Nassau Parent November 2019 by City Guide NY

LongIsland NASSAU EDITION

Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM NOVEMBER 2019

The Vaccine Debate Examining the myths and truths

SpecialParent Do you need a special education attorney?

Why Teens Drive Us Crazy

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

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www.LICatholicElementarySchools.org LongIslandParent

contents table of

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

november 2019

27 special needs 12 Do You Need a Special Education Attorney? 16 “We’re a Package.” 20 Special Needs Directory

health 38 The Vaccine Debate 40 Stay Calm and Carry On 41 Health Directory

Family Activities Calendar

Things to do and see everyday this month!

Why Teens Drive Us Crazy

Safe and Sound

Experts provide ways to better understand your teen’s questionable behavior

These tips from security experts will go a long way to keeping your home secure, especially during the upcoming holiday season.

raising kids

things to do

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 41 Meet the Health Care Professional 42 Why Teens Drive Us Crazy 43 Education Directory 46 Party Central 47 Open Houses 48 Professional Services 49 Advertisers’ Index 50 If I Can’t See You, I Can’t Hear You

27 Family Activities Calendar

family life 44 Safe and Sound

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› 12 Do You Need a Special Education Attorney? 38 The Vaccine Debate 42 Why Teens Drive Us Crazy facebook.com/nymetroparents

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

ESY ARALTH KKEOEPHINLG’SKIDSCHE Our 5-2-1-0 campaign is easy to remember and lets you work on one set of healthy habits at a time.

Every day we make lots of choices and decisions that can impact our health. Some decisions involve what we eat, where we eat, what we drink, how we get to school or work and how we spend our free time. With overweight and obesity affecting so many of our youth today, parents and caregivers need tools to help establish good habits that can have a lasting impact on their family’s health.

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Kohl’s Keeping Kids Healthy Program

SATURDAY CLASSES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE Ask us about the

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General Classes: Now through December 14 (No classes November 30) Swim Classes: Now through December 14 (No classes November 9, 23, and 30) All classes are held on Saturday mornings, unless otherwise noted. COURSES INCLUDE:

• Cartooning • Reading/Writing • Creative Arts • Performing Arts • Precollegiate • Coding • Game Builder’s Academy • STEM/STEAM • Tennis, Swimming, and more! Please contact:

Jessica Dease Director, Saturday Classes for Young People Phone: 516-463-7400 | Email: Jessica.L.Dease@hofstra.edu

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LongIslandParent 10/24/19 1:15 PM5

raising kids editor’s note

NOVEMBER 2019 • Vol.11 • No.6

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL

A Season for Caring

chool’s been in session for two months now—how many times has your family gotten sick? Right now, the cold count for the edit team here at Long Island Parent is zero (knock on wood!). To protect your family from getting completely knocked out by the nasty bug, you’ve likely all already gotten your flu shots, but there are some parents who still choose not to vaccinate their kids (who could forget the measles outbreak that occurred earlier this year?). We took a dive into “The Vaccine Debate” (p. 38) to uncover why it is people still aren’t vaccinating their kids—and got straight answers from local doctors debunking some common myths. If you’re looking for a new provider to give your family the flu shot, need a teeth cleaning, or have another health care need, check out our Health Directory (p. 41). It’s full of health care providers in Nassau County, so you can choose the best one for your family. We’re also shining a light on special education this month. If your child has a diagnosed special need and is struggling in school despite their school’s efforts, you might want to consider consulting with a special education attorney. We outline when it’s time to hire one and how they can help you secure the education your child is entitled to on p. 12. While raising kids means dealing with some serious topics (like the ones mentioned above), a lot of the time we’re looking for fun things to do with our family. So, turn to p. 27 for our November calendar of activities, where you’ll find more than 100 kidfocused events all month long. We’re positive you’ll find the best things to do with your kids—we can’t wait for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! Speaking of which…this month we all give thanks, and we here at Long Island Parent are thankful for you, dear reader! Happy turkey day! Katelin Walling Editorial Director

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

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

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

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

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CREDIT MANAGERS: Rosa Meinhofer, Dan Finnegan

Davler Media Group

Meet This Month’s Cover Kid The tween on our November cover is 12-yearold Ghianna from Rockland County. She was a finalist in our 2019 Cover Kids Contest! Her favorite show is DanTDM, and she loves playing Minecraft. A huge thanks to Macy’s Backstage for the outfit Ghianna’s rocking, and an even bigger shout out to Sarah Merians of Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company (sarahmerians.com) for the amazing photo!

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

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

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Nutcracker 38th Season

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Saturday,12/14 and Sunday 12/15 at noon & 5 p.m. Starring New York City Ballet's Daniel Ulbricht and Brittany Pollack

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Rosie Revere & Friends 12/7

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raising kids new places, new programs

Interactive Web App to Help Kids with Special Needs Connect Launches

Who: Advantage Care Health Centers What’s New: Expanded services within primary care (pediatrics and women’s health), dentistry, podiatry, and behavioral and mental health services (psychology, psychiatry, and psychotherapy), scheduled to be complete by the end of the year. The mental and behavioral health care team will expand, making for a greater availability of doctors and therapists. Patients will have more appointment times available to choose from for consultations, therapy sessions, and other services. The waiting room and triage area will increase in size, and dental services will now be offered six days a week. Dental patients will be able to receive exams, X-rays, fillings, cleanings, and other routine and preventive treatments. Want More Info: 230 Hanse Ave., Freeport; 516-686-4400; advantagecaredtc.org

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Juliana Fetherman says she was inspir ed to create Making Authentic Friendships when she realiz ed her brother, who has autism and ADHD, was having diffcu lty connecting with friends.

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Who: Making Authentic Friendships What’s New: The interactive web app, which launched in August. The networking app was designed for any individual with special needs who may feel like he is having trouble making friends he can relate to. The app is designed like a game, based on geolocation, diagnosis, age, and interests. Conversation prompts that relate to both users’ mutual interests will be provided to stimulate conversation. The child the account is for must be 13 or older, and the app is moderated for safety, so any inappropriate messages will be flagged and blocked. Parents can use the app to connect with people on their child’s behalf if desired. Want More Info: makingauthenticfriendships.com

ded Centers is being fun vantage Care Health . alth He of ent The expansion at Ad tm par New York State De by a grant from the

Who: Social Play Haus What’s New: The space, which opened this month. The play area allows children to socialize while parents utilize workspaces with free Wi-Fi and a work bar. Private, drop-in offices with supervised play are also available. Plus, the space can be used for events such as birthday parties and baby showers. The café offers specialty coffees and small plates, so families can enjoy healthy meals and socialize in the communal picnic area. The space is designed to accommodate modern families and promote kindness and acceptance amongst children, according to Jenni Bacayon, who co-owns Social Play Haus with her husband Marc. Want More Info: 200 Express St., Plainview; 516-200-6444; socialplayhaus.com 8

November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Courtesy Social Play Haus

Play and Event Space Opens in Plainview

Jenni Bacayon, a child psychologist who co-owns Social Play Haus with her husband Marc, a 15-year veteran in the corporate and customer service world, saw a need for a venue where the whole family could play, work, and be productive.

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inside

SpecialParent

online extras

12 D o You Need a Special Education Attorney? Hiring a lawyer can ensure your child’s rights are respected.

Parent-teacher communication is crucial when your child has a learning disability. Read the five steps to ensure your child has the best classroom experiece possible at ›› nymetroparents.com/differently-abled

Life plans are a way to ensure children with disabilities can tackle adulthood. Learn more about them at ›› nymetroparents.com/life-plans

16 “ We’re a Package.” The moment I realized my daughter understood—and accepted—the responsibility of caring for her twin brother

Going out to dinner with a child who has autism can be very stressful. Find tips from a mom who’s been there at ›› nymetroparents.com/autism-dining

Advocates are pushing for a stop to the R-word. Find out how, and what you can do to help at ›› nymetroparents.com/r-word

20 S pecial Needs Resources: Find doctors, tutors, and more for your child with special needs.

Hiring a special needs attorney to get your child the education she deserves, which can make all the difference in her growth and happiness.

Do You Need a Special Education Attorney? ››

Hiring a lawyer can ensure your child’s rights are respected.

ou know when your child isn’t receiving the education that is right for him. Maybe he’s struggling in a class that’s not a good fit. Perhaps he’s not receiving the supports and services he’s entitled to outside of class. He might even be in the wrong school altogether. But going up against a school district and the New York State Department of Education to fight for your child can be a daunting task for any parent. That’s where special education attorneys come in. They can help you understand your child’s rights, fight for his free and appropriate education, reach an agreement with your school, or get him into a new one. In fact, a special education attorney can make all the difference.

Why an Attorney is Necessary

The special education system in New York is complex. Some attorneys claim school districts don’t know which services are required for students with special needs, while others say schools are deliberately not providing the services these kids deserve. Laura Adler-Greene, an associate attorney at the law offices of Andrew Cohen in Garden City, says she believes district leaders do know the law. If they don’t, they have law firms to inform them. On the other hand, many parents get stuck on the difference between an appropriate education and the best education their child 12

November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

By Jacqueline Neber

can receive, says Gerald Raymond, a managing partner at Tully Rinckey PLLC in Syracuse. If parents have their child evaluated by someone outside the district, they could walk into a planning meeting for their child’s services with an idea that’s completely different from what school representatives are prepared to offer. In that case, conflict arises not because school authorities don’t know what they’re meant to provide, but because parents have a different idea.

How Lawyers Help

Often a lawyer is necessary to get your school district to do what it must, says Bernard A. Krooks, founding partner of Littman Krooks LLP and head of its special needs department. A lawyer can help you get your child into a different type of class, receive the right services as dictated by her Individualized Education Program, or transfer to a different type of school. A lawyer can also help when your student has behavioral challenges, and help your student avoid the school-to-prison pipeline—a trend in which students with special needs are funneled out of public schools and into the criminal justice system. The American Civil Liberties Union reports that students with disabilities are disproportionately represented in the pipeline because of schools’ inadequate special education resources and a reliance on zero tolerance policies.

Once you’ve retained a lawyer, she can be as involved in your family’s progress as you want. Your attorney can attend IEP, Committee on Special Education, or annual review meetings with you or call for an impartial hearing or mediation. In some cases, a lawyer will take a family’s case all the way to federal court. Raymond says having an attorney can make a big difference in your child’s well-being. In one case, after a student fell behind in school when the district took his 1-to-1 aide away, Raymond’s firm provided the CSE with documentation as to why the child needed an aide— and got the aide restored to the child. Having an aide can significantly increase a child’s well-being, performance in school, and safety. Laura Davis, director of the Special Education Unit at New York Legal Assistance Group, says sometimes the impact of a lawyer might not look like much to an untrained eye, but it can mean the world to parents. “I’m working with a family whose child spent four years in an inappropriate six-one-one [six students, one teacher, and one aide] class in a public school, and is now at Gersh [Academy],” Davis says. “[The mother says] her child can now look at her, sit in a chair for a couple of minutes at a time, wave goodbye. This is all so meaningful to the parent. To somebody else it might look like nothing, but to her, her eight-year-old child is now, for the first time, making progress.”

Finding an Attorney

In his experience, the special needs community is a connected, supportive one, Krooks says. Information, such as lawyer recommendations, tends to get passed around quickly. “You can also use Facebook, discussion and support groups, or simply search online,” he adds. But at the end of the day, Krooks says, it’s not necessarily that difficult to find someone who has the knowledge

needed—though it may be a challenge to find a good match. That’s why it’s important to vet each name. “You have to hire someone you can build a relationship with, someone who’s compassionate, who’s empathetic, who can represent your interests and your child’s, and who cares about your case,” Krooks says. “Trust your instincts. You have to feel comfortable.”

Affording Services

An attorney might be necessary to go up against your child’s school—especially in wealthier districts where schools often have big law firms on retainer. But affording a lawyer can be tricky no matter where you live—and, unfortunately, petitioners in education law cases do not get attorneys appointed for them by the court, as petitioners in family law cases do. As Davis explains, it is especially important for families making lower incomes and families whose native language is not English to understand their parental rights. Many of these families, however, don’t have the means to pay retainers and fees, according to Ashley Grant, supervising staff attorney at Advocates for Children in New York City. But these fees, she says, should not prevent parents from seeking assistance. For example, families can reach out to Advocates for Children, which is just one of several organizations in the city that connects families with lower incomes to legal resources. Some law firms will take on cases regardless of family income. As Krooks points out: “We’ll take on cases like this because we went to law school to help people.” When a lawyer helps a family win a case in New York, the firm can have their attorney’s fees reimbursed by the Department of Education, at no cost to the family. continued on next page››

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

LongIslandParent 13

‹‹ continued from previous page

AN EDUCATION SUCCESS STORY Alicia Lewis’s* 6-year-old daughter has global developmental delays and is largely nonverbal. She needs a very small classroom, autism-specific methodologies, and an individualized teaching approach. When the New York City Department of Education placed her in an inadequate school last fall—twice— Lewis realized she needed the help of an attorney. Lewis had gone through an initial placement meeting, in which she says DOE representatives “did not seem to factor in our input and the evaluations we submitted, and did not allow the professionals who evaluated our daughter to testify.” Lewis asked for a reconvene, but the placement recommendations made at that second meeting were the same. “We were [finally] given a District 75 placement,” she says, “and we wanted to visit it, but it was a new site that wouldn’t be open until the first day of school. We were told to visit a similar site, and we did. But it seemed like none of our daughter’s needs would be met there. They had no autism-specific methodologies. We couldn’t even see any of the teachers or therapists. They hadn’t been hired yet.” That’s when Lewis knew she had to hire an attorney. “When the DOE fails completely to provide an appropriate educational

setting for your child, and you have no other choice but to seek resolution through an impartial hearing, having a lawyer is imperative.” With the help of an attorney, Lewis informed the DOE she’d placed her daughter in a private special education school and would be moving forward with an impartial hearing. During the hearing, Lewis won the tuition for her daughter’s new school, meaning the DOE would handle all costs. Lewis also won at-home therapy for her daughter’s needs. Since then, her daughter has changed tremendously, both in school and at home. “She’s much more attentive and responsive. She has made a lot of progress. She’s really grown,” Lewis says. “She is so much more focused, she shows that she’s interested, she participates, she’s much more engaged with us at home.” Lewis attributes this success to having a lawyer. “The impartial hearing process is not something I would have been able to maneuver on my own,” she says. “Without an attorney, I would not have known the specific steps we needed to follow, the timeline, and the legal terminology.” *Name has been changed to protect the identity of the family involved.

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November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

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raising kids voices

“We’re a Package.”››

The moment I realized my daughter understood—and accepted—the responsibility of caring for her twin brother By Ceilann Neber

y twins were never in the same play group, class, or even grade. They were together only in the womb, the NICU and, later, our home. They were on complete opposite ends of the spectrum. Why couldn’t they meet somewhere in the middle? I often asked myself. Born 16 weeks premature, my baby girl had her struggles, but I knew she would prevail. My instinct was right; she did. Relentless in my efforts to somehow change the course of his outcome, I knew my baby boy’s struggles would be permanent. And they were—a mother’s intuition. Now, 23 years later, I still wonder what life would have been like. Seeing neurotypical twins is a reminder of what they (and honestly, I) did not have. It’s a reminder of everything that was missed, how nothing was typical—and, ultimately, how it has affected my daughter. What would it have been like to bring my healthy twins home, memorialize their milestones in their baby books, and open our home to visitors wanting to celebrate them? What would it have been like to take my babies to the store or a friend’s home, to smile rather than cry, to savor each moment rather than worry about the next? What would it have been like to experience my babies developing typically? What would it have been like for my baby girl to have a playmate, a best friend, a partner in crime—to grow up like I did with my brother, who is 15 months older than me? What would it have been like for her to grow up without the constant ﬂow of nurses and therapists in our home, visits to the hospital, or doctor and therapist appointments? What would it have been like to not worry about my son’s future—or about my daughter’s, for that matter, as the only sibling of a brother with multiple disabilities? What would it have been like to not feel guilty? When they were 10 years old, I drove the three of us home from yet another doctor’s appointment—an appointment I was hoping would bring a different diagnosis for my boy. It was during that car ride that I realized my daughter already understood what her future was going to look like. “Mommy...do you think Matt will ever get married?” she asked. “I’m not sure, why?” “Well, while we were in the doctor’s office, there was something on TV that said kids like Matt will probably never get married or have children.” I held back tears.

Ceilann Neber lives on Long Island with her husband and twins.

November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

The author’s twins, Matt and Jacqui (our assistant editor), dancing together when they were 5

“It’s okay, Mom,” she said. “He will live with me when you and Dad can’t take care of him anymore.” “Oh, Sweetie,” I said. “I know you love your brother. But you will have your own life and your future husband may not want your brother to live with you.” Without hesitation she said, “I wouldn’t marry anyone that didn’t want Matt, Mom. We’re a package. We’re twins!” In these 23 years, every one of my daughter’s accomplishments has been met with celebration and happiness—but deep down those same accomplishments were always bittersweet for me. She felt it, too, because she wanted her brother to be able to accomplish the same things. I knew she felt it, and it makes me sad still. She has watched me move through this journey, and she wants me to be wholly happy—not the half-happy I am because I wish her brother could be beside her. She gets it, and she always has. I sat down to write this essay about what it was like to raise twins when one has a disability. But, ultimately, it’s an essay about my daughter. My son is the happiest boy. His innocent smile is the most beautiful thing. He is our light. But my daughter understands and feels more than any mother would wish for her child. It’s been a long and complicated path, and yet despite this, or perhaps because of this, she has grown into an amazing young adult. Her journey, our family’s journey, has grounded and humbled her, given her strength and understanding, and taught her compassion and kindness firsthand. Will I ever stop wondering what it would be like if my twins were both neurotypical? Maybe. One thing I won’t have to question is who will take care of my son when my husband and I aren’t able to. My daughter chose to take on the responsibility of making sure her brother is safe in the future. That is a responsibility she has understood for a long time, though it’s not what I hoped for her future. It’s something I think about all the time, and I know she thinks about it, too. Despite these worries, I wouldn’t change either of my twins for anything. The reality of life and her future responsibilities can seem overwhelming, but my daughter will approach all of it with the same compassion and strength her brother has helped her learn from the beginning. My twins will always be on opposite ends of the spectrum in many ways. I will always worry about them equally, too. But they give light to each other. And while my intuition about my son was correct, it was also correct about my daughter. She will prevail, she will keep him safe, and she will be okay.

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

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

Licensed Speech Pathologists & Myofunctional Therapists Specializing in the Treatment and Correction of: Language Disorders • Memor y & Auditory Processing Difficulties • Fluency • • Voice Disorders • Motor Planning Disorders • Deviate Swallowing • Tongue Thrust • • Feeding & Swalling Problems /Aversions • Thumb Sucking • Articulation Disorders • Oral Facial Muscle Weakness •

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

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

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

516-597-4344

Lake Success

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

516-216-1791• 718-640-6767

Wantagh

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

516-221-3653

LongIslandParent 17

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

HUNTINGTON

GETS RESULTS!

SAVE $100*

ON AN ACADEMIC EVALUATION

WE HELP STUDENTS

AT ALL LEVELS ACHIEVE RESULTS

OUR PROGRAMS WORK BECAUSE: • We begin with an Academic Evaluation • We develop a customized learning plan • We provide personalized instruction by certified teachers at accredited centers

• We testify on behalf of a student, attend IEP or 504 meetings, and visit the student’s school • We update you on your child’s progress • We offer flexible schedules

Tutoring and Test Prep Phonics • Reading • Writing • Math • Study Skills Executive Learning Skills • ADHD • Dyslexia Learning Disabilities • ACT • SAT • Regents BALDWIN 516-867-4041

CARLE PLACE 516-747-5600

MANHASSET 516-365-4455

FLUSHING 718-358-7900

MASSAPEQUA PARK 516-799-9500

LYNBROOK 516-568-1900 PLAINVIEW 516-681-0400

HuntingtonHelps.com

CALL TODAY!

Personalized Attention.

WE CAN HELP!

1.800.CAN.LEARN

PROVEN RESULTS.

©2019 Huntington Mark, LLC. Independently Owned and Operated. *Offer valid for Academic Evaluation, new students only. Not valid with any other offer. SAT is a registered trademark of College Board. ACT is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. None of these entities endorses or was involved in the production of the program. 18

November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

Providing Services For Over 500 Years

The Hagedorn Little Village School, Jack Joel Center for Special Children (HLVS), is a not-for-proﬁt program that provides services for infants and children up to 11 years of age with learning, language and social delays, motor Impairments and autism with no direct cost to families: • Evaluations • Early intervention (Birth–3) • SEIT • CSE Itinerant Services • ABA Home Programs

• Related Services: - Speech - OT/PT - Parent Training - Family Support Services

• Special Ed Classes: - Pre-School (3-5) - School-Age (5-11) - inclusion

750 Hicksville Road Seaford, NY 11783 • 516-520-6000

www.littlevillage.org

Funded and Regulated by Nassau County (NCDOH) and Suﬀolk County (SCDOH) Departments of Health, NYS, NYS ED Department Early Intervention (EI) and Committee for Preschool Special Education (CPSE) services are for children who have or are suspected of having a developmental delay or disability. Evaluations must be referred by NCDOH/SCDOH for EI and/or to the local school district for CPSE. Services are provided based on an individual child’s eligibility as established by NYS DOH and/or NYS ED department and local government at no direct cost to parents. Parents are responsible for fees/costs associated with childcare. LongIslandParent 19

Special Needs Directory Andrew Cohen, Esq. Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen

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 provides personalized, high quality special needs estate planning and special education legal services at a reasonable cost. Attorneys Cohen and Adler-Greene also conduct free workshops on several topics for agencies, schools, and parent groups.

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 (FQHC). We provide comprehensive medical, dental, and mental and behavioral health services to children and adults. The center specializes in providing services to

individuals with Autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Bankers Life - Kimberly WilliamsRegnier

Serving NYC Metro Area, Nassau and Suffolk Counties, and Westchester 347-0247-7293 bankerslife.com kimberly-williams.regnier@bankerslife.com We at Bankers Life are here to assist families with special needs. We offer insurance plans modeled after 529 college savings plans in that money can be set aside for future needs and grow tax-free. The money set aside in these accounts can be spent taxfree on qualified disability expenses.

Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry 959 Brush Hollow Road, Suite 101, Westbury 516-333-3033 pediatricdentistlongislandny.com kidsteethli@gmail.com Why choose us? Our expert care and compassionate approach. We have a special place in our hearts for children with special needs. We know they require and deserve care tailored to meet their unique needs. Our doctors have completed two years of specialty

training in behavior management, sedation, and hospital dentistry.

the five boroughs and Long Island.

The Hagedorn Little Village School, Jack Joel Center for Special Children

656 Sunrise Highway, Baldwin 516-867-4041 607 E. Main St., Bay Shore 631-968-5100 79-81 Westbury Ave., Carle Place 516-747-5600 Elwood Shopping Center 1928B Jericho Turnpike, East Northport 631-462-8900 Phillips Plaza 639 Sunrise Highway, Lynbrook 516-568-1900 1506 Northern Blvd., Manhasset 516-365-4455 South Gate Shopping Center 49-34 Merrick Road, Massapequa Park 516-799-9500 Gateway Plaza 499-5 Sunrise Highway, Patchogue 631-289-4900 443 South Oyster Bay Road, Suite B, 2nd ﬂoor, Plainview 516-681-0400 Smithtown Shopping Center 8 Miller Place, Smithtown 631-360-0422

750 Hicksville Road, Seaford 516-520-6000 littlevillage.org jon.feingold@littlevillage.org The Hagedorn Little Village School is a not-for-profit school highly regarded for providing outstanding educational and therapeutic services for children with a wide range of developmental disabilities. HLVS provides year-round programs and services that include diagnostic evaluations and treatment, early intervention, a preschool, an elementary school, SEIT, and related services.

Helping Hands Children Services

631-659-3337 helpinghandschildren.com Provides a variety of in-school, after-school, and home- or community-based behavioral intervention services, including applied behavioral analysis (ABA), neurocognitive testing, preschool services, and early intervention. Its staff includes doctoral-level clinicians, B.C.B.A.s/L.B.A.s who provide services to young people in more than 70 school districts throughout

Huntington Learning Centers

huntingtonhelps.com

Huntington is the leader in kindergarten-12th tutoring and test prep. Our certified tutors provide individualized instruction in all areas including executive functioning, ADHD, dyslexia, and learning disabilities. We continued on page 22 ››

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

The Center for Social & Intellectual Development ‘Teaching What Isn’t Being Taught’ STEAM (a hands-on child centered approach that incorporates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics in a collaborative way). This approach teaches beyond the standards of the modern day classroom and allows for students to explore the skills needed that go beyond the textbook. CSID offers a small group curriculum-based program using the STEAM approach with an emphasis on appropriate social behavior. This is a semester-based program. Enrollment is limited. Pre-screening is required. Our STEAM classes include Virtual Squad, Got Science? Improv, Physication, Steve Job’s Lab, and Huddle Time!

Your child will experience: • How to use appropriate conversational skills • How to navigate and interact with social media • How to collaboratively complete projects with peers • How to recognize social cues • How to recognize and handle bullying • How to make connections with others

• How to initiate and end conversations • How to manage projects and responsibilities • How to manage and cope with stress • How to learn by exploring and engineering • How to create and use new technology • How to become more independent

For enrollment information, please contact us at (516) 289-1059 or email: info@CSIDNY.org For more information, please visit us on the web at www.CSIDNY.org 20

November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

Learn more at: www.advantagecaredtc.org Call Us Today! 516-686- 4400 Advantage Care Health Centers are state-of-the-art centers that provide: • • •

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

We accept Medicaid, Medicare, and Managed Care Plans

general public.

››

At Advantage Care the Fay J. Lindner Center for

FREEPORT

across their lifespan. • PSYCHIATRIC MEDICATION MANAGEMENT • PSYCHOLOGICAL DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENTS • PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL EVALUATIONS • SOCIAL SKILLS THERAPY GROUPS • PSYCHIATRY • PSYCHOTHERAPY

We provide services regardless of your ability to pay. Sliding fees! Bilingual Staff!

230 Hanse Avenue Freeport, NY BROOKVILLE

AHRC Nassau’s Campus 189 Wheatley Road, Brookville, NY AdvCareFQHC AdvCareFQHC advcarefqhc advantagecarefqhc LongIslandParent 21

‹‹ continued from page 20

help students prep for the SAT, ACT, and state exams. Huntington also testifies on the student’s behalf and attends IEP/504 meetings.

The Center for Social and Intellectual Development

305 Hillside Ave., Williston Park 516-289-1059 csidny.org With a passion to help prepare all students to be successful in the real world, our center utilizes a combination of progressive and empirically supported strategies and curricula. Our program is suited for students with all abilities who thrive in small group instruction and need access to creative adaptive social learning.

Law Offices of Brad H. Rosken, PLLC

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

Life’s WORC The Family Center for Autism 1501 Franklin Ave., Garden City 516-741-9000 familycenterforautism.org mrafferty@lifesworc.org The Family Center for Autism (FCA) is Long Island’s first venue that provides autism-specific classes, camps, services, and programs for children and adults. We also offer a full range of therapeutic, educational, social, and recreational programs. We are open seven days-a-week with day, evening, and weekend schedules.

Making Authentic Friendships LLC Everyone Deserves Authentic Friendships

Juliana Fetherman, founder and CEO 631-374-0518 makingauthenticfriendships.com fethermanjuliana@gmail.com Our responsive web-based application helps individuals with special needs (age 13 and older) find friends at home or on the go, based off of their geolocation, diagnosis, age, and interests. It works like a game, is interactive, fun, and user friendly. It’s easy to sign up and use.

MGABA

1737 Veterans Memorial Highway Suite 1, Islandia 631-479-2900 2341 New Hyde Park Road, New Hyde Park mg-aba.com Marra & Glick Applied Behavior Analysts (MGABA) specialize in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to serve people with autism spectrum disorders in our center based programs, at school, in the home, and community. Our clinical providers are licensed in the state of New York or supervised by a NYS-licensed Behavior Analyst.

Peace Talkers LLC 917-765-9559

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

Everyone Deserves Authentic Friendships! Our responsive web-based application helps individuals with special needs (age 13+) find friends at home or on the go, based off of their geolocation, diagnosis, age and interests. It works like a game, is interactive, fun and user friendly. Itʼs easy to sign-up and use.

Juliana Fetherman, Founder and CEO of Making Authentic Friendships LLC.

fethermanjuliana@gmail.com 631-374-0518

makingauthenticfriendships.com It is called Making Authentic Friendships, MAF, which are also her brothers initials. He has autism and ADHD and inspired this initiative

November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

peacetalkers.com john@peacetalkers.com Peace Talkers will teach you how to use Positive Behavior Support to increase the peace in your home. Whether it is emotional outbursts, defiance, or even destructive or violent behavior, Peace Talkers can help. Peace Talkers values support over compliance and sees beyond any diagnosis. As the father of a son who has a neurological difference, Founder John Gibilaro, M.S.Ed., approaches his work with the passion and drive that only true empathy can create.

Tilles Center Relaxed and SensoryFriendly Performances

720 Northern Blvd., Brookville 516-299-3100 tillescenter.og/sensoryfriendly stephanie.turner@liu.edu Tilles Center for the Performing Arts offers two relaxed sensory-friendly programs in 2019-20. For information, contact the Tantleff Box Office at Tilles Center at 516-299-3100. This spring, we’re excited to announce an original Sensory Immersion Theater performance designed for audiences of 20 people. Contact stephanie.turner@ liu.edu for more information.

The Tooth Pillow Dentistry

775 Park Ave., Suite 340, Huntington continued on page 24 ››

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

Love alone can’t protect a child with special needs If you’re caring for a disabled child, spouse, sibling or parent, the Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen can assist you with the following: •

Preparing a will and advanced directives

•

Understanding current government benefit programs for individuals with special needs

•

››

•

Establishing a supplemental needs trust Handling guardianship proceedings Social Security claims and appeals Creating the letter of intent

Elder law and long-term care planning

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

Safeguarding legal rights is often critical to a student’s success. In situations where school districts aren’t in compliance, the Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen can advance a resolution that best serves your child’s well-being and education.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Manhattan

Long Island

(212) 244-0596

(516) 877-0595

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

www.amcohenlaw.com

420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 2440 New York, New York 10170

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1100 Franklin Avenue, Suite 305 Garden City, New York 11530

LongIslandParent 23

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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

516-317-2476 toothpillowny.com The Tooth Pillow Dentistry is a group of board-certified pediatric dentists and dentist anesthesiologists who work together to safely provide dental treatment while your child “sleeps.” We provide this service for children who cannot be treated in the typical dental chair setting due to age, behavior, or other factors that hinder treatment.

Variety Child Learning Center

47 Humphrey Drive, Syosset 516-921-7171 Variety Child Learning Center at the Gallow School 72 Farmedge Road, Levittown 516-490-3301 vclc.org Variety Child Learning Center provides services to more than 750 children and families annually. Services include evaluations to determine eligibility, early intervention, special education, Special Classes in an Integrated Setting, Special Education Itinerant Services, Applied Behavioral Analysis, Family Center Sunday Respite and Recreation Program, Social Skills Training Groups, and Lufrano Training.

We Connect The Dots

180 Michael Drive, Syosset 631-468-7475 wctd.org events@we-connect-the-dots.org Coding is recognized as one of today’s most important skills for academic and career success. Students on the Autism spectrum benefit from our programs due to the hands-on experiential learning format, building computational thinking and strong communication skills. We partner with organizations like Autism Speaks, Microsoft, and Amazon. (For ages 7-18).

Winston Preparatory School

30 Deforest Road, Dix Hills 212-719-5598 x2213 winstonprep.edu/our-campuses/li liadmissions@winstonprep.edu Winston Preparatory School is a highly individualized and responsive setting for students in grades third through 12th with learning differences. Our unique model of education for the individual provides intense skill remediation while encouraging students to build independence, resilience, responsibility, self-awareness, and self-advocacy.

1501 Franklin Avenue • Garden City, NY 24

November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

Is the peace of your home sometimes threatened by emotional outbursts and defiance? We can help by giving

m o g

parents the tools they need to de-escalate conflict and replace undesirable behaviors.

Our workshops are customizable to fit your needs. Let us help you keep the peace where it matters most.

ns g

"Regardless of diagnosis, we can help."

917-765-9559

www.peacetalkers.com

Is your child struggling in school? We can help. NY

New York

Connecticut

New Jersey

126 West 17th Street New York, NY 10011 212- 496-8400 @WPSNY

57 West Rocks Road Norwalk, CT 06851 641-638-2705 @WinstonPrepCT

901 Route 10 East Whippany, NJ 07981 973-500-6480 @WinstonPrepNJ

Transitions Program 240 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10016 646-869-4600 @WPTransitions

LI Long Island

30 Deforest Road Dix Hills, NY 11746 631-779-2400 @WinstonPrepLI

APPLY NOW www.winstonprep.edu | liadmissions@winstonprep.edu

The Winston Preparatory School does not discriminate against applicants and students on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin. The WPSLI campus is not affiliated with the Half Hollow Hills Central School district.

LongIslandParent 25

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

RELAXED AND SENSORY-FRIENDLY PROGRAMS 2019-20

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas

12/22 at 2 PM

Featuring Dream Snow A brand new Christmas-themed show

The Underwater Bubble Show

Branching Out

5/9 at 2 PM

5/21, 5/22, 5/23

A lavish musical production that will take you to the wondrous underwater world of Bubblemania.

Designed for audiences of 20 or less An original immersive theater production about a young girl on a journey through the four seasons.

Visit tillescenter.org or 516.299.3100 (M-Sat) 1 PM - 6 PM 2019-20 Presenting Season Sponsor Community Wellness Initiatives are supported, in part, by The Diane Goldberg Foundation. Arts Education programs are made possible, in part, by the Gilbert and Rose Tilles Endowment for Arts Education.

November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Ideas When You Need Them:

Sign up for our FREE newsletter and 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 Disney on Ice Presents: ‘Road Trip Adventures’ (No. 8 on our list).

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

nyme

com/c

ents. ropar

NOVEMBER CALENDAR

28 Editor’s Hot Tickets 29 We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!

33 Little Foodies, Nature Lovers

30 Mini Musicians,

34 Smarty Pants

35 Show Time!

Crafty Kids

32 Movers & Shakers WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?

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

nassaucal@davlermedia.com

36 Holiday Fun

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!

Islip Country Fair FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 3, 11am-5pm WHERE: Islip Town Hall East Parking Lot, 655 Main St., Islip AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy live entertainment, line dancing, pumpkin patch and decorating, kids’ costume parade and contest, charity pie eating contest, and more. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids will want to dig right into roasted corn and face painting! WANT TO GO? Admission is free, prices vary for goods. 631-581-2720. islipchamberofcommerce.org.

Long Island Comic Book Expo

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 3, 10am-6pm WHERE: Hilton Long Island, 598 Broad Hollow Road, Melville AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Shop vendors, meet artists, take part in cosplay, and more! WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s the most family-friendly comic book show on Long Island. WANT TO GO? $5; free for children 10 and younger. licomicbookexpo.com.

The I Love Chocolate Fest

WHEN: Nov. 9-10, 10am-6pm WHERE: Walt Whitman Shops, 160 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station AGES: All WHAT: Spend the day surrounded by everything chocolate—plus enjoy live music, a chocolate doughnut-eating contest, inflatable rides for kids, and more. 28

November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHY WE LOVE IT: There’s something for everyone, from chocolatecovered crickets to chocolate wine. WANT TO GO? $15; $12 for seniors 62 and older, military, and volunteer EMTs and firefighters; $11 for kids 3-12. 631-488-0521. lovechocolatefest.com.

Gold Coast International Film Festival

WHEN: Nov. 4-13, see website for schedule WHERE: Gold Coast Arts Center and other North Shore venues, 113 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck AGES: All WHAT: See more than 80 feature length and short films for people of all ages, in genres including drama, comedy, documentary, foreign film, short film, and family film. WHY WE LOVE IT: Many screenings are followed by Q-and-As with filmmakers and special guests. WANT TO GO? $20 and under. 516-829-2570. goldcoastfilmfestival.org.

11th Annual Bethpage Turkey Drive Benefiting Island Harvest Food Bank FREE

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 22, 7am-6:30pm WHERE: Bethpage Federal Credit Union, 899 S. Oyster Bay Road, Bethpage AGES: All WHAT: Donations of frozen turkeys and non-perishable goods will help feed thousands of families in need. WHY WE LOVE IT: The New York Jets will also support this year’s Turkey Drive! WANT TO GO? 516-263-6546. bethpagefcu.com.

Get weekend activities delivered to you!

nymetroparents.com/register

Snow Sister’s Breakfast

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 24, 9:30-11am WHERE: United Skates of America, Inc., 1276 Hicksville Road, Seaford AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a full breakfast buffet while meeting the Snow Queen, Ice Princess, and their friends! Call for reservations. WHY WE LOVE IT: This is a non-skating event but you can lace-up and hit the ice later in the day! WANT TO GO? $22; $15 per child; free for children younger than 2. 516-795-7454. unitedskates.com.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 28, 9am-12pm WHERE: Macy’s Herald Square, 151 W. 34th St., Midtown, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: The annual parade celebrates Thanksgiving with over-the-top fun, epic balloons and floats, major stars, and more. WHY WE LOVE IT: Every year, this nearly century-old tradition gets updated to include the most popular elements of kid culture. WANT TO GO? 212-695-4400. macys.com.

Disney on Ice Presents: ‘Road Trip Adventures’

WHEN: Nov. 21-30, see website for showtimes WHERE: NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury AGES: All WHAT: Hit the road with Mickey Mouse and his pals for a high-octane ride. WHY WE LOVE IT: Audiences can expect hilarious hijinks and upclose character interactions. WANT TO GO? $20 and up. 516-334-0800. nycblive.com.

Festival of Trees

WHEN: Nov. 29-Dec. 1, 10am-5pm WHERE: Cradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City AGES: All WHAT: A holiday extravaganza that features live entertainment, Santa, free indoor ice skating, Star Wars Saturday, kids’ activities, and entrance to Cradle of Aviation museum. WHY WE LOVE IT: Check out beautifully decorated trees and delicious gingerbread, all for sale! WANT TO GO? $15; $10 for children; free for children 2 and younger. 516-572-4111. cpnassau.org.

‘A Christmas Carol’

WHEN: Nov. 29-Dec. 30, see website for showtimes WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: See this new version of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol through the art of puppetry. WHY WE LOVE IT: Victorian-costumed holiday revelers welcome audience members to step back in time as they enter the Theater. WANT TO GO? $14 museum admission + $9 show ticket; $12 show ticket only; free museum admission for members plus $7 show ticket. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

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 six no-cost events we’re excited about now. You’re welcome. New York Riptide Hosts Open Practice FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 2, 4-6:30pm WHERE: NYCB LIVE, Home of The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: The New York Riptide invites fans to watch the team in action for the first time at a special Open Practice. Reserve your tickets online. WANT TO GO? 516-231-4848. nyriptide.com.

Preventing Parent Burnout for Parents of Children with Special Needs FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 12, 10:30-11:30am WHERE: Sid Jacobson JCC, 300 Forest Drive, East Hills AGES: Adult WHAT: In this workshop, discover positive ways to cope with and effectively manage stress while raising a child with special needs. WANT TO GO? 516-484-1545. sjjcc.org.

Family Pre-School Hour with A Time for Kids Inc. Thanksgiving Turkey FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 21, 1-2pm WHERE: Floral Park Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: 18 months to 4 WHAT: Enjoy an hour of singing, dancing, storytelling, and a special Thanksgiving craft. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

Teen Winter Stained Glass Class FREE

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 22, 4-5pm WHERE: Floral Park Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Join artist Michelle Pappas for an exciting class of designing handpainted, stained-glass ornaments or suncatchers. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

Fantastic ‘Frozen’ Festivities! FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 27, 3-5pm WHERE: Island Trees Public Library, 38 Farmedge Road, Island Trees AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Celebrate everyone’s favorite royals from Arendelle at the library by building an edible snowman, enjoying fun photo ops, and more! WANT TO GO? 516-731-2211. islandtreespubliclibrary.org.

Model Train Show FREE

WHEN: Nov. 30-Dec. 15, see website for schedule WHERE: TMB Model Train Club, 120 Schmitt Blvd., Farmingdale AGES: All WHAT: See a 4,000-square-foot model railroad with 10 trains running on 19 scale miles of track and the train layout that was featured in an episode of The Sopranos. WANT TO GO? 516-660-8099. tmbmodeltrainclub.com. ›› LongIslandParent 29

Playhooray FREE

WHEN: Nov. 7-21, Thursdays, 10am WHERE: Hicksville Public Library, 169 Jerusalem Ave., Hicksville AGES: 6-18 months WHAT: This is a lively introduction to nursery rhymes, books, music, and movement. Ages 6-18 months. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-931-1417. hicksvillelibrary.org.

Rock for a Cause

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 23, 2-4pm WHERE: Sid Jacobson JCC, 300 Forest Drive, East Hills AGES: 3-5, 5-8, Adult WHAT: Spend the afternoon with your family while singing your favorite songs! Participate in activities with Camp Jacobson staff, bring toiletries to donate, and more. Register online. WANT TO GO? $30 per family; $25 members; $25 per family in advance; $18 members in advance. 516-484-1545. sjjcc.org.

Music and Movement

MINI

MUSICIANS Mil’s Trills presents: ‘Thankful Celebration’

WHEN: Nov. 5-11, Tuesday 11/5 and Monday 11/11, 11:30am and 2pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Through joyful, one-of-a-kind live shows and collaborative songwriting, Mil’s Trills finds creative ways of bringing people together towards a peaceful global community. WANT TO GO? $14 museum admission + $9 show ticket; $12 show ticket only; free museum admission for members plus $9 show ticket. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Family Pre-School Hour with A Time for Kids, Inc. Tots Night Out FREE WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 14, 7-8pm WHERE: Floral Park Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: 18 months-4 WHAT: An hour of singing, dancing, storytelling, and a craft. Age 18 months through preschool. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

WHEN: Nov. 6-27, Wednesdays, 11:30am-12pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: Newborn-5 WHAT: Enjoy creative movement exercises and interactive sing-alongs that get little bodies moving to the rhythm. Ages 5 and younger. WANT TO GO? $14 museum admission plus $4; free museum admission plus $3 for members. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

CRAFTY KIDS

Cat Trinket Tray FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 5, 3:15pm WHERE: Hicksville Public Library, 169 Jerusalem Ave., Hicksville AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Make an adorable DIY trinket tray to store your rings and things. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-931-1417. hicksvillelibrary.org.

Polymer & Pizza FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 7, ages 8-11 6-7pm; ages 12-17 7:30-8:30pm WHERE: Island Trees Public Library, 38 Farmedge Road, Island Trees AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Make some tiny figures out of polymer clay to take home and bake. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-731-2211. islandtreespubliclibrary.org.

PlayHooray Kids FREE

Build-A-Boat Presented by the Whaling Museum

Jungle Bungle Friends FREE

Just 2 Fun FREE

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 15, 12:30-1:15pm WHERE: Floral Park Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Music, movement, and loads of fun with Molly Mouse. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org. WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 16, 9:30-10:15am WHERE: Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Ave., Wantagh AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Explore nature through stories, soothing sounds of a rainstick, and wooden percussion instruments. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-221-1200. wantaghlibrary.org. 30

November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 7, 5-5:45pm WHERE: Freeport Public Library, 144 W. Merrick Road, Freeport AGES: 5-9 WHAT: See a real compass and learn about the parts of a ship as you build your own wooden model ship to take home. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $1. 516-379-3274. freeportlibrary.info. WHEN: Friday, Nov. 8, 10:30am WHERE: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square AGES: 2 WHAT: A special program designed for 2-year-olds where they make simple crafts and play together. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-488-3444. franklinsquarepl.org.

Veterans Day Family Crafts

WHEN: Nov. 9-11, Saturday-Monday, 12-4pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: In honor of Veterans Day, create an array of red, white, and blue crafts. WANT TO GO? $6; $5 seniors 62 and older and children ages 4-18; free for veterans, members and active military with ID. 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Mommy and Me: Make Your Own Stuffed Animal FREE

WHEN: Nov. 8-12, Friday or Tuesday, 1pm WHERE: Floral Park Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Make a new toy friend. Please register for one session and each child separately. WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

Preschool Crafts FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 12, 12:15pm or 4pm WHERE: Island Trees Public Library, 38 Farmedge Road, Island Trees AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Kids can meet new friends, connect with their grown-up, and practice their motor and listening skills. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-731-2211. islandtreespubliclibrary.org.

Origami

WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 13, 4pm WHERE: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square AGES: 9-12 WHAT: MaryAnn Scheblein-Dawson will be doing several origami projects. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $1. 516-488-3444. franklinsquarepl.org.

LEGO Building Competition FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 14, 5:30-6:30pm WHERE: Baldwin Public Library, 2385 Grand Ave., Baldwin AGES: 10-17 WHAT: Use your imagination to create inventive LEGO designs. Grades 5-12. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-223-6228. baldwinpl.org.

Fall for All! FREE

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 15, 4:30-5:15pm WHERE: Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Ave., Wantagh AGES: All WHAT: Choose from a buffet of autumn-themed craft materials and design your own unique creation! Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-221-1200. wantaghlibrary.org.

Tom Turkey Clothespin Wreath FREE

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 15, 12:15-1:15pm WHERE: Island Trees Public Library, 38 Farmedge Road, Island Trees AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Use clothespins to form turkey feathers, then paint colorful designs to create a wreath. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-731-2211. islandtreespubliclibrary.org.

Minecraft Canvas FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 16, 2-3pm WHERE: Island Trees Public Library, 38 Farmedge Road, Island Trees AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Stop by the library and paint your own Minecraft canvas. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-731-2211. islandtreespubliclibrary.org.

‘Frozen’ Paint Event

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 16, 1:30-3pm WHERE: Key to My Art East Rockaway, 131 Main St., East Rockaway AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Learn to paint Elsa while having fun. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $20. 516-218-2920. keytomyart.com.

Playdough Party FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 16, 2:30-3:30pm WHERE: Freeport Public Library, 144 W. Merrick Road, Freeport AGES: 3-10 WHAT: Create your own art or use some of the Play-Doh tools that the library has. Registration required. For kids in preschool through fourth grade. WANT TO GO? 516-379-3274. freeportlibrary.info.

Dream Catchers

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 16, 10:30am-12pm WHERE: Jones Beach Nature Center, Jones Beach State Park Boat Basin, Wantagh AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Explore the myths and legends behind dream catchers, then make one and decorate it with feathers and beads. WANT TO GO? $4. 516-780-3295. parks.ny.gov.

Give Thanks Thumb Plate FREE

WHEN: Monday, Nov. 18, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Island Trees Public Library, 38 Farmedge Road, Island Trees AGES: 5-10 WHAT: Use your thumbs to create this beautiful ceramic plate to keep or give on the holidays. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-731-2211. islandtreespubliclibrary.org.

LEGO ‘Frozen 2’ Build Event FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 23, 2pm WHERE: Barnes and Noble-Country Glen Center, 91 Old Country Road, Carle Place AGES: 8-12 WHAT: Return to Arendelle with this LEGO build event! Join Barnes and Noble to build a castle from Frozen 2 to take home. Signup required. WANT TO GO? 516-741-9850. barnesandnoble.com.

LEGOs the Library FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 23, 2:30-3:30pm WHERE: Freeport Public Library, 144 W. Merrick Road, Freeport AGES: 3-9 WHAT: Use your imagination and build it by yourself or with a fellow LEGO builder. WANT TO GO? 516-379-3274. freeportlibrary.info.

Mosaic Owl on Canvas FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 26, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Floral Park Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Create a whimsical owl using mosaics, gems, paint, and glue. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

Computer Animation FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 26, 6:30-8:25pm WHERE: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Sharper Training will help you animate a character. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-488-3444. franklinsquarepl.org. ›› LongIslandParent 31

Real Life Ninja Academy FREE

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 15, 5:45-6:45pm WHERE: Freeport Public Library at Real Life Ninja Academy, 272 Buffalo Ave., Freeport AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Explore fitness through American Ninja Warrior style obstacles instructed by professional ninjas in a safe and controlled–but super fun– environment. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-379-3274. freeportlibrary.info.

Long Island Nets vs Delaware Blue Coats

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 15, 7pm WHERE: NYCB Live, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: See the Long Island Nets take on the Delaware Blue Coats. WANT TO GO? $10. 516-231-4848. nycblive.com.

2nd Annual Molloy College High School Sports Invitational

MOVERS & SHAKERS DanTDM Presents The Contest

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 2, 12:55pm WHERE: Regal Westbury 12, 7000 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury AGES: All WHAT: DanTDM Presents The Contest is an interactive in-cinema event that provides you with an engaging gaming experience and immersive story. This event has been specially created for a worldwide cinema audience, and this will be the only chance for you to see it. WANT TO GO? $15; $12.50 child. fathomevents.com.

Family Fun: Giant Game Saturdays FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 2, 2:30-3:30pm WHERE: Freeport Public Library, 144 W. Merrick Road, Freeport AGES: 5-9, adult WHAT: Play games in giant form, like Uno, Jenga, and checkers. WANT TO GO? 516-379-3274. freeportlibrary.info.

Long Island Nets vs College Park Skyhawks

WHEN: Monday, Nov. 11, 7pm WHERE: NYCB Live, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: Cheer on the Long Island Nets n their home opener! WANT TO GO? $10. 516-231-4848. nycblive.com.

Jump For Joy FREE

WHEN: Through Nov. 13, Wednesdays, 7pm WHERE: Hicksville Public Library, 169 Jerusalem Ave., Hicksville AGES: 1½-4 WHAT: Play and learn to popular songs. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-931-1417. hicksvillelibrary.org.

Dance/Cheerleader Workshop with NFL/NBA Cheerleader

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 14, 3:30-5pm WHERE: Friends Academy, 270 Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley AGES: 9-14 WHAT: This workshop will consist of a warm-up, stretching, turn/leap techniques, cheer-drills, learning a choreographed routine, and lots of fun! WANT TO GO? $40. 516-393-4207. fa.org. 32

November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 15, 5-9pm WHERE: The Madison Theatre at Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre AGES: 9 and older WHAT: See local high school teams compete. WANT TO GO? $10. 516-323-4444. madisontheatreny.org.

Long Island Nets vs Windy City Bulls

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 17, 3pm WHERE: NYCB Live, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: The Long Island Nets take on the Windy City Bulls! WANT TO GO? $10. 516-231-4848. nycblive.com.

Giant Games for Teens FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 20, 3:30pm WHERE: Freeport Public Library, 144 W. Merrick Road, Freeport AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Do you like to play games like Uno, Jenga, and checkers? Then come and play these and more in giant form in the TRAC Room. WANT TO GO? 516-379-3274. freeportlibrary.info.

Fall Dance Adelphi: ‘Cloven Kingdom’

WHEN: Nov. 20-24, Wednesday-Saturday, 7:30pm; Saturday-Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Adelphi University, 1 South Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: The Department of Dance also honors the legacy of choreographer Paul Taylor by performing his classic work, Cloven Kingdom. WANT TO GO? $25. 516-877-4000. pac.adelphi.edu.

Minecraft Mondays FREE

WHEN: Nov. 4-25, Mondays, 4:30-6:30pm WHERE: Microsoft Store–Roosevelt Field, 630 Old Country Road Space #1140A, Main Level near Bloomingdale’s and across from Helzberg Diamonds, Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Players will be put their creativity, teamwork, and Minecraft skills to the test in this fun open play event. RSVP online. WANT TO GO? 516-368-0060. microsoft.com.

Giant Games for Tweens FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 26, 6-7pm WHERE: Freeport Public Library, 144 W. Merrick Road, Freeport AGES: 10-11 WHAT: Play Uno, Jenga, and more in giant form. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-379-3274. freeportlibrary.info.

LITTLE FOODIES

NATURE LOVERS

Kids in the Kitchen: Pepperoni Pizza Puffs

Creatures of the Night Hike!

Apple Pie Presented by The Baking Coach FREE

Counting 1, 2, 3

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 8, 11:30am-12pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Little chefs make easy, yummy, kid-friendly snacks. WANT TO GO? $14 museum admission plus $5; $13 museum admission seniors 65 and older; free museum admission plus $4 for members. 516-224-5800. licm.org. WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 9, 10-11:30am or 11:45am-1:15pm WHERE: Baldwin Public Library, 2385 Grand Ave., Baldwin AGES: 5-12, adult WHAT: Each family will work together to create an apple pie to take home and bake or freeze until Thanksgiving. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-223-6228. baldwinpl.org.

3-D Turkeys FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 12, 7-8pm WHERE: Island Trees Public Library, 38 Farmedge Road, Island Trees AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Make tasty turkeys using cookies, rice crispy treats, chocolate, and candy corn. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-731-2211. islandtreespubliclibrary.org.

Teen Cuisine: Pumpkin Scones: Donation Event FREE

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 15, 4-5pm WHERE: Floral Park Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Make delicious pumpkin scones to give to others in need, and take some home for your family and friends to enjoy! Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

Kids in the Kitchen: Sweet Potato Casserole Bites

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 15, 11:30am-12pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Little chefs make easy, yummy, kid-friendly snacks. WANT TO GO? $14 museum admission plus $5; free museum admission plus $4 for members. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Apple Cake Pops and Apple Cookies FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 20, 7-8pm WHERE: Baldwin Public Library, 2385 Grand Ave., Baldwin AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Make a sweet and healthy snack. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-223-6228. baldwinpl.org.

Kids in the Kitchen: Turkey B.L.T. Wrap

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 22, 11:30am-12pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Little chefs make easy, yummy, kid-friendly snacks. WANT TO GO? $14 museum admission plus $5; free museum admission plus $4 for members. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Apple Pie Family Workshop

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 23, 10:30am-12pm WHERE: Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Ave., Wantagh AGES: All WHAT: Join the library for some pie-making fun. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $5 supply fee per family. 516-221-1200. wantaghlibrary.org.

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 8, 7-8:30pm WHERE: Center for Science Teaching and Learning-Tanglewood Preserve, 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Center AGES: All WHAT: Take a guided walk through the nature trails at a time most people never get to see them–night time! Register online. WANT TO GO? $9. 516-764-0045. cstl.org. WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 12, 10:30-11:30am WHERE: Jones Beach Nature Center, Jones Beach State Park Boat Basin, Wantagh AGES: 3-5 WHAT: This program will connect children and their parents with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. WANT TO GO? $4. 516-780-3295. parks.ny.gov.

Welcome Kits for New Adopters FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 14, 7-8pm WHERE: Island Trees Public Library, 38 Farmedge Road, Island Trees AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Teens will create welcome kits for new pet adopters to be donated to a local animal shelter. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-731-2211. islandtreespubliclibrary.org.

Fossil Day!

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 16, 2-3pm WHERE: Center for Science Teaching and Learning-Tanglewood Preserve, 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Center AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Learn about these relics of a past, and how you can understand the language they speak. Register online. WANT TO GO? $9. 516-764-0045. cstl.org.

Quirky Turkeys

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 23, 2-4pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Learn all about this amazing animal and make a colorful turkey feather suncatcher to take home. WANT TO GO? $14 museum admission; $13 museum admission seniors 65 and older; free for members. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Native American Feast Weekend

WHEN: Nov. 23-24, 10am-4pm WHERE: Garvies Point Museum, 50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove AGES: All WHAT: Activities include tools and artifacts, experience natural clay with pottery-making, face-painting with natural pigments, native food sampling, spear-throwing, open-fire cooking with food sampling, and more. WANT TO GO? $8; $5 seniors 60 and older and children ages 5-12. 516571-8010. garviespointmuseum.com.

Gobble, Gobble

WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 26, 10:30-11:30am WHERE: Jones Beach Nature Center, Jones Beach State Park Boat Basin, Wantagh AGES: 3-5 WHAT: This program will connect children and their parents with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. WANT TO GO? $4. 516-780-3295. parks.ny.gov. ›› LongIslandParent 33

AGES: 8-17 WHAT: Using the power of code, students ages 8 and older will explore aquatic worlds and uncover hidden treasure with the new Minecraft Voyage Aquatic tutorial. WANT TO GO? 516-368-0060. microsoft.com.

Veterans Day Salute

SMARTY PANTS Tiny Tots

WHEN: Nov. 4-May 21, select Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30-11am WHERE: Center for Science Teaching and Learning-Tanglewood Preserve, 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Center AGES: 18 months-3 WHAT: This weekly event introduces your toddler to a wide variety of science topics, teaching them to think and explore in new ways each day! Ages 18 months-3 years. WANT TO GO? $8. 516-764-0045. cstl.org.

Voice Your Vote

WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 5, 10am-12pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Experience the voting process as you fill out your ballot to name the museum’s new hedgehog and receive your “I Voted” sticker. WANT TO GO? $14 museum admission; $13 museum admission seniors 65 and older; free for members. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Explore Africa with KG Group Entertainment FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 6, 7-8pm WHERE: Baldwin Public Library, 2385 Grand Ave., Baldwin AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Explore Africa through this interactive event with dance, vocals, and storytelling. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-223-6228. baldwinpl.org.

Dinosaurs FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 6, 4pm WHERE: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Think you know more about dinosaurs than Mad Science? Find out! Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-488-3444. franklinsquarepl.org.

Chemistry FREE

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 8, 4:30pm WHERE: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Do chemistry experiments with science teacher Johnda Ferrari. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-488-3444. franklinsquarepl.org.

Hour of Code Minecraft FREE

WHEN: Monday, Nov. 11, 2-4pm WHERE: Microsoft Store-Roosevelt Field, 630 Old Country Road Space #1140A, Main Level near Bloomingdale’s and across from Helzberg Diamonds, Garden City 34

November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Nov. 9-11, 12-4pm WHERE: Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport AGES: All WHAT: Commemorate Veterans Day and learn about the participation of the Vanderbilt family in military history from the War of 1812 through World War II. WANT TO GO? $8; $7 seniors 62 and older and students with ID; $5 children 3-12; free for children 2 and younger; additional fees for tours and planetarium show. 631-854-5579. vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Kid Chat

WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 13, 10-11am WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Join in guided conversation where mothers and other caregivers can have open dialogue and socialize with one another as their child plays in the TotSpot area. WANT TO GO? $14 museum admission; $13 museum admission seniors 65 and older; free for members. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Long Island Author Series: Revolutionary Friends

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 14, 7-8:30pm WHERE: Rock Hall Museum, 199 Broadway, Lawrence AGES: All WHAT: Young fans of the smash Broadway hit Hamilton will enjoy this narrative nonfiction picture book story about the important friendship between George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette during the Revolutionary War. WANT TO GO? $10; $8 seniors and students; free for members. 516-239-1157. friendsofrockhall.org.

Let’s Learn to Sign FREE

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 22, 10-10:45am WHERE: Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Ave., Wantagh AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Sign language is a great way to jumpstart communication, reduce frustration, and develop literacy skills. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 516-221-1200. wantaghlibrary.org.

Camp Know Where: Rule the Arcade FREE

WHEN: Nov. 23-30, Saturdays, 12-2pm WHERE: Microsoft Store-Roosevelt Field, 630 Old Country Road Space #1140A, Main Level near Bloomingdale’s and across from Helzberg Diamonds, Garden City AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Create a game in this Stranger Things-themed workshop. RSVP online. WANT TO GO? 516-368-0060. microsoft.com.

Messy Afternoons

WHEN: Nov. 2-30, Saturdays and Sundays, 3:30-5pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 18 months-4 WHAT: Get messy while getting artistic during this drop-in program for children ages 18 months-4 years. WANT TO GO? $14 museum admission; $13 museum admission seniors 65 and older; free for members. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

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Mike Super–Magic & Illusion

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 9, 7:30pm WHERE: Adelphi University, 1 South Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Join the journey of emotions from laughter, intrigue, danger, fear, wonder, anticipation, tears, and sentimentality that only Mike Super delivers in this family-friendly performance! WANT TO GO? $40-$45. 516-877-4000. pac.adelphi.edu.

Plaza Theatrical Presents Schoolhouse Rock

WHEN: Nov. 9-11, Saturday and Monday, 11am WHERE: The Showplace at the Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore AGES: All WHAT: The Emmy Award-winning Saturday morning cartoon series that taught history, grammar, math and more through clever, tuneful songs is lighting up the stage. WANT TO GO? $12. 516-599-6870. plazatheatrical.com.

Plaza Theatrical Presents ‘Charlotte’s Web’

Magic-Al Garber FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 20, 1:30 doors open for tea and refreshments; 2pm show WHERE: Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Suite 1, Port Washington AGES: All WHAT: Whether you’ve been a longtime fan or just discovering his zany antics, it’s time to pay attention, as Magic-Al’s next act is about to begin! WANT TO GO? 516-767-1384. landmarkonmainstreet.org.

‘The SpongeBob Musical’

WHEN: Nov. 26-27, 6:15pm preshow; 7:30pm show WHERE: Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post/720 Northern Blvd., Brookville AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Explore the depths of theatrical innovation in The SpongeBob Musical, where the power of optimism really can save the world. WANT TO GO? $49 and up. 516-299-3100. tillescenter.org.

Plaza Theatrical Presents ‘Pinkalicious’

WHEN: Nov. 16-17, Saturday, 11am; Sunday, 12pm WHERE: The Showplace at the Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore AGES: All WHAT: The story of Wilbur, a little pig, who becomes famous with the help of his friend, Charlotte. WANT TO GO? $12. 516-599-6870. plazatheatrical.com.

WHEN: Nov. 23-Dec. 1, see website for showtimes WHERE: The Showplace at the Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore AGES: All WHAT: Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. WANT TO GO? $12. 516-599-6870. plazatheatrical.com. ››

FAM ON THE ISLAND JOIN IN ON THE FUN FOR THE

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Storytime and Activities Featuring Dear Santa and Cookies for Santa FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 30, 11am WHERE: Barnes and Noble-Country Glen Center, 91 Old Country Road, Carle Place AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Join Barnes and Noble for storytime and activities featuring two books about cherished holiday traditions for families. WANT TO GO? 516-741-9850. barnesandnoble.com.

2nd Annual Wantagh Winter Wonderland Sponsored by SAS Realty WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 30, 12:30-6pm WHERE: Wantagh Preservation Society, 1700 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy live entertainment, Christmas tree and menorah lightings, Santa Claus, and more! WANT TO GO? facebook.com/events/368205663844626/.

HOLIDAY FUN stART (Story + Art): ‘10 Fat Turkeys’ by Tony Johnston

WHEN: Nov. 5-7, Tuesday and Thursday, 11:30am-12pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Practice counting down from 10-1 with a group of silly turkeys! After the story, “dress up” your own turkey decoration for Thanksgiving. WANT TO GO? $14 museum admission plus $4; free museum admission plus $3 for members. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Turkey Talk

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 17, 12pm and 1pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Learn why turkey is a mainstay of Thanksgiving dinner and «dress up» your own turkey decoration for the occasion! WANT TO GO? $14 museum admission plus $4; free museum admission plus $3 for members. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Mayflower Stand-Ups

WHEN: Monday, Nov. 18, 4pm WHERE: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Decorate your own Mayflower ship. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $1. 516-488-3444. franklinsquarepl.org.

‘Who Took Tom the Turkey?’

WHEN: Nov. 9-23, 11/09 and 11/23 at 2pm; 11/10 at 11am WHERE: BroadHollow Theatre at Elmont, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: All WHAT: Tom Turkey has gone missing. Chief Clumsy Bull and the rest of the gang need to find him before the autumn festival. WANT TO GO? $13; $11 in advance. 516-775-4420. broadhollow.org.

Autumn Wreaths

WHEN: Nov. 5-27, Tuesdays through Fridays, 2:30-4pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: Newborn-5 WHAT: Create your own colorful wreath inspired by fall leaves to welcome autumn into your home! Free with admission. WANT TO GO? $14; $13 seniors 65 and older; free for members. 516224-5800. licm.org.

November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Christmas at Westbury House

WHEN: Nov. 29-Dec. 1, 10am-5pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: All WHAT: With decorated period rooms, Santa, cookies, and cider, this holiday celebration is a must for the entire family. WANT TO GO? $12; $10 seniors 62 and older and students with ID; $7 children ages 7-17; free for members and children 6 and younger. 516252-3392. oldwestburygardens.org.

Meet Santa FREE

WHEN: Nov. 29-Dec. 23, Mondays-Fridays, 1-4pm and 5-8pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-1pm and 2-6pm; special hours on Nov. 28: 10am-1pm and 2-6pm WHERE: Hicks Nurseries, 100 Jericho Turnpike, Westbury AGES: All WHAT: Bring your own camera to take some holiday photos. WANT TO GO? 516-334-0066. hicksnurseries.com.

Harry Connick Jr’s ‘The Happy Elf’

WHEN: Nov. 23-Dec. 29, see website for schedule WHERE: The Argyle Theatre, 34 W. Main St., Babylon Village AGES: All WHAT: Families will love this tale of friendship and believing in yourself! WANT TO GO? $15. 631-230-3500. argyletheatre.com.

Animated Christmas Children’s Story FREE

WHEN: Nov. 15-Jan. 1, Saturdays–Thursdays, 8am-6pm; Fridays, 8am8pm WHERE: Hicks Nurseries, 100 Jericho Turnpike, Westbury AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy the animated Christmas children’s story all day every day. Admission is always free, but Hicks Nurseries ask for the donation of a non-perishable food item to donate to Long Island Cares’ food pantry. WANT TO GO? 516-334-0066. hicksnurseries.com.

Magic of Lights Drive-Through Show

WHEN: Nov. 22-Jan. 4, Sunday-Thursday, 5-10pm; Friday-Saturday, 5-11pm WHERE: Jones Beach, 1000 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy LED lighting displays and digital animations, hot cocoas, s’mores by the fire pit, holiday music and movies, a hay maze, and pictures with Santa. WANT TO GO? $20-$30 per car. 917-355-3531. magicoflights.com/jonesbeach.

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The New York Islanders, the NHL and the NHLPA have teamed up to bring a new Learn to Play initiative to New York. The Future Islanders Program provides boys and girls ages 5-8 with an introduction to the great game of hockey, and serves as a transition program for first-time players interested in playing in a house league.

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LEARN TO PLAY

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For additional information, please contact Jocelyne Cummings at JOCELYNE.CUMMINGS@NEWYORKISLANDERS.COM OR 516-501-6764

Now Accepting Enrollment 47 Humphrey Drive Syosset, NY 11791 516-921-7171 At the Levittown School 72 Farmedge Road Levittown, NY 11756 516-490-3301 1

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Quality Child Care for all children 6 weeks to 5 years 6:45AM - 7:00PM

For more information please contact VCLC at 516-490-3301 or email childcare@vclc.org LongIslandParent 37

The Vaccine Debate

››

Why are parents still refusing to vaccinate? We examine the myths and truths.

ew York City’s biggest measles outbreak in almost 30 years ended in September, according to Health Department officials, but the conversation about vaccinations is still raging. Headlines in the media, warnings at doctor’s offices, regulations by schools, and even celebrities’ social media posts have perpetuated the debate about the truths and myths of vaccinating. We spoke with pediatricians about this controversial issue that continues to baffle many parents.

Personal Choice or Civic Duty?

Vaccinations are classified into two groups, explains Harvey Karp, M.D., pediatrician, faculty member of University of Southern California School of Medicine, and author of Happiest Baby on the Block. The first group of shots includes rotavirus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and chicken pox. While Dr. Karp recommends all vaccines, he classifies these vaccinations as a parent’s choice because the risk you are imposing is limited to your child and family, not the community. That’s because those illnesses are either difficult for a child to pass onto another or are very common—and can spread quickly even with a vaccine. The second classification of shots (including those for whooping cough, flu, meningitis, pneumococcus, and measles) are given to protect your child and your neighbor’s child. “[These vaccinations] halt diseases that are so contagious that 38

November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

By Melissa Wickes

just one cough, one airplane flight, or one germy doorknob can spread them like wildfire throughout your town,” Dr. Karp says. “I believe giving this second group of shots is an important civic responsibility because delaying them creates a serious public health risk.” Specifically, these vaccines protect other kids who are too young to receive vaccinations, as well as people with cancer, those who are older than 60, and others who are considered especially vulnerable to these diseases. A minimum percentage of the population must be vaccinated against a virus to prevent its spread, according to Daniel Sinyor, pediatrician at Crystal Run Healthcare in Nyack. By ensuring that at least 95 percent of children are immunized against a certain virus, you are creating herd immunity, which “stymies the spread of disease the way that frequent rain keeps lightning strikes from starting raging forest fires,” Dr. Karp says.

The Major Misconceptions

Several misconceptions have surrounded vaccines for years, but perhaps the most disruptive one is that the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine causes autism. In 1998, Andrew Wakefield, a discredited British ex-physician, published a fraudulent paper suggesting there was a link between the MMR vaccine and autism. The data was found to be incorrect, and throughout the decade following the publication, many epidemiological studies proved there is no link between the two.

Still, the paper did its damage, and, combined with the fact that the MMR vaccine is given around the same time autism is usually detected (ages 1-2), many parents still believe there is a causal relationship between the two, according to Dr. Sinyor. Similarly, because children generally receive the flu vaccine at a time of year when they are picking up other illnesses, people have grown to believe the vaccine can cause the flu. That’s impossible, Dr. Sinyor says, because the vaccine does not carry the flu virus. Another common misconception is there is mercury in vaccines. However, in 1999 the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Public Health Service removed thimerosal (a mercury-containing compound used as a preservative) from all vaccines except multi-dose vials of flu vaccine. Aluminum, an element that is present in vaccines, has also caused worry among parents. Not only has aluminum been safely used in vaccines for more than 70 years, the amount used is similar to that found in 32 ounces of infant formula, according to Dr. Sinyor. Unfortunately, these myths are still widely circulating. The list of celebrities who have spoken out or expressed concern about vaccinations includes Jessica Biel and Jenny McCarthy. The latter has been claiming for more than 10 years that her son’s autism was caused by a vaccine. “I would venture a guess that the spread of false information through social media, celebrities, and anecdotal stories of friends who claim to have been harmed by vaccines all contribute to parental fear and distrust of vaccines,” Dr. Sinyor says.

Truths About Vaccines

The main misconceptions aside, there are potentially concerning aspects of vaccines that are valid. For example, some shots have an effectiveness rate as low as 30-60 percent, which has long upset parents. But, as Dr. Sinyor says, “if I told you I could give you a shot with minimal side effects that would reduce your chances of getting into a car accident by sixty percent—or even thirty—would you not take it?” Another upsetting truth? Not all children will develop immunity after a vaccination, according to Robert Segal, M.D., founder of Medical Offices of Manhattan. However, this does not discount the fact that 85-95 percent of children do. And finally, “in very rare cases, vaccines can cause allergic reactions. It’s important that parents tell their doctor of any history of allergies,” Dr. Segal advises. While vaccines are not perfect, they are still widely administered. In fact, in light of the recent measles outbreak, the list of doctor’s offices, day cares, schools, and other children’s facilities that will exclude your child if unvaccinated is growing, according to Dr. Segal. In August, the Supreme Court of the State of New York instated a ban on religious exceptions to vaccines for school attendance. New York is now 1 of 5 states that have banned religious vaccination exceptions. This is a good thing; all the doctors we spoke to agree. After all, vaccinations are our best protection against potentially life-threatening illnesses. Choosing to forgo them significantly increases the risk of making not only our own children sick, but also spreading illness in our community, Dr. Karp says.

www.eyelevelny.com

Williston Park 61 Hillside Avenue, Williston Park, NY 11596 (516) 747-7700

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LongIslandParent 39

raising kids

baby

Stay Calm and Carry On ›› These baby ailments are common. By Madeleine Burry

or new moms and dads, an infant’s first few months of life are thrilling—and a little nerve-wracking. Everything is so new, and your infant seems so fragile. “Between birth and three months, there are a lot of things that new parents especially worry about,” says Victoria Riese, M.D., of Flatiron Pediatrics in Manhattan. These can include baby acne, constipation, noisy breathing, and other frequent—but not worrisome—conditions. So, when can you relax, and when should you reach out to your pediatrician?

Digestive Issues

Does your baby have gas? Constipation? Act a bit fussy when feeding? These are all normal things, Dr. Riese says, and don’t require a doctor’s call unless they start to interfere with baby’s development. “When babies are having so much trouble eating that they’re crying or losing weight, we want to make sure that it’s not something more serious,” she says.

Noisy Breathing

Your baby’s air passageways in the nose are quite small, Dr. Riese points out. This can lead to funny breathing or wheezing—it may even seem like your baby has a snoring problem. Not to worry! “Noisy breathing is not a sign that the baby is in distress,” Dr. Riese says. So long as your baby is acting normally while awake, and can eat and breathe at the same time, he’s most likely just fine.

Milia

Skin conditions are common in babies. For example, those little white bumps on her nose or face? “These are called milia and are caused by trapped skin debris near the surface of the skin. They are benign and will pass with time,” says Dyan Hes, M.D., F.A.A.P., pediatrician and medical director of Gramercy Pediatrics in Manhattan.

Baby Acne

Another skin ailment, baby acne can look red and inflamed—but it’s completely benign. “It can come out in the first month or two of life. It is due to hormonal changes in the baby, either from the birth itself or sometimes from breast milk,” Dr. Hes says. She recommends cleaning baby’s face daily with a mild hypoallergenic baby soap.

Jaundice

If your baby has jaundice—or slightly yellow skin—he’s far from alone. “About half of all babies have some amount of jaundice,” says Jennifer Janco, M.D., board-certified pediatrician and chairman of pediatrics at St. Luke’s University Heath Network in Bethlehem, PA. “The yellow color in the skin is a result of elevated bilirubin levels in the blood,” she adds, noting it can take a few days for a healthy baby’s liver to mature and handle bilirubin properly. If you are

breast-feeding, supplementing with formula for the first few days will often treat the condition, Dr. Hes says, but some babies require phototherapy in the hospital. Therefore, if your baby appears yellowish, it’s a good idea to reach out to a pediatrician, Dr. Hes advises.

Bluish Skin

A faint blue cast on your newborn’s hands or feet sounds like an alarming symptom—but it’s not necessarily a cause for worry. In fact, Dr. Janco says it’s quite common, because your baby’s body is still figuring out temperature and circulation regulation. Though, “a baby who appears blue in the face, tongue, or around the lips should prompt immediate evaluation,” Dr. Janco warns. Call your doctor or 911 if the situation does not resolve.

Heat Rash

Too much time in pajamas or a warm stroller can lead to heat rash, Dr. Hes says. Apply an over-the-counter baby eczema cream twice a day for a week. “If the rash spreads, let your doctor know,” she says.

Thrush

A yeast infection known as candida, thrush is also common in newborns, Dr. Janco says. The white patches on the sides of cheeks, inner lips, or tongue can’t easily be wiped off. “Let your doctor know if you suspect thrush,” she says—it’s easily treatable and not an emergency.

Cradle Cap

Does your baby have yellow or white crusty patches on his scalp? This benign condition is known as cradle cap or seborrhea capitis, Dr. Hes says. The biggest downside is your baby may lose some hair as it spreads. “Initially, I like to treat mild cradle cap with some olive oil on the scalp to loosen the flakes, and then comb it out with a fine baby comb,” she says. “Parents can also apply dandruff shampoo to the baby’s scalp, leave it on for two to three minutes, and rinse it, away from the baby’s eyes.” If neither of these options work, check in with your pediatrician.

When to Reach for the Phone

Your pediatrician expects you to have concerns and questions—after all, these curious symptoms are new to you. So, “in between visits, write down questions if they can wait,” Dr. Riese advises. When in doubt, call. And always get in touch with a doctor if your baby has a fever (any temperature above 100.3 in a newborn), Dr. Riese says. The other big warning sign: Your baby isn’t acting like herself, including not wanting to wake up, not interacting as usual, or not feeding. In these cases, contact your pediatrician immediately.

Madeleine Burry is a freelance writer and editor who has held staff positions at Parents.com, Scholastic, and About.com.

November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Health Directory Advantage Care Health Center

Dr. Audrey Paul - Advanced Concussion Solutions

901 Stewart Ave., Suite 212, Garden City advancedconcussionsolutions.com kidsconcuss@gmail.com Dr. Audrey Paul M.D., Ph.D. is board-certified in pediatrics and pediatric emergency medicine. Dr. Paul specializes in concussion baseline testing, diagnosis, and treatment. She works with athletes, non-athletes, and their families to provide individualized, effective concussion care, and collaborates with coaches and teachers to ensure an effective recovery program.

Eat Clean Be Vital

516-567-6858 eatcleanbevital.com Trying to keep up with responsibilities and kids can be exhausting. Certified Health Coach Diane will help you explore dietary and non-dietary aspects to promote energy and improve your overall health and wellness. You will receive the right support and accountability to become independent in making healthy lifestyle choices.

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.

Family First

100 E. Old Country Road, Suite 14, Mineola

516-804-1010 hello@familyfirstli.org Family First is a sliding-scale psychotherapy practice offering professional services for families, couples, and individuals. Our clinicians work with children ages 6 and older, adolescents, young adults, and adults to help navigate difficult life transitions and build healthy relationships with themselves and others.

Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy

Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success Nassau: 516-216-1791 Suffolk: 631689-6858 Queens: 718-640-6767 lispeech.com Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, owns and operates Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy. With her group of therapists, she supports families across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, expressive and receptive language disorders.

The Tooth Pillow Dentistry

775 Park Ave., Suite 340, Huntington 516-317-2476 toothpillowny.com The Tooth Pillow Dentistry is a group of board-certified pediatric dentists and dentist anesthesiologists who work together to safely provide dental treatment while your child “sleeps.” We provide this service for children who cannot be treated in the typical dental chair setting due to age, behavior, or other factors that hinder treatment.

YMCA of Long Island

855-2YMCALI (962254) Bay Shore, East Hampton, Glen Cove, Holtsville, Huntington, and Patchogue ymcali.org; info@ymcali.org Find your awesome. At the YMCA, everyone has the opportunity to surpass their potential. With our state-of-the-art fitness centers, swim lessons, youth sports, theater and dance classes, and programs for families, the possibilities are endless. Registration for Fall II Programs begins Nov. 3. Session runs Nov. 17Feb. 1, 2020.

Meet the

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

Dr. Mulqueen is board-certified in internal medicine and pediatrics. Her focus is in caring for individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Dr. Mulqueen completed her residency in Combined Internal Medicine/Pediatrics at Albany Medical Center. She developed a resident wellness program, a journal club curriculum, and led recruitment activities. She holds memberships with the American Medical Association, American College of Physicians, and American Academy of Pediatrics. She is a member of the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group (DSMIG) and participates in the Annual Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group Symposium.

The Tooth Pillow Dentistry 775 Park Ave, Suite 340, Huntington 516-317-2476 toothpillowny.com

The Tooth Pillow Dentistry is a group of board-certified pediatric dentists and dentist anesthesiologists who work together to safely provide dental treatment while your child “sleeps.” We provide this service for children who cannot be treated in the typical dental chair setting due to age, behavior, or other factors that hinder treatment. Your child will leave our office with all of their dental work completed, free from pain and bad memories. We will treat your child as if they were our own. Trust your child with the experts in pediatric dental sedation.

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!

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 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 Nassau: 516-216-1791 Queens: 718-640-6767 Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, owns and operates Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy. 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, expressive and receptive language disorders (adults and children). Intensive feeding therapy for individuals who suffer from texture and consistency aversions, and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) are also offered. Seven affiliated offices across Long Island participate with most health insurance and offer evening and Saturday hours.

LongIslandParent 41

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teen

Why Teens Drive Us Crazy ››

There is a reason your teen making bad or questionable decisions is the (unfortunate) norm in the adolescent years. But don’t worry! It’s just a phase. By Lambeth Hochwald

Having open and honest conversations with your teen can help prevent some bad choices from being made.

says Shuli Sandler, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist in Teaneck, NJ. “A lot of this time is about figuring out who they are and part of that is pushing limits in the service of that exploration and discovery.”

s a parent of a teenager, you probably know some vexing behavior often comes with this stage—whether it’s making choices without regard to consequences, questioning authority, or just becoming more distant. It’s a challenging time for both parent and child—and it’s often impossible for us to understand why our kids are acting out. One of the best ways to cope and communicate, however, is to understand the reasons for their behavior.

Their Brains Work Against Them

“While teenagers’ brains are growing at a rapid rate, they are still many years away from maturity—as brains typically complete growth at age twenty-five,” says David Ezell, founder and CEO of Darien Wellness, a counseling and psychiatry group in Darien, CT. “The last part of the brain to develop is the frontal cortex, which is the part that contains the executive functioning area and is involved with abstract thought, planning, and impulse control.” What does this mean for your teen who is juggling many new thoughts and emotions? “Executive functions allow us to plan and see consequences,” Ezell says. “So, what adults perceive to be obviously ‘risky’ behavior does not seem that way to teenagers because their brains have difficulty connecting today to tomorrow. The combination of a lack of experience and a developing brain sets young people up to put themselves in situations that most adults would consider to be very dangerous.”

They Lack Experience

There’s another very important reason your teens are acting out, and it’s actually quite simple: Teenagers haven’t had anywhere near the life experience you’ve had. “As adults, we know that if we don’t pay the ConEd bill, the lights will be turned off,” Ezell says. “Most teens lack that experience of cause and effect, nor have they seen their peers experience a similar situation.” Remember: Being a teenager is a developmental stage, albeit one that may involve intense mood swings, lying, social media obsession, and trading communication with you for spending way more time with his friends. “This is a time when a child is going from being a child to becoming an independent adult, which is also why there is so much change happening in their body, minds, and actions,”

Hormones are Surging

Along with changing bodies come changing hormones, which play a large role in what teens are feeling. “All of these new hormones can also contribute to a lack of impulse control,” says Nikita Banks, LCSW, a licensed psychotherapist in private practice in Brooklyn. “Think about all that your teen is juggling. She is both trying to figure out who she is as an individual and find her place in society, which is a very big transition. To do this, she may pull away or test the values of her family and adapt behaviors that will be seen as more desirable to her peer group. When you put all of these factors together it can make for one wild ride.” With this surge in independence, teens may push the envelope to see how far they can push you. “The goal you hope for as a parent is for your teen to ultimately end up in the middle where he takes appropriate risks but uses caution and prudence when indicated,” Dr. Sandler says. “It does take time for the two extremes to settle down in the middle, as is often the case in life.”

What You Can Do

Given all of this change, keeping the lines of communication open with your teen is very important—especially when he makes bad or questionable choices. Plan regular outings together or eat meals as a family to bridge the gaps and enable everyone to feel heard. “This time together is very important, and it serves another purpose, too. It’s actually a really good way to get an inside view of what is going on in their life,” Banks says. “Your goal should be twofold: You want to monitor their social interactions with friends to the best of your ability, but also give your child a voice.” After all, any strong connection you can keep with your teen is crucial and will help ease the very important transition she is moving through. “When teens feel that they are not only seen but heard at home, it helps them develop a greater sense of self-esteem,” Banks adds. “It also provides a strong foundation for them to be able to withstand the social pressures of this time of life.”

Lambeth Hochwald is a New York City-based journalist covering trends, relationships, and life in New York City.

November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Education Directory PAROCHIAL & RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS

Catholic Elementary Schools of Long Island Diocese of Rockville Centre

Multiple Locations 516-280-2479 licatholicelementaryschools.org Long Island’s Catholic elementary schools are 43 unique and beautiful schools in Nassau and Suffolk counties that educate the whole child in the spirit of service and compassion. Coupled with God’s love, we strive to inspire each child to grow spiritually and academically in a diverse and challenging world.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Catholic Elementary Schools of Long Island Diocese of Rockville Centre

SPECIAL NEEDS

The Hagedorn Little Village School, Jack Joel Center for Special Children 750 Hicksville Road, Seaford 516-520-6000 littlevillage.org jon.feingold@littlevillage.org The Hagedorn Little Village

School is a not-for-profit school highly regarded for providing outstanding educational and therapeutic services for children with a wide range of developmental disabilities. HLVS provides year-round programs and services that include diagnostic evaluations and treatment, early intervention, a preschool, an elementary school, SEIT, and related services.

Variety Child Learning Center

47 Humphrey Drive, Syosset 516-921-7171 Variety Child Learning Center at the Gallow School 72 Farmedge Road, Levittown 516-490-3301 vclc.org Variety Child Learning Center (VCLC) operates a childcare center where “children play, learn, and grow together to become the best that they can be.” Licensed by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services for young children ages 6 weeks to 5 years at VCLC’s Levittown site at the Gallow School.

Winston Preparatory School

The 24th Annual

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15TH, 2019

Noon till 4pm | Chateau Briand, Carle Place

$175 per couple. To purchase tickets, please call 516-378-2000 x 651

Proceeds benefit Cerebral Palsy of Nassau

• Explore non-dietary aspects of your life to improve overall health and well-being. • Learn general nutrition, develop ways to promote physical activity in daily routine. • Promote good relationships and eliminate negative influences (i.e. stress).

Private and Group Programs, Education & Development Workshops Interested in learning more?

(516) 567-6858

www.eatcleanbevital.com

www.cpnassau.org

LIU POST’S CENTER FOR GIFTED YOUTH SPRING 2020 AND SUMMER 2020 PROGRAMS

Are You the Parent of a Gifted Child? LIU Post’s Center for Gifted Youth announces its 40th annual program for gifted children. The spring program runs Saturdays from Feb. 1, 2019 to April 25, 2020 and the summer program runs Monday to Friday from July 6 to July 30, 2020. The spring program is open to gifted children K-8 and the summer program is open to gifted children 2-8. The program expands students’ knowledge, develops creative and critical thinking skills, and offers children the opportunity to learn in an exciting and accepting environment.

EAT CLEAN BE VITAL

Believe It, Pursue It

An enchanted gala for girls aged 4-12 and their Dad or Grandpa. Guests will enjoy an elegant evening of dinner and dancing, a performance of the Nutcracker and a magic show. All girls will receive a corsage and gift from The Sugar Plum Fairy.

INQUIRE ABOUT TRANSPORTATION!

Admission is highly selective and enrollment is limited.

Feb. 1, 2019 - April 25, 2020 July 6 - July 30, 2020

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

LIU Post • School of Professional Studies • 720 Northern Blvd. • Brookville, NY 11548-1300 liu.edu/post/gifted youth • Dr. Lynne Manouvrier, Director

LongIslandParent 43

family life home

Safe and Sound

››

These tips from security experts will go a long way to keeping your home secure, especially during the upcoming holiday season. By Jaimie Seaton

ith the holidays just around the corner, apartment doormats and front stoops will soon be stacked with packages—and that means “porch pirates” will be out in full force. Many of us will be traveling, leaving our homes unattended, during the holidays. Many residents have turned to video doorbells, such as Ring and Nest Hello, to give them an edge over the package-stealing crooks and burglars, but this latest craze in home security isn’t a cure-all. In fact, there’s a lot more to home safety than filming people who come to your door.

Mind the Basics

It’s hard to believe, but some people fail to take the most basic precautions, including locking their doors. “They may feel a false sense of security, and they may live in a safe area, but you can never be too certain,” says Cassandra Anderson, vice president of the New York Insurance Association, who adds that it’s a good idea to have a deadbolt lock. It can also be easy to overlook the door itself, but all doors are not created equal. An exterior door should be metal or solid wood, not the hollow-core type used for interiors. And remember, a lock is only as strong as the door and the door is only as strong as its frame. “You can have very good locks, but if your door frame is rotted, it defeats the purpose,” says Jessica Corey, commanding officer of the NYPD’s Crime Prevention Division. “Somebody can just push the door in. You can’t install a lock or a door without looking at the whole system.” Corey also notes that many people overlook the hinges. If the door’s hinges are on the outside and the pins exposed, someone can remove the pins and remove the door. She suggests either changing the door or installing non-removable pins. Another basic step many people forget about is to make a video inventory of your possessions. That way, if you are burglarized (or suffer a house fire or flood), you have a detailed record for police and insurance.

Secure the Perimeter

Both Corey and Anderson advise homeowners to secure their home from the outside-in, beginning with the yard. For example, make sure landscaping doesn’t block your windows, and that shrubbery can’t be used to shield an intruder from passing neighbors or a police patrol car. Corey also reminds people to secure their windows—particularly at ground level. When installing window air conditioners, make sure to secure them with the proper (and usually included) hardware so they can’t be pushed in. And use outside lighting. “Lighting is one of the cheapest and most effective deterrents that you have,” Corey says. “Either lighting that comes on from dusk to dawn, or lighting that’s motion-activated. That’s something that’s easily installed.”

Keep Up Appearances

When you broadcast news of your vacation plans across social media (or to the clerk at the local store) you never know who else is 44

November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

watching and listening, including thieves. It’s best to be cautious about whom you talk to—and wait to post pictures of your trip until you return. Remember that scene in Home Alone, when Kevin rigs up mannequins and lights to make it look like his empty house is full of people? You don’t have to go quite that far, but when you’re away, you want your house to look lived-in. Ask the post office to hold your mail, ensure there won’t be any packages delivered, and arrange for someone to take out the trash and recycling. It’s also a good idea to put interior and exterior lights on timers. Then there are the not-so-obvious things, like putting a television or two on a timer and asking a neighbor to park one of their cars in your driveway if you normally park your car in your driveway. (Anderson actually advises people to park their car in their garage if possible, so people won’t know their habits of coming and going.) The key is to make your house look the way it does when you are home. “A lot of people think when they go away that they should close all their curtains. If you don’t normally close all your curtains, you shouldn’t do it when you’re away,” Corey advises. And don’t forget to have someone mow the lawn or shovel snow if you’re away for more than a week. Both Corey and Anderson say leaving your house to the elements while you’re away is a sure sign the home isn’t occupied.

Be Smart with Your Smart Home

Aside from all these low-tech strategies, both Anderson and Corey recommend installing a home security system and/or video doorbell. “There’s a lot of new types of technologies out there that create video display in real time, where you’re aware of what’s going on in your house when you’re away. I think that those are certainly things that individuals could consider, to increase the security at their house,” Anderson says. “I can’t speak to any one technology, but having multiple security features is always better,” Corey says. “If you have video, if you have lighting, if you have an alarm system, that’s going to be better than if you had none of those things.” She recommends an alarm system with motion detectors and installing video cameras connected to a phone app but cautions people to remember that online systems can be hacked. “Use two-factor authentication and anything else the security or doorbell company recommends to protect the system,” Corey says. Nothing will guarantee 100-percent safety and security but taking a strategic approach and implementing the measures recommended by experts will reduce your chances of being victimized. Jaimie Seaton has been a journalist for more than 20 years and is the former Thailand correspondent for “Newsweek.” Her work on divorce, parenting, dating, and a wide range of topics has been featured in “The Washington Post,” “The Guardian,” “Glamour,” and numerous other publications. Follow her on Twitter @JaimieSeaton.

A SPACE FOR MODERN FAMILIES socialplayhaus

State of the Art concussion management solutions to help athletes get back on their feet faster!

CAFÉ: • Fresh Baked Goods, Small Plates • Locally Roasted Coffee & Espresso

Concussion baseline testing, diagnosis and treatment •

• Nitro Cold Brew, Craft Beer & Wine

PLAY: • Large Modern Play Area With ProPlay Specialists Who Encourage Positivity & Collaboration

WORK: • Work Spaces With Free Wi-Fi

Dr. Paul works with athletes, non-athletes and their families to provide individualized, effective concussion care, and collaborates with coaches and teachers to insure an effective recovery program.

901 Stewart Ave Suite 212 Garden City, NY

CALL US: (203) 293-6325

• Private Drop-in Offices With Option of Supervised Play

EVENTS: • Modern And Open Space For Any Occasion:

First Birthday Celebrations • Birthdays • Showers Reveals • Baptisms • Fundraisers • Corporate Events FOR MORE INFO TO BOOK AN EVENT CONTACT: Info@socialplayhaus.com 200 Express St. | Plainview, NY 11803 | 516-200-6444

AUDITION With Top NYC Casting Agents

Is your child interested

in ACTING, MODELING or SINGING? We specialize in afterschool & weekend development for Actors, Models, & Performers ages 4-18

On Camera Scene Study · TV Commercials Runway · Fashion Print · Improvisation Youtube Channel Creation · Voice Over and many more!

To apply for a FREE live on-camera audition call 516-765-2400 or visit TowerTalent.com contact us today to learn about our holiday specials

310 Hillside Avenue Williston Park, NY 11596 (516) 294-0111 www.kiddieplayland.com Facebook: KiddiePlayland

LongIslandParent 45

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.

DYNAMIC BEAT PRODUCTIONS

Long Island, New York, and the Tristate area 631-399-6942 dynamicbeat.com dynamicbeat@optonline.net Your special event needs just the right mix of creativity, energy, and professionalism to get the celebration started. Dynamic Beat Entertainment has been making events memorable for 20 years. Our services include DJ, lighting, photo booths, lounge decor, and video production.

ERIK’S REPTILE EDVENTURE

P.O. Box 612, Middle Island 631-335-9308 edventureshow.com edventures1@yahoo.com Have a World of Reptiles Party featuring 12 animals from all around the world! Wildlife education and fun with live reptiles and museum animals. We are ready to make your party an unforgettable event!

KIDS PARTY WITH RUBY

646-683-1881 kidspartywithruby.com ruby@kidspartywithruby.com Kids Party with Ruby offers party planning assistance, kids party entertainment packages, bounce houses, balloon decorations, and party favors! We bring everything to your party to ensure all the kids have a fun and unforgettable experience.

PARTY PLACES AS YOU WISH PARTIES

418A Bedford Ave., Bellmore 516-590-7878 asyouwishparties.org As You Wish Parties will make your child’s party dreams come true. Themes include Pretty Princess, Knightly Knights, Traditional Tea, PJ Party, Rock Star and Superheroes, Dessert Party, or Kids Canvas Painting.

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!

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, 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 & Aquarium’s exciting live exhibits. Feed the hungry trout and learn about fish, reptiles, and amphibians with an up-close animal encounter.

GOLD MEDAL GYMNASTICS CENTERS Nassau: 1100 Stewart Ave, Garden City 516-357-3636 gardencity@gmgc.com 210 Gardiners Ave., Levittown 516-735-4653 levittown@gmgc.com; gmgc.com Long Island’s leading gymnastics center, “Where Every Child is a Champion” since 1973. Island-wide with six locations and fully certified instructors. We offer action-packed birthday parties!

GRADY EDU

1399 Jerusalem Ave., N. Merrick 516-401-4100 gradyedu.com; parties@gradyedu.com Grady edu offers educational birthday parties with custom culinary workshops, a fashion design pajama party, or girl day jewelry making pamper day.

GRAVITY VAULT MELVILLE INDOOR ROCK GYM 40 Melville Park Road

November 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Your local guide to entertainers, party places, activities, and other resources. 516-777-9255 gravityvault.com/locations/melville-ny melville@gravityvault.com Climbing is a great way to celebrate your birthday! Our awesome climbing parties give kids an exciting day they will never forget! Offering different party package options to accommodate your needs.

INTREPID SEA, AIR & SPACE MUSEUM Pier 86, W. 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue, Manhattan 646-381-5010; intrepidmuseum.org groupsales@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 131 Main St., East Rockaway 877-539-2278 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!

KIDDIE PLAYLAND

310 Hillside Ave., Williston Park 516-294-0111 kiddieplayland.com Celebrate your child’s special day at our eco-friendly indoor play space and enjoy watching your child have lots of fun. Three packages available with free invitations, pizza and drinks, play time, games, and dancing!

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 xH20 (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!

LONG ISLAND NETS

NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale longisland.gleague.nba.com Long Island Nets birthday party packages are a great way to celebrate your next birthday. Receive exclusive gear and birthday shout outs.

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!

MAIN ST. BOARD GAME CAFE UNPLUG YOUR GAME

307 Main St., Huntington 631-729-0060 mainstboardgamecafe.com/reservation info@mainstboardgamecafe.com Unplug your game! Main St. Board Game Cafe hosts parties for kids, tweens, and teens. Supervised by our staff of board game experts, our parties are a fun yet enriching experience for your next birthday or event.

MONSTER MINI GOLF

410-C Commack Road, Deer Park 631-940-8900 monsterminigolf.com/locations/deer-park All birthday packages include 90 minutes in a haunted mansion-themed private party room and a dedicated party host. Guests will play a round of golf under black lights with monster-themed decor featuring fun-loving, animated monsters.

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 Great South Bay Shopping Center 985 W. Montauk Highway, West Babylon 631-314-GYMS (4967) mygym.com/babylon At My Gym the goal is to make your party an amazing, customized celebration. You will have exclusive use of the entire gym with a rock wall, trampoline, trapeze, climbing structures, and slides.

NORTHWELL HEALTH ICE CENTER

200 Merrick Ave., East Meadow 516-441-0070; northwellhealthicecenter.com Host your child’s birthday at Northwell Health Ice Center and have the coolest party in town. Our party planner will work with you to help plan a party experience that includes ice skating, skate rentals, pizza, and drinks.

NOT JUST ART

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

SAF-T-SWIM SCHOOL

Nassau: 2050 Bellmore Ave., Bellmore 516-557-2114 625 Merrick Ave., East Meadow 516-538-6900 Located inside New York Sports Club 210 Gardiners Ave., Levittown 516-597-5193 1 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park 516-519-8787 3194 Lawson Blvd., Oceanside 516-442-2825 570 Main St., Westbury 516-876-0848; saf-t-swim.com Saf-T-Swim pool parties are never rained out! Our year-round parties include 24 guests, a private party room, pool time, lifeguard, invitations, and pizza.

SOCIAL PLAY HAUS

200 Express St., Plainview 516-200-6444; socialplayhaus.com info@socialplayhaus.com Social Play Haus is the newest and hippest cafe and event space created for modern families on Long Island. We specialize in first birthday celebrations, birthdays, showers, baptisms, reveals, fundraisers, and corporate events.

SUGAR FACTORY

Sugar Factory - Meatpacking District 835 Washington St.

Sugar Factory - The Row 700 8th Ave. Sugar Factory - Upper West Side 1991 Broadway 212-414-8700 sugarfactory.com; sfny@sugarfactory.com Party where the stars play! Here at The Sugar Factory, we offer pre-fixed and customizable party packages for any celebration and budget! From private large-scale events to private dinners for two, a Sugar Factory celebration is one you will never forget!

THOMAS SCHOOL OF HORSEMANSHIP RIDING ACADEMY 250 Round Swamp Road, Melville 631-692-6840 tshcamp.com; tsh@tshcamp.com

Birthday parties, scout parties, and class trips are always a blast at the Thomas School of Horsemanship. For groups of 14-18 children. They receive one hour of riding time.

Veteran's Day | November 11, 2019 12:30-3:00pm Family-friendly short films! Fun, hands-on art activities! Free lunch & snacks!

UNLIMITED SPORTS ACTION

30 Beechwood Ave., Port Washington 516-767-7675; unlimitedsportsaction.com info@unlimitedsportsaction.com

Unlimited Sports Action offers sports birthdays for ages 2 and older. Our parties offer one hour of sports and activities on a climate-controlled turf field, followed by 30 minutes of food, drinks, and birthday cake in a private room.

$20 Child / Free for adults (with children) Every child must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets must be reserved in advance at www.goldcoastfilmfestival.org / 516-829-2570

WOWMOMS WORLD LONG ISLAND 328 E. Jericho Turnpike, Mineola 516-741-6667; wowmomsworld.com

We do children’s birthday parties differently-ours are health-oriented, educational, and fun! Kids’ meals and cake are included, choose from activity options like princess and superhero visits, face painting, and obstacle courses!