Volume 3 |November 2010 | KidsFunPlaza
Thanksgiving Traditions
from a Kid who Grew up to be a Grandma
Tips for a Happy Thanksgiving with Your Autistic Child
10 Ways for Teens to Shine at Thanksgiving
Starting Thanksgiving
Traditions for the Little Ones
Teach Your Kids to Give Thanks
in Different Ways
Thoughtful Gifts for the Expectant Thanksgiving Hostess
October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 1
NOVEMBER 2010 - THANKSGIVING
Contents Deirdre Greco Educator Of The Month From Rensselaer County ............................ 4 Albany Health Care Provider of the Month Sonya Meade, Rn............................................................................... 6 Parent of the Month from Albany – Ron Lesko................................. 8 Pregnancy: Thoughtful Gifts for the Expectant Thanksgiving Hostess.......................................... 11 Would You Get a Nanny for Your Newborn?......................................................................... 13 Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide......................................................... 14 Local Food Pantries Feed Hungry Families...................................................................... 13 Starting Thanksgiving Traditions for the Little Ones........................................................... 22 At the Kids Table.............................................................................. 23 Teach Your Kids to Give Thanks in Different Ways................................................................. 24 Green Entertaining and Decorating on the Cheap .......................... 27 A Year of Thanksgiving: Teaching Preteens to Say Thank You............................................... 28 Thanksgiving Traditions From a Kid who Grew up to be a Grandma..................................... 30 10 Ways for Teens To Shine at Thanksgiving................................................................. 32 Tips for a Happy Thanksgiving with Your Autistic Child................................................................... 33 Wild Game Bird Place Cards ........................................................... 34 The Black and Latino Achievers Program ........................................ 35 Here Is What ’S Happening ............................................................. 37
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t’s Thanksgiving time, and that has always meant family time for us. When I was a kid, I remember when my grandparents would borrow long banquet tables from the church to set up end to end, running from my grandma’s kitchen, through the dining room, and into the living room. There were never enough chairs for everyone, even counting folding chairs – nor was there room for enough chairs, so many people would end up sitting on the sofa of the recliner during Thanksgiving dinner. We’re blessed to have a lot of family in town. Back then, it consisted of my grandparents, my little family, and my mom’s three brothers and their families around my Grandma’s Thanksgiving table. These past few years, the family has had dinner in two separate locations, with my mom hosting one of the dinners and one of her brothers hosting the other. My mom’s Thanksgiving dinner feeds anywhere from 16 to 19 people, including friends and guests with nowhere else to go. The hunt for a giant 30-pound turkey is always a challenge. Well, I think the biggest she ever got was 28 pounds, but it was still quite a find! This year, we’re bringing back the big family Thanksgiving. No one has enough room in their house for Grandma, her four kids, their kids, and all the grandkids, too, so we’ve reserved the fire house for our Thanksgiving dinner. It’s going to be an absolute madhouse, but I can’t think of any better way to celebrate the holiday. There’s no way we’re going to get by with just one turkey this time! And I’ll probably be peeling potatoes for three days in order to make enough mashed potatoes, but I really can’t wait. This issue of Kids Fun Plaza is full of Thanksgiving goodness! Ali shares some green ideas for your holiday decorating and entertaining. Sandra has some great ideas for getting your teen into the Thanksgiving spirit, while Beth talks about starting traditions with your toddler. And there’s much more! Whether your Thanksgiving is big or small, we hope your celebration is full of wonderful memories that your families with cherish for a lifetime. Happy Thanksgiving, Christina Gleason
Kids Fun Plaza Facebook Contest You can win a $100 Visa gift card from Kids Fun Plaza! Here’s how: Like Kids Fun Plaza on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Clifton-Park-NY/KidsFunPlaza/144632888894316 Write on our wall and tell us about your favorite part of Kids Fun Plaza or if there’s anything we’re missing that you would like us to add. One lucky winner will be chosen at random for the $100 Visa gift card and announced in our next issue. So stop by our Facebook page today and enter to win!
Check out our Facebook Page for more contests. http://facebook.com/KidsFunPlaza Follow us on Twitter @KidsFunPlaza
EDITOR’S LETTER Meet Our Team Publisher Ana Roca Castro Ana@KidsFunPlaza.com Editor in Chief Christina Gleason Christina@KidsFunPlaza.com Art Director Catalina Arango Catalina@KidsFunPlaza.com Marketing Director Coleen Valenti Coleen@KidsFunPlaza.com Advertising Coordinator Erin Tiernan Erin@KidsFunPlaza.com Diversity Manager Roxanna Homic Roxanna@KidsFunPlaza.com Account Manager Veronica Salas Brito Veronica@KidsFunPlaza.com Columnists Educator of the Month, Parent of the Month, Toddler, Kiddo
Beth Levine Beth@KidsFunPlaza.com Community Guide, Pre-Teen, Tween Veronica Salas Brito Veronica@KidsFunPlaza.com
Green & Healthy, Health Provider of the Month, Arts & Crafts
Alina M. Hensley Ali@KidsFunPlaza.com Preschooler, Special Needs Christina Gleason Christina@KidsFunPlaza.com KidsFunKitchen Ana Roca Castro Ana@KidsFunPlaza.com La Placita Roxanna Homic Roxanna@KidsFunPlaza.com Community Events Roxanca Chirac RoxanaC@KidsFunPlaza.com Teens Sandra Foyt Sandra@KidsFunPlaza.com Grandma’s Wisdom Linda Carmical Sandra@KidsFunPlaza.com October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 3
DEIRDRE GRECO – EDUCATOR OF THE MONTH FROM RENSSELAER COUNTY
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iven the current state of the economy, many families consist of two working parents. This leaves a lot of parents trying to figure out where to bring their children while they are at work. Often times, they do not know where to turn, and how to select a daycare provider for their precious child. Having done this myself, I know it can be a daunting task. The nice thing these days is that there are a multitude of free resources out there for people. The Capital District Child Care Council (http://www.cdcccc.org) is one of the best places to go to. When I have called them, they have been amazing. They send you information based on your request with contact information and more. In addition to this, daycare centers, like SamaritanRensselaer Children’s Center in Troy, are working hard to let families know how they are keeping their programs strong and developmentally appropriate for children from six weeks to Pre-K. It is because of this dedication to the children at Samaritan-Rensselaer Children’s Center that their director, Deirdre Greco, was selected as the November Educator of the Month. Q&A WITH DEIRDRE GRECO Q: How long have you been the director of Samaritan-Rensselaer Children’s Center? Please tell me a little about your career before working here. A: I have been the Director of the Center for the past 21 years. Prior to being the Director at SamaritanRensselaer Children’s Center, I taught at several different child care centers with toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartners in Indiana, Ohio, and New York, and as a first grade teacher in Georgia. Q: What is your personal philosophy of education? How do you work this into the day to day workings?
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A: I believe that the children that we teach – babies, toddlers, and preschoolers – come to us at a very special time in their life. At this time, they learn in many ways, doing, watching, listening, playing, imagining, and dreaming. Our program tailors the day in the classroom to fit the child. Teachers work with puzzles, books, art materials, letters, numbers, cutting, drawing, literacy skills, block building, and science. The teachers meet children where they are and provide experiences that help them engage in wider exploration. Q: What are some unique features of Samaritan-Rensselaer Children’s Center that help to attract perspective families to your center? A: Samaritan-Rensselaer Children’s Center employs teachers with backgrounds in early childhood education. We use the communities’ resources to inspire children. Children at the Center have visited the Capital Region Arts Center, been visited by ScotiaGlenville’s Traveling Museum, learned Indian dance steps from an Indian instructor, walked to Troy High for a concert and cooked international dishes with students from the Russell Sage dietician program. Babies are taken
for walks around the RPI campus. The Center owns a small school bus which enables the children to go apple picking, to science museums, and to the Tiny Tots concerts by the Albany Symphony Orchestra. Because of the Center’s international population, the children celebrate Chinese New Year with a parade and a dragon led by a family from China; they celebrate Divaldi with an Indian parent; they have Chanukah explained to them by a family that celebrates the holiday. Q: What types of continuing education programs do you provide for your teachers? Are there any other programs that staff members participate in within the community? A: Staff members at the Center are required to attend continuing education classes, workshops, and presentations. Just recently, the staff attended a day long workshop on Saturday. They attended classes on infant/toddler care, working with children with differences in development, creative outdoor activities, and literacy. Staff members are certified in first aid, CPR, and MAT, which means that they have completed a course that allows them to give medication. The Center also receives additional training because it is a Universal Prekindergarten Program site for the City of Troy.
The Center also operates a summer camp for 120 campers, from graduates of kindergarten to 13 year olds on the RPI campus. The camp is divided into two groups, the 5 to 8 year olds and the 9 to 13 year olds. Each group swims every day in the RPI pool and participates in sports activities in the gyms. They go on field trips and work on weekly themes. The older campers join clubs such as volunteer club, adventure club and cooking club. Staff members receive special training in first aid and working with campers.
Educator of the Month Toddler classrooms contain sensory tables, blocks, books, play dough, dressup clothes, climbers, toys, and games. Teachers sit with children while they work with these activities. Toddlers play in an indoor gym and outside on a special playground where they can ride trikes, climb hills, smell flowers, play in sprinklers in the summer, and
Q: Providing developmentally appropriate care for children in a nurturing environment is key in a daycare/school setting. How does SamaritanRensselaer Children’s Center do this for the children between 6 weeks old and preschool? A: Teachers in the Center make sure that the day to day activities and structure they provide to the children are appropriate for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Babies are cared for on their own schedule. They nap when they are tired, eat when they are hungry, and play with teachers when they are awake. Babies are held when they are fed and when they are tired. Teachers sing and dance with the babies and read stories to them. They speak often to the babies. Teachers complete a sheet each day to let families know how their baby’s day was. Beth is a happily married teacher, now SAHM to her two young sons. She has a passion for all things Disney, reading, crafting , and traveling. A camera is always close to catch memories for her blog, TheAngelForever.com
the day. Preschoolers participate in group times, story times, and music and movement activities. They spend time in the preschool gym as well as outside. They work on cooking activities, art projects as well as singing and dancing. Teachers also work with children on social skills. Because the staff members have both educational and experiential skills, they are able to observe children and help them in all of these areas. If staff members have a concern about a child, they will meet with the parents and, if acceptable to the family, set up a time for the child to be tested to see if they need additional services which can be provided by outside agencies within the familiar center setting. Q: Budgets are tight in the world of education. If money were no obstacle, what is on your list of items or programs that you would love to add?
sled down hills in the winter. Teachers sit with the toddlers at meal times and help them to learn to eat with utensils. Teachers work with families to coordinate toilet training. The toddler rooms have notebooks so that teachers can write about each child’s day and parents can answer. Twice each year, developmental sheets are completed in the Center and conferences are held with families. Preschool teachers make weekly lesson plans. These plans include developmentally appropriate activities centered on a weekly or monthly theme. Parents receive copies of the plans for the week. A note at the end of the day lets families know what the children did during
A: If money were no obstacle, I would build a new building with windows down to the floor, so that all children could see outside easily. Each classroom would have a loft to add a new viewpoint for children and outdoor space accessible from each classroom so that activities could be indoor/outdoor. The new building would allow children to spend each day surrounded by beauty, light and fresh air. The budget for staff would allow them to be paid a salary that reflected the importance of the position that they hold and the skill with which they work with children. Continued on Page 7
We offer a wide variety of activies to get you in shape- including racquetball, handball and squash, group fitness classes such as Body Pump, Spinning, Pilates, and Yoga. We also have a complete weight room with state of the art Nautilus circuit as well as free weights, and a cardio room. In addition, we are the only health club in the capital region with an indoor rock climbing.
“Look no further, The Court Club has it all.” October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 5 The Court Club accepts Aqua Blue. Save up to $250 on all memberships!!
Heath Care Provider of the Month
Q&A with Albany Medical Center OR Nurse, Sonya Meade, Rn
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onya Meade is a fun and fiery redhead from the Albany area. When she’s not fire-spinning or fencing, only two of her many hobbies, she’s working long and rewarding hours in Albany’s largest OR. We asked her a few quick questions about life as a nurse. Many of our readers have children who want to become doctors or nurses when they grow up. When you were little, what did you want to be? Actually, I wanted to be a vet! How old were you when you made the decision to enter the field of medicine? I originally went to college to be a Biomedical Engineer, one of the people who designs the medical
By Alina M. Hensley, TheCraningGap.blogspot.com
equipment that doctors and nurses use. Later on, I decided I wanted something more hands-on and changed my major to Nursing. What advice do you have for teens going forth into college who have made the decision to become medical or nursing staff ? It isn’t easy. But it is a good, worthwhile career. You can make a decent living while helping other people. You work at Albany Med, which is very different than working at a general practitioner’s office. You must see a lot of things on a daily basis that make you wish you’d chosen a different career. On the flip side of that, you must also see a lot of things that make each and every day worth it. What would you say are the highs and lows of your chosen profession? The high point of working in the operating room is knowing that you can really make a difference. Sometimes we save people’s lives. And the low point is that sometimes we don’t. It’s never easy to lose a patient. Tell us the one moment that has really meant everything to you with regards to nursing One of the more memorable and wonderful incidents happened relatively recently. A mother in labor had complications. We had her in surgery for over six hours. But she survived, and so did the baby! They’re both doing well.
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Do you find yourself dealing with children often in the OR? Not often, but it does happen sometimes. Children who need their tonsils out and things like that. How does the hospital staff work to put worried and uncomfortable children at ease in a place as huge and scary as a hospital? Albany Med has a “Parents in the OR” program. One of the parents is allowed to accompany their child into the OR and stay with them until they go to sleep. Favorite items such as blankets and dolls are also allowed. The nurses and doctors encourage the parents to sing favorite songs and explain things in terms that the child can understand.
DEIRDRE GRECO – EDUCATOR OF THE MONTH FROM RENSSELAER COUNTY What advice do you have for scared and concerned families with children in the hospital? Families should be sure to express their concerns to their nurses and doctors. We want to help you and your children. A lot of our moms out there probably watch shows like House, Grey’s Anatomy, and Scrubs. They all portray the hospital as an often wacky place where the staff is one big family who are connected socially both inside and outside of the hospital. How much of this is realistic, and what, in your experience, is totally not? I always say that Scrubs is one of the most realistic medical shows on TV! Some of the social silliness is real – doctors do marry nurses sometimes. And sometimes a bunch of people will go out for drinks after work together. It’s a lot like other jobs that way. But what’s really real are the interactions of people teaching each other and helping each other though the hard points.
Alina Hensley is happily raising her daughter in her native New York, and passionately passing on her love for writing, culture, and the arts.
A big thank you to Deirdre Greco, the director of SamaritanRensselaer Children’s Center for taking time to do this interview. We need to remember that daycare centers these days truly are early educational experiences for our children. Socialization, play time, and early literacy opportunities are all part of the skills that children need before going to a formal school setting. As Deirdre says, “If you have chosen well, time at a center can be a wonderful experience for you and your child. Quality centers believe that their role is to support children and families.” As a parent who has been there and done that, I agree 110% with Deirdre.
TIPS FROM DEIRDRE FOR PEOPLE THAT ARE TAKING THEIR CHILDREN TO DAYCARE FOR THE FIRST TIME:
a
Begin the search by asking your friends and family if they have suggestions.
a
Call your local Office of Family and Children’s Services for ideas.
a
Visit centers and make an appointment the first time to have a tour. Look on the internet for list of questions to ask.
a Trust your instincts. If you are
uncomfortable in a center, it probably is not the one for you.
a If you like a location, drop in unannounced on the next visit. Ask for the names of some families that have used the center to talk with them for a viewpoint.
a Make sure the center will allow
you to visit with your child before your start date. Spend some time in the classroom so that your child can get to know the room, the teachers and the other children. Visiting will allow you to be more comfortable with the staff and program as well.
a If
your child is old enough, make a plan for how you will say goodbye. Try and give your child the feeling that you are confident that they will be fine in their new setting. You will miss them, and they will have a good day. Stick to the plan so that your child will feel secure with goodbyes.
a Call during the day to find out how your child is going.
a Talk with your child about the fun things that they are doing.
a Read the notes that the staff
write, and feel free to talk with the staff about how everything is going.
a If your child is younger, you can
leave them with a scarf with your scent on it. If your child is older, they can bring a special book or stuffed animal to help them feel more secure.
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Ron Lesko PARENT OF THE MONTH FROM ALBANY COUNTY (COMMUNITY LEADER)
By Beth Levine, TheAngelForever.com of the newspaper, any timely updates to the district’s website that are needed and answering new e-mail or phone messages. One of the things I love about my job is that each day is different. Managing communications for a $203 million organization with 1,500 employees and 8,600 students in 15 schools brings many diverse challenges, which I enjoy. Albany is unique as a public school district because of the intense competition from charter schools, which have proliferated in the city during the last decade. No other school district in New York State, and few nationally, have been beset by the charter school experiment the way Albany has. From a communications standpoint, this means continuously working to do a better job letting families and the broader community know about the great opportunities available in our district, and about how we are improving to better serve all students. Two major projects that we are currently working on are the fall newsletter and an aggressive marketing campaign behind the new lottery for Albany High. (The school will divide into four smaller learning communities beginning with the 2011-12 school year.) Growing up in Albany, I have always had people question the fact that I graduated from the Albany City School District. Yes, I went from kindergarten until I graduated in the public schools of Albany. I am a proud graduate who had many opportunities thanks to programs only offered within the walls of Albany High School. As an adult, I still find myself defending my alumni status.
Now, imagine your job is as the Communications Direction for the Albany City School District. This is reality for Ron Lesko. Lesko – who grew up in Rochester – began working in his current job in August 2007. Prior to this, he had worked for the Associated Press from 1989-1999, and then in 1999, he moved back to the Capital Region with his daughter and first wife. Moving into public relations, Ron did a lot of work for higher education – more specifically Albany College of Pharmacy – before coming to his current position. Lesko works as the liaison between the community and schools. As the spokesperson, he is often quoted by the local media. In addition to this, Ron Lesko is a proud father of a freshman who attends Albany High School. 8 KidsFunPlaza | NENY, Northeastern, NY | November 2010
It is because of this dedication to the Albany community that Ron Lesko was selected as the November Parent of the Month.
The school day typically ends for my daughter at different times because of sports, staying after to work with teachers, or other activities. When she is done, I get her home to start on homework, head back to work to wrap up the afternoon and then home for good to start dinner – I love to cook! Or, if a meeting keeps me out into the early evening, home to share dinner with my wife and daughter. It’s important to us to have dinner as a family. It’s a great way to unwind together and catch up after a busy day.
Q&A WITH RON LESKO: Q: Describe a typical day in your life. A: My daughter, now a freshman at Albany High School, is with my wife and me two days a week and every other weekend. A typical school day at our house begins about 5:30, so I can beat the girls to the shower. Breakfasts eaten, lunches made, and hair just so, we’re off to school at about 7:30 and then on to work. Living and working in a convenient city is wonderful! My work day usually begins with a quick scan
Q: When out in the community, representing the City School District of Albany, what is the biggest challenge? How do you motivate yourself to overcome this? A: One of our biggest challenges is perception – both the way we are perceived, and the way we perceive others, particularly the media. Any community that has a high level of poverty will have a school district that faces significant challenges. Overcoming these challenges to raise the achievement of
Parent of the Month all students is our greatest priority. But the external perceptions that come with those challenges very often are unfounded and tell a misleading story of our school district and our students. As a consequence, internally we sometimes focus too much on the negative perceptions and the attention that our challenges receive. We forget that we also are recognized often for the many ways in which our schools and our students excel. We become defensive. We have much work to do as a school district, and we also have much to be proud of. It’s important for us to remember that second part while we work on the first part. This gets to the heart of why I love my job – because as a parent I chose Albany’s public schools long before I worked for the district. We made that choice because of the outstanding programs and opportunities our daughter has had and will have. I feel great about the school choices I have made for my daughter. I believe in our schools, our teachers, and our community – and I love talking about all of that, whether I’m officially representing the district or chatting with another parent! Q: What do you consider the biggest success you have had during your tenure with Albany? A: For the first time, the district has a comprehensive communications function. We have redesigned our quarterly newsletter and annual calendar into award-winning pieces. We have greatly expanded our communications around terrific programs, like our full-day pre-kindergarten, magnet schools, and neighborhood elementary schools. We have improved our relationships with the media. As a result of these efforts and much more, we have become more open. I think our community has appreciated that. We have passed our budget by comfortable margins each of the last three years in spite of the difficult economic times we have faced. Before that, our budget failed two of the previous three years. In spite of the charter school competition we continue to face, our enrollment has increased each of the last two years and is at its highest level since 2006. We have made great strides over the last five years district-wide, and we are focused on the improvement we need to continue to make. I think more people know more about us now.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job? A: The best part professionally always is the students. From pre-kindergarteners through graduating seniors, the students are always inspiring. You want to brighten a tough day? Sit down and compare rings with a secondgrader. Take pictures of fourth-graders in art class, or an entire elementary school caroling together as the holidays approach. Talk to a couple of seniors about the lessons they are learning about race and tolerance as they prepare for an upcoming play. The students are amazing and energizing. In Albany, their diverse perspectives on school and life are profound. Whenever I have the opportunity to be with them, I find myself challenged to see the world in a new and different way. It’s an unbelievable opportunity to learn from them and to have the opportunity to help provide our community with a sense of that as well. Q: How has being a parent helped you with your role in the community? A: I absolutely understand what parents are feeling, because I feel it, too. I’ve been frustrated with transportation, or felt like I wasn’t getting enough information from the classroom. I also understand first-hand the wonderful opportunities our school district offers. I’m not selling widgets when I put on my public-relations hat. I’m advocating for a personal choice I made as a parent, a choice I believe in wholeheartedly. That’s pretty powerful when I’m advocating professionally. Q: Balancing work and family life can be difficult. Name 3-5 must do’s that help you at work and home. A: I have a 15-minute stretching routine I do most mornings when the house is quiet. When I’m in a hurry and skip it, I miss it. It helps me relax and focus to start the day. My wife and I both have busy jobs. I’m getting better as I get older at taking the time to synchronize with her. When I forget, life is much more hectic than it has to be. I would be lost without my Outlook calendar! Tuesday is “movie night.” It’s a ritual my daughter and I started after her mom and I separated when she was 6, something special that we both still look forward to, and now with my wife, as well. We watch part
of a movie over dinner, just quiet bonding time. It doesn’t usually last a lot longer than dinner, but it’s something we look forward to every week. It’s a connection that helps both of us with the time she spends at two houses every week. Q: On extremely stressful days, what keeps you going? A: Believing that the job I do makes a difference in my community. And coffee! Q: What other items do you do in the community that are not work related? A: We’re an avid soccer family and very involved with both youth programs in Albany. I have been a volunteer coach in the Albany Youth Soccer recreational program since my daughter was 6, and a board member wearing many hats for the last five years. My daughter has moved out of the program to the travel league with the Albany Soccer Club (my wife is a board member). I’ve stayed involved in the other program as the U15 coordinator and a U15 coach because it’s a lot of fun to organize a program that serves so many kids from our community and gives them something fun and healthy to do 14 weeks a year. Seven Saturdays in the spring and seven in the fall you’ll find me at Beverwyck Park setting up fields, coaching, and reffing from morning till afternoon. I also have three “soccer sons” who I have driven to practices and games for several years, and now for both rec and travel. With them and my daughter all playing travel this winter and spring, we’ll have four kids on three different teams! It doesn’t leave as much time as we’d like to mow the lawn or paint the porch, but soccer provided great experiences for my wife and I when we were kids, and it is terrific to have the opportunity to create those experiences for this generation of kids. A big thank you to Ron Lesko for taking time to do this interview. Ron clearly shows his passion for being an involved father, community member, and spokesperson for the Albany City School District. Best of luck with continued relations with the community at large getting the word out. Beth is a happily married teacher, now SAHM to her two young sons. She has a passion for all things Disney, reading, crafting , and traveling. A camera is always close to catch memories for her TheAngelForever.com October 2010 | NENY,blog, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 9
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In the Oven
Thoughtful Gifts for the
Expectant Thanksgiving Hostess By Veronica Salas Brito, ParishMoms.org
If you’re attending a Thanksgiving celebration where your hostess is pregnant, a bottle of wine isn’t the most thoughtful gift you could bring. Instead, we have some recommendations for hostess gifts that will make the mom-to-be very thankful, indeed!
JOURNALS AND SCRAPBOOKS Pregnancy is a time filled with emotions and life altering moments. Buy her a journal or a scrapbook where she can record all these moments so she can share them with her future children. Bring a disposable camera and take pictures of the first Thanksgiving the baby spent with Mama – and leave it to fill the scrapbook. A gratitude journal is also appropriate for the season of giving thanks.
pearl necklace, or maybe just a little mom and baby charm? Throughout my entire pregnancy with my first child, I wore this tiny little articulated teddy bear charm. The charm helped me hold something close and focus during those days when I thought I just could not take it anymore. BOOKS AND MAGAZINES
PAMPERING THEM Pregnancy is uncomfortable – no matter what pillows, belts, or supports you buy. A spa day, pedicure, facial, or massage will give momsto-be some comfort and relief from sore feet, a stiff back, and aching muscles. Think of what would make you smile, and double that for pregnant women. After a day, or week, of preparing for a Thanksgiving feast, she will need pampering more than ever. I remember being about 9 months pregnant when my friend mailed me a basket of body lotions, paraffin dipped mittens, and bath salts. Truly amazing! Happily married to her teenage sweetheart, Veronica and her husband make Clifton Park, NY their home town, for the past 13 years. Photography and digital media are her favorite hobbies. Capturing life’s precious moments and sharing them with loved ones is the way she unwinds after a busy day with the family.
JEWELRY AND ACCESSORIES Fashion jewelry is always a great gift for moms-to-be. Constant changes and modifications to our bodies sometimes make it hard to feel attractive. Skinny jeans may be out of the question, but throw on a great chunky new necklace, dangly earrings, or a new bracelet, and we are back in style. Dads-to-be, this might also be a good time to remind her how much she is loved and appreciated. How about diamond studs, a
You can never go wrong with a great book. There are so many selections either online or at local bookstores. For the tech savvy mom, you can give her the gift of an electronic reader, such as the Kindle or an iPad, or a gift card for free downloads. The sassy-chic mom might be seeking nursery styles or suggestions. My most treasured gift was a poetry book that I would sit and read for hours with my hot tea; I was in heaven! For Thanksgiving, you could choose a book on being thankful, a cookbook, or a baby book about the first Thanksgiving.
MEAL TIME
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The time when a woman needs the most love and affection from friends and family is truly postpartum. New moms are sometimes too embarrassed to admit that they are overwhelmed. The feeling of confusion, frustration and sheer fear just takes over. How about the gift of home service, a nursing consultant, a masseuse, or a cleaning lady? With laundry service
Photo by VanRobin
Who wants to cook when everything seems to be out of reach or your hormones have you boiling before you even turn on the stove? Give her the gift of restaurant gift certificates. There are so many options, you really can’t go wrong. She will be especially thankful for a break from the kitchen after the intensive preparations needed to put together a delicious Thanksgiving meal.
POST-PREGNANCY GIFTS
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In the Oven and dry cleaners, many even offer pickup and delivery. I would have loved that! It will give her something to look forward to and allow her to relax when the baby arrives. You could even include gift certificates for you to go grocery shopping or watch the baby for an hour while she gets a haircut. Place the gift certificate, card, or coupon in a cute Thanksgiving card letting her know how thankful you are to have her in your life.
Photo by HoMedics Massage
MEAL TIME
W
Would You Get a Nanny for Your Newborn?
Baby
hether you’ve already had your baby or you’re waiting for labor to begin any day now, right now it seems like a far off dream: having someone to come to your house every day, do your laundry, put away your dishes, tidy up the toys, prep dinner, and take care of the screaming newborn so you can just get a little sleep. It’s almost a certainty that the charming form of Mary Poppins isn’t going to come swooping down for you any time soon, but having a nanny? It turns out that it doesn’t have to be a dream at all.
We went to talk to Melissa Schoonmaker, the director of A New England Nanny, to learn more about the benefits of hiring in your childcare, especially as your child grows. “Everyone thinks, ‘Oh, I could never afford a nanny,’” she laughs. “But the fact is, that’s just not true. There are options for middle class families, too.” But Melissa has a point – cost will always be the first concern of any mother who is trying to figure out what path to take when attaining childcare for her children, especially, she says, if there is a child in the home already attending daycare – the price then doubles. Women can drive themselves crazy weighing their options, deciding on daycares, nurseries, mother’s helpers or nannies, often combing through the dregs of classified ads and the likes of Craigslist to find the most affordable solution. But Melissa is point blank. “Will you save money if you go searching yourself ? Yes, but who knows what you’ll find out there? Can you put a price tag on your child?” The comprehensive background check a nanny agency can conduct for you covers everything, from the obvious – such as criminal checks, sex offender registries, and drug screenings – to a credit check, and even a personality test in addition to the exhaustive initial application process. This ensures that the nannies are among the safest and most trustworthy people you could ask to be around your children. But even then,
it’s a difficult choice. Sending your newborn child into the daycare system is a personal decision, but there is a strong case for hiring in a nanny. Different nanny agencies can offer different types of help. For post-partum
mothers, baby nurses and mother’s helpers can be quiet a blessing. Families should assess what kind of assistance they’ll need as early on as possible, making it all the easier to make the decision when the time comes. The benefits of having a nanny in the home are far greater than simply having someone around to occupy your child. “Nannies care for the whole household.” Melissa explains. “They’ll do the laundry; they’ll do the meal prep, even running to the grocery store, or other errands. They’ll even be there so that moms can go to the gym, or yoga – and being able to find time for themselves helps them be better mothers. You don’t want to have to worry about chores when you come home at the end of the day. Your priority is going to be spending time with your children.” She emphasizes the importance of this for families who are new to the area or don’t have family here to lean on for babysitting or assistance around the house after the baby is born. “You can pull from the pool of pre-qualified nannies even for little things like date nights.” Hiring a nanny is like hiring someone to become a part of the family, which is especially important in the sensitive time following the birth of a new child. It’s entirely one-on-one in the home, and you don’t have to worry about the high turnover rate of caregivers
in daycares that can threaten a child’s sense of stability. This becomes very important if your child falls ill. Not only do parents not have to miss work in order to stay home with their child, but the child has someone they trust to care for them throughout their illness. “It’s the most important hiring decision you will ever make in your life, and also probably the scariest.” The
decision, she says, is ultimately that of the parents. “It’s entirely personalized. We just pick out a list of them based on your needs, based on your interview. Then you get to meet with them one on one. It’s your preference.” When interviewing potential nanny candidates, the pressure can be overwhelming. This is especially true for new mothers. The time after the birth of a new baby is highly emotional. Allow yourself to feel as overprotective and scrutinizing as you have to – the nannies expect you to be! It’s your right as a new parent and as a human to protect your little ones. This is one of the most personal decisions you will ever have to make. So whether you’re wondering how you’ll ever get your cooking and cleaning done with a new baby occupying every moment of your attention, you have two colicky twins and can’t get a lick of sleep, or simply that maternity leave is winding to an end and it’s time to go back to work and make that difficult decision, don’t worry. A nanny might be the right choice for you after all. By Alina M. Hensley, TheCraningGap.Blogspot.com October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 13
Community Guide
Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide
G
oing out to dinner should be an enjoyable experience. When you have kids, though, dining out can sometimes mean a lot of mess and stress. You don’t need to stress about dining out, because there are plenty of kid-friendly restaurants nearby. You need to find someplace where the atmosphere is amenable to children; providing a box of four crayons and a blank placemat will only entertain your kids for so long. For your convenience, we have compiled a list of local restaurants that are family-friendly.
Buen Provecho Bon Appétit Enjoy! ALBANY
14 KidsFunPlaza | NENY, Northeastern, NY | November 2010
Cheesecake Machismo (518) 427-7019 293 Hamilton Street Albany, NY 12210 Moe’s Southwest Grill (518) 687-6637 243 Wolf Rd Colonie, NY 12205 Mr PIO PIO (518) 463-2800 160 Quail St Albany, NY 12203 The Pasta Factory (518) 785-7613 952 Troy Schenectady Rd Latham, NY 12110 Hana Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar (518) 452-4262 1620 Western Ave Guilderland, NY 12203 www.hanaalbany.com Sherry Lynn’s Gluten Free
Bakery (518) 786-7700 836 Troy-Schenectady Road Latham, NY 12110 www.sherrylynnsglutenfree.net Milano Restaurant (518) 783-3334 594 New Loudon Rd (Newton Plaza) Latham, NY 12110 www.milano-restaurant.com Kobe Buffet (518) 786-8888 710 New Loudon Rd Latham, NY 12110 www.kobe-buffet.com Chuck E. Cheese’s (518) 782-1850 607 Troy Schenectady Rd Latham, NY 12110 Cafe Madison (518) 935-1094 1108 Madison Ave Albany, NY 12208
Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide Debbie’s Kitchen (518) 463-3829 456 Madison Ave Albany, NY 12208
CLIFTON PARK Parma Italia (518) 952-7201 Route 9 Hollywood Video Plaza Clifton Park, NY 12065
Ice Kreme KAFE (518) 686-3030 182 Main St Hoosick Falls, NY 12090
Colonie Diner (518) 456-1550 1890 Central Ave Colonie, NY 12205
Sakura Hibachi Steakhouse (518) 383-7888 22 Clifton Country Rd Clifton Park, NY 12065 www.sakurany.com
HUDSON American Glory BBQ (518) 822-1234 342 Warren St Hudson, NY 12534 www.americanglory.com
AMSTERDAM Raindancer Restaurant (518) 842-2606 4582 State Hwy 30 Amsterdam, NY 12010 www.raindancerrestaurant.com
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store (518) 373-8156 4 Tower Way Clifton Park, NY 12065
Tortillaville (518) 291-6048 347 Warren Street Hudson, NY 12534 www.tortillaville.com
Pirates Hide-Out (518) 373-8438 175 Guideboard Rd Waterford, NY 12188
SARATOGA Harvest & Hearth (518) 587-1900 251-B County Route 67 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 www.harvestandhearth.com
Athens Cameo’s Restaurant (518) 945-2375 7 2nd St Athens, NY 12015 BALLSTON LAKE Carney’s Tavern (510) 399-9926 17 Main St Ballston Lake, NY 12019 www.carneys tavern.net Charlton Tavern (518) 399-9951 745 Charlton Rd Charlton, NY 12019 www.charltontavern.com BALLSTON SPA Tasty Chinese (518) 899-4855 21 Kendall Way Ballston Spa, NY 12020 Ripe Tomato: An American Grill (518) 581-1530 2721 State Rte 9 Ballston Spa, NY 12020 Castleton on Hudson Schodack Diner (518) 477-5014 1842 Columbia Turnpike Castleton-on-Hudson, NY 12033
Salad Creations (518) 373-8328 22 Clifton Country Rd Clifton Park, NY 12065 www.saladcreations.net Mocha Lisa’s Caffe (518) 383-5373 22 Clifton Country Rd Clifton Park, NY 12065 www.mochalisa.com
Forno Place (518) 581-2401 541 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Max London’s (518) 587-3535 466 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 www.maxlondons.com
DELMAR Delish Deli (518) 439-2865 317 Delaware Avenue Delmar, NY 12054 www.delishdeli.com
Wheatfields Restaurant (518) 587-0534 440 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Java Jazz Cafe & Bakery (518) 439-1727 318 Delaware Ave Delmar, NY 12054 www.javajazzdelmar.com
PJ’s Bar-B-Q (518) 583-2445 244 S Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 www.pjsbarbq.com
GHENT White Stone Cafe (518) 392-7171 2337 State Rte 66 Ghent, NY 12075 www.whitestonecafe.com
Marino’s Pizza (518) 584-3030 46 W Circular St Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
HOOSICK FALLS October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 15 October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 15
Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide The Fortunate Cup (518) 226-0800 120 West Ave Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Triangle Diner (518) 583-6368 400 Maple Ave Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Uncommon Grounds (518) 581-0656 402 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 www.uncommongrounds.com Schenectady Corner Ice Cream Store (518) 355-0978 3770 Carman Rd Schenectady, NY 12303
SLINGERLANDS Tollgate Ice Cream & Coffee Shop (518) 439-9824 1569 New Scotland Rd Slingerlands, NY 12159 www.tollgateicecream.com TROY Pizza DaVinci (518) 272-3333 187 Hoosick Street Troy, NY 12180 Garlic Lovers Corner (518) 283-1621 235 North Greenbush Road Troy, NY 12180 www.garlicloverscorner.com
Orchids (518) 952-7182 1305 Altamont Avenue Schenectady, NY 12303
VALATIE Fireside Pizza Den (518) 784-3363 3350 Rt. 9 Valatie, NY 12184
Daurizios Fat Boy Style Pizza (518) 356-4577 2315 Curry Rd Schenectady, NY 12303 www.dauriziospizza.com
Four Brothers Pizza Inn (518) 758-7151 Rte 9 & Rte 9H Valatie, NY 12184 www.fourbrotherspizzainn.net
SCOTIA Turf Tavern (518) 393-3671 40 Mohawk Ave Scotia, NY 12302
OKenny’s Express (518) 784-2491 3321 Route 9 Valatie, NY 12184 www.okfoodproducts.com/ carry-out...
Expresso Therapy (518) 346-0078 127 Mohawk Ave Scotia, NY 12302 www.facebook.com/ expressotherapy The Scotia Diner (518) 382-9776 49 Mohawk Ave. Scotia, New 12302
16 KidsFunPlaza | NENY, Northeastern, NY | November 2010 16 KidsFunPlaza | NENY, Northeastern, NY | November 2010
Bob’s Diner (518) 274-0319 929 19th St Watervliet, NY 12189 WYNANTSKILL Labella Pizza of Wynantskill (518) 283-0800 174 Main Ave Wynantskill, NY 12198
Keep them busy while you wait! Five Little Dogs 5 little hot dogs frying in a pan, the grease got hot and one went bam 4 little hot dogs frying in a pan, the grease got hot and one went bam, 3 little hot dogs frying in a pan, the grease got hot and one went bam, 2 little hot dogs frying in a pan, the grease got hot and one went bam, 1 little hot dog frying in a pan, the grease got hot and one went bam, No little got dogs frying in a pan, the grease got hot and the pan went bam.
Jokes What do you get when you put three ducks in a box? A box of quackers. Why did the student eat his homework? The teacher told him it was a piece of cake. Why do fish avoid the computer? So they don’t get caught in the Internet.
ABCs of Flavor
A—Allspice O—Oregano B—Basil P—Paprika Q—Quart C—Cinnamon D—Dill R—Rosemary E—Egg S—Sage F—Fennel T—Thyme G—Ginger U—Udon (Japanese wheat noodles)
H—Horseradish V—Vanilla I—Italian Seasoning W—Worcestershire sauce J—Jelly X—Xanthan gum (used in salad dressings and dairy products to make them pour better)
K—Ketchup L—Lemon
Y—Yeast Z—Zest (the
colored outer skin of citrus fruit)
M—Mint
Bella’s Delicatessen (518) 668-3354 Lake George 42 Amherst St Lake George, NY 12845
to inspire a sense of wonder about extraordinary scientific and technological developments: past, present, and future
October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 17
KidsFunKitchen
18 KidsFunPlaza | NENY, Northeastern, NY | November 2010 18 KidsFunPlaza | NENY, Northeastern, NY | November 2010
Local Food Pantries
Community
Feed Hungry Families By Alina M. Hensley – TheCraningGap.Blogspot.Com
I
t’s the holiday season, and as all of us are gearing up for our feast days and celebrations, gathering around with families in the warmth of our homes and stocking our pantries for big dinners, there are people out there who are going without. It is not my intention to bring a sobriety to anyone’s joy this month. We’re faced with enough of that with every food drive, toy drive, and bell ringer we encounter from now until the New Year. But it is my intention to give a moment of pause to the reality of the world out there, and I hope you’ll read this and do the same. Our economy has taken a nosedive in the past few years, and though it’s the natural ebb and flow of things, it doesn’t make it less hard. I speak from experience. Many families just like yours and mine are facing hard times. Not enough money for Christmas, for Thanksgiving, or even, perhaps, for groceries this week. With these people in mind, I headed out to the Jonesville United Methodist Church in Clifton Park to talk with the ladies who run the weekly food pantry. The Helping Hands Food Pantry has had its doors open to the community for 38 years, and they’re still going strong. They serve all families in the Shenendehowa School District, but will never turn away anyone who needs help, no matter where they’re from. “We once had someone come from Troy,” said Sandy, the director. “We’ll give them help once and supply them with the information for food pantries in their own area.” She went on to tell me that they help about 200 families a month. A staggering number, when you think about the size of Clifton Park, and the average demographic of their families.
When I spoke with Pat, another worker, she acknowledged sadly that since the economy shift she’s seen more and more families needing to come in for help. “It’s rewarding to be able to help the same people time and time again.” She said, but admits it’s hard to see those families go on needing this kind of assistance for so long. “We’re able to be generous because the community is generous,” Sandy said, as she explained that at this food pantry, patrons are able to fill a whole shopping cart with goods, whereas most pantries simply offer a single box. As I toured the kitchen and stock rooms, I saw what she meant. Donations from local Price Choppers, Stewarts Shops, and Pepperidge Farms crowded shelves and tabletops, along with the some thousand pounds of food they purchase each week from the regional food bank with donation money. Even schools, postal workers, and the Boy Scouts work hard throughout the year to bring in donations for the pantry. The Scouts are especially active. “We have birthday boxes that they put together for us,” Pat explains with a smile. “They have cake mix and candles and some plates and napkins and things for a party, that way if anyone comes in and says, ‘My child’s birthday is coming up,’ we can give them that.” As I stand there talking to these women, I take note of the people I’m surrounded by. Serving 20 to 36 families a week, it’s easy to see that I could be among them. Each and every woman here is like me, mothers struggling to get meals on the table. I take special note of one mother who has her 16 year old daughter with her, and that daughter has her new baby with her. Three generations looking to catch a break. I feel for them – I have three generations in my own house, and we’re in the very same boat. The Capital District is full of these organizations, programs for the
community, by the community. If you or anyone you know is having a hard time making ends meet this holiday season, please; avail yourselves. “There shouldn’t be [any stigma].” Pat says gently when I mention that many women are too proud to seek help for their families. Worse still for the men of the house. “That’s what we’re here for.” For information about the Food Pantry that will serve your address call: Food Pantries for the Capital District Mon-Fri 8:30am to 4pm (518) 458 -1167 or visit http://www.foodpantries.net/ For a full list of area locations offering free Thanksgiving dinners for families in need, visit WTEN’s comprehensive listing at http:// www.wten.com/global/story. asp?s=11576954
Alina Hensley is happily raising her daughter in her native New York, and passionately passing on her love for writing, culture, and the arts.
October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 19
20 KidsFunPlaza | NENY, Northeastern, NY | November 2010
Pork Chops & Garden Rice Whole Grain Toast with Nutella Chicken and Bean Chili Raspberry Pie
Melon Salad with Prosciutto
Matcha Shortbread
Grilled Rosemary Salmon
Banana Slush
Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal Caramel Corn Chicken Chili Tacos
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
Apple Spice Cookie Bar
Beef and Potato Burritos
WEDNESDAY Dec 1
Scallion Pancakes
Whole Grain Toast with Apple Butter
WEDNESDAY Nov 24
Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal
TUESDAY Nov 30
Spiced Carrot Cake with Coconut Cream
Broccoli and Bacon Beschamel on Radiatore
Apple Walnut Tart crumbled with Yogurt
TUESDAY Nov 23
No-Bake Apple Walnut Tart
Mozzarella and Porcini Calzone
Texas Sheet Cake
Scallion Pancakes
Steak Tacos
Green Beans with Bacon
Apple Cake
Yogurt with Fruit Marinated Bean Salad
Pumpkin Gingerbread Pancakes
WEDNESDAY Dec 15
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
Empanadas de pollo
Crispy Fried Tofu
Beet Salad
Kid-Friendly Sushi
Flan with Granola
TUESDAY Dec 14
Flan
Herb Roasted Chicken
Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
Brown Rice and Pomegranate Salad
Salted Dark Chocolate Almonds
Cereal with Milk and Fruit
MONDAY Dec 13
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Loaded Sweet Potato Skins
Go Out for lunch!
Kid-Friendly Sushi
Chocolate Banana Crepes
SUNDAY Dec 12
WEEK 4
Cereal with Milk
WEDNESDAY Dec 8
Pear Mousse
Bacon Macaroni and Cheese
Yogurt Covered Pretzels
Saltin Bocca alla Romana
Fruit and String Cheese
Toast with Jam
TUESDAY Dec 7
Fruit
Polpettone
Carrot French Fries
Beef Kebabs with Green Goddess
Fruit with Chocolate and Pistachio Sticks
Trail Mix
Matcha Shortbread
Fettuccine ai Quattro Formaggi
Yogurt with Fruit
MONDAY Dec 6
Vermont Spice Cake
Spinach Gnocchi
Fruit and String Cheese
Go Out for lunch!
Yogurt Covered Pretzels
Granola with Milk
SUNDAY Dec 5
WEEK 3
Brazo de Gitano
MONDAY Nov 29
Brazo de Gitano
Suppli al Telefono
Trail Mix
Go Out for lunch!
Whole Grain Toast with Nutella
Oatmeal with Fruit and Nuts
SUNDAY Nov 28
WEEK 2
Oatmeal with Apple Butter
MONDAY Nov 22
Peanut Butter Cookies
Grilled Yogurt Chicken with Curry Sauce
Whole Grain Toast with Apple Butter
Go Out for lunch!
Apple Spice Cookie Bar
Chocolate Pancakes
SUNDAY Nov 21
WEEK 1
Find all the recipes and shopping lists on KidsFunKitchen.com
MEATS/BEANS
DAIRY
FRUITS
VEGGIES
GRAINS
42 Oz
FOR MOM
WEEKLY GOAL
35 Cups
10 Oz
10 ½ Cups
14 Cups
35 Oz
KIDS (2-8)
WEEKLY GOAL FOR
DESSERT
DINNER
LUNCH
SNACKS
BREAKFAST
GLOSSARY
Monthly Menu
Number Of Servings
October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 21
Trail Mix Baked Chicken Drumsticks Spiced Carrot Cake with Coconut Cream
Corn Fritters with Roasted Red Pepper
Homerun Quesadillas
Snickerdoodle Ice Cream Sanwiches
Warm Lentil Salad
Fresh Chicken Salad
32 16
19
16 11,630 Cal
12
22
16
Coconut Potato Candies
11
Fruit
Ropa Vieja Cubana
23
Beef Stew with Rice Volcanoes
Whole Grain Toast with Apple Butter
19 12,117 Cal
Yogurt
Shrimp Samosas
12
Coconut Butterut Squash Soup
Black Bean Soup
Roasted Potatoes with Eggs Over Easy
13
16 10,983 Cal
27
25
Cheesecake with Lime-Poached Pears
Picadillo Jinetero
Fruit and String Cheese
Whole Grain Toast with Nutella
Apple Maple Pecan Bread
Coffee Cake
SATURDAY Dec 11
Cheesecake with Lime-Poached Pears
Grilled Turkey with Zucchini
20
18
10 12,751 Cal
Guava Cake
16
Sancocho Tres Carnes
Salad Nicoise
Mushroom Almond Couscous
25
Salted Dark Chocolate Almonds
Cereal with Milk and Fruit
SATURDAY Dec 18
Mincemeat Pie
Spinach Ravioli
Pumpkin Pie
Caramelized Onion and Apple MiniTarts
Yogurt with Fruit
SATURDAY Dec 4
Fruit with Sorbet
Baked Trout with Potatoes
Spinach Cups
Salad Nicoise
Fruit and Graham Crackers Salmon, Cucumber and Dill Salad
Yogurt with Fruit
FRIDAY Dec 17
Mincemeat Pie
Locrio de Pollo with Red Beans
Salted Dark Chocolate Almonds
Granola and Yogurt
FRIDAY Dec 10
Fruit with Sorbet
Beef Kebab with Carrots
Yogurt and Graham Crackers
Turkey Sandwiches
Kid-Friendly Sushi
Fruit with Chocolate and Pistachio Sticks Caprese Salad
Granola with Yogurt
THURSDAY Dec 16
Pumpkin Pie
Involtini Primavera
Sweet Potato Potstickers
Green Beans with Bacon
Apple Cake
Cranberry Orange Pancakes
THURSDAY Dec 9
Vermont Spice Cake
Spinach stuffed Swordfish
Fruit and String Cheese
Marinated Bean Salad
Yogurt with Fruit
Polenta with Fruit Compote
SATURDAY Nov 27
Tiramisu
Baked Salmon & Spinach al Ajillo
Trail Mix
Caramel Corn
Matcha Shortbread
Apple Maple Pecan Bread
Granola with Milk
FRIDAY Dec 3
Raspberry Pie
Pasta All’Amatriciana
Whole Grain Toast with Nutella
Fall Vegetable Soup
Trail Mix
Granola and Yogurt
Honey-Nut Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
FRIDAY Nov 26
Pumpkin Cupcake Turkeys
Bacon Wrapped Turkey
Sweet Potato Potstickers
Green Beans with Bacon
Apple Cake
Pumpkin Gingerbread Pancakes
THURSDAY Dec 2
Chicken Chili Tacos
Beef and Potato Burritos
THURSDAY Nov 25
Caramel Corn
Apple Spice Cookie Bar
Just enter your age, height, weight & gender at: mypyramidtracker.gov/ planner
FIND OUT YOURS
45 ½ Cups
21 Oz
14 Cups
21 Cups
56 Oz
FOR DAD
WEEKLY GOAL
35 Cups
12 Oz
10 ½ Cups
17 ½ Cups
42 Oz
Toddler
Starting Thanksgiving Traditions for the Little Ones
A
child’s first Thanksgiving is more for the family than for the baby. Sure, you dress them up in outfits with a turkey on them, but most of the time, they sleep and cannot even eat the food. As your child becomes a toddler, it is time to show them your family traditions associated with Thanksgiving. Of course, the danger is exposing them to too much too soon. Holiday overload can happen, especially for toddlers who are just learning to take it all in. I still remember the year that my oldest son made a Thanksgiving centerpiece at daycare. He came home so proud of his pilgrim hat and Turkey. He wanted to show everyone what he had made. The excitement in his eyes as he was beginning to understand the importance of Thanksgiving in our family... My son quickly learned that Thanksgiving is not simply about eating a big dinner, but about spending time with those you love and creating memories. NEW FACES AND PLACES For a lot of families, Thanksgiving is one of the largest gatherings of the year. This means that new faces may be among you. Some children do well with unfamiliar people; others get a bit anxious and are shy. To work on this, it may help to do a fun project. Take a little time to make a special photo album with extended family members in it. At most craft stores, you can buy a simple little photo album that holds a few dozen photos. The best part is that these little albums are perfect to tuck into a diaper bag or purse. Print out photos of extended family members and label them with names. No, your toddler will not be able to read them, but as they get older, this extra piece will be a great pre-reading skill. Do not forget to put photos of pets in. Kids often love animals but can be intimidated by them. Giving them a cute picture to know who may lick them or
want petting could assist in a smooth transition. This album is perfect to remember the people you met after the holidays. Pull them out and remember the times and tell stories about them. LEARNING AND CRAFTING Children love to learn about things. Toddlers are busy taking in everything in their environment, but they are also listening to every word you say. In our house, holiday books are very important. Each year, we take out Thanksgiving-themed books to get into the spirit for the special time. My boys have been reading these books with me since they were little. Now they are requested and loved. Head out to a book store or your local library. Pick out books that are fun. There are plenty of books about turkeys, pilgrims, giving thanks, and more that are developmentally appropriate for toddlers. Once you are done reading, perhaps do something a little crafty based on the story Admit it; you probably remember making a Thanksgiving turkey craft by tracing your hand. We all must have made them at one point or another. Get some paper, scissors, crayons, and even some glue and colorful feather to make something special together. You can guide your little one based on their age. Help them with the scissors, show them how to trace, and be sure to make one of your own. Modeling activities with toddlers is a huge helper, especially as they learn to be more independent with fine motor activities. When you are finished, do not forget to take a photo of your creations. That picture will last a lifetime, but the craft may not. EXPLORING NEW FOODS Some toddlers like to try new foods, and others do not. I have two children,
22 KidsFunPlaza | NENY, Northeastern, NY | November 2010
and each of them is very different. My oldest son will try and eat almost anything, while my little one is resistant to most items. Having children try new food can be a battle, but with a little creativity many may try things in a holiday setting. Thanksgiving offers most of us a lot of foods that we do not typically have on the dinner table. This is a great opportunity to help your child to be a food adventurist. Make it a game to see how many new food they can try. Encourage them to take at least a bit or two of something and use the no-thank you rule. Take photos of your child trying each of the new/different foods. Tell them together you will make a Thanksgiving photo book together. Sometimes a little project will encourage even the pickiest eater out there. Enjoy the festivities of Thanksgiving with your toddler. Take a moment to watch events from their viewpoint. Remember, the most important part of Thanksgiving for toddlers and everyone else is time together with loved ones. Continued on Page 26
Beth is a happily married teacher, now SAHM to her two young sons. She has a passion for all things Disney, reading, crafting , and traveling. A camera is always close to catch memories for her blog, TheAngelForever.com October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 22
Preschooler
At the Kids Table
By Christina Gleason, CutestKidEver.org
W
hen I was little, I remember my grandma had a plastic patio table that she placed in the back room on Thanksgiving to serve as the kids table. I sat there with my cousins and my brother for many years, the kitchen separating us from the grownups sitting at the banquet tables that ran from the dining room into the living room. Our parents would fill our plates for us, and we could be as silly as we wanted to be while we ate, so long as no one started screaming or breaking things. Since I’ve become a parent, we haven’t exactly had a kids table at Thanksgiving dinner. At my mom’s house, we’ve had multiple tables, but entire families have generally been seated together. This year, we have a lot more people who are going to be included in our Thanksgiving celebration, and I think it’s time we brought back the kids table. THE RIGHT AGE? What is the right age for the kids table? Toddlers often require enough parental supervision that they should probably be seated with the adults to help feed them. But once a child reaches preschool age (3-5), he should be able to sit with other children and be able to eat a meal without too much of a problem. Older children can help supervise the younger ones, though make sure they don’t have so much responsibility that they resent it; one 13-year-old shouldn’t have to help five 4-year-olds cut up their turkey. The upper age limit for the kids table really depends on who has been invited to dinner. If you can fill a table with children under 12, maybe the teenagers can sit with the adults. On the other hand, if you have a large number of teenagers in the family, they would probably appreciate the opportunity to hang out together at the same table, even if it means babysitting some of the younger cousins. I think I may
have sat at the kids table as late as high school, but I never minded too much because I liked sitting with my cousins. SETTING THE KIDS TABLE If the adults are eating off the fine china for your Thanksgiving dinner, having a separate kids table allows you to utilize other (less breakable) dishes for the younger kids. You can use Tupperware plates or even Chinet for the little ones, as well as different silverware – the kind that doesn’t have to be polished. If you still want the kids to feel special about their place settings, you can always find Thanksgiving themed napkins, tablecloths, and paper cups. We generally serve our Thanksgiving dinner family style, with dishes all over the tables we’re seated around. The kids table is not a very good place to keep serving plates, of course, unless you’re confident that little fingers won’t end up in the food. My grandma used to give us our own (smaller) bowl of mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and a basket of rolls. We got the rest of the food from the other room. Another option is to serve your food buffet style, which keeps the serving dishes away from everybody’s plates, no matter where they’re sitting. RULES FOR THE KIDS You can relax your expectations for kids’ behavior when they’re at a different table, especially if they are separated from the rest of the group a bit the way we were when I was little. Maybe you’ll allow the noise level to be a little higher than if they were at the grownups table, or you don’t care if their butts are in their seats the whole time. Providing paper and crayons – or even having paper tablecloths for them to draw on – can keep wiggly kids occupied while waiting to be served or after
they’ve finished eating and are waiting for dessert. Let the kids know what is or is not allowed at the table, especially if you have different rules in your own home for meal time. Having a kids table at Thanksgiving can make your meal a lot less stressful – for both kids and adults. Even if you’ll only have two or three children at your celebration, consider letting them sit together. If nothing else, you’ll be able to take great photos and make lasting memories!
“
The kids table is not a very good place to keep serving plates, of course, unless you’re confident that little fingers won’t end up in the food
”
Christina Gleason is a happily married mom of one very active little boy and Founder of Phenomenal Content LLC, which provides online copywriting for businesses. Read her blog at www. CutestKidEver.org! October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 23
Kiddo
Teach Your Kids to Give Thanks
in Different Ways
day, the assignment was for my students to stop and think about someone in school, from their everyday life, whom they take for granted. They then had to hand-write this person a thank you note.
WRITING A PERSONAL THANK YOU
Why not take out some fun stationery before Thanksgiving? Allow your child to decorate lined paper with colored pencils, or even stickers to make it their own. Encourage them to write a list of family members, teachers, friends, or other people in their lives that they would like to thank. Remind your children that this note will not only let the person know that they are appreciated, but make them smile. Of course, this activity also helps to reinforce letter writing skills, which are often forgotten – so it is a win-win situation.
By Beth Levine, TheAngelForever.com
ACT OF KINDNESS
A
s children get older, we often forget to remind them about the true meaning of holidays. Many times, we get caught up in the commercial messages that our culture has put out there. This is definitely true with Thanksgiving. When kids are little, we focus on the aspect of family, turkey, and good times. We teach our children about giving thanks, but often times our lives get busy and our focus gets diverted. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to sit down with your elementary-aged children and talk. Chat with them about the people, places, and things that they are thankful for. Brainstorm with them about ways that they can tell people who are there for them each day what they mean to them. We all need reminders from time to time about things that we take for granted. Teaching our children to take some time out of their daily lives to think about this is a very powerful thing.
24 KidsFunPlaza | NENY, Northeastern, NY | November 2010
Random acts of kindness are a wonderful thing to practice. Kids love to help others, especially when they can see the good deed that they are doing. Although Thanksgiving is a great time to reorganize and work on this, we need to teach children to continue with this process throughout the year.
When I taught Language Arts, I liked studying The View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg with my students. This 1997 Newberry Medal book often introduces children to the concept of a bread-and-butter letter. “Mother then made a remark about how Western Civilization was in a decline because people of my generation knew how to nitpick but not how to write a B&B letter.” Growing up, my mother taught us that we had to write a personal thank you note to people. With technology taking over, it is often too easy to just pick up the phone, text, or e-mail someone to say a quick “thanks” for something. One
What are some items That kids can do?
Here are just a few suggestions:
a Help another friend in school. Volunteer to help clean up the a playground or another location Tell a joke to someone who is a having a bad day Send Thanksgiving cards that you a make to a senior home
s
October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 25
Teach Your Kids to Give Thanks
Starting Thanksgiving
in Different Ways
DONATING TO CHARITY Is your house filled to the brim with too much stuff ? I know that we are guilty of that. Rather than toss items on your own, involve your children in the project. Have them clean their toy area. Make three areas: 1) Keep, 2) Donate, and 3) Trash. Talk with your child about giving toys, clothing, or other items that they have outgrown. Remind them that they have had many fabulous memories with their items, and now they can pass this along to another child to enjoy. Another possibility is to collect food and donate it to the local food pantry. This could be an ongoing project to do as a family, rather than just at Thanksgiving. Time is another item that you can donate. Find a location where your children can help out. Whether at a shelter, hospital, or a senior center, it is always nice to not only make crafts for individuals at these locations, but go there to see how you make them smile. Websites like www.volunteermatch.org help match up people to opportunities within your area. The nice part, they even have an advanced search for items that are great with kids. As important as it is to teach your children to give thanks during Thanksgiving, use this holiday as a starting point to be more giving with your time, donations, and acts of kindness through the year. Remember, the more your children see you donating your time to others, the more they will
Traditions for the Little Ones
Thanksgiving book suggestions for toddlers (and beyond): want to do the same as you.
Ways for kids to help give during the holiday season and beyond:
a
Help organize food drives at school or place of worship. Kids can decorate collection boxes and hand out flyers. Collect warm clothing to donate a to shelters. Kids can ask their peers to bring in hats, gloves, and other winter items to help out other families in the area. Talk to a local nursing home a about spending time there. Bring some board games and interact with the residents. Games are always a great way to break the ice. Sit down and brainstorm with a your child. Oftentimes, a project will
My First Thanksgiving a Tomie dePaola The Night Before a Thanksgiving – Natasha Wing is For Giving a Thanksgiving Thanks A Plump and Perky Turkey a Teresa Bateman Five Silly Turkeys a Salina Yoon Turkey Ball a The David Steinberg 10 Fat Turkeys aTony Johnston Thanksgiving Visit aClifford’s Norman Bridwell
mean more if they help to create it from the beginning. Beth is a happily married teacher, now SAHM to her two young sons. She has a passion for all things Disney, reading, crafting , and traveling. A camera is always close to catch memories for her blog, TheAngelForever.com
There are many others, be sure to look for displays at your local bookstore and/or ask your librarian for more Thanksgiving book ideas.
Design your own handbag Debi Condon Sales Consultant debismadisonhandbags@nycap.rr.com www.madisonhandbags.com 26 KidsFunPlaza | NENY, Northeastern, NY | November 2010
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Green Entertaining and Decorating on the Cheap
nes
You’re down to the wire, you have a sensational party coming up, and you’re at a loss. What to decorate with and how to make the house really sparkle and keep everyone in the mood? You don’t have to go out and purchase decorations.
Candles Photo by Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival• Acorn Photo by Stefanst@wikipedia
That’s what your gut is going to tell you to do, but don’t worry. All you have to do is recycle things you already have around the house. Luckily, this time of year is resplendent with natural décor. Take a basket and go walking in the yard or nearby woods with a pair of clippers – be sure you’re not trespassing! Collect pine cones, acorns, bittersweet, pine branches, or anything else that looks interesting and pretty. Form yourself a natural centerpiece out of these, complementing them with a length of ribbon and some candles in jars – being careful for fire hazards from dry plant materials. Lighting is by far the most important element. Candles are essential for ambience, but with little hands, you have to keep them out of reach or use fake ones. If you happen to have empty jars around, put them to use. Fill them with colored water and set a floating candle in each one, or set a layer of marbles, glitter, or hard candies in the bottom and set votives on top. Putting these jars together is a great activity for kids!
Green & Healthy
By Alina M. Hensley, TheCraningGap.blogspot.com
Party Décor Tips Stick to your theme. Pick a a few colors and keep it congruent. Holiday lights are perfect at any time of the year. String them along a table and swath them in fabric for a subtle, twinkly backdrop to any buffet. For my 21st birthday party, we did just this, sandwiching the lights together with silver tinsel between layers of black tulle I happened to have in my sewing stash. The outcome was elegant and classy. If you don’t have a fabric stash, look in your closet for old sheer curtains, silk scarves, or lace tablecloths that you can put to work instead. For a fun kids table, you need nothing more than to encourage busy creativity. Fill a tray with a stack of paper and jars full of crayons and markers. Offset the art materials with jars of lollipops, candy sticks, or colorful bowls filled with small snacks such as crackers or yogurt raisins. Group juice boxes here, too, truly giving the kids their own space to make themselves at home. Whether it’s a birthday, Thanksgiving, New Year’s, or any other holiday from the “holiday season,” you can make your space something special with minimal cost or impact. Next time you’re gearing up for a big party, don’t head to the local party-mart to pick up disposable décor, look inside (or outside) your house and recycle something every day into something extraordinary.
Brown, rust and gold is perfect for Thanksgiving. Use blue, white, and silver for Hanukkah or Christmas. Whatever it is, don’t diverge. Keep your vision clear so that it looks purposeful and gorgeous! Recycle old colored cellophane a into colored fairy lamps by lining an old clear vase or pickle jar with it and then stuffing twinkle lights down inside. For the kids, include a basket a filled with books that pertain to the season or theme. Your local library could also help you flesh out this basket – just be sure none of the books accidentally find their way home with anyone! For a festive garland, draw flowa ers or turkeys, or cut stars or snowflakes from paper, then glue them along a length of ribbon to drape from the mantel or curtain rods. Give the kids the job of maka ing place cards or labels for buffet dishes. Give them small cards, pens and stickers that match your theme, along with a master list of guests and foods to copy from.
Alina Hensley is happily raising her daughter in her native New York, and passionately passing on her love for writing, culture, and the arts.
October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 27
Pre-Teens
A Year of Thanksgiving: T
Thanksgiving is the only time of year where almost everyone is focusing on the importance of being thankful for the gifts you are given in your life. Children are especially receptive at this time, and it provides a great opportunity to instill thankfulness lessons they can use all year – saying thank you for gifts and experiences. While it may seem a bit old fashioned to your 11-year-old, a thank you note is still one of the best ways to express gratitude. Teach your children the art of writing a thank you note now so they can show their thankfulness all year. Thank you notes will be appreciated by friends and family of all ages. Grandparents often lament the loss of once-common courtesies and pleasantries, and they would be delighted to see that your child is practicing the lost art of the thank you note. Your child’s school-age friends will also get a kick out of receiving a thank you note for birthday presents, because what child doesn’t like receiving mail addressed to them? Aunts, uncles, and other relatives will always be pleased to know that their gifts or efforts were appreciated, as well.
Fill in the Blank Thank You Notes 8Thank You for the Visit Dear _____________,
8Experiences Dear _______________, Thank you for inviting me over for the
Thank you for the visit. It was ________
______________________. I had a
(ex. nice, awesome, fun) seeing you. I
great time! My favorite part was when
especially liked ________ (ex. going
we _______________________.
to Disney World, dinner, playing with
I can’t wait to see you again.
Fluffy). I can’t wait to see you ________ (ex. soon, at Christmas, next month, this summer, etc.) Thank you!
Thanks!
8Thank You for the Gift Dear __________,
8Thanks for the Money
Thank you for the _________ (insert gift)
Dear __________,
day). It is really __________(ex. cool)
you got me for my __________ (ex. birthYou are really _______(ex. awesome).
Thank you for the money for my _________ . I bought a ________ with
Thank you!
it. You are really ________. Thank you.
We’ve come up with a handful of fill-in-the-blank thank you notes that will give your child a starting point from which to write. After she’s had a bit of practice writing her thank you notes from these templates, she should be able to come up with some heartfelt words of her own.
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8Thanks for the Money
Short, Fill-in-the-Blank Kids’ 8 Thank You Notes Dear __________, I was so happy to get a _______ for my
Dear __________,
birthday. Thank you very much.
Thank you for the money for my ________. I am saving up to buy a
I like the _______ you sent me for
________ . You are very _________ .
_______ a lot. Thank you very much.
Thank you.
You may need to convince your preteen that email is acceptable for writing and sending thank you notes. After all, that’s probably what they’re used to for their everyday communications – that and text messaging. Though they may scoff, point out to them that taking the time to do something in a more traditional manner is just another way of showing them how thankful they are. Using the most convenient method of communication, like email, isn’t the best way to show someone else how much you care.
g: Teaching Preteens to Say Thank You By Veronica Salas Brito, ParishMoms.org
Thank You Note Tips In today’s fast-paced world, it can be difficult to instill in children the need to slow down and be thankful that someone spent time, money, or effort on them. A hand written note doesn’t take that much of the child’s time, but it will mean a great deal to the person who receives it.
Happily married to her teenage sweetheart, Veronica and her husband make Clifton Park, NY their home town, for the past 13 years. Photography and digital media are her favorite hobbies. Capturing life’s precious moments and sharing them with loved ones is the way she unwinds after a busy day with the family.
aMake sure kids are ap-
preciative of gifts and make Thank You cards a must!
aHave kids take a picture
holding up a THANK YOU sign, on the back have them write a short note about the gift. Finally, have them either scan the note to be emailed or posted on profiles, or mail them.
Stars of Dance
aHand-write notes on per-
sonalized stationery and use any of these fill in the blank thank you note samples. Kids will love sending and receiving email or regular post mail!
“Where everyone is a STAR!”
Not only do we provide classes for all ages and levels, but we also offer many school events throughout the dance season such as: Apple Picking, Halloween Parties, Holiday Parties, and various Fundraisers. We also participate in local community parades, perform at local fundraising events and charities, and we proudly support Hannah's Hope Fund Foundation.
509 Moe Road Clifton Park, NY 12065 (518) 280-3467
Instruction begins Tuesday September 14th
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Grandma’s Wisdom
Thanksgiving Traditions
from a Kid who Grew up to be a Grandma
W
hen I was a kid times were different; I was surrounded by a big family, and family time was important. Every holiday, no matter which one, we would always end up at my Granny’s house for a celebration bigger than the last one. I swear the feast got bigger every time, too. I don’t know if I was more excited about seeing my family or eating all that scrumptious food. Every holiday’s spread was always delicious, but Thanksgiving’s feast was more special than others; it was the only time of year I got all my favorites. There were always at least two to three turkeys to feed all 25 to 30 of us, depending on if our whole tribe showed up or not. Sometimes there were more people there because my Granny opened her home up to anyone who was alone. She didn’t think anyone should be alone on a holiday. Everyone cooked the same dish every year and brought it over so Granny wouldn’t have to do all the work. Mama always cooked a turkey, cornbread dressing, giblet gravy, and sweet potato pies. The drive to Granny’s house was always torturous. The smell of all the food my mama cooked drove me to an insanity of hunger. That 20-minute drive took an eternity. When we finally got to Granny’s house, the waiting game really began. I used to get so mad waiting for everyone else to get there so we could eat.
By Linda Carmical, LindaCarmical.com
Every Thanksgiving, it never failed – Granny would take me in the kitchen to help her finish something up. I now know it was really her way to sneak me something to eat. She must have known the torture I was feeling about all those smells. I miss my Granny; she was so good to me. Those little pieces of chicken all torn up to go into her own pan of dressing …just sitting there, all piled up on a little plate. Then there was the cornbread she had set to the side. When I think back about it now, she was teasing me. She knew it wouldn’t be long before she’d catch me sneaking pieces off that plate. She’d just laugh and give me the biggest hug, “I was wondering how long it was gonna take you!” For me, that chicken and cornbread always seemed to taste better than any I’d ever had before. Silly little memory, but it’s one of my favorites. Once Granny had got some food in my stomach, she’d run me off to play with the other kids and to wait for the rest of my family to get there. Even with all the fun I was having in that old broken down car in the backyard, I could still hear all the adults laughing in the house. The plates were clanking around and the silverware was clicking away as they were setting the table. It was almost time to eat, and I was growing so anxious with excitement I was almost coming loose at the seams. It wouldn’t be long before I was sitting on the floor of the living room with
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all my cousins and I’d be holding my shamefully overfilled plate, only to be so overstuffed moments later to the point I could barely breathe. It never mattered how much I ate though and how stuffed I felt; I always, always made room for my mama’s sweet potato pie. It wasn’t Thanksgiving until I had my pie. Now I’m all grown up, and with all those times I spent with my family, it never once occurred to me those memories were being made into what would become traditions. My stepgranddaughter Audrey isn’t even 2 years old yet, and my son Josh and daughter Stephanie haven’t blessed me with grandbabies yet; but I know one day I’ll hurry them into the kitchen on Thanksgiving Day. I’ll be there watching them stare down that torn up chicken and cornbread on all those little plates. Waiting, wondering …and almost coming loose at the seams. No matter who sneaks a piece first, I’m sure all the rest will follow. Then we’ll have that big hug and laugh when I fess up it was for them anyway. I can’t wait to give my grandbabies their own Thanksgiving memories.
Linda Carmical, LindaCarmical.com
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Monday Is Senior Day – 5% OFF October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 31
10 Ways for Teens
Teens
to Shine at Thanksgiving
By Sandra Foyt, AlbanyKid.com
8
Historian. A Thanksgiving gathering presents an excellent opportunity to learn about family history. Teens can interview their elders to collect family stories, preserving them in their memories for recounting as part of an oral tradition. Or, they can assemble those stories into a family book or scrapbook album.
Accustomed to the eager anticipation of young children, it can be disappointing to find teens displaying little interest in the Thanksgiving celebration. Often, we expect that they will be mature enough to participate in the family event without guidance, and we’re surprised to discover that they need a game plan for the holiday as much as younger children. Cast your teen in a starring role this Thanksgiving with these suggestions:
9
Culture Keeper. In addition to stories, families share recipes and traditions that have been handed down from one generation to another. Unfortunately, sometimes this family heritage is lost because no one records them in the present. Teens can put their digital media skills to preserve these traditions in an online photo album, video collection, or family blog.
1
Decorator. Holiday decorating offers many opportunities for creative teens to shine. From elaborate napkin folding to floral centerpieces, crafty kids can create a holiday setting that sparkles and draws “oohs” and “ahhs” from guests. Shy adolescents may prefer to make decorations ahead of time, but others might lead a decorative craft activity at the gathering.
2
Servers. Older teens are frequently hired as wait staff at restaurants, but why not put those skills to work at family gatherings? Kids can gain valuable experience by helping guests to the table, setting up a buffet, or passing trays of hors d’oeuvres.
3
Chef. Many teens have culinary talents, especially when it comes to dessert. Let them take charge of one or more dishes, and they’ll reap the accolades as well. Some youths may choose to make their signature dish on their own, while others may enjoy leading a group activity such as decorating cupcakes.
4
Entertainer. Teens can literally take center stage to perform for the crowd. Accomplished young musicians might give a recital, while actors could put on a skit. The performance can be as low-key or elaborate as they want. Some teens might share a joke or magic trick, while others could present a slide show of baby photos or their summer vacation. Sandra Foyt is the mother of two: a teen girl and a tween boy. She has been eagerly exploring Northeastern New York since both gave up naps on their first birthdays, and she writes about fun and learning in the Capital Region on www.AlbanyKid.com.
10 5
Sports Director. A house full of exuberant youngsters can get downright rowdy. One or more of those energetic teens can help redirect that enthusiasm into outdoor games. Depending on the size of the gathering, teens can organize anything from an informal Hacky Sack toss to a full-fledged football game.
6
Tournament Coordinator. Foul weather or inclinations may keep folks indoors, but determined teens won’t be deterred from competitive games. Indoor game tournaments can range from serious chess matches to wacky charades, or even Wii dance-offs. In addition to organizing the games and keeping score, teens can award prizes, such as traditional ribbons or humorous certificates.
7
Paparazzi. Place your teen behind the camera or camcorder, and you may get a new perspective on family gatherings. Youngsters can be very creative and selective about what they choose to record, and the results can be visually arresting and very entertaining.
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Bridge Builder. With modern families living so far apart, it can be nearly impossible to gather everyone for a traditional meal. Tech-savvy teens can help bridge that gap using online applications or social media tools. They can set up Skype accounts so that family members living in distant parts can see each other during the holiday, or they can create a Facebook group for the family to connect throughout the year. Share these suggestions with your teen, but don’t be surprised if they’re inspired to come up with their own game plan. They may choose to participate at Thanksgiving in a completely unexpected but equally wonderful way.
Thanksgiving Resources for Teens
a Napkin Folding Guide
www.napkinfoldingguide.com
a How to Play Hacky Sack
www.wikihow.com/Play-Hacky-Sack
a Thanksgiving Crafts www.crafts. kaboose.com/holidays/thanksgiving
a Family Fun Thanksgiving Recipes
for Kids www.familyfun.go.com/thanksgiving/thanksgiving-kids-table-fun/ thanksgiving-kids-table-recipes/
Tips for a Happy Thanksgiving with Your Autistic Child
If he doesn’t respond well to the idea of Thanksgiving, consider offering him a reward for his behavior when the time comes. Remind him in the days leading up to it that he’ll earn a sticker, a book, or something else if he is able to use his coping skills well on Thanksgiving Day. We’ve found that sticker charts work well with our son, so we would probably negotiate stickers in exchange for the extra effort he would need to expend at the family dinner table. We’re still at the point where we are practicing sitting at the dinner table until everyone is finished with their meals, and it would be worthwhile to offer stickers to reinforce this behavior in the days leading up to Thanksgiving with the promise of double stickers if he stays in his seat for the whole time on Turkey Day.
By Christina Gleason, CutestKidEver.org When you have a child on the autism spectrum, you know how important it is to have a routine that works for your family. Kids with autism tend to thrive on routine and structure, but holidays tend to throw a wrench into things. Whether you have guests over for Thanksgiving dinner at your house or you travel – across town or across country – to have dinner somewhere else, your child’s routine is going to be disrupted, if for no other reason than there’s no school and Mom and Dad are home from work on a Thursday.
THE BREAK IN THE ROUTINE Prepare your child for the disruption in his schedule ahead of time by discussing the event several weeks in advance. Depending on his age and cognitive level, he may already be familiar with what Thanksgiving is, knowing what it’s about, and remembering previous Thanksgiving celebrations. In this case, you can remind him about how he did at previous Thanksgiving dinners, especially if he seemed to do well with everything. If not, you can take this opportunity to explain what Thanksgiving is and how your family will be celebrating.
TRAVELING If your child has traveled before, you likely already have a routine for getting him or her ready for the trip. If this will be your first attempt at traveling any great distance together, make sure you prepare him for spending a long time in the car, or what it’s like to be on an airplane, train, or bus. Whatever form of transportation will be bringing you to your final destination, you’ll want to have plenty of snacks, drinks, blankies or other soothing items, quiet toys, and other forms of distraction to keep your child occupied on the trip. If he likes movies or video games, consider investing in a portable DVD player or handheld game system to keep him busy during your travels, whether you want to let him plug in for the whole trip or offer the opportunity only to circumvent a full-scale meltdown. TOO MANY PEOPLE Crowds and noise are often triggers for kids with autism. Extra family members can contribute to overstimulation that can lead to out of control behavior. The adults in your family may not get together as often as they’d like to, so it makes sense that many conversations
Special Needs Holiday Meltdown Prevention Kit
a Favorite snack and juice box a Favorite toy or stuffed animal a Earplugs or eye mask for desensitization a MP3 player with calming music a Soothing blanket a Favorite book or DVD a Hand sanitizer or wet wipes will take place at the same time, some between hard-of-hearing relatives who speak loudly and need others to do the same. This can be stressful for neurotypical kids – and adults! – but it may be too much for your kids who’s on the spectrum. Try to make sure there’s a safe place for your child to go if she gets overstimulated. If you’re celebrating the holiday at your own home, allow her to excuse herself to go to her bedroom if she needs a break from all of the people and the noise. If you’re celebrating at somebody else’s house, talk with your hosts ahead of time to inquire about having a quiet place available for your child if she needs to get away for a little while. (For that matter, you may want to use that space to get some quiet time!) UNFAMILIAR FACES Even if your child does well with strangers, it’s unlikely that Great Aunt Beatrice and your cousin Michael from California know all of her little “quirks.” While you know very well that your kid doesn’t like to be touched on the shoulder or hates the color yellow, your distant relatives do not. Consider sending out a quick note or email before Thanksgiving to everyone who will be in attendance, making them aware of your child’s triggers so they can be avoided, asking for understanding, and perhaps giving tips for how to connect positively with her. (See my November 24 blog post on blog.kidsfunplaza.com for an example.) Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Christina Gleason is a happily married mom of one very active little boy and Founder of Phenomenal Content LLC, which provides online copywriting for businesses. Read her blog at www. CutestKidEver.org! October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 33
Arts & Crafts
Wild Game Bird Place Cards What You’ll Need: Photocopied printouts of wild agame birds (visit http://etc.usf. edu/clipart/ for a fantastic selection.)
and more neatly. Use the decorative-edge scissors for this step if you happen to have them.
Watercolor paints, colored a pencils and/or markers
If desired, punch a hole and a thread ribbon through, tying off.
a Glue sticks a Scissors a Glitter (optional)
Lastly, add glitter elements if a desired and allow to dry at least 24
Scrapbooking paper or a construction paper
Autumn in Upstate New York is chock full of great wildlife. From foxes and crows to deer and geese, but nothing says “fall” more than the flocks of wild turkeys that pepper the fields alongside the roads. These gallant and proud birds are a classic symbol of our American Thanksgiving day, and this project pays them the respect their beauty deserves!
Once the glue is set, cut out a the bird again, a little more closely
Scalloped or other a decorative-edged scissors
a Hole punch (optional) a Narrow satin ribbon (optional)
hours. Use these birds on your Thanksgiving Day table, or hang them from an old branch placed upright in a pot to greet people as they come in. Write something you’re grateful for about each person on the back! Use them as Thanksgiving or Autumn Equinox cards and send them in the mail. They can even be used into the Holiday season as ornaments on the tree! Visit our blog this month to see a version of this project geared toward preschoolers! Blog. KidsFunPlaza.com
HOW TO DO IT: The New York State Museum in downtown Albany has an amazing collection of the birds of New York, but if you can’t get to the museum to see them, borrow some bird watching guides from the local library or borrow them from a friend or relative. And of course, there’s always the Internet. Turkeys aren’t the only wild game birds with pretty feathers, so for the purposes of this project, we also printed out pheasants and quail. If you’re working with preschoolers or kindergarten aged children, it’s just as easy to skip the print-outs altogether and use hand-turkeys for this project instead!
34 KidsFunPlaza | NENY, Northeastern, NY | November 2010
Gather up your bird books or a look online and check out how each bird is colored. Use your paints, pencils or markers to color in each bird accordingly, or throw caution to the wind and embrace a technicolor approach! Add the name of the person a this bird will be for somewhere in the white space. Cut out around the bird a loosely and glue it down onto the scrapbooking paper or construction paper. If using scrapbooking paper be sure that the “wrong” (or white) side of the scrapbooking paper is glued to the “wrong” side of the bird so that the pretty pattern shows on the back.
Alina Hensley is happily raising her daughter in her native New York, and passionately passing on her love for writing, culture, and the arts.
The Black and Latino Achievers Program Medical, Law and Government, as well as Vocational and Technical disciplines.
professionals in the community who serve as role models to inspire them to greater heights.
By Roxanna Del Rosario, ParishMoms.org With a very nice smile and a warm welcome, Mr. Juan Julio George received me in his office in the first floor of the Desmond Hotel, were he is the Director of Guests Services. A graduate of the State University of New York at Oswego, he received a bachelor’s degree in political science in the mid-1970s and continued his studies with graduate work at the Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy. Mr. George is also the owner and president Latino Publishing & Communications LLC, which publishes Latino New York Magazine. Thanks to his great effort, hard work, and love for his community after receiving a call from Mr. David Brown asking for his support, he became one of the founders of The Capital District YMCA Black and Latino Achievers Program. Mr. George was one of the first Achievers as well. KFP. What is the Black and Latino Achievers Program? Juan Julio George. It is a national college readiness program designed to help young people set and pursue high educational and career goals. Through academic support, career exploration, and mentoring, the program helps those interested to raise their academic standards, develop a positive sense of self, build character, explore diverse college and career options, and meet with
KFP. How did the YMCA Black and Latino Achievers Program come to the Capital Region? JJG. President and CEO of the Capital District YMCA, David Brown, had the original idea of bringing and promoting the program here in the Capital Region six years ago. The program was originally created in Houston by Quentin Mease in 1967 under the label of Young Black Achievers of Houston. Mr. Brown, who is AfricanAmerican, married a wonderful woman from Nicaragua, and he also felt that the Latin community should receive the same benefits. So the name of the program was changed to the Black and Latino Achievers Program. KFP. How does the program work? JJG. The YMCA Black and Latino Achievers is a two-year program built on the notion that community and corporate involvement are critical to building networks and opportunities for youth. There are workshops dedicated to specific areas of professional interest. Youth participants and mentors complete projects that are designed to provide students an opportunity to explore their career interests through real-life applications of skills. Career clusters include: Arts and Humanities, Business, Communications, Computers, Education, Engineering, Health and
KFP. Who can participate in the program? JJG. The Black and Latino Achievers Program is open to juniors and seniors in high school from all social, economic, and academic levels. The only true requirement a youth must have to enroll in the program is the desire to achieve. Adults also benefit from the program. KFP. How do participants get selected? JJG. Teachers, employees of the school, members of the community, coworkers, and family nominate students they consider to be the most successful throughout the school year. Each year, corporations, businesses, and organizations also nominate the adults that have been successful role models in professional and managerial positions to be honored at an awards event. KFP. What area organizations support the program? JJG. Along with the YMCA and the funds that they receive through the Reach Out for Youth Program, there are other organizations that are principal benefactors. One of them is the Desmond Hotel, which is the biggest supporter of the Black and Latino Achievers Award Gala celebrated every year at the hotel. Hannaford Supermarket, The Times Union, General Electric, and several local credit unions, banks and other businesses also offer their support. Universities like the College of Saint Rose and the University of Albany give away scholarships for the students.
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KFP. What is the Black and Latino Achievers Gala? JJG. It is a very important dinner where the men wear tuxedos and the ladies wear beautiful gowns. This gala is to honor and recognize those who have done something positive for their community. This year, the Black and Latino Achievers Awards Dinner was held at the Desmond on June 10, where more than 100 people were honored and received awards for their positive contributions within the community. The program engages teens in need and prepares them for a bright future by: Raising academic expectations Assisting with acceptance into institutions of higher learning Exposing them to diverse career options Providing adult role models to inspire personal and professional goals Fostering a positive sense of self Building character and developing positive assets Creating channels for continuing community involvement through local business
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With these objectives in mind, the YMCA Black and Latino Achievers program is making a huge impact in the African-American and Hispanic Latino communities by connecting positive and caring minority youth with adult professionals We want to thank Mr. Juan Julio George for giving part of his time and space for this interview. Agradecemos al Sr. Juan George su tiempo y espacio para dar lugar a esta entrevista. “This past June, more than 100 people were honored for their contributions to the community.” “The only true requirement a youth must have to enroll in the program is the desire to achieve.”
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Child’s First Name:______________________ Age:________Grade:______ School:_______________________________ Parent Full Name:_______________________ Email:__________________________________ Address:______________________________ City_____________ State,_________ Zipcode_________ Yes, I authorize KidsFunPlaza to publish the letter/drawing and to send my child a prize if he/she wins. Parent Signature:______________________ 36 KidsFunPlaza | NENY, Northeastern, NY | November 2010
Send your Thank You letter/drawing to KidsFunPlaza at 90 State Street – Suite 700 Albany, NY 12207
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WHAT ’S HAPPENING Daily Activities
Saratoga Springs SARATOGA SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY 49 Henry Street Phone: (518) 584-7860 Email: sar-askys@sals.edu. Website: ww.sspl.org
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SARATOGA, WARREN AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES
TODDLER STORY TIMES For Children ages 24-42 months, with a parent or caregiver. (Nov 15 - Nov 18, Nov 22 - Nov 23, Nov 29 - Nov 30) Time: 9:30 am PRESCHOOL STORY/MUSIC PROGRAM For children ages 42 months-5 years (Crawshaw Story Room). Nov 15 - Nov 18, Nov 22 - Nov 23, Nov 29 - Nov 30. Time: 10:15 am. DECORATE THE TEEN ROOM FOR WINTER A variety of decorating supplies will be out in the Teen Room for everyone to help decorate the room for the impending winter months. Dec 1 - Dec 10. Time: 2:00 pm. SARATOGA FESTIVAL OF TREES transforms the City Center into a winter wontderland. We’re noted in the region for our original, customcrafted holiday décor – so come early for the best selection! Dec 1 - Dec 5. Time: various hours.
Rensselaer TROY PUBLIC LIBRARY Phone: (518) 274-7071 Email: troyref@uhls.lib.ny.us Website:www.thetroylibrary.org
Schenectady SCHENECTADY MUSEUM & SUITS-BUECHE PLANETARIUM 15 Nott Terrace Heights Phone: (518) 382-7890 Email: Programs@SchenectadyMuseum.org Website: www.schenectadymuseum.org
TEEN TIME AT LANSINGBURGH Come play the Wii, board games, and much more! Refreshments will be served. Nov 16 - Nov 17, Nov 23 - Nov 24, Nov 30 - Dec 1, Dec 7 - Dec 8, Dec 14 - Dec 15 Time: 3:00 pm. (Lansingburgh Branch)
FETCH! Lab
UNDER PRESSURE Sharpen your engineering and design skills when you use one sheet of paper to construct a support for the weight of a book. (Nov 18 - Nov 20) Time: 2:30 pm.
STEREO HANGERS Come to this exciting weekly program to learn about science and do hands-on activities like the ones on the popular PBS tv show! Nov 26 - Nov 27. Time: 4:30 pm. HANG TIME Build and race your own whirligig. Dec 2 - Dec 4. Time: 1:00 pm. FLOAT MY BOAT Explore floating and sinking when you construct at tinfoil boat and load it with pennies. Dec 9 - Dec 11 Time: 1:00 pm. GIRL SCOUT MAKING IT MATTER Workshop Earn your badge in just one night! You will explore the topics of chemistry, electricity and design all in one night! . Nov 18 - Nov 19. Time: 6:00 pm.
Albany
LITTLE WONDERS OF SCIENCE: Kitten’s First Full Moon Introduce children ages 3 to 5 to the wonders of science with Kitten’s First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes and a fun craft. Nov 18 - Nov 19. Time: 10:30 am.
WILLIAM K. SANFORD TOWN LIBRARY 629 Albany Shaker Road Phone: (518) 458-9274 Email: naylor@colonielibrary.org Website:www.colonie.org/library HOLIDAY ART ON A CART Kids will be thrilled to make a gift to give! Just bring a photo of each child and pick up puzzle pieces in Youth Services to make a holiday photo frame. Dec 13 - Dec 17. Time: 10:00 am. HOLIDAY STORYTIMES Escape the hustle & bustle and enjoy a peaceful holiday storytime. We’ll readaloud, sing-along, and create a craft together. Fun for families of all ages. Dec15 at 6:30 pm and Dec 16 at 10:00 am.
SCRAPBOOKING Take time for yourself and scrapbook with us! Bring your photos, papers, stickers and all your stuff; we’ll have scrapbooking tools and supplies for you to use. For parents and children 12 years & older. Nov 19 at 6:00 pm and Nov 20 at 9:00 am.
MOTHER/DAUGHTER BOOK TALK We’re very excited about the number of girls in grades 5-8 and their moms who love to read! Bring your books, your ideas, and of course, your appetites! Nov 20 - Jan 29 (every Saturday). Time: 1:00 pm. LETTERS TO SANTA Tell Santa what’s in your heart this season, and he’ll write back to you! Nov 29 - Dec 16. Time: all day. MITTEN TREE Decorate our Mitten Tree with a scarf, hat, or mittens, and you’ll make the winter warmer for children of St. Catherine’s Center in Albany. Dec 1 - Dec 15. Time: various hours. October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 37 October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 37
Weekly Events
From November 15 thru December 15
Saratoga Springs SARATOGA SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY 49 Henry Street Phone: (518) 584-7860 Email: sar-askys@sals.edu. Website: ww.sspl.org
THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM AT SARATOGA 69 Caroline St. Phone: (518) 584-5540 Email: info@cmssny.org. Website:www.cmssny.org
PARENT/CHILD WORKSHOP For children ages 12-36 months with a parent or caregiver. (Nov 15 - Nov 29) Time: 9:15 am PRESCHOOL STORY/MUSIC PROGRAM For children ages 42 months-5 years (Crawshaw Story Room).(Nov 16 - Nov 30) Time: 2:00 pm. LIBRARY BABIES An informal playgroup for babies under 24 months with a parent or caregiver. No registration necessary.Nov 19 - Dec 3 (No session Nov 26) Time: 2:00 pm.
TUESDAY FOR TOTS This is a special time for our littlest visitors! Drop in anytime between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm for crafts, play dough, games and friends! Nov 16 - Dec 14. Time: 10:00 am. ALPHABET SOUP This whole language experience is a great way to reinforce early literacy in preschool-ers! Nov 17 - Dec 15. Time: 10:30 am. STORY ART Reading together is always better, so please join us Thursdays for an exciting new story each week. We’ll use our imaginations and the story to inspire art projects that explore different media and styles. Nov 18 - Dec 9 (No session on Nov 25 ). Time: 10:30 am. STRETCHING WITH STUFFEE STUFFEE will be out to facilitate exercise through silly songs, games, and stretching. This gentle, structured program will promote imaginative movement and flexibility. Nov 19 - Dec 3 (No session Nov 26). Time: 10:00 am.
Rensselaer TROY PUBLIC LIBRARY Phone: (518) 274-7071 Email: troyref@uhls.lib.ny.us Website:www.thetroylibrary.org
Albany BETHLEHEM PUBLIC LIBRARY 451 Delaware Ave Phone: (518) 439-9314 Email: bpl@uhls.lib.ny.us Website:www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org
WIGGLE & GIGGLE This is a special time for younger children to learn what they can do with their bodies through structured group activities and guided free play. Ages 5 and younger. Nov 26 - Dec 10 (No session Dec 3). Time: 10:00 am. PRESCHOOL FAMILY STORY TIME at Sycaway Family Storytime will be offered for children up to the age of 5, accompanied by parents and caregivers. We will share stories, rhymes, songs and simple crafts. Nov 15 - Dec 13. Time: 10:30 am. (Sycaway) PRESCHOOL FAMILY STORY TIME at the Main Library Family Storytime will be offered for children up to the age of 5, accompanied by parents and caregivers. We will share stories, rhymes, songs and simple crafts. Nov 17 - Dec 15. Time: 10:30 am. (100 Second Street) PRESCHOOL FAMILY STORY TIME at Lansingburgh Family Storytime will be offered for children up to the age of 5, accompanied by parents and caregivers. We will share stories, rhymes, songs and simple crafts. Nov 19 - Dec 10. Time: 10:30 am. (Lansingburgh Branch)
TEEN WRITING WORKSHOP Grade 6 and up. Sign up is required. Try some creative writing activities to hone your skills; share your work, get feedback, learn writing tips. Nov 16 - Nov 23. Time: 6:30 pm. FAMILY PLAYTIME Meet other moms, dads and caregivers while your young children play with toys, puzzles, balls and board books. Nov 17 - Dec 15 (No session on Nov 24). Time: 10:00 am. FAMILY STORYTIME Up to age 6 with families. Stories, songs and activities. Nov 17 - Dec 15 (No session on Nov 24). Time: 11:00 am.
WILLIAM K. SANFORD TOWN LIBRARY 629 Albany Shaker Road Phone: (518) 458-9274 Email: naylor@colonielibrary.org Website:www.colonie.org/library 38 KidsFunPlaza | NENY, Northeastern, NY | November 2010
SMART COOKIES Bake some scrumptious cookies with us! Join us Monday afternoons for 3 weeks to stock up for the holidays. For kids in 4th grade & older. Nov 29 - Dec 13. Time: 4:00 pm.
Editorial Calendar for KidsFunPlaza!
October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 39
40 KidsFunPlaza | NENY, Northeastern, NY | November 2010