Queens Parent March 2019 by City Guide NY

Queens Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM MARCH 2019

Find the Perfect

Summer Camp! • Tips to choose the best one for your child • Day, sleepaway, and specialty camp descriptions • Side-by-side comparison chart

Decorate on a Dime Budget-friendly tips to rethink your home décor

Baby Roommates The numerous benefits of sharing a room with your infant

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

QueensParent

Magic g Day Camp

WE ACCEPT G PARTICIPATIN S N UNIO

PAYM E PLAN NT AVAI S LABL E

” ! l a c i g a M s i y “Where Every Da

FREE Door to Door Transportation

Daily Swimming at Country Club Pool with instruction

2-8 Week Sessions Available • Daily Hot & Cold Lunches with Special BBQ and Pizza Days Included Owned Family ed for at & Oper Years 0 Over 3

NEW for 2019 AIR-CONDITIONED Buses!!!

• Daily Swimming at a Private Country Club Pool with Instruction • Organized Sports • Professional Tennis Instruction • Arts & Crafts • Full Dance & Drama Program • 3 Exciting Trips Every Week • Spacious Outdoor & Indoor Play Areas with Air Conditioning We t Accep 9 119

OPEN HOUSE EVE NTS: th March 10 & 17th 12 - 3pm Early Drop Off and a Extended Day at Jib Lanes LICENSED PROFESSIONAL SUPERVISION Convenient Bayside Location Children Ages 4 to 15

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

-BAYSIDETraditional Camp for 3 to 15 year olds »Featuring Specialized Early Childhood Programming for 3 to 5 year olds

• Intentionally designed by Early Childhood educators with your child's needs in mind. • Offers a blended program combining active, rest and restore time, and enrichment-based activities, tailored specifically to the ages and stages of our ESIC campers. • For campers ages 3-5 who have not yet started Kindergarten and are fully potty trained. • Has reduced staff-to-camper ratios. • Outdoor fields and A/C indoor facilities, exclusively for our Early Start age campers. • Has a flexible schedule that's modified to meet the needs and skill level of our youngest campers. • A larger program that has opportunities for campers to participate in special events and activities with the entire camp community.

Oasis Offers:

• Programs for Ages 3-15 • 8:30am-5:30pm • Extended day available • Flexible Enrollment: 2-8 weeks • American Red Cross Swim Instruction • Hot Lunch Option • Carnivals & Imagination Playground • Special Events & Day Trips

›› Check out our LOWER & UPPER Camps as well! ›› NEW for Summer 2019: Academic Enrichment Center Program for Ages K-3rd Grade! ›› Science, Technology, Math, Intensive Skill Based Activities & Choice Time!

@oasisdaycamps

Join us for an info session on Saturday, March 16th OR March 30th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Queensborough Community College (222-05 56th Ave) Register Online Today! www.oasischildren.com • 646-519-5055

QueensParent

contents table of

march 2019

29 44

Family Activities Calendar

Find something fun to do with your kids every day this month!

Decorate on a Dime

Budget-friendly ways to redecorate your home

camp 18 Choosing the Perfect Camp 20 Camp Directory 26 At-a-Glance Camp Guide

Rooming with Baby

Sharing your room with your infant has more benefits than convenient nighttime feedings.

raising kids

things to do

family life

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 Keeping Memories Alive 12 Creative Child Care Solutions for Life in NYC 14 5 Tips for the Early Years 43 Meet the Health Care Professional 46 Rooming with Baby 47 Open Houses 48 Conversations to Have with Your Teen About Dating 50 Education Directory, Preschools-at-a-Glance 51 Party Central 52 Professional Services 53 Advertiser’s Index, Family Resource Guide

16 Family Fun a Ride Away

42 Could You Lose Your Coverage?

29 Family Activities Calendar

44 Decorate on a Dime

54 DIY: Reversible Cape

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› 18 Find the Perfect Summer Camp 20 Camp Descriptions 26 Comparison Chart 44 Decorate on a Dime 46 Baby Roommates facebook.com/nymetroparents

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

Your child’s

amazing summer experience starts on the Hofstra campus!

With more than 75 programs for campers in grades K-12 in arts, academics, sports, career discovery and more, there’s something for everyone! We also offer door-to-door busing and/or area pickup transportation to parts of Long Island and Queens!

CAMP OPEN HOUSE AND CARNIVAL:

April 13, Noon-2 p.m.

SPRING BREAK CAMP Monday-Friday, April 22-26, 2019 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Our full-day programs are a perfect place for exploring science, technology, engineering, and writing in a fun and supportive environment that promotes creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving.

April 1, 2019 for

Early Bird Discount of $75!

For details, contact: Melisa Gibson Phone: 516-463-7098 Email: Melisa.Gibson@hofstra.edu Web: ce.hofstra.edu/springbreak To learn more about Hofstra’s programs for youth, including our Saturday Classes for Young People and our Pre-Collegiate programs, visit ce.hofstra.edu/youth or call 516-463-7400. Ad_CE_CAMP_SpringBreak_Metro Parent_Full.indd 1

QueensParent 2/20/19 2:05 PM5

raising kids editor’s note MARCH 2019 • Vol.24 • No.8

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL

Happy Campers Await

ith spring on the horizon and thoughts of warmer weather ahead, all we can think about is summer camp. And we’re here to ensure you find the perfect one for your child—for this summer and many summers to come! Living in Queens has its pros and cons. Pros: There’s a ton to do with your kids on any given day and lots of options for great health care providers, camps, after-school activities, and more. Cons? There are a lot of great options. So, we turned to the experts on camps, and got the six best tips for choosing the perfect camp for your children. If your list of potential summer camps is longer than your weekend to-do list, you’ll want to turn to pg. 18 for advice from local camp directors—after all, we’re here to help you make the best decisions for your children. If you’re just starting the camp-planning process, we have lots of resources for you, too. Turn to pg. 20 for day, sleepaway, and specialty camp descriptions, and then check out the side-by-side camp comparison chart on pg. 26. And if you’d like more help in planning your child’s perfect summer, check out our inaugural issue of The Camp Planner by Queens Parent at nymetroparents.com/campguide/queens. It’s a free digital download, full of camp planning advice, even more camp descriptions, open house listings, and more! While we do love camp, we have more than just camp advice in this issue. You can find budget-friendly decorating tips on pg. 44, read about the benefits of sharing your room with your infant (pg. 46), discover reasons why an insurance company may decide to cancel your policy on pg. 42, and get advice on the various conversations to have with your teen when he or she starts dating (pg. 48). Of course, we’re also all about things to do with your kids on any given day of the week, so be sure to check out our calendar chock-full of fun events (pg. 29)— and remember to sign up for our weekly newsletter of the best weekend activities at nymetroparents.com/register. Wishing you a successful camp planning season! Katelin Walling Editorial Director Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Katelin Walling PRODUCTION EDITOR: Melissa Wickes ASSISTANT EDITORS: Anja Webb, Jacqueline Neber CALENDARS CALENDAR COORDINATOR: Whitney C. Harris EVENT RESEARCHERS: Rochelle Dorset, Lisa Fogarty, Kristina Johnson, Shara Levine DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke

ADVERTISING SALES

Big Apple Parent 212-315-0800 Jeunesse Jackson, Manager Lauren Alperin Meirowitz, Managing Director Queens Parent 718-878-4860 Annene Guertin, Manager Westchester Parent 914-397-0200 Nini DeLuca, Manager Lauren Anchin, Merrill Sugarman 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 To Submit Events: nymetroparents.com/submitevents To Submit News: nymetroparents.com/submitnews

STATEN ISLAND PARENT

EDITOR/PUBLISHER: Roselle Farina-Hecht 718-494-1932

MOMMYBITES

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Lauren Alperin Meirowitz 646-736-3609

OPERATIONS

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

PRODUCTION

Moms & Dads Make Great Part-Time Employees (are you looking?) M

any parents want a lifestyle that allows them to devote large blocks of time to raising kids and also pursue professional activities. The answer is often a work-from-home or part-time job. Mommybites.com—the go-to parenting community for resources, support, and education—has a job board dedicated to parents who are looking for those ﬂexible opportunities! Whether you are a part-time bookkeeper, writer, catering staff person, or have other skills, there are companies looking for you. These are jobs designed for people who want to return to the workforce, while remaining the primary caregiver for their children. Check mommybites.com/jobs today to see what opportunities are available now. Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter to get weekly updates about just-posted positions. Are you looking to hire a mom (or a dad)? Post your opportunity on mommybites.com!

DIRECTOR|PUBLISHING MANAGEMENT: Anthony Diaz DIRECTOR|DIGITAL CONTENT: Silvia Balu

MARKETING

ASSISTANT MARKETING MANGER: Kristine Pulaski

FINANCE

CFO: David Friedman CREDIT ASSISTANT: Rosa Meinhofer, Dan Finnegan

Davler Media Group davlermedia.com

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

BIG APPLE PARENT, QUEENS PARENT, WESTCHESTER PARENT BROOKLYN PARENT, ROCKLAND PARENT, BERGEN • ROCKLAND PARENT, STATEN ISLAND PARENT, and LONG ISLAND PARENT are published monthly by Davler Media Group, LLC Copyright © 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

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 more than a decade. Our director, Dr. Sanam Hafeez, is a highly sought-after expert in child development and learning and is faculty at Columbia University. She's a regular medical guest and expert on NBC, CBS, ABC, and CNN news shows, the Dr. Oz show, and contributes regularly to Web MD, Yahoo! Health and Parenting, Glamour, MSN, Women's Health Magazine, and more. Dr. Abigail Connolly joins the CCPS team, and brings with her over 25 years of experience with Autism and learning from the NYC Department of Education.

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 new places, new programs

Ms. Vassallo and Mr. Hall with students from the “American Pop Culture” class, standing proud in front of their recently completed bulletin board highlighting cultural advan ces made during the 20th century in America.

r Day Camp

Who: The Windsor School What’s New: A variety of electives, including American Pop Culture, which were all first offered fall 2018. American Pop Culture covers the culture of the U.S. and how it has changed over the decades of the 20th Century, from fashion and movies to automobiles and history. The course is co-taught by art and social studies teachers through a mixture of supplementary art projects and in-class learning. Other electives being offered include Critical Issues in Society (studying global current events through art and oral presentations), Critical Issues in Law (prevalent issues in global law), Journalism (writing, photography, and visual supplements needed for a publication), and Creative Writing. Want More Info: 37-02 Main St., Flushing; thewindsorschool.com; 718-359-8300; admin@thewindsorschool.com

Courtesy The Windsor School

Private College Preparatory High School in Flushing Adds Electives

Courtesy Hillcre

in knowprides themselves Day Camp, the staff ter or of ect Cen dir ish an, Jew dm st Sei At Hillcre to Howard sonally, according ing every camper per p. ter Day Cam Hillcrest Jewish Cen

Courtesy Metrokids Preschool

Who: Hillcrest Jewish Center Day Camp What’s New: Online registration, which began in February and Drone Training, which is scheduled to begin July 8. The online registration portal aims to make camp registration more efficient for parents, to waste less paper, and to give parents the ability to change details within the account if necessary. Money management, customizing which weeks campers attend camp, and all other details will be handled through this new portal. The Drone Training program will be taught by an outside vendor who will supply drones and teach campers ages 8-14 how to maneuver drones through various obstacle courses. Want More Info: 183-02 Union Turnpike, Flushing; 718-380-4145; hjcdaycamp.org

st Jewish Cente

Day Camp in Flushing Adds Online Registration, Drone Program

Preschool Opens in Bayside Who: Metrokids Preschool What’s New: The school, which is slated to open March 1. The preschool is for children ages 3 months to 5 years. It follows a creative curriculum that includes lessons in art, reading, yoga, and more. The school also teaches a foreign language at each of its locations, with Bayside’s curriculum featuring Mandarin. Each morning, students will receive instruction in English, followed by lessons in Mandarin in the afternoon. The students get an introduction to Mandarin by learning basic words through story time, sing-alongs, and puppetry. Want More Info: 219-18 Horace Harding Expressway, Bayside; 718-429-7700; metrokidspreschool.com

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

The Metrokids facility features brand-new classrooms, a dedicated library, gym area, and a rooftop outdo or area for play.

SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM

GIRL'S & BOY'S BASKETBALL AND BEYOND 7 weeks • July 8th through August 23rd 8:30am - 9:00am - Warm-ups and Free Play 9:00am - 10:00am - Skills Training 10:00am - 10:15am - Snack Break 10:15am - 11:15am - Group Breakouts 11:15am - 12:15pm - Groups Switch Places 12:15pm - 1:00pm - Lunch Time 1:30pm - 2:00pm - All Basketball Drills 2:00pm - 3:00pm - Basketball Fun and Games 3:00pm - 3:15pm - Sports Educational Trivia 3:15pm - 3:45pm - Improvement Training 3:45pm - 3:55pm - Stretches & Lesson Reviews 4:00pm - Dismissal

Basketball & Nutrition Camp

Early Drop-off & Late Pick-up Available

Fun, skill driven, team work, beyond basketball, other learning daily activities! For Ages 5-16 Years Old EARLY BIRD SPECIAL

$100 OFF Expires 3/31/19

• REGISTER before March 31st and receive $100 in savings. • Two week session only $599! • On site enrollment dates: March 2nd, 3rd, 10th & 11th from 8:30 a.m. until noon. • You may also register on our website anytime. • Rates will increase after March 31st.

55-11 Queens Blvd. Woodside girlsbasketballbeyond@gmail.com

girlsbasketballandbeyond.com | 718-697-1699

THE WINDSOR SCHOOL LE AR N TO DAY. LE AD TO M O R ROW.

A Private College Preparatory Middle and High School in NYC for Students in Grades 7–12 • Celebrating our 50th Anniversary! • Recently reaccredited by the Middle States Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges • Small class size offering individualized instruction • Convenient to the 7 train and 12 MTA bus lines

CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2019-2020 Affordable Tuition – Merit Scholarship & Financial Aid Available

SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM • Regents Classes for Credit Advancement Jump a year ahead in one or two subjects! • SAT/ACT Test Prep Classes Prepare for the August or October test!

THE WINDSOR SCHOOL 37-02 Main Street, Flushing, New York 11354 (718) 359-8300 • www.thewindsorschool.com

QueensParent

Keeping Memories Alive ››

Courtesy Sara Rubinfeld

raising kids voices

The author with her family

How my husband and I keep the spirit of my father alive with our kids

y 20s were a whirlwind. I am sure it’s a feeling many of us share. I graduated college at 21, met my future husband at 22, started grad school at 23, then got married at 25. I finished grad school and had my first baby just a few weeks apart. I was 27. My Dad died when I was 29. And since that day, everything in my life has been divided into two parts: before Daddy died and after. His death made me the first among my friends to lose a parent as an adult. Trust me, that’s not the kind of distinction anyone wants. As many people will tell you, the loss of a parent is something from which you never truly recover. The lucky ones among us figure out how to keep moving forward. Our daughter turned 5 last summer. When she was born, my Dad was nine years into his battle with kidney disease. With medication, lots of doctor’s appointments, daily dialysis, and copious amounts of support from my Mom, our extended family, and their friends, he was managing it. December marked four years since my Dad passed. In December our son, named after my Dad, also turned 3. It’s hard for me—for both me and my husband—raising our kids without my Dad. Grandpa was a role he was born to play. Almost from day one he jumped into the deep end. There was no greater gift the world could’ve given him than becoming a grandpa. Unfortunately, our time together was cut short; he died when our daughter was 17 months old. Our daughter doesn’t remember him, and our son is still too young to comprehend the loss. But we talk about my Dad a lot.

By Sara Rubinfeld

Keep talking. It’s one of the lessons I learned from the death of my grandmother when I was young. My parents and aunts and uncles never stopped talking about my grandmother. They talked about her so much to the point that my two younger cousins—one who was too young to remember her and the other who was born after she had passed away—can tell the stories and family lore almost as well as the rest of us. I talk to our kids because I really thought we would have more time with my Dad than we got. I talk to our kids because I want them to know how proud he would’ve been of all their accomplishments, both great and small. Talk to your kids about loved ones who have passed because you love them, and you want your kids to know how important this person was (and still is) in your life. Talk about them because you know how much they would’ve loved your kids. Talk about loved ones who have passed because your kids will do or say things that will remind you of them. Share with your kids the things that brought those loved ones joy. You never know when you will find a shared passion or a simple moment of appreciation. I wish my Dad was here to get to know our kids in all of his threedimensional glory, but I do the best I can both to honor his memory and to connect our kids to the grandfather they will never know. The ability to talk to our kids about my Dad is one of the greatest gifts my family gave me. Now I’m hoping I can inspire some of you to share that gift with your kids as well.

Sara Rubinfeld is a wife, mom, and nonprofit fundraiser. When she isn’t busy trying to save the world one charitable gift at a time, she can be found at home in Brooklyn with her husband, kids, and cats. This is her first personal writing piece for a professional publication.

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

ARTS • ACA D EMICS • S P O RTS • SW IMMING

June 24th - August 16th • Nursery - 13 years old Half / Full / Extended Days • 7:30am-6:00pm Customize your schedule to suit you and your camper Onsite swimming pool Lunch & snack included Special events

Lessons/Free swim 2 x daily Door-to-door transportation Drop-in available

Tourtmsent by

Appoi

33-16 79th Street, Jackson Heights NY • (718) 335-6363

gardenschool.org/programs/summer

SUMMER SCHOOL Street 82nd GOLD Academics Kindergarten to 8th grade July 1st to August 23rd 8:30AM - 3:30PM

8 weeks, s, 8 academic modules

Call us TODAY (718)-457-0 429

summerschoolnyc.com

82ndstreetacademics

82nd Street Academics

OPEN HOUSE: Monday, March 18th from 8am-11am for Walk-in Tour.

82SA

82nd Street Academics QueensParent 11

raising kids child care

Creative Child Care Solutions for Life in NYC ››

Courtesy Mommybites.com

f it takes a whole village to raise one child, then thank goodness we live in New York City. After all, living in the Big Apple can really work in parents’ favor when it comes to finding child care—even at the last minute. Last month, we talked about the perks of finding help in your own apartment building (no traffic or transit delays), and how your apartment can become a “destination” for those who could use a refuge or personal space for a few hours while your kids sleep and you and your significant other grab a date night. Here are a few more ways in which living in the city can put you at a child care advantage:

Invest in Future Babysitters

Hire a pre-teen as a mother’s helper during school breaks or after school, which is likely when you need the most help. With NYC transit options aplenty, she won’t need a parent to drop her off. She will love the early babysitting experience, your kids will love the helper’s youth and energy, and your wallet will thank you for finding a less expensive option. In a few years, you will have effectively trained a full-ﬂedged babysitter who can handle a multikid bedtime routine or adventure to Central Park.

Start a Nanny Share

Instead of hiring a full-time nanny, share one nanny’s time with another family. Think strategically about her hours. For instance, avoid unnecessarily paying a nanny while your child is at school. Nannies can work mornings for one family and afternoons for another or switch off days to fit with a parent’s work schedule. A quality nanny can also watch children from two families simultaneously. View available nanny shares in NYC at mommybites.com/newyork/find-a-nanny-share. Stay tuned for even more creative ways to find childcare solutions in NYC!

ITHWAI RA

Braithwaite Nursery School ~ Your child will be governed only by his or her limitless imagination. ~

ery Sch

Mommybites’ mom-generated nanny, babysitter, and nanny-share boards have been some of the most popular child-care resources in New York City since 2006. You can find nannies and babysitters as well as help them get new jobs. Join this community of moms and receive weekly parenting advice at mommybites.com/newyork.

Safe & Nurturing Environment Story Telling & Creative Writing Music & Art Expression Literature Rich Setting Discovering Math & Science

Our focus is on the total child, academically and socially. Reading Readiness, Comprehension and Phonics are a major Teachers with 29 years experience. Student to Teacher Ratio 3:1

Spacious Outdoor Play Area

OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR SPRING & FALL 2019

Mornings: Monday to Friday 9:00 - 12:00 • Flexible Schedule – Choose Your Days! Call for a Visit 718-767-2776 • Lynne Braithwaite / Director • Whitestone, New York Braithwaitenurseryschool.com 12

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

EN A L L C H IL D R th Grade 8 to K Entering Pre- lcome Are We

MIC & CORE ACADE OPTIONS AL RECREATION g • Drama s • Cookin Martial Art fts • Arts & Cra Swimming s p ri T y • Da Computers ! re o an d M

OPEN HOUSE

ST 16 JULY 1 – AUGUFriday

rough Monday th :00pm 4 – 9:00am the Day, Register by ll 7 Weeks! Week or Fu

APRIL 6 m 10am-12p

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

Before & Af te is Available

r Care

GE T A

F R EE DAY! REGISTER BY APRIL 30

119-17 UNION TURNPIKE • FOREST HILLS, NY

HILLCREST JEWISH CENTER DAY CAMP “The Camp Where Everybody Knows Your Name”

Sunday March 17th, 20 19 • Open House 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. New ! On Sundays the Day Camp oﬃce will be open from y!! c 10am to 12pm for Tours and Registration A tivit E N O R D ING TRAIN 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 20 19! Online Registration - Go to hjcdaycamp.org to register NOW! Like us on

@hjcdaycamp

183-02 Union Tpke., Flushing 113 66 • hjcdaycamp.org • daycamp@hillcrestjc.org • Call 718-380 -4145 QueensParent 13

raising kids in the know

5 Tips for the Early Years ›› By Melissa Wickes

s a parent of a young child, it can be overwhelming and difficult to find tangible actions from parenting resources that will contribute to a healthy upbringing for your kid. It’s helpful to know the specific steps you can take to teach your child what is right and wrong—and ensure she feels safe and confident. Christine Martin, author of You’ve Got This! Keys to Effective Parenting for the Early Years, shares some tips to help navigate this confusing but crucial time in your child’s development.

Set aside uninterrupted bonding time. As soon as your child is born, she is searching for a secure attachment that will allow her to confidently and safely explore new things, according to Martin. More time spent with your child at this age will foster positive self-esteem, social-emotional development, and academic success. By dedicating 100-percent of your attention to your child, you are giving her the confidence she needs to grow and develop healthily. Decide what you liked (and didn’t like) about your upbringing. Often, parents copy the way they were parented without taking a closer look and determining if that really worked for them. Examine the parenting styles you were exposed to as a child, Martin suggests. Think about how you can do better and how you can do just as great, but don’t mimic without thinking about what you’re doing and if you really believe in it. Make routines and stick to them. Once your child begins school, he will be in a daily routine for the rest of his school years. Teach him how to deal with everyday tasks and teach him responsibility

as soon as possible. Take photographs of him in every part of his bedtime routine, and then hang them up in the bathroom as a fun way to help him remember what he needs to do before bed. Encourage positive behaviors, no matter how small. Instead of focusing on how to discipline your child after she’s gotten in trouble, Martin suggests focusing on the tangible ways you can teach your child to minimize and overcome these behaviors. If your daughter shares her toy with her little brother, make sure you praise her, so she knows these sorts of actions get positive attention. Talk to your child about feelings. Teach your child the words for different feelings, so he knows how to express his emotions. Give him concrete alternatives to a situation if he isn’t getting what he wants. If he wants to play with the truck his sister is playing with, he can play with another toy, he can ask to take turns, or you can give him a timer and teach him to negotiate with his sister that it will be his turn once the timer goes off.

SUMMER CAMP! June 24 - July 26th

Discover new friends and ways to PLAY at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, home of the US Open! Highlights: Kids of all ages and abilities are welcome Featuring multi-sport activities REGISTER NOW AT:

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

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Our World Neighborhood Charter School 2 135-25 79th St, Howard Beach, NY 11414

www.owncs.org/own-2 Kindergarten through Grade 3 Free Public Charter School has joined the District 27 School Community

APPLY NOW! Visit Us To Learn About Our Great School • Rigorous Academic Curriculum • Spanish Beginning in Kindergarten • Study of World Cultures • Pillars of a Positive Community • Arts & Music Integrated Into Curriculum • Individualized Learning • Free Breakfast & Lunch • 1:1 Student Laptop Program

Open House Dates Wednesday, Feb. 27 | 4pm Saturday, Mar. 9 | 12pm Tuesday, Mar. 12 | 9am Monday, Mar. 18 | 2pm Saturday, Mar. 30 11am

For additional information | Contact Lucille Ranchor | 646-415-2775 | admissions@owncs.org

Registration Now Open!

Please join us to find out how our amazing program will benefit your child’s academic, social and emotional growth. Meet our caring faculty, view our brand-new classrooms, gyms and library. Come and explore exciting programs Metrokids Preschool has to offer your child.

• Qualified Teachers • Multicultural • Bilingual Language Program Provided English AM & Mandarin PM • Full Time Program 8:00am - 6:00pm

• Early Drop Off and Late Pickup Available • Four Meals Provided • Large Indoor and Outdoor Play Area • Financial Aid Available

METROKIDS PRESCHOOL

Brand New Preschool

219-18 Horace Harding Expressway, NY 11364 (718) 428-7700 Metrokidspreschool.com Skroski.metrokidspreschool@gmail.com QueensParent 15

things to do

outbound

Family Fun a Ride Away By Melissa Wickes

Courtesy Safari Adventure

Courtesy Heckscher Museum of Art

In Suffolk County...

Safari Adventure has more than 30 swipe card arcade games to choose from.

A child uses Digital Action Painting at the Heckscher Museum of Art.

Safari Adventure

Heckscher Museum of Art

This museum includes unique features that make it a fun art museum for kids of all ages. Some exhibits the family will love include the Selfie Station, Digital Action Painting, and Create Your Own Activity Station. One Sunday every month, Heckscher Family Hour invites children ages 5-10 for a family-friendly tour of the museum. Visit it: 2 Prime Avenue, Huntington; heckscher.org; 631-423-2145

Courtesy Aviation Hall of Fame NJ

Courtesy SportsCenter of Connecticut

The wide array of children’s attractions and activities at this indoor play space will not only keep your little ones entertained all day long, but they’ll be learning throughout the fun! With inflatables, a soft playground, an obstacle course, arcade games, a sensory calming spa, a hands-on sensory area, and a 3 and younger toddler area, there is something here for everyone. Visit it: 1074 Pulaski Street, Riverhead; thesafariadventure.com; 631-727-4386

The Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of New Jersey has 10 aircraft to view

and beyo nd!

both inside and outside the museum.

Fun Bowl at SportsCenter of Connecticut combines technology and entertainment for the ultimate bowling experience.

Aviation Hall of Fame of NJ

SportsCenter of Connecticut

Children and adults of all ages will be enriched in all things aerospace while learning about New Jersey’s role in American air and space accomplishments. The exhibits will expose children to potential careers in spaceflight, engineering, research, piloting, management, manufacturing, and other industries relating to aerospace. This includes the rocket engine that propelled the X-15, the first American hovercraft, various airplane models, and helicopters. Visit it: 400 Fred Wheran Road, Teterboro NJ; njahof.org; 201-288-6344 16

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Why drag your family to multiple venues to entertain everyone’s interests when you can play hockey, mini golf, laser tag, basketball, bowl, ice-skate, and even create art all under one roof? SportsCenter of Connecticut makes family fun easy and accessible because it is a one-stop fun shop for all activities for people of all ages, with everything from traditional sports to virtual reality and target paintball. Visit it: 784 River Road, Shelton, CT; sportscenterct.com; 203-929-6500

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

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

6 MONTHS TO 5 YEARS LEARN SPANISH THROUGH MUSIC, DANCE & PUPPETRY!!! Classes, Birthday Parties and Private Lessons

Licensed Speech Pathologists & Myofunctional Therapists Specializing in the Treatment and Correction of: From baby's first steps to picture-worthy handstands, My Gym grows with your little ones. Our variety of programs and memorable birthday parties shape skills and build confidence to help children be active, healthy, social and, most of all, happy kids. Birthday Parties 1st to 10 yrs Parent & Me and Independent classes ages 3 mo to 13 yrs

• 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

Free Class: Gym & Spanish

March 25th 9:15

Bilingual Birdies will be at My Gym!

Wantagh

Lake Success

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

516-216-1791 • 718-640-6767

My Gym Fresh Meadows 718-380-4599 • mygym.com/queens 176-60 Union Turnpike,#310 freshmeadows@mygym.com @mygymfreshmeadows

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

516-221-3653

516-200-4691 • bilingualbirdies.com

SAM’S CAMP AND SWiM CLUB $100 OFF at Commonpoint Queens Sam Field Center Ages 2 - 5 years old Dynamic, interactive and fun-ﬁlled weekly themes

SWIM INSTRUCTION CREATIVE ARTS AND MUSIC PROGRAMS

Air-conditioned facility 4 Playgrounds Special Lunches & Ice Cream Parties

Enrichment Activities including visits from Alley Pond Park and the Nature Company Sibling

discount and scholarships available!

Camp and September 2019 fees if registered before 3/31/19

Accommodate Every Family! Program Option#1 - 9:00 - 12:00 PM Program Option#2 - 9:00 - 2:00 PM Program Option#3 - 9:00 - 4:00 PM

Early Drop-off - 7:30 - 9:00 AM Late Pick Up - 4:00 - 6:00 PM

Tricia Campo, Early Childhood Director • 718.225.6750 x246 Tcampo@commonpointqueens.org

www.commonpointqueens.org/program/nursery-camp/ QueensParent 17

Choosing the Perfect Camp Narrow your list of potential summer camps with these helpful tips.

ne of the big advantages of raising a family in the New York metro area is the sheer volume of things to do and places to go. That’s true for camp, too: There are hundreds of nearby day and sleepaway camps available for your child to attend. It’s a perk—but can also make determining the just-right spot for your child to spend the summer a bit overwhelming. How can you narrow your list, and choose the perfect summer camp? Internet reviews and browsing camp websites can help, but so too can talking to your child, considering the logistics involved, and touring the actual destinations. Here’s how to get started.

Know What You—and Your Child—Want

The first step: Consult with your child. After all, this is her summer! “The child’s opinion has to be respected,” says Terence Ryan, director at Hofstra Summer Camps in Uniondale. Begin your conversation with a simple question: “[Ask your child] to imagine what a great summer camp would look like for them,” recommends Bobbie Finkelstein, director of after-school and day camp at Congregation Beth Elohim in Brooklyn. Think about your child’s preferences—does he enjoy time indoors or outdoors, is he sedentary or active, and does he like large or small groups, says Cheryl Anstett, director and owner of Ann & Andy Child Care Center in Elmsford. And, consider what you want your child to gain from the summer, says Lauren Wexler, director of camp programs at the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan. Whether it’s becoming a better swimmer, making neighborhood friends, or increasing STEM skills, think about how the camp can help support that 18

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

››

By Madeleine Burry

goal. Additionally, think about the other characteristics, such as size, facilities, mix of activities, and so on, when initially reviewing options.

Look into the Camp’s Accreditation and Safety

Safety is one of the first features for parents to consider, says Howard Seidman, camp director at Hillcrest Jewish Day Camp in Queens. Todd Roth, owner and director of Deerkill Day Camp in Suffern, recommends confirming that prospective camps are accredited by the American Camp Association. “It’s a seal of approval, and not always easily attainable,” he says. With this accreditation comes an assurance that the camp meets hundreds of sensible and important health and safety standards. If you opt to only have your child attend an ACA-accredited camp, you’ll significantly reduce your list of options. “[With ACA accreditation] you can be assured that your child will be going to one of the top-notch camps in the country,” says Susie Lupert, executive director of the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey.

Keep Your Budget in Mind

Here’s another quick way to eliminate a number of camps from the list: Figure out what you can afford, and then remove the camps with rates above that amount. “Budget is a big consideration,” Roth says. Find out the total price, he recommends, as well as what’s included, such as transportation, meals, etc. “A lot of those little pieces can add up, so when you’re looking at your budget, you want to look at the total all-in costs,” he says.

And Don’t Forget About Day-to-Day Logistics

For parents, the logistics of camp can throw a wrench into routine. Think about the location of pick-up and drop-off, and how it’ll fit into your day-to-day schedule, Wexler recommends. Ask about whether the camp has flexibility if you want to take a family trip or go on a vacation for a week of the summer, Roth says. Some camps will let you cancel a few days or a week, Wexler notes, while others do not have that flexibility.

Do Your Research

You might be surprised about how much information you can gain from the camp’s website, from the logistical details to the overall vibe of the camp. “We always tell parents look at your values and try to discern whether the camp reflects those values,” Roth says. Spend some time browsing through websites—and involve your child, too. Same goes for when you visit camp fairs, Wexler says. Let your child ask questions and get a sense for the camp from the booths, brochures, and websites. Some things to pay attention to as you browse through websites and stop by booths at the camp fair are: • Interactions with the staff: If you’re at the fair, pay attention to how you feel during conversations with the camp representatives. “The crux of what makes a camp great is the staff,” Seidman says. • Facilities and activities: Is there a good mix? Joe Siegel, executive camp director at Sportime on Long Island, recommends asking what a typical day is like. Ideally, he says, you’ll want a variety of active time (swimming, sports, etc.) along with some downtime to balance your child’s day. Again, keep in mind your kid’s personality. If he’s an introvert, for instance, seek out a camp that’ll fit with that trait. • Counselor-to-camper ratio: This is another big factor to keep in mind, Siegel says, especially if the camp is instructional. There’s a big difference between a 30-to-1 camper-tocounselor ratio and an 8-to-1 ratio in terms of attention.

Queensborough Performing Arts Center

G O T TA DANCE KIDS!

QPAC’s Broadway Dance-Along Winter Workout Challenge for Kids! Sponsored by Councilmembers Barry Grodenchik, Rory Lancman, I. Daneek Miller.

March 16, 2019, 11am-12:30pm

March 23, 2019, 11am-12:30pm

March 30, 2019, 11am-12:30pm

April 6, 2019, 11am-12:30pm

April 13, 2019, 11am-12:30pm

ONLY $5 per workshop Suggested age: 8 – 14!

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the box office.

718-631-6311 WWW.VISITQPAC.ORG 222-05 56TH AVENUE, BAYSIDE, NY 11364

Call or Visit the Camps on Your Shortlist

Most directors recommend visiting your two or three finalist camps. While a website is a nice intro, there’s no substitute for looking at the camp with your own eyes, Ryan says, especially since you’re investing a lot of money, and a significant amount of your child’s time, in the experience. If you do a tour, make sure to bring your child along, Seidman says. “Your child is going to be spending time here, not you,” he notes. During your tour, you’ll want to see if the camp seems clean and well maintained, and if the facilities look modern, Anstett says. Calling the camp director is your next best option if a visit isn’t feasible. “Ask to speak to the person in charge—any really good camp director will be thrilled to take that phone call,” Lupert says. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to the director or feel like they’re not giving you sufficient time on the phone, that’s a bad sign. During conversations (or visits) try to dig into factors that may not be mentioned on the website. For instance, ask how much attention the camp gives to developmental levels when planning activities, Finkelstein says. You can also ask how the camp encourages friendship-building (and how it responds to bullying or other bad behavior). One more tip: Try to get a sense if the camp can grow with your child. Ask about the camp’s retention rate, and what’s available for kids a few years ahead of your child’s age. “You don’t want to be taking tours on an annual basis,” Roth notes—your goal is to choose a camp your child can enjoy for many summers to come. Ultimately, Anstett says, “if it feels right go with your gut.” Madeleine Burry is a freelance writer and editor who has held staff positions at Parents.com, Scholastic, and About.com. You can follow her on Twitter @lovelanewest.

Come in for a tour... WALK-IN WEDNESDAYS 9:00-10:30 AM or by appointment

FREE Universal Pre-K for All for children born in 2015 register at nyschools.nyc use school code 30QAGP

The Class of 2019 has been awarded over $700,000 in scholarships to Catholic High Schools

• Fully equipped Library-Media Center, Science Lab, & STEM Lab • Advanced Science and Math at McClancy H.S. for Grade 8 • FREE after school for grades 6, 7, & 8 • Monthly liturgies and prayer services • Air-conditioned classrooms • iPads for Grades 5 through 8 • Recorder lessons for Grade 2 • Paul Effman Music Service (after school) • Foreign Language, Physical Education, Health, & Art • Fee-based after school for Grades N through 5

39-76 58th Street, Woodside, NY 11377 • (718) 429-1982 www.stsebastianacademy.org

QueensParent 19

Camp Directory Day Camps Beth Sholom Day Camp

401 Roslyn Road, Roslyn Heights 516-621-9257 bethsholomdaycamp.com office@bethsholomdaycamp.com Beth Sholom Day Camp offers children, ages 3-15, the opportunity to reach their goals in a friendly, noncompetitive atmosphere. Activities include music, dance, arts and crafts, karate, as well as outdoor sports. Red cross swim instruction is offered in our three heated pools. BSDC provides door-to-door, air-conditioned transportation.

Blue Dolphin Summer Camp

80-22 Parsons Blvd. 718-847-6470 bluedolphincamp.com bluedolphincamp@aol.com Blue Dolphin Summer Camp is a place where friends return each summer to rekindle the magic and spirit unique to Blue Dolphin. Its commitment to outstanding service and quality has enabled us to create an environment where children learn, grow, and flourish. Discover the ultimate summer camp for kids ages 3-15.

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 with four exciting summer camps for children of all ages. Camps appeal to all interests, including soccer, basketball, dance, drama, cooking, arts, water slides, and ninja. On-site math and ELA programs available. Come for a week or the whole summer!

Countryside Montessori School

354 Lakeville Road, lower level, Great Neck 516-466-8422 cmsgn.com info@cmsgn.com Countryside Montessori school runs summer camp during July and August for children ages 18 months-6 years. Camp has weekly themes. Toddlers have play-based mornings, and Primary (ages 3 years and older) spend time doing academics and on the playground. Camp is a great way to acclimate your child to school.

Garden School

33-16 79th St., Jackson Heights 718-335-6363 gardenschool.org gardenschool.org/programs/summer On-site pool, certified lifeguards, full- and half-day schedule for all campers, lunch and snack included, and program variety make Garden Summer Camp the best camp in Queens! Ages 1½–13! Camp offers a variety of activities including sports, crafts, swim, themes, and a game room. Extended day, and transportation.

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”

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

offers programs for preschool through teen 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 a weekly cookout.

Hofstra Summer Camps

101 Oak St., Uniondale 516-463-CAMP (2267) hofstra.edu/academics/ce/summer-camp/index.html hofstra.edu/campli ce-camps@hofstra.edu Hofstra Summer Camps offer children ages 5-17 more than 70 programs from theater to sports, gaming, art, music, STEM and STEAM, academics, culinary, dance, YouTube Studio, Adventure Education, and Super Hero Academy. At our camp, kids will explore their interests, learn valuable social skills, and have fun while gaining confidence.

The Kew-Forest School Summer at Kew-Forest

119-17 Union Turnpike, Forest Hills 718-268-4667 x108 kewforest.org kewforest.org/summer summer@kewforest.org Summer at The Kew-Forest School provides children entering grades pre-K to eighth with academic enrichment in reading, writing, and mathematics, along with recreational activities such as art, sports, cooking, swimming, and drama. Full- and half-day options, before- and after-camp care are available. Register by the day, week, or for all seven weeks.

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 minds and physical ability. We swim every day in an Olympic country club pool. With exciting weekly trips, our rates include door-to-door transportation, healthy lunches, professional tennis, dance, and instructional sports programs.

Mill Basin Day Camp

5945 Strickland Ave., Brooklyn 718-251-6200 millbasindaycamp.com Mill Basin Day Camp is dedicated to providing exciting and fulfilling camp experiences with fun, recreational, and safe activities for children entering pre-K through ninth grade. Attend an open house and please bring the whole family for a personal tour of the facility and discussion of the camp program.

Sam’s Camp and Swim Club at Commonpoint Queens Sam Field Center

58-20 Little Neck Parkway, Little Neck 718-225-6750 x246 commonpointqueens.org/program/nursery-camp Welcome to Sam’s Camp and Swim Club at Commonpoint Queens, Sam Field Center. A first camp experience for ages 2-5. Each weekly themed program is highlighted with enrichment experiences provided by professionals in nature and entertain-

ment. Instructional swim program is certified by a water safety instructor. Snacks included, lunch for specific programs.

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. Call for more information and to find out about our summer program.

World of Discovery Day Camp

718-229-3037 worldofdiscovery.org info@worldofdiscovery.org World of Discovery Day Camp creates an environment where 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 meet stringent standards and all directors and assistant directors are New York state-certified.

YMCA Summer Camps

ymcanyc.org/camp rho@ymcanyc.org The YMCA of Greater New York is one of the largest providers of camp programs in the city, with 70 Day Camp sites across five boroughs, a Sleepaway Camp upstate, and more than a century of experience giving kids the best summer ever! Where there’s a Y, there’s a way.

Young People’s Day Camp of Queens

800-856-1043 queenscamp.com Since 1972, our family-run camp has provided safe, fun-filled summers for thousands of Queens youngsters. YPDCQ is accredited by the American Camp Association. 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.

Specialty Camps 82nd Street Academics

81-10 35th Ave., Jackson Heights 718-457-0429 x200 82ndst.com Summer Academics Gold is an eight-week, educational program during July and August. Each week each grade has two learning modules, math and English. We follow the public school curriculum that they will work on in fall 2019. Science, technology, a college trip, and daily moments of motivation keep students engaged.

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 continued on pg. 22 ››

CAMP MARKETPLACE

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

SWIMMING • DANCE BASKETBALL • 2 COMPUTER LABS VOLLEYBALL • VIDEO GAME DESIGN HANDBALL • JEWELRY DESIGN SOCCER • DRAMA KARATE • FASHION DESIGN GYMNASTICS • ROCK BAND FOOTBALL • BAKING GAGA BALL • ARTS & CRAFTS DODGE BALL • TALENT KARAOKE WIFFLE BALL • TELEVISION STUDIO TRACK & FIELD • CIRCUS PROGRAM FLOOR HOCKEY • BLACK TIE GALA PARTY � Campers Grades Pre K - 9 • Flexible Registration Schedule • Door To Door Air Conditioned Bus Service!

• • • • • • • • •

GIANT SCREEN THEATER 60FT OBSTACLE COURSE JUNGLE GYM 3-D MOVIE THEATER “OLD SCHOOL” ARCADE CARNIVAL DAY TRIPS “WII” ROOM TINY TOWN WESTERN CITY • Rock Climbing “NEW” • Laser Maze “NEW” • Virtual Reality “NEW” • Mad Science Lab “NEW” • “NEW LOCKER ROOMS”

• All Activities On Site • Hot Lunch & Snack Daily • Day Trips • 50+ Activities

www.millbasindaycamp.com • 718.251.6200

Open House: Sunday February 3, 11 am - 1 pm

SUMMER REGISTRATION

Child Learning Center U N D PR

718

AGES 1-5

A YE

GOING ON NOW! SPACE IS LIMITED!

SPACE IS LIMITED!

TINY FOOTSTEPS

FALL 2019 REGISTRATION GOING ON NOW!

-9 69- 5

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

CAMP MARKETPLACE

space available. All Star Studios program is designed to encourage and educate 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.

Christ the King Royal's Basketball Camp

Bilingual Birdies - Marilyn Duque

For Boys & Girls Ages 7 - 1 6

Boys Week #1 Boys Week #2 Boys Week #3 Boys Week #4 Girls Week

Alley Pond Environmental Center, 22806 Northern Blvd., Little Neck 516-200-4691 bilingualbirdies.com longisland.bilingualbirdies@gmail.com Join Myla Birdie is a bright yellow puppet for a summer adventure during our six-week summer series. Learn Spanish and all fun summer things. Bilingual Birdies is the leading bilingual music education program in New York that serves toddlers and preschoolers through song, dance, and puppetry.

July 22 – July 26 July 29 – August 2 August 5 – August 9 August 12 – August 16 August 19 – August 23

Christ the King Royal's Soccer Camp

For Boys & Girls Ages 7 - 16

Week #1 July 8 – July 12 Week #2 July 15 – July 19 Week #1 August 19 – August 23

The Crayon Box Preschool

CK Kids' American Dance & Drama Camp

For Girls & Boys Ages 3 - 1 4

July 8 – August 16 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

The Crayon Box Preschool Learning & Fun Rolled Into One! Great Teacher to Student Ratios W Registering NO for Summer & 19 September 20

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR PRICING AND SCHEDULING

WWW.CRAYONBOXPRESCHOOL.COM

Flexible schedule for working families

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

Call Ms. Virginia

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

‹‹ continued page 20

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

STATE OF THE ART FACILITY

44-10 192nd St., Flushing 718-888-9341 crayonboxpreschool.com Children are encouraged to learn by doing. They 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. In the summer children have access to outdoor and water activities.

The DanceSource

98-11 Queens Blvd. (at 65th Ave.), Rego Park/Forest Hills 718-997-1278 dancesource.net info@dancesource.net The DanceSource begins its 25th year. We offer classes for children 2 ½ years, up to adult. We offer all the classic dance classes and ethnic styles of dance. Our smaller, boutique-sized classes offer lots of individual attention. We will run a six-week summer session from July 6–Aug. 9.

Further Music School

110-06 72nd Ave., Forest Hills 718-544-8886 140-75 Ash Ave., Suite 2B, Flushing 917-563-1480 furthermusic.com info@furthermusic.com 2017 National Music School of the Year. Since 2007, Further Music School has grown to be one of the most popular and recognized music schools in Queens. Reaching more than 3000 students, our award-winning facility provides music lessons for all instruments and singing. Explore your summer music classes with us!

Girl’s & Boy’s Basketball and Beyond 55-11 Queens Blvd., Woodside 718-697-1699 girlsbasketballandbeyond.com girlsbasketballbeyond@gmail.com Our affordable summer camp is

taught by elite athletes! Our coaches focus on team-orientated, and individual skills-based classes. We use a holistic approach to teach your child basketball! Unlike most basketball camps, our program offers two free additional components including fun nutrition and sports education lessons. Campers receive bags and T-shirts.

ISTEIN Education Center

107-06 71st Road 2nd floor, Forest Hills 718-575-8877 isteinny.com info@isteinny.com ISTEIN Summer Day Camp offers academics, music and arts, and Chinese in a creative methodology. In the morning, our program focuses on academic enrichment in math, reading, writing, science, and social studies—all aligned to the common core standards. In the afternoons, our students learn music and Chinese through singing, dancing, and acting.

JEI Learning Centers

Auburndale 347-408-4098 Floral Park 718-347-3138 Forest Hills 718-268-2890 Fresh Meadows 718-740-7888 Great Neck 516-482-2234 Rego Park 718-441-3762 Whitestone 718-819-8813 jei.com JEI Learning Center helps children achieve academic success through summer enrichment and tutoring programs for children in pre-K to ninth grades. Excel in math, Problem Solving Math, reading and writing, and English! JEI’s curriculum aligns with Common Core State Standards. Reach out to your local center to learn more about summer enrichment programs today!

LIU Post Center for Gifted Youth

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

Metrokids Preschool

219-18 Horace Harding Expressway, Bayside 718-428-7700 metrokidspreschool.com skroski.wetrokidspreschool@gmail.com Metrokids Preschool is a bilingual full-time program for students ages 3 months—5 years old. Our program will benefit your child’s academic and continued on pg. 24 ››

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

CAMP MARKETPLACE

The DanceSource SC

SUM

E R

Mon - Thur 5:30 - 8:30pm | Sat 9:30am - 8:00pm and Sun 9:30am - 3:00pm

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

CHIN

The DanceSource is open after school

EDUCA EDUCATION CENTER

AFT

ISTEIN IS TEIN

The DanceSource offers 13 styles of dance, from the classics (Ballet, Tap, Gymnastics) to ethnic (Georgian, Barata Nathyam, Kathak, Bollywood), and more (Modern, Ballroom). Contact us for private lessons

MUS

Have you ever tried a Dance Class?

NOW ENROLLING

MUSIC SUMMER CAMP July 1 st – August 16 th Mon-Fri • 8am-6pm

Academic Enrichment • Field Trips Arts & Crafts • Piano • Choir • Guitar • Percussion

10% OFF $100 OFF ON SIBLINGS

If registered by April 30 th

Please visit us at isteinny.com 718.575.8877 · info@isteinny.com 107-06 71 st Rd, 2 nd Floor, Forest Hills, NY 11375

菲耳音乐学校 2017 National Music FURTHER MUSIC School of the Year SCHOOL PROFESSIONAL MUSIC EDUCATION

Offering Classes in: Private Music Lessons Group Piano Lessons Master Class

10 YEARS

Music Education Brand

FREE

Monthly Recital

SUCCESS

Music Exam/Competition Course Forest Hills Location

110-06 72nd Ave, Forest Hills Tel:718-544-8886

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

92% ABRSM Distinction Rate

Flushing Location

140-75 Ash Ave, Suite2B, Flushing Tel:917-563-1480

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 23

CAMP MARKETPLACE

‹‹ continued page 22

social growth while facilitating a love of learning from a young age. Call us for information on our summer program.

JULY 1st - AUGUST 9th

Open for all levels ages 6-13 AUGUST 12th - 16th

Int & Adv Dancers ages 14-16 Sign up today at

rioult.org/summer 212-398-5903

34-01 Steinway Street, Astoria

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

A proven system celebrating over 100 years of practice, research and worldwide recognition • Our fully equipped spacious classroom offer the most enriched curriculum available for 18 months - 6 years. • Fully affiliated with the American Montessori Society since 1998. • Early drop-off and Extended day available.

354 Lakeville Road Great Neck, NY • 516-466-8422 Visit our website: www.CMSGN.com 24

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Miss Anita – Private Math Tutor and Advisor

917-477-7953 workinganita@gmail.com Tutoring available for various levels of math including elementary and middle math, algebra 1, algebra 2, geometry, and tests such as the GED. Experienced teacher, tutor, and advisor of 23 years that can help students pass any test. Available during the summer for tutoring. Call for scheduling.

Music Together

Various locations-find the location near you. musictogetherli-queens.com 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 playbased, developmentally appropriate, musical environment. Find a location in Queens or on Long Island.

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-TheGardens 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 grownups who love to participate! Join our weekly, 45-minute, joyful classes. Sing, dance, play, and learn where music learning supports all learning®. Schedule your free class today for our spring or summer session!

Nina’s Tutoring Center

8702 Grand Ave., Elmhurst 718-205-7508 92-22 Corona Ave., Elmhurst 718-606-1056 tutornina@hotmail.com We tutor kids in kindergarten to 12th. For the past 11 years, we have provided quality education that

helps kids excel. We help improve skills in math, ELA, science, and social studies. We have an intensive preparation program for ELA, math, science, citywide and statewide exams, SAT and ACT. Call about available summer programs.

RIOULT Dance Center

34-01 Steinway St., entrance on 34th Avenue, Astoria 212-398-5903 rioult.org/rioultdancecenter Twirl into a world of fun at RIOULT’s summer program! Your child’s dance technique will soar as they explore a plethora of styles including ballet, modern, hip-hop, tap, jazz, and drumming. In this nurturing environment, your child’s creativity and athleticism will flourish. Open for all levels, ages 6-16 years.

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 a Flexible Class Pass. You will have the entire sixweek season to use up the number of classes you purchase.

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. Campers work on tennis techniques, tactics, sports conditioning, and strategy. Enrollment available at ntc.usta.com.

The Windsor School

37-02 Main St., Flushing 718-359-8300 thewindsorschool.com admin@thewindsorschool.com Students attend our summer school to earn course and Regents credit for acceleration, or to preview a course which will be taken during the upcoming school year. Our schedule allows students to take up to two full-year Regents courses. SAT/ACT prep classes are also offered. Classes begin July 1.

Visit us at NYMetroParents.com

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Summer Dance Intensive

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announces its 40th annual summer program for gifted children. The summer

program runs on Monday to Friday from July 1-26. The program is open to gifted children entering grades 2-8 in September 2019. The program expands students’ knowledge, develops creative and critical thinking skills, and offers children the opportunity to learn in an exciting and accepting environment.

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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

QueensParent 25

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March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

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Garden School gardenschool.org

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The Windsor School thewindsorschool.com World of Discovery Day Camp worldofdiscovery.org

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Sam’s Camp and Swim Club commonpointqueens.org

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QueensParent 27

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Ideas When You Need Them:

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

nymetroparents.com/register

Turn the page for details on NY International Children’s Film Festival (No. 4 on our list).

MARCH

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CALENDAR

Editor’s Hot Tickets

We Can’t Believe it’s Free

Smarty Pants

On Screen

Holiday Fun

Animal Lovers

Mini Musicians, Movers & Shakers

Special Needs

Show Time!, Once Upon a Time

The Great Outdoors

Dance Party

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS

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

Global Mashup: Bollywood Meets Global Roots Blues

WHEN: Saturday, March 9, 8-10pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Take some dance lessons and get down to some topnotch international bands. WHY WE LOVE IT: Teens dance and jam for free! WANT TO GO? $16; $10 members and students; free for teens. 718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.org.

It’s Electric: STEM Family Workshop

WHEN: Sunday, March 10, 2:30-4pm WHERE: Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Learn the basics of energy, electricity, electric vehicles, batteries, and how to build a solar-powered toy car. WHY WE LOVE IT: The workshop will also help children explore how our energy and transportation choices can affect our natural environment and local wildlife. WANT TO GO? $10. 718-229-4000. alleypond.com.

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Disney’s ‘Frozen: The Broadway Musical’

WHEN: Through March 10: Tuesday-Sunday, see website for times

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHERE: St. James Theatre, 246 W. 44th St., Midtown, Manhattan AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Frozen the Musical expands on the story of two sisters, giving more time to the characters we’ve come to love. WHY WE LOVE IT: The show is faithful to the original story! WANT TO GO? $35 and up. 877-250-2900. seatsforeveryone.com/frozen.

NY International Children’s Film Festival

WHEN: March 9-10, Saturday-Sunday, 11am and 1pm WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria AGES: All WHAT: Kids can explore the world without leaving NYC through the best new animation, live-action, documentary, and experimental films from across the world. WHY WE LOVE IT: Shorts films ranging from 2-27 minutes will introduce tots to movies from around the world. WANT TO GO? $14; free for children younger than 3. 718-429-2579. movingimage.us.

The Socrates Annual, 2018 Exhibition FREE

WHEN: Through March 10: see website for hours WHERE: Socrates Sculpture Park, 35-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City AGES: All WHAT: Each year Socrates presents an exhibition of new commissions made by artists awarded the Park’s Emerging

Artist Fellowship. For the 2018 exhibition, projects range from a colonial greenhouse to audio-sculptural portraits of Queens hip-hop legends. WHY WE LOVE IT: These pieces respond to the Park’s unique history, landscape, and community. WANT TO GO? 718-956-1819. socratessculpturepark.org.

Inspiring Women in Science: Trivia Game! FREE

WHEN: Friday, March 15, 3-3:30pm WHERE: Queens Library, Sunnyside Branch, 43-06 Greenpoint Ave., Long Island City AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Lean about the achievements of women scientists that have changed our thinking, science, and world forever. WHY WE LOVE IT: A great way to inspire the next generation! WANT TO GO? 718-784-3033. queenslibrary.org.

New Shanghai Circus

WHEN: Saturday, March 23, 3pm WHERE: Kupferberg Center for the Arts, 153-49 Reeves Ave., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: This troupe of gymnasts, cyclists, jugglers, and acrobats leave audiences breathless with displays of strength, balance, agility, grace, and artistry. WHY WE LOVE IT: Ancient Chinese folk art tradition is highlighted by today’s technology. WANT TO GO? $20-$35. 718-793-8080. kupferbergcenter.org.

Joe Kye: ‘Migrants’

WHEN: Friday, March 29, 8-10pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Migrants tells the story of Joe’s life as an immigrant Asian-American, weaving together original music, humorous stories, and cutting-edge technology. WHY WE LOVE IT: There will be a pre-show workshop on expressing cultural identity through sound. WANT TO GO? $16; $10 members and students. 718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.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.

Inspiring Women in Science: My Next Great Big Invention! FREE WHEN: Friday, March 1, 4-5pm WHERE: Queens Library, Rochdale Village Branch, 169-09 137 Ave., Jamaica AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Create a model of a great invention. WANT TO GO? 718-723-4440. queenslibrary.org.

Hands on History: Make (and Eat!) 19th Century Wafﬂes FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 2, 1-4pm WHERE: King Manor Museum, 150-03 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica

AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Learn about waffles (and other foods eaten at King Manor), then make your own waffles, 19th-century style. WANT TO GO? 718-206-0545. kingmanor.org.

Author Talk with Caitlin McDonagh FREE

WHEN: Sunday, March 3, 1-2pm WHERE: Queens Library, Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica AGES: All WHAT: Caitlin McDonagh will read from her book ABCs of What I Can Be and autograph some copies. WANT TO GO? 718-990-0700. queenslibrary.org.

The Fire Safety Show with the Rappin’ Fireman FREE

WHEN: Friday, March 15, 4-5pm WHERE: Queens Library, Cambria Heights Branch, 218-13 Linden Blvd., Cambria Heights AGES: 5-12 WHAT: A rap adventure in safety with songs, robots, puppets, a smoke house, and help from the audience. WANT TO GO? 718-528-3535. queenslibrary.org.

Inspiring Women in Science: Hidden Figures STEAM Project FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 16, 2-3pm WHERE: Glen Oaks Library, 256-04 Union Turnpike, Glen Oaks AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Create physical coded messages to support women’s history using graphics, text, and variables. WANT TO GO? 718-831-8636. queenslibrary.org. ››

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QueensParent 31

Young Chefs ‘Stuffed Shells Bolognese Style’

WHEN: Saturday, March 16, 10:30am-12pm WHERE: Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston AGES: 5-12 WHAT: This class allows young chefs to make and enjoy this flavorful pasta dish in less than 90 minutes. WANT TO GO? $24. 718-229-4000. alleypond.com.

Kids and Teens Spelling Bee FREE

WHEN: March 6-20, Wednesdays, March 6 and 20, 3-4pm WHERE: Queens Library, South Hollis Branch, 204-01 Hollis Ave., South Hollis AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Test your spelling and vocabulary skills. WANT TO GO? 718-465-6779. queenslibrary.org.

March Math Madness for Kids FREE

SMARTY PANTS STEM: Binary Code and Binary Bracelets FREE

WHEN: March 5-26, Tuesdays, 4-5pm (no session March 12) WHERE: Queens Library, Peninsula, 92-25 Rockaway Beach Blvd., Rockaway Beach AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Take part in math games and contests. WANT TO GO? 718-634-1110. queenslibrary.org.

WHEN: Monday, March 4, 3:30-4:15pm WHERE: Queens Library, Queens Village Branch, 94-11 217 St., Queens Village AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Learn the uses of binary code, such as speaking to spacecrafts and making a binary bracelet. WANT TO GO? 718-776-6800. queenslibrary.org.

That’s Puzzling! FREE

Dry Ice Capades FREE

Inspiring Women In Science: Super Science Women! FREE

STEM Night: Women in STEM FREE

Brick Fest Live

WHEN: Monday, March 4, 4-5pm WHERE: Queens Library, Windsor Park Branch, 79-50 Bell Blvd., Bayside AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Melt metal in boiling water and freeze water with dry ice. WANT TO GO? 718-468-8300. queenslibrary.org. WHEN: Friday, March 8, 5:30-7:30pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Celebrate International Women’s Day by meeting women from different STEM fields, learning about their experiences, and talking about STEM careers. WANT TO GO? 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

Open House FREE

WHEN: March 6-27, Wednesdays, 4-5pm WHERE: Queens Library, Poppenhusen Branch, 121-23 14 Ave., College Point AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Use patience and problem-solving skills to make and solve puzzles. WANT TO GO? 718-359-1102. queenslibrary.org. WHEN: March 1-29, Fridays, 4-5pm WHERE: Queens Library, Peninsula, 92-25 Rockaway Beach Blvd., Rockaway Beach AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Enjoy STEM activities and discuss women in the sciences. WANT TO GO? 718-634-1110. queenslibrary.org.

WHEN: March 30-31, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: All WHAT: Lego lovers can check out life-sized exhibits and build brick masterpieces. WANT TO GO? $16; $13 children, students, and senior citizens. 718699-0005. nysci.org.

Meditation for Kids FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, March 12, 2:40-4pm WHERE: P.S. 201Q A STEAM Magnet School, 6511 155th St., Flushing AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Tour the facilities during an open house for new students. WANT TO GO? 718-359-0642. ps201.org.

WHEN: March 6-April 1, First Wednesday of the month, 4-5pm WHERE: Queens Library, Woodhaven Branch, 85-41 Forest Parkway, Woodhaven AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Learn the benefits and different forms of meditation. WANT TO GO? 718-849-1010. queenslibrary.org.

Baisley Park Jeopardy FREE

New Traveling Exhibit- Sonic Sensation

WHEN: Wednesday, March 13, 4-5:15pm WHERE: Queens Library, Baisley Park Branch, 117-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Challenge yourself with trivia questions. WANT TO GO? 718-529-1590. queenslibrary.org. 32

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Through May 5: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Experience the sonic world through 14 interactive learning stations WANT TO GO? $14; $13 seniors; free children younger than 1. 516224-5800. licm.org.

Get weekend activities delivered to you!

Bionic Me

WHEN: Through May 5: Monday-Friday, 9:30am-5pm; SaturdaySunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: All WHAT: This exhibition explores the medical and industrial breakthroughs that have enhanced the human experience. WANT TO GO? $16; $13 children, students, and senior citizens. 718699-0005. nysci.org.

nymetroparents.com/register ››

Sit & Think (Sudoku)

WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Monday-Saturday, 1-1:15pm WHERE: Queens Library, Richmond Hill Branch, 118-14 Hillside Ave., Richmond Hill AGES: All WHAT: Try your hand at a Sudoku puzzle for fun or just refresh your math skills. WANT TO GO? 718-849-7150. queenslibrary.org.

Harry Potter Movie Madness FREE

WHEN: March 4-29, Monday and Friday, 4:15-6:15 pm WHERE: Queens Library - South Hollis Branch, 204-01 Hollis Ave., South Hollis AGES: All WHAT: Catch all eight Harry Potter films. WANT TO GO? 718-465-6779. queenslibrary.org.

Cinema Saturdays FREE

ON SCREEN ‘Matangi/Maya/M.I.A.’ Documentary Screening

WHEN: Saturday, March 9, 2:30-4:30pm WHERE: Queens Historical Society, Kingsland Homestead, 143-35 37th Ave., Flushing AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Matangi/Maya/M.I.A. is a biographical documentary film about the life of Grammy-nominated Matangi Arulpragasam, better known as M.I.A. WANT TO GO? $10; $7 students and seniors. 718-939-0647. queenshistoricalsociety.org.

Inspiring Women in Science: Family Film ‘Fly Away Home’ FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, March 13, 4-5:45pm WHERE: Queens Library, Sunnyside Branch, 43-06 Greenpoint Ave., Long Island City AGES: All WHAT: In honor of Women’s History Month, watch the true story of a father and daughter working to lead a flock of orphaned geese to safety. WANT TO GO? 718-784-3033. queenslibrary.org.

Celebrate National Potato Chip Day FREE

WHEN: Thursday, March 14, 4-5pm WHERE: Queens Library, South Jamaica Branch, 108-41 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., South Jamaica AGES: All WHAT: Watch a video on how potato chips are made. WANT TO GO? 718-739-4088. queenslibrary.org.

Family Movie FREE

WHEN: Friday, March 15, 3:30-5:30pm WHERE: Pomonok Library, 158-21 Jewel Ave., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a family movie. WANT TO GO? 718-591-4343. queenslibrary.org.

WHEN: March 2-30, 2:30-4:30pm WHERE: Forest Hills Library, 108-19 71st Ave., Forest Hills AGES: 5 and older WHAT: This month’s films include Kung Fu Panda, Scooby-Doo! and the Curse of the 13th Ghost, Bernie the Dolphin, Norm of the North: Keys to the Kingdom, and Ralph Breaks the Internet. WANT TO GO? 718-268-7934. queenslibrary.org.

Queens World Film Festival Family Friendly Day

WHEN: Sunday, March 31, 3-5:30pm WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Six short films take audiences from imaginative play in the Congo to scientific sheep and potatoes in space. WANT TO GO? $15; $9 ages 13-17. 718-429-2579. movingimage.us.

Family Movie FREE

WHEN: Through June 29: Saturdays, 2:30-4:30pm WHERE: Queens Library, Woodside Branch, 54-22 Skillman Ave., Woodside AGES: All WHAT: Head to the library for a family-friendly movie. WANT TO GO? 718-429-4700. queenslibrary.org.

‘Planet Power 3-D’

WHEN: Through June 30: daily, 1-3pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: All WHAT: Planet Power 3-D explores the history of electricity– from the first spark created by man’s hand to today’s industrial power plants. WANT TO GO? $6; $5 children, students, and seniors (with NYSCI admission); $4 members. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

‘Backyard Wilderness’ 3-D

WHEN: Through Sept. 30: daily, 11am and 2pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: All WHAT: Backyard Wilderness will surprise and entertain viewers with the unexpected wonders of nature that are right under our noses – in our own backyards. WANT TO GO? $6; $5 children, students, and seniors (with NYSCI admission); $4 members. 718-699-0005. nysci.org. ››

QueensParent 33

St. Patrick’s Day Craft FREE

WHEN: Thursday, March 14, 4-5:15pm WHERE: Queens Library, Baisley Park Branch, 117-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Make a special St. Patrick’ Day craft. WANT TO GO? 718-529-1590. queenslibrary.org.

St. Patrick’s Day Activities for Kids FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 16, 11am-1pm WHERE: Queens Library, Douglaston-Little Neck Branch, 249-01 Northern Blvd., Little Neck AGES: All WHAT: Arts and crafts with an Irish twist! WANT TO GO? 718-225-8414. queenslibrary.org.

St. Patrick’s Day Family Craft FREE

HOLIDAY FUN Kids Club FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 2, 8-10am WHERE: Queens Center Mall, 90-15 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst AGES: All WHAT: Learn about St. Patrick’s Day traditions with music, games, and magic. WANT TO GO? shopqueenscenter.com.

WHEN: Saturday, March 16, 11am-1pm WHERE: Queens Library, McGoldrick branch, 155-06 Roosevelt Ave., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a festive crafting opportunity. WANT TO GO? 718-461-1616. queenslibrary.org.

Family Storytime: Wearing of the Green FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 16, 11:15am-12pm WHERE: Flushing Library, 41-17 Main St., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day during this family story time! WANT TO GO? 718-661-1200. queenslibrary.org.

Purim Carnival

WHEN: Sunday, March 3, 12pm WHERE: 43rd Street and Skillman Avenue, Sunnyside AGES: All WHAT: Kids of all ages can enjoy a parade in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. WANT TO GO? 718-721-2780. stpatsforall.org.

WHEN: Sunday, March 17, 1-3:30pm WHERE: Central Queens Y, 67-09 108th St., Forest Hills AGES: All WHAT: The Purim Carnival will feature a bounce house and castle, circus time, indoor slides, face painting, and arts and crafts. WANT TO GO? $5 children ages 2 and older; $15 max per family. 718268-5011. cqy.org.

Mardi Gras Activities FREE

The 15th Annual FHJC Purim Carnival FREE

St. Pat’s For All Parade FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, March 5, 5-5:45pm WHERE: Queens Library, Woodside Branch, 54-22 Skillman Ave., Woodside AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Find out about Fat Tuesday in this fun-filled program. WANT TO GO? 718-429-4700. queenslibrary.org.

Inspiring Women in Science: Launch a Rocket! FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, March 13, 4-5pm WHERE: Queens Library, Rosedale Branch, 144-20 243 St., Rosedale AGES: All WHAT: Launch rockets in honor of Women’s History Month and Annie Easley’s contributions to launching the first rocket ships. WANT TO GO? 718-528-8490. queenslibrary.org.

St. Patrick’s Day Story & Craft FREE

WHEN: Thursday, March 14, 4-5pm WHERE: Queens Library, Broadway Branch, 40-20 Broadway, Long Island City AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Celebrate the Emerald Isle with folktales and a Celtic craft. WANT TO GO? 718-721-2462. queenslibrary.org.

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Sunday, March 24, 11:30am-2pm WHERE: Forest Hills Jewish Center, 106-06 Queens Blvd., Forest Hills AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy games, crafts, inflatables, professional face painting, a balloon artist, hot dogs, cotton candy, popcorn, Purim Preschool activities for little children, and great prizes. WANT TO GO? 718-263-7000. fhjc.org.

Bangladesh Independence Day FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, March 26, 4-5pm WHERE: Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Celebrate Bangladesh Independence Day with this fun, educational program. WANT TO GO? 718-990-0700. queenslibrary.org.

Bayside St. Patrick’s Day Parade FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 30, 11am WHERE: Bell Boulevard, 39-27 Bell Blvd., Bayside AGES: All WHAT: A holiday parade steps off in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. WANT TO GO? 917-476-7057. baysideparade@gmail.com.

ANIMAL LOVERS Thinking Green

WHEN: Sunday, March 17, 10am WHERE: Queens Zoo, 3-51 111th St., Corona AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Start a pollinator garden for some very important animals! WANT TO GO? $20. 800-433-4149. queenszoo.com.

Celebrate National Puppy Day FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 23, 3-4pm WHERE: Queens Library, South Jamaica Branch, 108-41 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., South Jamaica AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate with some fun activities and possibly a puppy surprise! WANT TO GO? 718-739-4088. queenslibrary.org.

Sunday, March 24th • 12-4 PM Long Island Marriott Uniondale, NY

Early Spring Bird Walk FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 30, 10am-1pm WHERE: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Cross Bay Boulevard and Noel Road, Broad Channel AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a slide program as well as a hike around the ponds and gardens to look for returning birds. WANT TO GO? nycaudubon.org.

‘Flight of the Butterflies 3D’

WHEN: Through June 30: daily, 11am and 1pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Follow the monarchs’ perilous journey and join hundreds of real butterflies in the remote mountain peaks of Mexico, with breathtaking cinematography from Peter Parks. WANT TO GO? $6; $5 children, students, and seniors. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

Sea Lion Feeding

WHEN: Through Jan. 31, 2020: daily, 11:15am, 2pm, and 4pm WHERE: Queens Zoo, 53-51 111th St., Corona AGES: All WHAT: See the sea lions get their meals and maybe do a trick or two! WANT TO GO? $9.95; $7.95 seniors ages 65 and older; $6.95 children ages 3-12; free for children 2 and younger. 718-271-1500. queenszoo.com. ››

• Venues • Favors • Invitations • Food Samples

• Photographers • Décor • DJs and Entertainment • Judaica

Get your FREE family ticket for Celebrate! Party Showcase celebrateshowcase.com Tickets purchased at the door are $10 QueensParent 35

global healing through multi-cutural cooperation and artistic sharing. WANT TO GO? $16; $10 members and students. 718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.org.

Kids’ Karaoke FREE

WHEN: Friday, March 22, 4-5pm WHERE: Queens Library, Rochdale Village Branch, 169-09 137 Ave., Jamaica AGES: All WHAT: Join as a karaoke participant or part of the audience! WANT TO GO? 718-723-4440. queenslibrary.org.

Music Appreciation for Kids FREE

MINI

MUSICIANS Nefesh Mountain

WHEN: Sunday, March 10, 12:30pm WHERE: Forest Hills Jewish Center, 106-06 Queens Blvd., Forest Hills AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Four musicians will blend bluegrass music with Jewish themes. WANT TO GO? $10; $25 per family (parents and their children younger than 18). 718-263-7000 x200. fhjc.org.

Unforgettable: The Magic of Nat King Cole

WHEN: Friday, March 15, 8-10pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a modern celebration of Nat King Cole, brought to life by New York’s top musicians. WANT TO GO? $25; $20 members and students; free for teens. 718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.org.

The Garifuna Jazz Ensemble: Taguiera (Homeland)

WHEN: Saturday, March 16, 8-10pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: The Garifuna Jazz Ensemble presents rich culture by fusing language, indigenous rhythms, and traditional songs with jazz. WANT TO GO? $16; $10 members and students; free for teens. 718-4637700. flushingtownhall.org.

Huang Tiange Solo Piano

WHEN: Sunday, March 17, 2pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Don’t miss this 14-year-old piano prodigy. WANT TO GO? $16; $10 members and students; free for teens. 718-4637700. flushingtownhall.org.

Lady Got Chops: Womens History Month Festival

WHEN: Thursday, March 21, 7:30-9:30pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: This concert will be a culmination of a long dream to present a

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: March 2-23, see website for schedule WHERE: Queens Library, McGoldrick branch, 155-06 Roosevelt Ave., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Listen to classical music and discuss the lives of the composers. WANT TO GO? 718-461-1616. queenslibrary.org.

The Platters with Special Guest Bradd Marquis

WHEN: Sunday, March 31, 3pm WHERE: OLBS Theater, 34-45 202 St., Bayside AGES: 9 and older WHAT: The Platters and Special guest Bradd Marquis will belt out some of their biggest hits going back to the 1950s. WANT TO GO? $35-$48. 7186316311. visitqpac.org.

Music and Movement for Infants and Toddlers FREE

WHEN: March 6-April 7, Monday, 12:15-1pm; Wednesday, 10:1511:30am (except March 13) WHERE: Glen Oaks Library, 256-04 Union Turnpike, Glen Oaks AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: Enjoy songs, movement, finger plays, puppets, and other activities. WANT TO GO? 718-831-8636. queenslibrary.org.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Beth Sholom Day Camp Open House FREE

WHEN: Sunday, March 17, 10am-1pm WHERE: Beth Sholom Day Camp, 401 Roslyn Road, Roslyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: Start planning for summer by checking out Beth Sholom Day Camp’s open house. BSDC is a summer camp for children ages 3-15 serving Nassau and Queens. WANT TO GO? 516-621-9257. bethsholomdaycamp.com.

Toddler Time With Pediatrician FREE

WHEN: Thursday, March 21, 10-11am WHERE: Flushing Library, 41-17 Main St., Flushing AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Bring your toddler for stories, music, and movement, plus a discussion with a pediatrician on early childhood development and common concerns. WANT TO GO? 718-661-1200. queenslibrary.org.

Carnegie Hall Citywide: The Itty Biddies FREE

WHEN: Sunday, March 24, 2-3:30pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: All WHAT: The Itty Biddies’ will have kids singing and dancing along with the band. WANT TO GO? 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

Bilingual Baby Storytime FREE

WHEN: March 4-25, Mondays, 12:30-1:15pm WHERE: Queens Library, Corona Branch, 38-23 104 St., Corona AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: Enjoy songs and simple books in English and Spanish with your baby. WANT TO GO? 718-426-2844. queenslibrary.org.

Mother Goose Time FREE

WHEN: March 5-26, Tuesdays, 2-2:30pm WHERE: Kew Gardens Hills Library, 72-33 Vleigh Place, Flushing AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: Check out stories, songs, and finger plays for children. WANT TO GO? 718-261-6654. queenslibrary.org.

Learn Chinese Chess: An Intergenerational Program FREE

WHEN: March 6-27, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Queens Library, Fresh Meadows Branch, 193-20 Horace Harding Expressway, Fresh Meadows AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Students will learn Chinese chess, a strategy board game. WANT TO GO? 718-454-7272. queenslibrary.org.

Fun Fridays FREE

WHEN: March 1-29, Fridays, 3:30-5pm WHERE: Forest Hills Library, 108-19 71 Ave., Forest Hills AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Play board and card games and try your hand at origami. WANT TO GO? 718-268-7934. queenslibrary.org.

Super Saturday Morning FREE

WHEN: March 2-30, Saturdays, 11am-12pm WHERE: Forest Hills Library, 108-19 71 Ave., Forest Hills AGES: All WHAT: Kids and grownups are invited for origami, coloring pages, board games, puzzles, Lincoln Logs, Mega Bloks, and Star Builders. WANT TO GO? 718-268-7934. queenslibrary.org.

Bilingual Birdies Presents Movin’ to Mandarin FREE

WHEN: March 6-April 10, Wednesdays, 10:30-11:15am WHERE: Pomonok Library, 158-21 Jewel Ave., Flushing AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Get grooving to songs in both Mandarin and English! WANT TO GO? 718-591-4343. queenslibrary.org.

Playdate for Infants and Toddlers FREE

WHEN: March 2-April 27, Saturdays, 11am-12pm WHERE: Queens Library, Howard Beach Branch, 92-06 156 Ave., Howard Beach

AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: Enjoy early development fun and socialization for babies using books and toys. WANT TO GO? 718-641-7086. queenslibrary.org.

Lego Hour FREE

WHEN: March 2-April 27, Saturdays, 3-4pm WHERE: Queens Library, Woodhaven Branch, 85-41 Forest Parkway, Woodhaven AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Get your Lego on! WANT TO GO? 718-849-1010. queenslibrary.org.

Toy Time FREE

WHEN: March 5-April 30, Tuesdays, 1:30-2:15pm WHERE: Queens Library, Queens Village Branch, 94-11 217 St., Queens Village AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Play with toys and socialize with other tots! WANT TO GO? queenslibrary.org.

NYRR Open Run: Astoria Park FREE

WHEN: Through June 1: Saturdays, 9-10am WHERE: Astoria Park, Astoria Park, Astoria AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Enjoy a community-based, volunteer-led running initiative bringing free weekly runs and walks. WANT TO GO? 646-404-4103. nycgovparks.org.

Ping Pong FREE

WHEN: Through June 27: Thursdays, 6-7pm WHERE: Queens Library, Cambria Heights Branch, 218-13 Linden Blvd., Cambria Heights AGES: All WHAT: Play Ping-Pong in the library with friends both old and new. WANT TO GO? 718-528-3535. queenslibrary.org.

Ping Pong Club FREE

WHEN: Through June 29: Saturdays, 2-4pm WHERE: Queens Library, South Hollis Branch, 204-01 Hollis Ave., South Hollis AGES: All WHAT: Challenge friends to ping pong every Saturday afternoon. WANT TO GO? 718-465-6779. queenslibrary.org.

SPECIAL NEEDS Open Art Studio for Young Adults with Autism FREE

WHEN: Through June 2: select Sundays, 12-12:45pm, see website WHERE: Queens Museum, 111-01 Corona Ave., Flushing AGES: Adult WHAT: Participants work on projects of their choosing with mentors, encouraging exploration and expression. WANT TO GO? 718-592-9700. queensmuseum.org.

Circle of Friends for Autistic Children FREE

WHEN: Through June 21: 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Queens Library, Astoria Branch, 14-01 Astoria Blvd., Long Island City AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Discover the wonders of science doing simple experiments, develop social skills, and have fun playing games. WANT TO GO? 718-278-2220. queenslibrary.org. ››

QueensParent 37

ONCE UPON A TIME Dr. Seuss Day Extravaganza

WHEN: Saturday, March 2, 10am-5pm FREE WHERE: Queens Library, Hillcrest, 187-05 Union Turnpike, Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday with stories, games, coloring, and crafts inspired by his books and characters. WANT TO GO? 718-454-2786. queenslibrary.org.

Dr. Seuss Story FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 2, 11-11:30am WHERE: Queens Library, Douglaston-Little Neck Branch, 249-01 Northern Blvd., Little Neck AGES: All WHAT: Head to the library for a Dr. Seuss story time for his birthday. WANT TO GO? 718-225-8414. queenslibrary.org.

SHOW TIME! Kim Russo- The Happy Medium

WHEN: Saturday, March 2, 8pm WHERE: The Showroom at QPAC, 222-05 56th Ave., Bayside AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Kim Russo has been able to see the world of spirit since the age of nine. WANT TO GO? $48. 718-631-6311. visitqpac.org.

Magic Show with Urban Stages FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, March 5, 4-5pm WHERE: Queens Library, Broadway Branch, 40-20 Broadway, Long Island City AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Evan Paquette performs his magic show and even shares a few tricks of the trade. WANT TO GO? 718-721-2462. queenslibrary.org.

‘Underneath a Magical Moon: A Reimagining of Peter Pan’

WHEN: Sunday, March 24, 2:15pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Re-imagine the enchanting story of Peter Pan as told by Wendy with music, movement, and a tutti frutti magic. WANT TO GO? $14; $10 members; $8 children; $6 member children; free for teens. 718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.org.

Celebrate Dr. Seuss! FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 2, 11am-2pm WHERE: Glen Oaks Library, 256-04 Union Turnpike, Glen Oaks AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Check out some Dr. Seuss books and make the hat from The Cat in the Hat. WANT TO GO? 718-831-8636. queenslibrary.org.

Family Storytime: Read Across America FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 2, 11:15am-12pm WHERE: Flushing Library, 41-17 Main St., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate Read Across America with family story time. WANT TO GO? 718-661-1200. queenslibrary.org.

Dr. Seuss Family Story and Craft FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 2, 3-4pm WHERE: Queens Library, Broadway Branch, 40-20 Broadway, Long Island City AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday with stories and a craft. WANT TO GO? 718-721-2462. queenslibrary.org.

The Seuss-a-thon FREE

WHEN: Sunday, March 17, 1-3pm WHERE: Kew Gardens Hills Library, 72-33 Vleigh Place, Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy stories, special guests, puppets, and surprises. WANT TO GO? 718-261-6654. queenslibrary.org.

‘Who Was....?’ Book Club FREE

WHEN: Friday, March 29, 8pm WHERE: Kupferberg Center for the Arts, 153-49 Reeves Ave., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: The interactive musical creates a beautiful kingdom with colorful costumes and millions of bubbles to add to the magic. WANT TO GO? $29-$42. 718-793-8080. kupferbergcenter.org.

WHEN: Through March 25: Mondays, 4-5pm WHERE: Queens Library, Broadway Branch, 40-20 Broadway, Long Island City AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Each week, for Black History Month, will focus on one book in this biography series or important African Americans and learning through shared reading, crafts, and games. WANT TO GO? 718-721-2462. queenslibrary.org.

Elephant & Piggie’s ‘We Are in a Play!’

Picture Book Time FREE

B-The Underwater Bubble Show: KCA & AOSNY Family Series

WHEN: March 5-April 26, various times WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Elephant and Piggie storm the stage in a musical filled with plenty of pachydermal peril and swiney suspense. WANT TO GO? $7 members; $9 non-members; $12 theater only tickets. 516-224-5828. licm.org. 38

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: March 4-25, see website for schedule WHERE: Queens Library, Woodhaven Branch, 85-41 Forest Parkway, Woodhaven AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Each week focuses on a new author, plus activities and a discussion on how picture books work. WANT TO GO? 718-849-1010. queenslibrary.org.

Inspiring Women in Science: ‘Who Was...’ Book Club FREE

WHEN: March 4-25, Mondays, 4-5pm WHERE: Queens Library, Broadway Branch, 40-20 Broadway, Long Island City AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Each week focuses on learning about notable women in all fields of science, through reading, crafts, and games. WANT TO GO? 718-721-2462. queenslibrary.org.

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Classic Starts for Kids FREE

WHEN: March 4-25, Mondays, 4-5pm WHERE: Queens Library, McGoldrick branch, 155-06 Roosevelt Ave., Flushing AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Kids read easy versions of classics and then discuss. WANT TO GO? 718-461-1616. queenslibrary.org.

Inspiring Women in Science: Chapter Book Readers Club FREE

WHEN: March 5-26, Tuesdays, 4-5pm WHERE: Flushing Library, 41-17 Main St., Flushing AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Read exciting chapter books honoring Women’s History Month. WANT TO GO? 718-661-1200. queenslibrary.org.

Storytime FREE

WHEN: March 7-28, Thursdays, 11-11:30am WHERE: Astoria Bookshop, 31-29 31st St., Astoria AGES: All WHAT: Join a free, weekly children’s story time! WANT TO GO? 718-278-2665. astoriabookshop.org.

Mommy or Daddy and Me FREE

WHEN: March 6- April 24, Wednesdays, 11:15-11:45am WHERE: Queens Library, Woodhaven Branch, 85-41 Forest Parkway, Woodhaven AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: Join for songs, stories, and simple rhymes followed by free play. WANT TO GO? 718-849-1010.

Saturday Storytime FREE

WHEN: March 2- April 27, Saturdays, 10:30-11:15am WHERE: Queens Library, Windsor Park Branch, 79-50 Bell Blvd., Bayside AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, and finger plays. WANT TO GO? 718-468-8300. queenslibrary.org.

American Girl Book Club FREE

WHEN: March 5- April 30, Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30pm WHERE: Queens Library, Howard Beach Branch, 92-06 156 Ave., Howard Beach AGES: All WHAT: Read American Girl books, discuss different historic periods, and enjoy crafts and activities. WANT TO GO? 718-641-7086. queenslibrary.org.

Mother Goose FREE

WHEN: March 6-May 1, Wednesdays, 10:30-11:00am (no session 4/24) WHERE: North Hills Library, 57-04 Marathon Parkway, Little Neck AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: Enjoy songs, stories, finger plays, and fun. WANT TO GO? 718-225-3550. queenslibrary.org.

Bengali Storytime FREE

WHEN: March 1-Feb. 19, 2020, Fridays, 10:30-11:30am WHERE: Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy stories, songs, and all types of fun in Bengali. WANT TO GO? 718-990-0700. queenslibrary.org.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Children’s Garden Open House FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 23, 1-4pm WHERE: Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Join for planting activities and garden crafts. WANT TO GO? 718-886-3800. queensbotanical.org.

Animal Tales: Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

WHEN: Saturday, March 2, 1-2:15pm WHERE: Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Share a seasonal book, make a craft, enjoy a nature walk, and meet live animal guests. WANT TO GO? $18. 718-229-4000. alleypond.com.

From Seed to Plant FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, March 19, 5-5:45pm WHERE: Queens Library, Hillcrest, 187-05 Union Turnpike, Flushing AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Learn how plants grow through stories and activities and then plant your own seeds to take home. WANT TO GO? 718-454-2786. queenslibrary.org.

Stop ‘N’ Swap with GrowNYC FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 23, 12-3pm WHERE: Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park AGES: All WHAT: Bring clean, reusable, portable items that you no longer need to the farm, and take something new-to-you. WANT TO GO? 718-347-3276. queensfarm.org.

Photography and Nature Walk with NYC Wild

WHEN: Sunday, March 24, 12-5:30pm WHERE: Baisley Pond Park, North Conduit Avenue and 116 Avenue, Jamaica AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Take this charming pond loop for a winter afternoon stroll and see ducks and geese. WANT TO GO? $15; $10 with advance ticket. nycgovparks.org.

Discovery Club Science Activity FREE

WHEN: March 6-27, Wednesdays, 4-5pm WHERE: Queens Library, Broadway Branch, 40-20 Broadway, Long Island City AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Check out hands-on science and nature activities about a new topic each week! WANT TO GO? 718-721-2462. queenslibrary.org. ›› QueensParent 39

CRAFTY KIDS Are You a Lion or a Lamb? FREE

WHEN: Friday, March 1, 11-11:30am WHERE: Kew Gardens Hills Library, 72-33 Vleigh Place, Flushing AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Decide if you’d rather be a lion or a lamb and make a mask. WANT TO GO? 718-261-6654. queenslibrary.org.

It’s National Pig Day: Paint/Color Your Own Piggy Bank FREE

DANCE PARTY

African American Dance FREE

WHEN: Monday, March 4, 5-6pm WHERE: Queens Library, South Jamaica Branch, 108-41 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., South Jamaica AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Enjoy an interactive, African-American dance workshop. WANT TO GO? 718-739-4088. queenslibrary.org.

Bilingual Birdies

WHEN: Through March 10: Sundays, 10-11am WHERE: Alley Pond Environmental Center, 22806 Northern Blvd., Little Neck AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Learn Spanish through music, dance, and puppetry. WANT TO GO? $30. 516-200-4691. bilingualbirdies.com.

Disco Kids Party

WHEN: Saturday, March 23, 3-6pm WHERE: Doha Nightclub, 3834 31st St., Long Island City AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy glow-in-the-dark face painting, arts and crafts, and a dance party for kids and adults. WANT TO GO? $25. 347-891-5328. donyc.com/venues/doha-nightclub.

Global Mashup 2: Western Swing Meets Balkan Brass

WHEN: Saturday, March 23, 8-10pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: The fun starts with dance lessons, then each band plays a set, then the two meet and jam. WANT TO GO? $16; $10 members and students; free for teens. 718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.org.

Family Playtime FREE

WHEN: March 6-27, Wednesday and Friday, 11-11:30am (no session March 8) WHERE: Queens Library, Auburndale Branch, 25-55 Francis Lewis Blvd., Flushing AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Children and their caretakers enjoy bonding, finger plays, singing, dancing, and throwing and catching bean bags. WANT TO GO? 718-352-2027. queenslibrary.org. 40

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Friday, March 1, 3:30-4:15pm WHERE: Queens Library, Briarwood Branch, 85-12 Main St., Brairwood AGES: All WHAT: Paint and color your own piggy bank. WANT TO GO? 718-658-1680. queenslibrary.org.

Which Who Are You: Create a Seussical Character Craft FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 2, 11:30am-12pm WHERE: Queens Library, Douglaston-Little Neck Branch, 249-01 Northern Blvd., Little Neck AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Make a Seuss-like character craft to celebrate his birthday. WANT TO GO? 718-225-8414. queenslibrary.org.

Crafternoon: St. Patrick’s Day Craft FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 2, 2-3pm WHERE: Queens Library, Ridgewood Branch, 20-12 Madison St., Ridgewood AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Make a festive craft for St. Patrick’s Day. WANT TO GO? 718-821-4770. queenslibrary.org.

Crafty Tuesday: Yarn Weaving FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, March 5, 3:30-4:30pm WHERE: Queens Library, Rochdale Village Branch, 169-09 137 Ave., Jamaica AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Learn about weaving and create a weaving project. WANT TO GO? 718-723-4440. queenslibrary.org.

Mardi Gras Mask Making Workshop FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, March 5, 3:30-4:30pm WHERE: Queens Library, Ozone Park Branch, 92-24 Rockaway Blvd., Ozone Park AGES: All WHAT: In honor of Mardi Gras, make masks of your favorite comic, anime, video game, and TV characters. WANT TO GO? 718-845-3127. queenslibrary.org.

Inspiring Women in Science: My Next Great Big Invention! FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, March 5, 4-5pm WHERE: Queens Library - Arverne, 312 Beach 54 St., Arverne AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Kids are invited to imagine what their next big invention will be, from concept idea to design and from design to model. WANT TO GO? 718-634-4784. queenslibrary.org.

Light Painting Photography FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, March 6, 4-5pm WHERE: Queens Library, Seaside Branch, 116-15 Rockaway Beach Blvd., Rockaway Park AGES: All WHAT: Explore light painting and long exposure photography. WANT TO GO? 718-634-1876. queenslibrary.org.

Spring is Near! DIY Terrarium for Kids FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, March 6, 3-5pm WHERE: Queens Library, Douglaston-Little Neck Branch, 249-01 Northern Blvd., Little Neck AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Create a terrarium for spring, using rocks, soil, and plants. WANT TO GO? 718-225-8414. queenslibrary.org.

St. Patrick’s Day Craft FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, March 12, 3:30-4pm WHERE: Queens Library, Queens Village Branch, 94-11 217 St., Queens Village AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Children can create a craft for St. Patrick’s Day. WANT TO GO? queenslibrary.org.

3D Origami FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, March 12, 4-5pm WHERE: Queens Library, Baisley Park Branch, 117-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Use origami to make different types of three-dimensional geometric. WANT TO GO? 718-529-1590. queenslibrary.org.

St. Patrick’s Day Craft FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, March 13, 4-5pm WHERE: Queens Library, Woodhaven Branch, 85-41 Forest Parkway, Woodhaven AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Get your craft on for St. Patrick’s Day. WANT TO GO? 718-849-1010. queenslibrary.org.

Hanging Planter Macramé Workshop

WHEN: Saturday, March 16, 1-4pm WHERE: Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Learn the basics of macramé, or textile produced by knotting. WANT TO GO? $25 member; $30 nonmember. 718-886-3800. queensbotanical.org.

After-School Crafts FREE

WHEN: March 4-18, 4-5pm, see website for schedule WHERE: Queens Library, LeFrak City Branch, 98-30 57 Ave., Corona AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Children can make some fun crafts. WANT TO GO? 718-592-7677. queenslibrary.org.

Spring Craft Mondays FREE

WHEN: March 4-25, Mondays, 3:30-4:30pm WHERE: Queens Library, Peninsula, 92-25 Rockaway Beach Blvd., Rockaway Beach AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Children can try their hand at spring-inspired crafts. WANT TO GO? 718-634-1110. queenslibrary.org.

Desk Decoration FREE

WHEN: March 5-26, Tuesdays, 4-5pm WHERE: Queens Library, Corona Branch, 38-23 104 St., Corona AGES: All WHAT: Help decorate the librarian’s desk! WANT TO GO? 718-426-2844. queenslibrary.org.

Hurrah For Springtime! Story & Craft FREE

WHEN: Thursday, March 28, 4-4:30pm WHERE: Forest Hills Library, 108-19 71st Ave., Forest Hills AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Participate in a craft activity to celebrate the coming of spring. WANT TO GO? 718-268-7934. queenslibrary.org.

Family Crafts FREE

WHEN: March 2-30, Saturdays, 11am-1pm WHERE: Queens Library, McGoldrick branch, 155-06 Roosevelt Ave., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Fun crafts for the whole family. WANT TO GO? 718-461-1616. queenslibrary.org.

Picture Book/Storytime FREE

WHEN: March 6-April 24, Wednesdays, 11am-12pm WHERE: Queens Library, Rosedale Branch, 144-20 243 St., Rosedale AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy a picture book reading, interlaced with music, finger plays, dancing, and arts and crafts. WANT TO GO? 718-528-8490. queenslibrary.org.

Toddler Craft FREE

WHEN: March 6- April 24, Wednesdays, 11:30am-12pm WHERE: Queens Library, Queens Village Branch, 94-11 217 St., Queens Village AGES: Newborn to 5, adult WHAT: Children and their parents or caregivers are welcome to make a craft. WANT TO GO? queenslibrary.org.

Knit and Crochet Circle FREE

WHEN: Through June 24: Mondays, 6-7pm WHERE: Queens Library, Poppenhusen Branch, 121-23 14 Ave., College Point AGES: All WHAT: Learn to knit, get help with projects, share patterns and techniques, or have an enjoyable chat as you work on your projects. WANT TO GO? 718-359-1102. queenslibrary.org.

Coloring Time FREE

WHEN: Through June 29: Saturdays, 3-4pm WHERE: Queens Library, Poppenhusen Branch, 121-23 14 Ave., College Point AGES: All WHAT: Relax and make new friends while having fun with family coloring time. WANT TO GO? 718-359-1102. queenslibrary.org.

Nail Polish Workshop FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 27: Fridays, 5-5:30pm WHERE: Queens Library, Ridgewood Branch, 20-12 Madison St., Ridgewood AGES: All WHAT: Design and polish your own nails or have them done for you. All supplies provided. WANT TO GO? 718-821-4770. queenslibrary.org.

QueensParent 41

family life insurance

While Fido is part of the family, some insurance companies may cite having a pet as the reason they canceled your coverage.

Could You Lose Your Coverage?

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There are a handful of reasons an insurance company could decide to drop you—but many of them are avoidable. By Barbara Russo

wning a home can be a lot of work. And part of that work is making sure you have the appropriate insurance in case any accidents, natural disasters, or other devastating issues arise. You might think once you buy your home and take out a policy, you’re set for life. But that’s not necessarily the case. It’s a good idea to look at your coverage every so often and see what’s changed, because the reality is an insurance company can drop a client at any time for any number reasons they see fit. Usually, a company needs a legitimate business reason to cancel your insurance. Some surprising factors that play a role in an insurer’s decision to end or refuse to renew a policy include geography and roof issues. Even owning a pet can result in loss of coverage. With the homeownership rate on the rise nationally, jumping to 63.9 percent in 2017 after the last annual increase in 2004, it’s important for homeowners to know their policies, what’s covered, and what may cause that coverage to be canceled. Below are some of the most common reasons insurance companies may drop a client.

Multiple Claims Filed

Don’t take advantage of your own policy. Filing too many claims through your insurance company may cause them to flag you, putting your coverage at risk. 42

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“If you file multiple claims on the same issue over and over, that may create a problem,” says Anthony Marino, a licensed real estate broker in New York City. Car claims are considered part of this excess, too, if your auto and home insurance are bundled under the same carrier. “Frequent auto claims may affect the home insurance you have connected with it,” Marino adds.

Your Roof is Not Properly Maintained

Look up if you want to keep insurance costs down and minimize the chances of your policy being canceled. The roof of your house is judged by insurance companies when they approve a home owner for a new policy or renewal. Generally, a roof is considered secure for up to 30 years, but after that, it’s more susceptible to water leaks in the home. For this reason, it’s important to know the age of your roof, and keep all documentation and paperwork about repairs and replacements in case your insurance company asks for it. Tip: Increase the lifespan of your roof by cleaning out the gutters once in a while. If they’re clogged or broken, water can back up into pipes, seep into eaves, and result in a rotting roof. This is especially important if your house is surrounded by trees that shed twigs and leaves onto the roof.

Pet Ownership

Sparky is part of the family, but make sure your insurance carrier feels the same way. Many companies cover pets in a policy’s liability coverage in case the animal injures a human or damages another person’s property. But some animals may be excluded because they are considered “exotics,” such as rabbits and snakes. “Make sure there is no fine print in your home insurance that prohibits pets or certain breeds of pets,” Marino advises. “Many animals are not covered or will be considered a risk. Make sure to give your policy a glance if you are planning on owning one.” Tip: Curious about what animals are illegal to keep as pets in NYC? Check with the Veterinary Medical Association of New York City. You’ll be surprised to see which cuddly (and not-so-cuddly) creatures made the list!

The Company No Longer Covers Your Area

Insurance companies frequently review their coverage areas. There is always a chance they may decide to drop coverage in certain areas. “This may be because there is an abundance of claims in the area, and it’s too expensive for the company to continue to do business there,” Marino says. “Remember your rates are affected by other people in your area.”

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Failure to Pay

This one is the simplest way to avoid your policy being canceled. If you don’t keep up with your payments and pay your premiums, you can be dropped. Nonpayment is one of the most common reasons a policy is dropped, according to agents at State Farm Insurance. They recommend avoiding nonpayment issues by setting up auto payments. Tip: Many mortgage companies allow—and even encourage you—to roll your insurance and tax dues into your monthly payments, greatly reducing your chance of failing to pay.

Death of the Resident(s)

If a house is no longer occupied, it would no longer be insured. Some families don’t want to take on the work of owning or insuring the house, especially if they live out of state, so the insurance lapses. To prevent this type of cancellation, State Farm encourages their clients to make sure wills are in order, especially if there is little or no family left.

How to Avoid Losing Your Coverage

There are steps a home owner can take to help avoid being dropped by their insurance carrier. For starters, revisit your policy annually to make sure you’re fully covered, especially if your house has gone through some wear and tear, or if you’ve expanded or renovated. There are some quick and easy home improvements you can make to not only stay on good terms with your insurance company, but possibly result in premium discounts, according to Consumer Reports. These include installing a security system and smoke detectors, and adding a generator to help ensure your electrical systems work in the event of a power outage. Another tip is to comparison shop every few years for new insurance carriers. Businesses, deals, and discounts change, so you don’t want to miss out on opportunities to save money. Barbara Russo is a freelance writer who holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the City University of New York. She enjoys playing guitar, following current events, and hanging out with her pet rabbits.

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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, owns and operates Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy. With her group of therapists, she supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders inadults and children. Intensive feeding therapy for individuals who suffer from texture and consistency aversions, and FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) are also offered. Seven affiliated offices across Long Island participate with most health insurance and offer evening and Saturday hours. QueensParent 43

family life home

Decorate on a Dime

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Rethinking your home’s décor can often get costly, but our experts’ tips are here to keep you on budget. By Lambeth Hochwald

croll through Pinterest or flip through the pages of your favorite home décor magazine and it might seem like it will cost a fortune to redecorate your home. We’re here to say it’s time to rethink that notion. In fact, these days it’s absolutely possible to spend very little to spruce up every room in your house. Read on for our nine expert-driven tips.

Look at your rooms with a new eye.

Before you start shopping, consider this: Your rooms may just need a little rearranging using your existing furniture. After all, a mere shuffling around of your pieces, including furniture, wall art, and even those photographs that seem dull and tired, may work wonders to brighten your space exponentially. Tip: If you have a friend with a great eye, invite her over and ask her for some quick suggestions.

Use mementos and heirlooms to decorate inexpensively.

Whether it’s a vintage collection of blue glass or a set of framed photos of your grandma’s farmhouse, these items are not only inexpensive additions to your home décor, they’re fun, too. “These tell stories and make for great conversation starters,” says Alix Greenberg, founder and CEO of ArtSugar, a contemporary art e-commerce company in New York City. “Best of all they add a warm and personal touch to your space.” 44

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Cherry-pick your favorites.

If you’re a collector of certain items, whether vintage milk bottles or antique advertising signs, displaying them can add a truly personal touch to your space. However, you want to be careful to avoid veering into a space that looks overly cluttered. Tip: To avoid the feeling that your rooms are packed with stuff and attain a more streamlined feel to your home, cherry-pick your favorite items and display them. Put the rest in storage until you’re ready to switch them out.

Consider a DIY craft project.

Whether you believe you’re crafty—or not—there are a few easy craft projects you might want to consider doing next time you have a free weekend. Why not paint an ugly, chipped bookshelf in a bright new color? Or maybe sew a set of slipcovers to replace a faded sofa set or recover tired or ripped dining cushions with a bright, new fabric.

Browse your local thrift shop.

Shopping secondhand is a no-brainer when it comes to home decor and furniture since these stores are the best places to find gently used, quality pieces for less. Plus, you won’t skimp on style as you’re trying to save money, says Andrea Woroch, a nationally recognized consumer and money-saving expert.

Tip: Scout your local thrift shop on the regular to pick up furniture that will be far less expensive than shopping for brandnew items.

Learn what each store specializes in.

Some stores are best for furniture bargains while others are notable for high-quality accessories sold at inexpensive prices. Take World Market as an example: “What I love best about this store is [its] unique selection of home décor pieces,” says Jeanine Boiko, a real estate salesperson in Wantagh.“No matter what your style is, World Market has something for everyone. My favorite pieces are the black villa stripe dishtowels and blue bistro stripe placemats. Both styles work well for [different] kitchen and dining room types, including modern, farmhouse, or country.”

you can find at a garage sale, and furniture is easy to repurpose, refinish, or recover,” Woroch says. “I always suggest giving garage sale hunting a try, especially if you’re on a tight budget.” Tip: Sites like Facebook Marketplace make it easy to shop used home decor locally. You can adjust your search based on your city and the distance you’re willing to travel to pick up whatever you’re looking for, Woroch says. “You can easily chat with the seller via Messenger to discuss details, see pictures, and negotiate the price. Plus, the social [media] aspect makes you feel safe since you can see who you are dealing with and possibly even have mutual friends,” she adds. Lambeth Hochwald is a New York City-based journalist covering trends, relationships, and life in New York City.

Shop discount stores.

Retailers such as HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls are known for their quality pieces that are sold at a major discount. These are great places to shop if you’re looking to perk up your decorative accessories, Boiko says. “For example, I love the throw pillows at HomeGoods,” she says. “Some retailers make you purchase the pillow cover and cushion separately, which can add up quickly whereas HomeGoods typically offers several options of throw pillows that are stylish and budget-friendly.” Tip: Save more by scoping out the clearance section and consider this: “Speak with a sales associate to find out when new shipments arrive,” Woroch says. “These deliveries are usually on the same days each week. This way you can be among the first to check out the new arrivals before they sell out (since inventory is often limited.”)

Scope out end-of-season sales.

Timing is everything, and this is especially true when it comes to shopping for home décor items at a discount. For example, you can pick up patio furniture at a huge savings toward the end of summer, Woroch says. Or pick up holiday items at deep discounts once those holiday seasons are done. “It’s always a great idea to time your shopping right to save big,” she says.

Browse garage sales.

Whether your town is known for its garage sales, tag sales, or stoop sales, you’re bound to find bargains if you make it a goal to stop and take a look whenever you happen upon one. “You never know what

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5 Apps That Make Decorating Easy Still stuck on how to place furniture in an odd-shaped room or how to unify a color scheme? It’s never been easier to update the look of your home— without even leaving your house. Here are five apps to get you started in the path to updating your home décor, purchasing new furniture, or just drawing a floor plan to make sure you’re maximizing your space. Benjamin Moore Color Capture: Take a photo of a color you love, and the app will match it to more than 3,300 colors on file. Just think: Your walls can instantly match your favorite color. Havenly: This app pairs users with expert interior designers to offer advice on your space no matter your budget. Houzz: On this app, there’s a sketch function that enables you to annotate and draw on your images. Or just save your ideas by style and room and take them with you next time you’re shopping. Ikea Place: If you love shopping at Ikea but have no idea where to put that shelving unit you’ve just put together, this free app comes with augmented-reality so you can actually zero in on where your new furniture will fit in your space—before you even leave your home to head to the Swedish megastore. Magic Plan: With this app, you won’t need to measure or draw. Instead, you simply send a photo of your space to create a floor plan that works.

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Rooming with Baby

›› While it may seem like it’s more for convenience, sharing your room with your infant has more benefits than easy nighttime feedings. By Anja Webb

ne of the aspects of living in the New York area can mean limited space for many families. Between negotiating who gets what part of the one-bedroom and figuring out how you’re going to squeeze yet another toy in your apartment, living in close quarters can be a struggle. This limited space often causes parents and their babies to share a room. However, even for those who live in suburbs or who have more spacious living situations, many families feel more comfortable sharing a sleeping space with their infant. Regardless of where you live, it’s likely you’ll end up room sharing in the early months. Luckily, there’s a silver lining to sleeping in the same room as your infant. Sharing a room with your newborn can actually have many benefits, and it’s recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for at least the first three months, if not the first year, of your little one’s life in order to reduce the risk of sleep-related death and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Keeping your baby within arm’s reach of your bed can actually lower the risk of SIDS by up to 50 percent, according to the AAP. Here’s what you need to know when preparing to room share with the newest member of your family.

What is SIDS?

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as “the sudden and unexpected 46

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

death of a baby less than 1 year old in which the cause was not obvious before investigation.” Most cases of SIDS occur during sleep or in the child’s sleep area, according to the CDC, which is one of the reasons why it’s so important to keep your baby close at nighttime or during naps. So how does room sharing help prevent SIDS? This could be because it allows parents to respond to their infant’s needs in a timelier fashion, according to Leslie Solomonian, B.S., a doctor of naturopathic medicine with an emphasis on pediatric care and professor at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. Newborns are still learning how to regulate their autonomic functions—the ability to normalize their body temperature, heart rate, breathing rate, sleep cycles, and more—and quick responsiveness can help prevent issues related to the autonomic functions that could be potential causes for SIDS, Solomonian says.

How to Room Share Properly

As previously mentioned, when sharing a room with an infant it’s important to keep your child within arm’s reach, ideally in a basinet or crib next to your bed. Your newborn’s sleep space should follow basic safety guidelines, including ensuring her sleep space is devoid of all soft or fluffy materials such as blankets or stuffed animals, her mattress is firm, and she’s dressed lightly for sleep, according to the AAP, in order to avoid suffocation or overheating.

Additionally, babies should not share a room with parents who are smokers, says Leigh Anne O’Connor, media liaison for Le Leche League of New York, lactation consultation, and mother of three. “If you have one cigarette, it takes twenty-four hours for you to not be exhaling the carcinogens,” O’Connor says. These chemicals are especially dangerous for babies and should be strictly avoided. It’s important to note that the AAP recommendation is not co-sleeping. “There’s tons of evidence on the benefits of room sharing and sometimes it’s extrapolated to co-sleeping or bed sharing,” Solomonian says. “And that’s a little bit controversial because if a parent is co-sleeping with a child or bed sharing, there’s a risk that they could roll over on the child or they could suffocate the infant.” Additionally, most parents sleep with pillows, blankets, and/or soft mattresses that make their bed an unsafe sleep surface for babies.

Other Benefits of Room Sharing

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Aside from the safety benefits of room sharing, there are myriad emotional and social benefits of being physically close with your newborn. “It allows breast-feeding to be more effective,” Solomonian says. “So, when baby’s in another room and mom doesn’t hear the baby fussing, there’s a bit of a delay in terms of responding to the baby’s needs to nurse.” By being able to feed the infant sooner, parents can teach their child his needs can be met in a timely fashion without needing to scream at the top of his lungs or wail for prolonged periods of time. This can help minimize fussiness and excessive crying. Aside from breast-feeding benefits, room sharing also helps with “reducing stress because parents are probably getting more sleep, they’re more connected to their babies, and that promotes a lot of those healthy neurotransmitters and hormones in the body as opposed to the stress hormones,” according to Solomonian. In other words, being with your baby can help make you feel closer.

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Drawbacks of Room Sharing

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Room sharing may seem like the perfect sleeping arrangement, but, realistically, caring for a newborn will force you to adjust certain aspects of your life, and room sharing is no different. Your baby will have different sleeping patterns and bedtime needs than you or your partner. Most newborns sleep between 16 and 17 hours a day, but usually only in 1- to 2-hour increments, according to the AAP. This inevitably makes for an irregular sleeping schedule for parents. This difference in sleep patterns can result in displacement of popular pre-bedtime activities for parents like reading or watching TV in bed. The light and sound produced can keep the baby awake and disrupt her sleeping pattern, O’Connor says. However, this doesn’t mean your nighttime hobbies are gone for good. “If the parents want to do something that involves lights and noise, they can go somewhere else,” O’Connor says. For couples who are worried that sharing a room with their baby will impact their relationship in terms of physical intimacy, O’Connor recommends going to another room or dropping your little one off with a babysitter for an evening. Additionally, it’s important to remember that part of parental intimacy is “being kind to each other throughout the day, and offering help, and not being stressed,” Solomonian says. “Intimacy happens in all sorts of ways besides sex.” Ultimately, there are a lot of ways in which families can manage their bedtime routines and sleeping arrangements, whether that’s moving the baby into the parents’ room or vice versa. “There’s not one way to do it and there’s not one way that must be done (besides being safe),” O’Connor says. “Each family has to do what works best for them.”

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raising kids teen

Conversations to Have with Your Teen About Dating ››

Nervous? Uncomfortable? Shy? Imagine how they must feel. By Karen Lo

f the thought of talking to your kids about dating or having “the talk” makes you wince, you wouldn’t be the first. And maybe you’ve picked up on a mutual feeling of “anything but that” from the young adults in your family. Good thing you’re not alone! For both parents and kids, it’s just part of growing up. Being able to have frank and informative conversations with your children as they take on more responsibilities in the world is the job of every parent. At some point, you might talk to them about filing taxes or applying for scholarships—but probably even sooner than that, you’ll have to talk to them about dating. So then, where and when should you start? In fact, it’s much easier for parents and teens to have “the talk” when it’s broken down into a bunch of smaller discussions. “Talking with teens about dating and sex shouldn’t be one big conversation,” says Jill Whitney, a licensed marriage and family therapist, workshop leader, and author based in Connecticut. “It’s much easier on everyone to have many talks over many years. Dating and sex are complex, multifaceted topics, and each topic merits its own conversation. Keeping them brief is also less overwhelming.” As for all the ground you’ll want to cover, it’s helpful to have some guidance on what to bring up. Read on for some of the topics to check off your list.

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Learn what dating means to your teen.

Readiness to date depends on your child’s level of maturity and also what “dating” means in your community and your child’s peer group, according to Whitney. Sometimes dating means daily text exchanges and little or no time together in real life. Dating might mean going to the movies with a group of friends or spending a lot of 1-on-1 time together. A young teen might be ready for one version of dating and not for the other.

Find out what’s going on at your teen’s school.

Ask teens what they think about situations at school, Whitney recommends. What happened when those two students broke up? Did they treat each other well? What does your teen think about the sexual language or situations in music or movies? Does it fit real life? Does it reflect the kind of relationship they’d like to have? What do they think about gender roles and expectations at their school? What’s different for guys and girls? Do they think that’s fair? The important thing, Whitney says, is “even if your teen doesn’t answer your questions, it’ll get their gears turning. It also shows that you’re willing to talk when they’re ready.”

Ask about what’s happening online.

Parents’ level of involvement with kids’ use of technology depends partly on their ages. Though you should limit your pre-teen’s Internet and technology access as well as know their passwords, as they get older and demonstrate the ability to make good decisions, they can have more autonomy. You want to transition kids to greater independence as they get closer to college or the working world. That being said, of course, we can’t ignore that kids, especially young adults, tend to be more tech-savvy than parents. All you can do about this is realize you can’t control everything they do online. That’s why it’s essential to talk regularly about online risks and choices, Whitney counsels. Explain that while sexting may feel fun and flirty, it carries real risks. Make sure kids know that anything they post online is forever, and encourage them to imagine how embarrassing that could be. Emphasize that you expect them to treat others kindly both online and in real life. Moreover, talk with your kids about the unhealthy tendency for all of us to be tied to devices, ask for their input, then announce limitations that work for your family. The best solution is regular device-free times in the day, where everyone, parents included, is away from their phones—especially if texting non-stop is your teen’s idea of dating.

Remind your teens that friendships are important, too. Although the idea of their kids dating can be scary to parents, dating is important for young people for many reasons. “Dating helps young people develop relationship skills and learn about themselves and what matters to them,” Whitney says. “Especially in a time where so much interaction is online, there’s real value in learning to connect offline with another person.” To that end, remind your teenager that their friendships still deserve care and attention. As they navigate their love lives, their friendships are likely to change and go through growing pains. As they grow up, you’ll also get to know your children’s best friends. Talk to your kids about dividing their social time wisely, between their partners, friends, and whatever after-school activities they’re involved in.

Ensure your teen knows about safe sex.

It was Kylie Jenner’s pregnancy video on YouTube, “To Our Daughter,” that led to an impromptu check-in between Eirene Heidelberger and her now 14-year-old son about safe sex. The video, uploaded on Feb. 4, 2018, announced the birth of Jenner’s daughter with her boyfriend, Travis Scott, when they were 20 and 25, respectively. “He was like, ‘I can’t believe they had a baby. They’re so young!’” “I was like, ‘No kidding—you know how to use condoms, right?’” “He was like, ‘Yeah mom, I know.’” Heidelberger, a certified parenting coaching specialist who founded GIT Mom (Get It Together, Mom), is a mother of three sons. Her oldest, the 14-year-old, keeps his parents relatively in the loop about his weekly movie dates with his girlfriend. When it comes to talking to her son about sensitive subjects, Heidelberger has a simple approach that works for her. “Ask one basic question, and just stop talking.” Her advice is to let them structure the conversation, and that means encouraging both their questions for you and the information they already know. Finally, Heidelberger says, have an exit strategy! Think about the way you’d like to end the conversation, then be ready to gracefully leave the room and move on with your day.

Keep in mind the differences between sons and daughters. Most of the messages you’ll convey about sex and dating should be the same for kids of any gender: Treat others with respect, be kind, “no” means “no,” relationships should be balanced. But given the cultural messages kids get, you’ll want to emphasize different things to boys than to girls. For girls, stress that they have every right to say “no” to anything sexual or romantic that doesn’t feel right to them. They can also say “yes” when the time comes, but they shouldn’t feel pressured to move faster than they want to. For boys, do what you can to offset cultural pressures to prove their masculinity by having sex and being tough. Boys have tender feelings just like everyone else—make sure your son knows it’s normal to care about romantic partners, and to be kind and gentle.

Talk about how to treat romantic partners.

It’s important for parents to talk with teens about how you expect them to treat other people, especially romantic partners. Whitney says she found that teens really want guidance from their parents about this in her research with young adults. Don’t lecture, but do tell them what you believe and why, she advises.

Reiterate consent is everything and more.

The #MeToo movement has made teens much more aware of consent as an issue, but many of them are confused about what consent looks like in practice, Whitney says. Be sure your teen, of any gender, knows that when a partner says “no” or expresses reluctance about any sexual activity, they need to stop. Pressuring someone is not okay. Kids need to know that they have every right to say “no” and be taken seriously. Boys, especially, need to know that failing to respect someone’s “no” can have legal ramifications and does serious emotional harm to the other person, Whitney advises. If he wants to be a good guy, he needs to believe his partner when she says “no.” The time is right only when both people say an enthusiastic “yes.”

Explain dating and financial responsibility.

Okay, so now that you’ve talked to your kids about all those other difficult and thought-provoking topics, don’t forget to talk about money. Financial responsibility and dating go hand-inhand. So whether your teenager has a job or an allowance, now’s a good time to touch base about their finances. In Heidelberger’s words, “if you want to have this social life, you need to pay for part of it.” When you start to have these important talks within your family, you will, undoubtedly, feel awkward at first. But as with everything, it gets easier with practice. One way to start these conversations, Whitney offers, is to say, “I just want to be on the record that…” or “You probably already know this, but I want to make sure…” However you start, it’s much more important to talk openly than to say everything perfectly. Growing up means something different to every new generation of young adults. As your children come of age, make your home a place where they can experience those differences without judgement—like, for example, the way they might prefer to text you rather than answer your calls. Preparing for this stretch of parenting can be stressful—but at least you don’t have to be a teenager again. Karen Lo is a writer living in Brooklyn.

QueensParent 49

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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 elementary school. All of our educators are dedicated to the profession of early childhood with extensive experience.

Nature

58-20 Little Neck Parkway, Little Neck 718-255-6750 x246 commonpointqueens.org/program/early-child-

219-18 Horace Harding Expressway, Bayside 718-428-7700 metrokidspreschool.com skroski.wetrokidspreschool@gmail.com Metrokids Preschool is a bilingual full-time program for students ages 3 months-5 years. Our program will benefit your child’s academic and social

Tiny Footsteps

Foreign Language

Commonpoint Queens Sam Field Center – Early Childhood Programs

Metrokids Preschool

39-76 58th St., Woodside 718-429-1982 stsebastianacademy.org At St. Sebastian Catholic Academy we believe that pre-K is a critical foundation for young learners. Our play-based approach, as per Common Core Guidelines, provides a child-centered curriculum that is directed by our certified teachers. We promote cultural values and support positive and respectful interaction in our classrooms.

Dance / Yoga

160-21 13th Ave., Whitestone 718-767-2776 9am-12pm (Prime Time for Little Ones) braithwaitenurseryschool.com Lynne and Ron Braithwaite, certified teachers, have been operating the Braithwaite Nursery School for 15 years, serving children ages 2-4 in a safe, nurturing environment. Our goal is to foster a love of learning through varied experiences. Reading readiness, art, music, math, and science are an everyday part of our program.

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.

St. Sebastian Catholic Academy

Creative Arts

Braithwaite Nursery School

growth while facilitating a love of learning from a young age. Tuition includes four meals, music, kung fu, and yoga programs.

Cooking

81-10 35th Ave., Jackson Heights 718-457-0429 x200 82ndst.com 82nd Street Academics focuses on areas of social-emotional skills, physical development, language and literacy development, and mathematical/cognitive thinking. Our curiosity driven approach uses an adaptive curriculum. Using several domains of learning, we are able to individualize each child’s instruction and experience in our program.

Half-Day

82nd Street Academics

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PartyCentral PARTY ENTERTAINMENT BILINGUAL BIRDIES - MARILYN DUQUE Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Little Neck 516-200-4691 bilingualbirdies.com longisland.bilingualbirdies@gmail.com An adventure awaits with Myla Birdie, a bright yellow puppet that enchants every child through music and play while celebrating your child’s birthday.

CLOWNS.COM Proudly serving Westchester, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx 516-577-0000 718-971-5862 clowns.com

We are a family-owned and -operated entertainment company, offering a wide range of party and entertainment services including clowns, inflatable bounce houses, characters, magicians, princesses, magic shows, face painting, and party concession rentals.

PARTY PLACES @ PLAY AMUSEMENTS 229 NY-110, Farmingdale 631-815-5355 atplayamusement.com info@playamusement.com

Have your next party at the newly renovated @ Play Amusements! It offers 40,000-square-feet of fun ranging from 92 arcade games, inflatables, bumper cars, a roller coaster, a carousel, a disco room, and laser tag!

ACD PLAYSPACE 31-24 38th St., Astoria 718-204-ACDP (2237) acdplayspace.com info@acdplayspace.com

Create your own party package or choose one of our many options. Choices include music, BEAM projection screen, games, bounce house, music, pizza, cake, decorations, and face painting. Check our website for more information: acdplayspace.com/parties.

AMERICAN DANCE & DRAMA 188-22 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows 68-02 Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village 718-479-8522

americandanceanddrama.net We are one of Queens’s largest and most exciting birthday party locations, offering dress-up, disco, and gymnastics parties. We also offer bubbles and fog machines, cotton candy, plus crazy craft, and princess parties!

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

BILINGUAL BIRDIES - MARILYN DUQUE Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Little Neck 516-200-4691 bilingualbirdies.com longisland.bilingualbirdies@gmail.com

An adventure awaits with Myla Birdie who is a bright yellow puppet that enchants every child through music and play while celebrating your child’s birthday.

BOUNCEU OF COLLEGE POINT Whitepoint Center, 13225 14th Ave., College Point 646-883-JUMP (5867) bounceu.com/college-point-ny 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!

BROOKLYN BOULDERS - QUEENSBRIDGE 23-10 41st Ave., Long Island City 718-482-7078 brooklynboulders.com

Brooklyn Boulders hosts birthday parties, after-school and weekend youth programs, and adventure camps. Our friendly, highly trained staff teaches kids how to climb, solve problems, and conquer challenges. BKB is the place to be for your next party!

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.

CK KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTIES 68-02 Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village 917-602-6271 ctkny.org jmichel@ctkny.org

We know your child’s birthday is a special day so we only book one party at time! Private party room available with two bounce houses, a ball pit, disco lighting, cotton candy, face painting, tattoos, music, and games!

THE LANYARD LADIES 433 Merrick Road, Oceanside 516-578-2248 thelanyardladies.com info@thelanyardladies.com

to their brand-new party place! Many amazing themes and packages to choose from.

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-sixth birthdays. Call us to customize your child’s musical birthday. We can also come to your space.

SKY ZONE TRAMPOLINE PARK-DEER PARK 111 Rodeo Drive, Deer Park 631-392-2600 skyzone.com/deerpark deerparkinfo@skyzone.com

The best birthday parties are at Sky Zone, Deer Park. We customize every birthday party. We have themed parties and super hero parties that include Dodgeball, Foam Zone, Sky Slam, and endless jumping opportunities!

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 one hour of court time with drills and games organized by our USTA pro staff and a 1-hour private room for pizza.

WHITESTONE LANES 30-05 Whitestone Expressway, Flushing 718-353-6300 whitestonelanes.net

We are now booking children and teen birthday parties as well as corporate and team building events for 20182019. Call our party hostess, Lisa, for more information.

The Lanyard Ladies friendship bracelet and lanyard birthday parties bring the party to you, or you can come

QueensParent 51

Professional services

Your local guide to tutors, teachers, lawyers, financial planners, and other professionals DENTISTS & DENTAL PROVIDERS 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 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.

March 2019 | nymetroparents.com

SPECIAL NEEDS DR. STEVE IMBER, PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL CONSULTANTS Serving Nassau and Suffolk counties as well as the five boroughs of NYC 61-43 186th St., Fresh Meadows 516-273-1961 Sprout Building 166 Valley St., Providence, RI 401-421-4004 dr-imber.com scimber1@aol.com Dr. Imber has more than 40 years of experience consulting, evaluating, and advocating for children, adolescents, and adults with various disabilities including autism (e.g. Asperger’s syndrome), attention deficit disorders, intellectual disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, and learning disabilities. LITTLE STEPS 1, INC. SPEECH & LANGUAGE CLINIC Adelina Samuels, M.A. C.C.C.-S.L.P. speech pathologist 63-70 Woodhaven Blvd., Rego Park 929-335-7707 littlestepsspeech.com Little Steps 1, Inc. aims to help people develop their communication abilities, as welsl as treat speech, language, swallowing, and voice disorders. Services include prevention, identification, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. 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.

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. ELSA LEE, PH.D., LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST 254-18 Northern Blvd., Suite 3, Little Neck 646-389-2283 queenspsychology.com contact@queenspsychology.com Dr. Lee is a psychologist who provides counseling and neuropsychological/psychoeducational evaluations. More than 10 years of experience in clinical and school settings. Free consultation. Services also available in Chinese.

TUTORS & TEST PREP MISS ANITA – PRIVATE MATH TUTOR AND ADVISOR 917-477-7953 workinganita@gmail.com Tutoring available for various levels of math including elementary and middle math, algebra 1, algebra 2, geometry, and tests such as the GED. Experienced teacher, tutor, and advisor of 23 years that can help students pass any test. VILLAGE EAST GIFTED - ENRICHMENT CENTER FOR THE GIFTED LEARNER Village East Gifted of Huntington 33 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station 631-549-2313 Village East Gifted of Roslyn 216 Willis Ave., Roslyn Heights 631-549-2313 villageeastgifted.com; info@villageeastgifted.com Village East Gifted provides after-school enrichment and private tutoring for gifted and talented students. We are a designated John Hopkins CTY and SAT testing center.

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

education

All Star Studio............................................................................25

82nd Street Academic ..............................................................11 Braithwaite Nursery School ......................................................12 Christ the King Continuing Education .......................................22 Comprehensive Consultation Psychological ..............................7 Countryside Montessori School ................................................24 Crayon Box (The) .....................................................................22 Garden School ..........................................................................11 Istein..........................................................................................23 JEI Learning Systems Inc. - Queens ........................................56 Kew Forest School (the) ...........................................................13 LIU Center for Gifted Youth.......................................................25 Metrokids Preschool .................................................................15 Our World Neighborhood School ..............................................15 Sam’s Camp and Swim Club.....................................................17 Sherald Anita ............................................................................27 St. Sebastian School ................................................................19 Tiny Footsteps...........................................................................21 Windsor School (The) .................................................................9

birthday / party services Bilingual Birdies LI-Queens ......................................................17 Christ the King Continuing Education .......................................22 Mommy Music & Me Inc. ..........................................................45 Music Together LLC ..................................................................23 Soccer Friends, USA Inc...........................................................27 USTA BJK National Tennis Center ...........................................14

camps 82nd Street Academic ..............................................................11 All Star Studio............................................................................25 Bilingual Birdies LI-Queens ......................................................17 Blue Dolphin Summer Day Camp .............................................25 Christ the King Continuing Education .......................................22 Countryside Montessori School ................................................24 Crayon Box (The) .....................................................................22 DanceSource (The) ..................................................................23 Further Music Studio ................................................................23 Garden School ..........................................................................11 Girl’s & Boys Basketball & Beyond LLC .....................................9 Hillcrest Jewish Center Day Camp ...........................................13 Hofstra Summer Camps .............................................................5 Istein..........................................................................................23 JEI Learning Systems Inc. - Queens ........................................56 Kew Forest School (the) ...........................................................13 Magic Day Camp ........................................................................2 Metrokids Preschool .................................................................15 Mill Basin Day Camp ................................................................21 Mommy Music & Me Inc. ..........................................................45 Music Together LLC ..................................................................23 Oasis Children Services .............................................................3 Rioult Dance Center .................................................................24 Sam’s Camp and Swim Club.....................................................17 Soccer Friends, USA Inc...........................................................27 Tiny Footsteps...........................................................................21 USTA BJK National Tennis Center ...........................................14 Windsor School (The) .................................................................9 World of Discovery Camp .........................................................25 YMCA of Greater New York ......................................................31 Young People’s Day Camps - Queens .....................................55

fitness DanceSource (The) ..................................................................23 Girl’s & Boys Basketball & Beyond LLC .....................................9 Hillcrest Jewish Center Day Camp ...........................................13 Rioult Dance Center .................................................................24 World of Discovery Camp .........................................................25

health Comprehensive Consultation Psychological ..............................7 Elsa Lee ....................................................................................43

music Bilingual Birdies LI-Queens ......................................................17 Further Music Studio ................................................................23 Istein..........................................................................................23 Just Wee Two ...........................................................................43 Mommy Music & Me Inc. ..........................................................45 Music Together LLC ..................................................................23 Queensborough Performing Arts ..............................................19

performing arts / acting

Young Child Expo .....................................................................45

All Star Studio............................................................................25 Christ the King Continuing Education .......................................22 DanceSource (The) ..................................................................23 Queensborough Performing Arts ..............................................19 Rioult Dance Center .................................................................24

developmental Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech.............................17, 43

Private Tutoring by Experienced Tutors. For All Grades For All Subjects School Homework All School Tests

Complies with Common Core Standards

SHSAT, TACHS, SAT, REGENTS, CITY/ STATE WIDE TESTS

Now Registering for CITYWIDE/STATEWIDE ELA, MATH and SCIENCE TESTS.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • LOOK FOR YELLOW SIGN 87-02 GRAND AVENUE, ELMHURST, NY Phone : 718-205-7508 92-22 CORONA AVENUE, ELMHURST, NY Phone: 718-606-1056

Want to know the best activities for families? Subscribe to our family activity email newsletter

St. Sebastian School ................................................................19

special events

dance

NINA’S TUTORING CENTER

religious

Just Wee Two ...........................................................................43 LIU Center for Gifted Youth.......................................................25 YMCA of Greater New York ......................................................31

TUTORS

Queensborough Performing Arts ..............................................19

child care / day care

classes

FAMILY RESOURCE GUIDE

special needs Comprehensive Consultation Psychological ..............................7 Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech.............................17, 43 Sherald Anita ............................................................................27 Young Child Expo .....................................................................45

sports Blue Dolphin Summer Day Camp .............................................25 Christ the King Continuing Education .......................................22 Girl’s & Boys Basketball & Beyond LLC .....................................9 Hillcrest Jewish Center Day Camp ...........................................13 Magic Day Camp ........................................................................2 Soccer Friends, USA Inc...........................................................27 USTA BJK National Tennis Center ...........................................14 World of Discovery Camp .........................................................25

tutors 82nd Street Academic ..............................................................11 Sherald Anita ............................................................................27 Windsor School (The) .................................................................9

NYMETROPARENTS.COM/REGISTER QueensParent 53

things to do

diy corner

Reversible Cape

Is your little one obsessed with Superman? Are you raising the next Wonder Woman? We’ve got just the craft for you! Kids can design their ideal costumes, perfect for a day of dramatic play. Can’t decide on just one design? Well, like any good hero disguise, this cape has two sides. Inspire creativity, choose a super hero identity, and spend a day saving the day! This super-easy cape features star and lightning bolt emblems, but you could make it to resemble your favorite superheroes or villains, or create two new characters with personalized emblems featuring your initials. The project requires a sewing machine— you could make it without one but it will take you a while to stitch around the edges! You will need • 1-yard square each of green and blue cotton • 4-inch square each of red and black cotton • 8-inch square of yellow cotton • Scissors

• Sewing needle and pins • 15-by-35-inch piece of fusible webbing • Sewing machine and matching thread • 1½-by ½-inch piece of Velcro or hook-and-loop tape • Iron and ironing board

Instructions 1. Print the cape template and cut it out (find it at nymetroparents.com/cape). Fold your green fabric in half and pin the template on top. Cut out one cape then repeat with the blue fabric. Use a small plate (about 8 inches) to draw and cut out a circle from yellow and black cotton. If you want to use the emblems featured here, cut out a yellow lightning bolt and a red star shape—draw your own or use a template and increase the size. Also cut the circles, lightning, and star shapes out of fusible webbing. 2. Iron the fusible webbing onto the back of each shape. Line up the yellow circle centrally on the front of the blue cape 8 inches from the neckline. Iron in place, and then iron the star on top of the center of the yellow circle. Repeat with the green cape, the black circle, and the lightning bolt. 3. Pin the two capes right sides together. Machine sew around the edge with a ½-inch seam allowance. Leave a 6-inch gap along the bottom to allow you to turn the cape right sides out. Trim the edges around the neckline of the cape then make snips in the seam allowance around the curved edges, about 1 inch apart. This will prevent puckering. 4. Turn the cape right sides out and push out all the corners and neckline. Press the cape and sew the turning gap closed by hand. 5. Pin and sew one piece of the Velcro onto the end of the neckline on the blue fabric. Sew the other piece on the green fabric (at the other side) so that the two pieces line up when the neckline is joined. Extract reprinted here with permission from GMC Publications, The Superhero Craft Book by Laura Minter and Tia Williams, RRP $9.95.

For More Info, Call 1-800-

856-1043

Days Filled with Fun & Excitement! Boys & Girls, 4-15 • 2-8 Week Programs Operated by Licensed Teachers & Administrators All Union Rates Accepted • Weekly Field Trips • Sports Arts & Crafts • Swim Lessons • Academic Program Available

NEW FOR 2019: Introduction to Robotics

Open House :

MARCH 2ND, MARCH 16TH, & MARCH 30TH 2019

1:00PM - 3:00PM JIB LANES 67-19 Parsons Blvd. Flushing, NY 11365

QueensParent 55

SUMMER SUM SU MME MER R 2019 2 019 01 9 NEVER STOP

LEARNING WITH STATE STANDARD ALIGNED CURRICULUM

Boost your child’s knowledge and prevent learning loss with JEI Learning Center’s Summer Enrichment Programs*. All JEI programs are fully customized and structured to each child’s individual needs and learning goals. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL JEI LEARNING CENTER FOR MORE DETAILS *SUMMER PROGRAMS VARY BY CENTER JEI.COM