Nassau Parent February 2020 by City Guide NY

LongIsland NASSAU EDITION

Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

FEBRUARY 2020

CAMP COUNTDOWN • Month-by-month planning timeline • Camp comparison chart

YouTube & Kids

Safe streaming practices for families

Ask DadandBuried

Should I get my kid an iPhone?

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February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

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inside

february 2020

Original photo by Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company (sarahmerians.com) Clothing courtesy Macy’s Backstage (macysbackstage.com)

14 YouTube & Kids Safe streaming practices for families

16 Dental Health by the Numbers What you need to know to keep kids’ smiles healthy

18 Camp Countdown A month-by-month timeline to plan for the summer

22 Discovering Diversity 8 books for kids in honor of Black History Month

40 Keeping the Peace How to reduce conflict when your kids share a room

COLUMNS 6 Editor’s Note 9 News: What’s happening in the community 12 Advice: Ask DadandBuried 13 Mommybites: Registry Secrets 46 Last Word: What do you really want for Valentine’s Day?

THINGS TO DO 17 Summer Camp: LI Camp Fair Coming to Hofstra 23 Family Activities Calendar 38 Outing: Day Trip, Anyone?

RESOURCES 20 Camp Chart 41 Open Houses

42 Party Central

43 Meet the Health Care Professional 44 Professional Services 45 Advertisers’ Index

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions facebook.com/nymetroparents

@NYMetroParents

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

Your child’s

amazing summer experience starts on the Hofstra campus! With more than 75 programs for campers in grades K-12 in arts, academics, sports, career discovery and more, there’s something for everyone!

Come see us at the Long Island Parent’s Camp Fair & Activities Expo, Sunday, March 8!

Learn more about our programs at hofstra.edu/camp or call 516-463-CAMP. We also offer door-to-door busing and/or area pickup transportation to parts of Long Island and Queens! Ad_CE_CAMP_Mar8Expo_Metro Parent_Full.indd 1

LongIslandParent 1/27/20 4:42 PM5

editor’s note

Looking Ahead

re you dreaming of summer yet? We’re excited about the thought of the cold giving way to warmer days ahead, filled with beach days, family vacations, and summer camp. You may think it’s too early to consider your child’s summer plans when it isn’t even spring yet, but the experts disagree. In fact, the American Camp Association recommends attending camp fairs now if you’re in search of a new summer program for your child. Plus, a number of camps offer discounts for early registration! For other camp planning tips, turn to p. 18, and be sure to check out the camp comparison chart on p. 20 to help you choose the best camp for your child. Another thing we’re excited about? The redesign of NYMetroParents.com! We spend a lot of time thinking of ways to help you make the best decisions for your family, and we streamlined our site to make it even easier! Don’t worry: You’ll still find the same great articles, hundreds of things to do on any given day in our calendar, and the top resources in your community. Speaking of the Internet, did you know YouTube is the most-used online platform among tweens and teens? Regardless of how old your children are, you’ll want to check out “YouTube & Kids” on p. 14. It outlines how you can better keep your kids safe when they’re streaming videos, limit the inappropriate content they have access to, and improve their media literacy. And if you’re looking for things to do during the long Presidents Day weekend or midwinter recess, be sure to browse the family activities calendar on p. 23 and the roundup of area day trips on p. 38. Here’s to hoping Punxsutawney Phil doesn’t see his shadow!

Katelin Walling Editorial Director Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

FEBRUARY 2020 • Vol.11 • No.9

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EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Katelin Walling PRODUCTION EDITOR: Melissa Wickes FEATURES EDITOR: Shana Liebman ASSISTANT EDITOR: Jacqueline Neber CALENDARS CALENDAR COORDINATOR: Whitney C. Harris EVENT RESEARCHERS: Kristina Johnson, Shara Levine DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke

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DIR. OF OPERATIONS -- EVENTS: Rebecca Stolcz DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Ray Winn OPERATIONS COORDINATOR: Elvins Cruz, Leonard Porter DIRECTOR OF TRAFFIC: Heather Gambaro MARKETING SERVICES MANAGER: Erin Jordan TRAFFIC COORDINATOR: Victoria Cocivera

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Meet This Month’s Cover Kid! Our cover star is 4-year-old Zachary from Queens—a finalist in our 2019 Cover Kids Contest! It’s a family tradition: His sister Emily was the winner of our 2014 cover contest! A huge thanks to Macy’s Backstage for Zachary’s outfit, and an even bigger shout out to Sarah Merians of Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company (sarahmerians.com) for the great photo! Want to know when the 2020 cover contest opens? Sign up for our newsletter at nymetroparents.com/newsletter!

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

BIG APPLE PARENT, QUEENS PARENT, WESTCHESTER PARENT BROOKLYN PARENT, ROCKLAND PARENT, BERGEN • ROCKLAND PARENT, STATEN ISLAND PARENT, and LONG ISLAND PARENT are published monthly by Davler Media Group, LLC Copyright © 2019, Davler Media Group, LLC No part of contents may be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher.

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February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

Dan Norman Photography

news

Tickets are on sale now for Trolls Live!, which will be at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden June 13-14.

A Troll-Tastic Time This hair-raising, interactive extravaganza will delight your little Trolls lover.

Warm up your singing voice: Trolls Live! is going on its first-ever live tour. What’s more, Vstar Entertainment Group and the Madison Square Garden Company recently announced our favorite Trolls are making a stop at the Hulu Theater at MSG! Poppy, Branch, Guy Diamond, Cloud Guy, Fuzzbert, and more Trolls friends will come to life on stage to save their beloved Hug Time. There will be singing, dancing, glitter, and plenty of hugs, along with special effects and plenty of surprises. Kids will love to sing-along to their favorite Trolls songs—and be enchanted by all-new songs! Trolls Live! will run June 13-14 with three performances each day, and tickets are currently on sale. Find out more details at nymetroparents.com/trolls-live.

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Danielle Guenther Photography

news

A Day to Indulge Celebrate World Nutella Day on Feb. 5 by serving your kids toast topped with the chocolatey hazelnut spread for breakfast. Just don’t let them see you sneak it by the spoonful, or else you’ll always be running out of it!

“Hold on a Sec,” from Danielle Sapienza’s Best Case Scenario series, which depicts real, raw, crazy moments of parenthood

Celebrating the Chaos of Parenting Liquid Gold Want to know how maple syrup is made (we’re talking the 100-percent pure liquid gold)? Head out to Hoyt Farm in Commack, Suffolk County, to see demonstrations of Native American and colonial techniques and taste maple syrup. Sundays, Feb. 23-March 8, 1:30-3pm. Find more maple sugaring events at nymetroparents.com/ maple-sugaring.

Judgement-Free Zone 64% of parents said they’d most like to see mom shaming go away in 2020, according to a survey by Boudreaux’s Butt Paste. Now that’s a trend we can get behind.

anielle Sapienza is a NYC-based lifestyle photographer (@danielleguentherphotos) and artist who celebrates the chaos of parenting. Her photos are original and often hilarious—family scenes we can find humor and delight in imagining. As the mother of a 10-year-old and a newborn, she’s inspired by the energy of those little people that run our daily lives with such power, enthusiasm, and emotion.

How would you describe your images?

What’s the best parenting advice you ever received?

I capture the raw, real, crazy moments we have as parents, when we feel as if our heads are spinning. The children love to be involved in the rebellious fun, and everyone gets to act the scene! I also adore photographing families and documenting them in their everyday setting, whether that’s indoors at home, or out on the street in the hustle of NYC. Our lives seem to pick up speed when we have children, and these little moments are soon forgotten. Photography is so special in the sense that we can always look back at these memories and we never forget.

“Just keep them alive. That’s all that matters.” It’s pretty true! As parents we have so much information floating around about every topic, it can make us INSANE! I try not to compare to other parents, and just go with what works. The hardest part of being a parent is trusting that you’re a good parent.

Amy Schumer for sure. She’s so real. Any parent that can be as honest, raw, and real as her...sign me up!!

Read more from Sapienza at nymetroparents.com/danielle.

Connect with us facebook.com/nymetroparents

Which famous parent would you like to have dinner with and why?

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

@nymetroparents

@NYMetroParents

New Places, New Programs Summer Camp Adds Cooking and Chinese Programs Friends Academy is slated to offer Introduction to Chinese Culture and Language and Culinary Creations for kids ages 11-14 this summer. The language program will teach campers basic vocabulary and short sentences such as greetings, self- and family introductions, ages, colors, numbers, animals, and fruits. Classes will be project-based, with cooking and traditional Chinese art. In Culinary Creations, campers will create threecourse meals to take home and share with their families while learning about ingredients and developing kitchen skills through cooking and baking. 270 Duck Pond Road., Locust Valley; 516-3934207; fa.org/summer/fa-summer-camp.

Saturday Program Enhances Social Skills Variety Child Learning Center will offer the SLIDE (Social Learning Interactive Development Experience) Program, a Saturday program for children ages 3-9 to practice interacting with peers, enhance social development, and more. Weekly themes will facilitate new experiences for your child to participate in group activities in a cooperative environment. Themes may include but are not limited to pet therapy, learning to participate at birthday parties, sharing, making friends, board games and movies, and dance parties. 47 Humphrey Drive, Syosset; vclc.org.

Are You Ready for Some Football?

Super Bowl Snacks While we may not all be rooting for the same team on Feb. 2, there’s one thing we can all agree on: We’ll need snacks. We’re serving up plenty of family-friendly, healthy—and even a few vegan—options over at nymetroparents.com/ football-snacks. We’re talking spinach garlic dip, sriracha chorizo deviled eggs, barbecue chickpea sliders, and more. And, hey, if you’re just watching for the commercials, the half-time show (Hello, JLo and Shakira!), and food, more power to you!

Game Day Fun for Kids

Learn to Code Drones A Drone Coding Program will be introduced to Future Stars Summer Camps’ STEAM Camps at the Farmingdale and Old Westbury locations this summer. Campers entering third-ninth grades can attend weekly sessions that aim to engage children through project-based learning. Students will learn the basics of block style coding through to more advanced Python programming, applying the fundamentals of math, science, and logic. They will then test their code on small drones that will fly autonomously. College at Old Westbury, 223 Store Hill Road, Old Westbury; 516-226-2267; Farmingdale State College, 2350 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale; 631-769-2267; fscamps.com

Keep the kids having fun with these craft, game, and dessert ideas! Warmup: Make paper pompoms to cheer on your team by cutting various colored tissue paper into small strips and having kids tape them to the ends of paper towel or toilet paper rolls. Regulation play: Look for objects during the game starting with letters of the alphabet. To make it challenging, designate a section of the alphabet to each quarter. Half-time entertainment: Make Super Bowl sundaes! Set up a station where kids can create their own sweet treat with toppings, sprinkles, sauces, and ice cream. Visit nymetroparents.com/ football-party for more ideas. LongIslandParent 11

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he struggle is real. I have a 9-year-old, and while not everyone in his class has an iPhone, some kids already do. We’re holding fast to our “no smartphone yet” policy, but it gets trickier every year. When he turns 12 or 13, we’ll be hard-pressed to deny him. Kudos to you for getting this far! At that age, there are some good reasons to consider giving in, although I’m not sure bullying is a great one. Peer pressure is rarely a good reason to do something, and we certainly don’t want to let the bullies win! That said, smartphones are a necessary evil, and as your kid gets older, the positives—for him and you—will eventually outweigh your reservations. I’m dying to have a way to communicate with my son when he’s on the bus, or to remind him to turn in a permission slip. I also need him to have his own Spotify account; I don’t want our future robotic overlords to think I worship Imagine Dragons! The fact is, smartphones are going to be a part of our kids’ lives for the foreseeable future. They see friends with them, and no doubt see their parents using them, which makes withholding one increasingly difficult. (If someone tried to take away my smartphone, it would get ugly fast. Just ask my wife!) The good news is there are services that can help monitor his activity and restrict certain apps and websites. If you wish, you can basically turn the phone into—gasp!—an actual phone. (For an example, check out Gizmo.) That way you can get the benefits of easier communication with your son and he can still feel like one of the “cool kids.” I would start signaling your capitulation but tie it into some kind of reward-based scheme. Make him earn the thing. And then get him his own Spotify account.

Check out the complete schedule at www.gradyedu.com/winterclasses.com

Our advice column features the wise, humorous commentary of Mike Julianelle (aka @DadandBuried), a 40-something influencer with a popular podcast who lives in Brooklyn with his wife and two kids.

516-579-4200 1089 Hicksville Road, Seaford 1/4 Mile North of Southern State Parkway (exit 29N, Rte. 107) Store Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm; Sunday 11am-5pm Clothing must be in good condition, of current style, freshly laundered and neatly organized in boxes or other folding containers. Toys, equipment and furniture items must include all original parts, be clean and in good working condition, and meet all industry safety standards. Because the safety of children is a top priority of Once Upon a Child, we are unable to purchase recalled or retrofitted products. We reserve the right to refuse items based on condition, current inventory levels and past experience.

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My son is 11 and says everyone in his class has an iPhone. I wasn’t planning on getting him one for several more years, but it sounds like he’s feeling left out and possibly bullied for not having one. Should I just buy him an iPhone or continue to resist? —Julianna B., Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

HAVE A QUESTION FOR DADANDBURIED? Send it to editor@nymetroparents.com with the subject “DadandBuried’s Advice.”

mommybites

Registry Secrets

Veteran moms share what to keep in mind when creating your wish-list, so you don’t get overwhelmed. By Christina Vercelletto

reating a successful baby registry can drive you a little crazy. You need the hindsight of a veteran mom to know what you really need—but you’re a rookie! To make the process a little easier, we spoke to moms who have learned the hard way about how to get the job done right. There is no ultimate authority on what you will need. While your best friend, who has a 1-year-old, might swear by the latest and greatest bottle warmer, “essential” is a highly subjective concept when it comes to baby gear. For example, fancy diaper pails and front carriers or slings are hated as much as they are loved. Better to tap the wisdom of all your new mom friends, then compare their lists to look for commonalities. Cast a wide net. Instead of registering at one store, set up a Pinterest board with images that link back to the respective shops. You can pin anything, including cleaning and spa services, meal deliveries, and handmade goodies on Etsy. Consider throwing in things like newmom yoga pants, wall art for baby’s room, or a new laundry basket. Ask that your shower invite include the link to your board. Divide and conquer. Creating a registry is an exhausting process—a solid 4 hours is not uncommon. Consider splitting the job into two sessions, with one devoted to the two items that most demand a clear head: the stroller and car seat. Include different price ranges. Those who aren’t invited to your shower—say a co-worker or your parents’ neighbor—will need under-$15 ideas, so check out board books, baby hats, bath toys, and those fun stickers (1-month, 2-month, etc.) that go on a baby’s shirt for photos throughout the first year. Entice friends and family to buy the functional items. Most shower guests don’t want to give a nasal aspirator or a vaporizer, which, while necessary, don’t make the gift-giver feel warm and

fuzzy. Take advantage of the “add a note” option that many registries let you attach to individual items and say something like: “I’d feel so much better if I had this on hand, knowing I could do everything possible to comfort my little one when he gets sick.” Some items in the store aren’t online, and vice versa. If you’re in a brick-and-mortar and can’t find an item, check the website for it and add it online. Don’t bother registering for outfits and blankets. If there is a particular swaddle or coming-home outfit you have your eye on, go for it. But beyond that, rest assured that you will receive plenty of teeny clothes and impossibly soft, pastel blankets—both before and after baby arrives. Think ahead. After this windfall, you’re on your own paying for all the accoutrements this kid will need. There’s no shame in adding a snowsuit or swimsuit sized a year (or two!) ahead, a toddler bed, or even a big kid booster car seat to your list. The scanning gun is addictive. To avoid registering for stuff that will lure gift-givers away from what you really need and/or want, make a list before you go, and stick to it. If you’re tempted to make an exception, sleep on it. You can always add it later online. You will be able to shop after the baby comes. Despite the horror stories you’ve heard about life as a new mom, you will leave the house. So please, don’t obsess over whether or not you’ve ticked off every single little thing you might possibly need. Registering for gift cards (or diapers, for that matter) is not tacky. It’s smart and will probably be a relief to a handful of your nearest and dearest. And you can use gift cards to acquire those necessary items that nobody will buy, no matter how gamely you talk them up in the “notes” section. Nursing pads, anyone?

Mommybites’ nanny boards only feature postings from nannies’ current families. You can rely on their recommendations. If you need a nanny or babysitter, visit Mommybites.com. LongIslandParent 13

& Kids This corner of the Internet can be a scary place, but there are ways to protect your kids. By Jacqueline Neber

t’s one of the biggest challenges facing parents today: How do you keep your kids safe online while still letting them explore? And YouTube is ground zero for this issue. In the last few years, we’ve heard about YouTube’s scandals—including Logan Paul filming a man who hanged himself in Japan or the debilitating work-lives of YouTube employees in the Philippines. At the top of the most-dangerous list is the inappropriate content readily available for, or even strategically aimed at, kids. Even though there is plenty of G-rated entertainment on YouTube, it’s no mystery why many parents are concerned about what their kids are viewing.

YouTube Kids allows parents to create profiles for their children, based on each child’s age, in an effort to limit inappropriate content.

Tackling the Tube There is no one-size-fits-all approach to dealing with this issue, says Jill Murphy, vice president and editor-in-chief of Common Sense Media. One of YouTube’s biggest problems is the inability to control a child’s search results. “Searching YouTube is essentially like searching Google,” Murphy says. “The results are not only looking to offer you accurate information on what you’re looking for, but also suggest some unrelated, but often tempting, things to watch. With so much content and so many options, it can be hard for any age to stay focused.” One helpful option for families is YouTube Kids—launched in 2015—which allows parents to create profiles for their children who are preschool-age through 12 years old. Each type of kids account is designed to offer certain content: creative, playful, and exploratory videos for ages 4 and younger; songs, cartoons, crafts, and more for ages 5-7; and gaming, science, music, and more for ages 8-12. YouTube admits it cannot filter out all inappropriate content or manually review all videos, but parents can turn off the search function or only allow their kids to see videos that Mom and Dad approve. Despite these filters, Murphy says, there is still no guarantee your child will be 100-percent protected from questionable content because YouTube doesn’t delineate age guidelines for content consumption. For example, related videos that appear on your child’s screen are based on what he gravitates toward, and there are no safety precautions for those. Younger kids tend to love room tours, vlogs, and “unboxing” videos—in which YouTubers 14

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

show off the products they receive from brands—but there is no way to guarantee these are age-appropriate. The best way to strive for safety, Murphy says, is to discuss content-viewing guidelines with your kids. Many parents overhear their child watching something they don’t like, run over, and demand it all be shut down, she says. A better approach is to encourage open conversation. “Sit down, watch a few videos with your kid, and have conversations about what is or isn’t appropriate. Start media literacy at a young age,” she says. “Include [your kid] in your boundary- and rule-setting because, otherwise, it’s quite enticing for a kid to [watch] what they’re not supposed to watch.” Another tip is to watch the videos by content creators who your kids like, and who might be posting things your child shouldn’t see, Murphy adds. Understand why your kid wants to watch these videos and continue having conversations about them. (It’s also worth noting that creator videos are basically infomercials, so you might want to discourage this consumerism.) Keep in mind that some content creators post for shock value, which can have serious consequences for your kids. Ariella Toeman, a mom of three in Westchester County, watches YouTube together with her 8- and 10-year-olds. The kids are not allowed to freely browse, but her 12-year-old has a computer at school and a phone is his hand and can access the Internet anytime, Toeman says.

“Don’t tell me for a minute that YouTube doesn’t love kid content and will do everything it can to keep lots of it going, all while pushing the limits of child safety,” he says. Murphy agrees that YouTube doesn’t make it easy for parents to set parameters—so you need to get creative in figuring it out. She encourages parents to look to the parental controls on their kids’ devices before turning to third party systems. Plus, kids will always try figure out passwords and get around locks, Murphy points out. There are even TikTok channels dedicated to showing kids how to do so. For some kids, Murphy concedes, third-party parental controls might be necessary. For example, if your child has trouble distinguishing inappropriate content or if you suspect he might be the victim of cyberbullying, there is no shame in using third party parental controls or checking his search history. Set these boundaries if you need to, she continues, but try not to use them as a substitute for real conversations with your kids.

“

Sit down, watch a few videos with your kid, and have conversations about what is or isn’t appropriate. Start media literacy at a young age.

“We talk a lot about watching things that are appropriate. Once you see things, you can’t take them back out of your memory. You can’t take back those visuals—they stay with you forever,” she says. “So, we say, if things feel a little bit awkward, we don’t watch them. If things make us feel bad, we don’t watch them. If they feel weird, if we don’t really understand them, they’re not for us.”

Third Party Controls “I swear no one at Google has kids—but [YouTube] is the primary source of truth for kids,” says Doug Crawford, director of curriculum at Protect Young Eyes, an advocacy and education organization based in Michigan. (YouTube is a subsidiary of Google.) While YouTube offers a restricted mode (turned on in the user’s profile) for parents to control what kids see, “YouTube’s controls are configured differently on different devices, making it difficult for parents to always get it right, and then it’s hard to lock things in without some third-party parental control solution like CleanBrowsing, Mobicip, or Covenant Eyes,” he explains. While YouTube can be a great source of learning material, Crawford says parents need to keep in mind that its search function is inherently unsafe for kids—even if they’re watching kid-friendly content. Watching YouTube on restricted mode is the only method he recommends for kids.

”

YouTube Isn’t the Enemy—Necessarily Adults use Google to find what they need to know, while kids turn to YouTube, Crawford explains. The site is so pervasive that 82,248 videos are watched every second as of Jan. 15 (this stat is updated daily), according to internetlivestats.com. Protect Young Eyes’ surveys of high school students reveal that when given the option to choose their No. 1 online activity, teens choose YouTube over social media and gaming at a 3-to-1 ratio. Among tweens and teens, YouTube is the most-used online platform—not Instagram or Snapchat, as parents might believe. Murphy points out that because many parents didn’t have this technology growing up, they might be reluctant to let it into their kids’ lives. And parents’ lack of familiarity prevents them from understanding how important YouTube is as a social lifeline for kids. Despite all of this, YouTube doesn’t have to be an enemy. “All of their friends are talking about [YouTube]. Kids have devices at school. They’re going to watch it at school… so eliminating it without taking the time to talk about why something bothers you or hearing from your kid about why it’s appealing to them is not necessarily a path Common Sense [Media] would recommend,” Murphy says. “Teach your kids to live with it, rather than shutting it off.” Toeman, like many parents, acknowledges the struggle: “I’m trying to raise my children in an open-minded, realistic way that accepts technology as part of our lives, but doesn’t love it—which is a hard balance.” LongIslandParent 15

national children’s dental health month

Dental Health

by the

is the amount you—um, we mean the Tooth Fairy—leaves on average in our area, according to Visa’s Tooth Fairy Calculator (a free app in the iTunes app store), which tells you what other children in similar family situations are getting under their pillows.

Numbers

40%

of children ages 3-6 use too much toothpaste, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The age at which it’s recommended that kids stop sucking their thumbs to avoid future oral health issues that will require orthodontics, according to Larissa Davids, D.D.S., orthodontist and owner of Rego Park Orthodontics in Queens

The age at which a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste should first be used by a child, according to Marita Smith, D.D.S., a pediatric dentist at Smith’s Little Smiles in Pomona. For children younger than 3, a rice-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste should be used.

is how often the American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush—or more frequently if bristles are visibly matted or frayed.

is the number of times teeth should be brushed each day, according to the CDC. Before any teeth come in, wipe your baby’s gums with a soft clean cloth after the morning feeding and right before bed to wipe away bacteria—and get your child used to the habit, says Renuka Bijoor, D.D.S., who practices at Briarcliff Pediatric Dentistry in Briarcliff Manor. Once teeth start to come in, brush with a soft, small-bristled toothbrush.

44%

3 months

of U.S. children will have at least one cavity by kindergarten, according to Children’s Dental Health Project (cdhp.org).

6 months

is how long you or your child should go between dental visits, says Marc Adelberg, D.D.S., who practices at Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dentistry, which has four locations on Long Island.

The age at which your child should have her first dental exam

2 minutes

is the length of time teeth should be brushed for. You can either get a fun timer for your child, or look for an electric toothbrush, like Quip Kids (getquip.com), which has a timer built in.

( Looking for a pediatric dentist for your kids? Visit nymetroparents.com/health. ) 16

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

summer camp

LI Camp Fair Coming to Hofstra Sunday, March 8

he Long Island Camp Fair & Activity Expo, hosted by Long Island Parent and NYMetroParents, will help you find the perfect camp for your child by bringing together dozens of directors from area camps and summer activities, including day camps, sleepaway camps, STEAM camps, and sports programs. While you meet with directors, learn about each campâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s philosophy, and browse the activities and programs offered, your kids can participate in a variety of fun activities, such as arts and crafts, music, STEM projects, sports activities, dance, and a bounce house. Talk about a win-win!

Your kids can have fun trying out what local activities have to offer while you meet area camp directors at the Long Island Camp Fair & Activity Expo!

Long Island Camp Fair & Activity Expo will be hosted on Sunday, March 8 from 11am-2:30pm at Hofstra Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex, 245 Hofstra University, Hempstead. For more information, and to get your FREE ticket, visit licampfair.com.

LongIslandParent 17

summer camp

Camp Countdown! A month-by-month timeline to get your child (and you!) ready for summer camp By Jess Michaels

t’s not too early to think about summer camp! If you are considering day or sleepaway camp, there are ways to research and plan for camp throughout the year. The American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey suggests the following month-by-month timeline with ways to plan for your child’s summer camp experience.

October and November Attend open houses. Many camps have open houses and fall festivals that provide opportunities to see the camp facilities and get a feel for the camp. It is also a good opportunity for you to get to know the camp director and ask questions about the camp philosophy and program while in the camp setting. Search for camp with your child. Take some time to look over a camp’s website, brochure, and video together. They will give you and your child a sense of what a particular camp is like. Most camp websites have photo slide shows, videos, virtual tours, and maps, which will give you a glimpse of the camp and the camp program. The more involved your child feels in the decision of choosing a camp, the more successful the camp experience will be. Look for camp early for savings. If you’ve already decided on a camp for your child, don’t wait to register. Many camps offer early-bird discounts. Registering early can be a real savings for parents—and it ensures your child won’t be shut out of the camp program he wants. Ask

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

the camp if it offers payment plans, which can make it easier to pay for camp. Some camps also allow you to prepay the camp season and will give you a significant discount.

December and January Talk to camp directors. Speaking with the camp director and asking some key questions is a good way to find out about a campâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s philosophy and see if it matches your own. Get to know the camp director through phone calls, correspondence, and in person. Make sure to give the director an accurate picture of your child and what your specific goals are for her camp experience.

of camps to a community and provide parents the opportunity to speak 1-on-1 with many different directors in one day. Often times, a camp director will come to you for a home visit, which allows you to get to know the director and for the director to get to know your family.

April and May Share positive messages. As camp approaches, talk to your child about the camp program and the activities she will be participating in. Let your child know you are confident in her ability to have a successful camp experience.

June

Prepare your child for overnights. If you are considering sleepaway camp, schedule sleepovers with friends and relatives and make sure these overnights are successful. If your child feels panicked and needs to come home in the middle of the night, he may not be ready for sleepaway camp.

Pack together. If your child is going to overnight camp, pack together. Your child will feel more secure if he knows what he is bringing to camp. Use this time talk with your child about how much fun camp is going to be. Mail a letter to camp. Send a letter to sleepaway camp, so your child has a letter the first day she is at camp. Let her know how much fun she is going to have at camp.

February and March

July and August

Schedule home visits and attend camp fairs. These are both good ways to get to know a camp director and a camp program. Ask about the campâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission statement and what type of child is successful at camp. Camp fairs bring dozens

Camp season is here!

Make camp part of holidays. Instead of purchasing another toy for your child, make camp a holiday gift.

Jess Michaels is the director of communications for the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey. She believes every child should have a summer camp experience.

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February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

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black history month

Discovering Diversity 8 books for kids that explore significant moments and important figures in black history By Kirsten Clodfelter

A is for Activist Inspire preschool readers with this ABC board book by Innosanto Nagara. The rhyming and alliteration will keep young learners engaged while sharing a message that calls children to action in support of justice and equality in their communities. (Ages 3-5; Triangle Square; $11.95) Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History This New York Times bestseller from authorillustrator Vashti Harrison features 40 kid-friendly biographies of black women who impacted history. The project began with a series of posts Harrison shared to her Instagram (@vashtiharrison) during Black History Month, before growing into the wildly popular book it is today. (Ages 4-10; Little, Brown Young Readers; $16.99) A Girl Named Misty In this compelling biography from the American Girl series, young readers will learn the journey of the talented Misty Copeland, who made modern history when the American Ballet promoted her to principal dancer—the first black woman to hold the title in the company’s history. (Ages 7-10; Scholastic; $4.99) Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History Looking for a companion to Harrison’s beautifully written children’s book debut? Dive into her most recent book, Little Legends, for more engaging, compelling, and accessible primers on some of American history’s most exceptional black men. (Ages 4-10; Little, Brown Young Readers; $10.99)

March (Books 1-3) In this award-winning and intimate graphic novel trilogy, Congressman John Lewis (DGA) shares his firsthand account of key events during the Civil Rights Movement. He approaches complex subjects in a way that’s accessible and meaningful, making this series a must-read for middle- and high-school students looking to learn more about black history. (Ages 13 and older; Top Shelf Productions; $14.95-$19.99) A Child’s Introduction to African American History: The Experiences, People, and Events That Shaped Our Country Young readers with an interest in history and culture will enjoy this one by Jabari Asim, which focuses not only on key figures but on significant events that shaped America—from the slave trade to today’s Black Lives Matter movement. (Ages 10-15; Black Dog & Leventhal; $19.99) Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the 1965 Selma Voting Rights March Learn about a significant milestone during the Civil Rights Era from someone who lived it. This memoir, by Lynda Blackmon Lowery, brings history to life as she recounts her time as the youngest protestor in the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery in support of voting rights for African Americans. (Ages 12-17; Speak; $9.99) Young, Gifted and Black In one- and two-page vignettes, this brightly illustrated book illuminates 52 exceptional black figures from the past and present, including such greats as Maya Angelou, W.E.B. DuBois, Langston Hughes, Nina Simone, Beyoncé Knowles, Simone Biles, Shirley Chisolm, and Serena Williams. (Ages 7-10; Wide-Eyed Editions; $23.99)

Kirsten Clodfelter is a Midwest-based freelance writer, the co-founder of Rise Marketing Inc., and a mom of three. Learn more at kirstenclodfelter.com or follow her on Instagram: @icanmotheranyway.

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

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Ideas When You Need Them: Sign up for our FREE newsletter & never hear “I’m bored!” again. We email the top kids’ events every Thursday—just in time to make weekend plans!

nymetroparents.com/register 24 Editor’s Hot Tickets 25 NYC Events Worth the Trek 26 Holiday Fun 28 Theater, Concerts, & Movies 29 Nature Lovers

30 Educational Activities 32 Fairs, Festivals, & Markets 33 Special Needs 34 Little Makers 36 Get Active

EDITOR’S

T O H TICKETS

Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the February 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! The World Famous Harlem Wizards WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 1, 12-3pm WHERE: Garden City High School, 170 Rockaway Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: See the Harlem Wizards display their fancy trickery through dribbling, passing, shooting, and dunking. WHY WE LOVE IT: There’s tons of audience participation, with kids being brought onto the floor to be part of a basketball trick or a comedy act. WANT TO GO? $17. harlemwizards.thundertix.com.

Paradise Festival FREE WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 2, 11am-4pm WHERE: Planting Fields Arboretum, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy the warm greenhouse, tropical plants, live music, and other activities throughout the day. The greenhouse will be warm, bright and beautiful with lush tropical plants, colorful orchids, palm trees, begonias, ferns, and more! WHY WE LOVE IT: A great way to escape the cold with your family and feel like you’ve gone somewhere tropical! WANT TO GO? 516-922-8678. plantingfields.org.

Big Apple Circus WHEN: Through Feb. 2: see website for showtimes WHERE: Lincoln Center, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Catch the 42nd season of this world-renowned circus, celebrating the heartbeat, everyday delights, and spirit of New York City with astounding talent from around the world, led by Brooklyn-born singer and ringmaster Storm Marrero. WHY WE LOVE IT: All your classic circus delights in a climate-controlled Big Top tent with tiered seating, perfect for families with young children. WANT TO GO? $35 and up; free for children younger than 3 on a parent’s lap. 212-721-6500. bigapplecircus.com.

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 8, 10am-2pm WHERE: Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Suite 1, Port Washington AGES: All WHAT: Landmark presents a day of cultural events with food, free crafts, activities, and demonstrations. WHY WE LOVE IT: The plans for fun include demos in Chinese yoyo, traditional dance, lion dance, kung fu, and traditional instruments. WANT TO GO? 516-767-1384. landmarkonmainstreet.org.

HOT TICKET

2020 New York Tennis Expo FREE WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 9, 10:30am-4:30pm WHERE: NYCB LIVE, Home of The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: The expo features a vast exhibitor hall containing tennis clubs/programs, camps, products, apparel companies, a kids’ zone, and so much more. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids will have fun with a bouncy house, face-painting, carnival games, mascots, and an activity zone with multiple tennis courts for playing. WANT TO GO? 516-231-4848. eventbrite. com/e/2020-new-york-tennis-expo-tickets-80904374161aff=efbeventtix&fbclid=IwAR23NJIYjAxZcUIFE7NnI6KlbU5FfeUKEhJWiCXTGUdW_Y2LF7XA5BNkPp8.

‘The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley’ WHEN: Through Feb. 23: Saturday-Sunday and Friday, Feb. 21, 10:30am WHERE: The Argyle Theatre, 34 W. Main St., Babylon Village AGES: All WHAT: The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley is filled with infectious songs and non-stop adventure, making this a perfect show to introduce young audiences to the magic of theatre. Sponsored by Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center. WHY WE LOVE IT: Based on the best-selling book series, Stanley folds his way around the world with his flat-tastic hijinks! WANT TO GO? $15. 631-230-3500. argyletheatre.com.

‘Caps for Sale/Three Billy Goats Gruff’ WHEN: Feb. 22-23, Saturday, 11am; Sunday, 12pm WHERE: The Showplace at Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore AGES: All WHAT: See the award-winning Hudson Vagabond Puppets in classic stories Caps for Sale and Three Billy Goats Gruff. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids will instantly recognize the stories on stage! WANT TO GO? $12. 516-599-6870. plazatheatrical.com.

‘Blippi Live!’ WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 27, 6pm WHERE: Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post/720 Northern Blvd., Brookville AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Blippi Live brings the energetic and loveable character Blippi off the screen and onto the stage with world-class production, audience engagement and amazing music. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids flip for Blippi’s charismatic personality and parents love all the innovative lessons woven throughout the program. WANT TO GO? $19.50-$69.50. 516-299-3100. tillescenter.org.

Thomas and Friends™: Explore the Rails WHEN: Through May 10: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Climb aboard a large model of Thomas the tank engine, race trains along a giant track, work together to sort and load cargo, and maintain engines. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids engage in a variety of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) challenges in this exhibit, from a simple sorting and shape identification to more complex engineering obstacles. WANT TO GO? $14; $13 seniors 65 and older; free for members. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

WHAT: Kick off the Year of the Rat, with a lion dance followed by New Year-themed workshops and activities including dumpling making, lantern-making, treats, and more! WANT TO GO? Free to enter; some events require fees. 212-744-8181. chinainstitute.org.

Kids Week WHEN: Feb. 15-22, daily, 10am-5pm WHERE: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, West 46th Street and 12th Avenue, Midtown, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Join all week long for live animal shows, pop-up planetarium shows, maker spaces, live performances, and so much more! WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $33; $31 seniors; $24 children ages 5-12. 212-245-0072. intrepidmuseum.org.

‘The Gustafer Yellowgold Show’ WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 22, 11am WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street, Upper West Side, Manhattan AGES: 5 and younger WHAT: Kids will love Gustafer Yellowgold and his friends–a Pterodactyl, an eel who loves socks, and countless others! WANT TO GO? $14-17. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

‘Sesame Street LIVE!: Let’s Party!’ WHEN: Feb. 14-23, see website for showtimes WHERE: The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Seventh Avenue at 32nd Street, Midtown, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Learn new songs and sing along to familiar favorites with Oscar and Cookie Monster; build a snowman with Elmo, and more! WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 212-465-6741. msg.com.

NYC Events

WORTH THE TREK Thunderbird American Indian Dancers in Concert! WHEN: Through Feb. 2: Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 3pm and 8pm; and Sunday, 3pm WHERE: Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave., East Village, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: There will be dances, stories and traditional music from Native Peoples of the Northeast, Southwest and Great Plains regions. WANT TO GO? $15. 212-254-1109. theaterforthenewcity.net.

Chinese New Year Family Festival WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 2, 12-4pm WHERE: China Institute: Downtown, 100 Washington St., Financial District, Manhattan AGES: All LongIslandParent 25

Creative Art FREE WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 6, 4:30pm WHERE: Hicksville Public Library, 169 Jerusalem Ave., Hicksville AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Students will make a “stained glass” project. You will also design an elephant made out of hearts to hang up. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-931-1417. hicksvillelibrary.org.

Valentine’s Day Donuts for Tweens WHEN: Friday, Feb. 7, 6-7pm WHERE: Freeport Public Library, 144 W. Merrick Road, Freeport AGES: 10-12 WHAT: Make icing at the library to glaze some doughnuts and decorate them to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $1. 516-379-3274. freeportlibrary.info.

Teen Cuisine–Valentine’s Day Dessert Glass Treat– Donation Event FREE

Holiday Fun Heart String Art FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 1, 9am-12pm WHERE: Home Depot, 600 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: 3-12 WHAT: As you help your child piece together the symbol of Valentine’s Day, they will develop hands-on skills by sanding, nailing, painting, and more. Register online. WANT TO GO? 516-488-8500. homedepot.com.

Traditions of Chinese Acrobatics FREE WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 2, 2:30pm WHERE: Locust Valley Library, 170 Buckram Road, Locust Valley AGES: All WHAT: Li performs hand balancing, plate spinning, artistic cycling, ribbon dancing, diabolos and foot juggling, explains some of the rituals of Chinese New Year, and more. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-671-1837. locustvalleylibrary.org.

Light/Dark Harmony Drawing FREE WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 5, 7:15pm WHERE: Hicksville Public Library, 169 Jerusalem Ave., Hicksville AGES: 13-17 WHAT: The Japanese style of light/dark harmony drawing will inspire us to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a very creative way. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-931-1417. hicksvillelibrary.org.

Valentine’s Mugs FREE WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 6, 7-8pm WHERE: Glen Cove Library, 4 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Cove AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Transform plain white mugs into thoughtful art pieces with paint and an inspirational quote. The mugs will be donated to a local charity. WANT TO GO? 516-676-2130. glencovelibrary.org.

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 7, 4-5pm WHERE: Floral Park Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Make delicious Valentine’s dessert glasses. Donate one dessert for those in need, and keep one for you to munch on. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

Family J Time: Tu Bishvat FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 8, 11:30am-1pm WHERE: Sid Jacobson JCC, 300 Forest Drive, East Hills AGES: 3-5, adult WHAT: Celebrate Tu Bishvat, the birthday of trees, with your family and friends at Sid Jacobson JCC with a holiday themed puppet show performance. WANT TO GO? 516-484-1545. sjjcc.org.

Valentine’s Day Party WHEN: Feb. 8-9, preschoolers: Saturday, 10am-12:30pm; toddlers: Sunday, 10am-12pm WHERE: Wood Kingdom West, 120 Milbar Blvd., Farmingdale AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Find the treasure chest of love with goodies and clues. Sit for mini bagels and juice. WANT TO GO? $20. 631-845-3804. woodkingdomwest.com.

Red Firecrackers: The Legend of the First Chinese New Year! FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 8, 2:30pm WHERE: Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Suite 1, Port Washington AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Nai-Ni Dance Company showcases the legend and origins of the Chinese Lunar New Year traditions and celebration. WANT TO GO? 516-767-1384. landmarkonmainstreet.org.

Valentine’s Party with Mickey & Minnie WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 9, 12:30-2:30pm WHERE: M.A.T.S.S. Kids’ Gym of Syosset, 171 Eileen Way, Syosset

AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Bring a friend for a Valentine’s party with Mickey and Minnie! Play in the amazing gyms and enjoy making a themed craft! Call to reserve your spot. WANT TO GO? $28; $22 siblings. 516-496-7765. matsskidsgym.com.

AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Paint and create while listening to the music of Jazz’s finest musician, Louis Armstrong. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-766-2360. oceansidelibrary.com.

Cupid Cupcakes WHEN: Monday, Feb. 10, 7-8pm WHERE: Freeport Public Library, 144 W. Merrick Road, Freeport AGES: 6-9 WHAT: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with some delicious cupid cupcakes that you get to decorate yourself. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $1. 516-379-3274. freeportlibrary.info.

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 14, 5-6:30pm WHERE: What’s Cooking?, 30 E. Main St., Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: Make heart-shaped meatballs with spaghetti, love potion smoothies, flower and heart chocolate lollipops, and chocolatedipped strawberries! WANT TO GO? $49. 516-922-2665. whatscookingny.com.

Heart Cookies on a Stick

Valentine’s Cookie and Brownie Decorating FREE

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 10, 5:30-6:30pm WHERE: Freeport Public Library, 144 W. Merrick Road, Freeport AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with some heart-shaped cookies on a stick. Parents must stay with the student. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $1. 516-379-3274. freeportlibrary.info.

Valentine’s Day Donuts for Teens FREE WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 11, 4-5pm WHERE: Freeport Public Library, 144 West Merrick Road, Freeport AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Make icing at the library to glaze some doughnuts and decorate them to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-379-3274. freeportlibrary.info.

Valentine Chocolate Workshop with Susan of Chocolicious WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 11, 5-6pm WHERE: Glen Cove Library, 4 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Cove AGES: 6-10 WHAT: Mold and decorate chocolate pops, create a chocolate masterpiece, and play chocolate trivia. WANT TO GO? 516-676-2130. glencovelibrary.org.

Red Rose Red Velvet Cupcakes FREE WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 12, 7-8pm WHERE: Baldwin Public Library, 2385 Grand Ave., Baldwin AGES: 12-17 WHAT: Make a tasty cupcake for Valentine’s Day! Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-223-6228. baldwinpl.org.

Anti-Valentine’s Day Party for Teens FREE WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 12, 7-8pm WHERE: Syosset Public Library, 225 S. Oyster Bay Road, Syosset AGES: 12-17 WHAT: Valentine’s Schmalentines! Join the library for an “Anti-Valentine’s Day” celebration. No bae, no problem! Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-921-7161. syossetlibrary.org.

Celebrate Black History Month! FREE WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 13, 6-7pm WHERE: Oceanside Library, 30 Davison Ave., Oceanside

Valentines Day Party

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 15, 2pm WHERE: Baldwin Public Library, 2385 Grand Ave., Baldwin AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Each family will work together to decorate 12 cookies/ brownies and take them home in a bakery box. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-223-6228. baldwinpl.org.

Presidents’ Day Party WHEN: Monday, Feb. 17, 11am-1pm WHERE: What’s Cooking?, 30 E. Main St., Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: All hands on cooking! Menu fit for any president! Call for details. WANT TO GO? $49. 516-922-2665. whatscookingny.com.

Winter Break Taco Tuesday WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2-5pm WHERE: Lynbrook Recreation Department at Greis Park, 55 Wilbur St., Lynbrook AGES: 5-7 WHAT: Enjoy tacos, crafts, games, and more! Registration required. WANT TO GO? $45; $30 village residents. 516-599-8300. lynbrookvillage.net.

Winter Break ‘Fancy Nancy’ Tea Party WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 19, 9am-12pm WHERE: Lynbrook Recreation Department at Greis Park, 55 Wilbur St., Lynbrook AGES: 4-6 WHAT: If your little one loved the book, then they’ll love this Fancy Nancy-themed tea party! Registration required. WANT TO GO? $45; $30 village residents. 516-599-8300. lynbrookvillage.net.

Winter Break Emoji Pizza Party WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 20, 3:30-6:30pm WHERE: Lynbrook Recreation Department at Greis Park, 55 Wilbur St., Lynbrook AGES: 7-9 WHAT: Show them how you feel with your favorite emoji at this pizza party! Registration required. WANT TO GO? $45; $30 village residents. 516-599-8300. lynbrookvillage.net.

LongIslandParent 27

WANT TO GO? $40; $20 ages 5-17; free for children newborn to 4 when held by parent, otherwise $20 ticket fee. 516-571-7901. sandspointpreserve.org.

Family Movie Matinee–‘Mary Poppins Returns’ FREE WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 9, 2pm WHERE: Floral Park Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: All WHAT: Join the library for tasty snacks and Mary Poppins Returns (PG), the magical continuation of everyone’s classic favorite movie and book. WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

Theater, Concerts, & Movies Actors from the London Stage Present: ‘The Tempest’ WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 1, 2pm and 7pm WHERE: The Madison Theatre at Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Whether students are familiar with or new to the body of work, Actors From The London Stage provides an inclusive, interactive gateway to experiencing the richness of Shakespeare’s writing. WANT TO GO? $35-$45. 516-323-4444. madisontheatreny.org.

Monster Jam WHEN: Feb. 1-2, Saturday, 1pm and 7pm; Sunday, 1pm WHERE: NYCB LIVE, Home of The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: See skilled athletes compete head-to-head in Monster Jam trucks, speedsters and ATVs, tearing up the dirt in freestyle, the 2 Wheel Skills Challenge™, and several racing competitions. WANT TO GO? $20-$95. 516-231-4848. nycblive.com.

SingStrong A Cappella Festival WHEN: Feb. 7-9, see website for schedule WHERE: Adelphi Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Enjoy this weekend-long a cappella music festival, featuring groups from around the world performing every style under the sun–from barbershop to doo-wop, pop to jazz, beatbox to overtone singing, and beyond. WANT TO GO? $20 and up. 516-877-4000. newyork.singstrong.org.

Les Misérables’ School Edition WHEN: Feb. 7-9, Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 2pm and 8pm; Sunday, 1pm and 5pm WHERE: Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point AGES: All WHAT: The Sands Point Preserve Conservancy and Shining Studios present Les Misérables, the school edition in Castle Gould’s black box theater, performed entirely by students. 28

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

‘Cinderella’ WHEN: Through Feb. 15: Saturdays, 2pm WHERE: The Merrick Theatre And Center For The Arts, 2222 Hewlett Ave., Merrick AGES: All WHAT: See this classic fairy tale come to life on stage. WANT TO GO? $15. 516-868-6400. merrick-theatre.com.

‘Cinderella’ WHEN: Feb. 1-15, Saturday, 11am; Sunday, 12pm WHERE: The Showplace at Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore AGES: All WHAT: All the ingredients that have made this story a perennial favorite are here including a zany fairy godmother, a trip to the royal ball, and a glass slipper. WANT TO GO? $12. 516-599-6870. plazatheatrical.com.

Children’s Movie: ‘Secret Life of Pets 2’ (2019) FREE WHEN: Monday, Feb. 17, 2:30-4pm WHERE: Syosset Public Library, 225 S. Oyster Bay Road, Syosset AGES: All WHAT: See the Secret Life of Pets 2 at the library with your friends. WANT TO GO? 516-921-7161. syossetlibrary.org.

Magic of Jim McClenahan–Family Show FREE WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 20, 7-8pm WHERE: Glen Cove Library, 4 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Cove AGES: All WHAT: Jim McClenahan is returning for another show of side-splitting humor, silly antics, crazy magic tricks, and a whole lot of fun! WANT TO GO? 516-676-2130. glencovelibrary.org.

‘Elephant and Piggie’s We Are in a Play!’ WHEN: Feb. 18-20, daily, 11:30am and 2pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Enjoy a musical adventure, ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved, award-winning, best-selling children’s books. WANT TO GO? $9-$12. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Kids Movie: ‘Playing With Fire FREE ’ WHEN: Friday, Feb. 21, 2-4pm WHERE: Island Trees Public Library, 38 Farmedge Road, Island Trees AGES: All

WHAT: Enjoy a movie on the big screen! Bring your own snacks and drinks. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-731-2211. islandtreespubliclibrary.org.

‘The Cat in the Hat’ WHEN: Feb. 16-21, Sunday, 12pm; Monday-Friday, 11am WHERE: The Showplace at Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore AGES: All WHAT: See this classic Dr. Seuss tale come alive on stage. The show runs 50 minutes, followed by a meet and greet with the cast. WANT TO GO? $12. 516-599-6870. plazatheatrical.com.

‘The Little Mermaid’ WHEN: Though Feb. 23: Feb. 1, 2pm; Feb. 23, 11am WHERE: BroadHollow Theatre at Elmont, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: All WHAT: Journey under the sea with Ariel and her aquatic friends in a magical underwater kingdom. WANT TO GO? $13; $11 in advance. 516-775-4420. broadhollow.org.

‘Snow White Goes West’ WHEN: Feb. 29-March 15, Saturday, 11am; Sunday, 12pm WHERE: The Showplace at Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore AGES: All WHAT: This fast-paced musical retells the timeless classic set during the California Gold Rush! WANT TO GO? $12. 516-599-6870. plazatheatrical.com.

Nature Lovers Stars on Sundays FREE WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 2, 6-8pm WHERE: Hofstra University Observatory, 826 Huntington Place, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: Hofstra invites kids of all ages to view the moon, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Venus, star clusters, nebulae, and double stars with telescopes. RSVP online. WANT TO GO? 516-463-7777. hofstra.edu.

Tiny Tots: Heart 2 Heart WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 4, 10:30-11:30am WHERE: Jones Beach Nature Center, 2400 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh AGES: 3-5 WHAT: These programs will connect children and their parents with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $4. 516-780-3295. parks.ny.gov.

AGES: All WHAT: Observe birds, trees, animals and their tracks, and learn how they can survive such harsh conditions. WANT TO GO? $4; $2 children 5-12 years; free for current members. 516-571-8010. garviespointmuseum.com.

Tiny Tots: Counting Critters WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 18, 10:30-11:30am WHERE: Jones Beach Nature Center, Jones Beach State Park, 2400 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh AGES: 3-5 WHAT: These programs will connect children and their parents with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $4. 516-780-3295. parks.ny.gov.

Face-Painting WHEN: Feb. 18-21, daily, 10am-12pm and 1-4pm WHERE: Garvies Point Museum and Preserve, 50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove AGES: All WHAT: Get your face painted using natural pigment from red shale rock. WANT TO GO? $4; $2 children 5-12 years; free for current members. 516-571-8010. garviespointmuseum.com.

Geology Day WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 22, 10am-4pm WHERE: Garvies Point Museum and Preserve, 50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove AGES: All WHAT: Learn to identify rocks like a geologist, do a natural rock pigment painting craft, bring in and show off your own rock collection, and much more. WANT TO GO? $5; free for children younger than 5. 516-5718010. garviespointmuseum.com.

Seal Watching Cruise Long Island WHEN: Through April 26: Saturdays-Sundays, 12-2pm WHERE: Freeport Water Taxi & Tours, 211 Woodcleft Ave., Freeport AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a leisurely tour of the local bays in the comfort of a 44-foot enclosed boat and encounter seals and other wildlife. WANT TO GO? $25; $15 children 5-10; free for children 4 and younger. 516-521-7744. freeportwatertaxi.com.

Woodland Winter Walk WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 15, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Garvies Point Museum and Preserve, 50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove LongIslandParent 29

‘If You Give A Mouse A Cookie’ Character Meet and Greet FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 8, 12:30-1:30pm WHERE: Mineola Memorial Library, 195 Marcellus Road, Mineola AGES: All WHAT: Meet the mouse from the classic children’s book If You Give A Mouse A Cookie, read the story and have some cookies, too! Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-746-8488. mineolalibrary.info.

Sunday Science–Catapults! WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 9, 2:30pm WHERE: Center for Science Teaching and Learning-Tanglewood Preserve, 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Center AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Kids learn how to construct a catapult and test its effectiveness against their own structures! WANT TO GO? $14. 516-764-0045. cstl.org.

Educational Activities Chess Nuts Unite FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 1, 2:30-4pm WHERE: Baldwin Public Library, 2385 Grand Ave., Baldwin AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Join the library for a game of chess. There will be plenty of snacks for everyone. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-223-6228. baldwinpl.org.

Minecraft Survival FREE WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 4, 3:45-4:45pm WHERE: Levittown Public Library, 1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Work together to battle pillagers, slay the ender dragon, and build wondrous creations. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-731-5728. levittownpl.org.

Anti-Bullying Workshop FREE WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 6, 4-5pm WHERE: Locust Valley Library, 170 Buckram Road, Locust Valley AGES: 8-11 WHAT: Learn self defense moves, ways to preventing bullying, what to do if you are being bullied, and the precise steps to stop it. Register online. WANT TO GO? 516-671-1837. locustvalleylibrary.org.

Books Before Bedtime FREE WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 6, 7pm WHERE: Levittown Public Library, 1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown AGES: 3-7 WHAT: Cozy up in your pajamas to read bedtime stories and create a special craft. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-731-5728. levittownpl.org.

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

Toddler Time with A Time For Kids FREE WHEN: Monday, Feb. 10, 4pm WHERE: Locust Valley Library, 170 Buckram Road, Locust Valley AGES: 2-4½ WHAT: This program will stimulate thinking as participants explore, play, and build together. Register online. WANT TO GO? 516-671-1837. locustvalleylibrary.org.

Sunday Science–DNA Sequencing! WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 23, 2:30-4pm WHERE: Center for Science Teaching and Learning-Tanglewood Preserve, 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Center AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Synthesize DNA from several pieces of organic matter (including yourself) and then see how they visually compare! WANT TO GO? $14. 516-764-0045. cstl.org.

Dog Tales FREE WHEN: Monday, Feb. 24, 4-5pm WHERE: Locust Valley Library, 170 Buckram Road, Locust Valley AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Reading to a dog encourages confidence in children who are “reading shy” and/or “dog shy.” Register for a 15-minute slot. WANT TO GO? 516-671-1837. locustvalleylibrary.org.

Celebrate Black History Month: George Crum and the Potato Chip FREE WHEN: Monday, Feb. 24, 6-7pm WHERE: Oceanside Library, 30 Davison Ave., Oceanside AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Learn about how the potato chip came about and its creator, George Crum. Then sample different potato chip brands and vote for a favorite. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-766-2360. oceansidelibrary.com.

Student Smart–Creating Presentations with WeVideo FREE WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 25, 3:45-5pm WHERE: Levittown Public Library, 1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Teens will learn how to use the free online video editor program WeVideo to create and edit unique video presentations. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-731-5728. levittownpl.org.

ACCREDITED • AWARD-WINNING • AFFORDABLE • AGES 3 & UP

Who Makes the Best Potato Chips? FREE WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 26, 7-8pm WHERE: Baldwin Public Library, 2385 Grand Ave., Baldwin AGES: 12-17 WHAT: Sample a variety of potato chip brands and be prepared to pick the best tasting potato chip ever! Registration is required. WANT TO GO? 516-223-6228. baldwinpl.org.

Chess Workshop FREE WHEN: Feb. 7-March 6, Fridays, 7pm; no session Feb. 21 WHERE: Freeport Public Library, 144 W. Merrick Road, Freeport AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Learn to play chess or just sharpen your skills with experienced coaches. Registration is necessary. WANT TO GO? 516-379-3274. freeportlibrary.info.

Breastfeeding Support Group FREE WHEN: Through March 31: Tuesdays, 10-11am WHERE: North Shore University Hospital, 300 Community Drive, 4 Katz Family Lounge, Manhasset AGES: Newborn to 2, adult WHAT: Discussions are facilitated by a lactation consultant covering many topics including postpartum adjustment, feeding, sleeping, normal newborn behavior, and going back to work. WANT TO GO? 516-881-7000. eventbrite.com/e/breastfeedingsupport-group-at-north-shore-university-hospital-tickets49334343349?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.

Chess Club FREE WHEN: Through April 27: Mondays, 7-8pm; no session Feb. 17 WHERE: Locust Valley Library, 170 Buckram Road, Locust Valley AGES: 9-14 WHAT: Learn the basics of chess or brush up on your skills. All levels welcome! WANT TO GO? 516-671-1837. locustvalleylibrary.org.

READING/WRITING LEARNING CLINIC at the

Tiny Tots WHEN: Through May 18: Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30-11am WHERE: Center for Science Teaching and Learning-Tanglewood Preserve, 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Center AGES: 1 ½ to 3 WHAT: This weekly event introduces your toddler to a wide variety of science topics. WANT TO GO? $8. 516-764-0045. cstl.org.

Literacy instruction programs for children and youth offer: • Individual or small-group classes in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere • Classes taught by New York state-certified teachers • Personalized consultations that offer parents straightforward advice

about how to support their child’s literacy growth • Literacy instruction that builds on each learner’s strengths to build

confidence and improve reading and writing proficiency

SPRING CLASSES ARE NOW FORMING

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Joan and Arnold Saltzman Community Services Center

@nymetroparents

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For more information, including registration and spring program options, visit hofstra.edu/rwlclinic or call 516-463-5805.

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Youth Film Day 2020 FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 29, 9am-5pm WHERE: Hofstra University, 1000 Hempstead Turnpike, Hempstead AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Workshops, screenings, and special programs for emerging filmmakers. WANT TO GO? 516-829-2570. goldcoastarts.org.

Museums & Exhibits February Break for Art

Fairs, Festivals, & Markets SOUPer Bowl XIII WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 1, 12-3pm WHERE: Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church, 100 Fairway Drive, Port Washington AGES: All WHAT: Taste the delicious soups donated by Port Washington restaurants, then vote for your favorite soup. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 children younger than 6. 516-883-6566. pwcoc.org.

Winter Fest FREE WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 2, 2-5pm WHERE: One River School, 150 Woodbury Road, Woodbury AGES: All WHAT: Warm up with a coffee or hot chocolate, create a pour painting, play some awesome games, and check out some cool art. WANT TO GO? 516-268-3566. woodbury.oneriverschool.com.

Celebrate Black History Month with KG Group Entertainment FREE WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 5, 7-8pm WHERE: Baldwin Public Library, 2385 Grand Ave., Baldwin AGES: All WHAT: Don’t miss the celebration! Music, fashion show, games, and more. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-223-6228. baldwinpl.org.

North American Native American Games WHEN: Feb. 18-20, daily, 10am-4pm WHERE: Garvies Point Museum and Preserve, 50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove AGES: All WHAT: Join Garvies Point Museum and Preserve for different authentic Native American games, crafts, and films each day. WANT TO GO? $4; $2 children 5-12 years; free for current members. 516-571-8010. garviespointmuseum.com. 32

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Feb. 18-20, daily, 11am-2pm WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Drop in each day for a different art-making project during the February school break. Children must be accompanied by adults. WANT TO GO? $15; $10 seniors 62 and older; $5 children ages 4-12 and students with valid photo ID; free for members and children younger than 4. 516-484-9337. nassaumuseum.org.

Music & Astronomy Night WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 20, 6-8pm WHERE: Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Join the Cradle of Aviation Museum for an evening of live music paired with scientifically accurate out of this world visuals. WANT TO GO? $15; $12 students, seniors, and members. 516-572-4111. cradleofaviation.org.

Pottery-Making Craft WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 20, 10am-4pm, on the half hour WHERE: Garvies Point Museum and Preserve, 50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove AGES: All WHAT: Make and take home your own clay vessel using traditional methods. WANT TO GO? $5 craft fee plus admission: $4; $2 children 5-12 years; free for current members. 516-571-8010. garviespointmuseum.com.

Let’s Explore Backpacks FREE WHEN: Through April 30: Tuesdays-Fridays, 11am-3pm; SaturdaysSundays, 12-3pm WHERE: Emily Lowe Gallery at Hofstra University Museum of Art, 112 Hofstra University, Hempstead AGES: 5-12 WHAT: The Museum’s distinct Let’s Explore Backpacks offer activity-filled ways for children and adult companions to explore together the outdoor sculpture collection. WANT TO GO? 516-463-5672. hofstra.edu.

The Great Art Caper FREE WHEN: Through April 30: Tuesdays-Fridays, 11am-3pm; SaturdaysSundays, 12-3pm

WHERE: Emily Lowe Gallery at Hofstra University Museum of Art, 112 Hofstra University, Hempstead AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Uncover clues to help solve an art caper mystery in the outdoor sculpture collection. WANT TO GO? 516-463-5672. hofstra.edu.

Special Needs

Your Search for the Perfect Summer Camp is over!

SPORTIME 2020 SUMMER CAMPS PRESCHOOL UNDER 10 TENNIS TENNIS & SPORTS JMTA SUMMER TENNIS TRAINING VOLLEYBALL HOCKEY MORE!

Special Needs KEVA FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 15, 2-3pm WHERE: Oceanside Library, 30 Davison Ave., Oceanside AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Create a KEVA plank structure on your own, or with a friend. Caregiver must remain in the Children’s Room. WANT TO GO? 516-766-2360. oceansidelibrary.com.

Winter Wonderland Music, Bubble, and Comedy Show FREE WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 20, 2-3pm WHERE: Baldwin Public Library, 2385 Grand Ave., Baldwin AGES: All WHAT: Don’t miss this high-energy performance that engages children of all ages with songs, comedy, bubbles, music, and technology, and is also crafted for children on the autism spectrum. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-223-6228. baldwinpl.org.

DISCOVER THE ULTIMATE SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE ON LONG ISLAND! SUNY COLLEGE FARMINGDALE AT OLD WESTBURY STATE COLLEGE 516.226.CAMP 631.769.CAMP

ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE PATCHOGUE 631.572.0232

Camp locations across Long Island, including in the Hamptons, and in NYC, Westchester and the Capital Region. We’ve got your summer fun covered!

Visit us online to select the camp for you www.SportimeCamps.com | 631-269-1055 Camp programs vary at each SPORTIME location

Camps start June but we have School Break Camps in February! Register Today!

Learn More or Enroll Today! FLEXIBLE WEEKLY SESSIONS FSCAMPS.COM

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personalized chocolate bar and edible paper and ink paintings! Register online. WANT TO GO? 516-671-1837. locustvalleylibrary.org.

Globetrotters–Kenya FREE WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 5, 6pm WHERE: Levittown Public Library, 1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Discover the African safari and learn how Wangari Maathai won the Nobel Peace Prize for planting trees, then plant your own seed to take home and watch grow. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-731-5728. levittownpl.org.

Mosaic Garden Heart FREE WHEN: Friday, Feb. 7, 4-5pm WHERE: Levittown Public Library, 1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Using mosaic tiles and cement, make a lovable heart. This could be a great gift for Valentine’s Day. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-731-5728. levittownpl.org.

Little Makers DIY Moon Rocks FREE WHEN: Feb. 1-2, 11am-3pm WHERE: Lakeshore Learning Store, 2079 Hillside Ave., New Hyde Park AGES: All WHAT: Drop in and make out-of-this-world DIY moon rocks at Lakeshore Learning’s free crafts for kids workshop. WANT TO GO? 516-616-9360. lakeshorelearning.com.

Donut Worry, Be Happy Workshop WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 2, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: What’s Cooking?, 30 E. Main St., Oyster Bay AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Make and decorate customized doughnuts of all different shapes, plus make pizza and have lemonade, too. WANT TO GO? $45. 516-922-2665. whatscookingny.com.

Circuit Cards FREE WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 4, 4:30pm WHERE: Levittown Public Library, 1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Learn about electrical circuits and then create a light up card for someone special using your new skills. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-731-5728. levittownpl.org.

Chocolate Making and Design FREE WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 5, 7-8pm WHERE: Locust Valley Library, 170 Buckram Road, Locust Valley AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Enjoy making molded chocolate, lollipops and make a

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

Recycled Book Art FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 8, 2-3:30pm WHERE: Island Trees Public Library, 38 Farmedge Road, Island Trees AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Create some beautiful art with some unusable old books and paint, pens, and scissors. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-731-2211. islandtreespubliclibrary.org.

Time for Launch! Astronaut Helmet FREE WHEN: Feb. 8-9, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-3pm WHERE: Lakeshore Learning Store, 2079 Hillside Ave., New Hyde Park AGES: All WHAT: Drop in and make this astronaut helmet for your next outer space adventure at Lakeshore Learning’s free crafts for kids workshop. WANT TO GO? 516-616-9360. lakeshorelearning.com.

3-D Hearts on Canvas FREE WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 12, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Island Trees Public Library, 38 Farmedge Road, Island Trees AGES: 5-10 WHAT: Learn to make 3-D hearts and create a great wall decoration. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-731-2211. islandtreespubliclibrary.org.

Bad Art Night FREE WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 13, 7-8:30pm WHERE: Island Trees Public Library, 38 Farmedge Road, Island Trees AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Everyone has access to a pile of ridiculous craft and art

material. The “worst” piece of art will win a hideously tacky trophy and crown at the end of the night! Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-731-2211. islandtreespubliclibrary.org.

Teen Program–Recipes to End Hunger FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 15, 2-3:30pm WHERE: Levittown Public Library, 1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Create an illustrated version of a recipe that reflects culture, community, and connection. For every piece of artwork you create, the Bezos Family Foundation will make a donation to programs fighting hunger. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-731-5728. levittownpl.org.

Rocket into Space! FREE WHEN: Feb. 15-16, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-3pm WHERE: Lakeshore Learning Store, 2079 Hillside Ave., New Hyde Park AGES: All WHAT: Drop in and make your own rocket for your next space adventure at Lakeshore Learning’s free crafts for kids workshop. WANT TO GO? 516-616-9360. lakeshorelearning.com.

Cheesy Pretzel Nuggets FREE WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 18, 3-5pm WHERE: Island Trees Public Library, 38 Farmedge Road, Island Trees AGES: 5-10 WHAT: Make pretzel dough with The Baking Coach and fill with cheese to take home and bake! Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-731-2211. islandtreespubliclibrary.org.

Candy Into Art FREE WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 20, 12:30pm or 2pm WHERE: Levittown Public Library, 1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Create your own artwork using popular candy wrappers. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-731-5728. levittownpl.org.

Winter Slime for Tweens FREE

Teen Winter Wonderland Pop-Up Book Art Workshop FREE WHEN: Friday, Feb. 21, 4-5pm WHERE: Floral Park Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: 12-17 WHAT: From snow storms to sled rides–come inside from the cold this winter to create your own 3D pop-up card. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

Maker Kids–3Doodlers FREE WHEN: Friday, Feb. 21, 2:30pm WHERE: Levittown Public Library, 1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown AGES: 8-10 WHAT: See what you can create in 3-D using 3Doodlers. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-731-5728. levittownpl.org.

Friendly Martians FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 22, 11am-3pm WHERE: Lakeshore Learning Store, 2079 Hillside Ave., New Hyde Park AGES: All WHAT: Have your own adventure to Mars at Lakeshore Learning’s free crafts for kids workshop. WANT TO GO? 516-616-9360. lakeshorelearning.com.

Unicorn Truffles for Teens FREE WHEN: Monday, Feb. 24, 7-8pm WHERE: Syosset Public Library, 225 S. Oyster Bay Road, Syosset AGES: 12-17 WHAT: Take home three colorful bite-sized unicorns in a bakery box to enjoy! Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-921-7161. syossetlibrary.org.

Bird Feeders FREE WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 25, 7-8pm WHERE: Island Trees Public Library, 38 Farmedge Road, Island Trees AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Teens will create an adorable and useful mini bird feeder. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-731-2211. islandtreespubliclibrary.org.

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 20, 7-8pm WHERE: Island Trees Public Library, 38 Farmedge Road, Island Trees AGES: 8-11 WHAT: Make this cool, seasonally appropriate gloop with Miss Amanda! Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-731-2211. islandtreespubliclibrary.org.

Globetrotters–Reason2Smile Bracelets FREE

Make Your Own Candle FREE

Cosmic Comet FREE

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 21, 2-3pm WHERE: Baldwin Public Library, 2385 Grand Ave., Baldwin AGES: 5-10 WHAT: Children will create their own colorful layered candle in a jar during this hands-on workshop. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-223-6228. baldwinpl.org.

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 26, 6pm WHERE: Levittown Public Library, 1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Learn about Kenya and create beautiful paper bead bracelets. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-731-5728. levittownpl.org.

WHEN: Feb. 29-March 1, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-3pm WHERE: Lakeshore Learning Store, 2079 Hillside Ave., New Hyde Park AGES: All WHAT: Crafters will love hurtling their cosmic comets through space! WANT TO GO? 516-616-9360. lakeshorelearning.com.

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Oreo Taste Test FREE WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 2, 2-3pm WHERE: Locust Valley Library, 170 Buckram Road, Locust Valley AGES: 12-17 WHAT: Taste Oreos, guess the flavor and vote for your favorite... blindfolded! Register online. WANT TO GO? 516-671-1837. locustvalleylibrary.org.

Intro to Self Defense FREE

Get Active! Jump Bunch FREE WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 1, newborn to 22 months, 10am; 23 months to 5 years, 11am WHERE: Levittown Public Library, 1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: A music and movement program filled with lively activities and lots of fun. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-731-5728. levittownpl.org.

Super Sufferer Sunday FREE WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 2, 2:15-3:45pm WHERE: Port Washington Skating Center, 70 Seaview Blvd., Port Washington AGES: All WHAT: While the Superbowl teams get ready to play, you can only hope for better days. Port Washington Skating Center will help you forget. Wear your Giants or Jets jersey to receive free admission to the family skating session! WANT TO GO? Free admission with Giants or Jets jersey. 516-4846800. pwskating.com.

Four Seasons of Family Yoga WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 2, 10-10:45am WHERE: Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point AGES: All WHAT: Experience the wonderful benefits of yoga with family and friends. Preregistration is requested: email name, number of participants, and ages to info@sandspointpreserve.org. WANT TO GO? $20 per car; $10 per car members. 516-571-7901. sandspointpreserve.org.

Winter Run Series 5K WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 2, 11am WHERE: Jones Beach State Park, 1 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh AGES: All WHAT: Each of the four races in the series will be 5K in length and will include an awards ceremony, refreshments, and raffle prizes. Register online. WANT TO GO? $40 for all races in series; $15 individual race. 631321-3510. elitefeats.com. 36

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 13, 4-5pm WHERE: Locust Valley Library, 170 Buckram Road, Locust Valley AGES: 8-11 WHAT: Class covers traditional martial arts techniques as well as focusing and calming the mind. Register online. WANT TO GO? 516-671-1837. locustvalleylibrary.org.

President’s Day Early Bird Skate WHEN: Monday, Feb. 17, 9:30am-12pm WHERE: United Skates of America, Inc., 1276 Hicksville Road, Seaford AGES: All WHAT: Start the day with United Skates of America this President’s Day and enjoy pizza and a drink with admission. WANT TO GO? $10 includes admission, skate rental, a slice of pizza and small drink. 516-795-7454. unitedskates.com.

Family Hockey WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 18, 9:45-11:15am WHERE: Port Washington Skating Center, 70 Seaview Blvd., Port Washington AGES: All WHAT: Play “pond hockey” with your little one during this special skate time. Reservations suggested. WANT TO GO? $20 per skater. 516-484-6800. pwskating.com.

Retro Gaming FREE WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 19, 7-8:30pm WHERE: Glen Cove Library, 4 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Cove AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Join Long Island Retro Gaming for an old-school gaming night with consoles from developers like Sega and Nintendo. Parents are welcome. WANT TO GO? 516-676-2130. glencovelibrary.org.

Tennis Anyone? FREE WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 19, 12-1pm WHERE: Island Trees Public Library, 38 Farmedge Road, Island Trees AGES: 4-10 WHAT: Sportime Bethpage will be visiting the library to teach an introductory tennis clinic for children to help them learn and play the game. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-731-2211. islandtreespubliclibrary.org.

JumpBunch FREE WHEN: Friday, Feb. 21, 10:30-11:30am WHERE: Glen Cove Library, 4 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Cove AGES: 1½-5 WHAT: Toddlers and preschoolers will move through different activities and will enjoy music and movement in this winter-themed class. WANT TO GO? 516-676-2130. glencovelibrary.org.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate FREE WHEN: Friday, Feb. 21, 2-4pm WHERE: Levittown Public Library, 1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Have a fun afternoon playing some ultimate brawls! There will be multiple rounds of hilarious fun! Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-731-5728. levittownpl.org.

Date Night for Valentines

2019-2

Friday 2/7

Yoga 4 Teens FREE WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 26, 5:30-6:30pm WHERE: Baldwin Public Library, 2385 Grand Ave., Baldwin AGES: 12-17 WHAT: Help reduce stress! All you need is some comfy clothing, a yoga mat or towel, and a water bottle. Registration is required. WANT TO GO? 516-223-6228. baldwinpl.org.

guest host Chazz Palminteri

Los Lobos 2/20

Mutts Gone Nuts

PlayHooray Family Class FREE WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 26, 12:15-1:15pm WHERE: Island Trees Public Library, 38 Farmedge Road, Island Trees AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Sing, dance, play, and engage in other lively activities that are sure to delight everyone from babies to toddlers to preschoolers! Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-731-2211. islandtreespubliclibrary.org.

tix

Virtual Reality FREE

get WHEN: Thursdays, Feb. 13, 20, and 27, 2:30-4:30pm WHERE: Hicksville Public Library, 169 Jerusalem Ave., Hicksville AGES: 6 and older WHAT: Teleport around boundless virtual worlds at the Hicksville Library with the new VIVE Virtual Reality gaming system. Sign up for a time slot online. Walk-ins are on a first-come, first-served basis. WANT TO GO? 516-931-1417. hicksvillelibrary.org.

Very Hungry Caterpillar Nature Nerds Workshop 3/14 12 - 2 PM 3/14 11 am & 2 pm 232 main street port washington, ny 11050 landmarkonmainstreet.org box office 516.767.6444

Bubble Mania 5/16

ON MAIN STREET J E A N N E R I M S K Y T H E AT E R

SLIDE

New England Blackwolves @ New York Riptide WHEN: Friday, Feb. 28, 7:30pm WHERE: NYCB Live, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: Box Lacrosse is back on Long Island! WANT TO GO? $15-$65.50. 516-402-3006. newyorkriptide.com.

social learning interactive developmental experience

SLIDE program will allow your child the opportunity to practice interacting with peers, enhance social development and more. Weekly themes will facilitate new experiences for your child to participate in group activities in a cooperative environment.

Floral Park CREW–Teen Yoga FREE WHEN: Friday, Feb. 28, 4-4:45pm WHERE: Floral Park Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Have great fun unwinding with yoga expert Micheline. Please bring a mat or towel. Sign up online or at the adult reference desk. WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

3/8

WHO:

WHEN:

WHERE:

Groups will be available for children ages 3-9

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM on select Saturday’s

Syosset Campus

47 Humphrey Drive,

Syosset NY, 11791

Ping Pong Group Clinics + Open Play WHEN: Through Feb. 29: Saturdays, 7-9pm WHERE: Sid Jacobson JCC, 300 Forest Drive, East Hills AGES: 12 and older WHAT: Learn the basics of the game while burning calories, developing hand-eye coordination, and improving focus and reflexes. WANT TO GO? $25; $15 members. 516-484-1545. sjjcc.org.

2/1/2020 2/8/2020 2/29/2020

PROGRAM DATES: March: April:

4/4/2020 3/7/2020 3/14/2020 4/25/2020 3/21/2020 3/28/2020

May:

5/2/2020

VARIETY CHILD LEARNING CENTER 47 HUMPHREY DRIVE SYOSSET NY, 11791 | 516- 921- 7171 www.vclc.org

Connect with us facebook.com/nymetroparents

February:

@nymetroparents

@NYMetroParents

LongIslandParent 37

Courtesy Howe Caverns

outing

Day Trip, Anyone? 5 family weekend getaways that aren’t too far from home Go spelunking at Howe Caverns in Cobleskill in Schoharie County for a look at a 6-million-year-old cave in upstate New York.

ome say you never know what you’ll find in your own backyard. The saying holds true for our proverbial backyard, where there is much to explore and discover with the family. Since many schools in our area have a long weekend for Presidents Day (or even a week off of school!), we’ve put together a list of some worthy attractions just outside your local radius.

Baseball Hall of Fame 25 Main St., Cooperstown, NY 888-425-5633 • baseballhall.org Hours: Daily, 9am-5pm; Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day: daily, 9am-9pm Admission: $25; $20 seniors ages 65 and older; $15 children ages 7-12; free for children ages 6 and younger At this mecca for fans of the great American pastime, you can relive the history of Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, and women in baseball, and take in the new display of historic baseball cards. Kids can visit the Sandlot Kids’ Clubhouse, an interactive educational area devoted to Little Leaguers who want to learn about the big league. There are also special events throughout the summer, including the Hall of Fame Induction Weekend.

Nearby Attractions • Just 3 miles outside Cooperstown is the Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard, where you can take a tour, feed the ducks and geese on the pond, and relax while the kids play in Tractorland. • Take the 8-mile drive out of town to Glimmerglass State Park, where you’ll find beaches, picnic areas, camping sites, hiking, and nature trails. 38

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

Crayola Experience 30 Centre Square, Easton, PA 610-515-8000 • crayolaexperience.com/easton Hours: Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm Admission: $22.99 ($19.99 online); free for children 2 and younger Discover the magic of color with 25 attractions at Crayola Experience. Kids can explore four floors of family fun to create custom crayons and markers, bring their drawings to life on the big screen, star in their own coloring pages, paint with melted wax, or “doodle in the dark” on an interactive floor. Grab a colorful concoction from Café Crayola and take home one-of-akind souvenirs from the official Crayola Store.

Nearby Attractions • Take a tour of ancient underground caverns, then come back to the surface to picnic, hike the nature trails, and shop for gemstones at Lost River Caverns.

Dinosaur State Park 400 West St., Rocky Hill, CT 860-529-8423 • dinosaurstatepark.org Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9am-4:30pm Admission (for exhibit center): $6; $2 children ages 6-12; free for children 5 and younger Pack your sunscreen for a day of outdoor adventure. For a small fee, visitors can mine for gems and fossils or make their own cast of a dinosaur footprint. The Discovery Room includes a Connecticut Geologic Treasures exhibit, Life Through Time Fossil exhibit, and more.

Nearby Attractions • Visit The Children’s Museum for hands-on science and nature exhibits, a wildlife sanctuary, movie screenings, and planetarium shows. • Soar over to the New England Air Museum to learn about the science and history of flight, take a cockpit tour of a vintage aircraft, virtually fly an aircraft, and view more than 65 aircrafts. • See one of the largest collections of antique carousel pieces at The New England Carousel Museum, then take a spin on the Bushnell Park Carousel.

Howe Caverns 255 Discovery Drive, Cobleskill, NY 518-296-8900 • howecaverns.com Hours: Friday-Sunday, 10am-3pm Traditional Tour: A 90-minute walking tour with boat ride: $25; $21 children ages 12-15; $13 children ages 5-11. Family Flashlight Tour: A 2-hour tour with flashlights and headlamps offered on Sunday evenings (for ages 5 and older): $45; reservations required. Lantern Tour: A 2-hour tour with lanterns on Friday and Saturday evenings (for ages 16 and older): $45; reservations required. Signature Rock Discovery Tour: A 2½-hour spelunking tour that reveals a portion of the cave that was closed for more than 100 years (for ages 14 and older): $155; reservations required. Journey more than 150 feet below the Earth’s surface, where you’ll take a tour of an underground cavern 6 million years in the making. You’ll see stalactites and stalagmites, limestone formations, and the underground Lake of Venus. Above ground, Howe High Adventure activities include a four-tower zip line, ropes course, rock wall, air jumper, and gem mine at the Howe Caverns Mining Company. The H2OGO Ball gets visitors rolling down a hill in a 12-foot inflatable ball filled with 5 gallons of water. With a café and motel on premises, visitors can turn their day trip into a weekend getaway.

Our curriculum is developmentally appropriate for the age of each child, focusing on social and emotional development and building skills for future school success.

6 weeks to 5 years old

Monday - Friday 6:45AM - 7:00PM

BEFORE & AFTER CARE AVAILABLE! • Infant Class: 6 weeks old - 18 months old • Toddler Class: 18 months old - 3 years old • Preschool Integrated Class • Pre-K Integrated Class • Before & After school care for 3, 4 & 5 years old

ADDRESS:

(M-F 7:00AM - 8:30AM & 2:30PM - 7:00PM)

PHONE:

LICENSED BY NYS OCFS

72 Farmedge Road Levittown, NY 11756

516-490-3301 ext. 3149

(Office of Children and Family Services)

Quality Child Care for all Children

Please Touch Museum 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 215-581-3181 • pleasetouchmuseum.org Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm Admission: $19.95; $16 parking Explore two floors of interactive exhibit zones including Roadside Attractions, Wonderland, River Adventures, and the Imagination Playground. The museum encourages touching the exhibits as a means of learning. Other programs include story time, music and movement, STEM activities, and theatrical experiences designed with tiny tots in mind.

Nearby Attractions • Visit The Betsy Ross House to experience colonial Philadelphia and “meet” the woman who sewed the first American flag. • The Franklin Institute hosts daily exhibits, shows, and demonstrations in the spirit of Benjamin Franklin’s passion for science and technology. • Stop by the Philadelphia Zoo to meet nearly 1,300 animals, ride the carousel or PZ Express train, take a ride on the Zooballoon, and steer a swan boat. • Take a tour of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell at Independence National Historic Park.

Make your next birthday party come to life by hosting it at Bounce U! • • • • •

Private Party Experience Giant Inﬂatable Rides Dedicated Party Pros Easy to Do We Clean Up!

$3 OFF

One Admission to Open Bounce! Valid at BounceU of Farmingdale location only. Coupon not valid with any other offer or discounts. No Cash value. One Coupon per visit per family. Not valid on Special Events or Charity Events. Exp. 12/31/20.

$25 OFF

Plus 3 FREE Additional Kids with a Premier, Spectacular or Platinum Party! Valid at BounceU of Farmingdale location only. Coupon not valid with any other offers or discounts. No cash value. One . party. Exp. 12/31/20. Coupon per visit per

BounceU of Farmingdale (631) 777-JUMP (5867) • BounceU.com/farmingdale 101 Carolyn Blvd., Farmingdale, NY 11735 LongIslandParent 39

kid’s life

Keeping the Peace How to reduce conflict and foster strong sibling relationships when your children share a room By Jaimie Seaton

e can’t all live in luxury duplexes or spacious houses. In fact, the vast majority of New Yorkers in the metro area live in small apartments, which means families have to get creative with how they use their space—and siblings might have to share a room. Laura Markham, Ph.D., founder of Aha! Parenting and author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings, advises parents start by explaining the situation. Tell your children: “We do need you to share a room with your brother/ sister. I realize that’s asking a lot of you, and I want you to always feel like you can come and talk to me if you get upset by anything. And we’ll put on our thinking caps and find a way to solve whatever the problem is.” There are bound to be ups and downs, so Dr. Markham shares 10 tips for reducing conflict in a tight space.

Expect bumps and don’t give up. There will be a transitional time when you first put your kids together, so expect difficult nights and have a back-up plan. If your baby is used to sleeping with you, first move her to a crib in your room. When she moves to the elder sibling’s room, and if she cries excessively, move her to the living room for the night so the elder child can sleep. Put sleep first. If you’re moving a baby into an older sibling’s room, make sure the baby can sleep through the night so he’s not waking the older child. Consider using a white noise machine to help both children sleep. Start during vacation. If you are transitioning baby or simply putting two siblings together for the first time, try to make the change over a

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

long weekend or vacation when everyone can sleep in and there is less pressure. Let young children share a bed. When your youngest child is old enough to sleep safely with a sibling, push two twin mattresses together on the floor. This can be a great way to foster closeness, and when the children get older and want their own bed, you can pull the beds apart. Secure their treasures. We want to teach our kids to share, but they should also have a place where their prized possessions (such as a model they built or a favorite book) are just theirs. Have a locked cabinet where each child can store their treasures. This is especially important when one of the siblings is a toddler or young child who may not understand boundaries. Designate the bedroom a quiet space. Sometimes one child needs more downtime than the other. Defining the bedroom as a quiet place and relegating louder activity to family spaces can go a long way toward a peaceful home. Create separate spaces. The most common reason kids have a hard time when they share a room is privacy. Set up play tents or bed canopies with curtains, so each child can feel they have their own cocoon. With older siblings or siblings of different genders who need even more privacy, divide the room in half using bookcases or even a sheet to create a temporary wall.

openHOUSES Beth Sholom Day Camp

401 Roslyn Road, Roslyn Heights 516-621-9257 bethsholomdaycamp.com office@bethsholomdaycamp.com Join us for an open house on Sunday, Feb. 9 from 10am-1pm.

Friends Academy Summer Camp

270 Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley 516-393-4207 fa.org Join us on Sunday, Feb. 9 for a Day of Fun from 12-2pm. Learn more about our pre-summer and summer camp program options. There will be hands-on activities for children!

Future Stars Summer Camps The College at Old Westbury

The College at Old Westbury 223 Store Hill Road, Old Westbury 516-876-3490 Farmingdale State College 2350 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale St. Joseph’s College 155 West Roe Blvd., Patchogue fscamps.com Stop by Future Stars Summer Camps Open Houses in Old Westbury, Farmingdale, and Patchogue on Saturday, Feb. 1. View the facilities, meet the staff, and take advantage of enrollment savings.

Validate their feelings. If your kids want privacy, it doesn’t mean there’s something wrong. Your children shouldn’t be made to feel disloyal to each other if they want space. Let them know it’s okay.

Long Long Island Island Speech Speech & Myofunctional & Myofunctional Therapy Therapy

Work to solve conflicts. If kids are having an irreconcilable difference, some family counseling might be in order. If you have teenagers who are at each other’s throats, counseling can help to uncover the underlying issues. It can also help them develop the ability to communicate safely and express their needs. If all else fails, separate them. If you absolutely have to, consider giving the living room to one of the kids, or the parents, until the living situation changes (the older child goes to college or you move to a larger space). Dr. Markham also urges parents to be flexible— you’re not going to be able to set up the situation and leave it until your kids move out or you’re able to move to a home or apartment with more rooms. Communicate frequently with your children and make adjustments according to what works best for them. And remember, sharing a room is teaching your children to be resilient and adaptable—and they’ll likely grow up to be better sleepers.

718-640-6767 • 516-216-1791 www.LIspeech.com

Licensed Speech Pathologists & Myofunctional Therapists Specializing in the Treatment and Correction of: 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: PROMPT Therapy • Individual FEEDING Therapy Augmentative Communication Evaluations & Therapy

“FEES”...Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing Participating with most Major Health Insurance Companies NOW HIRING the following positions: Speech Language Pathologist, Clinical Fellow, Secretary, Medical Biller, Marketing Coordinator. To apply, send your resume to suffolkspeech@lispeech.com

Jaimie Seaton has been a journalist for more than 20 years and is a former foreign correspondent for Newsweek. Her essays and reported stories on divorce, parenting, dating, and a wide range of topics have been featured in the Washington Post, New York Magazine, Parents and many other publications. Follow her on Twitter @JaimieSeaton.

Jericho

Long Island Speech & Myofunctional Therapy 500 North Broadway, Suite 141 Jericho, NY 11752

516-597-4344

Wantagh

Lake Success

Speech Pathology and Swallowing Disorder Services of Long Island 444 Lakeville Road Lake Success, NY 11042

516-216-1791•718-640-6767

Speech Pathology & Swallowing Disorder Services of Nassau 3375 Park Avenue., Suite 4010 Wantagh, NY 11793

516-221-3653

LongIslandParent 41

Celebrations in the Kitchen Hicksville

celebrationsinthekitchen.com

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium Cold Spring Harbor cshfishhatchery.org

Dynamic Beat Entertainment Serving Long Island dynamicbeat.com

Gravity Vault Melville Melville gravityvault.com/ locations/melvilleny

Key to My Art, Inc. Amityville keytomyart.com

Long Island Aquarium Riverheard longislandaquarium.com

Long Island Nets Uniondale longisland.gleague.nba. com/birthday-partypackage

Main St. Board Game Cafe Huntington mainstboardgamecafe.com

M.A.T.S.S. Syosset matsskidsgym.com

My Gym Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fitness Huntington Station, Babylon, Stony Brook mygym.com

Social Play Haus Plainview socialplayhaus.com

The Lanyard Ladies Oceanside thelanyardladies.com

Unlimited Sports Action Port Washington unlimitedsportsaction. com/birthday-parties

Atendee Parents Can Stay

Set Up & Clean Up

Changing Tables in Bathrooms

Accessible/ Sensory-Friendly

Accomodate Dietary Restrictions

Bounce U Farmingdale Farmingdale bounceu.com/ farmingdale

Goodie Bags

Bring Your Own Food

Private Party Room

Food & Cake

Entertainment

Plates, Cups, & Utensils

Party Place

Bach to Rock Music School Port Washington portwashington. bachtorock.com

Invites & Thank You Notes

Party Central

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

Meet the Health Care Professional Advantage Care Health Center 189 Wheatley Road, Brookville 516-686-4400 230 Hanse Ave., Freeport advantagecaredtc.org

EMPLOYERS Moms Make Great Part-Time Staff People LOOKING FOR STAFF? POST YOUR JOB MOMMYBITES.COM/POSTJOB

Dr. Mulqueen is board-certified in both internal medicine and pediatrics and is available to see patients of all ages. She has a particular interest in caring for children and adults with Down syndrome, autism, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. She holds professional memberships with the American Medical Association, American College of Physicians, and American Academy of Pediatrics. She is a member of the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group (DSMIG) and participates in the Annual Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group Symposium every summer.

MUSIC INSTITUTE of LONG ISLAND Voted #1 Music School on Long Island All Instruments & Voice OUTSTANDING FACULTY Suzuki & Traditional Methods Spring Semester Begins January 31, 2020 Directors: Carol & Geri Kushner English, Mandarin and Cantonese Languages spoken

• Admin

Ethan 4 years old - Violin & Voice

90 Plandome Road, Manhasset, NY 11030 www.MiliMusic.com • 516-627-7052

• Customer Service • Marketing • Sales • Editorial • Other Jobs

SPRING SOCCER Ages 2 to 8 Soccer Shots is an engaging children's soccer program with a focus on character development. With over 70+ locations, your next Soccer Shots season is conveniently located near you, check out our website at www.soccershots.org/liwest or call 516-558-2266 (516) 558-2266 Enroll now at soccershots.org/liwest

LongIslandParent 43

Professional Services DENTISTS & DENTAL PROVIDERS PDM Family Dental

295 N. Broadway, Jericho 516-388-5002 pdmfamilydental.com info@pdmfamilydental.com PDM Family Dental is a new dental office at the Hicksville Jericho border. We are here to provide comprehensive care for your entire family’s dental needs. We are open evenings.

The Tooth Pillow Dentistry

775 Park Ave, Suite 340, Huntington 516-317-2476 toothpillowny.com Your child will leave our office with all of their dental work completed, free from pain and bad memories. Trust your child with the experts in pediatric dental sedation.

DOCTORS & MEDICAL PROVIDERS Advantage Care Health Center

189 Wheatley Road, Brookville 230 Hanse Ave., Freeport 516-686-4400 advantagecaredtc.org Advantage Care Health Centers and The Fay J. Lindner Center are Long Island’s premier Federally Qualified Health Care Centers (FQHC). We provide comprehensive medical, dental, and mental and behavioral health services to children and adults.

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.

FINANCIAL PLANNING & INSURANCE Bankers Life - Kimberly WilliamsRegnier

Serving NYC Metro Area, Nassau and Suffolk Counties, and Westchester 347-0247-7293

bankerslife.com kimberly-williams.regnier@bankerslife.com Our goal is simple, to offer solutions that meet your needs today and for the life of your retirement. Our agents begin by asking you a few questions. Knowing what’s most important to you, we can provide solutions.

LEGAL SERVICES Fersch LLC

Serving all of NYC and surrounding areas 11 Broadway, Suite 550 212-422-2660 pffamilylaw.com familylaw@pffamilylaw.com Fersch LLC practices exclusively in matrimonial and family law. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and determined advocates for our clients. We provide care and attention to clients and their families of all income levels.

Law Offices of Brad H. Rosken, PLLC 534 Broadhollow Road, Suite 275, Melville 631-379-9569 specialedcounselor.com brad@specialedcounselor.com Brad H. Rosken is an experienced trial attorney. He is also a parent of a child with special needs. He knows how far to push a school district to obtain the maximum that your child is entitled to under law.

LICE Fairy LiceMothers

2463 South 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 non-toxic. Treatments include two free re-checks. Whether or not you use our service, we are here to help you.

Lice Clinics of America - Long Island

47 Jackson Ave., Syosset 566 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre 516-336-4099 liceclinicslongisland.com Lice Clinics of America will remove lice in just one hour! All lice and eggs—even Super Lice—are eliminated in a single, one-hour treatment. Affordable treatments, no toxic chemicals.

February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

Your local guide to tutors, teachers, lawyers, financial planners, and other professionals

SPECIAL NEEDS Law Offices of Brad H. Rosken, PLLC 534 Broadhollow Road, Suite 275, Melville 631-379-9569 specialedcounselor.com brad@specialedcounselor.com Brad H. Rosken is an experienced trial attorney. He is also a parent of a child with special needs. He knows how far to push a school district to obtain the maximum that 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 includeinsurance services, birthday parties, art, music, sports and culinary classes, camps, parent and sibling programs, social events, vocational programs, and behavior intervention.

Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy

The Tooth Pillow Dentistry

TUTORS & TEST PREP Advanced Academic Programs of Roslyn

20 Roosevelt Ave., Roslyn 516-484-1789 roslynacademics.com info@roslynacademicprograms.com Roslyn Academic Programs offers enrichment programs for school age children in mathematics, physics, chemistry, robotics, programming and engineering, languages, music, and art. We also offer standardized test (ACT, SAT, etc.) and subject test preparation for high school students.

Long Island STEM Prep LLC

Serving Nassau and Suffolk Counties 347-645-4980 listemprep.wixsite.com/listemprep listemprep@gmail.com We provide personalized sessions to improve science, math, and test prep outcomes for grade school into college. With more than a decade of experience authoring books, courses, and questions for standardized exams, our expertise helps students perform at their maximum potential.

Long Island Tutorial Services

173 N. Main St., Sayville 631-316-0426 litutorialservices.com litutorialservices@gmail .com Long Island Tutorial Services (LITS) provides award-winning customer service and firstrate instruction to families, island-wide. Call for a confidential consultation.

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 Sylvan of Mineola and Huntington offer personalized tutoring programs in reading, writing, mathematics, SAT and ACT prep. Sylvan will help identify the right program for your child and exactly where your child needs to start to get the best results.

Village East Gifted - Enrichment Center for the Gifted Learner

Village East Gifted of Huntington 33 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station 631-549-2313 Village East Gifted of Roslyn 216 Willis Ave., Roslyn Heights 631-549-2313 villageeastgifted.com info@villageeastgifted.com Village East Gifted provides after-school enrichment and private tutoring for gifted and talented students. We are a designated Johns Hopkins CTY and SAT testing center.

WhizKidz Tutoring LLC

Serving Westchester, Rockland, and Bergen Counties and Long Island 914-200-3512 whizkidztutoring.com emaltz@whizkidztutoring.com WhizKidz Tutoring provides top notch tutoring services for students of all ages. You can count on us to help boost your child’s confidence in school, develop a healthy relationship with learning, and improve grades across every subject.

index birthday / party services

developmental

play spaces

Bounce U - Farmingdale ................................ 39

Advantage Care Health Center ...................... 43

Bounce U - Farmingdale ................................ 39

Grady Edu ...................................................... 12

Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech.......... 41

Long Island Nets ............................................ 17 Variety Child Learning Center ........................ 39 Variety Child Learning Center-SLIDE ............... 37

camps

retail Once Upon A Child......................................... 12

Advanced Academic Programs of Roslyn .......... 8 Camps ‘R’ Us ................................................. 31 Countryside Montessori School....................... 21

education Countryside Montessori School....................... 21

Friends Academy Summer Camp .................... 21

Everbrook Academy of Glen Head .................... 3

Future Stars - Old Westbury ........................... 33

Hofstra Summer Camps ................................... 5

Grady Edu ...................................................... 12

Hofstra University / Saltzman Center .............. 31

LI Voyagers Day Camp ..................................... 8

family entertainment /

Oasis Children Services ................................... 48

events / outings

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts ................... 2 Young People’s Day Camps - Nassau ................ 7

Argyle Theater at Babylon Village ................... 19

special needs Advantage Care Health Center ...................... 43 Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech.......... 41

Hofstra Summer Camps ................................... 5

Sportime ........................................................ 33

special events

Argyle Theater at Babylon Village ................... 19

Soccer Shots .................................................. 43 Variety Child Learning Center ........................ 39 Variety Child Learning Center-SLIDE ............... 37

Bounce U - Farmingdale ................................ 39 Landmark on Main Street Inc ......................... 37

sports Camps ‘R’ Us ................................................. 31

child care / day care

Long Island Nets ............................................ 17 Long Island Nets ............................................ 17

Everbrook Academy of Glen Head .................... 3

health

Soccer Shots .................................................. 43

Advantage Care Health Center ...................... 43

classes

theater

Advanced Academic Programs of Roslyn .......... 8 Grady Edu ...................................................... 12

music

Argyle Theater at Babylon Village ................... 19

Hofstra Summer Camps ................................... 5

Music Institute of Long Island ......................... 43

Landmark on Main Street Inc ......................... 37

Soccer Shots .................................................. 43

performing arts / acting

tutors

Variety Child Learning Center-SLIDE ............... 37

Argyle Theater at Babylon Village ................... 19

Advanced Academic Programs of Roslyn .......... 8

Music Institute of Long Island ......................... 43

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last word

What do you really want for Valentine’s Day?

“Every Valentine’s Day I want those around me to feel loved, so I usually don’t think about what I want. I guess in a perfect world where I get what I want, I would ask for what I request on my birthday, Christmas, etc.: a nap. That’s really all I want. Just a nap. A nice long nap.” —Jason Greene (@thejasongreene), Manhattan

“To me, there is nothing more romantic or sentimental than feeling loved and appreciated. To be really noticed for all the invisible work moms do daily. I don’t need any physical presents, but I do love experience gifts. A family activity, a date night, concert, cooking class, comedy show, or a play are always top on my list.”—Katy Winter (@katys_organized_home), Westchester County “A whole 24 hours of silence—a night to sleep, a morning to only think about myself. And, then, after 24 hours of silence, I want sex. Because to have good sex you need a peaceful, uncongested mind, and that is hard to do when you’ve been jumping from mom-mode to entrepreneur-mode all day.”

“I want a day of f, at home . with no kids And a box of chocolatesns.”

—Pamela Pekerman (@pamelapekerman), Manhattan

rsky Quee

— Margot Luba

“A nice bottle of red wine, good dark chocolate, and my kids to stop interrupting for one second so I can have an actual conversation with my husband.” —Jessica Reese, Westchester County

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February 2020 | nymetroparents.com

@nymetroparents

As we just moved into a new house, I’m dreaming of pretty linens (napkins and placemats) for our new table and all the parties I am hoping to plan but may never get around to doing so.” —Lisa Miller, Brooklyn

“I want an experience— something that feels special and maybe a little lavish… something I can get out of my mommy clothes for!” —Stella Leo (@StylishlyStella), Manhattan

@NYMetroParents

NG I BR OUR Y Y MIL FA

Sunday, March 8, 11am-2:30pm

Hofstra University David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex

Hosted by

Fun For Kids Activities • Crafts • Games • Sports

Great For Parents Meet directors from camps, summer programs, destinations, local programs and more.

Free family ticket at licampfair.com LongIslandParent 47