RocklandParent FEBRUARY 2017
NYMETROPARENTS.COM
Amazing Camp Experiences
Kids tell us why summer camp is so special
Plus: Find the right camp
Adulting 101
How to raise kids ready for life
Rockland s
Caring Kids
Your amazing stories of giving back to the community
INDOOR PLAY SPACES
•
TEACHING KIDS CONSENT
JCC ROCKLAND
CAMPS JCC Rockland
450 West Nyack Road West Nyack, NY 10994
R E M M SU 7 DATES 201
June 26-August 18 (No Camp July 4) Contact 845.362.4400 camps@jccrockland.org
JCC Rockland 450 West Nyack Road West Nyack, NY 10994 jccrockland.org
CAMP HOURS 9AM-4pm
Early and late care available (additional fees may apply)
OUR CAMP PROGRAMS
Traditional Day CampS Specialty, Sports, STEAM, Travel
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NYMetroParents Helping Parents Make Better Decisions
Contents
February 2017 ››
44
Features
16 Rockland’s Caring Kids Learn how area families volunteer 18 Adulting 101 How to get your children ready for the real world—while they’re still young 22 Teaching Kids Consent Tips to talk to children of all ages about appropriate and inappropriate touching 36 Why Camp Is Great Kids share why they love summer camp. 40 Demystifying the Dentist What to expect at kids’ dental visits, and how to keep their mouths healthty
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42 Soup and a Sandwich Two combos to warm up on a chilly day
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44 Learning to Ski A peek at how to New York mountains teach newbies the popular winter sport 45 Presidential Landmarks Close to Home Nine places rich with American history in the New York metro area
Connections
6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 NYMP News: Mommybites Joins the NYMetroParents Family 12 Quotables 13 NYMP Q&A: Laurie Hollman, Ph.D., discusses parental intelligence 50 Voices: Why I hated all nine months of pregnancy
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Family Activities CALENDAR ››
Fun & Activities
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14 DIY Corner: Mini Terrarium 15 Media Matters: Family Favorite Films 24 Outing: Rye Nature Center 27 Family Activities Calendar 34 Where-To Guide: Indoor Play Spaces
Directories 38 46 48 49
Original photo by PhotoOp NYC (photoopnyc.com) Clothing provided by Appaman (appaman.com)
Camp Guide Meet the Health Care Professional Party Planner and Family Resource Guide Advertisers’ Index
››
ON THE COVER ›› 16 Rockland’s Caring Kids 18 Adulting 101 22 Teaching Kids Consent facebook.com/nymetroparents
34 Indoor Play Spaces 36 Amazing Camp Experiences
@NYMetroParents
Visit NYMETROPARENTS.COM for family activities updated daily and more than 2,000 parenting articles!
FEBRUARY IS NATIONAL CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH
From school pictures to hundreds of family photos and thousands of selfies, children’s smiles brighten our lives. Let’s give them healthy smiles that will shine for a lifetime. Good dental habits start at a young age and continue as children grow with: • Regular dental checkups (2x a year) • Brushing and flossing (at least 2x a day) • A healthy diet with fruits and vegetables
Fidelis Care covers preventive and routine dental care for kids!
1-888-FIDELIS • fideliscare.org (1-888-343-3547)
TTY: 1-800-421-1220
RocklandParent
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FEBRUARY 2017 • Vol.10 • No.4
NYMetroParents Publications
EDITOR’S NOTE
EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Michael Kress
Raising Kids Ready for Life
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);
O
ne recent Sunday, we converted our youngest daughter’s crib to a toddler bed, and just like that, with 15 minutes of tinkering, she was on to a new, exciting stage of her life. Needless to say, the actual transition—from baby to toddler to stages beyond—is hardly that seamless or quick. As parents, our deepest hope is to raise our kids to be independent adults, able to navigate their way in the world successfully on their own. Lately, though, there’s been a focus in the media on the difficulties many young adults face in doing that. “Adulting” has become a verb that connotes the conscious effort it takes to accomplish basic life skills. To help your kids avoid having to learn to “adult” when they are adults, we’re offering a guide to raise independent kids who will be ready for life in the real world when their time comes to leave your crib for their own grown-up lives (p. 18). When I was a child and especially a teenager, it was summer camp, particularly sleepaway camp, that had one of the most profound influences on my growth and readiness to be independent. The classroom gave me knowledge and the ability to think and understand, but the fields and hiking trails and activity centers of camp gave me the chance to do for myself and become the person I was meant to be. And I am far from alone in this. Since it’s now camp enrollment season, check out stories from kids around the region who tell us, in their own words, the impact camp has had on their lives (p. 36). As our kids grow up, there are any number of difficult conversations we must have with them. One involves touching—what is appropriate and what is inappropriate, and who gets to decide (short answer: they do). It’s never too early, and certainly never too late, to have this discussion; in truth, it’s likely more than one conversation, one you need to revisit over the years as your child matures. Since these talks are inevitably awkward and hard for you and your child, we hope our guide to discussing consent with kids of all ages helps as you address this important topic (p. 22). February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and we know going to the dentist can be scary and confusing for kids. To help, check out our explanation of common pediatric dental procedures and find some great tips for keeping your kids’ mouths healthy (p. 40). And, of course, this month also brings Valentine’s Day, and in that spirit, I wish you and your family a month of love and happiness.
Rosalind Muggeridge (Brooklyn); Jamie McGillian (Westchester); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Emma Steven (Manhattan); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke
ADVERTISING SALES Big Apple Parent 212-315-0800; Fax: 212-271-2239 Jeunesse Jackson, Linda Pierce Queens Parent 718-878-4860 Annene Guertin, Ellen Klein Westchester Parent 914-397-0200 Nini DeLuca, Manager Randi Shulman, Merrill Sugarman, Mary Wender Brooklyn Parent 718-878-4860 Phyllis Crupi, Ellen Klein, Selene Rodriguez Rockland Parent 845-848-8021 Cara Roteman, Jim Russo Long Island Parent, Nassau 516-883-4543 Joan Bergman, Manager, Dani Pollack Long Island Parent, Suffolk 631-472-5437 Lisa Herlihy, Karen Shapiro To Advertise: nympads@davlermedia.com DIR. OF OPERATIONS -- EVENTS: Rebecca Stolcz DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Ray Winn OPERATIONS COORDINATORS: Ray C. Guédez, Leonard Porter DIRECTOR OF TRAFFIC: Heather Gambaro ADMINISTRATION MANAGER: Erin Jordan
PRODUCTION
DIRECTOR | PUBLISHING MANAGEMENT: Anthony Diaz CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Jiyon Son DIGITAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Robert Reynolds DIRECTOR | DIGITAL CONTENT DEVELOPMENT: Sara Wentworth
ACCOUNTING
CONTROLLER: David Friedman
Michael Kress Editorial Director
MARKETING
HEAD OF MARKETING: Jacqueline Lachman
ADMINISTRATION
CREDIT MANAGER: Elizabeth Teagarden CREDIT ASSISTANTS: Rosa Meinhofer, Diedra Smith EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: Barbara Byrd
New on Our Website:
NYMetroParents
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Community
NYMetroParents.com is embarking on an ambitious project to bring even more local news, business listings, coupons, and other services to you—town by town, so you can get the most relevant resources and content to help you make better parenting decisions for your family. We’re starting with New City, which can be found at nymetroparents.com/newcity, and Nyack, at nymetroparents.com/nyack. Check back soon for more towns! To make our community pages as relevant and useful as they can be, we are looking to you, our Rockland County readers, to help by submitting local news stories for publication on our Community Pages. You’ll find instructions at the links above for sending us news about virtually any topic of interest to parents, including stories about kids’ achievements, programs in schools, neighborhood even local| kids’ sports scores. 6businesses, February 2017 nymetroparents.com
Davler Media Group CEO: David L. Miller General Manager: Thomas K. Hanlon 498 Seventh Ave., 10th Floor, New York, NY 10018 Phone: 212-315-0800; Fax: 212-271-2239 nymetroparents.com davlermedia.com nybarbatmitzvah.com
BIG APPLE PARENT, QUEENS PARENT, WESTCHESTER PARENT BROOKLYN PARENT, ROCKLAND PARENT, BERGEN PARENT, and LONG ISLAND PARENT are published monthly by Davler Media Group, LLC Copyright © 2017, Davler Media Group, LLC No part of contents may be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher. Subscription rates per year, per publication: $39
FUN
FOR THE WHOLE
Family
_________________ _________________ Palisades Center is full of fun stops! With a bowling alley, ice skating rink, indoor ropes course, and more, you’ll be sure to ďŹ nd something the the whole family can enjoy!
Looking for something to do with your little ones? Visit www.palisadescenter.com for a list of upcoming Munchkin Mondays, Palisades Center Kids Club.
1000 Palisades Center Drive West Nyack, NY 10994 845-348-1000 | www.palisadescenter.com
RocklandParent
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NEW PLACES, NEW PROGRAMS
nymetroparents.com/np-rp
The staff utilizes a “tell, show, do” approach at Smith’s Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry.
Courtesy Allied Physicians Group
Who: Smith’s Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry What’s New: A pediatric practice for children from infancy through adolescence was opened mid-January in Pomona by Marita Smith, D.D.S., board-certified pediatric dentist. The practice offers Saturday and emergency hours. As a parent of two, Dr. Smith knows firsthand how important it is for children to be comfortable and stress-free during their dental visits. “We want to help them and make it as fun as possible,” Dr. Smith says. The staff at Smith’s Little Smiles utilizes various methods of behavior management, from televisions to nitrous oxide, to help make appointments as pleasant as possible for patients. Want More Info: 5-C Medical Park Drive, Pomona; 845-704-7922; smithslittlesmiles.com.
Courtesy Smith’s Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric Dental Office Opens in Pomona
Breast Milk Depot Opens in Nyack Who: Kenneth H. Zatz, M.D., Pediatrics, a division of Allied Physicians Group What’s New: Rockland County’s first breast milk depot, which opened at Kenneth H. Zatz, M.D., Pediatrics in Nyack. It’s operated under The New York Milk Bank, and opened with support of the nonprofit Allied Foundation. The breast milk depot will help moms and infants in need. All donors and milk go through extensive testing and screening. The milk is pasteurized and benefits hospitals and the community throughout the state. “This milk is a medicine to many infants and life-saving to preemies,” says Julie Bouchet-Horwitz, founder and executive director of The New York Milk Bank. Want More Info: Kenneth H. Zatz, M.D., Pediatrics: 18 Washington Ave., Nyack; 845-353-7360; alliedphysiciansgroup.com.
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February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Julie Bouchet-Horwitz, Kenneth H. Zatz, M.D., and Senator David Carlucci at the grand opening of the breast milk depot.
CAMP MARKETPLACE
COUPÉ Summer Camp June 26th - July 28th, 2017
SUMMER CAMP
Join us for an exciting summer of martial arts, games, and plenty of activities to keep your kids active and safe during the summer!
Ballet • Jazz • Tap • Modern • Pointe • Theatre Dance Musical Theatre • Acting • Voice Training and trips to Broadway - ALL-inclusive! Beautiful new building, exciting new programs for students age 4 through teens
For information call 845-623-2808 www.coupedance.com
MARTIAL ARTS • Karate • Jiu-Jitsu • Weapons Training • Self Defense • Kali Stick • Kickboxing
INCLUDES
ELECTIVES & EXTRA ACTIVITES • Dance • Gymnastics • Arts & Crafts • Gaming
ENROLLING NOW!
GAMES & ACTIVITES
• Dodgeball • Star Wars • Big Screen Movies • Obstacle Course AND much more
Register by April 1st and Save $25 Off 1 full week of camp.
CALL US TO SAVE YOUR SPOT!
Serving the community in Rockland & Bergen County for over 18 years. We are now The Academy For Martial Arts.
THE ACADEMY FOR MARTIAL ARTS
8 Orangetown Center, Orangeburg, NY 10962 (845) 359-4500 • www.RocklandKarate.com
Wonder Full www.thenatureplace.com RocklandParent
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Courtesy Mommybites
NYMP NEWS
Left to right: Heather Ouida, Rebecca Dixon, and Laura Deutsch, the moms behind Mommybites.
Mommybites Joins the NYMetroParents Family ››
Mommybites.com provides parents with trusted Nanny Boards, online classes, local events, and more. By Caitlin Berens
N
early 10 years ago Laura Deutsch was a new mom living in Manhattan, eager to find a community. So in 2006 she created one on her own, a grassroots events company for local moms. She partnered with Heather Ouida in 2009, and today Mommybites is an online parenting resource offering education, nanny placement, and activity information services for families in New York City and beyond. Mommybites offers two to three convenient online classes for parents each month such as the upcoming Support Your Child’s Development Through Play, as well as many other topics, including infant and toddler sleep, potty training, and preschool readiness. These classes are always free. On the mom-generated Nanny Boards, parents can post their trusted nannies looking for work or find a mom-approved nanny for their own family. By visiting mommybites.com parents can sign up for a weekly newsletter, read articles written by experts, and check out the jobs-for-moms portal.
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February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Mommybites was recently acquired by Davler Media Group, owner of NYMetroParents. “Mommybites is a great brand and perfect fit for NYMetroParents,” says David Miller, CEO of Davler Media Group. “We look forward to bringing Mommybites’ online education classes and Nanny Boards to the one million families we reach every month. Their editorial content also expands our offerings for parents of newborns and toddlers.” Mommybites’ recently appointed managing director, Rebecca Dixon, joined the team in 2011. The Manhattan mom of three will take over as the head of Mommybites, with Deutsch and Ouida staying on as advisors. “I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to help Mommybites grow into one the most respected parenting resources in the greater New York metro area,” Dixon says. “I’m excited to leverage the expertise of the NYMetroParents team to grow our offerings.” Visit mommybites.com to find a nanny, post a nanny job, or sign up for an online class.
CAMP MARKETPLACE
D E E R M O U N TA I N DAY C A M P
Explore Talents Learn New Skills Unlock Creativity Find Passions Make True Friends
The Best Alternative To An All Day Camp! Programs & Workshops for Girls & Boys 16 months - teens
vicki’s dance studio
Shine as
You!
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
Book A Tour
845.354.2727 www.deermountaindaycamp.com Swimming • Sports • Fine Arts • Performing Arts Outdoor Adventure • Waterfront • Discovery • Special Events 25 Acre Mountainside Facility Located in Rockland County, NY
61 Maple Ave, New City • www.vickistudio.com • 634-2202 RocklandParent 11
UOTABLES Be true to yourself, and don’t throw shade at other moms. Please, please let’s just throw away our Judgy McJudgerson Pants because, for starters, judgy pants were, like, so 1990s, and they never looked good on you anyway. —Heather Sadlemire, in a post entitled “The Best Resolution I Ever Made Was To Quit Mom-Shaming,” on scarymommy.com
in an instagram Max has had a fascination with #LadyLiberty ever since we visited #EllisIsland and requires a photo with her every time we see her now. Except the creepy guy in Times Square. I have to draw the line somewhere, but you have to love his patriotic passion! (Posted by @missstephanieb, aka Stephanie B., who blogs at footballfoodandmotherhood.com)
THE MAGIC BEGINS
in an instagram You guys, the new subway is almost here!!! Open house for the public today at 96th Street. #MyRide#2ndAveSubway #nyc (Posted by @thenycjenny, aka Jenny, who blogs at nycjenny.com)
“Seeing and experiencing New York (outside of the city), is easy. Within an hour the city turns to dust in the distance and you are shown expansive lands, lakes to swim, towns with feasts, and mountains to hike. Experiencing this as a family…. has been the greatest gift.” —Latonya Yvette, in a post entitled “Experience New York: Hike Up Bear Mountain,” on her blog, blog.latonyayvette.com.
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February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
“Suddenly the lights went out and the students started to scream and shriek. Tiny pairs of eyes began to light up on and around the stage. The music gained momentum. The Inside Broadway experience had begun. Students heard from the actors, both in and out of costume, as well as the behind-the-scenes crew responsible for the lighting, props, makeup, music, set, and more.” —Caitlin Berens in an article entitled “NYC Students Get a Peek Behind the Scenes of ‘Cats’ on Broadway.” Read the whole thing at nymetroparents.com/cats-on-broadway.
MORE NYMetroParents.com HIGHLIGHTS: 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 TAKE A TRIP: Discover amazing winter day trips in the NYC area at nymetroparents.com/winter-trips. HIT THE SLOPES: Where to ski and snowboard (nymetroparents.com/ski)
CAMP MARKETPLACE
NYMP Q&A
Finding the Meaning Behind Your Child’s Behavior ›› By Bethany Braun-Silva
Laurie Hollman, Ph.D., is a psychoanalyst who recently wrote the book Unlocking Parental Intelligence. What is parental intelligence? The crux of parental intelligence is trying to understand your child’s mind. Finding meaning in the child’s behavior, trying to understand the underlying issues of the behavior, and how to solve that behavior. It’s slowing down, pausing, taking no action, which may be counterintuitive to most parents, and instead taking the time to review the behavior, going over what your child did, when they did it, and looking for a sequence to track the behavior. It’s suspending judgment about your child’s behavior as well as your own parenting behavior. It gives you permission to not know what to do. If you don’t understand how to do something, then what can you do about it? When kids see parents taking their time, it has a calming effect on the situation. What advice do you have for handling outburst or temper tantrums in public? I think the key is that you’re in public. The parent is often humiliated and embarrassed, and the child isn’t listening. If the behavior really gets out of hand, I would leave the store. That isn’t a time where you can sit and understand the child’s feelings. You need to remove them from the environment. It is inconvenient and you don’t get the shopping done, but it gives you a chance to slow the child down and not give them the experience of a full-blown temper tantrum. Once you’re home and time has passed where they’ve calmed down, you can use parental intelligence to figure out what was going on and what is behind this behavior. Parental intelligence sounds like an effective way to parent, but do you believe in any more traditional forms of discipline? The word discipline comes from the word disciple, which means teaching. If you think about wanting to teach your child a lesson, using parental intelligence is the best avenue. Most parents give consequences for bad behavior immediately and react immediately. This is usually not effective because the child doesn’t understand the punishment necessarily. They stop and follow the punishment but they don’t learn from it. Parental intelligence is discipline, but it is from a different point of view. It is an approach that says, “I know what is in my child’s mind, I know how to solve it.”
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PHYSICAL FITNESS STRONG BODY! SELF-DEFENSE STRONG RESPECT MIND! CONFIDENCE YES I CAN! DISCIPLINE
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Fun & Educational Birthday Parties
Home of the US National Team Head Coach & International Referee
70 North Main St. New City, Shop Rite Plaza (845) 638-4000 • www.mytaekwondolife.com Check out masterjungtkd on YouTube RocklandParent 13
DIY CORNER
Mini Terrarium
One of the best ways to use a large jar is to transform it into a terrarium. I love succulents and they have made a real comeback recently. What better way to display them than with fun pink flamingos and decorative white sand—a mini beach scene for your table! In the smaller jar, a gold-painted dinosaur roars out from a succulent forest—I think the little ones in your life will appreciate this one. Make sure your jar is big enough for your plant to grow, so search the supermarket shelves for the biggest jar they have! Editor’s note: We love this idea for showing your valentine how much they mean to you!
You Will Need Large glass jars Pebbles Potting compost
Small plants, such as succulents Decorative fine white sand Small pebbles or gravel Little ornaments
Directions 1. Start by placing a layer of pebbles in the base of your jar —this will help with drainage and will prevent the potting compost from becoming waterlogged. 2. Put a layer of potting compost on top and position your plants. 3. Top with more potting compost, firming it in around the base of the plant, then add a layer of decorative sand or pebbles. 4. Place your chosen ornaments around the plants for a whimsical effect. 5. Water the plants very carefully, trying not to disturb the sand or pebbles. Succulents and cacti make a good plant choice as they require little watering. Crafting with Mason Jars by Hester Van Overbeek, CICO Books, $19.95. rylandpeters.com. Photography by CICO Books.
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February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Media Matters: Favorite Family Films
For Oscars season, some top 2016 picks
A Beautiful Planet (G)
Recommended Age: 6+ H
HHHH
A stunning look at Earth—and hum
Arrival (PG-13)
Recommended Age: 11+ H
anity’s sobering impact on it
HHHH
A great, deeply thoughtful, compas
sionate sci-fi tale
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (PG-
Recommended Age: 11+H
HHH
13)
This epic but violent adventure offe
La La Land (PG-13)
Recommended Age: 13+ H
rs diversity and role models.
HHHH
A profound, beautiful film about love
and creativity
In Theaters Feb. 10: The Lego Batman Movie
Our Partner: Common Sense Media An independent nonprof it that helps families make smart media choices. Check out thousands of ratings and reviews at commonsensemedia.org
Parents need to know that The Lego Batman Movie gives one of the most popular characters from The Lego Movie his own super spin-off. In a Gotham City completely built out of Lego bricks, mysterious hero Batman (voiced by Will Arnett) sulks in his mansion/Batcave while his disappointed butler, Alfred (Ralph Fiennes), tries to get him to take a greater interest in his adopted son, Robin (Michael Cera). Batman eventually agrees to take Robin under his wing, so to speak, but he must learn that if he wants to save the day, he can’t go it alone. While much of the fun-loving spirit of the first Lego movie remains, this one seems like it might be more oriented toward older kids. The animation is darker and edgier, and the humor seems more reliant on rude behavior (for example, Robin loses his pants, and Batman accidentally karate-chops Alfred into a piano). But kids are sure to want to flock to this “block”-buster.
See more at NYMetroParents.com/media CAMP MARKETPLACE
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Caring AWARDS Kids
Rockland’s Caring Kids We asked how your family gives back, and here are your stories of amazing kids who make our community better every day. ›› For the NYMetroParents Caring Kids Awards, we invited you to submit stories and photos of families and kids who do volunteer work to help others. We hope you will be as inspired as we were by these stories of young Rockland residents committed to making the world a better place and helping those in need. These local kids are making a difference in the community every day, and we salute all of them!
Ariyana Volunteers at Libraries and the Best Buddies Club My awesome 15-year-old daughter Ariyana gives back to her community by volunteering at two of our local libraries in Rockland County. She helps with preparations and assisting in the children’s programs at least five times a month. She also participates in the Best Buddies Club by hanging out with students in our community with disabilities at her high school and tripled her fundraising goal for the recent Best Buddies walk in NYC. I am extremely proud of her kindness and compassionate heart.
M et r NY g oPar
rin Kid e Ca s
ds
Recip
i
Rylee Volunteers in the Community My daughter Rylee is 9 years old and loves to help in her community. She volunteers at community events such as pumpkin decorating, poster painting, Christmas breakfasts, and Easter egg hunts. I’ve done it all my life and Rylee is following in my footsteps and I couldn’t be happier. She is always willing to help in my mother’s day care, or even with children at my special needs school. At the young age of 9 my daughter has a heart of gold and I hope she never changes!!!
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I am a harpist and play for the sick in my free time. My son plays his accordion and my daughter plays her harp and banjo for a neighbor who suffers from Huntington’s disease. My children enjoy doing this and we will be performing at nursing homes and children’s hospitals. It’s a very good feeling giving back.
t
s
Aw
ar
A Family Bringing Music to Those with Illnesses and Diseases
en
he
nt
T
As a Caring Kids Award Recipient, Ariyana will receive a $500 gift card and a certificate of recognition for her community service.
February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Sawyer, 8, Sells Cookies to Benefit an Animal Shelter My daughter bakes cookies and sells them at “Sawyer’s Cookie Stand” on weekends when we have a lot of hikers passing by our house to get from the train station to Harriman State Park. She donates 100-percent of the proceeds to Hi Tor Animal Care Center!
Read about some of Westchester’s Caring Kids Comedy Kids Max and Alex Tell Jokes to Raise Money for Cancer Research When Max’s little sister Scarlett was diagnosed with a brain tumor, he and his friend Alex took action on their own. They began telling jokes to classmates in exchange for donations to pediatric brain cancer research. When fellow students began donating bags of allowance money, the moms helped organize and create Comedy Kids. In one short month, these 8-year-olds brought a community together, raised more than $20,000, and plan to expand their efforts.
As Caring Kids Award Recipients, Max and Alex will receive a $500 gift card and a certificate of recognition for their community service.
Evan & Joshua’s Cocoa Stand for Cancer
Riley, 11, Cares for the Homeless My daughter Riley has been a Girl Scout since first grade. I am a Girl Scout leader, and recently took some of my Girl Scouts to Lifting Up Westchester. There, we wrapped 189 pairs of socks to give as presents to homeless men, as well as more than 70 toy gifts for children to receive. Riley had a surprise that she pulled out of a bag. She had made more than 20 rainbow loom bracelets on her own ahead of time and brought them. She asked the lady in charge if she could donate them to the children and give them as Christmas presents. The woman gratefully accepted and she promised Riley that she would put them in the goodie bags.
Melissa, 13, Gives the Gift of Summer Camp Melissa teamed up with ArtWare for Good and SCOPE to make her bat mitzvah project a reality. She enlisted the help of her friends and family to create a beautiful tile mural that was donated to and hung in a SCOPE-funded camp (Camp Herrlich). Melissa also raised enough money to provide a child less fortunate than herself to have the opportunity to go to camp and ultimately enhance his or her life. Creating this masterpiece and being able to incorporate her love for sleepaway camp, art, and her friends and family was a perfect, charitable way for Melissa to give back and involve others to do something good along with her.
Evan and Joshua started a hot cocoa stand for charity when they were at the young ages of 5 and 3. What started out in their garage has now become a yearly enterprise, which has raised more than $30,000, primarily for Pediatric Cancer Foundation. 2017 will mark the 11th year of the event, which is held in a neighborhood store where they serve hot cocoa, baked goods, and raffle items from sports teams and local stores.
Marcela, 14, Teaches Music to Those Less Fortunate My daughter Marcela volunteers at Songcatchers, a nonprofit organization that teaches music lessons to children who may not be able to afford high-end lessons. These past few years Marcela learned piano at Songcatchers, and she is now old enough to teach. She is an aide for early childhood piano. She helps teach piano theory and notes, therefore when the children are old enough, they can move up and start learning easily. She also sings in the Songcatchers choir. My daughter spends her Saturdays volunteering. I help out in the office.
A Family Offers Meals That Heal My kids and I wanted to honor their grandparents’ lives as health care professionals by volunteering in the MEALS THAT HEAL program at the Ronald McDonald House. Once a month, we prepare and cook together to make a meal at the facility for the more than 25 resident families who need to take care of a sick child at the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital.
Learn about other Caring Kids throughout the New York metro area at nymetroparents.com/caring-kids.
Adulting 101
››
How to get your children ready for the real world—while they’re still young By Laurie Sue Brockway
R
emember the days when parents figured they’d be done with childrearing by the time their children reached voting age or graduated from college? Ha! These days, the timeline for becoming a full-fledged, rentpaying, independently living adult has stretched into the mid-20s and beyond for many families. Forbes recently reported that less than half of the population ages 22-26 surveyed pay their own rent (47 percent), health insurance (41 percent), or contribute to a retirement account (27 percent). Just surveying the proliferation of YouTube videos and other instructional content on the web detailing how to cook an egg, do one’s laundry, and accomplish other everyday tasks, it’s clear there’s a need out there for basic life-skills instruction. It’s fondly known as “adulting,” and UrbanDictionary.com describes it this way: “Adulting (v): to do grown-up things and hold responsibilities such as a 9-5 job, a mortgage/rent, a car payment, or anything else that makes one think of grown-ups.” It’s not the worst thing in the world to have your kids living at home longer. But it is important for them to acquire basic life 18
February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
skills along the way, so whether they are living with you or on their own they can cook their own dinner and wash their own clothes. Experts say how we raise our kids can make or break their ability to run their own lives as they age out of their adorable phase and grow into adulthood. We asked experts for their best tips on how, when, and why to prepare your kids practically and emotionally to be grown-ups.
Act like an adult
Parents must be role models for grown-up behavior. “Your children are watching you even when you think they aren’t paying attention,” says developmental psychologist Martha Mendez-Baldwin, Ph.D., an assistant professor of psychology at Manhattan College in the Bronx. “They pick up a tremendous amount of information about your value system and your patterns of behavior simply by watching you.” As our children’s first teachers, we can impart skills necessary for them to function in life as productive members of society, she says. “This includes life lessons about respect, accountability, hard work, perseverance, and emotional regulation.”
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Be authoritative
Parents often struggle with the balance between being loving and being the boss, but firm guidance is essential. “Authoritative parents are emotionally and physically available but are not their child’s pal or friend,” Dr. Mendez-Baldwin says. “There are clear boundaries and rules and expectations are enforced consistently.” Authoritative parents can listen to their children’s opinions and respect their feelings and encourage communication and family time, she adds. On the flip side, pushing kids too hard toward specific achievements can backfire.
Plant the seeds of self-esteem early
A healthy sense of self is one of the keys to healthy adulting. “Without self-esteem children will be ill prepared to navigate the world of decisions and social dilemmas that await them as they voyage through adolescence and into adulthood,” Dr. Mendez-Baldwin says. In addition to life skills, parents should start molding their child’s self-esteem as early as possible, she advises. Begin as early as age 2, when kids begin to test the limits of their independence.
Stop helicopter parenting
It is natural to want to protect your child from negative events and emotions because you don’t want to see him hurt or experience a blow to his self-esteem. “But we live in a world of positive and negative, good and bad,” says Angela Reiter, Ph.D., who offers therapeutic services and psychological evaluations in Eastchester. “In order to know how to handle the negative and appreciate the positive in life, we have to actually experience the negative and learn from it, in order to develop a sense of self-efficacy and a positive self-schema of what we can do when faced with a similar situation or emotion the next time it comes around. “
Let them feel disappointment
Lindsey Cormack, Ph.D., of Stevens Institute of Technology, College of Arts and Letters, in Hoboken, NJ, is a parent of a 4-yearold and a professor to students ages 18-22. “With my own child, I try to let her experience letdown,” she says. “For instance when a playdate is cancelled, I find that I have an urge to protect my child from sadness by offering an alternative, like a date with me.” She refrains from trying to fix it and instead helps her daughter through a lesson in knowing that sometimes things don’t work out, and sadness is OK. “I think letting children experience and understand letdown in the small forms of childhood may better prepare them for the relatively larger let downs of their college years, such as bad grades on an assignment, non-admittance to certain schools and programs, and more,” she adds.
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Parents and teachers often underestimate when children are capable of doing activities on their own, and we may inadvertently slow down their natural reflexes to deal with the world around them, says parenting coach Jesse McCarthy, a former school principal and Montessori educator. “As adults, we can infantilize children from the very beginning, when they’re infants,” she says. “A toy rattle might—seemingly—be just out of the reach of a baby girl, and instead of letting her struggle a bit to reach it, we almost instinctually help her by placing the toy in her hands.” She points out that we forget that with children, sometimes the process of striving for a toy is just as important as the result of playing with the toy. It’s a metaphor for the older years, when we still tend to do more for our children than they need, making them accustomed to having things “handled” for them in life. continued on next page ››
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Create environments that foster independence
Avoid “an unintentional breeding of dependence” as kids continue to grow, McCarthy says. “Our children are fully capable of all sorts of independent activities, when we prepare the environment for their success.” For example, when child-sized shelves with cups and a movable stool are within 5- and 6-year-olds’ reach, they don’t have to ask an adult for help just to get a drink of water from the sink. Show 8- and 9-year-olds how to do the laundry, and mom and dad are no longer needed for that process afterward. Let 11- and 12-year-olds walk to school to learn to navigate the streets and the world around them. Trust teenagers not to burn the house down and leave them alone for short periods of time. She points out that little steps toward independence at every stage prepares kids while doing everything for them stunts their development.
Encourage your child to take on chores
If kids are not given responsibilities, it will be hard for them to learn responsibility. “Assign children age-appropriate chores and praise them when they are completed,” says Deena Blanchard, M.D., M.P.H., a board-certified pediatrician at Premier Pediatrics in Brooklyn. “Part of this process may involve parents letting children experiment and find the best way to complete the chore.” As parents, it’s challenging to let go of some of the control but it is important to let children figure out their way to do it, which may not be exactly the same as yours, she says. “If a child feels they accomplished the chore their way and on their own, they will be more likely to feel a sense of pride and responsibility for that task and continue to do it.”
Show them how to manage money
Earning, managing, and saving money is key to adulting, so give kids a sense of financial reality and ownership early, starting with a home savings bank to get them thinking about acquiring and managing income early. “Get them a bank account and stress saving for the future rather than rushing out to spend their money without giving it thought,” advises Laurie Hollman, Ph.D., a psychoanalyst specializing in infant-parent, child, adolescent, and adult psychotherapy and author of Unlocking Parental Intelligence. Also, having them write checks and pay bills is a good lesson for the future.
Have them invest time and money in others
Vivian Glyck encouraged her son Zak to forgo gifts and divert his bar mitzvah money to a special online fund that was used to build a much-needed library at the Namunia Primary School in Luwero, Uganda. The fundraiser was also opened to the public, and he raised $10,000, but it wasn’t meant as just a charitable exercise. “This was about giving him a connection to the world,” says Manhattan-born Glyck, founder of the Just Like My Child Foundation, which runs many humanitarian programs in Africa. “It was about having an impact on someone’s life.” She recently took him to see the outdoor structure with books that was built by his good deed. It’s called Zak’s Library. Local children gathered around to thank him. In that moment, Glyck said to her son: “How much bigger is this than having $1,000 in your savings account?” It was a good life lesson in sacrificing his needs for a greater outcome.
Don’t make excuses for your children
It may be hard to watch them flounder and flail through life experiences, but accountability is a building block toward behaving like an adult. “Let children get out of their own messes, unless they are in 20
February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
real danger,” says parenting and relationship expert Thomas Gagliano, author of The Problem Was Me and his newest title, Don’t Put Your Crap in Your Kid’s Diaper: The Clean Up Cost Can Last a Lifetime. “Don’t call into school if their excuse for not going to school is a lie. Let them call in for themselves. Let them face life on life’s terms. No bailouts. Always be there to talk to them or guide and support them, but let them be responsible for their own actions.”
Teach children their choices affect outcomes
Encourage independent choices but hold kids accountable for their decisions. “If you don’t put your toys away, then you choose not to play with your toys later,” Gagliano says. “If you choose to not clean your room, then you choose to not get your allowance. If you choose to come home past the curfew we have agreed upon, then you have chosen to not go out this weekend.”
Consider a more limited life menu
Providing children with too many choices can open them to life’s possibilities but can also be overwhelming. Opening all of life’s doors for them can also present a false sense of reality about what the real world is like when they get there. “Having many choices is a double edged sword,” Dr. Mendez-Baldwin says. “While it creates many opportunities for children, it also requires decision making and problem solving. Children who do not have a healthy sense of self-esteem, children who are insecure, and children who do not have a trusted adult to talk to will have trouble making the right choices.”
Give them age-appropriate freedom
The amount of freedom given to a child must be a good fit between their age and their personality. “A 5-year-old may have freedom to choose a Halloween costume or choose between two snacks to pack in their lunch box but cannot choose their bed time,” Dr. Mendez-Baldwin says. “Keep in mind that children develop at slightly different rates. For example, two 16-year-olds many not be able to handle the same amount of freedom.” She points out that appropriate levels of freedom will allow children to make decisions and start to gain confidence in their decision-making process while still having you around to support and guide them in areas where parental assistance is still required. “If parents control too much of a child’s life, children tend to rebel and often will make poor decisions because they have had no practice in this important life skill.”
Coach them on planning for the future
Having kids think about goals is healthy and helpful. “Let them establish a timeline even if it’s tentative and will change with new experiences,” Dr. Hollman says. “Encourage them to think about where they want to be in two years, five years, 10 years, and beyond.” Just make sure this is an exercise in creating the life they choose, not a stressful mandate for achievements.
Let them see news
We may be tempted to shield their eyes and ears but learning about current events, problems in the world, and differing points of view is an important part of growing up. “We can’t protect them from everything,” says parenting expert and blogger Cherie Corso. She watches the news and reads the newspaper with her young daughter and discusses events, something she recommends for kids older than 6. Just skip the graphic details and images, answer their questions, and explain some of the more complex issues. “When explained, kids can logically think about events and they do have opinions and
it’s great to discuss and hear what they think,” Corson says. “News and information is now 24/7. The greatest gift you can give your children is to teach them the tools to process it.”
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On the flip side of kids struggling to grow up are those who try to fast track to adulthood. They also need a little help. “Children who are inherently more responsible may try to take on roles of taking care of everything for various people in their lives,” Dr. Blanchard says. “These children may feel the pressure to do “the right” thing all the time. While this is a good character trait, it can sometimes lead to children to being taken advantage of by peers or having trouble saying no.” She says to especially teach tweens and adolescents that sometimes saying no is actually the right thing to do and that being responsible is not about always trying to make everyone happy.
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Be patient
Give kids space to find their way on their own time. “Not every child will be able to accept independence and responsibility in the exact time frame you would like,” Dr. Blanchard says. “Some children will take longer to be able to do chores that other children in their age group can do. Try not to compare your child to their peers or scold them if they really can’t do something. Praise them when they are doing a good job and praise the process of trying as well.” Laurie Sue Brockway is a journalist and author who has written extensively on love, romance, marriage, parenting, well-being, and emotional health. Her work has appeared in hundreds of print and online publications, including Woman’s Day, Everyday Health, and The Huffington Post.
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Teaching Kids Consent
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How to talk to children of all ages about appropriate and inappropriate touching By Bethany Braun-Silva
A
s parents, we naturally try to compensate for our kids’ shortcomings. My son is painfully shy around people he doesn’t know, a fact I often tell people before they have a chance to make assumptions about him. However, with family I tend to compensate in the other direction and insist that my son give Aunt So-and-So a hug when we leave family events. However, I recently learned this is not recommended as a parenting technique: Our kids need to learn consent and how to set boundaries themselves. Though you can guide them, they will ultimately have to decide for themselves. If my son doesn’t want to give his aunt a hug, then she will just have to accept that—and so will I. Here are some helpful tips for discussing consent with your kids and helping them to establish their own boundaries.
Young Children
Teaching “no” and “stop”: Empower your children to say no when they don’t want to have physical contact with another person, including relatives. “When kids can speak up about what kind of play and affection is and is not okay with them, even under emotional pressure to please someone, they are far better prepared to handle sexual pressure as they get older,” says Irene van der Zande, founder of Kidpower, a nonprofit that teaches kids and adults skills for child protection, positive communication, and personal safety. Teach empathy. Very young children don’t understand their actions have consequences. Teach them that if they hit, the person they hit gets hurt. Ask them how they would feel if they 22
February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
were hit. Keep the tone kind and casual, so you don’t induce shame in your child. Help children understand facial expressions and body language. Being able to read another person is a great way for children to understand consent and also to be able to react appropriately. They can learn to back off if they are overwhelming a friend or offer kind words if they notice a sibling is sad. Help them recognize when something feels strange. Teaching kids to honor their gut instincts is a great way to teach consent and awareness. If something doesn’t feel right, then it probably isn’t. Teach your children to speak up in uncomfortable situations. Talk to them on their level. When discussing issues like touching and consent with young children, keep conversations short, very focused, and to the point, says Lisa Cassidy, Ph.D., a psychologist who practices on Long Island.
Big Kids
Encourage kids to check in with each other during playtime. Imaginary worlds can sometimes be consuming to children at play, and it’s important to remind them to take a timeout now and again to make sure every one is okay. Encourage your child to be more mindful. Did he see bullying on the playground? Did she say something hurtful unknowingly? Ask your kids how they would handle the situation differently next time. Also, this is a good age to discuss stranger safety, Dr. Cassidy says.
Don’t tease, even if you think it’s harmless. Children may start to develop crushes during this time, and it’s important to take your children’s emotions seriously. You can ask questions, but make sure your child feels comfortable enough to talk about it. “As children mature, open conversations are essential,” says Jeffrey Kassinove, Ph.D., clinical director at Therapy West in Manhattan. “Your child needs to feel that they won’t be judged by you. As they move into the pre-teen and teenager stage, emotions are strong. Teaching them about situations that can put them at risk is key.” Reinforce the idea that your child’s behavior has an effect on others. And encourage her to help others when she can. This includes things as simple as noticing litter on the street, cleaning her room (and noticing what happens when she doesn’t), or sharing with a sibling. If your child learns the effect he has on his surroundings, he will be more inclined to make positive choices.
Teens
Build self-esteem. As kids grow, they become more selfconscious and fall into the habit of comparing themselves to their peers or to images on social media (thanks, Instagram!). Continue to remind her that she is special and unique. Highlight his talents and accomplishments and remember to keep an eye out for signs of bullying. Nix “locker room” talk. While this phrase has gotten a lot of press lately, it’s important to teach our children that offensive and disrespectful talk is unacceptable even in private. Remind your teenagers that words carry weight and talking about people like they are objects can have some serious repercussions and leave badly hurt feelings in its wake.
Discuss changing hormones. Teens’ bodies go through a lot of changes. Some can be scary and unusual, so tell your teen that as embarrassing as it may be, she can always come to you with questions about her body. Set expectations about drinking and partying. Set clear boundaries. Let your child know that you do not want him drinking or doing drugs but you understand that there will be parties. Loading your child with information about drugs and alcohol will be the best defense. Explain how behaviors change when a person gets inebriated and that defenses go down. Explain that someone who is impaired by drugs or alcohol is not capable of making decisions about whether to be kissed or touched—and drunkenness or being high is certainly no excuse for someone to be physically aggressive or to try to push them to have unwanted physical contact. Empower her to not fall victim to peer pressure. Talk about sex. This promises to be an awkward but nonetheless important talk. Teaching children what is and is not appropriate when it comes sex will lay the groundwork for them for years to come. Teens, though they hate to admit it, still need guidance from their parents. You are their best resource when it comes to explaining hormones and sexuality. Tell him whatever he decides to do sexually is ultimately his own choice, and though it can be scary, the best thing is for him to be empowered and informed. It’s okay to tell her that a healthy, consensual, sexual relationship can be a wonderful thing—and be sure to emphasize in no uncertain terms that mutual consent and practicing safe sex are non-negotiable.
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OUTINGS: Rye Nature Center
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An Immersive Nature Experience in Rye 1
Courtesy Rye Nature Center
Explore and learn about the wilderness year-round at Rye Nature Center, New York’s environmental conservation organization. ›› By Melissa A. Kay 3
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1 As the temperature dips, Nanderwhere Pond is still as serene as ever. 2 Fresh greenery and lush landscaping make the garden a sight to see. 3 The observation hive allows visitors to see honeybees hard at work. 4 Rye Nature Center is set on 47 acres of forest and trails so families can walk in the wilderness and take in the natural surroundings. 5 Ecology students enjoy winter activities.
R
ye Nature Center protects natural resources and promotes environmental education and stewardship within its urban forest, wildlife sanctuary, and surrounding community. The independent, nonprofit organization offers exciting programs for kids and adults of all ages and abilities.
Year-Round Fun
There’s so much to explore at Rye Nature Center. See honeybees in action by viewing the traditional and observational hives. Nature’s Playground features natural elements, such as tree stumps. And there’s also a new Con Edison STEM Challenge Course. Nanderwhere Pond, one of the center’s favorite teaching sites, is full of natural beauty year-round. Families can take a hike along the surrounding trail, or any of the 47 acres of forest trails. Explorers of all ages can go hunting for rocks and minerals at the Old Quarry. Weekly ecology classes allow elementary school kids to get outdoors and learn. There 24
February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
are also mommy/daddy-and-me classes, along with public programs and festivals.
Annual Events
Rye Nature Center’s summer day camp for preschool through 10th-grade students offers a hands-on approach to science and the environment. Oktoberfest is an annual fundraiser with delicious food and fun activities. Wilderness Encounters, an immersive outside program, challenges elementary school students to work together to explore the woodlands in the winter, spring, and fall. The Forest Kindergarten program, also in the winter, spring, and fall, uses Swiss concepts and principles to encourage children to connect to the natural world. Rye Nature Center offers a Preschool Ecology extended-day program, and its Forest Preschool program will be held five days a week, beginning in September 2017. Fifty percent of class time will be outside.
February Highlights
The annual Old-Fashioned Winter’s
Afternoon with a log-sawing contest, nature crafts, hiking, pony rides, candy making, archery, and more will be held Feb. 4. Rye nature center also has vacation camps for preschool through elementary school kids with programs throughout the month in which kids can learn about winter animals, glaciers, forest ecology, and more. On Feb. 11 and Feb. 25 see a tree being tapped, learn about the production of sap, and visit the Maple Sugar Shed to get a sneak peek at the maple sugaring process.
Details
Address: Rye Nature Center, 873 Boston Post Road, Rye Directions: Approximately a 35-minute drive from New City Hours: Visitor Center, Museum, and Office: Monday-Saturday, 10am-4pm; Grounds, trails, and playgrounds: daily, dawn to dusk Admission: Free (membership required for special programs) For more information: ryenaturecenter.org, info@ryenaturecenter.org, or 914-967-5150
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Turn the page for details on Feast for Feathered Friends (No. 1 on our list).
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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!
1
Feast for Feathered Friends
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 4, 10am WHERE: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Drive, Cornwall AGES: All WHAT: Nature normally supplies food for northern birds during the winter months. Learn about the Hudson Valley’s winter birds and how to attract them to your backyard. WHY WE LOVE IT: Providing a little extra energy in winter can be helpful, especially if we want to invite these feathered friends in for a closer look! WANT TO GO? $7; $5 children. 845-534-5506. hhnaturemuseum.org.
Share and Care Club for Parents and Caregivers FREE
WHEN: Monday, Feb. 6, 10-11am WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: Newborn to 3, adult WHAT: An opportunity for parents and caregivers of infants and toddlers to discuss various parenting joys and woes, share secrets, and learn tips from other families. While parents enjoy the discussion, there will be a program provided for toddlers in the next room. Registration required. WHY WE LOVE IT: It takes a village. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.
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Snow Day
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 12, 11am-3pm WHERE: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Drive, Cornwall
February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Explore the woods, play goofy games in the snow, track some critters, go sledding, and make snow crafts. WHY WE LOVE IT: The perfect anecdote for being all cooped up. WANT TO GO? $8; $6 children. 845-534-5506. hhnaturemuseum.org.
Disney’s ‘Frozen’ Sing Along
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 12, 1pm WHERE: Bergen Performing Arts Center, 30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Sing along with the Disney movie Frozen and join Elsa and Anna who will lead the audience in the sing-along movie with lyrics on screen. Remember to dress up as your favorite character and take pictures with Elsa and Anna following the show! WHY WE LOVE IT: Yes, the little ones are still singing and loving these songs! WANT TO GO? $15-$25. 201-227-1030. bergenpac.org.
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Outragehisss Pets FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 18, 12-1pm WHERE: The Nature Place Day Camp, 307 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a menagerie of wild animals including chinchillas, fennec foxes, armadillos, snakes, and hedgehogs, but all are outrageous. WHY WE LOVE IT: A truly unique opportunity to learn about amazing animals, see them up close, and even touch or hold them. WANT TO GO? 845-356-6477. thenatureplace.com.
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Owl Prowl
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 19, 7-9pm WHERE: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Drive, Cornwall AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Learn about the species of owls that are native to this region and their incredible adaptations, then head out into the woods to search for these birds of the night. Registration required. WHY WE LOVE IT: In the past, this popular program has attracted Eastern Screech Owls and Barred Owls! WANT TO GO? $12. 845-534-5506. hhnaturemuseum.org.
Public Skating
WHEN: Through March 5: Monday-Tuesday, 10am and 12pm; Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 10am8pm; Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: Bear Mountain Ice Rink, Bear Mountain State Park, Bear Mountain AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy 1½-hour sessions throughout the month. The rink is outdoors and uncovered, so dress appropriately. Lockers and refreshments are available. WHY WE LOVE IT: Winter is not complete without ice-skating! WANT TO GO? $5; $4 children ages 4-11; $2 seniors and non-skaters; free for children 3 and younger; $4 skate rentals. 845-7862701. bearmountainicerink.com.
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The Butterfly Conservatory
WHEN: Through May 28: daily, 10am-5:45pm WHERE: The American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park W., Upper West Side, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: This exhibit features up to 500 live, iridescent, tropical butterflies from the Americas, Africa, and Asia. WHY WE LOVE IT: See the beautiful insects flutter around you. WANT TO GO? $27; $22 seniors and students; $16 children ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2. 212-769-5100. amnh.org.
BROWSE & BUY Ramsey Winter Farmers’ Market FREE
WHEN: Through March 26: Sundays, 10am-2pm WHERE: Eric Smith School, 73 Monroe St., Ramsey, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Find seasonal vegetables and fruits, artisan breads and cheeses, fresh fish, homemade jams and jellies, and much more. WANT TO GO? ramseyfarmersmarket.org.
Nyack Winters Farmers’ Market FREE
WHEN: Through March 31: Thursdays, 8am-2pm WHERE: Nyack Center, 58 Depew Ave., Nyack AGES: All WHAT: This year-round market features many popular vendors including Orchards of Concklin, Pie Lady and Son, and Kiernan Farms. WANT TO GO? 845-353-2221. nyackchamber.org.
Palisades Winter Farmers’ Market FREE
WHEN: Through May 27: Saturdays, 9am-1pm WHERE: Palisades Community Center, 675 Oak Tree Road, Palisades AGES: All WHAT: Select vendors offer a wide-range of products including fish and seafood, meat, veggies, fruit, cheese, bakery, desserts, and prepared foods. WANT TO GO? 845-359-3988. palisadesfm.org.
WE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FREE
Think a freebie has to be ho-hum? Don’t let the price tag (or lack of one) fool you. Here are the five no-cost events we’re excited about now. You’re welcome. Children’s Legislative Forum FREE
WHEN: Friday, Feb. 3, 8am WHERE: Rockland Community College, 145 College Road, Suffern AGES: Adult WHAT: Join Child Care Resources of Rockland and local officials to discuss how the children and youth are faring in our area. RSVP required. WANT TO GO? 845-425-0009. childcarerockland.org.
Teen Movie FREE
WHEN: Friday, Feb. 3, 4:30pm WHERE: Rose Memorial Library, 79 E. Main St., Stony Point AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Grab some friends for a movie and popcorn and enjoy a film geared towards teens. Movies are rated PG or PG-13. WANT TO GO? 845-786-2100. rosememoriallibrary.org.
Open House FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 5, 1-4pm WHERE: The Nature Place Day Camp, 307 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge AGES: All WHAT: The best way to learn more about The Nature Place is by coming to an open house. Take a tour of camp, meet staff, and learn all about the ins and outs of the summer program. WANT TO GO? 845-356-6477. thenatureplace.com.
Tu B’Shevat Seder FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 11, 12pm WHERE: Congregation Sons of Israel, 300 N. Broadway, Upper Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Join CSI to celebrate Tu B’Shevat, the day that marks the beginning of a new year for trees. This is the season in which the earliest-blooming trees in the Land of Israel emerge from their winter. WANT TO GO? 845-358-3767. csinyack.org.
Tabletop Gardens: Bonsai and Terrariums FREE
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 22, 7-8:30pm WHERE: West Nyack Free Library, 65 Strawtown Road, West Nyack AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Extend the gardening season by growing orchids and tropical plants indoors all year round. Learn which plants grow best in a home environment, when to fertilize, how to divide and re-pot the plants, and how to keep insects and diseases under control. WANT TO GO? 845-358-6081. rocklandcce.org. ››
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SMARTY PANTS Baby ER
WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 7, 7:30pm WHERE: Valley Hospital - Dorothy B. Kraft Center, 15 Essex Road, Paramus, NJ AGES: Adult WHAT: Learn what to do in case of an emergency including first aid, sickness, and allergies. This one-session class does not include CPR. Paid registration is required. WANT TO GO? $20 per person. 201-447-8000. valleyhealth.com.
Morning in the Nursery/Kindergarten FREE
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 9, 9:30am WHERE: Green Meadow Waldorf School, 307 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Experience a typical morning in the Early Childhood Program including bread-baking, circle time, and a puppet show. To register, contact x326. WANT TO GO? 845-356-2514. gmws.org.
Sibling Class
ONCE UPON A TIME Disney Reads Day FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 4, 11am WHERE: Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Nanuet, Palisades Center, and Paramus, NJ locations, check website for addresses and phone numbers AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Enjoy popular Disney stories and fun activities that inspire kids’ imaginations and participate in giveaways including stickers, bookmarks, and mini-posters. WANT TO GO? barnesandnoble.com.
Playtime Storytime FREE
WHEN: Through Feb. 24: Fridays, 10:30-11:15am WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy stories, songs, and sensory story time with cool activities, fun with non-fiction, and more. WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.
Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! Storytime FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 25, 11am WHERE: Barnes & Noble Booksellers - Nanuet, Palisades Center, and Paramus, NJ locations, check website for addresses and phone numbers AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! In celebration of the beloved author’s birthday on March 2, enjoy this special storytime featuring coloring, activities, and more. WANT TO GO? barnesandnoble.com.
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February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 11, 12-1:30pm WHERE: Valley Hospital - Dorothy B. Kraft Center, 15 Essex Road, Paramus, NJ AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Big brothers and big sisters will enjoy this one-session class designed specifically for them. Class activities are age-specific and encourage positive feelings about the older sibling’s place in the family and the new baby. Class should be taken four weeks before baby’s due date. Registration is required. WANT TO GO? $40 per family. 201-447-8000. valleyhealth.com.
Public Planetarium Show
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 12, 2-4pm WHERE: Town of Ramapo Challenger Center, 225 Route 59, Airmont AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Observe comets, meteors, eclipses, nebulae, galaxies, and black holes! Following a 1-hour planetarium show, participants will take part in a 1-hour hands-on astronomy-related project in the center’s activity room. Reservations required. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 for children younger than 9 and seniors. 845357-3416. lhvcc.com.
Starting a Garden from Scratch FREE
WHEN: Monday, Feb. 13, 7-8:30pm WHERE: New City Library, 220 N. Main St., New City AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Whether it is a vegetable garden that delivers home produce or a colorful flower garden that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, learn how to reach those gardening goals. WANT TO GO? 845-634-4997. rocklandcce.org.
Growing and Caring for Houseplants and Orchids FREE
WHEN: Friday, Feb. 17, 12:30-2pm WHERE: Rose Memorial Library, 79 E. Main St., Stony Point AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Extend the gardening season by growing orchids and tropical plants indoors all year round. WANT TO GO? 845-786-2100. rocklandcce.org.
WHEN: Friday, Feb. 17, 9-11am WHERE: Green Meadow Waldorf School, 307 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge AGES: Adult WHAT: Each session begins with the viewing of a video presentation on Waldorf® Education, followed by a question-and-answer session and campus tour. WANT TO GO? 845-356-2514. gmws.org.
CityBound Must-Sees in
N Y C Courtesy Better Chinatown
Introductory Session for Prospective Parents FREE
Public Space Mission
Tot Shabbat at CSI Nyack FREE
WHEN: Saturdays, Feb. 11 and 25, 11am WHERE: Congregation Sons of Israel, 300 N Broadway, Upper Nyack AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Come celebrate Shabbat morning with stories and games to discover what Shabbat is all about. This is an interactive, fun learning experience followed by grape juice, challah, and lunch with Rabbi Russo. WANT TO GO? 845-358-3767. csinyack.org.
What is a GMO?
WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 28, 7:30pm WHERE: Cornwall Presbyterian Fellowship Hall, Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, 222 Hudson St., Cornwall-on-Hudson AGES: Adult WHAT: Learn the basics of the science that goes into genetically modified foods, and how they differ from traditional breeding programs. Discuss foods that can be genetically modified with high rates of applications. WANT TO GO? $8. hhnm.org. ››
Crowds gather to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Rooster Revelry Celebrate Chinese culture and welcome the Year of the Rooster at the 18th Annual New York City Lunar New Year Parade & Festival in Chinatown. Every year thousands bundle up and head to the historic neighborhood to watch traditional Chinese New Year performances, see fantastic decorations and costumes, throw confetti, and enjoy great food. There is also a cultural festival at the end in Sara. D Roosevelt Park. Feb. 5; 12-4:30pm, parade kick-off at 1pm. The parade itself is best suited to older children due to the noise and crowds. Age: 5 and older. Begins on the corner of Hester and Mott streets, Chinatown. Suggested viewing spots are East Broadway or by Grand Street and Sara Roosevelt Park. 917-660-2402. betterchinatown.com. Courtesy Sesame Workshop™
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 19, 2-5pm WHERE: Town of Ramapo Challenger Center, 225 Route 59, Airmont AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Learn about these mysterious objects made of rock, ice, and dust that are among the oldest, most primitive bodies in our Solar System. Just like the real astronauts, public crewmembers will attend a briefing session and then select tasks to perform on the mission. Reservations required. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 for children younger than 9 and seniors. 845-357-3416. lhvcc.com.
Watch your favorite characters live on stage.
Your Favorite Furry Friends See Elmo, Grover, and Cookie Monster live onstage as they welcome Chamki, Grover’s friend from India, to Sesame Street. Sesame Street Live is a fun musical production that is sure to be a big hit with the preschool set, featuring fun songs and stories that young kids can relate to, performed by their favorite characters. Feb. 16-26; see website for show times. Age: All. $15 and up. The Theater at Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, Midtown. 866-858-0008. theateratmsg.com. RocklandParent 31
WHAT: Pruning is essential to maintaining healthy and attractive trees and shrubs. Learn about the proper use and selection of tools, common landscape trees and shrubs that need pruning, times of year to prune, and the basics on how it is done. WANT TO GO? $25. 845-639-5628. rocklandcce.org.
Skiing, Snowboarding, and Tubing
THE GREAT OUTDOORS Trash to Garden Treasure
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 1, 1-2:30pm WHERE: Clarkstown Continuing Education at Congers Elementary School, 9 Lake Road, Congers AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Rather than sending plastic water bottles, metal cans, empty wine bottles, tires, and even construction items such as gutters and step ladders to the landfill, these discards can become creative and playful containers for indoor and outdoor plantings. WANT TO GO? $25. 845-639-5628. rocklandcce.org.
WHEN: Through March 31: Monday, 10am-5pm; Tuesday-Friday, 10am9pm; Saturday, 8:30am-9pm; Sunday, 8:30am-5pm WHERE: Mount Peter, 51 Old Mt. Peter Road, Warwick AGES: All WHAT: Beginners and experts will love skiing and snowboarding right in their own backyard. Families can also enjoy snow tubing and night skiing. WANT TO GO? $30-$49; $25-$42 children ages 5-11. 845-986-4940. mtpeter.com.
Ski Season
WHEN: Through March 31: Monday-Thursday, 2-8pm; Friday, 1-10pm; Saturday-Sunday, 8:30am-8pm WHERE: Campgaw Mountain, 200 Campgaw Road, Mahwah AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a variety of terrains for all abilities with short lift lines, uncrowded trails, and a friendly staff. Find the latest in rental equipment and the highest level of skiing or snowboarding instruction for all ages. Tubing is also available. WANT TO GO? $22-$45. 201-327-7800. skicampgaw.com.
MINI
MUSICIANS
Starting Seeds Indoors and Outdoors
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 8, 1-2:30pm WHERE: Clarkstown Continuing Education at Congers Elementary School, 9 Lake Road, Congers AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Discuss how and when to start seeds indoors and how to nurture the seedlings until they are ready to plant outdoors. Also learn how and when to sow seeds directly into your garden. WANT TO GO? $25. 845-639-5628. rocklandcce.org.
Full Moon Snowshoe Hike
WHEN: Friday, Feb. 10, 6-7:30pm WHERE: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Drive, Cornwall AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Enjoy the moonlit fields and forests on a guided snowshoe trek. Review the history and compare types of snowshoes, then venture outside to explore the sights and sounds of winter under the Snow Moon. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $8; $6 children ages 10-17. 845-534-5506. hhnaturemuseum.org.
Cloudy with a Chance of...Discovering Weather
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 11, 10am WHERE: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Drive, Cornwall AGES: All WHAT: Find out things like why it snows, what causes wind, and other mysteries behind weather. WANT TO GO? $7; $5 children. 845-534-5506. hhnaturemuseum.org.
Pruning
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 22, 7-8:30pm WHERE: Clarkstown Continuing Education at Congers Elementary School, 9 Lake Road, Congers AGES: 13 and older 32
February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Kimmy Schwimmy
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 25, 1pm and 3pm WHERE: Bergen PAC Kidz Cabaret Series, Drapkin Cabaret & Lounge, 30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Kimmy Schwimmy Music was carefully crafted to help enhance what preschool-aged children are already learning by using music as the enhancement tool. The story songs were written to enhance imagination and language development, increase attention span, and create an overall feeling of well-being. WANT TO GO? $17. 201-227-1030. bergenpac.org.
Winter Music Lesson Registration
WHEN: Feb. 1-28, call for scheduling options WHERE: New City School of Music, 12 N. Main St., New City AGES: All WHAT: Fun, patient, and caring teachers will teach you the songs you want to learn. Lessons on piano, guitar, drums, voice, violin, saxophone, flute, and clarinet are available. WANT TO GO? Varies per class. 845-499-2137. newcitymusicschool.com.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Sensory Tuesdays
WHEN: Through June 27: Tuesdays, 6-7pm WHERE: Bounce! Trampoline Sports, 612 Corporate Way, Valley Cottage AGES: 3-8 WHAT: For children with sensory issues and those with autism, this program offers fun structured activities with decreased auditory and visual stimuli in a less crowded environment with limited class size. WANT TO GO? $12. 845-268-4000. bouncevalleycottage.com.
MOVERS & SHAKERS Tea and Play FREE
WHEN: Feb. 6-13, Mondays, 1pm WHERE: Green Meadow Waldorf School, 307 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge AGES: 3-5, adult WHAT: Children will have the opportunity to play in a classroom while parents share a cup of tea with an Early Childhood Teacher to learn more about the different programs offered for young children. WANT TO GO? 845-356-2514. gmws.org.
Circle Time! with Sukey Molloy FREE
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 15, 10:30am WHERE: Rose Memorial Library, 79 E. Main St., Stony Point AGES: 2 and younger, adult WHAT: Join Sukey Molloy for her award winning series of musical activities created specifically for children with an adult. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 845-786-2100. sukeymolloy.com.
Open Bounce
WHEN: Feb. 1-28, Monday-Thursday, 4-5:30pm WHERE: Bounce U, 424 Market St., Nanuet AGES: All WHAT: Nonstop bouncing, climbing, sliding, and more in two giant bounce stadiums. Reservations required. WANT TO GO? $12.95. 845-623-5400. bounceu.com.
Pee Wee Playtime
WHEN: Through March 30: Mondays and Thursdays, 10am-1pm WHERE: The Joseph T. St. Lawrence Center, 115 Torne Valley Road, Hillburn AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Children, along with a parent, participate in a variety of different developmental activities from a bounce house to balance beams, bouncy balls, mat activities, and more to develop balance and coordination skills in preparation for kindergarten. WANT TO GO? $5 per day. 845-753-2324. ramapoparks.org.
HOLIDAY FUN Valentine Film and Coloring FREE
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 1, 10:30am and 1:30pm WHERE: Rose Memorial Library, 79 E. Main St., Stony Point AGES: 3-5, adult WHAT: Watch a preschool film, then use glitter crayons and stickers to decorate a Valentine coloring sheet. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 845-786-2100. rosememoriallibrary.org.
Valentine’s Day Storytime FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 11, 11am WHERE: Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Nanuet, Palisades Center, and Paramus, NJ locations, check website for addresses and phone numbers AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Come in for a fun storytime followed by activities in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Featured titles are The Secret Life of Squirrels: A Love Story and Valentine’s Day Is Cool. WANT TO GO? barnesandnoble.com.
Valentine’s Day and Winter Workshops
WHEN: Feb. 3-28, Monday-Tuesday, 10am-12pm; Friday, 3-5pm WHERE: Jill’s Ceramics, 180 Germonds Road, West Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Choose from a large selection of heart shaped or winter themed plates, mugs, bowls, jewelry boxes, or indoor and outdoor decorative figurines. Items can be painted and taken home the same day or left for glazing. WANT TO GO? Prices vary per piece. 845-623-4975. jillsceramics.com.
Coming up next month: MARCH 4: Sugaring Off Celebration at Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Cornwall MARCH 16: Bowling Spectacular to benefit United Hospice of Rockland at Hi-Tor Lanes, West Haverstraw MARCH 19: Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live! at Bergen Performing Arts Center, Englewood, NJ
RocklandParent 33
WHERE-TO GUIDE
Indoor Play Spaces
nymetroparents.com/where-to
››
Research by Jonathan Perry
If you’re looking for a fun place for your kids to get the sillies out, don’t let the cold weather keep you home. There are plenty of enjoyable ways to keep children amused during the winter months, including bounce houses, sports centers, and indoor gyms. When you’re looking to get out of the house but still stay warm, you can drop in at these places on a moment’s notice, no reservation or membership required. Hours are subject to change—please call ahead or check the website to confirm. Participate in open gym time at the Eisenkraft Gymnasium Joseph Lawrence Community Sports Center 115 Torne Valley Road, Hillburn 845-753-2324; ramapoparks.org Joseph Lawrence Community Sports Center offers an aerobic and dance hall, indoor running track, bouldering wall, squash courts, three full gyms, and a separate play area just for toddlers. This facility has become a firm favorite with residents in and around the Rockland area. Palisades Climb Adventure 4590 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack 845-727-3500; palisadesclimb.com Palisades Climb Adventure boasts that it is the world’s tallest indoor ropes course, standing 85 feet tall, and featuring five levels with 75 unique challenge elements including the Sky Tykes kids’ ropes course, designed for children ages 2-7 and shorter than 48 inches. Art Adventure NY 60 Dutch Hill Road, #8, Orangeburg 845-680-6780; artadventureny.com Art Adventure NY provides children with the opportunity to explore their creativity and experiment with a range of materials through painting, printmaking, sculpture, block carving, drawing, collage, and more. T-shirt decorating, painting with remote controlled cars, and learning how to make edible sculptures are just a few of the options available. Sessions are fun, friendly, and intimate. Billy Beez 1282 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack 845-535-9277; billybeezus.com Billy Beez is an indoor adventure playground where your children can play safely and securely whatever the weather. The 26,000-square-foot play area complete with trampolines, wave slides, obstacle courses, and more, will ensure all their energy is used up at the arena and not at home.
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February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
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 interconnected trampolines. The facility offers open jump time, trampoline dodgeball, slam dunk basketball, and foam pit jumping. BounceU of Nanuet 424 Market St., Nanuet Mall, South Nanuet 845-623-5400; bounceu.com Let your little ones blow off some steam in a safe and controlled play area. BounceU is crammed full of slides, obstacle courses, and toys to keep kids entertained for hours. The huge inflatables are suitable for ages 2 and older and parents are encouraged to join in the fun too. JCC Rockland 450 W. Nyack Road, West Nyack 845-362-4400; jccrockland.org
Screamin’ Parties 111 Rockland Plaza, Nanuet 877-967-2789; screaminpartiesrockland.com Bring in the kids for open play to get some energy out at this facility. It has inflatables such as a huge Octopus Obstacle, Dual Lane Slide, and a one-of-a-kind Wacky Bounce House. Open play times change each week so be sure to call or check the website. West Rock Indoor Sports & Entertainment Complex 21 Pralle Lane, Nanuet 845-623-3636; westrockindoor.com Along with sports clinics and birthday parties, the space offers open play during school recesses with weekly camp tournaments, relay races, and sports, including tennis, whiffleball, soccer, capture the flag, and Bubble Ball.
Bergen County, NJ BounceU of Paramus 70 Eisenhower Drive, Paramus 201-843-5880; bounceu.com Let your little ones blow off some steam
ACTIVITIES
in a safe and controlled play area. BounceU is crammed full of slides, obstacle courses, and toys to keep kids entertained for hours. The huge inflatables are suitable for ages 2 and older and parents are encouraged to join in the fun too. Aeon Fitness Gymnastics 157 Patterson St., Hillsdale 201-664-0304; aeonfitgym.com Open gym is offered for kids to drop by to tumble, flip, and explore with coach supervision on the premises. Kids U 407 Sette Drive, Paramus 201-225-0012; kidsu.com This indoor play area offers children a fun place to learn and play. Drop by to explore the PlayQuad, complete with slides, inflatables, monkey bars, and more. The Big Playhouse 316 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood 855-343-7529 thebigplayhouse.info At this indoor playground boasting “good olde-fashioned play,” meet several animated characters and let your imagination run wild as you pretend to be a doctor, farmer, and grocery store employee.
Westchester County A-Game Sports 856 Main St., New Rochelle 914-278-9477 agamesports.net Drop by every Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm for open play with games on the turf, access to the bounce castle and obstacle course, and arts and crafts in the party room for children ages 4-12. Billy Beez 200 Baychester Ave., Bronx 718-514-6045 billybeezus.com Billy Beez is an indoor adventure playground where your children can play safely and securely whatever the weather. The 19,200-square-foot play area, complete with wave
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slides, obstacle courses, and more, will ensure that all their energy is used up at the arena and not at home. BounceU of Elmsford 150 Clearbrook Road, Elmsford 914-874-5200 bounceu.com Let your little ones blow off some steam in a safe and controlled play area. BounceU is crammed full of slides, obstacle courses, and toys to keep kids entertained for hours. The huge inflatables are suitable for ages 2 and older and parents are encouraged to join in the fun too. FunFuzion at New Roc City 29 Lecount Place, New Rochelle 914-637-7575 funfuziononline.com FunFuzion is the place where you can create your own experience. Choose from video games, rides, LazerTag, glow-in-thedark bowling, billiards, bumper cars, and glow mini golf. The Gaga Center 365 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 914-368-9889 gagacenter.com Gaga is a fast paced, high-energy sport played in an octagonal pit. Dubbed a kinder, gentler version of dodgeball, the game is played with a soft foam ball, and combines the skills of dodging, striking, running, and jumping, while trying to hit opponents with a ball below the knees. Open gaga sessions are here when you need them: holidays, conference days, days off, snow days, and other “what should we do today” days! Sessions are 1 hour. Great Play of Scarsdale 969 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 914-713-3470; greatplay.com Great Play’s programs, each based on the center’s approach to youth physical development, give children a dramatically improved way to achieve physical success. Classes are just pure fun—each primarily consists of a series of specially designed games in the center’s patented Interactive Arena™.
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Why Camp Is Great
››
Kids share why they love summer camp. By Lisa Fogarty
A
sk parents about the benefits of a children’s summer camp program and you can pretty much guarantee that those who have either attended camp themselves or whose children return to the same camp each year will wax poetic about the experience. Those of us whose knowledge of camp stems only from sentimental movies may question the value of bunking together in cabins or jumping into murky lakes on frigid mornings. But even skeptics find it difficult to ignore the allure of providing children with the kind of independence that has become increasingly rare in a world of helicopter parenting. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that research is on the side of camps. In an article for Psychology Today, Michael Ungar, Ph.D., co-director of The Resilience Research Centre, spoke to 300 camp directors and concluded that camp can help make children more resilient and strengthen their coping strategies. Another study performed at Clemson University found camp experiences push children’s boundaries in a positive way, build self-confidence, and have a lasting and measurable impact on children, thanks to skillbuilding and decision-making exercises.
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February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Clearly, more and more adults are hip to the benefits of sleepaway and day camps. But what do kids really think about their camp experiences? At the end of the day, most parents who send their children to camp want to be sure they are investing in their futures—because learning, fostering social connections, and growing as individuals shouldn’t be put on hold simply because the academic year has wrapped up. The proof that camps are helping to expand our kids’ minds and horizons is evident in the lasting memories and lessons children take from camp and carry with them into adulthood. We spoke with kids and teens who say camp isn’t just a place— it’s a second home and an experience that doles out important life lessons they continue to use long after their camp’s closing ceremonies. In their own words, here’s what they had to say about why they feel camp is beneficial. “I attended Silver Lake Camp in New York. My favorite thing about camp was playing Color War [a competition in which teams are divided into various colors and each team competes against the others in challenges and events to earn points and rewards]. I liked
it a lot because Color War is something you can only do at camp. It made it feel special.” —Emma R., 14, Long Island “I split my summer vacation between two camps: Felix Neck and the Y camp, both on Martha’s Vineyard [Felix Neck is run by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, and the YMCA runs the Y camp]. I enjoy catching and observing creatures at Felix Neck, and I love swimming at the Y with my friends. Most of all, I am happy to have time to play outdoors with my summer friends. I even ride on the 4th of July float with fellow Felix Neck campers!” —Abigail, 7½, Massachusetts. “I attended Brown Ledge Camp in Colchester, VT. My camp experience was unlike any I had ever had before. With all the different activities to choose from, it’s practically impossible to be bored. The thing I enjoyed the most was meeting girls from all over the world. This past year there were campers and counselors from 18 different countries, so now I can say I have friends from almost every continent. There is a real sense of community at my camp and a huge emphasis is put on the freedom to choose. There is only a single activity that is scheduled and that is riding. My first year at camp I learned how to become more self-sufficient and I developed good leadership skills that I use every day. Every activity at camp comes with the ability to learn more and more. I gravitated toward riflery—something I never would have thought of doing back home—and I immediately took to it. I still do it now and I even compete. Camp has given me so many opportunities and I wouldn’t trade my camp experience for anything.” —Rebecca P., 17, New Jersey “They gave us a lot of options to do different activities. Even though it was tennis camp, we also got to play pingpong, swim, and just relax so it never got boring.” — Nolan, 13, Orlando, FL, who attended Nike Tennis Camp in Florida “I loved being with my friends all day, and I loved being outside a lot. I attended a theater camp and it inspired me to join my school’s drama club this year. At camp, we put on several small skits at the end of each week and a larger production once a month. We learned some blocking, how to project our voices without screaming, set design, set direction, and we did acting exercises like improv, breathing techniques, becoming different characters, and changing emotions.” — Sydney C., 13, Brooklyn, who attended Our Lady of Angels’ Brooklyn Sports and Theatre Camp in Bay Ridge “I enjoyed doing the Lion King in Impact Conservatory because it showed how fun acting can be and it had great snacks and field trips. I also enjoyed the cooking camp at Culver City Adult School because it taught me how to cook food so that I can eat healthier—and it taught me how to be creative with food. I didn’t know how to swim when I went to Saken Sports Camp, but it helped me develop as a swimmer.” —Morgan, 10, Los Angeles, CA “I went to camp for the first time this summer at Allen Park in Farmingdale, Long Island. Every day the camp counselors set up new things for us to do so we never got bored. I loved getting to
put on a big dance and show at the end of the summer because we got to practice our dance and work together to make up a cheer. I liked that we made it up ourselves with only a little bit of help. Carnival day was also amazing—the park was set up so that different spots were different holidays. It was so much fun getting to make snowmen crafts in the summer!” —Kiera F., 5, Long Island, who attended the Town of Oyster Bay Summer Recreation Program “I go to Silver Lake Camp in New York. Everything about the experience is so much fun. But my favorite thing of all is when we have shampoo wars!” —Sabrina R., 11, Long Island “I really love summer camp because you get to meet so many new people, especially the people in your cabin. Also, you can try lots of new activities you may have never had the chance to. Last year at camp, I learned how to windsurf, play the guitar, and canoe, which were all super fun. Camp is an awesome way to find good activities and great friends! I admit, I was nervous to go to a summer camp away from home, but I had so much fun that I didn’t get homesick. On our last night at camp, all of the cabins staying for one week gathered around a campfire in the woods. We sang songs, made s’mores, and watched as the counselors played funny skits. I had so much fun there! I went to Camp Foley in Minnesota.” —Reese D., 12, Minneapolis, MN “West LA Camp for Kids had a lot of learning and it helped me prepare for school the following semester.” —Madison, 8, Los Angeles, CA “I went to Windsor Mountain International in New Hampshire from seventh grade until junior year of high school. The camp is known for hosting a large number of campers who come from all over the world. Having camp friends is a very unique experience because you find people are really different at camp than they are in the actual world. I was a nerdy kid who played Dungeons & Dragons and I had no idea I’d meet these kids from New Jersey who wanted to play these nerdy games with me. The social boundaries we develop in our real lives are gone at camp. After a few years [at Windsor Mountain], they offer a lot of different programs once you get into high school for traveling outside of the United States. After I was a camper for a couple of years, I became a Leader in Training and helped with certain classes. I also had a group of campers I worked with and tried to mentor. A year after that, I became a Leader in Action. All of the leaders took a trip to St. Vincent in the Caribbean, where we traveled to different villages on the island and set up a camp for the kids in those villages. We had a little help, but we were mostly left entirely in charge of setting up those camps. The experience gave us a lot of independence and that independence allowed us to gain a much stronger connection to the community. It wasn’t like we were getting to know the villagers through a third party—it was just us getting to know them. Now, as a college student, I try to travel as much as possible because I learned from that age onward that the best opportunities come from traveling and meeting people.” —Seamus, 20, New Hampshire Lisa Fogarty is a freelance writer based in New York whose work has appeared in Redbook, Men’s Health, Racked, and other publications. She lives with her husband and two children.
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camp GUIDE 2017 DAY CAMPS
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 and soccer fields; a petting zoo; and special events. Many air-conditioned buildings. Visit us on our website or call for a personal tour.
Day Camp In The Park
6 Kendall Drive, New City 845-638-2515 daycampinthepark.com dcitp1979@gmail.com Day Camp In The Park is an award-winning day camp serving campers for 39 years, located on a more than 500-acre nature preserve on majestic Lake Tiorati in Rockland County. We’ve created every camper’s paradise for our children to grow, have fun, be safe, and be happy! With more than 100 activities from archery to the arts, kayaking to kickball, skateboarding to soccer, our incredible nature setting features both our lakefront waterpark and in-ground heated pool! Certified teachers lead every group. Door-to-door air-conditioned transportation in Rockland, Bergen, Westchester, and Orange counties included.
Deer Mountain Day Camp
63 Call Hollow Road, Pomona 845-354-2727 deermountaindaycamp.com info@deermountaindaycamp.com Explore talents. Unlock creativity. Learn new skills. Find passions. Make true friends. Shine as you! Our story began in 1956, when
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the Katz family founded the camp, a legacy continued today by second-generation owners and directors, Roberta and Carol Katz. Under our insightful watch, campers (ages 3-15) open up as themselves and have a blast as they enjoy a sleepaway camp’s range of activities, facilities, and staff in a day camp setting. Activities include swimming, sports, fine and performing arts, outdoor adventure, nature, waterfront, discovery, science, and special events.
Deerkill Day Camp
54 Wilder Road, Suffern 845-354-1466 deerkilldaycamp.com office@deerkilldaycamp.com Deerkill Day Camp, celebrating our 60th season as a family-owned camp, is a traditional coed day camp located on 15 beautiful acres in Suffern. Our group leaders are all college graduates, and our superb swimming and extensive specialty programs are taught by professionals. We have ample indoor space for rainy day programs. Hot lunches, trips, towels, free weekend club, and other “extras” are all included— there are no hidden costs and tipping isn’t allowed. Additionally, all registered families enjoy complimentary access to our weekend pool club throughout the summer.
JCC Rockland
450 W. Nyack Road, West Nyack 845-362-4400 x111 jccrockland.org/camp camps@jccrockland.org Eight programs (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
February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
professional and nurturing staff. Highlights: daily swim, air-conditioned spaces, meals included.
Mosholu Day Camp
261 Arden Valley Road, Bear Mountain 845-323-5794 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 in a beautiful setting, we help strengthen the camper’s self-opinion while developing their social, athletic, and academic skills. Our staff is a spirited group of creative counselors, who offer encouragement and motivation as they participate in an array of activities such as swimming, music, arts, trips, archery, boating, dance, and sports. At Mosholu, we make memories!
The Nature Place Day Camp
Ed Bieber, owner and director 285 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge 845-356-1234 thenatureplace.com camp@thenatureplace.com Now more than ever before it is imperative for children to develop love for a sense of place and for the natural world. Through cultivating cooperation rather than competition with peers, by allowing space for individual expression, and through creative, outdoor programming, we aim to do this. The Nature Place Day Camp: connecting children with nature through reverence and wonder for 32 years.
OUTINGS 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 sum-
mer. 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.
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. 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 are available for birthday parties, camp groups, and special events. Book your group today! Check out our new Sky Rail now open!
SPECIALTY 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 by the
week or for the entire summer. Call for more information or to set up a free trial class.
Art Adventure
60 Dutch Hill Road, Suite 8, Orangeburg 845-680-6780 artadventureny.com info@artadventureny.com Unleash your child’s creativity! Our programs run all summer long—sign up by the session or for the entire summer. Every week is a different theme. All programs are certain to entertain as they educate your children in the fine arts. Relevant themes, field trips, activities, and games—our camp program has something for everyone. Call or stop in for more information.
Camp Clio
Held at Camp Claire, Lyme, CT 212-472-5207 campclio.org Camp Clio, a seriously fun place for adopted children ages 9-17, offers its fifth summer of “old-fashioned” camp fun. Campers share a cabin with other adopted boys and girls and teenage counselors—all of whom were adopted—who serve as role models. Each week a picnic lunch adoption discussion is led by Spence-Chapin social workers providing a relaxed atmosphere to explore adoption feelings and experiences in a fun, safe, and non-judgmental environment. Campers may attend one, two, or three sessions—sleepaway or all-day. June 25-July 22. Scholarships available.
Camp Venture Equestrian Camp
15 Fernald Road, Stony Point 845-624-3868 Camp Venture is a summer camp for special kids and for kids who just like to feel special. The camp is a uniquely affirming, integrated summer recreational experience. It’s a warm, fun, nurturing place, where doing your best is more important than being the best and kids have names instead of labels. A traditional camp in most ways, activities include swimming, arts and crafts, non-competitive sports, horseback riding, and music. Special activities include a talent show, music performances, petting zoo visits, and themed days. For more information, contact Patti Statler at pstatler@campventure.org or 845-624-3868.
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, once again, 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. Limited space available. We keep our casts small, so the experience is “Huge!”
Coupé Theatre Studio
430 Market St., Nanuet 845-623-2808 coupedance.com Beautiful new space! Exciting new summer programs at Coupé 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, voice, and acting. Trips to Broadway shows, regional theater, and ballet at Lincoln Center are included in some programs. Flexible schedules are available.
Fin 2 Swim
858-539-3209 fin2swim.com info@fin2swim.com Can your child “really” swim? Has she had lessons for several summers but still won’t put her head under water? Does he run and jump in without knowing how to save himself? Let us help you! One-on-one private lessons will have your child swimming independently from one side of the pool to the other in approximately six weeks. Don’t miss this limited opportunity! Lessons are held in Bergen, Rockland, and Westchester counties, from mid-June through July, and in the Hamptons in August. Call now to reserve your time slot.
i9 Sports®
Leagues held in all seasons at facilities throughout Rockland 845-624-PLAY (7529)
i9sports.com ahenry@i9sports.com Currently enrolling for summer, i9 Sports® is the nation’s first and largest provider of youth sports leagues in the United States. We offer youth sports leagues, camps, and clinics for boys and girls ages 3-14 in today’s most popular sports such as flag football, soccer, basketball, T-ball, lacrosse, and cheerleading. With our focus on fun, safety, convenience, and good sportsmanship, i9 Sports offers traditional kids’ sports leagues without the traditional headaches! Call for specific sport and field information. The earlier you register, the more you save!
Kreative Kids & Vicki’s Studio
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.
R & R Music School
16 N. Route 9W, Congers 845-267-3311 rnrmusicschool.com rnrmusicschool@gmail.com Weeklong Rock Camps are offered during July and August. Sessions are held each day from 9am-3pm. The goal is to work together as a band to create a full set of songs. At the end of the week a performance is booked for the band and held at a local venue. Students will learn how to apply individual music skills in a group setting. Activities include gear setup techniques, learning and writing songs, music theory, history and appreciation, endurance and tempo drills, recording strategies, and music performance.
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 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 2017 camp details.
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Demystifying the Dentist
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A guide to what to expect at kids’ dental visits and tips for keeping their mouths healthy By Jonathan Perry
I
t’s no secret that many children are scared of going to the dentist, a fear that is unfortunately often reinforced by dentists’ portrayal on TV shows and in pop culture—as well as by many grown-ups’s own reactions to the twice-yearly need for dental checkups. For sure, visits to the dentist can be confusing, for kids and parents, coming as they do with an array of procedures and terminology, not to mention equipment and instruments that are all unique to the dentists’ and orthodontists’ offices. In that spirit, we spoke with several area pediatric dentists and orthodontists in an effort to demystify visits to their offices and explain what goes on there and why these procedures are so important. “Children fear the unknown, and are often misinformed about the dentist,” says Marc Adelberg, D.D.S., who practices at Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dentistry, which has three locations on Long Island. “We understand that what we do impacts the child’s life forever, so we try to make things fun and inviting for them.” Since February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, here’s a primer to what generally goes on when kids visit the dentist and orthodontist. 40
February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
Dental Procedures Explained
Routine dental exams are evaluations that gauge your child’s overall dental health. At the exam, the dentist (and/or hygienist) will clean your child’s teeth, review the technique for how she should be flossing and brushing, discuss oral hygiene generally, and apply topical fluoride treatment, which is a delivery of fluoride minerals to the teeth to help protect them from cavities. At some visits, the dentist will take X-rays. Checkups can address potential problems in your child’s mouth early so she’ll need minimal treatment or interventions when she’s older. Children, like adults, should have routine dental exams every six months. “Bad brushing habits and hygiene habits can all be taken into account,” Dr. Adelberg says. “Parents should get them to the dentist early so we can help treat and coach them at an early age.” X-rays are screenings that take images of your child’s mouth on each side. They provide a close-up view of your child’s jaw and tooth structure, and can reveal weaknesses such as cavities and demineralization, which is the reduction of mineral substances in the teeth. X-rays provide a view of your child’s mouth that normal eyesight can’t provide, according to Rania
Elbaz, D.D.S., who practices at Merrick Pediatric Dentistry in Merrick. “Bite-wings, occlusal, and panoramic X-rays take images of the child’s mouth from front to back, including the molars,” Dr. Elbaz says, referring to three different types of X-rays. “These X-rays can evaluate a child’s bite and even identify jaw abnormalities.” Your child’s teeth push closer together as they grow, making them more prone to cavities as more plaque accumulates between the teeth. When your child is 2 or 3 years old, dentists will take X-rays of his mouth to help track the teeth’s progression. Sealants are thin, white plastic coatings that are placed at the tops of the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to help prevent tooth decay. The groves and chewing surfaces of the teeth can accumulate plaque, since they’re the most susceptible to cavities in children and teens. The protective coating offered by sealants is recommended for kids ages 6-8 for the first set of molars and ages 12-14 for the second set of molars. Fillings are composites that are placed in the weakened mineral deposits of one’s teeth to help prevent cavities or fill the holes when cavities occur. Fillings can prevent the teeth from decaying further by blocking bacteria from entering the teeth. They can also be used to restore teeth for cosmetic purposes by giving them the appropriate shade of color that matches one’s teeth. Extractions are used to either facilitate other procedures in a crowded mouth or to remove a tooth that is beyond saving. Extractions can also be necessary to correct jaw spacing or provide the room necessary for braces. Every child’s mouth is different, says Glen Ehrenman, D.D.S., who practices at Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry in Westbury. “Kids are evaluated each time they come in with growth and development, but everyone grows and develops at their own pace.” Pediatric dentists will evaluate your child’s mouth to see if she needs any extractions. If your child is anxious about the procedure, dentists can offer the option of sedating your child through the extraction. Laser treatment is a method of handling delicate procedures in children as young as 2-3, such as cavities and lip ties, which happen when the upper lips of infants are tethered to the upper gums from birth. The laser can remove tooth decay without touching the tooth, and it also numbs the tooth as an added bonus for your child’s comfortability. Laser treatment is not a common treatment, and only select offices have this equipment. Renuka Bijoor, D.D.S., who practices at Briarcliff Pediatric Dentistry in Briarcliff Manor, says laser technology is her practice’s most utilized procedure tool. She explains that it can be used in multiple procedures in children without instilling any trauma like anesthesia shots. For example, Dentists can use laser treatment in place of the conventional drill when treating cavities, eliminating the need for anesthesia shots and making your child’s experience the least invasive and painful as possible. “The experience is shorter and much less dramatic,” Dr. Bijoor says. “It gives the patient a healthy experience and prevents the fear of the dentist from developing early on.” Braces are used for aligning crooked teeth and to help position someone’s bite. Wires are attached along the teeth to align them slowly over time causing minimal discomfort. Pediatric dentists evaluate kids’ mouths to decide if braces may be required, while an orthodontist will make the decision and do the work of installing
braces. The wires on the braces are tightened to adjust teeth every four to six weeks, and children can wear them for two to three years on average.
Top Dental Health Tips
Of course, a strong dose of prevention can help your child avoid some of the more invasive and intense dental procedures (though, as with everything health-related, there is no way to guarantee it). Here is some advice for securing, recovering, and sustaining oral health. Oral health begins as early as in infancy. Clean your child’s gums and mouth with a washcloth before teeth start coming in, Dr. Bijoor says. Once his teeth come in, you can use a finger brush or baby toothbrush with just water, no toothpaste required, and then maintain the routine of brushing every morning and night. Your child should see a dentist regularly after her first tooth comes in. Dr. Bijoor recommends your child see the dentist when she turns 1 or six months after her first tooth comes in. She should then see the doctor every six months thereafter. Understand your dentist’s emergency procedures early on. At an early age, your child’s teeth are vulnerable to trauma such as tooth chipping from tripping on the playground, Dr. Elbaz says. Most dentists reserve time in their daily schedules for such emergency occasions, allowing them to take action on her teeth immediately. Discuss with your dentist what to do when emergencies arise—before any actually happen. Visit the proper pediatric dentist. Go to the dentist that best fits your child’s specific needs, Dr. Ehrenman says. Some examples of what your child may need include habit counseling for pacifier use or thumb sucking, special preventative care for teething and gum disease, or management of conditions such as ulcers and tongue-tie. Maintain regular routines. Dr. Elbaz recommends your child follow the proper routine of having her teeth brushed every morning and night once they start coming in. Brushing and flossing should be as much a part of her expected daily set of activities as bathing, changing clothes or pajamas, and the like. Eat a proper diet. Limit juice, snacks, and sugars, Dr. Ehrenman says. Frequent snacking can build up carbohydrates in the mouth, leading to acids that could promote tooth decay. Snacks should be healthy and not too sticky or full of sugar. Avoid caloric drinks after nighttime brushing. Consuming calories after brushing one’s teeth—which we do to eliminate the buildup of plaque on the teeth—defeats the point of brushing, Dr. Elbaz says. Items to avoid include soda, juices, and milk; water is okay. Help your children with brushing until they learn to tie their own shoes. That’s when a child’s motor skills are advanced enough for him to be adept at brushing his own teeth properly. Give your child fluoride supplementation. Children can be given fluoride vitamin supplements that’ll help strengthen their permanent teeth in the future, Dr. Ehrenman says. Don’t give up. It is important for you not to stop performing a dental-health routine or technique because your child isn’t cooperating or making a fuss, Dr. Bijoor says. Eventually, children will get used to the routine. And, eventually, they may even thank you for helping to keep their mouths healthy. Jonathan Perry is a former NYMP editorial intern.
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Soup and a Sandwich
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Nothing goes better with soup than a sandwich. Here are two combos to warm up after a chilly day. By Hannah Miles Vegetable soup with Reuben sandwiches This is a true comfort food combination—a wholesome vegetable soup served with classic New York Reuben sandwiches. I have to confess that I utterly adore a Reuben sandwich—there is just something so comfortingly indulgent about tangy horseradish mayo, sauerkraut, and salt beef all warm with melting gooey cheese. It’s happiness on a plate! This vegetable soup can be made with any vegetables you chose, so it is great for using up whatever is in your fridge. If you prefer a chunky vegetable soup, cut the vegetables into small pieces and simmer until soft but do not blend the soup. If you are short of time you can substitute store-bought mayonnaise for the Russian dressing and just stir through a little ketchup and horseradish. Serves 4 For the soup 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped 1 rib celery, trimmed and chopped 1 clove garlic, peeled and finely chopped 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 leek 2 tablespoons butter 3 carrots (approximately 8 oz.), peeled and chopped 2 parsnips (approximately 12 oz.), peeled and chopped generous 3¼ cups chicken or vegetable stock
For the Russian dressing 2 egg yolks 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar generous ¾ cup mild olive oil 1 tablespoon horseradish 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup salt and pepper, to season For the Reuben sandwiches 8 slices rye bread 8-12 slices salt beef or pastrami 4 tablespoons prepared sauerkraut 8 slices Swiss cheese panini press
Directions 1. Begin by preparing the Russian dressing. Place the egg yolks, mustard, and vinegar in a blender or food processor and
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blitz. Very slowly drizzle in the olive oil and whisk until the mayonnaise is thick. Carefully fold through the horseradish and ketchup and season with salt and pepper. Store in a jar in the refrigerator until needed. 2. For the soup, add the onion, celery, and garlic to a large saucepan with the olive oil and fry over a gentle heat until soft. Trim the ends of the leek, discard any damaged leaves, and finely slice. Rinse well to remove any dirt and then add to the pan with the butter. Cook gently for approximately 5 minutes until the leeks have sweated down and are soft. Add the chopped carrots and parsnips to the pan with the stock and simmer for approximately 15 minutes until the carrots and parsnips are soft. The actual cooking time will depend on the size of the vegetables. Once the vegetables are soft, carefully transfer to a blender or food processor and blitz until the soup is smooth. Return to the pan and keep warm until you are ready to serve. 3. For the sandwiches, lightly butter the outside of the rye bread, then turn over on a board and spread a layer of the Russian dressing over four of the slices. Top with the salt beef slices. Heat the sauerkraut to evaporate the liquid and then sprinkle a spoonful over the beef in each sandwich. Top with two slices of cheese and a further spoonful of dressing and then top each sandwich with the remaining buttered rye slices. Toast each sandwich in the sandwich press until warm and the cheese has melted. 4. Serve the soup with sandwiches on the side for a delicious lunch or supper.
Butternut squash soup with Thanksgiving pretzel sandwiches I love to serve these as pretzel sandwiches, similar to those I have enjoyed on trips to Bavaria, but if you can’t find pretzels, thick-cut slices of white bread are equally delicious. Serves 4
For the soup 2 onions, peeled and finely chopped 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon garam masala 1 tablespoon nigella seeds 2 lb. butternut squash, peeled, deseeded and chopped into chunks ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
pinch of cayenne pepper generous 3¼ cups chicken or vegetable stock
PROVIDING KID APPROVED DENTAL CARE!
For the sandwiches a few spoonfuls of mayonnaise 4 large soft pretzels 4 large slices turkey 4 tablespoons cranberry sauce 4 slices Swiss cheese
Directions 1. Place the onions in a large saucepan with the oil and cook over a gentle heat until the onions are soft and translucent. Add the garam masala, nigella seeds, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. If you do not like spicy soup, omit the cayenne pepper. Fry for a few minutes further to allow the spices to heat. Add the squash to the pan and cook for a few minutes, then add the stock and simmer for approximately 30 minutes until the squash is soft. 2. Pour the soup into the blender or food processor and blitz until smooth. Keep warm until you are ready to serve. 3. For the sandwiches, carefully slice each pretzel in half horizontally and spread each half with a little mayonnaise. Place a slice of turkey on each base and top with some cranberry sauce. Add slices of Swiss cheese and cover each with the pretzel tops. Serve the turkey-filled pretzels with the soup. Soup and a Sandwich by Hannah Miles, Ryland Peters & Small, $16.95. rylandpeters.com. Photography by Steve Painter.
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
www.smithslittlesmiles.com
facebook.com/smithslittlesmilespd
SAVE THE DATE Sun, March 12 TH, 2017 • KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTIES • Adult’s Night Out • Specialty Items for Every Holiday • Paint & Go-Same Day • Glaze & Fire
(845) 414-9626 @smithslittlesmiles
Gov Roc k dep ernmen land C ar o t you tment Day! L unty r Co al s ear un ta n f has ty Gov ff all rom to o ernm that ffer ent
19 th Annual ROCKLAND COUNTY
YOUTHFEST at SUNY RCC Field House - 11am-4pm Over 6,000 Visitors Expected Print Media Sponsor:
Mon., Tues. & Wed. 930am-300pm Tues. & Thurs. 700-900 Friday Kids Classes 300-500
Visitors
Look Us Up on Facebook
180 Germonds Rd. West Nyack, NY • 845-623-4975 www.jillsceramics.com
•Performances by Dikki the Clown Veteran of the Big Apple Circus! •Bounce House, Slide and much more provided by Inflatable Party Adventures.
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) 638-5166 For more information. RocklandParent 43
Lisa Gorman
Learning to Ski ››
A peek at how two New York mountains teach newbies the popular winter sport By Katelin Walling
The author (in all black) and Franz Krickl, snowsports director at Windham Mountain Resort, ride a conveyer-belt type carpet lift to the top of one of Windham Mountain’s learning slopes. Hunter Mountain has a similar lift set up in its learning area.
G
rowing up in Maine, one would think I’d be a season lift ticket-holding ski bum, but that is not the case. I grew up cross-country skiing with Dad and snowshoeing with Mom and Dad, and I once took a snowboarding lesson with my older brother—because I had to do all of the cool things he was doing— but I ended up not wanting to pursue it. So when I got the opportunity to take private skiing lessons at Hunter Mountain (huntermtn. com) and Windham Mountain Resort (windhammountain.com), both in the Catskills region of New York, I jumped at the chance to see what many childhood friends were so obsessed with every winter.
Hunter Mountain
After the nearly 3-hour drive from Manhattan to Hunter, I acquired my lift ticket and lesson pass, headed over to the Rental Shop, and checked in on a computer, answering questions about my experience level, height, and weight—all needed to ensure I was given the proper skis. I was then fitted with boots, which should be snug but not uncomfortable to prevent blisters, and given skis, poles, and a helmet because as Mike, a rental attendant, said, “I like what I have between these,” pulling on his ears. Once I had my gear, I headed out to the Learning Zone to meet Hans, my instructor for the 1-hour lesson. After asking what I knew about skiing (next to nothing!), Hans taught me the basics—how to turn, stop, speed up, and slow down. I practiced these skills on a low-grade slope for almost 20 minutes, and when he thought I was ready, Hans took me up a conveyer belt-type carpet lift to the top of Gramercy Park—a slightly higher-grade slope—where I continued to practice my new skills. After 20 or so minutes on Gramercy Park, I graduated to riding the lift to a slightly higher trail, Central Park North, where Hans had me focus on controlling my speed and making complete, round turns while skiing among others—nerve-wracking to say the least! When my hour was up, Hans and I parted ways, but I stayed on the slopes for a while longer, practicing all the skills I had learned in the lesson.
Windham Mountain Resort
I stayed overnight at Hotel Vienna in Windham, and was up early 44
February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
for day two. At Windham Mountain Resort, the check-in process is similar to Hunter’s—pick up lift ticket and lesson pass, answer questions on the computer, get equipment, and meet the instructor just outside the Rental Shop. I was lucky to have Franz Krickl, snowsports director at Windham, as my instructor for the 2-hour lesson. I told Krickl what I learned the previous day and what I knew I needed to work on. We warmed up on Whisper Run, and then moved up to Wooly Bear, where I worked on controlling my speed and making turns. After nearly an hour on those two runs, we progressed to What’s Next?, which was higher up on the mountain and required using the lift. Throughout the lesson, Krickl would give helpful tips and point out what I should change to make skiing easier—mainly that to really control my speed, I needed to make my pizza wedge (toes pointed inward, heels out) bigger. At the end of the lesson, during which I had fallen two or three times, I skied a few more runs on What’s Next? to end my day on a high note.
A New Winter Hobby
In addition to private and group lessons for adults, both Hunter and Windham offer a variety of learn-to-ski programs for the whole family, including full- and half-day lessons for kids; season-long programs; and special programs for the youngest skiers. Windham is also home to the second largest adaptive ski program in the country, according to Krickl. When I was at Windham, the Adaptive Sports Foundation was hosting its Warriors in Motion Learn-to Ski and Snowboard Festival for veterans injured in Afghanistan and Iraq. After seeing the variety of skiers on the mountains—from a preschooler learning with Mom and Dad to the seasoned skier—skiing, and learning to ski, is a great activity for the whole family, and one which the family can progress through together. I ended the weekend with some sore muscles, two lift tickets fastened to my coat, and a new winter hobby I hope to enjoy a few more times before the season ends. To find more mountains in upstate New York that offer lessons for the whole family, visit nymetroparents.com/ski.
National Parks Service
Presidential Landmarks Close to Home
››
In honor of Presidents Day, we’ve rounded up some great presidential landmarks in our region. These places are rich with American history and can be visited year-round. By Melissa A. Kay Westchester County Elijah Miller House 140 Virginia Road, White Plains 914-949-1236 The Elijah Miller house was used as George Washington’s headquaters during the Revolutionary War’s Battle of White Plains. It is now a museum that is open to the public. Hastings Historical Society 407 Broadway, Hastings-on-Hudson hastingshistorical.org; 914-478-2249 This riverside village was incorporated in 1879 and the Hastings Historical Society preserves the artifacts and other historical memorabilia from the region. Take a walking tour with the family with the society’s The Museum in the Streets walk. Honor war veterans, first responders, and U.S. history this Presidents Day.
Grant’s Tomb, in General Grant National Memorial, in Manhattan
Jacob Purdy House 60 Park Ave., White Plains whiteplainshistory.org; 914-328-1776 Another one of George Washington’s headquarters during the Battle of White Plains, it is now the location of the White Plains Historical Society.
Manhattan
Bronx Admiral David Glasgow Farragut Gravesite Woodlawn Cemetery, Webster Ave. & E. 233rd. St.; nps.gov Visit the final resting place of Admiral David Glasgow Farragut, the first rear admiral, vice admiral, and four-star admiral of the United States Navy. His wife and children are buried there as well. Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx is a National Historic Landmark and one of the largest cemeteries in New York City.
Upstate New York Franklin D. Roosevelt Estate 4097 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park nps.gov; 845-229-9115 Visit the home of the 32nd President, Franklin D. Roosevelt. Located in Hyde Park, the estate features the FDR Presidential Library and Museum. Admission is $18 and the ticket is good for two days. Children 15 and younger are free. Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site 84 Liberty St., Newburgh
nysparks.com; 845-562-1195 The nation’s first public historic site once served as George Washington’s headquarters and is famously the place where Washington rejected the idea that he should be king. It is also where the Badge of Military Merit, which came to be known as the Purple Heart, was created. Tours are offered daily.
Chester A. Arthur House 123 Lexington Ave., Kips Bay; nps.gov Pay a visit to the home of the United States’ 21st President, Chester A. Arthur. This home was designated a National Historic Landmark on Jan. 12, 1965. Arthur lived in this four-story brownstone for most of his adult life with his family. The home is now privately owned and visitors may come see the first floor which is open to the public. Grant’s Tomb (General Grant National Memorial) West 122nd Street and Riverside Drive, Upper West Side; nps.gov Visit the final resting place of the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The memorial sits across the road from the renowned Riverside Church. Grant, who was known as one of American history’s great captains, died July 23, 1885. Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace 28 E. 20th St. at Broadway, Gramercy Park; nps.gov Visit the Gramercy area of Manhattan with the family to see the lovely town house similar to where President Roosevelt was brought up. There’s a gallery on the ground floor and grand tours of the home are offered. Check out the website to see if you can catch the monthly free classical concert series.
Melissa A. Kay is a writer, editor, and content strategist with more than 15 years of experience in the publishing field in the areas of family, beauty, health, employment, lifestyle, entertainment, and more. She lives in Manhattan with her husband and cat, and enjoys reading, fitness, cooking, music, and the amazing experiences New York has to offer.
RocklandParent 45
Meet the Health Care
PROFESSIONAL
To be in this section, call 845-848-8021 or email nympads@davlermedia.com 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
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 & Newman Orthodontics 6 Medical Park Drive, Pomona 845-354-7233 rocklandorthodontics.com info@kastin-newmanortho.com
Dental Wellness of Suffern Sherri Alpert, D.D.S. 2 Executive Blvd., Suite 307, Suffern 845-918-1801 dentalwellnessofsuffern.com dentalwellness@optonline.net
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.
Drs. Brett Kastin and Warren Newman utilize state-of-the-art materials and customized treatment planning for every patient, ensuring the highest quality of care. Dr. Kastin is a certified Invisalign® provider, and has been president of the Rockland County Dental Society since 2006. Dr. Newman has more than 40 years of orthodontic experience. They have been a team for more than 10 years, and were voted Rockland’s Top Orthodontists by the dentists of Rockland County. Their practice offers an experienced staff and flexible appointment times. Initial exams are complimentary, as are children’s recall appointments.
Kupchik Dental Dr. Anna Kupchik, D.D.S. 2 Medical Park Drive, Suite 16, West Nyack 845-535-3500 kupchikdental.com info@kupchikdental.com
At Kupchik Dental, patients’ comfort is our No. 1 priority. We strive to make every dental experience easy and relaxing by practicing gentle touch dentistry. Our state-of-the-art dental office is committed to providing the best quality of care for the entire family. Dr. Kupchik and her team believe in educating patients and keeping them informed of their oral health every step of the way. We are open seven days a week for your convenience, and have an in-house insurance plan for the uninsured. 46
February 2017 | nymetroparents.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.
Dental Wellness of Suffern provides natural, effective, quality dental care for your family, making your visit enjoyable, comfortable, and relaxing. A parent herself, Dr. Alpert enjoys working with children who are apprehensive about the dentist, creating a fun environment with magic tricks, interactive Wii games, a wall mural, and a Find the Dental Helpers game. Author of two books, Cassandra Gets Her Smile Back and Attack of the Sugar Bugs, Dr. Alpert makes visiting the dentist fun. Dental Wellness of Suffern—let them create the smile you were born to have.
Smile More Dentistry 140 Oak Tree Road, Tappan 845-367–4866 tappandentist.com
Drs. LaCap, Tong, and their “Smile Team” have been providing exceptional dental care with a gentle touch and state-of-the-art technology for more than 25 years. Children love going to their office because of the friendly and fun environment. Busy moms love the office because they offer an “on time guarantee,” “workmanship guarantee,” and “you will love us” guarantee! Dr. Tong was voted one of NJ’s top children’s dentists five years in a row. The office receives a perfect fivestar rating in patient satisfaction.
Bobby Crohn, D.D.S. Monroe Dental Office 400 State Route 17M, Suite 2, Monroe 845-782-0189 monroedentaloffice.com monroedental@optonline.net
Dr. Crohn graduated from SUNY Stony Brook with a degree in biology. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University at Buffalo in 1992, and he completed his general practice residency at Danbury Hospital in 1993. Dr. Crohn has done extensive additional training in implant dentistry including training with Dr. Nick Elian at Vistara Institute, DentalXP Symposiums, and training at Zimmerman Institute.
Englewood Wyckoff • Norwood, NJ
Bronxville Woodcliff Lake
Pinatas • Crafts • Entertainment • Sombreros • Birthday Cake
Tenafly Pediatrics 74 Pascack Road, Park Ridge, NJ 201-326-7120 Offices also in Tenafly, Fort Lee, Clifton, Paramus, and Oakland, NJ tenaflypediatrics.com
(packages range from $8.95 - $21.00 per child)
for party info
201.848.4088 • www.bluemoonmexicancafe.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.
Want to know the Best Activities for Families?
Clemente Orthodontics 603 S. Route 304, New City 845-638-6646 60 W. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 201-447-2888 clementeorthodontics.com Subscribe to
At Clemente Orthodontics, our patients receive the benefit of experience, ourandfamily quality, energy that comes with a multigenerational team. Dr. Michael Clemente and daughters, Dr. Nicole Clemente and Dr. Marissa activityhisemail Clemente, work together seamlessly to care for your orthodontic needs. newsletter. They run a state-of-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.
NYMetroParent.com/register
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NYMetroParent.com/register
Angie’s List Award Winner
Visit Us At Our Newly Expanded
We’re closer than you think!
Just 2 miles from Rockland. NEW online appointment booking for sick visits. Equipped with an in-house lab and the latest in visual/hearing testing. Call about evening hours for check ups.
201.326.7120 TenaflyPediatrics.com
Tenafly • Clifton • Oakland • Fort Lee • Paramus • Park Ridge
A Lavishly Illustrated Children’s Story of Friendship and Overcoming Obstacles
Tilly... A Deer’s Tale (BASED ON A TRUE STORY)
Follow the adventures of a rescued baby deer. Share Tilly’s courage and valiant recovery. Call 914-764-5564
to schedule a free Tilly Event for schools, libraries & hospitals Available at Barnes & Noble, Walden Books and at Amazon.com For books preview and sale, visit us at:
www.tillyadeerstale.com
RocklandParent 47
PARTY FAMILY RESOURCE GUIDE PLANNER To advertise: 845-848-8021 or nympads@davlermedia.com
TUTORS
Available all seasons. Indoor/Outdoor facilities Private party room & host
Small animal farm on site FREE riding photo for each child PATH certified staff
Cantor Barbra Lieberstein is seeking local, qualified Hebrew Tutors for private & small group, in-home lessons to expanding Rockland student base.
201-788-6653 cantorbarbra@aol.com www.cantorbarbra.com
Also Year-Round Lessons & Therapeutic Riding
Camp Venture Equestrian Center
15 Fernald Rd., Stony Point
(845) 786-3929
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activities for families?
Subscribe to our family activity
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Visit Us at NYMetroParents.com
Described by SKI Magazine as
“A True Family Mountain”
Where Midweek Skiing is
AFFordAble!
$25
Lift tickets Monday-friday (Excludes All Holiday Periods)
or Join Us for a Weekend! In addition to skiing we also offer:
TUbing
Enjoy 2 hours of screaming good fun for $20
Learn More at: www.Skibutternut.com
22 Trails | 11 Lifts | 100% Snowmaking | Lesson | Rentals | Ski & Stay Packages | A FUN Family Mountain An easy drive from the NY Metro area into the Berkshires | 380 State Rd., Great Barrington, MA 01230 | (413) 528.2000
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February 2017 | nymetroparents.com
AD INDEX
NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY Metropolitan area!
ACROBATICS / GYMNASTICS
DANCE
Smith’s Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry.................. 43, 46
Tumble-Bee Gymnastics............................................... 25
Coupe Theatre Studio..................................................... 9
Tenafly Pediatrics.......................................................... 47
Kreative Kids / Vicki’s Studio......................................... 11
Varvaro, Michelle........................................................... 35
DEVELOPMENTAL
MUSIC
Smart Alec..................................................................... 26
R & R Music School....................................................... 21
BIRTHDAY / PARTY SERVICES Academy for Martial Arts................................................. 9 Art Adventure................................................................. 19 Blue Moon Mexican Café ............................................. 47 Jill’s Ceramics................................................................ 43 Master Jung & Yu Traditional Taekwondo..................... 13 Palisades Climb Adventure............................................ 25 Rockland Parent Party Planner..................................... 48 Tumble-Bee Gymnastics............................................... 25
Varvaro, Michelle........................................................... 35 PERFORMING ARTS / ACTING EDUCATION Blue Rock School.......................................................... 26 Kreative Kids / Vicki’s Studio......................................... 11 Mathnasium of Nanuet.................................................. 21 Smart Alec..................................................................... 26
West Rock Tennis Club................................................. 15
CAMPS Art Adventure................................................................. 19 Camp Clio...................................................................... 19 Camp Ramaquois.......................................................... 13 Clarkstown Theatre Company....................................... 21 Coupe Theatre Studio..................................................... 9 Day Camp in the Park................................................... 21 Deer Mountain Day Camp............................................. 11 Deerkill Day Camp......................................................... 15 JCC of Rockland.............................................................. 2 Kreative Kids / Vicki’s Studio......................................... 11
Clarkstown Theatre Company....................................... 21 Coupe Theatre Studio..................................................... 9
RESTAURANT / FOOD SERVICES Blue Moon Mexican Café ............................................. 47
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT / EVENTS / OUTINGS
RETAIL
JCC of Rockland.............................................................. 2
Palisades Center............................................................. 7
Jill’s Ceramics................................................................ 43
Tilly...A Deer’s Tale......................................................... 47
Rockland Youth Fest...................................................... 43
Toyriffic.......................................................................... 35
Ski Butternut.................................................................. 48 SPECIAL EVENTS FITNESS
Rockland Youth Fest...................................................... 43
Academy for Martial Arts................................................. 9 i9 Sports - Rockland County.......................................... 19
SPECIAL NEEDS
Master Jung & Yu Traditional Taekwondo..................... 13
Tumble-Bee Gymnastics............................................... 25
Palisades Climb Adventure............................................ 25 Tumble-Bee Gymnastics............................................... 25
Mathnasium of Nanuet.................................................. 21
SPORTS Academy for Martial Arts................................................. 9
Nature Place Day Camp.................................................. 9
HEALTH
Camp Ramaquois.......................................................... 13
R & R Music School....................................................... 21
A&R Advanced Dental................................................... 46
Fin 2 Swim..................................................................... 11
West Rock Tennis Club................................................. 15
Clemente Orthodontics.................................................. 47
i9 Sports - Rockland County.......................................... 19
Crystal Run Healthcare................................................. 52
JCC of Rockland.............................................................. 2
CLASSES
Dental Wellness of Suffern............................... 23, 46, 47
Master Jung & Yu Traditional Taekwondo..................... 13
Art Adventure................................................................. 19
Fidelis Care New York..................................................... 5
Palisades Climb Adventure............................................ 25
Fin 2 Swim..................................................................... 11
Good Samaritan Hospital................................................ 3
West Rock Tennis Club................................................. 15
Jill’s Ceramics................................................................ 43
Kastin & Newman Orthodontics..................................... 46
Mathnasium of Nanuet.................................................. 21
Kupchik Dental, PLLC............................................. 35, 46
TUTORS
Tumble-Bee Gymnastics............................................... 25
Smile More Dentistry............................................... 26, 46
Smart Alec..................................................................... 26
RocklandParent 49
VOICES
Pregnant Pause
››
Why I hated all nine months of pregnancy By Karen J. Bannan
I
am obsessed with all things related to pregnancy. I always have been. I read trashy-but-fun celebrity baby bump gossip. I quiz my friends about their impending childbirth. I get misty-eyed when I hear about a new baby or a new pregnancy. So you’d think, because I have babies on the brain, that I loved it when I was actually pregnant myself. You’d be wrong. I hated every one of those 40 weeks. With all my being. From the moment I found out until the moment I delivered, I obsessed about not being pregnant. I was angry. I was depressed. Actually, I was more than depressed. When I found out I was carrying Big Girl, who was a planned pregnancy, I literally went off the deep end. My life was over. I would be huge. I would lose my career. I would lose myself. I was so anxious, sad, and ambivalent about being pregnant that I ended up on a therapist’s couch for the final six months of my pregnancy. Of course, I felt guilty for having these terrible feelings, so that only made me feel worse. And as soon as my baby was delivered? I fell in love with her, and with being a mom. My midwife and my therapist were in agreement with their diagnosis. It—antepartum depression—is hormonal, and my experience was not that uncommon. Between 10 and 20 percent of women experience antepartum depression, but few talk about it. It’s often a precursor to postpartum depression, too. I was lucky. I was pretty much cured once that little redhead came out of me. But I was thrown back into the chasm when I got pregnant again. At the time, Big Girl was only 18 months old. I went home numb from the sonogram holding a grainy picture of the baby. Again, the symptoms set in. I found myself stomping and crying around the house, saying I was ruining Big Girl’s life by bringing another baby into the picture so soon. Then, at 13 weeks, I miscarried. The guilt was overwhelming then. I felt like I wished that baby away. We tried for several years to get pregnant again, even though I
knew I was almost guaranteed to suffer the same symptoms. And we were blessed with my miracle baby—Little Girl—after we gave up trying. Yes, I went through the same horrific nightmare. This time it was even worse because I was told that I could literally die from carrying her. So I felt all the same emotional symptoms, but I also had another feeling: Intense guilt about putting myself at risk. I didn’t want to leave Big Girl without a mother. And then the moment I went into labor I could hardly wait to meet my new baby. I look back at the delivery photos and can’t help but smile. I have never seen such pure love, exhilaration, and emotion on anyone’s face. It’s completely obvious how in love and excited I was to become a mom. Becoming a mother—from the first moment you find out you’re pregnant to the first late night feeding—is supposed to be such a natural thing. We’re programmed by magazine covers and other women to think pregnancy is wonderful, and mothering is instinctive. Women glow when they are pregnant, right? They dream about it like I did—and still do. They’re supposed to feel blessed when it happens. And yet that is not the experience of many people. Even those who aren’t afflicted with antepartum depression may, for example, hate the third trimester with all its aches and pains. They might pine for the day when their bodies are their own again. And that’s okay. That may be the most natural thing for them. It seems like such a sin to be depressed about such a miracle. At least that is how I saw it. But it’s a fact of life. It’s okay to hate being pregnant, and still love the outcome. Are you feeling sad about being pregnant? Talk it over with your doctor. She can shed light on any misconceptions you might have about your pregnancy or delivery. If you’re clinically depressed, she can refer you to a therapist who specializes in prenatal care. No matter what, though, don’t suffer silently. Broach the subject with other moms and moms-to-be. Chances are, they’ve felt the same way at one point during their pregnancy.
Karen J. Bannan is a Long Island writer who blogs at naturalaspossiblemom.com, where this first appeared.
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BAR/BAT MITZVAHS ❖ SWEET SIXTEENS ❖ WEDDINGS
SUNDAY, JANUARY 29 PARK RIDGE | 12-4PM Park Ridge Marriott 300 Brae Boulevard
FREE TICKET With Online Registration & be entered to win a FitBit
CelebrateShowcase.com $10 at the door
RocklandParent 51
WALK-IN URGENT CARE OPEN 7/365 ONSITE MRI, CT, X-RAY, AND ULTRASOUND PEDIATRICIANS AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS
FROM PREVENTIVE CARE TO ADVANCED CARDIAC CARE EXCEPTIONAL CARDIOLOGY CARE IN WEST NYACK Crystal Run is pleased to introduce Maria Sobolev, MD, FACC, part of our dedicated Cardiology team in West Nyack. With skilled interventional, electrophysiology, and general cardiologists, along with advanced cardiac imaging including, Echocardiography, Nuclear Cardiology, and Coronary CT Angiography all under one roof, Crystal Run brings you the most comprehensive heart care, close to home — whether in our office or for inpatient care at your local hospital. This Heart Month, our cardiologists urge all women to join us in the fight against heart disease by eating healthier, quitting smoking, staying active, lowering cholesterol and controlling blood pressure.
Maria Sobolev, MD, FACC
Cardiology Board Certified: Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease, Adult Echocardiography, Nuclear Cardiology Fluent in Russian, Spanish & Hebrew
Accredited by The Joint Commission
Schedule an Appointment Today | CrystalRunAppointments.com | 845.348.1100
CRH_West Nyack_Cardio_TransCamp_73x96_Rockland Parent.indd 1
1/5/17 1:30 PM