Staten Island Parent magazine February / March 2021

February/March 2021

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

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Oakley The Puca Family’s

GIANT SNOWMAN

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PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Roselle Farina Hecht

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INSIDE

EDITOR Jeannine Cintron PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Michelle Yannaco TRAFFIC DIRECTOR Heather Gambaro ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Janine Mulé, Jodi Fatto, Desiree Cannone

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2021

INFORMATION Advertising: 718.494.1932 Questions: info@siparent.com

The Puca Family

12

Raising a Covid Generation

KEEP IN TOUCH

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Expert advice for parents raising kids in a Covid world.

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raising kids 16 How To Choose A Day Camp During Covid 22 Question to Ask Kids to Encourage Conversation 24 How to Handle Sibling Room-Sharing

fun stuff

26 Staten Island’s Biggest Snowman!

30 Birthday Club

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12 Preschool 16 Camp 31 Professional Services

Staten Island Parent is published 12 times a year. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. The publisher of this magazine does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or writers.

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editor’s note

FEBRUARY AND MARCH INSIGHT

B

y the time this issue goes to print, the midwinter break will be just about over and thousands of students across Staten Island will be heading back to school. Many of those students are heading back into a school building for the first time in months. In- person learning for middle schools returns February 25, and many elementary schools have been back for weeks. By March, both of my children will be back in school full time! Fingers crossed for no setbacks, of course.

Last month, I found my 9-year-old daughter crying after she sneezed a few times. She was worried she wasn’t going to be allowed to go to school the next day. Can you imagine a child crying because they don’t want to miss school?? My 12-year-old son, on the other hand, dreads going back because his morning routine for the past few months has consisted of rolling over in bed and opening up a laptop. As parents, there is nothing about this “Covid generation” of kids that we can understand or relate to in any way. So we talked to a local psychologist for some tips on raising kids in the era of coronavirus. Flip to page 12 to read it.

If you missed the snow last winter, 2021 has yet to disappoint! My kids found a way to go sledding in our own backyard and it’s been the one bright spot in this unconventional time. And did you catch the 14-foot snowman on our cover? Turn to page 26 to meet the family behind it. With all of this wintry weather, it’s hard to imagine summer is around the corner. But it totally is! And now is the time to start planning — especially if you want this summer to be much better than last year. Start your search with our Camp Directory on page 16. If you’re looking for snow day ideas for the kids or super fun winter activities for the whole family, download our Winter Guide on siparent.com/siwinter.

Editor, Staten Island Parent

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Thinking of Changing Schools?

Consider a Catholic education for your child.

Whether learning from home or in class, our schools and hearts are open! Are you interested in helping your child succeed academically in a caring, structured and safe environment? Or moving to a new home? If so, now is a good time to invest in a Catholic education. Catholic schools provide a curriculum based on faith, respect, and service to others. And our Math/ELA proficiency test scores have outpaced New York public schools for each of the last five years.

Online admissions for 2021-22 are open! Apply online at CatholicSchoolsNY.org/apply or arrange a Virtual Visit. We invite you to see the value of a Catholic education: reserve your spot at one of the upcoming VIRTUAL Visit information sessions being hosted by participating schools.

APPLY NOW! CatholicSchoolsNY.org/apply or call our bilingual helpline:

(646) 794-2885

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raising kids

Raising a COVID-19 Generation How the pandemic is adversely affecting our children and pro advice for handling the damage.

By Christine Albano

L

iving in a COVID-19 world is scary for everyone -but can be even more traumatic and life-altering for young children and teens growing up in the age of a pandemic. Besides worrying about staying safe 24/7, they are also facing major challenges ranging from social isolation and boredom to the loss of current events and despair over having less to look forward to, according to Dr. Nicole Robinson, a Staten Island pediatric neuropsychologist with a practice in Bloomfield.

“Childhood is only a season and many kids and teens are more aware of that than they needed to be before,” Dr. Robinson explained. She said the number of patient referrals rose significantly in the spring of 2020 due to children and teens suffering from COVID-induced depression, anxiety, and social isolation.

“For older kids, like teens and young adults, so much of their life is meant to be lived in social circles outside the family, so kids in those age groups are struggling with the limits of socialization in a bigger way,” Dr. Robinson explained. “We are seeing difficulties on the social and emotional side, as well as the academic side.

Parents can help their children and teens through this difficult period by recognizing, identifying, and comforting their fears -- but never trivializing their concerns, Dr. Robinson says. She noted that while their frustrations may seem small -- such as missing a rite of passage or milestone -- they are significant problems in their worlds. This includes teenage girls who can no longer buy a dress for their Sweet 16 party or senior prom, athletes whose seasons have been canceled, and candidates for graduation from pre-K to college who won’t wear a cap and gown to live ceremonies.

“So much of their experience being time sensitive, there is only one senior prom, one graduation, one freshman year of college,” Dr. Robinson explained. “Missing out on these events that they have been waiting for their whole lives and watched other siblings or friends go through is a sense of loss.”

But, parents should allow children and teens to “mourn” these losses. “They are not wrong about the calendar being blank, and what may seem like a small concern may be significant for them,” Dr. Robinson said.

Susan Lunny Keag, a Randall Manor mother of three said her kids have been primarily impacted by the social isolation during COVID. “All of their daily activities were essentially cancelled -- from sports to extracurricular programs,” Mrs. Lunny Keag explained.

Her son, Sean, a senior at Monsignor Farrell High School, had a shortened soccer season in the fall of 2020 and he “relished each practice and game,” his mom said. But, at the same time, his senior year was cut short. “Sean has missed so many senior events that he will never get to experience,“ she said.

Meanwhile, when the CYO season was canceled for her daughter, Claire, a 6th grader at Blessed Sacrament, she was “devastated,” Mrs. Lunny Keag said. “The girls on her basketball team and her coaches are like her second family, so that took a tremendous toll on her,” she explained. “Sports help kids decompress and is another means of socializing outside of school, so taking that away is definitely detrimental to them.”

Her daughter, Bridget, meanwhile, a musician and actress, was at a loss when most of her shows and performances

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were cancelled. “She missed being on the stage and performing in person with her friends,” she said of her daughter, a sophomore at St. Joseph Hill Academy.

“She was grateful to do an online holiday production in December with the Monsignor Farrell Players, which gave her something to look forward to,” the mom of three said.

Aside from their sports and extracurricular activities on pause, Mrs. Lunny Keag said missing a milestone celebration was another impact on her family. “Bridget wasn’t able to have the Sweet 16 party she had imagined because of restaurants and catering halls being closed,” she explained.

Parents dealing with similar issues with their children and teens should offer “radical empathy” and try to see the issue from each child’s perspective to soothe their upset feelings, Dr. Robinson suggests. This helps parents bond with their children and teens -yet still maintain boundaries for rules, parental supervision, and discipline, she said.

“It’s hard for parents who are trying to keep the ship afloat if they feel they are drowning themselves,” Dr. Robinson said. That task is even more challenging for parents who have multiple kids. “It can become one vast, ongoing stressed activity within the same four walls and it’s harder to compartmentalize work and family life than ever before,” she added.

Difficulties with remote learning are also a leading concern for the Island’s youth, Staten Island parents and Dr. Robinson said. “It’s difficult for some kids to process all of the academic information without the hands-on piece of learning,” Dr. Robinson explained.

Mrs. Lunny Keag said her kids dislike the remote learning model because it is not an ideal setting -- so they find it an additional challenge of managing life in a COVID age.

“While each of their schools has had a hybrid model, the days that they’re home are hard,” their mom said. “They miss their friends and teachers when they are home,” she added. “You can’t get that human connection via a Zoom call or Google Meet -- it’s just not the same.”

Managing life in a COVID world is even more challenging for a child with learning disabilities, according to Staten Island parent Francesca D’Ambrosio.

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2021 PRESCHOOL & DAYCARE Guide

continued on page 14

FIND MORE SCHOOLS ONLINE: siparent.com/directory/pre-school-daycare

CASTLETON HILL MORAVIAN CHURCH PRESCHOOL

1657 Victory Boulevard • 10314 Betty Jane Bullen 718.442.5350 mtobia@castletonhillpreschool.com castletonhillmoravianpreschool.com PROGRAMS: Baby Buzz 4-12 months, Baby Book Worms, Tot-Time-Together 12-20 months old, 2 year old toddler classes, 3 year old half day classes, 3K For All, Pre-K For All. OBJECTIVE: A creative early childhood program where the developmentally appropriate curriculum encourages children to enjoy being young while they look forward to growing older.

HOLY CHILD PRESCHOOL

4747 Amboy Road • 10312 718.356.5159 • JoAnn Gaal holychildprek@gmail.com • holychildsi.com PROGRAMS:Toddling Around for 2 year olds; Preschool for 3 & 4 year olds.

OBJECTIVE: We believe that each child is a unique person who will develop according to their own individual abilities. Emphasis is on developing socialization, language, literacy, & math skills laying the groundwork for elementary school. Children learn through structured lessons, hands-on activities and play in learning centers.

JCC OF STATEN ISLAND

1466 Manor Road • 10314 2221 Richmond Avenue • 10314 1297 Arthur Kill Road • 10312 485 Victory Boulevard • 10301 718.475.5230 • Jayne Smith jsmith@sijcc.com • sijcc.org PROGRAMS: Day care starts at 3 mos, 3-K For All & Pre-K For All, extended hours available.

OBJECTIVE: We offer a stimulating, individualized ageappropriate curriculum. A developmental approach fosters social & emotional growth.

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2021PRESCHOOL & DAYCARE Guide continued from page 13 LITTLE MIRACLES PRESCHOOL & EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

309 St. Paul’s Avenue • 10304 718.727.8202 • lrinaldi@eden2.org • eden2.org • FB/TW/YouTube PROGRAMS: Center-based full-day program, SEIT & SETSS services to children with autism or PDD. Preschool & SEIT services for children ages 3-5 who are classified by their school district’s Committee on Preschool Education (CPSE) as a preschooler with a disability. SETSS services are provided in school and at home.

OBJECTIVE: The goal is to provide children with autism a highly structured, intensive learning environment which includes individualized programming using Applied Behavior Analysis.

MOST TERRIFIC CHILD CENTER

555 Tompkins Avenue Staten Island, NY 10305 718-273-0334 • mtcdaycare@yahoo.com • mtcdaycrae.com facebook.com/Most-Terrific-Child-Center-105004707711431 PROGRAMS: We are an early education center that provides free Full-day 3K and Pre-K programs.

OBJECTIVE: Children engage in critical and fun environments through art, music and movement, learning technology, & science.

ST. JOSEPH HILL ACADEMY

850 Hylan Boulevard • 10305 718.981.1187 • Eileen Gregor egregor@stjhill.org • stjosephhillacademy.com facebook.com/SJHA1919 • instagram.com/sjhaes PROGRAMS:PreK 3–8 grade. PreK 3 & PreK 4; full or half days.

SJHA is a Project Lead The Way School.

OBJECTIVE: SJHA has been providing a premier Catholic education to the Staten Island community for over 100 years.

STATEN ISLAND ACADEMY

715 Todt Hill Road • 10304 718.303.7803 • Caroline S. Crane ccrane65@statenislandacademy.org • www.statenislandacademy.org PROGRAMS: Children explore, create and investigate in SI’s only independent Pre-K3 to Grade 12 school. Extended day included.

OBJECTIVE: PreK fosters independence, encourages children to pursue individual interests and nurtures developing language and social skills.

THE CHILDREN’S CENTER - COLLEGE OF STATEN ISLAND 2800 Victory Boulevard • 10314 Bldg. 2R / Rm 104 718.982.3190 csi.cuny.edu/childcare PROGRAMS: Infant/toddler programs, Preschool program, 3K and Pre-K for All full day, School age program (pending enrollment.)

OBJECTIVE:Early education & child care. Flexible scheduling.

Subsidized fees for children of CSI students. NAEYC Accredited.

“Educationally, remote learning with a child with ADHD has been hard,” she admits. “He is not learning and is not at all interested like he is when he is in school.”

Ms. D’Ambrosio worries that her son -- and lots of other children -- are falling behind.

As an alternative solution, she implements more hands-on activities with him, such as multiplication flash cards, educational apps and films. Besides going to therapy and having an individualized education program (IEP), her son manages his struggles by swimming at the YMCA and doing karate twice a week. She also said spending quality time with the family is a key strategy to minimizing the challenges and helping her son adjust during a difficult time.

Dr. Robinson, meanwhile, said advice differs for parents with children of different ages.

Younger children routinely spend more time with their families than teenagers, she noted. “So much of their life is lived within the context of family anyway,” she explained.

Some of what younger kids miss is being around other kids at school or on the playground, while others miss the mundane getting ready for school and structured part of their daily routine.

Parents of teenagers might be on polar opposites of an argument, but having a discussion and making a compromise over exactly what a teen wants to do with their friends and what the parents feel comfortable with is necessary, according to Dr. Robinson. “When kids don’t see eye to eye with us and what is necessary for safety, we have to say ‘here’s what I’m comfortable with and we can discuss the options and meet in the middle’ -- even if they are not thrilled about the outcome,” Dr. Robinson explained.

For instance, she suggests discussing and modifying intended plans, such as the type of activity, the timeline, the venue, and the number of friends involved. “When we can explain what our concerns are I think it’s easier for kids to see our side than if we just draw a hard line without explanation,” she said. “When we can identify the root of their wish and what’s at the core of it, we can try to provide some version of what they were hoping for.”

Overall, children and teens learn by example, she said, so parents should exhibit positive actions as they temporarily modify their lifestyles and promote sanity for their families during the pandemic. “It feels hard when there is so much going on and you’re being pulled in so many directions and you feel exhausted and drained after a whole year going through this,” Dr. Robinson said.

Ms. D’Ambrosio reminds fellow parents they shouldn’t feel like they are alone.

“We will get through this and our children will be OK,” she said. “As long as our children are loved and healthy that is the most important thing.”

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LIPM Kids are resilient, according to Mrs. Lunny Keag, who said her kids have found other outlets to occupy their extra time -- which is good advice for other families. For instance, her daughter Bridget recently joined the track team to get outside and be involved with other students and taught herself to play the guitar and write her own songs.

Despite the obstacles from COVID, Mrs. Lunny Keag said she is thankful for her family’s health and well being -- especially her children and 83-year-old mother-in-law. “We just miss the normalcy of our day-to-day activities,” she said.

Others, like Adriana Cordaro Giambanco of Bulls Head, agreed. The transition from social to digital lives is anything but smooth and enjoyable for family. She said her three sons -- the oldest age 9 and twin 6 year-olds -- went from playing outside and hanging out with their friends to being isolated from their peers.

“Pre-COVID we had a busy life - sports, dance, art, and CCD classes,” she explained. They were social, read paper books and played board games -- and only received iPad time as a treat when homework was done early or on the weekends, their mom recalled.

“COVID hit and you have this remote world that I personally hate,” Mrs. Giambanco explained. “My children who were once social and fun loving kids are now Zooming through every activity they can possibly have.”

From March to June the boys were on the computers and iPads hours per day for school, gym class, art class, and music class, Mrs. Giambanco recalled. She said they continue to use Messenger kids to talk to friends and socialize and play games online.

“You feel bad taking away screen time now because it’s the only means of communicating with any of their friends at all,” she said “It was insanely difficult to adjust to and it still is now.”

Since they attended a blended class schedule, their school closes when necessary under a two-case rule, which is frustrating for her sons. “It’s not fair to them,” she said. “My heart breaks because they get excited and boom -- closed!”

She said other parents facing similar struggles due to the impacts of the COVID crisis could benefit from being creative with the extra family time together -- such as baking, making crafts, having family game and movie nights, camping indoors, ceramics, and painting.

“You think of it, I did it, but no matter what they were still missing socializing,” she said.

When COVID cases lightened up in the summer of 2020, her boys were able to attend camp and their mom “saw my kids come back to who they were.”

But that was seasonal and short-lived. “Yes, COVID is dangerous and an evil disease, but it’s also destroying childhood as we know it,” Ms. Giambanco said.

ST. JOSEPH HILL ACADEMY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Providing a premier Catholic education, Pre-K to Grade 8, to the Staten Island community for 100 years.

Middle States Accredited

Mother Franciska Early Childhood Center Featuring 3 & 4 year old programs.

Call for information.

Before & After Care Available

850 Hylan Blvd • SI, NY 10305 718.981.1187 x9136 • stjosephhillacademy.com

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How To Choose A Day Camp During Covid Tips for selecting a summer camp that’s both safe and fun for your child

By Denise Yearian, a former parenting magazine editor, and the mother of three children.

D

espite the Covid-19 pandemic, many parents are hoping to send their children to camp this summer.

Summer day camp is a place where children can stretch their minds, exercise their bodies, develop new interests and forge lasting friendships. For young children, it is a good introduction to the camp experience. For older ones, it is a way to enjoy the activities without the overnight option. Day camp programs vary from one setting to the next. So how can you help make the most of your child’s day camp experience?

Before you consider a camp, inquire about all health and safety precautions. The CDC and American Camp Association offers guidelines for camps opening following the coronavirus pandemic. Use those guidelines as a checklist when you contact camps and don’t consider any camps who don’t adhere to them.

CONSIDER INTERESTS. Day camps offer a host of options

that include everything from one centralized activity to a variety of traditional camp fun. Talk with your child about his interests and what he would like to gain from the experience. Would he enjoy an assortment of activities or does he want to concentrate on one skill, such as soccer or art?

PONDER PROGRAM LENGTH. Day camps range from several hours to a full day and can run from one week to an entire summer. How long your child should participate in a program will depend largely upon his age, developmental level and previous camp experience. First-time campers would do well starting in a partial- to full-week program. Experienced campers may enjoy one that runs throughout the summer. Even if your child decides to stay at camp all summer, consider allowing a few weeks break

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LIPM between school and camp (and vice versa) for down time.

LOOK AT LOCATION. If you choose a day camp close to home, commute time will be less and your child may already be acquainted with some of the other children.

A day camp near your employer, however, would give you quick access to your child, in the event of an emergency. But if your child needs additional morning or afternoon childcare, you may want to consider a program close to your sitter.

ASK ABOUT STAFF. Find out what the camper-to-counselor ratio is. Ideally it should be six campers to one counselor, as recommended by the American Camping Association. What experience and/or training do the counselors have? How are they selected? What is the camp’s discipline policy?

Are they trained to take care of health concerns such as asthma, allergies and dispensing medicine?

FOCUS ON THE FACILITY. Ask about indoor and outdoor facilities. Is there ample indoor space for children to play during inclement weather? What do they do if it rains all week? Is the outdoor equipment and grounds well maintained and safe? Are the children’s swimming skills tested before they are allowed to enter the water? Is the staff certified in lifesaving and present during water activities?

INVESTIGATE COST. Inquire about additional fees. Some day camps have a base price but charge extra for trips, special events and activities. If the camp you want to send your child to costs more than you can afford, find out if there is a scholarship program. Also ask about a refund policy, in the event of an illness or family emergency.

ARRANGE A PRE-VISIT. Many day camps have open houses prior to season start up. Find out if the camp you have chosen has one. If not, make other arrangements to introduce yourself to those who will be caring for your child. Since open houses are a good time to gather information, jot down any questions you have before leaving home.

If they are not addressed during this time, ask to speak with someone before securing your deposit.

2021 CAMP & SUMMER Guide continued on page 18

FIND MORE CAMPS ONLINE: siparent.com/directory/summer-camps

ART LAB

1000 Richmond Terrace • Bldg H • 10301 718-447-8667 info@artlabsi.org • artlabsi.com facebook.com/artlabsi • instagram.com/artlabsi Children will enjoy hands-on activities in drawing, painting, and sculpture.

Various techniques of fine and applied arts are explored as children create exciting, take-home art projects! Half days available all summer long.

CAMP HALF-BLOOD STATEN ISLAND

55 Washington Street Brooklyn, New York • 11201 929-397-9393 info@plato-learning.com • camphalfbloodbklyn.com facebook.com/chbbklyn •instagram.com/camphalfbloodbk pinterest.com/platolearning Calling all heroes! Based on Percy Jackson and Olympians, our fully-outdoor mythology-based day camp needs YOU to defend Clove Lakes Park from monster attacks this summer. Are you brave enough?

FUN STATION DAY CAMP

3555 Victory Boulevard • 10314 718-569-5426 funstationdaycamp@yahoo.com funstationdaycamp.com • facebook.com/FunStationDayCamp FSDC offers both local and travel camp packages starting at as low as $30 per day. Free lunch, free door-to-door transportation, free extended hours. Come join Staten Island’s fastest growing camp! We offer friend/sibling & NYC employee discounts.

RICHMOND COUNTY DAY CAMP

6581 Hylan Boulevard • 10309 718-761-1492 rcdaycamp@gmail.com • rcdaycamp.com facebook.com/richmondcountydaycamp • instagram.com/rcdaycamp/ Richmond County has been the Island’s most popular camp since 1995.

Located at Mt. Loretto, we provide a combination of traditional activities with trips and special events. We opened in 2020. Enroll now.

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CAMP & SUMMER

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STATEN ISLAND ACADEMY DAY CAMP

715 Todt Hill Road • 10304 718-303-7845 cbruno@statenislandacademy.org statenislandacademy.org/summer facebook.com/StatenIslandAcademyDayCamp twitter.com/SIA_Summer_Camp Staten Island Academy Summer Day Camp is for kids ages 3-14, Monday to Friday from 9am-4pm. We offer flexible schedules, extended hours, academic enrichment, trips, events, and hot lunch! Join us for 5 day weeks or choose a schedule that fits your busy life. We are here to provide the safe, secure campus you expect for your family.

STATEN ISLAND JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER DAY CAMP

1301 Manor Road • 10314 Sept-Jun 718.475.5231 July-Aug 718.983.9000 gwechsler@sijcc.com camp.sijcc.org facebook.com/StatenIslandJCCDayCamp instagram.com/sijcc_camp Explore nature at a picturesque 100-acre campsite! Camp programs include sports, aquatics, performing arts, music, coding, woodworking, STEM, archery, boating, and more. Proven safety track record, all CDC protocols followed. Accredited by the American Camping Association. Register for the same rates as 2020! Marvin’s Camp for Children with Special Needs and inclusion opportunities also available.

WAGNER COLLEGE DEPARTMENT FOR LIFELONG LEARNING

One Campus Road • 10301 718-390-3221 lifelong-learning@wagner.edu wagner.edu/lifelong-learning facebook.com/wagnerlifelong instagram.com/wagnerlifelong twitter.com/wagnerlifelong With a wide variety of programs for children and teens, we are committed to providing an enriching, diverse, and nurturing environment that promotes personal, academic and social growth.

FILL OUT FORMS. During your pre-visit, you may receive forms to fill out. When it comes to medical forms, be thorough and specific. If your child was on a medication during the school year but will be taken off of it for the summer, make sure the camp is aware of this as it could cause an extreme change in behavior. Insect and food-related allergies should be listed too. Equally important is to share other concerns, such as if your family is going through a divorce or has experienced a recent death, as this may affect how your child interacts throughout the day. Remember, camps look out for the physical and emotional needs of your child, so the more information you provide, the better equipped they will be.

You will also be asked to fill out an emergency contact form, which lists another designated individual to call if you cannot be reached in the event of an accident or illness. While it is imperative to have an appointed individual, equally important is that the person knows she is designated as such. Every year camps contact the emergency person listed and she was not informed she was “on call.” The best advice? Check with that individual before writing the name down.

PERUSE POLICIES & PROCEDURES. Camp should give you materials on camp policies, procedures and planned activities. If you and your child know what to expect and what is expected of you, camp will run smoother. Most camps have a weekly schedule so parents know what the upcoming activities are. Talk with you child about what is planned. If she cannot participate due to health reasons, make sure you (not your child) inform the camp.

In recent years, many day camps have developed strict policies about leaving technology items – cell phones, handheld games and other tech toys – at home. Their philosophy is day camps are designed to be enriching experiences and the children should be engaging in these activities rather than playing with electronics. If restricted items are brought to camp, they may be confiscated and returned at the end of the day in hopes the child gets the message.

KEEP THE LINE OF COMMUNICATION OPEN. Talk about camp before it even starts. Reassure your child of the positive experience he will have. At the end of each camp day, find a block of uninterrupted time where you can listen as he shares his adventures. Ask what he liked about camp and if there were any things he didn’t like. If he is having a hard time articulating what happened, break it down by activities—“What crafts did you do?” “Did you play any outdoor games that involved balls or running?” “Who did you play with at the pool?” “Who did you sit with at lunch?”

Above all, encourage your child to always do his best, obey the rules and be respectful of others, and chances are, he’ll have a great time.

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‘WOULD YOU RATHER’ questions for kids, tweens, and teens.

Get conversations with your kids started by asking them one of these ‘would you rather’ questions.

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ould you rather sit in silence, or learn something new about the little one in your life? ‘Would you rather’ questions not only give kids the chance to opine, but they also help you discover the inner workings of their minds. They’re also great conversation starters for when you’re in the car running an errand, going for a walk, eating dinner together, or just passing the time. Whether your kid is 4 or 14, we have the ideal ‘would you rather questions’ for kids to grow their brain, unleash their imagination, and just have fun.

Would You Rather Questions for Kids Ages 4-6

1. Would you rather always be hot or always be cold?

2. Would you rather live on a boat or inside a castle?

3. Would you rather have a pet dinosaur or a pet dragon?

4. Would you rather walk on the surface of the moon or along the bottom of the Mariana Trench?

5. Would you rather have doughnuts at every breakfast or hot dogs at every dinner?

6. Would you rather be a prince/princess or president of the United States?

7. Would you rather have a fort made entirely of Magna-Tiles or have toys that could talk?

Would You Rather Questions for Kids Ages 7-9

8. Would you rather spend the night at the American Museum of Natural History or the Metropolitan Museum of Art? 9. Would you rather go to school at Hogwarts to learn to be a magician or the Jedi Praxeum to learn to be a Jedi?

10. Would you rather play for the Yankees or headline a Broadway show?

11. Would you rather drive the subway or pilot the Staten Island Ferry?

12. Would you rather be able to freeze time or travel anywhere in the world instantaneously?

Would you rather have a pet dinosaur or a pet dragon?

13. Would you rather tickle a cockroach or hug a snake?

14. Would you rather have to skip everywhere you go or walk everywhere backwards?

Would You Rather Questions for Kids Ages 10-12

15. Would you rather eat the same thing every day or never get to go on the Internet again?

16. Would you rather have someone do all your chores or do all the homework for your least favorite subject?

17. Would you rather have to go to school in your pajamas for a day or write a poem and then read it over the loudspeaker during the first period?

18. Would you rather live on the top floor of the Empire State Building or inside the Statue of Liberty?

19. Would you rather have to sing everything you say or say everything twice?

20. Would you rather be able to breathe underwater or be able to lift anything over your head?

21. Would you rather work at a puppy store or at a panda rescue center?

Would You Rather Questions for Kids Ages 13+

22. Would you rather know the answer to

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23. Would you rather win an Academy Award or a Nobel Prize?

24. Would you rather remember every single thing you’ve ever read or every single thing you’ve ever done?

25. Would you rather be able to speak every language in the world or be able to communicate with animals?

26. Would you rather reveal something you’ve never told anyone before on TikTok or have your head shaved on Live.me?

27. Would you rather be able to read other people’s thoughts or control other people’s actions?

28. Would you rather be able to travel to any point in the past or any point in the future?

29. Would you rather go without your cellphone for a day or have your cellphone but not be able to access any apps?

30. Would you rather only have access to Amazon Prime or only have access to Netflix?

Jessica Allen is a freelance writer who writes about food, culture, travel, and New York City, where she lives.

A dragon!

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raising kids There’s bound to be sibling conflict when your children share a room, but there are things you can do to reduce it.

How to Keep the Peace When Your KIDS SHARE A ROOM

BY JAIMIE SEATON Jaimie Seaton has been a journalist for more than 20 years, and is the former Thailand correspondent for Newsweek. Her work on divorce, parenting, dating, and a wide range of topics has been featured in the Washington Post, the Guardian, Glamour, and numerous other publications. Follow her on Twitter @JaimieSeaton.

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hen your kids share a room, there’s bound to be conflict. So follow these 10 easy tips to reduce the sibling conflict and rivalry and keep the peace.

We can’t all live in spacious houses. Families often have to get creative with how they use their space—and siblings might have to share a room. Laura Markham, Ph.D., founder of Aha! Parenting and author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings, advises parents start by explaining the situation.

Tell your children: “We do need you to share a room with your brother/sister. I realize that’s asking a lot of you, and I want you to always feel like you can come and talk to me if you get upset by anything. And we’ll put on our thinking caps and find a way to solve whatever the problem is.”

10 TIPS TO REDUCE CONFLICT WHEN SIBLINGS SHARE A ROOM

There are bound to be ups and downs, so Dr. Markham offers these tips for reducing sibling conflict in a tight space.

Expect bumps and don’t give up. There will be a transitional time when you first put your kids together, so expect difficult nights and have a back-up plan. If your baby is used to sleeping with you, first move her to a crib in your room.

When she moves to the elder sibling’s room, and if she cries

Have your children put on their thinking caps to

excessively, move her to the living room for the night so the elder child can sleep.

Put sleep first. If you’re moving a baby into an older sibling’s room, make sure the baby can sleep through the night so he’s not waking the older child. Consider using a white noise machine to help both children sleep.

Start during vacation. If you are transitioning baby or simply putting two siblings together for the first time, try to make the change over a long weekend or vacation when everyone can sleep in and there is less pressure.

Let young children share a bed. When your youngest child is old enough to sleep safely with a sibling, push two twin mattresses together on the floor. This can be a great way to foster closeness, and when the children get older and want their own bed, you can pull the beds apart.

Secure their treasures. We want to teach our kids to share, but they should also have a place where their prized possessions (such as a model they built or a favorite book) are just theirs.

Have a locked cabinet where each child can store their treasures.

This is especially important when one of the siblings is a toddler or young child who may not understand boundaries.

Designate the bedroom a quiet space. Sometimes one child needs more downtime than the other. Defining the bedroom

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LIPM are at each other’s throats, counseling can help to uncover the underlying issues. It can also help them develop the ability to communicate safely and express their needs.

If all else fails, separate them. If you absolutely have to, consider giving the living room to one of the kids, or the parents, until the living situation changes (the older child goes to college or you move to a larger space).

Dr. Markham also urges parents to be flexible—you’re not going to be able to set up the situation and leave it until your kids move out or you’re able to move to a home or apartment with more rooms.

Communicate frequently with your children and make adjustments according to what works best for them. And remember, sharing

inking caps to find a solution to their problem.

as a quiet place and relegating louder activity to family spaces can go a long way toward a peaceful home.

Create separate spaces. The most common reason kids have a hard time when they share a room is privacy. Set up play tents or bed canopies with curtains, so each child can feel they have their own cocoon.

With older siblings or siblings of different genders who need even more privacy, divide the room in half using bookcases or even a sheet to create a temporary wall.

Validate their feelings. If your kids want privacy, it doesn’t mean there’s something wrong. Your children shouldn’t be made to feel disloyal to each other if they want space. Let them know it’s okay.

Work to solve conflicts. If kids are having an irreconcilable difference, some family counseling might be in order. If you have teenagers who

Privacy is a must when sharing a room.

Create separate defined spaces.

a room is teaching your children to be resilient and adaptable—and they’ll likely grow up to be better sleepers.

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fun stuff

STATEN ISLAND’S BIGGEST SNOWMAN

Meet Oakley the Giant Snowman

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With all the snow dumped on us this season, the Puca family had little trouble constructing a 14-foot snowman in front of their West Brighton Home. The family of six (plus Barlety the dog!) has a longstanding tradition of building epic snowmen in their yard. Last year’s mild winter meant no snowman, so they decided to really top themselves this year.

Mom Lynn Puca, a NYC DOE paraprofessional, says the snowman, which they named Oakley, is their biggest yet. With the help of a big ladder and dad Joe Puca, an FDNY lieutenant, plus Mom, and kids Joseph, Julianna, Gabby and Lily, Oakley was built in about four hours. He gets our vote as Staten Island’s winter 2021 mascot!

The Puca Family Left to right: Barley (dog); Joseph, 14; Julianna, 12; Dad Joe; Gabby, 9; Lily, 6; and Mom Lynn

Snowman in the making!

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enter @

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Congratulations to Staten Island University Hospital’s Incredible Kids Awards Recipients November 2020 AMINA & ARIANA CROSS 6-year-old twins Amina and Ariana were nominated by their mom, Alexya Infortuna. She says they are always thinking of ways to help others. According to the twins’ mom, they enjoy donating clothes and toys to specific charities that are important to them, such as the local women’s shelter and Staten Island Giving Circle, a community-based nonprofit organization serving underprivileged people and victims of disaster.

“They sort out their toys every year around Thanksgiving to give to the Women’s Shelter and Staten Island Giving Circle. They also like to choose family members’ birthday and Christmas gifts.” Ms. Infortuna said. “During holiday events they like to donate supplies or items needed to their school, Hellenic Classical Charter School.”

December 2020 JULIANNA DILEO 12-year-old Julianna is the first Incredible Awards recipient to be nominated twice! Both her sewing teacher, Eileen Pepel, and a good friend, Patricia Jezycki submitted nominations for Julianna.

They said the Our Lady Queen of Peace seventh grader spent the months of quarantine sewing face coverings for nurses, neighbors and first responders. To date, Julianna, with the help of her sister, fourth grader Ashley, have sewn over 2000 masks. The sisters have their own Instagram page, @sewn_by_sisters. They have been featured on several news programs and newspaper articles. Julianna, with the help of supplies from the New York Jets, even created a clear mask for lip readers.

January 2021 ELENA BORRERO

15-year-old Elena was nominated by her father, Deric Borrero. He says the 15-yar-old honor student at Notre Dame Academy teamed up with her brother to create a youth group called “Staten Island Cares,” which serves the less fortunate in Staten Island communities. Elena and her brother have successfully established free deliveries of groceries for the elderly, with over a dozen scheduled to go out each week. With the help of her siblings, she’s funded and coordinated large food drives that have successfully supplied over 80 families in need with necessities. During the holiday break from school, Elena also hosted a Toys for Tots drive on Forest Avenue with some help from friends at school. Staten Island Cares now has over a dozen young adults participating under the guidance of Elena and her brother.

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>>Nominate an Incredible Kid

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Staten Island’s Incredible Kids Awards recognizes and honors outstanding children in the community. Nominees have helped others in need, donated time or effort to an important cause, boast impressive achievements at a young age, or simply stand out for their kindness and compassion.

The nominations for March Incredible Kids Awards are open March 1-15, 2021. To nominate a child, go to siparent.com/incrediblekids and upload a photo, then explain in detail why he or she deserves to be selected as the Incredible Kid of the Month. Each selected honoree will be featured in an issue of Staten Island Parent and receive a $150 Amazon gift card, courtesy of Staten Island University Hospital. Voting begins March 16. Previous nominees may reenter for any upcoming month.

>>Meet Staten Island University Hospital’s Featured Pediatric Specialists NOVEMBER 2020

Staten Island University Hospital’s board-certified adolescent medicine specialists evaluate and treat young people ages 12 to 23. The service also sponsors the FREE & CONFIDENTIAL Teen Risk Assessment Program that helps young adults better understand and achieve optimal health during adolescence, a time of physical, emotional, and intellectual change.

April Lee, MD

Co-Director, Adolescent Medicine

Edward McCabe, DO

Co-Director, Adolescent Medicine

DECEMBER 2020

Staten Island University Hospital’s board-certified pediatric sleep specialists evaluate and treat conditions that may cause your child to suffer from inadequate sleep or breathing problems. Left untreated, these problems may lead to learning and behavioral issues, as well as serious conditions affecting the heart and lungs. Our program is one of the few in New York City that is certified to provide sleep testing on children from birth through the teen years.

Siu-Pun Chan, MD

Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Sleep Medicine, Pediatrics

Pushpom James, MD

Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Sleep Medicine, Pediatrics

JANUARY 2021

Staten Island University Hospital’s board-certified pediatric sleep specialists evaluate and treat conditions that may cause your child to suffer from inadequate sleep or breathing problems. Left untreated, these problems may lead to learning and behavioral issues, as well as serious conditions affecting the heart and lungs. Our program is one of the few in New York City that is certified to provide sleep testing on children from birth through the teen years.

Eleny Romanos-Sirakis, MD

Joanna Pierro, DO

Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

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Join Staten Island Parent’s

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Birthday Club!

club members on this list. Offer valid for the month. Call before to check availabilty.

Sign Up @ siparent.com/birthday-club ENJOY THESE BIRTHDAY FREEBIES ON YOUR BIG DAY!

FREE KIDS MEAL AT WENDY’S (Staten Island only)

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Professional Services DIRECTORY

LIPM

Seeking out nearby resources in legal services, speech development, therapy or other specific need?

These local professionals can help.

ATTORNEYS KURT T. RICHARDS, P.C. Attorney at Law 1200 South Ave, Ste 201 • SI, NY 718.720.1000 • www.krichardspc.com

Divorce, Family Court, Child Custody, Spousal & Child Support, Domestic Violence, Adoptions, Name Changes, Annulments, Separation Agreements. Free Consultation for Divorce Actions. 24 Hour Phone Service.

ORTHODONTICS

Our office follows all Covid-19 safety guidelines from the CDC, ADA & AAO. Mini & Clear Braces, Invisalign, Digital Scanner, Free Consults.

Gentle, personal, quality care for children/adults. American Assoc. of Orthodontists & Diplomate of American Board of Orthodontics Member.

SALVATORE R. INDELICATO, D.M.D., P.C. 444 Huguenot Avenue • SI, NY 10312 718.967.5213 • www.bracesbydrindelicato.com

PSYCHOTHERAPISTS MICHAEL DESIMONE PH.D, LCSW

175 Burbank Ave (New Dorp) • michaeldesimonetherapy.com 917.301.5962 • michael.w.desimone@gmail.com

Offering Telehealth therapy sessions via telephone or video during the pandemic. Treating a number of Acute Stress Disorders triggered by the ongoing threat of Covid 19. I continue to provide mental health services related to anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, loss and grief for adults, adolescents and latency age children. Private and confidential.

SPEECH PATHOLOGY

SANDRA MAZZUCCO M.A., C.C.C.-SLP Annadale Town: 465 Belfield Ave North Shore: 1076 Forest Ave 718.815.6024

NYS Licensed Speech Language Pathologist. Evaluations & Therapeutic Intervention for Children & Adults, PROMPT Trained, Oral Motor & Feeding Therapy, Specializing in Fluency. ASHA Certified. Following COVID-19 Guidelines. Telehealth available.

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JCC....................................... 18, Back Cover

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Services

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