Queens Parent November 2018

Queens Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM NOVEMBER 2018

The Problem with Processed Foods

Are they really that bad for you? + the best local health care providers

SensoryFriendly Shows Inclusive performances in NYC for children with special needs

Kids & Politics

How to get your children interested

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

QueensParent

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25

+

languages spoken at home

60

+

nationalities represented on campus

20

+

interscholastic athletic teams

Attend an

Open House PRESCHOOL – GRADE 12

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10

+

1:00 PM

clubs, including signature programs in Mock Trial and Model UN

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5 8:15 AM RSVP at kewforest.org/OpenHouse

Established in 1918, The Kew-Forest School is the oldest independent, co-ed, college preparatory school in

average class size

Queens. Our school provides a safe, nurturing, and intellectually vigorous

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environment.

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For more information, contact

faculty holding advanced degrees

Brad Walters, Director of Admission bwalters@kewforest.org

Celebrating years

100 11 9 - 17 U N I O N T U R N P I K E 718 . 26 8 . 4 6 67

FOREST HILLS, NY

W W W. K E W FO R E S T.O R G

113 7 5

of inspired education

Little Steps 1, Inc. Speech & Language Clinic

Little Steps 1, Inc. aims to help people develop their communication abilities, as well as, treat speech, language, swallowing, and voice disorders. Our services include prevention, identification, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Therapy is provided via play, utilization of PROMPT techniques, and ABA therapy using a naturalistic approach.

• Aphasia • Apraxia • Articulation (Phonology) • Dysarthria • Speech/Language Delay • Pre-Reading Activities • Autism/PPD • Stuttering • Swallowing Disorders • Frenulectomy • Voice • Cleft Lip/Palate

Adelina Samuels, MA CCC-SLP Speech Pathologist www.littlestepsspeech.com 63-70 Woodhaven Blvd.

Rego Park, NY 11374 929-335-7707 QueensParent

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contents table of

november 2018

12 18 family health

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14 Processed Foods 101 16 Health & Wellness Directory

raising kids 6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 The Quiet Child 12 5 Ways to Instill Gratitude in Children 12 5 Places to Find a Great Babysitter or Nanny 32 Kids & Politics 34 Out and About with Baby 40 Party Central 42 Preschool Directory 43 Education Planner 43 Meet the Doctor 44 Open Houses 45 Advertisers’ Index 46 Quotables

5 Ways to Instill Gratitude in Children

How to encourage your kids to show their thanks all year long, not just during this season of giving

Sensory-Friendly Theater in NYC

A roundup of inclusive performances in New York City for children with special needs

Speed-Clean Your House

Holiday guests are on the way, so make sure you hit these spots when you tidy up.

things to do

family life

13 String of Stalactites

36 Stay Safe While Shopping Online

18 Sensory-Friendly Theater in NYC

38 Speed-Clean Your House

20 Family Fun a Ride Away 21 Family Activities Calendar 31 Activities to be Thankful For

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› 14 The Problem with Processed Foods 16 The best local health care providers 18 Sensory-Friendly Shows 32 Kids & Politics facebook.com/nymetroparents

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

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

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raising kids editor’s note

NOVEMBER 2018 • Vol.24 • No.4

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Katelin Walling ASSISTANT EDITORS: Anja Webb, Melissa Wickes DIRECTOR OF CONTENT: Deborah Skolnik

Giving Thanks A

hh, fall. The delightfully crisp weather before Old Man Winter rolls in, the start of the NHL season, and pumpkin spice everything (is my millennial showing?) makes it my favorite time of year. Let me take a minute to introduce myself: I’m NYMetroParents’ new editorial director, though you may recognize my name, as I’ve been with Queens Parent for almost seven years now. While Deborah Skolnik will return with her editor’s letter next month, I wanted to take advantage of this season of showing gratitude to share what I’m thankful for.

First and foremost, I’m thankful for my health; I’ll bet most of you are as well. While I try to eat a well-balanced diet, I’ll inevitably grab a granola bar as a snack on the go.

Usually I end up thinking I should have chosen an apple instead of a processed treat, but Emma Steven’s article “Processed Foods 101” on pg. 14 tempered my food guilt. She spoke to nutrition experts to get the low down on processed foods and how you can cut back the amount of it your family eats.

I’m also thankful for my best friend who is more like a sister. She’s planning to come stay with me for Thanksgiving, which I’m very much looking forward to. What I’m not looking forward to? Cleaning my apartment before her arrival. That’s why I’m going to take the advice given in Deborah Skolnik’s “Speed-Clean Your House” (pg. 38), in which professional cleaners give pointers on the areas you should tackle in your home first for minimal effort but maximal results. (As someone who isn’t fond of cleaning, I’m also thankful for these tips.)

Family is another thing for which I’m thankful. I have seven nieces and nephews, with one on the way, so I’ll be taking a look at “Out and About with Baby” (pg. 34) for some ideas on what to get the expecting parents in my life. And I know these products are good because local parents recommend their favorite gear to make a day out with the kids as smooth as possible.

I learned that I should express my gratitude to those I’m thankful for in Melissa Wickes’s “5 Ways to Instill Gratitude in Children” (pg. 12), so, dear readers, please know that I’m especially thankful for you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Big Apple Parent 212-315-0800 Jeunesse Jackson, Manager EJ Morales-Gomez Queens Parent 718-878-4860 Annene Guertin, Manager Westchester Parent 914-397-0200 Nini DeLuca, Manager 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

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MANAGING DIRECTOR: Amy Lazar-Pollack 516-851-7004

OPERATIONS

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

Katelin Walling Editorial Director

PRODUCTION

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

REGIONAL EDITORS: Samantha Beranbom (Rockland); Karen Demeter (Suffolk); Whitney C. Harris (Westchester); Karen Lo (Brooklyn, Manhattan); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke EDITORIAL INTERN: Megan Vasquez

DIRECTOR|PUBLISHING MANAGEMENT: Anthony Diaz 8

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MARKETING

MARKETING DIRECTOR: Ryan Christopher ASSISTANT MARKETING MANGER: Kristine Pulaski

FINANCE

CONTROLLER: David Friedman CREDIT MANAGER: Elizabeth Teagarden CREDIT ASSISTANTS: Rosa Meinhofer

Tell Us How You Give Back!

In this season of showing gratitude and giving, we want hear how you give back and help those who are less fortunate. Does your family volunteer on a regular basis? Do your kids raise money for a charity? Does your business give back to the community?

Share your story of giving back with us, and we’ll share it with our readers on NYMetroParents.com. We’ll help you to raise the visibility of your cause and let others know how they can get involved.

Sharing your story couldn’t be easier: Simply fill out the form at nymetroparents.com/submitnews. We look forward to hearing from you!

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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

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Subscription rates per year, per publication: $39

Social Thinking in a Social World

Approaching our 10th Year!

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Courtesy Archbishop Molloy High Schoo l

raising kids new places, new programs

Catholic High School in Briarwood Welcomes Admissions Team Members Who: Archbishop Molloy High School What’s New: Edwidge Turenne and Heather Green-Wresch, who joined Jonathan DiDonato on the Molloy admissions team in September.

With the addition of these members to the admissions team, the school aims to give each applicant more individualized attention in order to maintain Molloy’s high standards. Each member brings something unique to the table.

DiDonato graduated from Archbishop Molloy in 2001 and has a background in media and customer service, Turenne graduated in 1998 and served as assistant director of financial aid at The New School, and Green-Wresch was director of admissions at a nursery school and has been swim coach at Molloy for 17 years. All are passionate about the school and its continual betterment Want More Info: 83-53 Manton St., Briarwood; molloyhs.org; admissions@molloyhs.org; 718-441-2100

The Archbishop Molloy High School admissions team (from left): Jonathan DiDonato, Edwidge Turen ne, and Heather Green-Wresch

od Charter Schoo rld Neighborho Courtesy Our Wo

Who: Our World Neighborhood Charter Schools What’s New: The public school, which opened Aug. 29.

The free charter school for kindergarten-second grades opened in a brand-new, 42,000-square-foot building that has 18 classrooms—all with Smart Boards—and eight specialized classrooms. A rooftop play area is currently under construction.

Students follow a curriculum that is similar to that of the Astoria location, including themes that change each month, known by the school as pillars of a positive community. These pillars include kindness, friendship, and respect.

The school teaches Spanish to kindergarteners and offers an integrated study of world culture. Arts and music is also part of the curriculum.

Want More Info: 135-25 79th St., Howard Beach; owncs.org; 646-415-2775

l

Charter School Opens in Howard Beach

liberal arts works to provide a od Charter School rho school. h bo hig igh of Ne rld ges Our Wo the challen e students to meet education to prepar

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November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Courtesy St. Agnes Aca dem

Who: St. Agnes Academic High School What’s New: Certified Nursing Assistant Program, which is expected to begin next spring, pending official approval from New York state.

There has been a desire among students to have classes in health care at St. Agnes, which inspired the idea to bring the medical program to the school, according to Susan Nicoletti, principal of St. Agnes Academic High School.

The program would entail students doing 108 hours of on-site clinical work at Ozanam Hall Nursing Home in Bayside and 108 hours of in-class theory work.

“As part of their experience, the students will learn a variety of things, including medical terminology, infection control, care for the elderly, surgery, wound care, comfort, hygiene, and grooming,” Nicoletti says.

Want More Info: 13-20 124th St., College Point; 718-353-6276; stagneshs.org

ic High School

Catholic School in College Point Expected to Launch Certified Nursing Assistant Program

CPR is one of the ma ny skills students will learn as part of the Certified Nursing Assistant Program.

Our World Neighborhood Charter School 2

135-25 79th St, Howard Beach, NY 11414 visit us at www.owncs.org We have joined the District 27 School Community!

Now Enrolling for Kindergarten, First Grade, & Second Grade

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• Rigorous academic curriculum • Spanish beginning in Kindergarten • Integrated study of world culture • Integrated study of history of ideas • Arts & Music integrated into curriculum • Individualized learning plans • Free breakfast & lunch • 1-1 student laptop program

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raising kids voices

The Quiet Child ››

How learning what to listen for helped me hear my daughter’s voice

I

braced myself for our third grade parent-teacher interview.

By this time, I had come to expect the usual comments from teachers and other adults who came into contact with my daughter. “We wish she would speak up more,” or the slightly accusatory, “We’re wondering if there’s a reason she’s so quiet?” or the cheerier, “We want to get to know your daughter better!” Sometimes well-meaning people try to connect with her, (and use the word I’ve come to strongly dislike), “I was shy like you too, when I was young.”

Since my daughter has been very little, I’ve been perplexed by the assessment made by many of the (again, wellintentioned) adults she encounters. Though in my gut I’ve always known she was fine just the way she is, there was something about her entering school—her first large group setting—that started making me second-guess everything.

My 3am spiral went something like this: Would she actually “grow” out of this? (There was usually an implication that she would, that she should, mature beyond this, that it was at worst some sort of inadequacy, and at best just a phase of growing up.) Maybe she wasn’t comfortable at her current school? Maybe she should be in another environment where the classes were smaller and she received more individual attention, which in turn would make her feel more at ease, which in turn would make her speak out more, which in turn would make her more accepted by her teachers and peers, which in turn would make her life easier? Obviously, this got me nowhere.

Then I picked up Susan Cain’s brilliant book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking.

Although I thought I knew a lot of what the author wrote about already, the way she broke everything down was a Rosalind Muggeridge lives in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn with her husband and two children.

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November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

By Rosalind Muggeridge

revelation for me. The gist of the book is so-called quiet people (those with introverted tendencies) have calmly gotten down to the business of accomplishing a lot of the real work done in the world: inventions, scientific breakthroughs, brilliant novels, etc. In other words, introversion isn’t a shortcoming that needs to be overcome; it’s simply a type of personality that lends itself to different pursuits—some really useful ones as it happens. The problem is not with people who fall into that category, but with the world we live in that seems to reward and most value the loudest voices in the room.

Now when I’m met with the usual comments about how quiet my daughter is, I try to honor her character without being defensive. I try to emphasize her strengths: She flourishes in very small group settings and loves individual work. I also try to check in now and then to make sure her environment isn’t causing her to withhold at all.

Beyond that, I try not to stress. Now that she and I both have the language and tools to better frame her character, we can do our best to ignore any expectations about how outspoken she needs to be. I can get out of her way, and she can get on with whatever contribution she chooses to make to the world.

It’s the most important lesson I’ve learned as a parent (and one I evidently need to learn over and over): Following your child’s lead is usually the smoothest and happiest way toward growth and development. Obviously, that doesn’t mean feeding her chocolate cake for breakfast when she asks for it or buying her every random can of slime she wants. For me it means learning to stay quiet for a moment, take a beat, and let my kid not do the talking.

Come Visit a Magnet School

District 25 and 30

Magnet Schools Assistance Program Come explore the innovative educational opportunities that magnet schools offer students.

Diversity • Academic Excellence • Equity

OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE PS 92

Harry T Stewart, Sr. Magnet School for Engineering, Architecture and the Arts 99-01 34th Avenue, Corona 11368 • ps92q.org

Wed., Nov. 7 from 9:00 – 11:00 AM Wed., Dec. 5 from 9:00 – 11:00 AM Wed., Jan. 2 from 9:00 – 11:00 AM

PS 201 The Discovery School for Inquiry and Research: STEAM Magnet School 65-11 155th Street, Flushing 11367 • PS201.org

Tue., Nov. 13 from 2:30 – 4:00 PM Wed., Nov. 28 from 6:30 – 8:00 PM Family Fun @ 201: CODING Tue., Dec. 11 from 9:00 – 11:00 AM

PS/MS 200 The Magnet School of Global Studies & Leadership 70-10 164th Street, Flushing 11365 • globalstudiesandleadership.org

Wed., Nov. 14 from 9:00 – 11:00 AM Wed., Dec. 5 from 9:00 – 11:00 AM

IS 145 Joseph Pulitzer Magnet School of Innovation and Applied Learning 33-34 80th Street, Queens 11372 • 145innovators.com

BY APPOINTMENT

For information about open houses and school tours or an application, please call 718-759-4977 or email info@magnetschools.nyc. | www.D2530magnet.com

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raising kids in the know

5 Ways to Instill Gratitude in Children ››

N

By Melissa Wickes

ovember is a time when we tend to think about gratitude; your family is likely familiar with the ‘what are you thankful for’ exercise at the Thanksgiving dinner table. But it is vital to instill the importance of gratitude in your children year-round. Alan Daniel Schlechter, M.D., clinical assistant professor at the department of child and adolescent psychiatry at NYU Langone Health, director of outpatient child and adolescent psychiatry at Bellevue Hospital, and instructor of the course The Science of Happiness at New York University shares five ways you can instill gratitude in your children.

Model being grateful. As is the case with most traits you want to instill in your children, the best way to do so is by modeling this behavior.

Dr. Schlechter, co-author of U Thrive: How to Succeed in College (and Life), emphasizes the importance of taking the time to thank the people around you. “Thank [your] waiter... Write handwritten thank-you notes instead of emails to make sure your kids see you doing it,” he suggests.

Play Best, Best, Worst. At Dr. Schlechter’s dinner table, everyone in the family says their two best moments of the day and their one worst. What makes this exercise unique in his house, though, is each family member also states a time someone helped them. “Sometimes the best parts of your day can be when someone else supported you,” Dr. Schlechter says. “If the best part of your child’s day was scoring a goal in soccer, ask ‘who helped you score that goal?’”

Write gratitude letters and journals. Jotting down the things

you’re grateful for increases your well-being, according to Dr. Schlechter. So try keeping a family gratitude journal in which each member writes down what they are thankful for. Or encourage your kids to write gratitude letters to those they are thankful for (and let them see you do this, too).

Point out examples of gratitude. When you’re reading, watching TV, or just going about your everyday life, point out people who do a great job of expressing gratitude to those around them, Dr. Schlechter suggests.

Ask how it makes them feel. Many people get into the habit of saying thank you because it’s the right thing to do. But expressing gratitude toward someone makes you feel happy, and that should be the reason to do it, Dr. Schlechter says. “What you want to do with all of these exercises is make sure that it makes [your children] feel good and that they know it makes them feel good,” he says. Feeling happy when you’re giving gratitude encourages you to keep doing it.

raising kids child care

5 Places to Find a Great Babysitter or Nanny ›› Courtesy Mommybites.com

F

inding a nanny or babysitter can be very stressful. After all, you are hiring someone to be your child’s caretaker while you’re at work. The most important thing is to find a child care provider you trust. So check out these five places where, through word of mouth or an agency, you’re sure to find the right babysitter or nanny for your child.

• Mommybites Nanny Board: This is full of nannies who are recommended by their former employers.

• Other parents: The best way to find a babysitter or nanny is to ask a friend you trust, someone who has the same values as you. If you have a friend who is raising a child the way you want to raise yours, ask him or her for recommendations.

• Religious groups: These groups often know of good babysitters and nannies from other parents.

• Your pediatrician: Parents will often contact their pediatrician when they no longer need a full-time nanny or babysitter and want to share an excellent caretaker with other families.

•

An agency: Child care agencies typically do extensive background checks on nannies and babysitters before committing to finding them a placement

When hiring a child care provider, you obviously want to be very careful and thorough with your screening. It is important that you meet your potential caretaker with your baby so you can see how he or she acts toward your child. If she is engaged with your infant and shows a sincere interest in your baby, that is a good sign.

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.

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November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

things to do

diy corner

District 28

Magnet Schools Assistance Program

Come explore the innovative educational opportunities that magnet schools offer students.

Diversity • Academic Excellence • Equity

String of Stalactites With the kids home from school for a few days at Thanksgiving, why not take the time to do some hands-on learning? Consider making a craft that gives you and your child an opportunity to spend time exploring science and creating together. Get ready for some parent-child quality time with this experiment from Jonathan Adolph’s “Mason Jar Science!”

You think growing bigger takes a long time? Try being a stalactite. Those drippy columns you see in caves grow just a few inches every thousand years! You can observe how they do it by growing your very own string of stalactite crystals. The best part is, it won’t take a thousand years! (More like a week.) Set up your experiment where no one will touch it, check your drip bowl every day, and watch what happens.

Materials 2 pint-size mason jars Piece of yarn, about 4 feet long Scissors 2 bendy straws Skewer or pipe cleaner

Hot tap water Baking soda, about ½ cup Spoon or other stirrer Food coloring (optional) Bowl for drips

Instructions 1. Fold the yarn in half and twist it together to make a thick strand.

Cut the bendable “elbows” from the straws, leaving about an inch of the straight part on each end. Thread the straws on the yarn, using a skewer or pipe cleaner to push the yarn through.

2. Fill the jars about two-thirds full with hot tap water. Spoon in baking soda, a tablespoon at a time, to each jar and stir to dissolve it.

Keep adding baking soda and stirring until the powder no longer dissolves and instead starts to gather on the bottom of the jar (it should take 3-5 tablespoons for each jar). You’ve created a saturated solution. Add a few drops of food coloring if you want.

3. Set up the jars up as shown, with the bowl between them. Remember: The crystals are delicate and will fall easily if jostled, so set up your experiment in a place where you can leave it for several days.

4. Soak the yarn in the solution, making sure it’s wet all the way through the straws. Hang it between the jars using the elbows to hold it in place as shown. The ends of the yarn must be in the solution and the center of the yarn must be lower than the level of the solution in the jars, forming a drip point.

What to Watch For The solution should start dripping into the bowl right away. You’ll begin to see crystals form after a day or so. Over the next few days, observe how much they grow. When the bowl gets full, carefully pour the solution back into the jars.

Excerpted from Mason Jar Science © by Jonathan Adolph. Used with permission from Storey Publishing. Photo by © Mars Vilaubi

È Open House Schedule Ç PS 55

The Maure Magnet School of Communication Arts, Technology and Multimedia, PS 55 131-10 97th Avenue, Richmond Hill, NY 11419 www.ps55q.com

Thursday, November 29 from 6:30 – 7:30 PM Thursday, December 20 from 6:30 – 7:30 PM Thursday, January 17 from 6:30 – 7:30 PM

PS 140

The Edward K. Ellington Magnet School of Science, Technology and the Arts, PS 140 166-01 116th Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11434 www.theedwardkellingtonschool.org

Monday, November 19 from 9:00 – 10:30 AM Monday, December 10 from 9:00 – 10:30 AM

PS 349

The Magnet School of Leadership and Innovation Through STEAM, PS 349 88-08 164th Street, Jamaica, NY 11432 www.ps349.info

Thursday, November 29 from 4:30 – 6:30 PM Thursday, December 13 from 4:30 – 6:30 PM

MS 358

The Magnet School of STEAM Exploration and Experiential Learning 88-08 164th Street, Jamaica, NY 11432 www.ms358.org

Thursday, October 25 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM Thursday, November 8 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM Thursday, December 13 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM

Come visit a Magnet School

For information about open houses and school tours or an application, please call 718-759-4977 or email info@magnetschools.nyc. | www.D28magnet.com QueensParent 13

Experts say it’s okay to eat some processed foods, but the bulk of your diet should consist of whole foods.

Processed Foods 101

››

We spoke to nutrition experts to get the skinny on processed foods and your kids’ health, so you can make smart choices in the grocery store. By Emma Steven

T

here is an overwhelming amount of information about what we should and should not be eating. The everyday job of grocery shopping or planning meals for our families is a maze of choices. We hear a lot about processed foods, but what are they and why are they bad?

First, let’s clear things up. Processed foods are defined as any foods that have been changed before they reach the consumer, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Unless you grow and raise all of your own food, this means almost everything.

“All foods undergo some level of processing. The level falls on something of a spectrum,” says Malina Malkani M.S., R.D., C.D.N., registered dietician nutritionist and spokesperson for AND. “To call all processing unhealthy is a bit of a misnomer.”

Processed foods typically fall into 1 of 5 categories: • Minimally processed: prepared fruits and vegetables, bagged salads, nuts, and coffee • Processed to preserve freshness at harvest: canned food, frozen fruits and vegetables, and jarred purees • Packaged foods with added ingredients to improve vitamin content, taste, color, texture, and shelf life: rice, jarred tomato sauce, and boxed pasta and mashed potatoes • Ready-to-eat foods: soda, cereal, snack foods, deli meats, yogurt, and ice cream • Pre-made meals: toaster pastries and frozen meals The healthiest foods are whole foods and those that are minimally processed. The unhealthiest are hyper- or ultra-processed foods, which are “foods that really don’t resemble their original state and have a lot of ingredients,” says Sally Kuzemchak, M.S., R.D., author of The 101 Healthiest Foods for Kids and founder of RealMomNutrition.com.

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November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Low in Nutrients, High in “Bad” Stuff

A high intake of ultra-processed foods has been linked in studies to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancer, according to BMJ Open, American Institute for Cancer Research, and National Institutes of Health. “The more heavily processed foods tend to be higher in the nutrients that we want to limit, namely added sugars, sodium, saturated fat, and artificial trans fat,” Malkani explains. “These, when eaten in large qualities over time, do lead to more detrimental health effects.” Yet because these foods are convenient and taste good, we eat a lot of them.

A 2016 study published in BMJ Open revealed that ultra-processed foods make up more than half of Americans’ diets. The same study found that as we eat more of them, we consume fewer essential nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals) and more added sugar, salt, carbohydrates, and saturated and trans fats overall.

Because they contain very little protein, fiber, and whole grains, ultra-processed foods can be unsatisfying. This means you eat more than you should, and are more likely to go over the recommended daily allowance of salt, sugar, and saturated and trans fats.

The Hidden Additives

In July, the American Academy of Pediatrics made a statement warning of the dangers to children of chemicals from additives, colorings, preservatives, and packaging of many processed foods.

“There are critical weaknesses in the current food additives regulatory process, which doesn’t do enough to ensure all chemicals added to foods are safe enough to be part of a family’s diet,” said Leonardo Trasande, M.D., M.P.P., F.A.A.P.

Small Steps, Big Impact

Experts suggest doing the following to reduce the amount of processed foods you and your children eat: Choose the products with the fewest ingredients. “The lower the amount of ingredients, usually the better,” says Natalie Monson, R.D.N., C.D., registered dietitian and co-founder of Super Healthy Kids. Anything with a long list of ingredients you cannot pronounce means it’s ultra processed.

Pick whole grains. Even if the front of the package says whole grain, check the ingredients for refined or enriched flours. These are white flours stripped of their nutritional value.

Read the ingredients list. “Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. If you look at the first three and they are white flour and sugar, then you know that these are going to predominantly make up the food,” Malkani says.

Avoid artificial colorings. Studies have linked them to behavioral problems in some children.

Don’t eat processed meats, especially when pregnant. Unless marked nitrate-free, nitrates—a known carcinogen—are used as preservative.

Check how much of the recommended 2,300mg of sodium a day a product contains. “The vast majority of our sodium comes from processed foods and restaurant foods, only ten percent comes from the salt shaker,” Kuzemchak says.

“A quick tip is to compare grams of sodium and calories,” says Bridget Murphy, R.D.N., registered dietitian at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital, NYU Langone. “If a food has more grams of sodium than calories, it’s probably very salty.”

Beware trans fats, which are listed as hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils. Since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced in 2015 that trans fats were “not recognized as safe,” food companies are being forced to remove them. If a product has 0.5g of

trans fat or less per serving, manufacturers can round down to zero, so it’s important to look at the ingredient list, not just the nutrition label.

Look for added sugar. Government dietary guidelines recommend consuming no more than 10 percent of our daily calories from added sugars. To keep your daily consumption on track, a trick is to remember that 4 grams equals 1 teaspoon. Children should only be eating 6-11 teaspoons a day, depending on their age.

A good rule? Choose processed foods that are higher in fiber and protein, and lower in sodium, sugar, and saturated fat, Malkani says.

Finding a Balance

If cutting out ultra-processed foods seems like a daunting task, don’t panic—it isn’t necessary to avoid them completely. “I don’t think you should have hard rules surrounding foods. There are different options that are definitely healthier for us. Try to eat the majority of your foods as whole foods, but you really can’t avoid processed foods,” Monson says.

By feeding your family nutrient-dense foods you’ll automatically reduce the amount of processed foods they eat, without having to obsess. “All meals and snacks should have a variety of the main food groups,” Monson suggests. “A grain, a fruit or vegetable, and a protein. If you do that it becomes less of a big deal because they are getting that other nutrition.”

Remember: Every day doesn’t need to be perfect. It’s all about creating a healthy food environment at home, not banning foods.

As Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Michael Moss said in his book, Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us: “They may have salt, sugar, and fat on their side, but we, ultimately, have the power to make choices. After all, we decide what to buy. We decide how much to eat.”

Emma Steven is a British writer living in Manhattan with her husband, two kids, and two cats.

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• QueensParent 15

Health&Wellness ACD Playspace

31-24 38th St., Astoria 718-204-ACDP (2237) acdplayspace.com info@acdplayspace.com ACD is a family-owned business which opened in November 2017 after the owner, who has provided in-home childcare in Astoria for more than 10 years, noticed a lack of activities, classes, and play for parents and children to enjoy. Since opening, ACD has joined up with many businesses such as Petite Ballroom, Kids Music Together, The Pineapple Explorers Club, and Soccer Friends USA. Our goal is to provide a safe and educational space for children to learn and grow through healthy activities including exploring, music, dance, and play most of all!

All Star Studios

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

Allied Physicians Group

3 Huntington Quadrangle, Melville 866-621-2769 alliedphysiciansgroup.com The more than 120 physicians that comprise Allied Physicians Group are among the top pediatricians throughout Long Island, New York City, Westchester County, the Hudson Valley, and beyond. When you bring your children to an Allied pediatric practice, you know they are getting the very best care. Our doctors have access to resources, technology, and support that other, stand-alone pediatric practices simply cannot offer. Our doctors have more time for what matters most-you and your child! For more information, visit alliedphysiciansgroup. com or call us at 866-621-2769.

American Dance & Drama

188-22 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows 718-479-8522 68-02 Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village americandanceanddrama.net American Dance & Drama Studio is the original neighborhood school that was established more than 44 years ago at the same location. We offer quality teaching and an extremely professional staff, while maintaining a fun and exciting environment. Come

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visit our new, multi-level, high-tech studios—the largest in Queens at 7,000-square-feet! We offer classes for ages 2 through adults in all types of dance, as well as gymnastics, drama, Zumba, and singing. Call now, there is still time to register!

Brooklyn Boulders - Queensbridge

23-10 41st Ave., Long Island City 718-482-7078 brooklynboulders.com Fall out of your routine with Brooklyn Boulders. Our youth programs and classes are always in session at Brooklyn Boulders (BKB) Queensbridge, where kids learn year-round! We host after-school and weekend youth programs, adventure camps, and birthday parties. All programs are designed to boost the mental and physical education of our youth—on and off the climbing walls. Our friendly, highly-trained staff teach kids how to climb, solve problems, and conquer challenges. Kids will gain self-confidence, make new friends, and learn empowering life skills. BKB is the place to be.

Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C.

Queens location: 114-20 Queens Blvd., Suite CS 2, Forest Hills Manhattan location: 180 E. 79th St., Suite 1C 1-888-441-0015 comprehendthemind.com Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. is a group of school and neuro-psychologists, who diagnose and assess a variety of conditions in children and adults. We perform neuropsychological, educational, speech, language, and psychiatric evaluations to help you understand your child’s strengths and weaknesses, and plan for their educational success and emotional well-being. We help children and adults with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD/ADD), memory and processing deficits, developmental disorders (speech delay, motor, and adaptive delays), depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, and mood disorders.

Hug Music, Creative & Nurturing Music Lessons for Everybody Music Lessons and Music Therapy 112-01 75th Ave., Lower Level, Forest Hills 718-487-4309 hugmusicny.com contact@hugmusicny.com Hug Music’s mission is to nurture a love for music by promoting students’ musical growth and important life skills.

We offer programs to all individuals including children with special needs. Our signature Hug Melody classes are for children ages 6 months to 4 years. Chorus Group is for ages 4-7. We also offer

November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

private and duo lessons on piano, guitar, voice, and music therapy. Music therapy is effective for children with special needs (autism, ADHD) to improve important learning skills. Call or email today for more information and to register.

Little Steps 1, Inc. Speech & Language Clinic Adelina Samuels, M.A. C.C.C.S.L.P. speech pathologist

our live accompanist. Dance classes combine movement and music, while leaving space for your child’s creativity.

Children actively gain physical strength, personal confidence, and increased body awareness, while learning the fundamentals of dance, and having fun.

Soccer Friends USA, Inc.

63-70 Woodhaven Blvd., Rego Park 929-335-7707 littlestepsspeech.com Little Steps 1, Inc. aims to help people develop their communication abilities, as well as treat speech, language, swallowing, and voice disorders. Services include prevention, identification, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. Therapy is provided via play, utilization of PROMPT techniques, and ABA therapy using a naturalistic approach. More than 20 years of experience in treating: aphasia, apraxia, articulation (phonology), dysarthria, speech/language delay, pre-reading activities, autism/PPD, stuttering, swallowing disorders, frenulectomy, voice, and cleft lip or palate.

106-06 Queens Blvd., 3rd Floor Gym, Forest Hills 718-261-2403, 347-756-2568 (para Español) soccerfriendsusa.com soccerfriendsusa@hotmail.com For many children, the place to play is, or has to be, within their own four walls. Homework, computer games, and surfing the Internet restrict the time for physical activity. Continuing reduction of physical education in schools compounds the issue of inactivity for children. SFUSA compensates for children’s lack of physical activity by providing a variety of physical activities in all of our programs. We focus exclusively on the needs, desires, and interests of children.

Our classes are energetic, fun, and your child will learn new skills.

Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy

USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success Queens: 718-640-6767 Nassau: 516216-1791 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 lispeech.com Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, is owner and operator of Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy. Along with her group of therapists, she supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders (adults and children). Intensive feeding therapy for individuals who suffer from texture and consistency aversions, and FEES— Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing—are also offered. There is a total of seven affiliated offices across Long Island, all participating with most major health insurance companies and offering evening and Saturday hours.

Rose Academy of Ballet

70-11 Austin St., Forest Hills 718-520-0207 roseacademyofballet.com racademyofballet@gmail.com Dance at Rose Academy of Ballet promotes an active body and mind!

Our studio offers comprehensive dance programs for ages 2-18. Our ballet classes feature professional instruction and a music education element from

Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Flushing Register now at: ntc.usta.com The USTA Billie Jean National Tennis Center offers year-round programs as well as fun-filled summer day camps for all ages and levels. We offer camps for the recreational student up to and including academy level players.

Enrollment is available online at ntc. usta.com. Campers work on tennis techniques, tactics, sports conditioning, and strategies for maximizing learning while having fun. As the students develop, they are advanced to more challenging groups. Our camp also offers cross-training activities, such as soccer, softball, basketball, and many field trips to venues located nearby.

Zweihorn Orthodontics

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. His focus is on helping you get your best smile, paying close attention to your concerns and the specific requirements that are most important to you. Dr. Zweihorn brings to you the experience of more than 10 years of private practice, and offers a wide variety of orthodontic options using state-of-the-art technology. At Zweihorn Orthodontics, we have the most kind and helpful team in town.

Come and see for yourself!

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

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

Licensed Speech Pathologists & Myofunctional Therapists Specializing in the Treatment and Correction of: • 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

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Lake Success

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

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Wantagh

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

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inclusive theater Deen van Meer

things to do

FROZEN: the Musical will perform its sensory-friendly show Sunday, Nov. 4; tickets are currently on sale at tdf.org/autism.

Sensory-Friendly Theater in NYC

››

These inclusive performances feature adaptations to noise and lighting—and offer calming rooms when your child needs a break from the stimuli. By Emma Steven

F

or families affected by autism or sensory sensitivities, going to see a show or theater production can seem impossible. The good news is many top venues in NYC are now trying to be more accessible and inclusive. We found the best autism- and sensory-friendly shows for the 2018-2019 season at New York City theaters and venues. The list includes Broadway shows, kids’ theater and music, the circus, and those famous blue men! Buy your tickets soon, as these shows tend to sell out.

TDF

This nonprofit aims to bring the performing arts to everyone, regardless of their special needs. Its autism-friendly season of Broadway shows is now in its eighth year. Each show is performed in a fully supportive environment, with adaptions to noise and light where possible. Fully staffed quiet and play areas are provided in the lobby for anyone who needs to leave their seats. Tickets sell out quickly and can only be purchased via tdf.org/autism.

Sign up early to get alerts when the tickets go on sale, at a discounted price of $55-$80.

These are full-length Broadway shows, so may not be suitable for younger kids.

FROZEN: the Musical When: Sunday, Nov. 4, 1pm Where: St. James Theatre, 246 W. 44th St., Times Square Theater District Ages: 8 and older What: The Broadway version of the Disney movie you know and love.

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Aladdin When: Sunday, March 3, 2019, 1pm Where: The New Amsterdam Theatre, 14 W. 42nd St., Times Square Theater District Ages: 6 and older What: The award-winning show about a genie and a magical lamp (and other things).

Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady When: Sunday, May 5, 2019, 1pm Where: The Vivian Beaumont Theater, 50 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side Ages: 8 and older What: A lavish revival of a beloved musical.

Autism Speaks

This nonprofit has partnered with two shows this fall to offer adapted productions. It also has a national calendar of autism-friendly events on its website (autismspeaks.org).

Big Apple Circus When: Saturday, Oct. 27, 11am

November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Where: Damrosch Park, 60 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side Ages: All What: The famous circus will come back to Lincoln Center! This show will feature modifications to sound and lighting, a calming/break out area, trained staff, fidgets, signage, and earplugs. Information about the show is available before you go.

Tickets: $25 and up Blue Man Group When: Saturday, Nov. 3, 2pm Where: Astor Place Theatre, 434 Lafayette St., East Village Ages: 7 and older What: This version of the unique show will be calmer, with less audience interaction, as well as sound and light modifications. Earplugs and a calming zone in the lobby will also be made available.

Tickets: $65.50, with $5 going to Autism Speaks

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE The New Victory Theater

One of the first venues to offer autism-friendly shows every season, this children’s theater offers lots of support to parents and kids. There are break out zones, trained staff, show information, family bathrooms, help with transitions, and fidget toys.

Tickets: $25; visit newvictory.org or call 646-223-3010 for more information. 209 W. 42nd St., Times Square Theater District.

Beauty and the Beast When: Sunday, Nov. 4, 11am Ages: 6 and older What: A re-telling of the familiar story with a Jazz Age score.

rytelling, choreographed projections, and live-drawn animation.

Scurry When: Sundays, April 7 and 14, 2019; 11am Ages: 3-5 What: A group of squirrels must decide what to do when a newcomer wants to join their party.

Shh…Bang!

When: Sunday, May 5, 2019, 11am Ages: 2-5 What: Gleeful dance theater.

Symphony Space

Emily Brown and The Thing When: Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, 3pm Ages: 4-7 What: Musical adventure based on the much-loved book.

This popular venue has made all of its productions inclusive.

The house lights are turned up, sound levels are lowered, and the atmosphere is inclusive. There is also a break out space for families. Information is available about the shows in advance, and tours before the show are possible. Tickets: $17; visit symphonyspace.org or call 212-864-5400 for more information; 2537 Broadway at 95th Street, Upper West Side.

Ajijaak on Turtle Island When: Saturday, March 2, 2019, 7pm Ages: 7 and older What: Songs, puppetry, and dance tell the tale of a whooping crane facing her first migration.

Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players When: Saturday, Nov. 3, 11am and 2pm Ages: All What: This show is an audience favorite every year.

Lincoln Center

Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers: The Legend of the Banana Kid When: Saturday, Nov. 10, 11am and 2pm Ages: All What: A wild-west show of puppets, outlaws, and bananas.

Circus Abyssinia: Ethiopian Dreams When: Friday, Dec. 14, 7pm Ages: 5 and older What: The New Victory’s circus show is always a crowd pleaser.

There are a few shows on this venue’s schedule that are adapted for neuro-diverse audiences.

Adjustments have been made to sensory stimuli, and there are no restrictions to sound, movement, leaving, or re-entering the theater. Tickets: $25; visit lincolncenter.org or call 212-721-6500 for more information; Clark Studio Theater, 165 W. 65th St., 7th Floor, Upper West Side.

9 When: Sunday, Nov. 4, 11am Ages: 6 and older What: The popular Quebecois dance company’s show about Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.

You and Me and the Space Between When: Sunday, March 17, 2pm Ages: 6-12 What: An adventure using sto-

Moona Luna When: Saturday, Nov. 17, 11am Ages: All What: Fun bilingual music.

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Lucy Kalantari and the Jazz Cats When: Saturday, Dec. 1, 11am Ages: All What: Music from a bygone era.

• Flexible instruction tailored to each student • Private or duo lessons offered 5-WEEK PACKAGE available for new students

Elizabeth Mitchell When: Saturday, Dec. 8, 11am Ages: All What: Mitchell covers classic folk and rock songs.

Various programs available, including Musicreative, our original music education method especially effective for children with Autism, ADD,& ADHD. 5-WEEK EVALUATION PACKAGE available

Emma Steven is a British writer living in Manhattan with her husband, two kids, and two cats.

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718.487.4309 QueensParent 19

things to do

outbound

Family Fun a Ride Away Courtesy The Quogue Wildlife Refuge

Courtesy The South Fork Natural History Museum

In Suffolk County…

Visit this season’s Enchanted Forest on Saturday, Nov. 3 for educational characters and games.

The Quogue Wildlife Refuge

This 300-acre nature preserve is home to diverse wildlife and is open all year.

Seven miles of trails allow you to explore the various habitats, forests, ponds, and the beautiful and rare Dwarf Pines in the Pine Barrens. On Saturday, Nov. 3 visit the refuge to meet whimsical and educational characters and play games on the Enchanted Forest Trail. You can dress up too, if you want!

Visit it: 3 Old Country Road, Quogue; 631-653-4771; quoguewildliferefuge.org

The South Fork Natural History Museum has beautiful displays of Suffolk’s natural landscape both inside the museum and outside.

The South Fork Natural History Museum & Nature Center

A Native Butterfly Garden, Wildflower Garden, Educational Pond, Purple Martin nesting gourd site, and more make this museum the perfect destination to get immersed in the natural history of Suffolk County. Your whole family will love the live and recreated natural habitat exhibits and colorful photo murals throughout the museum. Plus, the variety of handson nature experiences and opportunities to observe aim to amplify the need for conservation and preservation of our natural resources.

Visit It: 377 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton; 631-537-9735; sofo.org

Courtesy The Nature Place

Courtesy Legoland Discovery Center Westchester

o and bey nd!

The Legoland Discovery Center Westchester offers Lego themed attractions for all ages.

The Nature Place offers hands-on activities for the whole family to connect with nature year round.

Legoland Discovery Center Westchester

The Nature Place

Home to 12 family friendly attractions, Legoland Westchester is the perfect place to spend the day away when it starts to get a little chilly outside. From the 4-D cinema and Ninjago City Adventure to Miniland and the Duplo Village, there’s something for everyone here, Lego expert or not. This location even has two rides, including the Kingdom Quest laser ride.

Visit It: 39 Fitzgerald St., Yonkers; westchester.legolanddiscoverycenter.com

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November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Located on the grounds of the Threefold Education Center, The Nature Place is the “not too far” getaway you’ve been looking for. It’s home to forests, fields, swamps, streams, and various year-round family activities for the public. The Primitive Living Skills program, open to families who want to connect with each other and nature, is offered through January.

Visit It: 285 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge; 845-356-1234; thenatureplace.com

Ideas When You Need Them:

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

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Turn the page for details on 8th Annual Kid’s Turkey Trot (No. 4 on our list).

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NOVEMBER CALENDAR

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Editor’s Hot Tickets

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We Can’t Believe it’s Free, Special Needs

On Screen, Holiday Fun

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Animal Lovers

24

The Great Outdoors,

28

Crafty Kids

Mini Musicians

29

Movers & Shakers

Show Time!

30

Dance Party, Smarty Pants

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EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS

Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the seven events we consider can’t-miss—the ones we’re taking our own kids to.

Consider it your cheat sheet to the best of what’s great this month!

1

SJU Veterans Day 2018 FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 8, 1:30pm WHERE: St. John’s University, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Jamaica AGES: All WHAT: Singer and songwriter Theresa Sareo will perform a special tribute honoring members of the military.

WHY WE LOVE IT: A way to give thanks to Veteran’s for their sacrifice and service.

WANT TO GO? 718-990-5892. stjohns.edu.

Memory Project: Poetry and Art FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 18, 1-4pm WHERE: Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park AGES: All WHAT: Through poems, photographs, and textiles, Jennings addresses her ancestors’ connection with a new land and the memories of the land they left behind.

WHY WE LOVE IT: A wonderful tribute combing art and the love of family.

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

2

The 2018 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 22, 9am-12pm WHERE: Macy’s Herald Square, 151 W. 34th St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Join millions of Americans in witnessing one of the country’s most beloved Thanksgiving traditions, now in its 94th year!

WHY WE LOVE IT: Every year, this nearly century-old tradition gets updated to include the most popular elements of kid culture.

WANT TO GO? 212-695-4400. macys.com.

3

8th Annual Kid’s Turkey Trot

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 22, 9am WHERE: Long Island City YMCA, 32-23 Queens Blvd., Long Island City AGES: All WHAT: Activities will include a mini dance class, warm-up and stretches, pictures with the turkey, a post-race dance, 22

November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

4

and an awards celebration where trophies and medals will be given to participants.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Families can start a new Thanksgiving Day tradition, and make more room for holiday pie.

WANT TO GO? Call for cost. 718-392-7932. ymcanyc3.givezooks.com.

5

A Christmas Carol: A QPAC Tradition!

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 23, 7:30pm WHERE: Queensborough Performing Arts Center, 222-05 56th Ave., Bayside AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the true spirit of Christmas with this original production filled with haunting special effects and heartfelt sentiments.

WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s never too early to celebrate the spirit of Christmas.

Bah Humbug!

WANT TO GO? $40, $35. 718-631-6311. visitqpac.org.

The Dan Zanes Trio: Holiday Sing Along

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WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 25, 1pm; 3pm ASL Interpretation/ Sensory Relaxed Performance WHERE: Queens Theatre, 14 United Nations Ave. S., Corona AGES: 3-5, 5-8, Adult WHAT: This interactive, multicultural, wintertime celebration shares songs from a variety of traditions.

WHY WE LOVE IT: A holiday show featuring Dan Zanes, enough said.

WANT TO GO? $14; $12 seniors; $10 family flex pass. 718-860-0064. queenstheatre.org.

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Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party

WHEN: Nov. 15 -25, See website for exact dates and times.

WHERE: NYCB LIVE, Home of The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Join Mickey Mouse for a brand-new adventure filled with worldclass skating, high-flying acrobatics, and unexpected stunt.

WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s a delightful, magical celebration of all our favorite characters— on ice!

WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 516-231-4848. nycblive.com.

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The Big Bolt!

WHEN: Nov. 15 - Dec. 30, See website for times WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Jimmi is a confident, curious girl and aspiring engineer who loves to build and explore the neighborhood with her friendly dog Conrad.

WHY WE LOVE IT: This show teaches valuable lessons about honesty, consequences, and forgiveness.

WANT TO GO? $23; $22 seniors and children; free children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Gingerbread Lane

Virtual Realiteen FREE

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WHEN: Nov. 10 - Jan. 21, 2019, Monday–Friday, 9:30am–5pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10am–6pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona AGES: All WHAT: Visitors marvel at homemade gingerbread houses made entirely of edible gingerbread, royal icing, and candy.

WHY WE LOVE IT: A family holiday tradition not to be missed.

WANT TO GO? $16 adults; $13 children, students, and senior citizens. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

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

Marked For Redaction FREE

WHEN: Through Nov. 11: daily, 6pm WHERE: Flux Factory, 39-31 29th St., Long Island City AGES: All WHAT: This exhibition creates space for those who are the most marginalized and excluded from multiple worlds, including the art world.

WANT TO GO? 347-669-1406. fluxfactory.org.

UNIS Queens Open House FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 14, 6pm WHERE: United Nations International School, 173-53 Croydon Road, Jamaica Estates AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Parents and guardians who are interested in applying for grades kindergarten-eighth for the 2019-20 academic year are invited to visit the Queens Campus, learn more about the curriculum, and take a tour.

WANT TO GO? 718 658-6166. unis.org.

Museum Makers: Designing With Data FREE

WHEN: Through Nov. 15: Thursdays, 3:30-5:30pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: 5-8, Adult WHAT: Participants can ask questions, collect data, uncover patterns, and design and create their very own exhibit. A light dinner will be provided after each workshop, registration required.

WANT TO GO? 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

WHEN: Through Dec. 20: Thursdays, 3:30pm WHERE: Glen Oaks Library, 256-04 Union Turnpike, Glen Oaks AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Have fun, tour Venice, take a space walk, or punch robots really hard.

WANT TO GO? 718-831-8636. queenslibrary.org.

The Socrates Annual, 2018 Exhibition FREE

WHEN: Through March 10: see website for exact dates and times.

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.

WHY WE LOVE IT: These pieces respond to the Park’s unique history, landscape, and community.

WANT TO GO? 718-956-1819. socratessculpturepark.org

SPECIAL NEEDS Access Mornings @ MoMI

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 3, 9:30am WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria AGES: All WHAT: This early access hour for families on the autism spectrum, allows visitors to explore the exhibitions and participate in art making projects.

WANT TO GO? $5; free for children younger than 3. 718-429-2579. movingimage.us.

Sensory-Friendly Screening: ‘Coco’

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 3, 11am WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with a film about family, love, following dreams, and respecting ancestors.

WANT TO GO? $15; $11 seniors and students; $9 youth ages 3–17; free for children younger than 3. 718-429-2579. movingimage.us.

Museum Explorers Workshop FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 18, 1:30-4:30pm WHERE: Queens Museum, 111-01 Corona Ave., Flushing AGES: 5-12, Adult WHAT: These workshops are geared particularly towards families with children with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum.

WANT TO GO? 718-592-9700. queensmuseum.org.

ArtAccess: Open Studio For Young Adults with Autism FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 16: See website for exat dates and times WHERE: Queens Museum, 111-01 Corona Ave., Flushing AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Participants work on projects of their choosing and with mentors, encouraging exploration and expression.

WANT TO GO? 718-592-9700. queensmuseum.org. ›› QueensParent 23

MINI

MUSICIANS Random Access Music Presents: ‘Modern Americana’

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 1, 8pm WHERE: Sage Music, 44-02 23rd St., #204, Long Island City AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Celebrate the quintessential American sounds from this century and last.

WANT TO GO? $20; $15 students; free for children younger than 12.

917-977-0894. ram-nyc.org.

South Shore Symphony Orchestra- Copland Third Symphony

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Early Bird Walk

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 3, 9am WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: All WHAT: A wildlife expert leads the outdoor tour and shares expertise on local species.

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

Fall Community Volunteer Day FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 4, 10am-1pm WHERE: Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Participants will roll up their sleeves, keep QBG clean and green, and enjoy a variety of gardening activities.

WANT TO GO? 718-886-3800. queensbotanical.org.

Family Art Project: Dances with Leaves

WHEN: Nov. 3 -4, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-1pm WHERE: Wave Hill, 649 W. 249th St., Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Toss fall leaves in the wind or walk through a giant leaf pile.

WANT TO GO? $8; $4 students and seniors; $2 children ages 6-18; free for children younger than 6; admission is free on Saturday until 12pm.

718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

Turnip the Beet Gardening Club: Herbal Hoedown

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 10, 10am WHERE: Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Build gardening and botany skills while working on environmental stewardship projects in the park, and garden to the “beet” of various musical genres.

WANT TO GO? $24. 718-229-4000. alleypond.com.

APEC Adventure Time: Furry Friends

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 18, 10:30am WHERE: Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: Toddlers and caregivers enjoy some special time together as they socialize with other youngsters and learn about nature.

WANT TO GO? $18. 718-229-4000. alleypond.com.

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November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 3, 8pm WHERE: Madison Theatre at Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Featuring Copland Third Symphony, one of America’s greatest symphonic works written at the close of WWII and Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5, “The Emperor Concerto.”

WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 516-323-4444. madisontheatreny.org.

Light & Beat: Art of Korean Drumming

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 9, 8pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Celebrate Samulnori’s 40th anniversary as a new genre of percussion music originating in Korea and a representative repertory of Korean traditional music.

WANT TO GO? $16; free for students and teens. 718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.org.

Jazz All Stars: Featuring Nick Colionne, Brian Simpson, Steve Cole WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 10, 8pm WHERE: Madison Theatre at Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre AGES: 13 and older WHAT: A not-to-be-missed concert with top musicians playing contemporary jazz.

WANT TO GO? Check website. 516-323-4444. madisontheatreny.org.

NEA Jazz Masters: Speaking in the Language of Jazz

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 16, 8pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: 13 and older WHAT: This show features five NEA Jazz Masters, the nation’s highest honor for living jazz musicians.

WANT TO GO? $42; $20 Students; free for teens. 718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.org.

Killer Queen

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 17, 8pm WHERE: Kupferberg Center for the Performing Arts, 153-49 Reeves Ave., Flushing AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Featuring the great Patrick Myers as Freddie Mercury, the group will deliver a memorable concert while performing favorite Queen songs.

WANT TO GO? $20 and up. 718-793-8080. kupferbergcenter.org.

Queens College Orchestra Concert

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 30, 7:30pm WHERE: LeFrak Concert Hall, 153-49 Reeves Ave., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Join guest conductor, Mark Powell for an evening of beautiful music.

WANT TO GO? See website. 718-793-8080. kupferbergcenter.org.

SHOW TIME!

d lishes b a t s E Year 45

An Evening of Entertainment

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 2, 9pm WHERE: Madison Theatre at Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre AGES: 13 and older WHAT: This sensational production is a one-of-a-kind concert experience celebrating the music that defined the ’60s.

WANT TO GO? see website. 516-323-4444. madisontheatreny.org.

The Long Island Home Show FREE

WHEN: Nov. 3 -4, Saturday- Sunday, 11am WHERE: NYCB LIVE, Home of The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: The Home Show brings together homeowners with local and national companies for two full days of ideas, resources, and expert advice.

WANT TO GO? 516-231-4848. nycblive.com.

Timeless Kunqu, Timeless Love

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 11, 1:30pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Fusing together poetry, music, and story in a mesmerizing live performance, Kunqu is an elegant form of traditional Chinese theater.

WANT TO GO? $16; $10 students; free for teens. 718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.org.

Peace Starts With Me- Healing America

WHEN: Monday, Nov. 12, 3pm WHERE: NYCB LIVE, Home of The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: The event will consist of musical performances by Hezekiah Walker, Yolanda Adams, and a 5,000 Voice Choir.

WANT TO GO? $33 and up. 516-231-4848. nycblive.com.

FunikiJam’s ‘Baby Likes To Rock!’

WHEN: Through Nov. 12: see website for show times WHERE: Actors Temple Theatre, 339 W. 47th St., Midtown AGES: 3-8 WHAT: There is an area for kids to dance and play with instruments and props.

WANT TO GO? $30. 347-913-5267. funikijam.com/offbroadway.

Family Matinee: Earth Music

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 17, 2pm WHERE: Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL), 161-04 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica AGES: All WHAT: Enchanting rhythms and folklore enhance this richly entertaining performance with music ranging from Pre-Columbian instrumentation to Hispanic Nueva Cancion and World Fusion.

WANT TO GO? $10; $5 children. 718-658-7400. jcal.org.

‘Electra’

WHEN: Nov. 27 - Dec. 1, See website for exact dates and times.

WHERE: LaGuardia Performing Arts Center at LaGuardia Community College, 31-10 Thomson Ave., Long Island City AGES: 13 and older WHAT: In the aftermath of the Trojan War, Electra and her brother Orestes revenge their mother Clytemnestra and step-father Aegisthus for the murder of their father Agamemnon.

WANT TO GO? $10. 718-482-5151. ››

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BIRTHDAY PARTIES:

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Disco Laser Lights • Bubble/Fog Machine • Face Painting • Arts/Crafts Tattoos • Cotton Candy • Magicians • Gymnastics • Disco • Dress-Up Princess Parties - Hostesses become your favorite fairytale princess!

QueensParent 25

ON SCREEN 8th Annual Sunnyside Shorts International Film Festival

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 3, 1pm and 7pm WHERE: Sunnyside Reformed Church, 48-03 Skillman Ave., Sunnyside AGES: 9 and older WHAT: The festival hopes that by screening these multicultural films, bridges can be built across cultures.

WHY WE LOVE IT: This is the first year that they will be presenting a teen film festival with films by (mostly) teens, for teens.

WANT TO GO? $12. 917-945-4394. sunnysideshorts.com.

‘Coco’

WHEN: Nov. 2 -4, Friday-Sunday, 11 am and 5pm WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria AGES: 5-12, Adult WHAT: Celebrate Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) with a film about family, love, following your dreams, and respecting your ancestors.

WANT TO GO? $15; $11 seniors and students; $9 youth ages 3–17; free for children younger than 3. 718-429-2579. movingimage.us.

‘Superman’

WHEN: Nov. 10 -12, Saturday-Monday, 11am WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Richard Donner’s Superman origin-story film is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

WANT TO GO? $15; $11 seniors and students; $9 youth (ages 3–17); free for children younger than 3. 718-429-2579. movingimage.us.

‘Liyana’

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 17, 11am WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria AGES: 9 and older WHAT: This film brings to life a collective story created from the imagination of the children while also documenting the real lives of the young storytellers.

WANT TO GO? $15; $11 seniors and students; $9 youth (ages 3–17); free for children younger than 3. 718-429-2579. movingimage.us.

Fall 2018 Film Series: Therapeutic Cinema FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 12: See website for times WHERE: Queens Museum, 111-01 Corona Ave., Flushing AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Whether the focus is on a patient or a therapist, these movies 26

November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

offer a peek into the myriad workings of the mind.

WANT TO GO? $8; $4 seniors; free for children 18 and younger. 718-592-9700.

Behind the Screen

WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Wednesday-Thursday, 10:30am-2pm; Fridays, 10:30am-8pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11:30am-7pm WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 35-01 35th Ave., Astoria AGES: All WHAT: This is a one-of-a-kind experience that immerses visitors in the creative and technical process of producing, promoting, and presenting digital entertainment.

WANT TO GO? $15; $11 seniors; $7 children ages 3-17; free for children younger than 3. 718-777-6888. movingimage.us.

In Saturn’s Rings 2D

WHEN: Through Jan. 31, 2019: Weekdays, 1 and 3pm; Weekends, noon and 3pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Seven and a half million mostly unseen images of Saturn and Milky Way time lapses are brought to life in a groundbreaking journey across space.

WANT TO GO? $22; $18 seniors, students, and children ages 2-17.

718-699-0005. nysci.org.

HOLIDAY FUN Blood Manor- Crypts of the Coliseum

WHEN: Through Nov. 3: Check website WHERE: NYCB LIVE, Home of The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Blood Manor is a haunted house comprised of approximately 5,000-square-feet of themed rooms, corridors, and a labyrinth of passageways.

WANT TO GO? Check website. 516-231-4848. nycblive.com.

Veteran’s Day Concert

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 11, 2pm WHERE: Voelker Orth Museum, 149-19 38th Ave., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: An afternoon of spirited music by flautist and composer Stephen Josephs and his ensemble.

WANT TO GO? $12; $10 for seniors and students; free for veterans.

718-359-6227. vomuseum.org.

Veteran’s Day Commemoration

WHEN: Monday, Nov. 12, 10:30am-2pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: All WHAT: Join us for a day of remembrance and historical appreciation as we travel back in time to the years of the First World War. WANT TO GO? $12; $10 seniors; $7 children ages 7-17; free children younger than 7. 516-252-3392. oldwestburygardens.org.

Thanksgiving Centerpiece

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 17, 10:30am WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Participants will create a centerpiece through the use of a variety of textures and colors.

WANT TO GO? $50. 516-252-3392. oldwestburygardens.org.

Give Back To Wildlife

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 17, 1pm WHERE: Queens Zoo, 3-51 111th St., Corona AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Celebrate Thanksgiving at the zoo and learn ways to give back to wildlife!

WANT TO GO? $20. 800-433-4149. queenszoo.com.

Zero-Waste Thanksgiving

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 17, 1-3pm WHERE: Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing AGES: 9 and older WHAT: This Thanksgiving participants can show gratitude to the earth (and their wallet) by joining a special guest from All.Things.

Cooked to hear kitchen tips for a zero waste Thanksgiving, from carrot top to turkey bone. All.Things.Cooked is a cooking experiment that upcycles kitchen surplus to appreciate food nose to tail, root to stem.

Registration required.

WANT TO GO? $6. 718-886-3800. queensbotanical.org.

Young Chefs Give Thanks For The 6th Year!

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 17, 10:30am WHERE: Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Young Chefs will shop for goods in the “APEC” supermarket, create Thanksgiving baskets filled with groceries for families that are less fortunate, and prepare two treats.

WANT TO GO? $30. 718-229-4000. alleypond.com.

LI Festival of Trees

WHEN: Nov. 23 -25, Friday-Sunday, 10am-5 pm WHERE: Cradle of Aviation, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Holiday extravaganza with designed decorated tree, continuous entertainment, kids activities, and a vendor marketplace! Proceeds benefit Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau and Cradle of Aviation Museum.

WANT TO GO? $15; $10 for children; FREE children 2 and younger.

516-572-4111. cpnassau.org.

Tree Lighting Ceremony FREE

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 30, 7pm WHERE: Lawn South of Rivercross, 501 Main St., Roosevelt Island AGES: All WHAT: Holiday tree lighting ceremony includes live music, holiday performances from community groups, giveaways, raffle prizes, and Santa!

WANT TO GO? 212-832-4540. rioc.ny.gov.

ANIMAL LOVERS Saturday Sing Along

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 3, 10:30am WHERE: Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Enjoy music, meet live animals featured in the songs, and make an instrument to play at home.

WANT TO GO? $18. 718-229-4000. alleypond.com.

Wildlife Weekends

WHEN: Nov. 3 -11, Saturdays-Sundays, 11am-4pm WHERE: Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park AGES: All WHAT: Have fun learning about interesting critters and enjoy hayrides, animal feeding, and pony rides.

WANT TO GO? $9. 718-347-3276. queensfarm.org.

Animal Tales: Getting Ready for Thanksgiving

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 17, 10:30am 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 that are characters from the story.

WANT TO GO? $18. 718-229-4000. alleypond.com.

Little Cooks: Snacks to Share

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 17, 11am WHERE: Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Little cooks will have fun learning about an animal, and then help make a delicious snack to complement what they’ve learned.

WANT TO GO? $22. 718-229-4000. alleypond.com.

‘Flight of the Butterflies 3D’

WHEN: Through June 30, 2019: 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. ›› QueensParent 27

CRAFTY KIDS Hands On History: Make Your Own Rag Rug FREE

Make Up! Maker Project Leaf Monoprints and Collage

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 3, 1-4pm WHERE: King Manor Museum, 150-03 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica AGES: 3-5, 5-8, 9-12, Adult WHAT: Make a miniature rag rug to take home.

WANT TO GO? 718-206-0545. kingmanor.org.

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 17, 10:30am WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Join a guided garden walk to unearth your inner artist!

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

Hanging Planter Macrame Workshop

Art for Tots: Here or There Mix and Match

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 4, 1-4pm WHERE: Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Learn the basics behind macramé, textile produced by knotting.

WANT TO GO? $30. 718-886-3800. queensbotanical.org.

Open Studio: Paper Clay

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 4, 11am–1pm WHERE: Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33rd Road, Long Island City AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: This event encourages families with children to explore the galleries and to make art in response to their experiences.

WANT TO GO? $10; $5 seniors and students; free for children younger than 12. 718-204-7088. noguchi.org.

stART (Story + Art)

WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 6, 11:30am WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Join us each week as we read childhood classics and introduce new favorites, followed by a take-home, book-inspired craft.

WANT TO GO? $14; $13 seniors; free children younger than 1. 516224-5800. licm.org.

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November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Nov. 10 -18, Saturday and Sunday, 10:30–11:45am WHERE: Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33rd Road, Long Island City AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Learn strategies for engaging a child during museum visits while exploring art materials as a family.

WANT TO GO? $10 adults; $5 seniors and students; free for children younger than 12. 718-204-7088. noguchi.org.

Messy Afternoons

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 25, 3:30pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: We’ll be up to our elbows in oobleck, clean mud, and slime … join for artistic activities that everyone loves, but no one likes to clean up after.

WANT TO GO? $14; $13 seniors; free children younger than 1. 516-2245800. licm.org.

Stone Engravings of Diamond Sutra

WHEN: Nov. 9 - Dec. 2, Opening Night, 6-8pm; Weekdays, 12-5pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Korea-based artist Hyun-No Choi Kyu-Il presents dynamic drawings, prints, and sculptures that are as mysterious as they are beautiful.

WANT TO GO? $5. 718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.org.

MOVERS & SHAKERS Old Time Base Ball

WHEN: Through Nov. 3: Saturdays, 11am WHERE: Old Bethpage Restoration Village, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Watch as teams from the 1864 league play base ball (as it was spelled then) following the rules and customs of the 19th century in vintage uniforms.

WANT TO GO? See website for cost. 631-930-9054. obvrnassau.com.

ACD Play Space is a Family Owned Play Space where Children Learn as they Play Daytime Programs - Ages 0-5 years NEW After School Program – Pre-K to 5th Grade 2:45-5:45pm/ Pick-ups from 4 area schools

CityParks Street Hockey FREE

WHEN: Through Nov. 8: Thursdays, 3:30pm WHERE: Wayanda Park, 217-60 and 217-72 Hollis Ave., Queens Village AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Youth will learn basic hockey skills such as stickhandling, passing, shooting and core life skills, such as safety, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

WANT TO GO? 718-760-6999. nycgovparks.org.

Long Island Nets vs. Delaware Blue Coats

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 11, 3pm WHERE: NYCB LIVE, Home of The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: The Long Island Nets take on the Delaware Blue Coats.

WANT TO GO? $20; $5 parking fee. 516-231-4848. nycblive.com.

NYCRUNS Queens Turkey Trot 5K & 10K

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 17, 9am WHERE: Flushing Meadows Corona Park, 111th Street to Van Wyck, Flushing AGES: All WHAT: The completely traffic-free course winds through the park, with great views of the Unisphere along with the Queens Museum.

WANT TO GO? See website. nycruns.com.

Music and Movement

WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 21, 11:30am WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Enjoy creative movement exercises and interactive sing-alongs that get little bodies moving to the rhythm.

WANT TO GO? $18; $17 seniors; free children younger than 1. 516224-5800. licm.org.

• Open Play • Birthday Parties

• Music • Dance

• Soccer • Cooking

• Spanish • Art

www.acdplayspace.com info@acdplayspace.com • 718-204-ACDP (2237) OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 31-24 38th Street Astoria, NY 11103

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Be Social

NYRR Open Run: Astoria Park FREE

WHEN: Through June 1, 2019: Saturdays, 9am WHERE: Astoria Park Track, 19 Street and Astoria Park South, Astoria AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a community-based, volunteer-led running initiative for free weekly runs and walks to local neighborhood parks.

WANT TO GO? 212-360-3300. nycgovparks.org. ››

QueensParent 29

SMARTY PANTS High School Fair

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 4, 11am-1pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Participants can talk with representatives from schools.

WANT TO GO? $16; $13 seniors, students, and children ages 2-17; free before 11am. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

First Tuesdays: Marianela Medrano

DANCE PARTY Diwali Festival: Kathak, Bhangra, & Beyond

WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 10, 1-4pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate Diwali with this festival and dance party, featuring Kathak classical dancer Abha Roy and Basement Bhangra’s DJ Rekha.

WANT TO GO? $20; $10 students and children; free for teens. 718-4637700. flushingtownhall.org.

Mystic India: A Bollywood Dance Spectacular!

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 18, 3pm WHERE: Queensborough Performing Arts Center, 222-05 56th Ave., Bayside AGES: WHAT: The extravagant showcase features a mix of traditional dance, as well as modern Bollywood routines.

WANT TO GO? $35 and up. 718-631-6311. visitqpac.org.

Thunderbird American Indian Dancers Perform

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 18, 1-2pm WHERE: Wave Hill, 649 W. 249th St., Bronx AGES: All WHAT: This immersive and educational performance will feature traditional music, dancers, and stories.

WANT TO GO? $8; $4 students and seniors; $2 children ages 6-18; free for children younger than 6. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

The 2018 Fall Faculty Dance Concert: Dimensions

WHEN: Nov. 29 - Dec. 2, See website WHERE: Kupferberg Center for the Arts, 153-49 Reeves Ave., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: This year’s program embraces diverse forms of dance including hip-hop, modern, and tap.

WANT TO GO? Call for cost. 718-793-8080. kupferbergcenter.org.

WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 6, 7–8:30pm WHERE: Espresso 77, 35-57 77th St., Jackson Heights AGES: 13 and older WHAT: This author’s literary work has appeared in numerous anthologies.

WANT TO GO? $5 and up. 718-424-1077. espresso77.com.

Prototyping Lab

WHEN: Nov. 3-17, Saturdays, 11am-4pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Test out the new engineering and design activities.

WANT TO GO? $16 adults; $13 children ages 2-17, students and seniors.

718-699-0005. nysci.org.

The Jim Henson Exhibition Guided Tour

WHEN: Nov. 3 -24, Saturdays, see website for times WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria AGES: All WHAT: Discover his inspirations and creative genius.

WANT TO GO? $18; $14 seniors and students; $12 youth (ages 3–17); $3 for children younger than 3. 718-429-2579. movingimage.us.

Kids’ Discovery Club FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 18: Tuesdays, 3:30pm WHERE: Queens Library, Howard Beach Branch, 92-06 156 Ave., Howard Beach AGES: 5-12 WHAT: There is always a surprise for kids, and their friends and families.

WANT TO GO? 718-641-7086. queenslibrary.org.

Retold with Tech FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 18: Tuesdays, 4pm WHERE: Broadway Library, 40-20 Broadway, Long Island City AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Reinterpret your favorite books using tech tools, apps, and programs.

WANT TO GO? 718-721-2462. queenslibrary.org.

STACKS Program FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Monday-Friday, 4:30pm, except Nov. 11 WHERE: Poppenhusen Library, 121-23 14th Ave., College Point AGES: 5-17 WHAT: STEM and literacy activities that complement the school curriculum.

WANT TO GO? 718-359-1102. queenslibrary.org.

Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker

WHEN: Nov. 30 - Dec. 2, Friday, 7:30pm; Saturday, 5pm; Sunday, 4pm WHERE: Madison Theatre at Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre AGES: All WHAT: With a full score, this magical extravaganza features guest ballet stars of international prestige and talented young dancers from the metropolitan area.

WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 516-323-4444. madisontheatreny.org.

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November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Coming up next month: DEC. 2: Christmas in the Garden at Queens Botanical Garden, Flushing DEC. 15: The Nutcracker at Kupferberg Center for the Performing Arts, Flushing DEC. 28: Harlem Globetrotters at NYCB LIVE, Home of The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Uniondale

Activities things to do

where-to guide

to be Thankful For

Compiled by Anja Webb

While you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, be someone else’s reason to give thanks by volunteering with the kids. And with the leaves finally changing, now is a perfect time to venture into the great outdoors and go leaf peeping with your family. On days when it’s a bit too chilly to hit the trails, round up the kids for an exciting evening of laser tag, an indoor activity that’s sure to beat any cabin fever boredom. However, if you’re on a budget, fear not! Check out our complete guide to finding when to visit the museum for free admission!

LEAF PEEPING Fort Tryon Park

Just off Margaret Corbin Circle near 190th Street, Washington Heights, Manhattan 212-795-1388; forttryonparktrust.org Fort Tryon Park is most known for being the home of The Met Cloisters museum. However, during the fall, the 67-acre park, with some of the highest points of elevation in all of Manhattan, offers families spectacular foliage views. The most notable feature of the landscape is the 3-acre Heather Garden that provides panoramic views of the Hudson River. In addition to the vibrant autumn leaves, the garden also offers blooming trees, shrubs, vines, bulbs, and showy fruits.

Find more>> nymetroparents.com/leaf-peeping

VOLUNTEERING Alley Pond Environmental Center

228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston 718-229-4000 x205; alleypond.com Alley Pond Environmental Center engages volunteers along with college and high school-aged interns (ages 14 and older) in community service through assistance with animal care, outside work, educational programs, and special events. APEC provides guidance, training, and supervision, as well as a sense of commitment and sensitivity to environmental issues.

Find more>> nymetroparents.com/volunteer

FREE ADMISSION AT NYC MUSEUMS

LASER TAG

New York Hall of Science

Laser Bounce Family Fun Center

Find more>> nymetroparents.com/free-admission

Find more>> nymetroparents.com/laser-tag

47-01 111th St., Corona 718-699-0005; nysci.org Hours: Monday- Friday, 9:30am-5pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10am-6pm.

Free admission on Fridays, 2-5pm and Sundays, 10-11am. Enjoy special events, the 3D Theater, and interactive, educational exhibits.

Exhibits include The Hidden Mathematics, Winged Jewels of the Forest, and Animation Academy: From Pencils to Pixels.

80-28 Cooper Ave., Glendale 347-599-1919 Inside the LED Laser Tag Arena you’ll find targets, strobes, an outrageous sound system, and special effect lighting with glowin-the-dark and black-light obstacles. Aim for the high score and bring your team to victory! Laser Tag parties feature state-of-theart LED equipment and an industry leading LED arena. Open Play available daily.

raising kids teen

Kids & Politics

››

Five ways to encourage tweens and teens to get involved in democracy

W

hen I was in sixth grade, my middle school held a mock election during the George W. Bush vs. Al Gore election in 2000.

Leading up to mock Election Day, social studies teachers taught the student body about the democratic process and educated us on the candidates’ political stances, so we could make well-informed decisions. While I don’t remember which candidate I voted for or who won the mock election, I do remember the anticipation my class buzzed with as we waited for the principal to announce the winner.

That was my first experience with politics. And while participating in my school’s mock election didn’t inspire me to pursue a career in politics, it, and the actual election’s hotly contested outcome (ultimately decided by the Supreme Court of the United States), cemented the importance of doing my civic duty. I knew that once I turned 18, I needed to register and vote in elections to make my voice heard.

I have since voted in three Presidential elections. The 2016 election cycle was the most contentious (but you don’t need me to tell you that) because how we consumed and shared information had evolved.

With the breakneck pace at which media is being shared and the tumultuous political landscape of today, how can we ensure our children will be well-informed, active participants in democracy?

Encourage an Informed Interest

Regardless of where you live, how much money you make, or what your career is, politics impact your day-to-day life whether you know it or not, says Anil R. Beephan, Jr., a town councilman at-large in East Fishkill in Dutchess County; he is a representative for a New York state senator for Dutchess and Putnam counties, and an active county committee member. He knows first-hand how politics and government can affect lives. As a first-generation American, Beephan watched his parents, who are from Trinidad and Tobago, go through a difficult immigration process. “I always thought that one day I’d like to get involved in government and see what it’s like to maybe 32

November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

By Katelin Walling

help fix that process,” he says. Participating in government club in high school and the 2012 election solidified his interest in politics.

James Kuntz, a junior at the Dalton School in Manhattan, credits the 2016 election for his interest in politics. “There was something about the election cycle that really drew me to it, and I think it was also my age,” he says. “I was 13, 14 years old leading up to the election, so I was beginning to find my own interests and politics happened to be one.” That interest led him to found Teens in Politics, an organization to help teens find political internships in the NYC area.

Another reason Kuntz says he founded Teens in Politics? He says he’s noticing a lot of political apathy in his generation, and “it’s a real problem for democracy.” So how can you prevent that political indifference in your tweens and teens?

Read with your kids. From an early age you can encourage an interest in civics by reading political- and activism-related books to your children. Try reading Voting with a Porpoise, written by Rock the Vote board member Russell Glass and children’s book author Sean Callahan, which brings the election process to life under the sea. If You’re Going to a March, by Martha Freeman, illustrates what kids can expect if they’re attending a march with their parents.

For the elementary school set, Eleanor Roosevelt’s When You Grow Up to Vote explains how the government works for the people—from the police officers in your town all the way through the role of the SCOTUS—and instills the importance of voting in kids. Originally published in 1932, after Franklin D. Roosevelt was first elected as President, this book was updated and re-released in September.

Tweens and teens can read denser books, such as biographies about presidents, nonfiction works about history, or any of the number of recently released books about the current political environment.

Take them with you, Beephan suggests. If your kids are 18, carpool to the polls on Election Day, and if they’re not yet old enough to vote,

they can still see democracy in action. Considering attending a march or rally for an issue you feel passionately about? Bring your kids along (even if they’re young) and explain what you’re marching for, why you’re marching, and how it makes you feel to participate. After all, modeling a behavior for your children is the best way to instill it.

Watch the news together and talk about it. Kuntz and Beephan both suggest you start doing this when your kids are in elementary school. You should “really explain to them why [following current events] is important, what’s going on, and try to inform them at a very early age about the real facts behind each story and what’s going on in the media and government itself,” Beephan advises.

You can do the same with newspapers or credible online news sites. After all, encouraging an interest in following the news and current events fosters a curious intellectual mindset in children, Kuntz adds. And if listening is more your family’s style, there are a host of political and current event podcasts available.

Encourage your teen to pursue an internship. “If you’re in high school, you’re at an age where you can take internships at the state senate, state assembly, or congressional offices, or even help out at the local town level,” Beephan says.

Kuntz, who is a member of his district’s congressional youth cabinet, aims to make finding an internship in politics easy for teens: “I’m very interested in politics myself, and when I was looking for opportunities to get involved in politics—volunteer opportunities and internships specifically—I didn’t find any place where the information was centralized,” he says. “The only way that somebody my age would be able to find those opportunities would be to look at individual members of the city council or state assembly or state senate.”

“You can also get involved with the political party when you’re in high school, more so you could even actively participate in campaigns,” Beephan adds. If your teen knows which party she identifies with, encourage her to research internship opportunities with the New York Democratic or Republican national committees.

Volunteer for a campaign together. If you’re introducing your younger children to politics or you and your teen agree on a party or candidate, find opportunities to put your boots to the ground.

Canvas neighborhoods and knock on doors to talk to other voters or sign up for a shift to make calls for a candidate.

In fact, Beephan says high school students have become more and more involved in campaigns. “It actually makes a difference because, when you’re at the door, people notice when a kid takes an interest in an issue, and it kind of makes them think twice. They question: aren’t you a little too young to be at the door?” he says. “But when a kid actually justifies why they’re there, why they’re doing what they’re doing, it kind of reinvigorates the person to pay more attention to what’s going on. I think kids sometimes underestimate the impact they have in the political realm, even if they can’t vote.”

Toe the Line

When encouraging an interest in politics, remember to let your teens form their own opinions. “I think it’s vital for the parent to not force their opinions on their kids,” Beephan says. “Trust that your kids are able to make a conscious decision on which side of the aisle they’d like to sit on certain issues.” Urge your teens to read opposing views of the same issue so they can figure out their own opinions.

And if your teen aligns with a different political party than you?

“I think it’s actually a good thing because being in an environment where your views are being questioned strengthens your own opinions and forces you to reconsider things with a more critical lens,” Kuntz says—a perfect opportunity to bolster your teen before he heads out into the world on his own.

LIU POST’S CENTER FOR GIFTED YOUTH SPRING 2019 SATURDAY PROGRAM

Feb 2nd – April 27th for students entering grades K-8

Are You the Parent of a Gifted Child?

INQUIRE ABOUT OUR SUMMER PROGRAM

LIU Post’s Center for Gifted Youth announces its 38th annual fall and spring program for gifted children. The spring program runs on Saturdays from February 2nd to April 27th.

The program is open to gifted children entering grades K-8 in September 2018. The program expands students’ knowledge, develops creative and critical thinking skills, and offers children the opportunity to learn in an exciting and accepting environment.

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

Follow us on Twitter

Admission is highly selective and enrollment is limited.

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

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Out and About with Baby ››

You’re a new parent, but that doesn’t mean you should be a shut-in. Read on for everything you need to know about exploring new places with your little one. By Lambeth Hochwald

I

f you’re hesitant to go on outings now that you’re a new parent, we’re here to tell you that getting out and about with your baby is not only good for your wee one, but it’s especially good for you too. Being in the fresh air, surrounded by sights, sounds, and energy will work wonders to help you adjust to new-parent life.

We asked the experts—all New York-area parents—to weigh in and everyone agreed: To have the best exploration experience you need to be ready for every scenario. Whether they shared their favorite products or just a little bit of advice that worked for them, these parents are enthusiastic about the benefits of exploring, baby in tow. Read on for their tried-and-true tips.

Take a Fun Walk Outside

With the weather changing and cool mornings on the horizon, you want to dress your baby in clothing that’s versatile and adapts to a chilly morning followed by bright midday sun, says Allison Chiaramonte, a real estate agent at Warburg Realty and mom of two kids.

“When I’m out and about with my kids I usually have a long list of errands,” she says. “This means we are constantly in and out of houses, offices, and stores. When it’s cold outside this can cause problems, but I have found the best thing ever for my son—a cute winter jacket with a hood. Easy on and off with the hood means I don’t have to keep track of where he left his hat, which he rips off as soon as we get inside. Also the jacket distracts from the fact I sometimes take him out in PJs when we are having one of those mornings!”

For Anna Zak, mom of a 5-month-old son, a fully packed bag 34

November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

of ‘what-if’ supplies makes a day outside a win-win. “I always pack a big park blanket folded tightly and placed at the base of my stroller—we opted for the Bugaboo Bee5 because it’s lightweight for the city,” she says. “I make sure to pack my Munchkin Arm & Hammer diaper disposal bags because as long as I have them I have somewhere to put a dirty diaper.”

Ride the Subway—and Bus

Public transportation is not only a quicker way to get from place to place, it offers its own share of amusement for kids of all ages.

But being prepared for the journey is ultra-important.

Loving the ride is half the fun, says Heath Fradkoff, a Brooklyn dad whose 2-year-old son, Hugh, adores public transportation. “Hugh has a little wooden MTA bus and subway car. When he plays with them he shouts, ‘Please exit through the rear door’ and ‘Stand clear of the closing doors, please,’ respectively,” he says.

As for gear, Fradkoff is a fan of his trusty Maclaren Triumph umbrella stroller. “It’s good on stairs, and it folds up easily so we can quickly get it out of the way of other passengers,” he says. For walks around town, Fradkoff has another fave method of toting Hugh.

“During the spring and fall weather I love taking Hugh around in an Osprey backpack,” he says. “This keeps my hands free to walk the dog or run errands and Hugh likes the higher vantage point.”

Marisa Pincas, who lives on the Upper East Side with her 2-yearold son, is also a big fan of taking public transportation for jaunts.

“My husband and I travel all over the city with our son,” she says.

The key to a smooth trip: a lightweight, easily foldable stroller. “New York City buses require you to fold up a stroller and, while I find most New Yorkers will help you carry a stroller up and down the stairs, it can be a real challenge if it’s just you and your child!” Pincas says.

All the more reason she suggests mapping out your route first.

“This way you can make sure you know how you will exit—escalator, stairs, or elevator. I also suggest making sure that the elevators are working before heading out, especially if you have an infant or a larger stroller that you can’t easily fold or carry,” Pincas says. (This information can be found at web.mta.info/mta/eles.html).

Also, Pincas suggests parents always leave themselves extra time when traveling on the subway. “This way you can account for navigating the corridors in search of those elevators,” she explains. “I’ve forgotten to do this in the past and have missed my train out of Penn!”

In the end, the best tip might just be this: Be sure to take along plenty of hand sanitizer and baby wipes. “Pediatricians advise parents to avoid public transportation until your baby is at least two months,” Zak says. “After the two-month mark, we were happy to take the subway. We just made sure to cover our son’s hands with sanitizer.”

Nanny Board

Enjoy a Meal—at Your Favorite Spot

Every parent we spoke to agreed: You’re better off going to dinner early-bird style, say, before 6pm or whenever the dinner rush commences. In addition, distraction is key when taking baby to breakfast, lunch, or dinner at your favorite restaurant. This becomes more and more important the older your little one gets.

“Always come prepared with toys or coloring books to keep them occupied,” Pincas says. “When you are waiting for a meal to arrive, having something for my son to focus on has saved me and my fellow patrons from witnessing a meltdown.”

Another way to plan ahead: Make sure the restaurant is actually baby- and/or child-friendly. “For example, some bars don’t let babies in past a certain hour or at all,” Zak says. “As a young mom I often take my son with us when we meet up with family or friends for a drink. We’ve taken him to plenty of bars/rooftops during the day and have had no problem doing so. Recently, however, when some family was in town we attempted to walk into a bar that had a strict ‘no baby’ policy. While at first we were offended on behalf of our baby, after reconsidering it we realized that after a certain hour this is as much for his safety as it is for the convenience of the patrons.”

No matter the restaurant you plan to dine in, bringing snacks will save the day, Chiaramonte adds. “It may seem counterintuitive to bring food to a restaurant, but this ensures there are no hunger-induced tantrums while waiting for your food!”

And believe it or not, it’s never a bad idea to opt for outdoor seating and have an escape route should the meal go south, Zak adds.

“Look for tables that are spacious and have easy access to head out the door in case your baby gets cranky,” she says. “Also, at any point, be okay with the fact that you may have to abandon your plans and get your food to go.” No matter what, you’ll have gotten a bit of fresh air—and had an adventure you can laugh about.

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Lambeth Hochwald covers trends, relationships, and life in New York City.

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Stay Safe While Shopping Online ›› Hackers and cyber-scams can spoil your holiday. Experts share what you need to know before you click “buy.” By Anja Webb

W

hen I was in high school, one of my friends bought a prom dress online. She had never heard of the company before, but the dress was hundreds of dollars cheaper than retail value, and the photo in the advertisements looked beautiful. She took her parents’ debit card and bought the discount “designer” gown without telling anyone. When it finally arrived in the mail weeks later in a package from China, she was overjoyed. But once she put on the dress, her excitement quickly turned to disappointment: The fabric was cheap and poorly cut, and the dress fit her like a trash bag despite the precise measurements she had sent the company. The “Swarovski” crystals were nothing more than cheap, poorly adhered rhinestones. My friend had been the victim of an online shopping scam, and her parents had to pay the price.

Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated incident. With Cyber Monday (the Monday after Black Friday, which falls on Nov. 26 this year) becoming one of the biggest days for online shopping, it’s important to know how to recognize Internet shopping scams and phishing, or the act of stealing private information through viruses or malicious computer codes. What may seem like the perfect gift for a great price could very easily be a sneaky way to rob you. And the methods of fooling people are getting more and more creative.

So how can you avoid these schemes and keep your family safe?

Here are a few things to look for when shopping online to help you recognize shady sites and keep your information private.

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November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Be Leery of Links

“You should never, ever trust a link in an email,” says Eric Cole, Ph.D., a consultant, author, and former CIA employee with more than 30 years of experience in cyber security. “[People] get an email from a store that says, ‘Hey, we have a seventy-percent-off sale, but it’s only good for the next two hours. Click on the link below to take advantage of it.’ And they’re so excited about the sale they never look at the link very closely.”

If you do get an unfamiliar email, “click on the name in the ‘sent from’ box to view the actual email address,” suggests Justin Lavelle, chief communications officer of BeenVerified, an online background check platform. “If you don’t recognize the sender, your best bet is to not open the email, period, and never click on a link, attachment, or file within.”

And, as obvious as it sounds, “if it seems to good to be true, it is,” says Alex Krush, a development operations engineer at Royal Bank of Canada. Finding $100 discounts or deals that are significantly below market value is a huge red flag, as are those 2-hour sales.

These incredible deals are a means of luring in customers to a shady site. “More than not, an item that has an incredibly low price tag or out-of-the-world features is probably part of a scam,” says Alayna Pehrson, manager of identity theft content for BestCompany.com, a consumer-review data company. You might think you’re saving money, but the potential savings are never worth the risk.

Learn to Spot Suspicious Sites

Of course, this is the season when some legitimate retailers do offer sweet deals. How do you know if the offer (and seller) you’re looking at is on the level? There are a few other factors to be wary of when visiting a potentially sketchy site. “If you think the website lacks some design skills, has a disorganized layout, and/or has several grammar and language mistakes, then you should probably not purchase anything from it,” Pehrson says. It’s important to keep in mind that retailers will care about their aesthetic, but a scam site likely won’t.

Dr. Cole advises you to “make sure you’re using an up-to-date browser that’s verifying the digital certificate of the site.” Most modern browsers will let you know if something is secure. On Chrome, there will be a green lock next to the URL; that’s an indicator that your information going in a secure manner, and it’s verifying and validating the digital certificate of that site to give a higher level of trust, Dr. Cole says. In other browsers the lock may be yellow or appear as a key.

If your Internet browser doesn’t have an icon to indicate security, “Look for ‘https’ in the website address,” says Jacob Lunduski, a financial industry analyst for Credit Card Insider, a site that helps people find the right credit card for their finances. “This means the website is ‘secure’ and provides credibility when purchasing an item.”

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Think Twice About Third-Party Sellers

What if you’re shopping from a big company like Amazon? Even though the distributor is trusted, some of the retailers that operate on the site might not always be legitimate. For Amazon purchases, look out for third-party sales that are neither sold nor fulfilled by Amazon.

“When you click on an item it will tell you whether you’re buying it directly from Amazon or if it’s going through a third party,” Dr. Cole says. “Anytime you’re buying things from a third-party, your credit card is now being charged and sent to that third-party, and if they’re not legitimate…they could easily be able to steal your information.”

If you’re determined to purchase something from a third-party vendor, there are a few things you can do to minimize your risk. “Always read descriptions and reviews when possible,” Krush says. Predominantly bad reviews are a sign that something is fishy. And good reviews can be faked, so Will Geddes, author of Parent Alert, recommends you be wary of “a small number of short, generic, and positive reviews all posted within a short period of time and from the same country.”

Also try to check how long the retailer has been a vendor on Amazon. “If they’ve been a retailer for Amazon for five years, that’s probably an indicator that they’re somewhat legit,” Dr. Cole says.

Be Careful with Your Credit

Even if you take all possible precautions, fraud and identity theft are still possibilities. The reason for this is simple: Every day, hackers are getting better and better at what they do. “The number one thing families can do is to utilize a separate credit card just for online purchases that has a small balance,” Dr. Cole advises. “If fraudulent activity occurs or if it gets stolen, now all you have to do is get a new card and you don’t have to worry about if you’re using that card for bills.”

There are other good reasons to use a credit card for your online shopping. “With credit cards, the liability is with the credit card provider. With debit cards, the liability is with you,” Dr. Cole says. Additionally, it’s important to note that “credit cards offer many purchase and fraud protections where you’ll have time to report and manage the fraud before your bill is due,” Lunduski says. “With a debit card, fraudulent purchases leave your account immediately, causing you to have to work with your bank to get your money back.”

When it comes to safety features, you should always “go to your credit card’s website or call them, [and] turn [these features] on,” says Dr. Cole, who personally receives text messages every time his card is used. If somehow your credit card is compromised, he recommends that you activate this feature, so you can stay informed at all times.

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raising kids home

Speed-Clean Your House Holiday guests are on the way! Learn the pros’ secrets for tidying your home in a hurry.

A

clean house. If you’re a parent, that concept is probably nothing more than a dream, right up there kids who love veggies.

Even if you were a neat freak before you had a family, chances are these days you struggle to stay ahead of dirty laundry, strewnabout shoes, and that somehow-always-sticky refrigerator door handle.

You’ve probably made peace with a certain level of chaos (mostly because you have no choice). But how about when guests are coming over? Before you hit the panic button—or bolt the door—read on. We asked two cleaning authorities to explain how you can get your house company-ready in a rush.

Pre-Cleaning Plan of Attack

Conceal the clutter. Your first step is to put away all the jumbled-up stuff in any rooms your company might glimpse. “Hide the shoes, hide the coats, and take out any boxes from deliveries,” says Ann Harasim, owner of Ann’s Cleaning Service in New York City. In the kitchen, clear the countertops. Everything will instantly look better.

Concentrate on areas where guests will go. “If you’re in a jam and you need to do things quickly, you need to prioritize the most important spaces,” says Jennifer Gregory, marketing director of Molly Maid, a cleaning service with branches throughout the New York metropolitan area. Usually, after your initial de-cluttering, that means attacking the foyer, living room, kitchen, and bathrooms.

Foyer and Living Room

Freshen up the furniture. “Take a barely-damp microfiber cloth and wipe it down. It will catch any hair and debris, and does a re-

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By Deborah Skolnik

ally good job of removing the dust from intricate carvings,” Gregory says. (She advises against furniture polish: “It tends to grab dirt faster and make it stick to the furniture,” she explains.)

Address areas above your eye level. “People tend to look around at where their height is [as they clean]. They forget to look up,” Gregory warns. Using a high duster, skim the place where the walls meet the ceiling, making sure to dust ceiling fans and light fixtures.

Fold and fluff. “If you have any blankets in the living room, make sure they’re folded,” Harasim says. Fluff up non-woolen throw pillows and smaller throw rugs by placing them in the dryer with a clean tennis ball and drying them on low for 5-10 minutes, Gregory recommends.

Shine up mirrors, windows, and glass-framed photos and paintings. Give them a quick once-over with a slightly damp microfiber cloth, Gregory says, or use a microfiber cloth and Molly Maid’s DIY cleaner: 1 gallon of water, ½ cup white vinegar, ½ cup rubbing alcohol, and about 2 squirts of Dawn dish detergent. For photos that aren’t covered in glass, dust them with an unused large paintbrush.

Dust the mantle. Use a microfiber cloth to dust the fireplace mantle (if you have one) and any knick-knacks that you keep on it. Clear away any wood debris in front of the fireplace, and if there’s tile in front of the hearth, make sure it’s dusted, mopped, and dried. If you have a gas fireplace, use your microfiber cloth to clean the outside.

Don’t forget the floors. Vacuum or sweep them, then mop them with a microfiber mop. “We use a little bit of degreaser—about a

quarter-cup of all-purpose cleaner in a gallon of water—as long as the floors are sealed. If not, use plain water,” Gregory says.

Kitchen

Remove the trash. Put out the garbage and recycling, Harasim says.

After that, “remove your stovetop burners, fill your sink with hot water and dish soap, and put your stove burners in that water and let them soak while you start moving around,” Gregory advises.

Work your way around the room. Clean the stovetop with a microfiber cloth and a degreaser, Gregory says. Then wipe down the countertops with a microfiber cloth and a solution of half white vinegar and half water, working your way around the room. (If your countertop is granite, simply use water or a cleaner specially formulated for this use.)

As you go, put away and straighten up any utensils and cookbooks.

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Fix up the fridge front. Move any magnets and other things on your refrigerator’s door or sides and then wipe down the front with your microfiber cloth and the vinegar-water mixture. Make sure you also wipe down any ledges formed by the doors and handles, Gregory adds.

SOC SOCCER

Scrub the stovetop burners. Dry and replace them on the stove.

At that point the refrigerator will have dried, so you can (neatly) replace anything usually kept on the door or sides, Gregory says.

Mop the floor using a microfiber mop and a ¼ cup of degreaser mixed with a gallon of water, or just water for unsealed floors, Gregory says.

Ages 18 Months & Up

Bathrooms

Hide cleaners, Harasim stresses, “especially if you know someone’s coming with their kids,” as they may pose a safety hazard.

Tackle the toilet. Spray the lid, seat, rim, and base with the vinegar-water mixture, Gregory says. Add two to three tablespoons of baking soda inside the toilet and swish it around. Let everything sit for a few minutes as you tackle other areas.

Replace the toilet paper and tissues if you’re running low, Harasim says. Set out fresh towels too, she adds.

Take out any trash and replace the trash bag.

Shine the mirrors and faucets with Molly Maid’s homemade glass cleaner (see Foyer and Living Room) and use a microfiber cloth and water on the countertops. Once you’re done, wipe down the exterior of the toilet with a microfiber cloth, starting with the lid and working your way down to the base. Scrub the interior with a toilet brush and flush everything away.

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Focus on the floor. Remove all items from the floor, and shake any throw rugs in the hallway, just hard enough to remove dust and debris, Gregory says. Vacuum or sweep the floor quickly. Next, use a dampened microfiber mop on the floor. After the floor has dried a bit, replace the trashcan and rugs and vacuum the hallway.

Extra-Credit Cleaning

Got a little time left over? If you live in a house, go outside and “walk up [to your home] the way your guests would walk, and remove anything your guests would find,” Gregory suggests. Make sure your pathways are cleared (and salted, if it’s snowy or icy out). Use an outdoor broom to sweep the walkway and clear away any cobwebs. Clean the storm door and sidelight windows with glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth.

“If you have time, you’ll want to clean the bedroom along with the rest of the house,” Gregory says. “Worst case, shut the door, but absolutely make the bed.” That way, if anyone stumbles in, they’ll get an overall impression that—kids and all—you keep a tidy home.

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QueensParent 39

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

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

POPARAZZI BALLOONS & EVENT SPACE 61-19 Fresh Pond Road, Middle Village 347-204-5252 poparazzievents.com Follow us on Instagram: @poparazziballoons poparazziballoons@yahoo.com Making magic happen with balloons!

Turn your dream party into a reality with POParazzi! We custom design your ideas to create the ultimate experience.

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-squarefeet of fun ranging from 92 arcade games, inflatables, bumper cars, roller coaster, a carousel, 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, a 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

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

also offer bubble and fog machines, cotton candy, plus crazy craft, and princess parties!

birthday package and personalize it with our exclusive food and entertainment add-ons.

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

FOREST PARK CAROUSEL AMUSEMENT VILLAGE Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park Drive, Woodhaven 718-788-2676 forestparkcarousel.com info@nycarousel.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, 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, ball pit, disco lighting, cotton candy, face painting, tattoos, music, and games!

FANTASY FOREST AMUSEMENT PARK Fantasy Forest Amusement Park at the Flushing Meadows Carousel 111th Street and 55th Avenue, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park next to the Queens Zoo 718-788-2676 fantasyforestnyc.com info@nycarousel.com Give your child the best birthday with our VIP Birthday Party Package at Queens’s No. 1 destination for family fun! Book our custom

November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Give your child the best birthday with our VIP Birthday Party Package at “The Crown Jewel of Queens!” Book our custom birthday package and personalize it with our exclusive food and entertainment add-ons.

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

The Lanyard Ladies friendship bracelet and lanyard birthday parties bring the party to you, or you can come to their brand-new party place! Many amazing themes and packages to choose from.

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.

POPARAZZI BALLOONS & EVENT SPACE 61-19 Fresh Pond Road, Middle Village 347-204-5252 poparazzievents.com Follow us on Instagram: @poparazziballoons poparazziballoons@yahoo.com

Our enchanting, multi-level venue hosts all types of celebrations. Call us or stop by an open house and start planning your next event.

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, 347-7562568 (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 one-hour private room for pizza.

WHEEL FUN RENTALS - FLUSHING MEADOWS CORONA PARK Flushing Meadows Corona Park at David Dinkins Circle, Meridian Road 929-343-2366 Flushing Meadows Corona Park at North Meadow Lake, Meadow Lake Road West 917-231-5519 Avenue U and East 33rd Street, Marine Park, Brooklyn 917-533-6196 LeFrak Center at Lakeside, 171 E. Drive, Prospect Park, Brooklyn 718-462-0010 9000 Bay Parkway, Bensonhurst Park, Brooklyn 805-650-7770 wheelfunrentals.com Wheel Fun Rentals is the perfect place for birthday parties! Kids and adults can explore the area on one of our specialty bikes or go on a Surrey Scavenger Hunt!

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 2018-2019. Call our party hostess Lisa for more information.

Professional services

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

DENTISTS & DENTAL PROVIDERS REGO PARK ORTHODONTICS Larissa Davids, D.D.S 98-41 Queens Blvd. suite 1A, Rego Park 718-275-2006 davidsorthodontics.com Rego Park Orthodontics welcomes children and adults of all ages for a free orthodontic exam and consultation.

The office is equipped with the most recent digital technology to make the experience of orthodontic treatment as relaxed as possible.

ZWEIHORN ORTHODONTICS “All for a Smile” Office hours include Sundays and evenings 150-25 Union Turnpike, Flushing 718-969-9234 drzweihorn.com Dr. Zweihorn is a board-certified orthodontist specializing in the treatment of children, teens, and adults. Our team focuses on helping you achieve your best smile!

DOCTORS & MEDICAL PROVIDERS LONG ISLAND CENTER FOR SPEECH AND MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success lispeechandmyo.com Queens: 718-640-6767; Nassau: 516-216-1791; Suffolk: 631-689-6858 Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, along with her group of therapists, supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders.

FAIRY LICEMOTHERS 2463 S. Long Beach Road, Oceanside 866-561-0492 1755 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park 866-561-0492 679 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Head 866-561-0492 fairylicemothers.com fairylicemothers@gmail.com Our treatment centers are kid-friendly and our products are 100-percent non-toxic. Treatments include two free re-checks.

Whether or not you use our service, we are here to help you.

SPECIAL NEEDS HUG MUSIC, CREATIVE & NURTURING MUSIC LESSONS FOR EVERYBODY Music Lessons and Music Therapy 112-01 75th Ave., Lower Level, Forest Hills 718-487-4309 hugmusicny.com; contact@hugmusicny.com We offer various fun and nurturing music classes including music lessons on multiple instruments, music therapy for children with special needs, and baby-toddler music classes.

LITTLE OPTICS, INC. 192-07 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows 53-15 Roosevelt Ave., Woodside 718-468-7500 Hablamos Español. littleopticsinc@yahoo.com We provide eyeglasses and professional eye care for children, including infants, and young adults. We also alleviate any self-esteem issues associated with the stigma of wearing glasses. When your child leaves Little Optics, rest assured that they will feel confident.

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 well 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 South 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.

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Parochial School and Private Schools CHARTER AND MAGNET SCHOOLS I.S. 145: The Joseph Pulitzer Magnet School of Innovation and Applied Learning

Ivan Rodriquez, principal 33-34 80th St., Jackson Heights 718-457-1242 145innovators.com info@magnetschools.com I.S. 145Q is creative community of active 21st century learners. We foster critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity in every classroom through STEAM and project-based learning. The collaborative efforts of our conscientious students, involved parents, and dedicated staff has led to our continuous student success.

Dedicated to academic achievement for all, we offer regents track, Spanish-English Dual-Language programming, and enrichment courses both during and after school hours. Check us out at 145innovators.com.

MS 358: The Magnet School of STEAM Exploration and Experiential Learning Brendan Mims, principal 88-08 164th St., Jamaica 718-558-6240 ms358.org info@magnetschools.nyc At M.S. 358, The Magnet School of STEAM Exploration and Experiential Learning, we learn with purpose. Classroom instruction incorporates passionate speaking, purposeful writing, powerful presentations, and digital literacy through STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics). In our safe, nurturing, inclusive environment, students can take intellectual risks, think critically, and work collaboratively to solve real world problems. Experiential learning supports students in making real world connections, increases engagement, and provides scholars an opportunity to explore authentic topics and challenges. Students display their works through presentations, performances, blogs, and other technologies.

Our World Neighborhood Charter School 2

135-25 79th St., Howard Beach 718-392-3405 owncs.org admissions@owncs.org Our World Neighborhood (OWN) Charter School 2 is modeled after the original OWN 1 located in Astoria. Our mission is to educate our students to become independent thinkers and lifelong learners. In addition to the basics of learning such as math and English, OWN 2 offers a comprehensive liberal arts education including but not limited to art, physical education, and foreign language. We empower students to be confident learners who can advocate for themselves and recognize the responsibility and the joy of learning.

P.S. 140Q: The Edward K. Ellington Magnet School of Science, Technology and the Arts - A STEAM Magnet School David Norment, principal 166-01 116th Ave., Jamaica

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718-657-4760 theedwardkellingtonschool.org kcobos@schools.nyc.gov The Edward K. Ellington Magnet School of Science, Technology, and the Arts, P.S. 140Q, is an elementary STEAM school “where greatness occurs one step at a time.” Our curriculum embeds advanced forms of technology, middle-school prep, before- and after-school programs, enrichment clubs, arts and music programs, and multimedia labs. Students are young innovators and engineers through project-based learning of the STEAM curriculum. We strive to develop productive, self-thinking, problem-solving citizens, capable of meeting the changes of an ever-evolving world. Visit theedwardkellingschool.org, like us on Facebook @theedwardkellingtonschool, Instagram @ps140q.

PS 201Q: The Discovery School for Inquiry and Research: STEAM Magnet School

Umit Serin, principal 65-11 155th St., Flushing 718-359-0620 ps201.org info@magnetschools.nyc At P.S. 201Q: STEAM Magnet School inquiry-based learning encourages students to become independent thinkers who ask questions and actively research answers. Collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking are valued in every classroom. STEAM learning combines the study of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics into projects that prepare students for college and careers. The innovative curriculum is inclusive, rigorous, and motivating for all students. Learning is extended through residencies, field trips, partnerships, and performances. Come visit at ps201.org.

P.S. 349: The Magnet School of Leadership and Innovation Through STEAM, PS 349

Tanya Bates Howell, principal 88-08 164th St., Jamaica 718-558-6220 ps349.info The Magnet School of Leadership and Innovation through STEAM, P.S. 349 offers a rigorous STEAM curriculum and instruction designed to ignite students’ imagination through engineering and design, spark their innate curiosity in science, and engage students through exploration of the natural world. Our students have opportunities to work together on hands-on STEAM projects.

This allows for collaboration with peers and leadership through self-management, self–awareness, and responsible decision making. Students learn college and career ready skills through the infusion of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People throughout daily instruction.

P.S. 55 The Maure Magnet School of Communication Arts, Technology and Multimedia Ralph Honore, principal 131-10 97th Ave., Richmond Hill 718-849-3845 ps55q.com info@magnetschools.nyc At the Maure Magnet School of Communication Arts, Technology and Multimedia, P.S. 55

November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

students learn by sharing their ideas through arts and technology projects. Theme-based instruction with project-based units help students build higher order thinking skills, allowing students to discuss, explore, and generate evidence to support learning. Students strive to make their learning meaningful to others through actionable projects for change. Students learn to support their work by using all forms of technology including writing code, creating audio and video presentations, performing music, graphic design, and using 3D printers.

P.S. M.S. 200: The Magnet School of Global Studies and Leadership

Kevin McAuliffe, principal 70-10 164th St., Flushing 718-969-7780 globalstudiesandleadership.org info@magnetschools.com At P.S./M.S. 200: The Magnet School of Global Studies & Leadership, students graduate with a profound appreciation for diversity, an understanding of the challenges facing people around the world, and the skills that will enable them to effect change in the 21st century. Students discover and celebrate other countries and cultures through an emphasis on global competence, geographic literacy, project-based learning, and STEM education. Learning opportunities at P.S./ M.S. 200 engage students in problem solving at the global level and produce future leaders.

P.S. 92Q: The Harry T. Stewart, Sr. Magnet School for Engineering, Architecture & the Arts

Pasquale Baratta, principal 99-01 34th Ave., Corona 718-533-1013 ps92q.org info@magnetschools.nyc P.S. 92Q offers students hands-on project based learning in grades pre-K through fifth. We partner with community organizations and learning centers that focus on STEM topics to provide our students with unique artist in residency learning opportunities. Magnet schools are New York City public schools that receive additional funding from the federal government and accept students from beyond their attendance zone. For more information, please call 718-533-1013 or visit ps92q.org. Follow us @ps92queens.

PRESCHOOLS Tiny Footsteps

167-01 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows 718-969-5500 tinyfootstepsny@yahoo.com Tiny Footsteps is the place to be for kids ages 1-5! Our hands-on curriculum is theme based allowing for student growth, exploration, and creativity. Students are prepared academically and socially for the big step into elementary school.

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

Nutritious, kosher meals are prepared on-site three times daily. Free pre-K for all for children born in 2014. Various schedules are available for busy parents. Call for more information.

Education Planner Classes & Programs

Activity Charter and Magnet School

I.S. 145: The Joseph Pulitzer Magnet School of Innovation and Applied Learning

145innovators.com

718-457-1242

M.S. 358: The Magnet School of STEAM Exploration and Experiential Learning

ms358.org

718-558-6240

Our World Neighborhood Charter School 2

owncs.org

718-392-3405

P.S. 140Q:The Edward K. Ellington Magnet School of Science,Technology and the Arts - A STEAM Magnet School

theedwardkellingtonschool. org

718-657-4760

PS 201Q: The Discovery School for Inquiry and Research: STEAM Magnet School

PS201.org

718-359-0620

P.S. 349: The Magnet School of Leadership and Innovation Through STEAM, PS 349

ps349.info

718-558-6220

P.S. 55 The Maure Magnet School of Communication Arts, Technology and Multimedia

ps55q.com

718-849-3845

P.S./M.S. 200: The Magnet School of Global Studies and Leadership

globalstudiesandleadership. org

718-969-7780

P.S. 92Q:The HarryT. Stewart, Sr. Magnet School for Engineering, Architecture & the Arts

ps92q.org

718-533-1013

Meet the

Health Care Professional 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 (adults and children). Intensive feeding therapy for individuals who suffer from texture and consistency aversions, and FEES—Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing are also offered. Seven affiliated offices across Long Island participate with most health insurance and offer evening and Saturday hours.

Bar Bat Mitzvah Facebook Groups Ask questions, share ideas, and get advice.

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MÄątzvah Market Find it. Book it. Celebrate!

mitzvahmarket.com QueensParent 43

OPEN HOUSES 2018 Buckley Country Day School

2 I.U. Willets Road, Roslyn 516-627-1910 buckleycountryday.com Please join us for our upcoming Admissions Open House. Meet our headmaster, principals, faculty, students, and alumni. Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 9am.

Hug Music, Creative & Nurturing Music Lessons for Everybody Music Lessons and Music Therapy

112-01 75th Ave., Lower Level, Forest Hills 718-487-4309 hugmusicny.com contact@hugmusicny.com Hug Music will host open house registration on Saturday, Oct. 27, Nov. 3, and Nov. 10 from 9am5pm. Please contact us for more information.

I.S. 145: The Joseph Pulitzer Magnet School of Innovation and Applied Learning Ivan Rodriquez, principal

33-34 80th St., Jackson Heights 718-457-1242 145innovators.com info@magnetschools.com Come to learn about all the academic experiences designed to engage, inspire, and promote student achievement. Please call or email us for an appointment during November.

The Kew-Forest School

119-17 Union Turnpike, Forest Hills 718-268-4667 x125 kewforest.org Join us for an open house for preschool to 12th grade on Saturday, Nov. 10 at 1pm. Please RSVP at kewforest.org/openhouse.

M.S. 358: The Magnet School of STEAM Exploration and Experiential Learning

Brendan Mims, principal 88-08 164th St., Jamaica 718-558-6240 ms358.org info@magnetschools.nyc Join us for an open house on Thursday, Oct. 25 or Nov. 8 from 4-6pm. Come to explore the innovative opportunities that our magnet school offers its students.

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

718-392-3405 owncs.org admissions@owncs.org Please join us for one of our tours on Tuesdays or Thursdays between 10am-1pm. Contact Lucille Ranchor at 718-392-3405 or email her at admissions@ownscs.org for additional information.

P.S. 140Q: The Edward K. Ellington Magnet School of Science, Technology and the Arts - A STEAM Magnet School

David Norment, principal 166-01 116th Ave., Jamaica 718-657-4760 theedwardkellingtonschool.org kcobos@schools.nyc.gov Join us for an open house on Monday, Nov. 19 from 9-10:30am. Come to explore the innovative opportunities that our magnet school offers its students.

PS 201Q: The Discovery School for Inquiry and Research: STEAM Magnet School

Umit Serin, principal 65-11 155th St., Flushing 718-359-0620 ps201.org info@magnetschools.nyc Join us on Tuesday, Nov. 13 from 2:30-4pm or Wednesday, Nov. 28 from 6:30-8pm (Family Fun@201:CODING night). Come to learn about all the academic experiences designed to engage and inspire.

P.S. 349: The Magnet School of Leadership and Innovation Through STEAM, P.S. 349

Tanya Bates Howell, principal 88-08 164th St., Jamaica 718-558-6220 ps349.info Call or email during November for an appointment.

Come explore the innovative opportunities that our magnet school offers its students.

P.S. 55: The Maure Magnet School of Communication Arts, Technology and Multimedia Ralph Honore, principal 131-10 97th Ave., Richmond Hill 718-849-3845

ps55q.com info@magnetschools.nyc Join us for an open house on Thursday, Nov. 29 from 6:30-7:30pm. Come to learn about all the academic experiences designed to engage, inspire, and promote student achievement.

P.S./M.S. 200: The Magnet School of Global Studies and Leadership

Kevin McAuliffe, principal 70-10 164th St., Flushing 718-969-7780 globalstudiesandleadership.org info@magnetschools.com Join us for an open house on Wednesday, Nov. 14 from 9-11am. Come to explore the innovative opportunities that our magnet school offers its students.

P.S. 92Q: The Harry T. Stewart, Sr. Magnet School for Engineering, Architecture & the Arts

Pasquale Baratta, principal 99-01 34th Ave., Corona 718-533-1013 ps92q.org info@magnetschools.nyc Join us for an open house on Wednesday, Nov. 7 from 9-11am. Come to learn about all the academic experiences designed to engage, inspire, and promote student achievement.

United Nations International School

173-53 Croyden Road, Jamaica Estates 718-658-6166 unis.org rsorrentini@unis.org Join us at our Queens campus school for students in kindergarten-eighth grade for an open house on Wednesday, Nov. 14 at 6pm. RSVP to rsorrentini@unis.org.

Winston Preparatory School

30 Deforest Road, Dix Hills 212-719-5598 x2213 winstonprep.edu/our-campuses/li liadmissions@winstonprep.edu Winston Prep is a highly individualized setting for third to 12th grade students with specific learning differences. Open house: Tuesday, Nov. 13 at 6:30pm and Thursday, Nov. 29 at 9:15am.

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FAMILY RESOURCE GUIDE

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

NYC Dept of Ed - D28 ..............................................................13

All Star Studio............................................................................17

Our World Neighborhood School.................................................9

birthday / party services ACD Playspace.........................................................................29 American Dance & Drama.........................................................25 Brooklyn Boulders - Queens .....................................................33 Soccer Friends, USA Inc...........................................................39 USTA BJK National Tennis Center ...........................................17 Whitestone Lanes......................................................................37

camps All Star Studio............................................................................17

Renate Vecchione.....................................................................39 Tiny Footsteps...........................................................................15 United Nations Int’l School - Queens ........................................37

family entertainment / events / outings Brooklyn Boulders - Queens .....................................................33 Whitestone Lanes......................................................................37

financial planning / insurance Affinity Health Plan ...................................................................47

American Dance & Drama.........................................................25

fitness

Brooklyn Boulders - Queens .....................................................33

Brooklyn Boulders - Queens .....................................................33

TUTORS

NINA’S TUTORING CENTER Private Tutoring by Experienced Tutors.

For All Grades For All Subjects School Homework All School Tests

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

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Phone: 718-205-7508

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Phone: 718-606-1056

iCoding Club..............................................................................11 JEI Learning Systems Inc. - Queens ........................................48

health

Soccer Friends, USA Inc...........................................................39

Affinity Health Plan ...................................................................47

Tiny Footsteps...........................................................................15

Allied Foundation ........................................................................7

USTA BJK National Tennis Center ...........................................17

child care / day care Mommybites..............................................................................35 Tiny Footsteps...........................................................................15

classes iCoding Club..............................................................................11 LIU Center for Gifted Youth.......................................................33 Steps To Socialization ................................................................7

dance ACD Playspace.........................................................................29 All Star Studio............................................................................17 American Dance & Drama.........................................................25

developmental Comprehensive Consultation Psychological ..............................5 Hug Music .................................................................................19 Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech.............................17, 43 Little Steps 1 Inc .........................................................................3

Comprehensive Consultation Psychological ..............................5 Little Steps 1 Inc .........................................................................3 Steps To Socialization ................................................................7 Zweihorn Orthodontics................................................................9

music ACD Playspace.........................................................................29 Hug Music .................................................................................19

performing arts / acting American Dance & Drama.........................................................25

Want to know the best activities for families?

Subscribe to our family activity email newsletter

play spaces ACD Playspace.........................................................................29

special needs Comprehensive Consultation Psychological ..............................5 Hug Music .................................................................................19 Huntington Learning Center .....................................................19 Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech.............................17, 43 Little Steps 1 Inc .........................................................................3 Renate Vecchione.....................................................................39

Steps To Socialization ................................................................7

sports education

ACD Playspace.........................................................................29

Huntington Learning Center .....................................................19

Soccer Friends, USA Inc...........................................................39

iCoding Club..............................................................................11

USTA BJK National Tennis Center ...........................................17 Whitestone Lanes......................................................................37

JEI Learning Systems Inc. - Queens ........................................48 Kew Forest School (the)..............................................................2 LIU Center for Gifted Youth.......................................................33 NYC Dept of Ed - D25.30 .........................................................11

tutors Huntington Learning Center .....................................................19 JEI Learning Systems Inc. - Queens ........................................48 Renate Vecchione.....................................................................39

NYMETROPARENTS.COM/REGISTER QueensParent 45

raising kids quotables

How to Have a Forgettable Thanksgiving

By Deborah Skolnik

If you want to have a turkey of a Thanksgiving, just follow these steps. (And in case you don’t, we have some suggestions for you!)

1. Before everyone arrives, bet out loud that your uncle will tell his same dumb jokes again. (Of course, you also won’t be laughing when your kids ask, “Is he the one who tells bad jokes, mommy?” when he’s standing right in front of them.)

Instead: Be tolerant of your family’s flaws—after all, you’ll only be spending a few hours together. And remember that young kids pick up on what you say, but don’t always realize it isn’t nice to repeat it.

2. Apologize to everyone for everything—the state of your house, the size of the table, the overdone green beans…

Instead: Relax! Your guests can’t unwind unless you do. Focus on the positive and that will be what they—and you—remember.

3. Spend the entire meal fretting that one of the children will spill cranberry sauce on your best tablecloth.

Instead: Use a paper tablecloth and put out some crayons so the kids can color on it. (Then watch as an adult, not a kid, spills the cranberry sauce. Oops.)

4. Discuss politics over pumpkin pie and watch everyone get into a big ole Thanksgiving fight.

Instead: Go around the table and have everyone share what they’re most grateful for this year. Even little kids can participate.

5. Get pouty when people want to watch football instead of eating.

Instead: Realize that for some guests, football is a highlight of the holiday. Pick the game that matters the most to everyone, and schedule your meal around it.

6. Leave the kids to do their own thing during the football game or adult conversation time, then get upset because they made a mess or broke a vase.

Instead: Set up a dedicated play space—away from breakable items—with games, crafts, and other fun stuff for the kiddos to enjoy.

Kids Giving Back “‘I’ve always lived an incredibly fortunate life,’ [Hannah] Taylor says. ‘Always had a bed to sleep in, food to eat, and love and care. I didn’t realize that anybody in Canada had to live a homeless life. It hit me right in the gut. I think that everyone has a moment like that in life. A striking realization that you just cannot let go and forget about. For me, this was it.’”

—as told to Julia Hyman in “Making a Difference: Meet 5 Young Adults Who Started Nonprofit Organizations”; read the full article at nymetroparents.com/making-a-difference.

More NYMetroParents.com Highlights: CLOWNING AROUND: Find out what it takes to be in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade at nymetroparents.com/clowns.

GIVING THANKS: 10 Thanksgiving traditions you can start this year (nymetroparents.com/traditions) BEST FALL EVER!: See our list of 50 ways to make the most of the season at nymetroparents.com/fall.

DISH UP: Try these new spins on old Thanksgiving favorites (nymetroparents.com/thanksgiving-sides)

7. Let an overtired child throw a monster tantrum.

Instead: Make a bedroom, den, or other space available for napping.

POTTERHEADS REJOICE: Read about New-York Historical Society’s new Harry Potter exhibit at nymetroparents.com/harry-potter.

8. Heroically refuse offers to help with cleanup.

Instead: Say, “Yes, thanks!” You’ll get your kids (and yourself) to bed sooner.

COLLEGE BOUND: A grade-by-grade timeline for applying to college (nymetroparents.com/college-planning)

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November 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Social Media Icons 2017:

BECAUSE TRUST IS IMPORTANT Child Health Plus offers the benefits kids need for a healthier future.

Call 866.206.1741 (TTY 711) AffinityPlan.org/CHP

To learn more about applying for health insurance, including Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Essential Plan, and Qualified Health Plans through NY State of Health, The Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 855.355.5777.

Learning Center

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Fresh Meadows Great Neck Floral Park Forest Hills 256-10 Union Tpke 112-28 Queens Blvd 192-11 Union Tpke 485 Great Neck Rd (718) 740-7888 (516) 482-2234 (718) 347-3138 (718) 268-2890

Rego Park 98-00 62nd Dr (718) 441-3762

Whitestone 17-10 Utopia Pkwy (718) 819-8813