BrooklynParent NOVEMBER 2016
NYMETROPARENTS.COM
An Ounce of Prevention Tips for keeping your kids healthy
Toddlers & 911
Teaching kids to handle emergencies
t n e
r R a lP G FO Y
Decision 2016
The election comes to local classrooms
ia IN THE P c pe NN EN U
S PLA H OW W R G
WHERE TO GO ICE-SKATING
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THANKSGIVING SIDE DISHES
Get ready to start your child’s bilingual journey!
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NYMetroParents Helping Parents Make Better Decisions
Contents
November 2016 ›› Features
16 The Voters of Tomorrow How local teachers are using the election to engage students and raise civic awareness
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18 Better Than an Apple a Day Tips to help kids aviod common health problems, and how to treat them when it fails 40 A New Spin on Thanksgiving Favorites Three variations on traditional side dishes to amp up our favorite fall feast 42 All Grown Up What to consider when your child with special needs turns 21—and is no longer a child 46 Planning for the Worst Teaching toddlers and preschoolers how to handle emergencies
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Connections
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6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 Quotables 12 Voices: When Awkward Becomes Unsafe 15 NYMP Q&A: Marie Kondo talks about the art of organizing
Fun & Activities
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14 Media Matters: Apps for Learning & Fun 14 DIY Corner: Hot Glue Magic Wand 24 Outing: Morris-Jumel Mansion 27 Family Activities Calendar 38 Where-To Guide: Ice-Skating
Directories
Family Activities CALENDAR ››
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22 44 48 49 50
Health & Wellness Directory Special Needs Directory Meet the Health Care Professional Party Planner and Family Resource Guide Advertisers’ Index
ON THE COVER ›› 16 Decision 2016 18 An Ounce of Prevention 38 Where to Go Ice-Skating facebook.com/nymetroparents
@NYMetroParents
40 Thanksgiving Side Dishes 42 Planning for When They Grow Up
46 Toddlers & 911
Visit NYMETROPARENTS.COM for family activities updated daily and more than 2,000 parenting articles!
DISCOVER THE GOLDEN AGE OF MAGIC WITH AN ALL NEW SHOW LIMITED ENGAGEMENT I NOVEMBER 25–JANUARY 1 Ticketmaster.com I 877.250.2929 Palace Theatre, 47th St. & Broadway I TheIllusionistsLive.com
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NOVEMBER 2016 • Vol.13 • No.4
NYMetroParents Publications EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Michael Kress
EDITOR’S NOTE
DEPUTY EDITOR: Bethany Braun-Silva MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling
Planning for Whatever Comes
ASSISTANT EDITOR: Samantha Neudorf REGIONAL EDITORS: Karen Demeter (Fairfield, Suffolk); Rosalind Muggeridge (Brooklyn); Jamie McGillian (Westchester);
W
e had a fire in our home last year, small but terrifying. A crackling noise woke my wife and me early one morning, and it took only a groggy second to notice flames leaping up just beyond the foot of our bed, sparked by an old extension cord. While my wife hustled the kids outside, I doused the fire before the firefighters even arrived. Afterward, we talked to our children about what to do in case of another fire, especially if a grown-up can’t get to them. I was reminded of this scary episode while editing this month’s feature about teaching toddlers to handle emergencies (p. 46)—and learned that we didn’t go far enough in training our children to handle such situations. There is more we can do to prepare them for a moment we hope will never come, and I hope all of you will do the same. When it comes to avoiding dangerous situations, we parents are always on guard. But illness—short-term and long-term, serious and less so—seems to lurk everywhere. To help, we’ve put together a helpful guide to preventing common childhood health problems, from cold and flu to diabetes and depression (p. 18). And since illness will sometimes come despite our best efforts, we offer our seasonal directory of health care professionals (p. 22). As parents, we all have a certain vision for how our kids’ lives will progress. For parents of children with severe special needs, however, these milestones are not always possible, and the vision of their children’s future may be very different. As their children approach adulthood, there are many unique issues parents of kids with special needs face. To help them, Samantha Neudorf speaks with experts about how parents should prepare for the future (p. 42). At Thanksgiving time, we can all take a moment to count the blessings we have in life, no matter what challenges we face. It’s also a time when many of us focus on helping others through community service. If your kids—or your whole family—do volunteer work, we want to hear about it! We’re launching the NYMetroParents Caring Kids Awards to recognize those who are helping to make the world a better place. See below for details. Wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving, filled with blessings and peace. Michael Kress Editorial Director
Samantha Beranbom (Rockland); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Emma Steven (Manhattan); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke EDITORIAL INTERNS: Jonathan Perry, Kathryn Sheridan
ADVERTISING SALES Big Apple Parent 212-315-0800; Fax: 212-271-2239 Jeunesse Jackson, Linda Pierce Queens Parent 718-878-4860 Annene Guertin, Ellen Klein Westchester Parent 914-397-0200 Nini DeLuca, Manager Randi Shulman, Merrill Sugarman, Mary Wender Brooklyn Parent 718-878-4860 Phyllis Crupi, Ellen Klein, Selene Rodriguez Rockland Parent 845-848-8021 Cara Roteman, Jim Russo Fairfield Parent 914-397-0200 Judy Samuels, Randi Shulman Long Island Parent, Nassau 516-883-4543 Joan Bergman, Manager, Dani Pollack Long Island Parent, Suffolk 631-472-5437 Lisa Herlihy, Karen Shapiro To Advertise: nympads@davlermedia.com DIR. OF OPERATIONS -- EVENTS: Rebecca Stolcz DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Ray Winn OPERATIONS COORDINATORS: Ray C. Guédez, Leonard Porter DIRECTOR OF TRAFFIC: Heather Gambaro TRAFFIC MANAGER: Alexis Brower ADMINISTRATION MANAGER: Erin Jordan
PRODUCTION
DIRECTOR | PUBLISHING MANAGEMENT: Anthony Diaz CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Jiyon Son DIGITAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Robert Reynolds DIRECTOR | DIGITAL CONTENT DEVELOPMENT: Sara Wentworth
ACCOUNTING
The NYMetroParents
Caring Kids AWARDS
CONTROLLER: David Friedman
MARKETING
HEAD OF MARKETING: Jacqueline Lachman
ADMINISTRATION
CREDIT MANAGER: Elizabeth Teagarden CREDIT ASSISTANTS: Rosa Meinhofer, Diedra Smith EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: Barbara Byrd
Davler Media Group CEO: David L. Miller
So many children and teenagers dedicate time to helping in our communities, and plenty of families do volunteer work together. If this describes your kids or your family, enter The NYMetroParents Caring Kids Awards, and be eligible to win a $500 gift card!
Here’s how it works: • Go to nymetroparents.com/caring-kids between Nov. 1 and Nov. 30. • Follow the directions there to tell us—in 75 words or less—about your child’s or your family’s community service efforts and the impact this volunteer work has on others. If you’d like, you can upload a photo or link to a video of them volunteering. • Eight Caring Kids will each receive a $500 gift card and a letter of commendation, and many more will be featured in our magazine and/or website. 6
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General Manager: Thomas K. Hanlon 498 Seventh Ave., 10th Floor, New York, NY 10018 Phone: 212-315-0800; Fax: 212-271-2239 nymetroparents.com fairfieldparent.com davlermedia.com nybarbatmitzvah.com
BIG APPLE PARENT, QUEENS PARENT, WESTCHESTER PARENT BROOKLYN PARENT, ROCKLAND PARENT, BERGEN PARENT, FAIRFIELD PARENT and LONG ISLAND PARENT are published monthly by Davler Media Group, LLC Copyright © 2015, Davler Media Group, LLC No part of contents may be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher. Subscription rates per year, per publication: $39
Opening in New York in September 2017 Wetherby-Pembridge School will be located on the Upper East Side, in a superb building next to Central Park on East 96th Street. The school will offer a bespoke curriculum model combining the rigorous British National Curriculum with New York’s
progressive student-centred teaching approach. Wetherby-Pembridge School is part of the prestigious Alpha Plus Group. It will bring to New York the rich traditions and academic excellence that are at the heart of its thriving UK schools.
Info Sessions
th er 9 Novemb th and 16
www.wetherby-pembridge.org For further information or to register for a place please contact us on
info@wetherby-pembridge.org | 212-328-9529
WE KNOW THE MOMENTS… The ones that define us and give meaning to our lives. The moments that make us breathe deeply and then take our breath away… the ones when having our health makes everything possible.
This is what we’re made of. At Fidelis Care, we provide quality, affordable health coverage for children and adults of all ages and at all stages of life.
Compassion. Commitment. Community. And a mission to always care for you and the ones you love – moment by moment.
Quality health coverage. It’s Our Mission.
Estimate Costs:
It only takes a minute to view product choices and estimate costs with the Fidelis Affordable Care Advisor at fideliscare.org/enroll
Meet with a Representative:
Call 1-888-FIDELIS to meet with a Representative or visit fideliscare.org/offices to find a community office close to you
1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) TTY: 1-800-421-1220
fideliscare.org
To learn more about applying for health insurance, including Child Health Plus and Medicaid through NY State of Health: The Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777.
BrooklynParent
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NEW PLACES, NEW PROGRAMS
Courtesy BounceU of Brooklyn
nymetroparents.com/np-bp
Indoor Bounce House Adds Kids’ Programs Who: BounceU of Brooklyn What’s New: Programs such as School Year Day Camp and Parent’s Night Out for kids ages 4-11. For holidays and school closings, BounceU of Brooklyn will be open and kids can bounce and play, as well as create art projects. Lunch and snacks are provided for a fee. Parents’ Night Out runs every Friday from 6:30-9:30pm. After bouncing, kids will be provided with pizza and snacks, and have the opportunity to create a craft and watch a movie. Registration is required for both programs. Want More Info: 6722 Fort Hamilton Parkway; 2nd Floor, Dyker Heights; 347-450-5867; bounceu.com/brooklyn-ny The facilities at BounceU of Brooklyn
Sunday, December 18 at 3 PM
Family Holiday Concert Steven Reineke, Music Director and Conductor John Bolton, Narrator | Allison Blackwell, Special Guest New York Theatre Ballet | Diana Byer, Founder and Artistic Director | Liza Gennaro, Director and Choreographer | Tristan Raines, Costume Designer Essential Voices USA | Judith Clurman, Music Director and Conductor
’TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
The New York Pops holiday concert led by Steven Reineke is always a joyous occasion for the entire family. Song, dance, and lots of fun surprises bring Clement Clarke Moore’s classic poem ’Twas the Night Before Christmas to life with a festive helping of Yuletide cheer.
Tickets start at $10. Sponsored by Mastercard, the Preferred Card of Carnegie Hall
Ages 5–10
Carnegie Hall Family Concerts are made possible, in part, by endowment gifts from The Irene Diamond Fund, Mr. and Mrs. Lester S. Morse Jr., and the Henry and Lucy Moses Fund.
Artists, programs, and dates subject to change. © 2016 CHC. Photo by Richard Termine.
THE NEW YORK POPS
carnegiehall.org/FamilyConcerts | 212-247-7800 | Box Office at 57th and Seventh 8
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COMING SOON RIDGE HILL • • • • •
DUNK ZONE DODGEBALL BIRTHDAY PARTIES PRIVATE EVENTS AND MORE...
RidgeHill.RockinJump.com | RidgeHill-NY@RockinJump.com | 914.510.9119 241 Market Street, Yonkers, NY 10710 BrooklynParent
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UOTABLES My daughter, a quintessential all-American girl, loves to sing, dance, and perform. She has indulged in ballet, gymnastics, drama, musical theater, piano lessons—and she’s only 6 years old. I tell her she can do anything she can imagine and I want to make sure she knows it and gets to try. —NYC mom Galina Nemirovsky in a post entitled “’Living Vicariously Through My Children’ Club” on her blog heartseverywhere.com
in an instagram Raise your kids to reach new heights...Literally and figuratively. #ApplePicking #Fall #Autumn #HoodieSeason #DamianJai #Dadlife #dedicateddads #idad #toddlerproblems #Citydads #LifeofDad (Posted by @itzmvp, aka Mario Coronado, a dad in Valley Stream)
THE BLESSING OF SIBLINGS
in an instagram Another day, another Instagram wall. Love spotting these colorful murals all over town. #nyc #streetart #instanyc #citystreets #instagramwall #underthesea #instaart #exploreyourcity #chelsea #mural
“Having a sibling is a gift, which should be savored forever.” —Roslyn Haber, Ed.D., and Marlyn Press, Ed.D., in an article on nymetroparents.com entitled “How to Promote Positive Sibling Relationships.” Read more at nymetroparents.com/siblings
(Posted by @globetrottingmommy, aka Lyla Gleason, a Manhattan mom who blogs at globetrottingmommy.com)
“Listen to your body, and especially to that little voice deep inside. I promise there are no guidebooks that will lead you into this journey of parenting feeling fully equipped, but if you listen to that voice you will always be led in the right direction for you.” —Holly Schumacher in a post entitled “My Best Parenting Advice: Go Easy On Yourself “on the website scarymommy.com
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MORE NYMetroParents.com HIGHLIGHTS: MAKE IT A MEANINGFUL THANKSGIVING: Find new traditions to try at nymetroparents.com/thanks NURTURE GRATITUDE: How to teach your kids to be thankful (nymetroparents.com/thankful) MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Find places to volunteer this Thanksgiving (nymetroparents.com/volunteer) NAVIGATING THE SYSTEM: Find tips for applying to NYC high schools at nymetroparents.com/high-school
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VOICES When Awkward Becomes Unsafe ›› Our kids interact regularly with people who are different and might make them uncomfortable. Sometimes, though, ‘uncomfortable’ becomes dangerous. By Ann Lapin
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don’t know if it was a parenting fail or not but it certainly didn’t feel good—not for me, and not for her. Our middle child had an after-school function with three other schools. Gavri, our eldest, had attended the same function two years before and joined us, curious to see if she’d recognize any alumni from her year. Sure enough, close to the end of the evening, I spotted Gavri sitting on a windowsill with a teenager from one of the other schools. I snapped a picture of the two girls in long skirts, one with fair skin and a sweater modestly covering her shoulders, one with dark skin and a hijab. I planned to caption it, “Stolen Moments,” along with some witty hashtag, no doubt. I recognized the young woman from earlier in the evening: She had approached me when the schools—two Jewish and two Muslim—took time to recite their respective afternoon prayers. I suspected from her overly affectionate behavior that she might have some social delays. But Gavri was smiling and nodding her head as the girl talked to her. My children spend a lot of time with people who are “different.” Our family hosts a free meal at our synagogue every week. Every week, my children interact with folks who want a free meal and folks who need a free meal. My husband serves as rabbi for a local retirement residence, and we visit their Shabbat (Sabbath) table at least monthly. My kids help set the table and serve the residents. My children are used to feeling uncomfortable. They are sometimes annoyed that this is how we have chosen to live our lives—surrounded by people who are “different”—as well as the fact that we expect them to actively engage with all of these people. “Arrrrgh! But I’m BORED! I don’t WANT to!” they might argue. “I don’t care,” I have responded. I have definitely told my children that I don’t care about their feelings in situations like these. Big mistake. At one point during the after-school function, I looked up and the girl had her arm around Gavri. But what had at first looked like two teenage girls sharing personal space and innocent secrets soon looked more like the other girl dragging my daughter from one person to the other. I finally realized Gavri had a combined look of “I’m so flattered she likes me!” and “OK, this dragging is a little awkward and uncomfortable—OMG, when will she STOP?!” I had ignored any inclination I had that my daughter was unsafe
because they were such a vision of harmony—a picture of peace and unity and the innocence of youth. But there was something about the way Gavri was pressing her lips into a smile as she was dragged from person to person. There was something about the way she seemed to plead with me with her eyes. I knew something was wrong even if I didn’t know what it was. So I approached them. “Do you need a break?” I asked Gavri. She didn’t quite answer. So I asked in Hebrew, a language we both speak but I knew the other child would not understand, “Do you need help?” She replied. “Maybe...kinda...yeah...” I ended up having to remove the girl’s arm from around Gavri’s shoulders. When she walked away, Gavri started crying. She hadn’t really believed that anything bad would happen, but felt scared nonetheless. The girl had actually whispered threatening comments in her ear, but Gavri could tell the girl had delays and didn’t want to hurt her feelings by asking for help “I realized afterward I should have asked you for help in Hebrew,” she said the next day. I pointed out that because she is regularly pushed outside her comfort zone, spending time with people who are different than she is, she is used to suppressing expressions of discomfort. But this crossed a line. “There doesn’t have to be a ‘should have,’” I told her. “Now you know, going forward, sometimes your feelings have to be more important than someone else’s. It wasn’t so nice for me to speak to you in Hebrew in front of someone else (who wouldn’t understand), was it?” Gavri nodded. “It’s not my job to be nice. It’s my job to be your mommy.” I know it’s the exposure Gavri has to people who make her feel uncomfortable and the fact that she placed greater emphasis on the other girl’s feelings than her own that caused Gavri to not ask for help outright or even to really advocate for herself. It really is important to us that our children learn to tolerate a little discomfort. I’m hoping, going forward, our children will feel confident and understand the distinction between “uncomfortable” and “unsafe.” I’ve also made an effort to begin reminding my children that everybody’s feelings count—including theirs.
Ann Lapin and her family live in Riverdale, Bronx. They have been an interim boarding care family for more than four years. Ann owns a Mary Kay business and teaches classes at Fit Figure Boot Camp in the northwest Bronx. Follow her at facebook.com/annephrat and on Twitter @ann4marykay.
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Serving 3 months - 6 years of age (ALL MEALS INCLUDED)
www.preschoolofamerica.us | A Year-Round Program Mon-Fri 8:00am-6:00pm
Special Programs Piano class • Art class Dance class • Karate class Yoga class • Soccer class Foreign language class Competitive strategy and literacy based PRE-K CURRICULUM preparing children for KINDERGARTEN & BEYOND
Brooklyn Schools 382 Baltic Street/Cobble Hill (718) 855-2889
859 60th Street/Bay Ridge (718) 686-8335
MOTHER AFRICA: MY HOME Circus der Sinne
Friday, December 16, 7pm FOR EVERYONE AGES 5+
ELEPHANT & PIGGIE’S WE ARE IN A PLAY! Based on the Elephant & Piggie books by Mo Willems Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences On Tour
Sunday, February 5, 3pm BEST FOR AGES 4–7 PHOTOS: TERESA WOOD, NICOLA SCARMAGNANI
SOMETHING Liberi Di... Physical Theatre
AUTISM-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCES
Sunday, April 2, 5pm FOR EVERYONE AGES 6+
in consultation with EVAN CASEY AS ELEPHANT GERALD
TICKETS
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®
A NEW 42ND STREET ® PROJECT
NewVictory.org/Autism 646.223.3010
209 W 42ND STREET just west of Broadway BrooklynParent 13
Puffin Rock Music (iPhone, iPod Touch,
Media Matters: APPS
Recommended Age: 3+ H H HH This
iPad, Chromebook)
gentle music-maker won’t overwh
elm the senses.
Apps for Fun & Learning
Homer—#1 Learn to Read Progra m: Educational Games, Stories and Songs (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad) Recommended Age: 4+ H H H H H This beautifu l app promotes skills and a love
Isoland (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad) HHHH An artis Recommended Age: 9+
of reading.
tic, atmospheric, tough puzzle adv
enture
Mimo: Learn How To Code Throug h Interactive Tutorials and Quizzes! (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad) Recommended Age: 12+ HHHH Mini-lesson s build big coding know-how for
tweens to adults.
In Theaters Nov. 18: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Parents need to know that Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is based on J.K. Rowling’s original story about Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), the author of a Hogwarts textbook that describes various beasts and dragons. The movie follows Newt’s adventures in New York’s secret community of witches and wizards 70 years before Harry Potter first arrived at Hogwarts. As in the Harry Potter movie saga, there may be some action and violence to watch out for as Newt searches for his misplaced magical creatures in the No-Maj (American for “Muggle”) world.
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
See more at NYMetroParents.com/media
DIY CORNER IMAGINARY PLAY
Hot Glue Magic Wand
Constructed from everyday materials, this magic wand is both customizable and quick to assemble, making this a project perfect for mass production and outfitting a classroom full of wizards. Supplies 1 sheet of copy paper Clear tape or masking tape 1 unsharpened wooden pencil 1 marble or similar small trinket Craft paint (brown suggested)
Tools Hot glue gun Pliers (optional) Paintbrush
Directions 1. On a flat surface, slowly roll a sheet of copy paper (or an old wizard wanted poster) into a tight paper cone. When finished, one end should come to a point, while the other end should have a ¼to ½-inch opening in it. Once it’s tightly rolled, use clear tape or masking tape along the side of the cone to fasten it in place. The finished cone will be roughly 10-13 inches long. 2. Slide an unsharpened wooden pencil into the open end of the paper cone, with the eraser end facing out. Wedge the pencil into the tip of the cone until the combined assembly is 11-15 inches long. Secure the pencil by adding some hot glue to the open end of the paper cone, around the wedged pencil. Additional hot glue can be used to strengthen the wand tip as well.
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3. With your fingers, dislodge the pencil’s eraser from the metal band that holds it in place. Avoid bending the metal band. Add hot glue to the inside of the empty metal band, and then attach a small marble or a similar small trinket. Add more hot glue around the bottom of the attached item for increased strength. When dry, the attached item will serve as the wellspring of your wand’s mystical powers—and the ideal base for your wand’s finger grip! 4. With the glue gun, add front and back grip details 3-4 inches apart. As the glue dries, increase the thickness of the new grip details by adding additional layers of glue. With more glue, create custom textures around the grip area of the wand shaft. When the hot glue has dried, use craft paint to add some color. Excerpted from John Austin’s Labcraft Wizards, currently in stores. © 2016 by John Austin. Used with permission from Chicago Review Press. All rights reserved.
NYMP Q&A
Tidying Up With Kids ›› By Bethany Braun
When your little angel thinks he’s a daredevil...
Marie Kondo is an organizing guru, founder of the KonMari method, and author of the New York Times best-sellers The Life‑Changing Magic of Tidying Up and Spark Joy. What are your tips for parents to stay organized with kids? The first thing parents should teach their child is not how to organize toys, but how to fold clothes correctly. Folding clothes is equivalent to taking care of what you wear daily, and by habituating your children to fold clothes, they naturally begin to learn the KonMari way of organizing—to value the things that are important to you. Do you find that there is value for children in being raised in an organized home? Being organized means knowing what is important to you, and also knowing what it means to value what is important to you. Children with these skills have the power to make decisions and accomplish things under their own criteria when they face many situations as they grow up. Any tips for negotiating with a child who might not want to give up or let go of certain items? If the item is something valuable to the child, there is absolutely no need to let go of it. Parents should not decide whether the item is necessary or not. What is important is how the child feels about it, and whether the child wants to keep and take care of the item. Can you recommend any organizational tips that children can practice? Like I said before, to teach children how to fold clothes first. Other than that, it is basically the same with adults—to keep only what you want to keep and value, to designate a “home” (a specific spot to keep things) for each item that you own, and to put the items back to their “homes” every day. How do you balance children’s creativity, which can also be messy, with an organized home? There are two points. First, designate a play area for the child. Teach the child where the play area is, and whatever goes out of the area, put it back every time. The second point is to put each item back to its “home” every day. It depends on the age of the child, but if they are still little, parents should put the item back in its “home.” If they are big enough to think for themselves, parents should teach them to put the things that they value back to their “home” every day.
Better have a good pediatrician. Make sure your kids are covered.
Contact Affinity Health Plan at 866.247.5678 (TTY 711) to obtain more information about Child Health Plus, a free or low-cost health insurance program sponsored by New York State for kids under the age of 19. To learn more about applying for health insurance, including Child Health Plus and Medicaid through NY State of Health, The Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 855.355.5777.
AffinityPlan.org/CHP BrooklynParent 15
The Voters of Tomorrow
››
How local teachers are using the election and its aftermath to engage students and raise civic awareness. By Melissa Kagan
E
very four years, educators use the presidential election to impart valuable lessons to students about the electoral process, democracy, government, and the responsibilities of citizenship. While many teachers avoid discussing matters of personal opinion, they are finding creative ways to use the campaign as fodder for especially impactful lessons and classroom activities. Teachers across the region have implemented lesson plans and programs for students of all ages, and many have ambitious plans for the weeks leading up to Election Day and beyond, as they dissect and discuss the results. Because the 2016 election has been especially contentious, Jen Hickey, a sixth grade Individuals and Societies (formerly known as social studies) teacher at Dobbs Ferry Middle School in Dobbs Ferry is using this opportunity to teach her students about respect and how it’s possible to get a point across without using inflammatory language. “This will prepare them for adulthood,” she says. “In order to be taken seriously, it’s important to sound educated while discussing topics such as the election.” Hickey oversees a lesson in which students work in small groups and read excerpts from the candidate’s websites. They focus on five issues the students have identified as being important to them. However, the excerpts are labeled 16
November 2016 | nymetroparents.com
as Candidate A and Candidate B, instead of identifying the candidate with whom they are associated. “After reading all of the text excerpts, students decide which candidate their views align better with and vote for that candidate,” Hickey says. “After all of the classes have voted, at the end of the day, we announce who was Candidate A and who was Candidate B. In our next class, we talk about their vote and would it have been any different if they knew which candidate was A and B. It’s a great opportunity for students to have conversations with each other and also their families about how they voted on certain issues.”
Debating the Issues
Students at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Hall Regional School in Bellmore are required to watch the presidential debates and engage in discussions about the campaign during time set aside for current events every Friday. “I want my students to know where each candidate stands on key issues so they can see how their opinions impact our country’s economy,” says Laura Sena, a middle school social studies teacher at the school. The seniors in Richard Salerno’s Advanced Placement Government class at Iona Preparatory School in New Rochelle are also encouraged
to engage in debate. “I partner up with our speech-and-debate coach Charles Sloat, using his debate methodology on our shared project,” Salerno says. “We coordinate topics to be debated by my students on our blog. This year our first two topics were fashioned to discuss the 2016 presidential election.” The first topic for debate was whether social media coverage of the presidential race this year will do more to influence the outcome of the election than traditional news outlets. The second topic focused on whether contempt for the candidates has made many Americans feel disenfranchised—and whether that will lead to a particularly low voter turnout.
Voter Registration
Speaking of turnout, eighth grade students at Pelham Middle School in Pelham are focusing heavily on voter registration and how to get people to the polls. The students have been tasked with creating public service announcements to encourage voting, and discussions and lessons have emphasized citizens’ responsibilities. “In addition to the PSAs and the analysis of last year’s voter turnout, we are also asking students to interview relatives about their voting experiences,” says Maria Thompson, director of humanities at the Pelham Public Schools. “We want to find out what they remember most about their first time voting and their last time voting.” Some schools took their election lessons outside of the classroom. Five Oceanside High School students were randomly selected by their social studies teacher, Laura Trongard, to attend a day-long series of election-related events at Hofstra University in Hempstead. Their day culminated with attending the first debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, which took place on campus. Members of the Massapequa mock trial team also spent the day on Hofstra’s campus, taking part in various media events. They were involved in panel discussions led by political correspondents, witnessed historical reenactments of the 1872 and 1972 debates, learned about the role social media is playing in this election, saw a video art display on the issues at stake, and participated in a mock vote. Their day concluded by participating in a debate party, during which they were able to watch a live feed of the debate in an auditorium on campus with students from other area high schools.
Engaging Even the Youngest Students
This time of the year, even the youngest children know something is up. They see a running stream of political advertisements on television, flyers coming in the mail with photos of politicians, and the ubiquitous lawn signs. To address the election with the younger set, many schools are turning to visual displays. Elementary schools in Pelham, for instance, have set up “word walls” highlighting vocabulary related to the election so kids can make the connection between what they sometimes hear at home and how it relates to the real world. Some educators, such as those at the Green Ivy Schools in Manhattan, approach the topic differently when it comes to the younger grades, waiting for them to raise the issue and ask questions. “Because we are committed to relevant and purposeful inquiry, we would explore the particular aspects of the election children ask about and want to pursue deeper knowledge in,” says Christina Stanfield, chief marketing officer at Green Ivy, “rather than preformulating how we want them to view any important election.” Whatever the approach, teachers know that a presidential election offers a once-in-four years opportunity to add some real-world excitement and engagement to their curriculum. “Our lessons are ideal for preparing students for life outside of the classroom,” Hickey says. “We want to open their eyes beyond Dobbs Ferry to create educated global citizens,” she says. Melissa Kagan is the former editor-in-chief of the now-defunct lifetimemoms.com. She is currently a freelance writer whose work has been featured in Mommy Poppins, Westchester Magazine, and Westchester Family. She lives in Pelham with her husband and two children.
Mock Elections
Pelham students will participate in a mock online election, which will occur just prior to Election Day, with the results posted online as well. Mock elections like this are particularly successful at energizing young people to take an interest in voting, teachers say. “The mock election gives students the chance to understand how the election system works,” Hickey says. “My hope is that when the students become old enough to vote, they will remember what they learned here and take the time to study the issues before they vote in a real election.” The mock election at Dobbs Ferry Middle School will require students in sixth through eighth grades to “sign in” at a polling site and cast their vote. The school will post interviews with students at the “polling site” throughout the day on its Facebook page and announce who the students “elected” for President.
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Better Than an Apple a Day
››
Prevention is always preferable to having to treat your sick child. We asked area pediatricians how to help kids avoid common childhood health problems—and how to treat them when that fails. By Alison Kotch
W
hat’s more challenging than dealing with the ever-changing demands of parenting? Dealing with sick children: They’re miserable, and you want to do everything you can to make them better, fast. Your first instinct might be to call your pediatrician for advice once they’re under the weather, but let’s face it: You’d rather they didn’t get sick in the first place. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by conflicting online research and advice, so we asked local pediatricians how to prevent and treat several common health problems, so your little one can get back to happy and healthy, fast.
Cold and Flu
Among the most common and easily transmitted fall/winter/backto-school illnesses, colds and flu can strike regularly, as they’re spread by mucus and saliva. Symptoms: While a stuffy or runny nose, coughing, sore throat, and fever can be symptoms of both cold and flu, you’ll know if it’s the flu if your child is complaining—a lot. “I tell my parents all the time that snots are ok—kids are full of snots,” says Elissa Rubin, M.D., of Happy and Healthy Pediatrics in Mineola. “If they’re miserable, that’s what you should pay attention to and look to avoid.” Causes: Sharing food or drink, or spending time in close contact with someone who is already sick Prevention: The flu vaccine is the best preventative measure: Once your child is 6 months old, it’s safe to get it. Other than that, “there’s no bubble to put our kids in to avoid all germ 18
November 2016 | nymetroparents.com
exposure,” says Stanley Jacob, M.D., of Helping Kids Pediatrics in New City. But you can reduce the spread of germs by encouraging frequent hand washing to stop the illness from spreading. Treatment: Lots of rest, and avoiding exposure to others who are sick will help; electrolyte-enhanced fluids such as juice will go a long way toward helping strengthen the immune system to help it fight off infection.
Ear Infection
Aside from cavities, ear infections are one of the most common bacterial infections, and they occur when the middle ear becomes inflamed: Fluid builds up behind the eardrum, causing an earache. While five out of six kids will have one by their third birthday, these infections drop off by age 5 or 6. Symptoms: While ear pain is the most recognizable (your child will probably tell you she’s hurting), look out for ear pulling, which could be a sign of wax buildup and/or infection. Causes: In some children, viruses are the culprit; others might just be more prone to them. However, environmental factors such as smoking in the home or allowing your child to go to sleep with a bottle can also contribute. Prevention: “There is no way to prevent an ear infection, but talk to your doctor if your child is having recurrent ones for a otolaryngology referral,” recommends Dyan Hes, M.D., medical director of Gramercy Pediatrics in Manhattan.
Treatment: While your initial reaction might be to agree to put your child on antibiotics, stat, many physicians and parents are opting for the “watch and wait” approach. “If a child comes in with pain and an infection and has a cold, the recommendation is to wait for 24 hours and see how they’re doing, rather than just knee-jerk prescribe antibiotics,” says Christina Johns, M.D., senior medical advisor for PM Pediatrics, which has locations in New Jersey and the New York metro area. “Sometimes they feel better naturally, and the body becomes better at getting rid of it faster.”
Diabetes
In children without diabetes, the pancreas releases insulin into the bloodstream after meals, helping the body regulate blood sugar naturally; between meals, the liver releases stored glycogen and converts it into glucose, keeping blood sugar within a normal range. While the causes of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are different, both cause a buildup of sugar in the blood that needs to be regulated. Symptoms: Extreme hunger, weight loss, excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, irritability, and blurred vision Causes: While Type 1 diabetes is thought to be caused by genetics or exposure to viruses such as Coxsackie or EpsteinBarr, as children’s lifestyles become increasingly more sedentary (thanks, television and technology!), Type 2 diabetes is becoming more common: “We think of Type 2 as adult-onset diabetes, but with the obesity epidemic on the rise, we’re seeing it in 9- and 10-year-old kids,” Dr. Johns says. Prevention: There is no known way to prevent or cure Type 1—you’ll need to administer insulin shots for life—but Type 2 is avoidable. To prevent Type 2 diabetes, it’s important to be a
The Preparatory Center for the Performing Arts
good role model through your own exercise and dietary habits. “If you keep your children active with at least 30-45 minutes of exercise daily and limit television and video games to no more than two hours, you can stay ahead of the potential development of diabetes and manage it if it comes—hopefully prevent it,” Dr. Jacob says. Treatment: If your child has Type 1 diabetes, topical anesthetics and a pep talk can ease the anxiety that can come with daily shots, Dr. Jacob says. A child psychiatrist can also assist with open communication about how to manage a chronic disease. For kids with Type 2, a healthy diet and daily exercise is key. Plus, studies have shown that people with diabetes tend to have low vitamin D, so adding dairy can help, too: Aim for two or three 8-ounce glasses of milk per day.
Depression
While the occasional bout of sadness is normal, depression can often go untreated because parents mistake it for normal emotional or psychological changes that occur as your child matures—and early depression can also be masked by acting out. Symptoms: Loss of interest in activities at home or school, hopelessness, appetite or sleep fluctuations, lack of energy, anxiety, anger, and not spending time with friends Causes: Change in family setting (divorce, death of a family member, moving); bullying, academic or social pressure. Lack of parental connection can also be an issue: “We live in a generation where parents look at their cellphones more than their children,” Dr. Rubin says. Be aware that the causes of a child’s depression are not always apparent, and it may not take a major event or obvious problem to spark depression. continued on next page ››
dinary talent sinc
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Music, Theater & Dance Ages 3 to Adult www.BCPrepCenter.org 718-951-4111 2900 Bedford Avenue, 234 Roosevelt Hall, Brooklyn, NY 11210
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Charter School
646 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn, New York www.hccs-nys.org • 718.499.0957 Grades PRE-K to Eight Open House Dates: December 8th, 2016 @ 6 pm • February 9th, 2017 @ 6 pm • March 11th, 2017 @ 10 am
Prevention: Trust your instincts, and let your children know you’re there to talk (and just as importantly, listen) during the tough times. “Let them know that you’re there but be open minded, and remember what it was like to be their age,” Dr. Jacob advises. “Actively listen and engage, be observant and ask questions—but realize when they need space.” Treatment: Since depression can be caused by neurotransmitters being out of balance, this is one case where a child’s psychiatrist can recommend medication—in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy—as a form of treatment. Just as important: Tending to your own mental health. “Parents need to be aware of their own anxieties, since issues from their own childhood often resurface,” adds Dr. Rubin. “Anxiety and depression is taught behavior. Break that cycle by being aware of your own emotions and monitoring them.”
Obesity
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
While some children are naturally heavier due to excess muscle from fat, bone, muscle, water, or a combination of all of the above, obesity is on the rise: According to the CDC, 1 in 6 children in the United States is obese. Symptoms: Children are considered obese when their body mass index is at or above the 95th percentile compared to children of similar age and sex. (To calculate BMI, divide your child’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters). Causes: Poor diet and a lack of exercise are top causes, but stress (and the emotional eating response to it) can also be contributing factors, especially if you’re guilty of this as a parent. “If you eat when you’re stressed or relate emotions to food, kids will notice that and do it too,” Dr. Rubin says. Prevention: Getting your kids interested in and excited about food at an early age is key. Try taking them to the store and letting them pick out their own fruits and vegetables, or allowing them to be involved in food preparation at home. Doing this will encourage kids to select fruit as a snack instead of sugary treats, Dr. Johns says. Another tip: Instead of rewarding accomplishments like a great report card with ice cream, ask your child what activity or outing he wants to do to celebrate instead. Treatment: If your child isn’t involved or interested in sports, take a walk with her, or offer to watch him doing his favorite activity. “What kids like more than anything is attention,” Dr. Johns says. “Whether it’s jumping rope or shooting hoops, they’ll be more likely to do something if you watch and give them positive feedback.”
Asthma
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If you’re wondering if your child’s cough could possibly be asthma, consider this: Most children with asthma have symptoms before age 5 and experience recurring coughing or wheezing that gets worse in the presence of irritants such as smoke or dust mites. Symptoms: Coughing at night, wheezing while breathing out, and/or fast breathing that causes the skin to tighten around the neck or ribs. A good test if you can’t tell: Have your child take a deep breath. If he starts coughing at the end or has spastic, relentless coughing fits, he likely has asthma, Dr. Rubin says. Causes: Although allergens and exercise can trigger asthma, the change in seasons can, too—especially the cold, dry air that winter brings. Genetics can also play a part, and so can your family pet (but don’t worry, you won’t need to get rid of it!) Prevention: If your household has pets, your pediatrician can administer a blood test to find out if your fluffy loved ones are the culprit. If they are, don’t worry: You can limit the pet to certain rooms in the house, or install a HEPA air filter to purify air in your
child’s room. Cleaning your home regularly (to reduce dust) and not smoking indoors can also help her breathe easy. Treatment: While a rescue inhaler can help children with intermittent asthma ward off periodic attacks, children with prolonged attacks will need to administer medication from a controller inhaler daily. Regardless of the type of asthma your child has, it’s wise to have an inhaler on hand—at home and at school. “Kids will let you know when they have tightness in their chest and ask for relief,” Dr. Rubin adds.
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Bedwetting
Also known as enuresis, bedwetting is a common childhood problem that can be embarrassing for children, and frustrating and stressful for parents. The good news is that it’s usually easy to treat and typically stops on its own as your child learns how to control his or her bladder during the late stages of potty training. Symptoms: Touch your child’s sheets in the morning. If they’re wet or she comes downstairs with wet PJs, you’ll know something’s up. Causes: While some children can inherit it from their parents, others fall into such a deep sleep that their bladder just lets go. Even if your child is already potty trained when it occurs, younger children often regress due to divorce, separation, or during life changes, such as moving. Prevention: Behavioral change, such as limiting drinks and caffeine prior to bedtime, can help. In addition, products designed to treat the condition, called wet stop alarms, trigger an alarm that reminds your child to get up to use the bathroom. Treatment: Whatever you do, don’t make your child feel ashamed. Some children experience it until age 9 or 10, and pullups are a great solution to avoid frequent loads of laundry. Finally, don’t torture yourself thinking you’re doing something wrong. “No child will go to college wearing a diaper—they just need time to mature,” Dr. Rubin says.
COMPLETE PEDIATRIC & ADOLESCENT CARE
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Remember, no child is healthy all the time and no amount of preventative effort is going to be 100-percent effective. So don’t beat yourself up when your child gets sick, and focus instead on giving her the TLC and medical care she needs to get back on her feet as quickly as she can! Alison Kotch is a writer living in Brooklyn.
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Nightmares
Any parent who’s had to comfort her child in the middle of the night knows that nightmares are a common—but easily fixed— childhood health problem. While young children in their “afraid of the dark” phase are most susceptible to nightmares, they can affect children at any age. Symptoms: Luckily, this one’s easy: Your child will likely let you know that she’s scared to go to bed (or wake you in the middle of the night, looking for comfort). Causes: Fear of the dark, lack of sleep, exposure to scary or unsettling TV without context Prevention: “Parents should make sure that children aren’t exposed to anything frightening on the TV or Internet, and discuss if there are any stressors leading to nightmares. Often, they will pass with time,” Dr. Hes says. Treatment: “There’s not much a parent can do but comfort during these times,” Dr. Hes says. A night-light, bedtime security object, or temporary distraction—such as face-washing, a back rub, or calming conversation about what’s troubling them—can help soothe them back to sleep.
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1313 – 83rd Street, Brooklyn, New York 11228 Pre-K 3 year through Grade 8 Moms and Tots (2 year old) Tel. 718-236-1560 Fax 718-236-3364 Email: stbernadette83@yahoo.com / www.stbernadetteschool.org Facebook: St. Bernadette School, Brooklyn, NY
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Health & Wellness A LOCAL GUIDE FOR YOUR FAMILY’S NEEDS! Health Affinity Health Plan
866-247-5678 affinityplan.org For almost 30 years, Affinity Health Plan has been offering New York state-sponsored free or low-cost health coverage to New Yorkers who have Medicaid or no health insurance at all. Building on this unparalleled success, we added Medicare Advantage to seniors and dual eligible. Our managed care programs meet the need for coverage among people who are “underserved,” those who may find it hard to get health care for different reasons such as language barriers, social and economic status, or other factors.
Allergy and Asthma Care of Brooklyn
10 Plaza St. E., Suite 1E 347-564-3211 311 Saint Nicholas Ave., Ridgewood brooklynallergydr.com Allergy and Asthma Care of Brooklyn is a medical clinic dedicated to the diagnosis and management of allergic diseases in adults and children. We specialize in asthma, hay fever, food, skin, and drug allergies, ear and sinus problems, eczema, hives, recurrent infections, and environmental reactions. At Allergy and Asthma Care of Brooklyn, we promise to take excellent care of you and your child to help you get the allergy relief you deserve.
Fidelis Care New York
888-FIDELIS (343-3547) fideliscare.org Fidelis Care offers free or lowcost health insurance coverage for children and adults of all ages and at all stages of life, including products available through NY State of Health: The Official Health Plan Marketplace. With more than 1.3 million members statewide, Fidelis Care was founded on the belief that all New Yorkers should have access to affordable, quality health insurance. For more information, call Fidelis Care at 888-FIDELIS (3433547), or visit fideliscare.org.
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Lois Jackson, D.D.S., P.C. and Associates
16 Court St., Suite 2211 718-855-8833 505 LaGuardia Place, Suite L4, Greenwich Village, near Washington Square Park, Manhattan 212-995-8888 lajacksondds@aol.com Lois A. Jackson, D.D.S., P.C. and Associates—conveniently located in Manhattan and Brooklyn. For Dr. Lois Jackson, as well as our other practitioners, the top priority is to provide patients with comprehensive pediatric dental care in a pleasant, compassionate environment. We not only provide dental care for our patients, but we truly care for our patients. We believe in personal attention and individualized treatment. We strive to give your child the care and dental health care information that will prevent tooth decay, and keep your child’s smile beautiful for life!
Elan Kaufman, D.M.D., F.A.A.P.D., and Associates
2120 Ocean Ave. 549 Myrtle Ave. 718-645-1588 Orthodontics: 718-645-8088 childrensdentalhospital.com drkaufman@kcdh.org Dr. Kaufman leads a team of board-certified specialists who enjoy exclusively treating infants, children, and adolescents, as well as patients with special health needs. Our goal is to provide patients the most appropriate treatment, at the most appropriate time, in the most convenient and affordable way. We strive to make dental visits fun and interactive. For children who do not tolerate procedures well, sedation and general anesthesia are available. Our high-tech dental and ambulatory surgery facilities are highly accredited to provide advanced dentistry using unparalleled safety and hygiene.
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
November 2016 | nymetroparents.com
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. Kid-friendly, walk-ins welcome, most insurance plans accepted. Complete pediatric and adolescent care, as well as baby, 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.
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this. New: BounceU Day Camp offered during holidays, spring break, and school closings.
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7909 3rd Ave. 526 Court St. 718-625-5425 nyctaekwondo.com nyctkd@aol.com Every child needs a sense of achievement. There is no greater reward than seeing yourself do what you set your mind to. Our program helps give children the foundation for commitment, dedication, and greatness in athletic ability. It provides children with the necessary basic skills to do well in all sports. It helps develop their balance, coordination, patience, good listening skills, respect, courtesy, and self-confidence. It provides children with the necessary body control and endurance that are the cornerstones of success. After-school program includes pick-up at school, help with homework, and taekwondo classes.
Rockin’ Jump
Rockin’ Jump – Ridge Hill 241 Market St., Yonkers 914-510-9119 ridgehill.rockinjump.com ridgehill-ny@rockinjump.com Rockin’ Jump – Mount Kisco 333 N. Bedford Road, Mount Kisco 914-743-5730 mtk.rockinjump.com info@mtk.rockinjump.com At Rockin’ Jump, we believe exercise should be fun. Instead of stair climbers and weight machines we created a 26,000-square-foot facility at which you can soar in open jump arenas, do flips into pools of soft foam cubes, play trampoline dodgeball, and do extraordinary basketball dunks. Some trampoline fitness facts: Jumping burns three times more calories than jogging, 6 minutes on a trampoline can equal 1 mile of jogging, jumping puts slight stress on your bones, making them stronger. Come on down to Rockin’ Jump for fitness disguised as fun.
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New Location Just Opened, Serving Clinton Hill, Williamsburg, Fort Greene, & Downtown Brooklyn. BrooklynParent 23
OUTINGS: Morris-Jumel Mansion
nymetroparents.com/outings
Manhattan’s Oldest House 1
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1 Inside the historical mansion, visitors can see the way people lived centuries ago. 2 Children take care of the lush gardens surrounding the property. 3 The outside of the Morris-Jumel Mansion, NYC’s oldest house. 4 Many people including George Washington have called the mansion home. 5 The mansion offers
yoga on the grounds.
Morris-Jumel Mansion serves as a cultural resource for national and international visitors and particularly the diverse residents of New York City. Visitors will learn about the lives of the people who have been an important part of the history of this mansion, which includes both the Morris and Jumel families and even George Washington. Harlem Renaissance artists and many immigrant groups have been neighbors to the mansion as well.
Year-Round Features
The mansion provides an unsurpassed educational history for children and young adults via writing, critical thinking, and art. The adult program focuses on theater, music, lectures, and tours of the mansion. Docent-guided tours of the mansion are offered regularly—$12 for adults and $9 for students and seniors. Lead by one of the mansion’s expert docents, families can learn about the rich history of the mansion, the famous people who have come through it over the years, and the rich lives of people from centuries ago. 24
November 2016 | nymetroparents.com
School tours, full of hands-on learning adventures, are beloved by students. Kids learn about archaeology, the Revolutionary War, and more. The garden and grounds are spectacular, and events such as yoga and picnicking are a wonderful way to see the manicured landscape, the lush greenery, and fresh flowers. Various art exhibitions from artists worldwide are on display year-round and change season by season.
illusions that create a moving image. The event is free with the price of museum admission. RSVP by calling 212-923-8008 or email education@morrisjumel.org. This event is recommended for kids ages 8-14. An additional Family Day is scheduled for Nov. 19 during which you can make homemade butter and learn about colonial-style cooking to prep for Thanksgiving. It’s free to attend this mouthwatering event with the price of museum admission.
November Highlights
Details
This month offers some exciting programs and events that are not to be missed. From Nov. 3-5, see a theatrical performance from 8-9pm entitled Fancy Me Mad. The play is set in Baltimore and will intrigue the audience with a story of a young man visiting the home of his recently deceased grandmother at which he learns of her obsession with Edgar Allen Poe. Family Day will be held Nov. 5 from 11am1pm. Families can create a movie as they were made in the 1860s using zoetropes—optical
Address: 65 Jumel Terrace, Manhattan Directions: Approximately a 30-minute drive from Park Slope Hours: Monday, by appointment only; Tuesday-Friday, 10am-4pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm. The museum is closed on New Year’s, Memorial, Labor, Thanksgiving, and Christmas days. Admission: $10; $8 seniors and students; free for children 12 and younger and members For more information: 212-923-8008 or morrisjumel.org
Courtesy Morris-Jumel Mansion
See an example of domestic life in New York City as the immigration of people from Europe to Washington Heights came forth in the late 1800s in this historical mansion. ›› By Melissa A. Kay
SMART START
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NOVEMBER CALENDAR
28 Editor’s Hot Tickets
33 Dance Party
30 We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!, Smarty Pants
34 Crafty Kids, Show Time!
31 The Great Outdoors
35 Once Upon a Time
32 Mini Musicians, Movers & Shakers
36 Holiday Fun 37 Browse & Buy
5
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
BAMkids Music Series: Flaco Navaja
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 5, 10:30am and 2pm WHERE: Peter Jay Sharp Building, BAMcafé, 30 Lafayette Ave., Fort Greene AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Poet, singer, and actor Flaco Navaja celebrates Puerto Rican heritage with stories, poetry, and songs backed by his six-piece salsa band, featuring bass, piano, percussion, trumpet, and trombone. WHY WE LOVE IT: Navaja’s original style of poetry combines singing, beat-boxing, and spoken word. WANT TO GO? $10. 718-636-4100. bam.org.
TCS New York City Marathon FREE
2
WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 6, 9am WHERE: Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Runners come from all over the world to compete in this famous marathon. Whether you’re a competitor or a spectator it’s one of New York’s most celebrated sporting events. Cheer for your family, friends, and neighbors as they run from Staten Island to Brooklyn, through Queens and the Bronx, and on into Manhattan. WHY WE LOVE IT: No other city offers competitors the sights, sounds, and sheer excitement of the marathon’s five-borough course. WANT TO GO? nycmarathon.org.
3
Kids Vote Too!
WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 8, 12-4pm WHERE: Lefferts Historic House, Flatbush Avenue and Empire Boulevard, Flatbush AGES: All WHAT: Join the Prospect Park Alliance at the Lefferts Historic House after voting this Election Day, where kids vote, too. All children are welcome to cast their votes for national and local representatives, make
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November 2016 | nymetroparents.com
their mark with a quill pen, and try on a tricorn hat. WHY WE LOVE IT: This event gives kids who are too young to vote a chance to learn about the democratic process. WANT TO GO? $3 suggested donation. 718-789-2822. nycgovparks.org.
4
Brooklyn Children’s Book Fair FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 12, 12-4pm WHERE: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Prospect Heights AGES: All WHAT: The 10th annual fair features more than 50 Brooklyn-based authors and illustrators and will include author readings, illustrator demonstrations, and hands-on art-making activities such as a book-making activity and a fashion-inspired coloring session. WHY WE LOVE IT: We’re all about books! WANT TO GO? 718-638-5000. brooklynmuseum.org.
Disney On Ice Presents ‘Follow Your Heart’
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WHEN: Nov. 9-13, Wednesday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: Barclays Center, 620 Atlantic Ave., Prospect Heights AGES: All WHAT: Swim with Dory and new pal Hank from Finding Dory as they set out to find her parents; cheer with the Emotions from Inside Out; and venture to wintery Arendelle where Olaf and Kristoff help reunite Anna and Elsa and learn love is the most powerful magic of all. WHY WE LOVE IT: Favorite Disney characters and stories are brought to life with the artistry of ice-skating to create an unforgettable family experience. WANT TO GO? $15 and up. 800-745-3000. barclayscenter.com.
6
Philippe Parreno: My Room Is Another Fish Bowl
WHEN: Through Nov. 20: Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-6pm WHERE: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Prospect Heights
AGES: All WHAT: Approximately 150 colorful fish-shaped Mylar balloons will float at various heights and move gently through the glass-enclosed Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Pavilion in response to human interaction and climatic changes. WHY WE LOVE IT: This elegant and hypnotic installation invites visitors of all ages to contemplate the passage of time and shifting patterns of light and atmospheric conditions as the balloons swim through the air. WANT TO GO? $16; $10 students and seniors; free for ages 19 and younger and members. 718-638-5000. brooklynmuseum.org.
7
90th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade FREE
WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 24, 9am-12pm WHERE: Central Park West and 77th Street to Macy’s Herald Square on 34th Street, via Central Park South and Sixth Avenue, Upper West Side and Midtown, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: The highlight of the parade is the giant balloons and kids love watching out for their annual favorites such as Spider-Man, Buzz Lightyear, SpongeBob, and Thomas. New balloons are added every year. WHY WE LOVE IT: As much a part of Turkey Day as pie, football, and family, the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is something you must see in person once in your life. WANT TO GO? 212-494-4495. macys.com/parade.
‘Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live’
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WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 26, 2:30pm and 6pm WHERE: Kings Theatre, 1027 Flatbush Ave., Flatbush AGES: All WHAT: Donning his iconic red sweater, Daniel invites the audience on an interactive musical adventure as he and his friends explore the vibrant world of their much-loved Neighborhood of Make-Believe. WHY WE LOVE IT: This live production filled with singing, dancing, laughter, and surprises will warm the hearts of multiple generations. WANT TO GO? $30 and up. 347-788-1069. kingstheatre.com.
9
BAMkids Movie Matinees: ‘The Muppet Movie’
WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 27, 2pm WHERE: BAM Rose Cinemas, 30 Lafayette Ave., Fort Greene AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, and friends hit the road to Hollywood in their film debut. Jim Henson’s creations make it to the big screen with all the winking humor, goofy charm, and intelligence of the television series intact. WHY WE LOVE IT: This classic includes appearances by Steve Martin, Bob Hope, Richard Pryor, Mel Brooks, Madeline Kahn, and Orson Welles. WANT TO GO? $10; $7 for children 12 and younger. 718-636-4100. bam.org.
The New York City Ballet Performs George Balanchine’s ‘The Nutcracker’
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WHEN: Nov. 25-Dec. 31, see website for show times WHERE: David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side, Manhattan AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Tchaikovsky’s beloved melodies will transport you to a magical world in which mischievous mice besiege a battalion of soldiers, and an onstage blizzard leads to an enchanted Land of Sweets. WHY WE LOVE IT: A New York holiday tradition—the original and the best! WANT TO GO? $40 and up. 212-496-0600. nycballet.com. ››
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BrooklynParent 29
SMARTY PANTS Mini Maker Faire FREE
WHEN: Nov. 5-6, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: Barnes & Noble, 267 7th Ave., Park Slope AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Experience the latest in virtual reality, augmented reality, 3-D printing, pen-invent technology, robotics, coding and programming. WANT TO GO? 718-832-9066. bn.com.
The Big Family Quiz Thing
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.
Events for Youth and Families: Meet Thomas at the Library FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 5, 1pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: All WHAT: Staff and volunteers will welcome your family for sensory-friendly screenings, activity stations, and a meet-and-greet with Thomas. WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.
Pumpkin Smash FREE
WHEN: Nov. 1-7, see website for dates and times WHERE: Various locations throughout New York City AGES: All WHAT: Don’t let your leftover jack-o’-lanterns and pumpkins haunt a landfill. Head down to an event where you can smash and compost it. WANT TO GO? on.nyc.gov/pumpkin-smash.
97th NYC Veterans Day Parade: America’s Parade FREE
WHEN: Friday, Nov. 11, 11:25am-3:30pm WHERE: Fifth Avenue, between 26th and 56th streets, Midtown, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Join the United War Veterans Council, New York City, and Americans to honor our veterans and to salute those currently serving. WANT TO GO? 877-727-2333. americasparade.org.
Chess Classes with Chess at Three
WHEN: Through Dec. 7: Wednesdays, 3:30-5:30pm WHERE: Stories Bookshop + Storytelling Lab, 458 Bergen St., Park Slope AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Learn the stories behind why all those chess pieces move the way they do, and more. WANT TO GO? $40 per class. 718-369-1167. storiesbk.com.
Totally Tots Studio Program: Meet the Artist
WHEN: Through Dec. 28: Wednesdays, 10am-1pm WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Children are introduced to an artist and an activity inspired by their techniques, materials, and ideas. WANT TO GO? $11. 718-224-5863. brooklynkids.org.
Fantastic Tunnels
WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Saturday-Sunday, 1:30pm WHERE: New York Transit Museum, Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn Heights AGES: 5-12 WHAT: What do engineers discover as they dig to build New York’s newest train tunnels? Find out, and then create and illustrate a book about what you might find beneath New York City’s ancient rock. WANT TO GO? $7; $5 seniors and children ages 2-17. 718-694-1792. nytransitmuseum.org.
Train Operators School
WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 23, 3-10pm WHERE: West 79th Street and Columbus Avenue, Upper West Side, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Get an up-close peek at the balloon giants as they are inflated. WANT TO GO? social.macys.com/parade.
WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Saturday-Sunday, 1:30pm and 3:30pm WHERE: New York Transit Museum, Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Boerum Hill 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.
Free Play Space Drop-in Hours FREE
‘That Physics Show’
Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Balloon Inflation Event FREE
WHEN: Oct. 4-Nov. 29, Tuesdays, 10am-5pm WHERE: Lulu’s Then and Now, 187 4th Ave., Park Slope AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: The play space has a range of fun toys and activities such as a chalkboard wall, Magnatiles, dress-up clothes, and a train table. WANT TO GO? 718-398-5858. lulusthenandnow.nyc.
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WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 13, 2pm WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side, Manhattan AGES: 5 and older WHAT: The whole family gets to compete in a fast and funny multimedia team-trivia spectacular—from history to sports to pop culture to the indefinable—led by Quizmaster Extraordinaire EdP. Get your thinking caps on to win prizes. WANT TO GO? $17. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org/justkidding.
November 2016 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Saturday-Sunday, 3pm WHERE: The Elektra Theater, 300 W. 43rd St., Theater District, Manhattan AGES: 9 and older WHAT: See live physics experiments performed on stage and learn about everything from momentum to sound. WANT TO GO? $49. thatphysicsshow.com.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS Kids’ Discovery Stations
WHEN: Through Nov. 4: TuesdayFriday, 10:15am-12:15pm WHERE: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 150 Eastern Parkway, Prospect Heights AGES: All WHAT: Get your hands dirty at kids’ discovery stations throughout the garden. Investigate and classify plants, touch a carnivorous plant and learn how it eats, or go on a monarch and milkweed exploration in the meadow. This is a drop-in program. WANT TO GO? $12; free for children younger than 12. 718623-7200. bbg.org.
WHAT: Drop in and explore the farmhouse with the family: handson crafts, self-guided exploration, scavenger hunts, and more. WANT TO GO? 718-629-5400. wyckoffmuseum.org.
Junior Volunteer Corps FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 19, 1:30-3:30pm WHERE: Prospect Park Children’s Corner, Willink entrance, Flatbush Avenue and Empire Boulevard, Prospect Park
AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Families and elementaryschool-aged groups are invited to join us to care for the park. Come learn the value of service and meet other families and children on this day of giving back. WANT TO GO? 718-789-2822. prospectpark.org.
New York Road Runners Open Run FREE WHEN: Through Nov. 28: 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. WANT TO GO? 718-222-9939. brooklynbridgepark.org. ››
Nature Walks with Brad Klein: Preparing for Winter
WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 6, 11am-12pm WHERE: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Visitor Atrium, 990 Washington Ave., Prospect Heights AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Winter in the temperate zone is a time of cold and scarcity for plants and animals. Look at the survival strategies of trees, birds, mammals, and insects. WANT TO GO? $12; free for children younger than 12. 718623-7200. bbg.org.
Early Morning Bird Walk: Feathered Friends FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 6, 8-9am WHERE: Prospect Park Audubon Center, Lincoln Road and Ocean Avenue, Flatbush AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Join the Prospect Park Alliance and observe some of the Park’s feathered friends including chickadees, early winter residents such as Northern Shovelers, and species of ducks that spend the winter in the lake. WANT TO GO? 718-287-3400. prospectpark.org.
Farmhouse Family Day FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 19, 11am-3pm WHERE: Wyckoff House Museum, 5816 Clarendon Road, Canarsie AGES: All
BrooklynParent 31
Musical Treasures
WHEN: Through Dec. 12: Mondays, 3:45-5pm WHERE: Xtend Barre Studios, 147 Remsen St., Brooklyn Heights AGES: 5-8 WHAT: In this class, students will work on all three components of musical theater: acting, singing, and dancing. Warm up your bodies, voices, and imaginations, then work on choreographed dances from the musical Annie. WANT TO GO? $50 per day. 347-762-9475. treasuretrunktheatre.com.
Rock and Roll for Kids
WHEN: Through Dec. 18: Sundays, 11am WHERE: Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave., Williamsburg AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: The Rock and Roll Playhouse workshops are a unique, interactive, and educational live music experience for children set in the remarkable Brooklyn Bowl venue. WANT TO GO? $10. 718-963-3369. brooklynbowl.com.
MINI
MUSICIANS Stomp, Clap, and Sing with Yosi & Eugene FREE
WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 1, 11am WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Eugene is a friendly, strong, exuberant monster who is misunderstood by nearly everyone—except young children. Songs, stories, and humor bring kids closer to understanding that being different is fantastic. WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.
Stomp, Clap, and Sing with Baze & Jim FREE
Singalong
WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Monday-Friday, 10:30am WHERE: The Dean Street, 755 Dean St., Prospect Heights AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy 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.
Make Music & Dance with Dara
WHEN: Through Jan. 30, 2017: Mondays, 10:30am WHERE: Dean Street, 755 Dean St., Prospect Heights AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Every Monday, Dara and her ukulele will get your week off to the best start! WANT TO GO? $8 per family. 718-783-3326. deanstreetbrooklyn.com.
Sing-Along with Lloyd of The Deedle Deedle Dees
WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 15, 11am WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Award-winning children’s recording artist Baze creates a fun, interactive, and super-duper event for kids with instruments that will give the children a hands-on, experiential way to learn about instruments from around the world. WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.
WHEN: Through Feb. 2, 2017: Thursdays, 10:30am WHERE: Dean Street, 755 Dean St., Prospect Heights AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Every Thursday, Lloyd will delight with his original songs and interactive show. WANT TO GO? $8 per family. 718-783-3326. deanstreetbrooklyn.com.
Neighborhood Family Concerts FREE
Race Around the Farm
WHEN: Nov. 5-26, Saturdays, 4pm WHERE: Bargemusic, 334 Furman St., Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: Walk across the gangplank of a renovated coffee barge for a 1-hour, family-friendly performance, including a Q-and-A session with the musicians. WANT TO GO? 718-624-4924. bargemusic.org.
Messiah...Refreshed!
WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 27, 2pm WHERE: Carnegie Hall, 881 Seventh Ave., Midtown, Manhattan AGES: 9 and older WHAT: The annual presentation of its signature version of Handel’s Messiah, featuring an international choir made up of singers from five different continents. WANT TO GO? $20 and up. 212-247-7800. dciny.org.
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November 2016 | nymetroparents.com
MOVERS & SHAKERS WHEN: Friday, Nov. 11, 1-3pm WHERE: Lefferts Historic House, Flatbush Avenue and Empire Boulevard, Flatbush AGES: All WHAT: Get out and get moving in the Lefferts yard. The whole family can participate in potato sack races, spoon races, stilts, and other oldfashioned games. WANT TO GO? $3 suggested donation. 718-789-2822. nycgovparks.org.
Story Drama
WHEN: Through Dec. 13: Tuesdays, 3:10-4pm WHERE: Plymouth Church School, 75 Hicks St., Brooklyn Heights AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Each class begins with physical and vocal theater warm ups that will get children ready for the day’s theatrical exploration. Students will have the ability to act and speak as the characters in the story, helping
them gain confidence standing in front of their peers. WANT TO GO? $35 per day. 347-762-9475. treasuretrunktheatre.com.
Bank of America Winter Village
WHEN: Through March 5, 2017: daily, 8am-10pm WHERE: Bryant Park, 40th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown, Manhattan AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Not just for tourists, a festive skate during the holiday season is a fun NYC treat. It does get crowded, so make your reservations early in the season. If you’re not skating, there’s also food, drink, Le Carrousel, and shopping to enjoy. WANT TO GO? Free entry, skate hire starts at $20. wintervillage.org.
Wollman Rink Public Skating
WHEN: Through March 10, 2017: Monday-Tuesday, 10am-2:30pm; Wednesday-Thursday, 10am-10pm; Friday-Saturday, 10am-11pm; Sundays, 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 children ages 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, 2017: 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, Prospect Park AGES: All WHAT: The Samuel J. and Ethel LeFrak Center at Lakeside is now open for ice-skating. In addition to public ice-skating, the LeFrak Center features figure skating, ice hockey, and curling, indoor/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.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
WHEN: Through April 1, 2017: 8:30am-10pm, see website for times WHERE: The Rockefeller Center, 600 Fifth Ave., Midtown, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: The most famous rink in NYC. Skate around this landmark and get in the seasonal mood. WANT TO GO? $25-$32; $15 seniors and for children 11 and younger; $12 skate rental. 212-938-0005. therinkatrockcenter.com.
DANCE PARTY Deseos: Stories of Longing and Desire
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 5, 8pm WHERE: Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts, 2900 Campus Road, Midwood AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Argentine tango company Estampas Porteñas returns to the U.S. with a spectacular new production celebrating the greatest artistic elements of Argentina including the indomitable tango, the athletic malambo of the gauchos, and passionate musical styles ranging from soulful to celebratory. WANT TO GO? $36 and up. 718-951-4500. brooklyncenter.org.
Where’s Brooklyn At? House Party FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 12, 12-5pm WHERE: BRIC Media House, 647 Fulton St., Fort Greene AGES: All WHAT: November’s house party will feature a fun-filled day of learning, sharing ideas, and art-making—with a hip-hop flair. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 718-683-5600. bricartsmedia.org.
Ballet Hispanico: A Trio of Works
WHEN: Nov. 18-19, Friday-Saturday, 8pm WHERE: The Apollo Theater, 253 W. 125th St., Harlem, Manhattan AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Ballet Hispanico returns to the Apollo for its annual holiday show. The trio of works features a world premiere of a flamenco number paired with live classical guitar. WANT TO GO? $33 and up. 212-531-5305. apollotheater.org.
National Dance Institute Presents The Celebration Team
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 19, 2pm WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: More than 100 kids will dance their hearts out in works from NDI’s award-winning repertoire, including selections from its 2016 Event of the Year Words with Wings. WANT TO GO? $17. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.
Musical Adventure
WHEN: Through Dec. 13: Tuesdays, 9:45-10:30am WHERE: Xtend Barre Studios, 147 Remsen St., Brooklyn Heights AGES: 3-5, adult WHAT: Using the story and contents of the trunk, go on a magical adventure using your imagination and guided by live guitar music. WANT TO GO? $35 per day. 347-762-9475. treasuretrunktheatre.com.
››
BrooklynParent 33
Science Inspires Art: Food
CRAFTY KIDS Vintage Camera Day FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 12, 12-4pm WHERE: Alice Austen House, 2 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Marvel at the art of photography with hands on demonstrations and displays of vintage cameras. Bring your own camera. WANT TO GO? 718-816-4506. aliceausten.org.
Canstruction FREE
WHEN: Nov. 3-16, daily, 10am-8pm WHERE: Brookfield Place Winter Garden, 220 Vesey St., Battery Park, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Canstruction challenges teams of architects, engineers, and contractors to build sculptures made entirely out of unopened cans of food. The large scale structures are placed on display and later donated to City Harvest for distribution to those in need. WANT TO GO? 212-417-7000. brookfieldplaceny.com.
Creativity Lab
WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 27, 4pm WHERE: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Prospect Heights AGES: All WHAT: 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. Bring the whole family and stay for as long as you’d like. WANT TO GO? $10 for up to four participants; $5 family members; free for members. 718-638-5000. brooklynmuseum.org.
Paper Quilting
WHEN: Nov. 5-27, Saturday-Sunday, 1-3pm WHERE: Lefferts Historic House, Flatbush Avenue and Empire Boulevard, Flatbush AGES: All WHAT: Make your own paper quilt collage to take home or add it to the community patchwork. WANT TO GO? $3 suggested donation. 718-789-2822. prospectpark.org.
Clay Day
WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Wednesdays, 1:30-4:30pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Ave., Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: A clay workshop in which kids get the chance to create something out of air-dry clay. WANT TO GO? $2 material fees with admission: $8; free for children younger than 1. 718-273-2060. statenislandkids.org. 34
November 2016 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Through Feb. 26, 2017: Monday-Friday, 2-5pm; SaturdaySunday, 11am-3pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona, Queens AGES: All WHAT: This 18th art-science, juried exhibition includes more than two dozen images of art that reflect on the topic of food from all angles: from the historical record to the elite haute-cuisine of today’s molecular gastronomy. WANT TO GO? $15; $12 children ages 2-17, students, and seniors. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.
SHOW TIME! Little Laffs Children’s Variety Show
WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 6, 11am WHERE: Jalopy Theatre, 315 Columbia St., Carroll Gardens AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Check out this fun and entertaining monthly variety show for kids that mixes juggling, balloon art, music, comedy, and more. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 children; $25 per family. 718-395-3214. littlelaffsny.com.
Wham, Slam, Bam! FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 12, 1pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: All WHAT: A three-man vaudeville show for the entire family, with juggling, magic, and music, brought to you by the award-winning troupe Parallel Exit. WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.
‘On Kentucky Avenue’
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 12, 8pm WHERE: On Stage at Kingsborough, 2001 Oriental Blvd., Manhattan Beach AGES: 9 and older WHAT: On Kentucky Avenue takes us back to a time of great entertainment, leggy showgirls, elegant crooners, uproarious comedians, and a hot, live band. The show features an original score interwoven with hit songs of the time, such as “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” “Shout,” and “Old Black Magic.” WANT TO GO? $32-$37. 718-368-5596. onstageatkingsborough.org.
BAMkids Movie Matinees: ‘Chicken Run’
WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 13, 2pm WHERE: BAM Rose Cinemas, 30 Lafayette Ave., Fort Greene AGES: 5 and older WHAT: A flock of plucky chickens—led by a dashing rooster named Rocky—hatch a Great Escape-style scheme to fly the coop before they’re turned into potpie. WANT TO GO? $10; $7 for children 12 and younger. 718-636-4100. bam.org.
Oran Etkin: Timbalooloo
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 19, 10:30am and 2pm WHERE: Peter Jay Sharp Building, BAMcafé, 30 Lafayette Ave., Fort Greene AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Internationally renowned jazz and world artist Oran Etkin returns to BAM following the success of his Timbalooloo clarinet concerts. This year’s interactive concert features songs from Etkin’s forthcoming album for children. WANT TO GO? $10. 718-636-4100. bam.org.
‘Chicken Dance’
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 19, 1:30pm WHERE: Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers St., Tribeca, Manhattan AGES: 3-8 WHAT: A fun, musical adventure based on the book of the same name. Can Lola and Marge, two chickens, win the talent show and meet Elvis Poultry in concert? WANT TO GO? $30. 212-220-1460. tribecapac.org.
Tony Danza: Standards & Stories
WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 20, 3pm WHERE: Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts, 2900 Campus Road, Midwood AGES: 9 and older WHAT: This Emmy-nominated song-and-dance man combines selections from the Great American Songbook with storytelling, a dash of soft shoe, and a healthy dose of charisma. WANT TO GO? $36 and up. 718-951-4500. brooklyncenter.org.
‘Hansel and Gretel’
WHEN: Through Dec. 18: Saturday-Sunday, 12:30pm and 2:30pm WHERE: Puppetworks, 338 Sixth Ave., Park Slope AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Take the kids to the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale with songs by Humperdinck. Adapted for marionettes by Nicolas Coppola. WANT TO GO? $10; $9 for children younger than 12. 718-965-3391. puppetworks.org.
‘A Christmas Carol the Musical’
WHEN: Nov. 27-Dec. 30, see website for dates and times WHERE: The Players Theatre, 115 Macdougal St., Greenwich Village, Manhattan AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Follow along with Ebenezer Scrooge as he is visited by four ghosts, and see what happens when he gets a glimpse of his own future if he doesn’t change his life. Will Scrooge catch the holiday spirit and save himself in the process? WANT TO GO? $32 and up. 917-863-7113. scroogeinthevillage.com.
‘Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas’
WHEN: Nov. 12-Dec. 31, Saturday-Sunday, 1pm WHERE: Theater at Blessed Sacrament Church, 152 W. 71st St., Upper West Side, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: In this merriest of stories from best-selling author and illustrator team Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser, Nancy proves once again that a little fancying up can go a long, festive way. WANT TO GO? $25 and up. fancynancychristmaslive.com.
ONCE UPON A TIME Events for Youth and Families: ‘The Three Little Pigs’ FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 19, 1pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights AGES: All WHAT: Three Little Pigs build their houses of hay, wood, and bricks, but will they withstand the Big Bad Wolf? The classic tale is retold with hilarious puppet pigs and a silly wolf, and an emphasis on “being prepared.” WANT TO GO? 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.
Story Drama
WHEN: Through Dec. 19: Fridays, 4-4:50pm WHERE: Who’s On First?, 46 1st Place, Carroll Gardens AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Favorite children’s stories will lead the dramatic adventures for the class. WANT TO GO? $30 per day. 347-762-9475. treasuretrunktheatre.com.
Drop-in Art-Making and Storytelling
WHEN: Through Dec. 20: Tuesdays, 11am-12pm WHERE: Stories Bookshop + Storytelling Lab, 458 Bergen St., Park Slope AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Join this drop-in for art-making and storytelling activities. WANT TO GO? $10 materials fee. 718-369-1167. storiesbk.com.
Tots Time Plus
WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11am WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Ave., Staten Island AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Preschoolers will create artwork, sing-along, and listen to stories. WANT TO GO? $5 per child plus admission: $8, free for children younger than 1. 718-273-2060. statenislandkids.org.
Transit Tots
WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Thursdays, 10:15am WHERE: New York Transit Museum, Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Downtown Brooklyn AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Stories, games, and surprises for the youngest transportation fans. WANT TO GO? $7; $5 children ages 2-17. 718-694-1600. nytransitmuseum.org. ›› BrooklynParent 35
AGES: All WHAT: Join the Prospect Park Alliance for holiday programming at Lefferts Historic House and the Audubon Center. See website for the full list of activities. WANT TO GO? 718-287-3400. prospectpark.org.
Winter on a Flatbush Farm
HOLIDAY FUN Kids DIY Workshop: Veterans Day Toy Helicopter FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 27, 1-4pm WHERE: Lefferts Historic House, Flatbush Avenue and Empire Boulevard, Flatbush AGES: All WHAT: Learn how to make a candle, watch a master spinster spin wool thread, and enjoy Dutch treats made at the outdoor hearth from a Lefferts family recipe. WANT TO GO? $3 suggested donation. 718-789-2822. prospectpark.org.
Winter’s Eve FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 5, 9am WHERE: Home Depot, see website for participating locations AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Join this hands-on workshop in honor of Veterans Day, and you and your child can build a toy helicopter with turning blades. Once the toy helicopter is built, your child can decorate it with paint & stickers to create a mini military vehicle. WANT TO GO? 718-230-0833. homedepot.com.
WHEN: Monday, Nov. 28, 5:30-9pm WHERE: Lincoln Square, Broadway from Time Warner Center to 68th Street, Upper West Side, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a tree lighting, street performers, entertainment, ice sculptures, and food and drink. WANT TO GO? 212-581-3774. winterseve.nyc.
Thanksgiving with the Beasts
WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 30, 7-9pm WHERE: Rockefeller Center, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Midtown, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: As one of the most famous trees in the world, join the tens of thousands crowding the sidewalks for the performances and lighting (or watch it on TV!). WANT TO GO? 212-632-3975. rockefellercenter.com.
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 19, 12-3pm WHERE: Staten Island Zoo, 614 Broadway, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: In the tradition of celebrating a harvest, join in as the zookeepers make special Thanksgiving feasts for the animals. WANT TO GO? $8; $6 seniors; $5 children ages 3-14; free for children younger than 3. 718-442-3101. statenislandzoo.org.
2016 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting FREE
‘The Three Bears Holiday Bash’
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 19, 11am WHERE: Barnes & Noble, 106 Court St., Downtown Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: In celebration of Thanksgiving two special stories will be featured: There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey! and The Great Thanksgiving Escape. Coloring and activities will follow the reading. WANT TO GO? 718-246-4996. bn.com.
WHEN: Nov. 8-Dec. 30, see website for show dates and times WHERE: Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in Central Park, West 81st Street and Central Park West, Upper West Side, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Drawing from the stories of Hanukkah, the Night Before Christmas, and Kwanzaa, The Three Bears Holiday Bash is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. WANT TO GO? $10; $7 children. cityparksfoundation.org.
Shadow Box Theatre Presents ‘Tobias Turkey’
‘Radio City Christmas Spectacular’ Featuring The Rockettes
Thanksgiving Storytime FREE
WHEN: Nov. 10-23, see website for schedule WHERE: PS 3, 50 Jefferson Ave., Bedford-Stuyvesant AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Meet Tobias, the most determied turkey on the farm. In this funny Thanksgiving tale, Tobias provides children with lots of laughs and a valuable lesson that with determination, they can do anything. WANT TO GO? $15. 212-724-0677. shadowboxtheatre.org.
Holiday Tree Lighting FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 26, 6:30pm WHERE: 4th Street and 5th Avenue, Park Slope AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy Santa, music, puppetry, treats, and free shopping bags at this annual neighborhood tree lighting. WANT TO GO? parkslopefifthavenuebid.com.
Thanksgiving in Prospect Park FREE
WHEN: Nov. 26-27, Saturday-Sunday, 12-3pm WHERE: Prospect Park Audobon Center, Lincoln Road and Ocean Avenue, Flatbush 36
November 2016 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Nov. 11-Jan. 2, 2017: see website for show times WHERE: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Sixth Ave., Midtown, Manhattan AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Celebrate the holiday season in a way that only Radio City can deliver, with this celebrated Christmas spectacle in an iconic venue. Be wowed by favorite numbers that only the Rockettes can perform, including The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers and The Living Nativity. WANT TO GO? $46 and up. 866-858-0007. radiocitychristmas.com.
Origami Holiday Tree
WHEN: Nov. 21–Jan. 8, 2017: daily, 10am-5:45pm WHERE: The American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West and 79th Street, Upper West Side, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: For a Christmas tree with a difference, look no further than delightfully decorated Origami Holiday Tree at the American Museum of Natural History. Nimble fingered volunteers began folding in July to complete nearly 1,000 creations that will be displayed on the tree. WANT TO GO? $22; $17 students and seniors; $12.50 children ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2. 212-769-5100. amnh.org.
GingerBread Lane
WHEN: Nov. 11–Jan. 15, 2017: Monday-Friday, 9:30am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona, Queens AGES: All WHAT: Marvel at the homemade gingerbread houses made entirely of edible gingerbread, royal icing, and candy. The winner of 2015 Guinness World Record for the largest gingerbread village is drafted, designed, baked, planned, built, and decorated by chef Jon Lovitch over the course of an entire year. WANT TO GO? $15; $12 seniors and children ages 2-17. 718-6990005. nysci.org.
New York Transit Museum Holiday Train Show FREE
WHEN: Nov. 12-Feb. 28, 2017: see website for times WHERE: Grand Central Terminal, NY Transit Museum Gallery Annex and Store, 89 E. 42nd St., Midtown, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Presented annually by the New York Transit Museum, this popular model railroad exhibition features Metro-North, New York Central, and subway trains departing from a miniature Grand Central Terminal on a 34-foot-long layout. WANT TO GO? nytransitmuseum.org.
BROWSE & BUY Small Business Saturday FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 26, see website for times WHERE: 5th Avenue, Dean to 18th streets, Park Slope AGES: All WHAT: This event focuses on local businesses, including unique stores, services, bars, and restaurants, owned by local people who invest in the community. WANT TO GO? 845-425-2891. parkslopefifthavenuebid.com.
Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair
WHEN: Nov. 26-27, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: Alice Austen House, 2 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Find special holiday gifts made by local artists and artisans. WANT TO GO? Free admission; various items for sale. 718-816-4506. aliceausten.org.
Brooklyn Holiday Bazaar FREE
WHEN: Nov. 26-27, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-6pm WHERE: 501 Union, 501 Union St., Gowanus AGES: All WHAT: Brooklyn Holiday Bazaar is a unique annual event that showcases the best of Brooklyn with fine handmade goods, food, drinks, music, craft activities, and more. WANT TO GO? 917-821-4489. brooklynholidaybazaar.com.
Columbus Circle Holiday Market FREE
WHEN: Nov. 29-Dec. 24, Monday-Saturday, 10am-9pm; Sundays, 10am-8pm WHERE: Columbus Circle, southwest entrance of Central Park, Midtown, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Shop for gifts, including artisan food and drink and designer jewelry, at this holiday market that pops up on the corner of Central Park for another year. WANT TO GO? 212-529-9262. urbanspacenyc.com.
Union Square Holiday Market FREE
WHEN: Nov. 17-Dec. 24, daily, see website for times WHERE: Union Square, 33 E. 17th St., Union Square, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: It’s one of the most popular holiday shopping destinations with unusual vendors, unique gifts, and food and drink. WANT TO GO? 212-529-9262. urbanspacenyc.com.
Bank of America Winter Village Holiday Shops FREE
WHEN: Oct. 20-Jan. 2, 2017, daily, 11am-8pm WHERE: Bryant Park, 40th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: European-style, open-air market full of gift ideas from artisan jewelry and kids toys to decor and food. WANT TO GO? wintervillage.org.
Grand Central Terminal’s Annual Holiday Fair FREE
WHEN: Nov. 14-Dec. 24, Monday-Friday, 10am-8pm; Saturdays, 10am-7pm; Sundays, 11am-7pm WHERE: Grand Central Terminal, Vanderbilt Hall, 89 E. 42nd St., Midtown, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Stop by the longest-running indoor holiday market in New York City and pick up some gifts (including some treats for yourself!). WANT TO GO? 212-340-2583. grandcentralterminal.com.
Coming up next month: DEC. 3, 10, AND 17: Christmas and Hannukah Festive Fifth on Fifth Avenue, from Dean to 18th streets, Park Slope DEC. 3: Sinterklass (St. Nicholas Day) at Wyckoff House Museum, Canarsie DEC. 11: The Colonial Nutcracker at Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts, Flatbush
BrooklynParent 37
WHERE-TO GUIDE
Ice-Skating
nymetroparents.com/where-to
›› Research by Jonathan Perry and Kathryn Sheridan
Time to lace up your skates and practice your figure eights! Winter is upon us and local rinks are ready to have you on the ice. Whether you’re just learning to skate or a total pro, ice-skating is fun for the whole family. Plus, if you don’t land that jump you’ve been working on, you can always cheer up with a cup of cocoa at many ice rink concession stands. As always, call ahead to verify hours and prices before your ice-skating outing. Hours: Oct. 29-March 5, 2017: MondaySunday, 8am-10pm Price: Free; $20 skate rental. Lasker Skating Rink North end of Central Park, near 110th Street and Lenox Avenue, Harlem 917-492-3856; laskerrink.com Hours: Oct. 29-March 19, 2017: MondayThursday, 10am-4pm; Friday, 10am4:50pm and 6-11pm; Saturday, 1-11pm; Sunday, 12:30-4:30pm. Price: $7.50; $2.25 seniors; $4 children ages 12 and younger; $6.50 skate rental.
Outdoor Rinks
Lakeside 171 East Drive, Southeastern Prospect Park 718-462-0010; lakesidebrooklyn.com Hours: Oct. 28-March 26, 2017: MondayThursday, 10am-6:30pm; Friday, 10am9pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11am-9pm. Price: $6 Monday-Friday; $9 Fridays after 4pm, Saturday-Sunday, and holidays; $6 skate rentals. Indoor Rinks
Aviator Sports and Event Center Floyd Bennett Field, 3159 Flatbush Ave., Marine Park/Mill Basin 718-758-7500; aviatorsports.com Hours: Year-round: Monday-Thursday, 11:30am-3:50pm; Friday, 11am-3:45pm and 7:30-11pm; Saturday, 1:45-5:50pm and 7:30-11pm; Sunday, 12:15-3:15pm and 3:30-6:30pm. Call for holiday schedule. Price: Non-members: $11; $9 children ages 11 and younger; $5 skate rental. Members: $10, $8.10 children ages 11 and younger. Free lockers; bring your own lock.
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Steeplechase Figure Skating at Abe Stark Rink Abe Stark Rink, Coney Island Boardwalk, Broadway and West 19th Street, Coney Island 718-253-8919; 718-946-6536 nycgovparks.org/facilities/iceskating/1 Hours: Oct. 31-March 27, 2017: Saturday-Sunday, 1-3:30pm Price: $10; $5 skate rental. Persons younger than 18 must have written consent form signed by parent or guardian. Forms are available at the rink, and a parent must sign the form in the presence of a rink employee or the parent’s signature must be notarized. All information is subject to change.
Manhattan Outdoor Rinks
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park 40th-42nd streets between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown 212-768-6640 citipondatbryantpark.com
The Rink at Rockefeller Center Fifth Avenue between 49th and 50th streets, Rockefeller Center 212-332-7654; 212-332-7655 for reservations patinagroup.com/east/icerink Hours: Through April 2017: Daily: 8:3012am, with occasional half-hour cleaning sessions throughout the day. Group rates and skate lessons available. Price: $25-32. $15 children younger than 11 and seniors; $12 skate rental. Riverbank State Park 679 Riverside Drive, Hamilton Heights 212-694-3642 nysparks.com/parks/93 Hours: Opens Nov. 7. Fridays, 6-9pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 2-5pm and 6-9pm. Price: $5; $3 children; $6 skate rental. Wollman Rink Central Park (enter at 59th Street and Sixth Avenue) 212-439-6900 trumprink.com Hours: Oct. 22, weather permitting, through early April 2017. The rink opens daily at 10am and closes at the following times: Monday-Tuesday at 2:30pm; Wednesday-Thursday at 10pm; FridaySaturday at 11pm; Sunday at 9pm. Price: Monday-Thursday: $12; $6
children ages 11 and younger. Friday-Sunday: $19; $6 children ages 11 and younger; $9 skate rentals. No credit cards. Indoor Rinks
Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers Chelsea Piers, West 23rd Street and Hudson River Park, Chelsea 212-336-6100 chelseapiers.com Hours: Through Dec. 20: Monday, 1:30-5pm; Tuesday and Thursday, 3-5pm; Friday, 1:30-5:20pm; SaturdaySunday, 1-3:50pm. Price: $10; $5 skate rental; $4.25 helmet rental. Speed skates, double-bladed skates, cellphones, bags, music devices, and cameras are not permitted on the ice.
Staten Island Outdoor Rinks
Staten Island War Memorial Ice Skating Rink Clove Lakes Park, Victory Boulevard (west of Clove Road) 718-720-1010; 718-720-1014 nycgovparks.org/facilities/ iceskating/6 Hours: Friday, 4-10:30pm; Saturday, 12-4:30pm and 7-10:30pm; Sunday, 12-7pm.
Holiday hours: 12-4pm; Closed Thanksgiving Day. Open Black Friday, 1210:30pm. Price: $10; $5 skate rental.
718-948-4800 thepavilion.org Hours: Open year-round (including all holidays): Friday, 8-11pm; Saturday, 2:30-4:30pm; Sunday, 2-4pm. Check website for holiday schedule. Price: $11; $10 children; $5 skate rental. Group rates available.
Indoor Rinks
Staten Island Skating Pavilion Ice Skating Rink 3080 Arthur Kill Road
Find the full guide at ›› nymetroparents.com/ice-skating
A CIRCUS SPECTACULAR BACK FOR THE HOLIDAYS BY POPULAR DEMAND!
December 2 – January 1
Queens
FOR EVERYONE AGES 5+
Indoor Rinks
City Ice Pavilion 47-32 32nd Place (between 47th and 48th avenues), Long Island City 718-706-6667 cityicepavilion.com Hours: Year-round: Wednesday, 12-3:50pm; Sunday, 11:40am-2:20pm. Price: $6 Wednesday; $9 weekends and holidays; $5 skate rental. Bring your own helmet. World Ice Arena 131-35 Avery Ave., Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Flushing 718-760-9001; worldice.com Hours: Year-round: MondayFriday, 9am-5:15pm; Friday, 7-9:50pm; Saturday, 124:45pm and 8-9:50pm; Sunday, 12-4:45pm. Opens at 11am on summer weekdays. Price: $6 weekdays; $9 weekends (starting Friday at 7pm) and holidays, including school vacation weeks; $5.50 skate rental.
“Exuberant, high-energy entertainment.” The New York Times
THE NEW VICTORY THEATER ®
#LoveOfTheater starts here NewVictory.org 646.223.3010
®
A NEW 42ND STREET ® PROJECT
209 W 42ND STREET, just west of Broadway
BrooklynParent 39
FOOD & NUTRITION
A New Spin on Thanksgiving Favorites ›› Three cookbook authors share their takes on traditional side dishes to amp up our favorite fall feast. Oyster Stuffing for American Thanksgiving American Thanksgiving is always a big hit at our farmhouse. Each year, I carefully plan a harvest menu using as many ingredients from the farm as possible. We invite family and friends and generally serve the traditional stuffed turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie, but I always like to add a few surprises depending on what is left in the garden as well. One Thanksgiving, a fellow American expat living in Dublin joined us at the farm. She made an unforgettable oyster stuffing that we have adopted as a new Thanksgiving tradition ever since. Here’s my take on it. Serves 8-10 Ingredients 11 cups crusty bread cut into ½-inch cubes 6 slices bacon, coarsely chopped 6 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing the pan 6 shallots, thinly sliced 1 leek, thinly sliced 4 celery stalks, thinly sliced 40 medium (about 1 lb) oysters, shucked, with 1 cup of the liquor reserved
1 cup chicken stock ¼ cup sherry 1/ 3 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley 2 tbsp. chopped thyme leaves 2 tbsp. chopped sage leaves 1 tsp. sweet marjoram, chopped 1 tbsp. fennel seeds ½ tsp. hot pepper sauce Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions 1. P reheat the oven to 300˚F. Butter a 2-quart oval baking dish; set aside. 40
November 2016 | nymetroparents.com
2. Arrange the bread cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake, stirring occasionally, until dried but not browned, approximately 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool. 3. Cook the bacon in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until it is crisp and the fat has rendered, approximately 10 minutes. Add 4 tablespoons of the melted butter. Add the shallots, leek, and celery; reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft, approximately 10 minutes. 4. Add the oyster liquor, chicken stock, sherry, parsley, thyme, sage, marjoram, fennel seeds, hot pepper sauce, and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Scrape the mixture into a large bowl, and stir in the bread cubes and oysters. Set aside to allow the flavors to come together for 10 minutes. 5. Raise the oven temperature to 400°F. Transfer the oyster mixture to the prepared baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, drizzle with the remaining butter, and continue baking until golden brown and crusty, approximately 15 minutes more. 6. Serve immediately. Scullery Notes Fresh oysters are best, but if you are in a pinch, canned or jarred oysters in liquor will work as well. From The Farmette Cookbook, © 2016 by Imen McDonnell. Reprinted by arrangement with Roost Books, an imprint of Shambhala Publications Inc., Boulder, CO. roostbooks.com
Eggplant Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Squash with Ginger Shallot Browned Butter
Eggplant mashed potatoes? Sounds a little crazy, right? Trust me— they’re not! This recipe is perfection, as well as a wonderfully creative way of hiding extra veggies in a well-loved dish. The inspiration for this was sort of random: I once had a comment on my blog about putting tahini in mashed potatoes. Months and months later, while I was cooking, my mind jumped back to that comment. My taste buds and brain went from tahini to hummus to babaganoush to eggplant to “Hey! That might not be too bad!” And it wasn’t bad—in fact, it was awesome! Just make sure you roast the eggplant to complete creaminess, and you’ll have yourself a surprisingly delicious side dish featuring a double dose of vegetables!
I could happily eat plain roasted squash on a regular basis. Its natural sweetness paired with a sprinkle of salt and wrapped in a crisp-on-theoutside, soft-on-the-inside bite is near perfection. But since I like to make it easy to spice things up, I often dress my roasted squash in ginger shallot browned butter. And boy, is it mouthwateringly good.
Serves 4 as a side dish Ingredients 1 small eggplant, halved Olive oil for roasting 1 tsp. salt, plus more for baking eggplant 3 medium creamer potatoes, chopped
2 tbsp. dairy-free butter Splash of dairy-free milk Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Directions 1. P reheat the oven to 400°F. 2. B rush the flesh side of the eggplant with olive oil and sprinkle it with salt. 3. P lace the eggplant halves peel side down on a baking sheet and cook for 30-40 minutes (depending on the size), until the insides are very, very tender. Pierce through the top to test the inside; the softer, the better. 4. W hile the eggplant is roasting, place the potatoes in a medium pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the potatoes are soft. 5. D rain the water from the potatoes and place them in a large bowl. Remove the peel, if you prefer. 6. S coop out the inside of the eggplant and place it in the mixing bowl with the potato. Discard the peel. 7. W hip the potatoes, eggplant, butter, and salt together until smooth and creamy. Add a splash of milk, if necessary. 8. Season with salt and pepper. A Note About This Recipe: While I don’t like to rely on “hidden vegetable” meals, since I think kids should learn to love every vegetable on its own (okay, well, maybe not every one), sometimes they are the quickest way to get your kid to start eating less-palatable veggies. This dish works like a charm. Tip: Garlic mashed potatoes? Yes, please! Since you’ll be heating up the oven to cook the eggplant anyway, consider roasting a whole head of garlic, too, and mixing it in with the potatoes. Kid-Friendly Tip: Nutritional yeast, always and forever. A sad day for Marlowe (the author’s daughter) involves mashed potatoes without it. Throw in a tablespoon when you whip the potatoes.
Recipe from The Plantiful Table: Easy, From-the-Earth Recipes for the Whole Family, copyright © Andrea Duclos, 2015. Reprinted by permission of the publisher, The Experiment. Available wherever books are sold. theexperimentpublishing.com
Serves 4 Ingredients Approximately 6 cups peeled, seeded, and cubed butternut squash, cut into 1- to 2-inch pieces (from one mediumsize squash or two 20-ounce packages of precut squash) 2 tbsp. olive oil
¼ tsp. salt, plus more to taste Freshly ground black pepper 4 tbsp. (½ stick) unsalted butter ½ cup thinly sliced shallots 2 tsp. chopped fresh ginger Chives, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, toss the squash with the olive oil, the ¼ teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of pepper. Spread the squash in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet (set the empty bowl aside to keep cleanup to a minimum) and roast until tender all the way through and caramelized in spots, approximately 40 minutes. (Make sure that the squash can hold its shape well enough to be handled without getting mushy.) 2. In the meantime, in a small pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted completely and begins to foam, start swirling the pan continuously. Watch carefully as the butter cooks and turns color: once you see it turn chestnut brown, remove the pan from the heat and add the shallots and ginger. Swirl the pan a couple more times and return to the heat. 3. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the ginger is fragrant and the shallots are soft and caramelized in spots, approximately 3 minutes. Take off the heat for good and set aside. 4. R emove the squash from the oven and carefully transfer it to the bowl you’ve set aside. Pour the ginger shallot browned butter over the squash and gently toss. Season with more salt and pepper to taste, if desired, and garnish with chives, if using. Serve immediately. Make It Easier: Get help from the store—or a very sharp knife. Let’s be honest, dealing with butternut squash can be a total drag. Although you don’t always get the same vibrant flavor out of the precut kind you can find in most supermarkets nowadays, I find the shortcut totally worth it, especially when roasting will coax out so much delicious flavor. If you can’t find or just refuse to buy precut (hey, we all choose the hard path for something!), make it easy by using a sharp knife and sharp peeler. Start by cutting off each end of the squash, then peel—with a peeler, not your knife. Once you’ve removed all the skin, stand the squash upright on one of the cut ends. It should be stable so that you can cut the vegetable in half lengthwise. Once split open, you can scoop out the seeds with a spoon and cut each half where the neck meets the body. The neck will be solid; cut it into slices at whatever thickness you like (1½-2 inches is good), then cut each slice into strips and, after that, cubes. Cut each remaining half in slices and each slice into cubes. You did it. Excerpted from Make It Easy: 120 Mix-and-Match Recipes to Cook From Scratch—with Smart Store-Bought Shortcuts When You Need Them by Stacie Billis. Copyright © 2016. Available from Da Capo Lifelong Books, an imprint of Perseus Books, LLC, a subsidiary of Hachette Book Group, Inc.
BrooklynParent 41
SPECIAL NEEDS
All Grown Up
››
What to consider when your child with special needs turns 21—and is no longer a child. By Samantha Neudorf
A
s parents, we hope for our children to grow up and— difficult though it may be for us emotionally—fly the coop to live on their own as full-fledged, independent adults. But if you have a child with special needs, these concerns may run deeper, and that goal may seem elusive or even impossible. That is why parents should start to consider what happens to their children with special needs, no matter how young they may be, well before they turn 21. The first thing to consider is what your child with special needs will do after completing high school. Will she go to college? Will he attend a vocational school? Will she live on her own? These are all conversations you should be having now. Here are some points to consider when planning the future for your child with special needs.
Obtaining Guardianship
If your child has health issues, you may want to consider applying for guardianship, because once your child with special needs turns 18, you as the parent may not have access to his health care information because of HIPAA: the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. Under HIPAA, patients older than 18 have their own rights to privacy for their medical records, meaning parents or caregivers do not automatically have the right to this information. One way to work around this, if your child is unable to take care of himself,
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November 2016 | nymetroparents.com
is to obtain guardianship—which means, essentially, that you will retain legal responsibility for your child even though he is of age to be considered an adult. Bernard Krooks is an attorney and founding partner of Littman Krooks, a law firm that specializes in elder law and special-needs planning, with offices in Manhattan and White Plains. Krooks advises that parents start to apply for guardianship by the time their child is 17 years old because the process could take longer than six months. The guardianship process involves petitioning the court. Parents begin by filling out an application to certify that their child does indeed have a disability, and a doctor must submit a form to verify this. The application must also specify why the child with special needs is not able to care for himself. Then there will be a hearing in front of a judge, which is why it may be valuable to hire a special needs attorney to assist in the process. Krooks also suggests setting up a special needs trust to create a supplementary source of funds to pay for everyday necessities that government benefits will not cover, such as services that are not covered by Medicaid. “The reality is what the government gives you is decreasing due to fiscal constraints,” Krooks says, “so it’s very important to have a special needs trust to pay for things that help improve the quality of life of somebody with disabilities.”
Pursuing Higher Education
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, children are entitled to free and appropriate public education by federal law, and schools must provide them with an education through 12th grade. The IDEA covers 13 kinds of disabilities, including autism, deafness, orthopedic impairment, and visual impairment. As a part of the IDEA, children with special needs will receive an Individualized Education Program, which is a document that specifies what your child’s disability is and how the school will support her. The IEP will specify how the child is doing in school, educational goals, and transition planning to prepare him for life after high school. In order for a child to move on to college, she will need a regents diploma if she went to high school in New York, and will have to undergo psychoeducational testing to analyze the mental processes that might affect her educational performance. Once a child takes this test, he can apply to college and the school will provide the proper accommodations when taking exams. Lara Bakshi, special needs and special education attorney and founder of Bakshi Law in Manhattan and West Islip, strongly advises that, if they are able to, children with special needs either receive a higher education or pursue a vocational program. “The most important thing for a child with special needs is to be able to interact with their peers that are not special,” Bakshi says. Bakshi suggests that a child with special needs attend a small liberal arts college because it will be more structured and less overwhelming than a large university. If he decides to attend a vocational school, programs such as the Boards of Cooperative Educational Services, which has 37 locations across New York state, are popular choices. There are programs, such as Career and Technical Education to learn how to operate different machineries. Littman Krooks, among other companies, employs people with special needs in its office to help with administrative tasks that include making photocopies, filing paperwork, and helping with shredding and scanning documents.
Deciding Where to Live
The other big question to consider is where your child with special needs should live because she will technically no longer be a child after turning 21. Krooks says that parents tend to keep their children at home, but the problem is it’s not preparing them to live independently. “Statistically speaking, the parents will predecease the child,” Krooks says. “Years ago, children with special needs did not have a normal, typical life expectancy, but now many kids, even with Down syndrome and other special needs, are able to live a full or close to full life expectancy.” Parents should therefore consider helping their child with spcial needs find a place to live in proximity to his doctors, he says. Krooks suggests finding a specialist who has worked in the area for a long time and to establish a relationship with the doctor throughout the child’s lifetime. “The sooner you plan for this, the fewer things that you’ll be unprepared for along the way,” Krooks says.
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Huntington Learning Center
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Lois Jackson, D.D.S., P.C. and Associates
16 Court St., Suite 2211 718-855-8833 505 LaGuardia Place, Suite L4, Greenwich Village, near Washington Square Park, Manhattan 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 Camp Brooklyn (sending children to camp), Flatbush Development Corporation, East Midwood Jewish Center, and Fisk Terrace Neighborhood Association. Dr. Jackson was a Nickelodeon Parents’ Pick for Best Dentist for two years running!
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Planning for the Worst
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Teaching toddlers and preschoolers how to handle emergencies. By Melissa Kagan
D
o your little ones know what to do in the event of an emergency? If the answer is no, it’s time to equip them with some basic skills so they can manage worst-case scenarios independently and confidently. While it’s a topic many parents avoid because they don’t want to scare their toddlers and preschoolers, readying your family for a fire, serious injury, or any other emergency is one of the most important lessons you can teach them. Most small children can be taught to handle the basics of emergency situations, but the first step is to define what an actual emergency is. Generally speaking, a problem requires the attention of a parent or trusted adult, while an actual emergency warrants the assistance of police, emergency medical, or firefighter services. Giving examples will make it easier to establish which situations fall under which category. A fire in the house or an unconscious family member qualifies as emergencies. A stolen bike, a scraped knee, or a lost pet do not.
Calling 911
The first step is to teach your kids how to dial 911. You can unplug a landline and teach even a 3-year-old to dial the numbers.
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November 2016 | nymetroparents.com
And while you may think your kid is an expert at mobile devices, show them how to use a cellphone. “Many cellphones also have an emergency button that can be used to call for help,” explains Michelle Tween, director of early childhood education at The Chapel School in Bronxville. It’s also important to stress to kids that they should only dial 911 for emergencies. “Kids of all ages need to realize that police or fire trucks will arrive, even if the kids call just out of curiosity,” says Barbara Schori, director of the Ridge Street Country School in Rye Brook. Also, prepare youngsters for any questions they will be asked by an emergency operator, such as “Where are you calling from?” or “What is your emergency?” It’s natural to be nervous when urgent situations arise, but being prepared for these questions will help. “A small child may forget his or her own address,” Tween says, “but calls can be traced, so if they do forget, they will still get the help they need.” Paul J. Donahue, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and founder and director of Child Development Associates in Scarsdale, recommends telling kids ahead of time that the operator is there to help them and that they can trust the voice at the other end of the line. “This will help little kids to remain calm so that they will be able to stay on the line for as long as the operator needs to them to.”
Take the Fear Out of Situations Ahead of Time
Loud sirens, smoke alarms, and firefighters in uniform are all examples of things that can be very scary to young children. Tween recommends taking the time to familiarize toddlers and preschoolers with them ahead of time. “Take a family trip to your local fire department and show them the equipment the firefighters will be wearing or holding,” she says. “This will give them a frame of reference should a fire actually occur and the fire department shows up.” This would also be a good time to have a discussion about the Stop, Drop, and Roll and Stay Low and Roll techniques. Tween also recommends intentionally setting off fire alarms and the carbon monoxide detectors in your house during a family meeting so that your kids can hear what they sound like in a controlled environment. (If your alarms connect directly with the local fire department, don’t forget to disable them beforehand, or else you will have real-life firefighters at your door in minutes.) “These sounds can be very loud and scary so you want your kids to be familiar with what they sound like ahead of time in order to reduce panic or anxiety,” she says. You can further involve toddlers and preschoolers by asking them to help you change batteries in fire detection devices and assemble emergency supply kits. Create and practice your escape plan with your family from every room in the house. Practice staying low to the floor and checking for hot doors using the back of your hand. It’s just like a routine school fire drill—but in your home. “Involving your kids will empower them,” Tween says.
Provide Reassurance
• Videotape your child treating a friend’s mock injury and then review the tape with all of the children, asking what could have been done better or more safely. • Engage with their natural love of playing “doctor” by pretending to be their imaginary patient and telling them your symptoms. • Ham it up! Use ketchup for blood, white rags for bandages, socks stuffed inside clothing to indicate swelling. • Go through the first aid kit together, and have some extra bits of gauze, tape, and cotton balls on hand so your child can practice with real tools—smaller kids get a special thrill out of these materials. • Focus on emergencies your family is most likely to encounter such as someone who has epilepsy. Make sure your child is aware of the conditions and knows how to name them to emergency personnel. • Finally, remember part of our job as parents is to assure kids they never need to be a hero or overstep their abilities. Make sure children know their first and most important job is to stay safe themselves. Melissa Kagan is the former editor-in-chief of the now-defunct lifetimemoms. com. She is currently a freelance writer whose work has been featured in Mommy Poppins, Westchester Magazine, and Westchester Family. She lives in Pelham with her husband and two children.
MORE NON-THREATENING IDEAS TO GET YOUR KIDS READY FOR EMERGENCIES
It’s easy to become so wrapped up in teaching small children the basics of emergency preparedness you forget how easily overwhelmed they can become. While you’re teaching them how to handle an emergency, make sure you also explain they are safe and protected. Let them know these things probably won’t happen, but it’s your job to make sure they know what to do in a worst-case scenario. Barbara Klein, director of the Huguenot Nursery School in Pelham, runs emergency drills during the school year, but it is done without frightening her students. “Our goal is to be prepared for any event, but to keep it low key for the children,” she says. “I feel strongly that at this age the children should not have to worry about ‘what might happen’ and to feel safe knowing the teachers will always look out for them.”
• B rainstorm words that relate to emergency preparedness and create flashcards to review and discuss with your child. • Encourage children to prepare a skit or role-play how your family should respond to an emergency such as a fire in the house. • Preschoolers may find it easier to use songs to learn your phone number. Tunes such as “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” and “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” lend themselves to this exercise. • Break out the glitter glue, scissors, and construction paper to have your child write out important phone numbers in a decorative fashion.
First Aid
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Emergencies happen, but it isn’t always the child who needs emergency care. If a parent or caregiver is injured, it may be the child who must administer basic care until emergency medical services arrives. For this reason, children should be taught basic first aid. If a child finds herself with an incapacitated caregiver, her own survival may depend on knowing what steps to take. Her sharp mind is limited only by her physical strength and emotional state. Helping feels good and soothing someone feels important and grown-up. Learning a few first-aid principles does more than prepare kids for the worst: It also helps them develop their compassion, self-esteem, and sense of purpose. Here’s how to do it in an age-appropriate way: • Introduce basic first aid (treating scrapes and bruises) by using a doll.
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Lois Jackson, D.D.S., P.C. and Associates 16 Court St., Suite 2211 718-855-8833 505 LaGuardia Place, Suite L4, Greenwich Village, near Washington Square Park, Manhattan 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 Saving money on Nickelodeon Parents’ Pick for Best Dentist for two years running!
Dr. Cascya Charlot - Allergy and Asthma Care of Brooklyn 10 Plaza St. E., Suite #1E 347-564-3211 311 Saint Nicholas Ave., Ridgewood 347-564-3211; brooklynallergydr.com
Dr. Cascya Charlot is an award-winning, Harvard Medical School-trained physician who is board-certified in pediatric and adult allergy and immunology. She 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.
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Pediatric Immediate Care 698 Manhattan Ave. 718-389-PEDS (7337) 150 E. Sunrise Highway, Suite 105, North Lindenhurst 631-956-PEDS (7337) 1077 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown 631-864-PEDS (7337) pediatricimmediatecare.com
Pediatric Immediate Care is a team of hearts where kids come first. State-of-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.
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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.
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