Rockland Parent January 2019 by City Guide NY

Rockland Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM JANUARY 2019

S TEM

STE AM Why art was added to science, technology, engineering, and math •

Plus, find schools, tutors, academic enrichment, and more!

Is It Time to Move? Real-estate experts and parents weigh in

5 Reasons It’s Okay to Be a ‘Lazy Parent’ HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

RocklandParent

Have you considered a Catholic education for your child?

It’s time to apply for the 2019–2020 school year! For Kindergarten and Grades 1–8, Catholic school classes in the Rockland area are filling up fast. Financial Aid is being awarded as funds are available. The earlier qualifying families apply for admissions and financial aid, the better their chances of securing their child’s seat in school and the assistance they may need to help make tuition more affordable.

ROCKLAND COUNTY SACRED HEART SCHOOL 60 Washington Avenue, Suffern

ST. MARGARET SCHOOL 34 North Magnolia Street, Pearl River

ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL 34 West Nyack Road, Nanuet

ST. PAUL SCHOOL 365 Kings Highway, Valley Cottage

ST. GREGORY BARBARIGO SCHOOL 29 Cinder Road, Garnerville

Apply and Enroll Before 4 /15/19 and Save $100 Per Child! CATHOLIC SCHOOLS ONLINE ADMISSIONS OPEN NOW! Apply at CatholicSchoolsNY.org/apply or over the phone at (646) 794-2885



OPHTHALMOLOGY APPOINTMENTS NOW AVAILABLE IN WEST NYACK!

Tony T. Choi, MD Ophthalmology Board Certified: Ophthalmology Appointments available in West Nyack | 2 Centerock Road



SAVE TIME & BOOK APPOINTMENTS ONLINE!

WE ARE keeping the focus on you. At Crystal Run Healthcare, we are dedicated to providing high-quality medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Through innovative advancements in technology, our specialists offer the safest and best treatments available. That’s why we’ve added Ophthalmology to our growing list of services now offered in Rockland County.

West Nyack | 845.348.1100 CrystalRunHealthcare.com #WeAreCrystalRun

Board Certified Ophthalmologist, Tony T. Choi, MD, provides the full spectrum of comprehensive eye care and specializes in medical and surgical management of glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and dry eyes in addition to general ophthalmology. If you’re experiencing pain, irritation, or redness of the eyes, glare, halos, faded colors or see no improvement in vision with glasses, it may be time to see an experienced ophthalmologist.

Extended Primary Care Hours | Onsite Labs & Diagnostic Imaging | Urgent Care Open 7/365 with Pediatricians Available Medicaid Managed Care & most commercial insurance plans accepted. Se habla Español. Easy access via public transportation.

CRH_We Are Color_West Nyack_Opthalmology-Rockland Parent.indd 1

RocklandParent 12/12/18 10:22 AM3

contents table of

january 2019

education 14 Full STEAM Ahead 16 Education Directory

What Your Teen Really Needs From You

Chill Out This Winter

Where There’s a Will

Ten things your teen is still relying on you for, despite her newfound independence.

Family activities for those ready to brave the cold and those who would rather stay indoors

Having a plan in place will protect your children and prepare them for the future.

raising kids

things to do

family life

6 Editor’s Note 8 5 Reasons It’s Okay to Be a Lazy Parent 10 A Healthy Obsession 18 What Your Teen Really Needs From You 36 Ready, Set, Sibling! 40 Meet the Health Care Professional 42 Party Central 43 Meet the Director 44 Party Planner 45 Advertiser’s Index 46 Stuff We Like

11 Starry Slime

34 How to Know When You’re Ready to Move

20 Family Fun in Manhattan

38 Where There’s a Will

21 Family Activities Calendar 32 Chill Out This Winter

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› 8 5 Reasons It’s Okay to Be a ‘Lazy Parent’ 14 STEM --> STEAM 34 Is It Time to Move? facebook.com/nymetroparents

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

January 28, 2019 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. One hour of free play.

FOR MORE INFORMATION & ADDITIONAL HAPPENINGS, VISIT WWW.PALISADESCENTER.COM RocklandParent

raising kids editor’s note

JANUARY 2019 • Vol.12 • No.5

NYMetroParents

New Year, New Resolutions

nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL

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

appy New Year! For many of us, January means turning over a new leaf (or at least trying!). We make resolutions we promise ourselves we will keep only to let our family take priority. It’s only natural; after all, you want to make the best decisions for your kids, from finding fun and exciting things to do with your children any day of the month to selecting the right camps, health care providers, schools, or after-school activities for your brood. We here at Rockland Parent are here to help find just what you’re looking for and make better decisions for your family! Ensuring our kids get a great education is always a priority, so we’re also here to tell you about a big trend in more and more schools: Art is being added to STEM studies. In “Full STEAM Ahead” by Madeleine Burry (p. 14), you’ll find six reasons schools are embracing art as part of science, technology, engineering, and math education. And turn to our Education Directory on p. 16 to find a school, academic enrichment program, or tutor for your child to kick the new semester off on a great start. If you’re expecting a second child, you’ll want to make sure your first-born is fully prepared. In “Ready, Set, Sibling!” (p. 36), Denise Porretto shares tips on everything, from sharing the news to post-birth bonding. Speaking of growing your family: The size of your home or where you live may soon become a hot-button topic, so check out “How to Know When You’re Ready to Move” by Lambeth Hochwald (p. 34). Are you the parent of a teen? Once upon a time, you were your teen’s social director, homework-helper, and more, but most of those roles have been phased out. While it may seem like your oh-so-grown-up child needs you less, she actually still needs a lot from you. Read Deborah Skolnik’s “What Your Teen Really Needs from You” (pg. 18) for 10 reasons you shouldn’t keep your distance. Go ahead, give your teen a hug—just maybe not in public. Another thing that should be a priority? Take time to establish a will (see p. 38 for willwriting advice). While no one wants to think about the unimaginable, having a plan in place will protect your children should something happen to you and your partner. From our family—me, Melissa, Anja, Alice, Whitney, and Debbie—to yours, we wish you all a happy, healthy New Year!

Katelin Walling Editorial Director Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

CALENDARS CALENDAR COORDINATOR: Whitney C. Harris EVENT RESEARCHERS: Rochelle Dorset, Shara Levine DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke EDITORIAL INTERN: Megan Vasquez

ADVERTISING SALES

Big Apple Parent 212-315-0800 Jeunesse Jackson, Manager Lauren Alperin Meirowitz, Managing Director Queens Parent 718-878-4860 Annene Guertin, Manager Westchester Parent 914-397-0200 Nini DeLuca, Manager Merrill Sugarman Brooklyn Parent 718-878-4860 Phyllis Crupi, Selene Rodriguez Rockland Parent 845-848-8021 Cara Roteman, Jim Russo Long Island Parent, Nassau 516-883-4543 Joan Bergman, Manager Lisa Herlihy Long Island Parent, Suffolk 631-472-5437 Karen Shapiro, Gayle Sherman To Advertise: nympads@davlermedia.com To Submit Events: nymetroparents.com/submitevents To Submit News: nymetroparents.com/submitnews

STATEN ISLAND PARENT

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

MOMMYBITES

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Lauren Alperin Meirowitz 646-736-3609

OPERATIONS

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

PRODUCTION

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

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

MARKETING

MARKETING DIRECTOR: Ryan Christopher ASSISTANT MARKETING MANGER: Kristine Pulaski

FINANCE

CONTROLLER: David Friedman CREDIT ASSISTANT: Rosa Meinhofer

Davler Media Group

Tell Us How You Give Back! In this season of showing gratitude and giving, we want hear how you 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!

davlermedia.com

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

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

Pre New Years Eve Party

Friday, Dec 28th 5:30pm – 8pm $30 Members / $35 Guests This is a drop off party for kids age 3yrs and up. Event sells out so Reservations Required – No walk ins.

Free Trial Classes

for new students from Jan 2 – Jan 15. Call to schedule your day and time.

Open Gym Now Open to the Public Call for days and times.

Happy BEE Day!! Reserve your PRIVATE Birthday Party with us.

401 Market Street Nanuet, NY

RocklandParent

5 Ways to ‘Not Quite Ruin Your Child’

›› By Melissa Wickes

here’s an abundance of resources—from books and magazines to Facebook and parent groups—to turn to when seeking advice on how to raise the smartest, highest-achieving, and most successful children. We all want what’s best for our kids, after all. But James Breakwell, professional comedy writer and selfproclaimed amateur father of four girls (and two pigs), suggests it’s simply a waste of time. “In the long run, we all work out to be average,” he says. “Your child would be better off if you just relax and do a little less for them, rather than stress yourself out and push them as hard as possible.” Breakwell, author of Bare Minimum Parenting: The Ultimate Guide to Not-Quite Ruining Your Child, shares advice that proves it’s okay to be a “lazy parent.” Say no to (parental) peer pressure. When the mother of a boy in your son’s Boy Scout troop makes comments about the KitKat you put in his lunch or your daughter’s field hockey coach asks why she’s not on a travel team yet (in fourth grade), it can be difficult to stick to your own parenting ways. But if every parent thinks they’re right about how to parent and you’re wrong, then everyone is wrong, according to Breakwell. “If someone tells you you’re a terrible parent, who cares,” he says. “They can’t stop you from giving your kid that candy bar. We’ve been raising kids for hundreds of thousands of years before Facebook and online forums. Don’t let parent-shaming control your decisions.” Show up sometimes, but not all the time. “Raise your kid to think they’re a member of the family, not the entire family,” Breakwell suggests. By dropping everything, leaving work, and traveling far and wide to go to every single one of your son’s lacrosse games, you’re teaching him that he’s the epicenter of the universe and he should only do things in search of your validation, not because he loves them. Instead, Breakwell suggests showing up when you can, and when you do, take him out for dinner after the game. “After all, your kids aren’t going to remember the games you weren’t at, but they will remember the one time you took them for pizza after,” he says. Speaking of sports, are you spending all of your time and money to fly around the country, pay tournament fees, and book hotels so your child can potentially get a scholarship to college and you can save money? Breakwell compares that to spending $1,000 at a claw machine for a $5 stuffed animal. “Why not take all of that money 8

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Van Deman Photography

raising kids in the know

James Breakwell (middle), author of Bare Minimum Parenting: The Ultimate Guide to Not-Quite Ruining Your Child, with his family

you’re wasting and save it for college?” Breakwell suggests. Plus, it’s likely your kid won’t become a professional sports player. Convince them they had a great childhood. When parents post pictures on Facebook, Breakwell says they’re lying to their friends. “You post your best picture, I post my best picture, and we create an echo chamber of lying where everyone thinks the other is telling the truth,” Breakwell says. “Use this to your advantage.” Due to the strange phenomenon known as childhood amnesia, kids can only remember events that occurred before age 3 when they’re little, according to Popular Science. By the time they’re 7, these early memories are almost entirely gone and what they “remember” is a product of what you tell them and the photos they see. “If they don’t remember anyway, why are we stressing out?!” Breakwell asks. “Save the pictures that frame you in a good light and tell your kid she had a happy childhood, and, when she grows up, she won’t blame you for all of her problems.” Stop worrying about preschool (and middle school, high school, college…). “Overachieving parents say that all they care about is their child getting a good education and that education is all that matters. Honestly, I don’t think education matters all that much as long as your kid somehow gets one somewhere,” Breakwell says. “Nobody has secret math. Math at one school will be the same as it is at another school even if the other school has a swimming pool and a polo field.” If a parent is saying she wants her son to go to the best school, does this mean the school that will make him the happiest and feel the most fulfilled, or is it the one that will ensure he makes the most money? Instead of focusing on getting your kid into the school with the ‘best reputation,’ focus on helping your child make the most of his education. Gently shove your child out the door. The first benchmark of successful parenting is if you raised your child to ultimately support themselves, according to Breakwell. Now, no one is suggesting your 7-year-old live off of lemonade stand money. However, when the time is right, if your child doesn’t get a job, he will certainly never leave. While every parent ideally wants to encourage his child to follow her dreams of becoming a freelance traveling poet, money does ultimately matter. If she’s not making any, it’s coming from you. While you don’t have to explicitly discourage your child from choosing a “fun but impoverishing career,” it can’t hurt to not encourage her to choose a career that will lead to her living in your basement.

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RocklandParent

Courtesy Christopher Dale

raising kids voices

A Healthy Obsession ››

My son is my best reason yet to learn to limit my OCD behaviors. By Christopher Dale

did not hit the genetic lottery. Depression, anxiety, and addiction run in my family, and in early adulthood I battled all three. Fortunately, a combination of psychiatry, medication, and Alcoholics Anonymous have made my 30s far better than my 20s. I got well—or at least well enough—just in time to salvage my marriage and become a father. Now, as my toddler marches steadily toward constant cognizance— into remembering and mimicking his parents’ mannerisms—I feel urgency to address another diagnosis, one less dangerous but nonetheless a source of angst and alienation. I want to overcome my obsessive-compulsive disorder—before it affects my son. At its root, OCD is a fear-based mental illness. It involves counterproductive efforts to maintain a sense of safety when feeling threatened or at risk. A telltale peculiarity is the actions taken to offset these uneasy feelings are completely unassociated with the perceived threats. For example, my OCD might compel me to mitigate fear of failing at work by adjusting a framed photo in the bedroom. Thus commences a cycle where, contrary to intentions, the safety-seeking actions actually lead to worsening anxiety. It’s the feeling of hopelessness attached to knowing that what you’re doing is patently illogical…and being incapable of doing anything about it. Though no specific gene has been pinpointed, research indicates OCD runs in families. Those with a parent or sibling with OCD have a higher risk of developing it. Experts also believe environmental factors can cause OCD tendencies to develop—a “monkey see, monkey do” effect. In other words, the more my son, Nicholas, sees my OCD-mandated movements, the more likely he is to develop his own. I got off lightly compared to many others with OCD, as my obsessive thoughts and routines aren’t extreme or dangerous. I’m compelled to rigidly arrange my shoes, and often fail to flick a light switch per my compulsion’s inexplicable ideal, leading to multiple repeats. I do this pinching thing with my hands (the pressure quells my OCD), and, stereotypically, I’m uneasy stepping on sidewalk cracks. I also fight the urge to grind my teeth—often unsuccessfully, considering my dental records. These bodily compulsions are particularly burdensome since, unlike shoes and light switches, I can’t just walk away from my teeth. Constant triggers require constant vigilance. And though it hasn’t impacted my career, relationships, or other big-ticket items, my OCD is still a significant source of alienation,

The author with his son, Nicholas

humiliation, and stress. Despite this, I’ve never hit an “immediate pain vs. long-term reward” ratio sufficient to commit myself to truly overcoming my OCD. Until now. Until Nicholas. If Nicholas develops OCD via overwhelming genetics, so be it. But if nurture plays a determining role, it’s my responsibility to prevent my son from following in my pavement crack-averse footsteps. From a parenting perspective, this dilemma’s simplicity is refreshing. Even at age 2, raising Nicholas presents a spectrum of gray areas. Is he eating enough? Learning enough? Interacting enough? Answers typically fall into the “probably,” “I think so,” or “I have no idea” columns. Clear-cut cases of yes and no are elusive. Not so with this issue. It’s a must-do. In spite—or perhaps because—of this, the execution is exceptionally intimidating. So are the stakes: There is absolutely nothing in which I am more invested than my only child. For his sake, I simply cannot fail at this, and that fact is overwhelming. Sometimes I watch him at play—a carefree mind concocting universes where roaring dinosaurs and anthropomorphized trains coexist—and can’t imagine burdening that innocence with my compulsions. That my failing is even a possibility brings deep shame, and I feel guilty even though the jury is still out. The disorder’s volatility adds even more pressure. My OCD is relatively minor, but those who are not as lucky as I am can be hindered or even debilitated by it. What if Nicholas not only gets it from me, but gets it worse than me? It is with this tenuous poker hand—these imperfect cards, these unknowable variables and outcomes—that I simply have to go all in. I do this by default, as neither standing pat nor folding are viable options. My path to success is straight but uphill: Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most proven way to overcome mild-to-moderate OCD such as mine. The specific therapy is astoundingly simple, yet exceedingly difficult: exposure and response prevention, which is clinical speak for facing my triggers without acting on my fear-based physical impulses. Apparently, there’s a catch phrase to this: “Better sane than safe.” The fact that such a phrase exists is, well, kind of insane. Nevertheless, here we go. The shoe rack is about to get less tidy, the light fixtures less flickered, my teeth less clenched (and hopefully less sore). Wish me luck. It’ll be a tough road. Thankfully my son—my ultimate motivator—is riding shotgun.

Christopher Dale is a freelance writer and public relations executive who resides in Little Falls, NJ. His work has appeared in a variety of outlets, including NY Daily News, Newsday, The Daily Beast, and Parents.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ChrisDaleWriter.

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

diy corner

Courtesy Michaels.com

things to do

Starry Slime

Experiment with chemistry, astronomy, and art with this out-of-this-world craft! Slime is huge these days—what kid doesn’t have a can full of this stuff to squish, pull, and shape? Your kids may already have a batch slime or two, but do they have one with a galactic (and educational) twist? Explore the patterns and colors of the Milky Way while spending a little quality time crafting. Use this project to segway the conversation into a STEM (or STEAM) learning opportunity to think creatively about outer space or how something sticky like glue can produce something smooth like slime. You’ll Need 2 Elmer’s® Washable Clear School Glue, 5 oz. 1 Creatology™ Jumbo Wood Craft Sticks 1 Glitter Shakers By Creatology®

1 Creatology™ Glitter, 3 oz. 2 Elmer’s® Washable School Glue, 4 oz. Wilton® Gel Icing Colors, 12 Pieces

Instructions Project Notes: All types of Elmer’s® glue work with this recipe; however, this project uses two 5 fl. oz. bottles of clear glue and two 4 fl. oz. bottles of white glue to make Starry Slime as shown. Be careful when children are crafting with sequins, as the product does have a choke hazard warning on the label. Protect your work surface with wax (or palette) paper and wear an apron (or other protective garment) to protect clothing, as the food coloring may stain. 1. First, find your favorite glue slime recipe [visit michaels.com for a few options]. For the Starry Slime, add color to each slime according to your recipe’s instructions. 2. This slime has four colored stripes: black star slime, pink slime, teal slime, and crystal slime. To make black star slime, use one 5 fl. oz. bottle of clear glue. To get the color shown, add black food coloring and a very small quantity of royal blue food coloring, according to your recipe’s instructions. (Tip: Dip a craft stick into the food-coloring container, then mix the color into the glue, stirring thoroughly until it’s completely blended.

Always use a new, clean craft stick when dipping into your food coloring to avoid cross-contamination.) 3. Flatten out your slime on a piece of wax (or palette) paper and sprinkle on fine glitter in silver, pink, purple, peacock blue, and dark blue. Fold the slime’s edges in toward the center to blend the glitters into the slime. Continue until they are evenly distributed throughout the slime. Repeat to mix tiny silver stars into the slime. 4. T o make crystal slime, make your favorite 5 oz. clear glue recipe. Repeat Step 3 to blend white iridescent glitter into the slime. Continue until it is evenly distributed throughout the slime. 5. To make pink slime, use a recipe that calls for a 4 fl. oz. bottle of white glue. To get the color shown add pink food coloring and a tiny quantity of violet food coloring, according to your recipe’s directions. 6. To make teal slime, use a recipe that calls for a 4 fl. oz. bottle of white glue. To get the color shown add teal food coloring according to your recipe’s instructions. 7. Form each slime into a long strip and lay each one next to the other on your non-stick surface. Now, fold and twist the slimes together until you have blended them just the way you like. 8. Store your slime in an airtight, sealable container (or re-sealable plastic bag).

Craft and photography courtesy and reprinted with permission of Michaels // Michaels.com; share photos of your project with #MakeItWithMichaels.

RocklandParent 11

EDUCATION MARKETPLACE Celebrating our 20th Year!

Let Them GROW with us!

Mrs. Feeney and her staff are celebrating another fabulous year educating and nurturing the children in our community

Open House

Registration for Sept 2019

Tues, Jan 22nd - 6:30pm-8pm Wed, Jan 23rd - 9am-11am (Snow date Thurs, Jan 24th 9am-11am & 6:30pm-8pm)

Tues, Jan 29th - 6:30pm-8pm Wed, Jan 30th - 9am-11am (Snow date Thurs, Jan 31st 9am-11am & 6:30pm-8pm) Readiness Skills

• Half Day and Full Day Sessions for 3-5 yr olds. • Extended Care

Including: Math, Science, Reading, History, Religion, Fine & Gross Motor Skills

Technology

Touch Screen Tablets, Smart Boards

Fun

Arts & Crafts, Music, Yoga, Class Trips, Hands on Activities

St. Catharine

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January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

online extras There is more that goes on in preschool than the untrained eye can see. Learn why it’s so important at ›› nymetroparents.com/preschools

Is homework necessary? Take a look inside the debate—and find out what area schools are doing instead at ›› nymetroparents.com/no-homework

The NY metro area offers a variety of school choices, allowing you to choose the best one for your child. Read all about the different school types at ›› nymetroparents.com/school-types

Is your teen emotionally prepared to head off to college? Learn about about three ways your teen can be successful (and share them with her) at ›› nymetroparents.com/college-success

inside

raising kids education

14 F ull STEAM Ahead: How the arts play an important role in sceince, technology, engineering, and math education ducation Directory: Find 16 E schools, academic enrichment, tutors, and more to help your kids succeed in school

Full STEAM Ahead

››

How the arts play an important role in your child’s science, technology, engineering, and math education By Madeleine Burry

“

’ve always loved both science and art,” says Liz Heinecke, author of several STEAM project books for children, including STEAM Lab for Kids: 52 Creative Hands-On Projects for Exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. If you think about it, she says, science and art are inseparable. But that’s not always how educators and learning experts have approached the two disciplines. Nowadays, STEAM is a common phrase. The acronym, as Heinecke’s book title suggests, stands for science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Rewind just a few years, though, and the buzzed-about term was STEM—science, technology, engineering, and math, without the arts included. And earlier still, elementary, middle, and high schools didn’t devote much time to engineering and technology, and math and science were typically taught in different classrooms, without much exploration of the interactions between the two topics. We asked experts to explain the evolution, and why it makes sense from an educational perspective.

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

How the Arts Got Top Billing

STEM was first mentioned in the 1990s, says Jackie Speake, Ed.D., STEM education consultant and author of Designing Meaningful STEM Lessons. The concept “spread like wildfire through the educational landscape,” she says. Driving STEM’s popularity were concerns that American children lack the skills required for a 21st-century workforce, from problem solving to a strong backbone of knowledge. That’s backed up by data: American students “rank around the middle of the pack” in international math and science assessments, Pew Research notes. With STEM, the focus is not primarily on knowledge—for instance, how accurately students can recite times tables or elements in the periodic table—but on the application of information, and growing problem-solving, observational, and exploratory skills. And rather than treating the four pillars as separate and distinct from each other, STEM education focuses on how they’re connected and inform each other.

So, what about that “A”? Artist and author John Maeda, former president of Rhode Island School of Art and Design, was the first champion of adding the arts to STEM and growing the acronym to STEAM. “There is great power in these fields [design and technology] taken separately, and even more when they are put together,” he wrote in a 2013 op-ed for Seattle Times. But, he went on to note, the key is to develop creative, critical-thinking skills in kindergarten through 12th-grade schools.

Benefits of Going STEAM

Why add the arts to STEM? For one thing, the arts make for an inviting, easy access point to STEM topics. “Art is a great on-ramp for a lot of kids, to get them doing science, technology, engineering, and math experiments in a way that is entertaining and approachable,” Heinecke says. And that’s just one reason why it’s smart to embrace the arts within STEM. These are some others: The arts are already a vital part of science, technology, engineering, and math. No need to shoehorn in the arts when it comes to learning—or teaching—science, technology, engineering, and math. “Art and design have played a prominent role in STEM, whether it’s pointed out to people or not,” Heinecke notes. Speake agrees. “STEM lessons naturally involve art (for example, product design), language arts (communication), and social studies and history (setting the context for engineering challenges),” she says. Here’s where a schism occurs, however, between STEAM and STEM proponents: “I’m not necessarily supportive of additional disciplines as separate entities within STEM,” Speake says. This isn’t due to a lack of appreciation for the arts. “STEM projects do not deliberately exclude the arts or any other subject,” she says, noting that they’re included as needed. She—and other educators and experts—have concerns that giving the arts equal weight dilutes the focus on the core STEM disciplines. STEAM advocates, on the other hand, see art’s presence as just surfacing a discipline that was already involved and integral to learning STEM topics. Arts make STEM topics more engaging—even to kids who don’t think they like science or math. Does your child say, “I hate science” or “I’m just not good at math”? These phrases can start early but including the arts in learning can be transformative for some kids. It’s easy to find memorizing a long litany of facts and formulas unappealing, but Heinecke points out math is also a language that helps us describe the universe. If we can get kids to see math as art and beauty and nature, that changes the way they think about the world and the way they approach subjects in school,” Heinecke says. Doing hands-on projects and experiments that involve the arts solidifies a child’s understanding of concepts. Take tessellations—they’re a pattern of repeated shapes without any gaps. Think: the tiles on your kitchen backsplash or bathroom walls. Explain the concept and it’s possible kids will follow, but also possible they’ll be intimidated by the long word or struggle to find the relevance. A better option? Have kids create tessellations of their own, Heinecke suggests. This is a project in one of her books, done using candy wrappers or dried pasta as the pattern-making device. By creating tessellations, kids see the concept in action and may be

inspired to seek out other tessellations in nature (the design on the back of a turtle’s shell, for instance). Plus, the creation process is most likely more memorable than a lecture or slides. STEAM connects your child’s interests to the real world. Watch any popular cooking show (say, The Great British Baking Show, Top Chef, or MasterChef Junior) and you and your kids will see science and art, and possibly engineering and technology, in action, Heinecke points out. There’s the wizardry of sous vide cooking, the science to temper chocolate, architectural decorations, and so on. “Kids connect best with things when they can touch, see, or understand how to use it everyday life,” Heinecke says. “One great thing about adding the arts is that it’s just another way for kids to connect their interests in the real world to the STEM disciplines.” The arts show children how to be creative problem-solvers, and the value of mistakes. Amazing engineers aren’t good at their jobs because of their fast, mental arithmetic or equationsolving abilities. Those are important skills, but it’s creative approaches to problem solving that truly make the difference between a flip phone and an iPhone. “People come from all around the world to be educated in the United States because kids here learn to be creative. A big part of that is art,” Heinecke says. “Art forces you to be creative and brings you out of your shell.” And, art gives kids a place to make interesting mistakes and challenge themselves. “Our kids don’t have enough space to be creative,” she says. “Art gives kids an arena where there isn’t always a right answer.” Art reduces STEM’s intimidation factor—and helps raise informed children. In day-to-day life as grown-ups, even if we work in fields and industries far removed from STEM, we need to have a basic understanding of the topics involved. “Not every kid has to be a scientist or engineer, but the more you embrace the STEM disciplines, the better citizen of the world you’ll be,” Heinecke says. “The more well-informed people are as children, the more they’ll grow up to be wellinformed adults.”

How Parents Can Encourage STEAM Learning

Avoid any kids’ play or building kits that do not encourage creative, independent thinking, Speake advises. “It is not STEM (or STEAM) if there is little creativity in the solving of problems,” Speake says. There’s little value to kits where each child builds the same projects, without options for individualization and exploration, she says. Heinecke’s advice is simple: “Throw some math tools in with your kids’ art supplies.” Rulers, protractors, and compasses are all fair game. And highlight the moments when disciplines overlap, Heinecke says. As your child learns about patterns and shapes, let her know this is geometry, a type of math. Ultimately, Heinecke says, a big goal is to make kids comfortable and familiar with STEM before they hit middle school. And inclusion of the arts can help, she says. “The idea is really to get kids engaged—and keep them engaged.” Madeleine Burry is a freelance writer and editor who has held staff positions at Parents.com, Scholastic, and About.com. Burry lives in Brooklyn with her husband and their cat. You can follow her on Twitter @lovelanewest.

RocklandParent 15

Education Academic Enrichment & Educational Services College Nannies+Sitters+Tutors

845-213-4760 collegesitters.com newcityny@collegesitters.com College Nannies + Sitters + Tutors is the nation’s most respected, complete, and professional resource helping busy families raise smart, confident kids. Since 2001 local professional teams across the country help busy parents carve out time for themselves with a sitter or nanny, and get tutoring for college bound students.

General and Special Needs Private Tutoring by Howard Gorman

Serving Rockland, Bergen, and Westchester counties, and CT 845-304 –7074 hbgorman@aol.com Using research-based methods, your child will not only improve academically, but her sense of self will get stronger. It starts with getting to know your child as a unique person, identifying those areas that need enhancement, and then following a structured strategy that is achievable and closely monitored.

Huntington Learning Center

58 E. Route 59, Nanuet 845-624-6800 23 Jefferson Ave., Westwood, NJ 201-664-2000 75 N. Maple Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 201-447-1200 huntingtonhelps.com Huntington Learning Center is the premier tutoring and test prep provider for kindergarten students through 12th grade. Founded in 1977, its mission is to give every student the best education possible. The company prides itself on personalized attention and proven results with individualized programs taught by certified teachers at accredited centers.

Romp N’ Roll

28-29 Orangetown Shopping Center, Orangeburg 845-580-9065 rompnroll.com info@rompnroll.com At Romp n’ Roll Orangeburg, we offer play-based classes that foster independence, imagination, and physical and cognitive development for kids ages 3 months-5 years. Our curriculum is based on research which shows that children learn and grow from playing and socializing. We offer music, STEAM, cooking, sports, and dance.

Daycare & Childcare Brilliant Minds Daycare and Learning Center

67 N. Little Tor Road, New City 845-535-9658 brilliantmindsdaycare.com myra@brilliantmindsdaycare.com We are a NYS-licensed daycare and learning center for children ages 6 weeks–5 years and after-school care for children 12 and younger. Children are taught following a common core based curriculum and evaluated to ensure kindergarten readiness. All staff are First Aid- and CPR-certified. Flexible scheduling.

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Tutor Time Childcare Learning Center

227 N. Main St., New City 845-708-8270 tutortimenewcity.com Tutor Time Childcare Learning Center in New City, provides early education and care to children ages 6 weeks-5 years. Its proprietary LifeSmart™ curriculum was designed to grow the whole child cognitively, socially, physically, and emotionally. We offer full- and part-time programs, and a state-of-art facility with security cameras.

Wish for Child Daycare/Learning Center

5 Thorn Place, Chestnut Ridge 845-578-1803 wishforchild.com We are a safe, nurturing, Christian-based childcare center offering full-time daycare and after-school care for children ages 2-12. Preschool activities include hands-on academic lessons, computer instruction, and creative expression through art, Bible-based stories and songs, and field trips. We are NYS licensed, CPR- and First Aid-certified.

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January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

five schools in Rockland county. Apply online at catholicschoolsny.org/apply or over the phone at 646-794-2885.

St. Catharine Early Childhood Center

517 Western Highway, Blauvelt 845-359-4330 stcatharineprek.org Our program provides an opportunity for young children to join together in a loving, nurturing, educational, fun environment. Phonemic awareness, social, cognitive, fine and gross motor skills are introduced through creative curriculum. A wonderful place for preschoolers to learn, grow, and have fun!

Preschools Brilliant Minds Daycare and Learning Center 67 N. Little Tor Road, New City 845-535-9658 brilliantmindsdaycare.com myra@brilliantmindsdaycare.com We are a NYS-licensed daycare and learning center for children ages 6 weeks–5 years and after-school care for children 12 and younger. Children are taught following a common core based curriculum and evaluated to ensure kindergarten readiness. All staff are First Aid- and CPR-certified. Flexible scheduling.

Deborah Koenig Early Childhood Center at JCC Rockland

450 W. Nyack Road, West Nyack 845-501-4100 jccrockland.org/dkecc dkecc@jccrockland.org The Deborah Koenig Early Childhood Center located at JCC Rockland is committed to providing excellent care and education. We partner with our families to encourage creativity, curiosity, and imagination, and to build trusting relationships. Registration is ongoing for infants through pre-K. Kindergarten enrollment opens February 2019.

The Lindgren Nursery School

211 Irving Ave., Closter, NJ 201-768-3550 lindgrenschool.com It is our mission to engage young children in direct and meaningful experiences with the natural world and other people. Our campus includes seven classrooms, three-and-a-half acres of gardens, play areas, and farm animals. Daily programs are a balance of indoor and outdoor free-play, teacher directed experiences, and small group activities.

St. Catharine Early Childhood Center

517 Western Highway, Blauvelt 845-359-4330 stcatharineprek.org Our program provides an opportunity for young children to join together in a loving, nurturing, educational, fun environment. Phonemic awareness, social, cognitive, fine, and gross motor skills are introduced through creative curriculum. A wonderful place for preschoolers to learn, grow, and have fun!

Tutor Time Childcare Learning Center

227 N. Main St., New City 845-708-8270 tutortimenewcity.com Tutor Time Childcare Learning Center in New City, provides early education and care to children ages 6 weeks-5 years. Its proprietary LifeSmart™ curriculum was designed to grow the whole child cognitively, socially, physically, and emotionally. We offer fulland part-time programs, and a state-ofart facility with security cameras.

Wish for Child Daycare/Learning Center

Young World Day School

585 Wyckoff Ave., Mahwah, NJ 201-327-3888 youngworlddayschool.org director@ywdschool.org Young World provides a safe, nurturing environment where children grow academically, socially, and emotionally. We offer traditional preschool beginning at age 2, Montessori at age 3, and small, mixed-age elementary classrooms beginning with K through sixth grade where we offer individualized instruction. Enrichment includes Spanish, music, yoga, computers, and athletics.

Special Needs General and Special Needs Private Tutoring by Howard Gorman

Serving Rockland, Bergen, and Westchester counties, and CT 845-304 –7074 hbgorman@aol.com Using research based methods, your child will not only improve academically, but her sense of self will get stronger. It starts with getting to know your child as a unique person, identifying those areas that need enhancement, and then following a structured strategy that is achievable and closely monitored.

Huntington Learning Center

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RocklandParent 17

raising kids teen

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What Your Teen Really Needs from You

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Your oh-so-grown-up child is less independent than she seems—here’s what she’s still relying on you to provide. By Deborah Skolnik

f you have a teen, you probably look at him—on those rare moments when he isn’t holed up in his room or out somewhere with his friends, that is—and wonder: “How’d you get so big?” And the bigger your child gets, the smaller the list of things he relies on you for becomes. Once upon a time, you were his wardrobe coordinator, social activities director, bedtime-story reader, and on and on, but most of those roles have long been phased out. In fact, aside from food, money, rides, and more food, it’s easy to conclude your teen needs nothing from you at all. But thinking that way is a mistake. “Teens look like little adults, and so a lot of times parents treat them like little adults, but their brains are not caught up yet—developmentally, they’re still adolescents,” says Emily Roberts, M.A., L.P.C., psychotherapist and author of Express Yourself. And adolescents have lots of big tasks to accomplish, from hammering out their moral code to making plans for the future. With so much on their plate, “it’s really a time that kids still rely a lot on their parents,” says Kashmira Rustomji, M.D., M.P.H., a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center. So don’t keep your distance. Make sure your child is still getting what he needs from you, especially the following: Praise (when appropriate). “There tends to be a lot more conflict in parent-adolescent relationships,” Dr. Rustomji says. “Often that conflict is about trivial things, like what [teens are] wearing and what they’re listening to. And oftentimes, what gets lost in all that is praising them about the things that are really important.”

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Take some time to give your teen props when she’s earned it, whether that’s for a good grade, going out of her way to help a younger sibling (or you!), or being a great friend. It will balance out some of the times you and your teen find yourselves at odds, and boost her self-esteem. Your good example. Teens “are still very sensitive creatures at this time and they’re still very impressionable, so they may hear half of what you’re saying and they make that their reality,” Roberts points out. That’s why it’s important not to just tell your teen what’s right and what’s wrong, but to show it to him through everything you do. “Teens are always watching you,” Dr. Rustomji adds. So be a good role model—“show them how to cope with stress, how to be respectful, and model the moral code that you developed for yourself,” she urges. Chores. No teen wants them, but all teens need them, Roberts says. “A lot of parents forget that that practice of helping around the house is not only about [teens] showing their family that they are involved, it’s really a habit that they need to have especially as they ease into adulthood. That’s because we’re setting them up to be responsible adults in this time period,” she explains. Yes, teens tend to have busy lives, but that’s not a reason to do away with chores altogether: “You and I sometimes have a lot of work, and we still have to go home and clean our rooms and do our laundry,” Roberts says. Just be considerate of your

teen’s most hectic weeks: “Have a conversation with them about their schedule, especially in the beginning and middle of the school year with midterms and homework and homecoming and all that, asking how you can help,” Roberts advises. Some weeks you may need to make your teen’s chore load a little lighter, or even allow her to skip altogether. The key is to keep her responsibilities as consistent as possible over time, so she accepts chores as a part of life. Help managing his hectic schedule. Your child’s time commitments are growing exponentially—faster than his brain can keep up, Roberts says. “The adolescent brain doesn’t stop growing until the early twenties, and sometimes teens overestimate or underestimate [things],” she explains, including how long certain activities may take. Roberts suggests saying, “Let’s look at how we can schedule your time together,” and then doing just that. Tammy Gold, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., a family therapist, is a fan of putting a calendar in your teen’s room. “Studies show that children really love structure,” she says. “Show them what their week looks like. They still need that help. So they know when the soccer game is, when the test is. Outline the expectations so there isn’t a big fight.” Time spent hanging out with you. Yes, it can seem like you’re the last person your child wants to pass the time with, but that’s not true, Gold says. Look for lulls in your teen’s busy social schedule: “Maybe they weren’t invited somewhere and they’re not going to say that to you, but they could be suffering, so you make the plans,” Gold explains. Even if they weren’t snubbed, teens often don’t like being alone, and could be up for a little company. You can also make a ritual to spend time together at a certain time each week, such as Sunday nights. Spending time together isn’t just nice for the two of you, it has important developmental benefits for your teen. “Obviously, for a toddler you need to be there to say things like ‘Don’t touch the flame!’ But for a teenager you need to be there not only to teach appropriate social behavior and values and model them, but to help them decode what they’re seeing,” Gold says. Help understanding social media. Speaking of things your teen may need your assistance in decoding, social media tops the list, Gold says. “For kids on social media, they need to know that this is a fictitious life, not real life,” she explains. “Nobody puts their bad days on social media! Nobody puts their fights with pimples on there. It’s a curated, fake reality—everyone is just putting the best of themselves out there, so don’t let it make you feel bad.” If your teen is often down because she finds out via social media that she wasn’t invited somewhere with pals, or because her posts got too few likes, it may be time for a social media break. Gold’s own 13-year-old is only allowed to use Snapchat. “That still has the ability to make you say ‘OMG I missed that party, it stinks that I wasn’t invited,’ but that’s gone after twenty-four hours,” Gold says. “Not all kids need social media. They’re not dying without Instagram. They’re not dying without Facebook.” Rules and limits. Oh, we know you’re going to get some major eye rolls when you say, “Be home before ten!” or “No walking home from that party alone!” but that’s no reason to hold back. “It’s for safety, really,” Dr. Rustomji says. “Adolescents are more risk-taking. They tend to want to do things that give them thrills and give them excitement, and sometimes that behavior leads to maladaptive behavior like drugs and alcohol and unsafe sex. So this is a time when it’s really important for parents to set those limits to protect their child and keep them safe.”

It’s also helpful to walk through some sticky scenarios ahead of time. Pose questions to your teen, like, “If someone is drinking at a party and wants you to drink too, how do you say no?” or “If someone gets drunk, what do you do?” Again, your teen may think it’s silly, but try anyway. “If your family has a certain set of values that you want to impart in your children, just make those clear,” Dr. Rustomji says. “And also tell your teen why. Young people want to understand why. And when we just set ultimatums or hard-and-fast rules, they don’t understand them.” Reassurance that you’re always there. “It’s important to tell teens ‘Hey, you’re growing, you’re maturing and because of that you get to go to the mall, you get to go out, but we’re still here to help you,’” Gold says. And it’s even more crucial to make that clear when you and your teen are fighting, she adds. “[Tell your teen] ‘You can yell at me and scream at me, but I’m never going away,’” she urges. “That’s what unconditional love is…there’s nothing you can do that will make me go away.” Your apologies (when appropriate). Did you lose control and scream at your teen? “That happens, it’s normal,” Gold says. “What are you going to do about it now? Recover and say you’re sorry. Teach your child how to say you’re sorry…those are teachable moments.” Not only will your child learn it’s right for people to apologize when they’re wrong, he’ll also learn that nobody’s perfect. Your love. “Teens need holding, as silly as it sounds,” Gold says. “I like to spoon my 13-year-old for ten minutes a night, and we talk about what happened during the day, and she loves it.” So go ahead, give your big kid a hug. Who knows? You might even get a hug back. Deborah Skolnik is the former editorial director of NYMetroParents. She lives in Westchester with her husband and 14-year-old, both of whom are much taller than she is.

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things to do

city bound

N Y C

Family Fun in Manhattan

Families will love the witty lyrics and off-the-wall humor of the Okee Dokee Brothers.

Singin’ in a Winterland

W he hile y re ou , v ’r isit e …

The Bryant Park ice-skating rink is the only free rink in Manhattan.

Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park

In its 17th season, the iconic holiday experience features the beloved ice-skating rink (the only free admission skating rink in NYC), more than 170 holiday shop vendors curated by Urbanspace (through Jan. 2), and the debut of The Lodge, an après skate-style escape from the cold anchored by a festive cocktail bar and a luxury Champagne Bollinger bar, along with 12 new and classic restaurant concepts. Visit it: 40th Street, between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown; 212768-4242; bryantpark.org Can’t-miss event: Read-to-Skate Storytime: Jan. 12-Feb. 23, Saturdays, 12-1pm Directions: Approximately a 1-hour drive from New City

Courtesy Big Apple Circus

Courtesy 2019 Progressive® Insurance New York Boat Show®

The Okee Dokee Brothers are coming to Symphony Space for A ‘Winterland’ Concert featuring music from their latest album. Justin Lansing and Joe Mailander have been exploring the outdoors together since they were kids. Now they’re a Grammy Awardwinning folk-and-roots music duo that puts the natural world at the heart of their Americana music. Performing songs from their new album Winterland, the Okee Dokee Brothers make room for kids to dance, for parents to share stories, and for everyone to gain respect for nature, each other, and the world in which we live. Saturday, Jan. 5, 11am. Ages: 2 and older. $14-$17. Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side. symphonyspace.org.

Courtesy Bank of America Winter Village

Alex Johnson

By Whitney C. Harris

Boat-lovers big and small can check out some impressive vessels up close.

The Big Apple Circus is back for its 41st season at Lincoln Center.

Boats, Boats, Everywhere!

Lincoln Center

The 2019 Progressive® Insurance New York Boat Show® docks at the Javits Center this month, bringing lifelong boaters and enthusiastic dreamers the latest in luxury motor yachts, sport fishers, performance boats, watersport boats, and thousands of new marine technologies and accessories. A New York tradition since 1905, the five-day event delivers a shopping paradise for boaters with the latest in boating innovations, plus interactive boating workshops and fun for the whole family. Jan. 23-27, Wednesday-Friday, 12-9pm; Saturday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 10am-6pm. Age: All. $16; free for children 12 and younger. Jacob Javits Center, 655 W. 34th St., Chelsea. nyboatshow.com. 20

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Whether you love dance, music, film, or theater, there’s always something spectacular to be seen at Lincoln Center, especially in the wintertime. LC Kids has an always-evolving smorgasboard of arts and culture for children, as does CMS Kids (Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center). Plus, it’s always fun to let the littles run around the adjacent plazas and burn some energy before and after showtime! Visit it: 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West Side; 212-257-2330; bryantpark.org Can’t-miss event: The Big Apple Circus: through Jan. 27, see website for schedule Directions: Approximately a 50-minute drive from New City

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Turn the page for details on ‘Pinkalicious’ The Musical (No. 7 on our list)

ay -by-d y a d r out ou line: dar Check alendar on c /calen

s.com

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nyme

, rhood ighbo d cost. e n y hb an Searc type, age, t n e ev ily! ted da Upda

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JANUARY CALENDAR

Editor’s Hot Tickets

Mini Musicians

We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!

The Great Outdoors,

Animal Lovers, Special Needs

Crafty Kids

Holiday Fun, Once Upon a Time

Smarty Pants 30

Show Time, Little Foodies

Movers & Shakers

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the ten 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! Winter Wonderland

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 1, 11am-7pm WHERE: Bergen County’s Winter Wonderland, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy ice-skating, carousel rides, zoo entry, and more! WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s easy to make a day of it with food trucks and a beer garden, plus a heated hospitality pavilion. WANT TO GO? $15; free for children under 3. bergencountywinterwonderland.com.

Watercolor Painting for the Joy of It: Still Life

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 11, 10-11:30am WHERE: Albert Wisner Public Library, 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Learn the basics of watercolor painting with artist Pat Foxx. WHY WE LOVE IT: A great way for teens to tap into their artsy side. WANT TO GO? $5. 845-986-1047. albertwisnerlibrary.org.

Dinosaur Brick Builder

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WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 13, 2-3pm WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Start with a small lesson on dinosaurs and fossils,

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

then work together to put together the dinosaur build. WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s the center’s coolest build yet, and a chance to take home a nature-themed Lego set. WANT TO GO? $20 Members; $25 Non-Members. 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.

Dr. MLK, Jr. Celebration: CeCe Winans, Anthony Brown, JJ Hairston

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 18, 8pm WHERE: New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center St., Newark, NJ AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Be inspired by the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at this annual musical tribute, an all-star gospel celebration. WHY WE LOVE IT: Be on the lookout for a special guest speaker that will be announced! WANT TO GO? $39-$89. 800-466-5722. njpac.org.

Mr. Kurt at Night! FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 23, 6-6:45pm WHERE: New City Library, 220 N. Main St., New City AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy music, singing, dancing, and bubbles. WHY WE LOVE IT: It’ll feel like an after-dark night on the town with kiddos! WANT TO GO? 845 634-4997. newcitylibrary.org.

PBS KIDS Live! Really BIG tiny Adventure Presented by Zappos Adaptive

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 24, 6pm WHERE: New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center St., Newark, NJ AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Dot, Dee, and Del go on an unexpected adventure when they’re shrunk to the size of grasshoppers! Plus, characters from favorite PBS KIDS shows will be available to meet and greet! WHY WE LOVE IT: Download the free app to explore an augmentedreality Bug Garden, a playground where the theater lobby transforms into an immersive PBS KIDS world. WANT TO GO? $19.50-$49.50. 800-466-5722. njpac.org.

‘Pinkalicious’ The Musical

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 27, 1pm and 4pm WHERE: Bergen Performing Arts Center, 30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Vital Theatre Company’s long-running hit Pinkalicious returns. WHY WE LOVE IT: Fans of the children’s book will delight in seeing the story on stage. WANT TO GO? $15-$39. 201-227-1030. bergenpac.org.

Celebrate Party Showcase

Get weekend activities delivered to you!

WHEN: Sunday, January 27, 12-4pm WHERE: Park Ridge Marriott, 300 Brae Blvd., Park Ridge, NJ AGES: All WHAT: From DJs and favors to invites and decor, you will find everything you need for the perfect celebration. Sample food, try games, meet DJs, and find the perfect logo and decorations for your party. Vendors will also offer exclusive discounts to attendees at the showcase. WHY WE LOVE IT: There’s a free seminar before the showcase at which you can learn to incorporate community service in your child’s Simcha—but make sure you register for it! WANT TO GO? $10 per family; register online for free admission. celebratepartyshowcase.com.

Doc McStuffins: The Exhibit

WHEN: Through Jan. 27: Tuesday-Friday, 9am-4pm; Saturday-Sunday, 9am-5:30pm WHERE: Liberty Science Center, 222 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Play doctor and perform check-ups at the McStuffins Toy Hospital, groom toy pets at the Pet Vet, feed baby toys in the nursery, and more. WHY WE LOVE IT: A final chance to check out this hands-on exhibit featuring every preschooler’s favorite doc. WANT TO GO? $23.75; $19.75 children 2-12. 201-200-1000. lsc.org.

Toddler Yoga FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 31, 3:30-4pm WHERE: Pearl River Library, 80 Franklin Ave., Pearl River AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: Take your tot to the library for a 30-minute yoga session that’ll have you saying “OM.” WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s a free activity that’ll help your child focus and have fun. WANT TO GO? 845-735-4084. pearlriverlibrary.org.

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

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 26, 11am-3pm WHERE: Nyack Library, 59 S. Broadway, Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Christine Ascanto-Acosta from New York Life Insurance Company will help you create a child ID to use in case of an emergency. WANT TO GO? 845-358-3370 x214. nyacklibrary.org.

Chess Club FREE

WHEN: Jan. 5-26, Saturdays, 10:30-11:15am WHERE: Nyack Library, 59 S. Broadway, Nyack AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Players of all levels are welcome! Zach Sherman will be on hand to help guide and teach. WANT TO GO? 845-358-3370 x214. nyacklibrary.org.

Master Ben’s Boardgames FREE

WHEN: Jan. 7-28, Mondays, 4-6pm WHERE: Nyack Library, 59 S. Broadway, Nyack AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Play some awesome board and card games, including Magic the Gathering, and meet fellow gamers. WANT TO GO? 845-358-3370 x214. nyacklibrary.org.

Anime Club for Teens FREE

WHEN: Jan. 8-29, Tuesdays, 4-5pm WHERE: Albert Wisner Public Library, 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Discuss anime and manga with your friends. WANT TO GO? 845-986-1047. albertwisnerlibrary.org.

Play the PS4 @ the Village Branch FREE

WHEN: Jan. 8-29, Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Village Branch, 85 Main St., Haverstraw AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Play the PS4 on the library’s big screen! WANT TO GO? 845-429-3445. hkdpl.org.

Weekly Drop-In at Rockland Baby Cafe FREE

WHEN: Through Jan. 31: Tuesdays, 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE: Rockland Baby Cafe, 14 S. Main St., Spring Valley AGES: Newborn to 2, adult WHAT: Meet and talk to new moms, learn how to make breast-feeding easier, and get tips on pumping, going back to work, and other parenting topics. WANT TO GO? 914-922-2240. rocklandgov.com. RocklandParent 23

AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Read to a therapy dog for 15 minutes on a winter afternoon. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

Penguins FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 29, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Nyack Library, 59 S. Broadway, Nyack AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Learn about these fascinating creatures and make your own penguin pal to take home. WANT TO GO? 845-358-3370 x214. nyacklibrary.org.

ANIMAL LOVERS All About Owls

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 6, 10:30am-12pm WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: 5 and older WHAT: A staff educator will teach you all about owls, their awesome adaptations, and how they survive. Participants will dissect an owl pellet, inspect feathers, go on a short walk, and meet a special friend. WANT TO GO? $3 members; $6 non-members; free for children younger than 2. 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.

R.E.A.D Dogs FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 8, 4-5:30pm WHERE: Nyack Library, 59 S. Broadway, Nyack AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Children will get to read one-on-one with a specially trained Reading Education Assistance Dog (R.E.A.D.) and their handler. WANT TO GO? 845-358-3370 x214. nyacklibrary.org.

PAWS for Reading @ the Village Branch FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 12, 10:30am-12pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Village Branch, 85 Main St., Haverstraw AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Sign up for a 15-minute session to read to a dog! WANT TO GO? 845-429-3445. hkdpl.org.

PAWS for Reading at New City Library FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 12, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: New City Library, 220 N. Main St., New City AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Certified therapy dogs and their handlers will be on hand to help new readers, struggling readers, and children who just want to read to the dogs. WANT TO GO? 845 634-4997. newcitylibrary.org.

Animal Story Time

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 19, 11am-1pm WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Children learning to read or looking to build confidence in reading skills can help the animals get through the winter by reading them a story! WANT TO GO? $2 suggested donation. 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.

PAWS for Reading FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 20, 1:30-3pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville 24

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

SPECIAL NEEDS Sensory Story Time FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 19, 11-11:30am WHERE: Nyack Library, 59 S. Broadway, Nyack AGES: 3-8 WHAT: This program is specifically designed for children who are on the autism spectrum and/or have sensory integration issues. WANT TO GO? 845-358-3370 x214. nyacklibrary.org.

BUBBLE TROUBLE Sensory Friendly Kidz Cabaret Series

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 19, 1pm & 3pm WHERE: Bergen Performing Arts Center, 30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Jeff Boyer takes bubbles to the max in this one-man bubble extravaganza. Mixing comedy, music, and a unique level of community participation, he engages and delights audiences of all ages. WANT TO GO? $19. 201-227-1030. bergenpac.org.

Sensory Storytime FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 26, 10-11am WHERE: New City Library, 220 N. Main St., New City AGES: 3-12 WHAT: This program thoughtfully considers the developmental needs of children on the autism spectrum. Enjoy stories, music, movement, and play time in a safe and accepting environment. WANT TO GO? 845-634-4997. newcitylibrary.org.

CRAFTY KIDS Open Studio: Art on a Sunday FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 6, 2-3pm WHERE: Albert Wisner Public Library, 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Drop in and reate a snowflake mural with local artist Judy Pedersen. WANT TO GO? 845-986-1047. albertwisnerlibrary.org.

INTRODUCING OUR NEW SKY WARS PARTY OPTION

Crafts with Miss Cheryl FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 9, 4:30-5:15pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Make a fun craft! WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

UPGRADED PARTY PACKAGES

Sewing For Kids! FREE

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WHEN: Friday, Jan. 11, 4-5:30pm WHERE: New City Library, 220 N. Main St., New City AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Learn to use a sewing machine and make a simple project. WANT TO GO? 845-634-4997. newcitylibrary.org.

LEGO? Junior Club FREE

WHEN: Monday, Jan. 14, 4-4:45pm WHERE: New City Library, 220 N. Main St., New City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Enjoy some fantastic free play for little Lego lovers. WANT TO GO? 845 634-4997. newcitylibrary.org.

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PROVIDING KID APPROVED DENTAL CARE!

Kids Create FREE

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 18, 4-4:45pm WHERE: New City Library, 220 N. Main St., New City AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Inspired by the work of a well-known artist, kids will create their own masterpieces. WANT TO GO? 845-634-4997. newcitylibrary.org.

Hub Cap Craft FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 19, 3-4pm WHERE: New City Library, 220 N. Main St., New City AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Recycle a hubcap and give it an awesome makeover with our craft supplies. WANT TO GO? 845 634-4997. newcitylibrary.org.

Specializing in Dental Care for Children of All Ages State of the Art Dental Care & Facility Evening & Saturday Hours Available

Winter Craft FREE

WHEN: Monday, Jan. 21, 4:30-5:15pm WHERE: Rose Memorial Library, 79 E. Main St., Stony Point AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Make a fun winter craft to take home. WANT TO GO? 845-786-2100. rosememoriallibrary.org.

Teen Craft FREE

WHEN: Jan. 8-22, select Tuesdays, 6-7pm WHERE: Nyack Library, 59 S. Broadway, Nyack AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Get creative and make stuff with Miss Morgan. WANT TO GO? 845-358-3370 x214. nyacklibrary.org.

Marita Smith, DDS Board Certiﬁed Pediatric Dentist

24 Hour Emergency Service Available Most Dental Insurances Accepted Nitrous Oxide available for children when necessary Se Habla Espanol

Smith’s Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry 5C Medical Park Drive, Pomona, NY 10970 ››

drsmith@smithslittlesmiles.com

(845) 414-9626

www.smithslittlesmiles.com

facebook.com/smithslittlesmilespd

@smithslittlesmiles

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ONCE UPON A TIME! Sign & Storytime-Baby Signing FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 9, 10-10:30am WHERE: Albert Wisner Public Library, 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy this story time approach to basic baby signing. WANT TO GO? 845-986-1047. albertwisnerlibrary.org.

Boys Book Club FREE

HOLIDAY FUN Holiday Candlelight Tours

WHEN: Jan. 6-13, Sundays, 5pm and 6:30pm WHERE: Historical Society of Rockland County, 20 Zukor Road, New City AGES: All WHAT: Experience Dutch American holiday traditions of the 1830s with nineteenth-century music and seasonal refreshments. WANT TO GO? $10; $8 seniors and HSRC members; $5 children. 845-634-9629. rocklandhistory.org.

Celebrate Martin Luther King! FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 15, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Watch Martin’s Big Words and then design a T-shirt using the inspirational words of MLK. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

My Art Class with Judy Pedersen FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 19, 1:30-2:30pm WHERE: Albert Wisner Public Library, 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Get a head start celebrating The Chinese New Year by painting, drawing, or collaging your zodiac animal, and then display it! WANT TO GO? 845-986-1047. albertwisnerlibrary.org.

43rd Annual Holiday Exhibition: Cherished & Charming

WHEN: Through Feb. 24: Wednesdays-Fridays, 10am-5pm; Sundays, 12-4pm WHERE: Historical Society of Rockland County, 20 Zukor Road, New City AGES: All WHAT: The display will feature vintage collectible cottages, folk art, replicas of Rockland County historic homes and buildings, holiday cards, and rarely seen tiny objects from the HSRC’s Permanent Collection. WANT TO GO? Wednesday-Friday, free; Sunday, $7; $3 seniors, children ages 3-12, and HSRC members; free for children younger than 3. 845-634-9629. rocklandhistory.org.

Ski, Snowboard, and Tubing Season

WHEN: Jan. 1-March 31, Monday-Thursday, 2-8pm; Friday, 1-10pm; Saturday, 8:30am-10pm; Sunday, 8:30am-8pm WHERE: Campgaw Mountain, 200 Campgaw Road, Mahwah, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and tubing (with a surface lift!) for all abilities. Equipment rentals and instruction are available. WANT TO GO? See website for rates and packages. 201-327-7800. skicampgaw.com. 26

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 10, 6:30-7:45pm WHERE: New City Library, 220 N. Main St., New City AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Read what you want, then meet for discussion, activities, and snacks. WANT TO GO? 845 634-4997. newcitylibrary.org.

Spectacular Snowflakes FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 15, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Nyack Library, 59 S. Broadway, Nyack AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Listen to stories and make a giant snowflake to hang in your home. WANT TO GO? 845-358-3370 x214. nyacklibrary.org.

Graphic Novel Book Club FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 17, 6:30-7:30pm WHERE: New City Library, 220 N. Main St., New City AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Learn about this form of storytelling and create some of your own! WANT TO GO? 845-634-4997. newcitylibrary.org.

African Clay Mask Making FREE

WHEN: Monday, Jan. 21, 4:30-5:45pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 5-8 WHAT: This workshop includes storytelling, a harvest dance, and song. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

Imagination Station FREE

WHEN: Jan. 8-22, Tuesdays, 1:30-2:15pm WHERE: New City Library, 220 N. Main St., New City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Kids can play dress up, hear a story, make a craft, and more. WANT TO GO? 845-634-4997. newcitylibrary.org.

Preschool Science Story Time FREE

WHEN: Jan. 11-25, Fridays, 11am WHERE: Pearl River Library, 80 Franklin Ave., Pearl River AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Check out a special story time with a science theme. WANT TO GO? 845-735-4084. pearlriverlibrary.org.

Word Worms Book Club FREE

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 25, 4-4:45pm WHERE: Pearl River Library, 80 Franklin Ave., Pearl River AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Pick up a copy of The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl to read, then discuss. WANT TO GO? 845-735-4084. pearlriverlibrary.org.

Stories and a Craft with Dee FREE

WHEN: Jan. 8-29, Tuesdays, 1:30-2:15pm WHERE: Pearl River Library, 80 Franklin Ave., Pearl River AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Take part in stories and a craft with Dee. WANT TO GO? 845-735-4084. pearlriverlibrary.org.

MINI

Story Time with Special Guest Jacob! FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 29, 1:30-2:15pm WHERE: New City Library, 220 N. Main St., New City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Jacob will be there with his guitar and everyone will sing fun songs! WANT TO GO? 845-634-4997. newcitylibrary.org.

Elementary Explorers FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 30, 4:30-5:15pm WHERE: Rose Memorial Library, 79 E. Main St., Stony Point AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Stories followed by various activities including crafts and games. WANT TO GO? 845-786-2100. rosememoriallibrary.org.

Preschool Story Time FREE

WHEN: Jan. 9-30, Wednesday, 1:30-2:15pm WHERE: Albert Wisner Public Library, 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Enjoy stories, songs, and a craft! WANT TO GO? 845-986-1047. albertwisnerlibrary.org.

Mother Goose FREE

WHEN: Jan. 9-30, Wednesday and Fridays, 11:15-11:45am WHERE: Albert Wisner Public Library, 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: Enjoy a special time for you and your little one. WANT TO GO? 845-986-1047. albertwisnerlibrary.org.

Mother Goose Time FREE

WHEN: Jan. 2-30, Wednesdays, 11-11:30am WHERE: Nyack Library, 59 S. Broadway, Nyack AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: This program is a gentle way to introduce your baby to story time with simple books, rhymes, and songs. WANT TO GO? 845-358-3370 x214. nyacklibrary.org.

Preschool Story Time FREE

WHEN: Jan. 2-30, Wednesdays, 2-2:30pm WHERE: Nyack Library, 59 S. Broadway, Nyack AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Listen to longer stories, sing songs, dance, and play games. WANT TO GO? 845-358-3370 x214. nyacklibrary.org.

Family Drop-in Story Time FREE

WHEN: Jan. 10-31, Thursdays, 1:30-2:15pm WHERE: Albert Wisner Public Library, 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Drop-in for stories, songs, and a craft, for the whole family. WANT TO GO? 845-986-1047. albertwisnerlibrary.org.

Winter PJ Storytime FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 31, 6:30-7:15pm WHERE: New City Library, 220 N. Main St., New City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Hear some stories, sing songs, and have a light snack. WANT TO GO? 845-634-4997. newcitylibrary.org.

Girls Book Club FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 31, 4-5pm WHERE: New City Library, 220 N. Main Street, New City AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Read the book pick ahead of time, and then enjoy an exciting and educational discussion afterwards. WANT TO GO? 845 634-4997. newcitylibrary.org.

MUSICIANS Music with Melinda FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 2, 10-10:30am WHERE: Albert Wisner Public Library, 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Move and groove with Melinda Burgard, music therapist. WANT TO GO? 845-986-1047. albertwisnerlibrary.org.

Mr. Kurt Concert FREE

WHEN: Monday, Jan. 7, 10-10:45am WHERE: New City Library, 220 N. Main St., New City AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Sing along with Kurt or maybe take the mic yourself! And, of course, there are always the bubbles to pop! WANT TO GO? 845 634-4997. newcitylibrary.org.

Music Classes for Children FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 15, 11:45am WHERE: Dennis P. McHugh Piermont Public Library, 25 Flywheel Park W., Piermont AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: The class will explore how the early childhood program of Music Together teaches music through play. WANT TO GO? 845-359-4595. piermontlibrary.org.

Play, Move, & Sing with Sukey Molloy FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 23, 10-10:45am WHERE: Albert Wisner Public Library, 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy a fun, interactive class for little ones and caregivers. WANT TO GO? 845-986-1047. albertwisnerlibrary.org.

Music and Movement with Miss Fran FREE

WHEN: Jan. 3-24, Thursdays, 10:30-11am WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Sing together with puppets, instruments, props, lots of movement, and even more laughter. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

Music with Bumblesong’s Mr. Matt FREE

WHEN: Jan. 7-28, Mondays, 10-10:30am WHERE: Albert Wisner Public Library, 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Parent and child will sing, dance, and play along to classic favorites and some new exciting fun songs! WANT TO GO? 845-986-1047. albertwisnerlibrary.org.

Zumbini FREE

WHEN: Jan. 10-31, Thursdays, 11-11:45am WHERE: Nyack Library, 59 S. Broadway, Nyack AGES: 1-4, adult WHAT: This program uses original music and movement to promote cognitive, social, emotional, and motor skill development. The instructor is a certified Zumbini teacher and yoga teacher, and has been teaching all styles of dance for 15 years. Space is very limited, please register for each session online. WANT TO GO? 845-358-3370 x214. nyacklibrary.org. ›› RocklandParent 27

Public Skating Sessions

WHEN: Jan. 1-March 2, Monday-Tuesday, 10am-1:30pm; Friday, 8pm9:30pm; Saturday, 10am-9:30pm; Sunday, 10am-7:30pm WHERE: Bear Mountain Ice Rink, 7 Lakes Drive, Tomkins Cove AGES: All WHAT: Lace-up for the season and enjoy skating outdoors in the fresh air! WANT TO GO? Admission $5; $2 non-skaters and seniors; free for children younger than 4. $5 skate rental. 845-786-2701. bearmountainicerink.com.

Public Skating Sessions

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Primitive Living Skills - Children Session - Coal Burning Part I WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 5, 10 am-12:30pm WHERE: The Nature Place Day Camp, 47 New York Ave., Chestnut Ridge AGES: 9-17 WHAT: This session will explore the art of coal burning, an ancient technique used to make bowls, spoons, and other containers using hot coals. WANT TO GO? $45 for single session, discounts available for series. 845-356-1234. thenatureplace.com.

Family Nature Discovery

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 12, 10:30am-12pm WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Families can enjoy a Hibernation Happenings discovery-themed lesson, featuring hands on activities and animal encounters. WANT TO GO? $20 Members family up to 6 people; $5 Members; $32 Non-member families up to 6 people; $8 Non-members. 201-5686093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.

Primitive Living Skills - Children Session - Coal Burning Part II WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 19, 10am-12:30pm WHERE: The Nature Place Day Camp, 285 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge AGES: 9-17 WHAT: This is part two of the highly hands-on program, designed to build a foundation in wilderness skills. WANT TO GO? $45 for single session, discounts available for series. 845-356-1234. thenatureplace.com.

Parents Night Out

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 26, 5:30-9pm WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Kids have a meal and participate in fun activities with an Environmental Educator while parents enjoy some time to relax or have an evening out. WANT TO GO? $35 members; $40 non-members; $10 sibling discount. 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.

Fur-Real Friends

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 27, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Meet the TNC mammal ambassadors and learn all about what makes mammals so special. See real fur and bones and go on a short walk to look for mammal signs. WANT TO GO? $3 Members; $6 Non-Members. 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org. 28

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Through March 31: Monday & Friday, 3:30-5pm; Saturday, 1:30-4:30pm; Sunday, 2-5pm WHERE: John T. Wright Arena, 130 W. Englewood Ave., Set GPS to 85 W. Englewood Ave., Englewood, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Go outdoor ice skating with your family! Lessons available too. WANT TO GO? $6 Englewood residents; $8 non-resident; $4 skate rentals. 201-568-3133. mackayicerink.com.

SMARTY PANTS Chess Club FREE

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 4, 4-5pm WHERE: New City Library, 220 N. Main St., New City AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Drop in for a game of chess. Boards, opponents, and basic instruction are provided. No experience necessary! WANT TO GO? 845-634-4997. newcitylibrary.org.

Zines Program FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 9, 6-7:30pm WHERE: New City Library, 220 N. Main St., New City AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Stop by and help create a page or two for the library’s magazine. Children may write a story or paint/draw some artwork. WANT TO GO? 845 634-4997. newcitylibrary.org.

Minecraft Challengers For All Ages FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 12, 3-4pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: All WHAT: Talk and play everything Minecraft! WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

Lego Builders FREE

WHEN: Monday, Jan. 14, 4-5pm WHERE: New City Library, 220 N. Main St., New City AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Lego fans can head to the library for a monthly building challenge. WANT TO GO? 845-634-4997. newcitylibrary.org.

Orange County in the Great War: The Role of Local Communities in the War to End All Wars FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 15, 6:30-7:45pm WHERE: Albert Wisner Public Library, 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick AGES: 13 and older WHAT: This program focuses on stories and feats of the men of Orange County who fought to make the world safe for democracy. WANT TO GO? 845-986-1047. albertwisnerlibrary.org.

Science Squad FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 17, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville

AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Participate in fun chemistry, physics, and technology experiments to discover more about the world around you. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

Preschool Spanish FREE

WHEN: Mondays, Jan. 14 and 28, 1:30-2:15pm WHERE: Albert Wisner Public Library, 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Have some fun learning basic Spanish. WANT TO GO? 845-986-1047. albertwisnerlibrary.org.

Crazy 8’s Math Club FREE

WHEN: Jan. 8-29, Tuesdays, 5-5:45pm WHERE: Albert Wisner Public Library, 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Kids will build glow-in-the-dark structures, crack secret spy codes, and play games like toilet paper Olympics. WANT TO GO? 845-986-1047. albertwisnerlibrary.org.

Library Chess Group FREE

WHEN: Jan. 2-30, Wednesdays, 5:30-8pm WHERE: Albert Wisner Public Library, 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Stop by the library for an evening of chess. New players are always welcome. WANT TO GO? 845-986-1047. albertwisnerlibrary.org.

Exploration Station FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 30, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Explore science and the world around you with hands-on stations, along with a discussion and a story. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

Gadgets and Gizmos FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 30, 6:30-7:30pm WHERE: New City Library, 220 N. Main St., New City AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Students can signup for activities building or using gizmos and gadgets. WANT TO GO? 845-634-4997. newcitylibrary.org.

W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Both students and parents are welcome to learn about the college admissions process, how to get started, and how to get the most financial aid. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

‘Elemental Forces’ Exhibit FREE

WHEN: Through April 30: Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm; weekends, 1-4pm WHERE: Rockland Center for the Arts, 27 S. Greenbush Road, West Nyack AGES: All WHAT: This public art exhibit invited artists to create sculptures using renewable energy utilizing solar, wind, and geothermal to the potential of alternative energy. WANT TO GO? 845-358-0877. rocklandartcenter.org. ››

All The Dentistry Your Family Needs Under One Roof! Open Evenings and Saturdays

Gathering the Magic with Master Ben FREE

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WHEN: Jan. 2-30, Wednesdays, 4-6pm WHERE: Nyack Library, 59 S. Broadway, Nyack AGES: 13-17 WHAT: For new and experienced players alike, learn the basics of Magic the Gathering, acquire new tricks, meet new people, and have fun! WANT TO GO? 845-358-3370 x214. nyacklibrary.org.

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A Modern Office for the Modern Family

Weekly Drop-In at Rockland Baby Cafe FREE

WHEN: Through Jan. 31: Thursdays, 11am-1pm WHERE: Martin Luther King Multi-Purpose Center, 110 Bethune Blvd., Spring Valley AGES: Newborn to 2, adult WHAT: A drop-in to get together to meet and talk to new moms, learn how to make breastfeeding easier, make sure your baby is latching and gaining well, get tips on pumping and going back to work, and learn about other parenting topics. WANT TO GO? 914-922-2240. rocklandgov.com.

College Night FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 31, 7-8:30pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10

FREE Consultation, X-Ray, and Exam! ($205 Value) Dedicated Children's Facility!

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RocklandParent 29

LITTLE FOODIES

Kids Night

WHEN: Through Jan. 1: Mondays, 6-8pm WHERE: Orangeburg Diner, 512 Route 303, Orangeburg AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Every Monday kids eat free with adult entree. Plus, enjoy Sparkles the Clown, face painting, balloons, and prizes. WANT TO GO? Prices vary. 845-359-3592. orangetownclassicdiner.com.

SHOW TIME!

‘Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back’ in Concert

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 5, 3pm and 8pm WHERE: New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center St., Newark, NJ AGES: 13 and older WHAT: The Empire Strikes Back in concert features the iconic movie on the big screen with the NJSO performing John William’s legendary score live. WANT TO GO? $35-$125. 800-466-5722. njpac.org.

‘Frozen’ @ The J

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 12, 6-10pm WHERE: JCC of Rockland, 450 W. Nyack Road, West Nyack AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Parents can take the night off while their kids eat dinner, watch Frozen, and play at the J. WANT TO GO? $30 members first child; $35 non-members first child; $15 each member sibling; $20 each non-member sibling. 845-362-4400. jccrockland.org.

‘American Girl Live’

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 17, 7pm WHERE: Bergen Performing Arts Center, 30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ AGES: 5-12 WHAT: American Girl Live is a premier stage production, featuring all-original songs and unforgettable experiences. WANT TO GO? $24 and up. 201-227-1030. bergenpac.org.

MOMIX: The Best of MOMIX

WHEN: Jan. 19-20, Saturday, 7:30pm; Sunday, 2pm WHERE: New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center St., Newark, NJ AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Expect the unexpected with MOMIX, an innovative company of dancer-illusionists who arrive with a mind-bending program of their greatest hits. WANT TO GO? $59-$89. 800-466-5722. njpac.org.

The Magic of Adam Trent

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 26, 7:30 PM WHERE: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St., Morristown, NJ AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Direct from Broadway, Adam Trent brings his signature brand of magic and illusion to this high-tech spectacle. WANT TO GO? $29-$69. 973-539-0345. mayoarts.org.

Drive-in Movies FREE

WHEN: Jan. 8-29, Tuesdays, 11-11:45am WHERE: New City Library, 220 N. Main St., New City AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Watch picture books come to life on the big screen while sitting in a cozy cardboard coupe. WANT TO GO? 845-634-4997. newcitylibrary.org. 30

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Jr. Chefs- Stories & Cooking FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 12, 1:30-2:30pm WHERE: Albert Wisner Public Library, 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Play a game to decide which ingredients will go into a surprise soup that group will prepare and eat together. WANT TO GO? 845-986-1047. albertwisnerlibrary.org.

Healthy Cooking for Preschoolers and their Caregivers FREE WHEN: Monday, Jan. 14, 10-11am WHERE: Pearl River Library, 80 Franklin Ave., Pearl River AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Learn how to prepare healthy foods for preschoolers. WANT TO GO? 845-735-4084. pearlriverlibrary.org.

Cooking Together FREE

WHEN: Monday, Jan. 14, 11am-12pm WHERE: Albert Wisner Public Library, 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Adults and preschoolers will hear stories, sing songs, and prepare some food to share together. WANT TO GO? 845-986-1047. albertwisnerlibrary.org.

Healthy Cooking for Kids FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 16, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Pearl River Library, 80 Franklin Ave., Pearl River AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Kids can learn all about healthy cooking. WANT TO GO? 845-735-4084. pearlriverlibrary.org.

Cook & Book FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 26, 1:30-2:30pm WHERE: Albert Wisner Public Library, 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick

AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Choose a food-related book from the library’s collection, read the story together, and prepare a food that fits the theme. Share your book and the food you made at a potluck lunch. WANT TO GO? 845-986-1047. albertwisnerlibrary.org.

Teen Cooking FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 29, 6-7pm WHERE: Nyack Library, 59 S. Broadway, Nyack AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Enjoy this fun chance to cook stuff with Miss Morgan. WANT TO GO? 845-358-3370 x214. nyacklibrary.org.

Mix it Up! FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 29, 4-5pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Mix up the dough, prepare, and top a homemade pizza, then take it home to bake and enjoy. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

Winter Farmers Market FREE

WHEN: Jan. 1-March 29, Thursdays, 8am-2pm WHERE: Nyack Farmers Market, 58 Depew Ave., Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Join some of the greatest vendors in the region who come together to bring you locally produced produce, baked goods, sweets, and other great items. WANT TO GO? 845-642-0859. nyackchamber.org/winter-farmers-market/.

Ramsey Farmers Market FREE

WHEN: Through March 31: Sundays, 10am-2pm WHERE: Eric Smith School, 2 Monroe St., Ramsey, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Shop local farmers and vendors. WANT TO GO? 201-675-6866. ramseyfarmersmarket.org.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Teen Game Night FREE

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 25, 5-6:30pm WHERE: Albert Wisner Public Library, 28 Railroad Ave., Warwick AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Play video games on the big screen, some retro games on tabletop consoles, board games, and card games. WANT TO GO? 845-986-1047. albertwisnerlibrary.org.

Friday Fun @ the Village FREE

WHEN: Jan. 4-25, Fridays, 4-5pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Village Branch, 85 Main St., Haverstraw AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Enjoy Builder’s Club, games, 3-D fun with 3-D pens, PS4, Code Club, Science Squad, and more! WANT TO GO? 845-429-3445. hkdpl.org.

Teen Movie and Laser Tag FREE

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 25, 4:30-7:15pm WHERE: New City Library, 220 N. Main St., New City AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Teens can watch a movie and play laser tag! Pizza and drinks are available during the film. WANT TO GO? 845-634-4997. newcitylibrary.org.

Toddler Time FREE

WHEN: Jan. 4-25, Fridays, 11-11:30am WHERE: Nyack Library, 59 S. Broadway, Nyack AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy simple stories, songs, and movement for your active toddler. WANT TO GO? 845-358-3370 x214. nyacklibrary.org.

Lego Builders FREE

Block Play FREE

WHEN: Jan. 4-25, Fridays, 4:30-5:15pm WHERE: Nyack Library, 59 S. Broadway, Nyack AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Let your imagination soar as you create cool Lego worlds. All projects will be put on display in the Children’s Room for one week. WANT TO GO? 845-358-3370 x214. nyacklibrary.org.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Party! FREE

Blue Rock School and Summer Play Camp Winter Information Session & Campus Tour FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 3, 11am-12pm WHERE: Nyack Library, 59 S. Broadway, Nyack AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Join for free play with wooden blocks and Duplos. WANT TO GO? 845-358-3370 x214. nyacklibrary.org. WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 9, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Nyack Library, 59 S. Broadway, Nyack AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Join for trivia, games, and other cool activities all based on the wimpiest books around. WANT TO GO? 845-358-3370 x214. nyacklibrary.org.

Builders Club FREE

WHEN: Jan. 2-23, select Mondays and Wednesdays, 5-6pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Have fun with Legos, marble runs, magic nuudles, littleBits, K’nex, and more! WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 26, 10am-2pm WHERE: Blue Rock School, 110 Demarest Mill Road, West Nyack AGES: Adult WHAT: Hear how the vibrant and creative learning environment nurtures children’s natural curiosity and fosters a lifelong love of learning. WANT TO GO? RSVP at 845-535-3353 or admissions@bluerockschool.org bluerockschool.org.

Preschool Yoga FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 31, 4:15-4:45pm WHERE: Pearl River Library, 80 Franklin Ave., Pearl River AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Let your little one strike a pose at yoga! WANT TO GO? 845-735-4084. pearlriverlibrary.org.

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things to do

where-to guide

CHILL OUT This Winter Compiled by Anja Webb

Winter is in full swing, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to go into total hibernation mode. Use the cold weather to your advantage by ice-skating with your family or trade in the grey slush for some fresh, mountainside powder with a ski or snowboarding getaway at some nearby slopes. If you or you kids aren’t big fans of the cold, stay indoors and go bowling. And since the kids are heading back to school after the holiday break, try an educational activity by checking out a museum that’s perfect for your little ones.

SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING Campgaw Mountain 200 Campgaw Road, Mahwah, NJ 201-327-7800; 201-327-6088; skicampgaw.com This small ski area offers six lifts, night skiing, and snow tubing (must be at least 42 inches tall). Group Ski lessons are offered for ages 4-6 and First Step program for ages 7 and older. Approximately 20 miles north of the George Washington Bridge. Find more>> nymetroparents.com/skiing

BOWLING Montvale Lanes 14 W. Grand Ave., Montvale, NJ 201-391-3400; montvalelanes.com Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9-12am; Sunday, 9am-11pm Features 38 lanes, an internet jukebox, fully stocked snack bar, bowling instruction, bumper bowling, darts, and league bowling. Children’s parties for 10-24 guests are $14 per guest and includes 1 hour of bumper bowling, rental shoes, invitations, party room, and automated scoring. Food provided by the snack bar. Find more>> nymetroparents.com/bowling

KID-FRIENDLY MUSEUMS Rockland Historical Society 20 Zukor Road, New City 845-634-9629; rocklandhistory.org Hours: Wednesday-Friday and Sunday, 12-4pm Admission: Sunday tours: $5 per person The museum features a collection of 3,650 objects that date from the early 18th century to the present, including furnishings original to the Blauvelt House family and to the early farms and industries of Rockland County. Find more>> nymetroparents.com/museum

ICE-SKATING Sport-o-Rama 20 College Road, Monsey 845-356-3919; sportorama.com Hours: Tuesdays, 4:05-5:05pm; Saturdays, 9-11pm; Sundays, 3:10-5pm; holidays: 1-4pm. Price: Tuesdays: $6; Saturday-Sunday: $9; holidays: $10; skate rental: $4. Find more>> nymetroparents.com/ice-skating

Think date night’s a luxury? We think you’re worth it. NEW CITY, NY | 845.213.4760 Serving Rockland County | collegesitters.com

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family life home

How to Know When You’re Ready to Move

››

Is it time for a new home? Real-estate experts (and real parents!) share the factors that make families relocate. By Lambeth Hochwald

he signs might be right in front of you: Maybe you and your family are feeling totally squished into a too-small apartment or perhaps your children are getting ready to start school and you aren’t sure your local school district is right for your kids. These are just two scenarios in which it feels like you might be ready to consider switching neighborhoods or spending your hard-earned savings on upgrading to your first home. “Many moves are dictated by lifecycles in the family, whether it is a marriage, a new child, or the start of school,” says Alison Bernstein, founder of Suburban Jungle, a real estate firm exclusively focused on buyers leaving the city for the suburbs. “If thinking down the road about your kids’ school experience causes you to break into a cold sweat, it may be time to go. Ultimately, whether you move or stay in your neighborhood comes down to the level of happiness you have day to day, and whether there is a need for change.” The following, experts say, are all signs it may be time to start reading the real estate ads:

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Your place is less kid-friendly than you thought. For Becky Margel, mom of Remy (3) and Reese (6 months), it was a staircase that prompted her and her husband, Jesse, to move from Manhattan to Glen Rock, NJ in February 2018. “We lived in a duplex and when our three-year-old began walking up and down the very steep spiral staircase on her own, it started to make us nervous,” says Margel, who lived in NYC for a decade before the move to the suburbs. Your family is growing—but your space isn’t. Another nudge for the Margels was the fact that Becky was pregnant again. “With baby two on the way and additional baby gear entering our apartment, we knew it was time to get out of the city and move to the suburbs,” she says. “With no space to put all the toys that was another sign that it was time to live somewhere with way more space.” Bernstein sees families in similar situations all the time: “Often

the addition of a child into an already at-capacity apartment is enough to signal that it’s time for a change,” she says. “Baby girls and boys and all their gear and toys demand space.” Ultimately, it may no longer be fun to stow toilet paper under the bed and extra diapers in your clothing closet. You’re longing for a lawn. Outdoor space may be one of the biggest reasons families opt to relocate, says Greg McHale, a real estate agent at Compass. “While we have seen city folks adapt to living with kids in living quarters your cousin in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, would deem postage stamp-sized, for many parents, not being able to essentially kick your kids outside when they are rowdy ultimately becomes a major sticking point,” he says. Of course, you don’t always have to leave the city to get a yard. “Whether the family can afford an apartment or a house with private outdoor space in their favorite neighborhood or school district can sometimes be the ‘make or break’ decision between hanging around or heading to Hastings-on-Hudson,” McHale says. Your local parks suddenly seem puny. Another way to gauge your need for greenery is by doing this exercise, which McHale recommends to all his clients: “As a litmus test, if you’re okay with spending the day in Central or Prospect park for your weekend expeditions, then stick with the city,” he says. “There are deals to be had on the Upper East Side and Windsor Terrace right now. But, not for long.” However, if those two fabulous parks aren’t enough nature for you and your crew, it may be time to make a move. City life is starting to feel overwhelming. Cramped conditions and a lack of green space can prompt an exodus, but so can other realities of an urban existence. Add in the strain of school applications, the sleep issues if you’re in a noisy apartment, the expense, and other annoyances, and you’ve got a family ready to make a move. That’s exactly the scenario Amy Hill, who moved from Brooklyn to Tarrytown with her husband and two sons, faced last year. “We were getting kicked out of our apartment (the owners wanted to sell it), so we didn’t have much of a choice,” Hill says. But the decision to leave Brooklyn—where Hill’s entire family still lives—was one they made on their own, due not only to a desire for more space, but also a list of irritants that included the dirt and grime of urban living. “Our other triggers included the broken glass on the sidewalks, the worry over the kids running into the street, and navigating the narrow [store] aisles with our double stroller,” she says. “Oh, and someone almost hit us throwing a urine-filled bottle out their car window!” You haven’t found your parent tribe. Loneliness is another reason many parents find it’s time to move. “When you are a new parent living in New York City and you find yourself feeling isolated or without any baby playmates for your little one, it may be time to consider a move,” says Amy Owens, a real estate broker at Keller Williams in New York City. The same thing can happen in the suburbs if you’re living in a neighborhood populated by mostly older families.

You feel like you’ve aged out of your ’hood, as in you’re the only one with a baby and everyone else is crowding into your favorite local bar for happy hour. While this neighborhood once felt familiar it can suddenly feel strange to be in a different life stage from pretty much everyone else around you. “When you start feeling like you’re the only one on your block with a stroller it may be time to move,” Bernstein says. Your bustling neighborhood is starting to be annoying. When your busy morning schedule clashes with the neighborhood’s late-night vibe, it can also feel like a big disconnect. For example, if your favorite café is empty during the day but packed at night you might feel left out and exceedingly out of place. “It’s extremely taxing as well when people are out partying in the streets until all hours of the night keeping you and/or your whole family awake,” Bernstein adds. You already know people in the town you’re considering. Having pals already in place always eases the transition. They can show you where to buy groceries, what the schools are like, and which pediatrician to choose, as well as clue you in to favorite traditions in town where neighbors gather, such as Fourth of July parades, tree-lighting ceremonies, or Halloween events, Margel advises. “The transition was seamless since we knew a few people in town,” she says. “This made it very easy to adjust.” And you just might find other urbanites living in your new town, too. “The good news is that a new home doesn’t always mean moving away from your friends,” Owens says. “Many New York City suburbs are loaded with residents who just a few short years ago were your Brooklyn and Manhattan neighbors.” You’ve always dreamed of owning a home. For many families, saving for a home of their own is an important goal. “A lot of long-time city dwellers find themselves itching to cross the Hudson once their family grows in number,” Owens says. “A home in the suburbs also comes with the added bonus of a backyard, good public schools, and a community of your contemporaries.” For Margel and Hill, leaving the city for the suburbs turned out to be one of the best things they ever did and they mostly have zero regrets about the decision. “We love the shopping,” Margel says. “We have every store imaginable within 15 minutes. Well, I love it, my husband not so much!” And if you end up missing a lot of things about your former neighborhood, you can vent about this, too, with your new neighbors who are likely going to be easily able to relate to how you feel. “No matter how much we love our new town, we do miss my family, the pizza, and the bagels,” Hill says. An easy fix: Just take the train, bus, or ferry back to your once-favorite neighborhood for the day. You might just come to realize that you miss fewer and fewer things about your neighborhood the longer you’ve put down roots in a new—and exciting—place. Lambeth Hochwald covers trends, relationships, and life in New York City.

RocklandParent 35

raising kids baby

Ready, Set, Sibling!

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Pregnant again? Learn how to prepare your first-born for the baby on the way. By Denise Porretto

t was once believed that Earth was the center of the universe. But those early scientists got it wrong: Ask any mom and she will tell you that everything revolves around her first-born. Whether it’s for 10 months or a few years, the oldest child has Mom and Dad’s attention all to herself. So while parents may be delighted they’re expecting a second child, they may worry about how to break the news to their first-born and prevent any jealousy that might arise. “Bringing a new baby into the world is a very complex and magical process,” says Kenneth Schuster, Psy.D., clinical neuropsychologist in the Learning and Development Center and director of clinical training at the Child Mind Institute. “But for a child, it is best to keep things simple and concrete. Introduce the subject in an age-appropriate manner. Answer his or her questions using age-appropriate language. Keep in mind that what is appropriate for one two-year-old may not be appropriate for another. Different children have different language skills and social maturity. ...You need to meet your child where he is, and remember that anecdotal stories about what may have worked for another family will not necessarily work for your child.” With that in mind, read on for ways to prepare your child for the new baby.

Time the talk

If being pregnant for nine months seems like forever to you, imagine how long it would seem to a 2-year-old! After all, a 1-minute timeout feels like an hour to a kid that age. So if you have a very 36

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

young child, breaking the baby news early may not be best. He may not even understand at first or remember what you’ve said. Many other factors may impact your decision about when to share your news. For instance, if you’re not feeling well, you may consider telling her sooner rather than later, or else she may worry you’re really sick. Your growing belly will eventually become noticeable, making the talk inevitable. “The news that a baby is on the way becomes more meaningful to a young child when there are perceptible changes to their physical environment,” Dr. Schuster says. “For instance, perhaps the child is noticing mommy’s shrinking lap. Or the child has taken note that his parents are moving in furniture and painting walls.” Until you’re ready to share the news, be discreet. Even a very young child hears her parents talking and can pick up on “secret” information. More importantly, however, you don’t want your child, at any age, hearing the news from anyone else. “You want to make sure you’re keeping them in the loop,” says Jen Trachtenberg, M.D., assistant clinical professor of pediatrics at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Keep It Simple

When sharing the news with your young child, be direct. Simply say, “Mommy has a baby in her belly.” Even older children don’t need to hear additional details. This is not the time for a “birds and bees” talk, Dr. Schuster says. There will be plenty of time for your child to ask questions should she need further explanation. Be sure not to ask your child if he wants a baby brother or sister.

This could backfire! (What are you going to do if she says, “No”?) Just as important as sharing the factual news with your child is conveying the emotions surrounding it. Reassure her that you and your partner are fully capable of loving both her and her new sibling. “Emphasize that she will not be left out, that there’s more than enough love to go around,” Dr. Trachtenberg says.

Accentuate the Positive

Over the coming months, there will be many opportunities for you to prepare your child for the big event. Of course, not everything you tell him about the new baby will be rosy. Explain that new baby brothers and sisters are not born ready to play, but rather spend a lot of time sleeping, eating, crying, and pooping (expect a giggle for that one). Tell your child he did the same thing when he was a baby. The trick is to spin the “bad news” in a positive way. For instance, tell your child the baby will cry a lot, but also say it will be like a game to figure out what she needs. Is she hungry? Tired? Needing a diaper change? Emma L., who lives in New York City with her husband and two children, Ella (7) and Rafa (4), believes finding a good marketing angle is the best way to deal with potential issues. “Need to transition the older child to a bed, so the newborn can have the crib? Market it as an amazing new bed she gets to have because she is such a big girl!” she suggests.

Get Ready Together

Once you’ve shared the news, build on it with age-appropriate activities: • Read books together about having a new sibling. Many favorite TV characters have siblings as well. Watch the show your child likes and talk about how those siblings interact. • Give your child a baby doll and feed, change, and rock it together. • Introduce your child to a friend or relative’s baby. The baby should be older than 3 months to reduce the risk of catching an illness from your child, and you should exercise caution if you let your child hold the baby. • Share old photos of you and your siblings, and tell stories about what life was like growing up together. Don’t forget current photos. Fran L., a mother of two boys in Syosset, told 3½-year-old Ben about the baby on the way by surprising him with her sonogram photo. • Allow your child to pick out clothes or toys for the new baby. • Have your child participate in a sibling-preparation class at a local hospital. • Enlist your first-born as an all-important “mommy’s helper,” Dr. Schuster suggests. “Tell your two-year-old that you will need her help letting you know when the baby is crying and figuring out what the baby needs. You can tell older children that you’ll need their help getting clean diapers ready and making the baby laugh by making silly faces.” • When referring to the baby-to-be, use language such as “our baby” and “your baby sister/brother”—it suggests your child has a relationship with the baby and has an important role to play.

Post-Birth Bonding

To keep the sibling relationship growing after the baby arrives, do a few more things: • Help your child choose a gift for the newborn. Give your first-born a gift the newborn “picked out” as well. • Avoid introducing big changes in your older child’s routine while your baby is still settling in. That includes toilet training, going from a bottle to a sippy cup, and giving up the pacifier. • Allow your child to help with the baby. Closely supervised older children can hold the baby while sitting, or can pass di-

apering or bathing supplies to the parent. Children of all ages can sing songs to a fussy newborn. (If your child doesn’t want to help, though, don’t force it. Encourage him to say hello and goodnight to his sibling and let the relationship blossom on its own.) • Praise your first-born whenever she is behaving well. • Have her spend time with other family members, such as grandparents, to deepen those relationships. Emphasize that you are one big happy family with enough love to go around. Even if you do all of the above, there may be some bumps in the road. For one thing, expect a bit of regression—sliding backward on previously mastered skills is not unusual. Emma’s daughter Ella, who had been toilet-trained for five months, brieﬂy went back to diapers after the birth of her little brother. The key, Dr. Trachtenberg says, is not to make a big deal of it. A certain amount of jealousy and acting out may also be unavoidable. Stay the course with the strategies above, and remain positive—hugs, kisses, and kind words will go a long way. And be sure to have regular 1-on-1 time with your older child. Emma has a “girls’ lunch out” once a week with Ella. Realize that for a child, no matter what his or her age, having a baby brother or sister enter the family is nowhere near as tumultuous as parents imagine it to be. “Most of the time it’s a smooth transition,” Dr. Trachtenberg says. “I’ve been in private practice twenty-two years and people always ask me when is the best time to have a second child. But whether the children are close in age or far apart, it’s super rare that there’s any ongoing jealousy. It will work out.” Denise Porretto is a freelance writer in Princeton, NJ.

Occupational Therapy for Toddlers to Teens! SPOTS provides Occupational Therapy evaluations, individual and group therapy services. We are committed to improving: • Sensory Processing Skills New • Fine and Gross Motor Skill Development Orangeburg • Handwriting Remediation Location • Social Skills • Attention and Self-Regulation Skills Call us today for a complimentary phone consultation to see how occupational therapy can help your child.

S P

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30 Ramland Road Orangeburg, NY 10962 845-848-2228 | www.SPOTSOT.com

Danceworks Ballet Workout

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Develop a lean, strong dancer’s body with flexibility and grace

Learn to work with your body, not against it • Barre stretch • Mat Work • Reverance • No Special Clothing Needed • All Levels • No Prior Training Necessary • Beginners Welcome • 10 Week Session $75 or $10/class • Free Babysitting • Monday & Wednesday 9:30am-10:45am • Free Trial Class

69 Lake Road • Congers Call for details and brochure 845-268-4669

RocklandParent 37

family life legal

Where There’s a Will

››

Though you may not want to consider the unthinkable, having a plan in place will protect your children and prepare them for the future. By Anja Webb

o you know who would have legal guardianship of your children if something were to happen to you or your partner? Do you know for certain your estate would be quickly and indisputably transferred to your heirs? On that note, have you selected your heirs? Though you may think there’s no need to create a will because you’re young and healthy, life is unpredictable. “The sooner you put a comprehensive plan in place, the better off you and your family will be,” say Rosanna Guardavaccaro, a registered representative and financial advisor of Strategies For Wealth and a financial representative of Guardian based in New York City and Rye. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to planning your will.

Choose a Will-Writing Method

There are a number of ways you can set up your will, and, depending on your financial resources, each method has its pros and cons. A lawyer is the best option, especially if you have a large estate, according to Guardavaccaro. A typical fee for a simple will is approximately $500, Guardavaccaro says, but that extra expense is worth it for the peace of mind that comes with hiring a professional. If hiring a lawyer is out of your budget, or if you just don’t have the time to sit down with one, there are online forms and apps that can help you get started. For example, USLegalWills.com allows you to make your will at home by simply filling in a form and answering questions. With a fee of approximately $40, it’s a more affordable option for young professionals or those with young 38

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

children. You could also use an app to develop your will, such as Tomorrow, which offers the software free of charge. In extreme cases, a holographic will, one written in your own handwriting and typically without multiple witnesses, is an option in certain states. Though not legal in New York in most instances, holographic wills are accepted in New Jersey. “To be clear, not all do-it-yourself approaches to will writing result in a holographic will,” says Tim Hewson, president of USLegalWills.com. “It is an absolutely terrible way to prepare your own will and is almost certainly going to result in a very poorly drafted document. Holographic wills are written into law to cover extreme circumstances, like being pinned under a rock, where witnesses are not available. It is not a will-writing approach that should be considered under normal circumstances.”

Think About the Details

Once you’ve selected the method to create your will, it’s time to think about the details. Guardavaccaro suggests consulting with a lawyer to ensure this is done right, “but the basic process is relatively straightforward: Make a list of your assets, decide who gets what, and pick someone to serve as an executor for your estate,” she says. “Meet with the attorney and iron out expectations both monetarily and the actual creation of the will. Once an attorney is chosen and the will is created, the individual picks three witnesses. …The witnesses should be friends you trust.”

When planning your will, it can also be easy to overlook a few aspects like social media and gifting rights. It’s good to think about who will shut off your Facebook and Instagram, and whether or not your heirs can give away their inheritance as they see fit. Be sure to discuss these with your lawyer, if you have one, or make provisions for them otherwise.

Select a Guardian and Heir

If you haven’t already done so, now’s the time to appoint a guardian for your children if they’re younger than 18. “The parent has to figure out who will…take care of the assets for the benefit of the children,” Guardavaccaro says. “When appointing a guardian, it is best to look at either a family member or friend that you can currently count on and raises their children in a similar fashion that you do.” Some aspects you might want to take into consideration are fiscal responsibility and religious or ethical values. When it comes to selecting an heir, you’ll want to keep in mind how old your children are. For younger children, the guardian will likely also be named as the property guardian and manage the estate until the kids are old enough to take over, according to Nolo.com, a resource with easy-to-understand legal information. For children who are 18 or older, it’s important to have a clear line of communication about what to expect should anything happen to you. “Make sure they’re aware of any wills, accounts, or trusts that name them as beneficiaries,” Guardavaccaro advises. “Also, give them the name of your lawyer and your financial representative, as well as details on accessing your financial holdings.” This will help prepare them for the future and simplify the process in the future. But what if you and your partner pass away or become incapacitated without having selected either a guardian or an heir? “Without having a clear directive from you, the state takes over and the next of kin can be brought in to take care of the children and assets,” Guardavaccaro says. This means your loved ones and belongings can very easily end up in the hands of the wrong person, especially if you’ve had a falling out with certain members of your immediate family. For this reason, you should clearly specify who you want to look after your children. Though this is a big decision, if you end up changing your mind or part ways with the person you had selected as your guardian, you can always amend the document later, according to Guardavaccaro.

The Ramifications of No Will

Aside from the obvious concerns of your property and family going to the wrong people, not having a will can cause strife and disagreements among your relatives. “I have encountered squabbles over small items of sentimental value to large, truly valuable items like paintings,” says David Reischer, Esq., a New York attorney and CEO of LegalAdvice.com. “Families seem to fight over anything and everything. Therefore, always remember: Have the deceased execute a last will and testament prior to leaving this world, in order to determine his intent how to distribute any remaining items in the estate.” After all, it’s better to have a will in place and not need it, rather than leave your loved ones to scrap over your possessions. The emotional aspect of setting up a will—coming to grips with your mortality, imagining a world where your children grow up without you, divvying up your possessions with the understanding that all you own and all you love will someday be out of your grasp—is intense. But don’t let that stop you from taking the steps to ensure your family and friends will be prepared in the event the unthinkable happens. Parenting is full of tough decisions that can make you stop in your tracks, but at the end of the day, you have to do what you can to ensure your family will be okay.

845-623-3636

info@westrockindoor.com westrockindoor.com

RocklandParent 39

Meet the

Health Care

Smile More Kidz Meet Your Smile Team 140 Oak Tree Road, Tappan 845-367–4866 smilemorekidz.com

Professional

At Smile More Kidz, we are part of a local tradition of providing your children with the very best that dentistry has to offer in a friendly, comfortable setting. Our entire team understands how children develop and learn, and makes sure nervous kids feel comfortable and respected. We offer 8am–7pm and Saturday appointments so our patients don’t have to miss school for their care. We believe in building a foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles by making every visit to our office a fun and informative experience.

Dental Wellness of Suffern Sherri Alpert, D.D.S. 2 Executive Blvd., Suite 307, Suffern 845-918-1801 dentalwellnessofsuffern.com dentalwellness@optonline.net

Tenafly Pediatrics 74 Pascack Road, Park Ridge, NJ 201-326-7120 Offices also in Tenafly, Fort Lee, Clifton, Paramus, and Oakland, NJ tenaflypediatrics.com

Marita Smith, D.D.S. Smith’s Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry 5C Medical Park Drive, Pomona 845-414-9626 smithslittlesmiles.com drsmith@smithslittlesmiles.com

Crystal Run 2 Centerock Road, West Nyack 845-348-1100 crystalrunhealthcare.com

Dr. Alpert is excited to offer drill-free, needle-free dentistry with the Solea CO2 Laser. Her practice offers comfortable cosmetic dentistry for the entire family including implants and full mouth reconstruction if necessary. Dental Wellness of Suffern provides natural, effective, quality dental care to make your visit as enjoyable, comfortable, and relaxing as possible. A parent herself, Dr. Alpert enjoys working with children who are apprehensive about the dentist, creating a fun environment with magic tricks, a wall mural, and a Find the Dental Helpers game.

Dr. Marita Smith is a board-certified pediatric dentist dedicated to providing excellent dental care for children from infancy through adolescence in a warm and friendly environment. As a mother of two, Dr. Smith knows how important it is for children to be comfortable and stress-free during their dental visits. Dr. Smith places great focus on prevention and her goal is to keep your child’s smile healthy! Most insurances accepted. Evening and Saturday hours and 24-hour emergency service available. Se habla Español.

Sachdev Family Orthodontics 124 E Ramapo Road, Suite 2, Garnerville 845-786-7736 sfojustsmile.com sfojustsmile@gmail.com Facebook.com/sachdevfamilyorthodontics Instagram: @sachdevfamilyorthodontics

At Sachdev Family Orthodontics, we provide individualized braces and Invisalign treatment for kids and adults. Dr. Ameeta Sachdev has been in the dental field for two decades with dual dental degrees, from India and the U.S. She teaches orthodontics at St. Barnabas Hospital, Bronx. She pays attention to detail, whether it is designing the state-of-the-art office herself or perfecting your smile. Being committed to serve, she is an active supporter of community events and local art. Free consults, most insurance accepted, evening and Saturday hours, and 24-hour emergency service available.

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Dr. David Schaumberger is one of the pediatricians working out of our newly expanded Park Ridge office. As someone who lives nearby, he enjoys working in Northern Bergen and Rockland counties. Dr. Schaumberger completed his pediatric residency from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York and has been working at Tenafly Pediatrics since 2001. On a personal note, he enjoys ethnic cuisine and spending time with his three children. Tenafly Pediatrics is a recent Angie’s List Winner with offices conveniently located throughout Bergen County.

Crystal Run Healthcare is a premier multispecialty group medical practice with more than 400 providers, offering the convenience of primary care and nearly 50 medical specialties. Our state-of-the-art West Nyack facility offers patients easy access to quality health care with more than 20 medical and surgical specialties, including adolescent medicine, pediatrics, maternal fetal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, including urogynecology. Our innovative facility boasts an infusion center, urgent care, diagnostic testing services, on-site laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, and women’s imaging. Crystal Run also has offices in Haverstraw, Stony Point, and Suffern.

Kastin Orthodontics 6 Medical Park Drive, Pomona 845-354-7233 kastinorthodontics.com drkastin09@yahoo.com

With 17 years of orthodontic experience, Dr. Brett Kastin prides his practice on conservative early treatment and cost-free childhood dental monitoring, enabling the most effective treatment possible, as well as being a knowledgeable, compassionate clinician and friend. He utilizes state-of-theart materials and customized treatment. Dr. Kastin is a certified Invisalign® provider, has been president of the Rockland County Dental Society since 2006, and was voted Rockland’s “Top Orthodontist” by the dentists of Rockland County for the past 10 years. Initial exams are complimentary, as are children’s recall appointments.

Bobby Crohn, D.D.S. Monroe Dental Office 400 State Route 17M, Suite 2, Monroe 845-782-0189 monroedentaloffice.com monroedental@optonline.net

Dr. Crohn graduated from SUNY Stony Brook with a degree in biology. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University at Buffalo in 1992, and he completed his general practice residency at Danbury Hospital in 1993. Dr. Crohn has done extensive additional training in implant dentistry including training with Dr. Nick Elian at Vistara Institute, DentalXP Symposiums, and training at Zimmerman Institute. Dr. Crohn is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He offers state-of-the art treatment including on-site cone beam 3-D imaging.

Bear Brook Dental Care Dr. Kiwon Lee, D.D.S. Adult Dentistry & Dental Medicine for Sleep Apnea 305 W. Grand Ave., Suite 100, Montvale, NJ 201-746-9474 bearbrookdentalcare.com; info@bearbrookdentalcare.com

Dr. Kiwon Lee received his D.D.S. degree from Columbia University and completed his residency at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Lee is a fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He is also a Diplomate of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. Dr. Kiwon Lee is well-recognized in the industry as one of the most experienced dental sleep medicine providers, having successfully managed more than 500 obstructive sleep apnea patients during his career and being featured as an expert on “American Health Front” on WCBS-TV, CBS, Channel 2.

Bear Brook Children’s Dental Specialists Dr. Tommy Lee, D.M.D., Pediatric Dentist 305 W. Grand Ave., Suite 100, Montvale, NJ 201-746-9474 bearbrookdentalcare.com info@bearbrookdentalcare.com

Dr. Tommy Lee specializes in pediatric dentistry. He treats patients from infancy to adolescence, including children with special needs. Understanding that many dental phobias develop in early childhood, Dr. Lee will take great care to ensure your kids grow up with a positive outlook on oral health. Even the most nervous child will leave with a healthier smile under Dr. Lee’s care. Dr. Lee earned his Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry degree at Boston University and completed his pediatric dental specialty training at Yale School of Medicine. Most major insurance accepted.

A & R Advanced Dental Group, Anna Alekseyeva, D.D.S., Roman Izmailov, D.D.S. 5C Medical Park Drive, Pomona 845-364-9400 aradvanceddental.com

At A&R Advanced Dental Group, patient satisfaction and comfort is our No. 1 priority. We are a cutting edge practice that delivers state-of-the-art dental care to our patients. Dr. Roman Izmailov and Dr. Anna Alekseyeva have more than 30 years of experience in all phases of dentistry, including high quality and affordable dental implants, zirconia crowns, porcelain veneers, fixed bridges, root canal treatments, teeth whitening, and composite fillings. Evening appointments are available and we accept most insurances.

SACHDEV FAMILY ORTHODONTICS • • • •

Invisalign & braces For KIDS & ADULTS State-of-the-art, fully digital office Most insurances accepted (including Union & NYPD) • On Rt. 202, opposite Sparky’s Diner ACTIVITIES EVENTS • Close to North Rockland, Clarkstown & Congers schools

just smile... YOU ARE WORTH IT! 124 E. Ramapo Road, Suite #2 Garnerville, NY 10923 sfojustsmile@gmail.com • 845-786-7736

A Lavishly Illustrated Children’s Story of Friendship and Overcoming Obstacles

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Tilly... A Deer’s Tale (BASED ON A TRUE STORY)

NYMetroParents Follow the adventures of a rescued baby deer. Share Tilly’s courage and valiant recovery.

Get advance notice on activities, Call 914-764-5564 participate in group to schedule a free Tillydiscussions Event for schools, libraries & hospitals and receive special notices. Available at Barnes & Noble, Walden Books and at Amazon.com For books preview and sale, visit us at:

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NYMetroParents Get advance notice on activities, participate in group discussions and receive special notices. www.facebook.com/nymetroparents RocklandParent 41 ACTIVITIES

EVENTS

PartyCentral PARTY ENTERTAINMENT FUDGIE THE CLOWN AND MYSTIQUE THE MAGICIAN Serving Rockland and Bergen counties 201-825-7481 fudgietheclown.com

Invite Fudgie or Mystique to your next party, picnic, or event! A professional family entertainer specializing in magic, face painting, and balloon animals. Ask about midweek special rates. Fully insured.

INFLATABLE PARTY ADVENTURES Serving Rockland, Northern New Jersey, and Westchester, Nanuet 845-267-2022 inflatablepartyadventures.com

Premier state-of-the-art inflatables and entertainment equipment at a price that can’t be beat. Every rental includes our risk-free rain policy. We specialize in delivering the type of fun guaranteed to make your next event one to be remembered and talked about for years to come.

K & A HOUSE OF BOUNCE PARTY RENTALS 845-825-6617 kahouseofbounce.com

“We bring the party to you.” We have one of the largest selections of themed bounce houses along with dry and wet slides, obstacle courses, dunk tanks, and other interactive inflatables, as well as cotton candy, popcorn, and additional fun concession foods.

PARTY PACK CREW 917-882-6660 partypackcrew.com

Our fabulous birthday and themed parties include more than just your favorite characters. We also decorate, and entertain your party guests to make your moments of celebration unforgettable!

BIRTHDAY GIFTS ‘TILLY...A DEER’S TALE’ 914-764-5564 tillyadeerstale.com

Tilly...A Deer’s Tale is about a real deer that lives in upstate New York and faces challenges after an accident. This powerful story is meant to inspire children living with physical challenges or limitations. The book makes a great birthday gift!

TOYRIFFIC2 TOY STORE 1581 Route 202, Pomona 845-362-6053 toyriffic2.com toyriffic2@aol.com

Looking for the perfect birthday gift? Come visit our unique toy store in Pomona. We offer a great selection of Melissa & Doug crafts and many other quality, affordable, educa-

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

tional toys, crafts, games, and puzzles for kids of all ages, both boys and girls.

PARTY PLACES ABRAKADOODLE ART STUDIO FOR KIDS 53 Prospect Place, Hillsdale, NJ 201-383-0027 abrakadoodle.com kroberts@abrakadoodle.com

Paint, slime, clay, and glitter are all the cool things we use at our studio! Abrakadoodle has been serving the community for more than 13 years offering Artie Parties and “no school Workshops” for ages 3 and older.

THE ACADEMY FOR MARTIAL ARTS 8 Orangetown Shopping Center, Orangeburg 845-359-4500 theacademyformartialarts.com

A karate party is a great way to enter the world of martial arts. It’s also a great way for experienced students to share the martial arts with friends and family. Spacious, fully-equipped facility, an energetic, cheerful, and professional staff, and martial arts-themed fun and games.

BACH TO ROCK - NANUET 150 E. Route 59, Nanuet 845-215-9536 nanuet.b2rmusic.com nanuet@bachtorock.com

Bach to Rock offers birthday parties for kids of all ages and adults. Call to find out more about The Rock Birthday Party, Karaoke Birthday Party, and The Rock City Birthday Party!

BOUNCE! TRAMPOLINE SPORTS 612 Corporate Way (off Route 303), Valley Cottage 845-268-4000 facebook.com/bouncetrampolinesports twitter.com/bouncesport bouncevalleycottage.com info@bounceonit.com

There is no party place in the tri-state area like Bounce! Trampoline Sports! Guests jump on more than 10,000-square-feet of trampolines, including trampoline dodgeball, slam-dunk basketball, launching into giant foam pits, and our Bounce! Xtreme Ninja Obstacle Course. Visit our website or call for party details.

CHOCOLATIER MATISSE 32 Orangetown Shopping Center, Orangeburg 845-365-0285 chocolatiermatisse.com chocolatiermatisse@gmail.com

Chocolatier Birthday Parties for girls and boys ages 3 and older. Children learn how chocolate is made, and make and decorate a chocolate pizza, balloon bowl filled with dipped items, candy apples, and other hand dipped goodies to take home. You pick what your guests create.

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

JILL’S CERAMICS 180 Germonds Road, West Nyack 845-623-4975 jillceramics.com jillsceramics@aol.com

We offer a fully-equipped ceramics and plaster studio where children and adults let their creativity run wild. Parties for kids include paper goods, a painter’s hat for the birthday child signed by their friends, and an item for each child to paint.

LAUNCH TRAMPOLINE PARK 260 W. Nyack Road, West Nyack 845-977-0415 launchrockland.com

Launch Trampoline Park is a new family fun park located in West Nyack. This brand new, state-of-the-art facility offers three private party rooms for hosting birthday parties!

NEW CITY BOWL AND BATTING CAGES 90 N. Main St., New City 845-634-4977 newcitybowlandbattingcages.com

We are well known for our great birthday party packages and offer Glow Bowling for our Sunday parties. All parties include bowling, shoe rental, food, paper goods, invitations, setup, and cleanup. We do the work, you enjoy the party!

NORTHERN VALLEY DANCE ACADEMY 75 Oak St., Norwood, NJ 201-784-6400 nvdanceacademy.com nvdance@hotmail.com

Here at NVDA, our birthday parties are a blast! Music, dance, and games; guests will leave with big smiles and tired feet. We can choreograph a dance to any favorite song! Call or email today.

PALISADES CLIMB ADVENTURE 4590 Palisades Center Drive, Level 4 of the Palisades Center, West Nyack 845-727-3500 palisadesclimb.com Palisades Climb Adventure offers the world’s tallest indoor ropes challenge course with 75 unique challenge elements. Our Sky Tykes kids’ ropes course is designed for ages 2-7. Both courses are available for birthday parties. Book your party today!

PARTY ANIMALS 1302 Palisades Center Drive Palisades Mall, 1st floor near Best Buy, West Nyack 914-336-0144 partyanimalsonline.com

Whether at our location or yours, Party Animals provides a fun and customized party experience with plush electronic animal rides, a bouncy house, arts and crafts, and face painting.

Meet the

ROCKLAND FENCERS CLUB 40 Lydecker St., Nyack 718-697-1440 rocklandfencersclub.com info@rocklandfencersclub.com

Rockland Fencers Club (RFC) is excited to announce their new Private Fencing Party Package for ages 8-16. No experience required and all necessary equipment included.

ROMP N’ ROLL 28-29 Orangetown Shopping Center, Orangeburg 845-580-9065 rompnroll.com info@rompnroll.com Our awesome parties for kids ages 1-6 include exclusive use of the gym and party room, moon bounce, rock wall, monkey bars, and bubble party. Plus games, music, and activities!

SKY ZONE ALLENDALE 80 Commerce Drive, Allendale, NJ 201-574-1800 skyzone.com/allendale

party instructors. Also, free invitations, paper products, and utensils. The birthday child receives a free gift and balloons. Reserve in advance. They book quickly!

VICKI’S DANCE STUDIO AND KREATIVE KIDS 61 Maple Ave., New City 845-634-2202 vickistudio.com

We offer a variety of birthday parties for boys and girls of all ages. Great party theme options include Hip-Hop Dance Party & Games Mix, Jumping Gymnastics, Disney Dance Mix, and Dress-up Princess Party!

VISION SPORTS CLUB Youth Fit Zone 37 W. Jefferson Ave., Pearl River 845-517-1427 visionsportsclub.com

Director Camp Ramaquois

30 Mountain Road, Pomona 845-354-1600 ramaquois.com Jared Gelb and Phil Rainone have both been part of the Camp Ramaquois staff for more than 25 years. Now, as co-directors, Jared and Phil are able to share their decades of public school teaching and camp leadership experience with the Ramaquois and camp communities. They are frequent presenters at the country’s largest camp conferences and generally regarded as leaders in the summer camp industry.

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Let us host a fun and customizable birthday party for your child and their friends at Surge Dance Studio. Parties consist of games, activities, pictures, choreography to the birthday guest’s favorite song, and of course pizza and cake!

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RocklandParent 43

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Need to plan the perfect party? FIND venues, entertainers, suppliers, and other ideas to create the ideal party in our online Parent Resources Directory.

NYMetroParents.com

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

Brilliant Minds Daycare & Learning Center.....................17

Romp n’ Roll - Orangeburg ............................................43

Tumble-Bee Gymnastics..................................................7

Deborah Koenig Early Childhood Ctr at JCC of

Sky Zone - Allendale.......................................................25

Rockland.........................................................................48

birthday / party services

Howard Gorman-Private Tutor .......................................17

Academy for Martial Arts..................................................9

Huntington Learning Center ..........................................17

Launch Trampoline Park ................................................12

Lindgren School & Camp................................................12

Palisades Climb Adventure ..............................................7

St Catharine Early Childhood Center ............................12

Rockland Parent Party Planner......................................44

Tutor Time - New City ....................................................17

Romp n’ Roll - Orangeburg ............................................43

Wish For Child Childcare & Learning Center .................17

Sky Zone - Allendale.......................................................25

Young World Day School ...............................................12

religious Archdiocese of New York .................................................2

restaurant / food services Palisades Center .............................................................5

retail

Tumble-Bee Gymnastics..................................................7

family entertainment / events / outings

Lindgren School & Camp................................................12

ArtsRock of Rockland ....................................................39

Palisades Center .............................................................5

camps

King Kong ........................................................................9

Tilly...A Deer’s Tale.........................................................41

Academy for Martial Arts..................................................9

Palisades Center .............................................................5

Brilliant Minds Daycare & Learning Center.....................17

Palisades Climb Adventure ..............................................7

West Rock Indoor...........................................................39

Camp Huntington ...........................................................33

Huntington Learning Center ..........................................17

Camp Ramaquois ....................................................33, 43

fitness

Deborah Koenig Early Childhood Ctr at JCC of

Academy for Martial Arts..................................................9

Rockland.........................................................................48

Danceworks ...................................................................37

Lindgren School & Camp................................................12

Launch Trampoline Park ................................................12

West Rock Indoor...........................................................39

Sky Zone - Allendale.......................................................25

Young World Day School ...............................................12

Tumble-Bee Gymnastics..................................................7

child care / day care

health

Brilliant Minds Daycare & Learning Center.....................17

Bear Brook Dental Care ............................................9, 41

COLLEGE nannies+sitters+tutors .................................33 Deborah Koenig Early Childhood Ctr at JCC of Rockland.........................................................................48 St Catharine Early Childhood Center ............................12 Tutor Time - New City ....................................................17 Wish For Child Childcare & Learning Center .................17

classes Romp n’ Roll - Orangeburg ............................................43 Tumble-Bee Gymnastics..................................................7

dance Danceworks ...................................................................37

special education

Clemente Orthodontics ..................................................19 Crystal Run Healthcare..............................................3, 40

special events ArtsRock of Rockland ....................................................39 Lindgren School & Camp................................................12

special needs Camp Huntington ...........................................................33 Howard Gorman-Private Tutor .......................................17 Spots OT........................................................................37 Tumble-Bee Gymnastics..................................................7

Dental Wellness of Suffern.................................33, 40, 41 Kastin & Newman Orthodontics......................................40

sports

Sachdev Family Orthodontics...................................40, 41

Academy for Martial Arts..................................................9

Smile More Dentistry ...............................................29, 40

Palisades Climb Adventure ..............................................7

Smith’s Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry...................25, 40

West Rock Indoor...........................................................39

Spots OT........................................................................37 Tenafly Pediatrics...........................................................40

theater King Kong ........................................................................9

performing arts / acting King Kong ........................................................................9

tutors COLLEGE nannies+sitters+tutors .................................33

education

play spaces

Howard Gorman-Private Tutor .......................................17

Archdiocese of New York .................................................2

Launch Trampoline Park ................................................12

Huntington Learning Center ..........................................17

RocklandParent 45

raising kids stuff we like

Skincare for the Whole Family

››

By Katelin Walling

Back By Popular Demand!

For Preemies—and Proud Mamas

Created specifically for the delicate skin of premature babies, the nutrientrich BEB Organic Silky Cream and Nourishing Oil pack a supermoisturizing one-two punch when used together—and since they were created for preemie skin, they’re super gentle and NICU-safe. For moms who need a little extra moisture in the winter, use the Silky Cream at night to relieve dry skin followed by the Nourishing Oil to lock in moisture. And if pregnancy has caused hormonal acne, or your little one has infant acne, apply some Healing Gel, which is great for treating break outs, healing eczema, and minimizing scars. (Silky Cream: $68; Nourishing Oil: $52; Healing Gel: $64; beborganic.com)

After a nearly 3-year hiatus, Johnson’s brought back the fanfavorite Baby Creamy Oil with Aloe & Vitamin E last July due to consumer demand. If that doesn’t tell you how great this moisturizer is, maybe this will: It’s paraben-, phthalate-, sulfate-, and dye-free due to Johnson’s total brand relaunch last year. The company is now being 100-percent transparent about the ingredients in its products, and is using more naturally derived (and fewer total) components. The nongreasy formula of the creamy oil absorbs quickly—and it’s great for the whole family! ($3.99; target.com)

Old Remedies, New Uses This One’s for the Dads—and Teens

A super-gentle moisturizer, miniOrganic’s Superﬁne Jojoba can be used from cradle to parenthood. Use it on babies during infant massage, to relieve cradle cap, or add a few drops to the bath. Meanwhile, moms can use it as makeup remover and for treating cuticles and nails. What we’re most excited about is dads and teens can use it, too! Encourage your hubby to use it postshave as a soothing balm. And the certified organic, vegan, cruelty-free moisturizer is gentle enough to use if you or your teen has acne-prone skin. ($38; miniorganics.com)

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Inspired by proven, centuries-old remedies from various countries, Vivaiodays Rose Geranium Cleansing Water takes its cue from Zulu women healers, who use Rose Geranium leaves as a treatment. While formulated as a sanitizer for easy cleanup on the go, just add a bit to a cotton pad and use it as oil-free makeup remover. It’s ophthalmologistand dermatologist-tested, plus gluten- and cruelty-free, and certified vegan. Bonus: For every Vivaiodays product sold, the company donates money to fund a day of school for a deserving student somewhere in the world. ($14; vivaiodays.com)

presented by Sunday, January 27th • 12-4 PM Park Ridge Marriott, New Jersey • 300 Brae Boulevard

• Venues • Favors

• Invitations • Food Samples

• Photographers • Décor

• DJs and Entertainment • Judaica

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

FREE Bar/Bat Mitzvah Seminar | 11 to 11:45AM “Making Bar/Bat Mitzvahs More Meaningful” Limited space available must sign up online

JCC Rockland

NEW

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

OPENS FEB 2019

A warm & engaging learning environment FOR CHILDREN 6 WEEKS THROUGH KINDERGARTEN

West Nyack Road, West Nyack, New York 10994 JCC Rockland 450 845.501.4100 jccrockland.org/dkecc