Rockland Parent March 2017

RocklandParent MARCH 2017

NYMETROPARENTS.COM

Great Veggie Debate The

Kids & SOC I A L MEDIA

To hide or not to hide?

Navigating the challenges

The Impact of

Summer Camp Lessons we use every day

HORSEBACK RIDING STABLES

•

BABY’S FIRST 1,000 DAYS

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We teach students to think for themselves, with confidence, curiosity, and creativity.

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RocklandParent

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NYMetroParents Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

Contents

March 2017 ››

16

Features

14 The Great Veggie Debate Is hiding vegetables in your kids’ food the best strategy for healthy eating?

16 Baby’s First 1,000 Days Exploring the growing body of research showing the impact proper nutrition can have on long-term health 18 Preparing for the Careers of the Future How children can learn skills now that will help them when they enter the workforce 20 Social Dilemmas Navigating the new, new world of social media 22 Celebrate National Chip and Dip Day Three takes on our favorite party snack

36 22

36 Lessons from Camp We Use Every Day Some of the most important things learned are the ones you can’t see.

Connections

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 Quotables 11 NYMP Q&A: Hilaria Baldwin talks living clearly with kids 50 Voices: How I juggled motherhood with a dream role in a special musical

20

Fun & Activities

Family Activities CALENDAR ››

12 13 24 27 34

27

DIY Corner: Story Stones Media Matters: Games That Teach Kindness Outing: Hudson River Museum Family Activities Calendar Where-To Guide: Horseback Riding

Directories 38 46 48 49

Camp Guide Meet the Health Care Professional Party Planner and Family Resource Guide Advertisers’ Index

Original photo by PhotoOp NYC (photoopnyc.com) Clothing provided

by Appaman (appaman.com)

››

ON THE COVER ›› 14 The Great Veggie Debate 16 Baby’s First 1,000 Days

facebook.com/nymetroparents

34 Horseback Riding Stables

@NYMetroParents

20 Kids & Social Media 36 The Impact of Summer Camp

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

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5

MARCH 2017 • Vol.10 • No.5

NYMetroParents Publications

EDITOR’S NOTE

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Michael Kress MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling

Healthy Choices, at Mealtime and Beyond

T

o what lengths have you gone to get your kids to ingest a vegetable? Bargained, begged, demanded, reasoned, even threatened? Has it worked? Didn’t think so. So many of us struggle to get our kids to eat even a small amount of vegetables that it’s become common to hide them in otherwise kid-friendly dishes. I’ve added miniscule shreds of spinach to taco filling, and my kids have devoured muffins that just happen to be baked with zucchini. Yes, I was once foiled by a toddler who ate an entire plate of mac and cheese and somehow managed to leave the tiny veggie shreds that were barely visible to the naked eye. But more often I consider it mission accomplished. However, is this what’s best for kids in the long run? For our food and nutrition issue, Bethany Braun-Silva explores the debate over hiding veggies (p. 14).

Ask new parents about their biggest concerns for their babies, and they’re likely to mention nutrition (along with sleep, of course). This after nine months during which many pregnant women worry about how their own eating affects their babies’ health. These anxieties are not misplaced. As Caitlin Berens reports (p. 16), the first 1,000 days—from the beginning of pregnancy through age 2—are, indeed, crucial for children’s development, though just how central they are is a matter of some debate.

As our kids get older, they will inevitably start asking for (or begging, nagging, and demanding) social media accounts. And while most of us grown-ups spend our fair share of time—or more—on our social platforms of choice, the issues young people face when they plunge in can be challenging. And what was true when social media involved Facebook and Twitter almost exclusively becomes even more complicated in a world with Snapchat, Yik Yak, and many other options, often too many for parents to keep track. To help, we asked experts how parents should help their kids venture onto social media, and we’ve created a handy guide to some of the most popular platforms they’re using (p. 20).

March means spring is right around the corner, and with that, the final stretch of the school year is almost in sight, even if it still feels far off. Have you made summer plans for your kids yet? If not, check out our guide to area summer camps and programs (p. 38). And if you need convincing about the lifelong benefits of enrolling your child, read our feature on lessons from camp that we use every day (p. 36).

Until then, enjoy all our region has to offer in the late winter and spring!

Michael Kress Editorial Director

DEPUTY EDITOR: Caitlin Berens SENIOR EDITOR: Bethany Braun-Silva ENGAGEMENT EDITOR: Samantha Neudorf REGIONAL EDITORS: Samantha Beranbom (Rockland); Karen Demeter (Suffolk); Rosalind Muggeridge (Brooklyn); Jamie McGillian (Westchester); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Emma Steven (Manhattan); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke EDITORIAL INTERN: Sabrina Sooknanan

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

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DIRECTOR | PUBLISHING MANAGEMENT: Anthony Diaz CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Jiyon Son DIGITAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Robert Reynolds DIRECTOR | DIGITAL CONTENT DEVELOPMENT: Sara Wentworth

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CONTROLLER: David Friedman

MARKETING

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ADMINISTRATION

CREDIT MANAGER: Elizabeth Teagarden CREDIT ASSISTANTS: Rosa Meinhofer, Diedra Smith EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: Barbara Byrd

Davler Media Group CEO: David L. Miller General Manager: Thomas K. Hanlon

Mommybites.com recently joined the NYMetroParents family, and we couldn’t be more excited! Take advantage of the site’s helpful services for local parents, including: The Nanny Board: Find an experienced caregiver for your little one, or post on behalf of a beloved babysitter who is in need of a new job at mommybites.com/child-care.

Online Classes: Get advice from experts on a wide range of relevant parenting issues, including whether a gifted program is right for your child (March 8 at 12pm) and everything moms need to know about breast-feeding (March 16 at 12pm). Find more information and register at mommybites.com/ parenting-classes.

See more at mommybites.com.

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March 2017 | nymetroparents.com

498 Seventh Ave., 10th Floor, New York, NY 10018 Phone: 212-315-0800; Fax: 212-271-2239 nymetroparents.com davlermedia.com nybarbatmitzvah.com

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NEW PLACES, NEW PROGRAMS

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Organizational Skills-Focused Preschool Opens in Sparkill Who: Red Owl Academy What’s New: The preschool for ages 3-5, which opened in Sparkill in late January.

Red Owl Academy is a “really fresh, modern approach to early childhood education,” says owner and director Liana SargsyanQuinn, who has more than 15 years of teaching experience.

The curriculum emphasizes the importance of organizational skills, focusing on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) education. It also includes yoga, gardening, and learning French using the image-based QTALK method.

Children can enroll for three to five full- or half-days. School days are 9am-4pm, but the preschool is open 7am-6pm for parents who need early drop off or late pickup.

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UOTABLES Words have always come easy to me.

My parents told me I was speaking full sentences by the time I was 18 months old. At 2, I corrected my grandmother’s pronunciation of Santa Claus. Words came easy. My voice was another matter. It wasn’t until I became a mother that I found it.

—Long Island mom Kathy Radigan, in a post entitled “It Took Becoming a Mom for Me to Find My Voice as a Woman,” on her blog mydishwasherspossessed.com.

in an instagram so proud of my marching buddy today, today was powerful, peaceful, united and filled with love! #womensmarch #womensmarchonwashington (Posted by @strollerinthecity, aka Brianne M., who blogs at strollerinthecity.com)

THE WOMEN OF THE WHITE HOUSE “I wanted to offer kids a richer view of presidential history and show them that even when women weren’t expected or allowed to participate in policymaking, most first ladies contributed in surprising ways that were outsized to traditional women’s roles in any given era.”

in an instagram As my workload increases, so does my awareness. I know that when I get busier, things can fall through the cracks and I don’t want that to happen so I start taking extra steps to make sure it doesn’t…..Because there is definitely an art to balance….Chasing after this girl is no joke.

—Ruby Shamir, in an interview about her new children’s book, What’s the Big Deal About First Ladies. Read the whole thing at nymetroparents.com/first-ladies.

MORE NYMetroParents.com HIGHLIGHTS:

(Posted by @momcrushmonday, aka Destiney L., who blogs at momcrushmonday.com)

LIQUID GOLD: Where to go maple sugaring in the NYC area (nymetroparents.com/maple-sugaring-nyc)

“You’ll continually reach new levels of parenting. Like when I understood why my dad called my sister and me ‘you people.’”

CELEBRATING WOMEN: March is Women’s History Month. Find where you can celebrate at nymetroparents.com/womens-history.

—Jennifer S. White, in a post entitled “12 Hilarious Truths of Raising Kids,” on her blog jenniferswhite.com.

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March 2017 | nymetroparents.com

SPRING IS HERE! Discover 100 things to do in our area this season (nymetroparents.com/spring).

CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK’S DAY: Make this delicious and healthy Shamrock Shake (nymetroparents.com/shamrock).

NYMP Q&A

Living Clearly With Kids ››

By Bethany Braun-Silva

H

Rockland County’s 19th Annual

YOUTHFEST

ilaria Baldwin is a yoga instructor, health guru, wife, and mother. Her recent book The Living Clearly Method lays out five principles for moving through our lives consciously and positively.

What does living clearly mean?

Being present. Living clearly means getting to a place where you’re living each moment as a well as possible, as strongly as possible, as passionately as possible. So many of us get wrapped up in daily life that feels monotonous. Becoming clear gives you the ability to say, “Hey this is what’s going on, and I’m snapping out of the monotony” and snapping into a place where you can start to make changes that potentially need to be made in order to live your moments in this life as strongly and as best as you possibly can.

What advice do you have for parents who are feeling overwhelmed by everyday life? When I find the moment where I feel like I might snap I realize that I’m not taking care of myself as best as I should be. The most important thing is to tap inside yourself and summon the strength because getting angry or reacting never makes the situation any better. Getting a little perspective, which is the first principle in the book and saying “this is what it is” and realizing that it will pass at some point. Checking in with your breathing—if you can start to regulate your breath, you are less likely to be tense and then you’re less likely to lash out. If you breathe your body will soften. And then grounding, take notice of your surroundings and become very present, and connect to your physical form and then you can start to find balance, ask yourself “what needs to be done?” And then letting go, letting go of these things. In the hardest moments creating a little more consciousness and a little more clarity will give you a lot more strength.

How do you keep it healthy in your home with young kids?

A lot of it is getting out the bad and having the perspective of knowing your kids might be upset that you’re taking away their junk food, but in the end they are going to be healthier.

So knowing that you might have to go through a little bit of a difficult phase in order to get to a place where everybody is healthier. I talk about recipes in my book that appeal to each principle, and there are recipes for improving lung health, brain health, and that help you root yourself to the ground using vegetables that come from the ground, and a salad dressing that has lavender and honey that helps with relaxation. I have toddlers and they can be a real pain to feed. One day they will eat something and the next day they are like, “No, I will never eat that.” You do the best you can with toddlers. They will not be toddlers forever, so you want to encourage them to eat good things so they do eventually grow out of that “no” phase and into being healthy individuals.

At the Rockland Community College Fieldhouse

SUNDAY, MARCH 12 th 11 AM - 4 PM

RAIN OR SHINE - FREE ADMISSION - FREE PARKING

Over 150 Booths showcasing programs, goods and services for families and children!

• Performances by Dikki the Clown – Veteran of the Big Apple Circus!

• Inflatable Party Adventures • Exciting Entertainment in our Performance Area • Nyack Hospital’s Teddy Bear Hospital where children can bring their teddy bears in for a free “exam”

Talent Performances! Crafts!

Face Painting! Interactive Activities!

PLUS

ROCKLAND COUNTY GOVERNMENT DAY: An interactive and interesting way for you to learn directly from departmental staff about all your County Government has to offer!

Ed Day, County Executive

Premier Sponsor: Crystal Run Healthcare Major sponsors include: Good Samaritan Hospital & Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, members of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network, Apple Bank for Savings, Nyack Hospital, Sterling National Bank, Active International, HealthSav LLC, Palisades Federal Credit Union, Rockland County YMCA, All Bright Electric, Computuners, Cool Candles, Dominican College, Head Start of Rockland, Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, My Elder Advocate, Orange and Rockland Utilities, Orange Bank and Trust Co., Rockland Realty, St. Thomas Aquinas College, Tastefully Simple, Volumetric Fund, Young Chefs Academy

Bag Sponsor: Rockland County Solid Waste Authority Media Sponsors: Rockland Parent Magazine/NYMetroParents.com Mailing Sponsor: Rockland 21st Century Collaborative RocklandParent 11

DIY CORNER IMAGINATION INSPIRATION

Story Stones

1

Make a set of story stones by drawing out characters, places, and objects onto pebbles, which you can either collect from a beach or pick up from a garden center. If you don’t want to draw the pictures, you could also add stickers to the stones; just make sure you add a layer of varnish to hold them in place. Keep the pebbles in a bag and draw them out at random to build a whimsical little tale that will keep little ones enthralled.

You will need: 10-15 smooth pebbles White acrylic spray paint (optional)

Colored permanent markers Gloss craft varnish Paintbrush

1. If you would like the pebbles to be white (you can leave them natural if you prefer, but the pictures will show up better on a light surface), spread them out on a sheet of newspaper outside and spray them with the paint. This should only be done by an adult. Leave the pebbles to dry for nearly 30 minutes before flipping them over and spraying on the other side.

2

2. D raw a picture on each pebble in permanent marker pen.

Cover surfaces and clothing and supervise children using these pens.

3. Brush a thin layer of varnish over the pebbles to seal in the color and to add some shine.

Story Stone Picture Ideas Characters: King, queen, mermaid Places: Castle, forest, mountain

Creatures: Kangaroo, unicorn, dragon

Objects: Key, map, balloon

Food: Ice cream, apple, pizza

Transport: Boat, bus, plane

Reprinted with permission from GMC Publications, The Big Book of 100 Little Activities Š 2016 by Laura Minter and Tia Williams, RRP $19.95. Available from all good bookshops.

12

March 2017 | nymetroparents.com

3

Peek-a-Zoo by Duck Duck Mo

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In Theaters March 17: Beauty and the Beast Parents need to know Beauty and the Beast is a live-action remake of the iconic 1991 animated Disney musical. It’s the story of Belle (Emma Watson), a beautiful, book-loving inventor from a small town who dreams of greater things. She ends up imprisoned in an enchanted castle by the fearsome Beast (Dan Stevens), with no one to talk to besides a few friendly furniture and household items (voiced by Ewan McGregor, Ian McKellen, Emma Thompson, and more). Expect a strong message about looking beyond appearances and not judging a book by its cover—and, of course, fantastic, familiar songs, as well as a few new ones. But the switch to live action will likely make this version more intense than the animated one, so keep that in mind.

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

See more at NYMetroParents.com/media

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RocklandParent 13

The Great Veggie Debate ››

Many parents hide vegetables in foods their kids love, but is this really the best strategy for healthy eating? By Bethany Braun-Silva

A

s any parent knows, the struggle to get kids to eat healthy can sometimes be, to put it mildly, a challenge. To put it more bluntly, if I were to reveal what’s going on inside me every time I try to convince my 4-year-old son to eat a vegetable I would surely end up in a padded cell somewhere.

Save for carrots, he doesn’t touch the stuff. As much as I want to do what’s right for his health and, of course, be the best mom I can be, sometimes I just give in and let him munch on crackers. But ultimately that’s not good enough for the long term.

Good nutrition is obviously essential for kids, and that means getting them to consume vegetables, no matter how impossible it seems. To accomplish that, a “by any means necessary” approach has become popular among parents who sneak veggies into sauces, juices, and even desserts—anything kids will eat without recognizing those dreaded healthy ingredients. If you’re like me, you breathed a sigh of relief when you discovered this method. But not so fast, some experts warn, insisting this is not the best way to get kids to eat healthy.

So, to hide or not to hide? That is the question, and it will ultimately be up to you to figure out what’s best for your family. To help, here are the arguments for and against the practice.

Hide ‘Em

Of course our kids’ health is of the utmost importance, but one of the parenting lessons I learned early on was to pick my battles. While many parents may argue that a battle about healthy eating is well worth waging, others may say it’s not, claiming as long as kids are eating all the right nutrients, how they eat them doesn’t matter.

Take for instance, Jessica Seinfeld, author of the cookbook Deceptively Delicious: Simple Secrets to Get Your Kids Eating Good Food (and wife of Jerry). Seinfeld was among the first to put sneaky vegetable recipes on parents’ radar, and her book’s recipes include macaroni and cheese with cauliflower and chocolate cake baked with beets.

“Parenting solutions are the ones that build good habits—invisibly,” she writes. “I want my kids to associate food and mealtimes with happiness and conversation, not power struggles and strife. With a little sleight of hand, you can make the issue of what your children will and will Lucas, one of our 2016 Kids Cover Contest finalists, poses with hands full of healthy vegetables.

14

March 2017 | nymetroparents.com

t not eat disappear from the table.”

Sounds good, right? Kids are getting their healthy fix without the stress and struggle. As a mom of little ones, to me this sounds like great advice; however some experts argue that it’s not what’s best for our kids.

Don’t Hide ‘Em

When it comes to sneaking vegetables into recipes, “I understand why parents do it because it has a short-term benefit—to get more nutrition into their kids’ bellies at that meal,” says Sally Kuzemchak, M.S., R.D., who blogs at realmomnutrition.com. “But long term, it’s not very helpful and doesn’t teach them any valuable habits.”

Many nutritionists argue that when it comes to lifelong benefits, the veggie battle is one well worth fighting and that by hiding veggies big lessons are being neglected in exchange for a peaceful dinnertime.

“When you sneak veggies into other foods, you usually can’t taste the flavor of the vegetables at all and you can’t detect the textures of the vegetables, so it’s not teaching kids anything— except perhaps not to trust mom and dad, who might sneak kale into their cookies,” Kuzemchak says.

So perhaps a little struggle today can lead to a lot of healthy habits later on. But as many parents of defiant or oppositional kids (ahem, toddlers) know, it’s easier said than done.

Now What?

As with all parenting advice, ultimately you must decide what’s best for you and your family. Personally, I will be doing a little of both, sneaking in veggies when I can, but not forgoing raw veggies altogether when it comes to my kids’ diets. As Kuzemchak suggests, “If you want to go the sneaky route, that’s okay—just be sure to have actual whole veggies on the side, too.

Or if you want to make black bean brownies or zucchini muffins, tell your child about the secret ingredient and even have them help you make them.”

Sneaking vegetables into food might be a great idea when kids are young, but as they grow it’s important to be upfront about the nutritional benefits of whole veggies.

Kuzemchak suggests parents keep serving their kids the foods they want them to eat and to keep offering vegetables in a “no-pressure” environment. “As a former picky eater myself, I can say with confidence that it can take months, even years, for some kids to work up the nerve to try certain foods,” she says. “Overall, parents tend to give up too quickly or take it personally when their kids won’t eat certain foods. Stay the course and your kids may surprise you.”

Ph Here’s hoping. And until ot oO then, a little deception could p N YC go a long way.

MONDAY, MARCH 20, 2017 Experience the finest Kosher Wines from around the world!

THE JEWISH WEEK’S

GRAND WINE TASTING AT CITY WINERY, MARCH 20, 2017 FROM 5:00 p.m.* - 9:00 p.m.

Plan to attend the GRAND WINE TASTING event

• Taste over 200 kosher wines, including the winners of The Jewish Week’s recent Top 18 Kosher Wine Competition • Talk to kosher wine vintners, wine experts and local retailers • Order your favorite kosher wines to enjoy at your Seder, for your simcha and all year long • Get your free copy of The Jewish Week’s Kosher Wine Guide packed with wine features, as well as the Top 18 kosher wines in 9 categories and more

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* Admission is $50 starting at 6:00 p.m.

“VIP/Early Access” 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. is $75 and is capped at 125 guests with premium wine selection and admission to the Grand Wine Tasting, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The ticket cost on the day of the event for the main Grand Wine Tasting will be $60 and $85 for VIP/Early Access if available.

RocklandParent 15

Baby’s First 1,000 Days

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A growing body of research has shown the impact proper nutrition can have on long-term health, starting early on.

But can the first 1,000 days really decide a child’s future, or is it a bit more complicated than that? By Caitlin Berens

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n any given day, a young child in America is more likely to get sweets or sugar-sweetened beverages than a serving of fruit or a vegetable,” according to a recent report by the 1,000 Days organization.

Let that sink in.

We know that good nutrition is important. Heck, “eat your vegetables” is a mantra ingrained in us since our highchair days.

But we’ll have to keep on trying, especially as a growing body of research is making more and more clear the connection between long-term health and good nutrition during pregnancy and throughout infancy and early childhood.

“We’re looking a lot more at obesity and what kids eat [now] because it used to be that we figured oh, they’re just a kid, they’re fine, the chance of diabetes or heart disease or obesity is really, really small, and, you know, when they’re an adult we’re going to worry about that stuff,” says Robin Jacobson, M.D., a pediatrician and clinical assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics at NYU Langone Medical Center. “But now we’ve found that if kids are eating unhealthy and they’re overweight and obese, they’re more likely to have problems when they’re an adult. So if we deal with all [of] those issues and deal with them eating better and being more healthy as a child, they’re more likely to have a better life and less problems later on in life.”

But is there a particular period in a person’s life when nutrition matters the most?

“

Yes, according to 1,000 Days. Founded in 2010 and dedicated to “working to ensure a healthy first 1,000 days for mothers and children everywhere,” the group released the aforementioned report last year called “The First 1,000 Days: Nourishing America’s Future.” The report laid out the long-term importance of a child’s—you guessed it—first 1,000 days, from pregnancy, continuing through infancy, and ending at age 2.

We spoke with local experts to get their opinions on how central these 1,000 days really are and what matters most during this period.

Do the First 1,000 Days Really Decide it All?

There is no question among the experts we contacted that nutrition during pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood matters, both in the short- and long-term. But while some spoke of the real, irreversible implications of a pregnancy with insufficient nutrition, others claimed you can’t pinpoint a specific period where it matters the most and that good nutrition in isolation during the younger years is simply not enough to promise long-term health.

Embracing the 1,000-Day Window The experts we interviewed suggested focusing on good nutrition and healthy eating habits during pregnancy and in the early stages of children’s lives would not only save money in the long run by preventing costly health problems—it could save lives.

The 1,000 Days report even goes as far as to say that providing the right nutrition in these early days can have “a lasting effect on a nation’s health and prosperity.”

Angela Bianco, M.D., associate professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, explains the shift that has occurred as scientists have learned more about these issues: “There’s more and more research being done about how important the provision of nutrients and diet is during fetal life and its sort of long-term implications on adult life. Twenty or 30 years ago we never really thought that these two sort of separate and distinct periods in our lives influenced each other, but there’s more and more data to suggest that they’re actually very much integrally linked.”

According to Rebekka Levis, M.D., a pediatrician at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, it’s important to never lose sight of good nutrition, though there are some critical times where we need it most. “Adequate nutrition is important at all stages of the life cycle, from pre-conception to older adulthood. But I definitely agree that it’s essential during these critical growth periods such as pregnancy and infancy and early childhood, and if nutrient needs are not met during these critical periods, it’s impossible to actually go back later and correct the errors in growth and development that have occurred as a result,” Dr. Levis says.

Caitlin Mattina, R.D., CDN, CDE, an outpatient dietician at Westchester Medical Center, drew the connection between iron and brain development as just one example of the importance of those first 1,000 days. “Iron deficiency during pregnancy is actually related to lower scores on intelligence, language, motor skills, and attention tests in early childhood. So children aged 4-5 are testing lower in these areas if the mother was iron deficient during pregnancy. So there’s a definite correlation there,” she says.

Seeing Past 1,000 Days While experts agree with the concept that nutrition in the first 1,000 days can have a lasting impact on long-term health— and none argued that this period of time didn’t matter—many considered the time period simply a good start, and only one piece of a longer-term puzzle.

“I think giving them [babies] access to appropriate nutrients is definitely important first off in infancy, but that in isolation won’t really help. It’s a lifelong process that you’re just kind of setting up,” says Corey Wasserman, M.D., a pediatrician with Weill Cornell Medicine.

Though a lot of development takes place during the first 1,000 days, there’s more to come that one shouldn’t lose sight of: “I think it’s hard to say that there’s one period that matters before all others because infancy all the way through adolescence is a time of brain maturation and physical growth and developmental achievements,” Dr. Wasserman says.

Though she notes the impact good nutrition can have during the early stages, Dr. Levis sees nutrition as an ongoing process.

“The first 1,000 days are extremely, vitally important, but a healthy diet should be maintained throughout life,” she says.

Advice For the First 1,000 Days and Beyond Pregnancy: A Nutrient-Rich Diet and Appropriate Weight Gain According to The First 1,000 Days report, “Nearly half of women [in the U.S.] gain an excessive amount of weight during pregnancy.”

Excessive weight gain can cause issues for both the mother and baby, and so Dr. Bianco provides simple, succinct advice:

“Essentially, the higher your BMI is prior to conception, the lower your weight gain should be during pregnancy.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women carrying one child with a pre-pregnancy BMI at a “normal” level (18.5-24.9) should gain 25-35 pounds during pregnancy, while someone who is obese (BMI greater than or equal to 30) should aim for just 11-20 pounds.

Regardless of weight gain, all pregnant women need to pack in the nutrients. “The nutrient needs increase but the calorie needs don’t increase as much, so that can also be a little challenging for patients,” Mattina says, dispelling the common adage that a pregnant woman is “eating for two.”

Calorie needs typically don’t increase in the first trimester, according to Mattina. In the second, women generally require an additional 340 calories per day and in the third trimester an additional 450 calories per day, “like a sandwich and a glass of milk,” she says.

These additional calories can add up quickly, so it’s important to look for nutrient-rich foods to add to your diet, particularly those including iron, zinc, protein, copper, folate, iodine, multiple vitamins, and certain fats.

Newborn to 6 Months: Breast Milk to the Extent Feasible The report acknowledged the recommendation by the American Academy of Pediatrics that babies be exclusively breast-fed for the first six months, while saying that “the majority of U.S. babies are not breastfed in accordance with AAP and WHO [World Health Organization] recommendations, and 1 in 5 babies in America are never breastfed at all.” The report labeled breast milk as “nature’s superfood,” noting how it helps early brain development and helps protect babies from infection.

The report did acknowledge the absence of support mothers face when it comes to breast-feeding, including a lack of paid time off for new moms in the U.S. And there are other reasons a mother might not breast-feed her child—and that is okay, too, experts say.

“You’re not going to find a doctor who is going to argue with you [about] the benefits of breast-feeding, but I think it’s important to understand that if for whatever reason women don’t want to or can’t [breast-feed] it is not necessarily a neurodevelopmental tragedy for the baby. Babies can grow up happy and healthy on exclusively formula,” Dr. Wasserman says.

“So I think the take-home message really would be that breastfeeding is not all or nothing.”

6 Months and Older: Healthy Foods, Eating Habits, and Minding Beverages As children reach 6 months and beyond, this is a time to provide them with a diverse diet of nutrient-rich foods to both help development and help shape their taste preferences for healthy foods.

To develop healthy habits and eat a well-balanced diet, experts stress the importance of slowing down, putting away the tech, and eating meals as a family. They also encourage parents to have a wide variety of healthy snacks and food available and for parents to lead by example.

“Children learn by observing, so it’s really important for parents to model what a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle is,” Dr. Levis says. To add an element of fun, make the whole event of having a healthy meal a family activity—kids of all ages can lend a hand in meal planning, shopping, and even cooking.

RocklandParent 17

Chloë May

Young students at Léman Preparatory School in Manhattan spend time learning about STEM skills at the WonderLab.

Preparing for the Careers of the Future ››

How children as young as 3 can learn skills now that will help them once they enter the workforce By Samantha Neudorf

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elieve it or not, today’s 3-year-olds will be graduating from high school in 2031. No one knows exactly what the world will look like 14 years from now, nor can anyone predict it.

That’s why schools are equipping these students now with valuable skills to ensure they will be able to enter the job market and thrive in the future.

The truth is, many of the jobs these children will do may not yet exist today—especially those in fields relating to STEM, which stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM jobs are expected to grow by more than 9 million between 2012 and 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, so it is clear these careers will continue to be in demand.

Jason Tyszko is the executive director of the Center for Education and Workforce—a nonprofit program affiliated with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that aims to help students learn the necessary skills to enter the workforce. He foresees that there will be many STEM jobs in the future within different industries, and that routine work will continue to be replaced by automated 18

March 2017 | nymetroparents.com

technology, or will be outsourced. “Anything that even hints at routine work is in danger in this economy,” Tyszko says. “It’s something that will eventually be phased out… it’s something that’s now affecting white-collar jobs, too.”

This is why kids need to start thinking about their futures now.

Lessons Learned Beyond the Textbook

To succeed in tomorrow’s workplace, Tyszko recommends that kids master “innovation skills.”

Innovation skills are qualities that make a person employable, including the ability to be adaptable, think critically, collaborate with a team to solve problems, and work on project-based learning. “It gets students to go through the process of solving a problem and their experiences to better reflect the kind of teambased experience that they’re going to be expected to fit into when they transition into a place of employment,” Tyszko says.

These innovation skills are necessary for every type of job, and are often overlooked as a crucial factor in entering the workforce.

Tyszko proposes schools disrupt educational “silos” that divide subjects and instead mesh them together to create new types of challenges that mirror real world jobs.

This type of disruptive learning cannot be implemented in every classroom just yet, but there are ways to hone in on innovation skills. Tyszko suggests students join clubs that participate in competitions or take part in summer immersion projects to work with others—especially kids with different backgrounds and in other age groups.

Early Introductions

When it comes to STEM, many kids have a hard time meeting standard math and reading skills needed to succeed in a postsecondary education or work-training environment, Tyszko says.

School are working hard to change that, and some children are exposed to STEM concepts as early as age 3. At Léman Preparatory School in Lower Manhattan, children ages 3-5 can spend 2-3 hours a week at the newly renovated and interactive WonderLab filled with blocks, building materials, iPads, 3-D printers, and more to build science, mathematics, coding, and engineering skills. “It’s a place for them to work in small groups and collaborate with a range of different materials that help them understand how to problem solve, work together in a group, and take risks to push themselves out of their comfort zones,” says Paige Murphy, head of marketing, admissions, and communications at Léman.

Along with STEM, Léman believes in ensuring that students are exposed to other cultures so they will become “global citizens,” Murphy says. Students at the school start learning foreign languages such as Mandarin at 3 years old and need to master two languages in order to graduate. “I think students come to us, even at 3 years old, being able to navigate a technological world and we want to build on that and help them to use it responsibly and how to continue to grow their ideas,” Maria Castelluccio, head of school, says.

Raising Global Citizens

The importance of foreign languages and understanding other cultures is emphasized at other schools as well as a means of preparing for the future, personally and professionally. At ThorntonDonovan School in New Rochelle, kids begin learning foreign languages in kindergarten and have the opportunity to participate in exchange programs in high school. With more than 40 sister schools, students at Thornton-Donovan have options to study in Hiroshima, Arezzo, Buenos Aires, and Hamburg. “Our school immerses students within the real world,” Douglas Fleming, headmaster of Thornton-Donovan, says. “Whatever you learn in school doesn’t come alive until you find practical use for it.”

Thornton-Donovan is a college preparatory school, and students move on to study at colleges and universities around the world. Through extracurricular activities such as Model United Nations—an academic competition for students to debate and negotiate diplomacy and decision-making—students are learning real-life skills to develop career interests that will carry throughout college and beyond. “Our school is strong in advocating for better diplomatic skills, and to do that, you try to train young people as ambassadors for America,” Fleming says.

International barriers are constantly being broken down every day, thanks to technology and exchange programs. Introducing kids to worldly concepts such as different cultures, foreign languages, STEM principles, and interaction skills will shape them to take their next steps and proceed as citizens of the world.

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RocklandParent 19

Social Dilemmas Navigating the new, new world of social media

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yber-bullying and harassment. Embarassing photos and posts forever searchable. Personal information put out for the whole world to see. These are just some of the concerns parents may have as their kids come of age and embrace social media.

The questions and dilemmas are endless: Should your child be allowed to post photos that show her face? Or develop an online friendship with another child across the country? Should you use a GPS app to track your child’s whereabouts? How do you start the conversation with your kids about the ramifications of sexting?

It may feel to some of us like we only recently adjusted to life with Facebook and Twitter, maybe Pinterest and Instagram—and here come even newer platforms, such as Snapchat and Periscope, posing their own set of challenges. Just how should you make sense of this new digital world and what it means for our kids?

Much as some parents may want to, it’s no longer possible to avoid using social media—it’s where we share and receive information, stay connected with our social circles, and make new connections. And what’s true for us grown-ups will be true for our kids, sooner or later (probably sooner); they will be joining social networks and downloading social media apps. It can be hard to know how to strike the right balance between permissiveness and restrictions on social media usage, so we asked the experts for help.

The Good and Bad of Social Media for Kids

Because this is the first generation of kids to go through their formative years using social media, discerning what impact it has on 20

March 2017 | nymetroparents.com

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By Kathryn Sheridan

them is tricky. On one hand, they have more avenues than ever to build connections and friendships with their peers. On the other, exposure to public criticism and bullying can take a toll on their self-esteem.

A majority of teens say they feel more connected to their friends’ lives and feelings due to social media, according to a 2015 study by the Pew Research Center. At the same time, a majority of teens also say that they’ve experienced drama between friends on social media. Anxiety about what other friends are posting can also lead to FOMO, the “fear of missing out.”

But the news is not all bad.

Social media also can provide support and acceptance to kids who are feeling marginalized in their offline lives. Research has shown that today’s teens are less lonely than ever before, possibly because advances in technology have allowed them to become more individualized and socially adept.

Laurie Wolk, family coach and author of Girls Just Want to Have Likes: How to Raise Confident Girls in the Face of Social Media Madness, encourages parents to not let themselves be paralyzed by social media fear. “Parents should look at it like you have a lens into your child’s life that our parents never had,” she says. “My parents never knew when I was left out or how girls my age were dressing, so you can have conversations with them about what you can see.”

Wolk recommends parents take advantage of this lens and use it as a jumping-off point for conversations with their children about what’s going on in their life.

It’s essential that kids understand their words and actions can be harmful even when they’re online, says Katie Schumacher, founder of the Don’t Press Send campaign (dontpresssend.org), which encourages responsible social media use. “Social media is not the problem, it’s when it’s used and abused in ways that are hurtful,” she says. “We have all—myself included—given our children devices they are not mature enough for. Because the social and emotional growth of an adolescent, they are impulsive by nature, and now we’re giving them a device where they can be impulsive.” Because of this, Schumacher believes parents need to explain the serious consequences social media mistakes can have. Sending private photos while you’re underage can lead to real trouble, to name just one.

Regulating and Policing

So just how should parents approach the task of making sure their kids are being safe with social media? In addition to the many privacy settings most apps offer, Schumacher says it comes down to knowing your kid and what he can handle. While some teens are impulsive, others can handle more independence. Schumacher thinks boundaries are important, and while she knows what apps her kids are using and follows them with her own account, she says parents can go overboard with policing. “It’s very important that my kids know that I trust them and it’s my job to make them independent,” she says.

Don’t Press Send offers guidelines and suggestions for parents who want sensible rules for their children, including what they can and can’t share online and what the consequences will be if the rules are broken.

Wolk suggests parents should set boundaries and discuss them with their children so they understand their parents’ motivations and values. “Pick what’s important for your family and explain that to your child. And let them know you can discuss it with them if they have legitimate arguments,” she says. She thinks kids should be able to speak up if they feel the rules are unfair, but certain rules can be non-negotiable. Her website includes social media agreements that prompt families to decide what they feel is important to them and encourage two-way conversations.

Age Limits

Most social media platforms have minimum ages for their users, though many parents break those rules and allow their kids to use social media sooner. At the same time, reaching those ages is no magic moment and not all kids are ready for all media at the same time.

As technology becomes an even bigger part of our lives, deciding when to let kids start using social media is tough. Wolk recommends holding off for as long as possible. “Don’t start giving your kids lollipops before they know what sugar is—there’s no reason to develop that taste. But if your kid is interested and intrigued and they’ve got friends that are socializing through it, I say let’s get on board at the same time and start the conversation,” she says.

Schumacher gave her kids phones when they got to middle school, after realizing they would be at a social disadvantage without one. And while she set down strict rules and consequences, she loosened the reigns once they got to high school, and at that point she stopped reading their texts. “Every parent has to do what they feel is best. But I know what they’re on, they know what I do, and they know the phone will be mine if they don’t abide by the rules,” she says. Since the phone is their lifeline to their peers and friends, Schumacher says that temporarily cutting off access after a rule is broken is enough motivation to never do it again.

Kathryn Sheridan is a former NYMetroParents intern.

BEYOND FACEBOOK & TWITTER: A GUIDE TO COMMON SOCIAL MEDIA APPS Kik, WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat, Yik Yak, Periscope—trying to keep track of all the apps your teen or tween may be using can seem like a fruitless endeavor. Here are some basic facts about the most popular social media platforms right now: Instagram: This photo-sharing app allows you to document your life one picture or video at a time. Throw on a pretty filter and add a funny caption, and you’ve got a successful post. Following friends, family, and celebrities offers you a curated feed of what they’ve posted. By default, your Instagram profile and pictures are public and able to be viewed by anyone. But it is possible to limit views to only those people who are approved by the user. Tagging your photo with where it was taken also allows people who search for that location to see it, so parents should be wary of their kids giving out that sensitive information.

Snapchat: Snapchat is a way to stay in touch with friends that seems more casual and fleeting than a permanent social media post. Users can take pictures and add captions, drawings, and funny stickers before sending it to specific friends or posting it to their Snapchat “story.” The user chooses the amount of time for which their friend will be able to view the snap, from one to 10 seconds, before it disappears. Snaps collected in your story will be visible to an audience that you can regulate for 24 hours only. It’s important to remember that nothing on the Internet truly disappears; it’s possible to save snaps with a screenshot or other apps. Parents should encourage good judgment and explain the ramifications of an unflattering screenshot.

Kik: For those who want an alternative to basic text messaging, Kik offers a wide range of options for kids to keep in touch. The free texting app has no message limits, allowing users to get around the restrictions of their cellphone plan.

Downloading apps within Kik allows users to get creative with their messaging and send drawings and videos. You don’t have to tie your account to your phone number, as only a username is necessary to sign up. Parents should be wary of the ease with which strangers can potentially contact any username.

Messages are contained within the app, potentially hindering parents’ ability to check them.

Periscope: Periscope is a live-streaming video app that connects users from around the world. Using just your phone, you can offer your audience a live glimpse into your life. Broadcasts are public by default, although you can choose to make them private and invite specific people. Periscope also relies on users to police content on the app; inappropriate content is regularly shared by people around the world. As always, it should be understood that everything posted on the internet can be saved; Periscope streams can be recorded by anyone watching.

Yik Yak: This anonymous chat app is geographically based, allowing users to share messages with people near their location. Yik Yak uses GPS to identify where the user is, and that location can be seen by others unless you turn that feature off.

The anonymity leads many users to post gossip about people and events in the local area without repercussions. The app developers have to comply with law enforcement, so posts that include threats of violence are not guaranteed to stay anonymous forever.

For a more comprehensive list of trending apps, visit commonsensemedia.org.

RocklandParent 21

Celebrate National Chip and Dip Day ››

Did you know March 23 is National Chip and Dip Day? In honor of our favorite party snack, we’ve gathered three recipes to celebrate.

Chunky Guacamole Want a little more going on in your guacamole? This Tex-Mex version blends traditional thick guacamole with pico de gallo for a hearty chip topping. It’s great for nachos! Be sure to remove the seeds from the tomato and cucumber, or your guac may get watery.

Makes approximately 1 cup Ingredients 2 tablespoons chopped red onion ½ small Roma tomato, seeded and finely diced ½ jalapeño, seeded and diced 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

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2 tablespoons cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely diced 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice 1 teaspoon lime zest ½ teaspoon sea salt 1 fresh avocado, diced

March 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Directions 1. In a small bowl of cold water, put the onion, and set it aside for at least 10 minutes. Drain well, and then place the onion in a separate medium bowl.

2. Add the tomato, jalapeño, cilantro, cucumber, lime juice and zest, and salt to the bowl. Mix well. Stir in the avocado, folding to incorporate but leaving the avocado cubes mostly intact, and serve immediately or cover well and refrigerate for up to an hour.

© 2016 by Lara Ferroni. All rights reserved. Excerpted from An Avocado a Day: More than 70 Recipes for Enjoying Nature’s Most Delicious Superfood by permission of Sasquatch Books. Photography by Lara Ferroni.

Classic Hummus

The Best Alternative To An All Day Camp!

Makes approximately 2 cups Ingredients 1 (15.5-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed 2 garlic cloves, crushed ½ teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons tahini 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions 1. S et 5-6 whole chickpeas aside for garnish. Transfer the rest to a food processor and add the garlic and salt. Puree to a paste.

Add the tahini and lemon juice and process until smooth and completely blended, scraping down the sides a few times.

2. T ransfer the hummus to a shallow bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop. Serve chilled or at room temperature garnished with the reserved chickpeas and chopped parsley, if desired.

Variations Low-Cal Hummus: Substitute water for the tahini.

Roasted Garlic Hummus: Replace the raw garlic with 1 whole bulb garlic, roasted and squeezed out of their skins.

Hot ’n’ Spicy Hummus: Add 1 tablespoon of Sriracha or chipotle chile in adobo to the recipe.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: Add ¼-1/3 cup chopped, jarred roasted red pepper.

Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus: Add 2 tablespoons minced oilpacked or reconstituted dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes.

Spice It Up Hummus: Add ½ teaspoon each of ground cumin and smoked paprika

LOOKING FOR

Reprinted from The Book of Veganish by arrangement with Pam Krauss Books/Avery, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, A Penguin Random House Company. Copyright © 2016, Kathy Freston and Rachel Cohn. Recipe by Robin Robertson.

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Fennel

The bright, light flavor of the fennel and the earthy flavor of the beans and pine nuts, also called pignoli, make for a dip that plays well with many of your party dippers. Serve it with crostini, carrot sticks, steamed artichoke leaves, or tortilla chips.

Makes 1½ cups Ingredients 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed ¼ cup fennel fronds 1 garlic clove ¼ cup olive oil

¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1-2 lemons), with their zest Salt Freshly ground black pepper

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RocklandParent 23

OUTINGS: Hudson River Museum

nymetroparents.com/outings

Westchester’s Museum on the Hudson River 1

All images: Courtesy Hudson River Museum

This institute aims to enhance visitors’ understanding of the art, history, and science of the region. ›› By Kathryn Sheridan 3

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1 During Hudson River Museum’s Family Day in March, museumgoers can build the museum and surrounding area out of Legos with Brick U. 2 Red Grooms’

Lincoln on the Hudson, on display through May 14, is a larger-than-life walk-through scene of the historic appearance of President-elect Abraham Lincoln in the village of Peekskill. 3 In a Family Art Studio session, children create paintings of Civil War personalities and scenes inspired by the paintings of pop artist Red Grooms, whose exhibitions The Blue and The Gray and Lincoln on the Hudson are at the museum through May 14. 4 Created by dollhouse enthusiast Mark O’Banks, Nybelwyck Hall is 8 feet wide, 3½ feet tall, and features 24 rooms with more than 900 interior objects. 5 Hudson River Museum’s Andrus Planetarium screens its shows Saturdays and Sundays, including The Sky Tonight, which shows what the sky will look like the very night you see the show.

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riginally founded in 1919 as the Yonkers Museum, the Hudson River Museum has continued to expand throughout the years. Along with views of its namesake, the museum features art galleries, programs for children, and educational performances for culture-seeking families.

Year-Round Fun

Permanent installations at the museum include Red Grooms: The Bookstore, a cartoonish, colorful bookstore that visitors can walk through.

Dollhouse-lovers can view Nybelwyck Hall, based on historic Hudson Valley homes, such as Ogden Mills House in Staatsburg. It features 24 rooms overflowing with detail and showcasing the members of the dollhouse family, the Van Nybelwycks.

The permanent teaching gallery at the museum, Hudson Riverama, is an interactive experience in which kids can learn about the Hudson River and how to care for it. Live fish, videos, and interactive computers teach 24

March 2017 | nymetroparents.com

visitors about finding environmental solutions and identifying local birds.

Visitors at the Family Studio can create art and science projects on the weekends. For the younger kids, the Early Explorers Space in the Education Center is a safe place to explore books, blocks, a dollhouse, and puppet theater.

Located on the property is Glenview Mansion, built in 1877, which overlooks the Hudson River and contains six period rooms displaying furniture and décor from that era.

Andrus Planetarium

The gem of the museum is the Andrus Planetarium, originally built in 1969 and restored in 2014.

Planetarium shows take place on Saturdays and Sundays for various age ranges. Younger visitors might enjoy One World, One Sky, an adventure with Big Bird from Sesame Street, while older museumgoers can experience the hunt for alien life in We Are Aliens, narrated

by Rupert Grint from the Harry Potter films.

Note: Featured shows change monthly.

March Highlights

In celebration of the museum’s newest exhibit, Wyeth Wonderland (photographs of the people and places that inspired Andrew Wyeth), the museum will host Family Day March 12, 12-5pm. Activities include tours of the exhibit, a photography workshop, and building the museum out of Legos with Brick U. The planetarium will screen The Girl Who Walked Upside Down, Sky Tonight, and Undiscovered Worlds.

Details

Address: 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers Directions: Approximately a 40-minute drive from New City Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 12-5pm Admission: $6; $3 ages 3-18; $4 seniors and students. Planetarium tickets are an additional: $4; $2 ages 3-18; $3 seniors and students.

For more information: 914-963-4550 or visit hrm.org

Register NOW!

Find us at:

facebook.com/i9sports

SPRING Flag Football, Basketball, Soccer, Lacrosse, Cheer, & T-ball.

PROVIDING KID APPROVED DENTAL CARE!

Hurry to secure your spot!

The earlier you register, the more you save!

• Organized programs for boys & girls, ages 3-14 • Focused on fun, safe play and convenience • All skill levels welcome. No tryouts!

Convenient locations throughout Rockland Registration ends 3/18/17 - Spring season starts 4/1/17

Helping Kids Succeed in Life Through Sports

®

Register Online: www.i9sports.com or Call: (845) 624-7529

Marita Smith, DDS Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

Each location independently owned and operated.

i9sports.com

Specializing in Dental Care for Children of All Ages State of the Art Dental Care & Facility Evening & Saturday Hours Available 24 Hour Emergency Service Available Most Dental Insurances Accepted Nitrous Oxide available for children when necessary Se Habla Espanol

Smith’s Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry 5C Medical Park Drive, Pomona, NY 10970 drsmith@smithslittlesmiles.com

(845) 414-9626

www.smithslittlesmiles.com

facebook.com/smithslittlesmilespd

Need a staycation?

@smithslittlesmiles

Tuxedo Union Free School District STEM Academy at

George Grant Mason School & George F. Baker High School

ResouRces ARticles

Promoting the use of higher thinking, digital technologies, and content driven-problem solving skills, which help our students not only today but for the rest of their lives Preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow with the skills of today

A K-12 district that connects components of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Find everything you need, faster at

Engaging students in project-based activities while incorporating collaborative learning environments.

Visit www.tuxedoufsd.org, or call 845.351.4799 for more information Entrance exam not required Scholarships Available

RocklandParent 25

Mitzvah Market magazine Your Source for Ideas & Inspiration

2016-2017

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Turn the page for details on A Sugaring Off Celebration (No. 1 on our list).

y-day day-b : r u o t ou line ar Check alendar on alend c ood, hborh cost. g i e n h by and Searc type, age, t n eve ily! ted da a d p U

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ents. ropar

MARCH CALENDAR

28 Editor’s Hot Tickets 29 Browse & Buy,

We Can’t Believe It’s FREE! 30 The Great Outdoors,

Special Needs WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?

nymetroparents.com/submitevent UPDATED DAILY AT nymetroparents.com/calendar EDITOR: SAMANTHA BERANBOM rpeditor@davlermedia.com

31 Holiday Fun,

Must-Sees in NYC 32 Smarty Pants 33 Once Upon a Time

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

A Sugaring Off Celebration

WHEN: Saturday, March 4, 11am-3pm WHERE: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Drive, Cornwall AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Join museum educators for a maple sugar tour, special crafts, games, and Native American story telling around the camp fire. Enjoy treats of the sweet season and learn some fun recipes for maple syrup.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Some much needed fresh air fun for the whole family, topped off with a sweet treat!

WANT TO GO? $10; $8 children ages 3-17. 845-534-5506. hhnaturemuseum.org.

Kidz Cabaret Series: Steve Petra’s Animal Games

2

WHEN: Saturday, March 4, 1pm and 3pm WHERE: Bergen Performing Arts Center, Drapkin Cabaret & Lounge, 30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Steve Petra’s Animal Games is racing with a team of uproarious animal athletes ready to compete with the kids. Get ready for Extreme Pickle Balancing, Champion Banana Wrestling, Coat Hanger Tug Of War, and the Ultimate Chicken Challenge.

WHY WE LOVE IT: These performances allow children to interact with performers and experience the joy of live theater.

WANT TO GO? $17. 201-227-1030. bergenpac.org.

3

Public Skating

WHEN: Through March 5: Monday-Tuesday, 10am and 12pm; Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: Bear Mountain Ice Rink, Bear Mountain State Park, Bear Mountain AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy 1½-hour sessions throughout the month. Check the website for more information, schedule changes, session rules, and updates. 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. 845-786-2701. bearmountainicerink.com.

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live!

4

WHEN: Sunday, March 19, 2pm and 5:30pm WHERE: Bergen Performing Arts Center, 30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Donning his red sweater, Daniel takes the audience on an interactive musical adventure as he and his friends explore the vibrant

28

March 2017 | nymetroparents.com

6 world of their much-loved Neighborhood of Make-Believe, sharing stories of friendship, helping others, and celebrating new experiences.

WHY WE LOVE IT: This production filled with singing, dancing, laughter, and “grr-ific” surprises will warm the hearts of multiple generations.

WANT TO GO? $29 and up. 201-227-1030. bergenpac.org.

5

St. Patrick’s Day Parade FREE

WHEN: Sunday, March 19, 1:30pm WHERE: Rockland County Ancient Order of Hiberians, Crooked Hill Road, Pearl River AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate with one of the most popular annual parades in the area, comprised of over 5,000 marchers and 25 bands.

Check the website for updated information.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Tradition, family, friends, community. Strike up the band!

WANT TO GO? rocklandcountyaoh.com.

When Children Won’t Try New Foods or Eat Their Vegetables FREE

6

WHEN: Tuesday, March 21, 7pm WHERE: Child Care Resources of Rockland, 235 N. Main St., Suite 9, Spring Valley AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Discuss strategies that will help your child eat a balanced meal and learn how to avoid power struggles.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Perhaps we can finally answer that age old question, how to get kids to eat more veggies.

WANT TO GO? 845-425-0009. childcarerockland.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rockland County Spring into Action Fundraiser

7

WHEN: March 20-24, Monday-Friday, call for times WHERE: Red Hill Cafe, 241 S. Little Tor Road, New City AGES: All WHAT: Support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rockland through the Red Hill Goodwill Program. Ten percent of the net sales will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rockland County, which pairs at-risk children with a role model to start a 1-on-1 relationship built on trust and friendship that can blossom into a future of unlimited potential.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Because children who have someone to confide in and to look up to do better in school, at home, and at a time in their lives when even small choices can change the course of their future.

WANT TO GO? Prices vary. 845-268-2233. bbbsofrc.com.

8

Herbs ‘n’ Spice and All Children Nice FREE

WHEN: March 14-30, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Orangeburg Library, Suffern Library, and Sloatsburg Library; see website for addresses AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Presented by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rockland County’s Master Gardener Volunteers, children will be introduced to the present scientific facts and the “old-timey” oddities of flavorful seasonings. This presentation includes a visit with the beloved Strega Nona, one of the first “Herbal Magicians;” an imaginary winter field trip to brew Wildflower Tea; a multisensory, hands-on game to explore herbs and spices; and creating of cinnamon-infused pinecone creatures.

WHY WE LOVE IT: A unique hands-on learning experience outside of a classroom.

WANT TO GO? rocklandcce.org.

BROWSE & BUY Ramsey Farmers’ Market FREE

WHEN: March 5-26, Sundays, 10am-2pm WHERE: Eric Smith School, 73 Monroe St., Ramsey, NJ AGES: All WHAT: You’ll find plenty of seasonal, local vegetables and fruits, including organic produce, along with a wide variety of food products from more than 35 outstanding vendors including artisan breads, fine cheeses, fresh fish directly from the Hampton Bays, fresh apple cider and apple cider doughnuts, baked goods, and more.

WANT TO GO? 201-675-6866. 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 moves indoors for the season featuring many popular vendors including Orchards of Concklin, Pie Lady and Son, Taiim Shack Mobile, American Seafoods, 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.

First Friday FREE

WHEN: Friday, March 3, 5-8pm WHERE: Village of Nyack, Downtown Nyack, Nyack AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Downtown Nyack hosts a monthly art festival during which shops and businesses unite with local artists for an evening of art openings, music, poetry, shopping, and strolling to support the local art and business communities.

WANT TO GO? 845-535-5046. visitnyack.org.

Maple Sugaring FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 4, 11am-12pm and 2-3pm WHERE: The Nature Place Day Camp, 307 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge AGES: All WHAT: Learn all about maple trees and how sap turns to syrup, tap a maple tree, taste the sap that drips out, boil it over a fire, and then conclude with the sweet taste of thickened maple syrup over crushed ice, accompanied, of course, by a dill pickle.

WANT TO GO? 845-356-6477. thenatureplace.com.

Camp Open House FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 4, 12-2pm WHERE: The Nature Place Day Camp, 307 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge AGES: All WHAT: Meet the staff, take a tour of the camp grounds, see a narrated slideshow of summer activities, and learn all there is to know about this amazing program.

WANT TO GO? 845-356-6477. thenatureplace.com.

Prenatal Class FREE

WHEN: Monday, March 13, 5-6pm WHERE: Crystal Run Healthcare, 2 Centerock Road, West Nyack AGES: Adult WHAT: Learn invaluable information on how to care for a newborn, what to expect in the first weeks, and when to call the doctor. Discuss topics and questions with a staff pediatrician.

WANT TO GO? 845-348-1100. crystalrunhealthcare.com.

Activism in Art: Art Changes Things FREE

WHEN: Through April 23: Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm; SaturdaySunday, 1-4pm WHERE: Rockland Center for the Arts Inc., 27 S. Greenbush Road, West Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Art Changes Things looks at art that transcends boundaries and operates as an empowering agent of change, presenting work that challenges notions of class. This work is meant to start conversations and breakdown stereotypes.

WANT TO GO? 845-358-0877. rocklandartcenter.org. ››

RocklandParent 29

Garden Design for Beginners

WHEN: Monday, March 27, 6-7:30pm WHERE: Pearl River Continuing Education at Pearl River High School, 275 E. Central Ave., Pearl River AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Learn how to use the principles of design to plan a garden or to rejuvenate an existing property. The topics will include site evaluation and components of the design process, such as the use of color, the role of structure, and characteristics of plants. Presented by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rockland County’s Master Gardener Volunteers.

WANT TO GO? $40. 845-620-3918. rocklandcce.org.

Using Annuals & Perennials in the Garden FREE

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Seasonal Scavenger Hunt

WHEN: Saturday, March 11, 2pm WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Families will receive a set of clues to help solve nature riddles along TNC’s trails. Each family will need to work as a team as they hike along the trails to complete the hunt and receive a small prize.

WANT TO GO? $6; $30 per family. 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.

Spring Campfire

WHEN: Saturday, March 18, 6-8:30pm WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Gather ‘round the campfire to explore how lengthening days and warmer temperatures affect plants and animals. Listen to stories and roast marshmallows for s’mores. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? $10. 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.

Maple Sugaring

WHEN: Through March 26: Sundays, 12-4:30pm WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Observe how sap is boiled down to make fresh maple syrup, a sweet treat for all to taste. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.

Maple Sugar Tours

WHEN: March 4-26, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-3pm WHERE: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Drive, Cornwall AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Learn how to identify and tap sugar maple trees, discover sugaring techniques used by Native Americans, pioneers, and modernday farmers, see an evaporator in action, and finish by participating in a taste test challenge to see if you can tell the difference between maple-flavored syrup and the real thing.

WANT TO GO? $10; $8 children ages 3-17. 845-534-5506. hhnaturemuseum.org.

30

March 2017 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Wednesday, March 29, 7-8:30pm WHERE: West Nyack Free Library, 65 Strawtown Road, West Nyack AGES: 13 and older WHAT: This course will provide the knowledge to effectively use annuals and perennials in gardens of all styles. Learn about the different types of annuals and perennials and which to choose to create a beautiful, healthy garden that will bloom all season long.

WANT TO GO? 845-358-6081. rocklandcce.org.

Improving an Existing Lawn FREE

WHEN: Thursday, March 30, 7-8:30pm WHERE: Finkelstein Memorial Library, 24 Chestnut St., Spring Valley AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Homeowners will learn how to improve their lawns by following several simple practices. Discussions will include organic verses synthetic products, fertilizing procedures, soil pH testing, and methods of weed and crabgrass control.

WANT TO GO? 845-352-5700. rocklandcce.org.

Skiing, Snowboarding, and Tubing

WHEN: Through March 31: Monday, 10am-5pm; Tuesday-Friday, 10am-9pm; 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, NJ 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.

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.

HOLIDAY FUN Purim Spiel & Megillah Reading FREE

CityBound Must-Sees in

N Y C Courtesy Nickelodeon and VStar Entertainment Group

WHEN: Saturday, March 11, 7pm WHERE: The Reform Temple of Rockland, 330 N. Highland Ave., Upper Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Come fly to Never Land as the Reform Temple of Rockland’s players put on an original production of Peter Pan’s Purim Spiel. It’s a joyful holiday celebration filled with silly songs, a touch of pixie dust, and a nosh of Hamentashen.

WANT TO GO? 845-358-2248. rtrny.org.

Purim Carnival

Munchkin Mondays: St. Patrick’s Day Celebration FREE WHEN: Monday, March 13, 11am-12pm WHERE: Palisades Center, Besso Community Room, Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year at Palisades Center.

The little ones will enjoy this celebration with fun arts and crafts.

WANT TO GO? 845-348-1000. palisadescenter.com.

St. Patrick’s Day Snakes

WHEN: Friday, March 17, 6-7:30pm WHERE: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Wildlife Education Center, 25 Boulevard, Cornwall AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Legend says Ireland has no snakes because St. Patrick chased them into the sea and banished them from the island forever. Come separate fact from fiction about this story and everything snake. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with some favorite snake friends and make a fun craft to take home.

WANT TO GO? $10; $8 for children 5 and older. 845-534-5506. hhnaturemuseum.org. ››

Watch the pups of PAW Patrol come to the rescue!

PAW Patrol is On a Roll Your preschooler’s favorite TV show comes to the stage in this high-energy, musical adventure. PAW Patrol Live! Race to the Rescue is all about the Great Race between Adventure Bay’s Mayor Goodway and Foggy Bottom’s Mayor Humdinger. But just as it is about to begin, disaster strikes. As always, PAW Patrol comes to the rescue! Fans get the chance to see their favorite pups on stage. Ryder summons Marshall, Chase, Skye, Rubble, Rocky, Zuma, and the newest pup, Everest, for the mission. The show combines theatrical scenery with a high-tech video wall to visually transport families to popular locations from the TV series. March 23-26; see website for show times. Age: 6 and younger. $30-$145. The Theater at Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, Midtown. 866-858-0008. theateratmsg.com.

My Life As A Zucchini, dir. Claude Barras.

WHEN: Sunday, March 12, 10:30am WHERE: Congregation Sons of Israel, 300 N. Broadway, Upper Nyack AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Come in costume and celebrate Purim with games, prizes, face painting, a bounce house, snacks, and more.

WANT TO GO? Free admission; $1 for five activity tickets. 845358-3767. csinyack.org.

The New York International Children’s Film Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary.

My First Film Fest Back for its 20th anniversary, the New York International Children’s Film Festival presents hundreds of the best new films from around the world for kids and teens. Every year it provides a full film festival experience for kids including premieres, Q-and-A’s, and filmmaking workshops. The 2017 lineup features some exciting movies, including short films from the festival’s 20-year history and an opening night treat nominated for an Academy Award. Feb. 24-March 19; see website for show times.

Age: 3-18. Tickets start at $13. IFC Center and other theaters.

212-349-0330. nyicff.org.

RocklandParent 31

SMARTY PANTS Brain Day at NKI FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 11, 10am-3pm WHERE: Nathan Kline Institute, 35 Third Ave., Orangeburg AGES: All WHAT: Touch a real human brain, play brain games, enjoy activities, solve puzzles, go on a tour of the state-of-the-art Brain Imaging Suite, and talk to researchers about careers in brain science. Hear talks by experts in brain science and mental health and learn how to contribute to brain research.

WANT TO GO? 845-398-2666. rocklandsample.org.

WHEN: Sunday, March 19, 2-5pm WHERE: Town of Ramapo Challenger Center, 225 Route 59, Airmont AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Just like the real astronauts, public crewmembers will attend a briefing session and select tasks to perform on the mission. Small teams of space adventurers will conduct research, perform scientific experiments, and even deploy a probe. Tasks are detailed enough to feel real and challenging, but simple enough for kids to do.

WANT TO GO? $10; $5 seniors and for children younger than 9. 845357-3416. lhvcc.com.

Tot Shabbat at CSI Nyack FREE

Circle Time! with Sukey Molloy FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 25, 11am WHERE: Congregation Sons of Israel, 300 N. Broadway, Upper Nyack AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Celebrate Shabbat morning with stories and games. Discover what Shabbat is all about through a fun, interactive, learning experience.

Also enjoy grape juice and challah with Rabbi Russo, followed by a free lunch for all.

WANT TO GO? 845-358-3767. csinyack.org.

‘Most Likely To Succeed’ Screening FREE

Pee Wee Playtime

WHEN: Thursday, March 16, 7pm WHERE: Nyack Public Library, 20 S. Broadway, Nyack AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Most Likely to Succeed, an edu-documentary by Ted Dintersmith and Greg Whiteley, takes a closer look at the role and effects of education in America today. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion and a Q-and-A with the audience. RSVP required.

WANT TO GO? 845-358-3370. nyacklibrary.org.

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.

Mothers of Preschoolers FREE

Spring Music Lessons

WHEN: Wednesday, March 15, 10:30am WHERE: Rose Memorial Library, 79 E. Main St., Stony Point AGES: 3 and younger WHAT: Join Sukey Molloy for an award winning series of musical activities created specifically for children ages 14-35 months with a caregiver. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 845-786-2100. rosememoriallibrary.org.

WHEN: Friday, March 17, 9-11am WHERE: Clarkstown Reformed Church, 107 Strawtown Road, West Nyack AGES: 3-5, adult WHAT: Have honest conversations with other moms who understand the joys and frustrations of motherhood. A MOPS meeting includes practical teaching through speakers, demonstrations, and videos. Snacks and child care provided.

WANT TO GO? 845-422-6565. mops.org.

32

Public Space Mission

March 2017 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: March 1-31, daily, times vary WHERE: New City School of Music, 12 N. Main St., New City AGES: All WHAT: Fun and patient teachers will teach the songs you want to learn.

Choose piano, guitar, voice, drums, violin, saxophone, clarinet, or flute for both adults and children.

WANT TO GO? $46 for a 30-minute lesson. 845-499-2137. newcitymusicschool.com.

Angie’s List Award Winner

ONCE UPON A TIME

Visit Us At Our Newly Expanded

Nature Story Time

WHEN: Saturday, March 18, 11:30am-12:15pm WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Enjoy a nature-themed story and a visit from one of TNC’s Animal Ambassadors. Learn about the animal and how it came to Tenafly Nature Center. Animals may include snakes, frogs, turtles, owls, or a hawk.

WANT TO GO? $6. 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.

We’re closer than you think!

Just 2 miles from Rockland.

ACTIVITIES EVENTS NEW online appointment booking for sick visits. MORE Equipped with an in-house lab and the latest in visual/hearing testing.

Call about evening hours for check ups.

Playtime Storytime FREE

WHEN: March 3-31, Fridays, 10:30am WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Enjoy stories, songs, sensory story time with cool activities, fun with nonfiction, and more.

WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

Tales and Tunes FREE

WHEN: March 6-May 15, Monday, 11:30am and 7pm; Tuesday, 11:30am WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Stories, fingerplays, songs, and bubbles! Registration and caregiver participation required.

WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

Math Help

Coming up next month: APRIL 9: SpringFest Street Fair at North Broadway and Main Street, Nyack

Math Enrichment

Test Prep

Homework Help

We make math Join sense. make

NYMetroParents

50% OFF on Assessement Fee advance notice + Get $100 OFF the First Month!

on activities, participate in group discussions and receive special notices.

Mathnasium of Nanuet

Some restrictions apply. New students only.

(845) 624-6284

Nanuet@mathnasium.com www.mathnasium.com/Nanuet

www.facebook.com/nymetroparents 209B W. Route 59, Nanuet, NY 10954 ACTIVITIES

Stories and Craft FREE

WHEN: March 1-May 17, Monday, 2pm and Wednesday, 10:30am WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Stories, crafts, and more! Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

TenaflyPediatrics.com

Tenafly • Clifton • Oakland • Fort Lee • Paramus • Park Ridge

Create Your Own Little Golden Book Storytime FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 25, 11am WHERE: Barnes & Noble Booksellers: Nanuet, Palisades Center, and Paramus, NJ locations; check website for addresses and phone numbers AGES: 3-8 WHAT: In celebration of the 75th anniversary of Little Golden Book, create your very own Little Golden Book to take home. Also enjoy listening to classic Little Golden Book titles such as The Monster at the End of This Book.

WANT TO GO? barnesandnoble.com.

201.326.7120

EVENTS

MORE

Join

NYMetroParents Get advance notice on activities, participate in group discussions and receive special notices.

APRIL 22: Earth Day at Trailside Museums & Zoo, Bear Mountain APRIL 29: The Magic of Anthony Salazar at Bergen Performing Arts Center, Englewood, NJ

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EVENTS

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WHERE-TO GUIDE

Horseback Riding

nymetroparents.com/where-to

›› Research by Lauren Diaz

Horseback riding offers kids many benefits. Exercise is one, of course. Riding is aerobic, but it also builds muscle strength and increases balance, not to mention coordination, visual spatial skills, faster reflexes, and all-round circulation.

But riding offers more than just physical benefits. A child who is able to master the skill of synthesis with such a large animal will have improved self-confidence, self-discipline, and the appropriate ability to take risks. A child caring for a horse learns patience, care, respect, and responsibility.

Here’s a list of local horseback riding stables that offer children’s riding lessons. Hours are subject to change; call ahead to confirm availability.

Minetto’s Stonehedge Farm 1152 Haverstraw Road, Suffern 845-354-2838; stonehedgefarmstables.com Lessons are provided for all experience levels, as well as grooming, tacking, and stable management lessons. The farm has both outdoor and indoor riding rings, and it features the RideKind therapeutic riding program for those with emotional, physical, and psychological special needs.

Nickel-O-Farm 369 Strawtown Road, West Nyack 845-353-8006; nickelofarms.com Private Western- and English-style riding lessons are offered for ages 4 and older.

Petting zoos and “pony parties” are 34

March 2017 | nymetroparents.com

available remotely. There is a weekly summer riding program June through August in which kids ride and learn to groom the horses, as well as special activities.

Ramapo Equestrian Center 1152 Haverstraw Road, Suffern 845-354-7669 ramapoequestriancenter.com Private English- and Western-style, jumping, and dressage lessons are available. Birthday parties are also offered. Summer camp runs daily late June through late August; campers take lessons, learn stable management, and participate in arts and crafts, games, and outdoor activities.

Senator T. Morahan – Ken Freson Therapeutic Equestrian Center 15 Fernald Road, Stony Point 845-786-3929 The full-service, year-round therapeutic and recreational riding facility with PATH certified staff, is open to the public. Private and group lessons available, as well as birthday parties, summer programs, and fundraisers. Small animal farm on-site.

Bergen County, NJ Bergen Equestrian Center 40 Fort Lee Road, Leonia 201-336-3370; bergenequestrian.com Beginner to advanced riding lessons are available Tuesday-Sunday. For advanced

riders, there are specialty trainers for each discipline, including jumping, hunters, equitation, and dressage. An after-school program and full-time summer camp are also offered.

Pony Power Therapies at Three Sisters Farm 1170 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah 201-934-1001 ponypowernj.org Offers therapeutic riding and non-riding activities for children with special needs.

Sibling program and summer day programs are available.

School groups are welcome weekly for lessons and classroom activities.

Saddle Ridge Riding Center 900 Shadow Ridge Road, Franklin Lakes 201-847-9999 saddleridgeridingcenter.com The center offers beginner to advanced lessons with experienced trainers. Guided trail rides are offered daily for a maximum of five people. Birthday parties and other parties for special occasions are available for up to 15 people.

A summer camp for ages 5-15 is also offered.

Westchester County Boulder Brook Equestrian Center 291 Mamaroneck Road, Scarsdale 914-725-3912 boulderbrookequestrian.com Private and group lessons for children and adults (ages 6 and older) are offered at Westchester’s largest indoor riding ring. Its summer camp includes daily lessons in riding and stable management.

Pony rides are given daily and birthday parties are available on Sunday afternoons.

Chicory Meadow Farm 76 Jack Road, Cortlandt Manor 914-737-7814 chicorymeadowfarm.com Group, semi-private, and

private lessons are offered daily.

Customized lessons are available based on a rider’s specific needs, abilities, and goals. A summer camp is offered and features hands-on horsemanship, riding, horse care, arts and crafts, nature walks, picnics, and games. The facility includes indoor and outdoor arenas.

Fox Hill Farms 204 Old Sleepy Hollow Road, Pleasantville 914-769-9813; foxhillfarms.com English-style riding lessons available in a group or private setting. Guided rides are available through the Rockefeller Preserve in the spring, summer, and fall.

A weekly summer camp in June through August includes riding lessons, horse care, and games.

Pony rides are available during the summer.

JT Farm 1125 Route 35, South Salem 914-763-3705; jtfarm.com Provides lessons for all levels and ages. Facility includes 45 miles of trails, an indoor ring, two outdoor rings, and a Grand Prix field.

Stratford Stables 120 Cottage Ave., Purchase 914-939-9294 stratfordstables.com Offers year-round lessons for ages 6 and older. Small minicamps are available during school vacations and include lessons in horsemanship. A summer camp is offered June through August for ages 6-12 and features riding, grooming and tacking the horses, and art projects.

Boarding and leasing of horses and ponies, as well as showing opportunities, are also offered.

Twin Lakes Farm 960 California Road, Bronxville 914-961-2192 twinlakesfarm.com Private, semi-private, and group lessons are available daily, year round. The farm’s summer camp includes riding lessons, horsemanship, and arts and crafts.

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Lessons from Camp We Use Every Day ››

Some of the most important things learned are the ones you can’t see.

I

f you’ve ever been a camper, counselor, worked at a camp, or knew someone who did, you know there’s something special about the anticipation of summer camp. Many live 10 months for two, waiting for the minute they can fling off their school backpacks and run full speed ahead toward their summer home. Sleepaway evenings are spent around a campfire. Day camp afternoons are filled with special activities and snack-time galore. There’s canteen and cabin nights, swimming and sports competitions, whimsical adventure and waterfront fun.

Ask those of us who went to camp (no matter how long ago it was) and you’ll find smiles, friendships cultivated, and words to songs that we can sing at a moment’s notice. We can tell you about our beloved counselors, reminisce about a shared past, and recall our fondest camp memories. We went to camp, our lives have been enriched, and we want others to share the same experience. There’s wisdom in summer camp and it seems that it’s not until we leave that we realize the weight of so many of its gifts.

Today, there are lessons from camp I use every day. There were, of course, the tangible lessons, such as learning to swim and clearing your plate from the table, but the most important lessons may be the ones you can’t see.

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March 2017 | nymetroparents.com

By Stacey Ebert

Be the Change

Spending time with people from different places provides a time to share stories and hear various ways of life. At camp, kids learn that if there is an unfair practice somewhere (whether it’s how the captains for a team are picked or that a friend might struggle with a difficult home life), the way to make a difference is to listen, get involved, and act with a kind heart.

Have Patience

In my Counselor-In-Training program, we did many activities that continue to apply to life today. One was an exercise in giving directions. While some had to write directions, others had to draw a map. It showed us how people view things, learn, and deliver information differently.

Include and Value People

Whether it’s day or sleepaway, camp showcases fun and inclusivity for all. Regardless of the activity or role, kids quickly learn there is a vital place for everyone. There are the experts at storytelling, acting, geocaching, swimming, arts and crafts, sports, and ropes courses, and others who are able to have their firsts in these experiences. There are cooks and maintenance workers, nurses and swim staff, directors

and CITs, and campers and counselors from every walk of life—and everyone plays a vital role in making camp the special space it is.

Knowing she is valued and that she matters is something your child takes with her when camp closees at the end of the summer.

Embrace Diversity and Don’t Judge

At camp, I met counselors from Camp America (a camp counselor exchange program) whose accents and histories were different from mine. My friends and fellow campers all had different religions and came from varying socio-economic backgrounds.

Whether listening to stories around the fire or having snack time chats with counselors, the message gets across: Each upbringing is different and each struggle or triumph should be valued equally.

Cultivate Independence

Camp helps kids find themselves. She’s away from home, but cared for, fed, and provided with a safe space. Little by little, she takes her first steps at independence. With each summer, the scary becomes less so and her confidence builds. Cultivating your child’s independence in a safe environment at an early age leads to strong personal development and continued growth.

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

Whatever it was that seems different, terrifying, or impossible is achievable at camp. I learned to swim at camp and later became a lifeguard and aquatics director. Leaving home for camp was difficult the first time, but it made going away to college that much easier. He’ll learn that although experiences may be filled with nervous anticipation at the start, what he gets when he reaches the other side of that fear is priceless.

Be True to Yourself

My three closest friends (from camp) and I are each incredibly different. There were four different religious beliefs, four different hometowns, varied socio-economic backgrounds, unique style senses, each with a different conglomeration of immediate family, and yet, 30 years later we’re still on each other’s speed dials.

The Simple Things Matter Most of All

Camp is ghost stories and campfires, beach days and arts and crafts, free swim and nature hikes and sea glass hunting and searching for shooting stars. Without the need for high tech screens, the camp experience reminds kids that it’s the simple things that matter most.

Treat Others How You’d Like to Be Treated

Campers learn lessons of working as a team, sharing kindness, and trying to lift others up on a regular basis. The overall message of treating others as you’d like to be treated flows through the day’s activities from cabin chores to sharing chocolate for a s’more.

Take Time Out for Yourself

Day camps have snack time and many sleepaway camps have canteen or time to relax, recuperate, and rejuvenate. This translates years later to a community of people who know they need to listen to their bodies, take a break at times, and care for themselves.

Believe in Yourself

Staff members believe in campers and often propel them to believe in themselves. Knowing someone believes in him at a young age stays with a child—it’s what he will grab onto as an adult when things get tough. People believing in you so fiercely makes you believe in yourself.

Don’t Be Afraid to Try New Things

I learned to silkscreen, took my first horseback ride, and took a fearful plunge off of a 10-foot boulder into open water—all for my first time at camp. Knowing there is always someone there to encourage her to take the plunge, hold her hand, and catch her if she falls makes the anticipation of trying new things easier. Later in life, being scared but plunging ahead anyway takes different forms. Whether it’s starting a new school, a first job, learning to drive, or going away to college, those lessons from camp stay with her—always.

We All Have Talents

He might be the best listener or love to help others find their smile.

She might love to build things or solve problems. Camp provides outlets for all to find their talents, embrace them, and thrive.

Show Compassion and Learn Empathy

At camp, I met people who were different from me, which helped shape my perspective of the world. For two weeks each summer, kids living in foster care in New York City came to camp. For many, it was their first time to see a large body of water or to work on a farm.

For those two weeks we all had a fabulous time—just like any other session. Camp allowed relationships to grow, people’s stories were shared, and we learned that people most certainly do change people.

Share What You Have

I’ve been borrowing my best friend’s clothes since the age of 12. Flip flops made their rounds and whatever sweatshirt one could grab in the morning became yours for the day. We shared hair dryers, canteen money, memories, and experiences. Sometimes sharing meant your bed when a friend had a nightmare. Sometimes sharing meant your family when someone else’s wasn’t around. Sometimes sharing meant your experiences to put someone else at ease. Camp showcases that sharing is necessary, teaching us to build bridges, not walls.

Always Try Your Best

The only failure at camp is in not trying. Putting your best foot forward, jumping in, and trying your best is one of the hallmarks of camp. New campers learn there is no harm in coming in second or not getting the lead in the camp skit. This lesson transfers through the decades, keeping camp’s positive attitude afloat in all of us.

Nature is Good for You

Whether it’s sleepaway or day camp, each day kids return to their cabins or homes dirty and tired after an energetic day. Inspired by nature’s ability to flip a mind switch, lower blood pressure, and change our perspective, kids who go to camp turn into adults who appreciate the magic of nature.

Relationships Matter

Friendships forged at sleepaway camp are some of the best I know.

Counselors from 20 years ago continued to be my mentors for years after camp, and today we share travel advice and are willing to meet up all over the world. My best friends from camp have been a part of my story for more than 30 years. Today we may utilize social media and technology to communicate, but these friendships stand the test of time.

Stacey Ebert is a camper at heart who has spent more than 25 years in the camping and education industries in New York as a teacher, club advisor, counselor, and aquatics director. She is a writer, blogger, event planner, and volunteer manager based in San Diego, CA. She loves travel, the beach, yoga, and all things chocolate; has visited more than 50 of the world’s countries; and met her Australia-born husband while on a trip in New Zealand. Check out her blog at thegiftoftravel.wordpress.com.

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camp GUIDE 2017 DAY CAMPS

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-todoor air-conditioned transportation in Rockland, Bergen, Westchester, and Orange counties included.

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.

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Green Meadow Waldorf School

307 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge 845-356-2514 gmws.org Green Meadow Waldorf School offers infant-toddler and family programs, serves children from nursery through 12th grade, and runs popular summer programs. Founded in 1950, we are one of the oldest, largest Waldorf schools in the U.S., with nearly 350 students.

Benefiting from discovery and play in our Early Childhood program, skill-building in our Lower School, and rigorous intellectual challenges in the High School, Green Meadow students go on to top colleges, fulfilling careers, and are known for their curiosity, confidence, resilience, and creativity.

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

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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.

Palisades Country Day Camp

248 Herbert Ave., Closter, NJ 201-784-7600 x3 palisadescountryday.com It’s all about fun, safety, and ease at Palisades Country Day Camp, Bergen’s No. 1 summer camp for toddlers (18 months) through second-graders. PCDC offers every child the opportunity to grow socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. Our campers enjoy three heated pools with twisty slides, two splash parks, a triple-decker playground, swim lessons and recreational swim, amazing daily activities, special events, and themed weeks (including petting zoos, and magic shows). Also available, before and after care, 1-on-1 swim lessons, and transportation to meet your needs.

Ramapo College Camps for Middle and H.S. Students

505 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 201-684-7277 ramapo.edu/ramapocamps cipl@ramapo.edu Just over the New York border on Route 202, Ramapo College of New Jersey offers academic and theater camps on its beautiful 350-acre campus.

STEM Camp for seventh- to eighth-graders: robotics, computer science, computer graphics, alternative energy,

digital song creation, digital electronics using Arduino, Lego WaterBotics®, and 3-D drafting design. Theater Camp for seventh- to 12th-graders: acting, costume design, dance, improvisation, lighting and sound, stage and screen makeup, set design, voice. High school students: art portfolio preparation, Brazilian percussion, CompTIA A+, stock market, game design, numerical analysis, programming and data science, SAT prep, theater, and online three-credit website development course.

Young World Day Camp

585 Wyckoff Ave., Mahwah, NJ 201-327-3888 youngworlddayschool.org director@ywdschool.org Young World Day Camp offers the initial camp experience for children ages 2 through rising fifth graders, a middle school student CIT program, and an academic preschool Montessori Camp, beginning June 19 and running for eight weeks. Age-appropriate activities promote physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth and development.

Choose full-day (9am-4pm) or half-day sessions (9am-12pm or 1-4pm) in our air-conditioned facility. Extended care available from 8-9am and 4-5pm. Daily swim instruction provided for all potty-trained campers in our heated, non-chlorine pool by Red Cross-certified water safety instructors. Soccer, kickball, and volleyball instruction provided by Kids in Motion.

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 summer. You can schedule field trips to our fully equipped ceramics and plaster studio in West Nyack, or we can schedule a program to be held at your location. Sports-themed 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.

adopted and serving as role models) share the intimacy and safety of being with other adopted friends, providing the opportunity to share feelings and adoption stories with others who understand adoption without explanation because they are “just like me”—all in a fun camp environment.

Camp Clio Teen: June 25–July 7. Camp Clio Youth: July 2-22. Campers may come for one or more sessions. Scholarships available.

Palisades Climb Adventure

Camp Huntington

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!

SLEEPAWAY CAMPS Camp Clio

Held at Camp Claire, Lyme, CT and Middlesex County Camp, Moodus, CT 212-472-5207 campclio.org Camp Clio and our new Camp Clio Teen offer a unique experience for adopted children (ages 9-12) and teens (ages 13-17). Camp Clio campers and counselors (themselves

56 Bruceville Road, High Falls 855-707-2267 camphuntington.com dfalk@camphuntington.com Camp Huntington, a coed, residential summer camp for children and young adults with autism and related developmental and learning disabilities and ADD; ability levels: mild to moderate-severe. Located in High Falls in the beautiful Catskill Mountain region, the camp provides therapeutically and instructionally designed recreation programs in summer and certain weekends during the year. Programs offer structured daily activities designed to be safe, learning-based, fun, and rewarding. Positive reinforcement motivates children to be happy and participate meaningfully. Activities encourage improvement in self-management and independence, and advancement in social and life skills. camphuntington.com.

SPECIALTY CAMPS The Academy For Martial Arts

8 Orangetown Shopping Center, Orangeburg 845-359-4500 rocklandkarate.com Every kid should learn self-defense. It’s like learning to swim—it’s a lot of fun and it

can save your life. Your child can receive self-defense training, get fit, and improve their focus and self-confidence—all while having a great time this summer at The Academy For Martial Arts Summer Camp.

In addition to learning Karate and Jiu-Jitsu, we’ll offer plenty of other activities to keep them active and entertained all summer long: dodgeball and other games, big screen movies, and arts and crafts. Enroll by the week or for the entire summer.

Call for more information or to set up a free trial class.

Blue Rock School Summer Play Camp at Blue Rock School

110 Demarest Mill Road, West Nyack 845-627-0234 bluerockschool.org An imaginative and discovery-based program with a warm, caring, and seasoned staff. Children ages 3-12 explore art, music, gardening, swimming, science, nature, woodworking, drama, sewing, games, and water play on a charming and beautiful, wooded campus. CIT program for ages 13 and older. Six weeks: June 26-Aug. 4; Monday-Friday, 9:30am-3pm. Open house dates: March 11 and April 29.

See summerplaycamp.org for more details.

Camp Clio

Held at Camp Claire, Lyme, CT and Middlesex County Camp, Moodus, CT 212-472-5207 campclio.org Camp Clio and our new Camp Clio Teen offer a unique experience for adopted children (ages 9-12) and teens (ages 1317). Camp Clio campers and counselors (themselves adopted and serving as role models)

share the intimacy and safety of being with other adopted friends, providing the opportunity to share feelings and adoption stories with others who understand adoption without explanation because they are “just like me”—all in a fun camp environment. Camp Clio Teen: June 25–July 7. Camp Clio Youth: July 2-22. Campers may come for one or more sessions. Scholarships available.

Camp Huntington

56 Bruceville Road, High Falls 855-707-2267 camphuntington.com dfalk@camphuntington.com Camp Huntington, a coed, residential summer camp for children and young adults with autism and related developmental and learning disabilities and ADD; ability levels: mild to moderate-severe. Located in High Falls in the beautiful Catskill Mountain region, the camp provides therapeutically and instructionally designed recreation programs in summer and certain weekends during the year. Programs offer structured daily activities designed to be safe, learning-based, fun, and rewarding. Positive reinforcement motivates children to be happy and participate meaningfully. Activities encourage improvement in self-management and independence, and advancement in social and life skills. camphuntington.com.

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 continued on next page ››

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‹‹ continued from previous page

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?

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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-1 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 midJune through July, and in the Hamptons in August. Call now to reserve your time slot.

Galaxy Gymnastics

17A Green Bush Road S., Orangeburg 845-398-1000 galaxy-gymnastics.com Galaxy Gymnastics Recreational Summer Camp will make your child’s summer an “out of this world” experience. Nine weeks of full- or half-day fun for campers of all abilities, age 4 and older—no previous gymnastics necessary.

Age-appropriate gymnastics skills, outdoor water slide, snack time, games, and arts and crafts. Register week-toweek or even by the day. We teach gymnastics and fitness in a fun, safe environment while fostering mind-body connections. Campers build strength, coordination, discipline, and self-esteem. Our fully air-conditioned gym features a huge foam pit, trampolines, Olympic and child-sized equipment.

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

March 2017 | nymetroparents.com

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 Dance 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.

Red Owl Academy Summer Camp

645 Main St., Suite 1, Sparkill 845-848-2407 redowlacademy.com info@redowlacadmey.com Red Owl Academy’s summer camp makes education more fun during the summer months.

Our students will immerse themselves in organic gardening, exploring nature at our local parks, learning to speak French, improvisational theater instructions, kids’ yoga, and many more surprises. Our structured summer camp program is designed to develop more confidence, improve a child’s focus, and most importantly teach organizational skills in everything they do. Come see the difference.

Rockland Center for the Arts RoCA Summer Camp

27 S. Greenbush Road, West Nyack 845-358-0877 x18 Amy Alinkofsky, camp director rocklandartcenter.org Welcome to Camp RoCA, a place to explore creativity and imagination, while developing skills to use throughout life.

Camp RoCA is fun—a place where memories and lasting friendships are made. The RoCA campus invites campers to be immersed in art on 10 wooded acres and in fully equipped studios. Campers learn to express themselves through visual and performing arts. Our sparkling pool

CAMP MARKETPLACE and open field provide plenty of outdoor recreation. Now five days a week in addition to three days. Two-, four-, six-, or eight-week sessions available. Discounts available! Open house will be held March 12 from 1-4pm.

Stage Left Children’s Theatre

111 Route 303, Suite 113, Tappan 845-365-9000 stageleftct.org francesca@stageleftct.org Stage Left Children’s Theatre Inc. is an opportunity for children ages 5-18 to develop and grow in confidence and poise through a study of theater arts. Working together, the children become aware of the cultural arts, themselves, and their personal potential—while learning to develop, respond, and create. While working in classes and workshops, they learn to grow in relationship to others, to move, and to express

themselves as an individual. It’s the magic of the theater—you’ll come for the experience; you’ll stay for the joy of it!

West Rock Indoor Sports and Entertainment Complex

21 Pralle Lane, Nanuet 845-623-3636 westrockindoor.com We are Rockland’s premier facility for sports training and development and special events.

Our versatile, air-conditioned facility includes two regulation-sized basketball courts, 26,000 square feet of all new turf, and six tennis courts.

We offer a variety of sports programs for tennis, basketball, baseball, soccer, and lacrosse.

Whatever your child’s age or athletic ability, we have a program to meet his or her needs.

Our highly-skilled staff ensures the perfect mix of fun, physical activity, and athletics. Check our website or call for summer 2017 camp details.

“The best thing about Mosholu Day Camp is everything!”

Sports

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Ages 5-16

Music & Arts

RegISTeR Now & SAVe $200!

Full Summer. offer ends Feb. 28, 2017.

Mention Coupon Code MDC18

Mosholu Day Camp/MMCC Located at Lake Cohasset in Harriman State Park 261 Arden Valley Road Bear Mountain, NY 10911 CALL: 845.243.0751 VISIT: mosholudaycamp.com RocklandParent 41

CAMP MARKETPLACE

Camp Huntington A Special Camp for the Special Camper

90 Minutes north of NYC Call Today: 855-707-2267

www.camphuntington.com Want to know the Want to know Best Activities for Families? the Best Activities Work Your Child’s Brain This Summer! FOR GRADES 9–12 FOR GRADES 7–8 for Families?

■ Game Design July 10–21 or July 17–21 July 24–Aug. 4 ■ Art Portfolio Prep 2 Subscribe to ■ Numerical Analysis July 24–Aug. 11 Aug. 14–18 our family ■ Brazilian Percussion ■ Programming/ Aug. 7–11 activity email Data Science ■ CompTIA A+ Aug. 7–11 newsletter.

July 10–21 ■ Art Portfolio Prep1

■ Ramapo Explorers-STEM Academic Camp 3 Sessions: July 10–21, July 24–Aug. 4, Aug. 7–18

Subscribe to our family activity email newsletter.

FOR GRADES 7–12 ■ Ramapo Explorers-Theater Camp One week sessions: July 10–Aug. 18

■ SAT Prep Plus

College Immersion July 17–27 ■ Stock Market Trading July 31–Aug. 4 ■ Web Site Development 3-Credit Online Class July 10–31

www.ramapo.edu/ramapocamps Register Online for Upcoming Info Sessions! or call 201-684-7370

NYMetroParents.com/register 505 Ramapo Valley Road • Mahwah, NJ

Feb 7 rockland parent.indd 1

Experience the adventure!

• 500+ acre nature preserve • Lakefront waterpark on majestic Lake Tiorati • Over 100 activities • In-ground heated pool • Certified teachers lead every group • Door-to-door A/C transportation included.

NYMetroParents.com/register 6 KENDALL DRIVE, NEW CITY, NY 845-638-2515 | DAYCAMPINTHEPARK.COM

Want to know the Best Activities 42

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Want to know the Best Activities for Families?

Subscribe to our family activity email newsletter.

NYMetroParents.com/register

CAMP MARKETPLACE

Young World Day Camp Ages 2-Rising 5th Grader 8 weeks beginning June 19th • Air-conditioned facility Red Cross certified Water Safety Instructor • Heated Pool Half-day and Full-day sessions • Sports Fundamentals Ask about our Montessori Camp and New Middle School Counselor in Training Program

585 Wyckoff Avenue Mahwah, NJ 07430 Ph. 201-327-3888 Fx. 201-327-2416 www.youngworlddayschool.org RocklandParent 43

roca

CAMP MARKETPLACE ROCKLAND CENTER FOR THE ARTS 27 s greenbush rd, w nyack, ny 10994

summer arts camp

Planning an Activity or Event for Children or Families?

Get FREE Exposure on

Fine Arts h Digital Arts h Swimming Nature Trails h Dance h Theater Arts

NEW 5 day a week option!

2, 4, 6 or 8 week sessions available grades K-8 h june 26-august 18

NYMetroParents.com

017 2 s e i t i v i ct Frida Family A Thurssday 6 d Wednes

ay

5

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For more information on our programs, visit www.rocklandartcenter.org or call (845) 358-0877

Summer Play Camp at Blue Rock School

use o H n Ope JCC at

13

12

11

20

19

18 27

Open House

26 25

March 11th | 12:00pm April 29th | 1:00pm

Come learn more about this joyful place where children ages 3-12 explore: Art Gardening Music Woodworking Sewing Nature & Science Drama Free Play Games Swimming Please register at summerplaycamp@bluerockschool.org or call 845-627-0234

110 Demarest Mill Road • West Nyack www.summerplaycamp.org 44

March 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Submit your entries online to

NYMetroParents.com/submitevent All entries subject to editor’s review and acceptance.

Announce it to more than 100,000 parents who are visiting NYMetroParents.com every month.

Be featured on the largest family activities Calendar in the metropolitan New York area.

CAMP MARKETPLACE

Gymnastics Summer Camp That’s out of this world!

Fun for Campers of all ability

(Boys & Girls - age 4 and up) • Flexible Registration Half day or full - by week or daily • Gymnastics Skills • Outdoor Water Slide • Snack Time, Arts & Crafts, Games Also Pre-School and Teen Gymnastics Classes, Mommy & Me, and Birthday Parties

Acting Workshops

for Call ER M SUM P CAM ! ils deta

for Kids of All Ages!

Come learn gymnastics that helps build body awareness, confidence, discipline, and positive self-esteem.

Galaxy Gymnastics 17A Greenbush Rd South, Orangeburg, NY

(845) 398-1000

Galaxy-Gymnastics.com MASTER JUNG & MASTER YU TRADITIONAL

TAEKWONDO

Building Leaders One kick at a time!!!

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CALL FOR A PHYSICAL FITNESS FREE TRIAL LESSON! Fun & Educational SELF-DEFENSE Birthday Parties RESPECT CONFIDENCE STRONG BODY! DISCIPLINE Ask about our

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• Learn acting fundamentals in a creative environment • Gain confidence – by contributing to the process • Private Coaching available for serious thespians • Creating original theatre & performances for all ages!

8 Second Street, New City | 845-708-2288 www.clarkstowntheatrecompany.com

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!

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

Join

NYMetroParents Get advance notice on activities, participate in group discussions and receive special notices.

MARTIAL ARTS • Karate • Jiu-Jitsu • Weapons Training • Self Defense • Kali Stick • Kickboxing

INCLUDES

ELECTIVES & EXTRA ACTIVITES • Dance • Gymnastics • Arts & Crafts • Gaming

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• 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.

www.facebook.com/nymetroparents

THE ACADEMY FOR MARTIAL ARTS

8 Orangetown Center, Orangeburg, NY 10962 (845) 359-4500 • www.RocklandKarate.com

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 stateof-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.

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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 and 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

Jill’s Ceramics Where children & adults create their own functional works of art

• KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTIES

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.

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

• ADULT’S NIGHT OUT • Specialty Items For Every Holiday • Paint & Go - Same Day Call for Extended Group Hours/Pricing and Current Weekend Hours

Look us up on Facebook

• Glaze & Fire Mon, Tues & Weds 930am-300pm; Thurs 700pm-930pm; Friday Kids Classes 300-500pm

180 Germonds Rd. West Nyack, NY • 845-623-4975 • www.jillsceramics.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.

Englewood Wyckoff • Norwood, NJ

Bronxville Woodcliff Lake

Want to know the best

activities for families?

Pinatas • Crafts • Entertainment • Sombreros • Birthday Cake (packages range from $8.95 - $21.00 per child)

for party info

201.848.4088 • www.bluemoonmexicancafe.com

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

Tilly...

A Deer’s Tale (BASED ON A TRUE STORY)

Subscribe to our family activity

email newsletter

NYMETROPARENTS.COM/REGISTER

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 PLANNER

To advertise: 845-848-8021 or nympads@davlermedia.com

Looking for the perfect birthday gift?

Come visit our Unique Toy Boutique!

Available all seasons.

Indoor/Outdoor facilities Private party room & host

Mention this ad for 10% OFF!

We offer over 7000 games, toys, crafts, puzzles, gadgets & more to choose from!

Small animal farm on site FREE riding photo for each child PATH certified staff Also Year-Round Lessons & Therapeutic Riding

Camp Venture Equestrian Center

15 Fernald Rd., Stony Point

(845) 786-3929

Visit Us on Facebook

1581 Route 202 • Pomona, NY

845-362-6053

Invite Fudgie or Mystique to your next party!

Join

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

FUDGIE

Special Reduced Rates Mon – Thurs!

Cantor Barbra Lieberstein is seeking local, qualified Hebrew Tutors for private & small group, in-home lessons to expanding Rockland student base.

To advertise: 845-848-8021 or nympads@davlermedia.com

NEED to plan the perfect party?

FIND venues, entertainers, suppliers,

and other ideas to create the ideal party in our online Parent Resources Directory.

201-788-6653 cantorbarbra@aol.com www.cantorbarbra.com 48

March 2017 | nymetroparents.com

NYMetroParents.com

Fully Insured

201-825-7481 | www.fudgietheclown.com

FAMILY RESOURCE GUIDE TUTORS

MYSTIQUE

Magic - Face Painting – Balloon Animals Magic - Face Painting – Balloon Animals Birthdays – Camps – Picnics Birthdays – Camps – Picnics

AD INDEX

NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY Metropolitan area!

ACROBATICS / GYMNASTICS

Galaxy Gymnastics........................................................ 45

Kastin & Newman Orthodontics..................................... 46

Galaxy Gymnastics........................................................ 45

Jill’s Ceramics................................................................ 47

Kupchik Dental, PLLC............................................. 25, 46

Tumble-Bee Gymnastics............................................... 13

Mathnasium of Nanuet.................................................. 33

Smile More Dentistry................................................. 7, 46

Rockland Center for the Arts......................................... 44

Smith’s Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry.................. 25, 46

Tumble-Bee Gymnastics............................................... 13

Tenafly Pediatrics.................................................... 33, 47

Blue Moon Mexican Café ............................................. 47

DANCE

PERFORMING ARTS / ACTING

Galaxy Gymnastics........................................................ 45

Coupe Theatre Studio................................................... 19

Clarkstown Theatre Company....................................... 45

Jill’s Ceramics................................................................ 47

Kreative Kids / Vicki’s Studio......................................... 23

Coupe Theatre Studio................................................... 19

BIRTHDAY / PARTY SERVICES Academy for Martial Arts............................................... 45

Master Jung & Yu Traditional Taekwondo..................... 45

Stage Left Children’s Theater........................................ 43

Palisades Climb Adventure.............................................. 9

EDUCATION

Rockland Parent Party Planner..................................... 48

Blue Rock School.......................................................... 44

Tumble-Bee Gymnastics............................................... 13

Green Meadow Waldorf School....................................... 2

West Rock Tennis Club................................................. 43

Kreative Kids / Vicki’s Studio......................................... 23 Mathnasium of Nanuet.................................................. 33

CAMPS

Palisades Country Day School & Camp.......................... 3

Camp Clio...................................................................... 41

Red Owl Academy........................................................... 7

Camp Huntington........................................................... 42

Tuxedo Union Free School District - STEM Academy....... 25

Clarkstown Theatre Company....................................... 45 Coupe Theatre Studio................................................... 19

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT /

Day Camp in the Park................................................... 42

EVENTS / OUTINGS

Deerkill Day Camp......................................................... 43

Jill’s Ceramics................................................................ 47

Galaxy Gymnastics........................................................ 45

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

Green Meadow Waldorf School....................................... 2

Rockland Youth Fest...................................................... 11

Kreative Kids / Vicki’s Studio......................................... 23

Ski Butternut.................................................................... 8

RESTAURANT / FOOD SERVICES Blue Moon Mexican Café ............................................. 47 Palisades Center ............................................................ 5

RETAIL Palisades Center ............................................................ 5 Tilly...A Deer’s Tale......................................................... 47

SPECIAL EVENTS Jewish Week (The)........................................................ 15 Rockland Youth Fest...................................................... 11

SPECIAL NEEDS Camp Huntington........................................................... 42

Mathnasium of Nanuet.................................................. 33

Tumble-Bee Gymnastics............................................... 13

Mosholu Montefiore Community Center........................ 41

FITNESS

Nature Place Day Camp.................................................. 9

Academy for Martial Arts............................................... 45

Palisades Country Day School & Camp.......................... 3

Galaxy Gymnastics........................................................ 45

SPORTS

Ramapo College Camps............................................... 42

i9 Sports - Rockland County.......................................... 25

Academy for Martial Arts............................................... 45

Red Owl Academy........................................................... 7

Master Jung & Yu Traditional Taekwondo..................... 45

Fin 2 Swim..................................................................... 42

Rockland Center for the Arts......................................... 44

Palisades Climb Adventure.............................................. 9

i9 Sports - Rockland County.......................................... 25

Stage Left Children’s Theater........................................ 43

Tumble-Bee Gymnastics............................................... 13

Master Jung & Yu Traditional Taekwondo..................... 45 Palisades Climb Adventure.............................................. 9

West Rock Tennis Club................................................. 43 Young World Day Camp................................................ 43

HEALTH

West Rock Tennis Club................................................. 43

Clemente Orthodontics.................................................. 23 CLASSES

Crystal Run Healthcare................................................. 52

THEATER

Fin 2 Swim..................................................................... 42

Dental Wellness of Suffern................................ 13, 46, 47

Stage Left Children’s Theater........................................ 43

RocklandParent 49

Stage Mother

Melissa Errico

VOICES ››

How I juggled motherhood with a dream role in a special musical By Melissa Errico

M

y kids regularly see me get ready for auditions, dressing up like a lawyer or the Queen of England, only to come home later and say I might not have gotten the job. We laugh. It’s Mommy’s life. They have learned that actors muster up their confidence and their passion, while having to accept a certain amount of powerlessness. I hope, above all, they learn from me that the process is as important as the final result.

But—drum roll, please!—sometimes an actor gets super lucky.

Just as the school year was beginning, I was asked to star in an off-Broadway musical called Finian’s Rainbow. Written in 1946, the show deals head on with the America of the Jim Crow South and its racism—and features incredible singing and dancing. I was excited for the role because I knew it was a special, timely musical as well as a worthy piece of Broadway history, having been the first musical in which black and white actors shared the stage and shared dressing rooms.

However, with three daughters—a 10-year-old and twins who are 8—I had to figure out how to juggle a theater schedule and a family.

I fretted about the details of home life that I would not be able to manage while I was at work during the hours of 4-10pm.

Matinee days would bring even longer hours, and every day I would need to get plenty of sleep and protect my voice. To complicate matters further, my kids were starting a new school, and I so wanted to help them with everything that transition entails. On the other hand, the show was scheduled to run merely for six weeks, and so I accepted the job, figuring two months of work was manageable.

As it turns out, blessedly, our production of Finian’s Rainbow became a hit. Every night was an incredible experience, and I felt I was a part of something important. The show was extended many times, and suddenly I was working through Thanksgiving, and then through Christmas, and then New Year’s Eve. It grew into a five-month commitment. My kids are torn. They want it to end but also feel proud that it has been going so well. They come to the theater sometimes and sit in my dressing room on weekend matinee days. We take it day by day. As I write this, I still have another three weeks to go.

Here’s how I’ve made it work: I wake up at 6:30am with the kids and my husband, and I prepare their breakfasts, after which one of us walks them to school. I then go back to bed but get up in time to take them to lunch (which their school allows) on days

The author and her daughters backstage in her Finian’s Rainbow dressing room

when I don’t have a matinee. And then it’s off to work. I don’t get to help them with their homework or put them to bed. We talk on the phone, and I FaceTime with them from my dressing room. I placed a box on the kitchen table where they leave any homework or tests they want me to see. They know that as soon as I come home, I’ll sign parent forms and read their returned homework. I’ll track missing gloves and a (still) missing blue sneaker. When they can’t sleep, I tell them to text me messages I’ll see during my breaks from the stage in Act Two. I text them selfies of myself blowing them kisses from my dressing table, and they do the same from their bedrooms.

I miss them every day, but I also know the work I am doing is important for them to take part in, even at a distance. They have adjusted amazingly well to a new school, without me home to help at night. I am proud of the juggling we have all done as a family.

Being an actress in the New York theater is no different than being any other working mom—except it keeps me out at night.

Going to bed late means I have to catch up on sleep with naps while doing whatever I can to connect to the children in every way possible. My family has taken on a lot of challenges so I can be a singer, and we talk about it often. I applaud them regularly for their strength, understanding, and flexibility. They also appreciate what a beautiful production I am in, and that it has a remarkably important message to give audiences.

We also know that one of the greatest things about New York City life is live theater. It is rare to have the opportunity to star in a show all of us believe in so strongly. The show will be over soon enough, and the next challenge of being an actress mommy will present itself. Until that happens, I will be able to slow down for a moment and make up for many missed bedtime kisses.

Though I sing at bedtime, it is not always a mother’s intimate lullaby. My hope is that my daughters will always hear two things in my song: That my voice is inspired by loving them, and that a woman’s work can be fascinating and fulfilling.

Tony Award-nominated singer and actress Melissa Errico has three young girls and is married to ESPN commentator and former tennis pro Patrick McEnroe. They are lifelong New Yorkers. Finian’s Rainbow closed in late January.

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March 2017 | nymetroparents.com

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RocklandParent 51

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