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Queens Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM PARENTS.COM MARCH 2018

Camp Planner! • How Camp Preps Kids for College • Find Your Child’s Dream Camp NEW! Camps at a Glance • Transportation • Lunch • Flexible Hours • More

Ax Your Taxes Deductions Even Smart Parents Miss

End Bad Behavior In ONE Surprising Step

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

QueensParent

Mag Day Magic Camp

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Convenient Bayside Location Children Ages 4 to 15

We Can Be Reached at (718) 634-8109 • www.magicdaycamp.com

QueensParent

contents table of

march 2018

56 34

camp

How to Raise a Take-Charge Teen

Help your kid learn to make his own decisions instead of just following the crowd.

Family Fun a Ride Away

Plan a day trip to get out of the city—two can’t-miss venues in Bergen County, NJ and more.

18 How Camp Prepares Kids for College 22 Camp Directory

30 Camps-at-a-Glance Chart

Spring Clean It!

Places in your home you should be cleaning on a regular basis, but likely aren’t

raising kids

things to do

family life

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 5 Things Parents Should Know About Bad Behavior 12 Fear Not, Little One 54 Sleep Training 101 56 How to Raise a Take-Charge Teen 60 Party Central 62 Professional Services 63 Open Houses and Meet the Doctor 64 Family Resource Guide and Party Planner 65 Advertisers’ Index 66 Quotables

14 Fake Fur Pom

48 Make Filing Less Taxing

34 Family Fun a Ride Away

50 Spring Clean It!

35 Family Activities Calendar

58 Top ‘o the Morning to Ya!

46 Spring into March

NYMetroParents

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

10 End Bad Behavior

17 Camp Planner! 48 Ax Your Taxes

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

THE HIGHLAND SCHOOL Established 1949

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, MARCH 4th 1 -4 P.M.

• • • • • • • • • •

Tour the school and join students and parents at our annual Family Fun Day activities/event. RSVP 718-357-4747

Small Classes Separate Floor for Pre-K and Kindergarten After School Program Transportation Available Early Morning Drop Off Smartboard Technology Foreign Language, Music, Art Large Gymnasium and Outdoor Playing Fields Extracurricular Activities: Martial Arts, Dance, Drumming, Sports, Drama, Girl Scouts, Piano Exciting Trip Destinations

Affordable Tuition Accredited By The New York State Department of Education

Congratulations

to our Class of 2018 students on their acceptances and scholarships to their ﬁrst choice high schools.

193-10 Peck Ave. • Fresh Meadows, N.Y. 11365 718-357-4747 • www.thenewhighlandschool.com QueensParent

raising kids editor’s note

MARCH 2018 • Vol23 • No.8

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Deborah Skolnik MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling SENIOR EDITOR: Bethany Braun-Silva

Springing Forward— Confidently

ou can feel it in the air: Spring is on its way. Sure, we may still be stepping around slush puddles, but soon enough we’ll be soaking up sunshine, and the ground—well, outside Manhattan, at least—will be a gorgeous sea of green. No matter how many times you’ve experienced this change of seasons, it always seems like a miracle. If you’re a new parent, you may be praying for another miracle: a good night’s sleep. Well, believe it or not, that too is possible. Just read Bethany Braun-Silva’s article, “Sleep Training 101,” on page 54—it examines popular techniques you can use to get your baby to settle down peacefully each evening and minimize those middle-ofthe-night tears (his and yours). It also explains why you shouldn’t despair if your baby backslides a little from time to time. Over on page 56, Christina Vercelletto’s article, “How to Raise a Take-Charge Teen,” will help you guide your older kid through an amazing transformation too—one that turns her from a wishy-washy crowd-follower into someone who makes her own decisions, regardless of what her friends do. Of course, spring isn’t just bunnies and daffodils; there’s important work to be done. For starters, you’ll need to finish your taxes (sorry!). Don’t file them until you’ve read “Make Filing Less Taxing” on page 48—we share savvy pro tips that could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars, a big help when you’re raising a family. Spring cleaning is another chore many of us tackle right about now, and we’ll show you how to make sure you really do the job right. Just turn to page 50 for Katelin Walling’s article, “Spring Clean It!”. We asked the experts to point out all the nooks and crannies that even the most enthusiastic housecleaners (not that we know any of those!) tend to overlook. Once you’re done de-griming them, you can rest easy knowing that your house is deep-down clean for you and your kids. Just as soon as you’ve gotten your house ready for warmer weather, you’ll start thinking about summertime. Have you made your child’s camp plans yet? Starting your search now will give you the time to find a program that really resonates with your kid’s personality and brings out his full potential. Read Stacey Ebert’s wonderful piece on page 18, “How Camp Prepares Kids for College,” to learn how a positive summer experience can help your child flourish not just now, but years down the road. Then check out our amazing new camp chart on page 30. We know you’re busy, so we made it easy for you to scan different camps’ services and offerings at a glance. With so many great choices listed, you’re bound to find the ideal program. It’s just one more reason to “spring forward” with plenty of energy and optimism. Enjoy!

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

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

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

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

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MANAGING DIRECTOR: Rebecca Dixon 917-572-9192

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Deborah Skolnik Editorial Director

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

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

ENGAGEMENT EDITOR: Samantha Neudorf

BIG APPLE PARENT, QUEENS PARENT, WESTCHESTER PARENT BROOKLYN PARENT, ROCKLAND PARENT, BERGEN •ROCKLAND PARENT, and LONG ISLAND PARENT are published monthly by Davler Media Group, LLC Copyright © 2017, Davler Media Group, LLC No part of contents may be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher. Subscription rates per year, per publication: $39

Kon Gen International Preschool 196-25 42nd Ave, Bayside, NY 11358 (Francis Lewis Blvd and 42nd Ave)

718 281-2338 718 353-4388

A unique preschool for children ages 2—5 Facility hours 7:45 - 6:00pm

FREE FULL-DAY PROGRAM for 4 year-olds born in 2014

• Gifted and Talented Test Preparation • Dance studio/Gym, Indoor sensory room, Music room, Rooftop playground, Botanical Garden • Project based Curriculum aligned with NYS Common Core Learning Standards • Licensed by NYC Dept of Health QueensParent

raising kids new places, new programs

Courtesy St. Kevin Cath

Who: St. Kevin Catholic Academy What’s New: The LabLearner Discovery Lab, which was funded by a grant from the Elizabeth Ann Seton Fund and the Pastors within the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens. The science lab— complete with new equipment—was finished for the start of the recent school year. “Students find it’s easy to learn science when they’re working with real science equipment and investigating interesting questions that they can relate to,” says Barbara Graham, a teacher at the school. The LabLearner Discovery Lab is available for kindergarten through eighth-grade classes, and each class is scheduled for at least one double period in the lab every week. Want More Info: 45-50 195th St., Flushing; 718-357-8110; stkevinca.org

olic Academy

Flushing Catholic Academy Opens Science Lab

St. Kevin Catholic Aca demy’s LabLearner Dis covery Lab is equipp light microscopes, two ed with -pan balances, photo spectrometer, hot pla array of beakers, and tes, an more.

Boy’s Basketball Courtesy Girl’s &

Who: Girl’s & Boy’s Basketball and Beyond What’s New: The basketball program for ages 5-16, which offers affordable year-round sessions after school and on weekends, private lessons, and three two-week summer camp sessions. Girl’s & Boy’s Basketball and Beyond takes a holistic approach to teaching the sport with lessons on and off the court, says founder Denise Frazier, who has been teaching and coaching for more than 30 years. In addition to learning and building basketball skills, children in the yearround and summer camp sessions will learn basic nutrition information, the history of the sport, and women’s history. Registration is currently open for camp, and the first session will begin July 9. Want More Info: 55-11 Queens Blvd., Woodside; 718-697-1699; girlsbasketballbeyond@gmail.com; girlsbasketballandbeyond.com

and Beyond

Woodside Basketball Program Offers Year-Round and Camp Sessions

en improve aims to help childr tball and Beyond ough on- and thr l bal ket bas Girl’s & Boy’s Baske e for knowledge, and lov , em ste f-e sel ir the off-court lessons.

Who: iCodingClub What’s New: The coding school for children in fifth grade and older, which is set to open March 5. Many different fields of work require at least basic coding knowledge, according to John Park, co-founder of iCodingClub. So students will learn how to develop and design a website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Once students learn the basics, they can register for more advanced coding classes. “We’re trying to prepare the students. We’ve come up with a curriculum that no other school has,” Park says. Classes will be held after school and on weekends, and students will need to bring their own laptops. Registration is now open. Want More Info: 3530 Francis Lewis Blvd., #204, Bayside; 718-395-9009; 212-300-2883; icodingclub.com 8

March 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Courtesy iCodingClub

Computer Coding School to Open in Bayside

iCodingClub’s facility comprises of two classrooms, which each fit 12-14 students.

180 East 79 St. Suite # 1C New York, NY 10021

114-20 Queens Blvd, Suite CS2 Forest Hills, NY 11375

Committed to providing neuropsychological and educational assessments to the children of NYC for over ten years. Our director, Dr. Sanam Hafeez, is a highly sought after expert in the field of child development and learning and a faculty member at Columbia University. She is a regular medical guest and expert contributor to the CBS news shows, Dr. Oz Show, Nancy Grace, Fox and Friends, WebMD, Yahoo! Health and Parenting, Glamour, Women’s Health Magazine and more.

Who We Help: • Learning disabilities • Autism Spectrum Disorders • Developmental Disorders and Delays • Depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, mood disorders, etc

How We Help: • Extra time and separate location on tests (City Wide, Common Core, SATs,) • IEP and 504 planning, entrance to private schools and medication management • Forensic (Injury, Child Custody, and Immigration) cases • Treatment planning based on comprehensive assessment

We accept Health Insurance GHI, UnitedHealthCare, Oxford, Cigna, MagnaCare, BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) All Major credit cards accepted

www.ComprehendTheMind.com | 1-888-441-0015 QueensParent

raising kids in the know

5 Things Parents Should Know About Bad Behavior ››

By Bethany Braun-Silva with Catherine Pearlman, Ph.D., LCSW

arenting is easy,” said no one ever. It involves dealing with endless laundry, poop, and stomach viruses, plus making lunches, grocery shopping, cleaning up messes, and much more. It sometimes can be a thankless job, but it’s the job for which we signed up. We parent out of love, and mostly, even with the work, it’s a joy. However, there is a lot of unpleasantness that isn’t an inevitable part of the job, namely dealing with kids’ whining, complaining, tantrums, and wheedling. These button-pushing, parentprovoking behaviors are mostly learned, but they can be unlearned in a flash. When that happens, parenting becomes less like a job and a lot more fun. Here, Catherine Pearlman, Ph.D., LCSW, author of Ignore It!: How Selectively Looking The Other Way Can Decrease Behavioral Problems and Increase Parenting Satisfaction, shares five important points parents should know about kids’ annoying and attention-seeking behaviors.

“

1. Kids whine, complain, and negotiate all for one simple reason: because it works. Begging for an ice pop or complaining about having to eat broccoli tends to get the desired response. Either kids get to avoid something they don’t want to do, or they get something they desperately want, like another brownie or more screen time. If the behavior doesn’t produce these rewards, children will find other, more appropriate ways to behave. 2. Behavior that is reinforced will be repeated. Kids are smart cookies. Once they break the parenting code and figure out how to get more of what they want and less of

what they don’t, they will use these effective techniques to their advantage. Children aren’t deviant monsters; they are just learning from their parents how to work the system. If you knew what to do to get a free Frappuccino at Starbucks, wouldn’t you do it? 3. When parents change how they respond to a behavior, the behavior changes. The good news is children notice very quickly when their tried-and-true behaviors are no longer effective. If kids throw a tantrum but it gets them nothing, they decide it’s not worth it. When arguing and begging for more screen time produces no more time and no additional attention, kids give it up. 4. To avoid rewarding or reinforcing misbehavior, ignore it. Once you’ve said “no” to a pack of gum at Target or a balloon at the stationery store, ignore the whining and complaining. Also ignore it when your child tries to negotiate for fewer carrots at dinner, or burps for attention. Without any reward, kids will quickly drop these behaviors. Why would kids beg, whine, or negotiate if nothing comes of it? 5. Ignore the misbehavior, not the child. Kids still need attention, so give it to them, just not following misbehavior. Instead, catch them when they’re listening, being kind, or following directions, then reward them for those actions. An important caveat of ignoring misbehavior: Don’t ignore your child’s pain or anyone who is in pain as a result of your child’s behavior.

Catherine Pearlman, Ph.D., LCSW, is an assistant professor at Brandman University and the author of Ignore It!: How Selectively Looking The Other Way Can Decrease Behavioral Problems and Increase Parenting Satisfaction. Visit Dr. Pearlman’s website, thefamilycoach.com.

March 2018 | nymetroparents.com

DISTRICTS 25 AND 30 2018-2019 Magnet Schools Assistance Program

The Harry T. Stewart, Sr. Magnet School of Engineering, Architecture and the Arts, PS 92 (Pre –K - 5) 99-01 34th Street, Corona, NY 11368 Wednesday, March 21st • 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM Thursday, April 19th • 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM Accepting applications for Grades 1 through 5

The Joseph Pulitzer Magnet School of Innovation and Applied Learning, IS 145 (6-8) 33-34 80th Street, Flushing NY 11372

Magnet Schools are New York City public schools that receive additional funding from the federal government to implement a theme, design innovative curriculum and increase family participation. The academic instruction includes STEAM and project based learning. Academic experiences are enriched by school trips, additional supplies, partnerships and arts-in-residency programs. Magnet Schools offer challenging interdisciplinary academic experiences designed to engage, inspire and promote student achievement. Magnet schools accept applications from students beyond the school attendance zone.

Tours available on request Accepting applications for grades 7 and 8

The Magnet School of Global Studies and Leadership, PS/IS 200 (Pre-K – 8) 70-10 164th Street, Flushing NY 11365 Saturday, March 24th • 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Saturday, April 21st • 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Accepting applications for grades 1 through 5, 7 and 8

The Discovery School for Inquiry and Research: A STEAM Magnet School, PS 201 (Pre-K -5) 65-11 155th Street, Flushing NY 11367 Tuesday, March 20th • 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM Tuesday, April 10th • 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM Accepting applications for grades 1 through 5

Families can apply online at www.D2530magnet.com go to the “Magnet Application 2018-2019” tab and follow the instructions or by emailing info@magnetschools.com or by phone at 718-759-4977.

Dr. Zweihorn is a board-certified orthodontist specializing in the treatment of children, teens and adults. Our team focuses on helping you achieve your best smile!

CALL TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: 718.969.9234 • www.drzweihorn.com

All for a Smile March Promotion: 5% off for full braces $100 off Invisalign

150-25 Union Turnpike Flushing, N.Y. 11367 Office Hours Include Sundays and Evenings QueensParent 11

raising kids voices

Fear Not, Little One

››

How my daughter’s journey from fearless to fearful (and back again) changed the way I parent. By Whitney C. Harris

was afraid of many things as a child. From thunder and lightning to E.T. and our neighbor’s dog, I always found something to freak out about. I was leery of department stores and getting lost in their maze-like clothing racks. I was so scared of the board game Operation that I had to wear earmuffs to mask the constant buzzing sound when my older sister played with her friends. I couldn’t even look at my father’s heavy-duty liquid soap bottle because the giant greasy hands on it were totally terrifying to me. This summer my daughter turned 2 years old, and as all the parenting literature promised, she started to develop some fears herself. Despite my own experience with this, I felt helpless and perplexed. Rather than a gradual introduction to shock and fright, we’ve been dealing with the sudden appearance of fears, some from seemingly nowhere. My once-fearless toddler started clinging to me if a dad entered the playground, and crying if strangers looked at her for too long in the grocery store. The “stranger danger” was short lived, but she still gets very irritable when unfamiliar men are around. My daughter still seemed fairly intrepid this summer, swimming (with assistance from her floaties!) in the Hudson River or socializing with a new playgroup—until the smoke alarm in her bedroom went off three times in one evening. From then on, bedtime, naptime, and anything within one hour of these sacred rituals became riddled with anxiety triggers. It would start with some clinginess during her pre-bed meal, then tears while I was cleaning up, which led to protests at going upstairs and reading books, then screaming “No beep beep!” until it erupted into a full-blown meltdown on her bedroom floor. It was impossible to stop and heartbreaking to witness. My brave little girl was completely distraught, and I felt powerless to comfort her. So I learned a slightly different kind of parenting, with plenty of listening and less talking, and more creative problem solving than usual. I soon realized that my daughter desperately wanted to talk about the “beep beep,” so

I gave her every opportunity to repeat the story of what happened that night. “Beep beep. Daddy fixed it. We go outside,” she would say over and over again, recounting how the alarm blared, my husband shut it off, and then we went outside to call our local fire department just to make sure there wasn’t any carbon monoxide setting off the alarm. She wanted to put Elmo stickers on the alarm, so I found our tallest stool and managed to stick a few around its perimeter on her bedroom ceiling. Then I started pointing out all the happy beeps that we hear throughout the day. The microwave, which means her breakfast sausage is ready! My phone alarm, which means it’s time to get ready for preschool! Or the “beep beep” of her grandmother’s car just parked in our driveway, which always means a fun, lollipop-fueled visit. We even tried an at-home version of art therapy, drawing a picture of her bedroom together, her crib surrounded by books and stuffed animals, and the all-important “beep beep” at the top right-hand corner, with Elmo stickers nearby, of course. Our journey from fearless to fearful and back again just goes to show that I’ll probably never parent the same exact kid or in the same exact ways two years in a row, and that’s a good thing because it helps both me and my daughter grow. The first year was all about patience (breast-feeding, sleep regressions, and teething, for starters), but the second year has been about becoming more flexible and nimble, always ready to meet her wherever she needs me. A few weeks ago, my daughter’s bedtime routine went back to normal. She stopped talking about the “beep beep” entirely. It fell off her list of hot topics, which currently includes pigs, birthdays (dates, cakes, songs, presents, all of it), and the names of all her friends’ baby brothers and sisters. But now, instead of screaming out from her crib in fear, she’s shouting out in anger. “Put my arm under the blankie! Put my arm under!” she demands with increasing frustration. It’s been a long, cold winter. But at least she’s not afraid of Jack Frost—yet.

Whitney C. Harris is a freelance writer and NYMetroParents’ Manhattan and Westchester calendar editor. She lives in Sleepy Hollow with her husband, a toddler, and a dog.

March 2018 | nymetroparents.com

GIRL'S & BOY'S BASKETBALL AND BEYOND We invite you to the world of Girl’s & Boy’s Basketball and Beyond! Our expert coaches will teach your child basketball skills, nutrition, and sports history. Your child will become a better basketball player and better at making healthy food choices. • Finally, an affordable, quality professional program • We teach your child the skills she/he needs to be successful both on/off the court • Classes are taught by former elite professional athletes and professors • Two additional learning components: Children are taught in-classes nutrition lessons, and sports education lessons

Two Week Camp Cost:

Only $499 for two weeks, or $300 for one week!

Section 1: July 9th - July 20th (Theme: Basketball Do's and Don’ts and Nutrition Theme - Food Pyramid) Section 2: July 23rd - Aug. 3rd (Theme: Basketball Heroes and Nutrition Theme Smart Food Choices) Section 3: Aug. 13th - Aug. 24th (Theme: Basketball Past and Future Nutrition Theme: Energy Foods) Campers will receive Basketball Composition Notebooks, Basketball Pins, and Tee-Shirts.

The Top 3 Campers will receive a pair of girls or boys Basketball Shoes! Girl’s & Boy’s Basketball and Beyond | 55-11 Queens Blvd. Woodside, NY 11377 | 718-697-1699 Website: girlsbasketballandbeyond.com | Email: girlsbasketballbeyond@gmail.com

Year round After School and Weekend Group Skills Training Classes, Unlimited for only $99 per month!

Rego Park Orthodontics

FREE Orthodontic Exam And Consultation For Children!

“

50% OFF

Invisalign Clear Aligner Treatment without Braces

“Dr. Davids has been treating my daughter for the past two years and today her braces come oﬀ! I recommend this doctor to families looking for a knowledgeable, compassionate, and attentive orthodontist. We loved our experience with her and look forward to our monthly follow up visits.” - Melissa Santana

• • • •

We accept Fidelis/Healthfirst Children’s Medicaid We participate with majority of dental insurances We offer 18 months payment plan with zero interest Multilingual Staff

Rego Park Orthodontics 98-41 Queens Blvd. Suite 1A Rego Park | 718-275-2006 davidsorthodontics.com

FREE Teeth Whitening Is Oﬀered Upon A Start Of An Orthodontic Treatment

QueensParent 13

things to do

diy corner

Fake Fur Pom Look at these and tell me you don’t want them! I can’t tell you how much joy I get from wearing these furry guys on my feet every day. If you don’t feel brave enough to wear them on your shoes, sew on a jump ring and attach a key-ring finding, or even sew one onto a hair elastic for a cute ponytail bobble. Whatever you do, just get them in your life!

Things you need Felt pen or a pencil Fake fur material Compass or large roll of tape as a template Scissors Needle and strong thread Toy stuffing / wadding Small coin, 1 inch in diameter Small piece of felt 2 shoe clips Glue gun Directions 1. Draw two circles on your fur material, roughly 4¾ inches in diameter—a full roll of sticky tape is a good size to draw round. 2. Cut out the circles with scissors and put one to one side. Thread your needle with a double length of thread, leaving a thread tail of 4 inches. Tack around the edge of the fur disc, using a running stitch. 3. When you get back to where you started, go back out the disc with the needle so now you have two tail ends next to each other. Hold the disc and pull the tail ends to ruche up the disc into a pouch. 4. Put a small amount of stuffing inside the pouch so it fills out, almost into a ball shape. You can also use your fur offcuts for stuffing. 5. Pull the tail ends and tie a knot to close up the opening. 6. Thread a needle onto the tail ends and sew a few stitches to secure. Repeat steps 2-6 to make another pompom. 7. Place your small coin on the felt and draw round it to make two circles. Cut them out. Sew a shoe clip onto each felt disc. 8. Attach the back of each felt disc to the base of a pompom, using a glue gun. Hold in place until the glue dries. 9. Clip the pompoms to your favorite pair of shoes and get dancing!

Excerpted with permission from Dress You Up by Rosy Nicholas, photography by Adam Laycock; published by Quadrille April 2017; RRP $19.99 hardcover.

March 2018 | nymetroparents.com

The Harry T. Stewart, Sr. Magnet School for Engineering, Architecture & the Arts PS92Q • Hands-on, Project Based Learning • Use of Engineering Design Process • Partner Residency Programs • STEM, Science and Music Labs • Visual and Performing Arts

OPEN HOUSES Wed., March 21st 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm Thurs., April 19th 8:30 am - 11:00 am

Magnet Schools are NYC public schools that receive additional funding from the federal government to implement a theme, design innovative curriculum and increase family participation. Magnet Schools accept students from beyond their attendance zone.

For more information, to schedule a tour, or obtain an application, please call 718-533-1013.

99-01 34th Ave. Corona, NY 11368 • 718-533-1013 • ps92q.org

GRAND OPENING! Create your website with HTML/CSS/JS/PHP. Grades: 5,6,7,8,9 Learn how to create your own website in one month. 718-395-9009 35-30 Francis Lewis Blvd. Bayside, NY 11358

For more information, please visit our website: www.iCodingClub.com QueensParent 15

Encouraging Nothing Less Than Your Child’s Best!

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

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

Licensed Speech Pathologists & Myofunctional Therapists Specializing in the Treatment and Correction of: Check us out on Facebook!

Call To Arrange A Tour or Shadow Day (718) 357-8110

2018/19 Registration Open Now! Mommy & Me, Nursery, Pre K for All, K through 8th Grade Availability An affordable education offered in a small class setting! 1:1 Chromebook Technology Lab Learners Discovery Lab Access Before/After School Programs Offered All Faiths Welcome 45-50 195th St Flushing, NY 11358 • www.stkevinca.org

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

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

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

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

SteppingStone Day School Inc.

GIVE YOUR 3-4 YEAR OLD The Gift of a Unique Preschool Experience

Wantagh

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

516-221-3653

Celebrating 35 Years of Serving Young Children and Their Families

• Child-friendly, Nurturing and Creative Classroom Environments • Inclusive Education for Children with Diverse Learning Styles • Licensed by The NYC Department of Health • NYS Certified Teachers and Assistants • Family Support Staff and Parent Involvement Programs • Flexible Part Time Options for 3 year olds • Summer Program Option

Full Day Classes (Free Pre-K For 4 Year Olds)

Before/After Class Care Available more information » For or to arrange a visit 718.591.9093 «

77-40 Vleigh Place • Kew Gardens Hills, NY 11367 16

March 2018 | nymetroparents.com

WHERE ALL CHILDREN CAN!!!

Full Time Nurse on Site

online extras The most important things kids learn at camp are the ones you can’t see. Here are 20 camp lessons we use every day ›› nymetroparents.com/camp-lessons

Summer camp can help kids become confident, independent, well-adjusted individuals. Read the benefits of camp at ›› nymetroparents.com/camp-benefits

Camp friends aren’t the only people who will have a lasting effect on your kid. Read about the special camper-counselor relationship at ›› nymetroparents.com/camper-counselor

Can you claim summer camp on your tax returns? Find out if your child’s summer camp qualifies for Child and Dependent Care Credit ›› nymetroparents.com/camp-deduction

inside

raising kids camp planner

18 How Camp Prepares Kids for College: Sending children to summer camp does more than keep them entertained—it prepares them for collegiate life. 22 Camp Directory: Find day camps, specialty camps, and sleepaway camps in and near Queens. 30 C amp Guide: This camps-at-a-glance chart makes it easier to find exactly what you want in a summer camp.

How Camp Prepares Kids for College ››

Sending children to summer camp does more than keep them entertained for the season—here are 10 ways it prepares them for the transition to collegiate life. By Stacey Ebert

t age 7 I went to day camp and by 10 I began going to sleepaway camp. Summer after summer I yearned for the end of school with excitement, though always with trepidation and a dash of worry as well. But the minute I opened the car door or the bus pulled up to my camp I was home, and that feeling never waned. Eight years after my first sleepaway camp experience, I headed off to college and that same mixture of emotions came along for the ride. Drawing on my camp experience, I was happy to discover, made the transition easier. Remembering the fun that superseded the fear, the compassion that outranked the chaos, and the learning that leveled the playing field helped more than any college preparatory book I could have read or any “what to know before you go to college” podcast I could have listened to (if those had existed at the time, of course!). What my camp friends and I learned stayed with us, transferred to others, and wove itself into the fabric of our being. As a camper and counselor, camp gave me the informal credits I needed to prepare for college. Here are 10 things I learned at camp that helped with the transition:

Learn to accept change.

This is probably the most significant lesson from camp that translates to college and then to life. Learning the only things we have control over are our attitudes, outlook, and responses is 18

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not an easy feat. Our cabins were decided before we arrived, and sometimes our friends weren’t with us, or perhaps new friends left before the summer’s end. Counselors shifted each session, and the new ones had very different personalities than our previous leaders. We could fight these changes, be angry when they happened, and let it ruin our camp experience, or we could find a way to accept the change, experience the new, and learn and grow. In college, friendships, roommates, and even majors change. Dealing with change isn’t easy, but it’s fantastically necessary. As we progress in years, the changes we deal with get more difficult, so our ability to accept what we can’t change must grow—and camp starts that process.

Be flexible and go with the flow.

You go to canteen and it’s out of Strawberry Shortcakes that day. The cabin night you were waiting for got rained out, so now your evening activity is indoors in the lodge. These things happen. Camp teaches us to go with the flow—our tongues turning blue from a new favorite popsicle, wearing pajamas to evening program instead of wearing layers to the beach, and empathizing with a friend while focusing on having fun with new ones for the duration of camp. That flexibility is necessary in the college stages and beyond. Sometimes our choices are taken away, sometimes the abroad program is unavailable, and sometimes we can’t get into that last class needed to complete

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our major until the following semester. Camp teaches us to let go; that the more relaxed we can be, the easier the shifts will become; and that the more flexible we are, the better it is for our health and well-being.

Embrace and learn from diversity.

At some point in every camp experience, we meet people who are different from us. Showing interest in those differences makes us better people, and learning from those differences widens our comfort zones and broadens our minds. Cabin and unit mates come from many backgrounds and all bring something different to the table. As the number of people with whom we interact increases, the amount of diversity we encounter grows. We meet people on day one of camp, and by day three we feel as if we’ve known them forever. Camp facilitates ease in meeting new people, lessens the fear in that meeting, and manages to make connecting with strangers more amazing than scary. Having that confidence in making new friends makes it much easier to do the same at freshman orientation. At camp and at school, we spend time with people, and we learn their desires and struggles, likes and dislikes, and upbringings and dreams of what’s to come. Camp and college provide an opportunity to make those strangers become fast friends, take notice of and embrace the differences, and learn more about the world around us.

Don’t be afraid to be yourself.

We all have strengths and weaknesses, successes and failures, likes and dislikes, dreams and aspirations, and things that bring us utter peace. If all of those were the same for our bunkmates, camp would be boring. I loved swim and arts and crafts. One of my best friends could spend her entire day at farm, while the other two practically lived at the barn with the horses. There were those who took to the talent show, while others shied away from the spotlight. There were those who were leaders and others who were not. All of us had a safe place to grow at camp. University campuses and courses widen that playing field too, but those of us who went to camp learned at an early age that we could be ourselves and be proud of who we are. It’s those lessons we reach for in the dorm room during moments that are coupled with the fear that we might not be enough.

Everyone gets homesick.

Perhaps it happened after you read a letter or email from home. Perhaps it happened after visiting day. Perhaps it happened after a bad dream, or when you fell off a horse, got your first tick, or had that first bellyache at camp. At one point or another, all of us had a twinge of homesickness. But at camp there was often someone with a friendly shoulder, an ear to lend, or open arms for a hug that lessened the ick and reminded us we could get through. Homesickness happens at college, too, but at camp we learned there’s another side, another day, and always someone to help, whether it’s your roommate, a friend, a professor, or an advisor. And sometimes we’re even better equipped to handle homesickness in college because we remember what it felt like at camp and how we overcame it. Feeling homesick happens to the most popular kid, the best athlete, and everyone in between. Homesickness is real, but it’s manageable. I learned that lesson at camp.

Respect yourself and others.

Camp provides us freedoms we might not have at home while encouraging us to make good choices, take care of ourselves, and use good judgment. These lessons continue after we leave the continued on next page ››

Call for a tour and visit our classrooms!

K R A NOEPAARHAT’S ORY SCHOOL PR PR

& SUMMER CAMP

FREE free Universal universal pre-k and preschool program • Licensed and Nurturing Teachers • Weekly Swim classes at Cross Island YMCA • Pre-K Fitness Classes • Music and Movement • Breakfast, Lunch, and Snack provided • Interactive Computers • Academics • Early Literacy • Water Activities, Slides, Wading Pool Park and Sprinkler fun during the summer • Learning while having FUN!

38-20 Bell Blvd. Bayside, NY 11361 For more info call: (718) 279-4251

62-48 Mt. Olivet Crescent Middle Village, NY 11379 For more info call: (347) 335-0044

www.noahsarkschool.com QueensParent 19

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grounds in August. Camp discourages bullying, teaches us to speak up for fellow campers and ourselves, and reminds us that although we’re away from home and school our character still counts and our actions have consequences. College life comes with privileges of freedoms, new people and attitudes, and many of the same choices as camp. Remembering the advice of camp counselors from our youth who constantly reminded us to respect ourselves stays with us and often pops up in critical moments when we have difficult choices to make.

Share your skills and your stuff.

Jill always brought the coolest clothes and stuff to camp. No one knew more about all things agricultural than Erin. Mr. Bill could fix everything, and his wife made the best iced tea in the world (well, according to us). Carolyn showed us how to make a one-match fire, and Maryanne introduced us to our favorite crumb cake recipe. Some people shared stuff, some shared knowledge, and others shared experiences—and it all mattered. Those who had something to share felt good knowing they were able to help someone else. Those who benefited from the generosity felt a connection, a boost in positivity, and often a desire to continue to pay it forward. College is much the same. Sometimes it’s as simple as sharing a pizza, lending out a sweatshirt, copying class notes for a sick friend, or explaining a statistics problem at 3am to your stressed out roommate. At camp we borrowed clothes, lent encouragement, and shared our knowledge. It was never about who had or knew the most or the best of anything; it was about those with the biggest hearts, the kindest ears, and the ability to be there. It mattered then, and it will continue to matter throughout college and the years thereafter.

Everyone has something to teach and to learn.

Trish the nurse taught me how to safely remove a tick. Mr. Bill showed me how to chop down a tree. Laura taught us to sing our hearts out. Millie taught us to cook, Adrienne showed us how to make our well-worn beaded camp bracelets, and I stayed up nights studying lifeguarding with Jackie. We all pitched in and we all offered up what we knew. But it was more than just tangible things: Krista taught me to deal with change, campmates taught me the magic of friendship, and hundreds of counselors taught me kindness, courage, resilience, and perseverance. College was

no different. We learn from our professors, our advisors, our friends, our surroundings, and often locals and strangers. Having an open mind, acknowledging that lessons come in all forms, having willingness to share what we know, and showcasing the ability to listen and share—camp introduced us to these lessons, and for that we are forever grateful.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

The road from Girls’ Camp to Boys’ Camp was covered by the trees’ canopy and lined with shrubbery. At night, there were parts of the path where you could barely see the glow of the stars. Whenever we had events at Boys’ Camp, fear of that dark set in. Erin was always there with a hand to lend. If she walked in the middle of the road, anyone whose arms or hands were intertwined with hers was safe from the brush and the creatures of the night. In college, I never would have gotten through statistics without the help of my science- and mathminded friends. When the methods were confusing and laden with frustration, those friends stepped in to lend a hand. Camp taught us not to be afraid to ask for help, whether we needed a hug when we were sad, a boost to reach the top of the rope, a spot with that back-handspring, a buddy for swim, or a friend with whom to walk home. Later in life, we were filled with the knowledge that asking for help only made us stronger, and we were often prepared to lend a hand when asked.

Face your fears.

Nature’s creepy crawlies wound their webs in all sorts of knobby corners at camp, and our bathrooms were outside. Then there was the swim test in the first days of the season. Camp taught us the need to face our fears in order to conquer them, to not get swallowed up by those emotions, and to always offer to help others face their own fears. As our worlds grow, often so do our fears. College finds us in new spaces, with new people and new experiences. Each time we try to push past that comfort zone, there’s fear. Camp reminds us that those fears (whether of failure or spiders) are normal, don’t make us any “less,” and are conquerable. Jackie got back on the horse after she was thrown off, Jill got back in a canoe after she busted her foot, and I jumped off of the biggest rock I’ve ever seen. We knew the future was full of unknowns, failures were bound to happen, and obstacles would most certainly pop up, but we also knew all those things we had to overcome were manageable.

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

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SOC SOCCER Ages 18 Months & Up

Year-Round Soccer Program General Classes After School Summer Camp Futsal League Travel Team Birthday Party All Girls Class Soccer in Spanish

Tinker Lab at Latimer House Museum • ran.yan@latimernow.org 3441 137th St. Flushing, NY 11354 • 718-961-8585 20

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Summer Day Program Ages 3-7 Camp in Session: July 2nd to August 17th Early Bird & Sibling Discounts

REGISTER NOW! 70-11 Austin Street, 2nd Floor Forest Hills, NY 11375 To learn about our camp, contact us to schedule a tour, or join us for our Book Fair and Open House Sat., April 14th or Sun., April 15th from 10AM to 3PM.

racademyofballet@gmail.com | 718-520-0207 www.roseacademyofballet.com QueensParent 21

Camp Directory DAY CAMPS Beth Sholom Day Camp

401 Roslyn Road, Roslyn Heights 516-621-9257 bethsholomdaycamp.com Beth Sholom Day Camp offers boys and girls, ages 3-15, the opportunity to reach their goals in a friendly, noncompetitive atmosphere. Activities include music, dance, arts and crafts, karate, and outdoor sports. Red Cross swim instruction is offered in our three heated pools. BSDC provides door-todoor, air-conditioned transportation. Glatt Kosher lunches provided daily, and we are nut-free. BSDC offers full- and mini-day nursery programs. Fifth through eighth grades participate in a camp and trip program. A CIT program is available for ninth and 10th grades. bethsholomdaycamp.com or office@ bethsholomdaycamp.com

Blue Dolphin Summer Camp

80-22 Parsons Blvd. 718-847-6470 bluedolphincamp.com info@bluedolphincamp.com Blue Dolphin Summer Camp is a place where friends return each summer to rekindle the magic and spirit unique to Blue Dolphin. Our commitment to outstanding service and quality has enabled us to create an environment in which children learn, grow, and flourish. Discover the ultimate summer camp for kids ages 3-15. Program hours are 9am-4pm. Free extended hours (7am-9am and 4pm-6pm). Bus service available. Campers may enroll for two-eight weeks, and they do not have to be consecutive. Register early to ensure best rate and payment options. Visit our website for open house dates.

CK Kids Summer Camps

68-02 Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village 718-366-7454 ctkny.org jmichel@ctkny.org Don’t miss the summer fun at CK! Christ the King has four exciting summer camps to offer children of all ages. Camps appeal to all interests, including soccer, basketball, cheerleading, dance, drama, cooking, arts, water slides, and karate. On-site math and ELA programs available. Come for a week or the whole summer! All activities take place on the CK Campus. Flexible scheduling, convenient location, sibling and multiple-week discounts.

Countryside Montessori School

354 Lakeville Road, Lower Level, Great Neck 516-466-8422 cmsgn.com info@cmsgn.com Countryside Montessori school runs a summer camp during July and August for children ages 18 months to 6 years. Camp has weekly themes that revolve around the projects and discussions the children have. Toddlers have play-based mornings spent in our playground. Primary (ages 3 and older) spends part of the mornings doing academics then spends afternoons in the playground while toddlers nap. Camp is a great way to acclimate your child to a school environment. Please contact us for information on enrollment at 516-466-8422 or info@cmsgn.com.

Hillcrest Jewish Center Day Camp

183-02 Union Turnpike, Flushing 718-380-4145 hjcdaycamp.org daycamp@hillcrestjc.org The camp “where everybody knows your name” offers preschool, nursery, and kindergarten for ages 4-5; junior for ages 6-7; senior for ages 8-10; tween for ages 11-13; and a CIT program. The age-appropriate programs include Red Cross swim instruction, arts and crafts, outdoor play and exercise, sports, tennis, field trips, Jewish culture program, organized games and activities, and weekly cookout. Teen lounge and late night trips offered for upper campers. Fee includes transportation, hot kosher lunch and afternoon snack, trip admission fees, T-shirt, and a group picture. A partial season program is available.

The Kew-Forest School Summer at Kew-Forest

119-17 Union Turnpike, Forest Hills 718-268-4667 x108 kewforest.org/summer summer@kewforest.org To serve the community’s need for a safe and exciting summer program, The Kew-Forest School offers Summer at Kew-Forest for all children entering grades pre-K to eighth. Our academics provide enrichment in reading, writing, and mathematics in a relaxed environment while our recreational program builds individual interest in activities such as art, sports, cooking, swimming, and drama. Register by the day, week, or for the full seven weeks! Before- and after-camp care options

also available. Ask us about our available discounts or to schedule a private tour.

Kon Gen International Preschool

196-25 42nd Ave., Bayside 718-281-2338 Kon Gen International Preschool in Bayside serves children ages 2-5. Our 20,000-squarefoot child care facility is fully equipped with a professional dance studio, indoor sensory room, outdoor play area, outdoor botanical garden, and a music room. Our project-based curriculum is linked to STEM principles and engages children to explore, solve problems, and construct knowledge through hands-on investigations, including research, reflection, and response while building academic and life skills. Offering free full-day Pre-K for All Program, gifted and talented enriched curriculum, and child care for ages 2-3.

Magic Day Camp

216-15 Peck Ave., Bayside 718-634-8109 magicdaycamp.com Magic Day Camp, “Where Every Day Is Magical,” offers children ages 4-15 adventures and activities that stimulate and motivate a young person’s mind and physical ability. We are the only traveling camp that swims every day in an Olympic country club pool, in addition to a jam-packed fun day with professional adult counselors who work with and understand children. With multiple exciting weekly trips, our rates also include door-to-door transportation, hot and cold healthy lunches, professional tennis, dance, and instructional sports programs for all children.

Mill Basin Day Camp

5945 Strickland Ave., Brooklyn 718-251-6200 millbasindaycamp.com Summers are times to spend with friends, make memories, and share experiences that last a lifetime. MBDC is dedicated to providing exciting and fulfilling camp experiences for children through fun, recreational, and safe activities. Our modern, air-conditioned, and private facility offers a wide range of activities for children entering pre-K through ninth grade. There are five individual camps, each with unique and innovative programming. Bring the family for a personal tour of the facility and discussion of the camp program. continued on page 24 ››

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SUMMER CAMP! JUNE 25 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; AUGUST 3

Discover new friends and ways to PLAY at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, home of the US Open! REGISTER NOW AT:

NTC.USTA.COM Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Flushing, NY 11368

GHT SUMMER IS RI RNER! AROUND THE CO

COME W ITH US TO CAMP!

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SAMUEL FIELD Y DA D DAY AY A Y CAMPS Low Camper / Staff Ratios ios Customizable Session Options ions Camps for Children with th Special Needs Elective Programming Academic Enrichment Available Extended Hours (AM/PM) Transportation Options Indoor & Outdoor Programs Exciting Trips & Travel Options 1199, ACD, & HRA Accepted ted

Countdown to Camp Open House at the Y Sunday, March 4th 1 - 3PM Meet the Directors and enjoy an afternoon of FREE camp activities! 58-20 Little Neck Parkway

718-225-6750 X261 AGAVORA@SFY.ORG WWW.SFYSUMMERCAMPS.ORG QueensParent 23

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Noah’s Ark Preparatory

38-20 Bell Blvd., Bayside 718-279-4251 62-48 Mt. Olivet Crescent, Middle Village 347-335-0044 noahsarkschool.com noahsarkpreparatory@gmail.com Noah’s Ark Preparatory Inc. strives to create a learning environment that invites the fullest potential of each person’s gifts. Both nursery and pre-kindergarten classrooms are divided into distinct learning areas and foster in the children a love of learning. The setting offers children the opportunity to teach themselves through their own discoveries. Noah’s Ark also offers an after-school program with bus service for ages 6-12, during which time will be spent building academic skills and addressing the needs of each individual student. For further information about any of our programs, including UPK and our wonderful summer camp for ages 2-10, please call the number above.

Oasis Day Camp

at Queensborough Community College, Bayside 646-519-5055 oasischildren.com bayside@oasischildren.com Oasis Camp offers programs for children ages 3 to sixth grade! With facilities in Manhattan, Queens, Long Island, Westchester, and New Jersey, Oasis features mature staff with low camper-to-staff ratio and a warm environment in which kids can participate in activities tailored to their interests. The Early Start camp for kids ages 3 to kindergarten offers sports, daily Red Cross swim, arts, dance, theater, and a Ready for September enrichment program. The Traditional Camp (firstsixth grades) provides campers with sports, crafts, theater, dance, and Red Cross Swim. Teen Travel has daily trips, team building, and overnights.

Samuel Field Y Day Camp

58-20 Little Neck Parkway, Little Neck 718-225-6750 x261 sfysummercamps.org agavora@sfy.org dschaefer@sfy.org For more than 60 years, the

Samuel Field Y, along with our caring and dedicated staff, has provided a profound and memorable summer camp experience to thousands of children and young adults. We remain devoted to our long-standing history of delivering a nurturing place where kids can be themselves, make best friends, and grow as individuals. Beginning at age 2, campers start their journey that will eventually lead to a range of exciting activities, trips, and overnights, along with an “unplugged” outdoor camp adventure, beginning in kindergarten.

SteppingStone Day School Inc.

77-40 Vleigh Place, Kew Garden Hills 718-591-9093 steppingstonedayschool.com Since 1983, SteppingStone Day School has offered a unique, nurturing, and innovative preschool program for children of all abilities. In this enriched, culturally diverse setting, children learn to play, negotiate, and interact with others as the foundation for a strong sense of self-confidence, well-being, and tolerance is instilled. Under the guidance of skilled, certified staff members, children engage in hands-on, developmentally appropriate experiences—discovering the world around them and cultivating a lifelong love for exploration and learning. Family participation is welcome; after care and summer program options available!

Tiny Footsteps

167-01 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows 718-969-5500 tinyfootstepsny@yahoo.com Tiny Footsteps is the place to be for kids ages 1-5! Our hands-on curriculum is theme-based allowing for student growth, exploration, and creativity. Students are prepared academically and socially for the big step into elementary school. All of our educators are dedicated to the profession of early childhood with extensive experience. Nutritious, kosher meals are prepared on-site three times daily. Free pre-K for all for children born in 2014. Various schedules are available for busy parents. Call for more information and to find out about our summer program.

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World of Discovery Day Camp

718-229-3037 worldofdiscovery.org info@worldofdiscovery.org World of Discovery Day Camp creates an environment in which kids can just be kids. Since 1977, children ages 4-15 have enjoyed baseball, volleyball, basketball, gymnastics, dance and drama, carnivals, scavenger hunts, swimming, Olympic week, and trips. Counselors must meet stringent standards, and all directors and assistant directors are New York state-certified and trained in CPR, first aid, and responding to emergency. All swim instructors are certified lifeguards. Door-todoor transportation is provided.

YMCA Summer Camps

bit.ly/2FgUwLs ymcanyc.org/camp rho@ymcanyc.org At YMCA Summer Camps, children learn leadership skills and develop self-confidence in a safe, accepting, and stimulating environment. They also build robots, go on field trips, shoot hoops, learn to swim, make new friends, and laugh all summer long! Our creative, educational camp programming—structured around the Y’s values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility— helps campers reach their fullest potential, physically, mentally, and emotionally. With six locations in Queens, find the perfect camp for your child! Visit us at ymcanyc. org/camp to learn more today!

Young People’s Day Camp of Queens

800-856-1043 queenscamp.com Since 1972, our family-run camp has provided safe, funfilled summers for thousands of Queens youngsters. YPDCQ is accredited by the American Camp Association. YPDCQ provides a dynamic, diversified, and professionally supervised program enabling children to see, try, and experience many activities. Activities include swimming, sports, arts and crafts, music and dance, nature science, academics, educational and recreational field trips, as well as many other special events. Ages 4-15. Free transportation. Ask about our Premium Enrichment Programs. New for 2018: robotics, sibling discounts, special union rates!

OUTINGS FOR CAMPS @ Play Amusements

229 NY-110, Farmingdale 631-815-5355 atplayamusement.com info@playamusement.com Come to @ Play Amusement this summer, where the sun always shines! @ Play Amusement is the ideal place for your next camp trip. Fully air-conditioned with a restaurant on premises. Activities for all ages include Laser Tag, Carousel, Tea Cup Ride, Bumper Cars, Himalaya Coaster Rides, Inflatable Zone, Adventure Maze, Toddler Center, and Ultimate Arcade! Organized check-in and personalized service have made us a premier choice for camps and groups. Come out of the heat and rain and step into the fun.

SLEEPAWAY CAMPS Camp Clio

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

Camp Huntington

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HILLCREST JEWISH CENTER DAY CAMP

Celebrating 60 Years Of Camp!!!

“The Camp Where Everybody Knows Your Name” Sunday March 18th, 2018 • Open House 1-3 p.m. Starting Sunday, January 14th, 2018 The Oﬃce Will Be Open From 10am - 12pm For Tours And Registrations

Program for Children 4-14 Years Old • Extended Hours for Working Parents • Red Cross Swim Program • Sports (Basketball, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball) • Music & Arts and Crafts • Large Gymnasium & Recreation Room • Catered Kosher Lunches & PM Snacks

• End of the Summer Carnival • Day Trips (Adventureland, Laser Bounce, Splish Splash and more) • Early Morning Supervision • In Camp Overnight • Weekly Cookouts • Door to Door Transportation

rtial Full & Pa rograms Season P le Availab

LARGE INDOOR POOL!

New For 2018! Special ½ Day Trips for Younger Campers (4-7 Years Old) Like us on

@hjcdaycamp

183-02 Union Tpke., Flushing 11366 • hjcdaycamp.org • daycamp@hillcrestjc.org • Call 718-380-4145

SUMMER REGISTRATION

Child Learning Center U N D PR

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AGES 1-5

A YE

GOING ON NOW! SPACE IS LIMITED!

SPACE IS LIMITED!

TINY FOOTSTEPS

FALL 2018 REGISTRATION GOING ON NOW!

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Monday - Friday 8:00am - 6:00pm • Extended Hours Available • Spacious Classrooms • Licensed Teachers • Warm Caring Environment • Creative Academic Programs

• Science & Explorations • Themes Aligned with Common Core • Large Outdoor Playground

• Free Potty Training • Hot Meals Prepared Daily • HRA & ACS Vouchers Accepted

www.tinyfootstepsny.com • 167-01 Union Turnpike • Fresh Meadows, NY 11366

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region, the camp provides therapeutically and instructionally designed recreation programs in summer and certain weekends during the year. Programs offer structured daily activities designed to be safe, learning-based, fun, and rewarding. Positive reinforcement motivates children to be happy and participate meaningfully. Activities encourage improvement in self-management and independence, and advancement in social and life skills. camphuntington.com.

SPECIALTY CAMPS All Star Studios

108-21 72nd Ave. (4th floor), Forest Hills 718-268-2280 allstarstudiosnyc.com allstarstudios@gmail.com Sign up now for summer and fall classes—limited space available. All Star Studios’ program is designed to encourage and educate the students on how to increase flexibility, improve coordination, focus on muscle strengthening, build poise, and have fun. All instructors have experience in both teaching and performing, to teach students the skills needed to pursue a career as a true artist as well as the compassion to help push them toward their goals, build their self-confidence, and encourage a healthy, active lifestyle. Visit allstarstudiosnyc.com.

ARTS DANCE MUSIC CAMP of Rego Park

98-11 Queens Blvd. (at 65th Ave.), Rego Park/Forest Hills 718-997-1278 dancesource.net info@dancesource.net info@vartamusic.com The Arts Dance Music Camp enters its second year of activities, hosted by The DanceSource. We invite campers between the ages of 8 and 16. This six week “bring your own lunch” camp will run from July 9-Aug. 17. The hours will be Monday-Friday, 9am4:30pm, with optional early arrivals and late pick ups. We will offer arts, dance, and music, bringing in new instructors, new crafts, and new art forms to our palate. You can sign up for single days, single weeks, or the full sixweek program.

Camp Clio

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the opportunity to share feelings and adoption stories with others who understand adoption without explanation because they are “just like me”—all in a fun camp environment. Camp Clio Teen: July 1-13. Camp Clio Youth: July 1-21. Campers may come for one or more sessions. Scholarships available.

Camp Huntington

56 Bruceville Road, High Falls 855-707-2267 camphuntington.com dfalk@camphuntington.com Camp Huntington, a coed, residential summer camp for children and young adults with autism, and related developmental and learning disabilities, and ADD. Ability levels mild to moderate-severe. Located in High Falls in the beautiful Catskill Mountain region, the camp provides therapeutically and instructionally designed recreation programs in summer and certain weekends during the year. Programs offer structured daily activities designed to be safe, learning-based, fun, and rewarding. Positive reinforcement motivates children to be happy and participate meaningfully. Activities encourage improvement in self-management and independence, and advancement in social and life skills. camphuntington.com.

The Crayon Box Preschool

44-10 192nd St., Flushing 718-888-9341 crayonboxpreschool.com Children at The Crayon Box are encouraged to learn by doing. The curriculum is planned by creative and dedicated professionals. Children experience the fun of learning by participating in activities designed to stimulate growth in a wide range of areas, including social and cognitive development, and gross and fine motor skills. The summer is no exception. Children have access to outdoor activities daily, and water activities three days a week. We invite you to come see us and decide if The Crayon Box Preschool is right for your child’s first educational experience.

Cunningham Tennis Discover the power of family music-making. Astoria, Bayside, Forest Hills, and More

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196-00 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows 718-740-6800 cunninghamtennis.com

Facebook: @cunninghamtennis Instagram: @cunninghamtennis info@cunninghamtennis.com Cunningham Tennis Summer Day Camps offer an active, healthy, and fun experience, rain or shine! Our campers will experience professional tennis instruction, sports (swimming, soccer, and basketball), arts and crafts, and educational enrichment. Educational activities are overseen by a NYS-certified teacher and will focus on math and language arts. Field trips are scheduled every two weeks, including to the US Open. Lunch is provided in our air-conditioned clubhouse and transportation is available upon request. Our staff, made up of USPTA-certified coaches and NYS-certified teachers, have passed background checks by the NCSI.

Girl’s & Boy’s Basketball and Beyond

55-11 Queens Blvd., Woodside 718-697-1699 girlsbasketballbeyond@gmail.com Our affordable summer camp is taught by elite athletes and college professors. On the court, our professionals focus on a team-orientated and individual skills-based approach to learning; while off the court, we use a holistic approach to teach your child about healthy habits. Unlike most basketball camps, our program offers two free additional components: fun, in-classroom, age-appropriate nutrition and sports lessons. Each camper will receive a basketball composition notebook, a basketball pin, a Girl’s & Boy’s Basketball and Beyond T-shirt, and the top three campers will receive a pair of girls’ or boys’ basketball shoes!

iCodingClub

35-30 Francis Lewis Blvd., Suite 204, Flushing 949-303-9986 icodingclub.com info@icodingclub.com iCodingClub recognizes the importance of the way the world is becoming. Technology is everywhere and it has only just begun. With our summer program, students will create and manage their own websites by code. After learning the continued on page 28 ››

CAMP MARKETPLACE

YMCA

SUMMER CAMPS

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

Camp Clio

a seriously fun place for adopted children... Youths and Teens

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

Camp Clio

(Ages 9 - 12)

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

10%

Early Bird Discount

Camp Clio Teen

ENDS APRIL 21

(Ages 13 - 16)

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

ymcanyc.org/camp

NEW YORK CITY’S YMCA

MIC & CORE ACADE OPTIONS L RECREATIONA • Drama s • Cooking Martial Art fts • Arts & Cra Swimming s ip Tr • Day Computers ! re and Mo

R EN A LL CHILD th Grade 8 to -K Entering Pre e Are Welcom

OPEN HOUSE APRIL 14

10am-12pm

For more information or to schedule a private tour, visit www.kewforest.org/summer or call 718.268.4667 x108

for 2018! New Rates

GUST 17 JULY 2 – AU Friday

ugh Monday thro pm 0 :0 4 9:00am – the Day, Register by 7 Weeks! Week or Full

er Care Before & Aft Available

SAVE

$100 REGISTER BY APRIL 30

119-17 UNION TURNPIKE • FOREST HILLS, NY

QueensParent 27

CAMP MARKETPLACE

‹‹ continued from page 26

Christ the King Royals' Soccer Camp For Boys & Girls Ages 7 - 16 Week #1 July 16 - July 20 Week #2 July 23 - July 27 Week #3 August 20 - August 24

CK Kids' American Dance & Drama Camp For Girls & Boys Ages 3 - 14

Christ the King Royals' Basketball Camp

July 2 - August 17 *No Camp July 4th

JEI Learning Centers

For Boys & Girls Ages 7 - 16 Boys Week #1 July 30 - August 3 Boys Week #2 August 6 - August 10 Boys Week #3 August 13 - August 17 Girls Week August 20 - August 24

Christ the King Royals' Cheerleading Camp For Girls Ages 7 - 16 August 20 - August 24

· 718.366.7454

ALL GAMES AND CAMP ACTIVITIES TAKE PLACE ON THE CK CAMPUS Register online at www.ctkny.org CKKids@ctkny.org · 718.366.7454

68-02 Metropolitan Avenue Middle Village, NY 11379

Dorney Park Basketball Soccer Basketball Bowling Roller Skating Swimming Karaoke Fishing Arts & Crafts GaGa-Ball Lacrosse I ork ntegr ity Frien ds

hip eamw aders T

Blue Dolphin Summer Camp Open House Saturday March 10th 11:00am - 1:00pm Thursday March 15th 4:30pm - 6:30pm Thursday April 12th 4:30pm - 6:30pm

hip

Ages 3-15 Free Extended Hours 7am-9am & 4pm -6pm Independence

Family

BlueDolphinCamp.com - 718-847-6470 80-22 Parsons Blvd. Queens NY 11432 28

fundamentals of web design and front end development, students will be able to continue learning on their own even after the summer program. All students leave our program with their own website based off their own name and also receive an email address off their own website. Contact us now to register!

March 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Auburndale: 347-408-4098 Floral Park: 718-347-3138 jei.com JEI Learning Centers have helped children achieve academic success around the world since 1977. We offer a variety of academic enrichment and tutoring programs for children in pre-K through ninth grade, including math, problem solving, English, reading, and writing. Our program is designed to elevate each student’s abilities to the next level and beyond. JEI’s scientific diagnostic system pinpoints the missing links in learning and prescribes individual study programs based on specific needs. Our curriculum is aligned with the Common Core Standards. Call for information about our minibreak and summer programs.

While the big kids are at camp this summer, have some family-style, music-makin’ fun with your little ones. Once a week for six weeks, you’ll sing, dance, and play with your baby, toddler, or preschooler in a play-based, developmentally appropriate musical environment. Some centers even offer classes for the big kids too! Founded in 1987, Music Together is a research-based program. Each family receives a CD or download set and songbook so you can continue the fun at home with the rest of the family. Find a location near you in Queens or on Long Island: musictogetherli-queens.com.

Music Together® With Music and Me Licensed Provider of Music Together® Since 2003 Astoria, Bayside, Forest Hills, and Glendale

Dr. Lynne Manouvrier, director LIU Post, Brookville 516-299-2160 liu.edu/giftedyouth The Long Island University program for gifted children was established in 1979 in response to the increasing recognition of society’s special responsibilities for children with demonstrably superior intellectual ability. The LIU Center for Gifted Youth brings together two important elements of education for the gifted: extraordinary teachers recruited from leading schools in the metropolitan area and university-level facilities. These two factors, combined with an administrative and psychological team schooled in the needs of gifted children, give the program at LIU Post unique strengths in producing positive benefits for young people admitted to the program.

718-229-0033 Astoria at Gym-Azing! Bayside at Bay Terrace Karate Center, Upper Level Baybridge Commons Shopping Center Forest Hills at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills Forest Hills at the Church in the Gardens Glendale at Tiger Schulmann’s Glendale musictogetherwithmusicandme.com info@musictogetherwithmusicandme.com Music Together® is the internationally beloved early childhood music and movement program for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their grown-ups who love to participate! Join our weekly 45-minute joyful classes, led by our skilled registered Music Together® teachers. Build your child’s brain, grow your child’s heart, nurture their inner-musician, and watch the magic unfold before your eyes! Sing, dance, play, and learn where music learning supports all learning®. Schedule your free class today for our spring or summer session! Visit musictogetherwithmusicandme. com for more information and our free Summer Concert Series program schedule.

Music Together

Nina’s Tutoring Center

LIU Post Center for Gifted Youth

Various locations; find the location near you: musictogetherli-queens.com

8702 Grand Ave., Elmhurst 718-205-7508 92-22 Corona Ave., Elmhurst

718-606-1056 tutornina@hotmail.com We tutor kids in kindergarten through 12th grades. For the past nine years, we have provided quality education that helps kids excel in school. Our excellent, highly dedicated, and experienced tutors are very competent. We specialize in homework help and offer critical thinking and writing classes. We help improve skills in math, ELA, science, and social studies. We also have an intensive preparation program for ELA, math, and science citywide and statewide exams. We opened our second branch on Corona Avenue to serve our community better. Please call to find out more about the programs we run throughout the year.

Rose Academy of Ballet

70-11 Austin St., Forest Hills 718-520-0207 roseacademyofballet.com racademyofballet@gmail.com Located in the heart of Forest hills, our dance program combines movement and music, while always leaving space for personal creativity. Students gain physical strength, flexibility, confidence, and an increased body awareness, all while exploring dance and having fun. We offer dance classes for ages 2 through adult. Join us for ballet, tap, musical theater, dance teams, and toddler groups. Don’t miss out on our flexible and fun dance camp. Early bird discounts and extended care are available! Registration is now open.

Tinker Lab at Latimer House Museum

3441 137th St., Flushing 718-961-8585 latimernow.org/tinker-lab ran.yan@latimernow.org Tinker Lab participants will explore design, hands-on making, circuitry, and programming using micro-controllers. Projects include biologically-inspired robots, electronic instruments, and video game design incorporating arts and science. Lab activities are held at African American electrical pioneer Lewis H. Latimer’s former science lab. The Latimer

House Museum won “Best in Class” with featured Tinker Lab activities at the 2016 Maker Faire NY. Parents are invited for the final presentation at the culminating event. Register for spring class and summer camp at latimernow.org/tinker-lab.

USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Flushing Register now at: ntc.usta.com The USTA Billie Jean National Tennis Center offers year-round programs as well as fun-filled

summer day camps for all ages and levels. We offer camps for the recreational student up to and including academy level players. Enrollment is available online at ntc.usta.com. Campers work on tennis techniques, tactics, sports conditioning, and strategy geared to maximize learning while having fun. As the students develop, they are advanced to more challenging groups. Our camp also offers cross-training activities, such as soccer, softball, basketball, and many field trips to venues located nearby.

CAMP MARKETPLACE

BAYSIDE

Located at Queensborough Community College

o a s i s

Soccer Friends USA Inc.

106-06 Queens Blvd., 3rd Floor Gym, Forest Hills 718-261-2403 347-756-2568 (para Español) soccerfriendsusa.com soccerfriendsusa@hotmail.com SFUSA offers two types of soccer summer camps. The first option is a drop-off summer camp that can be booked on a weekly or daily basis. The second option is our Flexible Class Pass. You will have the entire six-week season to use up the number of classes you purchase. Go to the beach, hang out with family and friends—you will still have time to attend your classes and not worry about make-ups.

Specialized Early Start Program: Ages 3-5 Traditional Day Camp: Ages 6-11 • Teen Travel: Ages 12-14 Sports & Outdoor Adventure • Arts & Crafts • Music & Performing Arts • Flexible Enrollment: 2-8 weeks Red Cross Swim Instruction • 8:30am-5:30pm + extended day • AC Transportation • Hot Lunch Option Special Events, Carnivals, Tie Dye, Scavenger Hunts, Color War, Day Trips, New Indoor Atrium

» Academic Enrichment & Chinese Academy offered all summer! » Join us for an info session on March 10th at 10:00 am in the Library Building - Rooms 14 & 15.

Register Online - Check out our new website! www.oasischildren.com • 646-519-5055 As Close to Sleepaway Camp As You Can Get!

@oasisdaycamps

QueensParent 29

All Star Studios allstarstudiosnyc.com

Billie Jean King National Tennis Center ntc.usta.com

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CK Kids ctkny.org

Dance

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Hillcrest Jewish Center Day Camp hjc.org

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iCodingClub icodingclub.com

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ISTEIN Education Center

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isteinny.com

JEI Learning Center Auburndale-Whitestone auburndale.jeilearning.com

Kon Gen International Preschool

Arts & Crafts

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Girl’s & Boy’s Basketball and Beyond girlsbasketballandbeyond.com

JEI Learning Center Floral Park jeif loralpark.com

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Countryside Montessori School cmsgn.com

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Clover Prep - FasTracKids & JEI Learning Center - Fresh Meadows cloverprep.com

Cunningham Tennis cunninghamtennis.com

Special Needs

Camp Clio campclio.org

Music

Arts Dance Music Camp of Rego Park dancesource.net

Blue Dolphin bluedolphincamp.com

Academic Enrichment

Day Trips

Swimming

Sports

Theater

STEAM/Robotics

PROGRAMS:

Half-Day

Flexible Scheduling

Extended Hours

Lunch

Transportation

Camp Guide

SERVICES:

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March 2018 | nymetroparents.com

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CAMP MARKETPLACE

The DanceSource Have you ever tried a Dance Class?

Offering Classes in: Ballet Tap

Jazz/Contemporary

Our smaller classes provide more attention in class, and more detail provide for each dancer.

Hip Hop Acrobatics

The Dancesource Offers

Summer Dance Intensive

For SUMMER 2018!!!

Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Gymnastics, Zumba, Hip-Hop, Classical Barata Nathyam, Modern, Ballroom (Latin & Classics), Bollywood, Georgian Dance, and Private Wedding Classes, Bat/Bar Mitzvah, Quincinera Dances, Birthday Parties Offered.

ALL STAR STUDIOS 108-21 72nd Ave (4th floor) Forest Hills, NY 11375 718-268-2280 allstarstudiosnyc@gmail.com allstarstudiosnyc.com

Administration available after school Monday-Thursday 4:30-7:30pm | Saturday 9:30am-2pm Sunday 9:30am-12:30pm | Rental space is available.

Come Try Our NEW Improv Dance Class!

98-11 Queens Blvd at 65th Avenue • Rego Park, NY Tel: 718-997-1278 • info@dancesource.net www.dancesource.net • Check out our website!

The Crayon Box Preschool

Countryside Montessori School

Learning & Fun Rolled Into One! Great Teacher to Student Ratios W Registering NO for Summer & 18 September 20

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR PRICING AND SCHEDULING

WWW.CRAYONBOXPRESCHOOL.COM

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

A proven system celebrating over 100 years of practice, research and worldwide recognition

Flexible schedule for working families

• Our fully equipped spacious classroom offer the most enriched curriculum OPEN HOUSE available for 18 months - 6 years. March 11th 2pm - 5pm • Fully affiliated with the

Call Ms. Virginia

American Montessori Society since 1998.

Prices to fit all budgets 44-10 192 Street, Flushing

718.888.9341 Now

Offering a Gymnastics Program Full size gym on 2nd floor Outdoor Playground on premises. Come be a part of the best kept secret in Queens

• Early drop-off and Extended day available.

Serving the Queens community for over 15 years! FOR CHILDREN 2 - 5 YEARS. COME VISIT OUR BEAUTIFUL,

STATE OF THE ART FACILITY

354 Lakeville Road Great Neck, NY • 516-466-8422 Visit our website: www.CMSGN.com QueensParent 31

Lewis H. Latimer House Museum latimernow.org Magic Day Camp magicdaycamp.com Mill Basin Day Camp millbasindaycamp.com

Oasis Camp in Bayside Queens oasischildren.com

World of Discovery Day Camp worldofdiscovery.org

Dance

Arts & Crafts

Special Needs

Music

Academic Enrichment

Swimming

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YMCA Summer Camps ymcanyc.org Young People’s Day Camp of Queens queenscamp.com

Sports

The Church-in-the-Gardens Nursery School citgnurseryschool.org

Tiny Footsteps tinyfootstepsny.com

Theater

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Soccer Friends USA soccerfriendsusa.com

The Kew-Forest School kewforest.org

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Rose Academy of Ballet roseacademyofballet.com Samuel Field Y Summer Camp sfysummercamps.org

STEAM/Robotics

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Music Together® with Music and Me musictogetherwithmusicandme.com Noah’s Ark Summer Camp noahsarkschool.com

PROGRAMS:

Half-Day

Flexible Scheduling

Extended Hours

Lunch

Transportation

Camp Guide

SERVICES:

Day Trips

‹‹ continued from page 30

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CAMP MARKETPLACE

This Summer PLAY BETTER IN QUEENS!

Specialized Sports Program Specialized Sports Program • Gymnastics • Karate • Swimming • Music Specialized Sports Program • Gymnastics • Karate • Swimming • Music

Bayside • 718-229-3037 Visit us at: www.worldofdiscovery.org Bayside •• 718-229-3037 Bayside 718-229-3037

Visit Visitus usat: at: www.worldofdiscovery.org www.worldofdiscovery.org

. Class Trip .

Re lig

Special group packages available for all ages!

Summer & Da y

Established in 1978 • Ages 4-15 Established in 1978 • Ages 4-15 Reasonable Tuition Established in 1978 • Ages 4-15 Reasonable Tuition Certified Teachers • 2-8Tuition Week Program Reasonable Certified Teachers • 2-8 Week Program Program Certified Teachers • 2-8 Week

ps m

uth Groups /Yo us io

• Private Outdoor Pool • Small Groups • Trips • Gymnastics Karate Swimming • Music •• Private Pool •• •Free Small Groups • Trips Dance •Outdoor Arts &•Crafts Transportation • Private Outdoor Pool • Small Groups • Trips • Dance • Arts & Crafts • Free Transportation • Dance • Arts & Crafts • Free Transportation

Book Your Next Adventure! www.FantasyForestnyc.com

info@nycarousel.com | 718.788.2676 @fantasyforestnyc

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

Are You the Parent of a Gifted Child?

LIU Post’s Center for Gifted Youth

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

program runs on Monday to Friday from July 2-27. The program is open to gifted children entering grades 2-8 in September 2018. The program

C on t u s to a c t v a c l a i s it s s!

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

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

INQUIRE ABOUT TRANSPORTATION!

Admission is highly selective and enrollment is limited.

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

Discover the joy of making music together with your family! Find a location near you in Long Island or Queens: www.MusicTogetherLI-Queens.com

QueensParent 33

things to do

outbound

Family Fun a Ride Away

Tenaﬂy Nature Center

Courtesy Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium

With nearly 400 acres of forest and wetland, this nature preserve protects, improves, and restores wildlife with outdoor, seasonal activities and animal-focused programming. Families can walk on hiking trails, enjoy nature-themed stories on a StoryWalk, and participate in maple sugaring in the spring. Visitors can expect to see more than 50 species of birds, whitetailed deer, red fox, and various turtles that call the nature preserve home. Visit it: 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly; 201-568-6093; tenaflynaturecenter.org

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium Comprised of two aquariums and eight outdoor ponds, the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium offers kids the opportunity to learn about preserving freshwater wildlife. Kids can feed trout, learn about freshwater reptiles and amphibians native to New York, go on a backyard bird watch, and spend time fishing. Visit It: 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor; 516-692-6768; cshfishhatchery.org

March 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Courtesy Bergen County Zoo

Bergen County Zoo Meet with animals from North and South America, such as a Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth, Baird’s tapirs, Andean condors, South American pampas, ocelots, capybaras, and more. Families can participate in a Night Owls walk to see nocturnal animals; a Reptile Safari to get a closer look at these cold-blooded, scaly creatures; and the Wild & Crafty Zoo Tour to hear stories about animals, followed by a craft project and walk through the zoo. Visit it: 216 Forest Ave., Paramus; 201-634-3100; co.bergen.n co.bergen.nj.us

and bey ond ! Courtesy Stepping Stones Museum for Children

Courtesy Tenafly Nature Center

In Bergen County, NJ…

Stepping Stones Museum for Children For a day of play and educational activities, kids of all ages and abilities can visit this museum and participate in programs such as Explorations: Dino Stamping to be a paleontologist for a day and create their own dinosaur guide book; Storm the Castle to build a fort and catapults in an Irish castle; and storybook pajama parties. Visit the museum for Egg-straordinary Egg-stravaganza this month, just in time for Easter. Visit It: Mathews Park, 303 West Ave., Norwalk, CT (Metro-North New Haven Line); 203-899-0606; steppingstonesmuseum.org

Ideas When You Need Them:

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

nymetroparents.com/register

Turn the page for details on St. Pat’s for All for 2018 (No. 2 on our list).

MARCH

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

WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?

nymetroparents.com/submitevent UPDATED DAILY AT nymetroparents.com/calendar EDITOR: GAIL WARREN qpcal@davlermedia.com

CALENDAR

Editor’s Hot Tickets

We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!, Little Foodies

Dance Party, Movers & Shakers

Show Time!

Crafty Kids, On Screen

Smarty Pants

Special Needs

Mini Musicians

Once Upon a Time, Holiday Fun

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS

Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the seven 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!

Spring Family Day: And the Award Goes to…

WHEN: Saturday, March 3, 11am-4pm WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Long Island City AGES: 3-8, adult WHAT: A fun-filled day when kids can step into the roles of filmmakers, designers, and actors preparing for the Academy Awards. The museum will present screenings of Oscar-winning films, offer artmaking projects based on awards categories, and host an award-themed scavenger hunt. WHY WE LOVE IT: Movie magic and a little red carpet glamour just for kids! WANT TO GO? $15; $11 seniors and students with ID; $7 children ages 3-17; free for children younger than 3. 718-429-2579. movingimage.us.

St. Pat’s for All for 2018 FREE

WHEN: Sunday, March 4, 1pm WHERE: 43rd Street and Skillman Avenue, to 56th Street and Skillman Avenue, Sunnyside AGES: All WHAT: Bring your wild and wonderful energy and color to the streets for New York’s fun, festive, and inclusive celebration of Irish culture. This event features music by pipe bands, drummers, puppet art groups, and the Niall O’Leary Irish Dance Company. WHY WE LOVE IT: Whether Irish by birth, heritage, or simply affection, everyone is welcome to share in the hospitable and festive spirit of the day! WANT TO GO? 718-721-2780. stpatsforall.org.

March 2018 | nymetroparents.com

‘The Dragon King’ by Tanglewood Marrionettes

WHEN: Saturday, March 10, 2:15pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: 5-12, adult WHAT: An underwater fantasy based on Chinese folklore that tells the tale of an intrepid grandmother who journeys to the bottom of the sea in search of the elusive Dragon King, and the answers to why he has forsaken the land above. WHY WE LOVE IT: An exciting and colorful underwater adventure. WANT TO GO? $14; $8 children. 718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.org.

Brain Day

WHEN: Friday, March 16, 2pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: 3 and older WHAT: As part of NYC Brain Awareness Week, scientists and NYSCI Explainers describe the brain’s different parts, demonstrate how it allows us to sense the environment and control our muscles, and discover similarities between human and animal cognition. WHY WE LOVE IT: Exhibits, activities, and real brains bring neuroscience to life. WANT TO GO? $16; $13 children, students, and seniors. 718-6990005. nysci.org.

Stop ‘N’ Swap® at Queens Farm FREE

On The Move: Awesome Aussies

WHEN: Friday, March 23, 11am WHERE: Verdi’s of Whitestone, 149-58 Cross Island Parkway, Whitestone AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Featuring the music of Peter Allen, Olivia Newton John, Helen Reddy, Air Supply, and The Bee Gees. Together, these artists were awarded more than 13 Grammy awards and their combined hits helped define a generation of music lovers. WHY WE LOVE IT: This is a party you will not want to miss! WANT TO GO? $49. 718-631-6311. visitqpac.org.

Children’s Garden Open House FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 24, 1pm WHERE: Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Learn about the outstanding garden and nature programs for children. Registration required. WHY WE LOVE IT: Children will have fun getting their hands dirty with planting activities and garden crafts. WANT TO GO? 718-886-3800. queensbotanical.org.

Broadway Kids

WHEN: March 24-25, Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 3pm WHERE: Queens Theatre, 14 United Nations Ave. S., Corona AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Some of Broadway’s brightest talent will delight audiences with toe-tapping tunes, side-splitting lyrics, and captivating characters from popular children’s musicals and animated films. WHY WE LOVE IT: A perfect way to introduce younger audience members to theater, and to create and share new memories. WANT TO GO? $20. 718-760-0064. queenstheatre.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 five no-cost events we’re excited about now. You’re welcome. Compost Mania FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 3, 12pm WHERE: Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Find out why recycling food scraps and yard waste creates a more sustainable urban environment. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 718-886-3800. queensbotanical.org.

Kids Club FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 3, 8-10am WHERE: Queens Center Mall-Lower Level, JCPenney Wing, 90-15 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Powered by National Geographic Kids, this a great opportunity for kids to learn in a fun, interactive setting featuring creative activities and games that focus on discovery through play. WANT TO GO? 718-592-3900. shopqueenscenter.com.

WHEN: Saturday, March 24, 12-3pm WHERE: Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park AGES: All WHAT: Bring clean, portable, reusable items you no longer need and take home something new to you. WANT TO GO? 718-347-3276. queensfarm.org.

Relaxation Creations FREE

WHEN: March 6-27, Tuesdays, 4pm WHERE: Queens Library, Broadway Branch, 40-20 Broadway, Long Island City AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Relax and have fun after a long day at school by making soaps, scrubs, bath salts, and other pampering products. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and gentle stretches. WANT TO GO? 718-721-2462. queenslibrary.org.

Macy’s Flower Show 2018 FREE

WHEN: March 25-April 8, daily, Monday-Friday, 9am-9:30pm; Saturday, 10am-9:30pm; Sunday, 11am-8:30pm WHERE: Macy’s Herald Square, 151 W. 34th St., Midtown, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Stop by Macy’s annual welcome to spring, when the store is transformed into breathtaking floral scenes with blooms, fantasy flowers, and lush plants from around the world. This year’s theme is Once Upon a Springtime. WANT TO GO? 212-695-4400. macys.com.

LITTLE FOODIES Kidz Kitchen: Fish Food

WHEN: Sunday, March 11, 1pm WHERE: Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Eat it all: the fish, the water, and the fish bowl. Jell-O, chocolate, and gummy fish will make it all come to life. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $22. 718-229-4000. alleypond.com.

Family Cooking Class: 15-Minute Meals

WHEN: Sunday, March 18, 11am WHERE: Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Learn how to prep 15-minute meals, big batches of vegetables, and pantry staples once a week to use in a number of different nutritious and easily adaptable weeknight courses. WANT TO GO? $15; $12 children. 718-886-3800. queensbotanical.org.

Bon Appétit

WHEN: Through May 13: Monday-Friday, 9:30am-5pm; SaturdaySunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: All WHAT: This fun and interactive exhibition helps visitors explore their own personal eating habits, as well as the eating habits of other cultures. Visitors can discover topics such as physical activity versus food intake, the workings of the digestive system, creating a balanced diet, and the origin of foods that populate grocery store shelves. WANT TO GO? $16; $13 children, students, and seniors. 718-6990005. nysci.org. ››

QueensParent 37

Craft Thursday FREE

WHEN: March 8-29, Thursdays, 4pm WHERE: Queensboro Hill Library, 60-05 Main St., Flushing AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Kids can get crafty by making Harry Potter wands, a Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons puppet, a bus inspired by Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems, and farm animals based on the book Click, Clack, Surprise! by Doreen Cronin. WANT TO GO? 718-359-8332. queenslibrary.org.

Queens College Student Exhibition

CRAFTY KIDS Paint & Create for Kids FREE

WHEN: March 6-April 10, Tuesdays, 4pm WHERE: Seaside Library, 116-15 Rockaway Beach Blvd., Rockaway Park AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Children will explore and develop new visual arts skills using different media. WANT TO GO? 718-634-1876. queenslibrary.org.

Toddler Craft FREE

WHEN: Friday, March 2, 10:30am WHERE: Long Island City Library, 37-44 21 St., Long Island City AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: Want to get messy? Toddlers and caregivers can get their imaginations going as they play with paints, glue, and everything that is squishy fun. WANT TO GO? 718-752-3700. queenslibrary.org.

Hands-On History: Make Your Own Bandbox FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 3, 1pm WHERE: King Manor Museum, 150-03 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica AGES: 3-12, adult WHAT: Participants will make their own decorative box for keepsakes and other trinkets using scraps of fabric and wallpaper just like the people in the 19th century did for containers to store hats and other accessories. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 718-206-0545. kingmanor.org.

Monday March Madness Art Classes FREE

WHEN: Monday, March 5, 5pm WHERE: Glendale Library, 78-60 73rd Place, Glendale AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Kids will learn about artists and famous artworks, and then create their own masterpieces. WANT TO GO? 718-821-4980. queenslibrary.org.

‘The Dragon King’ Interactive Workshop

WHEN: Saturday, March 10, 1pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: 9 and older WHAT: The award-winning Tanglewood Marionettes will demonstrate the basics of marionette puppet manipulation. Participants will be provided with marionettes for the duration of the workshop and learn movement techniques to express emotion. WANT TO GO? $8; $5 children. 718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.org. 38

March 2018 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: March 17-31, Saturday-Sunday, 12-5pm; Monday-Friday by appointment WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: 9 and older WHAT: The Art Department at Queens College offers programs in art history, design, studio art, and social practice with options for both undergraduate and graduate students. This exhibit showcases work of current students. WANT TO GO? $5. 718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.org.

Young Explorers: Arts, Crafts, & More FREE

WHEN: March 1-April 26, Thursdays, 4:30pm WHERE: Flushing Library, 41-17 Main St., Flushing AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Explore new arts and crafts techniques and materials. WANT TO GO? 718-661-1200. queenslibrary.org.

ON SCREEN ‘Mary Poppins’

WHEN: March 3-4, Saturday, 11am and 1pm; Sunday, 11am WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Long Island City AGES: 5 and older WHAT: The Banks children discover their new nanny is unlike any other, with her magical bag, umbrella that helps her fly, and beautiful singing. Mary Poppins takes the children on adventures, along with her friend Bert, and changes the lives of not just the children but the whole Banks family. WANT TO GO? $15; $11 seniors and students; $7 children ages 3-17; free for children younger than 3. 718-429-2579. movingimage.us.

Family Movie Hour: ‘He Named Me Malala’ FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 10, 2pm WHERE: East Elmhurst Library, 95-06 Astoria Blvd., East Elmhurst AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Celebrate Women’s History Month by bringing the entire family to watch He Named Me Malala, and then share your thoughts. The film presents the young Pakistani female activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai, who has spoken out for the rights of girls, especially the right to education, since she was very young. WANT TO GO? 718-424-2619. queenslibrary.org.

NY International Children’s Film Festival

WHEN: March 10-11, Saturday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Long Island City AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Movie lovers will explore the world without leaving NYC. Presenting the best new animation, live action, documentary, and experimental film from across the globe, NYICFF invites audiences to watch, laugh, create, and explore with them. WANT TO GO? $15; $11 seniors and students; $7 children ages 3-17; free for children younger than 3. 718-429-2579. movingimage.us.

Afternoon Movie Screening: ‘Despicable Me 3’ FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 17, 3pm WHERE: Briarwood Library, 85-12 Main St., Briarwood AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Continue the adventures of Gru, Lucy, their adorable daughters Margo, Edith and Agnes, and the Minions. WANT TO GO? 718-658-1680. queenslibrary.org.

8th Annual Queens World Film Festival

WHEN: March 15-25, daily, 7-10pm WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Long Island City AGES: 13 and older WHAT: The 8th Annual Queens World Film Festival returns to MoMI and KAS with an incredible roster of international and local films, including short films, feature length films, documentaries, and experimental films. WANT TO GO? $15. 718-429-2579. queensworldfilmfestival.com.

Super Cinema Saturday FREE

WHEN: March 3-31, Saturdays, 2:30pm WHERE: Forest Hills Library, 108-19 71st Ave., Forest Hills AGES: 5-12, adult WHAT: Come be entertained by the magic of the movies. Watch Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day on March 3; Capture the Flag on March 10; Wonder on March 17; Coco on March 24; and Swan Princess: Royally Undercover on March 31. WANT TO GO? 718-268-7934. queenslibrary.org.

Family Movie Time FREE

WHEN: March 1-April 19, Thursdays, 5:45pm WHERE: Kew Gardens Hills Library, 72-33 Vleigh Place, Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Weekly movie sessions for families, caregivers, and children to enjoy. This month, watch Wonder on March 1; Coco on March 8; The Lorax on March 15; The Stray on March 22; and Leap on March 29. WANT TO GO? 718-261-6654. queenslibrary.org.

Moving Image Studio Workshop

WHEN: March 3-April 29, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-4pm WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Long Island City AGES: 3-12, adult WHAT: Families can create media and other projects. Activities include creating stop-motion animation, puppet making with found objects, designing your own meme, and coloring. WANT TO GO? $15; $11 seniors and students; $7 children ages 3-17; free for children younger than 3. 718-429-2579. movingimage.us.

‘Dream Big: Engineering Our World’

WHEN: Through June 30: daily, 2pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona AGES: All WHAT: From the Great Wall of China and the world’s tallest buildings to underwater robots, solar cars, and smart, sustainable cities, this film celebrates the human ingenuity behind engineering marvels big and small. WANT TO GO? $6; $5 children with admission: $16; $13 children ages 2-17; free for children younger than 2. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

SPECIAL NEEDS ASD Workshops: Marvelous Magnets FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 3, 10:30am WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Investigate the powerful science of magnets by tinkering with everyday objects and exploring their magnetic fields. Use magnets in fun ways from painting to racing cars in this hands-on activity specially desgined for children with autism. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

‘Addy & Uno’

WHEN: Through March 10: Saturdays, 12pm WHERE: Theatre Row, 410 W. 42nd St., Midtown, Manhattan AGES: 5-12 WHAT: As Uno, a child with autism, faces the challenge of competing in his school’s math competition, his friends with varying disabilities— ADHD and visual, hearing, and physical impairments—rally in support. Through puppets and soaring music, this heartfelt and hilarious show celebrates hope, big dreams, and the beauty of differences. WANT TO GO? $40. 212-239-6200. addyanduno.com.

‘A Fool’s Errand’ Relaxed Performance

WHEN: Saturday, March 24, 2pm WHERE: BAM Fisher, Fishman Space, 321 Ashland Place, Fort Greene, Brooklyn AGES: 5 and older WHAT: In this physical comedy about the transformative power of friendship, an adventure unfolds from the moment clowning virtuoso Jamie Adkins falls onstage. Modifications to this show include elimination of blackouts and sudden theatrical cues; maintaining moderate house lighting through the performance; lowering the overall volume of sound elements; allowing for audience vocalization and movement; and allowing for patron exits and entrances whenever needed. WANT TO GO? $16. 718-636-4100. bam.org/kids.

Mornings @ MoMI

WHEN: Saturday, March 31, Saturday, 9:30-10:30am WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria AGES: All WHAT: Families on the autism spectrum can enjoy access to the museum including refreshments before it opens to the general public. Explore the exhibitions and participate in art making projects. Reservations required. WANT TO GO? $5; free for children younger than 3. 718-777-6888. movingimage.us.

ASD Workshops: Playdough Robots FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 31, 10:30am WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Design and build a funky robot using playdough and recycled electronic parts. This workshop provides opportunities to enjoy family time at the museum in a welcoming, safe, and understanding environment; allows parents to network with one another; and help families discover the wonder of science learning together. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

Autism Spectrum Tour: The Discovery Squad FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 1: Saturdays, 9-10am WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, 79th Street and Central Park West, Upper West Side, Manhattan AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Families with members on the autism spectrum can attend a 40-minute tour led by specially trained guides, then spend some time exploring the Discovery Room before the museum opens to the public. WANT TO GO? 212-769-5100. amnh.org. ›› QueensParent 39

Monthly Jazz Jam

WHEN: Wednesday, March 7, 7pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: 5-12, adult WHAT: Jazz Jams are a fun way for musicians to hone their skills and jam with their peers. The house band is led by saxophonist Carol Sudhalter. WANT TO GO? $10; free for students and jamming musicians. 718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.org.

Con Brio Ensemble

WHEN: Sunday, March 11, 2pm WHERE: The Voelker Orth Museum, 149-19 38th Ave., Flushing AGES: 9 and older WHAT: With spring in the air, enjoy a spirited afternoon of chamber music. The program features works by Quantz, Mozart, Schumann, Dvorak, Rossini, Rachmaninoff, William Grant Still, and Wieniawski. WANT TO GO? $12; $10 students. 718-359-6227. vomuseum.org.

QL International Resource Center Presents Music from the Whole Wide World FREE

MINI

MUSICIANS Newpoli

WHEN: Friday, March 2, 8pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: 9 and older WHAT: This group plays upbeat, danceable Southern Italian folk music that bring together influences from the entire Mediterranean region. Hear sounds from Africa, the Middle East and Greece, and get ready to dance. WANT TO GO? $16; $10 students. 718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.org.

The Not-Its!

WHEN: Saturday, March 3, 11am WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side, Manhattan AGES: 3-8 WHAT: With an out-of-this-world sound evoking both the Go-Go’s and 90s power-punk, Seattle’s The Not-Its! mix crunchy guitars and smooth, four-part harmonies, for a show full of perfectly crafted pop gems about everyday kid stuff from the first day of school to taking a bath. WANT TO GO? $17 and up. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

Lucky Diaz and Family Jam Band

WHEN: Sunday, March 4, 11:30am and 2pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City, Long Island AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Get ready for a hip-shaking, head bopping, dance party, explosion of indie fresh pop rock beats. WANT TO GO? $9 with museum admission: $13; $12 theater only; free children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org. 40

March 2018 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Saturday, March 17, 2pm WHERE: Flushing Library, 41-17 Main St., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: This concert features an exquisite collection of songs from around the world that made history, from songs in the Great American Songbook to contemporary pop music and traditional folk music that share common qualities of joy, love, and beauty. WANT TO GO? 718-661-1200. queenslibrary.org.

Destination: Italy! by Queens Symphony Orchestra FREE

WHEN: Friday, March 23, 7:30pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: 5 and older WHAT: A musical journey evoking the essence of the cultural landscape of Italy in all its splendor. Repertoire includes the everpopular Vivaldi Four Seasons. WANT TO GO? 718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.org.

Piano Men: A Tribute to Elton John & Billy Joel

WHEN: Saturday, March 24, 8pm WHERE: Queensborough Performing Arts Center, 222-05 56th Ave., Bayside AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Get swept away in this dynamic, interactive concert celebrating two giants of pop music, performed by Broadway veterans Craig A. Meyer and Donnie Kehr, and accompanied by backup singers and The Rocket Band of all-star musicians. WANT TO GO? $40 and up. 718-631-6311. visitqpac.org.

New York Chinese Chorus Spring Benefit Concert

WHEN: Sunday, March 25, 3:30pm WHERE: LeFrak Concert Hall, 153-49 Reeves Ave., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: This group promotes Chinese folk music and cultural exchange through musical performance. Their repertoire includes popular Chinese folk songs, ancient tunes, and modern Mandarin pop songs. WANT TO GO? $30 and up. 718-997-3800. kupferbergcenter.org.

Moscow Festival Ballet: ‘Giselle’

DANCE PARTY Dublin Irish Dancers

WHEN: Saturday, March 3, 8pm WHERE: Madison Theatre at Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre, Long Island AGES: 9 and older WHAT: An all-star cast brings to life the epic tale of Celtic culture, carrying its traditional melodies and steps to the New World with a gala celebration of Irish music and dance. WANT TO GO? $35 and up. 516-323-4444. madisontheatreny.org.

RIOULT Dance NY

WHEN: March 3-4, Saturday, 2pm and 8pm; Sunday, 3pm WHERE: Queens Theatre, 14 United Nations Ave. S., Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Corona AGES: All WHAT: Rioult and his outstanding company of dancers have made their mark on both the NYC and international dance scenes. This eclectic program will feature Te Deum, one of Rioult’s earliest works. WANT TO GO? $20 and up. 718-860-0064. queenstheatre.org.

Break Dance by The Breaking Institute of the Arts FREE

WHEN: Thursday, March 8, 4pm WHERE: LeFrak City Library, 98-30 57th Ave., Corona AGES: 13-17 WHAT: The class explores the history of hip-hop dance in the form of breaking, rocking, and the development of creative movement. Each student is introduced to the foundation of the dance form to build their own individual style, vocabulary, technique, and flow. WANT TO GO? 718-592-7677. queenslibrary.org.

Irish Step Dancing FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, March 14, 4pm WHERE: Woodhaven Library, 85-41 Forest Parkway, Woodhaven AGES: All WHAT: The Ciara Greene School of Irish Step Dancing will delight audiences with their high kicking and lively dancing. Complete with costumes, music, traditional Irish step dancing shoes, and some history on Irish dance, audience members will walk away humming an Irish jig. WANT TO GO? 718-849-1010. queenslibrary.org.

Joan Soriano

WHEN: Sunday, March 18, 4pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Bachata is essential to Dominican culture and draws upon a variety of influences from Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. This show blends the Afro-Dominican sacred traditions of palo and gaga with bachata, imparting Soriano’s music with a down-to-earth spirit and dance-ability. WANT TO GO? $16; $10 students. 718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.org.

WHEN: Sunday, March 25, 3pm WHERE: Queensborough Performing Arts Center, 222-05 56th Ave., Bayside AGES: All WHAT: The epitome of Romantic ballet, this heart-rending tale of unrequited love, remorse, and forgiveness perfectly fuses music, movement, and drama. In this universally acclaimed production, an unrivalled roster of international ballet stars brings Giselle’s mystery and ethereal beauty vividly to life. WANT TO GO? $39 and up. 718-631-6311. visitqpac.org.

MOVERS & SHAKERS Meditation for Kids FREE

WHEN: Monday, March 5, 4pm WHERE: Woodhaven Library, 85-41 Forest Parkway, Woodhaven AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Children experience the benefits of meditation while practicing a variety of meditation techniques. WANT TO GO? 718-849-1010. queenslibrary.org.

She’s On Point! A Celebration of Girls in Sports FREE

WHEN: Sunday, March 11, 12pm WHERE: Al Oerter Recreation Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, 131-40 Fowler Ave., Flushing AGES: 5-12 WHAT: This event celebrates the achievements of female athletes by introducing young girls and boys to sports. A variety of sports clinics and demonstrations take place, from traditional to alternative sports. WANT TO GO? 718-353-7853. nycgovparks.org.

Ping Pong Game Time FREE

WHEN: March 6-27, Tuesdays, 4pm WHERE: Glen Oaks Library, 256-04 Union Turnpike, Glen Oaks AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Come in to play pingpong. Children 13 and younger should be accompanied by a parent or guardian. WANT TO GO? 718-831-8636. queenslibrary.org.

NYRR Open Run: Astoria Park FREE

WHEN: March 3-31, Saturdays, 9am WHERE: Astoria Park Track, 19 Street between Astoria Park South and Ditmars Boulevard, Astoria AGES: 5 and older WHAT: A community-based, volunteer-led running initiative bringing runs and walks to local neighborhood parks is open to all ages, experience levels, walkers, strollers, and dogs are welcome. The courses are 2½ and 3 miles long. WANT TO GO? 212-639-9675. nycgovparks.org.

Ice-Skating Season

WHEN: Through April 1: daily, 8:30-12am WHERE: The Rink at Rockefeller Center, 600 Fifth Ave., Midtown, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Take a skate around the outdoor rink before stopping by the shops and restaurants at Rockefeller Center. Skate lessons are available. WANT TO GO? $25; $15 seniors and for children younger than 11. 212332-7654. therinkatrockcenter.com. ›› QueensParent 41

‘In The Mood’

WHEN: Sunday, March 18, 3pm WHERE: Queensborough Performing Arts Center, 222-05 56th Ave., Bayside AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Back by popular demand, this show is a celebration of the 1940’s swing era featuring the In The Mood singers and dancers, and the String of Pearls big band orchestra. WANT TO GO? $30 and up. 718-631-6311. visitqpac.org.

‘The Lightning Thief’

SHOW TIME! No Rest In This Skin Featuring Oxama Chi and Layla Zami FREE WHEN: Friday, March 2, 7:30pm WHERE: Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, 161-04 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica AGES: All WHAT: Celebrating the upcoming International Women’s Day, March First Friday lines up four inspiring female Queens artists from diverse backgrounds. Come for an evening of feminism, activism, and art. WANT TO GO? 718-658-7400. jcal.org.

‘Mouse on the Move’

WHEN: March 6-7, Tuesday-Wednesday, 10:15am and 12pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City, Long Island AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Two adventurous mice are ready to explore the moon since (they believe) it is cat-free and made entirely of delicious, mouthwatering cheese. WANT TO GO? $9 with museum admission; $13; $12 theater only; free children younger than 1. 516-224-5828. licm.org.

Teknopolis 2018

WHEN: Sunday, March 18, 1pm and 3pm WHERE: Queens Theatre, 14 United Nations Ave. S., Corona AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school...again. And that’s the least of his troubles in this exciting show that makes Greek mythology a fun adventure. WANT TO GO? $14. 718-760-0064. queenstheatre.org.

‘Flight School The Musical’

WHEN: Saturday, March 24, 2pm WHERE: Kingsborough Community College, The Leon M. Goldstein Performing Arts Center, 2001 Oriental Blvd., Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: Based on the book Flight School from best-selling author Lita Judge, Penguin has the soul of an eagle and is ready to live on the wind. However, he wasn’t built to soar, as the other birds constantly remind him. Eventually Penguin finds his wings with the help of his friends, and is able to flip, flap, fly away. WANT TO GO? $32-$37. 718-368-5596. onstageatkingsborough.org.

‘PAW Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure’

WHEN: March 22-25, Thursday-Monday, see website for times WHERE: The Theater at Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, Midtown, Manhattan AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: It’s Pirate Day in Adventure Bay, and Mayor Goodway is getting ready for a big celebration. But first, Ryder and his team of pirate pups must rescue Cap’n Turbot from a mysterious cavern. WANT TO GO? $30 and up. 800-844-3545. pawpatrollive.com.

‘The Snowy Day and Other Stories by Ezra Jack Keats’

WHEN: Through March 9: Monday-Friday, 9:30am and 11:15am WHERE: BAM Fisher, Fishman Space, 321 Ashland Place, Fort Greene, Brooklyn AGES: 5 and older WHAT: BAM’s tech takeover returns for its second year, featuring installations by digital artists and technologists that build innovative bridges between the arts and technology. WANT TO GO? $10. 718-636-4100. bam.org/kids.

WHEN: Through March 31: Saturdays, 11am WHERE: St. Luke’s Theatre, 308 W. 46th St., Midtown, Manhattan AGES: 3-8 WHAT: A play that celebrates the wonder of childhood in the city through four of Keats’ best stories brought to life, including Whistle for Willie, Goggles!, and A Letter to Amy. WANT TO GO? $35. 212-239-6200. thesnowydayplay.com.

‘The Mountaintop’

‘Awesome Allie: First Kid Astronaut’

WHEN: March 10-11, Saturday, 2pm and 8pm; Sunday, 3pm WHERE: Queens Theatre, 14 United Nations Ave. S., Corona AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Winner of the prestigious Olivier Award for Best New Play, The Mountaintop imagines what may have transpired in the overnight hours between the legendary civil rights leader and a seemingly inconsequential hotel maid, giving us a glimpse into the human side of Martin Luther King Jr. WANT TO GO? $18. 718-760-0064. queenstheatre.org. 42

March 2018 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: March 30-April 8, daily, 11am WHERE: Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, Long Island AGES: All WHAT: Yesterday Allie was just a normal kid, but today she’s headed into outer space. Grab your space suit and get ready for an adventure that’s out of this world. WANT TO GO? $15; $13 seniors and for children 12 and younger. 516-572-4066. cradleofaviation.org.

SMARTY PANTS Issa’s Edible Adventures

WHEN: Saturday, March 3, 1:30pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: 5-12, adult WHAT: Meet Alyia LeeKong—cookbook author and creator of Issa’s Edible Adventures, an app aimed at teaching kids diversity, social studies, global citizenship, and cooking—will do a cooking demonstration. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $16; $13 children, students, and seniors. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

Saturday Sing-Along

WHEN: Saturday, March 3, 10:30am WHERE: Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Enjoy live music and learn some new animal songs, then meet live animals featured in the songs and make an instrument to play at home. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $18. 718-229-4000. alleypond.com.

Footprints in the Snow

WHEN: Sunday, March 4, 1:30pm WHERE: Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Learn how to identify tracks from local animals and take a nature walk in search of animal clues like footprints and scat. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $15. 718-229-4000. alleypond.com.

Think Tank: Non-Edible Rolls

WHEN: Saturday, March 24, 1pm WHERE: Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Children will explore their inner scientist with this fun-filled handson experimenting class. They will be challenged to form a hypothesis, then draw conclusions based on their experimentations. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $24. 718-229-4000. alleypond.com.

Tinker-CAD For Kids FREE

WHEN: March 7-28, Wednesdays, 4:30pm WHERE: Queens Library, Far Rockaway Branch, 1637 Central Ave., Far Rockaway AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Interested in creating three-dimensional models online? Experiment using TinkerCad, a free online 3-D modeling program. WANT TO GO? 718-327-2549. queenslibrary.org.

Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice

WHEN: March 1-May 13, Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City, Long Island AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Travel back to the Cretaceous Period and come face to face with dinosaurs of all sizes in their prehistoric environments. The immersive bilingual exhibit takes you to two dinosaur habitats (warm and cold environments), as well as a Field Research Station. WANT TO GO? $13; free children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

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Make It! STEM: Celebrate Women Scientists FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, March 7, 4:30pm WHERE: Flushing Library, 41-17 Main St., Flushing AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Celebrate women scientists during Women’s History Month by trying out a new and different STEM activity. WANT TO GO? 718-661-1200. queenslibrary.org.

Animal ABCs

WHEN: Saturday, March 10, 10:30am WHERE: Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Youngsters will love practicing their ABCs in this class with songs, an alphabet scavenger hunt, and live animal visitors. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $21. 718-229-4000. alleypond.com.

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Be Social

Mock Crime Scene FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, March 13, 4pm WHERE: Long Island City Library, 37-44 21st St., Long Island City AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Investigate a crime scene at the library. Future crime fighters and forensic scientists will enjoy using facts and evidence to solve the mystery and find out what happened at the scene of the crime. WANT TO GO? 718-752-3700. queenslibrary.org.

STEM Night: Women in STEM FREE

WHEN: Friday, March 23, 5:30-8pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Students in middle school, high school, and college can learn about the wide range of careers that women have conquered in STEM fields. The evening includes hands-on activities and networking. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 718-699-0005. nysci.org. QueensParent 43

crafts, while youngsters develop pre-reading and school-readiness skills. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 718-268-7934. queenslibrary.org.

Author Visit by Douglas Florian FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, March 14, 4pm WHERE: Baisley Park Library, 117-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica AGES: 3-12 WHAT: The notable children’s author and a creator of many books— including How to Draw a Dragon, UnBEElievables, Poetrees, and Dinothesaurus—will be speaking to children about his books. WANT TO GO? 718-529-1590. queenslibrary.org.

Read To A Dog FREE

WHEN: March 8-15, Thursdays, 3:30pm WHERE: North Hills Library, 57-04 Marathon Parkway, Little Neck AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Children can select a book to read aloud to Jami, who has been certified as a therapy pet partner. Reading aloud improves literacy skills, and animals are ideal reading companions because they create a relaxed, comfortable, and safe environment. WANT TO GO? 718-225-3550. queenslibrary.org.

ONCE UPON A TIME Dr. Seuss Celebration FREE

WHEN: Thursday, March 1, 4pm WHERE: Bellerose Library, 250-06 Hillside Ave., Bellerose AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday with stories, games, coloring, and crafts. WANT TO GO? 718-831-8644. queenslibrary.org.

Dr. Seuss Day Extravaganza FREE

WHEN: Friday, March 2, 10am-6pm WHERE: Hillcrest Library, 187-05 Union Turnpike, Flushing AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday with events inspired by his books and characters. There will be stories, games, coloring, and crafts. WANT TO GO? 718-454-2786. queenslibrary.org.

An Evening with Chelsea Clinton

WHEN: Sunday, March 11, 5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: Chelsea Clinton will be reading her picture book, She Persisted Around the World: 13 Women Who Changed History, and will be joined with illustrator Alexandra Boiger and their editor Jill Santopolo. WANT TO GO? $12.50-$40. 718-230-2100. bklynlibrary.org.

The Seuss-a-thon FREE

WHEN: Sunday, March 11, 1pm WHERE: Kew Gardens Hills Library, 72-33 Vleigh Place, Flushing AGES: 3-8, adult WHAT: Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday with stories, games, and a puppet show. Everyone is invited to read their favorite Dr. Seuss book out loud. WANT TO GO? 718-261-6654. queenslibrary.org.

Picture Books for Preschoolers FREE

WHEN: March 7-14, Wednesdays, 3pm WHERE: Forest Hills Library, 108-19 71st Ave., Forest Hills AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Hear stories, learn rhymes, sing songs, do fingerplays and movement games, create STEM activities, and make occasional 44

March 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Blast Off with Captain Underpants FREE

WHEN: Thursday, March 15, 4pm WHERE: Queens Library, Poppenhusen Branch, 121-23 14th Ave., College Point AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Hear part of a Captain Underpants book and play games. WANT TO GO? 718-359-1102. queenslibrary.org.

Toddler Tales: ‘Who Hops?’

WHEN: Saturday, March 24, 10:30am WHERE: Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Kids will read a funny book about animal movements and have fun showing off their animal moves. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $21. 718-229-4000. alleypond.com.

Weekly Storytime FREE

WHEN: March 1-29, Thursdays, 11am WHERE: Astoria Bookshop, 31-29 31st St., Astoria AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: A wonderful morning of stories and fun. WANT TO GO? 718-278-2665. astoriabookshop.org.

HOLIDAY FUN

Annual St. Patrick’s Open Day FREE

WHEN: Sunday, March 11, 12-4pm WHERE: Irish Arts Center, 553 W. 51 St., Midtown, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy authentic music and dance performances while sampling some of the adult and children’s classes on offer throughout the season. Visitors can learn the basics of Irish language, create art with children’s crafts, or simply relax with a cup of tea. WANT TO GO? 212-757-3318. irishartscenter.org.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! FREE

WHEN: Thursday, March 15, 4pm WHERE: Forest Hills Library, 108-19 71st Ave., Forest Hills AGES: 5-12, adult WHAT: Learn about Irish culture and folklore, and make a St. Patrick’s Day craft. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 718-268-7934. queenslibrary.org.

WHEN: Friday, March 16, 4pm WHERE: Peninsula Library, 92-25 Rockaway Beach Blvd., Rockaway Beach AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Learn more about this Irish holiday and create a Celtic craft. WANT TO GO? 718-634-1110.

St. Patrick’s Day Family Story and Craft Time FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 17, 3pm WHERE: Broadway Library, 40-20 Broadway, Long Island City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Celebrate the culture of the Emerald Isle! Hear Irish folktales and make a bodhran, a traditional Irish drum. WANT TO GO? 718-721-2462. queenslibrary.org.

APEC Adventure Time: Green, Green, Green

WHEN: Saturday, March 17, 10:30am WHERE: Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a fun program about the importance of green in nature. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $18. 718-229-4000. alleypond.com.

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Young Chefs: Luck of the Irish

WHEN: Saturday, March 17, 10:30am WHERE: Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Young chefs will be cooking up the traditional Irish dish colcannon. To top off the day, participants will enjoy warm homemade Irish soda bread and a leprechaun smoothie. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $24. 718-229-4000. alleypond.com.

Barnyard Egg Hunt

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WHEN: Saturday, March 31, 11am-3pm WHERE: Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park AGES: 3-8, adult WHAT: Egg hunts will be ongoing in the orchard throughout the day and Whiskers the Bunny will be hopping about, ready for photo-ops. Plus, there will be egg tossing and egg rolling games, hayrides, and food vendors. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $10. 718-347-3276. queensfarm.org.

Coming up next month: APRIL 14: Pete the Cat at Jamaica Performing Arts Center, Jamaica APRIL 15: Doktor Kaboom’s Look Out! Science Is Coming! at Queens Theatre, Corona APRIL 29: Arbor Fest at Queens Botanical Garden, Corona

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things to do

where-to guide

Spring into March ✿ ✿

Spring is just around the corner and there are so many ways to enjoy the (hopefully) warmer weather, even if it’s still cold. One of our favorite winter/early spring activities is maple sugaring—after all, there’s nothing quite like making your own maple syrup straight from the tree and not the store. This is also a great time of the year to get back outside and help out around your community by volunteering. Or, if it is still too cold to be outside, you can take an educational trip indoors to a museum or bookstore. Here’s to a new season!

MAPLE SUGARING Greenburgh Nature Center 99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale 914-723-3470; greenburghnaturecenter.org Maple Sugaring Party: Sunday, March 4, 11am-3pm Celebrate the end of winter and the peak of the maple-sugaring season. Featured events include sap collection demonstrations, depictions of Native American and Colonial style sugaring sites, porridge making, maple crafts, and treats. Register and pre-pay online by March 4 for special rates: $5 for members, $10 for non-members; $8 for members day of, $15 for non-members day of.

VOLUNTEER

✿✿

Partnerships for Parks 212-360-1399; cityparksfoundation.org Partnership for Parks helps New Yorkers work together to make neighborhood parks thrive. The public-private program has a diverse, growing network of dedicated park volunteers and groups, and it provides opportunities for them to celebrate their parks (such as volunteering for It’s My Park Day), become more effective leaders in their communities, and work with government officials to affect decisions about their parks. There are various volunteer opportunities for all age and interest levels. For more information, email info@cityparksfoundation.org. Find more>> volunteer opportunities in Queens at nymetroparents.com/volunteer. Andrew Kelly/New York Hall of Science

Compiled by Samantha Neudorf

Find more>> maple-sugaring activities in Queens at nymetroparents.com/maple-sugaring.

✿

Sandbox, one of the New York Hall of Science’s Design Lab activities, allows families to work with simple machines and design systems using kinetic and potential energy.

BOOKSTORES

MUSEUMS

Astoria Bookshop 31-29 31st St., Astoria 718-278-2665; astoriabookshop.com As Queens’ first independent bookstore, Astoria Bookshop offers a wide selection of books in store (as well as e-books online), including a section by local authors. Eager young readers can take advantage of story time and writer workshops.

New York Hall of Science 47-01 111th St., Flushing Meadows-Corona Park 718-699-0005; nysci.org Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:30am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm Admission: $16; $13 seniors, students, and children ages 2-17; free for children younger than 2 Get your hands on more than 450 science-themed exhibits that engage learners of all inclinations and ages.

Find more>> kids’ bookstores in Queens at nymetroparents.com/bookstores.

Find more>> children’s museums in Queens at nymetroparents.com/museums.

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family life finances

Make Filing Less Taxing These smart moves can minimize your payout—or score you a sweet refund.

ax season is here again. Will you end up forking over fistfuls of cash, or hardly feeling any financial pain? The answer may depend on how savvy you are. Take advantage of all the deductions and credits you’re eligible for, and you can save up to thousands of dollars, and in some cases even get money back. Overlook these tax breaks, though, and the opposite will happen: You’ll end up forfeiting money that’s rightfully yours. A good tax professional can help make sure you’re minimizing your payout. (Tax-prep software is another popular alternative.) And be aware of the credits and deductions listed here. While they may not be a comprehensive rundown of every last way you can reduce your taxes, they’re a good start.

Getting Credit Where It’s Due

One of the best ways to minimize your tax burden is by looking for credits you’re eligible to take—these reduce the amount of taxes you owe. Listed here are some tax credits that are particularly helpful for families. The Child and Dependent Care Credit: “This is designed to provide a tax benefit for homes in which both parents work fulltime or have earned income,” says Nicholas Sher, CPA, managing director of Sher & Associates, LLC, a boutique tax planning firm 48

March 2018 | nymetroparents.com

››

By Deborah Skolnik

in midtown Manhattan. At the federal level, the credit is at least 20 percent of the first $3,000 of child care expense per child, for a maximum of two children. At the state level, you will receive a credit of at least 20 percent of the federal level. That means if you spend $3,000 on your child’s care you can save a minimum of $840 total—useful when you’re raising a family. Note: This credit is not available to a spouse who stays at home and doesn’t earn income. Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Didn’t have a great year financially? The EITC may be the break you need. This federal tax credit is available to people who have earned an income below a certain threshold, and it increases in relation to the amount of children in the home, up to a maximum of three kids, Sher explains. You can’t have earned very much—for instance, a married couple filing jointly, with three or more children, must have an earned income and adjusted gross income (that’s the total income you report that is eligible to be taxed, minus some adjustments you’re allowed to make) of each less than $53,930. But the credit can be sizeable: a maximum of $6,318. What’s scary is that according to Jackson Hewitt, nearly 1 in 5 eligible Americans fails to claim this tax credit, leaving up to thousands of dollars on the table. Even if you haven’t qualified for the EITC before, don’t forget to check with your tax professional to see if

you qualify this time: nearly one-third of all people who can claim it are newly eligible each year. The Saver’s Credit or Retirement Savings Contribution Credit: Have you been putting away money for your retirement? You deserve a pat on the back. And, depending on what you earn, the government wants to give you something more: a tax credit. If you’re married or filing jointly and make an income of $62,000 or less, you may be eligible for a credit of between 10-50 percent of your contributions to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or an employer-sponsored retirement savings program. If you’re filing as the head of household, you may be eligible for the credit if you earned $46,500 or less, Sher says.

Making Clever Deductions

In addition to tax credits, stay on the lookout for deductions you can take. A deduction reduces your taxable income, which increases the chances of a lower overall tax bill. Read on; some of the ones listed here might apply to you. Medical expenses: Does someone in your family require extensive medical care? If your medical expenses exceed 10 percent of your adjusted gross income, you may be eligible for a deduction, says Rebecca Walser, a tax attorney, certified financial planner, and the author of Wealth Unbroken, but you must itemize your deductions in this case. New-mom gear, such as breast pumps and lactation equipment, can be included. And if you pay tuition for special education for a child with special needs, that too can be deductible if the curriculum is considered medically necessary, Sher says. (This is a highly scrutinized deduction, so check with your tax pro before you take it.) Going forward, consider funding a Health Savings Account, says Mark Kohler, a senior tax advisor with TaxSlayer, a tax preparation and financial technology company. The money you deposit in the account both grows tax-free and comes out tax-free for qualified family medical expenses. You also get a tax deduction for contributions on your tax return. Health insurance, if you’re your own boss: “If you are selfemployed you can deduct one hundred percent of the cost of health insurance for yourself,” Walser says. Moving expenses: It’s the rare family that doesn’t move at some point, but are the expenses related to a relocation deductible? It depends, Sher says. “You must move more than fifty miles away, and you must remain employed for thirty-nine weeks of the next fifty-two week period,” he explains. FYI, this is the last year that this deduction can be taken; it’s being swept away for 2018 with the new tax reforms we’ve all heard so much about. Job-hunting expenses: Like medical expenses, these need to be itemized. And you will have to have launched a truly extensive search for new employment: You aren’t eligible for a deduction unless the costs exceeded 2 percent of your AGI. New York state 529 plan contributions: “Anyone who is making a New York state 529 plan contribution should be taking the eligible deduction, which is up to ten thousand dollars for a married couple filing jointly,” Sher says. Though this account has been used to save for children’s college tuition up until now, beginning in 2018 contributions can also be used toward private school tuition. Want more pointers? Consult your favorite tax professional. He or she can help you formulate a strategy to make tax time far less taxing on your family.

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family life home

Experts suggest swapping out bath towels every few days, which means more frequent towel loads in the wash.

Spring Clean It!

››

Places in your home you should be cleaning on a regular basis, but likely aren’t—plus a few insider tips and tricks By Katelin Walling

leaning. To a lot of us, that’s as bad as a four-letter word. I was a housekeeper at an inn in high school and got the satisfaction of cleaning a space to shine, but—to this day—I have never been a fan of the actual process. Even some cleaning experts feel the same way: “I really hate cleaning,” says Melissa Maker, a Toronto, Ontario-based cleaning expert, host of the Clean My Space YouTube channel, and author of Clean My Space: The Secret to Cleaning Better, Faster—and Loving Your Home Every Day. “But I love the benefits of living in a clean space.” Heck, with kids, keeping up with the laundry is almost more than we can handle sometimes. So, if you’re like us—not fans of cleaning, but love having a clean space—you know you have to take out the broom and duster regularly to ensure your home is presentable for play dates and dinner guests without a last-minute, frenzied cleaning session. But did you know you’re likely missing some spots that should be cleaned more often than not? We got the inside scoop from cleaning experts and enthusiasts on the areas we need to pay a little more attention to when we have the cleaning products out.

March 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Remember: These aren’t commandments—we certainly aren’t likely to keep up with most of this as often as we should—just recommendations for a cleaner, healthier home.

Bathroom

The area around the toilet: “People often clean in the toilet, but they don’t clean the base or the area behind the toilet,” Maker says. “And over time, that can get really gross, especially if you have individuals in the home who stand up to pee instead of sit down to pee.” So whenever you clean the inside of your toilet, spray a disinfectant or all-purpose cleaner around the base and wipe it clean. Toilet handle: Speaking of missed spots on the toilet, do you regularly, consciously sanitize the flush handle on the toilet? Didn’t think so. Spray it with your preferred cleaner and wipe it down—but please do this before wiping the floor around the toilet, or else use a fresh cleaning cloth. Medicine cabinet: Because it’s a high-traffic area in the house we don’t typically think of cleaning, it can get quite

messy, says Christine Dimmick, author of Detox Your Home: Removing Toxins and Improving Your Life, which is set to be released in early April, and founder of The Good Home Company, a Manhattan-based home care and laundry product line that is paraben-, sulfate-, and phthalate-free. We access our medicine cabinets at least twice a day (when we’re getting ready for work and school in the morning and when we’re getting ready for bed at night), so a lot of water gets in there—and water is the first thing to grow bacteria. Dimmick suggests attacking the medicine cabinet once a month—and her all-purpose cleaners of choice are a mixture of white vinegar and water, or castile soap. And while you’re at it, check the expiration dates on your medicine and beauty products and dispose of them correctly. Ceiling vent: “If you don’t clean that, it becomes very noisy when it’s on, and it doesn’t remove moisture effectively,” Maker says. The easiest way to clean it, she adds, is to give it a quick vacuum with the brush attachment. Bath towels, bathmats, and bathrobes: While you won’t necessarily have to do two towel loads in the wash each week—let’s face it, our linen closets are overstuffed with towels and washcloths—your bath towel should be replaced halfway through the week, according to Mary Gagliardi, aka Dr. Laundry for Clorox, whose background is in textile science and research and development at Clorox. And every time you wash a load of towels, go ahead and throw in the bathrobes and bathmats because, as Gagliardi says, they’re used similarly and as often as bath towels. While you’re at it, just find all the towels currently in use in the house and add them to the wash, too—we’re looking at you, kitchen towels. Gagliardi suggests washing these in bleach to properly disinfect them, after testing the fabrics to make sure they’re bleach-fast. To test, mix 2 teaspoons of bleach with ¼ cup of water, put a drop of the solution on a hidden part of the fabric, let it sit for a minute, and rinse it and blot dry with towel. If the color didn’t change, you can use regular bleach on the item; otherwise go for color-safe bleach. Toothbrush holder: This is a small thing that is usually overlooked and it has a lot of germs around it, says Jim Ireland, founder of White Glove Elite, a cleaning service in New York City. And it’s one I can attest to after a particularly bad college roommate experience. Let’s just say I always kept my toothbrush separate. So do everyone—and your mouth—a favor and clean the toothbrush holder before it even starts to look grimy. Shower curtains / vinyl liners: Cloth shower curtains should be washed once a year to freshen them up because things can splash on them. Meanwhile vinyl shower curtains or shower curtain liners should be washed once or twice a year in the washing machine with ½ cup of bleach to keep mold and mildew under control, Gagliardi says. And go ahead and pull the curtain closed after your shower so the liner fully air-dries. This small step also keeps your bathroom looking neat.

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Bed sheets: You’re tossing and turning, sweating, and shedding hair and skin cells in your sleep. So regardless of whether you shower at night, sheets should be changed weekly. And in terms of washing them, Gagliardi says she believes they should be bleached—but perform a bleach-ability test on them first! If they fail the bleachability test, then wash them in the hottest water possible to properly

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QueensParent 51

‹‹ continued from previous page

clean and sanitize them. While you’re at it, gather the throw blankets from the living room and wash those, too.

dampened cloth when you do your regular dusting, or regularly spray your plants.

Mattresses: Maintaining your mattress is really important; after all we spend approximately one-third of our lives sleeping! The best way to clean your mattress, Maker says, is to strip the sheets off it, sprinkle baking soda on it, let the baking soda sit for 30 minutes, and then vacuum it off. This will neutralize any odors. Once the mattress is vacuumed, place a waterproof mattress protector on it and your sheets as normal. Maker also says rotating your mattress two to four times a year is key, so why not clean it at the same time?

Points of contact: We’re talking all over the house here. Bathroom and kitchen cabinet handles, doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, tablets, phones, anything you and your family touch on a daily basis. These points of contact are how germs are transferred from person to person, so these are areas to be particularly mindful about cleaning, Maker says. “You can take a disinfectant and spray those points of contact as long as they don’t have electricity associated with them, you can let that product sit for a minute or two, and then wipe it,” she says. If the point of contact does have an electric component, Maker suggests spraying a cloth with a cleaner or rubbing alcohol and wiping it down.

Under the bed: It’s a big one, according to Dimmick. A lot of dust can quickly accumulate there, “and by cleaning that, you can solve a lot of your allergy issues, or not sleeping well at night,” she says. Closets: At least twice a year—but ideally after each season— go through your closets and get rid of any seasonal pieces you didn’t wear that season, suggests Tova Weinstock, aka Tidy Tova, a professional organizer and cleaning enthusiast based in New York City. For example, now that spring is upon us, go through your winter sweaters and donate the ones you weren’t compelled to wear. “Even with people I work with, if they’re debating whether to get rid of a springy shirt, I’ll say, ‘why don’t you keep it and if you don’t wear it this season, then let go of it,’” Weinstock says. Once you’ve gone through everything and the closet is empty, sweep and dust in there and then put everything back in an organized fashion—and the same goes for the drawers in your dresser. Stuffed animals: These get a lot of love from young children, so they regularly need a freshening up. These can be vacuumed or go in the washing machine (if it’s okay for the lovie) as often as you can get them away from your kids—once a year at the very least.

Common Rooms

Ceiling fans: The tops of the fan blades can get particularly dusty—out of sight, out of mind. When I moved into my first apartment in New York City, my dad, who sees all those out-ofsight places because he’s 6-foot-4, wiped down the fan blades in my room—and you wouldn’t believe the amount of caked-on dust that came off. I only wish I had known Ireland’s trick: Every few months, dampen a pillowcase, put it over each blade so the fan blade is encased, and slide the pillowcase off so the dust stays inside the pillowcase. Pet food bowls: If you feed your dog or cat wet food, chances are you regularly wash their bowls to clean off dried-on food. But what about dry food bowls? “A lot of times people have dogs where the food never gets eaten all the way or the cat food is always in there, so it’s nice if once a week you can wash them with soapy water, rinse them, and sanitize them,” Gagliardi advises. Houseplants: We don’t typically think of plants getting dusty, but they do. “We tend to overlook them until we notice them, and we tend to brush the dust off with our hands, but the oil from our hands is not friendly to plants,” Ireland says. So use a water52

March 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Litter boxes: While we regularly clean out the litter boxes and refresh the litter, how often do we actually wash the litter box? Probably not often enough. “We have a recommendation for deodorizing litter boxes, where you remove the cat litter and clean the litter box with soapy water, let it soak with a half cup of bleach per gallon of water for five minutes, and rinse it and let it air dry,” Gagliardi suggests. “Put the cat litter back in and that will keep litter boxes smelling much, much better.” Baseboards, crown molding, and heat registers / return vents: Dust builds up on these. Weinstock, Maker, and Gagliardi all suggest vacuuming them a few times a year with the brush attachment—or stay on top of it by cleaning them every time you vacuum the carpets.

Kitchen

Overhead exhaust: The purpose of the overhead exhaust is to suck the greasy vapor out of your kitchen, according to Maker. “On its way up, the vapor leaves behind a significant amount of grease, and as it builds up, it becomes sticky, it becomes rancid, and you really do need to give it a good clean,” she says. Maker recommends you fill up a bucket with hot water and a scoop of oxygen bleach powder, soak it for about 10 minutes, dry it, and put it back up. You may need to give it a bit of a scrub, she cautions. Potholders: “People never wash those, and they don’t necessarily hold up well to washing,” Gagliardi says. “But if they’re so dirty that you shouldn’t be using them anyway and you wash them and they don’t necessarily have good dimensional stability, then it was time to replace them.” Just be careful when laundering potholders, as they tend to bleed color. Soak them in water first to see how much color runs off; that way you won’t have dye transfer onto other items, Gagliardi advises. Under the sink: This area tends to become a hotspot for junk, cleaning products, plastic shopping bags, and sometimes bits of trash that miss the garbage can (that is, if you keep the garbage can under the sink). So every now and then, dive in and take everything out, give it a good wipe, and, as Maker recommends, “put in a shelf liner because it can become very wet under there and you can ruin the base of the cabinet.” Then put back only the items you need. Now that we think about it, tackle the cabinet under the sink in the bathroom, too.

Garbage cans and recycling bins: We all regularly take out the garbage and recycling—at the very least when it’s trash day—but cleaning the receptacles themselves is often left undone. Gagliardi suggests disinfecting these once a month, especially if drink cans aren’t rinsed out before going in there. To keep them disinfected and deodorized, she suggests washing them with soapy water, then letting them soak in a solution of ½ cup of bleach per ¾ gallon of water for 5 minutes, rinsing it, and letting it air dry. Alternatively, Ireland suggests using a trash can as a bucket when mopping the floors, which will clean it too. Inside the microwave: When food is nuked in the microwave, it can splatter, “and most people will leave it for a week, but would you leave food stains or dried up food on your counter for a week? Probably not,” Dimmick says. She suggests cleaning the microwave daily with a mixture of vinegar and water. Meanwhile Weinstock suggests heating up water in the microwave to create a steam, which will loosen up caked-on food, making it easier to wipe off. Sponges: These can get smelly fast. Rather than throwing them out frequently, every time you run your dishwasher, Gagliardi suggests tossing them in, too. And for a deeper clean, she says you can soak them in a solution of ½ cup of bleach per gallon of water for 5 minutes, rinse them, and let them air dry. For a cleaning double-whammy, get your sponge wet and microwave it on high for 2 minutes, then carefully remove it. This deodorizes and disinfects your sponge, Ireland says, and the steam makes it easier to clean the microwave. The warming drawer in the oven: People tend to use this little drawer under the oven as storage for baking sheets and think nothing of it since it’s not being used for food. But if you remove everything, “you’ll see it’s just full of crumbs, so every now and then its important to take everything out,” Maker says. “You can use the brush attachment on the vacuum to clean it out, and once you vacuum out the crumbs, spray it and wipe it out, and replace only the items you need.”

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Coffee pot and coffee grinder: Ireland suggests these be cleaned 40 Exhibitors & Over once a month. Run the coffee maker with a solution that is 1 part 1000 Attendees vinegar and 4 parts water. Then, for insulated coffee urns that are difficult to clean, he suggests dropping a denture-cleaning tab in with some hot water and letting that sit overnight, while regular 2018_YCE_NYMP_1.6th ad.v1.indd 1 pots can be hand washed with dish soap. And put a handful of uncooked rice in the grinder and grind it. This will clean the blades without needing to get it wet. Refrigerator: “You can still grow bacteria in there even though it’s cold,” Dimmick says. So she cleans out her fridge once a week. “It’s also a great time to do a deep dive and look at the expiration dates on condiments,” she adds. And make sure to get under the crisper drawers. “We spend a lot of time trying to keep odors out of the refrigerator, but a lot of times there’s stuff under the crisper drawers,” Ireland adds. With all of this in mind, Weinstock suggests creating a cleaning routine or schedule that is doable for you. “Try to get in the habit of doing certain tasks every day: sweeping, doing the dishes, wiping the counters,” she says. “And then set aside the time to actually clean, otherwise it gets so overwhelming.”

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Sleep Training 101

››

How to get your infant to sleep through the night—and deal with sleep regression when it happens By Bethany Braun-Silva

hen I was pregnant with my first child the number of people who told me, “You will never sleep again,” was overwhelming. Cut to six years, a second child, and many sleepless nights later—though I’m sure I have actually slept—and I am, indeed, pretty darn tired. Fatigue certainly comes with the parenting territory, especially in the first few months of bringing home your newborn. But getting consistent sleep is extremely important, not only for your baby, but for you as a parent, too. That’s why sleep training your baby once she’s a few months old—that is, teaching her to fall asleep and stay asleep on her own—is a great way to ensure everyone is well rested, and, in turn, happy. There are several sleep-training techniques, but ultimately all of them lead to restful nights for the whole family.

Sleep-Training Methods Explained

You may have heard of the “Cry It Out” and “Ferberizing” sleep-training methods. Those are two of the most well-known approaches, but many different variations have been developed. Each technique involves a few (or a lot of) tears, and all differ slightly in terms of how present you are supposed to be and how much you comfort your child as he falls asleep and when he wakes up. Ingrid Prueher, founder of Ingrid Baby Sleep Whisperer (ingridbabysleepwhisperer.com) and a Fox & Friends sleep expert, 54

March 2018 | nymetroparents.com

works with individual families to create a method that works for them, while other experts, such as Denise Stern, baby nurse, postpartum care expert, and founder of Let Mommy Sleep (an overnight, in-home, infant care service), use a practice called sleep helping. “It is a simple way to say that we very gradually increase feeding during the day while gradually decreasing feeds overnight,” Stern says. Whichever method you choose, take comfort in knowing a good night’s sleep isn’t too far off. Here is a cheat-sheet of common sleep-training methods that may work for your family: Cry It Out or CIO: This method involves going through a bedtime routine with your baby, then placing her in her crib, leaving the room, and not coming back until the morning—as long as your infant is safe. This will be, by far, the method that produces the most tears, although it has recently been deemed harmless by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Ferberizing: Developed by Richard Ferber, M.D., this technique is considered a gentler version of CIO. With this method, you check on your infant and console him after a few minutes of crying, increasing the amount of time between your visits to his room to check on him. The Chair Method: Parents who practice this approach go through the normal bedtime routine, place their baby in the crib,

and then sit in a chair next to the crib until she falls asleep. They do not console her with words or cuddles, only with their presence. Each night they move the chair farther and farther from the crib until they are out of the room. The Pick Up Put Down Method or PUPD: This gentle method allows parents to pick up their crying baby, soothe him, and then place him in his crib to sleep, repeating this all night until, eventually, baby sleeps through. The Fading Sleep Training Method: With this technique parents continue to help their baby fall asleep by rocking or feeding. Each day they do less and less to soothe their baby in the hopes that she will begin to soothe herself. This is a great option for parents who prefer a method with less crying.

Getting Started

It’s important not to rush sleep training. For his first few months of life, tend to your baby when he cries and soothe him with feedings, diaper changes, or cuddles. Before sleep training your infant, Prueher suggests that: • You have approval from your pediatrician • Your baby weighs close to 16 pounds • Your little one is close to 4 months of age. This is when a child’s biological clock forms, and you can use a biological sleep schedule as part of the process of teaching her to become an independent sleeper. If you can check off all three of those things, you can start sleep training your baby. “Lovingly teaching a child to sleep independently is about empowering the child to do what they have been born to do on their own. Children are born being able to sleep independently,” Prueher says. “In some cases, new parents just don’t know how to put a child to sleep and they feel their role as parents includes closing their child’s eyes for them. So, they resort to rocking, feeding to sleep, driving around, using a stroller during all sleep times.” But it doesn’t have to be that way. Babies are programmed to self-soothe; they just need a little push to get started. One of the most important things for parents to remember before getting started is, no matter what sleep-training method is used, there will be tears. But “sleep training should never be traumatizing, produce throwing up sessions, or make you feel like you are hurting your child,” Prueher says. Creating a plan and feeling secure in it will reduce the number of tears your child (and you) may shed. Like Prueher, Stern insists you get the “okay” from your pediatrician before starting to sleep train. Your baby needs to be able to go at least 8 hours without a feeding, and babies who were premature or who are gaining weight more slowly are not good candidates for sleep training at 4 months old. “A good rule of thumb is that when a baby is able to take in twenty-eight to thirty-two ounces between the hours of six am and ten pm, that’s usually enough to satiate them through the night, but it’s crucial to have baby’s primary care physician agree that it’s appropriate to begin sleep training,” Stern says. Remember: Just because you have successfully sleep trained your baby, it doesn’t mean he won’t wake up once or twice (or more) throughout the night. “It is very common for baby to

have periods of wakefulness and times when they need parents’ help,” Stern says.

Sleep Regression Tips and Tricks

If your baby, who was successfully sleeping through the night, starts waking more often, or staying awake for an extended period of time or for what seems to be no reason, she may be experiencing sleep regression. This can throw parents for a loop and often make them feel overwhelmed in having to go back to square one. Alice R., a Brooklyn mom, went through this when her son was 9 months old. “Ryan had been sleeping through the night since we sleep trained him at four months old,” she says. “We had five months of bliss, and then it was like we were hit with a bomb. He was waking up a few hours after being put down and nothing we did worked.” Alice says she felt desperate and contacted a sleep expert for advice. Two weeks after starting the sleep training process all over again, Ryan resumed sleeping through the night. “The Golden Rule for regression is consistency, consistency, consistency,” Stern says. “Simply continuing the methods that your child is already familiar with is the best way to minimize regression. It’s important to remember, too, that babies are smart. If you hold them to sleep for a few nights during illness, for example, that does not mean they forgot how to sleep independently when it’s time for them to go back to sleep in the crib.” While sleep regression may seem like it occurs out of the blue, chances are there is a very good reason your child is waking. Teething and physical milestones (sitting up, crawling, and standing), and general alertness all contribute to sleep regression. “No matter if they are ‘good’ or ‘bad’ sleepers, all little ones will wake when they’re experiencing teething pain or illness. Babies who are just learning to crawl and stand will also have fun in the overnight hours practicing their new skills,” Stern says. “In fact, many little ones just learning to walk will pull themselves up to a standing position in the crib and then call out to mom or dad because they are ‘stuck’ in the standing position!” If your baby is not sick, it’s okay to not rush into her room when she wakes in the middle of the night. Giving her a chance to fall asleep on her own, again, just reinforces the sleep training. In addition to maintaining normal bedtime routines, here are simple tips to combat sleep regression: • Provide extra comfort at bedtime in case separation anxiety is causing your child to wake up. • Remove all distractions, as lights and mobiles are not so useful during a period of sleep regression. • Make sure the room is a comfortable temperature, between 68 and 72 degrees. • Don’t form new “bad” habits such as rocking your baby or bringing him into bed with you. Remember this is a shortterm phase. Each family is different, and it is important to stay in tune with your baby’s needs, as they may change. Sleep training, whichever method you choose, is a great way to maintain a happy and healthy household. “We know the benefits of sleep can help our children live happier and healthier lives, so let’s make sleep a priority,” Prueher says. “It’s the best gift you can give your child, it will reward them forever.”

From our sponsors: The mission of Allied Foundation is to impact and improve the health and well-being of residents within Allied Physicians Group’s geographical footprint, which currently includes Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk), Queens, Brooklyn, Richmond, Westchester, Rockland, and Orange. The Allied Foundation funds community-based strategies and initiatives, including Breastfeeding Support (toll-free Support Line: 866-621-2769; Breast Milk Depots), Community Education (free app—AlliedPG—and lectures about such topics as ADHD, managing food allergies, behavioral health, and infant CPR), Early Childhood Literacy (proud partner of Reach Out and Read and The BookFairies); and Community Service (Diaper Bank of Long Island). For more information, visit alliedfoundation.org. QueensParent 55

raising kids teen

How to Raise a Take-Charge Teen ›› Help your kid learn to make his own decisions instead of just following the crowd.

lexa, 14, never had any interest in sports. Or gym, or even kicking a ball around the yard. Her mom, Laura Valsamachi, kept encouraging her to try something. Once she got into high school, a new option presented itself: golf. Alexa agreed to try it. She liked that it wasn’t a team sport, and the fact that it was walk-on, so her lack of athletic ability wouldn’t be on display during a tryout. Valsamachi completed the registration form, and Alexa took it to school the morning of the sign-up deadline. And she brought it back that afternoon. “Julia’s not doing it,” the Long Island freshman said, without looking at her mom. “Who’s Julia? And so what?” Valsamachi asked. “Julia, the one I told you is kind of popular?” Alexa reminded her. “She said she would do golf with me, but now she’s not, so…” Her voice trailed off, her earbuds went in, and that was that. While some teens seem to have no problem deciding what they want to do and sticking to it, plenty more struggle to think independently and make choices for themselves. Wanting the approval of others is natural to some extent, even for grownups, but needing it can be crippling. If your kid seems to show a tendency toward flip-flopping, read on for the lowdown on how to guide him or her toward confident decision-making.

The Why Behind Wishy-Washy Behavior

Is it typical for teens to be followers, changing their mind about extracurricular activities, clothes, hairstyles, and even what after56

March 2018 | nymetroparents.com

By Christina Vercelletto

school jobs to apply for, based on what their peers are doing? In many cases, it’s not a sign of a long-term problem, but more of a phase. “A lot of this is normal and even developmentally healthy behavior,” insists Robi Ludwig, Psy.D., a psychotherapist in New York City. “Teens are still discovering who they are and what’s important to them, so changing what they want and how they want to present themselves is all a part of this,” she explains. Anecdotally, at least, girls seem more vulnerable than boys to deferring to friends on anything and everything. “Most teenage girls want to be part of the pack. They want to blend in rather than stand out,” says Susan Groner, “The Parenting Mentor” and New York City-based author of Parenting: 101 Ways to Rock Your World. “While this may seem silly to us, there’s nothing wrong with it. You don’t need to worry that she’ll be like this forever. It’s a phase.” (If your child resists making any independent decisions at all, though, “there could be a mood or self-esteem issue going on,” cautions Dr. Ludwig, and in that case, checking in with a therapist would be a good idea.)

Encouraging Independence

Of course teens are not, as a group, big on taking what adults say as gospel. But there are ways we can get our teens to see the benefits of making their own decisions. Share a story of a time when being a follower backfired. Use articles, stories about people your child knows (with their

permission), and yes, even “when I was your age” stories to get your point across without being too heavy-handed about it, Dr. Ludwig recommends. After the golf incident, Valsamachi shared a personal story with Alexa that seemed to strike a chord: When she’d been a high-school senior, her best friend Maureen had decided that college was a waste of time, and had opted to go straight to work. Valsamachi, used to walking in lockstep with her BFF, decided to forgo college too. “I wound up getting my degree much later, but still wonder how my life would have been different,” she says. “Oh, and I haven’t spoken to Maureen since 1989.” Valsamachi resisted the urge to point out “Just like Julia and golf!” at the end of her story. It was just put out there for Alexa to interpret as she would. “And she did seem to absorb it, at least a little,” Valsamachi says. Keep it neutral. The main thing to guard against, says Dr. Ludwig, is coming across as preachy. Keep a neutral tone. “Teens who feel criticized or are concerned that they would disappoint their parents are often less comfortable sharing their thoughts,” agrees Wendy L. Moss, Ph.D., co-author, with Donald A. Moses, M.D., of Raising Independent, Self-Confident Kids. Be nonjudgmental. It often isn’t easy, but it can pay off. Rose Koehler’s daughter, Emily, wanted to apply to be a page at their local library on Long Island, but a friend convinced her to work with her at a fast-food restaurant instead. “Now, my daughter, who hates noise, rushing, and has been known to burst into tears if a soda splatters on her, working in a fast food restaurant…I knew this would not end well,” Koehler shares. “But I also knew that demanding she stick with her original plan wouldn’t either.” So Koehler stayed supportive, asking a question about the job now and then, but keeping it neutral. After about five weeks, Emily quit—but the page job had already been filled. “I just gave her a hug and said nothing. Definitely not ‘I told you so!’” Koehler says. While Emily never came out and said she should have made the decision that felt right to her in the first place, Koehler feels the lesson stuck. “She doesn’t seem as quick to yield to her friends’ opinions anymore,” she says.

You don’t need to discourage your teen from posting a picture or a comment he thinks will get a lot of positive attention, as long as it doesn’t hurt him in the short or long term, Dr. Ludwig says. “Connect it to long-term goals he may have for himself. If he posts in a certain way, explain how this can send the wrong message and hurt him down the line.” She also advises encouraging teens to think like a publicist. This is a concept most high-schoolers can readily grasp. If you were in charge of managing a client’s reputation, would you post this? Lynne Lincoln, a mother of two teens in New Rochelle, recalls the time her 16-year-old son, Daniel, posted several #foodstagram shots of the burger chain Shake Shack while on an outing to the city with a group of friends. When he came home starving, Lincoln asked, “I thought you had Shake Shack?” Daniel clarified: “Oh, I gave it to Ryan. I don’t eat that stuff. I would have rather had pizza, but nobody is going to follow an account that posts rando pizza. It’s hard to get melted cheese not to look gross.” Groner says what’s important is that teens are able to separate their online lives from their real ones. If they snap a selfie in front of the nowfamous statue of the little girl down on Wall Street, say, did they take the time to think about the art? “Next time your child posts, ask him about the experience,” she suggests. That will give you an idea of whether the experience drove the popular post, or the other way around. At the end of the day, Dr. Ludwig notes, the best thing you can do to help your child with decision-making—or anything, really— is to tune in to his needs. “Just plug into your child…Let them know you’re on their side and there for them if they need you,” she says. Christina Vercelletto is a former editor at NYMetroParents, Parenting, Scholastic Parent & Child, and Woman’s Day. She lives on Long Island with her kids, a chiweenie, Pickles, and a 20-pound calico, Chub-Chub.

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Let him practice. Have your teen be a part of the decision-making process for family matters, such as planning a vacation, choosing a family car, or even figuring out how to assist an aging grandparent. What you’re trying to do, Dr. Moss explains, is guide your child toward minimizing impulsive decisions in favor of the one that is actually best for the situation. And like any other learned skill, that takes practice. Brainstorm. “Crowd-sourcing” potential solutions to a problem your teen is having by bringing in the whole family—even favorite aunts, uncles, and cousins—lets him know that “family is like a team, stronger than any one member,” Dr. Moss says. What that does is shift the focus off of “mom or dad know best,” so your child is less likely to feel defensive. By seeing that her ideas are as good as anyone else’s, she’ll start to build confidence, and, over time, be less apt to fall into a “what they’re thinking must be better than what I’m thinking” mentality.

The Social Media Aspect

Social media doesn’t seem to make it any easier to convince a teen to think independently. After all, accruing likes and positive comments is the name of the game. But that in itself isn’t necessarily bad. “We all want to get positive responses to what we present to the world,” Dr. Ludwig notes.

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Ultimate Green Smoothie and Oat and Kale Breakfast Biscuits

Top o’ the Morning to Ya!

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Three easy green breakfasts kids will actually enjoy

ids can be fussy about fruits and vegetables, and we know how challenging it is to make sure they are eating the suggested amount of each every day. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and an optimal time to get in those fruits and veggies. Here are three easy green recipes from Eat More Greens by Zita Steyn to get them excited about breakfast. Bonus: They can’t be pinched if they eat this on St. Patrick’s Day!

Ultimate Green Smoothie

If you are not one for green smoothies in general, you should try this one. It is quite delicious and very virtuous. It helps having a highspeed blender, but if you don’t, just keep blending until the mixture is smooth. You will need to soak the almonds overnight, and if you struggle to buy frozen mango or pineapple, peel and chop up the fruit the night before and freeze it. Serves 2 to 3 Ingredients 1 lemon 1½ cups coconut water, preferably raw 3/ -inch piece ginger, peeled 8 and coarsely chopped Handful of almonds, soaked overnight, or for at least 6 hours, and rinsed

Big handful of kale, thick stalks discarded, leaves coarsely chopped or torn 1 tsp. green powder of your choice (optional) 1 ripe medium banana, cut or broken into chunks 1½-1¾ cups frozen fruit

Directions 1. C ut the lemon in half then cut a thick slice off one half. Chop this up roughly and place in a blender. Squeeze the juice from the remaining lemon halves and add, together with the coconut water, ginger, and almonds, to the blender. Blend until smooth. 2. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend until smooth and creamy. If your blender allows for the use of a tamper, it is a good idea to press the frozen fruits down into the blade to avoid uneven blending. 58

March 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Chard and Feta Savory Muffins

These muffins (not the eggs-Benedict-kind, but the Americanbaked-goods-kind) are great to take along to a picnic or as an after-school snack. Look for traditionally made, soft cooking chorizo that has no added nasties, and choose the mild version if you are feeding youngsters. If you are vegetarian, leave out the chorizo and fry the onion and chard in a little butter or coconut oil, but add another tsp of smoked paprika powder and perhaps a little more cayenne pepper. Makes 12 Ingredients 7 oz. traditionally made cooking chorizo (the soft kind), casings removed and broken into small pieces 1 medium onion, finely chopped 10½ oz. rainbow or Swiss chard, stalks chopped into small dice, leaves shredded into bite-size pieces Generous 2 cups whole-wheat spelt flour 1 Tbsp. baking powder 1½ tsp. smoked paprika

½ tsp. cayenne pepper (omit if using spicy chorizo or cooking for children) 1 cup parsley, leaves only, finely chopped 3 medium eggs 5/ cup whole milk or milk substitute 8 2 Tbsp. butter, coconut oil, or ghee, melted, plus extra for greasing Scant 12/3 cups feta cheese, crumbled Sea salt

Directions 1. S auté the chorizo in a hot, dry frying pan until the fat starts to render, then add the onion and cook until soft and translucent. Scrape the mixture into a bowl. 2. Add the chard stalks to the pan with a small pinch of salt. Cook until tender, for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on size. If they are drying out, add a splash or three of water to the pan. Add the chard leaves and cook for about a minute, or until wilted. 3. T ip all the chard into a food processor or onto a cutting board, and chop finely. Add this to the chorizo and onion mix, then set aside to cool. 4. P reheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 12-hole muffin tray or 2 smaller cupcake trays. 5. W hisk the flour, baking powder, and spices in a bowl and stir in the parsley. 6. W hisk the eggs, milk, and melted fat in a separate bowl or measuring cup, and pour into the dry ingredients along with the cooled chorizo and chard mixture, and the feta. Using a large spoon, mix only until just combined; do not overmix. Spoon into the greased muffin pans. 7. B ake in the oven for 25 minutes until golden and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean (allowing for patches of melted feta). Let cool in the trays for a couple of minutes before turning out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Oat and Kale Breakfast Biscuits

Always on the look-out for interesting meals to start the day with, I regularly make this for my family and friends. Nutritious, filling, and different yet familiar, it ticks all the boxes for a special breakfast dish. Being gluten-free, it is a very crumbly biscuit, but no less delicious for it. Instead of the kale and nutmeg, you could add lots of finely chopped chives and a little goat cheese and Saving money oncayenne a Newpepper, YorkorCity chopped Roughly chopped black olives and finely chopped familythyme dayleaves. is easy! rosemary make a good addition, too.

rinse) and blitz until very fine. Add the rest of the flakes and pulse a few times until the larger flakes are broken down slightly. Add the baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt, and pulse to mix. 4. Add the cubed butter or coconut oil and pulse until the mixture resembles wet sand. Add the cooled kale and onion mixture, the chia seed gel, apple puree, and egg, and process until the mixtures comes together. It should be a little on the sticky side. 5. Using a spatula, scrape the dough out onto the lined baking sheet. Form into a square about ¾ inch thick, then score into 9 smaller squares, leaving them joined together. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden, rotating the sheet halfway through cooking. 6. Carefully slide a spatula under the biscuits to loosen them from the baking parchment, then separate the pieces using a knife, move them apart a little to give them some room and return to the oven for another 10-12 minutes, to crisp the edges. 7. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack. Serve with butter, hollandaise, and poached eggs for breakfast.

Recipes excerpted with permissionSaving from Eat Moremoney Greens by Zitaon Steyn, LOOKING FOR photography by Nassima Rothacker; published by Quadrille Publishing March 2017, RRP $24.99 hardcover.

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Makes 9 smallish biscuits Ingredients A little olive oil 1 small onion, diced 3½ oz. kale, stalks removed, roughly chopped 2 cups oat flakes (certified gluten-free if you are sensitive) 1 tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

Large pinch of sea salt 1 Tbsp. chia seeds, mixed with 2 Tbsp. water and stirred until a thick gel forms ½ cup cold butter (or firm coconut oil, hardened in the refrigerator), cut into small cubes ¼ cup apple puree or applesauce 1 egg, lightly whisked

Cityguideny.com has coupons and Directions discounts for NYC sightseeing attractions, 1. P reheat the oven tomore. 350°F and line a medium baking sheet with restaurants, stores and baking parchment. Great New 2. Heat theYork olivedeals, oil insavings, a pan, special add the onion, and sweat over offers and deep discounts—for you and Add the kale and sauté gentle heat until soft and translucent. your family—are yours with justthen a process in a food processor, or until tender and cooked, click of the mouse. chop very finely by hand, press out any moisture and set aside to cool completely. 3. Spoon half the oat flakes into the food processor (no need to

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collegepoint.ny@bounceu.com BounceU of College Point is where birthdays come to life! We provide the ultimate private party and play experience. Come celebrate with us today! CELEBRATIONS IN THE KITCHEN 63 E. Old Country Road, Hicksville 516-396-2193 celebrationsinthekitchen.com celebrationsinthekitchen@gmail.com The most unique, fun-filled, joyous event! We have created a true baking experience for everyone to enjoy, including sugar cookie baking, all about pizza, cupcakes from scratch, doughnuts, and chocolate and candy projects. Come in, call, or visit celebrationsinthekitchen.com for more information on parties. CUNNINGHAM TENNIS 196-00 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows 718-740-6800 cunninghamtennis.com Facebook: @cunninghamtennis Instagram: @cunninghamtennis info@cunninghamtennis.com Celebrate your birthday at Cunningham Tennis! Enjoy 1½ hours of tennis and a pizza party that guarantees to serve up tons of fun! FANTASY FOREST AMUSEMENT PARK 718-788-2676 Fantasy Forest Amusement Park at the Flushing Meadows Carousel 111th Street and 55th Avenue, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, next to the Queens Zoo fantasyforestnyc.com info@nycarousel.com Give your child the best birthday with our VIP Birthday Party Package at Queens’ No. 1 destination for family fun! Book our custom birthday package and personalize it with our exclusive food and entertainment add-ons. FOREST PARK CAROUSEL AMUSEMENT VILLAGE Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park Drive, Woodhaven 718-788-2676 forestparkcarousel.com info@nycarousel.com Give your child the best birthday with our VIP Birthday Party Package at “The Crown Jewel of Queens!” Book our custom birthday package and personalize it with our exclusive food and entertainment add-ons.

MUSIC TOGETHER® WITH MUSIC AND ME Celebrating our new look with our new name! Wendy DeAngelis, center director (Mommy, Music & Me, Inc. since 2003) Gym-Azing in Astoria Shotokai USA Karate in Bayside The Reform Temple of Forest Hills in Forest Hills The Church in The Gardens in Forest Hills Tiger Schulmann’s MMA in Glendale 718-229-0033 musictogetherwithmusicandme.com info@musictogetherwithmusicandme.com We provide unique birthday party musical experiences for first through sixth birthdays. Call us to customize your child’s musical birthday. We can also come to your space. POPARAZZI BALLOONS & EVENT SPACE 61-19 Fresh Pond Road, Middle Village 347-204-5252 poparazzievents.com Follow us on Instagram: @poparazziballoons poparazziballoons@yahoo.com Our enchanting, multi-level venue hosts all types of celebrations. Call us or stop by an open house and start planning your next event. SOCCER FRIENDS USA INC. 106-06 Queens Blvd., 3rd Floor Gym, Forest Hills 718-261-2403; 718-261-2400 347-756-2568 (para Español) soccerfriendsusa.com soccerfriendsusa@hotmail.com Soccer Friends USA wants to celebrate your child’s next birthday party with you! We offer soccer parties for children ages 2 and older at several fantastic locations. USTA BILLIE JEAN KING NATIONAL TENNIS CENTER Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Flushing 718-760-6200 x0 ntc.usta.com Birthday party packages include 1 hour of court time with drills and games organized by our USTA Pro staff and 1 hour in a private room for pizza. WHAT’S COOKING? 30 E. Main St., Oyster Bay 516-922-COOK (2665) whatscookingny.com info@whatscookingny.com Martha Stewart, Newsday, and News 12 boast What’s Cooking? is a No. 1 Choice Birthday Party Place where children can explore their creativity in culinary arts. Funtastic cookie, cupcake, Cupcake Wars, chocolate, or pizza party can be customized in our spacious party room making your party memorable!

Bar Mitzvah Bat Mi t zvah Sweet Sixteen Quinceañera

Party Planning?

Check off your entire to-do list in ONE DAY!

• Venues • Favors

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Uniondale, Long Island • Long Island Marriott • Sunday, March 18th • 12 - 4 PM

Get your FREE family ticket online at CelebrateShowcase.com Tickets purchased at the door are $10 QueensParent 61

Professional services

Your local guide to tutors, teachers, lawyers, financial planners, and other professionals DENTISTS & DENTAL PROVIDERS AVENUE ORTHODONTICS 150-33 14th Ave., Suite 100, Whitestone 718-767-8400 avenueortho.com Dr. Eleni Michailidis and Dr. Abraham Chahine are highly trained orthodontic specialists. Schedule a complimentary consultation at Avenue Orthodontics to learn about the options available for your entire family. REGO PARK ORTHODONTICS LARISSA DAVIDS, D.D.S 98-41 Queens Blvd., Suite 1A, Rego Park 718-275-2006 davidsorthodontics.com Rego Park Orthodontics welcomes children and adults of all ages for a free orthodontic exam and consultation. The office is equipped with the most recent digital technology to make the experience of orthodontic treatment as relaxed as possible. ZWEIHORN ORTHODONTICS: “ALL FOR A SMILE” Office hours include Sundays and evenings 150-25 Union Turnpike, Flushing 718-969-9234 drzweihorn.com Dr. Zweihorn is a board-certified orthodontist specializing in the treatment of children, teens, and adults. Our team focuses on helping you achieve your best smile! DOCTORS & MEDICAL PROVIDERS 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 Queens: 718-640-6767 Nassau: 516-216-1791 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, along with her group of therapists, supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders. LICE FAIRY LICEMOTHERS 2463 S. Long Beach Road, Oceanside 866-561-0492 1755 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park 62

March 2018 | nymetroparents.com

866-561-0492 679 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Head 866-561-0492 fairylicemothers.com fairylicemothers@gmail.com Our treatment centers are kid-friendly and our products are 100-percent nontoxic. Treatments include two free re-checks. Whether or not you use our service, we are here to help you. PHOTOGRAPHY GLYPH CREATIVE STUDIO, MARIANA MARTINIS 2525 Borden Ave. 718-838-4827 glyphny.com At Glyph Creative Studio we would love to capture your family’s exciting and precious moments of life in a fun, beautiful, and very spontaneous way. SPECIAL NEEDS HUG MUSIC, CREATIVE & NURTURING MUSIC LESSONS FOR EVERYBODY MUSIC LESSONS AND MUSIC THERAPY 112-01 75th Ave., Lower Level, Forest Hills 718-487-4309 hugmusicny.com contact@hugmusicny.com We offer various fun and nurturing music classes including music lessons on multiple instruments, music therapy for children with special needs, and baby-toddler music classes. LITTLE OPTICS INC. 192-07 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows 53-15 Roosevelt Ave., Woodside 718-468-7500; Hablamos Español littleopticsinc@yahoo.com We provide eyeglasses and professional eye care for children, including infants and young adults. We also alleviate any self-esteem issues associated with the stigma of wearing glasses. When your child leaves Little Optics, rest assured they will feel confident. LONG ISLAND CENTER FOR SPEECH AND MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success lispeechandmyo.com Queens: 718-640-6767 Nassau: 516-216-1791 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, along with her group of therapists, supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT,

feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders. STEPS TO SOCIALIZATION 13 S. Bayles Ave., Port Washington 516-767-0266 Steps to Socialization was created to help children who have difficulty socializing. We teach children how to think socially, step by step. Working in small groups, we cover a variety of topics, including how to establish and maintain friendships and initiating and maintaining conversations. SPECIALTY APPAREL BRAVO! DANCE BOUTIQUE 108-12 72nd Ave., Forest Hills 718-309-9787 bravodanceboutique.com bravodanceboutique@gmail.com Bravo! Dance Boutique understands the value of community. Our mission is to provide local families the convenience of obtaining dance apparel at competitive prices. THERAPY & COUNSELORS COMPREHENSIVE CONSULTATION PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES, P.C. 114-20 Queens Blvd., Suite CS 2, Forest Hills 180 E. 79th St., Suite 1C, Manhattan 1-888-441-0015 comprehendthemind.com Dr. Sanam Hafeez, an expert in diagnosing and treating all childhood psychological and learning conditions, has a refreshing approach: direct, warm, and competent. These qualities have made her sought after in the field of neuropsychology and child development. TUTORS & TEST PREP VILLAGE EAST GIFTED - ENRICHMENT CENTER FOR THE GIFTED LEARNER Village East Gifted of Huntington 33 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station 631-549-2313 Village East Gifted of Roslyn 216 Willis Ave., Roslyn Heights 631-549-2313 villageeastgifted.com info@villageeastgifted.com Village East Gifted provides after-school enrichment and private tutoring. Enriching every qualified, gifted child. We are also a John Hopkins CTY info and SAT testing center.

OPENHOUSES 2018 Blue Dolphin Summer Camp

80-22 Parsons Blvd., Queens 718-847-6470 bluedolphincamp.com; info@bluedolphincamp.com Join us for an open house on Saturday, March 10 from 11am-1pm, or Thursdays, March 15 or April 12 from 4:30-6:30pm.

Countryside Montessori School

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

The Discovery School for Inquiry and Research: a STEAM Magnet School, PS 201 65-11 155th St., Flushing 718-759-4977 d2530magnet.com; info@magnetschools.com Join is for an open house on Tuesday, March 20 from 8:30-10:30am, or Tuesday, April 10 from 2:30-4pm. Now accepting applications for first through fifth grades.

The Harry T. Stewart, Sr. Magnet School for Engineering, Architecture & the Arts, PS 92Q 99-01 34th Ave., Corona 718-533-1013 ps92q.org Join us for an open house on Wednesday, March 21 from 5-7:30pm or Thursday, April 19 from 8:30-11am.

The Highland School

193-10 Peck Ave., Fresh Meadows 718-357-4747 thenewhighlandschool.com Join us for an open house on Sunday, March 4 from 1-4pm. Tour the school and join students and parents at our annual Family Fun Day event. RSVP 718-357-4747.

Mill Basin Day Camp

5945 Strickland Ave. 718-251-6200 millbasindaycamp.com Join us for an open house on March 10 or 25 from 11am-2pm.

Music Together® With Music and Me Licensed Provider of Music Together® Since 2003 Astoria, Bayside, Forest Hills, and Glendale 718-229-0033 Astoria at Gym-Azing! Bayside at Bay Terrace Karate Center, Upper Level Baybridge Commons Shopping Center Forest Hills at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills Forest Hills at the Church in the Gardens Glendale at Tiger Schulmann’s Glendale musictogetherwithmusicandme.com info@musictogetherwithmusicandme.com Call or go online and click to schedule a free trial class with your family at one of our open house classes and get ready to make Music Together® with Music and Me!

Samuel Field Y Day Camp

58-20 Little Neck Parkway, Little Neck 718-225-6750 x261 sfysummercamps.org; agavora@sfy.org; dschaefer@sfy.org Come to our Countdown to Camp Open House on Sunday, March 4 from 1-3pm. Meet the directors and enjoy an afternoon of free camp activities!

Hillcrest Jewish Center Day Camp

Meet the

The Joseph Pulitzer Magnet School of Innovation and Applied Learning, IS 145

Professional

183-02 Union Turnpike, Flushing 718-380-4145 hjcdaycamp.org; daycamp@hillcrestjc.org Join us for an open house on Sunday, March 18, from 1-3pm. Ongoing Sunday tours, registration, slideshow presentation, and Q-and-A sessions available. No appointment necessary.

33-34 80th St., Flushing 718-759-4977 d2530magnet.com; info@magnetschools.com Please call for information about our spring tours. Accepting applications for seventh and eighth grades.

Magic Day Camp

216-15 Peck Ave., Bayside 718-634-8109 magicdaycamp.com Come to our open house sessions on Sundays, March 11 and 18 from 1-3pm at Jib Lanes. Summer magic is here with swimming daily and three trips each week!

The Magnet School of Global Studies and Leadership PS/IS 200

70-10 164th St., Flushing 718-759-4977 d2530magnet.com; info@magnetschools.com Join is for an open house on Saturday, March 24 from 11:30am12:30pm or Saturday, April 21 from 11:30am–12:30pm.

Health Care

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 Queens: 718-640-6767 • Nassau: 516-216-1791 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, is owner and operator of Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy. Along with her group of therapists, she supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders (adults and children). Intensive feeding therapy for individuals who suffer from texture and consistency aversions, and FEES— Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing—are also offered. There is a total of seven affiliated offices across Long Island, all participating with most major health insurance companies and offering evening and Saturday hours. QueensParent 63

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raising kids ad index

NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY metropolitan area! Rose Academy of Ballet................................................ 21

acrobatics / gymnastics

Kon Gen International Preschool..................................... 7

All Star Studio................................................................ 31

Mommybites.................................................................. 47

USTA BJK National Tennis Center................................ 23

Noah’s Ark Preparatory ................................................ 19

World of Discovery Camp.............................................. 33

birthday / party services BounceU - College Point............................................... 59

Tiny Footsteps............................................................... 25

health

Christ the King Continuing Education............................ 28

classes

Comprehensive Consultation Psychological................... 9

Cunningham Tennis......................................................... 3

iCoding Club.................................................................. 15

Girl’s & Boy’s Basketball and Beyond........................... 13

DanceSource (The)....................................................... 31

Just Wee Two................................................................ 53

Rego Park Orthodontics................................................ 13

Fantasy Forest Amusement Park ................................. 33

LIU Center for Gifted Youth........................................... 33

Zweihorn Orthodontics.................................................. 11

dance

music

All Star Studio................................................................ 31

Hillcrest Jewish Center Day Camp................................ 25

Christ the King Continuing Education............................ 28

Just Wee Two................................................................ 53

DanceSource (The)....................................................... 31

Mommy Music & Me Inc................................................ 26

Rose Academy of Ballet................................................ 21

Music Together, LLC...................................................... 33

developmental

religious

Comprehensive Consultation Psychological................... 9

St. Kevin’s Catholic Academy........................................ 16

Mommy Music & Me Inc................................................ 26 Music Together, LLC...................................................... 33 Queens Parent Party Planner........................................ 64 Soccer Friends, USA Inc............................................... 20 USTA BJK National Tennis Center................................ 23 YM-YWHA - Samuel Field ............................................ 23

camps All Star Studio................................................................ 31 Blue Dolphin Summer Day Camp.................................. 28 Camp Clio...................................................................... 27 Christ the King Continuing Education............................ 28 Countryside Montessori School..................................... 31 Crayon Box (The).......................................................... 31 Cunningham Tennis......................................................... 3 DanceSource (The)....................................................... 31 Girl’s & Boy’s Basketball and Beyond........................... 13 Hillcrest Jewish Center Day Camp................................ 25 iCoding Club.................................................................. 15 JEI Learning Systems Inc. - Queens............................. 68 Kew Forest School (The)............................................... 27 Kon Gen International Preschool..................................... 7 Lewis Latimer House Museum...................................... 20 Magic Day Camp............................................................. 2 Mill Basin Day Camp..................................................... 21 Mommy Music & Me Inc................................................ 26 Music Together, LLC...................................................... 33 Noah’s Ark Preparatory ................................................ 19 Oasis Children Services................................................ 29 Rose Academy of Ballet................................................ 21 Soccer Friends, USA Inc............................................... 20 Stepping Stone Day School........................................... 16 Tiny Footsteps............................................................... 25

Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech................. 16, 63 Stepping Stone Day School........................................... 16 YMCA of Greater New York........................................... 27

special events Fantasy Forest Amusement Park ................................. 33

Young People’s Day Camp - Queens............................ 67

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

education

Young Child Expo.......................................................... 53

Braithwaite Nursery School .......................................... 45 Christ the King Continuing Education............................ 28 Comprehensive Consultation Psychological................... 9 Countryside Montessori School..................................... 31 Crayon Box (The).......................................................... 31 Highland Elementary School........................................... 5 iCoding Club.................................................................. 15 JEI Learning Systems Inc. - Queens............................. 68 Kew Forest School (The)............................................... 27 Kon Gen International Preschool..................................... 7 LIU Center for Gifted Youth........................................... 33 Noah’s Ark Preparatory ................................................ 19 NYC Dept of Ed - D25.30.............................................. 11 NYC Dept of Ed - Q092 Magnet School........................ 15 St. Kevin’s Catholic Academy........................................ 16 Stepping Stone Day School........................................... 16 Tiny Footsteps............................................................... 25 Young Child Expo.......................................................... 53

Lewis Latimer House Museum...................................... 20

special needs Comprehensive Consultation Psychological................... 9 Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech................. 16, 63 Stepping Stone Day School........................................... 16 Young Child Expo.......................................................... 53

sports Blue Dolphin Summer Day Camp.................................. 28 Christ the King Continuing Education............................ 28 Cunningham Tennis......................................................... 3 Highland Elementary School........................................... 5 Hillcrest Jewish Center Day Camp................................ 25 Kew Forest School (The)............................................... 27 Magic Day Camp............................................................. 2 Mill Basin Day Camp..................................................... 21 NYC Dept of Ed - D25.30.............................................. 11 NYC Dept of Ed - Q092 Magnet School........................ 15 Soccer Friends, USA Inc............................................... 20

USTA BJK National Tennis Center................................ 23

family entertainment / events / outings

St. Kevin’s Catholic Academy........................................ 16

World of Discovery Camp.............................................. 33

Fantasy Forest Amusement Park ................................. 33

World of Discovery Camp.............................................. 33

YMCA of Greater New York........................................... 27

Lewis Latimer House Museum...................................... 20

YMCA of Greater New York........................................... 27

YM-YWHA - Samuel Field ............................................ 23 Young People’s Day Camp - Queens............................ 67

fitness Blue Dolphin Summer Day Camp.................................. 28

YM-YWHA - Samuel Field ............................................ 23 Young People’s Day Camp - Queens............................ 67

child care / day care

Girl’s & Boy’s Basketball and Beyond........................... 13

Braithwaite Nursery School .......................................... 45

Magic Day Camp............................................................. 2

Comprehensive Consultation Psychological................... 9

Crayon Box (The).......................................................... 31

Mill Basin Day Camp..................................................... 21

JEI Learning Systems Inc. - Queens............................. 68

tutors

QueensParent 65

raising kids quotables

What has been your luckiest parenting moment? “Getting pregnant in the first place. I struggled with infertility for years and was smack dab in the middle of IVF when I became pregnant with our son. I never felt luckier than in that moment.” —Amy Edlestein, Nassau County

“Every day with my kids feels a little bit lucky and a little bit crazy. We are lucky to go on so many adventures in Brooklyn and discover new parts of our borough every week. The craziness of being a large family is so worth it.” —Tracy R., Park Slope, Brooklyn

“I don’t know if I believe in luck as much as I believe that everything happens for a reason. I’m grateful for my family every day and always remind my children to count their blessings.” —Penny Ramirez, New Rochelle

“Getting pregnant with twins!! Some people might have totally freaked out but they run in my family, so I felt so lucky to carry on that family tradition with my own brood. My girls are definitely my good luck charms.” —Amanda Jenkins, Forest Hills

in an instagram The graduating class of The Highland School in Fresh Meadows got a chance to visit with Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb of the Today Show.

But here’s what I’m beginning to realize, or rather, what I need to realize. Moms are not machines. We can’t go and go and go without stopping or we will break. And there is no free replacement if we do. I may want to hang those picture frames or shred those bills tonight when the have-tos of my day are done. But honestly, what I need to do is to sit on the couch, curl up next to my sweet dog, and watch some Netﬂix. —Janene Dutt in a post entitled “If You Feel Like You Didn’t Do Enough Today, Remember This,” on scarymommy.com

March 2018 | nymetroparents.com

“I feel lucky for my family and extended family who live in the area. Without them I don’t know how I would handle this whole parenting thing. It truly takes a village.” —Susan Klinger, Manhattan

The Joys of Daylight Savings “There’s nothing better than dining al fresco, in my opinion, whether it’s at a restaurant that has outdoor seating, in a backyard (if you’re lucky enough to have one), or on a building’s rooftop terrace. I really love spreading out a blanket and dining among nature (and other picnickers) at the local park.” —Katelin Walling in an article entitled “Daylight Saving Time: 5 Ways to Take Advantage of an Extra Hour of Sunlight;” read the whole thing at nymetroparents.com/daylight-savings.

More NYMetroParents.com Highlights: GO FOR A SPIN!: Check out some awesome carousels in the NYC area at nymetroparents.com/carousels CELEBRATING WOMEN: March is Women’s History Month. Find where you can celebrate at nymetroparents. com/womens-history. SPRING IS HERE! Discover 100 things to do in our area this season (nymetroparents.com/spring) CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK’S DAY: Make this delicious and healthy Shamrock Shake (nymetroparents.com/shamrock)

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