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LongIsland NASSAU EDITION

Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM FEBRUARY 2018

CAMP SPECIAL! • Why Campers Make Better Students • Find the Perfect Camp for Your Child NEW! Camps at a Glance • Transportation • Lunch • Flexible Hours • More

e Baby Love

How Infants Learn Affection

Virtual Assistants vs. Manners Do Google Home and Alexa Make Kids Rude?

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

LongIslandParent

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contents table of

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

by Appaman (appaman.com)

february 2018

54 34

camp 16 10 Lessons Learned at Camp that Benefit Kids in School

36

20 Camps-at-a-Glance Chart 21 Camp Directory

Quotables

The best parenting quotes from the web, and how your definition of love changed after becoming a parent!

Staying Inside

Indoor fun in Queens, including hot cocoa spots, play spaces, and indoor water parks

How Babies Learn to Love

Your little one is hard-wired to adore you, and there’s plenty you can do to help build that bond.

raising kids

things to do

family life

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 5 Things You Need to Know About Your Postpartum Body 12 A Parenting Mantra 36 How Babies Learn to Love 42 Help Your Teen Get More Exercise 44 Healthy Smiles 46 Professional Services 48 Party Central 50 Meet the Doctor 51 Open Houses 53 Advertisers’ Index 54 Quotables

13 Valentine’s Day Pompom Critters

35 Vegan Snacks for a Super Bowl Party

24 Family Fun in Manhattan

38 House Hunters

25 Family Activities Calendar

40 Hey Google! Can You Teach My Kid Some Manners...Please?

34 Staying Inside

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› facebook.com/nymetroparents

15 Camp Special! 36 Baby Love

40 Virtual Assistants vs. Manners

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

LongIslandParent

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raising kids editor’s note

FEBRUARY 2018 • Vol.9 • No.9

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Deborah Skolnik MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling DEPUTY EDITOR: Caitlin Berens SENIOR EDITOR: Bethany Braun-Silva ENGAGEMENT EDITOR: Samantha Neudorf REGIONAL EDITORS: Samantha Beranbom (Rockland); Karen Demeter (Suffolk); Whitney C. Harris (Manhattan, Westchester); Rosalind Muggeridge (Brooklyn); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke EDITORIAL INTERN: Caitlin Sawicki

Lots to Love On These Pages!

I

To Submit Events: nymetroparents.com/submitevents

ADVERTISING SALES

Big Apple Parent 212-315-0800 Jeunesse Jackson, EJ Morales-Gomez, Linda Pierce Queens Parent 718-878-4860 Annene Guertin, Manager

t’s cold out there! (Those strange shuffling figures outside your window aren’t extras from The Walking Dead, btw—they’re kids whose moms dressed them in too many layers.) But here inside the offices of NYMetroParents, we’re thinking about summer. Yes, now’s the time to begin making your kids’ camp plans.

Bewildered by all the choices? We’ve made it easier than ever for you to find the exact camp that you want. In addition to a comprehensive camp directory, we’ve created an ata-glance chart on page 20. Need a program that offers transportation or lunch? Flexible hours, art, or special-needs services? We break it all down for you with checkboxes—we know you’ve got better things to do than to dig around for all that info!

Once you’ve settled on the best camp for your child, it’s only natural to wonder what he’ll get out of the experience. In addition to having lots of fun, he’ll learn some serious life lessons—ones that can turn him into a super student once school is back in session.

We asked Stacey Ebert, a former educator, camper, and counselor herself, to share the lowdown in “10 Lessons Learned at Camp that Benefit Kids in School” (p. 16).

Of course, February is a month when love is in the air, so check out my story on “How Babies Learn to Love” (p. 36). Don’t expect flowers and candy for a while, but if you know what to look for, there are all sorts of reassuring signs that your relationship with your little one is a two-way street! I’ll walk you through every sweet little milestone.

If you’ve got a growing family, you may also be searching for a home to love, and live in, for many happy years to come. For most of us, it will be the largest purchase of our lives. That’s one scary commitment to make! To help you in the process, read Samantha Neudorf’s “House Hunters” story (p. 38). It gives the inside scoop from the pros on how to scope out neighborhoods, figure out how much house you can afford, show sellers you’re serious, and much more.

And, in a most unlikely love story, can you get your teen to actually adore exercise?

We asked trainers what it takes to get your favorite phone-obsessed couch potato up and moving (p. 42). The good news is, it’s easier than you think, as long as you’re prepared to get in the game yourself. Why wouldn’t you? It’s always a smart idea to work a little more healthy activity into your day. You’ll both look and feel better, and just in time, too—if you ask us, at least, summer is just around the corner.

Brooklyn Parent 718-878-4860 Phyllis Crupi, Selene Rodriguez Rockland Parent 845-848-8021 Cara Roteman, Jim Russo Long Island Parent, Nassau 516-883-4543 Joan Bergman, Manager Lisa Herlihy Long Island Parent, Suffolk 631-472-5437 Karen Shapiro, Gayle Sherman To Advertise: nympads@davlermedia.com DIR. OF OPERATIONS -- EVENTS: Rebecca Stolcz DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Ray Winn OPERATIONS COORDINATORS: Leonard Porter, Christopher Regalado DIRECTOR OF TRAFFIC: Heather Gambaro ADMINISTRATION MANAGER: Erin Jordan

PRODUCTION

DIRECTOR|PUBLISHING MANAGEMENT: Anthony Diaz DIRECTOR|DIGITAL CONTENT DEVELOPMENT: Sara Wentworth

MARKETING

MARKETING MANAGER: Jaime Graham PUBLISHING & MARKETING MANAGER: Barbara Byrd

ACCOUNTING

CONTROLLER: David Friedman

ADMINISTRATION

CREDIT MANAGER: Elizabeth Teagarden CREDIT ASSISTANTS: Rosa Meinhofer, Diedra Smith

MOMMYBITES.COM

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Rebecca Dixon 917-572-9192

Davler Media Group davlermedia.com

CEO: David L. Miller General Manager: Thomas K. Hanlon 498 Seventh Ave., 10th Floor, New York, NY 10018 Phone: 212-315-0800; Fax: 212-271-2239

Deborah Skolnik Editorial Director

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

Westchester Parent 914-397-0200 Nini DeLuca, Manager Merrill Sugarman, Mary Wender

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

Subscription rates per year, per publication: $39

Patients will always see Dr. Elbaz to ensure consistency and build trust.

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Conveniently Located less than a mile south of the Southern State Parkway

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raising kids new places, new programs

Camps ‘R’ Us is a fam

ily-owned summer cam

p for children ages 3-1 5.

tics

Who: Camps ‘R’ Us What’s New: Locations in East Rockaway and Saint James, which are scheduled to open for the first day of camp on June 25. Plus, an enhanced dance program; ELA, math, science, and social studies lessons; and additional theme days and field trips for all locations.

The offerings at the new locations will be similar to those at the seven other locations on Long Island, including sports, arts and crafts, interactive gaming, go-karts, swimming, and bowling.

The eight-week 2018 camp season runs from June 25-Aug. 17 (no camp July 4).

Want More Info: Camps ‘R’ Us East Rockaway at St. Raymond School, 263 Atlantic Ave., East Rockaway and Camps ‘R’ Us Saint James at Saints Philip and James School, 359 Clinton Ave., Saint James; campsrus.org; 516-935-2267

Courtesy Camps ‘R’ Us

Long Island Summer Camp Expands and Adds Programs

Courtesy Russian

Who: Russian School of Mathematics What’s New: A move within Nassau County from Port Washington to the Mid-Island Y JCC in Plainview, which took place in July 2017.

The Russian School of Mathematics offers an array of advanced math classes for children in kindergarten through 12th grades who are looking for math challenge or need help in developing their relationship with the subject.

“Math develops the logical thinking. It’s required everywhere for whatever you do,” says Victoria Gartstein, director of the Plainview and Brooklyn locations. “It’s a base for other sciences.”

The Russian School of Mathematics also has locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Want More Info: Within Mid-Island Y JCC: 45 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview; 201-661-4229; midisland@russianschool.com; russianschool.com/ location/mid-island

School of Mathema

After-School Mathematics Program Moves to Plainview

p, test

ers homework hel

l of Mathematics off

The Russian Schoo prep, and more.

8

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Courtesy Pediatric Dentistry of Nassa

Who: Pediatric Dentistry of Nassau County, PLLC What’s New: A dental practice located in Garden City, which had its grand opening in January.

Pediatric Dentistry of Nassau County is a new practice started by Michael Ioannou, D.M.D, of Pediatric Dentistry of Suffolk County.

The new location, which serves children ages 1-18, is equipped with underwater-themed treatment rooms and state-of-the-art technology, including digital X-ray machines, video games for patients, and iPads.

“Our goal is to teach preventative care and to establish a dental home starting at the age of one,” Dr. Ioannou says. “We want to treat every child like they are our own.”

Want More Info: 300 Garden City Plaza, Suite 214, Garden City; 516-280-6734; supermolar.com

u County

Local Dentist Opens Practice in Garden City

Michael Ioannou, D.M.D., of Pediatric

Dentistry of Nassau County

.OASIS DAY CAMP.

LIU Post at LIU Post Campus, Tully Park at Michael J. Tully Park & On The Sound at Manorhaven Beach Park Specialized Early Start Program: Ages 3-5

Low child/staff ratio • Ready for September enrichment Early childhood experienced staff Scheduling accommodates physical and creative needs of campers

Traditional Day Camp: Ages 6-11

Programming designed to expose campers to new, exciting fun activities.

Inclusive environment - building bonds and lifelong friendships Sports & Outdoor Adventure • Arts & Crafts • Music & Performing Arts Campers choice activities • American Red Cross Swim Instruction

Teen Travel: Ages 12-14

Opportunity for teens to broaden their horizons!

Daily trips to museums, beaches, baseball games & amusement parks Interactive workshops with talented professionals & more!

Overnight camp excursions & late-night socials!

Oasis Features:

8:30am-5:30pm + extended day • AC Transportation Hot Lunch Option • Flexible Enrollment: 2-8 weeks Special Events: Carnivals, tie dye, scavenger hunts, color war, day trips

˜Almost 20 years of Tradition~

As close to sleepaway camp as you can get!

Call us or visit our BRAND NEW website with questions or for info session dates! www.oasischildren.com • 800-317-1392

@oasisdaycamps

LongIslandParent

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raising kids in the know

5 Things You Need To Know About Your Postpartum Body››

By Bethany Braun-Silva with Marianne Ryan, PT, OCS

S

o much comes with the territory of getting pregnant. Body changes such as aches and pains, acid reflux, hair growth, and of course, weight gain are all part of the deal. It would be great if these unwanted symptoms would simply go away after a woman gives birth—after all, a new mom has enough to worry about—but that’s simply just not the case. Our bodies continue to change postpartum.

It’s important that we are aware of these changes and continue to take care of ourselves along with our new bundle of joy.

We asked Marianne Ryan, PT, OCS, physical therapist, clinical director of Marianne Ryan Physical Therapy, and author of Baby Bod– Turn Flab to Fab in 12 Weeks Flat, what women can expect from their bodies after giving birth. Ryan runs a physical therapy practice in New York City dedicated to helping women recover postpartum, so she has plenty of advice to offer. Here, she shares five things women should know about their postpartum bodies: 1. Just because you gave birth, that doesn’t mean you lost weight. Whatever you do, don’t even think of stepping on that scale for at least 30 days after you deliver your baby. I remember breaking down into tears after I weighed myself three days after I delivered my first daughter. I had only lost a few pounds! I asked myself, ‘How can that be?’ My daughter weighed 8½ pounds and the placenta and amniotic fluid weighed about 3 or 4 pounds, so I should have weighed at least 12 pounds less, right? Wrong! Right after giving birth, your body is still going through a lot changes.

The amount of fluid you retain can fluctuate hourly, especially if you are nursing. It takes a few weeks for your body to lose the excess fluid you built up during your pregnancy and for your uterus to return to normal size. So as much fun as it may seem to find out how much you weigh, don’t do it; it can drive you crazy.

2. You can exercise, just take it slow. As a general rule I advise women to protect their bodies during the first six postpartum

weeks. For example, don’t lift anything heavier than your newborn baby. If you have an older toddler, try to teach them to climb up to you while you sit on a chair or bed. After your six-week postpartum check up, you can gradually return to pre-pregnancy activities as long as you do not develop pain or have other symptoms that indicate your pelvic floor muscles have not fully recovered.

3. You might still look pregnant. This can be due to a condition called diastasis recti—it’s a separation of abdominal muscles, which can occur during pregnancy and remain afterward, resulting in a protruding belly. To keep it from getting worse, avoid activities that put pressure on your abdomen, such as getting out of bed by doing a sit up. Instead, get out of bed by rolling over onto your side and swinging your legs over the side of the bed before sitting up. And whenever you lift something heavy, such as a grocery bag or a large pot of pasta, exhale to reduce the strain on your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles.

4. You might feel a little leaky. It’s common to experience incontinence right after childbirth, but it is not normal if it continues for more than a couple of months. When you leak urine, it means there is a fault in the system that supports your bladder, and you should seek help to get it fixed. The best way to approach it is to consider going for pelvic physical therapy with a women’s health specialist.

5. Expect some pain. Pain in the back, pelvis, pelvic floor area, or abdomen is a common complaint of new moms, but it is not normal if the pain continues. Make sure to report it to your doctor or midwife. Most people assume pain is just a normal occurrence new moms have to learn to live with, but it shouldn’t be! If you have persistent pain, consider getting it treated by a women’s health care professional such as a physical therapist or chiropractor.

Marianne Ryan, PT, OCS, has mastered the highest level of advanced orthopedic manual therapy techniques. She is a thought leader in the field, known for her special knowledge in the areas of prenatal and postpartum physical therapy, TMJ, and headaches. A frequent lecturer and source for national media, she is also the author of the international best-selling book Baby Bod-Turn Flab to Fab in 12 Weeks Flat, available on amazon.com.

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February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

What rights do students have?

Children do have legal rights, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is a law designed to ensure that all students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education that meets their unique needs and prepares them for the future. Violations can pertain to:

IEP and Section 504 requirements • Disciplinary action Lack of services • Improper placement • Bullying

Safeguarding legal rights is often critical to a student’s success. In situations where school districts aren’t complying with the law, Ms. Adler-Greene – a determined, experienced attorney – can advance a resolution that best serves your child’s well-being and education.

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Shining Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, P.C. Rod Stern, D.D.S. 444 Community Dr Suite 201 Manhasset, NY 11030 | (516) 487-5437 | www.sspdny.com

LongIslandParent 11

raising kids voices

A Parenting Mantra ››

How one mom’s newfound approach to life—discovered during pregnancy—allowed her to pursue a music career while raising a daughter in Brooklyn. By Janie Barnett

I

was pregnant when my album, Shake the Ladder, was released.

Surprise! While my pregnancy wasn’t planned, my husband and I had always wanted children. So we welcomed the news, albeit with a bit of breathless naiveté.

Four months into the pregnancy, we performed at a holiday party for a premier rehearsal studio in New York, with numerous appearances planned for the months ahead. At the end of the evening, exhausted, I said to my husband, “Maybe we have to rethink this schedule.”

Rethink. That word was to become our mantra in the juggling of work and parenthood. Yes, there was a master plan, reflecting the needs of two freelancer parents. But executing “the plan” meant embracing a mantra, plus several other bits of wisdom: Nothing is engraved in stone. Every challenge has its unique set of choices. And…be ready to drop everything.

I was offered the chance to go on tour when my daughter was just 3 months old. Would we hire a live-in nanny to help my husband?

Would I take my daughter with me? We considered these options; then came another moment of recognition. Time to rethink again.

That rethink came in the form of an acknowledgment: I had no interest in being away from my daughter for weeks at a time.

This clarity brought a kind of relief that surprised me. I wouldn’t wrestle with this particular choice, but how would I keep my career moving forward while being a fully engaged parent? There was no single formula.

My daughter loves the fact that her mom is a musician. As a little girl, when someone was singing on the radio or a CD, she would ask, “Do we know her?” But freelance life meant that my young daughter had a babysitter in place right from the beginning. The call to run to the recording studio could come at any time.

The babysitter—who, more than 20 years later, I still consider part of the family—was not always available. And my husband, also a freelance musician, was often out working as well. Sometimes I brought my daughter to the studio. The rethink: Maybe my colleagues at the studio will not mind…maybe my daughter will be easy-going…maybe this can be managed in a different way than my working mother had to manage it. She came to the studio and delighted all, while Mommy put the headphones on and sang. On

Janie Barnett’s daughter, Adrienne, who is now 25

several occasions I worked in the studios during school hours, ran to pick her up from school, ate dinner and did the bedtime routine with her, then headed back to the studios for a 10pm recording session.

During the elementary- and middle-school years, I came upon one of the most profound gifts to the working parent: the larger community of working families. My daughter had great friends, and those friends had great parents who “got it.”

I recall an afternoon, hanging out with friends two blocks over in Brooklyn, when the stress-inducing beeper went off. Mommy was called to the studio. “Sweetie, we gotta go in to town,” I told my daughter. Her response? “Mommy, how about I stay with Barbara?”

Barbara was her best friend Julia’s mommy. I teared up. My kid had figured it out. Rethink in the moment: Be flexible. Look for other ways to ride with it. Help, and be helped. Spot the people who are also rethinking every day. Love their kids as they love yours.

On a late fall afternoon, walking from the subway to pick up my daughter from science club, I wrote the chorus to a new song in my head. She was 10 then, fully her own person, but she always hoped Mommy would be the one to pick her up. That afternoon I felt the surge of creativity that I knew was borne out of necessity.

The old model: I need hours to do my best work, and my sitter to provide me with those indulgent hours. The rethink: Seize the moment! Flip the switch! Get on with it! It’s the advice I got from my cousin, a mathematician, who would work just one step of a proof while her infant daughter napped.

Moving into high school years, one might expect that I was “cut loose” from daily hands-on parenting. Few teenage girls want their mother in the trenches with them: “Get outta my face, Mom!” But my girl? Magically, she wanted me right there with her, at least most of the time. Time to rethink again. Just keep yourself in the game, keep expanding your skills, get ready (no, it’s not too late!) for the time when you will fully step away, and have that undivided time again.

As a working parent, I learned a lesson that I’ve come to understand is essential for a happy life in general—and it’s a lesson my daughter fully acknowledges she’s learned in our journey together: Be flexible, be ingenious, be ready to rethink. My daughter and I are grateful every day for the relationship that was borne from this fluidity.

Janie Barnett is a performing singer-songwriter in the Americana tradition. Her work and recent album release can be found at janiebarnett.com. She has been part of the New York recording session scene for many years, as well a producer/arranger and educator. Barnett is an Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music in Boston, while maintaining her life in Brooklyn, where her daughter, Adrienne Hanson, was raised.

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February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

things to do

diy corner

Social Thinking in a Social World

Do you know this child?

Valentine’s Day Pompom Critters

V

alentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and that means hearts, candy, flowers, and cards—especially cards for your kids’ classmates. Rather than buying premade Valentine’s Day cards that are a dime a dozen (how many variations of superhero and popular cartoon Valentine’s Day puns can there really be?), try making these adorable love bugs with your kids for their friends.

We’re almost positive these critters will be hanging out on desks long after the holiday has passed.

Editor’s note: While this DIY calls for specific brands readily available at Michaels stores, feel free to use your favorite brands or products that are available in your local craft store.

Duration: 15 minutes or less Craft Level: Beginner Materials: Foam Heart Stickers By Creatology® Creatology™ Pom Poms, Sparkle Mix Creatology™ Assorted Wiggle Eyes Creatology™ Chenille Stems Elmer’s® Washable School Glue Artist’s Loft™ Aluminum Straight Edge Ruler Instructions: 1. Choose a large heart sticker for the Critter’s feet. Do not peel the backing paper off the sticker. Lay it flat on the table with the rounded part of the heart facing forward.

2. Choose a large pompom and glue it to the top of the heart sticker.

3. O ptional: Glue a medium pompom on top of the large pompom to create a head, separate from the body.

4. G lue two wiggle eyes to the large pompom.

Tip: Another fun way to add eyes is to glue two wiggle eyes to two tiny pompoms and then glue the tiny pompoms to the large pompom.

5. C ut a piece of chenille stem about 2 inches long and fold in half.

Glue two tiny pompoms to each end and then glue the folded part to the top of the large Pompom Critter’s body. Let dry.

6. O ptional: Choose a heart sticker and glue the bottom pointed end of the heart to the lower back of the body, creating a tail.

Craft and photography courtesy and reprinted with permission of Michaels // Michaels.com; share photos of your project with #MakeItWithMichaels.

Register Now! She alw ays sits alon e on the bus sat ions He inte rru pts oth er peo ple’ s con ver She isn’ t invi ted on play dat es cted cha nge He mel ts dow n wh en the re’s une xpe

The social world can be a challenging place.

At Steps to Socialization, we understand that not all children process social information the same way. Some have to be taught how to think socially, step by step.

Successful Friendships are Possible!

••••••••••••••••••••

13 SOUTH BAYLES AVENUE PORT WASHINGTON, NY 516.767.0266 | www.s2sny.com LongIslandParent 13

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Sylvan of Mineola is currently offering programs in Reading, Writing, Mathematics, SAT & ACT Prep and Study Skill.

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Free Academic Assessments in February for the first 25 families $100 off an SAT or ACT Prep Course Must mention Promo Code: LIPMineola *Mention code LIPMineola. Valid at this location only. Cannot be combined with other offers. For new enrollments only.

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MATH

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

SAT/ACT PREP

WRITING

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online extras Ever wonder why kids love summer camp so much? We’re sharing the inside scoop from real happy campers at ›› nymetroparents.com/camp-great There are ways to know when your child is old enough for camp. Experts share advice on how you can gauge your child's readiness at ›› nymetroparents.com/how-young

Being a camp counselor is a great first job for many kids. Learn why at ›› nymetroparents.com/counselor When you’re shopping around for a summer camp for your child, you’ll probably want to interview the camp director. Find a list of questions you should ask at ›› nymetroparents.com/camp-directors

inside

raising kids camp special

16 10 Lessons Learned at Camp that Benefit Kids in School: Sending your children to summer camp has many lasting benefits—especially when it comes to education.

20 C amp Guide: This camps-at-a-glance chart makes it easier to find exactly what you want in a summer camp. amp Directory: Find day camps, 21 C specialty camps, and sleepaway camps in and near Nassau County.

10 Lessons Learned at Camp that Benefit Kids in School ››

Sending your children to summer camp has many lasting benefits—especially when it comes to education. By Stacey Ebert

A

t my sleepaway camp, Maryanne was the camp cook. From the time I was 10, she and her husband called me ‘the camper’. The nickname stuck, and it still exists at reunions and on social media messages decades later. Although I never mentioned that tidbit to my high school students (I used to be a teacher), I learned at an early age that relationships matter. And no matter who you are, where you come from, or what position you hold (at camp, in school, or at work), interacting with people allows us to learn lessons we never knew would make such a difference in our lives.

There are lessons in everything. Some of the most important ones take shape in our youth while we’re at camp, such as learning to clean up the cabin, clear the dishes, and help out a fellow camper.

These, along with other camp lessons, influence us well beyond the camp cabins. Sometimes it’s hard for parents to send their little ones away to camp. But when they do, it’s clear that these lessons learned 16

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

in the summer months will last far into kids’ adult years—and more immediately help them in the classroom. Here’s a look at some camp wisdom that can also help kids be better students:

Do unto others.

Campers and counselors share hopes, dreams, fears, and much more. We all deserve to be treated with kindness, respect, empathy, and compassion. As an educator, I taught my ninth-graders about religions and philosophies and how although each has its differences, most have something similar to the Golden Rule: Treat others as you would like to be treated. I learned that lesson at camp far before I ever set foot in a global history classroom, and my students practiced it regularly. Sometimes it meant sharing snacks with one another. Sometimes it meant stepping in when a fellow student was bullied. There is no expiration date on kindness and respect.

CAMP MARKETPLACE Find your creativity.

My first class at sleepaway camp was painting on rocks. Perhaps that’s not a skill I use on a daily basis, but the message behind it?

Definitely. Create what speaks to you, and don’t be afraid to show the world your creation. Students benefit from this daily. Taking up a musical instrument when their friends’ choices are different, trying out for a school play, or jumping into art classes are only some of the ways that creativity shines in school settings.

Camp Clio

eventh S r u O nd Year a g din Expan ion iss Our M

a seriously fun place for adopted children...

Youths and Teens

Rest assured that there’s something for everyone.

I have three best friends from sleepaway camp. One loved horseback riding, one adored farming, one was a fan of arts and crafts; three of us became lifeguards; and all of us became counselors. Later in life, three of us became educators and two of us took to the creative arts. Whether we are young or young-at-heart, there is always a place for all of us.

Camp Clio

(Ages 9 - 12)

July 1 to July 21, 2018 (1, 2, or 3 weeks) Held at Camp Claire Lyme, CT

Practice patience, positivity, persistence, and perseverance.

These four words embody the characteristics of many of my favorite counselors, and I passed those lessons and skills on to campers when I became a counselor. Sometimes kids were homesick and a positive attitude boosted their spirits. Sometimes kids were frustrated when they tried something new, and persistence and perseverance were crucial. And sometimes kids took longer at learning, accepting, or changing, and patience was important. Every day in the classroom, students put these lessons into action. They try harder at math, work to acquire a second language, and use mindfulness techniques to bring their positivity to light. We never outgrow the need for these lessons—especially in a learning environment.

Camp Clio Teen

(Ages 13 - 16)

July 1-6 or July 7-13, 2018 (1 or 2 weeks) Held at Middlesex County Camp Moodus, CT

Learn new things.

I rode my first horse, became a lifeguard, and learned how to make a one-match campfire at camp. Each of these was fairly terrifying, yet today I continue to use all of these skills (well, most of them).

The desire to learn things doesn’t end when the buses leave camp on the last day. From the first day of school onward, learning things is part of a student’s existence; perhaps it’s a new scientific equation, a new sport in physical education, or a new way of interpreting a novel. Learning new things keeps our minds open and our perspective broadening. The yearning for more knowledge, more culture, more skills, and more growth never fades.

CAMP EAST WOODS OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR 2018

Expl or e M ore!

Located on 46 Acres in Oyster Bay, NY For Ages 2 - 15 Half Day & 3 Day Options Available

• Build Friendships • Create Memories • Develop Social & Life Skills

OPEN HOUSES:

March 11th 10am-1pm, May 19th 10am-1pm and by appointment

Try new things, especially if they make you uncomfortable.

Summer Day Camp June 25th - August 10th Single or Multi Week Options Available • 9-3PM Extended Day Available

Fun & Innovating Program Includes:

Show empathy.

At every camp I went to and worked at, there was swimming of some kind. The exercise was good for both mind and body, but the empathy learned through swimming sessions delved deeper.

Learning to swim is scary. The instructors taught us with ease, kindness, patience, and most importantly empathy. Throughout the school year, students put into action those life lessons: listening continued on next page ››

Private Swim & Music Instruction Available

• Aquatics • Music • Arts & Crafts • Woodworking • Junior Chefs • Performing Arts • Creative Writing • Improv • Team & Individual Sports

CAMP MORE, SAVE MORE PROMOTION! Save Up To

20%

On Tuition For 7 Weeks!

WAYS TO SAVE: • Sibling Discounts • Early Bird Savings • Referral Credits

17415971H705

There was a giant rock called Geronimo on the shoreline at camp.

I always thought those who climbed it and jumped off were exceptionally brave. I was petrified to try this myself, yet somehow when I wiped the foamy sea from my face and came up for air, I felt exhilarated. The idea of being afraid, taking a deep breath, and doing it anyway applies to core classes in school and far beyond. Walking into a new high school, not having any friends in your lunch period, or deciding to join the Robotics Club when everyone else is going to chorus—every day at school there’s a bit of discomfort, but applying this lesson from camp creates ease, lessens stress, and empowers youth.

31 Yellow Cote Road, Oyster Bay, NY 11771 @campeastwoods For more information www.campeastwoods.com/camp@eastwoods.org / 516.922.4437

LongIslandParent 17

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to each other, utilizing each others’ strengths, lending a hand with weaknesses, and being aware of various needs and abilities.

Diversity matters.

that in turn benefits students and schools. Students become better friends and learners, and are more willing to put their talents out in the world.

If an outsider had taken a straw poll, the diversity levels at my summer camp would have rated off the charts. The differences made us stronger, taught us tolerance, built community, empowered empathy, encouraged perspective, and made us better people. School is much the same; there are as many differences as there are students in a school, from backgrounds and traditions, to interests and hobbies, to family units and dreams. Seeing these differences as vital, enriching, and encouraging enables growth, and opens minds.

Be proud of your achievements.

Sharing is caring.

Camp lessons aren’t scored on a rubric or a bubble sheet, on a multiple-choice assessment or a three-page essay. These important life lessons stand the test of time, help to open minds, build bridges, impart skills and wisdom, and create communities of happy, kind, and fulfilled humans. It’s hard to imagine a better score than that.

Everyone is a teacher at camp. Debbie inspired me to be a lifeguard. Katie shared her love of travel. Millie taught me to cook.

Krista taught me to swim and shared her snacks. Each of them, along with many others, shared their wisdom. Each camper and counselor has something to offer, creating a sense of community

As a sleepaway camper, I couldn’t wait for Sunday night’s council fire. People got their swim certificates, and the whole camp celebrated newly appointed lifeguards. As an aquatics director at a day camp, I gave out swimmer of the week certificates. As a student, it feels good to have your work honored, your creations displayed, and your efforts encouraged. Success isn’t built overnight and learning to take pride in your achievements begins at camp and continues into school—and later into adulthood.

Stacey Ebert is a camper at heart who has spent more than 25 years in the camping and education industries in New York as a teacher, club advisor, counselor, and aquatics director. She is a published writer, blogger, event planner, volunteer manager, and educator always in search of joy. She loves travel, spending time outside, and is an avid yogi. She has visited more than 50 of the world’s countries, and met her Australian-born husband while on a trip in New Zealand. Check out her blog at thegiftoftravel.wordpress.com.

CAMP MARKETPLACE

Destination Science The fun science day camp for curious kids 5-11!

TSH SUMMER CAMP HAS IT ALL!

Save $40/wk!

Traditional Day Camp PLUS a Full Riding Program

Ends 2/28/18

11 Long Island Locations destinationscience.org 888-909-2822

For boys & girls ages 3-15

(631) 692-6840 TSHCamp.com Melville, NY

O L D W E S T B U RY · FA R M I N G DA L E · S T. J O S E P H ’ S · S O U T H A M P TO N

since 1980

WEEKLY SESSIONS 20+ sports, s.t.e.a.m. & specialty programs 516.876.3490 · fscamps.com 18

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

CAMP MARKETPLACE

LIU POST’S CENTER FOR GIFTED YOUTH SPRING 2018 SATURDAY PROGRAM Feb 3rd – April 28th for students entering grades K-8

Are You the Parent of a Gifted Child?

Summer Program for the Gifted Challenging Creative Enriching CAMP

INQUIRE ABOUT OUR SUMMER PROGRAM Grades K – 8

3, 4 & 5 Day Workshops

June 25th – August 31st

STEAM | Robotics | Engineering | Archaeology | Writing | Culinary Science Business/Economics | BioMedical Studies | Humanities | Zoology & more!

LIU Post’s Center for Gifted Youth

Enriching brilliant minds every day… in every way.

announces its 37th annual fall and spring program for gifted children. The fall

program runs on Saturdays from October 7th to December 16th and the spring program runs on Saturdays from February 3rd to April 28th.

The program is open to gifted children entering grades K-8 in September 2017. The program expands

Is your child

students’ knowledge, develops creative and critical thinking skills, and offers children the opportunity to learn in an exciting and accepting environment.

GIFTED?

For information call 516-299-2160 liu.edu/post/giftedyouth Now find us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Year-Round Enrichment

Admission is highly selective and enrollment is limited.

LIU Post • College of Education, Information and Technology • 720 Northern Blvd. • Brookville, NY 11548-1300 liu.edu/post/giftedyouth • Dr. Lynne Manouvrier, Director

LONG ISLAND HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS

CAMPAIGN FOR THE

long island high school for the

arts

All Subject Areas Ages 2-16

Classes Offered 7 Days a Week Nassau & Suffolk Locations

631-549-2313

www.VillageEastGifted.com

Sign Language Camp for Hearing Kids

July 23 -

Two Sessions 27 and July 30

- Aug. 3

9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Theatre Music Dance GRADES 6-12 Fine Art Digital Media Special Effects Filmmaking

JULY 2-27

OPEN HOUSES

FREE Lunch Provided Daily!

FREE Sign Camp T-Shirt!

FREE Mill Neck Manor Tours!

Register Today, Early Bird Discount, Limited Space Available Located on the beautiful 86-acre Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf Campus in Mill Neck, N.Y.

Boys & Girls Ages 8 - 16

lutheranfriendsofthedea lutheranfriendsofthedeaf.org 516-628-4229

FEBRUARY 3 & APRIL 28

10 am -2 pm

516.622.5678 • 239 Cold Spring Rd., Syosset LIHSA is a program of Nassau BOCES

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Art League of Long Island artleagueli.net Beth Sholom Day Camp bethsholomdaycamp.com

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Camp Clio campclio.org

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Camp East Woods campeastwoods.com

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Cold Spring harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium cshfishhatchery.org

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Countryside Montessori School cmsgn.com

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Destination Science - The FUN Science Day Camp For Curious Kids 5-11!

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destinationscience.org

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Gersh Academy at West Hills Day Camp

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livoyagersdaycamp.com

Mill Neck Foundation/ Lutheran Friends of the Deaf lutheranfriendsofthedeaf.org

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Future Stars Summer Camps fscamps.com

Fine Arts

Special Needs

Nature/Petting Zoo

CIT (counselor-in-training)

Travel

Horseback Riding

Competitive Sports

Theater

STEAM/Robotics

PROGRAMS:

Scholarship

Flexible Scheduling

Extended Hours

Lunch

Transportation

Camp Guide

SERVICES:

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Oasis Camp at LIU Post oasischildren.com

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Oasis Camp at Tully Park oasischildren.com

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February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

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Sylvan of Mineola sylvanlearning.com Thomas School of Horsemanship

tshcamp.com

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts

usdan.org

Village East Gifted Camp ThinkTank

villageeastgifted.com YMCA of Long Island ymcali.org

Young People’s Day Camp of Nassau ypdc.com

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Challenge Courses

Fine Arts

Special Needs

Nature/Petting Zoo

CIT (counselor-in-training)

Travel

Horseback Riding

Competitive Sports

Theater

STEAM/Robotics

PROGRAMS:

Scholarship

Flexible Scheduling

Extended Hours

Lunch

Transportation

Camp Guide

SERVICES:

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Camp Directory DAY CAMPS

Beth Sholom Day Camp

401 Roslyn Road, Roslyn Heights 516-621-9257 bethsholomdaycamp.com Beth Sholom Day Camp offers boys and girls, ages 3-15, the opportunity to reach their goals in a friendly, noncompetitive atmosphere. Activities include music, dance, arts and crafts, karate, as well as outdoor sports.

Red cross swim instruction is offered in our three heated pools.

BSDC provides door-to-door, air-conditioned transportation.

Glatt Kosher lunches provided daily, and we are nut free. BSDC offers full- and mini-day nursery programs. Fifth-eighth grades participate in a camp and trip program. A CIT program is available for ninth and 10th grades. bethsholomdaycamp.com or office@bethsholomdaycamp.com

Camp East Woods

31 Yellow Cote Drive, Oyster Bay 516-922-4400 campeastwoods.com Camp East Woods offers special experiences for campers ages 2-15.

With easy access from dozens of North Shore towns (Nassau and Suffolk), our camp is truly affordable. Our facilities, located on 46 acres, offer rain or shine accommodations: two gymnasiums, theater stage, art studio, woodworking shop, cooking facilities, air-conditioned lunch room, science and computer labs, library, nurse’s office, athletic fields, two pools, and a playground.

Countryside Montessori School

354 Lakeville Road, Lower Level, Great Neck 516-466-8422 cmsgn.com; info@cmsgn.com Countryside Montessori school runs a summer camp during July

and August for children ages 18 months to 6 years. Camp has weekly themes that revolve around the projects and discussions the children have. Toddlers have playbased mornings spent in our playground. Primary (ages 3 years and older) spends part of the mornings doing academics then spends afternoons in the playground while toddlers nap. Camp is a great way to acclimate your child to a school environment. Please contact us for information on enrollment at 516466-8422 or info@cmsgn.com.

ty camp programs at three outstanding collegiate locations (The College at Old Westbury, Farmingdale State College, and St. Joseph’s College Patchogue). Programs are offered to boys and girls entering kindergarten-ninth grade. Future Stars programs help campers improve their skills in their chosen activities, and a balanced day ensures the perfect blend of instruction and fun.

Stop by open house events to view the facilities, meet the staff, and take advantage of enrollment savings. See you in the summer!

Future Stars Summer Camps

Long Island Voyager’s Day Camp

The College at Old Westbury, Old Westbury 516-876-3490 Farmingdale State College 2350 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale St. Joseph’s College 155 W. Roe Blvd., Patchogue fscamps.com Future Stars Summer Camps offer weekly Sports, STEAM, and Special-

516-238-4586 livoyagersdaycamp.com livoyagersdaycamp@gmail.com Long Island Voyager’s Day Camp is an exciting, action-packed, and safe summer experience for boys and girls ages 4-14. We offer activities that include swimming, sports, arts and crafts, rock climbcontinued on next page ››

LongIslandParent 21

spirit. We feel passionately about children having fun-filled days while learning some of life’s most important lessons: responsibility, caring, kindness, and critical thinking.

both two-week sessions. Summer Pre-College Portfolio Development is geared to teens ages 15-18 interested in pursuing careers in art and design. Participants can enroll in one or both three-week sessions.

YMCA of Long Island

Camp Clio

‹‹ continued from page 20

ing, gymnastics, talent shows, and special events, plus amazing adventure trips to Splish Splash, Adventureland, Boomers, museums, iMax theaters, Fire Island, Bayville Adventure Park, aquariums, and Chocolate Factory! Our staff is CPR-, first aid-, and AED-certified. Lifeguards and nurse on staff and licensed. CIT program is available. Free transportation in Suffolk and Nassau counties.

Oasis Camps

Oasis at LIU Post 720 Northern Blvd., Greenvale 646-519-5066 liupost@oasischildren.com Oasis on the Sound David Zimmerman, camp director Port Washington Senior Center 80 Manorhaven Blvd., Manorhaven 718-596-4900 onthesound@oasischildren.com Oasis at Tully Park Jason Miradoli, camp director Michael J. Tully Park 1801 Evergreen Ave., New Hyde Park 718-596-4900 tullypark@oasischildren.com oasischildren.com Oasis Camp offers programs for children ages 3 years to sixth grade! With facilities in Manhattan, Queens, Long Island, Westchester, and New Jersey, Oasis features mature staff with low camper-tostaff ratio and a warm environment where kids can participate in activities tailored to their interests. The Early Start camp for kids 3 years to kindergarten offers sports, daily Red Cross swim, arts, dance, theater, and a Ready for September enrichment program. The Traditional Camp (first-sixth grades) provides campers with sports, crafts, theater, dance, and Red Cross Swim. Teen Travel has daily trips, team building, and overnights.

Thomas School of Horsemanship Summer Day Camp

250 Round Swamp Road, Melville 631-692-6840 tshcamp.com tsh@tshcamp.com For more than 70 years Thomas School of Horsemanship has been a day camp where children expand their knowledge of horses and participate in the daily activities that a traditional camp offers. Each day our campers attend riding, horse science, instructional swim, free swim, sports, art, theater and STEM. Each week we host an exciting special day that includes friendly competition and team

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Camp locations: Bay Shore, East Hampton, Glen Cove, Holtsville, Huntington, and Patchogue 855-2YMCALI (296-2254) ymcali.org/programs tamar.simpson@ymcali.org YMCA Summer Day Camp offers children positive developmental experiences and encourages them to forge bonds with each other and with staff, building confidence through skill-building activities suited to their age. Each of our Ys offers a robust and fun-filled summer day camp program. Please check your local branch for specific offerings and pricing. You can also view a camp brochure with full program descriptions at ymcali.org.

Young People’s Day Camps Nassau

516-650-1856 or 631-476-3330 ypdc.com Young People’s Day Camp of Nassau County, conveniently located in Hicksville, caters to children ages 4-15. We have been providing boys and girls with summer fun for more than 45 years! YPDC’s philosophy is to “grow” children intellectually, physically, and spiritually in a safe, fun environment! We offer two- to eight-week programs with exciting trips, arts and crafts, yoga, karate, carnivals, talent shows, special event days, instructional sports, and both recreational and instructional swim.

YPDC is a family-owned and -operated program that offers a lunch program for a nominal fee and free door-to-door transportation to all areas in Nassau County.

SPECIALTY CAMPS

Art League of Long Island Summer Art Adventure

30 DeForest Road, Dix Hills 631-462-5400 Summer Pre-College Portfolio Development 107 E. Deer Park Road, Dix Hills artleagueli.org; info@artleague.org Summer Art Adventure offers kids and teens ages 5-14 fun and creative activities in a variety of visual arts mediums led by certified art professionals. Flexible options allow kids ages 5-10 to join one or all of five weekly themed sessions. Pre-teens and teens ages 11-14 can participate in one or

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Held at Camp Claire 15 Oakland Ave., Lyme, CT Middlesex County Camp 298 E. Haddam Moodus Road, Moodus, CT 212-472-5207 campclio.org Camp Clio and our new Camp Clio Teen offer a unique experience for adopted children (ages 9-12) and teens (ages 13-16). Camp Clio campers and counselors (themselves adopted and serving as role models) share the intimacy and safety of being with other adopted friends, providing the opportunity to share feelings and adoption stories with others who understand adoption without explanation because they are “just like me”—all in a fun camp environment. Camp Clio Teen: July 1-13. Camp Clio Youth: July 1-21. Campers may come for one or more sessions.

Scholarships available.

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium Nature Summer Camp

1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor 516-692-6768 cshfishhatchery.org steved@cshfishhatchery.org Give your young explorers, pre-K to 12th grades, a summer surrounded by nature. Encourage their love of science with hands-on activities, nature crafts, live animals, and outdoor adventure nature camps.

Expeditions to nearby salt marsh, ponds, and woodlands. 2018 programs: Close Encounters of the Natural Kind, Curious Naturalists, Field Explorers, Junior Biologists, Turtle Trackers, Fly Fishing, Orienteering, Outdoor Photography Fun, Oobleck!, Cool Experiments for a Hot Day, Pond Adventures, Salt Marsh Exploration, and Naturalists-in-Training (CIT) Program.

One- to four-day camps are available. Summer fun at a great price!

Prepare to get wet and muddy!

Destination Science - The fun science day camp for curious kids 5 to 11!

Multiple locations in Nassau and Suffolk counties 888-909-2822 destinationscience.org Destination Science kids experience “Aha!” moments of

understanding, creativity, and curiosity while engineering, building, experimenting, and playing with astonishing gadgets and fantastic gizmos. Our top notch, enthusiastic educators make STEM learning an adventure! Build Soccer-Bots and Rube Cube Goldberg-like contraptions; roller coasters, carnivals, and marine explorers; build and train four robots and engineer with techno toys; build a dinosaur roverbot and launch to a fantastical planet. 2018 topics: Science Makers and Inventors Camp, Amusement Park Science Camp, Transforming Robots Camp, and Rovers Rocketing to Space Camp.

LIU Post Center for Gifted Youth

Dr. Lynne Manouvrier, director LIU Post, Brookville 516-299-2160 liu.edu/giftedyouth The Long Island University program for gifted children was established in 1979 in response to the increasing recognition of society’s special responsibilities for children with demonstrably superior intellectual ability. The LIU Center for Gifted Youth brings together two important elements of education for the gifted: extraordinary teachers recruited from leading schools in the metropolitan area and university-level facilities.

These two factors, combined with an administrative and psychological team schooled in the needs of gifted children, give the program at LIU Post unique strengths in producing positive benefits for young people admitted to the program.

Long Island High School for the Arts Summer Arts Academy: sixth to 12th grades 239 Cold Spring Road, Syosset 516-622-5678 nassauboces.org/lihsa The Long Island High School for the Arts offers a four-week Summer Arts Academy that promises to be a rewarding experience for all aspiring artists in sixth through 12th grades. The program offers students professional-level classes designed to provide challenging artistic opportunities taught by practicing artists. Students have the choice to focus on one of LIHSA’s major disciplines: Theatre, Music, Dance, Fine Art, Digital Media, Special Effect, or Filmmaking. For more information or to find out what’s new for summer 2018, please call 516622-5678. Open House dates Feb. 3 and April 28.

Long Island Whole Child Academy Mentoring Scientific Minds Summer STEM Program 175 Wolf Hill Road, Melville 347-668-3676 liwholechild.org info@liwholechild.org Looking for an exciting, flexible addition to your child’s summer adventure? Mentoring Scientific Minds3 offers three, two-week sessions guaranteed to engross the most curious minds. Build submersible ROVs, “see” underwater; study rescued sunken treasures; and learn orienteering and survival skills outdoors at Environmental Boot Camp. Join our Flight Team to fly any airplane to any airport in the world with our own “Captain Joe,” and flight simulator. Build mini drones and robots, and learn electronics and engineering at our own Makers’ Space. Call now for information: 347-558-3676.

Mad Science of Long Island

Call for locations throughout Long Island: 855-264-1672 madscienceli.com info@madscienceli.com Mad Science will have children experiencing science in a whole new light this summer with fun and interactive activities. The camps will be running throughout Long Island with weekly full- and halfday themed sessions such as Secret Agent Lab, Robotics Lab, Robot Engineers, Advanced Robotics, Brixology, Science in Motion, Crazy Chemworks, and NASA Space Explorers!

Mill Neck’s Sign Language Camp for Hearing Kids

40 Frost Mill Road, Mill Neck 516-922-4100 millneck.org lutheranfriendsofthedeaf.org pyee@millneck.org Sign Language Camp for Hearing Kids is held on the beautiful Mill Neck Manor campus on July 23–27 and July 30–Aug. 3. This exclusive camp is for hearing children, ages 8-16, who are interested in learning American Sign Language. Campers will experience exciting activities all with an ASL concentration. No experience necessary! Pricing is $395 per session. Discounts available.

Email pyee@millneck.org or visit lutheranfriendsofthedeaf.org for more information.

Sylvan Learning Centers of Mineola and Huntington 393 Jericho Turnpike, Mineola 516-743-9943

1160 E. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington 631-424-5600 sylvanlearning.com sylvanlearning@optonline.net Summer learning loss. It’s real!

If kids don’t stay engaged in learning, they can lose up to 2½ months of what they learned.

Sylvan can tackle any subject or need so your child can take on the next school year with confidence.

Our flexible schedules ensure we fit into your plans. With personalized and small group options available, there is something for everyone.

Ask about our Comprehension Edge program (third-seventh grades), Elementary Math and High School Math Edge programs (first to 12th grades) to catch up or preview next year’s concepts!

Make this summer count!

Thomas School of Horsemanship Summer Day Camp

250 Round Swamp Road, Melville 631-692-6840 tshcamp.com tsh@tshcamp.com For more than 70 years Thomas School of Horsemanship has been a day camp where children expand their knowledge of horses and participate in the daily activities that a traditional camp offers.

Each day our campers attend riding, horse science, instructional swim, free swim, sports, art, theater and STEM. Each week we host an exciting special day that includes friendly competition and team spirit. We feel passionately about children having funfilled days while learning some of life’s most important lessons: responsibility, caring, kindness, and critical thinking.

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts

185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights 631-643-7900; usdan.com Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts, the nation’s pre-eminent arts day camp offers more than 70 programs of study in the arts— visual art, dance, music, theater, writing—and arts-related fields— nature, chess, and recreational arts.

Each summer, more than 1,500 students ages 4-18 are immersed in art and nature and surrounded by friends who share their interests and enthusiasm. Transportation is provided in air-conditioned buses departing from throughout the New York metro and Long Island areas. Two-, three-, four-, and seven-week sessions are offered from June 25-Aug. 10.

Village East Gifted Camp ThinkTank Summer Academic Program

Village East Gifted of Huntington 33 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station 631-549-2313 Village East Gifted of Roslyn 216 Willis Ave., Roslyn Heights villageeastgifted.com info@villageeastgifted.com Village East Gifted® summer program “Camp ThinkTank” is an academic summer program for the gifted learner. We offer three- and four-day and evening workshops for participants in first-sixth grades.

Using its trademarked teaching approach, one or more of the following curriculum areas are covered in each workshop: Civil Engineering and Infrastructures, Cultural Geography, Human Civilization and Achievements, STEAM, Anatomy-Physiology-Pathology, Architectural Symbolism and Design, Philosophy and Artistic Expression, Culinary Science and Techniques, Entrepreneurship, Marketing and Animal Studies, and Statistical Game Design.

Multiple workshops and sibling discounts are available.

Village East Gifted Camp ThinkTank Summer “STREAM”Program

Village East Gifted of Huntington 33 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station 631-549-2313 Village East Gifted of Roslyn 216 Willis Ave., Roslyn Heights villageeastgifted.com info@villageeastgifted.com Village East Gifted® summer “STREAM” program (incorporating art and writing). “Camp ThinkTank” is a summer steam program for the gifted learner. We offer three- and four-day workshops for participants in first-sixth grades. Using its trademarked teaching approach, one or more of the following curriculum areas are covered in each workshop: Civil Engineering and Infrastructures, Microbiology, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, 3-D Design and Printing, Human Civilization and Achievements, Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology, Structural Symbolism, Robotics, Coding and Arduino Boards, Culinary Science and Techniques, Animal Studies, Earth Science, Statistical Game Design, and CAD Architecture.

CAMP MARKETPLACE

Countryside Montessori School An Education Where Children Thrive Under the Guidance of Great Teacher in an Environment that Stimulates Creativity and Individual Potential!

A proven system celebrating over 100 years of practice, research and worldwide recognition • Our fully equipped spacious classroom offer the most enriched curriculum available for 18 months - 6 years.

• Fully affiliated with the American Montessori Society since 1998.

• Early drop-off and Extended day available.

Register Now for Summer Camp

354 Lakeville Road Great Neck, NY 516-466-8422 Visit our website: www.CMSGN.com LongIslandParent 23

things to do

city bound

N Y C

Prepare for plenty of music and dancing with familiar friends like Oscar the Grouch.

W he hile y re ou , v ’r isit e …

Museum of Chinese in America

Jump to the beat with your friends at Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party! at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Introducing an all-new, interactive show that unfolds on one of the world’s most famous streets at the funniest, furriest party in the neighborhood.

Check out the pre-show experience (select shows) for the opportunity to tour the on-stage neighborhood. A variety of interactive activities give children the chance to create, discover, and learn as they help decorate for the upcoming party featured in Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party! They may even see their artwork displayed onstage during the show. Select dates, Feb. 9-19, see website for times. Age: All. $15 and up. The Theater at Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, Midtown. sesamestreetlive.com.

Best in Show

Steve Surfman

Does your family love dogs? Then you’ll want to mark your calendars for the AKC Meet the Breeds® at Piers 92/94, part of Meet & Compete, presented by The Westminster Kennel Club and American Kennel Club. At this Watch four-legged friends make their way through agility courses and strut their stuff event, the whole family for the judges. will have the opportunity to meet and play with more than 100 breeds of dogs—and even nearly 40 cat breeds. There will also be information about pet ownership and the qualities that make each breed a good family pet. The joint event also includes the 5th Annual Masters Agility Championship at Westminster. Can’t get enough? Westminster Week 2018 offers a slew of events, including the 142nd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Feb. 10, 10am-5pm. Age: All. $35; $10 children ages 11 and younger. Piers 92/94, 711 Twelfth Avenue, Hell’s Kitchen. westminsterkennelclub.org.

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

This interactive museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing Chinese American history through innovative exhibits and multimedia productions that engage and educate guests of all ages. Enjoy family festivals such as MOCA FEST 2018, an eight-week-long celebration of the Lunar New Year (through March 3), as well as drop-in art workshops and story times.

Visit it: 215 Centre St., Chinatown; 855-955-6622; mocanyc.org Can’t-miss event: Lunar New Year Family Festival on Feb. 17, 11am-4pm Directions: Approximately a 1-hour drive from New City

Courtesy New-York Historical Society

Party With the Street!

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Courtesy Museum of Chinese in America

Courtesy Feld Entertainment

Family Fun in Manhattan

The DiMenna Children’s History Museum at the New-York Historical Society

This rich historical museum uses character-based pavilions to share 350 years of New York and American history. Families with toddlers to preteens can enjoy family learning programs as well as interactive exhibits and games. Pick up a History Detective briefcase to discover the past or enjoy a stroller tour or other reoccurring family program.

Visit it: 170 Central Park West, Upper West Side; 212-873-3400; nyhistory.org Can’t-miss event: Living History: Meet President George and First Lady Martha Washington on Feb. 17-19, 11am-4pm Directions: Approximately a 1-hour drive from New City

Ideas When You Need Them:

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Turn the page for details on Monster Jam (No. 3 on our list).

FEBRUARY

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nymetroparents.com/submitevent UPDATED DAILY AT nymetroparents.com/calendar

EDITOR: DEE SAUNDERS nassaucal@davlermedia.com

CALENDAR

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Editor’s Hot Tickets

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We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!

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Smarty Pants, Special Needs

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Show Time!, On Screen

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Movers & Shakers, Crafty Kids

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Once Upon a Time

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Mini Musicians, Little Foodies

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Holiday Fun

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EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS

Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the nine events we consider can’t-miss—the ones we’re taking our own kids to. Consider it your cheat sheet to the best of what’s great this month!

1

Take Your Child To the Library Day FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 3, 2pm WHERE: Glen Cove Library, 4 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Cove AGES: All WHAT: There will be activities to celebrate the library and its impact on families through education, learning, and fun, including a performance of Mr. Mouse & the Runaway Princess, presented by Katie’s Puppets.

WHY WE LOVE IT: A wonderful way to introduce kids to the joy of reading and help them develop a thirst for knowledge.

WANT TO GO? 516-676-2130. glencovelibrary.org.

‘Animaniacs LIVE!’ Starring Rob Paulsen and Randy Rogel

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 3, 7:30pm WHERE: Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville AGES: All WHAT: Starring original cast member Rob Paulsen and accompanied by Emmy-winning composer Randy Rogel, who wrote and created many of those memorable songs that are still stuck in your head.

WHY WE LOVE IT: This wacky musical is a side-splitting revue that will keep you laughing until you cry!

WANT TO GO? $35 and up. 516-299-3100. tillescenter.org.

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February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Monster Jam

WHEN: Feb. 2-4, Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 1pm and 7pm; Sunday, 1pm WHERE: NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: These world-class Monster Jam vehicles and athletes deliver what fans want to see most: trucks, racing, freestyle, wheelies, and more action.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Watch adrenaline-charged family entertainment!

WANT TO GO? $18 and up. 516-231-4848. nycblive.com.

3

Sunday Science: Air-mazing Experiments

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 4, 2pm WHERE: Center for Science Teaching and LearningTanglewood Preserve, 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Kids will use air to move and lift objects along with the chance to try out hand-made hovercraft.

WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s educational and fun!

WANT TO GO? $14. 516-764-0045. cstl.org.

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5

‘Go, Dog. Go!’

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 9, 10:30am WHERE: Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville AGES: 3-8 WHAT: A musical romp full of surprises, color, clowning, vaudeville, singing, and, of course, six lovable dogs. Call to purchase tickets.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Children of all ages can enjoy this lovable show.

WANT TO GO? $10. 516-299-3100. tillescenter.org.

The Russian Tradition: Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky

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WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10, 8pm WHERE: Madison Theatre at Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky created scores that are masterpieces of orchestral writing. Performed by The South Shore Symphony with guest conductor David LaMarche.

WHY WE LOVE IT: This performance makes for an evening of delightful music.

WANT TO GO? $15. 516-323-4444. madisontheatreny.org.

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‘Masters of Illusion: Believe the Impossible’

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 11, 7pm WHERE: NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury AGES: All WHAT: Audience members will marvel as they see grand illusions, levitating women, appearances, vanishes, escapes, comedy magic, and sleight of hand all on one stage.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Everything you could imagine and illusions you never dreamed possible all rolled up into a live show!

WANT TO GO? $39 and up. 516-334-0800. thetheatreatwestbury.com.

‘Mr. Popper’s Penguins’

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 24, 2pm WHERE: Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville AGES: 3-8 WHAT: An action-packed musical adaptation of Richard and Florence Atwater’s award-winning book.

WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s a “black tie” affair with these wonderful penguin puppets!

WANT TO GO? $20 and up. 516-299-3100. tillescenter.org.

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‘Mouse on the Move’

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.

‘I Am Harriet Tubman’ Storytime FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 3, 11am WHERE: Barnes and Noble, 91 Old Country Road, Carle Place AGES: 3-5 WHAT: I Am Harriet Tubman tells the story of Tubman’s pivotal role in the fight against slavery. Join in for storytime and learn more about this important American icon.

WANT TO GO? 516-741-9850. barnesandnoble.com.

Children’s Movie: ‘Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown’ FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 6, 4:30pm WHERE: Mineola Public Library, 195 Marcellus Road, Mineola AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Join in for a showing of Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown and enjoy refreshments.

WANT TO GO? 516-746-8488. mineolalibrary.info.

The Morrie Louden Group FREE

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WHEN: Feb. 19-24, Monday-Saturday, 11:30am and 2pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Two adventurous mice are ready to explore the world beyond their little mouse-hole and decide to go to the moon because they believe it is made entirely of delicious, mouth-watering cheese.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Created especially for young audience members, this multi-sensory experience offers a wonderful introduction to the world of theater.

WANT TO GO? $13; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2pm WHERE: Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Suite 1, Port Washington AGES: All WHAT: Join in for a special afternoon of Brazilian, Flamenco, Afro Cuban, and jazz music by professional trio The Morrie Louden Group, featuring piano, drums, and songwriter Mourie Louden on bass and vocals.

WANT TO GO? 516-767-6444. landmarkonmainstreet.org.

Hats Off to Reading: Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss! FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 22, 2pm WHERE: Glen Cove Library, 4 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Cove AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Celebrate the birthday of this beloved children’s author with games, crafts, and silly Seuss fun.

WANT TO GO? 516-676-2130. glencovelibrary.org.

Teen Advisory Group FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 22, 6pm WHERE: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Teens will work on fun projects for an hour of community service credit.

WANT TO GO? 516-488-3444. franklinsquarepl.org. ›› LongIslandParent 27

Freedom Quilts Program FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 24, 2pm WHERE: Glen Cove Library, 4 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Cove AGES: All WHAT: Discover the stories that quilts told in the days of the Underground Railroad to assist runaway slaves on their journey to freedom. Children will learn about the symbols and then design their own quilt pattern.

WANT TO GO? 516-676-2130. glencovelibrary.org.

Tape Town FREE

SMARTY PANTS Family Science Game Night

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 2, 7pm WHERE: Center for Science Teaching and Learning-Tanglewood Preserve, 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre AGES: All WHAT: Let your science lover show off their knowledge in a fun and exciting way. Participate in three rounds of exciting games that include trivia, chemistry, and a building challenge.

WANT TO GO? $7. 516-764-0045. cstl.org.

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 28, 4:15pm WHERE: Mineola Public Library, 195 Marcellus Road, Mineola AGES: All WHAT: Children can stop by “towns” while traveling along a taped “road” where they can do different activities. Bring a small toy car.

WANT TO GO? 516-746-8488. mineolalibrary.info.

Andy Warhol Art Exhibition

WHEN: Through March 11: 12-4pm WHERE: Hofstra University, David Filderman Gallery, 112 Hofstra University, Hempstead AGES: All WHAT: By juxtaposing Warhol’s photographs with his screen prints, the exhibition contextualizes and reveals his methods and artistic process.

WANT TO GO? Call for cost. 516-463-5672. hofstra.edu/museum.

Long Island High School for the Arts Open House FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 3, 10am-2pm WHERE: Long Island High School for the Arts, 239 Cold Spring Road, Syosset AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Prospective students from across Long Island are invited to meet with Principal Dr. Chris Rogutsky Bleecker, and the school’s faculty and staff, and experience classes focused on their specific interests.

WANT TO GO? 516-622-5678. lihsaptas.org.

Summer Arts Academy Open House FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 3, 10am-2pm WHERE: Long Island High School for the Arts, 239 Cold Spring Road, Syosset AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Long Island High School for the Arts is now accepting applications for Summer 2018. All interested middle school and high school students are invited to attend.

WANT TO GO? 516-622-5678. lihsaptsa.org.

More Than Just a Dinosaur

WHEN: Feb. 6-10, Tuesday-Friday, 10:15am and 12pm; Saturday, 11:30am and 2pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Did you know dinosaurs might still be here today? Learn how to use this explorative study of dinosaurs to apply scientific questioning to all aspects of living with YouTube star and author Dustin Growick.

WANT TO GO? $9 with museum admission: $13; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Sunday Science: Squid Dissection

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 18, 2pm WHERE: Center for Science Teaching and Learning-Tanglewood Preserve, 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Kids will get to investigate the body of a squid—inside and out.

WANT TO GO? $14. 516-764-0045. cstl.org.

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February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

SPECIAL NEEDS ‘Happy as Clams: The Musical!’ Sensory Friendly Performance

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 14, 6pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Meet Clammy the Clam who confesses she is not “happy as a clam.” Sensory Friendly Performances allow for children with autism to attend the show in a setting that includes lighting and sound adjustments.

WANT TO GO? $9 with museum admission: $13; $12 seniors; free children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Sensory Bounce

WHEN: Through Feb. 26, Mondays, 6-8pm WHERE: Bounce Trampoline Sports, 310 Michael Drive, Syosset AGES: All WHAT: Staff members with experience working with children and adults with special needs will supervise this bounce session.

WANT TO GO? $12. 516-762-1300. bouncesyosset.com.

Baby Fingers Sign and Song Class

WHEN: Through Feb. 27, Tuesdays, 2pm WHERE: Theresa Academy of Performing Arts, 250 Lido Blvd., Lido Beach AGES: Newborn to 5, adult WHAT: Learn American Sign Language through songs and play.

WANT TO GO? $20 per class. 516-432-0200. tapany.org.

After School in the Arts

WHEN: Through June 14: Wednesday-Thursday, 4pm and 5pm WHERE: Theresa Academy of Performing Arts, 250 Lido Blvd., Lido Beach AGES: All WHAT: Each student receives individual attention and has a 1-on-1 buddy.

WANT TO GO? $20 per class. 516-432-0200. tapany.org.

SHOW TIME! ‘Little Red Riding Hood’

WHEN: Feb. 3-10, Saturdays, 2pm WHERE: BroadHollow Theatre at Elmont, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: All WHAT: The classic tale of Little Red Riding Hood, her granny, and the wolf. Audience members will love this adaptation.

WANT TO GO? $11. 516-775-4420. broadhollow.org.

‘Pinocchio’

WHEN: Feb. 3-11, Saturdays, 11am; Sundays, 12pm WHERE: The Showplace at Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore AGES: 3-12 WHAT: From the moment Pinocchio wrecks Mastroni’s puppet show until he becomes a real boy for rescuing his father from the great fish, the excitement never abates in this charming adaptation.

WANT TO GO? $12. plazatheatrical.com.

‘Running Scared, Running Free’ FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 18, 2pm WHERE: Hicksville Public Library, 169 Jerusalem Ave., Hicksville AGES: All WHAT: Three stories intertwine in this suspense-filled saga set in New York, circa 1850, the year of the Fugitive Slave Act. Pursued by an unrelenting bounty hunter, a quick-witted slave runs from the iron rule of a cold-hearted plantation owner. Her only hope: finding passage on the Underground Railroad.

WANT TO GO? 516-931-1417. hicksvillelibrary.org.

‘Aesop’s Fables’

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 21, 1pm WHERE: BroadHollow Theatre at Elmont, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: All WHAT: The classic collection of stories that provide children with valuable life lessons they will carry for a lifetime.

WANT TO GO? $11. 516-775-4420. broadhollow.org.

‘The Wizard of Oz’

WHEN: Feb. 17-22, Saturday and Monday-Thursday, 11am; Sunday, 12pm WHERE: The Showplace at Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion as they come to life in an adaptation featuring the music of the MGM movie.

WANT TO GO? $12. plazatheatrical.com.

Diana Krall: Turn Up the Quiet World Tour 2017-18

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 23, 8pm WHERE: Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Krall’s unique artistry transcends any single musical style and has made her one of the most recognizable artists of our time.

WANT TO GO? $60 and up. 516-299-3100. tillescenter.org.

Jon Secada with Special Guest The Selena Experience

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 23, 8pm WHERE: NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Jon Secada is recognized as an international superstar by both fans and peers alike for his soulful and melodic voice.

WANT TO GO? $39 and up. 516-334-0800. thetheatreatwestbury.com.

‘Sleeping Beauty’

WHEN: Feb. 23-March 3, Saturday-Sunday, 11am WHERE: The Showplace at Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Based on the original Brothers Grimm story, it’s a tale of a beautiful princess, a sleeping enchantment, and a handsome prince come to life.

WANT TO GO? $12. plazatheatrical.com.

‘My Fair Lady’

WHEN: Feb. 3-March 4, check website for exact dates and times WHERE: BroadHollow Theatre at Elmont, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: All WHAT: The tale of a cockney flower girl transformed into an elegant lady features one of musical theater’s greatest scores.

WANT TO GO? $11. 516-775-4420. broadhollow.org.

ON SCREEN Cinema: ‘The Book of Henry’ FREE

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 9, 1:30pm and 6:30pm WHERE: Levittown Public Library, 1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown AGES: All WHAT: A mother discovers a scheme in her son’s book to rescue a young girl from her abusive stepfather and sets out to execute the plan.

WANT TO GO? 516-731-5728. levittownpl.org.

Film: ‘More Than Honey’ FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10, 10am WHERE: Glen Cove Library, 4 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Cove AGES: All WHAT: The film tells the story of honey bees and their relationships to humans. An informal discussion will follow the film.

WANT TO GO? 516-676-2130. glencovelibrary.org.

Monday Movie: ‘Wonder Woman’ FREE

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 12, 1:30pm and 6pm WHERE: Floral Park Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Diana leaves home to fight a war, discovering her powers and destiny.

WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

Kids Movie: ‘My Little Pony: The Movie’ FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 22, 2pm WHERE: Island Trees Public Library, 38 Farmedge Road, Island Trees AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Bring your own snacks and drinks.

WANT TO GO? 516-731-2211. islandtreespubliclibrary.org.

Movie: ‘Despicable Me 3’ FREE

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 23, 1pm WHERE: Glen Cove Library, 4 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Cove AGES: All WHAT: Bring a snack and enjoy a fun movie with your friends.

WANT TO GO? 516-676-2130. glencovelibrary.org.

‘Paper Medium Rare: All Things Paper’

WHEN: Through March 4: Tuesday-Sunday 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 3pm WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor AGES: All WHAT: This film visits chefs at the helm of their respective kitchens WANT TO GO? $12; $8 seniors; $4 children ages 4-12; $2 weekend parking fee. 516-484-9338. nassaumuseum.org. ›› LongIslandParent 29

Jump Bunch Toddlers FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2pm WHERE: Mineola Public Library, 195 Marcellus Road, Mineola AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Robin Pliss will get your little one moving in this program.

WANT TO GO? 516-746-8488. mineolalibrary.info.

Long Island Nets vs. Maine Red Claws

MOVERS & SHAKERS Zumba Classes FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 3, 10:15am WHERE: Mineola Public Library, 195 Marcellus Road, Mineola AGES: All WHAT: These fitness-based dance classes make working out fun. All fitness levels, body types, and ages may attend.

WANT TO GO? 516-746-8488. mineolalibrary.info.

Long Island Nets vs. Raptors 905

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 6, 7pm WHERE: NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: Long Island Nets take on the Raptors 905. Parking for this event is $5 upon arrival.

WANT TO GO? $25. 516-231-4848. nycblive.com.

PlayHooray Kids! FREE

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 9, 12:30pm WHERE: Floral Park Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy music, movement, and loads of smiles and fun with our friend Molly Mouse.

WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

Crazy Winter Olympics Day FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 13, 4:30pm WHERE: Levittown Public Library, 1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Participate in a variety of winter Olympic games.

WANT TO GO? 516-731-5728. levittownpl.org.

Music and Movement

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 21, 7pm WHERE: NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: Long Island Nets take on the Maine Red Claws. Parking for this event is $5 upon arrival.

WANT TO GO? $25. 516-231-4848. nycblive.com.

February Break Holiday Camp

WHEN: Feb. 20-23, Tuesday-Friday, 9am-4pm WHERE: Rolling River Day Camp, 477 Ocean Ave., East Rockaway AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Activities include arts and crafts, computers, game room, dance, gymnastics, cooking, and off-campus trips.

WANT TO GO? $45 half day; $75 full day. 516-593-2267. rollingriver.com.

Kids Leagues

WHEN: Through June 15: See website for schedule WHERE: Massapequa Bowl, 4235 Merrick Road, Massapequa AGES: 5-17 WHAT: There are classes for both adults and children starting now. Register for a league or individual instruction.

WANT TO GO? $9. 516-541-8000. massapequabowl.com.

CRAFTY KIDS

Kids Workshop FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 3, 9am-12pm WHERE: Home Depot, 600 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment.

WANT TO GO? 516-488-8500. homedepot.com.

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 14, 11:30am WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Enjoy creative movement exercises and interactive sing-alongs that get little bodies moving to the rhythm.

WANT TO GO? $13; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Crafts For Kids FREE

New York Open

Sketching in the Galleries

WHEN: Feb. 11-18, daily, see website for times WHERE: NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: The arrival of this ATP World Tour event will add another major tennis event to the New York sports calendar, and marks the first time in its 45-year history that the Coliseum will play host to a sanctioned tennis tournament.

WANT TO GO? $18.50 and up. 516-231-4848. nycblive.com.

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February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Feb. 3-4, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-3pm WHERE: Lakeshore Learning Store, 2079 Hillside Ave., New Hyde Park AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Kids will have a ball making exciting crafts they can use or display.

Every craft is educational and fun.

WANT TO GO? 516-616-9360. lakeshorelearning.com.

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 6, 1pm WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Led by artist and educator Glenna Kubit, Sketching in the Galleries encourages visitors to slow down as they engage in a variety of drawing assignments that focus on the use of line, proportion, texture, and value.

WANT TO GO? $12; $8 seniors; $4 children ages 4-12; $2 weekend parking fee. 516-484-9338. nassaumuseum.org.

ONCE UPON A TIME ‘Click, Clack, Moo I Love You!’ Storytime FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10, 11am WHERE: Barnes and Noble, 91 Old Country Road, Carle Place AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Little Duck and all of her friends on the farm celebrate Valentine’s Day by inviting a newcomer to join in the fun.

WANT TO GO? 516-741-9850. barnesandnoble.com.

LEGO Building Club FREE

Tiny Tots Storytime FREE

WHEN: Through Feb. 21: Wednesdays, 4pm WHERE: Bellerose Library, 250-06 Hillside Ave., Bellerose AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Children have fun being creative with Legos.

WANT TO GO? 718-831-8644. queenslibrary.org.

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 13, 11am WHERE: Floral Park Public Library, 17 Caroline Ave., Floral Park AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Join in for stories, songs, rhymes, and a craft.

WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

February Break MiniCamp

StART: Story + Art

WHEN: Feb. 20-22, Tuesday-Thursday, 10am-2pm WHERE: M.A.T.S.S. Kids’ Gym-Syosset, 171 Eileen Way, Syosset AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Beat the winter blues with hours of fun, including games, crafts, and gym time. Lunch is included.

WANT TO GO? $50. 516-496-7765. matsskidsgym.com.

Messy Afternoons

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 24, 3:30-5pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Get up to your elbows in oobleck, clean mud, and slime for the type of artistic activities that everyone loves, but no one likes to clean-up after.

WANT TO GO? $13; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Joy of Watercolor

WHEN: Feb. 5-26, Mondays, 10am WHERE: Island Trees Public Library, 38 Farmedge Road, Island Trees AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Learn to communicate what you sense and feel about the world by creating watercolor paintings. Beginner and intermediate students welcome.

WANT TO GO? $12. 516-731-2211. islandtreespubliclibrary.org.

Cherry Tree Blossom Painting On Glass FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 27, 7:15pm WHERE: Hicksville Public Library, 169 Jerusalem Ave., Hicksville AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Create a painting of a cherry blossom tree inside a glass picture frame.

WANT TO GO? 516-931-1417. hicksvillelibrary.org.

Family Sundays at the Museum

WHEN: Through March 25: Sundays, 1pm WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Be inspired by the works in the galleries and explore new materials.

WANT TO GO? $12; $8 seniors; $4 children ages 4-12; $2 weekend parking fee. 516-484-9338. nassaumuseum.org.

Fri-Yay Art Day!

WHEN: Through March 30: Fridays, 1pm WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor AGES: 3-5, adult WHAT: Investigate color, shape, form, and more with hands-on activities.

WANT TO GO? $5 with admission: $12; $8 seniors; $4 children ages 4-12; $2 weekend parking fee. 516-484-9338. nassaumuseum.org.

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 13, 11:30am WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Join us each week as we read childhood classics and introduce new favorites, followed by a take-home, book-inspired craft.

WANT TO GO? $4 with musuem admission: $13; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

‘Mother Bruce’ Storytime FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 17, 11am WHERE: Barnes and Noble, 91 Old Country Road, Carle Place AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Join in for a hilarious storytime featuring Bruce the curmudgeonly bear who likes to keep to himself. When Bruce’s goose eggs hatch, leaving him with four live goslings who are convinced he is their mother, he tries to get the geese to fly south. Will Bruce be able to rid himself of his new companions?

WANT TO GO? 516-741-9850. barnesandnoble.com.

Vacation Story Times With Rosie FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2pm WHERE: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Enjoy stories with Rosie the therapy dog.

WANT TO GO? 516-488-3444. franklinsquarepl.org.

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss Storytime FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 24, 11am WHERE: Barnes and Noble, 91 Old Country Road, Carle Place AGES: 3-5 WHAT: In celebration of the beloved author’s birthday on March 2, join in for a special storytime with coloring, activities, and more.

WANT TO GO? 516-741-9850. barnesandnoble.com.

Hear It! See It! Draw It!

WHEN: Through March 30: Tuesdays, 9:30am WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Children and their adult companions share story time followed by a walk through the gallery and drawing activities inspired by illustrations in our story book and the art on view.

WANT TO GO? $12; $8 seniors; $4 children ages 4-12; $2 weekend parking fee. 516-484-9338. nassaumuseum.org. ››

LongIslandParent 31

A Fine Romance: A Swingtime Big Band Valentine

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 11, 3pm WHERE: Madison Theatre at Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre AGES: Adult WHAT: The 20-piece house band will delight the audience with swingin’ toe-tappers and heartfelt ballads to set a romantic mood.

WANT TO GO? $35. 516-323-4444. madisontheatreny.org.

Gathering Time: Great Folk Rock Festival FREE

MINI

MUSICIANS Beyond Beautiful: The Music of Carole King and the New American Songbook

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 2, 8pm WHERE: Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Broadway music director Ted Sperling assembles New York’s finest vocalists (including LaTanya Hall and Clarke Thorell) and musicians to celebrate the living legend, whose songs represent the soundtrack of a generation.

WANT TO GO? $49 and up. 516-299-3100. tillescenter.org.

Baby Jam Music Class

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 2, 10:30am WHERE: Mineola Public Library, 195 Marcellus, Mineola AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Join Andrea Morale as she leads the class on guitar singing songs, shaking instruments, and marching to the beat in this fun musical storytime.

WANT TO GO? $5. 516-746-8488. mineolalibrary.info.

The History of Rock and Roll Salutes Motown

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 3, 8pm WHERE: Madison Theatre at Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre AGES: 13 and older WHAT: A Motown extravaganza with The Contours, Martha and the Vandellas, and Jackie Wilson’s son, Bobby Brooks Wilson.

WANT TO GO? $35 and up. 516-323-4444. madisontheatreny.org.

Frank Sinatra Tribute: Jerry Cardone and Company FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 4, 2pm WHERE: Glen Cove Library, 4 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Cove AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy this duo’s musical tribute to Frank Sinatra, featuring renowned artist Jerry Cardone.

WANT TO GO? 516-676-2130. glencovelibrary.org.

Frances England

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 4, 11:30am and 2pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Frances England frames her music in ways both children and parents can appreciate and her sparkly, acoustic pop sound is catchy and heartfelt.

WANT TO GO? $4 with museum admission: $13; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

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WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 11, 2pm WHERE: Hicksville Public Library, 169 Jerusalem Ave., Hicksville AGES: All WHAT: Gathering Time is a head-turning folk-rock harmony trio that plays tribute to the great acts of the ’60s and ’70s that influenced their song writing and shaped their sound.

WANT TO GO? 516-931-1417. hicksvillelibrary.org.

John Pizzarelli in Concert

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 17, 8pm WHERE: Madison Theatre at Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre AGES: 13 and older WHAT: John Pizzarelli is a world-renowned guitarist and singer. A portion of each ticket will be donated to raise funds for H.E.L.P. School in Uganda.

WANT TO GO? $45 and up. 516-323-4444. madisontheatreny.org.

Birdland All-Stars featuring Tommy Igoe: The Art of Jazz

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 18, 7:30pm WHERE: Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville AGES: 13 and older WHAT: The finest musicians in New York, with new arrangements of the music of David Bowie, The Police, and Steely Dan, as well as fresh treatments compositions by Charlie Parker, Chick Corea, and Herbie Hancock.

WANT TO GO? 516-299-3100. tillescenter.org.

LITTLE FOODIES SOUPer Bowl XI

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 3, 12-3pm WHERE: Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church, 100 Fairway Drive, Port Washington AGES: All WHAT: Local restaurants and markets will donate their best soups for the contest and hope to be voted Port Washington’s 2018 SOUPer Bowl Champ.

WANT TO GO? $10; $3 for children younger than 12. 516-883-6566. pwguide.com.

The Baking Coach: Heart-Shaped Ravioli

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 3, 2pm WHERE: Mineola Public Library, 195 Marcellus Road, Mineola AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Take a dozen heart-shaped cheese ravioli to bake at home. Students must bring a rolling pin.

WANT TO GO? $5. 516-746-8488. mineolalibrary.info.

A Taste of Japan FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 3, 2pm WHERE: Island Trees Public Library, 38 Farmedge Road, Levittown AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Learn how to make sushi rice at home, then learn how to prepare and make your own sushi rolls and dango, a rice flower dumpling dessert.

WANT TO GO? 516-731-2211. islandtreespubliclibrary.org.

Valentine Cake Decorating

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 6, 7pm WHERE: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Chef Mary T. Sydor will teach you the skills of cake decorating.

WANT TO GO? $3. 516-488-3444. franklinsquarepl.org.

Children’s Program: S’mores in a Jar FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 8, 6:30pm WHERE: Levittown Public Library, 1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Layer ingredients into a mason jar and take it home to bake.

WANT TO GO? 516-731-5728. levittownpl.org.

A Taste of Mardi Gras FREE

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 9, 1pm WHERE: Hicksville Public Library, 169 Jerusalem Ave., Hicksville AGES: 13 and older WHAT: A Mardi Gras celebration with a taste of Chef Rob’s take on creole cuisine.

WANT TO GO? 516-931-1417. hicksvillelibrary.org.

Espresso and Cappuccino: Italian Coffee Culture

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 15, 7pm WHERE: Mineola Public Library, 195 Marcellus Road, Mineola AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Watch Elena Flrenzano’s PowerPoint presentation to explore and enjoy a generous serving of Italy’s two national coffee drinks.

WANT TO GO? $5. 516-746-8488. mineolalibrary.info.

Kids in the Kitchen: Strawberry Chocolate Valentine Delight

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 16, 11:30am WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Little chefs use real cooking tools with some help from adults.

WANT TO GO? $5 with museum admission: $13; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Mardi Gras FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 21, 7pm WHERE: Levittown Public Library, 1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Get festive and talk about foods that are eaten during Mardi Gras.

WANT TO GO? 516-731-5728. levittownpl.org.

Little Chefs: Love Monster FREE

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 26, 6pm and 7:30pm WHERE: Levittown Public Library, 1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Make a monster you can eat.

WANT TO GO? 516-731-5728. levittownpl.org.

HOLIDAY FUN

Children’s Workshop: Valentine’s Day Planting

WHEN: Feb. 10-11, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-4pm WHERE: Hicks Nurseries, 100 Jericho Turnpike, Westbury AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Kids are invited to decorate a clay pot and put a plant in it.

WANT TO GO? $10 per child. 516-334-0066. hicksnurseries.com.

Made with Love Evening Knitting Group FREE

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 12, 7pm WHERE: Floral Park Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Made with Love knitting and crocheting group welcomes all.

WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

Love U Tons Valentine’s Craft FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 13, 4:15pm WHERE: Mineola Public Library, 195 Marcellus Road, Mineola AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Celebrate the day of love with stories and an elephant clothespin craft.

WANT TO GO? 516-746-8488. mineolalibrary.info.

Chinese Silk Painting FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 14, 4:30pm WHERE: Mineola Public Library, 195 Marcellus Road, Mineola AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Artsy Smartsy will show you how to paint your own strip of silk.

WANT TO GO? 516-746-8488. mineolalibrary.info.

Origami Japanese Art of Paper Folding FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 17, 2pm WHERE: Island Trees Public Library, 38 Farmedge Road, Island Trees AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Celebrate the Lunar New Year with origami.

WANT TO GO? 516-731-2211. islandtreespubliclibrary.org.

Celebrate Chinese New Year FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 25, 2pm WHERE: Levittown Public Library, 1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown AGES: All WHAT: Join Li Liu for her incredible Chinese acrobatics show.

WANT TO GO? 516-731-5728. levittownpl.org.

Lunar New Year Celebration FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 3, 11am WHERE: Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Suite 1, Port Washington AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the Lunar New Year with NY Chinese Chorus & Chinese Theatre Works. Listen to popular Chinese folk songs, modern Mandopop songs, and excerpts from Chinese opera, dance, and puppetry.

WANT TO GO? 516-767-6444. landmarkonmainstreet.org.

Coming up next month: MARCH 15-17: Red Kite Treasure Adventure at Tilles Center, Brookville MARCH 25: Artrageous! at Landmark on Main Street, Port Washington MARCH 29: A Year With Frog and Toad at BroadHollow Theatre at Elmont, Elmont

LongIslandParent 33

things to do

❆

where-to guide

Staying❆ Compiled by Samantha Neudorf

With temperatures dropping and snow falling, who actually wants to be outside? Cozy up with some hot chocolate or tea, or spend the rest of this short month exploring an indoor play space. If you still want a taste of winter without worrying about the weather, visit an indoor ice-skating rink (it’ll probably be warmer inside than the temperature outside!).

And if you are not a fan of winter, you can even pretend it’s summer at one of these indoor water parks in the Northeast. Stay warm!

INDOOR PLAY SPACES Pump It Up 225 Community Drive, Suite 250, Great Neck 516-466-7867 135 Dupont St., Plainview 516-575-2300 pumpitupparty.com This bouncy center franchise offers Pop-in Playtimes as well as bounce-and-art camps and structured play classes. Check the website for days and times.

Find more>> indoor play spaces in Nassau County at nymetroparents.com/indoor-play-spaces.

INDOOR ICE-SKATING RINKS

HOT CHOCOLATE SPOTS

The Witches Brew 311 Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead 516-489-9482 Hours: Sunday and Tuesday-Thursday, 12pm-12am; FridaySaturday, 12pm-1am A funky, family-friendly spot that carries several varieties of homemade hot chocolate, including a standard brew made with milk chocolate; coffee and hot chocolate combos; soy hot chocolate; and a vegan version made with dark chocolate and topped with vegan marshmallows. One of the unique offerings is the Hot Chocolate Float, made with ice cream and topped with whipped cream.

Find more>> hot chocolate spots in Nassau County at nymetroparents.com/hot-chocolate.

Courtesy Sahara Sam’s Oasis

Inside

❆❆

Northwell Health Ice Center 200 Merrick Ave., East Meadow 516-441-0070 nhl.com/islanders/northwell Hours: Friday, 9-11pm; Saturday, 1:15-3:15pm and 8:4510:45pm; Sunday, 1-3pm Price: $11; $9 children ages 6-12; $5 seniors; free for children younger than 5. $5 skate rental.

❄

Find more>> indoor ice-skating rinks in Nassau County at nymetroparents.com/ice-skating.

Kids of all ages can enjoy floating through Lizard Lagoon at Sahara Sam’s Oasis.

INDOOR WATER PARKS Sahara Sam’s Oasis 535 N. Route 73, West Berlin, NJ 856-767-7580; saharasams.com Hours: Thursday-Friday, 4-9pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-7pm.

See website for updates.

Admission: $39.99; $34.99 in advance; $32.99 for a halfday ticket; free for seniors older than 65 and for children 2 and younger.

Even when it’s snowing outside, it is always a balmy 84 degrees inside Sahara Sam’s in West Berlin. Eleven water rides make Sam’s 58,000 square feet chock-full of fun. Lizard Lagoon is the hangout for the little ones, while teens will love The Flow Rider, the only indoor surfing simulator in New Jersey.

Find more>> indoor water parks in the New York metro area at nymetroparents.com/indoor-water-parks.

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family life food & nutrition

Vegan Snacks for a Super Bowl Party ›› Two affordable, easy-to-make vegan treats that will appeal to everyone

N

ow that we know the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles will huddle up for Super Bowl LII, which will air on NBC Feb. 4, we’re thinking about what delicious treats we’ll be making for our viewing parties—and how to accommodate all tastes and dietary needs. These recipes from Frugal Vegan by Katie Koteen and Kate Kasbee are vegan (of course), nut-free, and can be made gluten-free if not already; are affordable and easy to make; and will even appeal to meat-eaters. So enjoy watching the QBs throw the pigskin without any actual pigskins.

BBQ Chickpea Sliders

Twice-Baked Potato Bites

Though they first debuted at White Castle, sliders have evolved to include pretty much anything served on a tiny bun. We took a plantbased approach with this recipe by using nothing but chickpeas, BBQ sauce, and a few seasonings to create the savory, delicious filling on these bad boys. If it fits in your budget, don’t skimp on the Pineapple Slaw. It adds just the right amount of sweetness and crunch for an irresistible party snack or summery dinnertime dish.

Bust out the melon baller. You’ve got tiny potatoes to scoop out and that’s the perfect tool for the job. If you don’t have a baller, any small spoon will work. When it comes time for scooping, be sure to wait until the potatoes are cool before you scoop. Those little spuds can really hold their heat.

Nut-free, soy-free Splurge: Roasted sunflower seed topping Serves 4-6 • 15 minutes to prepare

Ingredients 1 (15-oz.) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained ½ cup BBQ sauce ½ tsp. garlic powder ½ tsp. chili powder Salt, to taste 12 whole-wheat slider buns 1 cup Pineapple Slaw (p. 143 in Frugal Vegan, or your favorite coleslaw recipe) Roasted sunflower seeds, for serving, optional Directions Add the chickpeas, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, and chili powder to a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring constantly and smashing about half of the chickpeas with the back of a fork or slotted spoon. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time if the mixture starts sticking to the bottom of the saucepan. Remove from heat and season with salt to taste.

To assemble, spread a spoonful of the BBQ chickpeas on the bottom portion of a whole-wheat slider bun. Top with a scoop of Pineapple Slaw, and sprinkle with roasted sunflower seeds for some extra crunch, if desired.

Nut-free, soy-free, gluten-free Splurge: Use fresh chives in place of dried Serves 4-6 • 60 minutes to prepare

Ingredients 2 lbs. red new potatoes (about 14), halved 1 tbsp. olive oil Coarse salt and ground pepper ¾ cup Vegan Sour Cream (p. 167 in Frugal Vegan, or your favorite recipe) 2 tbsp. chives, plus more for garnish Directions Preheat the oven to 450ºF. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cut a thin slice off the bottom of each of your halved potatoes, so they sit flat. In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with oil; season with salt and pepper and arrange bottom-side down on the baking sheet.

Bake until tender, 30 to 35 minutes. Let them cool on the sheet.

When the potatoes are cool enough, scoop out about a teaspoon from the center of each potato and place in a medium bowl. Add vegan sour cream and chives, and mash; season with salt and pepper. Stuff the potatoes with the filling.

Bake the potatoes until lightly browned, about 15 minutes.

Reprinted with permission from Page Street Publishing.

Photography by Allie Lehman. Cover design by Mette Hornung Rankin.

LongIslandParent 35

raising kids baby

Sponsored by

How Babies Learn to Love

››

The good news: Your little one is hard-wired to adore you. The better news: There’s plenty you can do to help build that bond. By Deborah Skolnik

T

hroughout my first pregnancy, I dreamed of the moment I’d welcome my newborn. We’d cuddle and look into each other’s eyes adoringly, just like in the diaper commercials. And when my daughter finally arrived, that’s exactly what happened—on my end. I gazed at her lovingly, but she gave me a blank stare, showing me about as much affection as if she were a strange cat I’d bumped into on the sidewalk. I had to laugh. Why had I expected more?

Babies and parents share the sweetest relationship, but it isn’t instantaneous. It takes time for the relationship to flourish, deepening through little interactions that build closeness. How does your baby’s love grow? We asked experts to share their insights, plus offer advice about what you can do to help things along.

All Set to Attach

Your little one may not seem smitten with you at first sight, but he’s built to feel close to you. “Babies are hard-wired to attach to their parents, or to one or two primary caregivers who are reliable,” says Rahill Briggs, founder of pediatric behavioral health services at Montefiore Medical Group in the Bronx and national director of HealthySteps, a program aimed at ensuring babies and toddlers have nurturing care. Scientifically, it makes sense: Your baby seeks a close tie to a caring adult or two because it’s essential for her survival.

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And if you happen to be your baby’s biological mom, you’ve got a head start on being his true love. That’s because he already recognizes you on a couple of very fundamental levels, says Erica Komisar, LCSW, author of Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the First Three Years Matters. “Babies can hear your voice in utero, and so they recognize your voice [after birth], and they can recognize your smell,” she says. “And once they connect with you [or dad, if he’s the primary caregiver], and they make contact with your eyes, it’s only your eyes that they seek.”

Feeding the Feelings

One of the best ways to build attachment and affection in your baby is through doing something that already comes naturally: feeding her. As you hold your little one and look deeply into each other’s eyes while she nurses or drinks from a bottle, it sparks serious chemistry, literally, sending a lovey-dovey hormone called oxytocin flowing through both your bodies. “That hormone is critical,” Komisar says. Created in the right side of the brain, oxytocin especially surges in your baby when you hold him on your left side. He uses his left-side visual field then, which actually is wired, crisscross fashion, to his right brain. (This also makes it a great idea to cradle your baby on your left side whenever you can.)

Of course, this loving eyeful only happens if you’re actually focused on your baby during feeding sessions. Komisar warns against letting your attention wander too often to the TV or your favorite tech tools. When you focus on a screen instead of your child, “you’re basically not doing what nature intended…the fact that we’ve manipulated the situation now to look at phones and iPads [while feeding] is very strange,” she says. And if you aren’t breast-feeding, Komisar suggests taking off your shirt for feeding anyway, when possible, since skin-to-skin contact is another cue for your and your baby’s bodies to produce oxytocin.

In fact, Komisar believes that early smiles are more than just the gas pains they’re commonly chalked up to: “Babies have emotions from the very beginning,” she says. “You can see from the very start a kind of joyful connection between mothers and babies. The idea is that from the earliest moments, a baby can smile at a mother and resonate with a mother, and a mother can resonate with a baby.”

Whenever you do see that smile, it’s bound to spur your own affection: “For a parent who’s just been through those first two months of a newborn and is barely sort of hanging on, that social smile can be like the key to keep going,” Briggs says.

Needy but Nice

Preferred People

Attending to your baby’s other needs, namely for diaper changes and bathing, is another great way to build attachment. “Human babies so desperately need caregivers to love them, and to be reliable and consistent and empathetic,” Briggs says. “Babies are then just built to return that affection, as long as it’s a secure attachment relationship, and the primary caregiver has been relating in a way that’s reliable and empathetic and consistent and warm.”

This doesn’t mean that you must slavishly attend to your baby’s every whimper: “We know that actually babies don’t want that,” Briggs says. “They want some downtime and they seem to need some resting time. But being reliably empathic and pretty consistent means that when your baby lets out a really big cry, the one that means ‘I am so starving and my diaper is wet,’ that you respond.”

The empathy aspect is major, Briggs adds. “By that, we mean that what a parent does in response to her baby is related to what the baby did.” So try to mirror your baby’s emotions; if she’s crying, make a sad face and say, “Aw, sweetie, I know you’re tired!” rather than rolling your eyes or trying hard to cheer her up. She’ll sense that you really ‘get’ her—and don’t you feel closest to the people who really get you?

Talking the Talk

Speaking of, well, speaking, it’s super-important to talk or vocalize to your baby. He’s heard your voice since before birth, and gets all warm and fuzzy-feeling at its comforting tones. So do you; it’s the third cue to the brain to produce oxytocin. And you don’t always have to use words; cooing, singing, and making other affectionate sounds all create that baby-mommy love.

When you speak to your child, Komisar recommends using “Motherese,” the high-pitched, sing-songy tones people so often use in addressing babies. “It’s a very healthy thing,” she says. “It has something to do with the intonations…it tends to grow the right brain of the baby.” In fact, she says, one sign that a mother may have postpartum depression is if she refuses to speak in Motherese, and instead only addresses her baby in flat, adult-sounding tones.

Little Signs of Love

Of course, having shown your baby love without bounds, you’d like at least a little reassurance that it’s a two-way street. How can you tell whether or not she’s as into you as you are into her? At the beginning, the signs may be subtle—she may seek out your gaze or even imitate some of your expressions. And then, by around 2 or 3 months of age (or even sooner), you’ll see more definite proof: She’ll smile at you.

Around 8 months of age, your baby’s behavior may abruptly change. Try to let your neighbor hold him, and he’ll fuss and reach back to you instead. This is the start of what’s known as stranger anxiety. “You’ll be like, ‘Where did that baby go that I used to be able to pass off to anybody in my office?’” Briggs says. This phenomenon peaks at around 15 months, then begins to fade out by 18 months. The flip side of this fear of unfamiliar people is love for immediate family: Clearly, your baby feels you and your partner are his ‘special people,’ and draws a line between you and the rest of the adults out there.

At the same time, your child may start showing affection for her most special friends. It’s wonderful to watch her face light up when you bump into a pal from the park, or when your sitter shows up at your doorstep after a weekend away. Overjoyed facial expressions may be accompanied by happy-sounding vocalizations or generalized, delighted wiggliness. Either way, there’s no doubt your child now has a group that she considers her posse.

Rescue Me!

Strangers aren’t the only things that will spook your baby as he nears his first birthday. Other scary-seeming things may set him off now too, like the loud siren of a passing fire engine or the sight of a large dog as you’re walking down the street. His reaction? He’ll look for you, or cry and reach out to you.

This, too, is a form of showing love. “There could be alternative attachment figures around, such as aunts and grandmothers, but when the baby is in distress, he’ll reach back for the mother,” Komisar says. “So you know that if your baby reaches back for you or looks for you when she’s in distress that she needs you, loves you, and is calling for you. It’s your eyes and your smell that she’s seeking.”

Smooches and Swag

By the time your baby celebrates her first birthday, you may see some of the classic signs of love—she’ll come in for a great big hug with those deliciously chubby little arms, or lean on in and plant a wet one on you (or even on grandma or grandpa, if nicely asked).

And, as he starts walking and nears his second birthday, you may find yourself on the receiving end of more than just an embrace.

Take your baby to a park, and she just may pick a flower and bring it to you. “It’s hard to know whether it’s a present of love or whether it’s just saying ‘Hey, look at this really pretty thing I found and let’s talk about it,’” Briggs says. Of course, if you’re like most parents, you’ll see it as a gift—why not? It’s just one of many signs that the baby you love so much is growing up to be a loving human being.

From our sponsors: The mission of Allied Foundation is to impact and improve the health and well-being of residents within Allied Physicians Group’s geographical footprint, which currently includes Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk), Queens, Brooklyn, Richmond, Westchester, Rockland, and Orange. The Allied Foundation funds community-based strategies and initiatives, including Breastfeeding Support (toll-free Support Line: 866-621-2769 and Breast Milk Depots), Community Education (free app—AlliedPG with a medicine dosing calculator and symptom checker—and lectures about such topics as ADHD, managing food allergies, behavioral health, and infant CPR), Early Childhood Literacy (proud partner of Reach Out and Read and The BookFairies); and Community Service (Diaper Bank of Long Island). For more information, visit alliedfoundation.org.

LongIslandParent 37

family life finances

House Hunters

››

What first-time homebuyers need to know to navigate the market and find the right home By Samantha Neudorf

W

hen you hear the word “home,” you may recall fond memories from your childhood, such as gathering together for Thanksgiving, waking up to the smell of breakfast on weekends, or cozying up on the couch to watch a movie. Home may be a state of mind, but a house is where all of those memories are made.

Now that you’re a parent, you may be looking for a house of your own—one where your children will take their first steps, and, many years later, return with their own families. Real estate shopping can be a tricky process, but by doing some homework (see what we did there?) in advance, you can avoid many common newbie mistakes. Here’s how to navigate the market to ensure you will find the perfect home to grow your family.

Figure Out Your Finances

Though it’s tempting to begin looking at houses right away, it’s not the best idea—later on you may realize you’ve fallen in love with a house you can’t afford. Greg McBride, the chief financial analyst for Bankrate, an online tool to compare financial rates, 38

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

says the biggest mistake prospective homebuyers make is looking at properties before reviewing their finances. “That’s a recipe for trouble,” he says. “Instead, it pays to know how much you can afford and get pre-approved for a loan amount. That sets boundaries around your shopping.”

The first step is to request your credit score from each of the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

An ideal score is one that’s higher than 700—it makes you attractive to lenders and could help you get a lower interest rate on a mortgage. Getting your scores early on helps you know where you stand, and also gives you the opportunity to dispute any errors on your credit reports before beginning the mortgage application process with a mortgage lender.

The next step is to pick a mortgage lender. This can be a bank or a credit union—and does not have to be one at which you have an account. McBride advises shopping around for a lender to find the best rate; you can do this by using tools such as the Bankrate search engine to compare prices in your area.

Once you settle on a lender, request a pre-approval letter—this

shows home sellers you are a serious buyer and will able to be approved for a loan.

After you decide on a house, place an offer, and the offer is accepted, it is important to know you are not obligated to the mortgage lender who gave you the pre-approval letter. In fact, it’s smart to put in applications with one or two other lenders at the same time, to figure out which one will give you the best price.

“That can really give you an apples-to-apples comparison of who’s offering the best deal, both in terms of interest rate as well as the fees that are being charged,” McBride says.

So how much house can you afford? In terms of the mortgage itself, the rule of thumb is to pay no more than 30 percent of your gross monthly income, which would include property taxes, property insurance, and any homeowner dues.

When choosing the mortgage loan duration, most lenders recommend a 30-year loan to keep payments manageable while saving money for other things. “It’s better to keep your payments lower so you still have enough breathing room in your monthly budget to be able to save money for other purposes, such as emergencies, retirement, and your kids’ education,” McBride says. “You don’t want to be house-rich and cash-poor.”

The loan may take 30-45 days to be approved, and in the meantime, you will need to pay for a home inspection, home appraisal, title work, and closing costs. Once you own the home and begin making mortgage payments, other fees will include principal and interest on the mortgage, property tax, property insurance, homeowners insurance, and utilities.

Know Your Neighborhood

Finding the right neighborhood for you and your family is crucial before settling on a home, because this will set the tone for your living situation. Jamie Marcantonio, a real estate broker for Coldwell Banker in Suffolk County, recommends researching neighborhoods and visiting them to get a feel for it. “I always emphasize that [prospective homebuyers] check every single town that they’re looking in and make sure that the school system is highly rated,” Marcantonio says. “That seems to be a real hot button for first-time homebuyers.”

Visit the neighborhood and take mental notes of what you observe, and keep it in mind when viewing homes. For example, is there a lot of traffic on the main road? Is public transportation readily available? Are there a lot of parks? Is the area close to something undesirable, like a wastewater plant or high-tension wires?

Another big decision is figuring out whether you want to raise your family in the city or the suburbs. Many first-time homebuyers in the greater New York area are looking to move away from the city and into a suburb. Deciding which town is best can be challenging, but there’s help. Suburban Jungle Realty, for instance, is a real estate advisory firm that connects homebuyers free of charge to “suburb strategists,” who then pair them with towns outside of the city. “Our strategists make sure you’re looking in the right places, asking the right questions,” says Alison Bernstein, Suburban Jungle Realty’s founder. The strategists also provide information, talk about the intangibles, and get homebuyers thinking about the right questions, such as what day cares are nearby?

Can I get live-in help if I’m a stay-at-home mom? What kinds of restaurants are in the area? Where are your favorite places to take your own kids?

Choose a Home

After figuring out what type of home is in your price range, and what town, city, or neighborhood you want to live in, the fun part is going to showings and attending open houses. Marcantonio says finding the right broker is key to finding the right home. She advises homebuyers to interview realtors in person to decide who will be a good fit personality-wise and will be most attentive to their needs. “Go to open houses to see these brokers in real time,” Marcantonio says. “Watch how they’re interacting, interfacing, and what kind of information they are giving.”

Once you find the right broker for you, sit down with them and begin a dialogue about what exactly you are looking for: Do you want a ranch- or colonial-style house? How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Are you hoping for a large or small yard?

When deciding whether you want to buy something on the lower end that will need renovations down the line or something that’s move-in ready, Marcantonio advises to think about whether you have the money to do renovations and if you are emotionally ready to go through with waiting for the work to be done—it’s not always as fun and easy as some well-loved TV shows make it seem. “Many people think ‘I’ll get a fixer upper, I’ll save money there,’ and in the long run they sometimes end up spending more money because they begin to take walls down and run into more expenses,” Marcantonio says.

Remember that it’s okay to not feel pressured to find a dream house to show off. At the end of the day, a house provides shelter, but the memories you create and share with your family there is what makes it a home.

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Courtesy Google

family life home

Hey Google! Can You Teach My Kid Some Manners…Please? ››

Smart home devices have many advantages, but are they turning our children into brats? By Bethany Braun-Silva

J “

ust Google it,” my husband said when, last year, I asked him what day of the week Christmas fell on. Before I could whip out my phone and start typing, I heard my 5-year-old say, “Hey Google, what day is Christmas this year?”

This is our life these days. We were recently gifted a Google Assistant, or Google Home device, an internet-connected speaker that does everything from play music to sync our calendars to answer any question, no matter how random. Within seconds Google replies with an answer, and we are on to the next thing.

No “thank you” needed—it is, after all, a virtual assistant that’s plugged into our wall. But it didn’t escape me that if my husband had answered the question, I would have at least tossed a “Thanks, babe,” his way.

This got me thinking about my kids. They are absolute sponges, picking up new phrases and mannerisms every day—from TV shows, videos on their iPad, and me and my husband. I, of course, want them to be polite and considerate kids who grow up to be 40

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

polite and considerate adults. I started to wonder: Should I make them say “thank you” to the tech device that sits on top of our family desk? Amazon’s Alexa, Google Home, and Apple’s Siri will answer any question regardless of whether it’s asked politely. Kids can even be intentionally rude to the device, calling it a “jerk” or “stupid,” with no repercussions of hurt feelings or a scolding from Mom or Dad. However, it is a device, not a person, so I find myself torn on this issue.

Technology and Our Society

I’ve heard many times throughout the years that technology is ruining our social interactions. In fact, it’s contributing to the lack of empathy we see online—especially with kids and teens.

“When social media relationships replace real-time, real-life, in-person human relationships, problems arise…That’s because when interacting with others from behind a keyboard, the communication rules are different—easier…You can say what you

want without having to witness firsthand the emotional fallout of poor choices or unkind words, even those that are misspoken,” according to “Is Technology Dehumanizing Our Society?,” an article published on dialogmagazine.com.

This lack of human interaction is the norm these days. Internet trolls run rampant. I hardly know anyone who prefers talking on the phone rather than texting. And now, with these in-home devices, tech is literally everywhere. But even if this is the norm, should it be?

The Pros

Paulina R., a mom from Forest Hills, isn’t too worried about the social side effects that smart home devices may have on her kids.

“The benefits far outweigh the potential drawbacks,” she says.

“My kids use our Alexa like a modern-day library. They absorb so much information from that little machine, it’s incredible.”

Meanwhile, Manhattan mom Vanessa McDaniels has found another advantage to her family’s Google Home device. “When my two boys get into an argument over who wants the iPad or who gets to pick the family movie, we ask Google to flip a coin,” she says. Arguments are settled in mere seconds, which makes for a much more peaceful household.

Similarly, many parents of children with special needs praise virtual assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant. “While on the one hand kids using Alexa may develop an attitude, there are also ways that creators, such as myself, are using Alexa to help children lead better lives,” says Daphne Mallory, a virtual reality screenwriter and producer. She recently developed the Alexa skill Autism Help, which is designed to help parents teach social, verbal, and functional skills to children with autism. “It may be easier and less stressful for children on the autism spectrum to interact with Alexa and learn skills, than solely with a parent or other adult,” she explains. “That’s the benefit of voice interface technology and how we can use Alexa in a positive way.”

The Cons

Even with the best of intentions, though, parents can find themselves at odds with their kids’ behavior when it comes to these devices. McDaniels is a bit worried about how their smart device may affect the way her children act outside the house. “The Google Home device answers our kids whether they are rude or not,” she says. “I’m concerned that this might get repeated with a family member or even a teacher one day.” And McDaniels recently caught her 6-year-old son Connor hitting the device when it didn’t understand his question. “We talked to him about his behavior and explained that that’s not how we treat things in our house,” she says. “But there was this thought in the back of my head that even though this behavior is totally unacceptable, we were essentially talking about something inanimate.”

There’s also the issue of safety. Who’s to say these devices can’t get hacked or steal personal information? Certainly if a smart device resides in your kids’ room, there might be some cause for concern when it comes to privacy.

“Google’s activities may affect the ads you get, the deals you are exposed to, the purchases you make, the discounts you receive, the entertainment and news you see, and your very sense that surveillance is natural. Plus, Google is only one of a gaggle of large companies involved in these sorts of activities—all the while seemingly hoping we don’t understand and are too resigned to push back,” writes Joseph Turow in an article titled “Google Still Doesn’t Care About Your Privacy” on fortune.com.

Manners and the Machine

So, is there a risk of these smart home devices making kids less empathetic—or even more demanding?

“Devices are not turning kids into brats. Devices are merely tools,” says Donna Volpitta, Ed.D., founder of the Center for Resilient Leadership and a former special education teacher.

“However, with the increase in technology and devices, parents need to be more and more mindful about the way they are parenting. Currently, there is a wide misuse of these devices, which puts kids at risk in many ways, including being at risk of becoming brats.”

Lilian Rincon, product management director for the Google Assistant, is being more mindful by changing how she speaks to the assistant. “In my house, we say things like, ‘Ok Google, please tell me the weather’ and try to remember to say ‘thank you’ when we get the answer. We don’t always remember, and it’s definitely a balance, but I think my kids learn from how we talk to the assistant, and it has made an impact,” she says. “There’s always some level of risk with new technology and children learning about it at younger and younger ages, but as a parent I can model the behavior I want them to replicate, similar to how we do in real relationships with people.”

Paulina takes a similar approach to ensuring her kids learn manners: “That’s something they will learn from my husband and me, and I don’t think my kids will grow up to be rude just from using Alexa,” she says. “Teaching manners is the parent’s job, and we need to adapt our parenting to these modern times.”

Dr. Volpitta also suggests using the following tips to stop kids’ bratty behavior toward the devices—and toward other people: • S et limits and stick to them: It is our job, as parents, to establish and enforce rules and boundaries, and it’s our children’s job (whether we like it or not) to test those rules and boundaries. If you see your child pushing the limits as far as rude behavior is concerned, step in and explain why that behavior is unacceptable.

If the behavior was toward a smart device, remove the device to be used another time. If it was directed at a person, have them apologize.

• Enforce privilege guidelines: Using any kind of technology for fun is a privilege, not a right. “When kids are acting responsibly, they are able to earn privileges and use devices. When they are being brats, they should not be able to use devices,” Dr. Volpitta says.

• Show you won’t give in to whining: Kids should accept the consequences of acting in a negative manner toward the devices, so stand your ground if your child starts to whine or bargain to use the virtual assistant before they’ve earned the privilege again.

So like everything in our tech-crazy world, in-home devices come with pros and cons. My kids will continue to emulate what they see and hear, so my husband and I will start saying “please” and “thank you” to our Google Assistant to set a good example. Though while my kids were out of the house the other day, I did ask it a bunch of questions, both appropriate and inappropriate—in the name of research, of course. One was, “Hey Google, what makes you happy?” It replied, “I’m happy when I can help out.” Maybe the device can teach my kids some manners after all.

LongIslandParent 41

raising kids teen

Help Your Teen Get More Exercise ›› Most adolescents are a lot less active than they should be—get yours moving with these expert-approved tips. By Deborah Skolnik

T

he teenage years. What do you think of when you hear that phrase?

Probably kids growing like weeds and busily exploring new things, and, because of this, being more active than they’ll ever be again.

But research released last June shows that this just isn’t true, at least not these days. The study, part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination survey, found something alarming: Physical activity peaks at age 6, then declines throughout childhood. Just how steeply does daily exercise decrease? By age 19, the average teen is as sedentary as a 60-year-old.

Blame the tech revolution for a lot of this, says Jane Diamond, a master personal trainer and certified health and wellness coach. Kids aren’t outside all day until dinner, the way that we, or our parents, were as kids. “Our society has changed into an information society,” she says. “We sit at computers, we play games, and we’re on our phones. Kids come home from school and go onto Facebook and Snapchat.” Add in a lot of scheduled time for things like after-school help, homework, and instrument lessons, and it’s easy to see why today’s teens aren’t movers and shakers, at least in the physical sense.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little prodding from you, your teen can adopt a more active lifestyle, one that will serve her well throughout her life. We asked exercise pros how to make it happen.

Household Help

There’s plenty you can do around the house to encourage your teen to exercise. “Create an environment that reflects the change you want,” Diamond says. Steps like these can make a big difference: Lead by example. Show your teen that you embrace workouts.

Keep an exercise bag at the door for trips to the gym, tennis lessons, or 42

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

whatever physical activity you pursue. Invite him to come along with you whenever possible. If he can’t accompany you, make a point of letting him see you come home feeling energized and raring to go. “A little bit of that does sink in,” Diamond says.

Load up your video game console with active games. “There are so many that make you exercise or dance,” Diamond says. And get in the game yourself. Tell your teen, “I want to play too!” If it’s a competitive game, throw down a challenge to amp up the excitement factor and keep the activity going longer.

Wean from the screen. While workout-based video games are fine in moderation, try limiting the number of hours your teen spends on optional, nonacademic screen time. Designate certain times of day, such as mealtimes, to be phone-free, so she gets used to the idea of letting go of her trusty device. And make certain areas of your house no-phone zones—especially the bedrooms. Your teen may end up getting more sleep at night, which will give her more energy to exercise during the day.

Commercial-cize with your kids. When you do watch TV together, exercise together each time a commercial comes on, says Len Saunders, author of Keeping Kids Fit, who organizes programs on a national level for school-age kids regarding health and fitness. “If you watch a lot of TV, this can accumulate to a lot of exercise,” he says.

Create a mini indoor gym. “For about fifty dollars, you can get all the equipment you need,” Diamond says. She recommends buying an exercise ball, a jump rope, carpet sliders, and a couple of sets of small weights. These are all easy to use, and there’s an abundance of videos and articles on the web to show you all the things you can do with them.

Dole out some old-fashioned chores. Make your teen responsible

for physical tasks around the house, such as sweeping the walkways, vacuuming the carpets, or mopping the kitchen floor.

These responsibilities will get him off the sofa and onto his feet.

Create an exercise chart for the whole family, with built-in rewards for your teen. Set the goal of an hour a day of physical activity for each of you, and have your child mark her progress. The incentive can be anything that you know motivates her, such as extra allowance money or the chance to get you to finance her Friday night out with her pals.

in the journal BMC Public Health found that dog owners walk 22 more minutes per day than people without pooches.

Plan active outings—and tell your teen to invite a friend. Hiking in a state park with Mom and Dad? Lame.

Hiking in a state park with Mom, Dad, and Hailey from bio class?

Way cool. Pals are everything to kids at this age, so provide a chance for some buddy time along with exercise. “They’ll do a lot more when they’re with their own peers,” Liang notes.

Run errands without using a car, bus, or subway. If your destination is within walking distance, go on foot or by bicycle. “If you own bikes, get bike baskets so it’s easy to take purchases home,” Lopez says, “and if you’re going on foot, take along backpacks.”

Don’t be discouraged by bad weather. “There are so many wonderful indoor exercise facilities,” Diamond says. “There are places that you can go that have indoor skating, indoor rock climbing, basketball courts, tennis, and squash.”

Whichever strategy or strategies you use, set aside regular time for exercise, and make it a habit. “We didn’t wake up at age 2 able to go to the bathroom and brush our teeth on our own,” Diamond observes.

“Someone taught us day in and day out. We practiced for years until it became so routine that we didn’t even think about it anymore, and exercise needs to become a habit, too.” With your help, your teen will get moving in the right direction, one healthy step at a time.

Take It Outside

There are even more opportunities for exercise outside the house. Get your teen up, out, and at ’em with these tips.

Have the right outdoor equipment on hand, says Nedra Lopez, co-owner of P.E. Club on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

Hang a basketball hoop above your garage if you live in a house, and challenge your child to a quick game after school (or head to the nearest public court to do the same). Lopez is also a fan of resistance parachutes—small parachutes you strap around your waist that catch the wind as you run, creating muscle-building resistance. Want more fun? Invest in an agility ladder, which is a ladder-like device you lay on the ground. Play hopscotch with it, or check out YouTube videos of beginner agility ladder drills.

Sign up together for an athletic event for charity, says Sandra Liang, a trainer at Crunch in Manhattan. It can be as simple as a walk or as ambitious as a 5K you train for together, “and it also introduces your child to volunteer work,” Liang adds.

Revisit your favorite childhood games. “Whether you played tennis or racquetball or something else, explore them together,” Lopez says. It’s a great opportunity for you to teach your child a sport you know, and it’s quality bonding time, too.

Have your teen walk the dog if you own one and your neighborhood is safe for a solo excursion. One recent study published

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raising kids dental health

Healthy Smiles

››

Local dentists and orthodontists answer frequently asked questions about kids’ dental health.

F

rom the time we were young children, our parents took us to the dentist every 6 months for regular checkups and cleanings. Now that we’re parents, we’re doing the same for our children to ensure they have healthy pearly whites from the time their baby teeth grow in through the time they leave the nest. As with most things medical-related, it can be confusing what the latest recommendations are when it comes to oral health and how to help our children. So in honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month, we compiled some of the best advice we’ve received from dentists, orthodontists, and even a psychologist in the New York metro area to keep your kids’ smiles healthy and happy. Here’s what they had to say:

Good Habits Start in Infancy

Before your child has any teeth, you should wipe the mouth and gums with moist gauze or a soft wet washcloth after feedings and before bedtime. Once the first tooth comes in, you should use a small, soft bristled, age-appropriate toothbrush to clean the teeth two times per day: in the morning after breakfast and in the evening before bedtime. The last thing to touch a child’s teeth before bed should be a toothbrush.

At first, no toothpaste is necessary; simply wet the toothbrush 44

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

with water. For children younger than 3, a rice-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste should be used; for children ages 3-6, use a pea-sized amount. It is best if a parent assists children preschool-age and younger in brushing. Take care to brush on the inside and outside of each tooth and the tongue, if possible. In order to maximize the beneficial effect of fluoride—a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay by making enamel more resistant to acids and harmful bacteria—your child should not rinse after brushing his teeth.

Flossing should be initiated when adjacent tooth surfaces cannot be cleansed with a toothbrush. Kid’s flossers are an excellent aid in flossing children’s teeth.

Evidence shows that in order to succeed in preventing oral disease, interventions must begin at infancy. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that your child should have a comprehensive oral exam, an assessment for oral diseases, caries risk assessment, dietary recommendations, and oral hygiene instructions by the time she reaches her first birthday. Good oral hygiene practices that are implemented very early on can have a positive outcome on her overall well-being.

—Marita Smith, D.D.S., board-certified pediatric dentist and owner of Smith’s Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in Pomona

Know When Thumb Sucking Gets a Thumbs Down

on. However, laser treatment is not a common treatment, and only select offices have this equipment.

Thumb sucking is okay as long as the habit stops after 5 years —Renuka Bijoor, D.D.S., a board-certified pediatric dentist at of age. After 5 years of age, the child’s permanent teeth will Briarcliff Pediatric Dentistry in Briarcliff Manor begin erupting—the first molars, the incisors on the lower

arch—and thumb sucking will cause the child to develop an Got Braces? Be Proud! anterior open bite, where the teeth in the front do not come In our society, particularly in the adolescent age group, together and, as a result, the tongue has a lot more space to how people look really relates directly to their popularity. thrust forward. Because of this, the child may also develop And a good chunk of kids want to be popular. Their selfspeech impediments, since they cannot pronounce certain consciousness comes from the fear of whether they will be sounds due to the teeth not closing correctly and the tongue popular because now there’s something making them look thrusting forward. different. I think some kids take advantage of this by pointing If your child breaks the thumb-sucking habit by age 5 without out these differences and bullying those children with braces. any orthodontic intervention, the open bite will usually close on A lot of people get braces and want to hide them—a fact that its own by age 10 or 11, depending on the severity. our culture has embraced and addressed by coming up with Another thing is the upper arch will form in a v-shaped arch— invisible options such as Invisalign. kind of elongated forward—because of the constant pressure of We want kids to be proud and show their braces off. There is a the thumb on the upper teeth. That creates a cross bite, or scissor Twitter account (@GirlsWithBraces) where there are pictures of bite, in the back. girls with big smiles showing off their braces. Their approach is A cross bite needs to be corrected by expanding the arch with having braces is a positive thing rather than one that should make a special appliance called a palate expander. The palate expander you hide in fear. could also be used in combination with a habit-breaking appliance If a kid gets braces and approaches it with fear and wants to to correct both problems. hide, other kids pick up on that fear and that’s where a lot of the To break the thumb-sucking habit, the first recommendation teasing really comes in and it really is to talk to the child and erodes their self-esteem. encourage the child to $4.66: the average amount the — Jill M. Emanuele, Ph.D., a clinical minimize the habit as much psychologist at the Anxiety and Mood as possible. For example, it tooth fairy paid per tooth in late Disorders Center for the Child Mind shouldn’t be done for the 2016 through early 2017, according Institute in Manhattan whole day. Some kids don’t do it during the day because to Delta Dental Plans Association’s Learn What to Do If There’s a they’re involved in activities, national poll Dental Emergency at School and when they go to sleep, First, try not to panic too much they start sucking their as you approach your child. thumb. It still needs to be Oftentimes there is a lot of bleeding if the injury involves the broken in that case. mouth. The oral tissues are highly vascular, so profuse bleeding If that doesn’t work, they can always go to the orthodontist, is common. If the school nurse has not done so already, place an who can talk to the child. Sometimes kids forget they need to ice pack on the injury and apply light gauze pressure to the site of work on breaking the habit, and parents are so caught up with injury. This will usually control the bleeding, and the ice will help their work that they also forget, so what I advise is to put up with any swelling. If the injury involves the mouth or jaw, call your sticky notes all over as reminders for the child to take their child’s dentist right away. You may want to call your dental office thumb out of their mouth. Some parents also try thumb guards. as you head to the school so they are prepared to see your little As a last resort, there are habit-breaking appliances the one as soon as possible. orthodontist can cement in the child’s mouth. They come in If there is general head trauma, and your child is complaining different forms to prevent either tongue thrusting or thumb of headache, dizziness, or disorientation, take your child to the sucking. They have a roller that prevents the thumb from getting emergency room immediately to rule out a concussion. into a secure position in the mouth, and that will break the habit.

If a permanent tooth has been knocked out of your child’s —Larissa Davids, D.D.S., orthodontist and owner of Rego Park Orthodontics mouth, do everything you can to locate the tooth. Try not to in Rego Park, Queens handle the tooth by the root. Make no attempt to clean the tooth

if there is visible dirt or debris. Place the tooth in a cup of milk There’s Lots to Love About Laser Treatments or a “tooth saver solution” if the school nurse has it. The most Laser treatment is a method of handling delicate procedures ideal scenario is to place the tooth back in the socket if your child in children as young as 2-3, such as cavities and lip ties, which allows, but we often find that the parent and child are too nervous happen when the upper lips of infants are tethered to the upper to do so, and that is okay. Take your child and the tooth to your gums from birth. It can be used in multiple procedures in children dentist as soon as possible. Time really is important in this case; without instilling any trauma like anesthesia shots. For example, the sooner the tooth is re-implanted and stabilized, the better the dentists can use laser treatment in place of the conventional drill prognosis. If the tooth is a baby tooth, it will not be re-implanted. when treating cavities, eliminating the need for anesthesia shots You still want to have your child examined, and take the baby and making your child’s experience the least invasive and painful tooth with you, if you have it. Your pediatric dentist will evaluate as possible. The laser can remove tooth decay without touching the other teeth for any signs of mobility or damage as well as the tooth, and it numbs the tooth as an added bonus for your evaluate the jaws and bite to rule out a fracture. child’s comfort level. Another added bonus is that the treatment —Mahnaz Khan, D.D.S., a board-certified pediatric dentist at is shorter and less dramatic, which gives the patient a healthy Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry in Westbury experience and prevents a fear of the dentist from developing early LongIslandParent 45

Professional services

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LAW OFFICES OF BRAD H. ROSKEN, P.L.L.C. 534 Broadhollow Road, Suite 275, Melville 631-379-9569 specialedcounselor.com brad@specialedcounselor.com Brad H. Rosken is an experienced trial attorney. He’s also a parent of a child with special needs. He knows how far to push a school district to obtain the maximum your child is entitled to under law.

LICE FAIRY LICEMOTHERS 2463 S. Long Beach Road, Oceanside 866-561-0492 1755 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park 866-561-0492 679 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Head 866-561-0492 fairylicemothers.com fairylicemothers@gmail.com Our treatment centers are kid-friendly and our products are 100-percent nontoxic. Treatments include two free re-checks. Whether or not you use our service, we are here to help you.

SPECIAL NEEDS DR. ELLEN T RICHER, EDUCATION CLINICIAN & COUNSELOR Convenient Long Island locations 347-668-3676 etrdream@aol.com We co-develop strategies to improve executive functioning, sensory processing, and social cognition challenges, and provide enrichment opportunities to engage and motivate highly capable yet underachieving children.

LAW OFFICES OF ANDREW COHEN 1100 Franklin Ave., Suite 305, Garden City 516-877-0595 250 W. 57th St., Suite 1216, Manhattan 212-244-0595 amcohenlaw.com ac@amcohenlaw.com The Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen can help you achieve your objectives through careful special needs legal planning, regardless of the size of your estate. All clients are provided with high quality service at a reasonable cost.

LAW OFFICES OF BRAD H. ROSKEN, P.L.L.C. 534 Broadhollow Road, Suite 275, Melville 631-379-9569 specialedcounselor.com brad@specialedcounselor.com Brad H. Rosken is an experienced trial attorney. He’s also a parent of a child with special needs. He knows how far to push a school district to obtain the maximum your child is entitled to under law.

LIFE’S WORC THE FAMILY CENTER FOR AUTISM 1501 Franklin Ave., Garden City 516-741-9000 familycenterforautism.org The Family Center for Autism provides services and support for people with autism and their families. Programs include insurance services, birthday parties, art, music, sports and culinary classes, camps, parent and sibling programs, social events, vocational programs, and behavior intervention.

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

LONG ISLAND CENTER FOR SPEECH AND MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success lispeechandmyo.com Nassau: 516-216-1791 • Suffolk: 631689-6858 • Queens: 718-640-6767 Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, along with her group of therapists, supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders.

RMG SPEECH PATHOLOGY RACHEAL MCINNES, M.A., C.C.C.-S.L.P. SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST 775 Park Ave., Suite 255-4, Huntington 631-372-4142; rmgtherapy.com Racheal Gardega McInnes, speech-language pathologist, is founder of RMG Speech Pathology. Treatment areas include expressive/receptive language disorders, articulation disorders, fluency, voice disorders, auditory processing disorders, and feeding and swallowing disorders.

STEPS TO SOCIALIZATION 13 S. Bayles Ave., Port Washington 516-767-0266 Steps to Socialization was created to help children who have difficulty socializing. We teach children how to think socially, step by step. Working in small groups, we cover a variety of topics, including how to establish and maintain friendships and initiating and maintaining conversations.

THERAPY & COUNSELORS DR. ELLEN T RICHER, EDUCATION CLINICIAN & COUNSELOR Convenient Long Island locations 347-668-3676; etrdream@aol.com We co-develop strategies to improve executive functioning, sensory processing, and social cognition challenges, and provide enrichment opportunities to engage and motivate highly capable yet underachieving children.

TUTORS & TEST PREP EYE LEVEL OF WILLISTON PARK Long Island 516-747-7700 eyelevelwillistonpark.com Whether the immediate goal is for early learning, remedial education, or academic education, Eye Level is the answer. Eye Level offers math and English programs for ages 3-12.

MATHNASIUM LEARNING CENTERS Five Towns: 414 Central Ave., Cedarhurst 516-569-1500 Great Neck: 11 Great Neck Road, Great Neck 516-482-MATH (6284) Lynbrook: 381 Sunrise Highway, Lynbrook 516-881-7997 New Hyde Park 810 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park 516-616-MATH (6284) Roslyn: 217A Mineola Ave., Roslyn Heights 516-484-MATH (6284) mathnasium.com Students go to Mathnasium year-round to catch up, keep up, and get ahead in math.

Our instructional approach goes beyond traditional math tutoring to develop understanding and build a love for math. at the Joan and Arnold Saltzman SYLVAN LEARNING CENTERS OF MINEOLA AND HUNTINGTON Community Services Center 393 Jericho Turnpike, Mineola Literacy instruction programs for children and youth offer: 516-743-9943 • Individual or small-group classes in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere 1160 E. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington • Classes taught by New York state-certified teachers 631-424-5600; sylvanlearning.com • Personalized consultations that offer parents straightforward advice sylvanlearning@optonline.net about how to support their child’s literacy growth • Literacy instruction that builds on each learner’s strengths to build Sylvan of Mineola and Huntington offer confidence and improve reading and writing proficiency personalized tutoring programs in reading, writing, mathematics, and SAT/ACT prep.

Sylvan will help identify the right program Spring classes are now forming! for your child and exactly where your child For more information, including registration needs to start to get the best results. and summer program options, visit VILLAGE EAST GIFTED: ENRICHMENT hofstra.edu/rwlclinic or call 516-463-5805.

CENTER FOR THE GIFTED LEARNER Village East Gifted of Huntington 33 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station 631-549-2313 Ad SaltzmanRW_Spring2018_NassauParent_QtrPg_B.indd 1 12/14/17 Village East Gifted of Roslyn 216 Willis Ave., Roslyn Heights Long Island 631-549-2313 villageeastgifted.com Speech info@villageeastgifted.com & Myofunctional Village East Gifted provides after-school enrichment and private tutoring. Enriching every Therapy qualified, gifted child. We are also a John 718-640-6767 • 516-216-1791 Hopkins CTY info and SAT testing center. www.LISpeechandMyo.com

READING/WRITING LEARNING CLINIC

11:48 AM

Licensed Speech Pathologists & Myofunctional Therapists Specializing in the Treatment and Correction of:

Get Healthy With ChiroMom · Innovative Chiropractic Care for the Whole Family

Clensing and Detoxification Programs Available!

· Prenatal & Pediatric Care · Prenatal, Infant, Child And Adult Therapeutic Massage · Nutrition & Weight Management · Specializing in treating children with ADD/ADHD

• Language Disorders • Memory & Auditory Processing Difficulties • Fluency • • Voice Disorders • Motor Planning Disorders • Deviate Swallowing • Tongue Thrust • • Feeding & Swalling Problems /Aversions • Thumb Sucking • Articulation Disorders • Oral Facial Muscle Weakness •

Specialized Therapy Approaches Including Including: PROMPT Therapy • Individual FEEDING Therapy Augmentative Communication Evaluations & Therapy

“FEES”...Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing Participating with most Major Health Insurance Companies

Jericho

500 North Broadway Suite 141

Lake Success 444 Lakeville Road Suite 202

Wantagh

3375 Park Avenue Suite 4010

2874 Merrick Road· Bellmore, NY · 516-221-1212 (In Lakeview Plaza across from Mill Pond)

www.mychiromom.com

LongIslandParent 47

PartyCentral PARTY ENTERTAINMENT CLOWNS.COM Proudly serving Westchester, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx 516-577-0000; 718-971-5862 clowns.com We are a family-owned and -operated entertainment company, offering a wide range of party and entertainment services including clowns, inflatable bounce houses, characters, magicians, princesses, magic shows, face painting, and party concession rentals.

THE FOOD WIZARD FOR KIDS Serving all of Long Island 631-606-2680 thefoodwizardforkids.com info@thefoodwizardforkids.com Try a healthy twist on birthday parties!

The Food Wizard for Kids provides birthday party workshops for younger children. Kids discover new foods through fun activities including taste tests and art projects.

GAMETRUCK LONG ISLAND 917-327-8700 gametruck.com david.schwartz@gametruck.com Video Game Party, laser tag arena, inflatables, or bubble soccer—GameTruck’s unique mobile video gaming theaters and arenas can make your ultimate party wishes come true!

MAD SCIENCE OF LONG ISLAND Call for locations throughout Long Island: 855-264-1672 madscienceli.com; info@madscienceli.com A Mad Scientist brings all the necessary equipment to you. Party packages include invitations and a take-home activity each child makes. Optional grand finales include Bubbling Potions, Rockets, and Cotton Candy.

ROYAL EVENTS PRINCESS PARTIES INC. 516-729-4970 royaleventsli.com; royal.events@aol.com Thank you for considering Royal Events! We are a family-owned company that provides Princess Performers for birthday parties, hospital visits, and all your special events!

PARTY PLACES BOUNCEU FARMINGDALE 101 Carolyn Blvd., Farmingdale 631-777-JUMP (5867) bounceu.com/cities/farmingdale.ny farmingdale.ny@bounceu.com BounceU Farmingdale was voted “Best of Long Island” for Children’s Party Place 48

and Family Amusement Center. We provide the ideal combination of inflatable structures, a clean environment, incredible customer service, and non-stop excitement in a private party atmosphere.

CELEBRATIONS IN THE KITCHEN 63 E. Old Country Road, Hicksville 516-396-2193 celebrationsinthekitchen.com celebrationsinthekitchen@gmail.com The most unique, fun-filled, joyous event! We have created a true baking experience for everyone to enjoy, including sugar cookie baking, all about pizza, cupcakes from scratch, doughnuts, and chocolate and candy projects. Come in, call, or visit celebrationsinthekitchen. com for more information on parties.

Your local guide to entertainers, party places, activities, and other resources.

KEY TO MY ART INC. 10 W. Oak St., Amityville 631-608-9048 keytomyart.com At Key to My Art, our children’s paint parties include all supplies from aprons to easels. The guest of honor picks the theme, we provide the instruction, and each guest leaves with a finished painting!

THE LITTLE LADIES CLUB 246 W. Old Country Road, Hicksville 516-939-CLUB (2582) thelittleladiesclub.com party@thelittleladiesclub.com The Little Ladies Club has been providing glamorous makeover parties for girls since 1998! Her Majesty will be sure to receive the royal treatment!

COLD SPRING HARBOR FISH HATCHERY & AQUARIUM 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor 516-692-6768 cshfha.org; steved@cshfha.org Celebrate your child’s next birthday at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium! See the hatchery and aquarium’s exciting live exhibits. Feed the hungry trout and learn about fish, reptiles, and amphibians with an upclose animal encounter.

LONG ISLAND AQUARIUM & EXHIBITION CENTER 431 E. Main St., Riverhead 631-208-9200 xH2O (426) 631-208-9200 x186 longislandaquarium.com Have an Aquatic Birthday Party at the Long Island Aquarium! Take a private tour of the aquarium, and receive preferential treatment at our Submarine Simulator and Discovery Tower rides and special seating at our Sea Lion Show!

THE FASHION CLASS 1812 Merrick Road, Merrick 516-246-2000 thefashionclass.com Learn from real fashion designers with a runway or sewing party this year in our 3,000-square-foot, bright, sunny, and pink fashion studio! Guests can choose from a variety of our most popular sewing projects, or put on a full runway show!

M.A.T.S.S. KID’S GYM & EARLY CHILDCARE EDUCATION CENTER: A RAINBOW OF PROGRAMS UNDER ONE ROOF! 2629 Grand Ave., Bellmore 516-221-1330 171 Eileen Way, Syosset 516-496-7765 matsskidsgym.com corporate@matsskidsgym.com M.A.T.S.S. Kids’ Gym offers a rainbow of themes and activities that will make your child’s next birthday party the ultimate celebration of their special day!

GREAT PLAY OF SYOSSET 180 Michael Drive, Syosset 516-364-1500 greatplay.com/syosset info@syosset.greatplay.com We offer customized parties for ages 1-10. Your guests will have a blast and your child will receive all-star treatment in our amazing Interactive Gym™.

HUNTINGTON CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 310 New York Ave., Huntington 631-271-4626 huntingtoncenteronline.com huntingtoncenter@yahoo.com Make your child’s birthday a memorable and creative event with our dancethemed birthday parties. As a special treat, a guest artist will come in costume to perform for your guests!

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

MY GYM CHILDREN’S FITNESS CENTER 1320 Stony Brook Road, Stony Brook 631-751-KIDS (5437) 128 W. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station 631-427-GYMS (4967) mygym.com/huntingtonstation mgym.com/stonybrook My Gym parties include exclusive use of the gym, including a zip line, rock wall, trampoline, trapeze, climbing structures, and slides. Instructors lead your guests through action-packed activities with theme options including Superheroes, Princesses, Mickey Mouse—any theme you want.

NOT JUST ART 183 South St., Oyster Bay

516-922-8300 notjustart.com; create@notjust art.com Not Just Art has oodles of excellent music, art, and science parties for ages 1-12 and beyond. Choose from our treasury of super imaginative projects or use favorite themes and activities as a creative springboard.

THOMAS SCHOOL OF HORSEMANSHIP RIDING ACADEMY 250 Round Swamp Road, Melville 631-692-6840 tshcamp.com; tsh@tshcamp.com Birthday parties, scout parties, and class trips are always a blast at the Thomas School of Horsemanship. For groups of 14-18 children.

They receive one hour of riding time.

TOKEY HILL MARTIAL ARTS 95 Seaview Blvd., Port Washington 516-625-9695 tokeyhill.com Schedule an action packed party your child will never forget. Guests enjoy 90 minutes of action! Martial arts instruction, games, and board breaking! Paper goods, pizza, and refreshments included.

UNLIMITED SPORTS ACTION 30 Beechwood Ave., Port Washington 516-767-7675 unlimitedsportsaction.com info@unlimitedsportsaction.com Unlimited Sports Action offers sports birthdays for ages 2 and older. Our parties offer 1 hour of sports and activities on a climate-controlled turf field, followed by 30 minutes of food, drinks, and birthday cake in a private room.

THE VILLAGE ARTIST 630 New York Ave., Huntington 631-271-0715 thevillageartist.com lori@thevillageartist.com Create art for your next birthday party!

The Village Artist Fine Arts Center is proud to host your next birthday party.

Enjoy a fun and creative time with your family and friends including an art project of your choice.

WHAT’S COOKING? 30 E. Main St., Oyster Bay 516-922-COOK (2665) whatscookingny.com info@whatscookingny.com Martha Stewart, Newsday, and News 12 boast What’s Cooking? is a No. 1 Choice Birthday Party Place where children can explore their creativity in culinary arts.

Funtastic cookie, cupcake, Cupcake Wars, chocolate, or pizza party can be customized in our spacious party room making your party memorable!

Taste more than 200 kosher wines!

Nosh on delicious snacks!

The Jewish Week’s

Grand Wine Tasting Event Monday March 12 | 5 - 9 p.m.

City Winery, 155 Varick Street Taste over 200 kosher wines, including the winners of The Jewish Week’s recent Top 18 Kosher Wine Competition Talk to kosher wine vintners, wine experts and local retailers Order your favorite wines to enjoy at your Seder, for your simcha and all year long Get your free copy of The Jewish Week’s Kosher Wine Guide packed with wine features, as well as our Top 18 kosher wines in 10 categories, and more!

For tickets, VIP Early Access & details visit http://jewishweek.timesofisrael.com/wine-tasting/

VIP/Early Access 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm $79 and then admission to the Grand Wine Tasting Private tasting capped at 125 guests with a premium wine selection.

The Jewish Week THE JEWISH WEEK MEDIA GROUP

J WMG

Grand Wine Tasting 6:00pm – 9:00pm $50

SOCIAL SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN & TEENS

Variety Child Learning Center offers Social Skills training programs for children ages 4-12 and teens ages 13-16, with social challenges.

Sessions are held in the Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Please contact Angela Hamel at ahamel@vclc.org or by phone 516-921-7171 ext. 2179

FABULOUS FINGERS!!: A Fine Motor Boot Camp Does your child need practice with their pencil grasp, scissor skills, or with manipulating small objects?

Please join our 8-week program designed to improve hand skills for children ages 3-5

The ticket price on the day of the event for the main Gand Wine Tasting will be $60.

FOR REGISTRATION & INFORMATION CONTACT: Terrie Hoppe, MS OTR/L • thoppe@vclc.org • 516.921.7171 Ext. 2192 GROUP LIMITED TO 10 LongIslandParent 49

Meet the

Health Care Professional ChiroMom 2874 Merrick Road, Bellmore 516-221-1212 mychiromom.com mychiromom@gmail.com

Mesbah OB-GYN Women’s Health Care & Wellness 877 Stewart Ave., Suite 3, Garden City 516-794-1500 mesbahobgyn.com

Dr. Dana Walters is a chiropractor specializing in prenatal and pediatric care. Dr. Walters has practiced in a variety of areas, including Manhattan’s Upper West Side, and has brought her passion for helping families discover the benefits of chiropractic care to Bellmore as ChiroMom. ChiroMom offers chiropractic care utilizing techniques including immune boosting treatments, musculoskeletal and nutritional work, activator techniques, massage therapy, and lifestyle education. As a mom, Dr. Walters experiences first-hand how chiropractic care throughout pregnancy, birth, and childhood sets a solid foundation for greater health and well-being.

Michael Mesbah, M.D., is board-certified with more than 20 years of private practice experience. His experience and expertise in obstetrics has made him one of the most respected physicians on Long Island. He has extensive training in gynecological surgery, and is a certified robotic surgeon. Karyn Wat, M.D., is multilingual in English, Spanish, and Chinese. She has been trained in general and high-risk obstetric care, as well as gynecological surgery.

She is compassionate, dedicated, and knowledgeable in issues pertaining to teenagers, family planning, menstrual and hormonal abnormalities, and menopausal symptoms.

Merrick Pediatric Dentistry 1756A Merrick Ave., Merrick 516-547-1997 merrickpediatricdentistry.com

Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry 959 Brush Hollow Road, Suite #101, Westbury 516-333-3033 kidsteeth4li.com kidds@optonline.net

Dr. Rania Elbaz is a board-certified pediatric dentist.

She earned her dental degree from Columbia University. She then completed her pediatric dental training at UMDNJNew Jersey Dental School. Dr. Elbaz loves working with children and strives to create a warm and fun environment that children look forward to visiting. Dr. Elbaz sees every patient in order to ensure consistency that is so important to young children. The office welcomes and gives extra time and attention to patients with special needs. The office also participates with most major insurance plans.

Dr. Michael Gruttadauria, The Center for Integrative and Innovative Therapies (The CIIT Center) 131 Sunnyside Blvd., Suite 100, Plainview 516-243-8660; theciitcenter.com

Dr. Michael Gruttadauria leads the operations at an advanced treatment center for autism spectrum disorder called The CIIT Center. The CIIT Center’s mission is to approach each child with autism as a total entity by enhancing the biomedical, neurological, nutritional, electrical, and immune system of each of our patients and combining this with occupational, physical, and speech therapies, along with applied behavioral analysis. Our comprehensive approach starts with identifying the underlying factors that may be holding the child back, not just treating their symptoms. This gives each child every opportunity to reach their potential.

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February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry cares for all of your child’s oral health needs in a fun, kid-friendly environment that includes iPads and chairside TV monitors. Drs. Ehrenman and Khan are dedicated and trained to ease dental anxieties for young children as well as patients with special needs. Their years of advanced training include hospital and sedation dentistry. Please visit kidsteeth4li.com to learn more about what Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry has to offer!

Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success lispeechandmyo.com Nassau: 516-216-1791 • Suffolk: 631-689-6858 • Queens: 718-640-6767 Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, is owner and operator of Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy. Along with her group of therapists, she supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders (adults and children). Intensive feeding therapy for individuals who suffer from texture and consistency aversions, and FEES— Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing—are also offered. There is a total of seven affiliated offices across Long Island, all participating with most major health insurance companies and offering evening and Saturday hours.

OPENHOUSES 2018

Shining Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, P.C. 444 Community Drive, #201, Manhasset 516-487-5437 shiningsmilespediatricdentistry.com

Beth Sholom Day Camp

Dr. Rod is a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. He truly cares about children and understands that kids need to feel like they are in a safe, comfortable, relaxed, and friendly environment.

At Shining Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, P.C., we strive to use the healthiest materials. Our office uses no mercury and no BPA in any of our fillings and sealants. Additionally, all of our materials are gluten-free to provide optimal oral health for your child.

Pediatric Dentistry of Nassau County 300 Garden City Plaza, Garden City 516-280-6734 supermolar.com

401 Roslyn Road, Roslyn Heights 516-621-9257 bethsholomdaycamp.com Join us for an open house on Feb. 11 from 10am-1pm. Summer camp for children ages 3-14. Our program allows children to try new things, build friendships, and discover their interests.

Camp East Woods

31 Yellow Cote Drive, Oyster Bay 516-922-4400 campeastwoods.com Join us for an open house on March 11 or May 19 from 10am1pm, and by appointment.

Countryside Montessori School

Dr. Danielle Cooper received her degree in dental medicine and completed her two-year pediatric dental residency at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. She is a board-certified pediatric dentist specialized in treating children of all ages.

She loves working with children every day and strives to make her patients feel comfortable, safe, and excited about their oral health. Her patients leaving with a smile is the best part of her day. In her free time, Dr. Cooper enjoys reading, movies, good food, and spending quality time with her friends and family.

354 Lakeville Road, Lower Level, Great Neck 516-466-8422 cmsgn.com; info@cmsgn.com Open house for admission for the 2018-19 school year, come into the classrooms and speak with our teachers on March 11 and May 6.

East Woods School

31 Yellow Cote Road, Oyster Bay 516-922-4400 eastwoods.org East Woods is small by design, and promotes excellence in a nurturing environment. Join us for an open house on March 6 from 9-11am or April 15 from 11am-1pm.

Future Stars Summer Camps

Want more activities to do this winter‌ NYMetroParents.com Helping parents make better decisions

Be Social

The College at Old Westbury, Old Westbury 516-876-3490 Farmingdale State College, 2350 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale St. Joseph’s College, 155 W. Roe Blvd., Patchogue fscamps.com Stop by Future Stars Summer Camps Open Houses on Saturdays, Feb. 3, March 17, or April 28 from 9:30am-12:30pm.

Long Island High School for the Arts Summer Arts Academy: sixth to 12th grades

239 Cold Spring Road, Syosset 516-622-5678 nassauboces.org/lihsa Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts invites all students with artistic talent, passion, and ambitions to an open house on Friday, Feb. 3, 10am-2pm.

Long Island Whole Child Academy: School for Twice Exceptional Learning 175 Wolf Hill Road, Melville 347-668-3676 liwholechild.org; info@liwholechild.org Open house and Twice Exceptional Education presentation. Discover how finding the right fit for your child can stimulate a lifelong love of learning. Feb. 10 from 10-11:30am and Feb. 28 from 6-7:30pm.

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts

185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights 631-643-7900 usdan.com Join new families interested in learning more about Usdan. Meet with our admissions counselors and tour the campus. Refreshments, warm drinks, information, and 2018 registration available. Sundays, Feb. 11, March 18, April 15, and May 20 from 11am-2pm.

LongIslandParent 51

We've got everything for a…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! NYMetroParents.com is parents' Party Central—one-stop shopping for the best in: H Party Places (for the trendiest, newest, or most classic locale) H Entertainers (clowns, balloon twisting, magicians, spa parties & so much more!)

H Gift-Giving (from charitable ideas to the best presents for every age) H At-Home Party Themes (think pirates, princesses, superheroes, Harry Potter…)

H Planning Help H Tips & Tricks from the Pros (…and parents who’ve been there!)

Bergen•RocklandParent NORTH

HILLSDALE • MONTVALE

SEPTEMBER 2012

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

NYMETROPARENTS.COM

LongIslandParent Parent SPETEMBER 2012

Class Is In!

After-School Activities

✓ ❑ ✓ ❑

Resource Guide

✓ ❑ ✓ ❑

SLOW DOWN!

NYMETROPARENTS.COM

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

How to Manage Kids’ Schedules

What Makes a Good Mentor?

+ 174 Family

+ 130 Family

(see our calendar, p. 26)

(see our calendar, p. 32)

Events

Events

Plus: Learning to Let Go

Vaccines at Every Age Plus: Journaling for Your Child

Where-To Guide: Berry Picking

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Dinosaur Fun

February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

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

NYMetroParents Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

raising kids ad index

NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY metropolitan area! birthday / party services

developmental

Shining Smiles Pediatric Dentistry PC..................... 11, 51

Goldfish Swim School .................................................. 39

C.I.I.T. Center................................................................ 50

Steps To Socialization................................................... 13

Thomas School of Horsemanship................................. 18

Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech................. 47, 50 Millneck Family of Organization..................................... 19

camps

Steps To Socialization................................................... 13

Camp Clio...................................................................... 17

Variety Child - Child Care & Social Skills....................... 49

Camp Eastwoods.......................................................... 17

Young Peoples Day Camp - LI...................................... 56

performing arts / acting Nassau Boces Educational Foundation......................... 19

retail Once Upon A Child........................................................ 11

Countryside Montessori School..................................... 23 Destination Science....................................................... 18 Future Stars - Old Westbury.......................................... 18 LI Voyagers Day Camp.................................................. 14 LIU Center for Gifted Youth........................................... 19

education special events Camp Eastwoods.......................................................... 17 Countryside Montessori School..................................... 23 Hofstra University / Saltzman Center............................ 47 LIU Center for Gifted Youth........................................... 19

Millneck Family of Organization..................................... 19 Oasis Children Services.................................................. 9 Sylvan Learning Center - Mineola................................. 14

Mathnasium..................................................................... 5 Nassau Boces Educational Foundation......................... 19 Village East Gifted......................................................... 19

Thomas School of Horsemanship................................. 18 Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts................................... 2 Village East Gifted......................................................... 19

special needs Andrew M. Cohen, Esq.................................................. 11 ChiroMom................................................................ 47, 50 Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry..................... 43, 50 Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech................. 47, 50 Life’s WORC-FCA.......................................................... 49

family entertainment / events / outings Life’s WORC-FCA.......................................................... 49

Young Peoples Day Camp - LI...................................... 56

Millneck Family of Organization..................................... 19 Pediatric Dentistry of Nassau County........................ 3, 51 Shining Smiles Pediatric Dentistry PC..................... 11, 51

fitness classes

Jewish Week (The)........................................................ 49

Variety Child - Child Care & Social Skills....................... 49

Goldfish Swim School .................................................. 39

Goldfish Swim School.................................................... 39

sports

Hofstra University / Saltzman Center............................ 47

health

Goldfish Swim School .................................................. 39

LIU Center for Gifted Youth........................................... 19

C.I.I.T. Center................................................................ 50

Thomas School of Horsemanship................................. 18

Mathnasium..................................................................... 5

ChiroMom................................................................ 47, 50

Young Peoples Day Camp - LI...................................... 56

Steps To Socialization................................................... 13

Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry..................... 43, 50

Sylvan Learning Center - Mineola................................. 14

Merrick Pediatric Dentistry......................................... 7, 50

tutors

Variety Child - Child Care & Social Skills....................... 49

Meshab OB-GYN........................................................... 50

Mathnasium . ................................................................. 5

Village East Gifted......................................................... 19

Pediatric Dentistry of Nassau County........................ 3, 51

Sylvan Learning Center - Mineola................................. 14

LongIslandParent 53

raising kids quotables

How did your definition of love change after becoming a parent?

“Becoming a mom taught me to love from a different part of who I was before my kids were born. Before I became a mom I thought I knew the boundaries of my heart. From the moment I found out I was pregnant and then first saw my children, I knew that this kind of love is totally different than any other love I’ve felt before and that love truly is limitless, life altering, boundless, and completely unconditional.”

—Monica Shulman, artist and photographer, Lower Hudson Valley

“Before becoming a parent, I have to admit that my idea of love was fickle, superficial, and often materialistic. After having children, my definition of love became seriously unconditional because even though my little ones do & say things that may hurt me, I still care about them immensely and want to continue protecting and nurturing them. My parental love is selfless and my whole being is devoted to my children. This kind of love is physical and emotional and encompasses my life and affects every decision I make.”

—Scherrie Donaldson, aka @thirtymommy, East Flatbush, Brooklyn

“...I came around to the front of the stroller, grabbed his legs and as words started to come out of my mouth, I felt my eyes fill with hot tears and my voice catch in my throat. I barely managed to say, “You are making mommy very sad” before the tears started cascading down my face.” Anyone else have experience with raising a strongwilled child?

“Love means catching throw up in your hands. Love means staying up with a sick child. Love means making four different sandwiches for four children. Love means that your favorite present is the one they chose from the boutique at school. Love means your favorite days are the ones where you see how proud they are of themselves and their accomplishments. Love means helping them through difficult times with a smile even though it breaks your heart. Love means my heart grew every time I had another child and that my life is full of love every day.”

(Posted by @brooklynboymom, aka Rhianon Hoffman)

—Rima Potter, Port Jefferson

in an instagram

I swear our emotions and psyches are inextricably linked with our children’s in some deep, cosmic way.

What they feel, we feel.

What they experience, we experience. We may not feel or experience what they do to the same degree or with the same intensity, but parental empathy is real.

And it’s freaking exhausting.

—Annie Reneau in a post entitled “We Feel Our Kids’ Feelings, And It’s Exhausting,” on scarymommy.com

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February 2018 | nymetroparents.com

“Having kids unlocked an entire new compartment in my heart for love. I tell them every second that I get that I love them and mean it sincerely. My heart feels full now and I am so happy to experience the love of a mother. It truly has no bounds.”

—Suzanne Cohen, aka @gothamlove, Manhattan

Young Love “My son’s first crush was Victoria. It was love at first sight when they met in kindergarten and it continued in elementary school. Then Titanic came out and their relationship tanked too—until my son declared his affection on national television.

During an appearance on the show Kids Say the Darndest Things, he said in the cutest little 6-year-old voice that he loved Victoria, but then explained: ‘She dumped me…because she loves Leonardo DiCaprio.’”

—Laurie Sue Brockway in an article entitled “How to Handle Your Child’s First Crush;” read the whole thing at nymetroparents.com/first-crush.

More NYMetroParents.com Highlights: CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY: February is Black History month. Find where you can celebrate at nymetroparents. com/black-history.

DISCOVER HISTORY: Check out historical locations in and around New York City at nymetroparents.com/ historical-places

Bar Mitzvah Bat Mi t zvah Sweet Sixteen Quinceañera

Party Planning?

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Get your FREE family ticket online at CelebrateShowcase.com Tickets purchased at the door are $10

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2018 12:00PM - 3:00PM OUR LADY OF MERCY SCHOOL 520 S Oyster Bay Road Hicksville, NY 11801