfer to a blender or food processor and blitz until the soup is smooth. Return to the pan and keep warm until you are ready to serve. 3. For the sandwiches, lightly butter the outside of the rye bread, then turn over on a board and spread a layer of the Russian dressing over four of the slices. Top with the salt beef slices. Heat the sauerkraut to evaporate the liquid and then sprinkle a spoonful over the beef in each sandwich. Top with two slices of cheese and a further spoonful of dressing and then top each sandwich with the remaining buttered rye slices. Toast each sandwich in the sandwich press until warm and the cheese has melted. 4. Serve the soup with sandwiches on the side for a delicious lunch or supper.
Butternut squash soup with Thanksgiving pretzel sandwiches I love to serve these as pretzel sandwiches, similar to those I have enjoyed on trips to Bavaria, but if you can’t find pretzels, thick-cut slices of white bread are equally delicious. Serves 4 For the soup pinch of cayenne pepper 2 onions, peeled and finely generous 3¼ cups chicken or chopped vegetable stock 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon garam masala For the sandwiches 1 tablespoon nigella seeds a few spoonfuls of mayonnaise 2 lb. butternut squash, ACTIVITIES 4 large soft pretzels MORE EVENTS peeled, deseeded and chopped 4 large slices turkey into chunks 4 tablespoons cranberry sauce ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 4 slices Swiss cheese Directions 1. Place the onions in a large saucepan with the oil and cook over a gentle heat until the onions are soft and translucent. Add the garam masala, nigella seeds, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. If you do not like spicy soup, omit the cayenne pepper. Fry for a few minutes further to allow the spices to heat. Add the squash to the pan and cook for a few minutes, then add the stock and simmer for approximately 30 minutes until the squash is soft. 2. Pour the soup into the blender or food processor and blitz until smooth. Keep warm until you are ready to serve. 3. For the sandwiches, carefully slice each pretzel in half horizontally and spread each half with a little mayonnaise. Place a slice of turkey on each base and top with some cranberry sauce. Add slices of Swiss cheese and cover each with the pretzel tops. Serve the turkey-filled pretzels with the soup.
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Lisa Gorman
Learning to Ski ››
A peek at how two New York mountains teach newbies the popular winter sport By Katelin Walling
The author (in all black) and Franz Krickl, snowsports director at Windham Mountain Resort, ride a conveyer-belt type carpet lift to the top of one of Windham Mountain’s learning slopes. Hunter Mountain has a similar lift set up in its learning area.
G
rowing up in Maine, one would think I’d be a season lift ticket-holding ski bum, but that is not the case. I grew up cross-country skiing with Dad and snowshoeing with Mom and Dad, and I once took a snowboarding lesson with my older brother—because I had to do all of the cool things he was doing— but I ended up not wanting to pursue it. So when I got the opportunity to take private skiing lessons at Hunter Mountain (huntermtn. com) and Windham Mountain Resort (windhammountain.com), both in the Catskills region of New York, I jumped at the chance to see what many childhood friends were so obsessed with every winter.
Hunter Mountain
After the nearly 3-hour drive from Manhattan to Hunter, I acquired my lift ticket and lesson pass, headed over to the Rental Shop, and checked in on a computer, answering questions about my experience level, height, and weight—all needed to ensure I was given the proper skis. I was then fitted with boots, which should be snug but not uncomfortable to prevent blisters, and given skis, poles, and a helmet because as Mike, a rental attendant, said, “I like what I have between these,” pulling on his ears. Once I had my gear, I headed out to the Learning Zone to meet Hans, my instructor for the 1-hour lesson. After asking what I knew about skiing (next to nothing!), Hans taught me the basics—how to turn, stop, speed up, and slow down. I practiced these skills on a low-grade slope for almost 20 minutes, and when he thought I was ready, Hans took me up a conveyer belt-type carpet lift to the top of Gramercy Park—a slightly higher-grade slope—where I continued to practice my new skills. After 20 or so minutes on Gramercy Park, I graduated to riding the lift to a slightly higher trail, Central Park North, where Hans had me focus on controlling my speed and making complete, round turns while skiing among others—nerve-wracking to say the least! When my hour was up, Hans and I parted ways, but I stayed on the slopes for a while longer, practicing all the skills I had learned in the lesson.
Windham Mountain Resort
I stayed overnight at Hotel Vienna in Windham, and was up early 50
February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
for day two. At Windham Mountain Resort, the check-in process is similar to Hunter’s—pick up lift ticket and lesson pass, answer questions on the computer, get equipment, and meet the instructor just outside the Rental Shop. I was lucky to have Franz Krickl, snowsports director at Windham, as my instructor for the 2-hour lesson. I told Krickl what I learned the previous day and what I knew I needed to work on. We warmed up on Whisper Run, and then moved up to Wooly Bear, where I worked on controlling my speed and making turns. After nearly an hour on those two runs, we progressed to What’s Next?, which was higher up on the mountain and required using the lift. Throughout the lesson, Krickl would give helpful tips and point out what I should change to make skiing easier—mainly that to really control my speed, I needed to make my pizza wedge (toes pointed inward, heels out) bigger. At the end of the lesson, during which I had fallen two or three times, I skied a few more runs on What’s Next? to end my day on a high note.
A New Winter Hobby
In addition to private and group lessons for adults, both Hunter and Windham offer a variety of learn-to-ski programs for the whole family, including full- and half-day lessons for kids; season-long programs; and special programs for the youngest skiers. Windham is also home to the second largest adaptive ski program in the country, according to Krickl. When I was at Windham, the Adaptive Sports Foundation was hosting its Warriors in Motion Learn-to Ski and Snowboard Festival for veterans injured in Afghanistan and Iraq. After seeing the variety of skiers on the mountains—from a preschooler learning with Mom and Dad to the seasoned skier—skiing, and learning to ski, is a great activity for the whole family, and one which the family can progress through together. I ended the weekend with some sore muscles, two lift tickets fastened to my coat, and a new winter hobby I hope to enjoy a few more times before the season ends. To find more mountains in upstate New York that offer lessons for the whole family, visit nymetroparents.com/ski.
Meet the Health Care
PROFESSIONAL
To be in this section, call 212-315-0800 or email nympads@davlermedia.com
Dr. Charlot Cascya - Allergy and Asthma Care of Brooklyn 10 Plaza St. E., Suite 1E 311 Saint Nicholas Ave., Ridgewood 347-564-3211 brooklynallergydr.com; 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.
Park Slope Kids Dental Care 150 4th Ave. 718-488-0200 parkslopekidsdental.com
At Park Slope Kids Dental Care, children who are first seen for a friendly examination and cleaning are able to enjoy the dental experience and build a bond of trust with us. A customized dental plan that includes prevention, growth development, and possible treatment is created to fit your child’s specific dental needs. We are committed to giving children the best possible experiences at our office to help set them up for a lifetime of good oral health.
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. 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.
Lois Jackson, D.D.S., P.C. and Associates 16 Court St., Suite 2211 718-855-8833 505 LaGuardia Place, Suite L4, in Greenwich Village near Washington Square Park 212-995-8888; lajacksondds@aol.com
Dr. Lois Jackson is very experienced in pediatric dental care for children, adolescents, and patients with special needs. She is the president of the New York State Association of Pediatric Dentists. To give back to the community, Dr. Jackson volunteers and supports numerous civic and cultural organizations. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the Camp Brooklyn (sending children to camp), Flatbush Development Corporation, East Midwood Jewish Center, and Fisk Terrace Neighborhood Association. Dr. Jackson was a Nickelodeon Parents’ Pick for Best Dentist for two years running!
Probot Artistry an exciting and innovative out-of-school time robotics program for children ages 5 and up.
Classes in LEGO® Robotics, 3D Printing, Arduino, Chess, and Brain Science.
Robotics. Engineering. Art. Summer Camp • After-School Programs School Holiday Mini Camps • Saturday Workshops Birthday Parties • Private Classes
1000 Dean Street, Suite 242 Brooklyn, NY 11238 718.230.0383 • info@probotartistry.com
www.probotartistry.com BrooklynParent 51
Professional PartyCentral services
Your local guide to tutors, teachers, lawyers, financial planners, and other professionals DOCTORS & MEDICAL PROVIDERS PEDIATRIC IMMEDIATE CARE 698 Manhattan Ave. 718-389-PEDS (7337) 150 E. Sunrise Highway, Suite 105, North Lindenhurst 631-956-PEDS (7337) 1077 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown 631-864-PEDS (7337) pediatricimmediatecare.com Pediatric Immediate Care is a team of hearts where kids come first. State-ofthe-art medical office equipment allows us to deliver your test results during your visit. Kid-friendly; walk-ins welcome; most insurance plans accepted. LEGAL SERVICES BAKSHI LAW Offices in the Financial District, Long Island, and Westchester 917-244-6133; lawbakshi.com lara.bakshi@gmail.com Bakshi Law specializes in special education law, representing parents and children with disabilities, attending suspension hearings, CSE and resolution meetings. Our attorneys offer assistance on a sliding scale. .
SPECIAL NEEDS
BAKSHI LAW Offices in the Financial District,
Long Island, and Westchester 917-244-6133 lawbakshi.com lara.bakshi@gmail.com Bakshi Law specializes in special education law, representing parents and children with disabilities, attending suspension hearings, CSE and resolution meetings. Our attorneys offer assistance on a sliding scale. EASY PEASY POTTY TRAINING: GREATER NYC AREA 516-318-5228 easypeasypottynyc.com EASY PEASY POTTY offers a customized potty training plan specific to your child’s needs, and at affordable prices. Consultation can be offered on the phone or in person. Complete the intake form online to begin the process. 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.
Your local guide to entertainers, party places, activities, and other resources. PARTY ENTERTAINMENT
CLOWNS.COM Proudly Serving Westchester, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx 516-577-0000; 718-971-5862 clowns.com We are a family-owned and -operated entertainment company, offering a wide range of party and entertainment services including clowns, inflatable bounce houses, characters, magicians, princesses, magic shows, face painting, and party concession rentals. PARTY PLACES BOUNCEU 6722 Fort Hamilton Parkway (entrance on 67th Street and 9th Avenue), Dyker Heights
347-450-5867 bounceu.com/brooklyn-ny BounceU, the premier birthday party and play experience in all of Brooklyn. We’re a 30,000-square-foot indoor recreational facility with “YUGE” inflatable play equipment. KIDS ‘N ACTION 1149 McDonald Ave. 718-377-1818 kidsnaction.com steven@kidsnaction.com Fun and thrills are what your kids will have at Kids ‘N Action. Kids never get bored enjoying our thrilling indoor roller coaster, amusing winding train, exciting go-karts, and action-filled arcade games. Parties include unlimited soft play and rides.
OPEN HOUSES 2017 Leif Ericson Day School
1037 72nd St. 718-748-9023 Christine Hauge, principal ledsny.org Visit our open house on Sunday, Feb. 12 from 2-4pm.
Mill Basin Day Camp
5945 Strickland Ave. 718-251-6200 millbasindaycamp.com Please join us for an open house on Feb. 5 and 18, from 11am-2pm.
We treat:
• Food Allergies • Asthma • Eczema • Hay Fever • Sinus Issues • Recurrent Infections • Hives • Insect Allergies & much more! Board certified pediatric & adult allergist.
Stepping Stones Nursery School
245 86th St., Bay Ridge 718-630-1000 steppingstones86.com steppingstones86@aol.com Join us for an open house from 5:30-7:30pm at 245 86th St. on Jan. 31 for children born in 2013 and 2014, Feb. 7 for children born in 2015, and March 2 for children of all ages.
Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts 10 Plaza Street East Suite 1E Brooklyn, NY 11238 & 311 Saint Nicholas Ave., Ridgewood, NY 11385
(347) 564-3211 www.brooklynallergyDR.com 52
February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights 844-824-9790 usdan.com Young artists flourish at Usdan. Be part of a Usdan visit and information session: Feb. 5, March 5, April 2, and May 7.
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NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY Metropolitan area!
BIRTHDAY / PARTY SERVICES
FasTracKids Brooklyn / Staten Island............................ 27
HEALTH
BounceU......................................................................... 27
Leif Ericson Day School................................................. 19
Allergy & Asthma Care of Brooklyn.......................... 51, 52
Construction Kids........................................................... 12
NYC Tae Kwon Do.......................................................... 12
Fidelis Care New York...................................................... 3
Kids ‘N Action................................................................. 28
Probot Artistry................................................................. 51
Jackson, Lois Dr....................................................... 35, 51
Rab’s Country Lanes........................................................ 9 CAMPS
Smart Start..................................................................... 27
Camp Clio....................................................................... 17
Success Academy.......................................................... 11
Congregation Beth Elohim.............................................. 13
Two by Two Childcare.................................................... 23
Construction Kids........................................................... 12 FasTracKids Brooklyn / Staten Island............................ 27
EDUCATION
Leif Ericson Day School................................................. 19
A+ Academy..................................................................... 2
Mill Basin Day Camp........................................................ 5
ABC Child Center........................................................... 25
Oasis Children Services................................................. 21 Park Slope Day Camp.................................................... 56 Rab’s Country Lanes........................................................ 9 Smart Start..................................................................... 27 Stepping Stones Preschool............................................ 21 Treasure Island............................................................... 17
CHILD CARE / DAY CARE ABC Child Center........................................................... 25 Citizens of the World - Williamsburg............................... 31
Brienza’s Academic Advantage...................................... 15 Brooklyn Friends School................................................. 31 Citizens of the World - Williamsburg............................... 31 FasTracKids Brooklyn / Staten Island............................ 27 Hellenic Classical Charter School.................................. 28 Kiddie Academy - Brooklyn............................................. 45 Leif Ericson Day School................................................. 19 Mary Louis Academy (The)............................................... 7 Stepping Stones Preschool............................................ 21
Kiddie Academy - Brooklyn............................................. 45
Success Academy.......................................................... 11
Mommybites Nanny Board............................................. 39
Treasure Island............................................................... 17
Smart Start..................................................................... 27
Two by Two Childcare.................................................... 23
Stepping Stones Preschool............................................ 21 Treasure Island............................................................... 17
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT / EVENTS / OUTINGS
Two by Two Childcare.................................................... 23
BounceU......................................................................... 27 Kids ‘N Action................................................................. 28
CLASSES
Llingsworth Music........................................................... 51
A+ Academy..................................................................... 2
Rab’s Country Lanes........................................................ 9
Brienza’s Academic Advantage...................................... 15
Ski Butternut................................................................... 41
Park Slope Kids Dental Care.................................... 43, 51 Pediatric Immediate Care......................................... 28, 51
MUSIC
Llingsworth Music........................................................... 51
PERFORMING ARTS / ACTING
New 42nd Street............................................................. 33
PLAY SPACES
BounceU......................................................................... 27 Kids ‘N Action................................................................. 28
REAL ESTATE Valerie Moldow - BHG Rand Realty............................... 45
RELIGIOUS
Mary Louis Academy (The)............................................... 7
SPORTS
Mary Louis Academy (The)............................................... 7 Mill Basin Day Camp........................................................ 5 NYC Tae Kwon Do.......................................................... 12
THEATER
New 42nd Street............................................................. 33
Brooklyn Friends School................................................. 31 Citizens of the World - Williamsburg............................... 31
FITNESS
TUTORS
Congregation Beth Elohim.............................................. 13
Mill Basin Day Camp........................................................ 5
A+ Academy..................................................................... 2
Construction Kids........................................................... 12
NYC Tae Kwon Do.......................................................... 12
Brienza’s Academic Advantage...................................... 15
BrooklynParent 53
VOICES
Pregnant Pause
››
Why I hated all nine months of pregnancy By Karen J. Bannan
I
am obsessed with all things related to pregnancy. I always have been. I read trashy-but-fun celebrity baby bump gossip. I quiz my friends about their impending childbirth. I get misty-eyed when I hear about a new baby or a new pregnancy. So you’d think, because I have babies on the brain, that I loved it when I was actually pregnant myself. You’d be wrong. I hated every one of those 40 weeks. With all my being. From the moment I found out until the moment I delivered, I obsessed about not being pregnant. I was angry. I was depressed. Actually, I was more than depressed. When I found out I was carrying Big Girl, who was a planned pregnancy, I literally went off the deep end. My life was over. I would be huge. I would lose my career. I would lose myself. I was so anxious, sad, and ambivalent about being pregnant that I ended up on a therapist’s couch for the final six months of my pregnancy. Of course, I felt guilty for having these terrible feelings, so that only made me feel worse. And as soon as my baby was delivered? I fell in love with her, and with being a mom. My midwife and my therapist were in agreement with their diagnosis. It—antepartum depression—is hormonal, and my experience was not that uncommon. Between 10 and 20 percent of women experience antepartum depression, but few talk about it. It’s often a precursor to postpartum depression, too. I was lucky. I was pretty much cured once that little redhead came out of me. But I was thrown back into the chasm when I got pregnant again. At the time, Big Girl was only 18 months old. I went home numb from the sonogram holding a grainy picture of the baby. Again, the symptoms set in. I found myself stomping and crying around the house, saying I was ruining Big Girl’s life by bringing another baby into the picture so soon. Then, at 13 weeks, I miscarried. The guilt was overwhelming then. I felt like I wished that baby away. We tried for several years to get pregnant again, even though I
knew I was almost guaranteed to suffer the same symptoms. And we were blessed with my miracle baby—Little Girl—after we gave up trying. Yes, I went through the same horrific nightmare. This time it was even worse because I was told that I could literally die from carrying her. So I felt all the same emotional symptoms, but I also had another feeling: Intense guilt about putting myself at risk. I didn’t want to leave Big Girl without a mother. And then the moment I went into labor I could hardly wait to meet my new baby. I look back at the delivery photos and can’t help but smile. I have never seen such pure love, exhilaration, and emotion on anyone’s face. It’s completely obvious how in love and excited I was to become a mom. Becoming a mother—from the first moment you find out you’re pregnant to the first late night feeding—is supposed to be such a natural thing. We’re programmed by magazine covers and other women to think pregnancy is wonderful, and mothering is instinctive. Women glow when they are pregnant, right? They dream about it like I did—and still do. They’re supposed to feel blessed when it happens. And yet that is not the experience of many people. Even those who aren’t afflicted with antepartum depression may, for example, hate the third trimester with all its aches and pains. They might pine for the day when their bodies are their own again. And that’s okay. That may be the most natural thing for them. It seems like such a sin to be depressed about such a miracle. At least that is how I saw it. But it’s a fact of life. It’s okay to hate being pregnant, and still love the outcome. Are you feeling sad about being pregnant? Talk it over with your doctor. She can shed light on any misconceptions you might have about your pregnancy or delivery. If you’re clinically depressed, she can refer you to a therapist who specializes in prenatal care. No matter what, though, don’t suffer silently. Broach the subject with other moms and moms-to-be. Chances are, they’ve felt the same way at one point during their pregnancy.
Karen J. Bannan is a Long Island writer who blogs at naturalaspossiblemom.com, where this first appeared.
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