Westchester Parent February 2019 by City Guide NY

Westchester

Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM FEBRUARY 2019

Camp Directors

Tell All

8 things owners and directors wish you knew about summer camp Plus, find the perfect camp for your child: • Camp Directory • At-a-Glance Camp Guide

The Parent-Teen Bond She’s growing up, but that doesn’t have to mean growing apart

Orthodontia Explained The ins and outs of braces, retainers, and more

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

WestchesterParent

Have you considered a Catholic education for your child?

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

WESTCHESTER AND PUTNAM COUNTIES: CORPUS CHRISTI – HOLY ROSARY SCHOOL 135 South Regent Street, Port Chester

RESURRECTION GRAMMAR SCHOOL 116 Milton Road, Rye

ST. JAMES THE APOSTLE SCHOOL 12 Gleneida Avenue, Carmel

HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL 100 Mount Joy Place, New Rochelle

SACRED HEART GRADE SCHOOL 34 Convent Avenue, Yonkers

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST SCHOOL 670 Yonkers Avenue, Yonkers

HOLY NAME OF MARY MONTESSORI SCHOOL 110 Grand Street, Croton-on-Hudson

SACRED HEART SCHOOL 59 Wilson Street, Hartsdale

ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL 30 Meadow Avenue, Bronxville

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SCHOOL 53 Winter Hill Road, Tuckahoe

ST. ANN SCHOOL 40 Brewster Avenue, Yonkers

IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY SCHOOL 201 Boulevard, Scarsdale

ST. ANN’S PEAS & KARROTS 16 Elizabeth Street, Ossining

ST. LAWRENCE O’TOOLE EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING CENTER 11 Eastview Avenue, Brewster

IONA PREP LOWER SCHOOL 173 Stratton Road, New Rochelle

ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL 1395 Nepperhan Avenue, Yonkers

JOHN CARDINAL O’CONNOR SCHOOL–SPEC. ED 16 North Broadway, Irvington

ST. AUGUSTINE SCHOOL 381 North Highland Avenue, Ossining

OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL SCHOOL 59 East Main Street, Elmsford

ST. BARNABAS SCHOOL 413 East 241st Street, Bronx

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP SCHOOL 575 Fowler Avenue, Pelham Manor

ST. COLUMBANUS SCHOOL 122 Oregon Road, Cortlandt Manor

OUR LADY OF SORROWS SCHOOL 888 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains

ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON SCHOOL 1375 East Main Street, Shrub Oak

OUR LADY OF VICTORY SCHOOL 38 North Fifth Avenue, Mount Vernon

ST. EUGENE SCHOOL 707 Tuckahoe Road, Yonkers

ST. PATRICK’S SCHOOL 483 Old Post Road, Bedford ST. PATRICK’S SCHOOL 117 Moseman Road, Yorktown Heights ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE SCHOOL 77 Lee Avenue, Yonkers ST. PETER SCHOOL 204 Hawthorne Avenue, Yonkers STS. JOHN AND PAUL SCHOOL 280 Weaver Street, Larchmont TRANSFIGURATION SCHOOL 40 Prospect Avenue, Tarrytown

Apply and Enroll Before 4 /15/19 and Save $100 Per Child!

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS ONLINE ADMISSIONS OPEN NOW! Apply at CatholicSchoolsNY.org/apply or over the phone at (646) 794-2885

18 MONTHS - 8TH GRADE

WestchesterParent

contents table of

Original photo by ›› Big Apple Portraits (bigappleportraits.com) Clothing provided by Land’s End (landsend.com)

february 2019

24 camp 12 What Camp Directors Wish Parents Knew 14 Camp Directory 20 Camp Guide

Family Fun in Manhattan

Things to do and shows to see this month in the Big Apple.

Ways to Get (and Stay) Closer to Your Teen

Checking Out Neighborhoods

How to maintain a strong relationship with your child through her adolescence.

Experts share what you should consider before handing over a down payment.

raising kids

things to do

family life

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 Crossing the Digital Divide 32 Orthodontia Explained 34 Baby Cry Decoder 36 Ways to Get (and Stay) Closer to Your Teen 42 Party Central 43 Professional Services 44 Open Houses 44 Meet the Health Care Professional 45 Advertiser’s Index 46 5 Tips for Traveling with Young Children

24 Family Fun in Manhattan

38 Credit Check-Up

25 Family Activities Calendar

40 Checking Out Neighborhoods

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› 12 Camp Directors Tell All 14 Find the Perfect Camp 32 Orthodontia Explained 36 The Parent-Teen Bond facebook.com/nymetroparents

@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 2019 • Vol.18 • No.6

All About Camp!

s I write this, we’re getting weather warnings for Winter Storm Harper, and I couldn’t be happier about it. What can I say; this Maine-girl-at-heart loves the cold and snow! But, I’m sure many of you can’t wait for the warmer weather of summer to arrive—dreaming of beach days and no school (well, the kids are dreaming of this at least). We here at Westchester Parent are also turning our thoughts to the summer months—reminiscing about our long-gone days of summer camp. While you may think it’s too early to consider your child’s summer camp plans, the American Camp Association actually suggests that now is the perfect time to start planning. And we’re here to help you make the best decisions for your children to set them up for the. Best. Summer. Ever. In this issue, camp directors and counselors tell all, revealing the top things they wish you knew about summer camp, from choosing a camp to ensuring your kids have a great experience (p. 12). You’ll also find two must-read camp planning resources: our Camp Directory (p. 14), full of the area’s best summer camp options, and our At-aGlance Camp Guide (p. 20), where you’ll be able to quickly see which camps offer transportation, extended hours, lunch, ﬂexible schedules, and other specialty programs. And to help you even more, this year we are publishing our first-ever Westchester Parent Digital Camp Guide, which is full of great free content, including expert advice for planning your child’s summer, descriptions of area camps, camp comparison charts, and open house schedules. You won’t want to miss this ultimate, all-in-one, camp planning resource! You can find it at nymetroparents.com/campguide/westchester beginning Feb. 15! Of course, camp isn’t the only thing on our minds right now. This issue is also full of great advice, including ways to get and stay close to your teens at a time when it feels like they’re pulling away from you (pg. 36), how you can begin to discern what your baby’s cries mean (pg. 34), tips for improving your credit score in a year (really!) (pg. 38), and how to thoroughly check out a neighborhood to see if it’s the right place for your family live (pg. 40). Plus, February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, so local orthodontists share all you need to know about orthodontic appliances (pg. 32). And since February also brings us Valentine’s Day, we’re wishing you lots of love, laughter, and great memories with your kids! Katelin Walling Editorial Director

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Katelin Walling ASSISTANT EDITORS: Anja Webb, Melissa Wickes CALENDARS CALENDAR COORDINATOR: Whitney C. Harris EVENT RESEARCHERS: Rochelle Dorset, Shara Levine DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke

ADVERTISING SALES

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

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

MOMMYBITES

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Lauren Alperin Meirowitz 646-736-3609

OPERATIONS

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

PRODUCTION

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

Moms & Dads Make Great Part-Time Employees (are you looking?) M

any parents want a lifestyle that allows them to devote large blocks of time to raising kids and also pursue professional activities. The answer is often a work-from-home or part-time job. Mommybites.com—the go-to parenting community for resources, support, and education—has a job board dedicated to parents who are looking for those ﬂexible opportunities! Whether you are a part-time bookkeeper, writer, catering staff person, or have other skills, there are companies looking for you. These are jobs designed for people who want to return to the workforce, while remaining the primary caregiver for their children. Check Mommybites.com/jobs today to see what opportunities are available now. Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter to get weekly updates about just-posted positions. Are you looking to hire a mom (or a dad)? Post your opportunity on Mommybites.com!

MARKETING

MARKETING DIRECTOR: Ryan Christopher ASSISTANT MARKETING MANGER: Kristine Pulaski

FINANCE

CFO: David Friedman CREDIT ASSISTANT: Rosa Meinhofer

Davler Media Group davlermedia.com

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

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

The World Around Me

SUMMER CAMP 2019 JUNE 24 - AUGUST 16

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CALL: 845.243.0751VISIT: mosholudaycamp.com EMAIL: mosholudaycamp@gmail.com WestchesterParent

raising kids new places, new programs

The Murphy Auditorium recently had a new projection screen installed that allows clients to project images onto the back wall of the stage.

Pediatric Dentistr

Who: Iona College What’s New: Renovations to The LaPenta School of Business and Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, expected to be completed by December. The facilities will be available to the public for rent when the renovations are completed. In addition to building new facilities, existing buildings have already received technology upgrades. The Burke Lounge in Spellman Hall is now equipped with a brand-new audio-visual system including projectors and a sound system that can be operated via a Crestron system, which allows the user to control power, volume, and input selection to the projectors. Want More Info: 715 North Ave., New Rochelle; 914-637-7790; iona.edu/ocs

Courtesy Iona College

College in New Rochelle Begins Renovations to Business Schools

Who: Valley Pediatric Dentistry What’s New: iTero Scanner, which was added November 2018. The wand-like instrument scans the surface of the mouth, capturing more than 6,000 frames per second to create a digital 3-D model of a patient’s teeth in a short amount of time. There’s no radiation, and it’s a faster and more comfortable technique than the traditional mold techniques previously used to make impressions. The scanner has replaced dental mold materials needed to create Invisalign aligners, palate expanders, and other devices tailored to an individual’s teeth. In addition to reducing discomfort, the iTero Scanner allows kids to see 3-D models of their teeth. Want More Info: 3630 Hill Blvd., Suite 101, Jefferson Valley; 914245-7100; valleypediatricdentistry.com

Courtesy Valley

Pediatric Dentist in Jefferson Valley Adds 3-D Scanner

try has named the Valley Pediatric Dentis comfortable. patients feel more

p young scanner Rosie to hel

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Courtesy Stefﬁ Nossen

Who: Steffi Nossen School of Dance at The Music Conservatory of Westchester What’s New: Beginning Tumbling, which is slated to begin its spring semester Feb. 7. The classes will be held Thursdays from 4-5pm and are designed for kids in kindergarten-second grade who can’t help but jump, ﬂip, and spin with energy. Through introductory tumbling, such as somersaulting, cartwheeling, and backbends, kids will aim to develop the strength and coordination necessary to eventually transition into the school’s modern dance program. The program is designed for the creative and athletic kid who loves to move, according to Kristina Todd Nelson, the school’s director. Want More Info: 216 Central Ave., White Plains; 914-328-1900; info@steffinossen.org

School of Dance

Dance School in White Plains to Offer Beginner Tumbling

BeginningTumbling is a precursor to the school ’s modern dance program and aims to ma ke young dancers feel comfortable with being upside down, slid ing on the ﬂoor, and per forming other movements incorporate d into typical modern dan ce choreography.

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WestchesterParent

Courtesy Emily Orton

raising kids voices

Crossing the Digital Divide ›› One simple thing we do every week as a family to connect with our teens By Emily Orton

s part of the first wave of parents raising children in the digital age, I often feel like I’m in a conga line of the blind leading the blind. We’re guessing. We’re occasionally desperate. My husband and I went so far as to take our five kids to live on a sailboat for a year, so we could connect and create memories before they grew up and moved out. While a year at sea is more doable than most people think, you don’t have to go to those extremes to connect. Upon returning to the land of milk and Wi-Fi, we found ourselves digitally drifting apart again, even in our 900-squarefoot apartment. Should we embrace or eschew ubiquitous screens? How do we navigate the middle ground? My husband came up with a first-world solution for a first-world problem. Now, every Sunday evening, my family gathers for a ritual that is more Roku than Rockwell. We call it: Week in Pictures. Starting with our youngest and working our way up, each family member syncs their iPod or iPhone to our Apple TV using airplay or screen mirroring and shares their photos, videos, and snaps from the week. It’s that simple. Any smartphone or streaming TV device should do the trick. Our kids were skeptical at first. We didn’t know if it would stick, but it has for more than three years. It does not require elaborate preparation. It’s a quick, “Hey kids, grab your phones. Time for Week in Pictures.” If the Wi-Fi is wimpy, we put our phones on Airplane Mode until it’s our turn to share. Our only rule? We all stay to see each other’s photos. You might not think a few minutes once a week can make a difference, but it’s had a huge impact in our home. In a few

Emily and Erik Orton decided to spend a year sailing with their five kids. You can read about their adventure in Seven At Sea, available March 5.

minutes a whole family can orient to each other. We see into each other’s lives through each other’s eyes. Try it once. You may be surprised what you learn about one another. You may have the satisfaction of knowing you really do have a pulse on your child’s interests or you may have the pleasure of being educated. So often months blur together. Week in Pictures reveals some measure of what has made each week unique. Knowing we’ll have an opportunity to share insights, discoveries, and silly faces with each other makes us more aware of life in real time. It’s like sipping a cozy cup of Our Town. I am regularly amazed at how much life is compressed into seven days—milestones, epiphanies, emotions, and experiences—even when we’re just having a “regular” week. When we have company on Sunday evenings, we invite them to join us for Week in Pictures. When we are visiting others, we ask if our hosts would like to have a Week in Pictures. Everyone has loved it. Two of our daughters are away at college now. We call. We FaceTime. We email. We follow each other on Instagram. We have a family text group for sharing ongoing dialogue and momentous updates, so we can console or congratulate and keep our inside jokes alive. But when they come home between semesters, they want to share their pictures. We block out time over several days to make sure our grown-up kids get to show us everything they want us to know about their lives. I’m not kidding. A lot of parents are looking for the key to that secret garden where they can glimpse into their kid’s lives. If you’re one of them, the key may already be in your hand.

Emily Orton blogs with her husband, Erik, at Fezywig.com. They are the co-authors of Seven at Sea: Why a New York City Family Cast Off Convention for a Life-Changing Year on a Sailboat, available on SevenAtSea.com on March 5.

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

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WestchesterParent 11

What Camp Directors Wish You Knew

››

Six camp owners and directors tell all—from evaluating camps to asking about your child’s day. By Madeleine Burry

or parents, summer can present a logistical nightmare: How will your child spend all those days from June through August? Camp, of course, is the perfect solution. At camp, your child will learn new skills, build confidence, and have uninhibited fun in a safe environment, says Bob Budah, one of the owners of Park Shore Country Day Camp and School in Dix Hills. But which one? And what do you need to know to make your child’s experience during those weeks at camp stellar? Six camp directors and owners—from day camps across the New York metro area—share their must-know tips for parents.

Know the camp’s reputation and accreditation.

Keep your kid’s needs (and hobbies!) in mind.

“The first thing I really hope parents do prior to choosing a camp is understand their children and know their likes and dislikes,” Grosbard says. For kids, he says, summertime is a break from school— that doesn’t just mean a respite from testing, homework, and the classroom, but an opportunity to do what they enjoy. And while it’s nice to go into the first day of camp knowing someone, don’t automatically opt for your child’s best friend’s camp. “You want to pick the best camp for your individual child and that might not be the camp that their friends go to,” says Roberta Katz, co-owner and director of Deer Mountain Day Camp in Pomona.

Checking into the camp’s reputation should be high on your to-do list, Budah says. Do your usual due diligence: Ask fellow parents about their impression of the camp, and check online reviews. Budah also strongly urges parents to confirm the camp is accredited by the American Camping Association and inspected by the health department. The ACA sets standards for everything from the age appropriateness of activities to first-aid equipment standards.

Trust the camp director.

Factor in the camp’s location—and how far it is from home.

Feel free to pick up the phone.

Does this sound like a minor detail? Not so, says Jack Grosbard, owner of Mill Basin Day Camp in Brooklyn. “If a camper travels long ways back and forth, it can really ruin the experience,” Grosbard says. So, keep proximity in mind during the selection process. Think about the camp’s size, too, says Joseph O’Sullivan, camp director at Magic Day Camp in Queens. “Many camps are so big that kids can get lost, and if you’re the type of child who doesn’t make friends easily, this can be lonely,” he says. Check the camp’s website for the staff-to-child ratio, as well as its overall size. 12

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

If something comes up, by all means, get in touch. But one perk of sending your kid to camp, says Matt Davanzo, camp director at Squire Day Camp in Hartsdale, is feeling secure knowing your child is well taken care of by an experienced, capable staff. “What I like to impart to my parents is: We’ve got this. We’ll take care of it,” Davanzo says. “My goal is to be a non-factor.” Ultimately, you should feel confident in the camp you select. But if something comes up, camp directors urge you to get in touch. “Call me with anything,” Katz says. “In order to make camp the best possible experience for each child here, we need to have very open communication with each of our families,” she says. O’Sullivan agrees. At his camp, parents get cellphone numbers for every staff member their kids will encounter. That way, there’s no need to navigate the office or make multiple calls in order for parents to speak to their child, or their child’s counselor.

CAMP MARKETPLACE

Focus on the last day of camp–not the ﬁrst.

The first day of camp can be nerve-wracking—for you, and for your child. To quell those concerns, Katz urges parents to focus on how your child will feel at the end of the experience. And worry less about your kid fitting in or making friends right away too, she recommends. “I try to make parents feel comfortable with the idea of helping kids flourish as individuals,” she says.

Familiarize yourself with the camp’s procedures.

Every camp has a set of rules and procedures, so consider getting to know these guidelines your homework. And “pay attention to correspondence,” Grosbard says. That way, if there’s a dance show with everyone wearing white T-shirts, your kid won’t be the lone performer in a red tank top. And, Grosbard adds: be on time for pick-up and drop-off. Even more than keeping up with logistics, it’s nice to have a sense of what your kid does during the day, says David Stapleton, camp director of Future Stars Summer Camps in Old Westbury. Tip: Depending on your camp, social media can be a way to keep up with your kid’s daytime adventures.

Talk to your kid about their day.

Parents should talk to their kids about their camp experience every day, Grosbard says. He suggests asking questions like: What did you do? Did you like it? What was exciting? What would you like to do more or less of? What new skills did you learn? And, when your child shares, be excited in response! Don’t make the conversation a quick stopover before TV time; be genuinely engaged, Grosbard urges. This will help keep your child’s camp memories alive. Madeleine Burry is a freelance writer and editor who has held staff positions at Parents.com, Scholastic, and About.com. You can follow her on Twitter: @lovelanewest.

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» SPACES FILL UP QUICKLY. REGISTER TODAY! « WestchesterParent 13

Camp Directory Day Camps Acres of Adventure Summer Camp at Ann and Andy

2170 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford 914-592-3027 annandandychildcare.com Ann and Andy, family-owned and-operated since 1973, offers a wide variety of activities for children ages 2 months-14 years. We offer an extensive campus, flexible schedules, reasonable rates, nutritious lunches, caring staff, individualized attention, and age-appropriate field trips. We also have a tween travel camp for ages 11-14.

Alcott Montessori School

535 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry 914-693-4443 27 Crane Road, Scarsdale 914-472-4404 46 Fox Meadow Road, Scarsdale 914-725-7551 alcottschool.org Alcott School’s Summer Fun program offers a variety of schedules for children ages 2-5. Weekly themes are incorporated into outdoor play, science and nature exploration, water play in sprinklers and water tables, open-ended art, tricycle riding, and group games. The multicultural program is enriched by music and nature specialists.

Beth El Day Camp

1324 North Ave., New Rochelle 914-235-2700 x256 betheldaycamp.org jrockowitz@bethelnr.org A safe, fun-filled experience for children ages 2-8 from June 27Aug. 21, with before- and after-care options. We believe a child’s growth is a process involving physical, mental, emotional, and social development. We offer instructional and free swim daily, sports instruction, art, STEM, and karate. Mini-camp June 24-26.

Camp Ramaquois

30 Mountain Road, Pomona 845-354-1600 ramaquois.com Camp Ramaquois is “a day camp as complete as sleepaway camp,” situated on 44 acres in Rockland County. From adventurous activities to creative arts and athletic activities, boys and girls ages 3-15 experience a traditional day camp program filled with a variety of stimulating activities.

Challenge Camp

Schechter Westchester, 555 W. Hartsdale Ave., Hartsdale 914-779-6024 challengecamps.com info@challengecamps.com Challenge Camp is an ACA-accredited day camp celebrating its 39th year offering summer enrichment oppor-

tunities for bright, curious children ages 4-15 located in Hartsdale. STEM and Arts courses include 3-D-printing, coding, cooking, DJ-ing, drones, Fortnite, Minecraft, photography, robotics, and theater. Sports, swimming, fencing, hip-hop, and Ninja Warrior options! Transportation and early- or extended-day available.

Great Play of Scarsdale

Interactive Gym for Kids 969B Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 914-713-3470 greatplay.com/scarsdale Our high-energy, award-winning program helps kids develop motor, sports, and social skills, for lifelong confidence and physical fitness, in our unique Interactive Gym™. We offer classes (ages 6 months-5½ years), camps, and themed camps (ages 3-10) during summer! Camps are the perfect vacation activity combining fun and play with significant development!

Hudson Country Montessori School

Ms. Neeru Bhambree, director of education 340 Quaker Ridge Road, New Rochelle 914-636-6202 hudsoncountry.org Programs for campers ages 18 months-12 years feature a full range of recreational activities, special events and trips, swim instruction, sports, and a splash-and-slide zone. Hudson has extended hours options for campers ages 18 months to 12 years, an optional catered lunch program, and an air-conditioned facility.

Iona College Day Camp

715 North Ave., New Rochelle iona.edu/about/iona-in-community/ summer-camp.aspx mreddington@iona.edu This summer children ages 5-13 will enjoy exciting, fun-filled days at the Iona College Day Camp. Our state-of-the-art athletic facilities and pristine college campus serves as the setting for an exciting summer. Your child will experience two periods of swimming daily. Other activities include sports, dance, art, and music.

Jodi’s Gym

25 Hubbels Drive, Mount Kisco 914-244-8811 244 E. 84th St., Manhattan 212-772-7633 jodisgym.com Jodi’s Gym Summer Camp is a morning of nonstop, action-packed fun! Your child will run, jump, tumble, balance, stretch, sing, create, move, and groove, all under the supervision and care of our well-trained, enthusiastic, friendly and certified staff. Join us in our 37th year! Offered for children ages 3-5. Flexible scheduling!

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Kids’ B.A.S.E. & The Little School

307 Mamaroneck Road, Scarsdale 914-472-5409 kbls.org The Little School Summer Scene Program provides a preschool experience for children ages 3-4, and three half-days for age 2. Little School children swim and receive instruction at the Scarsdale Pool (ages 3-4). In everything we do, we promote each child’s positive self-image through a variety of age-appropriate physical and creative activities.

Mosholu Day Camp

261 Arden Valley Road, Southfields 845-243-0751 mosholudaycamp.com Mosholu Camps offer a quality program at a low cost. With a strong emphasis on developing new relationships and experiences, our traditional camp day is filled with dynamic activities. Campers participate in activities such as swimming, music, arts, trips, archery, boating, dance, and sports. At Mosholu, we make memories!

Oasis Summer Day Camp

Mercy College, 555 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry Masters School, 49 Clinton Ave., Dobbs Ferry 646-519-5057 oasischildren.com dobbs@oasischildren.com Oasis Day Camp prides itself on age-appropriate programming for kids ages 3-15. Early Start (ages 3-5) is a nurturing camp environment. Lower (first-second grade) offers sports, arts, swim, enrichment, and nature. Upper (third-sixth grades) is bigger and better for older campers. Teen Travel (seventh-ninth grades) offers unique trips, overnights, friendships.

Project Explore

70 Columbus Ave., Valhalla 914-328-1578 eastersealsny.org We serve children with and without disabilities in inclusive, integrated, small classrooms. Before- and after-school care, vacation clubs during school breaks, and summer camp are available options. We have special classes in art, music, and science, including interactive SMART Board activities.

Rye YMCA

21 Locust Ave., Rye 914-967-6363 ryeymca.org ryeycamp.org Rye Y summer camps are led by a team of full-time, professional directors. We are accredited by the ACA and have low camper-to-counselor ratios. Camp options include: Kinder (age 3-6), Discovery (age 4-11), Sports, STEAM, Gymnastics, Adventure, Teen Fitness, Counselor in Training (CIT) and Leaders in Training (LIT).

Squire Camps, Inc.

at Maria Regina High School, Hartsdale 914-328-3798 squirecamps.com squirecamps@gmail.com Celebrating 46 years and proud winner of the Westchester County Inspectors Choice Award! Matt Davanzo operates Squire Advantage Camps for children in kindergarten-ninth grades at Maria Regina High School in Hartsdale. Campers design custom schedules from more than 50 exciting activities including robotics, art, cooking, swimming, computers, photography, Legos, and sports.

Thornton-Donovan School

100 Overlook Circle, New Rochelle 914-632-8836 td.edu Founded in 1969, the Summer Challenge has been a source of joy, entertainment, enlightenment, and playful fun for boys and girls ages 3½14. Stop by and see our sports field, basketball court, and playground! Swim instruction and recreational swim are major components of the program. Door-to-door transportation and lunch included.

Sleepaway Camps Campus Kids Weekday Sleep-Away Camp 973-845-9260 campuskids.com Campus Kids is the weekday sleepaway camps, Monday-Friday at camp, home with family on weekends. Transportation included from Westchester and Rockland. Each camper chooses activities every day. sports, fine arts, performing arts, and swimming. On the beautiful rural campus of Blair Academy, Blairstown, NJ. ACA-Accredited since 1991.

Specialty Camps Bach To Rock Mamaroneck

130 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck 914-341-1457 mamaroneck.b2rmusic.com mamaroneck@bachtorock.com B2R’s summer camp has a unique approach that makes it possible for students with no previous musical training to be rocking out in a matter of hours. B2R teachers transform music instruction to a joyous and exciting team activity.

Belle School of Music

1088 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 283 Tarrytown Road, White Plains 1537 Central Park Ave., Yonkers 914-961-5511 belleschool.com Bridge the gap between June and September and add a musical dimencontinued on pg. 16 ››

CAMP MARKETPLACE Exciting New Birthday & Event Packages FREE party upgrade! Add an EXTRA activity for FREE. Call for details. Ad must be presented at time of booking. Exp. 02-28-19

50,000 sq. ft. of PURE FUN! Laser Tag • Super Fly • 150 Arcade games Rock Wall • Kiddie Zone Bumper Cars • Batting Cages and MORE! Can You Handle The Thrilling Excitement?

Thrilling SUPER FLY ride

ASK ABOUT • Private Parties

• B-Mitzvah’s • Sweet Sixteens

914-592-2111 www.sportimeusa.com 380 Saw Mill River Rd, Elmsford

OPEN ALL WEEK!

Like Us & Receive Special Promotions

PROJECT EXPLORE We offer a structured learning environment for children to grow in the areas of cognitive, motor and social development. Programs Offered: Toddlers 18 months - 2.9 years of age Integrated Pre-School Program 2.9 through 5 years of age If you are interested in touring our Program, please contact Asanchez@eastersealsny.org or call us at 914-328-1578. Easterseals Project Explore 70 Columbus Avenue Valhalla, NY 10595

WestchesterParent 15

CAMP MARKETPLACE

Continuing Education

SUMMER 2019

SERIOUS FOUNDATION. SERIOUS FUN.

Youth & Precollege Programs in the Arts Grades 3-12 1, 2, & 4 Week Programs July 1– August 9 Architecture, Creative Writing, Digital Arts, Filmmaking, Journalism, Music, Performing Arts, Visual Arts Save the Date: Open House is Saturday, March 23 Register by May 10 to receive Early Registration Discount

www.purchase.edu/youth

sion to your child’s summer! From a minimal time commitment to more extensive summer programs, we offer a wide range of summer classes that will help your child continue to enhance their music education and ensure continuity of learning.

Camp Intrepid is Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum’s full-day camp program where history and STEM come together! Winter, spring, and summer camp dates available. Sign up for daily or weekly sessions. Discounts available for museum members and early bird signups. Camp groups also welcome!

Curtain Call, Inc.

LinguaKids®, L.L.C.

Destination Science - The fun science day camp for curious kids ages 5-11!

The Little Gym

‹‹ continued from pg. 14

1349 Newfield Ave., Stamford, CT 203-329-8207 x16 curtaincallinc.com Summer is a time for kids to act out-and what better way than in Curtain Call’s full-day Summerstock Workshop Programs (ages 6-16), and our Summer Youth Theatre (students entering fourth grade to age 21). Our professional facilities and faculty provide the perfect creative environment for students of diverse backgrounds and experience!

multiple locations in Westchester County 888-909-2822 destinationscience.org info@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! 2019 programs: Robot Challengers and Reaction Racers, Young Innovators Science, Rocket Space Science, and Physics Coaster and Science Magic.

Future Stars Summer Camps Purchase College

Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase 914-273-8500 fscamps.com Weekly day sessions for kids ages 4-16 at state-of-the-art facilities omc;idomg in the heart of Westchester. Campers can choose and combine weeks from 19 individualized specialty programs tennis, soccer, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, football, multi-sports, field hockey, cheerleading, volleyball, circus arts, magic, softball, diving, Horseback riding, swim, academic, STEAM education, and Rising Stars.

iD Tech Camps Introducing our new Little School Pre-K Academy, a transitional 4’s program for families wanting the “gift of time”

Held at 150 prestigious campus locations 888-709-TECH (8324); idtech.com iD Tech is the world leader in STEM education, with 400,000 alumni since 1999. Summer programs for lods ages 7-19 are held at 150 prestigious campuses including Stanford, NYU, HKU, and Imperial College London. Students build in-demand skills for futures in coding, game development, robotics, and design. Visit idtech.com.

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Camp Intrepid Pier 86, West 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue, Manhattan 646-381-5166 intrepidmuseum.org/camp groupsales@intrepidmuseum.org

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

2005 Palmer Ave., Larchmont 914-525-0328 linguakids.com LinguaKids® offers French and Spanish classes for children starting at 6 months old. LinguaKids®’ teachers are friendly, energetic, native speakers who completely immerse children in language and culture. Children are engaged in a multi-sensory approach, combining songs, movement, arts and crafts, games, storytelling, and role-playing. Camp classes start in June. 777 White Plains Road, Scarsdale 914-722-0072 tlgscarsdaleny.com 2121 Broadway, 2nd Floor (between 74th and 75th streets) Upper West Side, Manhattan 212-799-1225 tlgupperwestsideny.com 207 E. 94th St. (between Second and Third avenues) Upper East Side, Manhattan 212-787-1124 tlguppereastsideny.com 28 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick, NJ 201-445-4444 tlgwaldwicknj.com Since 1977, The Little Gym has been promoting healthy and successful physical and mental development of children. Its “Anytime Summertime Kids Fun” includes parent and child classes (ages 4 months-3 years), preschool and kindergarten classes (ages 3-6), and grade school gymnastics (non-competitive!) for beginner, intermediate, or advanced gymnasts.

Music Conservatory of Westchester

216 Central Ave., White Plains 914-761-3900 musicconservatory.org Come play an instrument, sing, act, and create your own masterpiece! Summer Music Programs at the Music Conservatory of Westchester are fun and engaging for children while providing the highest quality arts instruction. The various educational summer programs offer flexible sessions and half-, full-, and extended-day options for grades kindergarten-eighth.

Musical Munchkins

167 Scarsdale Road, Tuckahoe 914-771-7000 musicalmunchkins.com Musical Munchkins, Westchester’s original early childhood music program is celebrating more than 30 years of making music and memories. We continue delighting our youngest musicians and their families with the wonderful world of mommy-n-me music. Our curriculum, filled with awesome activities, is geared for children 6 months-4 years. continued on pg. 18 ››

CAMP MARKETPLACE

TWIN LAKES FARM "Where Westchester Learns To Ride!"

Riding Camp! Girls & Boys Age 6 and Up Offering full-and half-day options Monday-Friday for campers Indoor and Outdoor Arenas • Daily Riding Instruction • Arts & Crafts Stable Management • Horsemanship • All In The Heart of Southern Westchester! Contact Us: 960 California Road Bronxville, NY 10708 (914) 961-2192 • Camp@TwinLakesFarm.com • www.TwinLakesFarm.com A Facility of the County of Westchester Department of Parks and Recreation

Join us for a Free Trial Class

Ask About Special Needs!

Experienced, Nurturing Teachers Fun-Filled Classes

Music, Movement & Friends Age-Specific Curriculum

Celebrating 30+ years of making music and memories

914-771-7000 • www.musicalmunchkins.com WestchesterParent 17

CAMP MARKETPLACE

‹‹ continued from pg. 16

The Play Group Theatre 216 Central Ave White Plains, NY

SUMMERatMCW.org 914.761.3900

1 N. Broadway, Suite 111, White Plains 914-946-4433 playgroup.org info@playgroup.org We offer professional-quality training in a one-of-a-kind family atmosphere. With seven different programs, Summer Theatre is designed for young actors with every level of experience, ages 4-17. Our conservatory-style camp is located in its own air-conditioned performing arts complex which includes two theaters, rehearsal studios and scenic and costume shops.

Purchase College Summer Youth and Precollege Programs in the Arts

FLEXIBLE SESSIONS HALF, FULL & EXTENDED DAY OPTIONS AVAILABLE

MUSIC & ARTS

Grades K-6

Songwriting Musical Theatre Arts & Crafts

Dance & Movement Piano, Violin, Guitar, Recorder & Voice

MUSICAL THEATRE IMMERSION Grades 1-6 SUZUKI SUMMER PROGRAMS Grades K-8 SUMMER PIANO FESTIVAL Grades 5-9

Your Search for the Perfect Summer Camp is over!

SPORTIME TENNIS & SPORTS CAMPS PRESCHOOL TENNIS & SPORTS VOLLEYBALL

UNDER 10 TENNIS JMTA TENNIS TRAINING HOCKEY MORE!

Camp locations across Long Island, including in the Hamptons, and in NYC, Westchester and the Capital Region. We’ve got your summer fun covered!

Visit us online to select the camp for you www.SportimeCamps.com | 631-269-1055 Camp programs vary at each SPORTIME location

Join our February School Break Camp - www.SportimeNY.com/SchoolBreak

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase 914-251-6500 purchase.edu/academics/ youth-and-precollege-programs youth.pre.college@purchase.edu, laura.vuli@purchase.edu For more than 40 years, students are inspired by our scenic campus, learn new skills, and create with others who share their passion. Immersed in a variety of exciting, fun, and enriching learning activities, students gain new skills in acting, architecture, creative writing, digital arts, filmmaking, photography, journalism, and music.

Shattemuc Yacht Club

Westerly Road, Ossining 914-941-8777 shattemucyc.org sailingacademy@shattemucyc.org From beginner sailing skills to competitive racing techniques, Shattemuc offers young people an unforgettable summer experience on the majestic Hudson River. The Academy’s goal is to turn novices into skillful, confident, safety-conscious sailors. You will be amazed at how much your son or daughter learns in just one four-week session.

SPORTIME Camps - Westchester

SPORTIME Lake Isle 660 White Plains Road Lake Isle Country Club Tennis Courts, Eastchester 914-777-5151 sportimecamps.com/lisle campslisle@sportimeny.com SPORTIME Harbor Island Tennis Courts in Harbor Island Park, Mamaroneck 914-777-5050 sportimecamps.com/lisle campslisle@sportimeny.com sportimecamps.com camps@sportimeny.com SPORTIME’s tennis and JMTA Tennis Training camps are designed for youngsters who want to focus their camp days on playing and learning tennis. Campers will be taught proper tennis technique and strategies while participating in competitive drills, games, and match play. Camp days include field sports, special events, and swimming.

Sportime USA

380 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford 914-592-2111 x2

sportimeusa.com Sportime USA’s Mini Camp offers a full day of fun activities for ages 5-12. Our mini-camp includes unlimited play on all attractions, movie time, crafts, snack, and lunch. We offer a full-day program that fills up quickly so call in advance.

Studio B Dance Center

277 White Plains Road (entrance on Prospect Avenue), Eastchester 914-793-2799 studiobdance.com Daily and weekly camps available to pick and choose individual days or weeks to dance, play, and create! Learn different dance styles, dive into amazing art projects, and interact with peers. Saturday and weekday summer classes are available as well. For kids ages 2 and older.

Twin Lakes Farm

960 California Road, Bronxville 914-961-2192 twinlakesfarm.com camp@twinlakesfarm.com Summers are filled with riding lessons, horsemanship, mounted games, Camp Olympics, paint the pony, scavenger hunt, and games and activities! Offering full- and half-day options Monday-Friday. Open to all riding levels. Students not currently riding at Twin Lakes Farm should schedule an evaluation lessons or join us prior to camp.

Westchester & Fairfield Swim Camp at Pace University in Pleasantville

914-588-2971 westfairswim.com kpalladino@westfairswim.com Westchester and Fairfield Swim Camp offers a progressive swim camp for ages 5-14, operating daily from 9am-3pm. Swimming is taught by certified water safety instructors, and daily intensive swim instruction is geared for all levels. Comprehensive preparation for summer swimming, and a great supplement for summer swim teams.

Westchester County Parks Sports Camps and Programs

914-231-4673 westchestergov.com/parks Westchester County Parks’ popular summer camps offer something for kids of all ages and interests. Boys and girls can develop their skills in baseball, basketball, golf, soccer, or volleyball or learn about their natural environment or favorite musical instrument. Complete information can be found at westchestergov.com/ parks or 914-231-4500.

The Whale Camp

610-399-1463 whalecamp.com The Whale Camp at the Fundy Marine Science Institute is dedicated to providing educational, experiential marine biology programs. Our facilities provide a base for learning about the dynamic marine ecology of the Bay of Fundy as well as the coastal, terrestrial, and human ecologies of Grand Manan Island.

CAMP MARKETPLACE

Swimming and Lifeguarding

SUNYPURCHASECOLLEGE

July 1 - August 2, 2019

All certified water safety instructors All levels of daily intensives swim instruction Additional non-swimming activities included

OPE HOUSNE

ENROLL BY FEB 1 AND SAVE!

SUNDA Y, J 10am–1 AN 27 pm

914.273.8500 · fscamps.com

RYE Y CAMPS

OPEN HOUSE JAN 26TH 1-4 PM!

Winner 2017 Inspectors Choice Award! Summer 2019 Camp Sessions: July 1st - July 26th | July 29th - August 16th

Offering Stimulating Courses Like...

BEST SUMMER EVER! Ages 3-14: Kinder Discovery, STEAM, Sports Gymnastics, Teen Fitness 21 Locust Avenue, Rye ryeycamp.org Adventure Camps camp@ryeymca.org 914-967-6363

ryeycamp.org 914-967-6363 camp@ryeymca.org

• Computers • Robotics • Digital Photography

• Theater • Swimming • Sports ...and many more!

Extended Day Available | Hot Lunches Included Transportation Available Hartsdale, New York Call: 914.328.3798 Email: Squirecamps@gmail.com WestchesterParent 19

Alcott School alcottschool.org

Challenge Courses

Fine Arts

Special Needs

Nature/Petting Zoo

CIT (counselor-in-training)

Travel

Horseback Riding

Competitive Sports

8 8 8

Bach to Rock mamaroneck.b2rmusic.com Beth El Day Camp betheldaycamp.org

Theater

STEAM/Robotics

PROGRAMS:

Scholarship

Flexible Scheduling

Extended Hours

Lunch

Transportation

Camp Guide

SERVICES:

Camp Ramaquois ramaquois.com

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Challenge Camp challengecamps.com

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Curtain Call Inc. curtaincallinc.com

Destination Science destinationscience.org

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Future Stars Summer Camps fscamps.com

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Hudson Country Montessori School

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hudsoncountry.org

Jodi’s Gym jodisgym.com Kids’ B.A.S.E. & The Little School kbls.com LinguaKids LLC linguakids.com Mosholu Day Camp mosholudaycamp.com

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum intrepidmuseum.org Iona College Day Camp iona.edu

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Music Conservatory of Westchester

musicconservatory.org

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February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

CAMP MARKETPLACE

Camp Planner For Every Family

“I’ve seen it and it’s amazing! I could FEEL the energy in the room.” -Macaroni Kid “One of the most innovative brands in youth fitness worldwide.” -International Health Racquet & Sportsclub Assoc’n “A new and dramatically improved approach to kids’ fitness that makes learning new skills fun and easy!” -Small Business Opportunities

FUN-FILLED CLASSES & AWARD-WINNING BIRTHDAY PARTIES FOR KIDS AGES 6 MONTHS TO 5TH GRADE

Great Play of Scarsdale

Digital Camp Guide WEB • TABLET • MOBILE FRIENDLY

Conveniently located in the Midway Shopping Center 969b Central Park Ave, at the intersection with Ardsley Road www.greatplay.com/scarsdale • (914) 713-3470

GREAT FREE CONTENT • Expert Advice • Camp Comparison Charts • Camp Descriptions • Open House Schedules

Coming February 15! nymetroparents.com/campguide/westchester

WestchesterParent 21

Oasis Camp in Dobbs Ferry oasis.com

Rye YMCA ryeycamp.org

purchase.edu

Shattemuc Yacht Club shattemucyc.org

Squire Camps squirecamps.com Studio B Dance Center studiobdance.com

8 8

The Play Group Theatre playgroup.org

8 8 8 8

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Twin Lakes Farm twinlakesfarm.com

8 8 8

Westfair Swim Camp westfairswim.com

Challenge Courses

Fine Arts

Special Needs

Nature/Petting Zoo

CIT (counselor-in-training)

Travel

Horseback Riding

Get advance notice on activities, 8 participate in group discussions and receive 8 special 8 8notices. www.facebook.com/nymetroparents

Thornton-Donovan Summer Challenge

Competitive Sports

8 8 8 8 NYMetroParents

8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8

SPORTIME Westchester sportimeny.com

Theater

STEAM/Robotics

Scholarship

Join

8 8 8 8

Purchase College Summer Youth and Pre-College Programs in the Arts

td.edu

PROGRAMS:

Flexible Scheduling

Extended Hours

Transportation

Camp Guide

Lunch

SERVICES:

ACTIVITIES

EVENTS

8 8

Join NYMetroParents 8 Get advance notice on activities,8 8 participate in group discussions and receive 8special notices. 8 8 8 8 8 www.facebook.com/nymetroparents

CAMP MARKETPLACE

Family Owned & Operated since 1973! Experienced Counselors

Call for a Tour and Appointment! 914-592-3027

EVENTS

Licensed by the Health Department

Serving children 2 months-14 years-of-age Age Appropriate activities OPEN HOUSE INFO: including: tween trips, bowling, swimming, golf, drama, sports, water slide, zip-line, climbing wall, train rides, arts & crafts, sports, computers, air castle and more!

ACTIVITIES

Saturday, February 2, 10am-1pm

Join

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

2170 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford

annandandychildcare.com

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

www.facebook.com/nymetroparents

CAMP MARKETPLACE

Begin Begin your your stage stage adventure adventure

yrs. of Fun, Friend s, & Fitness!

Great Perks For Members

Gymnastics • Ninja Challenge • Music • Playtime • Jodi’s To Go •

Spring & Summer Ages 4-17

Enrolling Now!

946-4433 playgroup.org

V is it O u r To ta Awes o mlly e New ly Ren ova te d Fa ci lity!

For Kids 9 mos to 12 yrs

Summer & School • Break Camps Best Birthdays Ever •

Nothing Else Even Comes Close!

www.jodisgym.com

25 Hubbels Dr. Mt. Kisco • 914.244.8811 244 E. 84th St. NYC • 212.772.7633

French, Spanish & Other Languages For Children Ages 6 Months & Up!

2019

We can bring Linguakids to your Elementary School or Nursery – Ask us how!

LARCHMONT Studio NEW

2005 Palmer Ave.

SPRING 2019

February 1 to June 21

SUMMER CAMP 2019 July 1 to August 23

(914) 525-0328 michele@linguakids.com www.linguakids.com www.facebook.com/linguakids

This summer, children ages 5-13 will enjoy exciting, fun filled days at the Iona College camp. Our athletic facilities serve as the setting for an exciting summer. Your child will experience two periods of swimming, sporting events, a variety of dance, arts and crafts and music. Contact us at mreddington@iona.edu 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10801 www.iona.edu\summercamp

LET YOUR CHILD ACT OUT!!!

At Sterling Farms 1349 Newfield Ave. Stamford, CT 06905

Come learn from our experienced Montessori teachers who provide an individual, hands on learning environment. We offer a variety of toddler and pre-K programs! Extended hours are available.

www.alcottschool.org Scarsdale

Dobbs Ferry

27 Crane Rd. | 914-472-4404

535 Broadway | 914-693-4443

Winter classes still available for ages 5 to adult! PLUS… Registration now open for our full-day summer programs for ages 6 to 16!

203-329-8207 x16 www.curtaincallinc.com

in cooperation with The City of Stamford WestchesterParent 23

things to do

city bound

N Y C

Family Fun in Manhattan

Alex Johnson

Courtesy Museum of Chinese in America

wwwwwwwwwww

W he hile y re ou , v ’r isit e …

You won’t want to miss the Lunar New Year celebration on Feb. 16!

Museum of Chinese in America

Fans of the classic fairy tale who love the book or movie will appreciate seeing Cinderella on stage.

Bippity Boppity Boo!

Founded in 1980, this museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history, heritage, culture, and diverse experiences of people of Chinese descent in the United States. The greatly expanded, interactive museum brings 160 years of Chinese American history to life through innovative exhibitions and programs. The collections are comprised of more than 65,000 letters and documents, clothing, photographs, precious artifacts, and more. It hosts festivals, workshops, and family-friendly events celebrating Chinese American history. Visit it: 215 Centre St., Chinatown; 855-955-6622; mocanyc.org Can’t-miss event: Lunar New Year Family Festival; Feb. 16; 10am-1pm and 2-5pm Directions: Approximately a 1-hour drive or a 1-hour, 10-minute Metro-North and subway ride from White Plains

Courtesy Feld Entertainment

Courtesy City Parks Foundation

A dancing clock, two wacky stepsisters, and everyone’s favorite rags-to-riches princess are all part of this enchanting production of Cinderella. A perennial favorite of New York Theatre Ballet audiences across America, Cinderella is 1-hour in length with choreography by Donald Mahler, costumes by Sylvia Taalson Nolan, and set design by Gillian Bradshaw-Smith. Feb. 9-10, SaturdaySunday, 11am, 1pm, and 3:30pm. Age: All. $27; $15 children. Florence Gould Hall, 55 E. 59th St., Midtown. nytb.org.

Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, and Abby Cadabby put on a high-energy show that’s perfect for preschoolers.

Magic on the Street

The littlest theater-goers will be spellbound by Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic this month. Elmo is inspired to learn a magic trick when he meets magician extraordinaire Justin. But there’s just one problem: Elmo doesn’t know how to do magic! Through encouragement to practice, work hard, and never give up, Elmo learns it’s okay to make mistakes and magic can be found anywhere when you believe in yourself. Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic is an inspirational introduction to live theater and the art of illusion. Feb. 15-24, see website for showtimes. Age: All. $35 and up. The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, Midtown. msg.com/sesame. 24

By Whitney C. Harris

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

See Yeti, Set, Snow! through Feb. 24 at Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre.

Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre

For decades, the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in Central Park has been bringing enjoyment to legions of people through its contemporary and innovative marionette productions based on children’s classics. A perfectly located venue for families who want to enjoy the beauty of the park in wintertime and catch a quick show, SCMT has recently produced Neverland: Peter Returns and Beppo the Clown. Visit it: Central Park, 79th Street and West Drive, Upper West Side; 212-360-1399; cityparksfoundation.org Can’t-miss event: Yeti, Set, Snow!; through Feb. 24; see website for schedule. Directions: Approximately a 1-hour drive or a 1-hour, 10-minute Metro-North and subway ride from White Plains

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 ‘Peter Pan & Friends on Ice,’ No. 5 on our list)

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WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?

nymetroparents.com/submitevent UPDATED DAILY AT nymetroparents.com/calendar

FEBRUARY CALENDAR

Editor’s Hot Tickets

We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!

Crafty Kids

Smarty Pants, The Great Outdoors

Animal Lovers

Holiday Fun

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS

Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the nine 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!

Lunar New Year Festival

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 2, 1-4pm WHERE: ArtsWestchester Gallery, 31 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the Year of the Pig with an afternoon of traditional Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese music, dance, crafts, games, and food. WHY WE LOVE IT: A chance to experience a Korean small drum dance and take part in Chinese calligraphy workshops. WANT TO GO? $10; free for children younger than 10. 914-428-4220. artswestchester.org.

Bubble Trouble

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 2, 2-3pm WHERE: White Plains Performing Arts Center, 11 City Place, White Plains AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Jeff Boyer takes bubbles to the max in this one-man bubble extravaganza! WHY WE LOVE IT: The show mixes comedy, music, and a unique level of audience participation. WANT TO GO? $25; $20 children. 914-328-1600. wppac.com.

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

City of Science 2019 FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 2, 10am-4pm WHERE: Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains AGES: All WHAT: The wondrous properties of science, technology, engineering, and math collide in this larger-than-life, touring event. WHY WE LOVE IT: Unleash your inner scientist through interactive demonstrations, hands-on activities, and enormous exhibitions. WANT TO GO? 914-995-4050. countycenter.biz.

Hibernators Ball

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 3, 12:30pm and 2pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Don your PJs, jewels, and animal mask to become your favorite hibernator and learn to waltz in majestic Armor Hall. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids can shake off any winter blues at this indoor dance party. WANT TO GO? $10; $6 students and seniors 65 or older; $4 children 6 and older; free to members and children younger than 6. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

Peter Pan & Friends on Ice

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 10, 3-5pm WHERE: Westchester Community College, Academic Arts Theatre, 75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla AGES: All WHAT: Help Peter and friends bring the glow back to Never Land in this family-friendly musical on ice. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids will be in awe of all the flips, jumps, and tricks! WANT TO GO? $30; $28 non-WCC students, seniors, faculty, and staff; $24 children younger than 13. 914-606-6262. sunywcc.edu.

Workshop: Make a Wooden Heart with the Laser Printer (Glowforge!)

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 12, 6-8pm WHERE: The Rye Arts Center, 51 Milton Road, Rye AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Students will design and pattern a heart, then watch the new Glowforge in action as it laser cuts and embeds the design into wood. WHY WE LOVE IT: Tweens will see how technology can contribute to art making. WANT TO GO? $30 (RAC members receive up to 15 percent off ). 914-967-0700. ryeartscenter.org.

Cirque Zuma Zuma

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 16, 8-10pm WHERE: Westchester Community College, Academic Arts Theatre, 75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla AGES: All WHAT: Acrobats, tumblers, lion dancers, contortionists, singers, and gymnasts band together for a high-flying, off-the-wall spectacle of rhythmic music and pulsepounding movement. WHY WE LOVE IT: Traditional arts and circus skills blends with classic African style. WANT TO GO? $24; $22 non-WCC students, seniors, faculty, and staff; $18 children younger than 13. 914-606-6262. sunywcc.edu.

WeDo Robots FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 19, 3-4pm WHERE: Mount Kisco Public Library, 100 E. Main St., Mount Kisco AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Participants will work in pairs to build and run motors using the Lego Education WeDo 2.0 Core Set. WHY WE LOVE IT: This collaborative project introduces kids to computational thinking and engineering principles in a fun and engaging way. WANT TO GO? 914-666-8041. mountkiscolibrary.org.

Winter Wolves

WHEN: Feb. 2-23, select Saturdays, 11am; select Sundays, 2pm WHERE: Wolf Conservation Center, 7 Buck Run, South Salem AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Learn about the mythology, biology, and ecology of wolf families and discover why this season is such a magical time for packs in North America. WHY WE LOVE IT: After spending some time with the wolves in the fresh air, enjoy hot beverages in a woodstove-heated classroom. WANT TO GO? $15; $12 children younger than 12. 914-763-2373. nywolf.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 seven no-cost events we’re excited about now. You’re welcome. Musical Munchkins FREE

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 4, 10:15-10:45am and 11-11:30am WHERE: Greenburgh Library, 300 Tarrytown Road, Elmsford AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: Tap your toes, clap your hands, and sing-along with Miss Eileen of Musical Munchkins. WANT TO GO? 914-721-8200. greenburghlibrary.org.

Give Kids a Smile! Day FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 6, 3-7pm WHERE: Touro Dental Health, 19 Skyline Drive, Hawthorne AGES: 3-17 WHAT: A special day of free dental care for children 17 and younger, plus fun-filled activities, entertainment, and giveaways for the whole family. WANT TO GO? 914-594-2700. dental.touro.edu.

LGBTQIA+ Alliance FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 16, 3:30-4:30pm WHERE: Greenburgh Library, 300 Tarrytown Road, Elmsford AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Meeting of the teen, student-run LGBTQIA+ Alliance (Genders and Sexualities Alliance)! WANT TO GO? 914-721-8200. greenburghlibrary.org.

Friday Afternoon Bingo FREE

WHEN: Feb. 1-22, Fridays, 3:45-4:45pm WHERE: Pound Ridge Library, 271 Westchester Ave., Pound Ridge AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Play everyone’s favorite game! Prizes will be awarded to winners. WANT TO GO? 914-764-5085. poundridgelibrary.org.

Drop in Tech Help FREE

WHEN: Feb. 5-26, Tuesdays, 3-4:30pm WHERE: Mount Kisco Library, 100 E. Main St., Mount Kisco AGES: All WHAT: Drop in for help with any of your electronic devices. WANT TO GO? 914-864-0130. mountkiscolibrary.org.

Dungeons & Dragons Club FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 26, 5-8pm WHERE: Greenburgh Library, 300 Tarrytown Road, Elmsford AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Join fellow fans of the popular medieval, fantasy roleplaying game. WANT TO GO? 914-721-8200. greenburghlibrary.org.

Video Game Club FREE

WHEN: Feb. 14-28, Thursdays, 3-5pm WHERE: Greenburgh Library, 300 Tarrytown Road, Elmsford AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Pick from Nintendo Switch, XBox One, PS4, Xbox 360, or Wii, and play with fellow gamers. WANT TO GO? 914-721-8200. greenburghlibrary.org. ››

WestchesterParent 27

Field Library Unity Quilt Project FREE

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 11, 4pm WHERE: The Field Library, 4 Nelson Ave., Peekskill AGES: All WHAT: Making a square for the Field Library Unity Quilt. WANT TO GO? 914-737-0847. fieldkids.wordpress.com.

DIY Funny-Face Flip Book FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 12, 4:15-4:45pm WHERE: Hendrick Hudson Free Library, 185 Kings Ferry Road, Montrose AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Have fun creating a funny-face flipbook. WANT TO GO? 914-739-5654. henhudfreelibrary.org.

Family Art Project: Exotic Desert Dwellers

CRAFTY KIDS

Oragami FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 2, 1-3pm WHERE: Mount Kisco Library, 100 E. Main St., Mount Kisco AGES: All WHAT: Join Westchester Origami Workers to share models and techniques. WANT TO GO? 914-666-8041. mountkiscolibrary.org.

Open Art Studio FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 2, 11am-1pm WHERE: Mount Kisco Public Library, 100 E. Main St., Mount Kisco AGES: 3 and older WHAT: All supplies are provided to create your own masterpiece. WANT TO GO? 914-666-8041. mountkiscolibrary.org.

First Saturday Art Workshop

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 2, 11am-1pm WHERE: Westchester Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum, 100 Playland Parkway, Rye AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Drop in for a workshop led by fine arts and crafts specialists. WANT TO GO? $7; $6 seniors; free for children younger than 1, members, and active duty military. 914-420-5050. discoverwcm.org.

Take Your Child to the Library Day FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 2, 10am-5pm WHERE: The Field Library, 4 Nelson Ave., Peekskill AGES: All WHAT: Children can color their own bookmark and pick out a free book! WANT TO GO? 914-737-0847. fieldkids.wordpress.com.

Family Art Project: Hibernation Station

WHEN: Feb. 2-3, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-1pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Get to know your local hibernators through sleepy tales of the season and then craft a dreamy hibernator mask. WANT TO GO? $10; $6 students and seniors 65 or older; $4 children 6 and older; free to members and children younger than 6. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org. 28

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 16, 10am-1pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Spend some time sketching and painting desert dwellers, then use sand and tempera paint to make a mirage. WANT TO GO? $10; $6 students and seniors 65 or older; $4 children 6 and older; free to members and children younger than 6. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

Balloon Powered vs. Motor Powered Cars FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 21, 3-4pm WHERE: Mount Kisco Library, 100 E. Main St., Mount Kisco AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Learn how to build simple balloon and motor-powered cars. WANT TO GO? 914-864-0130. mountkiscolibrary.org.

Open Studio for Kids

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 21, 3:30-4:45pm WHERE: Neuberger Museum of Art, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Each studio session, a different tactile art project will be offered. WANT TO GO? $15 for non-members. 914-251-6100. neuberger.org.

Wellness Workshop: Citrus Soaps

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 23, 10am-1pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Make your own cold-processed soap. WANT TO GO? $55. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

Family Art Project: Ubuntu: I Am Because We Are

WHEN: Feb. 23-24, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-1pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Participants create mixed-media portraits of loved ones. WANT TO GO? $10; $6 students and seniors 65 or older; $4 children 6 and older; free to members and children younger than 6. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

Trash to Treasure FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 26, 4-5pm WHERE: The Field Library, 4 Nelson Ave., Peekskill AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Make a fun craft using recycled materials. WANT TO GO? 914-737-0847. fieldkids.wordpress.com.

Mad Art! FREE

WHEN: Feb. 13-27, select Wednesdays, 4:30pm WHERE: The Field Library, 4 Nelson Ave., Peekskill AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Join a teen volunteer and channel your inner artist. WANT TO GO? 914-737-0847. fieldkids.wordpress.com.

SMARTY PANTS How to Bullet Journal FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 12, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Chappaqua Library, 195 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Learn how to create an organization system. WANT TO GO? 914-332-0133. chappaqualibrary.org.

Wednesday Afternoon ‘Clue’ FREE

WHEN: Feb. 6-13, Wednesdays, 3:45-4:45pm WHERE: Pound Ridge Library, 271 Westchester Ave., Pound Ridge AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Play the classic mystery game. Prizes will be awarded to winners. WANT TO GO? 914-764-5085. poundridgelibrary.org.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Magnet Maker: High Touch High Tech FREE

Nature Program: It’s Groundhog Day

Puzzles & Board Games FREE

Winter STEM Extravaganza FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 16, 1-2pm WHERE: Pound Ridge Library, 271 Westchester Ave., Pound Ridge AGES: All WHAT: Kids will see the magnetic force field, play a magnetic tug of war, and feel the power of magnets made with electricity. WANT TO GO? 914-764-5085. poundridgelibrary.org. WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2pm WHERE: The Field Library, 4 Nelson Ave., Peekskill AGES: All WHAT: Solve all different kinds of puzzles. Or team up with friends for some board game fun. WANT TO GO? 914-737-0847. fieldkids.wordpress.com.

STEAM Team FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 2, 11am-12pm WHERE: Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Take a hike in search of the elusive groundhog and discover a bit about their habits and behavior. Then create a craft to take home. WANT TO GO? $8; free for members. 914-762-2912. teatown.org. WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 5, 5pm WHERE: Lewisboro Library, 15 Main St., South Salem AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Make fizzy snowflakes, melting snowmen, and marshmallow igloos! WANT TO GO? 914-875-9004. lewisborolibrary.org.

Family Sugar Maple Tapping Experience

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 21, 2pm WHERE: The Field Library, 4 Nelson Ave., Peekskill AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Flex your brain and your fingers with some hands-on STEAM activities and games. WANT TO GO? 914-737-0847. fieldkids.wordpress.com.

WHEN: Feb. 2-9, Sundays, 10am-3pm WHERE: Trailside Nature Museum, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, 11 Reservation Road, Cross River AGES: All WHAT: Learn the ins and outs of maple sugaring through a live tapping experience. Go home with a bottle of maple syrup and a souvenir photo. WANT TO GO? $50 per group. 914-864-7322. friendsoftrailside.org.

Exploring Play

Winter Birding

WHEN: Feb. 1-22, Fridays, 11-11:30am WHERE: Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Parkway, Rye AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Every month features a new theme brought to life through movement activities, songs, stories, and a take-home project. WANT TO GO? $7; $6 seniors; free for children younger than 1, members, and active duty military. 914-420-5050. discoverwcm.org.

‘Un’ Wheel of Fortune FREE

WHEN: Feb. 6-27, Wednesdays, 3:45-4:45pm WHERE: Pound Ridge Library, 271 Westchester Ave., Pound Ridge AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Solve phrases just like on the classic television show. WANT TO GO? 914-764-5085. poundridgelibrary.org.

Museum Minis

WHEN: Feb. 7-28, Thursdays, 10:30-11am WHERE: Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Parkway, Rye AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: Toddlers and caregivers are invited for songs, moving, and stories. WANT TO GO? $7; $6 seniors; free for children younger than 1, members, and active duty military. 914-420-5050. discoverwcm.org.

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 10, 9:30am WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Explore tranquil gardens and woodlands to observe birds in their winter habitats. WANT TO GO? $10; $6 students and seniors 65 or older; $4 children 6 and older; free to members and children younger than 6. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

Project Feeder Watch FREE

WHEN: Through April 7: Sundays, 9-11am WHERE: Croton Point Nature Center, 1 Croton Point Ave., Croton-on-Hudson AGES: All WHAT: Try to ID and count birds at the bird feeders from inside the center. WANT TO GO? 914-862-5297. projectfeederwatch.org.

Mommy & Me

WHEN: Through May 20: select Mondays, 9:45-10:45am WHERE: Friends of Rye Nature Center, 873 Boston Post Road, Rye AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Make crafts and meet animals while learning about the natural world. WANT TO GO? $10-$15 per family. 914-967-5150. ryenaturecenter.org WestchesterParent 29

Paws to Read FREE

WHEN: Feb. 5-12, Tuesdays, 6:30-7pm WHERE: Hendrick Hudson Free Library, 185 Kings Ferry Road, Montrose AGES: 5-12 WHAT: This program allows children to read aloud to a dog to build comfort and confidence, and make reading more fun. WANT TO GO? 914-739-5654. henhudfreelibrary.org.

Animal Adventures: Who’s in the Woods?

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 17, 1-2pm WHERE: Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Find out what the racket is all about in this program featuring Teatown’s owls. WANT TO GO? $8 non-members; free for members. 914-762-2912. teatown.org.

Paws to Read FREE

ANIMAL LOVERS Read to Bradley FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 7, 4-4:30pm and 4:30-5pm WHERE: Greenburgh Library, 300 Tarrytown Road, Elmsford AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Read to Bradley, the library’s official, certified literacy dog. WANT TO GO? 914-721-8200. greenburghlibrary.org.

Tales for Tails FREE

WHEN: Feb. 2-7, Saturday, 12pm; Thursday, 6pm WHERE: The Field Library, 4 Nelson Ave., Peekskill AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Children can read to a specially trained dog. WANT TO GO? 914-737-0847. fieldkids.wordpress.com.

Animal Embassy FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 9, 1-2pm WHERE: Pound Ridge Library, 271 Westchester Ave., Pound Ridge AGES: All WHAT: Meet a rabbit, Cuban tree frog, Solomons Islands monkey-tailed skink, king snake, and veiled chameleon. WANT TO GO? 914-764-5085. poundridgelibrary.org.

Family Art Project: Love for Seals

WHEN: Feb. 9-10, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-1pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Hear touching tales and learn about your species of choice (a harp, harbor, or Weddell seal) as you make a stuffed seal sock puppet. WANT TO GO? $10; $6 students and seniors 65 or older; $4 children 6 and older; free to members and children younger than 6. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

The NY Metro Reptile Show

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 10, 9am-4pm WHERE: Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains AGES: All WHAT: More than 150 reptile breeders will have thousands of live pet reptiles, amphibians, and arachnids on display and for sale. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 children ages 7-12; free for children younger than 7. 914-995-4050. countycenter.biz. 30

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Feb. 12-19, Tuesdays, 6-7pm WHERE: Hart Memorial Library, 1130 Shrub Oak, Yorktown AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Children can practice their “read aloud” skills by reading to a friendly canine friend, Izod, for 15 minutes. WANT TO GO? 914-245-5262. yorktownlibrary.org.

Outraghisss Pets FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 19, 1-2pm WHERE: Hendrick Hudson Free Library, 185 Kings Ferry Road, Montrose AGES: All WHAT: See a live animal show during which you can meet amazing creatures, learn what they eat and where they come from, and even touch them. WANT TO GO? 914-739-5654. henhudfreelibrary.org.

Stuffed Animal Family Storytime FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 23, 11-11:45am WHERE: Hart Memorial Library, 1130 Shrub Oak, Yorktown AGES: 3-8 WHAT: This animal-themed story time will feature books, rhymes, finger plays, puppets, and music. WANT TO GO? 914-245-5262. yorktownlibrary.org.

2nd Annual Polar Bear Party FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 27, 5pm WHERE: Lewisboro Library, 15 Main St., South Salem AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate National Polar Bear Day with a story and a blubber gloves craft! WANT TO GO? 914-875-9004. lewisborolibrary.org.

Read to Rover FREE

WHEN: Feb. 7-28, Thursdays, 5-6pm WHERE: Mount Kisco Public Library, 100 E. Main St., Mount Kisco AGES: 5-12 WHAT: School-age children can practice reading to a therapy dog. WANT TO GO? 914-666-8041. mountkiscolibrary.org.

Daddy-and-Me Animal Show

WHEN: Through May 4: select Saturdays, 9:15am WHERE: Friends of Rye Nature Center, 873 Boston Post Road, Rye AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Fathers can drop in with their children for this fun animal adventure. WANT TO GO? $10-$15 per family. 914-967-5150. ryenaturecenter.org.

HOLIDAY FUN Groundhog Day FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 2, 10am-12pm WHERE: Muscoot Farm, 51 Route 100, Katonah AGES: All WHAT: Find out if we will have six more weeks of winter. Then enjoy games and crafts. WANT TO GO? 914-864-7282. muscootfarm.org.

Groundhog’s Pancake Breakfast

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 2, 9:30am-12pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Descend into Wave Hill’s snug underground building for a hearty hibernators’ breakfast. WANT TO GO? $35; $20 kids ages 3-12; free for ages 2 and younger. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

Workshop: Make a Light Up Valentine’s Day Card

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 2, 3-4pm WHERE: The Rye Arts Center, 51 Milton Road, Rye AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Create a card, then learn how to wire electrical tape, batteries, and LED lights to make your card light up. WANT TO GO? $20. 914-967-0700. ryeartscenter.org.

Workshop: Make a Valentine’s Day Pendant & Card

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 2, 2-3pm WHERE: The Rye Arts Center, 51 Milton Road, Rye AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Make a heart pendant out of polymer clay, then create a Valentine’s Day card with mixed media and paint. WANT TO GO? $10. 914-967-0700. ryeartscenter.org.

DIY Chinese Dragon Puppet FREE

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 4, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Mount Kisco Library, 100 E. Main St., Mount Kisco AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Celebrate the Chinese New Year by creating a Chinese dragon puppet. WANT TO GO? 914-864-0130. mountkiscolibrary.org.

Valentine Stories and Craft FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 5, 4:15-4:45pm WHERE: Hendrick Hudson Free Library, 185 Kings Ferry Road, Montrose AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Enjoy stories and a simple craft. WANT TO GO? 914-739-5654. henhudfreelibrary.org.

Create: Valentine Charm Bracelet FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 6, 6:30-8:30pm WHERE: Greenburgh Library, 300 Tarrytown Road, Elmsford AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Create a beaded charm bracelet for yourself or your Valentine. WANT TO GO? 914-721-8200. greenburghlibrary.org.

Lunar New Year Celebration FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 10, 1:30-4pm WHERE: Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, 480 Bedford Road, Chappaqua AGES: All WHAT: An afternoon of art, dance, music, crafts, and games. A Lion Dancer will perform at 2pm. WANT TO GO? 914-332-0133. chappaqualibrary.org.

Chinese New Year Celebration FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 10, 1:30-3:30pm WHERE: Pelham Art Center, 155 5th Ave., Pelham AGES: All WHAT: See the wild Lion Dance, and take part in two hands-on art-making workshops. WANT TO GO? 914-738-2525. pelhamartcenter.org.

Lobo Love A Valentine’s Day Party with the Wolves of the WCC

WHEN: Feb. 9-10, Saturday-Sunday, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Wolf Conservation Center, 7 Buck Run, South Salem AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Assemble a “wolfy” valentines for the Ambassador Wolves. Hot beverages included. WANT TO GO? $15; $12 children younger than 12. 914-763-2373. nywolf.org.

DIY Beaded Name Hearts & Cards FREE

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 11, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Mount Kisco Public Library, 100 E. Main St., Mount Kisco AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Create a beaded name heart or a card for Valentine’s Day. WANT TO GO? 914-666-8041. mountkiscolibrary.org.

DIY Valentine’s Day Light Up Cards FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 12, 5pm WHERE: Lewisboro Library, 15 Main St., South Salem AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Show a loved one that they really light up your life. WANT TO GO? 914-875-9004. lewisborolibrary.org.

DIY Pretzel Rod Log Cabin FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 12, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Mount Kisco Public Library, 100 E. Main St., Mount Kisco AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Celebrate President Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday and the type of home he lived in by creating a log cabin made of pretzel sticks and vanilla frosting. WANT TO GO? 914-666-8041. mountkiscolibrary.org.

Valentine’s Day Craft & Celebration FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 14, 4pm WHERE: The Field Library, 4 Nelson Ave., Peekskill AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate Valentine’s Day and make a heartfelt craft for that special someone. WANT TO GO? 914-737-0847. fieldkids.wordpress.com.

Winter Wolves for President’s Day

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 18, 11am WHERE: Wolf Conservation Center, 7 Buck Run, South Salem AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Discover why this season is a magical time for packs in North America. WANT TO GO? $15; $12 children younger than 12. 914-763-2373. nywolf.org.

Create Your Own Campaign Poster FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 19, 1pm WHERE: Lewisboro Library, 15 Main St., South Salem AGES: 5-12 WHAT: In honor of Presidents’ Day, learn about civics and make your own campaign poster. WANT TO GO? 914-875-9004. lewisborolibrary.org. ››

WestchesterParent 31

raising kids national children’s dental health month

Orthodontia Explained

››

What you need to know about the various orthodontic treatments available

hen it comes to oral health, we know to take our kids to the dentist for regular teeth cleanings and check-ups, but there’s another aspect of dental health you might be overlooking: orthodontics. In honor of February as National Children’s Dental Health Month, local orthodontists weigh in on important topics such as when to see an orthodontist, which apparatuses are used for treatment, and why orthodontia is an important aspect of kids’ oral health.

What is Orthodontics?

Though it may seem like orthodontics is solely about the cosmetic appeal of a smile, the practice has greater benefits than just aesthetics. “Orthodontics is a specialty that involves aligning the teeth and improving the bite,” says Alexis Fermanis, D.D.S., of Brooklyn Family Orthodontist. In short, orthodontia corrects a number of issues, from under bites, overbites, and cross bites, to misaligned jaws, teeth that grew in improperly, and overcrowded teeth. However, that doesn’t mean orthodontic work will cramp your child’s style. “What orthodontics basically does is not just aligns the teeth within the jaws, but also aligns them such that it maintains the balance with the soft tissue of the face,” says Ameeta Sachdev, D.M.D., of Sachdev Family Orthodontics in Garnerville. In other words, treatment can be customized for your child’s looks.

When to See an Orthodontist

There are a number of reasons that would indicate it’s a good time for your child to see an orthodontist. Maybe you noticed something 32

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

By Anja Webb

a bit off about her smile or your dentist made a referral. Regardless, at a certain age, it’s a good idea to bring kids in for a quick check-up. “Every seven-year-old should be brought to see an orthodontist,” says Chaninah Zweihorn, D.D.S., owner of Zweihorn Orthodontics in Brooklyn and Queens. “It’s very rare for the orthodontist to have to do any treatment or intervention at that point. It’s just a check in to see that everything is proceeding as expected.” There are a few things you can check for at home that would indicate a visit is necessary. “The one that most people notice is crooked teeth or spaced teeth,” Dr. Zweihorn says. “In terms of bite and health of the jaws, [check] if a tooth is biting in the wrong place. If a bottom tooth is in front of a top tooth [under bite], that is a very significant issue.” Besides an under bite, Dr. Fermanis recommends checking for asymmetry in your child’s jaw or bite, having to shift the jaw in order to close his mouth, or severely crowded teeth. If your child has an overbite (her front teeth stick out significantly), the severity of it and her age are factors to consider before seeing the orthodontist. For a young child, a large overbite that he gets teased about is worth treating to avoid bullying. If there aren’t any emotional downsides, it might be best to wait until he’s older because it can be difficult to entirely fix an overbite at a young age, according to Dr. Fermanis. For an older child, consider the severity of the condition. A significant overbite can lead to “increased risk of trauma to the teeth during a fall,” Dr. Zweihorn says. As a general rule, if your child can fit her lower lip between her top and bottom teeth, she should see an orthodontist.

Methods of Treatment

Orthodontia relies on using various appliances to correct issues, and as technology advances, so do the materials used in treatment. The braces available today have made advances since the braces of your childhood, but braces aren’t the only option. Palate Expanders. Braces are not recommended for children younger than 7, but there are pre-braces appliances that can be used to help set your child up for a lifetime of good oral health. “One of the more famous ones is an expander,” Dr. Zweihorn says, “which helps the upper jaw to grow properly, helps to have enough room for teeth to grow in if that’s needed, and helps the jaws to relate to each other with a proper bite if necessary.” Traditional Braces. This is the most common and well-known method of correcting orthodontic issues. Braces involve gluing brackets to the teeth and using connecting wires to reposition the teeth and/or jaws. One of the biggest benefits of braces is the orthodontist has more control of your child’s treatment, according to Dr. Fermanis. Additionally, the impact braces will have on his teeth is very predictable, and they are easy to adjust in office. Unfortunately, braces have some downsides worth thinking about. “The disadvantage is you have to watch what you eat,” Dr. Sachdev says. “You have to take care of your braces because if you keep breaking them, your treatment can be prolonged.” Lingual Braces. For the cosmetically conscious patient, there are lingual braces, which attach to the back of the teeth instead of the front. Lingual braces “are the most aesthetic option because they’re the least noticeable,” Dr. Fermanis says. “You’re not taking something in and out of your mouth all the time, but those are the most difficult to get used to because they’re next to your tongue.” Clear Aligners. Made popular by the brand Invisalign, clear aligners are pieces of plastic specifically molded to the individual’s mouth that can be taken out when necessary. However, this convenience can also reduce effectiveness. “Because they’re removable, they’re much more dependent upon the cooperation of the patient and wearing them as they’re supposed to,” Dr. Zweihorn says. Clear aligners also make it more difficult to have a flexible treatment plan, as is available with traditional braces. “Because the appliances are made by a laboratory, changes need to be made working with the laboratory and are harder to make in the office as needed,” Dr. Zweihorn says. Head Gear. Though less popular in recent times, another means of orthodontic treatment is headgear, or night braces, which attaches via straps around the head and/or neck. “Headgear is typically used to correct a skeletal problem in younger children such as a severe overbite or an underbite,” Dr. Fermanis says. Though it may seem like an appliance doomed to cramp your kid’s style, headgear is “prescribed for home-only wear to address growth problems in the upper jaw,” Dr. Zweihorn says. Retainers. After orthodontic treatment is completed, it’s common to have a retainer prescribed. There are a number of different types, both removable and semi-permanent, but the function is more or less the same. “A retainer won’t necessarily move the teeth,” Dr. Fermanis says. “Instead, a retainer is supposed to hold the teeth in their current position.” The goal is “to maintain the results achieved with braces or aligners,” Dr. Zweihorn says. “Believe it or not there are a lot of people don’t like to smile… because they’re very conscious about their teeth,” Dr. Sachdev says. Maintaining a good bite and healthy teeth are valuable, but orthodontic care can do more than that; it can boost your child’s confidence.

COUNTYCENTER.BIZ WestchesterParent 33

raising kids baby

Baby Cry Decoder

››

With a little practice, it is possible to distinguish between your infant’s different cries— and respond to her more effectively. By Barbara Russo

t’s 2am, and you just woke up to your baby crying uncontrollably. Exhausted, you get up to tend to her. What could it be this time? Is she hungry? Does she need to be changed? At that hour, you’re hoping it’s an easy fix, so both of you can get back to bed. Crying is a normal part of a baby’s development. It’s his way of communicating something is wrong. Hunger, tiredness, frustration, colic, and pain are among the reasons he brings on the tears. But wouldn’t it be nice to hear a particular cry and know immediately which of these causes is making your baby so upset? Some parents and experts say it’s possible. “I have a two-year-old and a six-month-old, and yes I can absolutely tell what is wrong when they cry,” says Brittany Bailey, of Atlanta. “The louder, more desperate cry is the hungry or discomfort cry such as gas or a full diaper, but usually it’s hunger. The pitiful whimper that grows to a nagging, impatient, dosomething-right-now cry is when they are sleepy.” Although the sounds of the cries were the same for both of Bailey’s children, the level of desperation she heard was different. “My daughter is mellow, so her hunger cry was nowhere near as loud as my son’s,” she says. “And her tired cry was more desperate than his, but they had similar tones and sounds, just different passions.” Of course, every baby is different. While Bailey’s children cried loudly when they wanted food, Melissa Petruzzi of Staten

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Island, has an infant son, Nick, who takes the quieter approach to getting fed. “When we brought our son home, he was a quiet baby,” Petruzzi says. “He only fussed when he was hungry, and it was more like a whimper than a cry. Sometimes he’ll put his fist to his mouth, too, giving off another cue that he’s hungry.” By the time her son turned 3 months, Petruzzi was able to start recognizing what his other cries meant. “The ‘pick me up’ cry would start as a normal cry, then go to full-on sob where his mouth was open, but no sound came out. His frustrated cry was a high-pitched scream,” she says.

Learning to Decipher the Cries

Some babies cry more than others, but research shows maximum crying occurs during the first three months of life. From birth to 6 weeks, babies cry approximately about 110-118 minutes total daily. And certain cries in that almost 2 hours of daily crying can be characteristic of a baby’s need, according to Terry Cralle, R.N., sleep educator, and author of Snoozby and the Great Big Bedtime Battle. And while your baby’s cries for exactly what’s going on will be unique to her, the following characteristics can help you learn those cries a little quicker: He’s hungry: This is the most common reason babies cry, and crying is said to be a late sign of hunger, according to Cralle. “A

hungry cry is described as usually short and low-pitched, and it rises and falls,” she says. “Hungry cries are sometimes described as repetitive and rhythmic.” She’s tired: This cry is sometimes accompanied by physical signals, such as yawning, pulling on ears, restlessness, hand clenching, blinking, closed eyes, or eye rubbing, according to Cralle. He’s in pain. Cries from babies with colic last longer. Colic usually resolves when a baby turns 3 or 4 months old. Cries of a baby in pain have been described as harsh, sudden, shrill, loud, and long, followed by a quiet pause when your baby catches his breath. A high-pitched or very low-pitched cry that persists can be indicative of illness.

Don’t Give Up

Determining the reasons for your child’s cries doesn’t come easily, especially if you’re a first-time parent. It takes time to get to know the different sounds and signals that go along with each crying episode, so don’t be hard on yourself if you haven’t been able to quickly dry your baby’s tears yet. “We learn in residency the different cries. Hunger, pain, obstinance, fear. Baby cries can be weak or strong and can have different pitches,” says Amy Luedemann-Lazar, D.D.S., a pediatric Waterlase dentist. “It would be hard for a first-time parent to understand or recognize the difference, but a well-seasoned provider and someone like myself who treats dozens of babies a day recognizes the cries right away.” For many parents, deciphering their child’s cries is a learning curve. And sometimes, a baby will cry for reasons that remain a mystery to mom and dad. “Each cry has a different nuance to it that you learn as you go,” says Ann-louise Brennan, a mother of two who lives in Bedford, U.K. “Sometimes it’s a cry you have never heard before, so you stand there begging this child to tell you what the problem is. Typically, it’s an ‘I have no idea why I am crying I just am’ type of cry. You change them, they still cry. You feed them, they still cry. You rock them, they still cry.”

Can You Spoil a Crying Child?

It’s a fact that babies will always cry. And not every parent will become a pro at recognizing the reason for each and every cry. Many experienced parents and medical experts disagree with the popular notion that constantly running to a crying baby spoils them. Parents should always respond to a crying baby, even if they aren’t sure why she’s crying, according to Cralle. “It’s a myth that promptly picking up a baby every time he or she cries will spoil a child,” she says. “Toddlers can be spoiled and are smart and know how to manipulate to get their way,” Bailey says. “Babies aren’t being manipulative when they cry. It is their sole means of communication. They’re trying to tell us something is wrong.” Bottom line? Don’t worry if you can’t immediately pinpoint the reason for your baby’s tears. Crying bouts are inevitable when you have an infant. But if you have any questions, doubts, or concerns, especially if the crying is sudden or lasts a long time or is accompanied with physical symptoms such as fever or diarrhea, contact your pediatrician. Barbara Russo is a freelance writer who holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the City University of New York. She enjoys playing guitar, following current events, and hanging out with her pet rabbits.

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raising kids teen

Ways to Get (and Stay) Closer to Your Teen ›› The relationship with your child will inevitably change during her adolescence but drifting apart isn’t the only option. By Christina Vercelletto

ere’s what it felt like to me. There was a time when I couldn’t do a thing wrong in my child’s eyes, and I often found myself thinking, “I don’t deserve this sweet, forgiving kid.” Then, in a twinkling, I couldn’t do a thing right in my child’s eyes, and I often found myself thinking, “I don’t deserve this...kid.” And I’m far from alone. As Nanci Kenny, a mom of three in Suffolk County, puts it about her 15-year-old, “the teen years are truly a tough time for both of us. I feel so distant from my daughter, even though I know she needs me.” There is a reason the teen years are notorious for being tricky for parents to navigate, but you’ll be happy to hear it’s got nothing to do with terrible parenting. “The task of adolescence is to be more independent, to develop satisfying relationships outside of your family unit, and to develop one’s identity and personal moral code,” says Kashmira Rustomji, M.D., M.P.H., a psychiatrist at the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center in Manhattan. And that natural and beneficial struggle for independence causes the friction. “Teens alternate between a wish to be autonomous and their wish to be taken care of,” Dr. Rustomji explains. So, the way most teens act defiant, or indifferent, is them trying to fight the feeling of being dependent on you, which they, on some level, know will keep them from having a successful life. While it can be all too easy for teens and parents to drift apart, the good news is it doesn’t have to be that way. Here’s what to do to stay close to your aspiring adult. Pick your battles. Decide what is and isn’t worth fighting over and stick to those lines in the sand. You might start by identifying which behaviors your teen is exhibiting are annoying, as opposed to those 36

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

that are in opposition to your family’s important values or, of course, a safety concern. “To thwart fatigue and feelings of anger, pick your battles and combine warmth and responsiveness with firmness—especially on your core values,” Dr. Rustomji says. “Adolescents still need rules but set your limits and be clear about your ‘no’s.” Kenny has found that allowing her daughter slack, when it’s reasonable, has helped their bond. “I stay close to her by giving her some freedom to make her own decisions and become her own person,” she shares. “And when she does need me, I give her my full attention.” Resist judging. This may be a bit harder than you think. As you may have noticed, teens are super-sensitive to your conveying disapproval—even non-verbally. “You have to learn how to have a poker face when talking to a teen about their life,” urges Justine Carino, a licensed mental health counselor at the Family Institute of Westchester in White Plains. That goes double for anything having to do with her friend group. A teen’s biggest priority is fitting in, Carino explains. That ties back to the healthy adolescent urge to develop strong relationships beyond family. “If they start to tell you something about their friend that you have a negative reaction to, try your best to put your feelings aside,” Carino suggests. Instead, “ask your teen how they feel about their friend’s decision.” Dr. Rustomji agrees: “Ask their opinion on things rather than lecturing. It comes down to being respectful of them, as you expect them to be of you.” Let personality be your guide. Think of your teen first and foremost as a unique individual. Siblings may share DNA and have been raised in the same home, but an approach that elicits a positive reaction from one may not have the same effect on the other. What you

should be looking at most are how your child communicates, tolerates stress, and shows emotion, Dr. Rustomji notes. Gender shouldn’t influence your approach too much, our experts agree. Personality should be your touchstone. That said, “there is some limited evidence that girls tend to express more internalized emotions, such as anxiety and sadness, and that boys express more externalizing emotions, like anger,” Dr. Rustomji says. The most prominent difference between genders is girls mature faster than boys, says John E. Mayer, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist specializing in treating families with adolescents and the author of Family Fit: Find Your Balance. “Parents need to be mindful of that and adjust their expectations accordingly,” he adds. Observe. “If we observe our kids, we can intervene when they need us and learn who they are,” Dr. Mayer says. The only way to truly do that is to participate in his life. Aside from attending his games, performances, and the like, and staying in contact with his teachers, make your home the hang-out place. “Try inviting their friends over for dinner, and on weekends,” Dr. Rustomji suggests. “This is a way for you to keep your eyes and ears open to their inner world, without seeming nosey.” Leveraging car rides accomplishes the same thing. Offer to pick up and drop off friends when you’re driving your own kid to a party, the mall, or a school event. You might be surprised how much you learn about your teen by listening on a 15-minute ride. A car ride with only the two of you is still an opportunity to build your bond. “Face-to-face conversations can be uncomfortable and intimidating for a teen,” Carino says. “Having the music on low and not looking at each other may create an environment in which a teen feels more comfortable opening up.” Work on yourself. Who says your teen will grow out of idolizing you? True, eventually we all realize our parents are flawed, just like everyone else. Nevertheless, your lease on being a role model never has to expire. “Be someone they want to admire,” Dr. Mayer insists. “Be healthy. Keep yourself fit. Be socially engaged. Be dynamic. Don’t let yourself go.” If you have a cheerful, positive attitude and are continually trying to improve yourself in whatever ways resonate with you, others will want to be around you. And that includes your kid and her friends. “If you do all that, their friends will say, ‘You have a cool mom or dad’ or ‘I wish my mom or dad was like yours’.” And once that happens, it may not be a stretch to say you’re golden. Never give up. Ever. The senior year of high school can be a difficult time to try to forge a better relationship because of the focus on college and the future. Plus, “seniors tend to zone in even more on their friendships because they know many changes will be happening socially once they graduate,” Carino notes. If your son is in his later teens, and you’ve had a rough ride of a relationship, you may think it’s too late to close the gap between you. Don’t. “It’s never too late,” Carino insists. “It’s usually after high school that young adults connect with their parents in ways they didn’t before. Especially if they’re away at college, relationships often improve because of the space and distance.” Try to remember that you’re aiming for the long haul. “The teenage years are developmental. Teens are not a finished product,” Dr. Mayer agrees. “We have many more years of a close, meaningful relationship with our children in adulthood than the short span of adolescence.”

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Whether we like it or not, our relationships with our children will change. “Being prepared for this change will help you overcome the loss and grief of going from the always-needed parent to one who is supportive from a distance,” Dr. Rustomji says. Your child—even when she hasn’t technically been a child in a long time—will always benefit from your comfort and guidance. Parenting a teen is rarely easy. Getting and staying close to your older child won’t happen in a weekend. Consider it a work in progress. Christina Vercelletto is a former editor at NYMetroParents, Parenting, Scholastic Parent & Child, and Woman’s Day.

WestchesterParent 37

family life finance

Credit Check-Up

››

Experts share how you can improve your credit score in a year.

By Megan Vasquez

re you considering getting a new car or putting a down payment on your dream house? Unless you’ve been diligently saving, you’ll likely need to apply for a loan to make one of those purchases. The biggest obstacle that could be standing between you and getting approved for a loan? A low credit score, which can also affect the job hunt and prevent you from getting new credit cards. “When applying for these types of loans, lenders perform a credit check. This helps lenders decide if they want to do business with you,” says Jake Lunduski, a financial industry analyst at Credit Card Insider. “Generally, the better your credit, the better the interest rates you’ll be able to secure.” Credit scores range from 300-850 and tell lenders how reliable you are when it comes to repaying debt. It’s possible you’ll be approved for a loan if you have a lower score, but you may be required to put down a larger deposit or pay more interest. For example, someone with a score of 720 may have a 5 percent interest rate on a $500,000 30-year mortgage while someone with a score of 800 may have a 4.5 percent interest rate on the same mortgage. That .5 percent difference is like giving away $40,000-$50,000, says Roxana McKinney, founder of Women Wealth & Worth. “There are multiple scoring organizations that have different scoring systems. However, the type of score most commonly used by lenders is one of your FICO scores,” Lunduski says. Thankfully, consumer credit scores tend to follow common principles, which makes improving your score a less daunting task.

usage, since they make up the bulk of your score. In addition to one free credit report per year from each credit bureau at AnnualCreditReport.com, McKinney recommends checking your credit score every three months on a free credit score site such as Credit Karma, which won’t hurt your score. Hard inquiries—when a potential lender reviews your credit—may pull your score down by five to 10 points. You can dispute a hard inquiry, but it will generally fall off your report in 2 years.

Check Your Credit Score

Prevention is the best form of defense. Before you even suspect fraud, you can protect yourself by freezing your accounts, preventing others from stealing your information. Freezing your account locks your credit score, so no individual or company can access your credit information unless you unlock it. After reporting fraud, it takes time to

FICO scores are based on five different criteria: 35 percent payment history, 30 percent amounts owed, 15 percent length of credit history, 10 percent new credit, and 10 percent types of credit. It’s very important to stay on top of your payment history and credit 38

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Look for Inaccuracies

When requesting your annual report, make sure each major consumer credit bureau is checked, including Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, in addition to free credit score sites. There are six things you should check when you get your report, according to Lunduski: • Is your personal information accurate and up to date? • Do you recognize every account listed? Are all the dates and lenders names correct? • Do account balances listed match the balances on recent statements? • Make sure hard inquiries on your reports were made at your request. • Are any late payments listed that don’t belong? If you do have late payments, make sure they are classified correctly (30 days late, 60 days late, etc.). • Check for any bankruptcies, tax liens, and collection accounts and make sure the details are correct.

Protect Against Fraud

repair credit score damaged by identity theft, so why not be one step ahead? Whether or not you suspect fraud, Daniel D’Ordine, CFP, founder of DDO Advisory Services LLC, recommends “LifeLock.com because it aggressively monitors for negative activity, especially when there are too many things to lose track of and data breaches.”

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The smaller your credit utilization (how much of your credit card limit you use month to month), the better your score. So, to have an immediate impact, you want to pay your debt down, D’Ordine says. Another way to lower your utilization is to increase your credit lines. “This way, you can spend the same amount or more without a negative ding, because your utilization amount is higher,” McKinney says. Remember: Just because you have a higher credit line, doesn’t mean you need to use it.

Pay Off Debt

If you find yourself in debt across multiple credit accounts, Lunduski recommends the Avalanche Method, explained by his colleague Brendan Harkness. First, make the minimum payments on all of your accounts. Then, put as much extra money as possible toward the account with the highest interest rate. Once that debt is paid, do the same on the account with the next highest interest rate. Use this method until all of your debt is paid off. “After any debts are paid off, ensure that you’re using your credit cards with discipline,” Lunduski adds. “Always make sure you’re paying off your statement balances on time and in full to take advantage of the grace period most cards have to avoid expensive interest.”

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Many people believe closing a credit card is better for credit scores, but, in fact, it can have the opposite effect. “Young people who opened their first card in college will move to others for points or miles, and will close their first card,” McKinney says. “This will bring down your total available credit and average account age.” So, keep your starter credit card from college in addition to newer cards because it will boost two categories of your FICO criteria. As long as a card is paid off and has no fees, it can continue to help your credit score.

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“Another misconception is opening a credit card hurts your credit scores. Although your credit scores may temporarily dip after applying for a new card, you won’t face any long-term negative effects unless you max your new card out and accumulate debt or don’t pay on time,” Lunduski says. Opening a new card raises your total overall credit limit and can help lower your credit utilization ratio. You’ll take a hit in average account age in the short term, but more cards can help you in the long term. But, D’Ordine warns against opening a handful of credit cards willy-nilly. Instead, research what credit card is best for you, whether you want to earn airline miles, cash back, or points for other benefits, and try to choose one with a lower interest rate.

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“Because too many cards can become unmanageable, get them all paid in one day,” McKinney advises. You can ensure your bills are being paid on time by changing the payment dates, turning on online-billing Auto-Pay, which automatically takes money out of your bank account, or paying as soon as you get a statement in the mail. Above all, “let your life events drive your financial decisions,” D’Ordine recommends. As much as you may want to plan and budget, life happens. If it all seems too daunting to do on your own, don’t be afraid to seek out a certified financial planner.

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1/9/18 1:16 PM

family life real estate

Checking Out Neighborhoods

››

Before you set out to find your dream home, you need figure out where you want to live. Experts share what you should consider before handing over a down payment. By Melissa Wickes

t the beginning of the home-buying process, there are surely 100 different factors swirling around your head that will determine on which house you put an offer. One of the most important things to consider before starting the house hunt? Finding the right neighborhood for your family. After all, you can’t change things about the neighborhood, but you can renovate a less-than-perfect house. Solving that mystery will be completely individual for your family, as your check list of must-haves, things that would be nice, and those that are not a deal-breaker will be different from your friends. Once you narrow down which neighborhood or town is right for your family, you’ll be one step closer to finding the perfect place to raise your little ones. Read on for a little help from the experts for finding the right neighborhood for your family.

Visit at varying times.

You should always consider the time of day and time of year you visit a neighborhood, which can vary depending on the nature of the location. For example, if the house you’re interested in is near a school, visit during drop-off and pick-up times to see how busy it gets, suggests Melanie Kalmaer Lichaa, CBR, BFA, MA, M.Ed., licensed salesperson at Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International Realty. “If you’re near a highway or busy street with a double yellow line, you should go at various times throughout the day to determine which is the busiest,” she says. “Visiting during the weekend 40

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

is also beneficial to see if it’s a family neighborhood where people walk around and ride bikes or if it’s really quiet.”

Pay attention to the neighborhood vibe.

In addition to visiting the area at different times, spend time exploring the neighborhood and chatting with others who live there, recommends Alison Bernstein, founder and CEO of The Suburban Jungle, a real estate firm focused on buyers leaving the city for the suburbs. “What if the whole town goes to Nantucket over the summer, but you pictured yourself having barbecues with your neighbors?” she poses. When you’re visiting the neighborhood, consider the characteristics that are important to your family. If you want to live in a place where your family can safely ride bikes in the streets or go for a walk with the stroller, do these things when visiting. Go for a walk after school when kids would normally be riding scooters to their friends’ houses or playing hockey in the street. Talk to the parents walking by and get the story from the people who know the neighborhood best. “It’s very important to look in between the data points because that’s where the real story of the town exists,” Bernstein says. “Feel out what people are doing on the weekends, how involved they are in the school systems, and so on.” “I bought my house seven years ago solely because of the block it was on! I absolutely hated the house itself,” says Ellie Makris, an East Williston resident and mother of two boys. “We knocked it

down and built new, and throughout the difficulties with construction I would not change a thing. My son gets to ride his bike down the street as I walk next to him with the stroller, and we know that our neighbors will slow down when they pass in their cars.” If you want a little extra help when finding the perfect neighborhood for your family, a buyer’s representative can point you in the right direction. Buyer’s representatives obtain specialized information, programs, and updates that can help you best determine what neighborhood to look in, according to the Association of Realtors. The Suburban Jungle also aims to convey the overall culture of a neighborhood by partnering with local agents who can explore the area for you.

Take a look at the statistics.

Everyone’s definition of what makes a town safe varies, and if you’re a numbers person who feels more secure making decisions based on proven statistics, there are various online resources that can help give you peace of mind. Multiple Listing Service, a network of real estate offices on Long Island as well as in Queens and Brooklyn, provides a variety of information about neighborhoods including community and school information, housing statistics, and news. Searching a neighborhood in the Community and School Info section of the website will turn up visual statistics measuring quality of life such as commute time, crime risks, air quality, physicians per capita, environment, schools, economy, people, and housing. Another resource that measures the livability of a neighborhood is Total Home Score. It aims to make the things that may be less obvious more transparent, so you can determine which parts of the home search are a priority to you, including Road Safety, Quiet, Traffic, and Entertainment scores.

Determine what “a good school” means to you.

While you can learn which school is deemed “better” in terms of test scores, what are the factors that define a good school to you? Do you have a child who requires special education services? Or, perhaps, your child is gifted and talented. Will your child need an Individualized Education Plan? Does she need extra help in math? “I always recommend parents call up and speak to the head of their child’s grade level for the upcoming year to ask these sorts of questions,” says Lichaa, who is a mom of two and a former educator. “Different districts have different ways of analyzing a child and their grade readiness when they enter the district.” “Read between the lines and determine what a great school system means to you,” Bernstein suggests. “Do I want my child in a class of two thousand or a class of sixty, and what are the pros and cons of each? Do I want a district where everyone is...gunning for the [Ivy League], or do I want a more laid-back environment?” While you’re getting the answers to these important questions, it’s also a good idea to find out about transportation within that district. Some districts have rules that children who live less than a mile from the school will not receive transportation, according to Lichaa. And don’t be afraid to ask questions about the more personal things that are important to your family. If your child is a swimmer, find out if the school has a swim team. If not, but it checks all of your other boxes, see if there is a local Y, JCC, or Boys and Girls Club with a team that your child can join.

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Ultimately, what makes a neighborhood “the right neighborhood” for your family may be the one with the highest scoring school district. It also could be the one with a little league team that practices within walking distance of your home. As long as you know what your family needs to be happy, learning to love a new neighborhood will be as easy as learning to hate the parking restrictions in your old one. WestchesterParent 41

PartyCentral PARTY ENTERTAINMENT AMY ROSEN CUPCAKE, COOKING, AND CHOCOLATE-MAKING PARTIES 917-903-1451 amyrosencookingbydesign.com amyrosencookingbydesign@gmail.com

Have a cooking party for your child’s next birthday. From Cupcake Wars, to Chopped Style parties, to Pizza Creations, to chocolate melting, molding, and decorating, your kids will enjoy the fully hands-on experience.

CLOWNS.COM Proudly serving Westchester, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx 516-577-0000, 718-971-5862 clowns.com

We are a family-owned and -operated entertainment company, offering a wide range of party and entertainment services including clowns, inflatable bounce houses, characters, magicians, princesses, magic shows, face painting, and party concession rentals.

BIRTHDAY GIFTS AFFORDABLES A quality children’s consignment store 10 Main St., Dobbs Ferry 914-627-9462 affordablechild.com

We are a quality consignment store, offering children’s clothing, maternity clothes, baby equipment, and toys. A great place to shop for a birthday gift!

GIRL AGAIN 4 Martine Ave., White Plains free parking at the Seasons garage 914-358-1460 girlagain.com girlagain@yesshecaninc.org Girl AGain is a resale boutique for gently used American Girl dolls and books which make great birthday gifts!

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

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

PARTY PLACES A-GAME SPORTS 856 Main St., New Rochelle 914-278-9477 agamesports.net info@agamesports.net

A-Game Sports offers a variety of birthday party packages

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

for children of all ages. Each 90-minute party includes supervised playtime with two coaches on a private section of turf.

ARTISTREE PERFORMING ARTS 114 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck 914-835-2200 artistreearts.com jeanette@artistreearts.com

Artistree Performing Arts creates amazing birthday parties for children ages 1-12. Have your party in our beautifully-renovated studio or let us come to you with just the entertainment.

BACH TO ROCK MAMARONECK 130 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck 914-341-1457 mamaroneck.b2rmusic.com mamaroneck@bachtorock.com

Looking for a fun birthday party at a reasonable price? We have three different parties including Rock Star, Karaoke, or Rock City, for an unforgettable experience!

BRONX ZOO TREETOP ADVENTURE Bronx River Parkway at Boston Road 347-308-9021 bronxzootreetop.com bztreetop@wcs.org

Celebrate your special occasion with an outdoor aerial adventure. Climb, balance, swing, and zip through the trees on a variety of unique elements like ropes, bridges, and spider webs. Choose from a variety of party packages designed for all abilities.

CHELSEA PIERS CONNECTICUT 1 Blachley Road, Stamford, CT 203-989-1100 chelseapiersct.com/birthday info@chelseapiersct.com

Birthday parties at Chelsea Piers are action-packed! Options include gymnastics, dance, basketball, volleyball, soccer, T-ball, ice-skating, ninja warrior, gaga, and water slides! New inflatable obstacle course and bounce house party option!

CREATIVE CORNER OF LARCHMONT 7 Addison St., Larchmont 914-833-2880 creativecornerlarchmont.com creativecornerlarchmont@gmail.com

Creative Corner is the perfect place to celebrate a birthday! Art party options include wood toys, treasure boxes, canvas bags, ceramic piggy banks, and canvas paintings. We will help every step of the way.

DANCE CAVISE STUDIOS 273 Halstead Ave., Mamaroneck 914-381-5222 dancecavise.com joe@dancecavise.com, jamie@dancecavise.com

Be our guest at a Dance Cavise birthday party where your child and friends will feel like stars. The birthday “star” and friends will dance, sing, and play, under the supervision of trained instructors.

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

FUNFUZION AT NEW ROC CITY 29 LeCount Place (Exit 16 off I-95), New Rochelle Party Central: 914-637-7575, option 1 funfuziononline.com

Calling all birthday superstars! You and your guests will be dazzled by a unique, interactive party experience!

GREAT PLAY OF SCARSDALE Interactive Gym for Kids 969B Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 914-713-3470 greatplay.com/scarsdale

Our award-winning, high-energy parties are spectacular events in our amazing Interactive Gym™. We customize each party based on your child’s interests, using some of our most popular Great Play games.

HOMMOCKS PARK ICE RINK

Boston Post Road and Weaver Street, Larchmont 914-834-1069 hommocksparkicerink.org Have your birthday party on ice! Host your next special party at the coolest place in town, Mamaroneck’s popular enclosed Hommocks Park Ice Skating Rink.

JODI’S GYM 25 Hubbels Drive, Mount Kisco 914-244-8811 244 E. 84th St., Manhattan 212-772-7633 jodisgym.com

Kids run, jump, climb, tumble, slide, bounce, and giggle to their hearts’ delight at Jodi’s Gym, where action-packed parties and unmatched experience have won children’s hearts for 34 years.

LIL CHAMELEON 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe 914-346-5148 lilchameleon.com

Come party with Lil Chameleon! Book our Silver or Gold Package and choose from truly unique experiences in our bright and stylish space.

THE LITTLE GYM 777 White Plains Road, Scarsdale 914-722-0072 tlgscarsdaleny.com 2121 Broadway, 2nd Floor (between 74th and 75th streets) Upper West Side, Manhattan 212-799-1225 tlgupperwestsideny.com 207 E. 94th St. (between Second and Third avenues) Upper East Side, Manhattan 212-787-1124 tlguppereastsideny.com 28 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick, NJ 201-445-4444 tlgwaldwicknj.com

A private party at The Little Gym is a perfect way to celebrate your child’s next birthday. Gymnastics, games, obstacle courses, trampoline, sports, and music are tailored to your child’s interests!

MUSICAL MUNCHKINS 167 Scarsdale Road, Tuckahoe 914-771-7000 musicalmunchkins.com

Musical Munchkins is the perfect birthday party activity for babies through age 5! Enjoy group drumming, funny favorite sing-along songs, and fabulous dancing scarves!

PINE BROOK FITNESS 130 Rhodes St., New Rochelle 914-636-1019 pinebrookﬁtness.com

Pine Brook Fitness, awarded as Westchester’s Best Multi-Sport Family Fitness Facility, provides a ﬁtness experience for you and your family and an exciting venue for birthday parties.

THE PLAY GROUP THEATRE 1 N. Broadway, Suite 111, White Plains 914-946-4433 playgroup.org info@playgroup.org

The Play Group Theatre® (PGT) is Westchester’s theater for children and teens. PGT shows make ideal birthday parties for a variety of ages. Enjoy the show, followed by a backstage tour.

SPORTIME USA 380 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford 914-592-2111 x2 sportimeusa.com

Birthday parties? That’s our specialty! Celebrate your birthday at Sportime USA, the coolest place to have a party in Westchester.

STUDIO B DANCE CENTER 277 White Plains Road (entrance on Prospect Avenue), Eastchester 914-793-2799 studiobdance.com

Each party at Studio B is uniquely designed to give the birthday child an exciting, personalized experience. Boys and girls ages 2 and older enjoy dancing and playing games to their favorite music.

WESTCHESTER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 100 Playland Parkway, Rye 914-421-5050 discoverwcm.org; info@discoverwcm.org

Places to build, explore, and discover, the Westchester Children’s Museum is Westchester’s newest, most creative place for birthday parties! Have the museum’s exhibits, MakerSpace, and party room to yourself our parties offer exclusive use of the museum space when the general public has gone home.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Your local guide to tutors, teachers, lawyers, financial planners, and other professionals FOSTER CARE & ADOPTION BERKSHIRE FARM CENTER AND SERVICES FOR YOUTH

Serving all of Westchester County 631-420-4444 berkshirefarm.org Berkshire Farm Center & Services for Youth helps children ﬁnd safety and comfort in the homes of foster parents. Become a foster parent and give the gift of family!

The Jewish Week’s

10th Annual Grand Wine Tasting Event Monday April 1 | 5 - 9 p.m.

City Winery, 155 Varick Street, New York, NY Taste over 250 kosher wines, including the winners of The Jewish Week’s recent Top 18 Kosher Wine Competition Sample delicious kosher snacks and win incredible raffle prizes, including a FREE RT flight to Israel from El Al 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 $89

LICE LICE CLINICS OF AMERICA - WESTCHESTER

9 Freight Way, Scarsdale 914-996-4315 liceclinicswestchester.com Lice Clinics of America will remove lice in just one hour! All lice and eggs—even Super Lice—are eliminated in a single, one-hour treatment. Affordable treatments, no toxic chemicals.

and then admission to the Grand Wine Tasting Private tasting capped at 125 guests.

Grand Wine Tasting 6:00pm – 9:00pm $60 The ticket price on the day of the event for the main Grand Wine Tasting will be $70

NEW JERSEY JEWISH NEWS

The Jewish Week

WestchesterParent 43

REC

JWF

OPEN HOUSES 2019 Beth El Day Camp

1324 North Ave., New Rochelle 914-235-2700 x256 betheldaycamp.org jrockowitz@bethelnr.org Come see for yourself what makes Beth El so special! Private tours available Sunday-Friday at 9am. Please call to schedule a visit.

Tours are available weekdays. Please call to schedule a visit and see how we inspire a love of learning.

Purchase College Summer Youth and Precollege Programs in the Arts

973-845-9260 campuskids.com Call or email to schedule your family’s private tour of our camp. Offered Saturdays and Sundays, year-round.

Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase 914-251-6500 purchase.edu/academics/ youth-and-precollege-programs youth.pre.college@purchase.edu Join us for an open house on Saturday, March 23 from 10am–12pm in the Music Building, room 0078 on the Purchase College Campus.

Challenge Camp

Thornton-Donovan School

Campus Kids Weekday Sleep-Away Camp

Schechter Westchester, 555 W. Hartsdale Ave., Hartsdale 914-779-6024 challengecamps.com info@challengecamps.com Challenge Camp Open House on Sunday Feb. 10 from 2-4pm at Schechter Westchester in Hartsdale. Tour our facility, preview class options, and learn more about our innovative summer enrichment program.

Hudson Country Montessori School

Ms. Neeru Bhambree, director of education 340 Quaker Ridge Road, New Rochelle 914-636-6202 hudsoncountry.org

100 Overlook Circle, New Rochelle 914-632-8836 td.edu Join us for Thornton-Donovan School’s Summer Challenge camp open house on March 10 and April 28 from 2-4pm. Camp is for ages 3-14, coed.

Twin Lakes Farm

960 California Road, Bronxville 914-961-2192 twinlakesfarm.com camp@twinlakesfarm.com Tours and meetings can be scheduled anytime by calling our office or emailing camp@twinlakesfarm.com.

Meet the

Health Care Professional

Caring for Kids Dr. Ivis Getz 140 Lockwood Ave., Suite 315, New Rochelle 914-355-2265 caringpediatricdentistry.com caringpediatricdentistry@gmail.com

Dr. Ivis Getz, a board-certified pediatric dentist, is committed to providing the highest quality dental care to infants, children, adolescents, and those with special needs. Dr. Getz recognizes that each child is a unique individual who deserves compassion and respect, which is evident in her friendly manner and calm demeanor. The dental team truly enjoys working with kids and will treat your child with warmth and compassion. The practice participates with many dental insurance plans and has convenient after-school and Saturday appointments available.

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February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

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

Twin Lakes Farm ...................................................... 17

health

Jodi’s Gym - Westchester.......................................... 23

Westchester County Parks ....................................... 11

Caring for Kids Pediatric Dentistry............................. 44

birthday / party services Andersons Larchmont .............................................. 35 Bach to Rock - Westchester ..................................... 13 FunFuzion.................................................................. 37 Great Play - Scarsdale.............................................. 21 Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum ........................ 48 Jodi’s Gym - Westchester.......................................... 23 Little Gym - Westchester........................................... 47 Sportime ................................................................... 18 Sportime USA, Inc..................................................... 15 Yes She Can Inc./Girl Again ..................................... 41

Westfair Camp @ Pace Aquatics ............................. 19 Whale Camp ............................................................. 13

child care / day care Ann & Andy................................................................ 22

White Plains Orthodontics........................................... 9

music Bach to Rock - Westchester ..................................... 13 Belle School of Music ................................................. 9 Music Conservatory of Westchester ......................... 18

classes

Musical Munchkins ................................................... 17

Alcott Montessori....................................................... 23

Rye YMCA ................................................................ 19

Bach to Rock - Westchester ..................................... 13 Belle School of Music ................................................. 9 Curtain Call Inc. ........................................................ 23 Easter Seals Project Explore..................................... 15

performing arts / acting Bach to Rock - Westchester ..................................... 13 Curtain Call Inc. ........................................................ 23

camps

LinguaKids LLC ........................................................ 23

Ann & Andy................................................................ 22

Music Conservatory of Westchester ......................... 18

Bach to Rock - Westchester ..................................... 13

Musical Munchkins ................................................... 17

Beth El Day Camp..................................................... 15

Play Group Theatre .................................................. 23

retail

Purchase College-Youth & Pre-College Program ..... 16

Affordables ............................................................... 41

Rye YMCA ................................................................ 19

Andersons Larchmont .............................................. 35

SENSE-sational FUN-damentals .............................. 39

Tilly...A Deer’s Tale.................................................... 39

Sportime ................................................................... 18

Yes She Can Inc./Girl Again ..................................... 41

Camp Ramaquois ..................................................... 13 Campus Kids Summer Camp ................................... 21 Challenge Camp ....................................................... 17 Curtain Call Inc. ........................................................ 23

Hudson Country Montessori ................................... 3, 7

special events dance Studio B Dance.......................................................... 37

iD Tech Camps.......................................................... 11

education

Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum ........................ 48

Alcott Montessori....................................................... 23

Iona College Summer Day Camps ........................... 23 Jodi’s Gym - Westchester.......................................... 23 Kids’ B.A.S.E and The Little School .......................... 16 LinguaKids LLC ........................................................ 23

Music Conservatory of Westchester ......................... 18 Play Group Theatre .................................................. 23 Purchase College-Youth & Pre-College Program ..... 16 Rye YMCA ................................................................ 19 Shattemuc Sailing ....................................................... 9 Sportime ................................................................... 18 Squire Advantage Camps ......................................... 19

ArtsRock of Rockland ............................................... 35 Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum ........................ 48 Jewish Week(The) .................................................... 43 Young Child Expo ..................................................... 39

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

special needs

Hudson Country Montessori ................................... 3, 7

Easter Seals Project Explore..................................... 15

Kids’ B.A.S.E and The Little School .......................... 16

Musical Munchkins ................................................... 17

LinguaKids LLC ........................................................ 23

SENSE-sational FUN-damentals .............................. 39

Thornton Donovan School .......................................... 5

Sportime USA, Inc..................................................... 15

Little Gym - Westchester........................................... 47 Mosholu Montefiore Community Center ..................... 7

Great Play - Scarsdale.............................................. 21

Studio B Dance.......................................................... 37

Future Stars .............................................................. 19 Great Play - Scarsdale.............................................. 21

play spaces

Young Child Expo ..................................................... 39

family entertainment / events / outings Andersons Larchmont .............................................. 35

sports

ArtsRock of Rockland ............................................... 35

Future Stars .............................................................. 19

FunFuzion.................................................................. 37

Rye YMCA ................................................................ 19

Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum ........................ 48

Sportime ................................................................... 18

Royal Hanneford Circus............................................ 33 Sportime USA, Inc..................................................... 15

Squire Advantage Camps ......................................... 19 Westchester County Parks ....................................... 11 Westfair Camp @ Pace Aquatics ............................. 19

fitness

Studio B Dance.......................................................... 37

Jodi’s Gym - Westchester.......................................... 23

theater

Rye YMCA ................................................................ 19

Curtain Call Inc. ........................................................ 23

Thornton Donovan School .......................................... 5

Sportime ................................................................... 18

Play Group Theatre .................................................. 23

WestchesterParent 45

raising kids in the know

Traveling with Young Children ›› By Melissa Wickes

very parent is familiar with the stares and groans aimed in their direction when boarding an airplane with a baby. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to predict how your little one will react to being in a contained space like this for an extended period of time. Similarly, it’s difficult to predict how your child will be once you reach your destination. After all, you’re turning your tot’s world upside down for a couple of days, if not more. Harvey Karp, M.D., pediatrician, faculty member of University of Southern California School of Medicine, and author of Happiest Baby on the Block, shares how to make traveling with young children a little easier. Pre-trip prep. Before traveling anywhere with your children, make sure you have a local doctor’s contact information on hand. If your child is old enough, tell them about where they’re going, Dr. Karp suggests. Children are very visual, so show them pictures of where they’re going, the people they’ll meet, and the things they’re going to see. If you can, make a little book to get your child excited about the adventure. In order to later create familiarity in the new place you’re staying, rub some essential oils on your child’s crib at home, and bring that same scent on the trip. If you anticipate needing to help your child sleep during a longer trip, make sure you talk to your doctor and test out medications to ensure they don’t make your child hyper instead of drowsy. If you’re driving, plan stops for snacks, bathroom breaks, and getting out of the car seat. Have modest expectations. This is one of the most important things, according to Dr. Karp. If you are traveling with an infant, you can easily wear your baby in a baby carrier and walk around a museum as long as your heart desires. However, once your baby begins to toddle, these sorts of activities are no longer a breeze. Plan kid-friendly activities, but don’t over-schedule; having some days to just relax by the pool is a good idea. If you’re staying in a different time zone for a very short period of time, keep your watches in your

February 2019 | nymetroparents.com

usual time zone, suggests Dr. Karp, because your child won’t have enough time to adjust to a new one. Be prepared. Always bring a kit filled with essentials and medicines just in case to minimize frantic trips to the pharmacy while you’re traveling. Dr. Karp suggests ibuprofen for fevers, cortisone creams for burns, Benadryl for allergies, and anything your child may need specific to his health needs. Other things to bring include your child’s “lovie,” a backup “lovie,” and of course, a Marry Poppins-style bag of tricks. If you’re on a long plane ride, distractions are key, Dr. Karp says. Bring a supply of trinkets and toys you can use to keep the child interested throughout the period including electronic distractions. Anticipate pressure changes on a plane. One of the most difficult parts of taking a baby on a plane are the pressure changes. Think about it: When you experience that painful throbbing in your ears as a result of take-off or landing, you respond by popping your ears by chewing gum, holding your nose, or drinking water. However, babies don’t know what is causing this pain, or how to fix it. The last thing you want is a shrieking baby on a flight, so Dr. Karp suggests giving your baby a bottle 10 minutes into take-off and again 30 minutes before landing to get your baby swallowing to relieve some of that pressure. Baby-proof your space. “Be prepared to baby-proof wherever you’re going to stay, which is often a lot easier in a hotel than in another person’s home because you can rearrange whatever you want,” Dr. Karp says. “Bring paper bandage tape to tape electric outlets, cords up against walls, and the toilet and fridge shut. You can also tape cotton balls on sharp corners.” While baby-proofing the hotel room, or whatever space you may be staying in, Dr. Karp suggests creating a sense of familiarity in the space, whether it’s by playing white noise in the hotel room, hanging up your child’s drawings on the wall, or packing your child’s favorite blanket.

At The Little Gym, we complement the traditional school experience with unique classes that revolve around active play. Our students are encouraged to jump, ﬂip, and swing their way towards increased health, focus, knowledge, and happiness. Big Discoveries at The Little Gym. Find your kid's happy place with an Introductory Experience!

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*Buy One Adult Ticket, Get a Child Ticket Free! Use code NY-KIDS to get one free child ticket with an adult ticket purchase for use between February 17–23. Offer valid now through February 23. Only valid for general admission tickets purchased online. Max of four tickets per code redemption. May not be combined with other offers. 2019 © Intrepid Museum Foundation. All Rights Reserved. Except as permitted under applicable law, this work may not be copied, published, disseminated, displayed, performed or played without permission of the copyright holder. Photos: Erika Kapin; Karen Obrist.

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