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LongIsland NASSAU EDITION

Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM PARENTS.COM MAY 2018

Family Health Guide • Decode Your Baby’s Skin Rash • Medicine Cabinet Makeover • Surviving Teen Acne

10 Things to Tackle in Your New Home Insurance Gaps Most Families Have (And How to Fix Them Fast)

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

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contents table of

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

by Appaman (appaman.com)

may 2018

10 36

health

Keeping Kids Safe Online

Expert tips to protect your children on the Internet

Family Fun in Manhattan

Two can’t-miss, family-friendly events in NYC, plus two venues to visit to make the most of your day

16 Medicine Cabinet Makeover 18 Decode Your Baby’s Rash

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20 Nixing Zits & Boosting Self-Esteem 22 Health Directory

New Home—Now What?

Now that you’ve found the perfect house for your family, there are things you‘ll want to take care of.

raising kids

things to do

family life

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 Keeping Kids Safe Online 12 Bracing Ourselves 38 Camps-at-a-Glance Chart 50 Party Central 52 Professional Services 54 Meet the Doctor 55 Open Houses 57 Advertisers’ Index 58 Quotables

24 Sun Salutations

45 Food Allergies and Kids

27 Family Activities Calendar

46 New Home—Now What?

36 Family Fun in Manhattan

48 Insurance You Need—But Might Not Have

NYMetroParents

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

15 Family Health Guide

46 10 Things to Tackle in Your New Home 48 Insurance Gaps Most Families Have

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

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MAY 2018 • Vol.9 • No.12

raising kids editor’s note

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Deborah Skolnik MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling SENIOR EDITOR: Bethany Braun-Silva ENGAGEMENT EDITOR: Samantha Neudorf ASSISTANT EDITOR: Melissa Wickes

Here’s to Your Health!

P

arenthood has taught me plenty—for instance, it’s possible for a child to get chicken noodle soup in her armpit. And, if deprived of enough sleep, a new mom may misplace her wallet for hours, only to later find it in the refrigerator. But the very earliest lesson that parenthood imparted to me was this: Babies don’t always look the way they do in diaper commercials—you know, all smooth and dewy and pretty. In fact, though I naturally thought that both of my daughters were beautiful as newborns, they were also kind of…well, pimply right at the beginning! As I soon learned, that’s common, as are many of our little ones’ bumps, scales, and splotches. Ever wondered if what you’re seeing is cause for concern? In this issue, Bethany Braun-Silva speaks with experts to decode all sorts of baby skin rashes (p. 18).

Of course, infants aren’t the only ones with skin problems. Our focus on health continues with an article by Katelin Walling about teens’ acne and its effect on their psyche (p. 20). We share fixes that are more than skin-deep by explaining ways to buoy your kid’s self-esteem while battling those zits together. And once your child has gotten the proper acne medications, they’ll need to be safely stored. Learn how to keep your medicine chest in tip-top shape by reading Melissa Wickes’ article on p. 16.

While you’re tackling that project, take a look around the rest of your house. If you’ve recently moved in, you won’t want to miss “New Home—Now What?” on p. 46. We reveal 10 fix-ups that can make any house, new or not, more beautiful, valuable, and enjoyable for its owners. You’ll want to protect everything in your home—including its residents—so be sure to also check out my article on p. 48 about important insurance policies that even careful families often overlook. Speaking of safety, take a minute to read our important story by Samantha Neudorf on kids’ food allergies, and what to keep in mind when you’re around a food-allergic child, on p. 45. Lastly take a look at my essay about my younger daughter’s scoliosis (p. 12) and the surprising way in which it changed us both for the better.

And no, we haven’t forgotten that May is Mother’s Day! We’ve got a gift for the proud parent in you: a chance to get your child (the cutest in the world, natch) on the cover of one of our magazines. See page 56 for more details, and visit nymetroparents.com/cover-contest-info to see how to enter.

Wishing you a beautiful month!

REGIONAL EDITORS: Samantha Beranbom (Rockland); Karen Demeter (Suffolk); Whitney C. Harris (Manhattan, Westchester); Karen Lo (Brooklyn); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke EDITORIAL INTERNS: Cintia Feliz, Caitlin Sawicki To Submit Events: nymetroparents.com/submitevents

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Big Apple Parent 212-315-0800 Jeunesse Jackson, EJ Morales-Gomez, Linda Pierce Queens Parent 718-878-4860 Annene Guertin, Manager Westchester Parent 914-397-0200 Nini DeLuca, Manager Merrill Sugarman, Mary Wender Brooklyn Parent 718-878-4860 Phyllis Crupi, Selene Rodriguez Rockland Parent 845-848-8021 Cara Roteman, Jim Russo Long Island Parent, Nassau 516-883-4543 Joan Bergman, Manager Lisa Herlihy Long Island Parent, Suffolk 631-472-5437 Karen Shapiro, Gayle Sherman To Advertise: nympads@davlermedia.com DIR. OF OPERATIONS -- EVENTS: Rebecca Stolcz DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Ray Winn OPERATIONS COORDINATORS: Leonard Porter, Christopher Regalado DIRECTOR OF TRAFFIC: Heather Gambaro ADMINISTRATION MANAGER: Erin Jordan

PRODUCTION

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

ACCOUNTING

Deborah Skolnik Editorial Director, NYMetroParents

CONTROLLER: David Friedman

ADMINISTRATION

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

MOMMYBITES.COM

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Rebecca Dixon 917-572-9192

Davler Media Group davlermedia.com

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

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

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

Subscription rates per year, per publication: $39

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raising kids new places, new programs

Courtesy Long

Kids can clim b into a moc k Troodon’s part of the Di nest and pl nosaurs: La ay with its eg nd of Fire an Children’s M gs as d Ice™ exhi useum. bit at Long Island

Upon a Child

Who: Long Island Children’s Museum What’s New: The Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice™ exhibit, which opened Jan. 27.

Kids will be able to explore dinosaurs in two distinct environments— Land of Fire and Land of Ice—through hands-on learning. They can act as paleontologists by uncovering fossils, climb into a mock Troodon’s nest, help put a giant puzzle together, and more.

The exhibit, created by Minnesota Children’s Museum and sponsored by the David B. Jones Foundation, will run through Sunday, May 13.

Want More Info: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City; 516-224-5800; licm.org

Island Children ’s Museum

Long Island Museum for Kids Debuts Dinosaur Exhibit

Who: Once Upon a Child What’s New: Michael Teller, who stepped into the role of president on Dec. 21, 2017.

Once Upon A Child buys and sells gently used children’s clothing, gear, and apparel at up to 70 percent off the original retail price. The list of accepted items ranges from children’s costumes and kitchen sets to strollers and bed rails. Items can vary depending on the season and time of year.

The Seaford store is currently seeking boys’ and girls’ summer and winter clothing in sizes 0-3 months up to size 14 as well as swimwear, footwear, and all child-related toys and equipment. An appointment is not required to make a sale.

Want More Info: 1089 Hicksville Road, Seaford; 516-579-4200; onceuponachildseaford.com

Courtesy Once

Kids Resale Clothing Store in Seaford Under New Ownership

is Once Upon a Child

s’ clothes. mer and winter kid currently seeking sum

Who: Spin DJ Academy What’s New: A performance stage, which was unveiled in January at the Rockville Centre location of Spin DJ Academy. It is replete with state-of-the-art sound equipment and professional lighting.

Spin DJ Academy will hold two sessions of Interactive DJ Camp.

The first session will run July 10-21 and the second Aug. 7-22.

Children ages 10 and older are welcome to register.

Over the course of a two-week session, campers will engage in a DJ “crash course.” At the end of the two weeks, students will create their own three-song mix and video and perform on the stage for friends and family.

Want More Info: 202 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre; 631-6088858; spindjacademy.com 8

May 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Courtesy Spin DJ Academy

DJ Academy in Rockville Centre Gets New Performance Stage for Students

Campers gather around state-of-the

-art DJ booth at Spin DJ Academy.

At Oasis I will...

Try New Things

Unplug & Connect with Nature

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Gain Confidence

Play, Learn & Grow

Check out our other 2 Long Island locations:

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Be Part of a Unique Community Have Positive & Supportive Role Models

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Join us for an info session on Thursday, May 3rd or May 17th in the Hillwood Commons Building - Both at 6:30 pm LIU Post Campus (720 Northern Blvd)

Register Online - Check out our BRAND NEW website! www.oasischildren.com • 646-519-5066

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9

raising kids in the know

Keeping Kids Safe Online ››

By Bethany Braun-Silva with Titania Jordan

K

eeping kids protected while they’re on the web is challenging.

Here Titania Jordan, chief parent officer of bark.us, an award winning app that monitors kids’ activities online and alerts parents of potential dangers, shares five ways parents can help keep their kids safe online.

Be where they are. Don’t let your child download an app, play a game, or visit a website unless you (at the very least) know about it first. Google the name of the platform plus the word “dangers”, or review its rating on Common Sense Media. Even better, spend some time with the platform and learn its ins and outs firsthand.

Have those difficult conversations. Often. As soon as your children are old enough to encounter content on a device, you need to talk to them about the importance of asking for permission before clicking on anything. Once they are older and more Internet independent discuss the concept of personally identifiable information, as nobody needs to know your child’s name, age, gender, address, school location, baseball league, or anything else that can lead predators right to where they are.

Get to know the parental control options on the various devices and platforms your children interact with. Next, look at what offerings your Internet, cable, or mobile service providers have. Utilizing the 4-digit pin is critical on Netflix, now that remotes are voice activated.

When in doubt, just say no. If something doesn’t feel right, go with your gut. So many parents these days give in to their children because everyone else a) is doing it b) is playing it c) already has a phone d) has seen the series e) has downloaded it or f) fill in the blank. So what. Go against the grain. Childhood innocence kept a little longer = parenting win.

Media literacy is key. Teach your children to not take everything they see online at face value. Encourage them to look for multiple sources, realize that anyone can copy a photo and create a fake profile, and be responsible with the content they engage with and post online. They need to know about algorithms that are tailored to them based on their search history and browsing preferences, and remember that everything they post on the Internet, even in a private “disappearing” message, is a screen shot away from lasting forever and haunting them in the future.

As CPO, Titiana Jordan is Bark’s resident factotum, her role spanning across product, design, copy, customer acquisition and education, and media relations. Jordan holds a BBA in Marketing, and enjoys painting and building Lego cities with her family in her downtime.

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May 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Nodoctor would ever prescribe tobacco... so why do pharmacies sellit?

52% of all pharmacies inNewYork State still sell tobacco products.

It’s time to end this practice.

Lend your support at BreatheFreely.org

LongIslandParent 11

raising kids voices

Bracing Ourselves ›› A straight-up look at the surprising way a mom was changed by her daughter’s scoliosis. By Deborah Skolnik

H

uh. I wasn’t expecting that,” the emergency-room physician said, frowning as he read the report from my daughter Genie’s chest X-ray. I shot a nervous glance at my pale, coughing 3-year-old.

“So she has pneumonia?” I asked.

“No, her lungs are clear—it’s just a cold. But there’s a note here saying that her spine is curved,” the doctor replied. I was glad Genie didn’t have pneumonia, but what did it mean that her spine was curved? I pictured a spine shaped like a question mark.

Once Genie was better, we visited an orthopedist our pediatrician had recommended. She diagnosed Genie with scoliosis, an abnormal, side-to-side spinal curvature. The curve stood at 18 degrees; if it progressed to 20 degrees, Genie would need to wear a back brace for 23 hours a day until sometime in her teens.

I prayed Genie’s curve would hold or improve. But a follow-up visit the next year brought devastating news: Her spine was now listing at 26 degrees. A brace-maker armed with a tape measure and clipboard was called in. Weeks later, we were presented with the hard, thick plastic shell that would encase my daughter’s torso for the next decade.

You don’t mess with scoliosis. Left unchecked, it can cause profound problems, from visible deformity and chronic pain to heart and lung trouble. My husband and I knew we needed to treat Genie at once, but that didn’t make it any less agonizing to buckle our wiggly child into a bulky, inflexible contraption. And it wasn’t like I could tell her “lots of kids have this.” They don’t, especially not at age 4. In fact, Genie was the only child in our elementary school’s 100-plus-year history to wear a back brace to classes.

Genie’s clothing covered the brace, but the outline of its front buckles was clearly visible through her clothes. The shoulder straps jutted upward, making her look like a pintsized linebacker. All I could think was that her new, slightly lumpy appearance was tantamount to social suicide.

But something surprising happened: Genie stayed happy-

“

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May 2018 | nymetroparents.com

go-lucky, maybe because she was too young to feel selfconscious. She covered her brace in stickers and showed it off to her pals, acting like it was cool gear she was lucky to have.

She took her brace in stride, and, following her lead, so did those around her.

The years marched on. There was the occasional mean girl at camp or insensitive adult, but for the most part, people either disregarded Genie’s brace or were intrigued by it.

When a performer at a medieval fair selected Genie to ride on his shoulders, he discovered her brace as he lifted her. “She has her own armor!” he roared to the crowd.

Meanwhile, Genie was disarming me—stripping away the guilty awkwardness I’d long felt around people with visible differences. Because she didn’t view her brace as tragic, she didn’t view others’ medical equipment—or they themselves— as objects of pity. She’d say breezy hellos to people in wheelchairs, and coo over babies in headgear.

Several years ago, she made a best friend at camp and told me everything about her—except that the girl had impaired mobility and used a walker. I didn’t learn about it until visiting day, when I witnessed Genie happily helping her pal get up a hill while singing to her. Why didn’t she tell me about the walker? I wondered. Then I realized it was because to her, it wasn’t worth a mention.

I started to see that it wasn’t just Genie’s spine that needed help; my attitude toward people with disabilities needed some straightening out, too. I no longer avert my gaze from them, worried that they’ll see sorrow in my eyes. Instead, like Genie, I make a point of saying hi. I treat them the way I want people to treat Genie—the way I was supposed to have been treating them all along.

Genie’s now 14, and her spinal curve is almost completely gone. The day is coming when she’ll leave her back brace behind for good, but I know the compassion she gained from her years of treatment will last a lifetime.

She’s not just a kid with a straight back; she’s a person with real backbone.

At Oasis I will...

Tully Park

Try New Things Unplug & Connect with Nature

Play, Learn & Grow

Be Part of a Unique Community

Gain Confidence Have Positive & Supportive Role Models

Build Lifelong Friendships

Oasis Offers • Programs for Ages 3-15 • 8:30am-5:30pm • Extended day available • Hot Lunch Option • Flexible Enrollment: 2-8 weeks • AC Transportation • American Red Cross Swim Instruction • Carnivals & Tie Dye • Special Events

Join us for an info session on Thursday, May 3rd or May 17th in the Vending Machine Room - Both at 7:00 pm Michael J. Tully Park (1801 Evergreen Ave, New Hyde Park)

Register Online - Check out our BRAND NEW website! www.oasischildren.com • 646-519-5062

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LongIslandParent 13

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online extras Everything’s blooming, and your child is sneezing, but does he have allergies or a cold? Find expert advice at ›› nymetroparents.com/allergies-or-cold

What really works to lower a fever in children? The answers may surprise you.

Get the lowdown from a pediatrician at ›› nymetroparents.com/lower-fever

Kids’ snoring can seem cute, but it could spell trouble. Find out why at ›› nymetroparents.com/snoring

Some germs are actually beneficial to kids’ health. Learn the reasons at ›› nymetroparents.com/good-germs

inside

raising kids family health guide

16 M edicine Cabinet Makeover: It turns out you may not need everything you’ve been stocking up on. ecode Your Baby’s Rash: Find out 18 D if what you’re seeing on your infant’s skin is normal.

20 N ixing Zits & Boosting Self-Esteem: How you can help your teen clear her acne—and keep her self-esteem intact.

22 H ealth Directory: Find health care providers in Nassau County.

Medicine Cabinet Makeover

››

It turns out you may not need everything you’ve been stocking up on, so add this oft-forgotten area to your spring-cleaning list. By Melissa Wickes

O

ur medicine cabinets have become at-home mini drugstores and are often the first place we turn when facing a medical issue, sometimes even before turning to the doctor. As parents, we want to have a plethora of medications on hand in case of any emergency, whether it’s the flu or the imaginary boo-boo your little one has because she wants to accessorize with character Band-Aids.

We’re right there with you: It’s comforting to know there are three bottles of children’s fever reducer within reach at all times. But every time we open the cabinet, we run the risk of an avalanche of cotton balls, cough drops, and painkillers falling on us, which doesn’t need to be the case! We’re here to help with advice from pediatricians and pharmacists to completely rethink what you need to have on hand, reorganize your medicine cabinet for safety reasons, and provide a little sanity when your kid gets sick.

Cabinet Clean Out

Doctors and pharmacists recommend cleaning out the medicine cabinet and taking inventory of the medications it contains once or twice a year. Check the expiration dates on over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and properly dispose of those that are no longer safe to take.

“The main problem with taking expired medications is decrease in efficiency,” says Eric Levene, M.D., a pediatrician at Allied Pediatrics in White Plains. “After the expiration date, the medicine won’t work as well, and you won’t be taking the right dosage because it will be less effective.”

Eye drops, creams, and even cosmetics that are stored in the medicine cabinet can harbor different types of bacteria, so when in doubt, throw it out. The irony of a medicine cabinet? Due to the moisture levels in your bathroom, it isn’t the best place for long-term medication storage, 16

May 2018 | nymetroparents.com

according to Joanna Tracy, Pharm. D., assistant director of Pharmacy at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital (NYU Langone). Most medications can be stored at room temperature, but you should always defer to the medication label when determining which conditions are best for storage. (Areas to never store your medications, though: the car or any other places subject to high temperatures.)

What to Have on Hand

Parents tend to buy a ton of medications to have on hand “just in case,” but this isn’t recommended, according to Dr. Tracy. While it can be anxiety relieving to have the comfort of a makeshift drugstore store readily available, this can actually do more harm than good.

Having a ton of medications laying around raises the risk of kids getting their hands on medicines that can be toxic to them and ingesting expired medications, and creates overall clutter in a place where it is important to be organized.

Additionally, over-the-counter medications, while helpful, often have active ingredients that provide the potential for incidental misuse and higher-than-recommended dosages, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a division of the National Institutes of Health. Some ingredients found in OTC medications that can be harmful include dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant, and loperamide, an antidiarrheal. These medications, when combined with other drugs such as alcohol and marijuana, are especially harmful because they can affect the brain in a similar way to opioids, according to NIDA. “There have been reports of over-the-counter medications causing life threatening side effects in children under two,” says Dr. Tracy, so it is important to pay attention to what medications are safe to give your infant. In the case that you need to give your

infant a pain reliever or fever reducer, it is safe to administer acetaminophen, but not ibuprofen. Though, Dr. Levene recommends herbal remedies, with mediation, for infants.

“Herbal remedies are the standard for infants, however just because they are natural does not mean they are always safe,” Dr. Levene says. “Always consult with your physician and let them know everything you are using to treat your baby because some medications can interfere with herbal remedies.”

For children younger than 6, you should refrain from administering cough medications, according to Dr. Levene. After age 6, saline sprays, ibuprofen pain relievers, and antihistamines such as Benadryl are generally okay, but you should always consult your doctor especially when children are at a young age.

Keep Kids’ Hands Off

When arranging the medications in your cabinet, keep in mind what you’re putting within reach of your little ones. Any and all medications should ideally be kept in a place where children cannot reach them and only adults should be able to distribute them. This is especially important for antidepressants and opioids.

“If the medicine cabinet is in a place accessible to a child, for example a lower cabinet, then it is recommended that the cabinet be locked,” says Aimée Kahn, M.D., M.P.H., a pediatrician at Crystal Run Healthcare in West Nyack.

Disposing of unnecessary medications properly guarantees your children will not access them. And that’s no small concern: The nonmedical use of prescription drugs is a highly dangerous issue that is plaguing today’s youth. In fact, the rate of prescription opioid misuse is incredibly high and rapidly growing, according to the results of the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

In a series of studies involving 810 patients, more than twothirds of subjects reported having opioids left over after surgery, according to a report published by JAMA Surgery.

Only 4-30 percent of those study participants actually planned to or had already disposed of the leftover drugs, and even fewer had followed U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines to do so properly.

Remember: You should never flush any medications down the toilet or sink due

to the risk of contaminating the water supply. With that said, when you’re done taking a medication but have some left over, properly discard of it and don’t leave it laying around for anyone to get their hands on it. The best way to do this is through a New York state-approved medicine drop off location, according to Dr. Tracy; visit health.ny.gov to find one near you. There are also scheduled U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration take-back days; find more

information about these days in accordance with your area at takebackday.dea.gov.

“The inquisitive nature of children is an amazing thing, and we as parents and caregivers should do our best to give them a safe environment,” Dr. Kahn says. “Young kids love to explore!” If you are cognizant of where your medication is from the day it is picked up to the day you’re done with it, the medicine cabinet doesn’t have to be a scary place.

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Decode Your Baby’s Rash

››

Find out if what you’re seeing on your infant’s skin is normal or if you should call a doctor. By Bethany Braun-Silva

F

inding a rash on your infant is fairly common given that baby skin is so sensitive. But as a new parent, “it can be difficult to determine the seriousness of a rash,” says Aimée Kahn, M.D., M.P.H., pediatrician at Crystal Run Healthcare in West Nyack.

“Most rashes are not life-threatening, but if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or feeling sick, bring your child in to be seen by their doctor.” Common symptoms of a serious rash include oozing, pus, blisters, broken skin, pain, tenderness, bruising, or redness, Dr. Kahn says.

A not-so-serious rash may be treated at home with emollients or can even be left untreated to clear up on its own. But “it is important to be aware of rashes that do not get better or appear to be worsening,” Dr. Kahn adds. “In these cases one should bring that child to see their pediatrician for an exam.”

Here we explain the rashes and skin ailments that commonly affect infants, and give you insight as to when it’s time to call the pediatrician.

Cradle Cap

Most common in newborns, cradle cap appears as yellow, crusty, or greasy, scaly patches. It will generally show up on your baby’s scalp, but may appear on his eyebrows, ears, and neck. This is a harmless skin condition and should clear up on its own within a few months. However, it can be treated with a mild soap and a soft bristle brush to help loosen the scales.

Call the pediatrician if the rash does not go away or gets worse; occasionally a baby may have a secondary yeast infection.

“In some cases even cradle cap will require a prescription shampoo or lotion to be treated,” Dr. Kahn says.

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May 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Contact Dermatitis

This will show up as a dry and bumpy or red and oozing rash and will only be present in areas where your infant has been exposed to an irritant, such as Band-Aids, soap, or laundry detergent. Contact dermatitis can be avoided by simply no longer using the product that is causing the trouble, and you can apply a mild anti-itch or cortisone cream to ease the symptoms until the rash clears up.

Call the pediatrician if your baby has been exposed to a severe irritant such as poison ivy, as this may require treatment with an oral steroid or cortisone.

Diaper Rash

A diaper rash occurs when urine and stool act together to create an acidic environment that breaks down baby’s skin. Diarrhea can make diaper rash more frequent. A diaper rash shows up as redness or burn-like marks. Diaper cream should do the trick and can be applied with each diaper change.

Call the pediatrician if your child has severe rashes with open sores that do not heal easily. “On occasion, diaper rash can become secondarily infected. If an area of redness becomes scaly and bumpy, it is possible that the skin has become infected with yeast, which requires a topical antifungal medication. Babies can occasionally experience bacterial infections, like impetigo [see next page], due to severe irritation,” says Katherine Miao, M.D., a medical director at City MD Metro North Region. If baby has large, soft, yellow fluid-filled blisters, a staph infection may have developed. See your doctor; this needs prompt treatment with oral antibiotics.

Eczema

It looks different in infants than it does in older children. When an infant develops an eczema rash, it typically appears on her cheeks, trunk, or scalp; the areas look red, scaly, and sometimes crusty.

Call the pediatrician if the eczema gets worse despite treating with over-the-counter cream. Your child may have developed a bacterial infection, in which case antibiotics are necessary to clear it up. Eczema that isn’t getting better could also be the result of an allergy, especially to foods such as milk or soy. You may need to consult an allergist to find out the specific cause.

Hives

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These flat or slightly raised blotches are usually caused by an allergy, most frequently to food or medicine. A telltale sign that the rash is a hive is if it fades in one area and reappears in another. To treat, use a mild antihistamine or remove whatever is causing the allergy.

Call the pediatrician if your baby is having difficulty breathing, or has swollen eyes or lips in addition to hives. In fact, it is recommended you call 911 if any of these symptoms occur, as they are signs of a severe allergic reaction.

Impetigo

If your child develops yellow, crusty, oozing sores around his mouth, this may be a sign of impetigo. It’s caused by a staph or strep germ and can occur anywhere the skin has been broken and bacteria can enter.

Call the pediatrician if you notice the symptoms listed above.

Impetigo needs to be treated by a doctor either with antibiotics or a prescribed cream. If the outbreak does not go away after a few days of treatment, call the doctor again.

Infant Acne or Milia

Milia are tiny white bumps that appear under your baby’s skin.

The bumps are normally present on the nose, chin, or cheeks and are caused by skin flakes trapped near the surface of the skin. Baby acne is red or white bumps on the forehead or cheeks, which are caused by hormones the baby receives from his mother at the end of pregnancy. Infant acne can be present when your baby is born or appear when she is 2-4 weeks old.

Both milia and baby acne will disappear in several weeks and are harmless. You can care for your baby’s acne by washing his skin with warm water and a mild soap and by avoiding oils and lotions on the affected area.

Call the pediatrician if the acne appears to be getting larger or appears swollen and is producing discharge. This could be a sign of a bacterial infection, which needs to be treated with antibiotics.

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

At Steps to Socialization, we understand that not everyone processes social information the same way.

Some must be taught to think socially, Step by Step.

Social Thinking in a Social World.

Successful Friendships are possible.

Accepting enrollment for 3-4-year olds up to 20+.

Our curriculum is designed to help with all aspects of social challenges.

Our “boot camp” programs include college prep, middle school drama, high school drama, leadership skills, as well as everyday social situations.

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

LongIslandParent 19

Nixing Zits & Boosting Self-Esteem

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In the unfair stage of puberty with changes happening all at once, here’s how you can help your teen clear her acne—and keep her self-esteem intact. By Katelin Walling

A

s a tween with the (seemingly) sudden onset of zits and blackheads clogging my pores, I devoured all the information I could find about acne, its causes (so I could avoid those factors to the best of my ability), and how to get rid of it once and for all. Because, really, who wants acne? I tried all the over-the-counter cleansers and spot treatments on the market. I convinced my mom to splurge and get me Proactiv. I was desperate to clear up my face because I was so self-conscious about breakouts—heck, I still am.

In middle school, I got bangs to hide any zits on my forehead.

In high school, I started dabbling in makeup to conceal blemishes.

I still conceal breakouts with makeup, but the difference between now and then is I actually know what I’m doing with makeup— YouTube tutorials didn’t exist when I was in my early teens. The only thing that kept me sane was the fact that some of my close friends were also struggling with acne.

Some tweens and teens might not be so lucky and escape serious self-esteem issues related to acne, especially when it comes to seeing the “perfect” pictures others are posting on social media.

(Thankfully Facebook was in its infancy and only open to college students and Instagram didn’t exist when I was in high school, so I didn’t have pictures of people with clear skin flooding my feeds.)

What’s encouraging, though, is a lot of celebrities are being real about their skin: Most notably, Lili Reinhart of Riverdale fame has been refreshingly honest about her battle with cystic acne.

“The struggle is real, as they say,” says Rachel Nazarian, M.D., F.A.A.D., who dealt with acne in her late teens. Dr. Nazarian is a board-certified dermatologist, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and sees patients at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City.

The one thing I didn’t do as a teen, regrettably, was talk to a dermatologist to figure out the best course of treatment for my skin.

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May 2018 | nymetroparents.com

All About Acne

There are two categories of acne: inflammatory lesions, which are more likely to scar such as cystic acne (usually deep, bumpy, tender, red nodules) and non-inflammatory lesions, such as whiteheads and blackheads, which are less likely to scar unless the teen picks at them, according to Dr. Nazarian.

Dietary factors may play a role in acne, but “it’s a pretty weak link at this point,” Dr. Nazarian says. There’s no hard evidence, but some studies have suggested dairy products containing natural growth hormones can stimulate over-oil production and cause pimples, and high-glycemic (sugary) and greasy, fried foods are also thought to be linked to acne, Dr. Nazarian explains. “But short of that, we know that most acne is actually just caused by a very normal reaction of the skin from internal hormones and chemicals in the body that can happen from stress, it can just happen from normal puberty, and certainly there are things that you can take [such as medications and supplements] that will absolutely cause acne, but that is not a regular cause,” she says.

“There are so many different treatments now depending on what the patient comes in with and truly how they feel about it, how quickly they need it gone, how distraught they are,” Dr. Nazarian says, and a number of those treatments can be used at the same time.

Topically, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, peels such as glycolic acid, and a range of retinoids can be found over the counter or by prescription, according to Dr. Nazarian.

Oral prescriptions include antibiotics such as doxycycline or minocycline, isotretinoin (more commonly known by the former brand name Accutane), as well as spironolactone, an option for females only, Dr. Nazarian says. Dermatologists also have tools, such as lasers and blue lights, they can use in the office.

One thing to keep in mind: The more your teen can do to prevent bacteria from clogging her pores, the better off her skin will be. Some easy things he can do are wash his face twice a day with a gentle cleanser but don’t over-scrub, change his pillowcase once a week, regularly wipe down his phone screen and headphone cords with an alcohol wipe, and use a facial cleansing wipe after playing sports or working out. While none of these will miraculously clear acne completely, each little step can help reduce the number of pimples she sees.

Supporting Self-Esteem

Puberty is an awkward phase of life, and you don’t have to be an expert to see that some teens are self-conscious or have self-esteem issues, says Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist and founder and director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. in New York City. But there are things you, as parents, can do to prevent your teen’s self-esteem from dropping—and help improve it.

“The longer acne lasts, the worse the emotional symptoms might be,” says Lindsay Macchia, Ph.D., associate psychologist at the Mood Disorders Center and Anxiety Disorders Center at the Child Mind Institute. So the first step she suggests is to take your teen to a dermatologist. The faster acne is treated, the more likely the teen is to not have feelings of low self-esteem and low self-worth. “I would encourage a parent to find a doctor who is very empathic and validating and understands that, yes, this is a skin condition, but it can also effect the tween or teen emotionally too,” she says.

Additionally, parents should emphasize that they are part of their teen’s support system and validate his feelings. “If their self-esteem is starting to dip or they are starting to be concerned about their appearance…or what other people might be thinking of them or how they might be treating them, knowing that they can turn to their parents for support can go a very long way,” Dr. Macchia says.

“Parents, sometimes in their years of experience and feeling that their problems are so much bigger than their teenagers’ problems, are dismissive,” Dr. Hafeez adds. But “dismissing them makes them feel alone and the only people they can turn to for help are people who are also now not taking them seriously and sort of undermining or downplaying their problem.” Listen to your teen and tell her, “I understand. It must be really hard. Would you like to go see a doctor or a dermatologist with me?”

If you can talk to your teen, and spend time with him to help him feel heard and validated, acne or not, he’s going to feel a boost in his self-esteem because he feels important to those people who mean the most, Dr. Hafeez says.

When to See a Therapist

If your tween or teen suddenly changes her behavior—starts avoiding social activities such as parties, sports teams, after-school clubs, or school events; always covers or hides her face; seems more sad or irritable than usual; tries to skip school; or even verbalizes that she thinks she looks ugly—her self-esteem may be plummeting because of her acne, and it might be time to seek professional help.

If you’re anxious about asking your teen whether he wants to see a psychologist, Dr. Hafeez suggests saying, “I’m here for you.

I’m always willing to talk, but I don’t want to assume that I’m the answer to all of your problems. Maybe there are things you don’t want to tell me. I want you to be able to speak openly to someone who you feel isn’t going to judge you.”

“Just giving them those options makes the child feel like their parent cares enough about doing something about this, and it’s not just about how they feel now. Teenagers can be brats and they can be ungrateful, but someday that teenager is going to look back and be appreciative of those things,” Dr. Hafeez says.

LongIslandParent 21

Health Directory Advantage Care Health Center

189 Wheatley Road, Brookville 516-686-4400 230 Hanse Ave., Freeport advantagecaredtc.org Advantage Care Health Centers and The Fay J. Lindner Center are Long Island’s premier Federally Qualified Health Care Centers.

We provide comprehensive medical, dental, and mental and behavioral health services to children and adults. Your health and well-being are the center’s top priority. We offer services to all members of the community with a commitment to those who might otherwise be excluded from the health care system, while still remaining cost-effective and efficient.

The center specializes in providing services to individuals with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities. We accept Medicaid, Medicare, and Managed Care plans.

Allied Physicians Group

3 Huntington Quadrangle, Melville 866-621-2769 alliedphysiciansgroup.com The more than 120 physicians that comprise Allied Physicians Group are among the top pediatricians throughout Long Island, New York City, Westchester County, the Hudson Valley, and beyond. When you bring your children to an Allied pediatric practice, you know they are getting the very best care.

Our doctors have access to resources, technology, and support that other, stand-alone pediatric practices simply cannot offer. Our doctors have more time for what matters most: you and your child! For more information, visit alliedphysiciansgroup.com or call us at 866-621-2769.

ChiroMom

2874 Merrick Road, Bellmore 516-221-1212 mychiromom.com mychiromom@gmail.com Dr. Dana Walters is a chiropractor specializing in prenatal and pediatric care. Dr. Walters has practiced in a variety of areas, including Manhattan’s Upper West Side, and has brought her passion for helping families discover the benefits of chiropractic care to Bellmore as ChiroMom. ChiroMom offers chiropractic care utilizing techniques including immune boosting treatments, musculoskeletal and nutritional work, activator techniques, massage therapy, and lifestyle education. As a mom, Dr. Walters experiences first-hand how chiropractic care throughout pregnancy, birth, and childhood sets a solid foundation for greater health and well-being.

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May 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry

959 Brush Hollow Road, Suite #101, Westbury 516-333-3033 pediatricdentistlongislandny.com kidsteethli@gmail.com Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry cares for all of your child’s oral health needs in a fun, kid-friendly environment that includes iPads and chairside TV monitors. Drs. Ehrenman and Khan are dedicated and trained to ease dental anxieties for young children as well as patients with special needs. Their years of advanced training include hospital and sedation dentistry.

Please visit kidsteeth4li.com to learn more about what Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry has to offer!

Green Vale School

250 Valentine’s Lane, Old Brookville 516-621-2420 greenvaleschool.org The Green Vale School is Long Island’s largest independent, coed, non-denominational school for pre-nursery through eighth grades. Since 1923, families have chosen Green Vale for superior academic preparation and an exceptional foundation in character education. We believe strength of character is connected to wellness of mind and body. With a 40-acre campus, athletics and arts built into the daily curriculum, and family-style lunch together with teachers, Green Vale students are happy, confident learners. Contact the Admissions Office to schedule a visit.

Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy

Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success Queens: 718-640-6767 Nassau: 516-216-1791 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 lispeech.com Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, is owner and operator of Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy.

Along with her group of therapists, she supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders (adults and children). Intensive feeding therapy for individuals who suffer from texture and consistency aversions, and FEES—Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation

of Swallowing—are also offered. There is a total of seven affiliated offices across Long Island, all participating with most major health insurance companies and offering evening and Saturday hours.

Merrick Pediatric Dentistry

1756A Merrick Ave., Merrick 516-547-1997 merrickpediatricdentistry.com Dr. Rania Elbaz is a board-certified pediatric dentist. She earned her dental degree from Columbia University. She then completed her pediatric dental training at UMDNJ-New Jersey Dental School. Dr. Elbaz loves working with children and strives to create a warm and fun environment that children look forward to visiting. Dr. Elbaz sees every patient in order to ensure consistency that is so important to young children.

The office welcomes and gives extra time and attention to patients with special needs.

The office also participates with most major insurance plans.

Pediatric Dentistry of Nassau County

300 Garden City Plaza, Garden City 516-280-6734 supermolar.com Dr. Danielle Cooper received her degree in dental medicine and completed her two-year pediatric dental residency at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. She is a board-certified pediatric dentist specialized in treating children of all ages. She loves working with children every day and strives to make her patients feel comfortable, safe, and excited about their oral health. Her patients leaving with a smile is the best part of her day. In her free time Dr. Cooper enjoys reading, movies, good food, and spending quality time with her friends and family.

Shining Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, P.C.

444 Community Drive, #201, Manhasset 516-487-5437 shiningsmilespediatricdentistry.com Dr. Rod is a board-certified pediatric dentist. He understands that visits to the dentist can be intimidating for young children, as well as their parents, so our friendly, gentle, and compassionate team is dedicated to making your child’s visit stress-free, painfree, and fun! Dr. Rod understands that optimal oral health is a key part of systemic health. At our office we have no mercury fillings. All of our fillings and sealants do not contain BPA. We are also gluten-free and latex-free.

For More Info, Call 516-

650-1856

Days Filled with Fun & Excitement!

Boys & Girls, 4-15 • 2-8 Week Programs Operated by Licensed Teachers & Administrators All Union Rates Accepted • Weekly Field Trips Red Cross Swim Program • Sports & Karate • Yoga Arts & Crafts and much, MUCH MORE!

Open House :

SAT., MAY 5, 2018 12:00PM - 3:00PM, SAT., MAY 12, 2018 1:00PM - 4:00PM, & SAT., MAY 19, 2018 12:00PM - 3:00PM

OUR LADY OF MERCY SCHOOL 520 S Oyster Bay Road Hicksville, NY 11801

LongIslandParent 23

Sun things to do

where-to guide

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Salutations

Compiled by Samantha Neudorf

Summer is within in our reach, and there’s no better way to help your kids to get their first tastes of summer vacation than to bring them to one of these exciting outdoor activities. Mini golf is a fun way for families to bond over a game. Zoos, nature centers, and botanical gardens are a great way to greet wildlife while soaking in some vitamin D, and if your children can’t get enough of animals, bring them to a nearby stable to ride horses (it’s the next best idea to getting them a pony!). But if your kids are not quite ready to meet a real horse, you can always bring them to a carousel in your area.

Here’s hoping your May gets you and your family ready for summer!

CAROUSELS

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Heckscher Carousel Hempstead Lake State Park, Lakeside Drive, West Hempstead 516-766-1029; parks.ny.gov/parks/31/details.aspx Hours: Open weekends and holidays. Through May 21: 12-6pm; May 27-Sept. 4: 12-7pm; Sept. 9-Oct. 9: 12-6pm Price: $2 per ride Built in 1916 and nestled in Hempstead Lake State Park, this classic wooden carousel featuring 36 jumping horses and two chariots turns to recorded music.

Find more>> carousels in Nassau County at nymetroparents. com/carousels.

HORSEBACK RIDING

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Courtesy Science Museum of Long Island

Nassau Equestrian Center 62 Route 106, Jericho 516-342-1771; nassauequestriancenter.com Lessons are offered for ages 6 and older, beginner through advanced. Semi-annual horse shows are held to showcase students’ progress. Summer camp is offered June-August for ages 8-14 in which kids ride twice a day and learn to care for a horse. Guided trail rides are offered for ages 12 and older.

Find more>> horseback-riding stables in Nassau County at nymetroparents.com/horseback-riding.

MINI GOLF Eisenhower Park Miniature Golf Course Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow 516-572-0407; nassaucountyny.gov/2071/mini-golf Hours: Through November: daily, 10am-10pm Price: $13; $9 leisure pass holders; $6 seniors with leisure pass; $6 for children younger than 13 Located near the Nassau County Aquatic Center, this mini-golf course features two different 18-hole courses called Mountainside and Overlook, and have terraced landscaping that incorporates a waterfall, small ponds, flower beds, and a number of challenging holes.

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Find more>> mini-golf courses in Nassau County at nymetroparents.com/minigolf.

Kids can participate in fun and educational programs outdoors at the museum.

ZOOS, NATURE CENTERS, & BOTANICAL GARDENS Science Museum of Long Island 1526 N. Plandome Road, Manhasset 516-627-9400; smli.org Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm Admission: Varies by program A science activity center located on the Leeds Pond Preserve, this museum offers hands-on science workshops and summer camps for children. All programs and workshops are by registration only.

Find more>> zoos, nature centers, and botanical gardens in Nassau County at nymetroparents.com/zoos.

Learn more at: www.advantagecaredtc.org Call Us Today! 516-686- 4400

Bring in your nearly new kid’s stuff, and we’ll pay you cash on the spot for all items accepted

Advantage Care Health Centers are state-of-the-art centers that provide:

• • •

Shoes and Accessories

PRIMARY & PREVENTIVE MEDICAL CARE FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS COMPREHENSIVE & PREVENTATIVE DENTAL CARE FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS PSYCHIATRY • PODIATRY • WOMEN’S HEALTH

The health center specializes in providing services to children and adults with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and the general public.

• Casual and Dress Shoes • Sleepwear

WE ACCEPT ALL SEASON CHILDREN’S APPAREL All equipment and toys must be less than 5 years old and not be recalled

Furniture We accept Medicare, Medicaid, and Managed Care Plans

At Advantage Care the Fay J. Lindner Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities offers comprehensive outpatient Clinical services and evaluations to all members of the community across their lifespan.

• SCHOOL CONSULTATIONS AND ADVOCACY • PSYCHIATRIC MEDICATION MANAGEMENT • PSYCHOLOGICAL DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENTS • PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL EVALUATIONS • NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS • SOCIAL SKILLS THERAPY GROUPS • PSYCHIATRY

• Changing Tables & Dressers • Bassinets & Cradles • Glider Rockers, Book Cases, Toy Boxes

Books and Toys

• Children’s Books • Infant-Preschool Toys • Outdoor Toys • Puzzles

Clothing

• Newborn to Size 14

(0-12 months must have tags)

• Play Clothes • Dresswear & Outerwear

Equipment • High Chairs & Swings • Gates • Pack N Plays , Bouncy Seats, Walkers, Exersaucers

FREEPORT 230 Hanse Avenue Freeport, NY

BROOKVILLE AHRC Nassau’s Campus • PSYCHOTHERAPY 189 Wheatley Road, Brookville, NY Walk-ins welcomed! After hours coverage!

We provide services regardless of your ability to pay.

Sliding fees! Bilingual Staff!

LongIslandParent 25

Summer Bundle!

Sign up and pre-pay for 4 months of instruction, 2 hours a week, June through September and receive 20% off the monthly tuition! *New students only.

Must enroll no later than May 15th, 2018.

Cannot be combined with any other offer, rate based on regular monthly rate.

Eye Level Learning Center of Williston Park 61 Hillside Avenue Williston Park, NY 516-747-7700 www.eyelevelny.com

www.myeyelevel.com

• Comfortable Care for Kids of All Ages • Fun, Friendly, Doctor & Team • Parents Welcome In Treatment Rooms • No Mercury Fillings • BPA-Free Fillings & Sealants

Evening and Weekend Hours Available We Participate with most Insurance and Union Plans!

Shining Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, P.C. Rod Stern, D.D.S. 444 Community Dr Suite 201 Manhasset, NY 11030 | (516) 487-5437 | sspdny.com 26

May 2018 | nymetroparents.com

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

Turn the page for details on Empire State Fair (No. 6 on our list).

MAY

y-day day-b : r u o t ou line ar Check alendar on alend c ood, hborh cost. g i e n h by and Searc type, age, t n eve ily! ted da a d p U

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WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?

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

EDITOR: DEE SAUNDERS nassaucal@davlermedia.com

CALENDAR 28

Editor’s Hot Tickets

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We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!

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Smarty Pants, Show Time!

31

The Great Outdoors

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Movers & Shakers, Holiday Fun

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Once Upon a Time, Fun Fairs & Festivals

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Little Foodies, Crafty Kids

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Mini Musicians, Special Needs

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EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS

Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the 10 events we consider can’t-miss—the ones we’re taking our own kids to. Consider it your cheat sheet to the best of what’s great this month!

1

Cinco de Mayo Skate

WHEN: Saturday, May 5, 12:30-3pm and 3:30-6pm WHERE: United Skates of America Inc., 1276 Hicksville Road, Seaford AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at United Skates with nachos specials and games all sessions long.

WHY WE LOVE IT: It’ll be fun to see if our sombreros will fall off as we skate!

WANT TO GO? $5 admission; $5 skate rental. 516-795-7454. unitedskates.com.

Spring Celebration

WHEN: Sunday, May 6, 1-4pm WHERE: Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point AGES: All WHAT: Children can enjoy outdoor activities and a range of projects, including creating bird feeders, acorn pendants, and more.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Visitors are invited to help with the planting of many beautiful flowers!

WANT TO GO? $20 per car. 516-571-7901. sandspointpreserve.org.

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‘Cinderella’

WHEN: Saturday, May 12, 1pm and 6pm WHERE: Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville AGES: All WHAT: Be swept away by the world premiere of Maurice

May 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Brandon Curry’s new production of Cinderella. Set to Prokofiev’s score, this classic fairytale is brought to creative new life.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Despite her harsh life, Cinderella gets her prince and lives happily ever after!

WANT TO GO? $41. 516-229-3100. tillescenter.org.

4

‘Charlotte’s Web’

WHEN: Saturday, May 12, 2pm WHERE: Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Theatreworks’ production of Charlotte’s Web is based on E.B. White’s loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Children and adults learn the meaning of true friendship from observing the characters.

WANT TO GO? $20. 516-877-4000. aupac.adelphi.edu.

Mother’s Day Tea

5

WHEN: Sunday, May 13, 3pm WHERE: Hempstead House at Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point AGES: All WHAT: This event offers a light afternoon snack of scones and finger sandwiches to tide you over from brunch to dinner.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Live chamber music accompanies the festivities.

WANT TO GO? $35; $20 children ages 4-12; free for children 3 and younger. 516-571-7901. sandspointpreserve.org.

6

Empire State Fair

WHEN: May 11-20, Monday-Thursday, 6-11pm; Friday, 6pm-12am; Saturday-Sunday, 2pm-12am WHERE: NYCB Live, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: Stroll through more than 25 acres of affordable family entertainment at one of Long Island’s biggest fairs. Enjoy the largest Kiddy Land on the island, food and drinks, free shows, carnival games, and prizes.

WHY WE LOVE IT: It has more than 100 rides and attractions!

WANT TO GO? $12; $27 to ride all rides. 516-408-1500. empirestatefair.com.

The Nassau Chamber Chorale

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WHEN: Sunday, May 20, 2pm WHERE: Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point AGES: All WHAT: Led by Edward P. Norris III, the Nassau Chamber Chorale is a talented ensemble comprised of Nassau County’s finest high school vocal musicians.

WHY WE LOVE IT: The vocal talent of these young singers is amazing!

WANT TO GO? $10 per car. 516-571-7901. sandspointpreserve.org.

8

91st Annual Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade FREE

WHEN: Monday, May 28, 2pm WHERE: Northern Boulevard and Great Neck Road, ends at 245th Street, Little Neck

AGES: All WHAT: This parade is recognized as being the largest in the nation, with more than 80,00 spectators. It features local high school marching bands, civic groups, and military organizations, plus a special performance by the U.S. Military Academy Band.

WHY WE LOVE IT: A wonderful opportunity to honor the great men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep the U.S. free.

WANT TO GO? 718-279-3200. lndmemorialday.org.

‘Gruff!’

WHEN: May 16-31, see website for dates, 10:15am and 12:15pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Gruff! is an interactive, family-friendly, and puppet-filled musical about saving the world from environmental disaster. In this reinvention of The Three Billy Goats, the goats have transformed their home into a junkyard and nothing green grows.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Gruff! tunes the audience in to how we can all be good stewards of the environment.

WANT TO GO? $9 with $13 museum admission. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

9

Cirque du Soleil: ‘Volta’

WHEN: May 17-June 10, Tuesday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: NYCB LIVE, Home of The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: Volta tells a spellbinding story about the freedom to choose and the thrill of blazing your own trail, fulfilling one’s true potential, and the power of the group to make that possible.

WHY WE LOVE IT: A melange of music, aerial stunts, baton twirling, unicycle riding, and lots of heart-thumping moments make this show the one to watch.

WANT TO GO? $50 and up. 516-231-4848. nycblive.com.

10

WE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FREE

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

Student Spring Solo Recitals FREE

WHEN: Saturday, May 5, 6:30pm WHERE: Faust & Harrison Pianos, 277 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station AGES: All WHAT: The students of Music Institute of Long Island will perform classical and light classical music on the violin, cello, piano, flute, voice, guitar, saxophone, and clarinet. Performers range in age from 3-17 years old.

WANT TO GO? 516-627-7052. milimusic.com.

‘Madagascar Jr.’ FREE

WHEN: May 11-12, Friday, 6:30pm; Saturday, 10:30am WHERE: East Woods School, 31 Yellow Cote Road, Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: Watch a live performance of Madagascar, Jr., directed by Ovations Dance Academy and performed by the talented students at East Woods School.

WANT TO GO? 516-922-4400. eastwoods.org.

The Beautiful Music of Richard Rodgers: Mother’s Day Event FREE

WHEN: Saturday, May 12, 2pm WHERE: Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Ave., Wantagh AGES: All WHAT: An enjoyable afternoon of the music of Richard Rodgers will be presented by composer/pianist Paul Joseph and his jazz trio which offers inspiring instrumental jazz renditions of classics such as “If I loved You,” “Bewitched,” “My Funny Valentine,” and more.

WANT TO GO? 516-221-1200. wantaghlibrary.org.

‘Frozen’ Fun FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, May 23, 4:30pm WHERE: Floral Park Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Enjoy stories, activities, and a craft themed around this Disney movie.

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

Free Concert In The Park: A Tom Petty Tribute FREE

WHEN: Saturday, May 26, 6pm WHERE: Planting Fields Arboretum, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: Bring a chair, blanket, and an outdoor picnic to enjoy great upbeat music and the beauty at Planting Fields and exterior of Coe Hall.

WANT TO GO? 516-922-8678. plantingfields.org. ››

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Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice™

SMARTY PANTS

WHEN: Through May 13: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Travel back to the Cretaceous Period and come face to face with dinosaurs of all sizes in their prehistoric environments. The immersive bilingual exhibit takes you to two dinosaur habitats (warm and cold environments), as well as a Field Research Station.

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

Sensory Stations FREE

WHEN: Thursday, May 3, 5:30pm WHERE: Freeport Public Library, 144 W. Merrick Road, Freeport AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Learn to speak Spanish in this new story time and craft program.

For students in pre-K to second grade.

WANT TO GO? 516-379-3274. freeportlibrary.info.

WHEN: Friday, May 18, 9:30am WHERE: Glen Cove Library, 4 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Cove AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Sensory stations are a great way for toddlers and preschoolers to learn about their senses. While children are seeing, touching, smelling, listening, and sometimes even tasting, they are having fun exploring and learning without even realizing it.

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

Imagination Station FREE

Starlab Planetarium FREE

Spanish4Kids FREE

WHEN: Friday, May 4, 2pm WHERE: Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Ave., Wantagh AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Let your child’s imagination guide them through this fun session of unstructured creativity using Play-Doh, building bricks, and STEMbased challenges around the room for them to explore.

WANT TO GO? 516-221-1200. wantaghlibrary.org.

Conservation Kids: Pollination

WHEN: Saturday, May 5, 2-4pm WHERE: Center for Science Teaching & Learning, 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Join in for an afternoon of learning all about pollination and why butterflies and flowers are so important to each other. Bring a cardboard egg carton to participate in the craft.

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

Lego Club FREE

WHEN: Friday, May 11, 3:45pm WHERE: Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Ave., Wantagh AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Build and design using Legos! Bring your imagination and share your ideas during this creative session filled with challenges and unstructured time to plan and collaborate!

WANT TO GO? 516-221-1200. wantaghlibrary.org.

Italian Classes for Children

WHEN: May 5-12, Saturdays, 10-11am WHERE: Camp Italia, 223 Stewart Ave., Garden City AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Children learn Italian in a fun way through songs, games, and skits.

WANT TO GO? $27. 855-226-7481. campitaliausa.org.

Butterflies: Children’s Science Program FREE

WHEN: Saturday, May 12, 11am WHERE: Glen Cove Library, 4 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Cove AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Discover the life cycle and anatomy of butterflies and learn how they use their unusual senses to find food. Take home your very own caterpillar and watch it change into a beautiful adult.

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

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WHEN: Tuesday, May 29, 5:30pm WHERE: Glen Cove Library, 4 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Cove AGES: 5-8 WHAT: This interactive giant planetarium features a highly innovative, educational program. Go inside the giant dome and explore the universe.

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

Mamma-e-Me...Italian for Little Ones

WHEN: May 2-30, Wednesdays, 10:45-11:30am WHERE: Camp Italia, 223 Stewart Ave., Garden City AGES: Newborn to 5, adult WHAT: An introduction to Italian through songs and games.

WANT TO GO? $28. 855-226-7481. campitaliausa.org.

SHOW TIME! The Other Side of Paradise Musical Cabaret with Angela Sclafani WHEN: Sunday, May 6, 3pm WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Part concert, part theater, part 1920s underground apartment party, the night spans 40 years of history in one highly original set.

WANT TO GO? $40. 516-484-9337. nassaumuseum.org.

Oleta Adams

WHEN: Saturday, May 12, 8pm WHERE: Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Suite 1, Port Washington AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Oleta Adams has inspired a legion of fans in the U.S. and Europe with songs that draw deeply from her roots in gospel, while crossing effortlessly into the realms of soul, R&B, urban, and popular music.

WANT TO GO? $38 and up. 516-767-1384. landmarkonmainstreet.org.

‘Aladdin’

WHEN: Through May 12: Saturdays, 2pm; Sundays, 11am WHERE: BroadHollow Theatre at Elmont, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: All WHAT: Aladdin, Jasmine, Iago, Jafar, the Genie, and more are here in a musical adventure filled with magic, mayhem, and flying carpet rides.

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

‘On The Town’

WHEN: May 12-13, Saturday, 2pm and 8pm; Sunday, 3pm WHERE: Madison Theatre at Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre AGES: 13 and older WHAT: With the pomp and fanfare of New York City, the brassy lyricism of Leonard Bernstein, and the sweet immediacy of a day of freedom during a time of war, On the Town is an American classic, beloved for its moment in history and its timeless qualities of youth and exuberance.

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

‘The Wedding Singer’

WHEN: Through May 13: Saturdays, 8pm; Sundays, 2:30pm WHERE: BroadHollow Theatre at Elmont, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: All WHAT: The Wedding Singer takes us back to a time when hair was big, greed was good, collars were up, and a wedding singer might just be the coolest guy in the room.

WANT TO GO? $26; $24 seniors; $20 students; $15 for children younger than 12. 516-775-4420. broadhollow.org.

‘Funny Girl’ Luncheon Theatre

WHEN: May 2-16, Wednesdays, 12pm WHERE: Westbury Manor, 1100 Jericho Turnpike, Westbury AGES: 13 and older WHAT: The glorious story of Fanny Brice, one of the most celebrated entertainers of her time, rises to become a Ziegfeld star. The awardwinning score features such standards as “Don’t Rain on my Parade,” “People,” and “I’m The Greatest Star.”

WANT TO GO? $46. 516-599-6870. plazatheatrical.com.

Aztec Two Step: The Simon & Garfunkel Songbook

WHEN: Saturday, May 19, 8pm WHERE: Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Suite 1, Port Washington AGES: 13 and older WHAT: This multimedia music event celebrates Simon & Garfunkel’s iconic contribution to pop culture and beyond.

WANT TO GO? $30 and up. 516-767-1384. landmarkonmainstreet.org.

‘Willy Wonka Musical’

WHEN: Thursday, May 31, 7pm WHERE: Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Suite 1, Port Washington AGES: All WHAT: This performance features the students of the musical theater workshop program. Special guests include students of the Huntington Ballet Academy performing various selections after the play.

WANT TO GO? $25. 516-767-1384. landmarkonmainstreet.org.

‘Peter Pan and Wendy’

THE GREAT OUTDOORS I Love My Park Day FREE

WHEN: Saturday, May 5, 9am-12pm WHERE: Jones Beach State Park, 1 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Take care of New York’s park system by cleaning up park lands and beaches, planting trees and gardens, restoring trail and wildlife habitat, removing invasive species, and working on various site improvement projects.

WANT TO GO? 917-355-3531. ptny.org/events/i-love-my-park-day.

Listen up Storybook Strolls: ‘Harold and the Purple Crayon’ by Crockett Johnson

WHEN: Saturday, May 5, 12pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Open your ears to classic and modern tales while strolling the gardens, then create a unique craft.

WANT TO GO? $12; $10 seniors; $7 children ages 7-17; free for children 6 and younger. 516-252-3392. oldwestburygardens.org.

Early Bird Walk

WHEN: Sunday, May 6, 9am WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate International Migratory Bird Month with a walk through the gardens guided by an expert from the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center.

WANT TO GO? $12; $10 seniors; $7 children ages 7-17; free for children 6 and younger. 516-252-3392. oldwestburygardens.org.

Creatures of the Night Hike

WHEN: Friday, May 18, 7:30-9pm WHERE: Center for Science Teaching & Learning, 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre AGES: All WHAT: Take a guided walk through our nature trails at night to see that creatures that may not be around in daylight. Bring a flashlight.

WANT TO GO? $9. 516-764-0045. cstl.org.

Rock Hall Children’s Garden Club: Gardening: A Lesson in Life

WHEN: May 17-June 21, Thursdays, 4:15pm WHERE: Rock Hall Museum, 199 Broadway, Lawrence AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Children will learn how to cultivate, seed, plant, and tend a vegetable and herb garden. Garden Club fee includes cost of instruction, plants, and seeds.

WANT TO GO? $50. 516-239-1157. friendsofrockhall.org. ››

WHEN: May 5-June 9, Saturdays, 1pm WHERE: Cultural Arts Playhouse, 170 Michael Drive, Syosset AGES: All WHAT: The story of Peter Pan—a boy who can fly—and his friends Tinkerbell, Wendy, the Lost Boys, the mermaids, and Captain Hook.

WANT TO GO? $12. 516-694-3330. culturalartsplayhouse.com.

‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’

WHEN: May 19-June 10, Friday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: Cultural Arts Playhouse, 170 Michael Drive, Syosset AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Set in the cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, this classic story of loyalty, love, and betrayal features Quasimodo and Esmeralda.

WANT TO GO? $24. 516-694-3330. culturalartsplayhouse.com.

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Baby Jam FREE

WHEN: Friday, May 18, 10am WHERE: Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Ave., Wantagh AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: Sing, shake, and move along to the beat with your baby or toddler in music and movement classes, led by Miss Andrea on guitar.

WANT TO GO? 516-221-1200. wantaghlibrary.org.

Junior Golf Lessons FREE

MOVERS & SHAKERS Board No More FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, May 2, 5:30pm WHERE: Freeport Public Library, 144 W. Merrick Road, Freeport AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Enjoy an afternoon of playing new games you may have never heard of with your friends and eating snacks.

WANT TO GO? 516-379-3274. freeportlibrary.info.

Open Jump

WHEN: Tuesday, May 8, 4pm WHERE: Pump It Up-Great Neck, 225 Community Drive, Suite 250, Great Neck AGES: All WHAT: Open Jump is not only fun for the kids, but provides a healthy workout that burns off excess energy and helps keep them fit.

WANT TO GO? $14.95. 516-466-7867. pumpitupparty.com/great-neck-ny.

Sounds of Silence 5K/10K Run/Walk

WHEN: Saturday, May 12, 9am WHERE: Jones Beach, Jones Beach State Park Field 5, Wantagh AGES: All WHAT: Raise funds to benefit moms, dads, and families in your community and support for the vital programs and services of the Postpartum Resource Center of New York to honor Lisa Mary Reilly’s memory.

WANT TO GO? $5 and up. 631-422-2255. soundsofsilenceny.org.

Abraham Lincoln Jump

WHEN: Saturday, May 12, 5:10pm WHERE: Pump It Up-Plainview, 135 Dupont St., Plainview AGES: All WHAT: Join in for open bounce with a twist when one of the arenas will glow in the dark and display special effects lighting throughout.

WANT TO GO? $12.95. 516-575-2300. pumpitupparty.com/ny/plainview.

Music and Movement for 2½-4½-year-olds FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, May 16, 5pm WHERE: Floral Park Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Participate in lots of fun activities to get the little ones up and moving.

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

Baby and Me

WHEN: May 3-17, Thursdays, 1:15pm WHERE: Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Ave., Wantagh AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: Babies and caregivers can play and sing together with Molly Mouse.

WANT TO GO? $13. 516-221-1200. wantaghlibrary.org.

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WHEN: Through May 19: Saturdays, 2-3:30pm WHERE: Lido Golf Club, 255 Lido Blvd., Lido Beach AGES: 9-17 WHAT: A great way for children to learn the basic techniques.

WANT TO GO? 516-889-8181. lidogolf.com.

Tai Chi in the Gardens

WHEN: May 2-30, Wednesdays and Sundays, 10:30am WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Sessions are taught by professional tai chi instructor Linda Cafiero, and are designed for all experience levels.

WANT TO GO? $18. 516-252-3392. oldwestburygardens.org.

Yoga in the Gardens

WHEN: May 3-31, Thursdays and Saturdays, 11:15am WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Kripalu Yoga instructor Lorili Henry leads students through a gentle flow of postures and breathing. Bring a mat, yoga strap, and towel.

WANT TO GO? $18. 516-252-3392. oldwestburygardens.org.

HOLIDAY FUN Mother’s Day Coasters FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, May 2, 6:30pm WHERE: Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Ave., Wantagh AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Make a set of marble coasters created with polymer clay.

WANT TO GO? 516-221-1200. wantaghlibrary.org.

Mother’s Day Event: Moms In Real Life FREE

WHEN: Sunday, May 6, 1-4pm WHERE: Broadway Commons Center Court, 358 N. Broadway, Hicksville AGES: Adult WHAT: This event includes vendors and free massages and manicures.

WANT TO GO? 516-621-1446. specialtyconnections.com.

Mother’s Day Fun FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, May 9, 4:30pm WHERE: Floral Park Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Join in for stories and activities to celebrate our wonderful mommies.

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

Mother’s Day Candle Making Workshop FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, May 9, 4:30pm WHERE: Glen Cove Library, 4 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Cove AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Create a candle with Chrissy from Curiously Creative Candles.

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

Mother’s Day Craft FREE

WHEN: Thursday, May 10, 4pm WHERE: Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Ave., Wantagh

Get weekend activities delivered to you!

AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Make a fun and useful message center.

WANT TO GO? 516-221-1200. wantaghlibrary.org.

nymetroparents.com/register ››

An R&B Mother’s Day with The Whispers, The Dramatics, and Lenny Williams WHEN: Friday, May 11, 8pm WHERE: NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Take Mom to this “old school” concert and experience the finger-snapping, toe-tapping repertoire of these iconic singers.

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

FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Mother’s Day Skate

WHEN: Sunday, May 13, 2pm WHERE: United Skates of America Inc., 1276 Hicksville Road, Seaford AGES: All WHAT: Cost includes admission, skate rental, unlimited pizza and sodas.

Mom skates for half price with paid child admission.

WANT TO GO? $15. 516-795-7454. unitedskates.com.

Memorial Day Weekend Skating Fun

WHEN: May 26-28, Saturday-Monday, see website for times WHERE: United Skates of America Inc., 1276 Hicksville Road, Seaford AGES: All WHAT: Bring in two canned goods and receive $1 admission.

WANT TO GO? $12.50; $5 skate rental. 516-795-7454. unitedskates.com.

ONCE UPON A TIME Side By Side Storytime FREE

WHEN: Thursday, May 3, 10:30am WHERE: Glen Cove Library, 4 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Cove AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Features skill-building activities that promote readiness for school.

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

‘Llama Llama Loves to Read’ Storytime FREE

WHEN: Saturday, May 5, 11am WHERE: Barnes and Noble, 91 Old Country Road, Carle Place AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Join in for storytime and activities featuring this beloved character.

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

After School Book Club FREE

WHEN: Monday, May 7, 4:15pm WHERE: Glen Cove Library, 4 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Cove AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Cowboy Pug: The Dog Who Rode for Glory by Laura James will be read.

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

Mother’s Day Story Time FREE

WHEN: Friday, May 11, 10am WHERE: Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Ave., Wantagh AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Come celebrate moms with stories, songs, and a simple craft.

WANT TO GO? 516-221-1200. wantaghlibrary.org.

Mother’s Day Storytime FREE

WHEN: Saturday, May 12, 11am WHERE: Barnes and Noble, 91 Old Country Road, Carle Place AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Join us for a special Mother’s Day storytime featuring books by Hoda Kotb and Jimmy Fallon. Activities to follow.

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

Israelfest FREE

WHEN: Sunday, May 6, 12pm WHERE: North Hempstead Beach Park, 175 W. Shore Road, Port Washington AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a day of fun-filled activities, food, music, dancing, treats, and more as we celebrate Israel’s 70th birthday at North Hempstead Beach Park.

WANT TO GO? 516-676-0904. northshoredaycamp.com.

5th Annual Pregnant Island Health and Wellness Event WHEN: Sunday, May 6, 12-2:30pm WHERE: Hebrew Academy of Nassau County, 25 Country Drive, Plainview AGES: 3-5, adult WHAT: This is a family-friendly event with complimentary onsite child care available. Guest speakers will include a registered dietitian, obstetrician, lactation consultant, and early intervention specialist.

WANT TO GO? $25. 516-581-2217. pregnantisland.com.

Spring Fest

WHEN: Saturday, May 12, 11am-4pm WHERE: Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park, Queens AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy sheep shearing and wool spinning demonstrations throughout the afternoon, and pick up flower and vegetable seedlings for the garden. There will be live music, crafts for kids, hayrides, and local food on the farm all day.

WANT TO GO? $5. 718-347-3276. queensfarm.org.

Good Shepherd Lutheran School Spring Carnival

WHEN: Saturday, May 19, 1-4pm WHERE: Good Shepherd School, 99 Central Park Road, Plainview AGES: All WHAT: Visit Good Shepherd’s first spring carnival with carnival games and prizes, a petting zoo, magic show, face painting, and more.

WANT TO GO? Free admission; $20 Activity Bracelet. 516-3491966. gsplainview.org.

East Woods School Spring Fair

WHEN: May 19-20, Saturday, 11am-7pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: East Woods School, 31 Yellow Cote Road, Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: The old-fashioned fair features carnival rides for all ages including bumper cars, yo-yo, a fun house, and more.

TO GO? $30 POP ride bracelets. 516-922-4400. eastwoods.org. ››

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CRAFTY KIDS Kids Workshop FREE

WHEN: Saturday, May 5, 9am-12pm WHERE: Home Depot, 600 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: 5-12 WHAT: All kids get to keep their craft and receive a free Kids Workshop Apron, commemorative pin, and certificate of achievement.

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

Preschool Craft Time FREE

LITTLE FOODIES Springtime Cookies-Hearts and Flowers FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, May 8, 6pm WHERE: Island Trees Public Library, 38 Farmedge Road, Island Trees AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Decorate four beautiful cookies to take home in a bakery box. Give them as a gift or enjoy them yourself.

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

Taste of Japan

WHEN: Thursday, May 10, 7pm WHERE: Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Ave., Wantagh AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Learn how to make sushi rice, then prepare and make your own sushi rolls using the rice you made. You will also learn to make dango, a sweet rice dumpling dessert.

WANT TO GO? $5. 516-221-1200. wantaghlibrary.org.

What’s Cookin’ in the Gardens: WWI Ration Cakes

WHEN: Saturday, May 12, 12pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: All WHAT: Discover tasty delights growing in our garden beds. Concoct and sample a simple recipe full of seasonal flavors.

WANT TO GO? $12; $10 seniors; $7 children ages 7-17; free for children 6 and younger. 516-252-3392. oldwestburygardens.org.

Mini Strawberry Tarts FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, May 15, 7pm WHERE: Island Trees Public Library, 38 Farmedge Road, Island Trees AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Make mini strawberry tarts by preparing the dough and filling it with strawberries to bring home and bake.

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

Vegetarian and Loving It

WHEN: Saturday, May 19, 1pm WHERE: Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Ave., Wantagh AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Lucy Van Horn will be here to teach us how to prepare a delicious and and healthy vegetarian meal. Everyone will be given a sample of each dish as well as a copy of the recipes for these healthy dishes.

WANT TO GO? $5. 516-221-1200. wantaghlibrary.org.

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WHEN: Tuesday, May 8, 4pm WHERE: Freeport Public Library, 144 W. Merrick Road, Freeport AGES: 3-5, adult WHAT: Listen to a story and participate in an arts and crafts activity.

WANT TO GO? 516-379-3274. freeportlibrary.info.

Comic Book Picture Frames

WHEN: Tuesday, May 8, 6pm WHERE: Freeport Public Library, 144 W. Merrick Road, Freeport AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Create a picture frame decorated with your favorite superheroes.

WANT TO GO? $1. 516-379-3274. freeportlibrary.info.

Champkids Coloring & Drawing Competition

WHEN: Saturday, May 12, 5:30pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Champkids allows children and teens to develop their inner champion through coloring and drawing competitions. While athletic kids get the benefits of sports competitions, Champkids gives budding artists and creatives a place to compete and shine.

WANT TO GO? $25. 888-699-0828. champkids.com.

ARTful Adventures

WHEN: Saturday, May 12, 11:30am WHERE: Hofstra University Museum, Emily Lowe Gallery, South Campus, 112 Hofstra University Museum, Hempstead AGES: 5-12, adult WHAT: Bring your child to the museum to look at and discuss art, listen to a story, then engage in a hands-on art project.

WANT TO GO? $9. 516-463-5672. hofstra.edu.

Spring Wind Chimes FREE

WHEN: Monday, May 14, 4pm WHERE: Glen Cove Library, 4 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Cove AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Paint wind chimes with flower, birdhouse, and butterfly designs.

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

Tot Time

WHEN: May 3-24, Thursdays, 10:15am WHERE: Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Ave., Wantagh AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Children will participate in songs, simple movement, hand manipulative toys, and create a craft with a caregiver.

WANT TO GO? $25. 516-221-1200. wantaghlibrary.org.

Crafts For Kids FREE

WHEN: May 5-27, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-3pm WHERE: Lakeshore Learning Store, 2079 Hillside Ave., New Hyde Park AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Kids will have a ball making exciting crafts that they can use or display. Every craft is educational and fun.

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

MINI

MUSICIANS May Music at Coe Hall: Alan & Hugo, Flamenco Guitarists

WHEN: Sunday, May 6, 1pm WHERE: Planting Fields Arboretum, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: The band plays a mix of original and remixed songs from artists such as the Gipsy Kings, Buena Vista Social Club, and Ottmar Liebert, among others.

WANT TO GO? $5. 516-922-8678. plantingfields.org.

The Oak Ridge Boys

WHEN: Thursday, May 17, 8pm WHERE: NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Specializing in gospel and country music, the Oak Ridge Boys continue to thrill audiences the world over.

WANT TO GO? $29 and up. 516-334-0800. thetheatreatwestbury.com.

Special Evening Concert: Masterworks For Piano, Four Hands

WHEN: Saturday, May 19, 7pm WHERE: Planting Fields Arboretum, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Listen to this Franz Schubert program at Coe Hall performed by Gerald Robbins and Jack Kohl.

WANT TO GO? $30. 516-922-8678. plantingfields.org.

May Music At Coe Hall: Quatrain Barbershop Quartet

WHEN: Sunday, May 20, 1pm WHERE: Planting Fields Arboretum, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: Quatrain is a barbershop quartet formed by four New York guys who have been singing together for more than 40 years. They have an extensive song list, most of which was written between 1890 and 1940.

WANT TO GO? $5. 516-922-8678. plantingfields.org.

The Glenn Guidone Jazz Trio

WHEN: Sunday, May 20, 3pm WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor AGES: 9 and older WHAT: The ensemble creates jazz tune melodies followed by improvisations in which each member of the ensemble builds and develops his contribution.

WANT TO GO? $12; $8 seniors, $4 children ages 4-12; free for children 3 and younger. 516-484-9337. nassaumuseum.org.

May Music at Coe Hall: Johnny Herbert

WHEN: Sunday, May 27, 1pm WHERE: Planting Fields Arboretum, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: Johnny Herbert is a singer-songwriter who performs original songs on both piano and ukulele.

WANT TO GO? $5. 516-922-8678. plantingfields.org.

SPECIAL NEEDS

Art Compass: Building Social and Vocational Skills for Teens and Young Adults with Autism

WHEN: Through June 12: Tuesdays, 4pm WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Students with autism will have the opportunity to apply their artistic skills and functional academic learning in a real world setting, while preparing to transition to after-school life.

WANT TO GO? $12; $8 seniors; $4 children ages 4-12. 516-4849337. nassaumuseum.org.

After School in the Arts

WHEN: Through June 14: Wednesday-Thursday, 4pm and 5pm WHERE: Theresa Academy of Performing Arts, 250 Lido Blvd., Lido Beach AGES: All WHAT: Classes are small in size, and taught by passionate, talented, certified teachers. Each student receives individual attention and also has a 1-on-1 buddy.

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

Creative Expeditions

WHEN: Through June 16: Saturdays, 10am WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Families will engage in fun interactive gallery experiences that provide opportunities for everyone to look at and talk about art in a group setting followed by hands-on art making activities that encourage experimentation with new materials, processes, and creative play.

WANT TO GO? $12; $8 seniors; $4 children ages 4-12. 516-4849337. nassaumuseum.org.

Anything Goes: The Jazz Age Exhibition

WHEN: Through July 8: Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-4:45pm WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Explore masterpieces and experiments of a generation that changed the history of Modernism. With paintings, sculptures, drawings, posters, sheet music, fashion, jewelry, furniture, and musical instruments, the exhibition brings the Jazz Age to life.

WANT TO GO? $12; $8 seniors, $4 children ages 4-12; free for children 3 and younger. 516-484-9337. nassaumuseum.org.

Coming up next month: JUNE 16-17: Eternal Con at NYCB Live! Home of Nassau Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum, Uniondale JUNE 17: The Wiggles Tour at NYCB Theatre at Westbury, Westbury JUNE 24: Laurie Berkner Live! The Greatest Hits Solo Tour at John Adams Cranford Playhouse, Hempstead

LongIslandParent 35

things to do

city bound

N Y C

Families can get their bike fix perusing the aisles full of cycling styles and gear.

Darial Sneed

Children of all ages can try out the unique moves.

Enjoy a day filled with free performances from top Irish dance companies at the 17th Annual Irish Dance Festival at Riverside Park South. Learn the difference between sean-nós, céilí, and step dance, and take the opportunity to join in on the dancing. Performers include festival favorites Donny Golden Dancers, Niall O’Leary Dance Troupe, Darrah Carr Dance, and Niall O’Leary School of Irish Dance, plus special guests. Expect music and Irish language lessons, children’s crafts, face-painting, and more. May 6, 1-7pm. Age: All. FREE. Pier I, Riverside Park South, irishartscenter.org.

May 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Chela C.

Located within the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, this museum features temporary and permanent exhibits and programming that explore the diversity of American Indians, and is home to one of the most extensive collections of Native American arts and artifacts in the world. The imagiNATIONS Activity Center opens May 17, with family-friendly activities for kids to learn more about Native scientific discoveries and inventions.

Visit it: 1 Bowling Green, Bowling Green; 212-514-3700; nmai.si.edu Can’t-miss event: Annual Children’s Festival: Celebrating imagiNATIONS! from May 19-20, 11am-5pm Directions: Approximately a 1-hour drive or LIRR and subway ride from Garden City

During the two days prior to the TD Five Boro Bike Tour, more than 60,000 cyclists roll through Basketball City at Pier 36 in Lower Manhattan for Bike Expo New York to meet, greet, and talk shop with one another and more than 100 exhibitors, from big brands to local innovators. The expo features everything from beginner’s lessons to state-of-the-art equipment for races to fun giveaways and panels. May 4-5, Friday, 10am-8pm; Saturday, 9am-6pm. Age: All. FREE. Pier 36, Lower Manhattan. bike.nyc/events/bike-expo-new-york.

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W he hile y re ou , v ’r isit e …

National Museum of the American Indian

Round and Round We Go

Craic ‘Til You Drop!

Courtesy The Morgan Library & Museum

Courtesy Bike New York

Family Fun in Manhattan

Governors Island

Open from May through the end of October, this former military outpost is now a family-friendly public space accessible via ferry from Manhattan and Brooklyn. The 172-acre island boasts biking, play fountains, ballfields, a compost learning center, mini golf, Slide Hill, and play:ground NYC for kids. On weekends, families can take advantage of the Flywire Zip Line, Amazen’ Maze, and Climbing Challenge.

Visit it: Ferries depart from Battery Maritime Building at 10 South St., Lower Manhattan; govisland.org Can’t-miss event: NYC Holi Hai Festival on May 6, 10am-6pm Directions: Approximately a 1-hour drive or a 1-hour, 10-minute LIRR and subway ride from Garden City

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Challenge Courses

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BUILD CONFIDENCE AND HAVE FUN Drama Kids offers exciting programs for children ages 4-17.

Kids have tons of fun and develop important self-confidence, self-esteem, and verbal communication skills that will help them personally and academically. Full and half-day adventures this summer!

Enroll today! “The difference is dramatic.”

Locations throughout North Nassau County 516-360-5026 | dramakids.com/ny6 38

May 2018 | nymetroparents.com

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Future Stars Summer Camps fscamps.com

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from page 38

Transportation

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The Bailey-Woods Summer Institute of Elmont Sign Up for Summer Fun! Drama, Dance, Culinary Arts, Academics, Introductory Volleyball, Woodwork and Free Play!

Hours: 8:30am-3:30pm Summer Session #1: July 2 - July 13 Cost: $315 Summer Session #2: July 16 - August 3 Cost: $350 Private or Group tutoring available.

Have the best summer ever!

With more than 70 programs, Hofstra Summer Camps has something for everyone. Kids explore their interests, learn social skills and have fun. Door-to-door, air-conditioned transportation available. Lunch included.

516-463-CAMP | HOFSTRA.EDU/CAMPLI

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May 2018 | nymetroparents.com

190 Landford Drive, Elmont, NY For More Information, call (646) 327-8080 or (917) 283-8727.

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516.932.9173 www.stars-of-tomorrow.com LongIslandParent 41

Oasis Camp On The Sound oasischildren.com

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from page 40

Extended Hours

Camp Guide

›› continued

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May 2018 | nymetroparents.com

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LongIslandParent 43

SPECIALTY CAMP MARKETPLACE

LIU POST’S CENTER FOR GIFTED YOUTH SUMMER 2018 MONDAY - FRIDAY PROGRAM July 2-27, 2018 | 9:00am to 3:30pm

Are You the Parent of a Gifted Child?

LIU Post’s Center for Gifted Youth

announces its 38th annual summer program for gifted children. The summer

program runs on Monday to Friday from July 2-27. The program is open to gifted children entering grades 2-8 in September 2018. The program expands students’ knowledge, develops creative and critical thinking skills, and offers children the opportunity to learn in an exciting and accepting environment.

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

Follow us on Twitter

INQUIRE ABOUT TRANSPORTATION!

Admission is highly selective and enrollment is limited.

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

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May 2018 | nymetroparents.com

family life food & nutrition

Food Allergies and Kids ››

What parents should know about food allergies in children, and how to be more sensitive to those who are food-allergic.

By Samantha Neudorf

A

pproximately 15 million Americans have food allergies, whether it’s dairy, soy, egg, wheat, shellfish, or nuts.

Food Allergy Awareness Week, which runs May 13-19, aims to shed light on this health issue by educating everyone about what they should know and keep in mind when they are around individuals with food allergies—especially children. One in 13 kids has food allergies, which is equivalent to nearly two kids per class in the United States.

In an effort to help with this educational effort, we spoke to Susan Schuval, M.D., chief of the Division of Pediatric Allergy/Immunology at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital and associate professor of clinical pediatrics at Stony Brook School of Medicine on Long Island. Read on for her insights into what parents should know about children’s food allergies and precautionary measures to take around others who may be in their children’s classes.

What do parents need to know about children with food allergies?

Food allergies occur in 5-8 percent of children and may range from mild reactions such as hives to severe systemic reactions such as anaphylaxis. Although anyone can develop a food allergy at any age, food allergies are more common in young children, and may be outgrown over time. Milk, soy, egg, and wheat allergies are most commonly seen in young children, while adults are more likely to be allergic to fish, shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts. In the past, strict avoidance of the offending foods was recommended to patients with food allergies. However, the success of recent clinical trials of food oral immunotherapy (OIT) has suggested that OIT may be an effective future treatment for food allergies. This involves inducing tolerance of allergenic foods via very slow introduction, starting at very low doses, and then gradually increasing over time, under the close care of an allergist. Though, OIT is currently not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Recent studies have also shown that earlier introduction of allergenic foods such as peanuts may prevent food allergies in high-risk infants.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has recommended earlier introduction of peanuts to infants, with evaluation by an allergist suggested for high-risk infants (those with eczema and peanut allergy).

How can you determine what food allergies your child has?

Evaluation by an allergist is helpful in the diagnosis of food allergy. Children diagnosed with food allergies should see the allergist regularly for patient education, and to review use of the epinephrine auto-injector, a medication that may be lifesaving in children experiencing severe allergic reactions to foods. Yearly retesting is often recommended, as many children will outgrow their food allergies. Milk, egg, soy, and wheat allergies are commonly outgrown, while peanut allergies are outgrown in 20 percent of children and tree nut allergies in 10 percent of children over time.

What can parents do to be more sensitive to a child with food allergies who may be in their child’s class?

Some classrooms or schools may be “peanut-free” or “tree nutfree,” or may offer a “peanut-free table.” Parents may be asked to send in lunches or snacks without peanuts or tree nuts, and should be cognizant of these requests. Also, children without food allergies may bully children with food allergies, so teachers and parents should be aware of any such activities.

How can parents better support their child who has food allergies?

Food Allergy Research and Education offers numerous resources for food-allergic patients such as tips on home food preparation, dining out in restaurants, and dealing with food allergies at school. It also provides resources such as food allergy support groups for parents who may feel overwhelmed by their child’s food allergies. Family and patient education about avoiding food allergen cross-contamination and accidental food exposures is provided by the allergist. Meals should be customized for children with food allergies, and involving the child in grocery shopping and menu preparation may be helpful.

Nutritionist evaluation may be needed in a child with multiple food allergies to ensure a healthy diet.

What are some resources parents of children with food allergies can use to help them?

Regularly scheduled visits with the allergist are important in monitoring a child’s food allergies and providing ongoing patient education. Online resources include FARE; the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology; and the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.

LongIslandParent 45

family life home

New Home—Now What? ››

Now that you’ve found the perfect house for your family, there are a few things you’ll want to take care of in the first year. By Barbara Russo

C

ongratulations...You just closed on your new home! The mortgage is set up, you’ve got the keys, and the family is all moved in.

What should you do next?

Well, the most stressful parts of buying a house are over, from filling out piles of paperwork to packing (and unpacking). But there’s still some settling-in work that needs to be done to make your house feel like a home. We’re talking about more than just hanging pictures or finding a place for everything.

To get you started, we spoke to experts and created a list of 10 things you should do in the first year to help set a strong foundation for an enjoyable home-owning experience now and in the years to come.

First Things First...Change the Locks!

You received the keys to your new house at the closing, but do you know how many people have copies? Changing the locks should be one of the first things you do after moving in, according to Anthony Marino, a licensed associate real estate broker based in southwest and downtown Brooklyn. “You would be surprised how many people don’t change the locks. They get the key at closing and think it’s the only copy, but meanwhile the previous family had five kids and everyone’s got keys,” he says.

Reassess Your Homeowners Insurance

It’s often necessary to have insurance in place even before making your home purchase. Many banks require new homeowners to roll their mortgage, insurance, and taxes into one payment each month. After about six months, once you’re comfortable and have gotten to know your house, it’s a good idea to take another 46

May 2018 | nymetroparents.com

look at your policy. “If you need to change things throughout the year—maybe you got too much or too little coverage—then go back to the insurance company and tell them what you need, and they should be able to work with you,” Marino says.

Special insurance is required if you’re in a flood zone; it’s not the same as homeowners insurance. “We know now from Hurricane Sandy, in certain parts of the city, we’re more susceptible to floods than we previously thought,” Marino says.

Update Your Address

You have a new address now, so make sure you officially change it.

Updating your address on your driver’s license through the DMV is a good first step to help streamline your mail service, but Marino recommends contacting utility and other service companies directly to let them know where you now live. “They don’t care who’s on the bill. They only care if someone is paying it,” Marino says.

“And if it’s not paid, they will turn off your gas, they’ll turn off your electric, and you’ll be responsible for it and not even know.”

Make Over the Kitchen and Bathroom

A well-built, fully functional, and structurally safe house is no doubt important, but many new homeowners choose to renovate the two most lived-in rooms: the kitchen and bathroom. “It’s one of the first things people do, even if the house is move-in ready,” Marino says. “I’ve seen people take a perfectly good kitchen and renovate it. It’s all about taste.”

Maintaining and updating your kitchen and bathrooms can also add instant value and purchasing appeal if you ever decide to sell your home.

Paint, Paint, Paint

EAST WOODS SCHOOL SPRING FAIR

Giving your new home a fresh coat of paint is an instant and easy way to freshen it up. “When you paint the house, it smells new and it feels like it’s yours,” Marino says.

Colors making a splash in 2018 home décor include turquoise, rich yellows, and earth tones, according to Elle Decor.

Focus on the Floors

If you purchased a carpet-lined house, you might consider pulling it up. Not only is hardwood flooring a popular trend, it can also be healthier and cleaner. Carpets can hold allergens and dirt you can’t see, according to Tommy Meyers, a flooring technician based in Middletown. “It might look clean on the surface, but things like animal urine and spilled drinks will soak into padding like a sponge,” Meyers says. “Steam cleaning won’t work either—it only cleans the surface and looks good for about a week. As people walk on it, the carpet begins to soak up dirt from the padding.”

If having carpet under your feet gives you a cozy feeling, consider laying down an area rug. It’s cheaper than carpeting a whole floor, and when it’s time for a new look, you can roll it up and store it away.

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Repair the Roof If Needed

Banks don’t require you to get a home inspection when taking out a mortgage, but it’s a good idea to get one so you know what problems exist before you purchase the house. Roofing is very important to look at, according to Meyers. “An inspector can climb on the roof to look for leaks and check to see how good the shingles are.

They’ll go in the attic and check for water damage,” he says.

If your inspection report comes back showing problems with the roof, improvement costs can be negotiated before you make the purchase.

Just be sure to fix the problems either before or as soon as possible after moving in so they don’t get worse or cause catastrophic damage.

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Clean Your Clothes Dryer

If your new home came with a clothes dryer, be sure to clean out its lint screens and ducts. This not only freshens it up, it saves you money and prevents a fire from occurring. Each year, 2,900 clothes-dryer fires are reported and cause an estimated five deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, a division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This is also good reason to clean your dryer’s lint screen before and after every load of laundry. Lint can build up behind the dryer, so check there too.

Look at Your Landscaping

A house with curb appeal is nice to come home to every day. Depending on how big your property is, you can either stock up on the equipment you need to care for your yard, or research a reputable landscaping company in the area. Ask your new neighbors what landscapers they recommend. This could also be a good time to make friends in the neighborhood, which brings us to the last item on our list.

Have a Party!

After most of your first-year work is done, it might be fun to kick back and celebrate. Hosting a house-warming party is a great way to get to know your neighbors. “These are people you will possibly be spending the next 30 years of your life living next to. Get to know them, get to know the restaurants and local businesses,” Marino says.

READING/WRITING LEARNING CLINIC at the

Joan and Arnold Saltzman Community Services Center 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

Maintaining and updating your house over the years is a rewarding experience, and a great way to help build home equity. As most real estate experts will say, a home should always be gaining value, and that’s something to take pride in after putting in much work and care over the years.

Barbara Russo, a freelance writer with a bachelor’s degree in communications from the City University of New York, enjoys playing guitar, following current events, and hanging out with her rabbits.

confidence and improve reading and writing proficiency

SUMMER PROGRAM BEGINS MONDAY, JULY 2, 2018 For more information, including registration and summer program options, visit hofstra.edu/rwlclinic or call 516-463-5805.

LongIslandParent 47 Ad SaltzmanRW_Summer2018_NassauParent_QtrPg.indd 1

3/22/18 4:20 PM

family life finances

Insurance You Need—But Might Not Have ››

These policies can shield you from financial headaches, and even devastating losses.

Isn’t it time you learned more about them? By Deborah Skolnik

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ne evening a few years ago, Gerri Sanders* returned from work to an unexpectedly messy home. “Our housekeeper Susannah was supposed to have come by, but nothing had been straightened up,” she says. A few minutes later, Susannah’s son called with awful news: While Susannah had been cleaning the Sanders’ home, she’d climbed a ladder to reach a cobweb and had fallen, breaking her leg. Fortunately, she’d managed to call an ambulance.

“I was very worried about Susannah,” says Sanders, a mother of two in Scarsdale. “Then I also started worrying that she’d sue us and we’d lose everything, because she’d gotten hurt on our property while working for us. I didn’t sleep all night.” In the morning, Sanders called her insurance company and got some reassuring news: Among the family’s various policies was workers compensation, a type of insurance that provides wage replacement and/or medical benefits to workers hurt on the job. Susannah’s fall would be covered. “I was so relieved, I cried,” Sanders says.

Insurance isn’t something people spend a lot of time thinking about until they need to use it. While Sanders got lucky, many people find 48

May 2018 | nymetroparents.com

out too late that they are underinsured or not covered at all for their or their employees’ illnesses, accidents, and other adverse events.

Don’t be one of them! We asked experts what kinds of policies families typically overlook but may need—read on for their advice, and check with your insurance agent to determine which plans are right for you.

Disability insurance for both parents. “The most important insurance, statistically, is long-term disability coverage,” says Lou Cannataro, founder of and partner at Cannataro Park Avenue Financial. “We’ve got over a twenty-five percent chance of getting sick or hurt at some point in our lives and not being able to work.” Don’t count on your workplace disability insurance (if you have it at all) to provide you as much as you’ll need—typically these policies only cover a portion of your lost wages.

Life insurance for a non-working spouse. You likely have life insurance for the family breadwinner, but how about the at-home parent (if there is one)? “It’s a no-brainer,” Cannataro says. “That non-working spouse is extremely important,” he stresses, even

though he or she isn’t earning a salary. Think of what would happen should the at-home parent pass away, he explains: “Would the working parent be able to be in the seven o’clock meeting at work?

Who would be taking care of the kids at home? It’s a phenomenal expense.” A life insurance policy will help cover the cost of sitters, drivers, and others. “Also if there are insurance proceeds to pay off mortgages and fund college education, then there is less pressure on the working spouse to earn that higher income,” Cannataro says.

Workers compensation insurance. Being a parent often means having workers, such as cleaners or nannies, in the home. As Sanders learned, workers compensation insurance can help protect against claims domestic employees may bring for accidents on the job. (These accidents, by the way, don’t have to be in your residence—a worker could file a claim if he gets hurt while walking your dog around the neighborhood, for instance.) “It will cover hospitalization or medical care and replaces some of the income the worker may lose for not being able to work,” says Guy Maddalone, a licensed insurance broker and founder of GTM Payroll Services and GTM Employment Benefits.

In fact, families in New York that hire an in-home nanny for 40 or more hours per week are required to carry workers’ compensation.

“The penalties for being out of compliance are steep,” Maddalone warns. “A family can be fined as much as two thousand dollars for every ten days that they did not have workers compensation coverage. On top of that, if their nanny does get hurt on the job, the family may be liable for medical expenses and lost wages.” Worth noting: If you hire a nanny to work 40 hours per week, even for just one week, you need to have workers compensation insurance in place for the entire year.

Disability insurance for domestic employees. This insurance is also mandatory if you have a full-time domestic employee, Maddalone says. It covers employees for things that happen while they’re officially employed that prevent them from working, but that occur outside of work. Some examples: An employee hurts her back while at home, or is pregnant and needs to leave the job to have her baby.

(Household employees are also eligible for New York’s Paid Family Leave program, which provides a portion of their wages for six weeks if they must take a leave for qualified reasons, such as the birth of a child.) Many homeowners insurance policies won’t be able to add on workers compensation or disability insurance, Maddalone notes—you may need to go to another carrier to get these.

Auto insurance for a nanny or other household employee.

“Add your nanny to your insurance policy if she will be regularly using your car,” advises Michael Foguth of Foguth Financial Group. “If she uses it only on rare occasions, you might not need to.” (Ask your insurer.) If your nanny uses her own car on the job, “ask to see a copy of her auto insurance policy, and make sure that it hasn’t lapsed,” Maddalone recommends.

An umbrella policy. This policy protects you when the rain really falls, so to speak. “Umbrella insurance provides for additional coverage beyond that of your homeowners and car insurance,” says Andrew Schrage, co-owner of Money Crashers Personal Finance. If someone is hurt in a car accident you’ve caused and sues you for a million dollars, for instance, your umbrella policy will help cover the amount that’s beyond the limits of your auto insurance. “An umbrella policy also protects you for other types of circumstances that you never had insurance for—for example, if you’re skiing and you accidentally run into another skier who then sues you,” Maddalone says.

treatments? The answer is a resounding “maybe.” If you have enough money put away that a $1,000 or $1,500 bill won’t be damaging to your finances, you probably don’t need it, says Jason Hargraves, managing editor of InsuranceQuotes.com. Another factor to consider is your pet’s age: “If your pet or pets are in rather good health and young, it probably isn’t necessary. If they’re older and have had health issues, it might be worthy of consideration,” Foguth says.

Before signing on the dotted line, “find out what is covered and what the process is for you to be reimbursed,” Hargraves says.

“Some kinds of procedures may not be covered, or it might take months for you to get paid back—make sure you know forward and backward what is insured.”

Trip insurance. You’ve planned a family trip, but what happens if someone gets ill, your luggage gets lost, or you have to come home early due to an unforeseen circumstance? “Travel insurance for a family vacation is a good idea as long as you know exactly what it does and doesn’t cover, and that coverage matches up with your needs,” Foguth says. (A policy may not cover a flare-up of a preexisting condition, for instance.) And before you purchase a policy, “look at what you already have. Sometimes your credit card will cover you for trip cancellation,” Foguth points out.

Theater ticket insurance. It’s no secret that theater tickets for the family are expensive. What you might not know, though, is they’re insurable, generally for about $20 or less. Is it worth it? “First ask yourself if you could resell the tickets if you couldn’t go at the last minute,” Hargraves says. “And make sure what the insurance would pay out and the process of paying it out. But I would certainly go for it if it will give you peace of mind.” *Name has been changed.

Long Island Speech & Myofunctional Therapy 718-640-6767 • 516-216-1791 www.LISpeechandMyo.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 Including: PROMPT Therapy • Individual FEEDING Therapy Augmentative Communication Evaluations & Therapy

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

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Pet insurance. If you’re like many people, you probably consider your pet part of the family. So does it pay to have health insurance for your furry friend in case he needs surgery or other expensive LongIslandParent 49

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

THE FOOD WIZARD FOR KIDS Serving all of Long Island 631-606-2680 thefoodwizardforkids.com info@thefoodwizardforkids.com Try a healthy twist on birthday parties! The Food Wizard for Kids provides birthday party workshops for younger children. Kids discover new foods through fun activities including taste tests and art projects.

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

SPIN DJ ACADEMY 202 Merrick Road, 2nd floor, Rockville Centre 16 Broadway, Amityville 631-608-8858 spindjacademy.com Put together a personalized DJ dance party in your home.

We’ll bring kids DJ equipment and instruments to play and create an amazing experience for your child!

PARTY PLACES @ PLAY AMUSEMENTS 229 NY-110, Farmingdale 631-815-5355 atplayamusement.com info@playamusement.com Have your next party at the newly renovated @ Play Amusements! It offers 40,000 square feet of fun ranging from 92 arcade games and inflatables to bumper cars, a roller coaster, carousel, disco room, and laser tag!

BACH TO ROCK MUSIC SCHOOL 1015 Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington 516-441-5526 portwashington.bachtorock.com portwashington@bachtorock.com Be a STAR at B2R! At Bach To Rock music school, our parties will have everyone recording in a state-of-the-art studio with pro engineers. Choose from current pop and classic rock tunes, then sing on the main stage and enjoy pizza and cake!

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May 2018 | nymetroparents.com

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

BE THE BEST SPORT 30 Beechwood Ave., Port Washington 516-453-0990 bethebestsport.org info@bethebestsport.org Be The Best Sport provides sport birthday parties for children with special needs. Our qualified staff will make sure your son or daughter has a once in a lifetime experience! Please contact us to inquire about a birthday party!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE LANYARD LADIES 433 Merrick Road, Oceanside 516-578-2248 thelanyardladies.com info@thelanyardladies.com The Lanyard Ladies friendship bracelet and lanyard birthday parties bring the party to you, or you can come to their brand-new party place! Many amazing themes and packages to choose from.

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

LONG ISLAND AQUARIUM 431 E. Main St., Riverhead 631-208-9200 xH2O (426); 631-208-9200 x125 longislandaquarium.com Have your child’s birthday party at the Long Island Aquarium. Party options include a choice of private rooms, select food items, and an ice cream cake. All parties get a guided tour, special seating at the Sea Lion Show, and rides on the submarine simulator!

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

ACTIVITIES

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

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NOT JUST ART 183 South St., Oyster Bay 516-922-8300 notjustart.com; create@notjust art.com Not Just Art hasadvance oodles of excellent Get notice music, art, and science parties for ages participate inourgroup 1-12 and beyond. Choose from treasury of super imaginative projects or and receive special use favorite themes and activities as a creative springboard.

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Customize your own DJ dance party with songs and instruments your child loves. Than head to our playspace for play and pizza!

THOMAS SCHOOL OF HORSEMANSHIP RIDING ACADEMY 250 Round Swamp Road, Melville 631-692-6840 tshcamp.com; tsh@tshcamp.com Birthday parties, scout parties, and class trips are always a blast at the Thomas School of Horsemanship. For groups of 14-18 children. They receive 1 hour of riding time.

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

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THE VILLAGE ARTIST SKY ZONE 630 New York Ave., Huntington www.facebook.com/nymetroparents Sky Zone Mount Sinai 631-271-0715 269 Route 25A, Mount Sinai thevillageartist.com 631-938-1420 lori@thevillageartist.com skyzone.com/mountsinai Create art EVENTS for your next birthday party!

ACTIVITIES MORE mountsinaiinfo@skyzone.com The Village Artist Fine Arts Center is Sky Zone Deer Park proud to host your next birthday party.

111 Rodeo Drive, Deer Park Enjoy a fun and creative time with your 631-392-2600 family and friends including an art project skyzone.com/deerpark of your choice. deerparkinfo@skyzone.com Sky Zone Long Island’s two conveniently WHAT’S COOKING? 30 E. Main St., Oyster Bay located parks offer wall-to-wall trampo516-922-COOK (2665) line and glow parties! We offer different whatscookingny.com packages to meet your needs, and our info@whatscookingny.com Party Pros will handle the details so you Martha Stewart, Newsday, and News 12 can focus on having a great time! boast What’s Cooking? is a No. 1 Choice SPIN DJ ACADEMY Birthday Party Place where children can 202 Merrick Road, 2nd floor, explore their creativity in culinary arts.

Rockville Centre Funtastic cookie, cupcake, Cupcake 16 Broadway, Amityville Wars, chocolate, or pizza party can be 631-608-8858 customized in our spacious party room spindjacademy.com making your party memorable!

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Sunday May 2oth NYMetroParents 11:00am – 3:00pm

Get advance notice on activities, FREE participate in group Adiscussions DMISSION and receive special notices. *Some activi ties will incur a fee

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Amazing Jumping Pillow Field Games Playground Musical Saddles

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RAFFLE PRIZES VENDORS SHOPPING FOOD

THOMAS OF HORSEMANSHIP GetSCHOOL advance notice on activities, DAY CAMP RIDEdiscussions SCHOOL participate in &group (631) 692-6840 WWW. TSHCAMP.COM and receive special notices.

250 ROUND SWAMP RD, MELVILLE, NY

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Get advance notice on activities, participate in group discussions and receive special notices.

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St. Dominic Elementary School O N E J O U R N E Y T H R O U G H FA I T H & E D U C AT I O N Pre-K Early Childhood Development

•Montessori based program

Elementary (K-5)

•Age-Appropriate Core Curriculum with Extensive Enrichment Programs

Middle School (6-8)

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•Algebra and Living Environment Regents •Dolan Campus Science & Communications Center •State-of-the-Art Science Labs •Multimedia Production Studio •Competitive Athletics •Enrichment Programs

Get advance notice on activities, participate in group discussions and receive special notices.

Call now to sChedule a visit!

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516.922.4233 www.STDOMSOB.ORG 35 School Street, Oyster Bay NY 11771

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Professional services

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

DENTISTS & DENTAL PROVIDERS EHRENMAN & KHAN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY 959 Brush Hollow Road, Suite #101, Westbury 516-333-3033 pediatricdentistlongislandny.com kidsteethli@gmail.com Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry cares for all of your child’s oral health needs in a fun, kid-friendly environment that includes iPads and chairside TV monitors.

MERRICK PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY 1756A Merrick Ave., Merrick 516-547-1997 merrickpediatricdentistry.com Dr. Rania Elbaz is a board-certified pediatric dentist who loves working with children and strives to create a warm and fun environment that children look forward to visiting.

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY OF NASSAU COUNTY 300 Garden City Plaza, Garden City 516-280-6734 supermolar.com Dr. Danielle Cooper is a board-certified pediatric dentist specialized in treating children of all ages. She loves working with children every day and strives to make her patients feel comfortable, safe, and excited about their oral health.

SHINING SMILES PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, P.C. 444 Community Drive #201, Manhasset 516-487-5437 shiningsmilespediatricdentistry.com Dr. Rod provides comprehensive care to children of all ages. Our friendly and passionate team is dedicated to making your child’s visit stress-free, pain-free, and fun!

DOCTORS & MEDICAL PROVIDERS CHIROMOM 2874 Merrick Road, Bellmore 516-221-1212 mychiromom.com mychiromom@gmail.com Dr. Dana Walters is a chiropractor specializing in prenatal and pediatric care.

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As a mom, Dr. Walters experiences firsthand how chiropractic care throughout pregnancy, birth, and childhood sets a solid foundation for greater health and well-being.

LONG ISLAND CENTER FOR SPEECH AND MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success lispeechandmyo.com Nassau: 516-216-1791 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 Queens: 718-640-6767 Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, 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.

FOOD & NUTRITION THE FOOD WIZARD FOR KIDS Serving all of Long Island 631-606-2680 thefoodwizardforkids.com info@thefoodwizardforkids.com Making food and nutrition fun for the whole family. Available for speaking engagements. Also provides workshops for kids, family night dinners, and healthy weight counseling.

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

May 2018 | nymetroparents.com

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

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

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

DR. STEVE IMBER, PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL CONSULTANTS Serving Nassau and Suffolk counties as well as the five boroughs of NYC 61-43 186th St., Fresh Meadows, Queens 516-273-1961 Sprout Building 166 Valley St., Providence, RI 401-421-4004 dr-imber.com; scimber1@aol.com Dr. Imber has more than 40 years of experience consulting, evaluating, and advocating for children,

adolescents, and adults with various special needs including autism (e.g.

Asperger’s syndrome), attention deficit disorders, intellectual disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, and learning disabilities.

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

LAW OFFICES OF BRAD H. ROSKEN, P.L.L.C. 534 Broadhollow Road, Suite 275, Melville 631-379-9569 specialedcounselor.com brad@specialedcounselor.com Brad H. Rosken is an experienced trial attorney. He’s also a parent of a child with special needs. He knows how far to push a school district to obtain the maximum 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 include insurance services; birthday parties; art, music, sports, and culinary classes; camps; parent and sibling programs; social events; vocational programs; and behavior intervention.

LITTLE OPTICS INC. 192-07 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, Queens 53-15 Roosevelt Ave., Woodside, Queens 718-468-7500; hablamos Español littleopticsinc@yahoo.com We provide eyeglasses and professional eye care for children, including infants,

and young adults. We also alleviate any self-esteem issues associated with the stigma of wearing glasses. When your child leaves Little Optics, rest assured they will feel confident.

LONG ISLAND CENTER FOR SPEECH AND MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success lispeechandmyo.com Nassau: 516-216-1791 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 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.

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

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

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

MATHNASIUM LEARNING CENTERS Five Towns 414 Central Ave., Cedarhurst 516-569-1500 Great Neck 11 Great Neck Road, Great Neck

516-482-MATH (6284) Lynbrook 381 Sunrise Highway, Lynbrook 516-881-7997 New Hyde Park 810 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park 516-616-MATH (6284) Roslyn: 217A Mineola Ave., Roslyn Heights 516-484-MATH (6284) mathnasium.com Students go to Mathnasium year-round to catch up, keep up, and get ahead in math. Our instructional approach goes beyond traditional math tutoring to develop understanding and build a love for math.

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, and 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.

TAS NEW YORK – THEORY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES 153 S. Broadway, Hicksville 1915 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park 1-888-827-8188 tasnewyork.com Here education matters. The No. 1 learning center in New York. We offer after-school programs, private and group tutoring, kids and adult art classes, computer coding, SAT and ACT prep, Create and Meditate sessions, and summer camp!

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. Enriching every qualified, gifted child. We are also a John Hopkins CTY info and SAT testing center.

School Districts Consult Attorneys.

Why Shouldn’t You?

School Districts ask their attorneys what is the minimum amount of services the law requires them to provide to special education students. Why shouldn’t you ask your attorney what are the maximum amount of services the law requires the School District to provide?

Going for your child’s first Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and don’t know what to expect?

I can give you the answers to those questions and many more. As your attorney, I solve problems.

Brad H. Rosken,

Counselor at Law

534 Broadhollow Road, Suite 275, Melville, New York 11747 (631) 379-9569 • Brad@specialedcounselor.com www.specialedcounselor.com

Get Healthy With ChiroMom · Innovative Chiropractic Care Specializing in treating for the Whole Family children with ADD/ADHD · Prenatal & Pediatric Care · Prenatal, Infant, Child And Adult Therapeutic Massage · Nutrition & Weight Management 2874 Merrick Road · Bellmore, NY · 516-221-1212 (In Lakeview Plaza across from Mill Pond)

www.mychiromom.com

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Meet the

Health Care

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

Professional

Dr. Rod is a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. He truly cares about children and understands kids need to feel like they are in a safe, comfortable, relaxed, and friendly environment. At Shining Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, P.C., we strive to use the healthiest materials. Our office uses no mercury and no BPA in any of our fillings and sealants. Additionally, all of our materials are gluten-free to provide optimal oral health for your child.

ChiroMom 2874 Merrick Road, Bellmore 516-221-1212 mychiromom.com; mychiromom@gmail.com

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

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

Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry 959 Brush Hollow Road, Suite #101, Westbury 516-333-3033 pediatricdentistlongislandny.com kidsteethli@gmail.com

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

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

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

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May 2018 | nymetroparents.com

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

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

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

Dr. Danielle Cooper received her degree in dental medicine and completed her two-year pediatric dental residency at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. She is a board-certified pediatric dentist specialized in treating children of all ages. She loves working with children every day and strives to make her patients feel comfortable, safe, and excited about their oral health. Her patients leaving with a smile is the best part of her day. In her free time, Dr. Cooper enjoys reading, movies, good food, and spending quality time with her friends and family.

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

OPENHOUSES 2018

Mitzvah Market magazine

Camps ‘R’ Us Where Summer Vacation Is Our Job

Locations in Baldwin, Bellmore, East Rockaway, Farmingdale, Hicksville, Saint James, Syosset, Valley Stream, and West Islip 516-935-CAMP (2267) campsrus.org/openhouse; info@campsrus.org Join us for an open house in West Islip on Saturday, May 12 from 123pm; Baldwin, Hicksville, St. James, and Syosset on Saturday, May 19 from 12:30-3pm; and in Bellmore, East Rockaway, and Farmingdale on Sunday, April 22 from 11:30am-1:30pm.

Kenwal Day Camp

100 Drexel Ave., Melville 631-694-3399 kenwaldaycamp.com Visit Kenwal to meet with our directors and tour our beautiful 20-acre campgrounds. Through June: Sundays from 12-3pm, or call for a personal tour. Lock in discounted rates through Summer 2020!

Your Source for Ideas & Inspiration

Long Island Voyager’s Day Camp

516-238-4586 livoyagersdaycamp.com; livoyagersdaycamp@gmail.com Join us at our May open house. Call 516-238-4586 for details for our open house schedule and special discount offers.

Get Your FREE Copy

Oasis at LIU Post

720 Northern Blvd., Greenvale 646-519-5066 oasischildren.com; liupost@oasischildren.com Join us at the Hillwood Commons Building for an open house on May 3 and 17 at 6:30pm.

Oasis at Tully Park

Jason Miradoli, camp director Michael J. Tully Park 1801 Evergreen Ave., New Hyde Park 646-519-5062 oasischildren.com; tullypark@oasischildren.com Join us for an information session on May 3 and 19 at 7pm in the Aquatics Building at Michael J. Tully Park.

Your single source for:

g Photographers

.

185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights 631-643-7900 usdan.org Join new families interested in learning more about Usdan. Meet with our admissions counselors and tour the campus. Refreshments, information, and 2018 registration available. Sunday, May 20 from 11am-2pm.

Your Mitzvah CHECKLIST, Budget Worksheet and TIMELINE

g Favors

Thomas School of Horsemanship Riding Academy

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts

+

KET.COM

g Caterers

Oasis on the Sound

250 Round Swamp Road, Melville 631-692-6840 tshcamp.com; tsh@tshcamp.com Open House and Spring Festival Sunday, May 20 from 11am-3pm. Free admission! Pony rides, petting zoo, face painting, inflatables, carnival games, jumping pillow, fun science experiments, and refreshments!

MITZVAHMAR

g Entertainers

g Invitations and more...

David Zimmerman, camp director Port Washington Senior Center 80 Manorhaven Blvd., Manorhaven 646-519-5077 oasischildren.com; onthesound@oasischildren.com Join us for an open house at the Manorhaven Park Pool Building on May 12 and 19 at 6:30pm.

Mıtzvah Market 2017-2018

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3 Easy Steps to Enter: 1. Go to nymetroparents.com/covercontest or facebook.com/nymetroparents 2. Select your favorite photo of your child (ages 2-16) 3. Upload the photo (.jpg or .png) (Every entry will be automatically reviewed by Barbizon talent scouts)

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

Fashion Design Lab (The)............................................. 43

music

Bach to Rock................................................................. 44

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

Bach to Rock................................................................. 44

CodeNinjas.................................................................... 43

LIU Center for Gifted Youth........................................... 44

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts................................... 2

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery................................. 38

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

Fashion Design Lab (The)............................................. 43

Mid-Island YJCC............................................................ 37

performing arts /acting

Mid-Island YJCC............................................................ 37

Northwell Health Ice Center / NY Islander..................... 39

Drama Kids.................................................................... 38

Northwell Health Ice Center / NY Islander..................... 39

Stars of Tomorrow......................................................... 41

Eglevsky Ballet Company of Long Island Inc................ 44

Steps To Socialization................................................... 19

Stars of Tomorrow......................................................... 41

camps Bach to Rock................................................................. 44 Bailey-Woods Summer Institute.................................... 40 Camp Clio...................................................................... 43 CodeNinjas.................................................................... 43 Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery................................. 38

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts................................... 2

developmental Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech................. 49, 54

religious

Steps To Socialization................................................... 19

Diocese of RVC............................................................. 60

Variety Child Learning Center........................................ 25

St. Dominic Elementary School..................................... 51

Young Peoples Day Camp - LI...................................... 23

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNALC........................ 44

education

Dorothy P Flint 4-H Camp............................................. 43

Diocese of RVC............................................................. 60

Eglevsky Ballet Company of Long Island Inc................ 44

Green Vale School......................................................... 14

Eye Level Learning Center............................................ 26

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

Fashion Design Lab (The)............................................. 43

Law Offices of Brad H Rosken...................................... 53

Future Stars - Old Westbury.......................................... 42

LIU Center for Gifted Youth........................................... 44

Green Vale School......................................................... 14

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

Hofstra Summer Camps................................................ 40

St. Dominic Elementary School..................................... 51

Kenwal Day Camp......................................................... 37

Village East Gifted......................................................... 41

LI Voyagers Day Camp.................................................. 39

retail Once Upon A Child........................................................ 25

special events East Woods School....................................................... 47 Empire State Fair........................................................... 59 Great South Bay Music Fest.......................................... 10 Thomas School Summer Day & Riding Academy......... 51 Variety Child Learning Center........................................ 25

special needs

LIU Center for Gifted Youth........................................... 44

family entertainment / events / outings

Mid-Island YJCC............................................................ 37

Advantage Care Health Center..................................... 25

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery................................. 38

Oasis Children Services............................................ 9, 13

ChiroMom................................................................ 53, 54

East Woods School....................................................... 47

Portledge Summer Adventures...................................... 41

Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry..................... 17, 54

Empire State Fair........................................................... 59

Stars of Tomorrow......................................................... 41

Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech................. 49, 54

Great South Bay Music Fest.......................................... 10

Thomas School Summer Day & Riding Academy......... 51

Law Offices of Brad H Rosken...................................... 53

Thomas School Summer Day & Riding Academy......... 51

Pediatric Dentistry of Nassau County........................ 3, 54

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts................................... 2

Shining Smiles Pediatric Dentistry PC..................... 26, 54

Village East Gifted......................................................... 41

health

Young Peoples Day Camp - LI...................................... 23

Advantage Care Health Center..................................... 25

Variety Child Learning Center........................................ 25

Allied Foundation........................................................... 21

sports

child care / day care

ChiroMom................................................................ 53, 54

Northwell Health Ice Center / NY Islander..................... 39

Bailey-Woods Summer Institute.................................... 40

Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry..................... 17, 54

Young Peoples Day Camp - LI...................................... 23

Merrick Pediatric Dentistry......................................... 7, 54

classes

Meshab OB-GYN........................................................... 54

tutors

CodeNinjas.................................................................... 43

Pediatric Dentistry of Nassau County........................ 3, 54

Bailey-Woods Summer Institute.................................... 40

Drama Kids.................................................................... 38

Shining Smiles Pediatric Dentistry PC..................... 26, 54

Eye Level Learning Center............................................ 26

Eglevsky Ballet Company of Long Island Inc................ 44

Steps To Socialization................................................... 19

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

Eye Level Learning Center............................................ 26

Tobacco Action Coalition of LI....................................... 11

Village East Gifted......................................................... 41

LongIslandParent 57

raising kids quotables

What has been your favorite Mother’s Day memory?

“It’s corny, but my first Mother’s Day as a mom is my favorite.

We had just brought Luke home a few weeks before and honestly the day had slipped my mind, but luckily not my husband’s. He surprised me with flowers and breakfast in bed where the three of us stayed all morning. It was the best!”

–Mary Hass, New City

“I told my mom I was pregnant with my first child on Mother’s Day 10 years ago. It was way before those viral videos…but my mom’s reaction was so great, I wish I’d filmed [it]. I could have started the trend much earlier.”

–Grace Skinner, Bayside, Queens

“Because I was adopted, Mother’s Day was always pretty bittersweet for me. I’m looking forward to making new Mother’s Day memories with my son, but not until next year. I’m not due until July!”

–Marisa Beyer, Tribeca, Manhattan

in an instagram Motherhood is a new chapter in life so make sure it’s a fabulous one!

(Posted by @scoutthecity aka Brooklyn mom and fashion blogger, Sai De Silva)

Do you remember that time? It is that odd stage of pregnancy when everyone swears by a certain method or book. I found it really overwhelming then. I stayed away then. Once, we found a stack of pregnancy books and swore we’d read them and eventually, just let them compile with the stack of unreadables. I’m sure they were insightful and beautiful, but my personal comfort in parenting is in just gut-feeling and asking questions with real-life living role-models.

–LaTonya Yvette in a post entitled “On Following The Gut-Feeling,” her blog latonyayvette.com

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May 2018 | nymetroparents.com

“My husband’s mom passed when he was very young, so he never really celebrated. He’s more than making up for it now with me, and we always make sure to commemorate his mom in the process. Every Mother’s Day has been my favorite.”

–Cheryl H., Park Slope, Brooklyn

“My favorite Mother’s Day memory was last year with my girls and my mother and grandmother. It was so special to see all four generations together.”

–Julia Romanov, Piermont

Go For It! “Let me sleep in. To be able to wake up as late as I want would be awesome. Since this rarely happens, I’d appreciate it more than you could ever know. What this means for you, darling husband, is waking up when the kids wake up and making sure they understand that I’m not to be disturbed until I’ve decided to come out of my sleeping chamber.”

–Alice Currah in an article entitled “What Mom Really Wants for Mother’s Day;” read the whole thing at nymetroparents.com/ what-mom-wants.

More NYMetroParents.com Highlights: CRAFTS FOR MOM: Make it a flowery Mother’s Day with these crafts (nymetroparents.com/mothers-day-crafts).

SAIL AWAY: Where to go catch a boat in the NYC area (nymetroparents.com/boat-rides).

UNDER THE SEA! Discover a marine life paradise at Atlantis Bahamas (nymetroparents.com/atlantis).

SPRING IN NYC: Check out all the fun NYC has to offer in the spring (nymetroparents.com/nyc-spring).

FREE ENTERTAINMENT DAILY Rosaire’s Racing Pigs | Arctic Olympic High Dive Show Hansen’s Spectacular Acrobatic Sensations | Petting Zoo & More!

BARGAIN NIGHTS Family Value Night, May 11 | Cheap Cheap Night, May 15 Kids Go Free, May 17

PARKING ONLY $5

EMPIRESTATEFAIR.COM

FOOD SHOWS RIDES

1255 Hempstead Turnpike | Uniondale, New York | 516.408.1500 |

LongIslandParent 59

LI Parent Back Cover Mar 2017:Layout 1 4/16/18 3:18 PM Page 1

What’s different about a Catholic education?

Our methods evolve, but our message is constant.

While we are faithful to the mission of Jesus Christ, our schools are technological marvels. Wi-Fi enabled buildings, SMART Boards® in classrooms, computer labs filled with the latest technologies, iPads® and Chromebooks™ for students as young as preschoolers, science labs and videoconferencing. We know how to engage today’s digital native student.

To learn more about Long Island’s Catholic Elementary Schools and to find a school near you, call 516-678-5800 x 258 or visit us online at www.LICatholicElementarySchools.org.