LongIsland SUFFOLK EDITION
Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM FEBRUARY 2018
CAMP SPECIAL! • Why Campers Make Better Students • Find the Perfect Camp for Your Child NEW! Camps at a Glance • Transportation • Lunch • Flexible Hours • More
e Baby Love
How Infants Learn Affection
Virtual Assistants vs. Manners Do Google Home and Alexa Make Kids Rude?
HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS
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SUMMER GROWTH SPURT Usdan is an award-winning day camp for students ages 4-18 to explore music, dance, theater, visual arts, sports and more on our Long Island campus in the woods. JOIN US FOR AN OPEN HOUSE: Sunday, February 11 or Sunday, March 18. Reservations required. Visit usdan.org/visit.
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contents table of
Original photo by ›› PhotoOp NYC (photoopnyc.com) Clothing provided by Appaman (appaman.com)
february 2018
50 33
camp 14 10 Lessons Learned at Camp that Benefit Kids in School
34
18 Camp Directory 22 Camps-at-a-Glance Chart
Quotables
The best parenting quotes from the web, and how your definition of love changed after becoming a parent!
Staying Inside
Indoor fun in Queens, including hot cocoa spots, play spaces, and indoor water parks
How Babies Learn to Love
Your little one is hard-wired to adore you, and there’s plenty you can do to help build that bond.
raising kids
things to do
family life
6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 9 5 Things You Need to Know About Your Postpartum Body 10 A Parenting Mantra 34 How Babies Learn to Love 40 Help Your Teen Get More Exercise 42 Healthy Smiles 45 Party Central 46 Professional Services 47 Open Houses 48 Meet the Doctor 49 Advertisers’ Index 50 Quotables
11 Valentine’s Day Pompom Critters
36 House Hunters
24 Family Fun in Manhattan
38 Hey Google! Can You Teach My Kid Some Manners...Please?
25 Family Activities Calendar
44 Vegan Snacks for a Super Bowl Party
33 Staying Inside
NYMetroParents
Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› facebook.com/nymetroparents
13 Camp Special! 34 Baby Love
38 Virtual Assistants vs. Manners
@NYMetroParents Visit NYMETROPARENTS.COM for family activities updated daily and more than 2,000 parenting articles!
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raising kids editor’s note
FEBRUARY 2018 • Vol.9 • No.9
NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com
EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Deborah Skolnik MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling DEPUTY EDITOR: Caitlin Berens SENIOR EDITOR: Bethany Braun-Silva ENGAGEMENT EDITOR: Samantha Neudorf REGIONAL EDITORS: Samantha Beranbom (Rockland); Karen Demeter (Suffolk); Whitney C. Harris (Manhattan, Westchester); Rosalind Muggeridge (Brooklyn); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke EDITORIAL INTERN: Caitlin Sawicki
Lots to Love On These Pages! I
To Submit Events: nymetroparents.com/submitevents
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Big Apple Parent 212-315-0800 Jeunesse Jackson, EJ Morales-Gomez, Linda Pierce Queens Parent 718-878-4860 Annene Guertin, Manager
t’s cold out there! (Those strange shuffling figures outside your window aren’t extras from The Walking Dead, btw—they’re kids whose moms dressed them in too many layers.) But here inside the offices of NYMetroParents, we’re thinking about summer. Yes, now’s the time to begin making your kids’ camp plans. Bewildered by all the choices? We’ve made it easier than ever for you to find the exact camp that you want. In addition to a comprehensive camp directory, we’ve created an ata-glance chart on page 22. Need a program that offers transportation or lunch? Flexible hours, art, or special-needs services? We break it all down for you with checkboxes—we know you’ve got better things to do than to dig around for all that info! Once you’ve settled on the best camp for your child, it’s only natural to wonder what he’ll get out of the experience. In addition to having lots of fun, he’ll learn some serious life lessons—ones that can turn him into a super student once school is back in session. We asked Stacey Ebert, a former educator, camper, and counselor herself, to share the lowdown in “10 Lessons Learned at Camp that Benefit Kids in School” (p. 14). Of course, February is a month when love is in the air, so check out my story on “How Babies Learn to Love” (p. 34). Don’t expect flowers and candy for a while, but if you know what to look for, there are all sorts of reassuring signs that your relationship with your little one is a two-way street! I’ll walk you through every sweet little milestone. If you’ve got a growing family, you may also be searching for a home to love, and live in, for many happy years to come. For most of us, it will be the largest purchase of our lives. That’s one scary commitment to make! To help you in the process, read Samantha Neudorf’s “House Hunters” story (p. 38). It gives the inside scoop from the pros on how to scope out neighborhoods, figure out how much house you can afford, show sellers you’re serious, and much more. And, in a most unlikely love story, can you get your teen to actually adore exercise? We asked trainers what it takes to get your favorite phone-obsessed couch potato up and moving (p. 40). The good news is, it’s easier than you think, as long as you’re prepared to get in the game yourself. Why wouldn’t you? It’s always a smart idea to work a little more healthy activity into your day. You’ll both look and feel better, and just in time, too—if you ask us, at least, summer is just around the corner.
Brooklyn Parent 718-878-4860 Phyllis Crupi, Selene Rodriguez Rockland Parent 845-848-8021 Cara Roteman, Jim Russo Long Island Parent, Nassau 516-883-4543 Joan Bergman, Manager Lisa Herlihy Long Island Parent, Suffolk 631-472-5437 Karen Shapiro, Gayle Sherman To Advertise: nympads@davlermedia.com DIR. OF OPERATIONS -- EVENTS: Rebecca Stolcz DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Ray Winn OPERATIONS COORDINATORS: Leonard Porter, Christopher Regalado DIRECTOR OF TRAFFIC: Heather Gambaro ADMINISTRATION MANAGER: Erin Jordan
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Taste more than 200 kosher wines!
Nosh on delicious snacks!
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Grand Wine Tasting Event Monday March 12 | 5 - 9 p.m. City Winery, 155 Varick Street 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 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 our Top 18 kosher wines in 10 categories, and more! For tickets, VIP Early Access & details visit http://jewishweek.timesofisrael.com/wine-tasting/
VIP/Early Access 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm $79 and then admission to the Grand Wine Tasting Private tasting capped at 125 guests with a premium wine selection.
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raising kids new places, new programs
Who: Cummings Family Dentistry What’s New: Yumee Yang, D.D.S., a general dentist who started in January. Dr. Yang is trained in cavity fillings, cleanings, implant work, and other preventative and maintenance treatments. She works on Saturdays, which helps with office wait times. “She’s very well respected by her patients and her peers,” says owner Johnasina Cummings, D.D.S. “I respect her a lot, I know what she’s able to do, and she’s phenomenal.” All three dentists on staff, including Dr. Yang, Tenille Phang, D.D.S., and Dr. Cummings have had similar training at Stony Brook University Hospital’s residency program. Want More Info: 42 High St., Huntington; 631-425-1650; cummingsfamilydentistry.com
gs Family Dentistry
Dental Practice in Huntington Expands Staff
Camps ‘R’ Us is a fam ily-owned summer cam p for children ages 3-15.
Courtesy Cummin
Who: Camps ‘R’ Us What’s New: Locations in East Rockaway and Saint James, which are scheduled to open for the first day of camp on June 25. Plus, an enhanced dance program; ELA, math, science, and social studies lessons; and additional theme days and field trips for all locations. The offerings at the new locations will be similar to those at the seven other locations on Long Island, including sports, arts and crafts, interactive gaming, go-karts, swimming, and bowling. The eight-week 2018 camp season runs from June 25-Aug. 17 (no camp July 4). Want More Info: Camps ‘R’ Us East Rockaway at St. Raymond School, 263 Atlantic Ave., East Rockaway and Camps ‘R’ Us Saint James at Saints Philip and James School, 359 Clinton Ave., Saint James; campsrus.org; 516-935-2267
Courtesy Camps ‘R’ Us
Long Island Summer Camp Expands and Adds Programs
ily d Cummings Fam ings, D.D.S., opene and lts adu ve Johnasina Cumm ser to ago in Huntington treatDentistry 12 years also specializes in as 1; the practice children as young cial needs. ing patients with spe
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February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
Courtesy Matt Zugale / Usdan Summ er Camp
Who: Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts What’s New: The Choreographic Institute and courses in puppetry, beginner guitar and piano, Broadway jazz, and West African dance, plus a 50th anniversary celebration. “Every class is taught by a professional artist who has a career in their art form as well as a career as an educator,” says executive director Lauren Brandt Schloss. Children ages 4-18 are invited to attend camp June 25-Aug. 10. The camp will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year at its annual gala July 19, during which alumni will perform music alongside current students. Want More Info: 185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights; 631-6437900; info@usdan.org; usdan.org
for the Arts
Arts Summer Camp Adds Courses and Celebrates 50 Years
Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts strive s to provide an arts education in a camp setting to childr en throughout the New York metro area.
raising kids in the know
5 Things You Need To Know About Your Postpartum Body›› By Bethany Braun-Silva with Marianne Ryan, PT, OCS
S
o much comes with the territory of getting pregnant. Body changes such as aches and pains, acid reflux, hair growth, and of course, weight gain are all part of the deal. It would be great if these unwanted symptoms would simply go away after a woman gives birth—after all, a new mom has enough to worry about—but that’s simply just not the case. Our bodies continue to change postpartum. It’s important that we are aware of these changes and continue to take care of ourselves along with our new bundle of joy. We asked Marianne Ryan, PT, OCS, physical therapist, clinical director of Marianne Ryan Physical Therapy, and author of Baby Bod– Turn Flab to Fab in 12 Weeks Flat, what women can expect from their bodies after giving birth. Ryan runs a physical therapy practice in New York City dedicated to helping women recover postpartum, so she has plenty of advice to offer. Here, she shares five things women should know about their postpartum bodies: 1. Just because you gave birth, that doesn’t mean you lost weight. Whatever you do, don’t even think of stepping on that scale for at least 30 days after you deliver your baby. I remember breaking down into tears after I weighed myself three days after I delivered my first daughter. I had only lost a few pounds! I asked myself, ‘How can that be?’ My daughter weighed 8½ pounds and the placenta and amniotic fluid weighed about 3 or 4 pounds, so I should have weighed at least 12 pounds less, right? Wrong! Right after giving birth, your body is still going through a lot changes. The amount of fluid you retain can fluctuate hourly, especially if you are nursing. It takes a few weeks for your body to lose the excess fluid you built up during your pregnancy and for your uterus to return to normal size. So as much fun as it may seem to find out how much you weigh, don’t do it; it can drive you crazy. 2. You can exercise, just take it slow. As a general rule I advise women to protect their bodies during the first six postpartum
weeks. For example, don’t lift anything heavier than your newborn baby. If you have an older toddler, try to teach them to climb up to you while you sit on a chair or bed. After your six-week postpartum check up, you can gradually return to pre-pregnancy activities as long as you do not develop pain or have other symptoms that indicate your pelvic floor muscles have not fully recovered. 3. You might still look pregnant. This can be due to a condition called diastasis recti—it’s a separation of abdominal muscles, which can occur during pregnancy and remain afterward, resulting in a protruding belly. To keep it from getting worse, avoid activities that put pressure on your abdomen, such as getting out of bed by doing a sit up. Instead, get out of bed by rolling over onto your side and swinging your legs over the side of the bed before sitting up. And whenever you lift something heavy, such as a grocery bag or a large pot of pasta, exhale to reduce the strain on your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. 4. You might feel a little leaky. It’s common to experience incontinence right after childbirth, but it is not normal if it continues for more than a couple of months. When you leak urine, it means there is a fault in the system that supports your bladder, and you should seek help to get it fixed. The best way to approach it is to consider going for pelvic physical therapy with a women’s health specialist. 5. Expect some pain. Pain in the back, pelvis, pelvic floor area, or abdomen is a common complaint of new moms, but it is not normal if the pain continues. Make sure to report it to your doctor or midwife. Most people assume pain is just a normal occurrence new moms have to learn to live with, but it shouldn’t be! If you have persistent pain, consider getting it treated by a women’s health care professional such as a physical therapist or chiropractor.
Marianne Ryan, PT, OCS, has mastered the highest level of advanced orthopedic manual therapy techniques. She is a thought leader in the field, known for her special knowledge in the areas of prenatal and postpartum physical therapy, TMJ, and headaches. A frequent lecturer and source for national media, she is also the author of the international best-selling book Baby Bod-Turn Flab to Fab in 12 Weeks Flat, available on amazon.com.
LongIslandParent
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raising kids voices
A Parenting Mantra ››
How one mom’s newfound approach to life—discovered during pregnancy—allowed her to pursue a music career while raising a daughter in Brooklyn. By Janie Barnett
I
was pregnant when my album, Shake the Ladder, was released. Surprise! While my pregnancy wasn’t planned, my husband and I had always wanted children. So we welcomed the news, albeit with a bit of breathless naiveté. Four months into the pregnancy, we performed at a holiday party for a premier rehearsal studio in New York, with numerous appearances planned for the months ahead. At the end of the evening, exhausted, I said to my husband, “Maybe we have to rethink this schedule.” Rethink. That word was to become our mantra in the juggling of work and parenthood. Yes, there was a master plan, reflecting the needs of two freelancer parents. But executing “the plan” meant embracing a mantra, plus several other bits of wisdom: Nothing is engraved in stone. Every challenge has its unique set of choices. And…be ready to drop everything. I was offered the chance to go on tour when my daughter was just 3 months old. Would we hire a live-in nanny to help my husband? Would I take my daughter with me? We considered these options; then came another moment of recognition. Time to rethink again. That rethink came in the form of an acknowledgment: I had no interest in being away from my daughter for weeks at a time. This clarity brought a kind of relief that surprised me. I wouldn’t wrestle with this particular choice, but how would I keep my career moving forward while being a fully engaged parent? There was no single formula. My daughter loves the fact that her mom is a musician. As a little girl, when someone was singing on the radio or a CD, she would ask, “Do we know her?” But freelance life meant that my young daughter had a babysitter in place right from the beginning. The call to run to the recording studio could come at any time. The babysitter—who, more than 20 years later, I still consider part of the family—was not always available. And my husband, also a freelance musician, was often out working as well. Sometimes I brought my daughter to the studio. The rethink: Maybe my colleagues at the studio will not mind…maybe my daughter will be easy-going…maybe this can be managed in a different way than my working mother had to manage it. She came to the studio and delighted all, while Mommy put the headphones on and sang. On
Janie Barnett’s daughter, Adrienne, who is now 25
several occasions I worked in the studios during school hours, ran to pick her up from school, ate dinner and did the bedtime routine with her, then headed back to the studios for a 10pm recording session. During the elementary- and middle-school years, I came upon one of the most profound gifts to the working parent: the larger community of working families. My daughter had great friends, and those friends had great parents who “got it.” I recall an afternoon, hanging out with friends two blocks over in Brooklyn, when the stress-inducing beeper went off. Mommy was called to the studio. “Sweetie, we gotta go in to town,” I told my daughter. Her response? “Mommy, how about I stay with Barbara?” Barbara was her best friend Julia’s mommy. I teared up. My kid had figured it out. Rethink in the moment: Be flexible. Look for other ways to ride with it. Help, and be helped. Spot the people who are also rethinking every day. Love their kids as they love yours. On a late fall afternoon, walking from the subway to pick up my daughter from science club, I wrote the chorus to a new song in my head. She was 10 then, fully her own person, but she always hoped Mommy would be the one to pick her up. That afternoon I felt the surge of creativity that I knew was borne out of necessity. The old model: I need hours to do my best work, and my sitter to provide me with those indulgent hours. The rethink: Seize the moment! Flip the switch! Get on with it! It’s the advice I got from my cousin, a mathematician, who would work just one step of a proof while her infant daughter napped. Moving into high school years, one might expect that I was “cut loose” from daily hands-on parenting. Few teenage girls want their mother in the trenches with them: “Get outta my face, Mom!” But my girl? Magically, she wanted me right there with her, at least most of the time. Time to rethink again. Just keep yourself in the game, keep expanding your skills, get ready (no, it’s not too late!) for the time when you will fully step away, and have that undivided time again. As a working parent, I learned a lesson that I’ve come to understand is essential for a happy life in general—and it’s a lesson my daughter fully acknowledges she’s learned in our journey together: Be flexible, be ingenious, be ready to rethink. My daughter and I are grateful every day for the relationship that was borne from this fluidity.
Janie Barnett is a performing singer-songwriter in the Americana tradition. Her work and recent album release can be found at janiebarnett.com. She has been part of the New York recording session scene for many years, as well a producer/arranger and educator. Barnett is an Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music in Boston, while maintaining her life in Brooklyn, where her daughter, Adrienne Hanson, was raised.
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February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
things to do
diy corner
Valentine’s Day Pompom Critters V
alentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and that means hearts, candy, flowers, and cards—especially cards for your kids’ classmates. Rather than buying premade Valentine’s Day cards that are a dime a dozen (how many variations of superhero and popular cartoon Valentine’s Day puns can there really be?), try making these adorable love bugs with your kids for their friends. We’re almost positive these critters will be hanging out on desks long after the holiday has passed. Editor’s note: While this DIY calls for specific brands readily available at Michaels stores, feel free to use your favorite brands or products that are available in your local craft store. Duration: 15 minutes or less Craft Level: Beginner Materials: Foam Heart Stickers By Creatology® Creatology™ Pom Poms, Sparkle Mix Creatology™ Assorted Wiggle Eyes Creatology™ Chenille Stems Elmer’s® Washable School Glue Artist’s Loft™ Aluminum Straight Edge Ruler Instructions: 1. Choose a large heart sticker for the Critter’s feet. Do not peel the backing paper off the sticker. Lay it flat on the table with the rounded part of the heart facing forward.
2. C hoose a large pompom and glue it to the top of the heart sticker. 3. Optional: Glue a medium pompom on top of the large pompom to create a head, separate from the body. 4. G lue two wiggle eyes to the large pompom. Tip: Another fun way to add eyes is to glue two wiggle eyes to two tiny pompoms and then glue the tiny pompoms to the large pompom. 5. C ut a piece of chenille stem about 2 inches long and fold in half. Glue two tiny pompoms to each end and then glue the folded part to the top of the large Pompom Critter’s body. Let dry. 6. O ptional: Choose a heart sticker and glue the bottom pointed end of the heart to the lower back of the body, creating a tail.
Craft and photography courtesy and reprinted with permission of Michaels // Michaels.com; share photos of your project with #MakeItWithMichaels.
LongIslandParent 11
CAMP MARKETPLACE
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JULY 2-27 The fun and enriching HabiTots Summer Camp program is a wonderful opportunity to try new things, discover new abilities and make new friends. Join us for 10-weeks of fun-filled summer activities!
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February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
OPEN HOUSES
HOURS: Monday — Friday from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm.
516.622.5678 • 239 Cold Spring Rd., Syosset LIHSA is a program of Nassau BOCES
online extras Ever wonder why kids love summer camp so much? We’re sharing the inside scoop from real happy campers at ›› nymetroparents.com/camp-great There are ways to know when your child is old enough for camp. Experts share advice on how you can gauge your child's readiness at ›› nymetroparents.com/how-young
Being a camp counselor is a great first job for many kids. Learn why at ›› nymetroparents.com/counselor When you’re shopping around for a summer camp for your child, you’ll probably want to interview the camp director. Find a list of questions you should ask at ›› nymetroparents.com/camp-directors
inside
raising kids camp special
14 10 Lessons Learned at Camp that Benefit Kids in School: Sending your children to summer camp has many lasting benefits—especially when it comes to education. amp Directory: Find day camps, 18 C specialty camps, and sleepaway camps in and near Suffolk County. 22 C amp Guide: This camps-at-a-glance chart makes it easier to find exactly what you want in a summer camp.
10 Lessons Learned at Camp that Benefit Kids in School ››
Sending your children to summer camp has many lasting benefits—especially when it comes to education. By Stacey Ebert
A
t my sleepaway camp, Maryanne was the camp cook. From the time I was 10, she and her husband called me ‘the camper’. The nickname stuck, and it still exists at reunions and on social media messages decades later. Although I never mentioned that tidbit to my high school students (I used to be a teacher), I learned at an early age that relationships matter. Forming bonds matters. And no matter who you are, where you come from, or what position you hold (at camp, in school, or at work), interacting with people allows us to learn lessons we never knew would make such a difference in our lives. There are lessons in everything. Some of the most important ones take shape in our youth while we’re at camp, such as learning to clean up the cabin, clear the dishes, and help out a fellow camper. These, along with other camp lessons—be an
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February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
active listener, pay attention to the little things, and be excited to learn new things—influence us well beyond the camp cabins. Sometimes it’s hard for parents to send their little ones away to camp for the day, the week, the month, or the entire summer. But when they do, it’s clear that these lessons learned in the summer months will last far into kids’ adult years—and more immediately help them in the classroom. Here’s a look at some camp wisdom that can also help kids be better students:
Do unto others.
Campers and counselors share hopes, dreams, fears, challenges, struggles, wishes for the future, and much more. We all bring a different level of baggage and gifts to the table, and all of us deserve to be treated with kindness, respect, empathy, and
CAMP MARKETPLACE compassion. Camp opens minds, breaks boundaries, and enriches souls. As an educator, I taught my ninth-graders about religions and philosophies and how although each has its differences, most have something similar to the Golden Rule: Treat others as you would like to be treated. I learned that lesson at camp far before I ever set foot in a global history classroom, and my students practiced it regularly. Sometimes it meant sharing snacks with one another. Sometimes it meant stepping in when a fellow student was bullied. Sometimes it meant saying hello to a staffer who treated them with kindness. Without question, there is no expiration date on kindness and treating others with respect.
Find your creativity.
My first class at sleepaway camp was painting on rocks. Perhaps that’s not a skill I use on a daily basis, but the message behind it? Definitely. Feel the feelings, listen to your heart, create what speaks to you, and, even if you think it won’t be understood, don’t be afraid to show the world your idea or creation. Students benefit from this on a daily basis. Taking up a musical instrument when their friends’ choices are different, trying out for a school play, expressing oneself through writing, or jumping into graphic design classes are only some of the ways that creativity shines in school settings. These lessons apply in education, in the arts, in job performance, in hobbies, and in life.
Camp Clio
eventh S r u O nd Year a g din Expan ion iss Our M
a seriously fun place for adopted children... Youths and Teens Camp Clio
(Ages 9 - 12)
July 1 to July 21, 2018 (1, 2, or 3 weeks) Held at Camp Claire Lyme, CT
Camp Clio Teen
(Ages 13 - 16)
July 1-6 or July 7-13, 2018 (1 or 2 weeks) Held at Middlesex County Camp Moodus, CT
Rest assured that there’s something for everyone.
I have three best friends from sleepaway camp. One loved horseback riding, one adored farming, one was a fan of arts and crafts; three of us became lifeguards; and all of us became counselors. Later in life, three of us became educators and two of us took to the creative arts. Theater arts, community service, music, sports, and internships are only some of the many avenues out there, and whether we are young or young-at-heart, there is always a place for all of us.
Practice patience, positivity, persistence, and perseverance.
These four words embody the characteristics of many of my favorite counselors, and I passed those lessons and skills on to campers when I became a counselor. Sometimes kids were homesick and a positive attitude boosted their spirits. Sometimes kids were frustrated when they tried something new, and persistence and perseverance were the lessons of the day. And sometimes some kids took longer at learning, accepting, or changing, and patience was more important than our counselors ever knew. Every day in the classroom, students put these lessons into action. They try harder at math, work diligently at acquiring a second language, and use mindfulness techniques to bring their positivity to light. We may outgrow the ability to be campers, but we never outgrow the need for these significant lessons— especially in a learning environment.
Learn new things.
I rode my first horse, became a lifeguard, and learned how to make a one-match campfire at camp. Each of these was fairly terrifying, yet today I continue to use all of these skills (well, most of them). The desire to learn things doesn’t end when the buses leave camp on the last day. From the first day of school onward, learning things is part of a student’s existence; perhaps it’s a new scientific equation, a new culinary technique, a new sport in physical education, or a new way of interpreting a classic novel. Learning new things keeps our minds open and our continued on next page ››
Ohman School Of Ballet founded in 1979
Classical Cl lass la ssic ical Ballet Instruction in the tra raddiitio ion of George Balanchine tradition
Frank F Fr Fra rank O ra Ohman hman School of Ballet Train With A Master (Former Soloist NYC Ballet)
• Home H School h l Off New York Dance Theatre • Year-round Enrollment • Age 3 thru Professional Levels • Mommy & Me • Summer Dance Programs • Presents Long Island’s Largest “Nutcracker” at Hofstra
631-462-6266 www.ohmanballet.org 60 Calvert Avenue, Commack, NY, 11725
LongIslandParent 15
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perspective broadening. Whether traditional schooling, home schooling, or the learning that comes from being out in the world, the yearning for more knowledge, more culture, more skills, and more growth never fades.
Try new things, especially if they make you uncomfortable.
There was a giant rock called Geronimo on the shoreline at camp. I always thought those who climbed it and jumped off were exceptionally brave. I was petrified to try this myself, yet somehow when I wiped the foamy sea from my face and came up for air, I felt exhilarated. The idea of being afraid, taking a deep breath, and doing it anyway applies to core classes in school and far beyond. Walking into a new high school, not having any friends in your lunch period, or deciding to join the Robotics Club when everyone else is going to chorus—every day at school there’s a bit of discomfort, but applying this lesson from camp creates ease, lessens stress, and empowers youth. Later in life, my best friends from camp and I lived in other parts of the world, grew gardens, raised children, started businesses, got married, and even made new friends. Each of these things involved stepping beyond our comfort zone, yet even the bumps and bruises along the way have been incredibly worthwhile. George Addair is right: “Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.”
Show empathy.
At every camp I went to and worked at, at some point in the day, there was swimming of some kind—whether it meant walking down more than 200 steps to the beach or leaving the locker room, getting a buddy, and heading to the pool. The exercise it provided was good for both mind and body, but the empathy learned through swimming sessions delved deeper. Learning to swim is scary. For some campers, it’s their first time seeing open water. Some have had a traumatic experience in the water and must overcome something far more challenging than stepping their toes over the many unsteady rocks. Some take longer to learn one portion of a stroke before moving on to the next. The instructors taught all of us with ease, kindness, patience, and most importantly empathy. Throughout the school year, students put into action those life lessons: listening to understand each other, utilizing each others’ strengths, lending a hand with each others’ weaknesses, and being aware of various needs and abilities.
Diversity matters.
There were approximately 10 campers per cabin, five cabins per unit, and nearly 15 cabins that formed all of upper girls camp at my summer camp. If an outsider took a straw poll, the diversity levels would have rated off the charts. The differences made us stronger, taught us tolerance, built community, empowered empathy, encouraged perspective, raised our awareness of others’ journeys, and made us better people. School is much the same; there are as many differences as there are students in a school, from backgrounds and traditions, to interests and hobbies, to family units and dreams for life after school. Seeing these
differences as vital, enriching, and encouraging creates safe spaces, enables growth, and opens minds. A classroom has 30 different students with 30 different stories. Each peer has merit, value, and purpose. Camp teaches us to embrace them all.
Sharing is caring.
Everyone is a teacher at camp. Debbie inspired me to be a lifeguard. Katie shared her love of travel, inspiring me to go off on my own adventures. Millie taught me to cook. Krista taught me to swim and shared her snacks. Each of them, along with many others, shared their wisdom. Each camper and counselor has something to offer, creating a sense of community that in turn benefits students and schools. Campers, and later students, learn that school is a safe space where adults share wisdom and advice, and guidance comes in many forms. Some students learn best from a teacher, others confide in their coaches and advisors, some chat with the nurse, cafeteria workers, librarians, or the many others who are a part of the school setting. Students become better friends, better learners, and are more willing to put their talents out there in the world. Compassion, knowledge, and talents are shared at lunch tables, in after-school activities, and in the classroom. It truly does take a village, and embracing that mindset creates a culture of community-minded youth.
Be proud of your achievements.
As a sleepaway camper, I couldn’t wait for Sunday night’s council fire. That was when the entire girls camp got together and sang songs, and one cabin was awarded Honor Cabin. People got their swim certificates, and the whole camp celebrated newly appointed lifeguards. As an aquatics director at a day camp, I gave out swimmer of the week certificates to various campers. As a student, it feels good to have your work honored, your creations displayed, and your efforts encouraged. Success isn’t built overnight and learning to take pride in your achievements begins at camp and continues into school—and later into adulthood. At camp I learned from an early age to strive for goals, be proud of achievements, and continue reaching for the next, often seemingly unattainable, goal. My camp brochure had pictures of open water, cool cabins, enticing evening activities, animals and arts, fields and farming; it looked as if you could jump directly into all of the fun. The pictures couldn’t possibly quantify the learning that happened, all of the skills acquired, the positive experiences, or the personal growth that took place. Ask any former camper what they remember and you’ll get stories of escapades with friends, cool counselors, awesome activities, and endless fun. Ask them what they learned at camp and be prepared to settle in for an infinite list of hard skills, soft skills, and life lessons that helped turn them into the person standing in front of you today. Camp lessons aren’t scored on a rubric or a bubble sheet, on a multiple-choice assessment or in a three-page essay. These lessons stand the test of time, open minds, build bridges, impart skills and wisdom, and create communities of happy, kind, fulfilled humans. It’s hard to imagine a better score than that.
Stacey Ebert is a camper at heart who has spent more than 25 years in the camping and education industries in New York as a teacher, club advisor, counselor, and aquatics director. She is a published writer, blogger, event planner, volunteer manager, and educator always in search of joy. She loves travel, spending time outside, and is an avid yogi. She has visited more than 50 of the world’s countries, and met her Australian-born husband while on a trip in New Zealand. Check out her blog at thegiftoftravel.wordpress.com.
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February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
CAMP MARKETPLACE
Summer Program for the Gifted Challenging Creative Enriching CAMP
Grades K – 8
3, 4 & 5 Day Workshops
June 25th – August 31st
STEAM | Robotics | Engineering | Archaeology | Writing | Culinary Science Business/Economics | BioMedical Studies | Humanities | Zoology & more!
Enriching brilliant minds every day… in every way.
Is your child
GIFTED? Year-Round Enrichment
All Subject Areas Ages 2-16
Classes Offered 7 Days a Week Nassau & Suffolk Locations
631-549-2313
www.VillageEastGifted.com
SAINT PATRICK’S SUMMER CAMP #forthekids
10 Acres of Indoor and Outdoor Adventure, Sports, Activities and Special Events!
Kiddie Camp Ages 3-5
EN ROLL NOW FOR: Spring Dek Hockey Summer Baseball, Softball & Lacrosse Summer Hoops Team - Boys & Girls
Main Camp Ages 6-12
Teen Travel Ages 13-15
St. Patrick Enrichment Center
Before & After Care (7:15 AM - 5:45 PM) Enrichment Programs Ages 3-12 Mommy & Me ~ Separation Program Kindergarten Readiness Program Tutoring K-12th grade SAT Preparations ~ Study Skills Catholic High School Entrance Exam Classes
631-360-0185 www.stpatsyouth.com Saint Patrick R.C. Church 280 E. Main St., Smithtown
●Athletic Fields ●Sports Courts ●Playgrounds ●Challenge Course ●Karate ●GoPro Photography ●RC Cars/Drones ●Pedal Kart Track
●Dance ●Giant Slide ●Sprinkler Park ●Slip-N-Slide ●Carnival ●Talent Show ●Glow Party ●and Much More
OPEN HOUSE: SAT. MARCH 24th 11AM –2PM Ages 2 -12 Yrs ● 2 - 8 Weeks ● Flexible Day/Week Scheduling Full Day 9am - 4pm ● Early Drop-off & Late Pick-up Half Day Program Also Available (Ages 2 to 5yrs.)
KidsCountryDayCamp.com
631-331-5351
37 Crystal Brook hollow Rd. Mount Sinai, NY 11766
LongIslandParent 17
Camp Directory DAY CAMPS
Future Stars Summer Camps
The College at Old Westbury, Old Westbury 516-876-3490 Farmingdale State College 2350 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale St. Joseph’s College 155 W. Roe Blvd., Patchogue fscamps.com Future Stars Summer Camps offer weekly Sports, STEAM, and Specialty camp programs at three outstanding collegiate locations (The College at Old Westbury, Farmingdale State College, and St. Joseph’s College Patchogue). Programs are offered to boys and girls entering kindergarten-ninth grade. Future Stars programs help campers improve their skills in their chosen activities and a balanced day ensures the perfect blend of instruction and fun. Stop by open house events to view the facilities, meet the staff, and take advantage of enrollment savings. See you in the summer!
HabiTots Summer Camp
703 Patchogue Yaphank Road, Medford 631-345-3200 1400 Middle Country Road, Middle Island 631-205-0279 The HabiTots Summer Camp program is a wonderful opportunity to try new things, discover new abilities, and make new friends. Young and older campers alike receive the best possible camp experience. With well-trained camp leaders who offer a wide range of unique skills, and are CPR- and first aid-certified, you can rest assured that your child is learning and having a blast in a safe environment. Camp offerings include age-appropriate explorations in art, sports, nature, music, cooking, drama, science and technology, and engineering. We also have a lot of fun!
Kids Country Day Camp
37 Crystal Brook Hollow Road, Mount Sinai 631-331-5351 kidscountrydaycamp.com Ten acres of indoor and outdoor adventure, sports, activities, and special events. Children ages 3-12 take part in more than 50 fun exciting activities including field and court sports, arts and crafts, dance, karate, talent show, giant water slide, sprinkler park, pedal karts, and challenge course. Camp program includes eight weeks excluding July 4 holiday. Various combinations of weeks and days available. Activity hours are 9am–4pm. Extended care from 7am–6pm. Rates include lunch, snack, refreshments, towel service, arts and crafts and activity
18
materials, sports equipment, two camp shirts, and accident insurance.
Knox School Summer Adventures
541 Long Beach Road, St. James 631-686-1600 x414 knoxschool.org/summer-programs/ summer-adventures ndezenzo@knoxschool.org Summer Adventures at the Knox School is Long Island’s best kept camp secret! Located in St. James on the shores of Stony Brook Harbor, our picturesque waterfront campus is 48 rolling acres. Kids in kindergarten through 10th grade can get away from the stress of the school year and enjoy good old-fashioned fun in the great outdoors! Knox offers flexible scheduling, choose the days and weeks best for your child to attend camp. Before- and after-care program fully staffed by adult professionals available 7am and until 6pm. Now offering nine weeks!
Long Island Voyager’s Day Camp
516-238-4586 livoyagersdaycamp.com livoyagersdaycamp@gmail.com Long Island Voyager’s Day Camp is an exciting, action-packed, and safe summer experience for boys and girls ages 4-14. We offer activities that include swimming, sports, arts and crafts, rock climbing, gymnastics, talent shows, and special events, plus amazing adventure trips to Splish Splash, Adventureland, Boomers, museums, iMax theaters, Fire Island, Bayville Adventure Park, aquariums, and Chocolate Factory! Our staff is CPR-, first aid-, and AED-certified. Lifeguards and nurse on staff and licensed. CIT program is available. Free transportation in Suffolk and Nassau counties.
St. Patrick Youth Community Summer Camp
St. Patrick Church, Smithtown 631-360-0185 stpatsyouth.com spyouth@optonline.net Camp St. Patrick now celebrates more than 30 years of safe, summer fun. With one of the best counselor-to-camper ratios, we pride ourselves as one of the safest camps in Suffolk County. Coed programs for ages 3-15. Travel to various spots on the Island, with affordable two-, three-, or five-day options. Before care begins at 7:30am, camp hours from 9am-4pm, and after-care until 6pm. We offer flexible camp schedules, from one-seven weeks. Sports camps, Vacation Bible School, and other options are also available.
February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
Thomas School of Horsemanship Summer Day Camp
250 Round Swamp Road, Melville 631-692-6840 tshcamp.com tsh@tshcamp.com For more than 70 years Thomas School of Horsemanship has been a day camp where children expand their knowledge of horses and participate in the daily activities that a traditional camp offers. Each day our campers attend riding, horse science, instructional swim, free swim, sports, art, theater and STEM. Each week we host an exciting special day that includes friendly competition and team spirit. We feel passionately about children having funfilled days while learning some of life’s most important lessons: responsibility, caring, kindness, and critical thinking.
YMCA of Long Island
Camp locations: Bay Shore, East Hampton, Glen Cove, Holtsville, Huntington, and Patchogue 855-2YMCALI (296-2254) ymcali.org/programs tamar.simpson@ymcali.org YMCA Summer Day Camp offers children positive developmental experiences and encourages them to forge bonds with each other and with staff, building confidence through skill-building activities suited to their age. Each of our Ys offers a robust and fun-filled summer day camp program. Please check your local branch for specific offerings and pricing. You can also view a camp brochure with full program descriptions at ymcali.org.
Young People’s Day Camps Suffolk
631-476-3330 ypdc.com These days, there’s no need to spend a fortune for your child to have a fun, educational, and safe summer. Consider the benefits of sending your children to YPDC of Suffolk, licensed by the NYS Health Department, and accredited by the ACA for your child’s safety. Free door-to-door transportation, with activities supervised by licensed teachers and administrators. Superior camper-tocounselor ratio to cater to your children’s individual needs. Payment plans are available. Take a look at our website for rates and a calendar of pre-planned, professionally supervised activities. YPDC is fun, educational, diversified, and convenient. Keeping children smiling and parents at ease since 1972.
SPECIALTY CAMPS
Art League of Long Island Summer Art Adventure
30 DeForest Road, Dix Hills 631-462-5400 Summer Pre-College Portfolio Development 107 E. Deer Park Road, Dix Hills artleagueli.org info@artleague.org Summer Art Adventure offers kids and teens ages 5-14 fun and creative activities in a variety of visual arts mediums led by certified art professionals. Flexible options allow kids ages 5-10 to join one or all of five weekly themed sessions. Pre-teens and teens ages 11-14 can participate in one or both two-week sessions. Summer Pre-College Portfolio Development is geared to teens ages 1518 interested in pursuing careers in art and design. Participants can enroll in one or both threeweek sessions.
Camp Clio
Held at Camp Claire 15 Oakland Ave., Lyme, CT Middlesex County Camp 298 E. Haddam Moodus Road, Moodus, CT 212-472-5207 campclio.org Camp Clio and our new Camp Clio Teen offer a unique experience for adopted children (ages 9-12) and teens (ages 13-16). Camp Clio campers and counselors (themselves adopted and serving as role models) share the intimacy and safety of being with other adopted friends, providing the opportunity to share feelings and adoption stories with others who understand adoption without explanation because they are “just like me”—all in a fun camp environment. Camp Clio Teen: July 1-13. Camp Clio Youth: July 1-21. Campers may come for one or more sessions. Scholarships available.
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium Nature Summer Camp
1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor 516-692-6768 cshfishhatchery.org steved@cshfishhatchery.org Give your young explorers, pre-K to 12th grades, a summer surrounded by nature. Encourage their love of science with hands-on activities, nature crafts, live animals, and outdoor adven-
ture nature camps. Expeditions to nearby salt marsh, ponds, and woodlands. 2018 programs: Close Encounters of the Natural Kind, Curious Naturalists, Field Explorers, Junior Biologists, Turtle Trackers, Fly Fishing, Orienteering, Outdoor Photography Fun, Oobleck!, Cool Experiments for a Hot Day, Pond Adventures, Salt Marsh Exploration, and Naturalists-in-Training (CIT) Program. One- to four-day camps are available. Summer fun at a great price! Prepare to get wet and muddy!
Destination Science The fun science day camp for curious kids 5 to 11!
Multiple locations in Nassau and Suffolk counties 888-909-2822 destinationscience.org Destination Science kids experience “Aha!” moments of understanding, creativity, and curiosity while engineering, building, experimenting, and playing with astonishing gadgets and fantastic gizmos. Our top-notch, enthusiastic educators make STEM learning an adventure! Build Soccer-Bots and Rube Cube Goldberg-like contraptions; roller coasters, carnivals, and marine explorers; build and train four robots and engineer with techno toys; build a dinosaur roverbot and launch to a fantastical planet. 2018 topics: Science Makers and Inventors Camp, Amusement Park Science Camp, Transforming Robots Camp, and Rovers Rocketing to Space Camp.
Great Strides Long Island
M
41 Coram-Swezeytown Road, Middle Island 631-786-9708 greatstridesli.org julie@greatstridesli.org Great Strides offers equestrian activities for children and adults of all ages and abilities. Our equine friends can help us face all of life’s challenges with strength and confidence. Our programs are hosted on a beautiful 15-acre ranch featuring three outdoor rings and a heated indoor arena. We offer a warm, friendly environment supervised by seasoned, certified instructors. Offering summer programs, a week-long introduction to horses in July and August. Private lessons are available for English and Western students. Ask about our Mommy continued on next page ››
CAMP MARKETPLACE
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Art Adventure
Art League of Long Island offers ... A Summer of Fun, Dynamic Art Enrichment Sessions for Kids & Teens
Art League SAA program held at
Forest Park Elementary School, Dix Hills
Early Childhood (age 5-6) & Young Artist (age 7-10) Five Weekly Themed Sessions
PARTNER PROGRAM with Park Shore Country Day Camp of Dix Hills ... Kids age 5-9 can join SAA in the mornings and spend afternoons at Park Shore!
July 9 - August 10
Mature Artist (age 11-14) Two 10-day Sessions
July 9-20 & July 23-Aug. 3
Pre-College Portfolio Development held at the Art League (Teens 15-18) July 9- July 27 (Mon-Fri) July 30- August 17 (Mon-Fri)
Two 3-week sessions ... choose one or both!
107 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills, NY
info@ARTLEAGUELI.org www.ARTLEAGUELI.org
631.462.5400
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LongIslandParent 19
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and Me, birthday parties, and Therapeutic Riding. Call 631786-9708 for more information.
LIU Post Center for Gifted Youth
Dr. Lynne Manouvrier, director LIU Post, Brookville 516-299-2160 liu.edu/giftedyouth The Long Island University program for gifted children was established in 1979 in response to the increasing recognition of society’s special responsibilities for children with demonstrably superior intellectual ability. The LIU Center for Gifted Youth brings together two important elements of education for the gifted: extraordinary teachers recruited from leading schools in the metropolitan area and university-level facilities. These two factors, combined with an administrative and psychological team schooled in the needs of gifted children, give the program at LIU Post unique strengths in producing positive benefits for young people admitted to the program.
Long Island High School for the Arts Summer Arts Academy: sixth to 12th grades 239 Cold Spring Road, Syosset 516-622-5678 nassauboces.org/lihsa The Long Island High School for the Arts offers a four-week Summer Arts Academy that promises to be a rewarding experience for all aspiring artists in sixth through 12th grade. The program offers students professional-level classes designed to provide challenging artistic opportunities taught by practicing artists. Students have the choice to focus on one of LIHSA’s major disciplines: Theatre, Music,
Dance, Fine Art, Digital Media, Special Effect, or Filmmaking. For more information or to find out what’s new for summer 2018, please call 516-622-5678. Open House dates Feb. 3 and April 28.
Mad Science of Long Island
Call for locations throughout Long Island: 855-264-1672 madscienceli.com info@madscienceli.com Mad Science will have children experiencing science in a whole new light this summer with fun and interactive activities. The camps will be running throughout Long Island with weekly full- and half-day themed sessions such as Secret Agent Lab, Robotics Lab, Robot Engineers, Advanced Robotics, Brixology, Science in Motion, Crazy Chemworks, and NASA Space Explorers!
Ohman School of Ballet New York Dance Theatre
60 Calvert Ave., Commack 631-462-6266 ohmanballet.org office@ohmanballet.com Summer Dance is in its 38th year. The Ohman School of Ballet was founded by Frank Ohman, former soloist of NYC Ballet and one of the few remaining direct links to legendary George Balanchine. Offering a two-week summer dance intensive as well as a six-week summer evening program. The school opens its doors to all students who wish to study classical ballet and also serves as a training ground for promising young dancers. It is a nonprofit, non-recital facility with three spacious studios and convenient location.
St. Patrick Youth Community Summer Camp
631-424-5600 sylvanlearning.com sylvanlearning@optonline.net Summer learning loss. It’s real! If kids don’t stay engaged in learning, they can lose up to 2½ months of what they learned. Sylvan can tackle any subject or need so your child can take on the next school year with confidence. Our flexible schedules ensure we fit into your plans. With personalized and small group options available, there is something for everyone. Ask about our Comprehension Edge program (third-seventh grades), Elementary Math and High School Math Edge programs (first to 12th grades) to catch up or preview next year’s concepts! Make this summer count!
Studio E Art Classes
Thomas School of Horsemanship Summer Day Camp
St. Patrick Church, Smithtown 631-360-0185 stpatsyouth.com spyouth@optonline.net Camp St. Patrick offers Summer Sports Camps. Each summer we are fortunate to have Dave Shouler direct our Summer Basketball clinics. Coach Dave is a local high school basketball coach who engages your child in skills, drills, games, and scrimmages. Perfect for those who want to learn the nuances of basketball or hone their skills. Great prep for school try outs or CYO. Bring your friends! We also offer Dek Hockey and LAX clinics during the summer. Call us for more information at 631-360-0185. 565 Route 25A, Miller Place 631-744-4001 studioeartclass.com Studio E offers art enrichment camps to three age groups: children (ages 5-8), tweens (ages 9-12), and teens (ages 13-17). Topics include pottery, hand-building, painting, drawing, sketching, collage, and illustration. Studio E Art Camps provide small group instruction. Camps meet Tuesdays-Fridays for half days. Pay per week! All camps are taught by a New York state-certified art teacher and assistant teachers. Camps start at only $175 per week. Save 15 percent by registering before May 1. Visit studioeartclass.com to register.
Sylvan Learning Centers of Mineola and Huntington
393 Jericho Turnpike, Mineola 516-743-9943 1160 E. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington
250 Round Swamp Road, Melville 631-692-6840 tshcamp.com; tsh@tshcamp.com For more than 70 years Thomas School of Horsemanship has been a day camp where children expand their knowledge of horses and participate in the daily activities that a traditional camp offers. Each day our campers attend riding, horse science, instructional swim, free swim, sports, art, theater, and STEM. Each week we host an exciting special day that includes friendly competition and team spirit. We feel passionately about children having funfilled days while learning some of life’s most important lessons: responsibility, caring, kindness, and critical thinking.
Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts 185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights 631-643-7900 usdan.com
CAMP MARKETPLACE O L D W E S T B U RY · FA R M I N G DA L E · S T. J O S E P H ’ S · S O U T H A M P TO N
since 1980
WEEKLY SESSIONS 20+ sports, s.t.e.a.m. & specialty programs 516.876.3490 · fscamps.com 20
February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts, the nation’s pre-eminent arts day camp offers more than 70 programs of study in the arts—visual art, dance, music, theater, writing—and arts-related fields—nature, chess, and recreational arts. Each summer, more than 1,500 students ages 4-18 are immersed in art and nature and surrounded by friends who share their interests and enthusiasm. Transportation is provided in air-conditioned buses departing from throughout the New York metro and Long Island areas. Two-, three-, four-, and seven-week sessions are offered from June 25-Aug. 10.
Village East Gifted Camp ThinkTank Summer Academic Program
Village East Gifted of Huntington 33 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station 631-549-2313 Village East Gifted of Roslyn 216 Willis Ave., Roslyn Heights villageeastgifted.com info@villageeastgifted.com Village East Gifted® summer program “Camp ThinkTank” is an academic summer program for the gifted learner. We offer three- and four-day and evening workshops for participants in first-sixth grades. Using its trademarked teaching approach, one or more of the following curriculum areas are covered in each workshop: Civil Engineering and Infrastructures, Cultural Geography, Human Civilization and Achievements, STEAM,
CAMP MARKETPLACE
Anatomy-Physiology-Pathology, Architectural Symbolism and Design, Philosophy and Artistic Expression, Culinary Science and Techniques, Entrepreneurship, Marketing and Animal Studies, and Statistical Game Design. Multiple workshops and sibling discounts are available.
Village East Gifted Camp ThinkTank Summer “STREAM” Program
Village East Gifted of Huntington 33 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station 631-549-2313 Village East Gifted of Roslyn 216 Willis Ave., Roslyn Heights villageeastgifted.com info@villageeastgifted.com Village East Gifted® summer “STREAM” program (incorporating art and writing). “Camp ThinkTank” is a summer steam program for the gifted learner. We offer three- and four-day workshops for participants in first-sixth grades. Using its trademarked teaching approach, one or more of the following curriculum areas are covered in each workshop: Civil Engineering and Infrastructures, Microbiology, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, 3-D Design and Printing, Human Civilization and Achievements, Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology, Structural Symbolism, Robotics, Coding and Arduino Boards, Culinary Science and Techniques, Animal Studies, Earth Science, Statistical Game Design, and CAD Architecture.
Mentoring Scientific Minds @ LIWCA Innovative & Fun Summer Camp
Flight Club
Environmental Boot Camp
Makers Space
HANDS-ON STEM SUMMER PROGRAM
For The Gifted & Twice Exceptional Students Three 2-week sessions
Grades 3-11
Looking For An Alternative?
School for Twice Exceptional Learning
The Long Island Whole Child Academy “Twice Exceptional” program is strength-based, personalized and student centered.
“Twice Exceptional Youth” (or “2e”) describe students with high ability and potential who simultaneously experience learning, executive functioning, production, and/or social challenges, who do not thrive in a traditional school setting.
Destination Science The fun science day camp for curious kids 5-11!
TSH SUMMER CAMP HAS IT ALL!
Traditional Day Camp PLUS a Full Riding Program
Save $40/wk! Ends 2/28/18
11 Long Island Locations For boys & girls ages 3-15
(631) 692-6840 TSHCamp.com
Melville, NY
destinationscience.org 888-909-2822
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Art League of Long Island artleagueli.net
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Camp St. Patrick stpatsyouth.com Cold Spring harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium cshf ishhatchery.org Destination Science - The FUN Science Day Camp For Curious Kids 5-11!
destinationscience.org
Future Stars Summer Camps: Farmingdale
fscamps.com
Future Stars Summer Camps: Patchogue fscamps.com gershsummerprogram.com
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Habitots Kids Club
Kids Country Day Camp kidscountrydaycamp.com KnoxSummer Adventures knoxschool.org Long Island Voyagers Day Camp
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New York Dance Theatre ohmanballet.org Picasso Kidz picassokidz.com February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
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Great Strides Long Island greatstridesli.org habitotschildcare.com
Challenge Courses
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Camp Clio campclio.org
Gersh Academy at West Hills Day Camp
Fine Arts
Special Needs
Nature/Petting Zoo
CIT (counselor-in-training)
Travel
Horseback Riding
Competitive Sports
Theater
STEAM/Robotics
PROGRAMS:
Scholarship
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Extended Hours
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Studio E Art Classes LLC studioeartclass.com
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Sylvan of Huntington sylvanlearning.com Thomas School of Horsemanship
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Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts
usdan.org
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Village East Gifted Camp ThinkTank
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Fine Arts
Special Needs
Nature/Petting Zoo
CIT (counselor-in-training)
Travel
Horseback Riding
Competitive Sports
Theater
STEAM/Robotics
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Flexible Scheduling
Extended Hours
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CAMP MARKETPLACE
Want more activities to do this winter… NYMetroParents.com Helping parents make better decisions
LIU POST’S CENTER FOR GIFTED YOUTH SPRING 2018 SATURDAY PROGRAM Feb 3rd – April 28th for students entering grades K-8
Are You the Parent of a Gifted Child?
INQUIRE ABOUT OUR SUMMER PROGRAM
Be Social
LIU Post’s Center for Gifted Youth announces its 37th annual fall and spring program for gifted children. The fall
program runs on Saturdays from October 7th to December 16th and the spring program runs on Saturdays from February 3rd to April 28th. The program is open to gifted children entering grades K-8 in September 2017. The program expands
students’ knowledge, develops creative and critical thinking skills, and offers children the opportunity to learn in an exciting and accepting environment.
For information call 516-299-2160 liu.edu/post/giftedyouth Now find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Admission is highly selective and enrollment is limited.
LIU Post • College of Education, Information and Technology • 720 Northern Blvd. • Brookville, NY 11548-1300 liu.edu/post/giftedyouth • Dr. Lynne Manouvrier, Director
LongIslandParent 23
things to do
city bound
N Y C
Prepare for plenty of music and dancing with familiar friends like Oscar the Grouch.
W he hile y re ou , v ’r isit e …
Museum of Chinese in America
Jump to the beat with your friends at Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party! at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Introducing an all-new, interactive show that unfolds on one of the world’s most famous streets at the funniest, furriest party in the neighborhood. Check out the pre-show experience (select shows) for the opportunity to tour the on-stage neighborhood. A variety of interactive activities give children the chance to create, discover, and learn as they help decorate for the upcoming party featured in Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party! They may even see their artwork displayed onstage during the show. Select dates, Feb. 9-19, see website for times. Age: All. $15 and up. The Theater at Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, Midtown. sesamestreetlive.com.
Best in Show
Steve Surfman
Does your family love dogs? Then you’ll want to mark your calendars for the AKC Meet the Breeds® at Piers 92/94, part of Meet & Compete, presented by The Westminster Kennel Club and American Kennel Club. At this Watch four-legged friends make their way through agility courses and strut their stuff event, the whole family for the judges. will have the opportunity to meet and play with more than 100 breeds of dogs—and even nearly 40 cat breeds. There will also be information about pet ownership and the qualities that make each breed a good family pet. The joint event also includes the 5th Annual Masters Agility Championship at Westminster. Can’t get enough? Westminster Week 2018 offers a slew of events, including the 142nd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Feb. 10, 10am-5pm. Age: All. $35; $10 children ages 11 and younger. Piers 92/94, 711 Twelfth Avenue, Hell’s Kitchen. westminsterkennelclub.org.
February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
This interactive museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing Chinese American history through innovative exhibits and multimedia productions that engage and educate guests of all ages. Enjoy family festivals such as MOCA FEST 2018, an eight-week-long celebration of the Lunar New Year (through March 3), as well as drop-in art workshops and story times. Visit it: 215 Centre St., Chinatown; 855-955-6622; mocanyc.org Can’t-miss event: Lunar New Year Family Festival on Feb. 17, 11am-4pm Directions: Approximately a 1-hour drive from New City
Courtesy New-York Historical Society
Party With the Street!
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Courtesy Museum of Chinese in America
Courtesy Feld Entertainment
Family Fun in Manhattan
The DiMenna Children’s History Museum at the New-York Historical Society
This rich historical museum uses character-based pavilions to share 350 years of New York and American history. Families with toddlers to preteens can enjoy family learning programs as well as interactive exhibits and games. Pick up a History Detective briefcase to discover the past or enjoy a stroller tour or other reoccurring family program. Visit it: 170 Central Park West, Upper West Side; 212-873-3400; nyhistory.org Can’t-miss event: Living History: Meet President George and First Lady Martha Washington on Feb. 17-19, 11am-4pm Directions: Approximately a 1-hour drive from New City
Ideas When You Need Them:
Sign up for our FREE newsletter & never hear “I’m bored!” again. We email the top kids’ events every Thursday—just in time to make weekend plans!
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Turn the page for details on Monster Jam (No. 2 on our list).
FEBRUARY
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nymetroparents.com/submitevent UPDATED DAILY AT nymetroparents.com/calendar
EDITOR: KAREN DEMETER suffolkcal@davlermedia.com
CALENDAR
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Editor’s Hot Tickets
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We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!
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Smarty Pants, Holiday Fun
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Show Time!, Special Needs
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Movers & Shakers, Crafty Kids
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Mini Musicians
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Animal Lovers, The Great Outdoors
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EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS
Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the 10 events we consider can’t-miss—the ones we’re taking our own kids to. Consider it your cheat sheet to the best of what’s great this month!
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Kids’ Super Bowl ‘Saturday’ FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 3, 2-4pm WHERE: Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, 120 Main St., Setauket AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Games include the football bean bag toss and paper flick football. There will also be a special craft, as well as a chance to enter a raffle to win a special prize. WHY WE LOVE IT: A great “defense” against the winter blues! WANT TO GO? 631-941-4080. emmaclark.org.
Monster Jam
WHEN: Feb. 2-4, Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 1pm and 7pm; Sunday, 1pm WHERE: NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: These world-class Monster Jam vehicles and athletes deliver what fans want to see most: trucks, racing, freestyle, wheelies, and more action. WHY WE LOVE IT: Watch adrenaline-charged family entertainment! WANT TO GO? $18 and up. 516-231-4848. nycblive.com.
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‘Lezginka - Russian Dance’
WHEN: Friday, Feb. 9, 8pm WHERE: Staller Center, Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook AGES: All WHAT: More than 30 dancers of the Lezginka Ensemble, the State Dance Ensemble of Daghestan, Russia, will perform traditional 26
February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
folk songs and dances of the diverse mountain people of Daghestan. WHY WE LOVE IT: This Russian festival of dance features sumptuous costumes, acrobatics, and riveting drum and saber work. WANT TO GO? $40. 631-632-6000. stallercenter.com.
Sweetheart Princess Tea Party
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 11, 10am, 12:30pm, and 3pm WHERE: Long Island Aquarium, 431 E. Main St., Riverhead AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Girls dance and sing with all of their favorite princesses. Formal white glove tea service will be served with finger sandwiches and sweets. Those in princess attire will get half-priced admission to the aquarium. Reservations required. WHY WE LOVE IT: This is a dream come true for little girls and a great photo op for parents. WANT TO GO? $30.95; $27.95 children ages 3-12. 631-208-9200. longislandaquarium.com.
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‘Masters of Illusion: Believe the Impossible’
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 11, 7pm WHERE: NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury AGES: All WHAT: Audience members will marvel as they see grand illusions, levitating women, appearances, vanishes, escapes, comedy magic, and sleight of hand all on one stage. WHY WE LOVE IT: Everything you could imagine and illusions you never dreamed possible all rolled up into a live show! WANT TO GO? $39 and up. 516-334-0800. thetheatreatwestbury.com.
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Hot Peas ‘n Butter!
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 18, 2pm WHERE: Patchogue Theater for Performing Arts, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Hot Peas ‘n Butter, is a NYC-based multicultural family music band, known for its Latin-influenced, catchy songs for kids. WHY WE LOVE IT: Children will recognize this group from Nickelodeon and Noggin Television. WANT TO GO? $15 and up. 631-207-1313. patchoguetheatre.com.
Washington’s Birthday
WHEN: Monday, Feb. 19, 1-2pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 279 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Celebrate our Founding Father’s birthday with a lesson on the colonial craft of tin punch, and create your own maritime-inspired tin punch art. See some metal whale oil lamps, go on a scavenger hunt, and end with a piece of birthday cake. WHY WE LOVE IT: A rich assortment of activities to celebrate our nation’s first president! WANT TO GO? $12. 631-387-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.
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Children’s Winter Recess Programs: Victorian Tea Party
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2:30pm WHERE: Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington AGES: 5-12 WHAT: This fun and informative program includes roleplaying while teaching social skills, self-esteem, and confidence. Dress up if you wish, or bring a favorite doll. Registration required. WHY WE LOVE IT: Etiquette lessons can be fun after all! WANT TO GO? $12. 631-427-5240. waltwhitman.org.
Family Night Film: ‘Landfill Harmonic’
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WHEN: Friday, Feb. 23, 6-8pm WHERE: Parrish Art Museum, 279 Montauk Highway, Watermill AGES: 5 and older WHAT: This documentary follows the journey of a Paraguayan musical group that plays instruments made entirely out of garbage. Registration required. WHY WE LOVE IT: Someone’s trash is someone else’s treasure! WANT TO GO? $12; free for students and children. 631-283-2118. parrishart.org.
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Olympic Challenge: Design and Construct a Bobsled Run
WHEN: Feb. 17-23, Saturday-Friday, 1-5pm WHERE: Maritime Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Can your bobsled go fast enough to win an Olympic medal? WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids will pay extra attention to this event when they watch the olympics! WANT TO GO? $5. 631-331-3277. maritimeexplorium.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. Community Service: Teen Tech Time FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 3, 10am-12pm WHERE: East Hampton Library, 159 Main St., East Hampton AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Teens help tech-averse adults with tablet use, social media, email, and other technology questions. Sign up in advance with a YA Librarian. WANT TO GO? 631-324-0222. easthamptonlibrary.org.
K-5 Student Art Workshops with Alexandra McCourt FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 3, 11am-12pm and 1-2pm WHERE: Guild Hall, 158 Main St., East Hampton AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Students will visit the galleries to find inspiration and create their own artwork based on this inspiration. Reservations encouraged. WANT TO GO? 631-324-0806. guildhall.org.
Winter Celebration FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 17, 10-11:30am WHERE: Connetquot River State Park, 3525 Sunrise Highway, Oakdale AGES: All WHAT: Visit stations with hands-on activities and science experiments. WANT TO GO? 631-581-1072. nysparks.com/parks.
Family Drop-In Day FREE
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 21, 1:30-3:30pm WHERE: Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook AGES: All WHAT: Families enjoy activities in the art museum and crafts in the museum studio with educators. WANT TO GO? 631-751-0066. longislandmuseum.org.
Community Day FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 25, 12-3pm WHERE: Parrish Art Museum, 279 Montauk Highway, Watermill AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a day of free admission and ongoing activities. WANT TO GO? 631-283-2118. parrishart.org. ›› LongIslandParent 27
HOLIDAY FUN Bessie Coleman Airplane Craft FREE
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 1, 6:30-7:30pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Learn about pilot Bessie Coleman in this Black History Month program, and have fun making paper airplanes. WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.
Groundhog Day Shadow Puppetry
SMARTY PANTS Snap Circuits FREE
WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 6, 4-5pm WHERE: East Hampton Library, 159 Main St., East Hampton AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Construct circuits and power an accessory. Sign up required. WANT TO GO? 631-324-0222. easthamptonlibrary.org.
Spy Camp FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10, 5:30-7:30pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Learn to solve problems and gain rewards. Registration and library card required. WANT TO GO? 631-288-3335. westhamptonlibrary.net.
Red Hot Ooze
WHEN: Feb. 10-11, Saturday-Sunday, 1-5pm WHERE: Maritime Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Mix a special ooze for your Valentine. WANT TO GO? $5. 631-331-3277. maritimeexplorium.org.
Engineer’s Club
WHEN: Feb. 3-17, Saturdays, 10-11am WHERE: Children’s Museum of the East End, 376 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton AGES: 5-12 WHAT: During this drop-off workshop, kids enjoy a series of STEMbased activities including household chemistry and basic circuitry. WANT TO GO? $12. 631-537-8250. cmee.org.
Construct with Crystals
WHEN: Feb. 24-25, Saturday-Sunday, 1-5pm WHERE: Maritime Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Build snow forts, then visit the Olympic Zone in the Maker Space. WANT TO GO? $5. 631-331-3277. maritimeexplorium.org.
Toothpalooza!
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 25, 11am-2pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 279 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Visit the Tooth Fairy, see a whale cavity, and make a box for baby teeth. WANT TO GO? $5; $12 children; $3 face painting. 631-387-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org. 28
February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Feb. 2-3, Friday-Saturday, 1-5pm WHERE: Maritime Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Construct your own shadow puppets and make them dance. WANT TO GO? $5. 631-331-3277. maritimeexplorium.org.
Matchbox Valentines FREE
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 8, 4-5pm WHERE: East Hampton Library, 159 Main St., East Hampton AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Decorate a matchbox with festive duct tape and stickers, then fill the box with candy or a message for your valentine. Sign up required. WANT TO GO? 631-324-0222. easthamptonlibrary.org.
Black History Month Program: Peace Wreath FREE
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 8, 5:30-6:15pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Learn about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and create a peace wreath. WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.
Family Night Workshop: UpSculpted Valentines FREE
WHEN: Friday, Feb. 9, 6-8pm WHERE: Parrish Art Museum, 279 Montauk Highway, Watermill AGES: All WHAT: Visitors will construct a heart-shaped sculpture out of collected marine debris and rope. WANT TO GO? 631-283-2118. parrishart.org.
Valentine Factory FREE
WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 13, 6-7pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Have fun creating valentine cards to give to your loved ones. WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.
Sailor’s Valentine
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 14, 4-5pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 279 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Whalers often brought home special shell creations for loved ones. Create a valentine for yourself or to give to someone. WANT TO GO? $12. 631-387-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.
Chinese New Year Stories and Craft FREE
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 15, 7-7:45pm WHERE: Riverhead Free Library, 330 Court St., Riverhead AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Listen to stories and make a firecracker craft. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-727-3228. riverheadlibrary.org.
SHOW TIME!
their little mouse-hole and decide to go to the moon because they believe it is made entirely of delicious, mouth-watering cheese. WANT TO GO? $13; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10, 11am and 3pm WHERE: Patchogue Theater for Performing Arts, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home—and her fins—behind and live in the world above. WANT TO GO? $20 and up. 631-207-1313. patchoguetheatre.com.
‘Rapunzel: The Untold Story!’
Elton John and Tim Rice’s ‘Aida’
Dr. Seuss’s ‘The Cat in the Hat’
‘The Little Mermaid Jr.’
WHEN: Through Feb. 10: Friday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: The Noel S. Ruiz Theatre at CM Performing Arts Center, 931 Montauk Highway, Oakdale AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Aida finds her heart entangled with Radames, who is betrothed to the Pharoah’s daughter, Amneris. WANT TO GO? $18-$40. 631-218-2810. cmpac.com.
‘Harriet, Rosa & Me’
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 21, 11am and 6pm WHERE: Suffolk Community College, 1001 Crooked Hill Road, Brentwood AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Hope, a high school student, skips school to avoid attending her black history class. Hope encounters two women: Rosa (as in Parks) and Harriet (as in Tubman). Together, they show Hope the importance of black history and highlight women of color who have left their mark on history. Audience discussion will follow the show. WANT TO GO? $8. 631-851-6589. sunysuffolk.edu.
‘Frozen’ Sing-Along: Meet Your Favorite Ice Princesses
WHEN: Through Feb. 24: Saturday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson AGES: 3-12 WHAT: A hilarious yarn of a kindly and mixed-up witch who helps straighten out a rather confused family. WANT TO GO? $10. 631-928-9100. theatrethree.com. WHEN: Through March 4, Saturdays, 11am; Sundays, 10:30am WHERE: John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Sally and her brother know that The Cat in the Hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat that they have ever met. WANT TO GO? $15 and up. 631-261-2900. engemantheater.com.
‘Legion of Villains’
WHEN: Feb. 3-March 17, Saturdays, 2pm WHERE: BayWay Arts Center Children’s Theatre, 265 E. Main St., East Islip AGES: 3-12 WHAT: In this musical adventure, the villains of the storybook community learn they have to team up to save the day. WANT TO GO? $11. 631-581-2700. broadhollow.org.
SPECIAL NEEDS
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 21, 11am WHERE: YMCA Boulton Center, 37 W. Main St., Bay Shore AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Enjoy an afternoon of dress-up, Disney princess magic, and a sing-along screening of Frozen as Anna sets off on an epic journey to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped Arendelle in eternal winter. WANT TO GO? $15; $12 children. 631-969-1101. boultoncenter.org.
New York Friendship Circle: Puppy Fun FREE
‘Aesop’s Fables’
New York Friendship Circle: Bowling Buddies
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 4, 1:15-2pm WHERE: The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Participants with special needs will be partnered with teen volunteers to have fun and spend time with rescue dogs. WANT TO GO? 631-351-8672. nyfriendship.com.
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 22, 1pm WHERE: BayWay Arts Center Children’s Theatre, 265 E. Main St., East Islip AGES: 3-12 WHAT: The classic collection of stories that provide children with valuable life lessons. WANT TO GO? $11. 631-581-2700. broadhollow.org.
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 11, 1:15-2:30pm WHERE: Strike 10 Lanes, 849 Long Island Ave., Deer Park AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Children with special needs will be paired with teen volunteers to bowl. WANT TO GO? $10 includes two games of bowling, shoes, and a snack. 631-351-8672. nyfriendshipcircle.com.
Disney’s ‘The Lion King Experience Jr. Edition’
Zumba For All Abilities
WHEN: Feb. 17-24, daily, see website for times WHERE: Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown AGES: 3 and older WHAT: The African savannah comes to life with Simba, Rafiki, and an unforgettable cast of characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle and back again, in this inspiring, coming-of-age tale. WANT TO GO? $15. 631-724-3700. smithtownpac.org.
‘Mouse on the Move’
WHEN: Feb. 19-24, Monday-Saturday, 11:30am and 2pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Two adventurous mice are ready to explore the world beyond
WHEN: Feb. 5-12, Mondays, 5:45-6:30pm WHERE: The Chai Center, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills AGES: 5 and older WHAT: This class is for children of all abilities. WANT TO GO? $15. 631-351-8672. thechaicenter.com.
Access Morning at the Museum FREE
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 21, 10am-12pm WHERE: Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook AGES: All WHAT: Children with learning or developmental disabilities and their families enjoy a guided exhibition tour with related activities and art projects in a quiet welcoming environment. WANT TO GO? 631-751-0066. longislandmuseum.org. ›› LongIslandParent 29
Parents and Babies Meditation Class
WHEN: Through June 21: Thursdays, 10:30-11:30am WHERE: Kadampa Meditation Center Long Island, 282 New York Ave., Huntington AGES: 3-5, adult WHAT: Relax and enjoy guided meditations and explore some of Buddha’s practical advice with your baby. WANT TO GO? $5. 631-549-1000. meditationonlongisland.org.
Meditation for Kids
WHEN: Through July 30: Sundays, 11:30am-1pm WHERE: Kadampa Meditation Center Long Island, 282 New York Ave., Huntington AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Classes are presented in a lively, creative, and interactive way. WANT TO GO? $3. 631-549-1000. meditationonlongisland.org.
Warrior Courses Wednesdays
MOVERS & SHAKERS All Those Years Ago
WHEN: Friday, Feb. 2, 8pm WHERE: Patchogue Theater for Performing Arts, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Celebrate George Harrison’s legendary music career and life at this 75th birthday concert. WANT TO GO? $25-$35. 631-207-1313. patchoguetheatre.com.
Boy Scout Celebration
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10, 2pm WHERE: Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate Boy Scout Day; all boy scouts in uniform receive free tour with paid admission. WANT TO GO? $6; $4 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 516-692-6768. cshfha.org.
TAO - Drum Heart
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 17, 8pm WHERE: Staller Center - Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Athletic bodies and contemporary costumes meet explosive Taiko drumming. WANT TO GO? $42. 631-632-6000. stallercenter.com.
Vanderbilt Creative Workshops: The Vanderbilt Cup
WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 20, 10am-12pm WHERE: Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Visit the Vanderbilt Cup exhibit, learn about William K. Vanderbilt’s passion for racing, and make your own model race car. WANT TO GO? $20. 631-854-5579. vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Winter Break Soccer Woddlers Camp 3-4 year olds
WHEN: Feb. 19-22, Monday-Thursday, 10-11am WHERE: Heritage Park, 633 Mount Sinai-Coram Road, Mount Sinai AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Join Coach Chris for an early introduction to soccer. WANT TO GO? $60. 631-509-0882. msheritagetrust.org. 30
February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Wednesdays, 6-8pm WHERE: Sky Zone Mount Sinai, 269 Route 25A, Mount Sinai AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Run the course as many times as you like. WANT TO GO? $20. 631-938-1420. skyzone.com/mountsinai.
CRAFTY KIDS Yarn Hearts FREE
WHEN: Monday, Feb. 5, 4:15pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Participants will create yarn hearts that will be delivered to the Kanas Center for Hospice Care and the Westhampton Care Center. Registration and library card required. WANT TO GO? 631-288-3335. westhamptonlibrary.net.
Vanderbilt Creative Workshops: Self-Portraits
WHEN: Monday, Feb. 19, 10am-12pm WHERE: Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Learn about the Vanderbilt family while touring the mansion and studying their portraits, then make your own. WANT TO GO? $20. 631-854-5579. vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Doll Making Craft Workshop
WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 20, 1-3pm WHERE: Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Stuff, dress, and decorate a 10-inch pre-formed doll. All supplies provided, including a variety of fabrics. WANT TO GO? $16. 631-423-7611. cinemaartscentre.org.
Children’s Winter Recess Programs: Make a Dreamcatcher
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 21, 1pm WHERE: Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Learn the legend of how dreamcatchers trapped all bad dreams. Create your very own to hang in a special place. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $12. 631-427-5240. waltwhitman.org.
MINI
MUSICIANS Miss Riley’s Melodies FREE
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 1, 10:30-11:15am WHERE: East Hampton Library, 159 Main St., East Hampton AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: A fun musical experience for little ones. Sign up required. WANT TO GO? 631-324-0222. easthamptonlibrary.org.
Fela! The Concert
Fashion Drawing Workshop
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 21, 1-4pm WHERE: St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 3 Lawrence Lane, Bay Shore AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Learn to draw fashion models including clothing, hair, and accessories. WANT TO GO? $45. 206-484-7711. artteacheramy.com.
Build-a-Boat
WHEN: Feb. 20-22, Tuesday and Thursday, 2-4pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 279 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Bring your imagination to create a wooden vessel with lots of “help yourself ” materials. Glue guns will be used. WANT TO GO? $12. 631-387-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.
February Vacation Break
WHEN: Feb. 19-23, Monday-Friday, 11am-3pm WHERE: Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a range of activities during February break, such as making snow that won’t melt; making your own ice cream; and making your own slime and learning why it is important to animals. WANT TO GO? $6; $4 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 516-692-6768. cshfha.org.
Snow Dough FREE
WHEN: Friday, Feb. 23, 5pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Participants learn how to make snow dough. Registration and library card required. WANT TO GO? 631-288-3335. westhamptonlibrary.net.
Winter Vacation Art Workshops
WHEN: Feb. 19-23, Monday-Friday, 10am-12pm and 1-3pm WHERE: Parrish Art Museum, 279 Montauk Highway, Water Mill AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Each class will begin with a gallery tour and offers different art projects including weaving, abstract printmaking, sculpture, collage portraits, and landscape painting. The first session is for children ages 5-6 and second is for ages 7 and older. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $40 per session. 631-283-2118. parrishart.org.
Snowflake Quilt FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 24, 2pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Participants will learn to make a paper quilt. Registration and libary card required. WANT TO GO? 631-288-3335. westhamptonlibrary.net.
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 3, 8pm WHERE: Staller Center - Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Fela! The Concert shows how music, images, song, and dance promote freedom and champion traditional African culture. WANT TO GO? $42. 631-632-6000. stallercenter.com.
The Ultimate Queen Celebration Starring Marc Martel
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 3, 8pm WHERE: Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, 76 Main St., Westhampton Beach AGES: 9 and older WHAT: This highly theatrical production incorporates 23 songs. WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 631-288-1500. whbpac.org.
Frances England
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 4, 11:30am and 2pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Frances England’s acoustic pop sound is catchy and heartfelt. WANT TO GO? $4 with museum admission: $13; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.
Classic Soul Music: 1950s-1970s
WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 6, 7:30pm WHERE: Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Bill Shelley presents this retrospective of Soul Music. WANT TO GO? $16. 631-423-7611. cinemaartscentre.org.
Drumming Classes FREE
WHEN: Through Feb. 7: Wednesdays, 6:30pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Learn to play the drums with drum professor David Elliot. Bring your own drum or borrow one from the library. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 631-288-3335. westhamptonlibrary.net.
Barry White Valentine Tribute
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10, 8pm WHERE: Suffolk Theater, 118 E. Main St., Riverhead AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Jourdan Carroll delights audiences with his voice and stage presence. WANT TO GO? $45-$49. 631-727-4343. suffolktheater.com.
Family Night Performance and Workshop: Recycled Remix with Bash the Trash
WHEN: Friday, Feb. 16, 6-8pm WHERE: Parrish Art Museum, 279 Montauk Highway, Watermill AGES: All WHAT: Learn how the band builds, performs, and educates with musical instruments made from repurposed material. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $12; free for students and children. 631-283-2118. parrishart.org. ›› LongIslandParent 31
THE GREAT OUTDOORS The Colors of Winter
ANIMAL FLOVERS Little Fishies: I Love Whales!
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 8, 9-10am WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 279 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Storytime, scavenger hunt, snack, and a craft included. WANT TO GO? $12; $4 additional siblings. 631-387-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.
To Nature with Love
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10, 10-11:30am WHERE: Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Discover the winter birds that visit the feeders and why. Families will make their own feeder to take home. WANT TO GO? $4; $3 children; free for children younger than 3. 631265-1054. parks.ny.gov.
Pet Photos With Your True Love FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10, 10am-4:40pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: All WHAT: The library’s talented photographer Jocelyn Kaleita will take a photo of you and your pet just in time for Valentine’s Day. Registration required and library card required. WANT TO GO? 631-288-3335. westhamptonlibrary.net.
Nature Discoveries: Owl Always Love You
WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 13, 10-11am and 1:30-2:30pm WHERE: Connetquot River State Park, 3525 Sunrise Highway, Oakdale AGES: 3-5 WHAT: These programs will connect children and their parents with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $4; free for children younger than 3. 631-581-1005. nysparks.com/parks.
The Year of The Dog FREE
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 21, 10:30am WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Participants will paint a portrait of a local dog in need of a home to be donated to the Kent Animal Shelter. Registration and library card required. WANT TO GO? 631-288-3335. westhamptonlibrary.net.
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 3, 10-11:30am WHERE: Sherwood-Jayne Farm, 55 Old Post Road, East Setauket AGES: All WHAT: Winter can be dreary, but if you look carefully the woods are filled with surprising color. Explore the trails and enjoy the hidden hues. WANT TO GO? $8. 631-581-6908. preservationlongisland.org.
Light Keepers Behind the Scenes Tour
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10, 9-11:30am WHERE: Fire Island Lighthouse, Robert Moses State Park parking field 5, Fire Island AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Learn how Keepers in the 1860s to 2018 maintained the light. Includes a tour of the Lens Building, which houses our original first order Fresnel Lens, and the Boat House. Reservations required. WANT TO GO? $20. 631-661-4876. fireislandlighthouse.com.
Teepee Ted of the Traveling Wilderness Museum
WHEN: Feb. 20-22, Tuesday-Thursday, 10am-12pm WHERE: Ward Melville Heritage Organization, 97P Main St., Stony Brook AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Children will be immersed in hands-on activities on how Indians lived as settlers on Long Island. Kids will learn about wilderness survival, using bows and arrows, making tools and toys, and stringing jewelry. WANT TO GO? $35 per day. 631-689-5888. wmho.org.
Fearsome Jaws of Dinosaurs
WHEN: Friday, Feb. 23, 10-11:30am WHERE: Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Discover how fearsome and large these awesome creatures were. Explore how fossils are formed through hands-on activities and make a fun craft for home. Reservations required. WANT TO GO? $4; $3 children; free for children younger than 3. 631265-1054. parks.ny.gov.
Winter Tree Workshop
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 24, 10-11:30am WHERE: Sherwood-Jayne Farm, 55 Old Post Road, East Setauket AGES: All WHAT: Learn to identify trees in their winter form. Start with an indoor workshop then go on a hike to hone in on identification skills. WANT TO GO? $8. 631-581-6908. preservationlongisland.org.
Nature Discoveries: Snowflakes
WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 27, 10-11am and 1:30-2:30pm WHERE: Connetquot River State Park, 3525 Sunrise Highway, Oakdale AGES: 3-5 WHAT: The program connects children and their parents with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $4; free for children younger than 3 unless participating. 631-581-1005. nysparks.com/parks.
Tracks and Traces
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 24, 1:30-2:30pm WHERE: Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Children unravel the clues left behind by the park’s wildlife, then make a book filled with animals tracks. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $4; $3 children; free for children younger than 3. 631265-1054. parks.ny.gov. 32
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Coming up next month: MARCH 17: Hiking for the Green at Sherwood-Jayne Farm, East Setauket SELECT DATES MARCH 24-APRIL 29: The Wizard of Oz at the John W. Engeman Theater, Northport MARCH 30: Film: Miss Hokusai by Keiichi Hara at Parrish Art Museum, Water Mill
things to do
where-to guide
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Staying
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Inside
Compiled by Samantha Neudorf
With temperatures dropping and snow falling, who actually wants to be outside? Cozy up with some hot chocolate or tea, or spend the rest of this short month exploring an indoor play space. If you still want a taste of winter without worrying about the weather, visit an indoor ice-skating rink (it’ll probably be warmer inside than the temperature outside!). And if you are not a fan of winter, you can even pretend it’s summer at one of these indoor water parks in the Northeast. Stay warm!
HOT CHOCOLATE SPOTS
Find more>> indoor play spaces in Suffolk County at nymetroparents.com/indoor-play-spaces.
Find more>> hot chocolate spots in Suffolk County at nymetroparents.com/hot-chocolate.
INDOOR PLAY SPACES
INDOOR ICE-SKATING RINKS
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The Rinx 660 Terry Road, Hauppauge 631-232-3222; therinx.com Hours: Year-round: Monday-Friday, 12:30-2:30pm; Tuesday-Friday, 4-5:45pm; Friday, 8:15-10:15pm (Rock & Roll Night); SaturdaySunday, 11am-3pm. On holiday and school vacation days, call for additional public admission times. Price: weekdays: $11 ($13.50 on Friday nights); $8.50 children ages 11 and younger; $5 seniors. Weekends and school holidays: $12; $9.50 children ages 11 and younger; $6 seniors. Islip residents receive $1 off adult admission with recreation card. $6 skate rental. Find more>> indoor ice-skating rinks in Suffolk County at nymetroparents.com/ ice-skating.
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Courtesy Sahara Sam’s Oasis
Safari Adventure 1074 Pulaski St., Riverhead 631-727-4386; thesafariadventure.com Open Play features a four-level, 20-foot-tall soft playground, giant bouncy houses, climbing, slides, a hands-on sensory area, and more than 30 video games for children ages 1-10. The activity center has a trading post for kids to trade in tickets from the games for prizes. Open Play is offered every day from 10am-7pm.
Caffé Portofino 249 Main St., Northport 631-262-7656; caffeportofinonpt.com Hours: Daily, 7am-8pm Serves breakfast, lunch, and a full espresso bar in a kid- and stroller-friendly environment. Its rich hot chocolate is made with Guittard chocolate sauces and comes in a variety of flavors. Its specialty hot chocolate, called Campfire Cocoa, is made with milk chocolate and toasted marshmallow syrup and topped with marshmallow cream and graham cracker crumbs. The café carries full-bodied Mighty Leaf teas in 10 varieties and offers an organic chai tea latte. Its specialty is the Dirty Hippie, a chai latte with espresso.
Kids of all ages can enjoy floating through Lizard Lagoon at Sahara Sam’s Oasis.
INDOOR WATER PARKS Sahara Sam’s Oasis 535 N. Route 73, West Berlin, NJ 856-767-7580; saharasams.com Hours: Thursday-Friday, 4-9pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-7pm. See website for updates. Admission: $39.99; $34.99 in advance; $32.99 for a halfday ticket; free for seniors older than 65 and for children 2 and younger. Even when it’s snowing outside, it is always a balmy 84 degrees inside Sahara Sam’s in West Berlin. Eleven water rides make Sam’s 58,000 square feet chock-full of fun. Lizard Lagoon is the hangout for the little ones, while teens will love The Flow Rider, the only indoor surfing simulator in New Jersey. Find more>> indoor water parks in the New York metro area at nymetroparents.com/indoor-water-parks.
raising kids baby
Sponsored by
How Babies Learn to Love
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The good news: Your little one is hard-wired to adore you. The better news: There’s plenty you can do to help build that bond. By Deborah Skolnik
T
hroughout my first pregnancy, I dreamed of the moment I’d welcome my newborn. We’d cuddle and look into each other’s eyes adoringly, just like in the diaper commercials. And when my daughter finally arrived, that’s exactly what happened—on my end. I gazed at her lovingly, but she gave me a blank stare, showing me about as much affection as if she were a strange cat I’d bumped into on the sidewalk. I had to laugh. Why had I expected more? Babies and parents share the sweetest relationship, but it isn’t instantaneous. It takes time for the relationship to flourish, deepening through little interactions that build closeness. How does your baby’s love grow? We asked experts to share their insights, plus offer advice about what you can do to help things along.
All Set to Attach
Your little one may not seem smitten with you at first sight, but he’s built to feel close to you. “Babies are hard-wired to attach to their parents, or to one or two primary caregivers who are reliable,” says Rahill Briggs, founder of pediatric behavioral health services at Montefiore Medical Group in the Bronx and national director of HealthySteps, a program aimed at ensuring babies and toddlers have nurturing care. Scientifically, it makes sense: Your baby seeks a close tie to a caring adult or two because it’s essential for her survival. 34
February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
And if you happen to be your baby’s biological mom, you’ve got a head start on being his true love. That’s because he already recognizes you on a couple of very fundamental levels, says Erica Komisar, LCSW, author of Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the First Three Years Matters. “Babies can hear your voice in utero, and so they recognize your voice [after birth], and they can recognize your smell,” she says. “And once they connect with you [or dad, if he’s the primary caregiver], and they make contact with your eyes, it’s only your eyes that they seek.”
Feeding the Feelings
One of the best ways to build attachment and affection in your baby is through doing something that already comes naturally: feeding her. As you hold your little one and look deeply into each other’s eyes while she nurses or drinks from a bottle, it sparks serious chemistry, literally, sending a lovey-dovey hormone called oxytocin flowing through both your bodies. “That hormone is critical,” Komisar says. Created in the right side of the brain, oxytocin especially surges in your baby when you hold him on your left side. He uses his left-side visual field then, which actually is wired, crisscross fashion, to his right brain. (This also makes it a great idea to cradle your baby on your left side whenever you can.)
Of course, this loving eyeful only happens if you’re actually focused on your baby during feeding sessions. Komisar warns against letting your attention wander too often to the TV or your favorite tech tools. When you focus on a screen instead of your child, “you’re basically not doing what nature intended…the fact that we’ve manipulated the situation now to look at phones and iPads [while feeding] is very strange,” she says. And if you aren’t breast-feeding, Komisar suggests taking off your shirt for feeding anyway, when possible, since skin-to-skin contact is another cue for your and your baby’s bodies to produce oxytocin.
In fact, Komisar believes that early smiles are more than just the gas pains they’re commonly chalked up to: “Babies have emotions from the very beginning,” she says. “You can see from the very start a kind of joyful connection between mothers and babies. The idea is that from the earliest moments, a baby can smile at a mother and resonate with a mother, and a mother can resonate with a baby.” Whenever you do see that smile, it’s bound to spur your own affection: “For a parent who’s just been through those first two months of a newborn and is barely sort of hanging on, that social smile can be like the key to keep going,” Briggs says.
Needy but Nice
Preferred People
Attending to your baby’s other needs, namely for diaper changes and bathing, is another great way to build attachment. “Human babies so desperately need caregivers to love them, and to be reliable and consistent and empathetic,” Briggs says. “Babies are then just built to return that affection, as long as it’s a secure attachment relationship, and the primary caregiver has been relating in a way that’s reliable and empathetic and consistent and warm.” This doesn’t mean that you must slavishly attend to your baby’s every whimper: “We know that actually babies don’t want that,” Briggs says. “They want some downtime and they seem to need some resting time. But being reliably empathic and pretty consistent means that when your baby lets out a really big cry, the one that means ‘I am so starving and my diaper is wet,’ that you respond.” The empathy aspect is major, Briggs adds. “By that, we mean that what a parent does in response to her baby is related to what the baby did.” So try to mirror your baby’s emotions; if she’s crying, make a sad face and say, “Aw, sweetie, I know you’re tired!” rather than rolling your eyes or trying hard to cheer her up. She’ll sense that you really ‘get’ her—and don’t you feel closest to the people who really get you?
Talking the Talk
Speaking of, well, speaking, it’s super-important to talk or vocalize to your baby. He’s heard your voice since before birth, and gets all warm and fuzzy-feeling at its comforting tones. So do you; it’s the third cue to the brain to produce oxytocin. And you don’t always have to use words; cooing, singing, and making other affectionate sounds all create that baby-mommy love. When you speak to your child, Komisar recommends using “Motherese,” the high-pitched, sing-songy tones people so often use in addressing babies. “It’s a very healthy thing,” she says. “It has something to do with the intonations…it tends to grow the right brain of the baby.” In fact, she says, one sign that a mother may have postpartum depression is if she refuses to speak in Motherese, and instead only addresses her baby in flat, adult-sounding tones.
Little Signs of Love
Of course, having shown your baby love without bounds, you’d like at least a little reassurance that it’s a two-way street. How can you tell whether or not she’s as into you as you are into her? At the beginning, the signs may be subtle—she may seek out your gaze or even imitate some of your expressions. And then, by around 2 or 3 months of age (or even sooner), you’ll see more definite proof: She’ll smile at you.
Around 8 months of age, your baby’s behavior may abruptly change. Try to let your neighbor hold him, and he’ll fuss and reach back to you instead. This is the start of what’s known as stranger anxiety. “You’ll be like, ‘Where did that baby go that I used to be able to pass off to anybody in my office?’” Briggs says. This phenomenon peaks at around 15 months, then begins to fade out by 18 months. The flip side of this fear of unfamiliar people is love for immediate family: Clearly, your baby feels you and your partner are his ‘special people,’ and draws a line between you and the rest of the adults out there. At the same time, your child may start showing affection for her most special friends. It’s wonderful to watch her face light up when you bump into a pal from the park, or when your sitter shows up at your doorstep after a weekend away. Overjoyed facial expressions may be accompanied by happy-sounding vocalizations or generalized, delighted wiggliness. Either way, there’s no doubt your child now has a group that she considers her posse.
Rescue Me!
Strangers aren’t the only things that will spook your baby as he nears his first birthday. Other scary-seeming things may set him off now too, like the loud siren of a passing fire engine or the sight of a large dog as you’re walking down the street. His reaction? He’ll look for you, or cry and reach out to you. This, too, is a form of showing love. “There could be alternative attachment figures around, such as aunts and grandmothers, but when the baby is in distress, he’ll reach back for the mother,” Komisar says. “So you know that if your baby reaches back for you or looks for you when she’s in distress that she needs you, loves you, and is calling for you. It’s your eyes and your smell that she’s seeking.”
Smooches and Swag
By the time your baby celebrates her first birthday, you may see some of the classic signs of love—she’ll come in for a great big hug with those deliciously chubby little arms, or lean on in and plant a wet one on you (or even on grandma or grandpa, if nicely asked). And, as he starts walking and nears his second birthday, you may find yourself on the receiving end of more than just an embrace. Take your baby to a park, and she just may pick a flower and bring it to you. “It’s hard to know whether it’s a present of love or whether it’s just saying ‘Hey, look at this really pretty thing I found and let’s talk about it,’” Briggs says. Of course, if you’re like most parents, you’ll see it as a gift—why not? It’s just one of many signs that the baby you love so much is growing up to be a loving human being.
From our sponsors: The mission of Allied Foundation is to impact and improve the health and well-being of residents within Allied Physicians Group’s geographical footprint, which currently includes Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk), Queens, Brooklyn, Richmond, Westchester, Rockland, and Orange. The Allied Foundation funds community-based strategies and initiatives, including Breastfeeding Support (toll-free Support Line: 866-621-2769 and Breast Milk Depots), Community Education (free app—AlliedPG with a medicine dosing calculator and symptom checker—and lectures about such topics as ADHD, managing food allergies, behavioral health, and infant CPR), Early Childhood Literacy (proud partner of Reach Out and Read and The BookFairies); and Community Service (Diaper Bank of Long Island). For more information, visit alliedfoundation.org. LongIslandParent 35
family life finances
House Hunters
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What first-time homebuyers need to know to navigate the market and find the right home By Samantha Neudorf
W
hen you hear the word “home,” you may recall fond memories from your childhood, such as gathering together for Thanksgiving, waking up to the smell of breakfast on weekends, or cozying up on the couch to watch a movie. Home may be a state of mind, but a house is where all of those memories are made. Now that you’re a parent, you may be looking for a house of your own—one where your children will take their first steps, and, many years later, return with their own families. Real estate shopping can be a tricky process, but by doing some homework (see what we did there?) in advance, you can avoid many common newbie mistakes. Here’s how to navigate the market to ensure you will find the perfect home to grow your family.
Figure Out Your Finances
Though it’s tempting to begin looking at houses right away, it’s not the best idea—later on you may realize you’ve fallen in love with a house you can’t afford. Greg McBride, the chief financial analyst for Bankrate, an online tool to compare financial rates, 36
February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
says the biggest mistake prospective homebuyers make is looking at properties before reviewing their finances. “That’s a recipe for trouble,” he says. “Instead, it pays to know how much you can afford and get pre-approved for a loan amount. That sets boundaries around your shopping.” The first step is to request your credit score from each of the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. An ideal score is one that’s higher than 700—it makes you attractive to lenders and could help you get a lower interest rate on a mortgage. Getting your scores early on helps you know where you stand, and also gives you the opportunity to dispute any errors on your credit reports before beginning the mortgage application process with a mortgage lender. The next step is to pick a mortgage lender. This can be a bank or a credit union—and does not have to be one at which you have an account. McBride advises shopping around for a lender to find the best rate; you can do this by using tools such as the Bankrate search engine to compare prices in your area. Once you settle on a lender, request a pre-approval letter—this
shows home sellers you are a serious buyer and will able to be approved for a loan. After you decide on a house, place an offer, and the offer is accepted, it is important to know you are not obligated to the mortgage lender who gave you the pre-approval letter. In fact, it’s smart to put in applications with one or two other lenders at the same time, to figure out which one will give you the best price. “That can really give you an apples-to-apples comparison of who’s offering the best deal, both in terms of interest rate as well as the fees that are being charged,” McBride says. So how much house can you afford? In terms of the mortgage itself, the rule of thumb is to pay no more than 30 percent of your gross monthly income, which would include property taxes, property insurance, and any homeowner dues. When choosing the mortgage loan duration, most lenders recommend a 30-year loan to keep payments manageable while saving money for other things. “It’s better to keep your payments lower so you still have enough breathing room in your monthly budget to be able to save money for other purposes, such as emergencies, retirement, and your kids’ education,” McBride says. “You don’t want to be house-rich and cash-poor.” The loan may take 30-45 days to be approved, and in the meantime, you will need to pay for a home inspection, home appraisal, title work, and closing costs. Once you own the home and begin making mortgage payments, other fees will include principal and interest on the mortgage, property tax, property insurance, homeowners insurance, and utilities.
Know Your Neighborhood
Finding the right neighborhood for you and your family is crucial before settling on a home, because this will set the tone for your living situation. Jamie Marcantonio, a real estate broker for Coldwell Banker in Suffolk County, recommends researching neighborhoods and visiting them to get a feel for it. “I always emphasize that [prospective homebuyers] check every single town that they’re looking in and make sure that the school system is highly rated,” Marcantonio says. “That seems to be a real hot button for first-time homebuyers.” Visit the neighborhood and take mental notes of what you observe, and keep it in mind when viewing homes. For example, is there a lot of traffic on the main road? Is public transportation readily available? Are there a lot of parks? Is the area close to something undesirable, like a wastewater plant or high-tension wires? Another big decision is figuring out whether you want to raise your family in the city or the suburbs. Many first-time homebuyers in the greater New York area are looking to move away from the city and into a suburb. Deciding which town is best can be challenging, but there’s help. Suburban Jungle Realty, for instance, is a real estate advisory firm that connects homebuyers free of charge to “suburb strategists,” who then pair them with towns outside of the city. “Our strategists make sure you’re looking in the right places, asking the right questions,” says Alison Bernstein, Suburban Jungle Realty’s founder. The strategists also provide information, talk about the intangibles, and get homebuyers thinking about the right questions, such as what day cares are nearby? Can I get live-in help if I’m a stay-at-home mom? What kinds of restaurants are in the area? Where are your favorite places to take your own kids?
Choose a Home
After figuring out what type of home is in your price range, and what town, city, or neighborhood you want to live in, the fun part is going to showings and attending open houses. Marcantonio says finding the right broker is key to finding the right home. She advises homebuyers to interview realtors in person to decide who will be a good fit personality-wise and will be most attentive to their needs. “Go to open houses to see these brokers in real time,” Marcantonio says. “Watch how they’re interacting, interfacing, and what kind of information they are giving.” Once you find the right broker for you, sit down with them and begin a dialogue about what exactly you are looking for: Do you want a ranch- or colonial-style house? How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Are you hoping for a large or small yard? When deciding whether you want to buy something on the lower end that will need renovations down the line or something that’s move-in ready, Marcantonio advises to think about whether you have the money to do renovations and if you are emotionally ready to go through with waiting for the work to be done—it’s not always as fun and easy as some well-loved TV shows make it seem. “Many people think ‘I’ll get a fixer upper, I’ll save money there,’ and in the long run they sometimes end up spending more money because they begin to take walls down and run into more expenses,” Marcantonio says. Remember that it’s okay to not feel pressured to find a dream house to show off. At the end of the day, a house provides shelter, but the memories you create and share with your family there is what makes it a home.
Long Island Speech & Myofunctional Therapy 1-844-5-SPEECH
www.LIspeech.com
Licensed Speech Pathologists & Myofunctional Therapists Specializing in the Treatment and Correction of:
• Language Disorders • Memory & Auditory Processing Difficulties • Fluency • • Voice Disorders • Motor Planning Disorders • Deviate Swallowing • Tongue Thrust • • Feeding & Swalling Problems /Aversions • Thumb Sucking • Articulation Disorders • Oral Facial Muscle Weakness •
Specialized Specialized Therapy Therapy Approaches Approaches Including: Including PROMPT Therapy • Individual FEEDING Therapy Augmentative Communication Evaluations & Therapy
“FEES”...Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing Participating with most Major Health Insurance Companies With 7 locations across Nassau & Suffolk
LongIslandParent 37
Courtesy Google
family life home
Hey Google! Can You Teach My Kid Some Manners…Please? ››
Smart home devices have many advantages, but are they turning our children into brats? By Bethany Braun-Silva
J “
ust Google it,” my husband said when, last year, I asked him what day of the week Christmas fell on. Before I could whip out my phone and start typing, I heard my 5-year-old say, “Hey Google, what day is Christmas this year?” This is our life these days. We were recently gifted a Google Assistant, or Google Home device, an internet-connected speaker that does everything from play music to sync our calendars to answer any question, no matter how random. Within seconds Google replies with an answer, and we are on to the next thing. No “thank you” needed—it is, after all, a virtual assistant that’s plugged into our wall. But it didn’t escape me that if my husband had answered the question, I would have at least tossed a “Thanks, babe,” his way. This got me thinking about my kids. They are absolute sponges, picking up new phrases and mannerisms every day—from TV shows, videos on their iPad, and me and my husband. I, of course, want them to be polite and considerate kids who grow up to be 38
February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
polite and considerate adults. I started to wonder: Should I make them say “thank you” to the tech device that sits on top of our family desk? Amazon’s Alexa, Google Home, and Apple’s Siri will answer any question regardless of whether it’s asked politely. Kids can even be intentionally rude to the device, calling it a “jerk” or “stupid,” with no repercussions of hurt feelings or a scolding from Mom or Dad. However, it is a device, not a person, so I find myself torn on this issue.
Technology and Our Society
I’ve heard many times throughout the years that technology is ruining our social interactions. In fact, it’s contributing to the lack of empathy we see online—especially with kids and teens. “When social media relationships replace real-time, real-life, in-person human relationships, problems arise…That’s because when interacting with others from behind a keyboard, the communication rules are different—easier…You can say what you
want without having to witness firsthand the emotional fallout of poor choices or unkind words, even those that are misspoken,” according to “Is Technology Dehumanizing Our Society?,” an article published on dialogmagazine.com. This lack of human interaction is the norm these days. Internet trolls run rampant. I hardly know anyone who prefers talking on the phone rather than texting. And now, with these in-home devices, tech is literally everywhere. But even if this is the norm, should it be?
The Pros
Paulina R., a mom from Forest Hills, isn’t too worried about the social side effects that smart home devices may have on her kids. “The benefits far outweigh the potential drawbacks,” she says. “My kids use our Alexa like a modern-day library. They absorb so much information from that little machine, it’s incredible.” Meanwhile, Manhattan mom Vanessa McDaniels has found another advantage to her family’s Google Home device. “When my two boys get into an argument over who wants the iPad or who gets to pick the family movie, we ask Google to flip a coin,” she says. Arguments are settled in mere seconds, which makes for a much more peaceful household. Similarly, many parents of children with special needs praise virtual assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant. “While on the one hand kids using Alexa may develop an attitude, there are also ways that creators, such as myself, are using Alexa to help children lead better lives,” says Daphne Mallory, a virtual reality screenwriter and producer. She recently developed the Alexa skill Autism Help, which is designed to help parents teach social, verbal, and functional skills to children with autism. “It may be easier and less stressful for children on the autism spectrum to interact with Alexa and learn skills, than solely with a parent or other adult,” she explains. “That’s the benefit of voice interface technology and how we can use Alexa in a positive way.”
The Cons
Even with the best of intentions, though, parents can find themselves at odds with their kids’ behavior when it comes to these devices. McDaniels is a bit worried about how their smart device may affect the way her children act outside the house. “The Google Home device answers our kids whether they are rude or not,” she says. “I’m concerned that this might get repeated with a family member or even a teacher one day.” And McDaniels recently caught her 6-year-old son Connor hitting the device when it didn’t understand his question. “We talked to him about his behavior and explained that that’s not how we treat things in our house,” she says. “But there was this thought in the back of my head that even though this behavior is totally unacceptable, we were essentially talking about something inanimate.” There’s also the issue of safety. Who’s to say these devices can’t get hacked or steal personal information? Certainly if a smart device resides in your kids’ room, there might be some cause for concern when it comes to privacy. “Google’s activities may affect the ads you get, the deals you are exposed to, the purchases you make, the discounts you receive, the entertainment and news you see, and your very sense that surveillance is natural. Plus, Google is only one of a gaggle of large companies involved in these sorts of activities—all the while seemingly hoping we don’t understand and are too resigned to push back,” writes Joseph Turow in an article titled “Google Still Doesn’t Care About Your Privacy” on fortune.com.
Manners and the Machine
So, is there a risk of these smart home devices making kids less empathetic—or even more demanding? “Devices are not turning kids into brats. Devices are merely tools,” says Donna Volpitta, Ed.D., founder of the Center for Resilient Leadership and a former special education teacher. “However, with the increase in technology and devices, parents need to be more and more mindful about the way they are parenting. Currently, there is a wide misuse of these devices, which puts kids at risk in many ways, including being at risk of becoming brats.” Lilian Rincon, product management director for the Google Assistant, is being more mindful by changing how she speaks to the assistant. “In my house, we say things like, ‘Ok Google, please tell me the weather’ and try to remember to say ‘thank you’ when we get the answer. We don’t always remember, and it’s definitely a balance, but I think my kids learn from how we talk to the assistant, and it has made an impact,” she says. “There’s always some level of risk with new technology and children learning about it at younger and younger ages, but as a parent I can model the behavior I want them to replicate, similar to how we do in real relationships with people.” Paulina takes a similar approach to ensuring her kids learn manners: “That’s something they will learn from my husband and me, and I don’t think my kids will grow up to be rude just from using Alexa,” she says. “Teaching manners is the parent’s job, and we need to adapt our parenting to these modern times.” Dr. Volpitta also suggests using the following tips to stop kids’ bratty behavior toward the devices—and toward other people: • S et limits and stick to them: It is our job, as parents, to establish and enforce rules and boundaries, and it’s our children’s job (whether we like it or not) to test those rules and boundaries. If you see your child pushing the limits as far as rude behavior is concerned, step in and explain why that behavior is unacceptable. If the behavior was toward a smart device, remove the device to be used another time. If it was directed at a person, have them apologize. • Enforce privilege guidelines: Using any kind of technology for fun is a privilege, not a right. “When kids are acting responsibly, they are able to earn privileges and use devices. When they are being brats, they should not be able to use devices,” Dr. Volpitta says. • Show you won’t give in to whining: Kids should accept the consequences of acting in a negative manner toward the devices, so stand your ground if your child starts to whine or bargain to use the virtual assistant before they’ve earned the privilege again. So like everything in our tech-crazy world, in-home devices come with pros and cons. My kids will continue to emulate what they see and hear, so my husband and I will start saying “please” and “thank you” to our Google Assistant to set a good example. Though while my kids were out of the house the other day, I did ask it a bunch of questions, both appropriate and inappropriate—in the name of research, of course. One was, “Hey Google, what makes you happy?” It replied, “I’m happy when I can help out.” Maybe the device can teach my kids some manners after all. LongIslandParent 39
raising kids teen
Help Your Teen Get More Exercise ›› Most adolescents are a lot less active than they should be—get yours moving with these expert-approved tips. By Deborah Skolnik
T
he teenage years. What do you think of when you hear that phrase? Probably kids growing like weeds and busily exploring new things, and, because of this, being more active than they’ll ever be again. But research released last June shows that this just isn’t true, at least not these days. The study, part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination survey, found something alarming: Physical activity peaks at age 6, then declines throughout childhood. Just how steeply does daily exercise decrease? By age 19, the average teen is as sedentary as a 60-year-old. Blame the tech revolution for a lot of this, says Jane Diamond, a master personal trainer and certified health and wellness coach. Kids aren’t outside all day until dinner, the way that we, or our parents, were as kids. “Our society has changed into an information society,” she says. “We sit at computers, we play games, and we’re on our phones. Kids come home from school and go onto Facebook and Snapchat.” Add in a lot of scheduled time for things like after-school help, homework, and instrument lessons, and it’s easy to see why today’s teens aren’t movers and shakers, at least in the physical sense. 40
February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little prodding from you, your teen can adopt a more active lifestyle, one that will serve her well throughout her life. We asked exercise pros how to make it happen.
Household Help
There’s plenty you can do around the house to encourage your teen to exercise. “Create an environment that reflects the change you want,” Diamond says. Steps like these can make a big difference: Lead by example. Show your teen that you embrace workouts. Keep an exercise bag at the door for trips to the gym, tennis lessons, or whatever physical activity you pursue. Invite him to come along with you whenever possible. If he can’t accompany you, make a point of letting him see you come home feeling energized and raring to go. “A little bit of that does sink in,” Diamond says. Load up your video game console with active games. “There are so many that make you exercise or dance,” Diamond says. And
get in the game yourself. Tell your teen, “I want to play too!” If it’s a competitive game, throw down a challenge to amp up the excitement factor and keep the activity going longer. Wean from the screen. While workout-based video games are fine in moderation, try limiting the number of hours your teen spends on optional, nonacademic screen time. Designate certain times of day, such as mealtimes, to be phone-free, so she gets used to the idea of letting go of her trusty device. And make certain areas of your house no-phone zones—especially the bedrooms. Your teen may end up getting more sleep at night, which will give her more energy to exercise during the day. Commercial-cize with your kids. When you do watch TV together, exercise together each time a commercial comes on, says Len Saunders, author of Keeping Kids Fit, who organizes programs on a national level for school-age kids regarding health and fitness. “If you watch a lot of TV, this can accumulate to a lot of exercise,” he says. Create a mini indoor gym. “For about fifty dollars, you can get all the equipment you need,” Diamond says. She recommends buying an exercise ball, a jump rope, carpet sliders, and a couple of sets of small weights. These are all easy to use, and there’s an abundance of videos and articles on the web to show you all the things you can do with them. Dole out some old-fashioned chores. Make your teen responsible for physical tasks around the house, such as sweeping the walkways, vacuuming the carpets, or mopping the kitchen floor. These responsibilities will get him off the sofa and onto his feet. Create an exercise chart for the whole family, with built-in rewards for your teen. Set the goal of an hour a day of physical activity for each of you, and have your child mark her progress. The incentive can be anything that you know motivates her, such as extra allowance money or the chance to get you to finance her Friday night out with her pals.
Have your teen walk the dog if you own one and your neighborhood is safe for a solo excursion. One recent study published in the journal BMC Public Health found that dog owners walk 22 more minutes per day than people without pooches. Plan active outings—and tell your teen to invite a friend. Hiking in a state park with Mom and Dad? Lame. Hiking in a state park with Mom, Dad, and Hailey from bio class? Way cool. Pals are everything to kids at this age, so provide a chance for some buddy time along with exercise. “They’ll do a lot more when they’re with their own peers,” Liang notes. Run errands without using a car, bus, or subway. If your destination is within walking distance, go on foot or by bicycle. “If you own bikes, get bike baskets so it’s easy to take purchases home,” Lopez says, “and if you’re going on foot, take along backpacks.” Don’t be discouraged by bad weather. “There are so many wonderful indoor exercise facilities,” Diamond says. “There are places that you can go that have indoor skating, indoor rock climbing, basketball courts, tennis, and squash.” Whichever strategy or strategies you use, set aside regular time for exercise, and make it a habit. “We didn’t wake up at age 2 able to go to the bathroom and brush our teeth on our own,” Diamond observes. “Someone taught us day in and day out. We practiced for years until it became so routine that we didn’t even think about it anymore, and exercise needs to become a habit, too.” With your help, your teen will get moving in the right direction, one healthy step at a time.
Take It Outside
There are even more opportunities for exercise outside the house. Get your teen up, out, and at ’em with these tips. Have the right outdoor equipment on hand, says Nedra Lopez, co-owner of P.E. Club on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Hang a basketball hoop above your garage if you live in a house, and challenge your child to a quick game after school (or head to the nearest public court to do the same). Buy a set of orange cones for your yard or take them to the park and use them to play a simple game: Line up all the cones on one side of a patch of lawn, and challenge your kid to see which of you can pick up and rearrange the cones on the other side the fastest. Lopez is also a fan of resistance parachutes—small parachutes you strap around your waist that catch the wind as you run, creating muscle-building resistance. Want more fun? Invest in an agility ladder, which is a ladder-like device you lay on the ground. Play hopscotch with it, or check out YouTube videos of beginner agility ladder drills. Sign up together for an athletic event for charity, says Sandra Liang, a trainer at Crunch in Manhattan. It can be as simple as a walk or as ambitious as a 5K you train for together, “and it also introduces your child to volunteer work,” Liang adds. Revisit your favorite childhood games. “Whether you played tennis or racquetball or something else, explore them together,” Lopez says. It’s a great opportunity for you to teach your child a sport you know, and it’s quality bonding time, too.
Make it Better with...
Sweet, creamy, all natural spread with no added sugar. Great spread on toast, pancakes, waffles, muffins, bagels. Even use it on dinner items like warm veggies, squash, potatoes. Less calories per serving than butter, cream cheese & nut butter. Contains NO peanuts - great for kids with nut allergies too! Sold in the Deli section @ all Best Markets & select Stop & Shops
Bayport, NY | 631-338-1722 www.littlevickys.com • littlevickys@yahoo.com
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raising kids dental health
Healthy Smiles
››
Local dentists and orthodontists answer frequently asked questions about kids’ dental health.
F
rom the time we were young children, our parents took us to the dentist every 6 months for regular checkups and cleanings. Now that we’re parents, we’re doing the same for our children to ensure they have healthy pearly whites from the time their baby teeth grow in through the time they leave the nest. As with most things medical-related, it can be confusing what the latest recommendations are when it comes to oral health and how to help our children. So in honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month, we compiled some of the best advice we’ve received from dentists, orthodontists, and even a psychologist in the New York metro area to keep your kids’ smiles healthy and happy. Here’s what they had to say:
Good Habits Start in Infancy
Before your child has any teeth, you should wipe the mouth and gums with moist gauze or a soft wet washcloth after feedings and before bedtime. Once the first tooth comes in, you should use a small, soft bristled, age-appropriate toothbrush to clean the teeth two times per day: in the morning after breakfast and in the evening before bedtime. The last thing to touch a child’s teeth before bed should be a toothbrush. At first, no toothpaste is necessary; simply wet the toothbrush 42
February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
with water. For children younger than 3, a rice-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste should be used; for children ages 3-6, use a pea-sized amount. It is best if a parent assists children preschool-age and younger in brushing. Take care to brush on the inside and outside of each tooth and the tongue, if possible. In order to maximize the beneficial effect of fluoride—a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay by making enamel more resistant to acids and harmful bacteria—your child should not rinse after brushing his teeth. Flossing should be initiated when adjacent tooth surfaces cannot be cleansed with a toothbrush. Kid’s flossers are an excellent aid in flossing children’s teeth. Evidence shows that in order to succeed in preventing oral disease, interventions must begin at infancy. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that your child should have a comprehensive oral exam, an assessment for oral diseases, caries risk assessment, dietary recommendations, and oral hygiene instructions by the time she reaches her first birthday. Good oral hygiene practices that are implemented very early on can have a positive outcome on her overall well-being. —Marita Smith, D.D.S., board-certified pediatric dentist and owner of Smith’s Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in Pomona
Know When Thumb Sucking Gets a Thumbs Down
on. However, laser treatment is not a common treatment, and only select offices have this equipment. Thumb sucking is okay as long as the habit stops after 5 years —Renuka Bijoor, D.D.S., a board-certified pediatric dentist at of age. After 5 years of age, the child’s permanent teeth will Briarcliff Pediatric Dentistry in Briarcliff Manor begin erupting—the first molars, the incisors on the lower arch—and thumb sucking will cause the child to develop an Got Braces? Be Proud! anterior open bite, where the teeth in the front do not come In our society, particularly in the adolescent age group, together and, as a result, the tongue has a lot more space to how people look really relates directly to their popularity. thrust forward. Because of this, the child may also develop And a good chunk of kids want to be popular. Their selfspeech impediments, since they cannot pronounce certain consciousness comes from the fear of whether they will be sounds due to the teeth not closing correctly and the tongue popular because now there’s something making them look thrusting forward. different. I think some kids take advantage of this by pointing If your child breaks the thumb-sucking habit by age 5 without out these differences and bullying those children with braces. any orthodontic intervention, the open bite will usually close on A lot of people get braces and want to hide them—a fact that its own by age 10 or 11, depending on the severity. our culture has embraced and addressed by coming up with Another thing is the upper arch will form in a v-shaped arch— invisible options such as Invisalign. kind of elongated forward—because of the constant pressure of We want kids to be proud and show their braces off. There is a the thumb on the upper teeth. That creates a cross bite, or scissor Twitter account (@GirlsWithBraces) where there are pictures of bite, in the back. girls with big smiles showing off their braces. Their approach is A cross bite needs to be corrected by expanding the arch with having braces is a positive thing rather than one that should make a special appliance called a palate expander. The palate expander you hide in fear. could also be used in combination with a habit-breaking appliance If a kid gets braces and approaches it with fear and wants to to correct both problems. hide, other kids pick up on that fear and that’s where a lot of the To break the thumb-sucking habit, the first recommendation teasing really comes in and it really is to talk to the child and erodes their self-esteem. encourage the child to $4.66: the average amount the — Jill M. Emanuele, Ph.D., a clinical minimize the habit as much psychologist at the Anxiety and Mood as possible. For example, it tooth fairy paid per tooth in late Disorders Center for the Child Mind shouldn’t be done for the 2016 through early 2017, according Institute in Manhattan whole day. Some kids don’t do it during the day because to Delta Dental Plans Association’s Learn What to Do If There’s a they’re involved in activities, national poll Dental Emergency at School and when they go to sleep, First, try not to panic too much they start sucking their as you approach your child. thumb. It still needs to be Oftentimes there is a lot of bleeding if the injury involves the broken in that case. mouth. The oral tissues are highly vascular, so profuse bleeding If that doesn’t work, they can always go to the orthodontist, is common. If the school nurse has not done so already, place an who can talk to the child. Sometimes kids forget they need to ice pack on the injury and apply light gauze pressure to the site of work on breaking the habit, and parents are so caught up with injury. This will usually control the bleeding, and the ice will help their work that they also forget, so what I advise is to put up with any swelling. If the injury involves the mouth or jaw, call your sticky notes all over as reminders for the child to take their child’s dentist right away. You may want to call your dental office thumb out of their mouth. Some parents also try thumb guards. as you head to the school so they are prepared to see your little As a last resort, there are habit-breaking appliances the one as soon as possible. orthodontist can cement in the child’s mouth. They come in If there is general head trauma, and your child is complaining different forms to prevent either tongue thrusting or thumb of headache, dizziness, or disorientation, take your child to the sucking. They have a roller that prevents the thumb from getting emergency room immediately to rule out a concussion. into a secure position in the mouth, and that will break the habit. If a permanent tooth has been knocked out of your child’s —Larissa Davids, D.D.S., orthodontist and owner of Rego Park Orthodontics mouth, do everything you can to locate the tooth. Try not to in Rego Park, Queens handle the tooth by the root. Make no attempt to clean the tooth if there is visible dirt or debris. Place the tooth in a cup of milk There’s Lots to Love About Laser Treatments or a “tooth saver solution” if the school nurse has it. The most Laser treatment is a method of handling delicate procedures ideal scenario is to place the tooth back in the socket if your child in children as young as 2-3, such as cavities and lip ties, which allows, but we often find that the parent and child are too nervous happen when the upper lips of infants are tethered to the upper to do so, and that is okay. Take your child and the tooth to your gums from birth. It can be used in multiple procedures in children dentist as soon as possible. Time really is important in this case; without instilling any trauma like anesthesia shots. For example, the sooner the tooth is re-implanted and stabilized, the better the dentists can use laser treatment in place of the conventional drill prognosis. If the tooth is a baby tooth, it will not be re-implanted. when treating cavities, eliminating the need for anesthesia shots You still want to have your child examined, and take the baby and making your child’s experience the least invasive and painful tooth with you, if you have it. Your pediatric dentist will evaluate as possible. The laser can remove tooth decay without touching the other teeth for any signs of mobility or damage as well as the tooth, and it numbs the tooth as an added bonus for your evaluate the jaws and bite to rule out a fracture. child’s comfort level. Another added bonus is that the treatment —Mahnaz Khan, D.D.S., a board-certified pediatric dentist at is shorter and less dramatic, which gives the patient a healthy Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry in Westbury experience and prevents a fear of the dentist from developing early LongIslandParent 43
family life food & nutrition
Vegan Snacks for a Super Bowl Party ›› Two affordable, easy-to-make vegan treats that will appeal to everyone
N
ow that we know the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles will huddle up for Super Bowl LII, which will air on NBC Feb. 4, we’re thinking about what delicious treats we’ll be making for our viewing parties—and how to accommodate all tastes and dietary needs. These recipes from Frugal Vegan by Katie Koteen and Kate Kasbee are vegan (of course), nut-free, and can be made gluten-free if not already; are affordable and easy to make; and will even appeal to meat-eaters. So enjoy watching the QBs throw the pigskin without any actual pigskins.
BBQ Chickpea Sliders
Twice-Baked Potato Bites
Though they first debuted at White Castle, sliders have evolved to include pretty much anything served on a tiny bun. We took a plantbased approach with this recipe by using nothing but chickpeas, BBQ sauce, and a few seasonings to create the savory, delicious filling on these bad boys. If it fits in your budget, don’t skimp on the Pineapple Slaw. It adds just the right amount of sweetness and crunch for an irresistible party snack or summery dinnertime dish.
Bust out the melon baller. You’ve got tiny potatoes to scoop out and that’s the perfect tool for the job. If you don’t have a baller, any small spoon will work. When it comes time for scooping, be sure to wait until the potatoes are cool before you scoop. Those little spuds can really hold their heat.
Nut-free, soy-free Splurge: Roasted sunflower seed topping Serves 4-6 • 15 minutes to prepare
Ingredients 1 (15-oz.) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained ½ cup BBQ sauce ½ tsp. garlic powder ½ tsp. chili powder Salt, to taste 12 whole-wheat slider buns 1 cup Pineapple Slaw (p. 143 in Frugal Vegan, or your favorite coleslaw recipe) Roasted sunflower seeds, for serving, optional Directions Add the chickpeas, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, and chili powder to a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring constantly and smashing about half of the chickpeas with the back of a fork or slotted spoon. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time if the mixture starts sticking to the bottom of the saucepan. Remove from heat and season with salt to taste. To assemble, spread a spoonful of the BBQ chickpeas on the bottom portion of a whole-wheat slider bun. Top with a scoop of Pineapple Slaw, and sprinkle with roasted sunflower seeds for some extra crunch, if desired. 44
February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
Nut-free, soy-free, gluten-free Splurge: Use fresh chives in place of dried Serves 4-6 • 60 minutes to prepare
Ingredients 2 lbs. red new potatoes (about 14), halved 1 tbsp. olive oil Coarse salt and ground pepper ¾ cup Vegan Sour Cream (p. 167 in Frugal Vegan, or your favorite recipe) 2 tbsp. chives, plus more for garnish Directions Preheat the oven to 450ºF. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut a thin slice off the bottom of each of your halved potatoes, so they sit flat. In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with oil; season with salt and pepper and arrange bottom-side down on the baking sheet. Bake until tender, 30 to 35 minutes. Let them cool on the sheet. When the potatoes are cool enough, scoop out about a teaspoon from the center of each potato and place in a medium bowl. Add vegan sour cream and chives, and mash; season with salt and pepper. Stuff the potatoes with the filling. Bake the potatoes until lightly browned, about 15 minutes.
Reprinted with permission from Page Street Publishing. Photography by Allie Lehman. Cover design by Mette Hornung Rankin.
PartyCentral PARTY ENTERTAINMENT THE FOOD WIZARD FOR KIDS Serving all of Long Island 631-606-2680 thefoodwizardforkids.com info@thefoodwizardforkids.com Try a healthy twist on birthday parties! The Food Wizard for Kids provides birthday party workshops for younger children. Kids discover new foods through fun activities including taste tests and art projects. MAD SCIENCE OF LONG ISLAND Call for locations throughout Long Island: 855-264-1672 madscienceli.com info@madscienceli.com A Mad Scientist brings all the necessary equipment to you. Party packages include invitations and a takehome activity each child makes. Optional grand finales include Bubbling Potions, Rockets, and Cotton Candy. PARTY PLACES BOUNCEU FARMINGDALE 101 Carolyn Blvd., Farmingdale 631-777-JUMP (5867) bounceu.com/cities/farmingdale.ny farmingdale.ny@bounceu.com BounceU Farmingdale was voted “Best of Long Island” for Children’s Party Place and Family Amusement Center. We provide the ideal combination of inflatable structures, a clean environment, incredible customer service, and non-stop excitement in a private party atmosphere. CELEBRATIONS IN THE KITCHEN 63 E. Old Country Road, Hicksville 516-396-2193 celebrationsinthekitchen.com celebrationsinthekitchen@gmail.com The most unique, fun-filled, joyous event! We have created a true baking experience for everyone to enjoy, including sugar cookie baking, all about pizza, cupcakes from scratch, doughnuts, and chocolate and candy projects. Come in, call, or visit celebrationsinthekitchen.com for more information on parties. COLD SPRING HARBOR FISH HATCHERY & AQUARIUM 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor 516-692-6768 cshfha.org steved@cshfha.org Celebrate your child’s next birthday at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium! See the hatchery and aquarium’s exciting live exhibits. Feed the hungry trout and learn about fish, reptiles, and amphibians with an up-close animal encounter.
Your local guide to entertainers, party places, activities, and other resources.
HUNTINGTON CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 310 New York Ave., Huntington 631-271-4626 huntingtoncenteronline.com huntingtoncenter@yahoo.com Make your child’s birthday a memorable and creative event with our dance-themed birthday parties. As a special treat, a guest artist will come in costume to perform for your guests!
SAFARI ADVENTURE 1074 Pulaski St., Riverhead 631-727-4386 thesafariadventure.com dan@thesafariadventure.com Safari Adventure is Long’s Island’s premier family fun center and birthday party place. Fun for the whole family with inflatables, four-level soft playground, arcade, interactive floor games, and a full café!
KEY TO MY ART INC. 10 W. Oak St., Amityville 631-608-9048 keytomyart.com At Key to My Art, our children’s paint parties include all supplies from aprons to easels. The guest of honor picks the theme, we provide the instruction, and each guest leaves with a finished painting!
SOUTH SHORE RECREATION 1132 Penatiquit Ave. 631-860-3126 southshorerecreation.com Kids are going gaga for the hottest new party on Long Island! Party at our location or we can come to you! Our fantastic coaches will run the Gaga games so you can host the best party you’ve ever had!
LONG ISLAND AQUARIUM & EXHIBITION CENTER 431 E. Main St., Riverhead 631-208-9200 xH2O (426); 631-208-9200 x186 longislandaquarium.com Have an Aquatic Birthday Party at the Long Island Aquarium! Take a private tour of the aquarium, and receive preferential treatment at our Simulator and Discovery Tower rides and special seating at our Sea Lion Show!
STUDIO E ART CLASSES 565 Route 25A, Miller Place 631-744-4001 studioeartclass.com Studio E Art Classes offers two economical party options: The Bash starting at only $290 and The Extravaganza starting at only $420! View details at studioeartclass.com.
MY GYM CHILDREN’S FITNESS CENTER 1320 Stony Brook Road, Stony Brook 631-751-KIDS (5437) mgym.com/stonybrook 128 W. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station 631-427-GYMS (4967) mygym.com/huntingtonstation My Gym parties include exclusive use of the gym, including a zip line, rock wall, trampoline, trapeze, climbing structures, and slides. Instructors lead your guests through action-packed activities of your choice from Gazillion Bubbles to sports, with multiple theme options. NOT JUST ART 183 South St., Oyster Bay 516-922-8300 notjustart.com create@notjust art.com Not Just Art has oodles of excellent music, art, and science parties for ages 1-12 and beyond. Choose from our treasury of super imaginative projects or use favorite themes and activities as a creative springboard. PICASSO KIDZ, CREATIVE ART STUDIO FOR CHILDREN 72 Broadway, Greenlawn 631-261-5500 picassokidz.com picassokidzart@gmail.com Picasso Kidz puts the “ART” in pARTy! Birthdays at Picasso Kidz are truly unique and memorable. We have many packages and options to choose from for ages 2-17.
THOMAS SCHOOL OF HORSEMANSHIP RIDING ACADEMY 250 Round Swamp Road, Melville 631-692-6840 tshcamp.com tsh@tshcamp.com Birthday parties, scout parties, and class trips are always a blast at the Thomas School of Horsemanship. For groups of 14-18 children. They receive one hour of riding time. THE VILLAGE ARTIST 630 New York Ave., Huntington 631-271-0715 thevillageartist.com lori@thevillageartist.com Create art for your next birthday party! The Village Artist Fine Arts Center is proud to host your next birthday party. Enjoy a fun and creative time with your family and friends including an art project of your choice. WHAT’S COOKING? 30 E. Main St., Oyster Bay 516-922-COOK (2665) whatscookingny.com info@whatscookingny.com Martha Stewart, Newsday, and News 12 boast What’s Cooking? is a No. 1 Choice Birthday Party Place where children can explore their creativity in culinary arts. Funtastic cookie, cupcake, Cupcake Wars, chocolate, or pizza party can be customized in our spacious party room making your party memorable!
LongIslandParent 45
Professional services
Your local guide to tutors, teachers, lawyers, financial planners, and other professionals. DENTISTS & DENTAL PROVIDERS CUMMINGS FAMILY DENTAL 42 High St., Huntington 631-425-1650 cummingsfamilydentistry.com cummingsfamilydentistry@aol.com At Cummings Family Dentistry, we believe that a dentist and patient become a team. We spend time listening to understand your concerns and responding with the best treatment options for you. PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY OF SUFFOLK COUNTY DR. MIKE IOANNOU 2171 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 145, Commack 631-486-6364 3237 Route 112, Building 6, Suite 7B, Medford 631-320-0880 supermolar.com mikeioannou@hotmail.com Dr. Michael Ioannou, a native of Suffolk County, strives to make visiting the dentist a fun experience, all while providing exceptional dental care. He uses excellent behavioral management approaches, a childfriendly environment (TV and cartoons in all treatment rooms), and he sings to the patients! SUFFOLK PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY 8 Medical Drive, Port Jefferson Station 631-928-8585 6144 Route 25 A, Suite D20, Wading River 631-929-7575 750 Roanoke Ave., Riverhead 631-727-8585 suffolkpediatricdentistry.com infoportjeff@suffolkpediatricdentistry.com For 40 years, we have provided dental care that’s friendly, gentle, and compassionate. We provide preventive and comprehensive treatment for infants, children, and adolescents including sedation and general anesthesia dentistry. We strive to help our patients develop good oral hygiene habits and beautiful healthy smiles. 46
DOCTORS & MEDICAL PROVIDERS LONG ISLAND CENTER FOR SPEECH AND MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success lispeechandmyo.com Suffolk: 631-689-6858 Nassau: 516-216-1791 Queens: 718-640-6767 Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, along with her group of therapists, supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders. PEDIATRIC IMMEDIATE CARE 150 E. Sunrise Highway, Suite 105, North Lindenhurst 631-956-PEDS (7337) 1077 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown 631-864-PEDS (7337) 698 Manhattan Ave., Brooklyn 718-389-PEDS (7337) pediatricimmediatecare.com Pediatric Immediate Care is a team of hearts where kids come first. Stateof-the-art medical office equipment allows us to deliver your test results during your visit. Kid-friendly; walkins welcome; most insurance plans accepted. RMG SPEECH PATHOLOGY RACHEAL MCINNES, M.A., C.C.C.S.L.P., SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST 775 Park Ave., Suite 255-4, Huntington 631-372-4142 rmgtherapy.com Racheal Gardega McInnes, speech-language pathologist, is founder of RMG Speech Pathology. Treatment areas include expressive/receptive language disorders, articulation disorders, fluency, voice disorders, auditory processing disorders, and feeding and swallowing disorders.
February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
FINANCIAL PLANNING & INSURANCE NEW YORK LIFE ALISON HACKETT 516-864-3576 newyorklife.com ahackett@newyorklife.com As your local New York Life agent, I will work with you to identify your goals and customize the best products in college funding, retirement planning, mortgage protection, life insurance, and long-term care insurance. Protect what matters most. FOOD & NUTRITION THE FOOD WIZARD FOR KIDS Serving all of Long Island 631-606-2680 thefoodwizardforkids.com info@thefoodwizardforkids.com Making food and nutrition fun for the whole family. Available for speaking engagements. Also provides workshops for kids, family night dinners, and healthy weight counseling. LITTLE VICKY’S 631-338-1722 littlevickys.com littlevickys@yahoo.com Little Vicky’s products are small batched with only the finest, natural ingredients. Real food, no junk. Products include Honey Butter, Garlic Honey, and Honey Lemonade sold at all Best Markets throughout Long Island and select Stop & Shops. LEGAL SERVICES LAW OFFICES OF ANDREW COHEN Law Offices of Andrew Cohen 1100 Franklin Ave., Suite 305, Garden City 516-877-0595 250 W. 57th St., Suite 1216, Manhattan 212-244-0595 amcohenlaw.com ac@amcohenlaw.com The Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen can help you achieve your objectives through careful special needs legal planning, regardless of the size of your estate. All clients are provided with high quality service at a reasonable cost.
LAW OFFICES OF BRAD H. ROSKEN, P.L.L.C. 534 Broadhollow Road, Suite 275, Melville 631-379-9569 specialedcounselor.com brad@specialedcounselor.com Brad H. Rosken is an experienced trial attorney. He’s also a parent of a child with special needs. He knows how far to push a school district to obtain the maximum that your child is entitled to under law. LICE FAIRY LICEMOTHERS 2463 S. Long Beach Road, Oceanside 866-561-0492 1755 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park 866-561-0492 679 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Head 866-561-0492 fairylicemothers.com fairylicemothers@gmail.com Our treatment centers are kid-friendly and our products are 100-percent nontoxic. Treatments include two free re-checks. Whether or not you use our service, we are here to help you. SPECIAL NEEDS ALTERNATIVES FOR CHILDREN 1116 Main Road, Aquebogue 631-722-2170 600 S. Service Road, Dix Hills 631-271-0777 14 Research Way, East Setauket 631-331-6400 168 Hill St., Southampton 631-283-3272 alternatives4children.org Licensed day care and EI/Preschool Special Education evaluations provider for eligible children. Early childhood professionals create a natural learning environment, promoting a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. DR. ELLEN T RICHER, EDUCATION CLINICIAN & COUNSELOR Convenient Long Island locations 347-668-3676 etrdream@aol.com We co-develop strategies to improve executive functioning, sensory processing, and social cognition challenges, and provide enrichment opportunities to
engage and motivate highly capable yet underachieving children. LAW OFFICES OF ANDREW COHEN 1100 Franklin Ave., Suite 305, Garden City 516-877-0595 250 W. 57th St., Suite 1216, Manhattan 212-244-0595 amcohenlaw.com ac@amcohenlaw.com The Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen can help you achieve your objectives through careful special needs legal planning, regardless of the size of your estate. All clients are provided with high quality service at a reasonable cost. LAW OFFICES OF BRAD H. ROSKEN, P.L.L.C. 534 Broadhollow Road, Suite 275, Melville 631-379-9569 specialedcounselor.com brad@specialedcounselor.com Brad H. Rosken is an experienced trial attorney. He’s also a parent of a child with special needs. He knows how far to push a school district to obtain the maximum that your child is entitled to under law. LITTLE OPTICS INC. 192-07 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, Queens 53-15 Roosevelt Ave., Woodside, Queens 718-468-7500 Hablamos Español littleopticsinc@yahoo.com We provide eyeglasses and professional eye care for children, including infants and young adults. We also alleviate any self-esteem issues associated with the stigma of wearing glasses. When your child leaves Little Optics, rest assured that they will feel confident. LONG ISLAND CENTER FOR SPEECH AND MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success lispeechandmyo.com Suffolk: 631-689-6858 • Nassau: 516216-1791 • Queens: 718-640-6767 Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, along with her group of therapists, supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders. RMG SPEECH PATHOLOGY RACHEAL MCINNES, M.A., C.C.C.-S.L.P., SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST 775 Park Ave., Suite 255-4, Huntington 631-372-4142 rmgtherapy.com Racheal Gardega McInnes, speech-language pathologist, is founder of RMG
Speech Pathology. Treatment areas include expressive/receptive language disorders, articulation disorders, fluency, voice disorders, auditory processing disorders, and feeding and swallowing disorders. THERAPY & COUNSELORS DR. ELLEN T RICHER, EDUCATION CLINICIAN & COUNSELOR Convenient Long Island locations 347-668-3676 etrdream@aol.com We co-develop strategies to improve executive functioning, sensory processing, and social cognition challenges, and provide enrichment opportunities to engage and motivate highly capable yet underachieving children. TUTORS & TEST PREP ST. PATRICK YOUTH COMMUNITY: ST. PATRICK TUTORING CENTER St. Patrick Church, Smithtown 631-724-1261 stpatsyouth.com; spyouth@optonline.net St. Patrick Tutoring Center is here to assist your learner from kindergarten to 12th grades with Catholic Entrance Exam Prep, SAT, Regents, or daily schoolwork. ST. PATRICK YOUTH COMMUNITY: YOUTH ENRICHMENT LEARNING CENTER St. Patrick Church, Smithtown 631-724-1261 stpatsyouth.com; spyouth@optonline.net St. Patrick Youth Enrichment and Learning Center provides programs for your child ages 1½ to sixth grade. A faith-based program offers a loving, caring environment. SYLVAN LEARNING CENTER OF HUNTINGTON 1160 E. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington 631-424-5600 sylvanlearning.com sylvanlearning@optonline.net Sylvan of Huntington offers personalized tutoring programs in reading, writing, mathematics, and SAT/ACT prep. Sylvan will help identify the right program for your child and exactly where your child needs to start to get the best results. VILLAGE EAST GIFTED: ENRICHMENT CENTER FOR THE GIFTED LEARNER Village East Gifted of Huntington 33 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station 631-549-2313 Village East Gifted of Roslyn 216 Willis Ave., Roslyn Heights 631-549-2313 villageeastgifted.com info@villageeastgifted.com Village East Gifted provides after-school enrichment and private tutoring. Enriching every qualified, gifted child. We are also a John Hopkins CTY info and SAT testing center.
OPENHOUSES 2018 Future Stars Summer Camps
The College at Old Westbury, Old Westbury 516-876-3490 Farmingdale State College 2350 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale St. Joseph’s College 155 W. Roe Blvd., Patchogue fscamps.com Stop by Future Stars Summer Camps Open Houses on Saturdays, Feb. 3, March 17, or April 28 from 9:30am-12:30pm.
Kids of Mount Sinai and Miller Place
37B Crystal Brook Hollow Road, Mount Sinai 631-331-5351 kidsofmountsinai.com 43 Echo Ave., Miller Place 631-403-4790 kidsofmillerplace.com Kids Country Day Camp 37 Crystal Brook Hollow Road Mount Sinai 631-331-5351 kidscountrydaycamp.com Join us for a Kids Country Day Camp and Kids of Mount Sinai school open house March 24, April 21, May 19, or June 9 from 11am-2pm.
Knox School Summer Adventures
541 Long Beach Road, St. James 631-686-1600 x414 knoxschool.org/summer-programs/summer-adventures ndezenzo@knoxschool.org Join us for an open house Feb. 10, April 14, or May 19 from 10am-1pm.
Long Island High School for the Arts Summer Arts Academy: sixth to 12th grades
239 Cold Spring Road, Syosset 516-622-5678 nassauboces.org/lihsa Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts invites all students with artistic talent, passion, and ambitions to an open house on Friday, Feb. 3, 10am-2pm.
Long Island Whole Child Academy School for Twice Exceptional Learning
175 Wolf Hill Road, Melville 347-668-3676 liwholechild.org info@liwholechild.org Open house and Twice Exceptional Education presentation. Discover how finding the right fit for your child can stimulate a lifelong love of learning. Feb. 10 from 10-11:30am and Feb. 28 from 6-7:30pm.
Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts
185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights 631-643-7900 usdan.com Join new families interested in learning more about Usdan. Meet with our admissions counselors and tour the campus. Refreshments, warm drinks, information, and 2018 registration available. Sundays, Feb. 11, March 18, April 15, and May 20 from 11am-2pm.
LongIslandParent 47
Meet the
Health Care Professional Building Blocks Developmental Preschool 29 Pinewood Drive, Commack 631-499-1237 bbdps.com
Donna M. Charbonneau is the executive director of Building Blocks Developmental Preschool. BBDPS offers a range of programs and services to children from infancy through age 5. Currently staffed with more than 100 teachers, therapists, and paraprofessionals, including registered nurses as well as psychologists, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, a physical therapist, and a developmental pediatrician. Early Intervention services are provided for children younger than 3, who have developmental delays. Building Blocks Developmental Preschool continues to ensure delivery of the highest quality educational services to all students.
Dr. Michael Gruttadauria, The Center for Integrative and Innovative Therapies (The CIIT Center) 131 Sunnyside Blvd., Suite 100, Plainview 516-243-8660; theciitcenter.com
Dr. Michael Gruttadauria leads the operations at an advanced treatment center for autism spectrum disorder called The CIIT Center. The CIIT Center’s mission is to approach each child with autism as a total entity by enhancing the biomedical, neurological, nutritional, electrical, and immune system of each of our patients and combining this with occupational, physical, and speech therapies, along with applied behavioral analysis. Our comprehensive approach starts with identifying the underlying factors that may be holding the child back, not just treating their symptoms. This gives each child every opportunity to reach their potential.
Pediatric Dentistry of Suffolk County Dr. Mike Ioannou 2171 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 145, Commack 631-486-6364 3237 Route 112, Building 6, Suite 7B, Medford 631-320-0880; supermolar.com
Dr. Michael Ioannou, a native of Suffolk County, received his dental degree at the University of Connecticut - School of Dental Medicine, with a residency in pediatric dentistry from Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center. A friendly, patient dentist, Dr. Ioannou strives to make visiting the dentist a fun experience, all while providing exceptional dental care. He uses excellent behavioral management approaches, a child-friendly environment (TV and cartoons in all treatment rooms), and he sings to the patients! Dr. Ioannou currently participates with most insurance companies and has convenient evening and Saturday office hours.
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February 2018 | nymetroparents.com
Cummings Family Dental 42 High St., Huntington 631-425-1650 cummingsfamilydentistry.com cummingsfamilydentistry@aol.com
Dr. Cummings believes that a dentist and patient become a team for treating an individual’s dental needs. She spends time listening to understand your concerns and responds with the best treatment options for you. She received her degree from Howard University College of Dentistry and received her postdoctoral training from University Hospital Stony Brook. Dr. Cummings is trained and experienced in providing dental care for patients with special needs, as well as complete dental care for the entire family. There’s a story behind every smile... we’d like to be part of yours!
Pediatric Immediate Care 150 E. Sunrise Highway, Suite 105, North Lindenhurst 631-956-PEDS (7337) 1077 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown 631-864-PEDS (7337) 698 Manhattan Ave., Brooklyn 718-389-PEDS (7337); pediatricimmediatecare.com
Pediatric Immediate Care is a team of hearts where kids come first. State-of-the-art medical office equipment allows us to deliver your test results during your visit. Kidfriendly; walk-ins welcome; most insurance plans accepted. Complete pediatric and adolescent care, as well as baby, camp, school, and sports physicals. Certified urgent care recommended by Urgent Care Association of America. Thirty years of dedication to our patients. The offices are open seven days a week including holidays, 8am-11pm.
Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success lispeechandmyo.com Nassau: 516-216-1791 • Suffolk: 631-689-6858 • Queens: 718-640-6767 Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, is owner and operator of Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy. Along with her group of therapists, she supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders (adults and children). Intensive feeding therapy for individuals who suffer from texture and consistency aversions, and FEES— Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing—are also offered. There is a total of seven affiliated offices across Long Island, all participating with most major health insurance companies and offering evening and Saturday hours.
raising kids ad index
NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY metropolitan area! art
Goldfish Swim School ..................................................... 7
health
Art League of Long Island............................................. 19
LIU Center for Gifted Youth........................................... 23
C.I.I.T. Center................................................................ 48
Ohman School of Ballet................................................. 15
Cummings Family Dental.......................................... 5, 48
St. Patrick Youth Community......................................... 17
Pediatric Dentistry of Suffolk County......................... 3, 48
Studio E Art Classes...................................................... 17
Pediatric Immediate Care.......................................... 5, 48
birthday / party services Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery................................. 21 Goldfish Swim School ..................................................... 7 Studio E Art Classes...................................................... 17 Thomas School of Horsemanship................................. 21
Sylvan Learning Center - Huntington............................ 19 Village East Gifted......................................................... 17
Nassau Boces Educational Foundation......................... 12
camps
dance
Art League of Long Island............................................. 19
Ohman School of Ballet................................................. 15
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery................................. 21
developmental
Destination Science....................................................... 21
Building Blocks Developmental Preschool.................... 48
HabiTots Preschool and Child Care Center................... 12 Kids Country Day Camp................................................ 17 LI Voyagers Day Camp.................................................. 12
restaurant / food services Little Vicky’s................................................................... 41
Camp Clio...................................................................... 15
Future Stars - Old Westbury.......................................... 20
performing arts / acting
C.I.I.T. Center................................................................ 48 Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech................. 37, 48 Young Peoples Day Camp - LI...................................... 52
LIU Center for Gifted Youth........................................... 23
special events Jewish Week (The).......................................................... 7
special needs Andrew M. Cohen, Esq.................................................... 7 Building Blocks Developmental Preschool.................... 48
Long Island Whole Child Academy................................ 21
education
Ohman School of Ballet................................................. 15
Building Blocks Developmental Preschool.................... 48
St. Patrick Youth Community......................................... 17
HabiTots Preschool and Child Care Center................... 12
Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech................. 37, 48
Kids Country Day Camp................................................ 17
Long Island Whole Child Academy................................ 21
LIU Center for Gifted Youth........................................... 23
Pediatric Dentistry of Suffolk County......................... 3, 48
Long Island Whole Child Academy................................ 21
Pediatric Immediate Care.......................................... 5, 48
Studio E Art Classes...................................................... 17 Sylvan Learning Center - Huntington............................ 19 Thomas School of Horsemanship................................. 21 Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts................................... 2 Village East Gifted......................................................... 17 Young Peoples Day Camp - LI...................................... 52
C.I.I.T. Center................................................................ 48 Cummings Family Dental.......................................... 5, 48
Nassau Boces Educational Foundation......................... 12 Village East Gifted......................................................... 17
sports Goldfish Swim School ..................................................... 7
child Care / Day Care HabiTots Preschool and Child Care Center................... 12
family entertainment / events / outings
St. Patrick Youth Community......................................... 17 Thomas School of Horsemanship................................. 21
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery................................. 21
Young Peoples Day Camp - LI...................................... 52
classes
fitness
tutors
Art League of Long Island............................................. 19
Goldfish Swim School ..................................................... 7
Sylvan Learning Center - Huntington............................ 19
Kids Country Day Camp................................................ 17
LongIslandParent 49
raising kids quotables
How did your definition of love change after becoming a parent? “Becoming a mom taught me to love from a different part of who I was before my kids were born. Before I became a mom I thought I knew the boundaries of my heart. From the moment I found out I was pregnant and then first saw my children, I knew that this kind of love is totally different than any other love I’ve felt before and that love truly is limitless, life altering, boundless, and completely unconditional.” —Monica Shulman, artist and photographer, Lower Hudson Valley
“Before becoming a parent, I have to admit that my idea of love was fickle, superficial, and often materialistic. After having children, my definition of love became seriously unconditional because even though my little ones do & say things that may hurt me, I still care about them immensely and want to continue protecting and nurturing them. My parental love is selfless and my whole being is devoted to my children. This kind of love is physical and emotional and encompasses my life and affects every decision I make.” —Scherrie Donaldson, aka @thirtymommy, East Flatbush, Brooklyn
“...I came around to the front of the stroller, grabbed his legs and as words started to come out of my mouth, I felt my eyes fill with hot tears and my voice catch in my throat. I barely managed to say, “You are making mommy very sad” before the tears started cascading down my face.” Anyone else have experience with raising a strongwilled child?
“Love means catching throw up in your hands. Love means staying up with a sick child. Love means making four different sandwiches for four children. Love means that your favorite present is the one they chose from the boutique at school. Love means your favorite days are the ones where you see how proud they are of themselves and their accomplishments. Love means helping them through difficult times with a smile even though it breaks your heart. Love means my heart grew every time I had another child and that my life is full of love every day.”
(Posted by @brooklynboymom, aka Rhianon Hoffman)
—Rima Potter, Port Jefferson
in an instagram
I swear our emotions and psyches are inextricably linked with our children’s in some deep, cosmic way. What they feel, we feel. What they experience, we experience. We may not feel or experience what they do to the same degree or with the same intensity, but parental empathy is real. And it’s freaking exhausting. —Annie Reneau in a post entitled “We Feel Our Kids’ Feelings, And It’s Exhausting,” on scarymommy.com
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“Having kids unlocked an entire new compartment in my heart for love. I tell them every second that I get that I love them and mean it sincerely. My heart feels full now and I am so happy to experience the love of a mother. It truly has no bounds.” —Suzanne Cohen, aka @gothamlove, Manhattan
Young Love “My son’s first crush was Victoria. It was love at first sight when they met in kindergarten and it continued in elementary school. Then Titanic came out and their relationship tanked too—until my son declared his affection on national television. During an appearance on the show Kids Say the Darndest Things, he said in the cutest little 6-year-old voice that he loved Victoria, but then explained: ‘She dumped me…because she loves Leonardo DiCaprio.’” —Laurie Sue Brockway in an article entitled “How to Handle Your Child’s First Crush;” read the whole thing at nymetroparents.com/first-crush.
More NYMetroParents.com Highlights: CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY: February is Black History month. Find where you can celebrate at nymetroparents. com/black-history. DISCOVER HISTORY: Check out historical locations in and around New York City at nymetroparents.com/ historical-places
Bar Mitzvah Bat Mi t zvah Sweet Sixteen Quinceañera
Party Planning?
Check off your entire to-do list in ONE DAY!
• Venues • Favors
• Invitations • Food Samples
• Photographers • Décor
• DJs and Entertainment • Judaica
Uniondale, Long Island • Long Island Marriott • Sunday, March 18th • 12 - 4 PM
Get your FREE family ticket online at CelebrateShowcase.com Tickets purchased at the door are $10
For More Info, Call 516-
729-0690
Days Filled with Fun & Excitement!
Open House :
Red Cross Swim Program • Sports & Karate
SAT., FEB. 10, 2018 11:00AM - 1:00PM & SAT., FEB. 24, 2018 11:00AM - 1:00PM
Arts & Crafts and much, MUCH MORE!
EAST ISLIP LANES
Boys & Girls, 4-14 • 2-8 Week Programs Operated by Licensed Teachers & Administrators All Union Rates Accepted • Weekly Field Trips
117 E Main Street East Islip, NY 11730