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Baby Love
How Infants Learn Affection
Virtual Assistants vs. Manners Do Google Home and Alexa Make Kids Rude?
HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS
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contents table of
Original photo by ›› PhotoOp NYC (photoopnyc.com) Clothing provided by Appaman (appaman.com)
february 2018
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camp 14 10 Lessons Learned at Camp that Benefit Kids in School
22
18 Camp Directory
Quotables
The best parenting quotes from the web, and how your definition of love changed after becoming a parent!
Staying Inside
Indoor fun in Rockland County, including hot cocoa spots, play spaces, and indoor water parks
How Babies Learn to Love
Your little one is hard-wired to adore you, and there’s plenty you can do to help build that bond.
raising kids
things to do
family life
6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 9 5 Things You Need to Know About Your Postpartum Body 10 A Parenting Mantra 22 How Babies Learn to Love 40 Help Your Teen Get More Exercise 44 Meet the Doctor 45 Party Central 46 Healthy Smiles 49 Party Planner 49 Advertisers’ Index 50 Quotables
11 Valentine’s Day Pompom Critters
24 House Hunters
26 Family Fun in Manhattan
38 Hey Google! Can You Teach My Kid Some Manners...Please?
29 Family Activities Calendar
42 Vegan Snacks for a Super Bowl Party
36 Staying Inside
NYMetroParents
Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› facebook.com/nymetroparents
13 Camp Special! 22 Baby Love
38 Virtual Assistants vs. Manners
@NYMetroParents Visit NYMETROPARENTS.COM for family activities updated daily and more than 2,000 parenting articles!
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raising kids editor’s note
FEBRUARY 2018 • Vol.11 • No.6
NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com
EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Deborah Skolnik MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling DEPUTY EDITOR: Caitlin Berens SENIOR EDITOR: Bethany Braun-Silva ENGAGEMENT EDITOR: Samantha Neudorf REGIONAL EDITORS: Samantha Beranbom (Rockland); Karen Demeter (Suffolk); Whitney C. Harris (Manhattan, Westchester); Rosalind Muggeridge (Brooklyn); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke EDITORIAL INTERN: Caitlin Sawicki
Lots to Love On These Pages! I
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t’s cold out there! (Those strange shuffling figures outside your window aren’t extras from The Walking Dead, btw—they’re kids whose moms dressed them in too many layers.) But here inside the offices of NYMetroParents, we’re thinking about summer. Yes, now’s the time to begin making your kids’ camp plans. Bewildered by all the choices? We’ve made it easier than ever for you to find the exact camp that you want with our comprehensive camp directory on page 18. Once you’ve settled on the best camp for your child, it’s only natural to wonder what he’ll get out of the experience. In addition to having lots of fun, he’ll learn some serious life lessons—ones that can turn him into a super student once school is back in session. We asked Stacey Ebert, a former educator, camper, and counselor herself, to share the lowdown in “10 Lessons Learned at Camp that Benefit Kids in School” (p. 14). Of course, February is a month when love is in the air, so check out my story on “How Babies Learn to Love” (p. 22). Don’t expect flowers and candy for a while, but if you know what to look for, there are all sorts of reassuring signs that your relationship with your little one is a two-way street! I’ll walk you through every sweet little milestone. If you’ve got a growing family, you may also be searching for a home to love, and live in, for many happy years to come. For most of us, it will be the largest purchase of our lives. That’s one scary commitment to make! To help you in the process, read Samantha Neudorf’s “House Hunters” story (p. 24). It gives the inside scoop from the pros on how to scope out neighborhoods, figure out how much house you can afford, show sellers you’re serious, and much more. And, in a most unlikely love story, can you get your teen to actually adore exercise? We asked trainers what it takes to get your favorite phone-obsessed couch potato up and moving (p. 40). The good news is, it’s easier than you think, as long as you’re prepared to get in the game yourself. Why wouldn’t you? It’s always a smart idea to work a little more healthy activity into your day. You’ll both look and feel better, and just in time, too—if you ask us, at least, summer is just around the corner. Deborah Skolnik Editorial Director
Westchester Parent 914-397-0200 Nini DeLuca, Manager Merrill Sugarman, Mary Wender Brooklyn Parent 718-878-4860 Phyllis Crupi, Selene Rodriguez Rockland Parent 845-848-8021 Cara Roteman, Jim Russo Long Island Parent, Nassau 516-883-4543 Joan Bergman, Manager Lisa Herlihy Long Island Parent, Suffolk 631-472-5437 Karen Shapiro, Gayle Sherman To Advertise: nympads@davlermedia.com DIR. OF OPERATIONS -- EVENTS: Rebecca Stolcz DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Ray Winn OPERATIONS COORDINATORS: Leonard Porter, Christopher Regalado DIRECTOR OF TRAFFIC: Heather Gambaro ADMINISTRATION MANAGER: Erin Jordan
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Courtesy The Academ y For Martial Arts
raising kids new places, new programs
Martial Arts Academy Opens Suffern Location Who: The Academy For Martial Arts What’s New: A location in Suffern, which was acquired in December. Sensei Jackeline Harnett, owner and senior instructor of The Academy For Martial Arts, said it was an honor when Shihan Mark Morisi chose her to take over the Suffern location (previously operated as DAS Morisi’s Martial Arts) so he could tend to health matters. The Academy For Martial Arts in Suffern offers a variety of programs for children ages 3 and older including karate, Muay Thai, and Spartan. Adult programs such as karate and kickboxing are also available. The school offers children’s birthday party packages at its Suffern and Orangeburg locations. Want More Info: 7-11 Suffern Place, Suffern; 845-3683209; 8 Orangetown Shopping Center, Orangeburg; 845359-4500; senseiharnett@theacademyformartialarts.com; theacademyformartialarts.com
Sensei Jackeline Har
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raising kids in the know
5 Things You Need To Know About Your Postpartum Body›› By Bethany Braun-Silva with Marianne Ryan, PT, OCS
S
o much comes with the territory of getting pregnant. Body changes such as aches and pains, acid reflux, hair growth, and of course, weight gain are all part of the deal. It would be great if these unwanted symptoms would simply go away after a woman gives birth—after all, a new mom has enough to worry about—but that’s simply just not the case. Our bodies continue to change postpartum. It’s important that we are aware of these changes and continue to take care of ourselves along with our new bundle of joy. We asked Marianne Ryan, PT, OCS, physical therapist, clinical director of Marianne Ryan Physical Therapy, and author of Baby Bod– Turn Flab to Fab in 12 Weeks Flat, what women can expect from their bodies after giving birth. Ryan runs a physical therapy practice in New York City dedicated to helping women recover postpartum, so she has plenty of advice to offer. Here, she shares five things women should know about their postpartum bodies: 1. Just because you gave birth, that doesn’t mean you lost weight. Whatever you do, don’t even think of stepping on that scale for at least 30 days after you deliver your baby. I remember breaking down into tears after I weighed myself three days after I delivered my first daughter. I had only lost a few pounds! I asked myself, ‘How can that be?’ My daughter weighed 8½ pounds and the placenta and amniotic fluid weighed about 3 or 4 pounds, so I should have weighed at least 12 pounds less, right? Wrong! Right after giving birth, your body is still going through a lot changes. The amount of fluid you retain can fluctuate hourly, especially if you are nursing. It takes a few weeks for your body to lose the excess fluid you built up during your pregnancy and for your uterus to return to normal size. So as much fun as it may seem to find out how much you weigh, don’t do it; it can drive you crazy. 2. You can exercise, just take it slow. As a general rule I advise women to protect their bodies during the first six postpartum
weeks. For example, don’t lift anything heavier than your newborn baby. If you have an older toddler, try to teach them to climb up to you while you sit on a chair or bed. After your six-week postpartum check up, you can gradually return to pre-pregnancy activities as long as you do not develop pain or have other symptoms that indicate your pelvic floor muscles have not fully recovered. 3. You might still look pregnant. This can be due to a condition called diastasis recti—it’s a separation of abdominal muscles, which can occur during pregnancy and remain afterward, resulting in a protruding belly. To keep it from getting worse, avoid activities that put pressure on your abdomen, such as getting out of bed by doing a sit up. Instead, get out of bed by rolling over onto your side and swinging your legs over the side of the bed before sitting up. And whenever you lift something heavy, such as a grocery bag or a large pot of pasta, exhale to reduce the strain on your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. 4. You might feel a little leaky. It’s common to experience incontinence right after childbirth, but it is not normal if it continues for more than a couple of months. When you leak urine, it means there is a fault in the system that supports your bladder, and you should seek help to get it fixed. The best way to approach it is to consider going for pelvic physical therapy with a women’s health specialist. 5. Expect some pain. Pain in the back, pelvis, pelvic floor area, or abdomen is a common complaint of new moms, but it is not normal if the pain continues. Make sure to report it to your doctor or midwife. Most people assume pain is just a normal occurrence new moms have to learn to live with, but it shouldn’t be! If you have persistent pain, consider getting it treated by a women’s health care professional such as a physical therapist or chiropractor.
Marianne Ryan, PT, OCS, has mastered the highest level of advanced orthopedic manual therapy techniques. She is a thought leader in the field, known for her special knowledge in the areas of prenatal and postpartum physical therapy, TMJ, and headaches. A frequent lecturer and source for national media, she is also the author of the international best-selling book Baby Bod-Turn Flab to Fab in 12 Weeks Flat, available on amazon.com.
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raising kids voices
A Parenting Mantra ››
How one mom’s newfound approach to life—discovered during pregnancy—allowed her to pursue a music career while raising a daughter in Brooklyn. By Janie Barnett
I
was pregnant when my album, Shake the Ladder, was released. Surprise! While my pregnancy wasn’t planned, my husband and I had always wanted children. So we welcomed the news, albeit with a bit of breathless naiveté. Four months into the pregnancy, we performed at a holiday party for a premier rehearsal studio in New York, with numerous appearances planned for the months ahead. At the end of the evening, exhausted, I said to my husband, “Maybe we have to rethink this schedule.” Rethink. That word was to become our mantra in the juggling of work and parenthood. Yes, there was a master plan, reflecting the needs of two freelancer parents. But executing “the plan” meant embracing a mantra, plus several other bits of wisdom: Nothing is engraved in stone. Every challenge has its unique set of choices. And…be ready to drop everything. I was offered the chance to go on tour when my daughter was just 3 months old. Would we hire a live-in nanny to help my husband? Would I take my daughter with me? We considered these options; then came another moment of recognition. Time to rethink again. That rethink came in the form of an acknowledgment: I had no interest in being away from my daughter for weeks at a time. This clarity brought a kind of relief that surprised me. I wouldn’t wrestle with this particular choice, but how would I keep my career moving forward while being a fully engaged parent? There was no single formula. My daughter loves the fact that her mom is a musician. As a little girl, when someone was singing on the radio or a CD, she would ask, “Do we know her?” But freelance life meant that my young daughter had a babysitter in place right from the beginning. The call to run to the recording studio could come at any time. The babysitter—who, more than 20 years later, I still consider part of the family—was not always available. And my husband, also a freelance musician, was often out working as well. Sometimes I brought my daughter to the studio. The rethink: Maybe my colleagues at the studio will not mind…maybe my daughter will be easy-going…maybe this can be managed in a different way than my working mother had to manage it. She came to the studio and delighted all, while Mommy put the headphones on and sang. On
Janie Barnett’s daughter, Adrienne, who is now 25
several occasions I worked in the studios during school hours, ran to pick her up from school, ate dinner and did the bedtime routine with her, then headed back to the studios for a 10pm recording session. During the elementary- and middle-school years, I came upon one of the most profound gifts to the working parent: the larger community of working families. My daughter had great friends, and those friends had great parents who “got it.” I recall an afternoon, hanging out with friends two blocks over in Brooklyn, when the stress-inducing beeper went off. Mommy was called to the studio. “Sweetie, we gotta go in to town,” I told my daughter. Her response? “Mommy, how about I stay with Barbara?” Barbara was her best friend Julia’s mommy. I teared up. My kid had figured it out. Rethink in the moment: Be flexible. Look for other ways to ride with it. Help, and be helped. Spot the people who are also rethinking every day. Love their kids as they love yours. On a late fall afternoon, walking from the subway to pick up my daughter from science club, I wrote the chorus to a new song in my head. She was 10 then, fully her own person, but she always hoped Mommy would be the one to pick her up. That afternoon I felt the surge of creativity that I knew was borne out of necessity. The old model: I need hours to do my best work, and my sitter to provide me with those indulgent hours. The rethink: Seize the moment! Flip the switch! Get on with it! It’s the advice I got from my cousin, a mathematician, who would work just one step of a proof while her infant daughter napped. Moving into high school years, one might expect that I was “cut loose” from daily hands-on parenting. Few teenage girls want their mother in the trenches with them: “Get outta my face, Mom!” But my girl? Magically, she wanted me right there with her, at least most of the time. Time to rethink again. Just keep yourself in the game, keep expanding your skills, get ready (no, it’s not too late!) for the time when you will fully step away, and have that undivided time again. As a working parent, I learned a lesson that I’ve come to understand is essential for a happy life in general—and it’s a lesson my daughter fully acknowledges she’s learned in our journey together: Be flexible, be ingenious, be ready to rethink. My daughter and I are grateful every day for the relationship that was borne from this fluidity.
Janie Barnett is a performing singer-songwriter in the Americana tradition. Her work and recent album release can be found at janiebarnett.com. She has been part of the New York recording session scene for many years, as well a producer/arranger and educator. Barnett is an Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music in Boston, while maintaining her life in Brooklyn, where her daughter, Adrienne Hanson, was raised.
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February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
things to do
diy corner
Valentine’s Day Pompom Critters V
alentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and that means hearts, candy, flowers, and cards—especially cards for your kids’ classmates. Rather than buying premade Valentine’s Day cards that are a dime a dozen (how many variations of superhero and popular cartoon Valentine’s Day puns can there really be?), try making these adorable love bugs with your kids for their friends. We’re almost positive these critters will be hanging out on desks long after the holiday has passed. Editor’s note: While this DIY calls for specific brands readily available at Michael’s stores, feel free to use your favorite brands or products that are available in your local craft store. Duration: 15 minutes or less Craft Level: Beginner Materials: Foam Heart Stickers By Creatology® Creatology™ Pom Poms, Sparkle Mix Creatology™ Assorted Wiggle Eyes Creatology™ Chenille Stems Elmer’s® Washable School Glue Artist’s Loft™ Aluminum Straight Edge Ruler Instructions: 1. Choose a large heart sticker for the Critter’s feet. Do not peel the backing paper off the sticker. Lay it flat on the table with the rounded part of the heart facing forward.
2. C hoose a large pompom and glue it to the top of the heart sticker. 3. Optional: Glue a medium pompom on top of the large pompom to create a head, separate from the body. 4. G lue two wiggle eyes to the large pompom. Tip: Another fun way to add eyes is to glue two wiggle eyes to two tiny pompoms and then glue the tiny pompoms to the large pompom. 5. C ut a piece of chenille stem about 2 inches long and fold in half. Glue two tiny pompoms to each end and then glue the folded part to the top of the large Pompom Critter’s body. Let dry. 6. O ptional: Choose a heart sticker and glue the bottom pointed end of the heart to the lower back of the body, creating a tail.
Craft and photography courtesy and reprinted with permission of Michaels // Michaels.com; share photos of your project with #MakeItWithMichaels.
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online extras Ever wonder why kids love summer camp so much? We’re sharing the inside scoop from real happy campers at ›› nymetroparents.com/camp-great There are ways to know when your child is old enough for camp. Experts share advice on how you can gauge your child's readiness at ›› nymetroparents.com/how-young
Being a camp counselor is a great first job for many kids. Learn why at ›› nymetroparents.com/counselor When you’re shopping around for a summer camp for your child, you’ll probably want to interview the camp director. Find a list of questions you should ask at ›› nymetroparents.com/camp-directors
inside
raising kids camp special
14 10 Lessons Learned at Camp that Benefit Kids in School: Sending your children to summer camp has many lasting benefits—especially when it comes to education. amp Directory: Find day 18 C camps, specialty camps, and sleepaway camps in and near Rockland County.
10 Lessons Learned at Camp that Benefit Kids in School ››
Sending your children to summer camp has many lasting benefits—especially when it comes to education. By Stacey Ebert
A
t my sleepaway camp, Maryanne was the camp cook. From the time I was 10, she and her husband called me ‘the camper’. The nickname stuck, and it still exists at reunions and on social media messages decades later. Although I never mentioned that tidbit to my high school students (I used to be a teacher), I learned at an early age that relationships matter. Forming bonds matters. And no matter who you are, where you come from, or what position you hold (at camp, in school, or at work), interacting with people allows us to learn lessons we never knew would make such a difference in our lives. There are lessons in everything. Some of the most important ones take shape in our youth while we’re at camp, such as learning to clean up the cabin, clear the dishes, and help out a fellow camper. These, along with other camp lessons—be an active 14
February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
listener, pay attention to the little things, and be excited to learn new things—influence us well beyond the camp cabins. Sometimes it’s hard for parents to send their little ones away to camp for the day, the week, the month, or the entire summer. But when they do, it’s clear that these lessons learned in the summer months will last far into kids’ adult years—and more immediately help them in the classroom. Here’s a look at some camp wisdom that can also help kids be better students:
Do unto others.
Campers and counselors share hopes, dreams, fears, challenges, struggles, wishes for the future, and much more. We all bring a different level of baggage and gifts to the table, and all of us deserve to be treated with kindness, respect, empathy, and
compassion. Camp opens minds, breaks boundaries, and enriches souls. As an educator, I taught my ninth-graders about religions and philosophies and how although each has its differences, most have something similar to the Golden Rule: Treat others as you would like to be treated. I learned that lesson at camp far before I ever set foot in a global history classroom, and my students practiced it regularly. Sometimes it meant sharing snacks with one another. Sometimes it meant stepping in when a fellow student was bullied. Sometimes it meant saying hello to a staffer who treated them with kindness. Without question, there is no expiration date on kindness and treating others with respect.
Find your creativity.
My first class at sleepaway camp was painting on rocks. Perhaps that’s not a skill I use on a daily basis, but the message behind it? Definitely. Feel the feelings, listen to your heart, create what speaks to you, and, even if you think it won’t be understood, don’t be afraid to show the world your idea or creation. Students benefit from this on a daily basis. Taking up a musical instrument when their friends’ choices are different, trying out for a school play, expressing oneself through writing, or jumping into graphic design classes are only some of the ways that creativity shines in school settings. These lessons apply in education, in the arts, in job performance, in hobbies, and in life.
Rest assured that there’s something for everyone.
I have three best friends from sleepaway camp. One loved horseback riding, one adored farming, one was a fan of arts and crafts; three of us became lifeguards; and all of us became
counselors. Later in life, three of us became educators and two of us took to the creative arts. Theater arts, community service, music, sports, and internships are only some of the many avenues out there, and whether we are young or young-at-heart, there is always a place for all of us.
Practice patience, positivity, persistence, and perseverance.
These four words embody the characteristics of many of my favorite counselors, and I passed those lessons and skills on to campers when I became a counselor. Sometimes kids were homesick and a positive attitude boosted their spirits. Sometimes kids were frustrated when they tried something new, and persistence and perseverance were the lessons of the day. And sometimes some kids took longer at learning, accepting, or changing, and patience was more important than our counselors ever knew. Every day in the classroom, students put these lessons into action. They try harder at math, work diligently at acquiring a second language, and use mindfulness techniques to bring their positivity to light. We may outgrow the ability to be campers, but we never outgrow the need for these significant lessons—especially in a learning environment.
Learn new things.
I rode my first horse, became a lifeguard, and learned how to make a one-match campfire at camp. Each of these was fairly terrifying, yet today I continue to use all of these skills (well, most of them). The desire to learn things doesn’t end when the buses leave camp on the last day. From the first day of school onward, continued on next page ››
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‹‹ continued from previous page
learning things is part of a student’s existence; perhaps it’s a new scientific equation, a new culinary technique, a new sport in physical education, or a new way of interpreting a classic novel. Learning new things keeps our minds open and our perspective broadening. Whether traditional schooling, home schooling, or the learning that comes from being out in the world, the yearning for more knowledge, more culture, more skills, and more growth never fades.
Try new things, especially if they make you uncomfortable. There was a giant rock called Geronimo on the shoreline at camp. I always thought those who climbed it and jumped off were exceptionally brave. I was petrified to try this myself, yet somehow when I wiped the foamy sea from my face and came up for air, I felt exhilarated. The idea of being afraid, taking a deep breath, and doing it anyway applies to core classes in school and far beyond. Walking into a new high school, not having any friends in your lunch period, or deciding to join the Robotics Club when everyone else is going to chorus—every day at school there’s a bit of discomfort, but applying this lesson from camp creates ease, lessens stress, and empowers youth. Later in life, my best friends from camp and I lived in other parts of the world, grew gardens, raised children, started businesses, got married, and even made new friends. Each of these things involved stepping beyond our comfort zone, yet even the bumps and bruises along the way have been incredibly worthwhile. George Addair is right: “Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.”
Show empathy.
At every camp I went to and worked at, at some point in the day, there was swimming of some kind—whether it meant walking down more than 200 steps to the beach or leaving the locker room, getting a buddy, and heading to the pool. The exercise it provided was good for both mind and body, but the empathy learned through swimming sessions delved deeper. Learning to swim is scary. For some campers, it’s their first time seeing open water. Some have had a traumatic experience in the water and must overcome something far more challenging than stepping their toes over the many unsteady rocks. Some take longer to learn one portion of a stroke before moving on to the next. The instructors taught all of us with ease, kindness, patience, and most importantly empathy. Throughout the school year, students put into action those life lessons: listening to understand each other, utilizing each others’ strengths, lending a hand with each others’ weaknesses, and being aware of various needs and abilities.
Diversity matters.
There were approximately 10 campers per cabin, five cabins per unit, and nearly 15 cabins that formed all of upper girls camp at my summer camp. If an outsider took a straw poll, the diversity levels would have rated off the charts. The differences made us stronger, taught us tolerance, built community, empowered empathy, encouraged perspective, raised our awareness of others’ journeys, and made us better people. School is much the same; there are as many differences as there are students in a school,
from backgrounds and traditions, to interests and hobbies, to family units and dreams for life after school. Seeing these differences as vital, enriching, and encouraging creates safe spaces, enables growth, and opens minds. A classroom has 30 different students with 30 different stories. Each peer has merit, value, and purpose. Camp teaches us to embrace them all.
Sharing is caring.
Everyone is a teacher at camp. Debbie inspired me to be a lifeguard. Katie shared her love of travel, inspiring me to go off on my own adventures. Millie taught me to cook. Krista taught me to swim and shared her snacks. Each of them, along with many others, shared their wisdom. Each camper and counselor has something to offer, creating a sense of community that in turn benefits students and schools. Campers, and later students, learn that school is a safe space where adults share wisdom and advice, and guidance comes in many forms. Some students learn best from a teacher, others confide in their coaches and advisors, some chat with the nurse, cafeteria workers, librarians, or the many others who are a part of the school setting. Students become better friends, better learners, and are more willing to put their talents out there in the world. Compassion, knowledge, and talents are shared at lunch tables, in after-school activities, and in the classroom. It truly does take a village, and embracing that mindset creates a culture of community-minded youth.
Be proud of your achievements.
As a sleepaway camper, I couldn’t wait for Sunday night’s council fire. That was when the entire girls camp got together and sang songs, and one cabin was awarded Honor Cabin. People got their swim certificates, and the whole camp celebrated newly appointed lifeguards. As an aquatics director at a day camp, I gave out swimmer of the week certificates to various campers. As a student, it feels good to have your work honored, your creations displayed, and your efforts encouraged. Success isn’t built overnight and learning to take pride in your achievements begins at camp and continues into school—and later into adulthood. At camp I learned from an early age to strive for goals, be proud of achievements, and continue reaching for the next, often seemingly unattainable, goal. My camp brochure had pictures of open water, cool cabins, enticing evening activities, animals and arts, fields and farming; it looked as if you could jump directly into all of the fun. The pictures couldn’t possibly quantify the learning that happened, all of the skills acquired, the positive experiences, or the personal growth that took place. Ask any former camper what they remember and you’ll get stories of escapades with friends, cool counselors, awesome activities, and endless fun. Ask them what they learned at camp and be prepared to settle in for an infinite list of hard skills, soft skills, and life lessons that helped turn them into the person standing in front of you today. Camp lessons aren’t scored on a rubric or a bubble sheet, on a multiple-choice assessment or in a three-page essay. These lessons stand the test of time, open minds, build bridges, impart skills and wisdom, and create communities of happy, kind, fulfilled humans. It’s hard to imagine a better score than that.
Stacey Ebert is a camper at heart who has spent more than 25 years in the camping and education industries in New York as a teacher, club advisor, counselor, and aquatics director. She is a published writer, blogger, event planner, volunteer manager, and educator always in search of joy. She loves travel, spending time outside, and is an avid yogi. She has visited more than 50 of the world’s countries, and met her Australian-born husband while on a trip in New Zealand. Check out her blog at thegiftoftravel.wordpress.com.
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February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
CAMP MARKETPLACE
eventh S r u O nd Year a g din Expan ion iss Our M
Camp Clio
a seriously fun place for adopted children... Youths and Teens Camp Clio
(Ages 9 - 12)
July 1 to July 21, 2018 (1, 2, or 3 weeks) Held at Camp Claire Lyme, CT
Camp Clio Teen
(Ages 13 - 16)
July 1-6 or July 7-13, 2018 (1 or 2 weeks) Held at Middlesex County Camp Moodus, CT
The Best Alternative To An All Day Camp! Programs & Workshops for Girls & Boys 16 months - teens
vicki’s dance studio
2 or more hour sessions available (extended hour options)
Our Summer Programs Include: • Multi-Arts Program (Ages 16 months - 5 years old) includes Arts & Crafts, Music with instruments, theme weeks, tumbling, creative movement & more
• Princess Dress Up Dance Tea Party • American Girl Dance Around The World • Broadway Kidz • Pop Diva • Youth Theatre • Pre-Teen - Teen Dance Workshop • Tumbling Tots
61 Maple Ave, New City • www.vickistudio.com • 634-2202 RocklandParent 17
Camp Directory DAY CAMPS Brilliant Minds Daycare and Learning Center
845-535-9658 brilliantmindsdaycare.com myra@brilliantmindsdaycare.com We are a NYS-licensed day care and learning center for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years and after-school care for children ages 12 and younger. We will be offering full- and part-day summer hours for children of all ages. We nurture all aspects of a child’s development and include specialized activities in order to fully engage your child, such as baking, Spanish, dance, yoga and exercise, science experiments, daily outdoor play (weather permitting), learning centers equipped with iPads and computers, dramatic play, and art. Flexible scheduling to fit your needs.
Camp Ramaquois
30 Mountain Road, Pomona 845-354-1600 ramaquois.com Camp Ramaquois is “a day camp as complete as sleepaway camp,” situated on 44 acres in Rockland County. From adventurous activities to creative arts and athletic activities, boys and girls ages 3-15 experience a traditional day camp program filled with a variety of stimulating activities. Facilities include a 5-acre crystalline lake; nine heated swimming pools; a splash park; tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts; hockey rinks; ball fields; soccer fields; a petting zoo; and special events. Many air-conditioned buildings. Visit us on our website or call for a personal tour.
JCC Rockland Camps
450 W. Nyack Road, West Nyack 845-362-4400 jccrockland.org camps@jccrockland.org Eight programs for ages 18 months to entering 10th grade. The camp experience goes beyond our facility and programming; it
lies in our belief that our camp experience gives campers the ability to learn about themselves and explore their interests, talents, and abilities while making friends and creating memories. Each camp program provides a summer home for campers to have a great time engaging in creative camp activities, surrounded by professional and nurturing staff. Highlights include daily swim, air-conditioned spaces, and meals included.
The Lindgren Nursery School and Camp
211 Irving Ave., Closter 201-768-3550 lindgrenschool.com/summer-camp Set in our spacious, fenced in woodland oasis, Lindgren is a haven, unlike any camp in the local area. Pools, pavilions, and farm animals create a true outdoor camp experience. Local elementary teachers and artisans bring their talents to each department. Campers meet for their appointed Red Cross swim lesson and morning roll call, and for lunch with their troop daily. Otherwise, they can spend as long as they wish, with whom they wish, in any of our activity areas including arts and crafts, sewing and beading, woodworking, sports, table games, theater, dance, yoga, cooking, music, gardening, and hiking. Daily trips available.
Mosholu Day Camp
261 Arden Valley Road, Southfields 845-243-0751 mosholudaycamp.com Mosholu Camps offer parents a quality program at a low cost. With a strong emphasis on developing new relationships and experiences, our traditional camp day is filled with dynamic activities. Located at Lake Cohasset in Harriman State Park, our staff is a spirited group of creative counselors, who offer encouragement and motivation to help strengthen the camper’s self-opinion, while developing their social, athletic, and academic skills.
Campers participate in an array of activities such as swimming, music, arts, trips, archery, boating, dance, and sports. At Mosholu, we make memories!
Palisades Country Day Camp
248 Herbert Ave., Closter, NJ 201-784-7600 x3 palisadescountryday.com It’s all about fun at Palisades Country Day Camp in Closter, NJ! Bergen County’s No. 1 summer day camp for toddlers (18 months) through second-graders ensures that every child has the opportunity to grow socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. Campers enjoy three heated pools with twisty slides, two drenching splash parks, a triple-decker playground, and amazing daily activities. Gated community for Tiny Tots, swim lessons, recreational swim, special events, themed weeks including petting zoos, and magic shows. Before and after care, 1-on-1 swim lessons, and busing available at additional cost.
Summer Play Camp at Blue Rock School
110 Demarest Mill Road, West Nyack 845-627-0234 summerplaycamp.org An imaginative and discoverybased program with a warm, caring, and seasoned staff. Children ages 3-12 explore art, music and movement, gardening, swimming, nature and science, fort building, baking, woodworking, drama, basketball and soccer, sewing, games, and water play on a beautiful and charming wooded campus. Weekly hiking excursions for older campers. CIT program for ages 13 and older. Five weeks from June 25-July 27, Monday-Friday, 9:30am-3pm. Open house on March 10 at 1pm. Registration required at summerplaycamp@ bluerockschool.org or 845-6270234. See summerplaycamp.org for program details.
OUTINGS FOR CAMPS Jill’s Ceramics
180 Germonds Road, West Nyack 845-623-4975 jillsceramics.com jillsceramics@aol.com Calling all camps! We provide a great ceramics program that you can offer your campers this summer. You can schedule field trips to our fully-equipped ceramics and plaster studio in West Nyack, or we can schedule a program to be held at your location. Sportsthemed items, piggy banks, jewelry boxes, and Disney characters are just a few of the many choices from our “paint and take home” items. All age groups, very affordable rates—call for details.
Main Street Cinemas - New City 6
202 South Main St., New City 845-634-5100 mainstcinemas.com events@mainstcinemas.com Main Street Cinemas welcomes all camp groups by showing today’s best kids and family friendly movies-at the lowest admission prices in Rockland County! For special rates and packages for camps, kids’ birthday parties, and other group outings, please contact us at: events@mainstcinemas.com and we will see you at the movies!
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. Standing 85 feet tall, it has five levels and 75 unique challenge elements to explore, climb, and conquer including a new zip line. More advanced athletes will find a challenge, while “just for fun” climbers will experience a sense of athletic accomplishment. Our Sky Tykes kids’ ropes course is designed for ages 2-7, 48-inches tall and shorter. Both courses continued on page 20 ››
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February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
CAMP MARKETPLACE
SUMMER CAMP? WE’RE THE NATURAL CHOICE.
Wander down the Lindgren drive and you know you’ve entered into a very special place. From our extensive arts and crafts program, to sports and swim lessons, the farm animals and gardens, and the adjacent Closter Nature Center, we’re a unique country atmosphere that engages and inspires campers—and lets children be children.
FIND OUT MORE!
Visit lindgrenschool.com or call 201.768.3550 today.
GARDEN-TO-TABLE
Summer Camp ages 3-15
June - August 2018 Ridgewood, NJ
201-444-2955
Leap into dance This Summer at
Coupé Theatre Studio
Camps for children aged 4 though teens Beginner through Advanced Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Pointe, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, Acting, Acro and Lyrical Trips to Broadway and More
Featured on The Rachael Ray Show, CNN, CBS-TV & FOX Good Day New York & in The New York Times & Women’s Health Magazine
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Saving money on a New York City family day is easy! Cityguideny.com has coupons and discounts for NYC sightseeing attractions, restaurants, stores and more. Great New York deals, savings, special offers and deep discounts—for you and your family—are yours with just a click of the mouse.
June 25th-July 27th 2018
(845) 623-2808 430 Market St., Nanuet NY www.coupedance.com RocklandParent 19
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are available for birthday parties, camp groups, and special events. Book your group today!
SPECIALTY CAMPS The Academy For Martial Arts
8 Orangetown Shopping Center, Orangeburg 845-359-4500 rocklandkarate.com Every kid should learn self-defense. It’s like learning to swim: it’s a lot of fun and it can save your life. Your child can receive self-defense training, get fit, and improve their focus and self-confidence—all while having a great time this summer at The Academy For Martial Arts Summer Camp. In addition to learning Karate and Jiu-Jitsu, we’ll offer plenty of other activities to keep them active and entertained all summer long: dodgeball and other games, big screen movies, and arts and crafts. Enroll in advance, by the week. (Space is limited). Call for more information. Camp registration is now open.
Camp Clio
Held at Camp Claire, 15 Oakland Ave., Lyme, CT Middlesex County Camp, 298 E. Haddam Moodus Road, Moodus, CT 212-472-5207 campclio.org Camp Clio and our new Camp Clio Teen offer a unique experience for adopted children (ages 9-12) and teens (ages 13-16). Camp Clio campers and counselors, themselves adopted and serving as role models, share the intimacy and safety of being with other adopted friends, providing the opportunity to share feelings and adoption stories with others who understand adoption without explanation because they are “just like me”—all in a fun camp environment. Camp Clio Teen: July 1-13. Camp Clio Youth: July 1-21. Campers may come for one or more sessions. Scholarships available.
Chocolatier Matisse
32 Orangetown Shopping Center, Orangeburg 845-365-0285 chocolatiermatisse.com chocolatiermatisse@gmail.com Mini camps run year-round in our homemade chocolate and gift shop. We also host chocolate birthday parties, fundraisers, chocolate-making classes, and more.
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Visit our website to see our gallery of chocolate platters and for more information on parties and camp, or email or give us a call.
Clarkstown Theatre Company
8 Second St., Lower Level, New City 845-708-2288 clarkstowntheatrecompany.com Clarkstown Theatre Company began in our community to create and develop artists as actors and performers. We are a year-round organization offering acting classes, music theater workshops, and intimate original showpieces. Join us where the craft of theater is experienced in a warm and positive environment with professional instructors. In addition to our after-school classes, we are offering a summer program that involves your child in every aspect of an original production from start to finish. Please call for details. Space still available for this summer. We keep our casts small, so the experience is “huge!”
and cost. Tuition includes lunch. The minimum age for students to participate is 5 years.
Glaze Pottery and Art Studio
34 Orangeburg Plaza, Orangeburg 845-359-9020 glazeartstudio.com Unleash your child’s inner artist at Glaze Pottery and Art Studio during our Summer Art Experience. Our resident artist will take your child on a journey that will produce artwork from Disney and a host of themes including tie-dye, jewelry, and outer space. Flexible registration makes it easy to sign up for one week or all seven! Become part of the Glaze family this summer. For children in first-sixth grades. Check our website or call for more information.
HealthBarn USA
430 Market St., Nanuet 845-623-2808 coupedance.com Beautiful air-conditioned studios. Exciting summer programs for students ages 4 through teens and a Ballet Intensive (by audition). Programs feature age-appropriate classes in ballet, jazz, tap, modern, hip-hop, musical theater, acro and acrodance, voice training, and acting. Trips to Broadway shows, and ballet at Lincoln Center. Flexible schedules are available.
1057 Hillcrest Road, Ridgewood, NJ 201-444-2955 healthbarnusa.com info@healthbarnusa.com HealthBarn USA’s intimate “garden-to-table” camp (ages 5-15) teaches kids about planting and harvesting their own hand-grown organic produce and gets them in the kitchen cooking breakfast, lunch, and snack every day while still keeping them engaged with crafts, sports, yoga, and nature hunts. Space limited to 35 campers each week. Kids ages 3-5 can get a taste of camp through the “Summer Seedlings” program that runs in the afternoons for five- or 10-week sessions. Camp will be held Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm, June-August.
German Language SchoolWestwood
Kreative Kids & Vicki’s Dance Studio
Coupé Theatre Studio
47 Berkeley Ave., Westwood, NJ 201-825-9770 germanschoolnj.org info@germanschoolnj.org The German Language School-Westwood is a nonprofit organization in Bergen County. For the second year, we will be offering German Language Immersion Summer Camp in Alpine, NJ. Campers may sign up for any choice of week. Camp hours are from 8:45am4pm, Monday-Friday. Activities include swimming, archery, rock climbing, nature walks, daily German lessons, and other outdoor activities; before care and after care are available. Consult our website, email, or call for dates
February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
61 Maple Ave., New City 845-634-2202 vickistudio.com We are the best alternative to an all-day camp with the most reasonable rates! We cater to ages 16 months (diapers welcomed) to 5 years. This multi-arts program includes music with instruments, creative movement, theme weeks, and tumbling! Other special summer programs for ages 2½ to adult include Dance Theatre Workshop, Teen Dance Workshop, Princess Dress-Up Dance Tea Party, American Girl Dance, Broadway Kidz Camp, Pop Diva Camp, and a variety of combination classes. Programs are 1-3 hours long, with extended-hour options.
Master Jung & Yu Traditional Taekwondo
70 N. Main St., New City 845-638-4000 mytaekwondolife.com Blending Korean culture and philosophy with traditional taekwondo, Master Jung and Master Yu’s school offers unique martial arts training. Our goal is to help children build self-confidence, respect, good listening skills, and coordination—all in a fun-filled environment. Classes are open seven days a week for all ages. Our unique birthday parties open the door for future leaders and martial artists and are available on weekends. We will offer a variety of summer classes—please call for more details.
Mathnasium of Nanuet
209B W. Route 59, Nanuet 845-624-MATH (6284) mathnasium.com/nanuet nanuet@mathnasium.com Mathnasium Learning Center, the nation’s leading math-only learning center, specializes in teaching kids math in a way that makes sense to them. Students go to Mathnasium year-round to catch up, keep up, and get ahead in math. We help struggling students develop into “A+” students and “A+” students go on to even greater achievements. We provide assistance with math homework and we are specialized in test preparations (Common Core Assessments, Regents, Terra Nova, ACT, SAT, ASVAB, and GRE/GMAT). We make math fun, but most of all we make math make sense.
West Rock Indoor Sports and Entertainment Complex
21 Pralle Lane, Nanuet 845-623-3636 westrockindoor.com We are Rockland’s premier facility for sports training and development and special events. Our versatile, air-conditioned facility includes two regulation-sized basketball courts, 26,000 square feet of all new turf, and six tennis courts. We offer a variety of sports programs for tennis, basketball, baseball, soccer, and lacrosse. Whatever your child’s age or athletic ability, we have a program to meet his or her needs. Our highly skilled staff ensures the perfect mix of fun, physical activity, and athletics. Check our website or call for summer 2018 camp details.
CAMP MARKETPLACE CHILDCARE & PRE-SCHOOL OPEN ENROLLMENT 2018
Planning an Activity or Event for Children or Families?
• NYS Licensed Facility • Daycare for Ages 6 weeks – 5 yrs • Flexible Hours to Fit Your Schedule • CPR & First Aid Certified Staff • After School & Holiday Break Care for Children up to 12 yrs • Learning Center Equipped with Ipads & Computers • Full & Part Time Summer Program • We Follow NYS Pre-k Curriculum • Fun activities including baking, dance, yoga/exercise, science experiments, daily outdoor play (weather permitting), dramatic play, Spanish and Art.
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Brilliant Minds Daycare & Learning Center
New City, NY | 845-535-9658 | Brilliantmindsdaycare.com
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Sponsored by
How Babies Learn to Love
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The good news: Your little one is hard-wired to adore you. The better news: There’s plenty you can do to help build that bond. By Deborah Skolnik
T
hroughout my first pregnancy, I dreamed of the moment I’d welcome my newborn. We’d cuddle and look into each other’s eyes adoringly, just like in the diaper commercials. And when my daughter finally arrived, that’s exactly what happened—on my end. I gazed at her lovingly, but she gave me a blank stare, showing me about as much affection as if she were a strange cat I’d bumped into on the sidewalk. I had to laugh. Why had I expected more? Babies and parents share the sweetest relationship, but it isn’t instantaneous. It takes time for the relationship to flourish, deepening through little interactions that build closeness. How does your baby’s love grow? We asked experts to share their insights, plus offer advice about what you can do to help things along.
All Set to Attach
Your little one may not seem smitten with you at first sight, but he’s built to feel close to you. “Babies are hard-wired to attach to their parents, or to one or two primary caregivers who are reliable,” says Rahill Briggs, founder of pediatric behavioral health services at Montefiore Medical Group in the Bronx and national director of HealthySteps, a program aimed at ensuring babies and toddlers have nurturing care. Scientifically, it makes sense: Your baby seeks a close tie to a caring adult or two because it’s essential for her survival. 22
February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
And if you happen to be your baby’s biological mom, you’ve got a head start on being his true love. That’s because he already recognizes you on a couple of very fundamental levels, says Erica Komisar, LCSW, author of Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the First Three Years Matters. “Babies can hear your voice in utero, and so they recognize your voice [after birth], and they can recognize your smell,” she says. “And once they connect with you [or dad, if he’s the primary caregiver], and they make contact with your eyes, it’s only your eyes that they seek.”
Feeding the Feelings
One of the best ways to build attachment and affection in your baby is through doing something that already comes naturally: feeding her. As you hold your little one and look deeply into each other’s eyes while she nurses or drinks from a bottle, it sparks serious chemistry, literally, sending a lovey-dovey hormone called oxytocin flowing through both your bodies. “That hormone is critical,” Komisar says. Created in the right side of the brain, oxytocin especially surges in your baby when you hold him on your left side. He uses his left-side visual field then, which actually is wired, crisscross fashion, to his right brain. (This also makes it a great idea to cradle your baby on your left side whenever you can.)
Of course, this loving eyeful only happens if you’re actually focused on your baby during feeding sessions. Komisar warns against letting your attention wander too often to the TV or your favorite tech tools. When you focus on a screen instead of your child, “you’re basically not doing what nature intended…the fact that we’ve manipulated the situation now to look at phones and iPads [while feeding] is very strange,” she says. And if you aren’t breast-feeding, Komisar suggests taking off your shirt for feeding anyway, when possible, since skin-to-skin contact is another cue for your and your baby’s bodies to produce oxytocin.
In fact, Komisar believes that early smiles are more than just the gas pains they’re commonly chalked up to: “Babies have emotions from the very beginning,” she says. “You can see from the very start a kind of joyful connection between mothers and babies. The idea is that from the earliest moments, a baby can smile at a mother and resonate with a mother, and a mother can resonate with a baby.” Whenever you do see that smile, it’s bound to spur your own affection: “For a parent who’s just been through those first two months of a newborn and is barely sort of hanging on, that social smile can be like the key to keep going,” Briggs says.
Needy but Nice
Preferred People
Attending to your baby’s other needs, namely for diaper changes and bathing, is another great way to build attachment. “Human babies so desperately need caregivers to love them, and to be reliable and consistent and empathetic,” Briggs says. “Babies are then just built to return that affection, as long as it’s a secure attachment relationship, and the primary caregiver has been relating in a way that’s reliable and empathetic and consistent and warm.” This doesn’t mean that you must slavishly attend to your baby’s every whimper: “We know that actually babies don’t want that,” Briggs says. “They want some downtime and they seem to need some resting time. But being reliably empathic and pretty consistent means that when your baby lets out a really big cry, the one that means ‘I am so starving and my diaper is wet,’ that you respond.” The empathy aspect is major, Briggs adds. “By that, we mean that what a parent does in response to her baby is related to what the baby did.” So try to mirror your baby’s emotions; if she’s crying, make a sad face and say, “Aw, sweetie, I know you’re tired!” rather than rolling your eyes or trying hard to cheer her up. She’ll sense that you really ‘get’ her—and don’t you feel closest to the people who really get you?
Talking the Talk
Speaking of, well, speaking, it’s super-important to talk or vocalize to your baby. He’s heard your voice since before birth, and gets all warm and fuzzy-feeling at its comforting tones. So do you; it’s the third cue to the brain to produce oxytocin. And you don’t always have to use words; cooing, singing, and making other affectionate sounds all create that baby-mommy love. When you speak to your child, Komisar recommends using “Motherese,” the high-pitched, sing-songy tones people so often use in addressing babies. “It’s a very healthy thing,” she says. “It has something to do with the intonations…it tends to grow the right brain of the baby.” In fact, she says, one sign that a mother may have postpartum depression is if she refuses to speak in Motherese, and instead only addresses her baby in flat, adult-sounding tones.
Little Signs of Love
Of course, having shown your baby love without bounds, you’d like at least a little reassurance that it’s a two-way street. How can you tell whether or not she’s as into you as you are into her? At the beginning, the signs may be subtle—she may seek out your gaze or even imitate some of your expressions. And then, by around 2 or 3 months of age (or even sooner), you’ll see more definite proof: She’ll smile at you.
Around 8 months of age, your baby’s behavior may abruptly change. Try to let your neighbor hold him, and he’ll fuss and reach back to you instead. This is the start of what’s known as stranger anxiety. “You’ll be like, ‘Where did that baby go that I used to be able to pass off to anybody in my office?’” Briggs says. This phenomenon peaks at around 15 months, then begins to fade out by 18 months. The flip side of this fear of unfamiliar people is love for immediate family: Clearly, your baby feels you and your partner are his ‘special people,’ and draws a line between you and the rest of the adults out there. At the same time, your child may start showing affection for her most special friends. It’s wonderful to watch her face light up when you bump into a pal from the park, or when your sitter shows up at your doorstep after a weekend away. Overjoyed facial expressions may be accompanied by happy-sounding vocalizations or generalized, delighted wiggliness. Either way, there’s no doubt your child now has a group that she considers her posse.
Rescue Me!
Strangers aren’t the only things that will spook your baby as he nears his first birthday. Other scary-seeming things may set him off now too, like the loud siren of a passing fire engine or the sight of a large dog as you’re walking down the street. His reaction? He’ll look for you, or cry and reach out to you. This, too, is a form of showing love. “There could be alternative attachment figures around, such as aunts and grandmothers, but when the baby is in distress, he’ll reach back for the mother,” Komisar says. “So you know that if your baby reaches back for you or looks for you when she’s in distress that she needs you, loves you, and is calling for you. It’s your eyes and your smell that she’s seeking.”
Smooches and Swag
By the time your baby celebrates her first birthday, you may see some of the classic signs of love—she’ll come in for a great big hug with those deliciously chubby little arms, or lean on in and plant a wet one on you (or even on grandma or grandpa, if nicely asked). And, as he starts walking and nears his second birthday, you may find yourself on the receiving end of more than just an embrace. Take your baby to a park, and she just may pick a flower and bring it to you. “It’s hard to know whether it’s a present of love or whether it’s just saying ‘Hey, look at this really pretty thing I found and let’s talk about it,’” Briggs says. Of course, if you’re like most parents, you’ll see it as a gift—why not? It’s just one of many signs that the baby you love so much is growing up to be a loving human being.
From our sponsors: The mission of Allied Foundation is to impact and improve the health and well-being of residents within Allied Physicians Group’s geographical footprint, which currently includes Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk), Queens, Brooklyn, Richmond, Westchester, Rockland, and Orange. The Allied Foundation funds community-based strategies and initiatives, including Breastfeeding Support (toll-free Support Line: 866-621-2769 and Breast Milk Depots), Community Education (free app—AlliedPG with a medicine dosing calculator and symptom checker—and lectures about such topics as ADHD, managing food allergies, behavioral health, and infant CPR), Early Childhood Literacy (proud partner of Reach Out and Read and The BookFairies); and Community Service (Diaper Bank of Long Island). For more information, visit alliedfoundation.org. RocklandParent 23
family life finances
House Hunters
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What first-time homebuyers need to know to navigate the market and find the right home By Samantha Neudorf
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hen you hear the word “home,” you may recall fond memories from your childhood, such as gathering together for Thanksgiving, waking up to the smell of breakfast on weekends, or cozying up on the couch to watch a movie. Home may be a state of mind, but a house is where all of those memories are made. Now that you’re a parent, you may be looking for a house of your own—one where your children will take their first steps, and, many years later, return with their own families. Real estate shopping can be a tricky process, but by doing some homework (see what we did there?) in advance, you can avoid many common newbie mistakes. Here’s how to navigate the market to ensure you will find the perfect home to grow your family.
Figure Out Your Finances
Though it’s tempting to begin looking at houses right away, it’s not the best idea—later on you may realize you’ve fallen in love with a house you can’t afford. Greg McBride, the chief financial analyst for Bankrate, an online tool to compare financial rates, 24
February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
says the biggest mistake prospective homebuyers make is looking at properties before reviewing their finances. “That’s a recipe for trouble,” he says. “Instead, it pays to know how much you can afford and get pre-approved for a loan amount. That sets boundaries around your shopping.” The first step is to request your credit score from each of the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. An ideal score is one that’s higher than 700—it makes you attractive to lenders and could help you get a lower interest rate on a mortgage. Getting your scores early on helps you know where you stand, and also gives you the opportunity to dispute any errors on your credit reports before beginning the mortgage application process with a mortgage lender. The next step is to pick a mortgage lender. This can be a bank or a credit union—and does not have to be one at which you have an account. McBride advises shopping around for a lender to find the best rate; you can do this by using tools such as the Bankrate search engine to compare prices in your area. Once you settle on a lender, request a pre-approval letter—this
shows home sellers you are a serious buyer and will able to be approved for a loan. After you decide on a house, place an offer, and the offer is accepted, it is important to know you are not obligated to the mortgage lender who gave you the pre-approval letter. In fact, it’s smart to put in applications with one or two other lenders at the same time, to figure out which one will give you the best price. “That can really give you an apples-to-apples comparison of who’s offering the best deal, both in terms of interest rate as well as the fees that are being charged,” McBride says. So how much house can you afford? In terms of the mortgage itself, the rule of thumb is to pay no more than 30 percent of your gross monthly income, which would include property taxes, property insurance, and any homeowner dues. When choosing the mortgage loan duration, most lenders recommend a 30-year loan to keep payments manageable while saving money for other things. “It’s better to keep your payments lower so you still have enough breathing room in your monthly budget to be able to save money for other purposes, such as emergencies, retirement, and your kids’ education,” McBride says. “You don’t want to be house-rich and cash-poor.” The loan may take 30-45 days to be approved, and in the meantime, you will need to pay for a home inspection, home appraisal, title work, and closing costs. Once you own the home and begin making mortgage payments, other fees will include principal and interest on the mortgage, property tax, property insurance, homeowners insurance, and utilities.
Know Your Neighborhood
Choose a Home
After figuring out what type of home is in your price range, and what town, city, or neighborhood you want to live in, the fun part is going to showings and attending open houses. Marcantonio says finding the right broker is key to finding the right home. She advises homebuyers to interview realtors in person to decide who will be a good fit personality-wise and will be most attentive to their needs. “Go to open houses to see these brokers in real time,” Marcantonio says. “Watch how they’re interacting, interfacing, and what kind of information they are giving.” Once you find the right broker for you, sit down with them and begin a dialogue about what exactly you are looking for: Do you want a ranch- or colonial-style house? How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Are you hoping for a large or small yard? When deciding whether you want to buy something on the lower end that will need renovations down the line or something that’s move-in ready, Marcantonio advises to think about whether you have the money to do renovations and if you are emotionally ready to go through with waiting for the work to be done—it’s not always as fun and easy as some well-loved TV shows make it seem. “Many people think ‘I’ll get a fixer upper, I’ll save money there,’ and in the long run they sometimes end up spending more money because they begin to take walls down and run into more expenses,” Marcantonio says. Remember that it’s okay to not feel pressured to find a dream house to show off. At the end of the day, a house provides shelter, but the memories you create and share with your family there is what makes it a home.
Finding the right neighborhood for you and your family is crucial before settling on a home, because this will set the tone for your living situation. Jamie Marcantonio, a real estate broker for Coldwell Banker in Suffolk County, recommends researching neighborhoods and visiting them to get a feel for it. “I always emphasize that [prospective homebuyers] check every single town that they’re looking in and make sure that the school system is highly rated,” Marcantonio says. “That seems to be a real hot button for first-time homebuyers.” Visit the neighborhood and take mental notes of what you observe, and keep it in mind when viewing homes. For example, is there a lot of traffic on the main road? Is public transportation readily available? Are there a lot of parks? Is the area close to something undesirable, like a wastewater plant or high-tension wires? Another big decision is figuring out whether you want to raise your family in the city or the suburbs. Many first-time homebuyers in the greater New York area are looking to move away from the city and into a suburb. Deciding which town is best can be challenging, but there’s help. Suburban Jungle Realty, for instance, is a real estate advisory firm that connects homebuyers free of charge to “suburb strategists,” who then pair them with towns outside of the city. “Our strategists make sure you’re looking in the right places, asking the right questions,” says Alison Bernstein, Suburban Jungle Realty’s founder. The strategists also provide information, talk about the intangibles, and get homebuyers thinking about the right questions, such as what day cares are nearby? Can I get live-in help if I’m a stay-at-home mom? What kinds of restaurants are in the area? Where are your favorite places to take your own kids? RocklandParent 25
things to do
city bound
N Y C
Prepare for plenty of music and dancing with familiar friends like Oscar the Grouch.
W he hile y re ou , v ’r isit e …
Museum of Chinese in America
Jump to the beat with your friends at Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party! at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Introducing an all-new, interactive show that unfolds on one of the world’s most famous streets at the funniest, furriest party in the neighborhood. Check out the pre-show experience (select shows) for the opportunity to tour the on-stage neighborhood. A variety of interactive activities give children the chance to create, discover, and learn as they help decorate for the upcoming party featured in Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party! They may even see their artwork displayed onstage during the show. Select dates, Feb. 9-19, see website for times. Age: All. $15 and up. The Theater at Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, Midtown. sesamestreetlive.com.
Best in Show
Steve Surfman
Does your family love dogs? Then you’ll want to mark your calendars for the AKC Meet the Breeds® at Piers 92/94, part of Meet & Compete, presented by The Westminster Kennel Club and American Watch four-legged friends make their way Kennel Club. At this through agility courses and strut their stuff event, the whole family for the judges. will have the opportunity to meet and play with more than 100 breeds of dogs—and even nearly 40 cat breeds. There will also be information about pet ownership and the qualities that make each breed a good family pet. The joint event also includes the 5th Annual Masters Agility Championship at Westminster. Can’t get enough? Westminster Week 2018 offers a slew of events, including the 142nd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Feb. 10, 10am-5pm. Age: All. $35; $10 children ages 11 and younger. Piers 92/94, 711 Twelfth Avenue, Hell’s Kitchen. westminsterkennelclub.org.
February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
This interactive museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing Chinese American history through innovative exhibits and multimedia productions that engage and educate guests of all ages. Enjoy family festivals such as MOCA FEST 2018, an eight-week-long celebration of the Lunar New Year (through March 3), as well as drop-in art workshops and story times. Visit it: 215 Centre St., Chinatown; 855-955-6622; mocanyc.org Can’t-miss event: Lunar New Year Family Festival on Feb. 17, 11am-4pm Directions: Approximately a 1-hour drive from New City Courtesy New-York Historical Society
Party With the Street!
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Courtesy Museum of Chinese in America
Courtesy Feld Entertainment
Family Fun in Manhattan
The DiMenna Children’s History Museum at the New-York Historical Society
This rich historical museum uses character-based pavilions to share 350 years of New York and American history. Families with toddlers to preteens can enjoy family learning programs as well as interactive exhibits and games. Pick up a History Detective briefcase to discover the past or enjoy a stroller tour or other reoccurring family program. Visit it: 170 Central Park West, Upper West Side; 212-873-3400; nyhistory.org Can’t-miss event: Living History: Meet President George and First Lady Martha Washington on Feb. 17-19, 11am-4pm Directions: Approximately a 1-hour drive from New City
Summer Play Camp at Blue Rock School Open House March 10th | 1:00pm
Come learn more about this joyful place where children ages 3-12 explore: Art Chess Music Sewing Drama Games
Gardening Woodworking Nature & Science Free Play Swimming Cooking
Please register at summerplaycamp@bluerockschool.org or call 845-627-0234
110 Demarest Mill Road • West Nyack www.summerplaycamp.org
Dental Wellness of Suffern Now Offers:
ANESTHESIA-FREE & VIRTUALLY PAIN-FREE PROCEDURES
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Dental Wellness of Suffern Sherri Alpert, D.D.S. 2 Execu�ve Blvd., Suite 307, Suffern (845) 918-1801 dentalwellnessofsuffern.com RocklandParent 27
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Turn the page for details on Snow Day (No. 4 on our list).
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FEBRUARY CALENDAR 30
Editor’s Hot Tickets
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We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!, Animal Lovers
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Smarty Pants, Show Time!
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The Great Outdoors, Once Upon a Time
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Browse & Buy, Movers & Shakers
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EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS
Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the eight events we consider can’t-miss—the ones we’re taking our own kids to. Consider it your cheat sheet to the best of what’s great this month!
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The Rock and Roll Playhouse Presents The Music of Tom Petty for Kids
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10, 3pm WHERE: Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre, 145 Westchester Ave., Port Chester AGES: All WHAT: Using the songs created by the most iconic musicians in rock history, The Rock and Roll Playhouse offers its core audience of babies and kids games, movement, and stories and an opportunity to rock out. WHY WE LOVE IT: A true school-ing of ROCK! WANT TO GO? $12-$17. 914-937-4126.
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 11, 1:30pm and 4:30pm WHERE: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St., Morristown, NJ AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Explore scientific facts and explode myths about the dinosaur era in this prehistoric musical revue presented by Hudson Vagabond Puppets performed by enormous creatures up to 22-feet long. WHY WE LOVE IT: Three words: Giant. Dinosaur. Puppets! WANT TO GO? $12-$15. 973-539-8008. mayoarts.org.
Natural Sweethearts
Snow Day
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10, 12-1:30pm WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Meet live animals to learn about their sweethearts, make animal valentines, and decorate a cookie during the fun Valentine’s Day program. Registration required. WHY WE LOVE IT: Celebrate the day of love with the animals of the Tenafly Nature Center! WANT TO GO? $12. 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.
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‘Mammoth Follies’
February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
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WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 11, 11am-3pm WHERE: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum’s Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Drive, Cornwall AGES: All WHAT: Explore the woods, play goofy games in the snow, track some critters, go sledding, and make snow crafts. Dress for snow and fun. WHY WE LOVE IT: Literally what childhood in the winter is all about. WANT TO GO? $8; $6 children. 845-534-5506. hhnaturemuseum.org.
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Gov Roc k dep ernmen land C art o t you ment Day! L unty r Co al s ear t un a nf has ty Gov ff all rom to o ernm that ffer ent
SAVE THE DATE Sun, March 11 TH, 2018
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A Sugaring Off Celebration: Opening Day
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 24, 11am-3pm WHERE: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum’s Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Drive, Cornwall AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Come celebrate the beginning of maple sugar season and visit the Sugar Shacks’ opening day. In addition to the Maple Sugar Tours, enjoy crafts, games, Native American storytelling around the campfire, treats of the sweet season, and bring home fun maple syrup recipes. Registration required. WHY WE LOVE IT: Maple syrup season is the sweetest! WANT TO GO? $10; $8 children ages 3-17. 845-534-5506. hhnaturemuseum.org.
Turtle Dance Music
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WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 24, 1pm and 3pm WHERE: Bergen Performing Arts Center - Drapkin Cabaret & Lounge, 30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Turtle Dance Music aims to spark children’s curiosity and imaginations through interactive, inclusive musical performances that use a wide range of instruments, stuffed animals, games, and technology. The sensory-friendly performance is geared to students in pre-K through fifth grades, and children with special needs. WHY WE LOVE IT: Because dance and music should always be inclusive. WANT TO GO? $19. 201-227-1030. bergenpac.org.
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ANNUAL
nymetroparents.com/register ››
ROCKLAND COUNTY
YOUTHFEST
at SUNY RCC Field House - 11am-4pm Over 6,000 Visitors Expected Print Media Sponsor:
• Performances by Bossy Frog as well as Carlo Pelligrini and Amazing Grace CIRCUS! Inc. • Bounce House, Slide and much more provided by Inflatable Party Adventures. • Passports processed on site by Rockland County Clerk’s office. Call (845) 638-5098 for more info.
Free Admission, Free Parking, over 150 Booths and Displays. Musicians, Face Painting, Craft Tables, Demonstrations and more! VENDORS: Contact Rockland County Youth Bureau at (845) 364-2929 • Email: parisik@co.rockland.ny.us
PROVIDING KID APPROVED DENTAL CARE!
Rubach Family Purim Carnival
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 25, 1-4pm WHERE: Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, 411 E. Clinton Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Bring your children in their favorite Purim costumes to enjoy junior bounce and moon bounce, slides, games, prizes, lifesize cartoon characters, snacks, and more. Carnival opens at 12pm for families with children with special needs. WHY WE LOVE IT: Enjoy fun for Purim! WANT TO GO? $1 entrance donation or non-perishable food item requested; $25 ride and game tickets. 201-569-7900. jccotp.org.
Rock Steady Yoga Kids: Tween Flow
WHEN: Through Feb. 27: Tuesdays, 6-6:45pm WHERE: Wholeness Center, 7 New Lake Road, Valley Cottage AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Specifically designed for tweens allowing for the opportunity to build strength and flexibility while relieving the stress of daily life. Along with active yoga poses, balance poses, partner poses, breathing techniques, and relaxation, journaling, music, art, and games will also be weaved into the classes. WHY WE LOVE IT: True chill time for tweens. Namaste. WANT TO GO? $18 per class. 845-268-7532. wholenesscenterny.com. ››
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Marita Smith, DDS Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Specializing in Dental Care for Children of All Ages State of the Art Dental Care & Facility Evening & Saturday Hours Available 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
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@smithslittlesmiles
RocklandParent 31
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 four no-cost events we’re excited about now. You’re welcome. Chocolate Olympics FREE
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 8, 7-8pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Get ready for the Winter Olympics by playing games and eating chocolate. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.
Family Havdallah FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 17, 4:45pm WHERE: Orangetown Jewish Center, 8 Independence Ave., Orangeburg AGES: All WHAT: Children of all ages and their parents are invited to share a group Aliyah to the Torah, an interactive Shabbat program over a light, kid-friendly supper, and a warm, musical Havdallah. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 845-362-4400. jccrockland.org.
Maple Sugaring FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 24, 12-1pm and 3-4pm WHERE: The Nature Place Day Camp, 307 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge AGES: All WHAT: Discover what it takes to turn sap into syrup then tap a maple tree, taste the sap that drips out, see it boiling over a fire, and enjoy thickened maple syrup over crushed ice. Participants will take home spouts for tapping your very own tree. Camp Open House will take place from 1-3pm for those who are interested. WANT TO GO? 845-356-1234. thenatureplace.com.
Weekly Drop-In at Rockland Baby Café FREE
WHEN: Year-round: Tuesdays, 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE: Rockland Baby Café, 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, make sure your baby is latching and gaining well, and get tips on pumping, going back to work, and other parenting topics. WANT TO GO? 914-922-2240. rocklandgov.com.
ANIMAL LOVERS Full Moon & Owl Prowl
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 3, 5-6:30pm WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Join for a short introduction about these raptors and a visit from a live owl. Afterward, the group will venture outside in search of nocturnal feathered friends. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $10. 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.
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Eaglefest
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10, 10:30am-4pm WHERE: Croton Point Park, 1 Croton Point Ave., Croton-on-Hudson AGES: All WHAT: Join Trailside Zoo for bird presentations, nature walks, live music, food trucks, and more. WANT TO GO? $10 parking fee. 845-786-2701. trailsidezoo.org.
Owl Prowl
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 17, 7-9pm WHERE: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum’s Wildlife Education Center, 25 Boulevard, Cornwall-on-Hudson AGES: 5 and older WHAT: See an owl up close and discover their fascinating adaptations. Learn which species of owls may be found in the area before setting out on a guided after-dark walk, during which an educator will use a calling device to try and coax owls into the area for you to hear. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $12. 845-534-7781. hhnaturemuseum.org.
Polar Bear Day
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 24, 11am-2pm WHERE: Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate with fun activities including crafts, short programs, and exhibit chats to learn all about polar bears. WANT TO GO? $8; $5 children. 201-262-3771. co.bergen.nj.us.
SMARTY PANTS
SHOW TIME!
Inspirations and Tributes: An African American Lineage
Dr. Seuss’ ‘The Cat in the Hat’
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 3, 2pm WHERE: The New York Philharmonic, 129 W. 67th St., Merkin Concert Hall, Upper West Side, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: A musical program exploring how composers influence and pay tribute to each other. Attendees are invited to arrive early to take part in YPC Overtures, when children meet Philharmonic musicians and try out orchestral instruments. WANT TO GO? $15 and up. 212-875-5656. nyphil.org.
Camp Open House FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 4, 1-4pm WHERE: The Nature Place Day Camp, 307 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge AGES: All WHAT: Come learn about The Nature Place Day Camp, a nature-based, non-competitive day camp for kids ages 4-16. Take a tour of the campus and get answers to your questions about the ins and outs of camp. Appointments only. WANT TO GO? 845-356-1234. thenatureplace.com.
Minecraft Challengers FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10, 3-4pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Talk and play everything Minecraft. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.
Sitter Safe
WHEN: Monday, Feb. 19, 9am-3pm WHERE: The Center for Family Education at The Valley Hospital, 140 E. Ridgewood Ave., Paramus, NJ AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Learn life and safety skills for taking care of and protecting infants and children. Topics include infant and child safety, handling problem behavior, care of a choking infant or child, keeping safe in the home, and contacting emergency personnel. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $70. 201-447-8000. valleyhealth.com.
Play the PS4 FREE
WHEN: Feb. 6-27, Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Village Branch, 85 Main Library, Haverstraw AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Gamers can come in and test their skills on the big screen. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.
Sibling Class
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 28, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: The Center for Family Education at The Valley Hospital, 140 E. Ridgewood Ave., Paramus, NJ AGES: 3-8 WHAT: The birth of a baby is an exciting event for the whole family. Designed specifically for the soon-to-be big brothers and sisters, to encourage positive feelings about the older sibling’s place in the family and the new baby. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $40 per family. 201-447-8000. valleyhealth.com.
WHEN: Monday, Feb. 5, 4pm WHERE: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St., Morristown, NJ AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Dr. Seuss’s beloved tale about a mischievous cat and his amazing adventures comes to life in an all new production in which not a word has been touched or added from the book. WANT TO GO? $12-$15. 973-539-8008. mayoarts.org.
Chiku Awali African Dance Performance FREE
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 7, 6:30-7:30pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: All WHAT: Experience the excitement of African Dance performed by Chiku Awali African Dance Company. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.
Milk and Cookies Playhouse Presents ‘The Grand Falloons’
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10, 2pm WHERE: The Nyack Center, 58 Depew Ave., Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Milk and Cookies Playhouse invites you to its first low-sensory show for children and families. A hilarious variety of circus and physical comedy in a calm and well-lit room, for all ages and needs. WANT TO GO? $18. 845-358-2600. artsrock.org.
‘Mr. Popper’s Penguins’
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 18, 1pm and 4pm WHERE: Bergen Performing Arts Center, 30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Painter and decorator by day, Mr. Popper spends his time dreaming of Antarctic adventures. He is astounded when one day a packing crate arrives on his doorstep and a penguin waddles out. With original songs and performing penguin puppets, this adaptation of Richard and Florence Atwater’s popular book is the perfect family treat. WANT TO GO? $15-$39. 201-227-1030. bergenpac.org.
New York International Children’s Film Festival
WHEN: Feb. 23-March 18, Friday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: Various theaters throughout Manhattan, see website for addresses AGES: 3 and older WHAT: For four weekends, New York International Children’s Film Festival invites you and your imagination to explore new frontiers through the best new films from around the world. WANT TO GO? See website for prices. 212-349-0330. nyicff.org.
‘Go, Dog. Go!’
WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 27, 4pm WHERE: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St., Morristown, NJ AGES: 3-8 WHAT: P.D. Eastman’s book comes to life in a frolicking musical party that’s gone to the dogs! Featuring audience participation, this hilarious visual spectacle is a musical romp full of surprises, singing and barking, and six lovable dogs. WANT TO GO? $12-$15. 973-539-8008. mayoarts.org. ››
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Maple Sugaring
WHEN: Feb. 4-25, Sundays, 12:30pm, 2pm, and 3:30pm WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Learn how to identify a maple tree. Discover the history of syrup making and how technology has changed the way we gather sap over the centuries. Check a tapped tree and boil down sap to make fresh, warm maple syrup, a sweet treat for all to taste. Dress warmly; registration required. WANT TO GO? $10; $30 per family. 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.
Public Skating Sessions
THE GREAT OUTDOORS Seasonal Scavenger Hunt
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 3, 10am WHERE: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum’s Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Drive, Cornwall AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Families will receive a set of clues to solve nature riddles along Outdoor Discovery Center trails. Each family will need to work as a team as they hike along the trails, complete the hunt, and receive a small prize. WANT TO GO? $8; $5 children. 845-534-5506. hhnaturemuseum.org.
Snow Tubing at Campgaw Mountain
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10, 7-10pm WHERE: Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, 411 E. Clinton Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: 9-12 WHAT: A fun night out at one of our area’s top snow tubing destinations. Transportation and snack provided. Registration and a signed waiver must be submitted in order to secure spot. WANT TO GO? $45. 201-569-7900. jccotp.org.
WHEN: Through March 3: Monday-Tuesday, 10am-1:30pm; Friday, 8-9:30pm; Saturday, 10am-9:30pm; Sunday, 10am-7:30pm WHERE: Bear Mountain Ice Rink, Bear Mountain State Park, Bear Mountain AGES: All WHAT: Lace-up for the season and enjoy skating outdoors. WANT TO GO? $5; $4 children ages 4-11; $4 skate rentals; $10 parking fee. 845-786-2701. bearmountainicerink.com.
Maple Sugar Tours
WHEN: Feb. 24-March 18, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-3pm WHERE: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum’s Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Drive, Cornwall AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Learn how to identify and tap sugar maple trees; discover sugaring techniques used by Native Americans, pioneers, and modern-day farmers; see an evaporator in action; and finish by participating in our taste test challenge to see if you can tell the difference between maple-flavored syrup and the real thing. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $10; $8 children ages 3-17. 845-534-5506. hhnaturemuseum.org.
Ski, Snowboard, and Tubing Season
WHEN: Through March 31: Monday-Thursday, 2-8pm; Friday, 1-10pm; Saturday-Sunday, 8:30am-8pm WHERE: Campgaw Mountain, 200 Campgaw Road, Mahwah, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a variety of skiing and snowboarding terrain for all abilities with short lift lines and less crowded trails. Equipment rentals and instruction for all ages available. WANT TO GO? See website for rates and packages. 201-327-7800. skicampgaw.com.
Primitive Living Skills Workshops
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10, 2-4:30pm WHERE: The Nature Place Day Camp, 285 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge AGES: 13 and older WHAT: An immersive, hands-on workshop series, designed to build a foundation in ancestral skills for living in connection with the earth. Perfect for beginners as well as those looking to grow their knowledge and abilities in wilderness skills. WANT TO GO? $45. 845-356-1234. thenatureplace.com.
Great Backyard Bird Count
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 17, 10-11:30am WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Participate in this important citizen science project to tally the birds who live at TNC. After a short review of key bird identification marks, the group will look for birds that winter at Tenafly Nature Center. Participants will log and count the birds observed and results will be submitted to the Great Backyard Bird Count. Bring binoculars. WANT TO GO? $6. 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org. 34
February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
ONCE UPON A TIME ‘Come Meet The Cat in The Hat’ FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 3, 11am WHERE: Barnes & Noble, 765 Route 17 S., Paramus, NJ AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Enjoy storytime and a special visitor, the Cat in the Hat. WANT TO GO? 201-445-4589. bn.com.
‘I Am Harriet Tubman’ Storytime FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 3, 11am WHERE: Barnes & Noble, 4416 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack AGES: 3-8 WHAT: The 14th book in author Brad Meltzer’s bestselling Ordinary People Change the World series, I Am Harriet Tubman tells the story of Tubman’s pivotal role in the fight against slavery. Enjoy a fun storytime and learn more about this important American icon. WANT TO GO? 845-348-4701. bn.com.
Thalia Kids’ Book Club: Judy Blumesday
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 4, 3pm and 7pm WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side, Manhattan AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Kids are invited to celebrate beloved children’s author Judy Blume’s 80th birthday with an afternoon of readings by actors and a discussion with Blume book illustrator Debbie Ridpath Ohi and contemporary authors including Jacqueline Woodson of Brown Girl Dreaming and Rachel Vail of Well, That Was Awkward. The event wraps up with a writing prompt and Q-and-A. WANT TO GO? $17. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.
Hogwarts Book Club FREE
WHEN: Feb. 15-March 29, Thursdays, 6:30-8pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Discuss the stories and adventure of Harry Potter and his days at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.
BROWSE & BUY Ramsey’s Indoor Winter Market
WHEN: Through March 25: Sundays, 10am-2pm WHERE: Ramsey Farmers’ Market, Eric Smith School, 73 Monroe St., Ramsey, NJ AGES: All WHAT: More than 30 local farmers and food purveyors offer fresh, local, seasonal produce, including organic, artisan breads and fine cheeses, fresh fish directly from the Hampton Bays, hummus, guacamole made on-site, gluten-free baked goods, organic prepared foods, and more. WANT TO GO? Free admission. 201-675-6866. ramseyfarmersmarket.org.
Palisades Winter Farmers’ Market
WHEN: Through March 31: Saturdays, 9am-1pm WHERE: Palisades Community Center, 675 Oak Tree Road, Palisades AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Housed in a charming historic schoolhouse, stock up on justpicked veggies and locally made artisinal specialties. There is also a craft table for kids. WANT TO GO? Free admission. 845-359-3988. palisadesfm.org.
Nyack Indoor Farmers’ Market
WHEN: Through April 30: Thursdays, 8am-2pm WHERE: Nyack Center, 58 Depew Ave., Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Locally produced food, featuring fresh produce, baked goods, sweets, and more. WANT TO GO? Free admission. 845-358-2600. nyackchamber.org.
Clarkstown’s Indoor Farmers Market
WHEN: Through May 12: Saturdays, 10am-1pm WHERE: Congers Community Center, 6 Gilchrest Road, Congers AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy fresh produce and goodies even when it’s cold out. Find baked goods, pickles, produce, vegetables, jams, eggs, meats, and more. WANT TO GO? Free admission. town.clarkstown.ny.us.
MOVERS & SHAKERS February Fun Week
WHEN: Feb. 19-23, Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm WHERE: West Rock Indoor Sports and Entertainment Complex, 21 Pralle Lane, Nanuet AGES: 5-12 WHAT: The fun week includes skill-honing drills, games, relay races, and weekly fun tournaments. Sports include whiffleball, soccer, basketball, flag football, dodge ball, kickball, and capture the flag. All drills, games, and activities will be led by experienced athletic staff. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $50 per day. 845-623-3636. westrockindoor.com.
Shooting Stars Yogis
WHEN: Through Feb. 27: Tuesdays, 4:45-5:30pm WHERE: Wholeness Center, 7 New Lake Road, Valley Cottage AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Kids will explore body awareness, self-regulation, self-esteem, strength, and flexibility through yoga, play, and story. WANT TO GO? $18 per class. 845-268-7532. wholenesscenterny.com.
Pee Wee Playgroup
WHEN: Through March 29: Mondays and Thursdays, 10am-1pm WHERE: JTS Community Center, 115 Torne Valley Road, Hillburn AGES: 3-5, adult WHAT: Children with a caregiver can participate in a variety of different developmental activities from a bounce house to the balance beam, bouncy balls, mat activities, and more to help develop social skills, balance, and coordination. WANT TO GO? $10 per child. 845-753-2324. ramapoparks.org.
Coming up next month: MARCH 11: Annual Purim Character Palooza at JCC Rockland, West Nyack MARCH 11: Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live at Bergen Performing Arts Center, Englewood, NJ MARCH 17: Outragehisss Pets at The Nature Place Day Camp, Chestnut Ridge
RocklandParent 35
things to do
❆
where-to guide
Staying❆ Compiled by Samantha Neudorf
With temperatures dropping and snow falling, who actually wants to be outside? Cozy up with some hot chocolate or tea, or spend the rest of this short month exploring an indoor play space. If you still want a taste of winter without worrying about the weather, visit an indoor ice-skating rink (it’ll probably be warmer inside than the temperature outside!). And if you are not a fan of winter, you can pretend it’s summer at one of the indoor water parks in the Northeast. Stay warm!
INDOOR PLAY SPACES Bounce! Trampoline Sports 612 Corporate Way, Valley Cottage 845-268-4000; bouncevalleycottage.com Bounce! offers the opportunity to play sports, have fun, and get fit on 10,000 square feet of trampolines. The facility offers open jump time, trampoline dodgeball, slam dunk basketball, and foam pit jumping.
HOT CHOCOLATE SPOTS Lulu’s Café 426 W. Nyack Road, West Nyack 845-358-5822; facebook.com/luluscafeny Sunday-Monday, 9am-3pm; Tuesday-Thursday, 9am-8pm; Friday-Saturday, 9am-9pm This retro-inspired café serves up brunch on the weekends, and lunch and dinner during the week. Also serves traditional and flavored hot tea, chai lattes, and Ghirardelli hot chocolate. Find more>> hot chocolate spots in Rockland County at nymetroparents.com/hot-chocolate. Courtesy Sahara Sam’s Oasis
Inside
Find more>> indoor play spaces in Rockland County at nymetroparents.com/indoor-play-spaces.
INDOOR ICE-SKATING RINKS
❆❆
Palisades Center Ice Rink 4900 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack 845-353-4855; palisadescentericerink.com Hours: Daily, year-round. Call for public skating times. Price: $10; $8 seniors and children younger than 10. $4 skate rental. Ten-visit punch cards and season passes available.
❄
Find more>> indoor ice-skating rinks in Rockland County at nymetroparents.com/ice-skating.
Kids of all ages can enjoy floating through Lizard Lagoon at Sahara Sam’s Oasis.
INDOOR WATER PARKS Sahara Sam’s Oasis 535 N. Route 73, West Berlin, NJ 856-767-7580; saharasams.com Hours: Thursday-Friday, 4-9pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-7pm. See website for updates. Admission: $39.99; $34.99 in advance; $32.99 for a halfday ticket; free for seniors older than 65 and for children 2 and younger. Even when it’s snowing outside, it is always a balmy 84 degrees inside Sahara Sam’s in West Berlin. Eleven water rides make Sam’s 58,000 square feet chock-full of fun. Lizard Lagoon is the hangout for the little ones, while teens will love The Flow Rider, the only indoor surfing simulator in New Jersey. Find more>> indoor water parks in the New York metro area at nymetroparents.com/indoor-water-parks.
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February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
CHiLDREN’S BiRTHDAY PARTiES TURN YOUR PARTY INTO A FIESTA AT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD BLUE MOON
Happy Valentine's Day! 5 0 % O FF
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family life home
Hey Google! Can You Teach My Kid Some Manners…Please? ››
Smart home devices have many advantages, but are they turning our children into brats? By Bethany Braun-Silva
J “
ust Google it,” my husband said when, last year, I asked him what day of the week Christmas fell on. Before I could whip out my phone and start typing, I heard my 5-year-old say, “Hey Google, what day is Christmas this year?” This is our life these days. We were recently gifted a Google Assistant, or Google Home device, an internet-connected speaker that does everything from play music to sync our calendars to answer any question, no matter how random. Within seconds Google replies with an answer, and we are on to the next thing. No “thank you” needed—it is, after all, a virtual assistant that’s plugged into our wall. But it didn’t escape me that if my husband had answered the question, I would have at least tossed a “Thanks, babe,” his way. This got me thinking about my kids. They are absolute sponges, picking up new phrases and mannerisms every day—from TV shows, videos on their iPad, and me and my husband. I, of course, want them to be polite and considerate kids who grow up to be 38
February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
polite and considerate adults. I started to wonder: Should I make them say “thank you” to the tech device that sits on top of our family desk? Amazon’s Alexa, Google Home, and Apple’s Siri will answer any question regardless of whether it’s asked politely. Kids can even be intentionally rude to the device, calling it a “jerk” or “stupid,” with no repercussions of hurt feelings or a scolding from Mom or Dad. However, it is a device, not a person, so I find myself torn on this issue.
Technology and Our Society
I’ve heard many times throughout the years that technology is ruining our social interactions. In fact, it’s contributing to the lack of empathy we see online—especially with kids and teens. “When social media relationships replace real-time, real-life, in-person human relationships, problems arise…That’s because when interacting with others from behind a keyboard, the communication rules are different—easier…You can say what you
want without having to witness firsthand the emotional fallout of poor choices or unkind words, even those that are misspoken,” according to “Is Technology Dehumanizing Our Society?,” an article published on dialogmagazine.com. This lack of human interaction is the norm these days. Internet trolls run rampant. I hardly know anyone who prefers talking on the phone rather than texting. And now, with these in-home devices, tech is literally everywhere. But even if this is the norm, should it be?
The Pros
Paulina R., a mom from Forest Hills, isn’t too worried about the social side effects that smart home devices may have on her kids. “The benefits far outweigh the potential drawbacks,” she says. “My kids use our Alexa like a modern-day library. They absorb so much information from that little machine, it’s incredible.” Meanwhile, Manhattan mom Vanessa McDaniels has found another advantage to her family’s Google Home device. “When my two boys get into an argument over who wants the iPad or who gets to pick the family movie, we ask Google to flip a coin,” she says. Arguments are settled in mere seconds, which makes for a much more peaceful household. Similarly, many parents of children with special needs praise virtual assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant. “While on the one hand kids using Alexa may develop an attitude, there are also ways that creators, such as myself, are using Alexa to help children lead better lives,” says Daphne Mallory, a virtual reality screenwriter and producer. She recently developed the Alexa skill Autism Help, which is designed to help parents teach social, verbal, and functional skills to children with autism. “It may be easier and less stressful for children on the autism spectrum to interact with Alexa and learn skills, than solely with a parent or other adult,” she explains. “That’s the benefit of voice interface technology and how we can use Alexa in a positive way.”
The Cons
Even with the best of intentions, though, parents can find themselves at odds with their kids’ behavior when it comes to these devices. McDaniels is a bit worried about how their smart device may affect the way her children act outside the house. “The Google Home device answers our kids whether they are rude or not,” she says. “I’m concerned that this might get repeated with a family member or even a teacher one day.” And McDaniels recently caught her 6-year-old son Connor hitting the device when it didn’t understand his question. “We talked to him about his behavior and explained that that’s not how we treat things in our house,” she says. “But there was this thought in the back of my head that even though this behavior is totally unacceptable, we were essentially talking about something inanimate.” There’s also the issue of safety. Who’s to say these devices can’t get hacked or steal personal information? Certainly if a smart device resides in your kids’ room, there might be some cause for concern when it comes to privacy. “Google’s activities may affect the ads you get, the deals you are exposed to, the purchases you make, the discounts you receive, the entertainment and news you see, and your very sense that surveillance is natural. Plus, Google is only one of a gaggle of large companies involved in these sorts of activities—all the while seemingly hoping we don’t understand and are too resigned to push back,” writes Joseph Turow in an article titled “Google Still Doesn’t Care About Your Privacy” on fortune.com.
Manners and the Machine
So, is there a risk of these smart home devices making kids less empathetic—or even more demanding? “Devices are not turning kids into brats. Devices are merely tools,” says Donna Volpitta, Ed.D., founder of the Center for Resilient Leadership and a former special education teacher. “However, with the increase in technology and devices, parents need to be more and more mindful about the way they are parenting. Currently, there is a wide misuse of these devices, which puts kids at risk in many ways, including being at risk of becoming brats.” Lilian Rincon, product management director for the Google Assistant, is being more mindful by changing how she speaks to the assistant. “In my house, we say things like, ‘Ok Google, please tell me the weather’ and try to remember to say ‘thank you’ when we get the answer. We don’t always remember, and it’s definitely a balance, but I think my kids learn from how we talk to the assistant, and it has made an impact,” she says. “There’s always some level of risk with new technology and children learning about it at younger and younger ages, but as a parent I can model the behavior I want them to replicate, similar to how we do in real relationships with people.” Paulina takes a similar approach to ensuring her kids learn manners: “That’s something they will learn from my husband and me, and I don’t think my kids will grow up to be rude just from using Alexa,” she says. “Teaching manners is the parent’s job, and we need to adapt our parenting to these modern times.” Dr. Volpitta also suggests using the following tips to stop kids’ bratty behavior toward the devices—and toward other people: • S et limits and stick to them: It is our job, as parents, to establish and enforce rules and boundaries, and it’s our children’s job (whether we like it or not) to test those rules and boundaries. If you see your child pushing the limits as far as rude behavior is concerned, step in and explain why that behavior is unacceptable. If the behavior was toward a smart device, remove the device to be used another time. If it was directed at a person, have them apologize. • Enforce privilege guidelines: Using any kind of technology for fun is a privilege, not a right. “When kids are acting responsibly, they are able to earn privileges and use devices. When they are being brats, they should not be able to use devices,” Dr. Volpitta says. • Show you won’t give in to whining: Kids should accept the consequences of acting in a negative manner toward the devices, so stand your ground if your child starts to whine or bargain to use the virtual assistant before they’ve earned the privilege again. So like everything in our tech-crazy world, in-home devices come with pros and cons. My kids will continue to emulate what they see and hear, so my husband and I will start saying “please” and “thank you” to our Google Assistant to set a good example. Though while my kids were out of the house the other day, I did ask it a bunch of questions, both appropriate and inappropriate—in the name of research, of course. One was, “Hey Google, what makes you happy?” It replied, “I’m happy when I can help out.” Maybe the device can teach my kids some manners after all. RocklandParent 39
raising kids teen
Help Your Teen Get More Exercise ›› Most adolescents are a lot less active than they should be—get yours moving with these expert-approved tips. By Deborah Skolnik
T
he teenage years. What do you think of when you hear that phrase? Probably kids growing like weeds and busily exploring new things, and, because of this, being more active than they’ll ever be again. But research released last June shows that this just isn’t true, at least not these days. The study, part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination survey, found something alarming: Physical activity peaks at age 6, then declines throughout childhood. Just how steeply does daily exercise decrease? By age 19, the average teen is as sedentary as a 60-year-old. Blame the tech revolution for a lot of this, says Jane Diamond, a master personal trainer and certified health and wellness coach. Kids aren’t outside all day until dinner, the way that we, or our parents, were as kids. “Our society has changed into an information society,” she says. “We sit at computers, we play games, and we’re on our phones. Kids come home from school and go onto Facebook and Snapchat.” Add in a lot of scheduled time for things like after-school help, homework, and instrument lessons, and it’s easy to see why today’s teens aren’t movers and shakers, at least in the physical sense. 40
February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little prodding from you, your teen can adopt a more active lifestyle, one that will serve her well throughout her life. We asked exercise pros how to make it happen.
Household Help
There’s plenty you can do around the house to encourage your teen to exercise. “Create an environment that reflects the change you want,” Diamond says. Steps like these can make a big difference: Lead by example. Show your teen that you embrace workouts. Keep an exercise bag at the door for trips to the gym, tennis lessons, or whatever physical activity you pursue. Invite him to come along with you whenever possible. If he can’t accompany you, make a point of letting him see you come home feeling energized and raring to go. “A little bit of that does sink in,” Diamond says. Load up your video game console with active games. “There are so many that make you exercise or dance,” Diamond says. And
get in the game yourself. Tell your teen, “I want to play too!” If it’s a competitive game, throw down a challenge to amp up the excitement factor and keep the activity going longer. Wean from the screen. While workout-based video games are fine in moderation, try limiting the number of hours your teen spends on optional, nonacademic screen time. Designate certain times of day, such as mealtimes, to be phone-free, so she gets used to the idea of letting go of her trusty device. And make certain areas of your house no-phone zones—especially the bedrooms. Your teen may end up getting more sleep at night, which will give her more energy to exercise during the day. Commercial-cize with your kids. When you do watch TV together, exercise together each time a commercial comes on, says Len Saunders, author of Keeping Kids Fit, who organizes programs on a national level for school-age kids regarding health and fitness. “If you watch a lot of TV, this can accumulate to a lot of exercise,” he says. Create a mini indoor gym. “For about fifty dollars, you can get all the equipment you need,” Diamond says. She recommends buying an exercise ball, a jump rope, carpet sliders, and a couple of sets of small weights. These are all easy to use, and there’s an abundance of videos and articles on the web to show you all the things you can do with them. Dole out some old-fashioned chores. Make your teen responsible for physical tasks around the house, such as sweeping the walkways, vacuuming the carpets, or mopping the kitchen floor. These responsibilities will get him off the sofa and onto his feet. Create an exercise chart for the whole family, with built-in rewards for your teen. Set the goal of an hour a day of physical activity for each of you, and have your child mark her progress. The incentive can be anything that you know motivates her, such as extra allowance money or the chance to get you to finance her Friday night out with her pals.
Have your teen walk the dog if you own one and your neighborhood is safe for a solo excursion. One recent study published in the journal BMC Public Health found that dog owners walk 22 more minutes per day than people without pooches. Plan active outings—and tell your teen to invite a friend. Hiking in a state park with Mom and Dad? Lame. Hiking in a state park with Mom, Dad, and Hailey from bio class? Way cool. Pals are everything to kids at this age, so provide a chance for some buddy time along with exercise. “They’ll do a lot more when they’re with their own peers,” Liang notes. Run errands without using a car, bus, or subway. If your destination is within walking distance, go on foot or by bicycle. “If you own bikes, get bike baskets so it’s easy to take purchases home,” Lopez says, “and if you’re going on foot, take along backpacks.” Don’t be discouraged by bad weather. “There are so many wonderful indoor exercise facilities,” Diamond says. “There are places that you can go that have indoor skating, indoor rock climbing, basketball courts, tennis, and squash.” Whichever strategy or strategies you use, set aside regular time for exercise, and make it a habit. “We didn’t wake up at age 2 able to go to the bathroom and brush our teeth on our own,” Diamond observes. “Someone taught us day in and day out. We practiced for years until it became so routine that we didn’t even think about it anymore, and exercise needs to become a habit, too.” With your help, your teen will get moving in the right direction, one healthy step at a time.
Take It Outside
There are even more opportunities for exercise outside the house. Get your teen up, out, and at ’em with these tips. Have the right outdoor equipment on hand, says Nedra Lopez, co-owner of P.E. Club on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Hang a basketball hoop above your garage if you live in a house, and challenge your child to a quick game after school (or head to the nearest public court to do the same). Buy a set of orange cones for your yard or take them to the park and use them to play a simple game: Line up all the cones on one side of a patch of lawn, and challenge your kid to see which of you can pick up and rearrange the cones on the other side the fastest. Lopez is also a fan of resistance parachutes—small parachutes you strap around your waist that catch the wind as you run, creating muscle-building resistance. Want more fun? Invest in an agility ladder, which is a ladder-like device you lay on the ground. Play hopscotch with it, or check out YouTube videos of beginner agility ladder drills. Sign up together for an athletic event for charity, says Sandra Liang, a trainer at Crunch in Manhattan. It can be as simple as a walk or as ambitious as a 5K you train for together, “and it also introduces your child to volunteer work,” Liang adds. Revisit your favorite childhood games. “Whether you played tennis or racquetball or something else, explore them together,” Lopez says. It’s a great opportunity for you to teach your child a sport you know, and it’s quality bonding time, too.
Main Street Cinemas welcomes all Camp Groups by showing today’s best kids and family friendly movies... at the lowest admission prices in Rockland County! For special rates and packages for camps, kid’s birthday parties and other group outings, please contact us at: events@mainstcinemas.com
And we will see you at the movies!
Main Street Cinemas (FORMERLY FINE ARTS)
202 South Main Street New City, NY 10956 845-634-5100
www.MainStCinemas.com RocklandParent 41
family life food & nutrition
Vegan Snacks for a Super Bowl Party ›› Three affordable, easy-to-make vegan treats that will appeal to everyone
W
e won’t know until Jan. 21 what two teams will huddle up for Super Bowl LII, which will air on NBC Feb. 4. But we’re already thinking about what delicious treats we’ll be making for our viewing parties—and how to accommodate all tastes and dietary needs. These recipes from Frugal Vegan by Katie Koteen and Kate Kasbee are vegan (of course), nut-free, and can be made glutenfree if not already; are affordable and easy to make; and will even appeal to meat-eaters. So enjoy watching the QBs throw the pigskin without any actual pigskins.
BBQ Chickpea Sliders
Nut-free, soy-free Splurge: Roasted sunflower seed topping Serves 4-6 • 15 minutes to prepare Though they first debuted at White Castle, sliders have evolved to include pretty much anything served on a tiny bun. We took a plantbased approach with this recipe by using nothing but chickpeas, BBQ sauce, and a few seasonings to create the savory, delicious filling on these bad boys. If it fits in your budget, don’t skimp on the Pineapple Slaw. It adds just the right amount of sweetness and crunch for an irresistible party snack or summery dinnertime dish. Ingredients 1 (15-oz.) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained ½ cup BBQ sauce ½ tsp. garlic powder ½ tsp. chili powder Salt, to taste 12 whole-wheat slider buns 1 cup Pineapple Slaw (p. 143 in Frugal Vegan, or your favorite coleslaw recipe) Roasted sunflower seeds, for serving, optional Directions Add the chickpeas, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, and chili powder to a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring constantly and smashing about half of the chickpeas with the back 42
February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
of a fork or slotted spoon. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time if the mixture starts sticking to the bottom of the saucepan. Remove from heat and season with salt to taste. To assemble, spread a spoonful of the BBQ chickpeas on the bottom portion of a whole-wheat slider bun. Top with a scoop of Pineapple Slaw, and sprinkle with roasted sunflower seeds for some extra crunch, if desired.
Twice-Baked Potato Bites
Nut-free, soy-free, gluten-free Splurge: Use fresh chives in place of dried Serves 4-6 • 60 minutes to prepare Bust out the melon baller. You’ve got tiny potatoes to scoop out and that’s the perfect tool for the job. If you don’t have a baller, any small spoon will work. When it comes time for scooping, be sure to wait until the potatoes are cool before you scoop. Those little spuds can really hold their heat. Ingredients 2 lbs. red new potatoes (about 14), halved 1 tbsp. olive oil Coarse salt and ground pepper ¾ cup Vegan Sour Cream (p. 167 in Frugal Vegan, or your favorite recipe) 2 tbsp. chives, plus more for garnish Directions Preheat the oven to 450ºF. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut a thin slice off the bottom of each of your halved potatoes, so they sit flat. In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with oil; season with salt and pepper and arrange bottom-side down on the baking sheet. Bake until tender, 30 to 35 minutes. Let them cool on the sheet. When the potatoes are cool enough, scoop out about a teaspoon from the center of each potato and place in a medium bowl. Add vegan sour cream and chives, and mash; season with salt and pepper. Stuff the potatoes with the filling. Bake the potatoes until lightly browned, about 15 minutes.
Mitzvah Market magazine
Sun-Dried Tomato White Bean Hummus
Your Source for Ideas & Inspiration Get Your FREE Copy Nut-free, soy-free Splurge: none Serves 4-6 • 5 minutes to prepare If you’ve ever made or eaten traditional hummus, you know it’s made from a blend of chickpeas and tahini. But we like to break the rules, so we made it with white beans. The result is an ultra-creamy spread that offers a nice change of flavor from the stuff you’re used to. If you can find them, we recommend buying your sun-dried tomatoes in a package, rather than a jar. They’re way less messy and typically more affordable than the varieties swimming in olive oil. If you do buy sun-dried tomatoes in a jar, be sure to drain them thoroughly before chopping. Ingredients 1 (15-oz.) can white beans, drained and rinsed ½ lemon, juiced 2 garlic cloves, minced ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped ¼ cup olive oil ¼ tsp. salt 1/ tsp. pepper 8 Directions Combine the white beans, lemon juice, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Blend until the hummus is completely smooth. Adjust seasonings to taste. Transfer the hummus to an airtight container and chill in the refrigerator until ready to eat. Serve with sliced veggies, pita chips, or slathered on your favorite bagel.
Reprinted with permission from Page Street Publishing. Photography by Allie Lehman. Cover design by Mette Hornung Rankin.
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Davler Media Group Fax: 212.271.2239 • Call: 914.290.4716 Email: Distribution@davlermedia.com 498 Seventh Ave., 10th Floor New York, NY 10018 RocklandParent 43
Meet the
Health Care Professional Dental Wellness of Suffern Sherri Alpert, D.D.S. 2 Executive Blvd., Suite 307, Suffern 845-918-1801 dentalwellnessofsuffern.com dentalwellness@optonline.net
Bobby Crohn, D.D.S. Monroe Dental Office 400 State Route 17M, Suite 2, Monroe 845-782-0189 monroedentaloffice.com monroedental@optonline.net
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. 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.
Marita Smith, D.D.S. Smith’s Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry 5C Medical Park Drive, Pomona 845-414-9626 smithslittlesmiles.com drsmith@smithslittlesmiles.com
Kastin Orthodontics 6 Medical Park Drive, Pomona 845-354-7233 kastinorthodontics.com drkastin09@yahoo.com
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 a child 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.
Tenafly Pediatrics 74 Pascack Road, Park Ridge, NJ 201-326-7120 Offices also in Tenafly, Fort Lee, Clifton, Paramus, and Oakland, NJ tenaflypediatrics.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.
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With 16 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-the-art materials and customized treatment planning for every patient to ensure the highest quality of care. 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.
Crystal Run 2 Centerock Road, West Nyack 845-348-1100 crystalrunhealthcare.com
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, all under one roof. Our 70,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art West Nyack facility offers patients easy access to quality health care by way of more than 20 medical and surgical specialties, including Adolescent Medicine, Pediatrics, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, including Urogynecology. In addition, our innovative facility boasts an Infusion Center, Urgent Care, diagnostic testing services, on-site laboratory services, Diagnostic Imaging, and Women’s Imaging—making it a one-stop health care destination for all. We are here to meet the needs of every family member, regardless of age or medical condition. Crystal Run also has offices in Haverstraw, Stony Point, and Suffern.
Smile More Kidz Meet Your Smile Team 140 Oak Tree Road, Tappan 845-367–4866 smilemorekidz.com
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 will make the extra effort to make 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, something our team feels strongly about. We believe in building a foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles by making every visit to our office a fun and informative experience.
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.
Clemente Orthodontics 603 S. Route 304, New City 845-638-6646 60 W. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 201-447-2888; clementeorthodontics.com
At Clemente Orthodontics, our patients receive the benefit of experience, quality, and energy that comes with a multigenerational team. Dr. Michael Clemente and his daughters, Dr. Nicole Clemente and Dr. Marissa Clemente, work together seamlessly to care for your orthodontic needs. They run a stateof-the-art practice with digital X-rays, private treatment rooms, impression-free Invisalign, and a highly experienced staff. They are an Invisalign Super Elite Premier provider, offering Invisalign and Invisalign Teen as treatment options. Consultations are complimentary.
Gayle Sturmer L.C.S.W.-R. Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychotherapy, Rapid Resolution Therapy® 99 Main St., Nyack 914-450-2413 239 N. Broadway, Suite 6, Tarrytown 914-450-2413; gaylesturmer.com
Gayle Sturmer’s treatment method is short-term and solution-focused. Creativity and understanding are integrated into everything she does. She creates successes immediately to allow quick progression toward goals. Trained and skilled in many different methods, she is a licensed clinical social worker, certified CBT therapist, and certified Rapid Resolution™ (RRT) therapist with more than 25 years of experience with adults, children as young as age 5, and adolescents. She has a post-graduate degree in Child and Adolescent Therapy from Fordham University.
PartyCentral Your local guide to entertainers, party places, activities, and other resources. 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! PARTY PLACES ABRAKADOODLE ART STUDIO FOR KIDS 53 Prospect Place, Hillsdale 201-383-0027 abrakadoodle.com/nj04 Facebook: abrakadoodlenj04 Instagram: abrakadoodlenorthjersey kroberts@abrakadoodle.com
Paint, slime, draw, fun, clay, and glitter are all the cool things we do at our studio! Abrakadoodle has been serving the community for more than 11 years offering arty parties for ages 3 and older. BLUE MOON MEXICAN CAFÉ 7-27 Pondfield Road, Bronxville 914-337-4000 42 Kinderkamack Road, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 201-782-9500 23 E. Palisade Ave., Englewood, NJ 201-541-0600 327 Franklin Ave., Wyckoff, NJ 201-891-1331 595 Broadway, Norwood, NJ 201-784-3311 bluemoonmexicancafe.com Looking to spice up your child’s next birthday party without sending your savings south of the border? Your party guests will revel in a fun-filled celebration with a mouth-watering menu. Call today to find out more!
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RocklandParent 45
raising kids dental health
Healthy Smiles
››
Local dentists and orthodontists answer frequently asked questions about kids’ dental health.
F
rom the time we were young children, our parents took us to the dentist every 6 months for regular checkups and cleanings. Now that we’re parents, we’re doing the same for our children to ensure they have healthy pearly whites from the time their baby teeth grow in through the time they leave the nest. As with most things medical-related, it can be confusing what the latest recommendations are when it comes to oral health and how to help our children. So in honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month, we compiled some of the best advice we’ve received from dentists, orthodontists, and even a psychologist in the New York metro area to keep your kids’ smiles healthy and happy. Here’s what they had to say:
Good Habits Start in Infancy
Before your child has any teeth, you should wipe the mouth and gums with moist gauze or a soft wet washcloth after feedings and before bedtime. Once the first tooth comes in, you should use a small, soft bristled, age-appropriate toothbrush to clean the teeth two times per day: in the morning after breakfast and in the evening before bedtime. The last thing to touch a child’s teeth before bed should be a toothbrush. At first, no toothpaste is necessary; simply wet the toothbrush 46
February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
with water. For children younger than 3, a rice-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste should be used; for children ages 3-6, use a pea-sized amount. It is best if a parent assists children preschool-age and younger in brushing. Take care to brush on the inside and outside of each tooth and the tongue, if possible. In order to maximize the beneficial effect of fluoride—a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay by making enamel more resistant to acids and harmful bacteria—your child should not rinse after brushing his teeth. Flossing should be initiated when adjacent tooth surfaces cannot be cleansed with a toothbrush. Kid’s flossers are an excellent aid in flossing children’s teeth. Evidence shows that in order to succeed in preventing oral disease, interventions must begin at infancy. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that your child should have a comprehensive oral exam, an assessment for oral diseases, caries risk assessment, dietary recommendations, and oral hygiene instructions by the time she reaches her first birthday. Good oral hygiene practices that are implemented very early on can have a positive outcome on her overall well-being. —Marita Smith, D.D.S., board-certified pediatric dentist and owner of Smith’s Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in Pomona
Know When Thumb Sucking Gets a Thumbs Down
The better a parent or caregiver takes care of her teeth, the less likely it is that she will transmit the bacteria. Parents can Thumb sucking is okay as long as the habit stops after 5 years of lower the bacteria in their mouth with basic oral hygiene and age. After 5 years of age, the child’s permanent teeth will begin regular visits to the dentist. Treating and preventing cavities erupting—the first molars, the incisors on the lower arch—and in a parent’s mouth helps both the parent and child. Just like thumb sucking will cause the child to develop an anterior open avoiding sharing other germs, caregivers should refrain from bite, where the teeth in the front do not come together and, as a tasting children’s food using the kids’ utensils, kissing children result, the tongue has a lot more space to thrust forward. Because on the lips, and other actions that could cause the spread of of this, the child may also develop speech impediments, since they the bacteria. cannot pronounce certain sounds due to the teeth not closing Brushing and flossing regularly, and visiting the dentist at least correctly and the tongue thrusting forward. two times a year, can control the bacteria in your child’s mouth— If your child breaks the thumb-sucking habit by age 5 without and starting early helps a lot. any orthodontic intervention, the open bite will usually close on —Marc Bennet, D.M.D., M.S., a board-certified pediatric dentist its own by age 10 or 11, depending on the severity. at Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dentistry with locations in Another thing is the upper arch will form in a v-shaped arch— Massapequa Park, Nesconset, and West Islip kind of elongated forward—because of the constant pressure of the thumb on the upper teeth. That creates a cross bite, or scissor There’s Lots to Love About Laser Treatments bite, in the back. Laser treatment is a method of handling delicate procedures A cross bite needs to be corrected by expanding the arch with in children as young as 2-3, such as cavities and lip ties, which a special appliance called a palate expander. The palate expander happen when the upper lips of infants are tethered to the upper could also be used in combination with a habit-breaking appliance gums from birth. It can be used in multiple procedures in children to correct both problems. without instilling any trauma like anesthesia shots. For example, To break the thumb-sucking habit, the first recommendation is dentists can use laser treatment in place of the conventional drill to talk to the child and encourage the child to minimize the habit when treating cavities, eliminating as much as possible. For the need for anesthesia shots and example, it shouldn’t be done $4.66: the average amount the making your child’s experience for the whole day. Some kids the least invasive and painful as don’t do it during the day tooth fairy paid per tooth in late possible. The laser can remove because they’re involved in 2016 through early 2017, according tooth decay without touching the activities, and when they go tooth, and it numbs the tooth as to sleep, they start sucking to Delta Dental Plans Association’s an added bonus for your child’s their thumb. It still needs to national poll comfort level. Another added bonus be broken in that case. is that the treatment is shorter If that doesn’t work, and less dramatic, which gives the they can always go to the patient a healthy experience and prevents a fear of the dentist from orthodontist, who can talk to the child. Sometimes kids forget developing early on. However, laser treatment is not a common they need to work on breaking the habit, and parents are so treatment, and only select offices have this equipment. caught up with their work that they also forget, so what I advise —Renuka Bijoor, D.D.S., a board-certified pediatric dentist at is to put up sticky notes all over as reminders for the child to Briarcliff Pediatric Dentistry in Briarcliff Manor take their thumb out of their mouth. Some parents also try thumb guards. Got Braces? Be Proud! As a last resort, there are habit-breaking appliances the In our society, particularly in the adolescent age group, orthodontist can cement in the child’s mouth. They come in how people look really relates directly to their popularity. different forms to prevent either tongue thrusting or thumb And a good chunk of kids want to be popular. Their selfsucking. They have a roller that prevents the thumb from getting consciousness comes from the fear of whether they will be into a secure position in the mouth, and that will break the habit. popular because now there’s something making them look —Larissa Davids, D.D.S., orthodontist and owner of Rego Park Orthodontics different. I think some kids take advantage of this by pointing in Rego Park, Queens out these differences and bullying those children with braces. A lot of people get braces and want to hide them—a fact that Cavities Are Contagious! our culture has embraced and addressed by coming up with Believe it or not, you can catch a cavity. invisible options such as Invisalign. Dental cavities are the single most common chronic childhood We want kids to be proud and show their braces off. There is a disease. While the cause of dental decay is multi-factorial, most Twitter account (@GirlsWithBraces) where there are pictures of parents blame candy, snacking, or sugary drinks such as juice or girls with big smiles showing off their braces. Their approach is soda. These certainly contribute to dental decay, but bacteria also having braces is a positive thing rather than one that should make cause cavities. The main culprit is a bacteria called Streptococcus you hide in fear. mutans, which lives in the plaque on your teeth and feeds off the If a kid gets braces and approaches it with fear and wants to sugars in your mouth, producing an acid that weakens your teeth hide, other kids pick up on that fear and that’s where a lot of the and causes cavities. teasing really comes in and it really erodes their self-esteem. Like most bacteria, Streptococcus mutans can be transmitted — Jill M. Emanuele, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist at the Anxiety and from one person to another. This is especially true between Mood Disorders Center for the Child Mind Institute in Manhattan caregivers and children, and also happens between couples or even people living closely. Research has shown that children usually get continued on next page ›› the cavity-causing bacteria from mom. RocklandParent 47
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Learn What to Do If There’s a Dental Emergency at School
First, try not to panic too much as you approach your child. Oftentimes there is a lot of bleeding if the injury involves the mouth. The oral tissues are highly vascular, so profuse bleeding is common. If the school nurse has not done so already, place an ice pack on the injury and apply light gauze pressure to the site of injury. This will usually control the bleeding, and the ice will help with any swelling. If the injury involves the mouth or jaw, call your child’s dentist right away. You may want to call your dental office as you head to the school so they are prepared to see your little one as soon as possible. If there is general head trauma, and your child is complaining of headache, dizziness, or disorientation, take your child to the emergency room immediately to rule out a concussion. If a permanent tooth has been knocked out of your child’s mouth, do everything you can to locate the tooth. Try not to handle the tooth by the root. Make no attempt to clean the tooth if there is visible dirt or debris. Place the tooth in a cup of milk or a “tooth saver solution” if the school nurse has it. The most ideal scenario is to place the tooth back in the socket if your child allows, but we often find that the parent and child are too nervous to do so, and that is okay. Take your child and the tooth to your dentist as soon as possible. Time really is important in this case; the sooner the tooth is re-implanted and stabilized, the better the prognosis. If the tooth is a baby tooth, it will not be re-implanted. You still want to have your child examined, and take the baby tooth with you, if you have it. Your pediatric dentist will evaluate the other teeth for any signs of mobility or damage as well as evaluate the jaws and bite to rule out a fracture. —Mahnaz Khan, D.D.S., a board-certified pediatric dentist at Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry in Westbury
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raising kids ad index NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY metropolitan area! acrobatics / gymnastics
Tumble-Bee Gymnastics .............................................. 12
birthday / party services
Academy for Martial Arts .............................................. 12 Blue Moon Mexican Café ............................................. 37 Glaze Pottery and Art Studio ....................................... 25 Healthbarn USA............................................................ 19 Jill’s Ceramics............................................................... 37 Main Street Cinemas .................................................... 41 Master Jung & Yu Traditional Taekwondo .................... 21 Palisades Climb Adventure............................................. 8 Rockland Parent Party Planner .................................... 49 Sparkle Up .................................................................... 48 Tumble-Bee Gymnastics .............................................. 12 West Rock Indoor Sports Complex .............................. 17
camps
Academy for Martial Arts .............................................. 12 Brilliant Minds Daycare & Learning Center................... 21 Camp Clio ..................................................................... 17 Camp Ramaquois ......................................................... 19 Clarkstown Theatre Company ...................................... 21 Coupe Theatre Studio .................................................. 19 Glaze Pottery and Art Studio ....................................... 25 Healthbarn USA............................................................ 19 JCC of Rockland........................................................... 52 Kreative Kids & Vicki’s Dance Studio ........................... 17 Lindgren School & Camp.............................................. 19 Mathnasium of Nanuet ................................................. 37 Mosholu Montefiore Community Center ....................... 15 Palisades Country Day School & Camp ....................... 17 West Rock Indoor Sports Complex .............................. 17
child care / day care
Brilliant Minds Daycare & Learning Center................... 21
classes
Clarkstown Theatre Company ...................................... 21 Glaze Pottery and Art Studio ....................................... 25 Healthbarn USA............................................................ 19
Jill’s Ceramics............................................................... 37 Kreative Kids & Vicki’s Dance Studio ........................... 17 Mathnasium of Nanuet ................................................. 37 Tumble-Bee Gymnastics .............................................. 12
Smith’s Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry ................. 31, 44 Spots OT ...................................................................... 48 Tenafly Pediatrics ................................................... 37, 44
dance
performing arts / acting
Coupe Theatre Studio .................................................. 19 Kreative Kids & Vicki’s Dance Studio ........................... 17
developmental
Hudson Valley Psychotherapy ...................................... 45
education
Blue Rock School ......................................................... 27 Brilliant Minds Daycare & Learning Center................... 21 JCC of Rockland........................................................... 52 Lindgren School & Camp.............................................. 19 Mathnasium of Nanuet ................................................. 37 Palisades Country Day School & Camp ....................... 17
family entertainment / events / outings
Clarkstown Theatre Company ...................................... 21 Coupe Theatre Studio .................................................. 19
restaurant / food services Blue Moon Mexican Café ............................................. 37 Palisades Center ........................................................... 3
retail Kagan Realty / Toyriffic ................................................. 45 Palisades Center ........................................................... 3 Sparkle Up .................................................................... 48 Tilly...A Deer’s Tale........................................................ 37
ArtsRock of Rockland ................................................... 27 Jill’s Ceramics............................................................... 37 Main Street Cinemas .................................................... 41 Palisades Center ........................................................... 3 Rockland Youth Fest..................................................... 31
special events
fitness
special needs
Academy for Martial Arts .............................................. 12 JCC of Rockland........................................................... 52 Master Jung & Yu Traditional Taekwondo .................... 21 Palisades Climb Adventure............................................. 8 Tumble-Bee Gymnastics .............................................. 12
health
Clemente Orthodontics ................................................ 45 Crystal Run Healthcare ............................................ 2, 44 Dental Wellness of Suffern ..................................... 27, 44 Gayle Sturmer, LCSW-R .............................................. 45 Hudson Valley Psychotherapy ...................................... 45 Kastin & Newman Orthodontics.................................... 44 Smile More Dentistry .................................................... 45
ArtsRock of Rockland ................................................... 27 Lindgren School & Camp.............................................. 19 Rockland Youth Fest..................................................... 31 Coupe Theatre Studio .................................................. 19 Spots OT ...................................................................... 48 Tumble-Bee Gymnastics .............................................. 12
sports Academy for Martial Arts .............................................. 12 Master Jung & Yu Traditional Taekwondo .................... 21 Palisades Climb Adventure............................................. 8 West Rock Indoor Sports Complex .............................. 17
theater Main Street Cinemas .................................................... 41
RocklandParent 49
raising kids quotables
How did your definition of love change after becoming a parent? “Becoming a mom taught me to love from a different part of who I was before my kids were born. Before I became a mom I thought I knew the boundaries of my heart. From the moment I found out I was pregnant and then first saw my children, I knew that this kind of love is totally different than any other love I’ve felt before and that love truly is limitless, life altering, boundless, and completely unconditional.” —Monica Shulman, artist and photographer, Lower Hudson Valley
“Before becoming a parent, I have to admit that my idea of love was fickle, superficial, and often materialistic. After having children, my definition of love became seriously unconditional because even though my little ones do & say things that may hurt me, I still care about them immensely and want to continue protecting and nurturing them. My parental love is selfless and my whole being is devoted to my children. This kind of love is physical and emotional and encompasses my life and affects every decision I make.” —Scherrie Donaldson, aka @thirtymommy, East Flatbush, Brooklyn
“...I came around to the front of the stroller, grabbed his legs and as words started to come out of my mouth, I felt my eyes fill with hot tears and my voice catch in my throat. I barely managed to say, “You are making mommy very sad” before the tears started cascading down my face.” Anyone else have experience with raising a strongwilled child?
“Love means catching throw up in your hands. Love means staying up with a sick child. Love means making four different sandwiches for four children. Love means that your favorite present is the one they chose from the boutique at school. Love means your favorite days are the ones where you see how proud they are of themselves and their accomplishments. Love means helping them through difficult times with a smile even though it breaks your heart. Love means my heart grew every time I had another child and that my life is full of love every day.”
(Posted by @brooklynboymom, aka Rhianon Hoffman)
—Rima Potter, Port Jefferson
in an instagram
I swear our emotions and psyches are inextricably linked with our children’s in some deep, cosmic way. What they feel, we feel. What they experience, we experience. We may not feel or experience what they do to the same degree or with the same intensity, but parental empathy is real. And it’s freaking exhausting. —Annie Reneau in a post entitled “We Feel Our Kids’ Feelings, And It’s Exhausting,” on scarymommy.com
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February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
“Having kids unlocked an entire new compartment in my heart for love. I tell them every second that I get that I love them and mean it sincerely. My heart feels full now and I am so happy to experience the love of a mother. It truly has no bounds.” —Suzanne Cohen, aka @gothamlove, Manhattan.
Young Love “My son’s first crush was Victoria. It was love at first sight when they met in kindergarten and it continued in elementary school. Then Titanic came out and their relationship tanked too—until my son declared his affection on national television. During an appearance on the show Kids Say the Darndest Things, he said in the cutest little 6-year-old voice that he loved Victoria, but then explained: ‘She dumped me…because she loves Leonardo DiCaprio.’” —Laurie Sue Brockway in an article entitled “How to Handle Your Child’s First Crush;” read the whole thing at nymetroparents.com/first-crush.
More NYMetroParents.com Highlights: CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY: February is Black History month. Find where you can celebrate at nymetroparents. com/black-history. DISCOVER HISTORY: Check out historical locations in and around New York City at nymetroparents.com/ historical-places
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY! NYMetroParents.com is parents' Party Central—one-stop shopping for the best in: H Party Places (for the trendiest, newest, or most classic locale) H Entertainers (clowns, balloon twisting, magicians, spa parties & so much more!) H Gift-Giving (from charitable ideas to the best presents for every age) H At-Home Party Themes (think pirates, princesses, superheroes, Harry Potter…) H Planning Help H Tips & Tricks from the Pros (…and parents who’ve been there!) Bergen•RocklandParent NORTH
HILLSDALE • MONTVALE
SEPTEMBER 2012
NORTHVALE • NORWOOD • OLD TAPPAN • PARK RIDGE • RAMSEY • RIDGEWOOD • SADDLE RIVER/UPPER SADDLE RIVER • WALDWICK • WESTWOOD • WYCKOFF
NYMETROPARENTS.COM
LongIslandParent Parent SPETEMBER 2012
Class Is In!
After-School Activities
✓ ❑ ✓ ❑
Resource Guide
✓ ❑ ✓ ❑
SLOW DOWN!
NYMETROPARENTS.COM
Back-to-School Resource Guide Pack a Smarter Lunch Ease the Morning Rush Advocate for Your Twins
How to Manage Kids’ Schedules
What Makes a Good Mentor?
+ 174 Family
+ 130 Family
(see our calendar, p. 26)
(see our calendar, p. 32)
Events
Events
Plus: Learning to Let Go
Vaccines at Every Age Plus: Journaling for Your Child
Where-To Guide: Berry Picking
•
Dinosaur Fun
Where-To Guide: Apple Picking • Outing: New York Hall of Science
NYMetroParents Helping Parents Make Better Decisions
JCC Rockland
NOW
ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS
2018-19
A warm & engaging learning environment FOR CHILDREN 6 WEEKS THROUGH PRE-KINDERGARTEN
West Nyack Road, West Nyack, New York 10994 JCC Rockland 450 845.501.4100 jccrockland.org/dkecc