New York Family January 1, 2012

WIN AN EXTRAORDINARY BIRTHDAY PARTY! 12 PAGE

JANUARY 2012

January 2012

Established 1986 newyorkfamily.com

Best LOCAL THE

WWW.NEWYORKFAMILY.COM

SKIING, SKATING AND HOT

CHOCOLATE

75

On Her Hip Café For Kids And Hilarious Family Life With Jon City Living

CLASSES THAT KIDS

WILL LOVE

The MUST-SEE

MUSEUM NEW YORK FAMILY

EXPERIENCE

Cover_0112.indd 1

TRACEY STEWART

FINDING THE

ELUSIVE

3APT!

BEDROOM

PREVIEW 2012’S MOST IMPRESSIVE

STROLLERS 12/21/11 4:48 PM

Responsibly Green, Elegantly Glenwood

The finest Manhattan rentals in the neighborhood of your choice.

Near the Best NYC Schools • Unparalleled Service • Fitness Center • Children’s Playroom & Swimming Pool • 24-Hour Doorman • Magnificent Lobbies • Landscaped Gardens • Exciting City Views • Spacious Layouts • Building-Wide Water Filtration Systems • On-Site Parking Garage UPPER EAST SIDE

1 Bedrooms from $2,495

2 Bedrooms from $3,995

3 Bedrooms from $5,495

MIDTOWN & UPPER WEST SIDE

1 Bedrooms from $2,995

2 Bedrooms from $4,295

1 Bedrooms from $3,195

2 Bedrooms from $4,995

Convertible 3 Bedrooms from $5,995

TRIBECA & FINANCIAL DISTRICT

Convertible 3 Bedrooms from $5,195

GLENWOOD BUILDER OWNER MANAGER

212-535-0500 DOWNTOWN LUXURY LEASING OFFICE 212-430-5900 UPTOWN LUXURY LEASING OFFICE

Open 7 days, 10AM-6PM • NO FEE Free parking while viewing apartments

glenwoodnyc.com Glenwood.indd 1

Equal Housing Opportunity

12/8/11 10:59 AM

GoddardSchool.indd 1

12/20/11 10:58 AM

IN THE CI TY

Warm your Winter with Art, Cooking, Music, Play & Animals!

Adult & Me l After School

l Drop-In Play l

Mini Chef

l Weekend Programs l Birthday Parties

Visit TheArtFarms.org & Discover Programs for all Ages!

The Art Farm In The City • 419 East 91st St. • 212.410.3117 • frontdesk@theartfarms.org Celebrating 10 years!

ArtFarm.indd 1

12/16/11 12:05 PM

SPRING REGISTRATION BEGINS NOW!

REGISTER ING FOR SPR NOW! S E S S A L C

Joffery.indd 1

12/16/11 11:49 AM

FEATURES

COLUMNS

38 | THE MAMA OF MOOMAH

10 | EDITOR’S NOTE

Her One-Of-A-Kind Café May Be A Magical Playhouse For Children And Parents Alike— But Tracey Stewart Would Be The First To Tell You That The Real Magic In Her Life Is Being With Jon And The Kids

A Dream Of Her Own

12 | CONTESTS & SPECIAL EVENTS An ExerBlast bday giveaway, camp fairs around town, the New York Public Library benefit and 8moms deals and steals

44 | WINTER IN THE CITY

22 | SCOOP

Where To Have Fun (Indoors & Out) When Things Get Really Cold

Healthy treat spots, one local green blogger, a book to get stuck on and more

50 | ALL YOU NEED IS CLASS Our Winter-Spring Classes Directory Is Full Of Inspiration, Learning And Major Fun

FAMILY FUN GUIDE 14 | 10 GREAT EVENTS FOR JANUARY

JANUARY

newyorkfamily.com

24 | TREATS Fresh Face Finds: Beauty Buys & Ideas For The New Year

26 | A SPECIAL PLACE The Upper West Side Boutique Stoopher & Boots Has Become A Hit With City Parents

28 | IT’S MY PARTY 18 | PLAYS FOR THE PINT-SIZED For The Playdate Crowd, Children’s Theater Has It All

20 | EXHIBITING GOOD HEALTH CMOM’s New EatSleepPlay™ Exhibition Does The Seemingly Impossible—Turning The Body Into An Interactive Adventure

HOME & AWAY

Birthday celebrations at the Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers, Make Meaning and the American Museum of Natural History

30 | STARTING OUT Hands-Off Parenting: Bryan Caplan’s Book Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids

32 | NEW PARENT ESSENTIALS Stroller Styles Nine New Models

64 | ON THE MARKET We’ve Found The Elusive Three-Bedroom

34 | A GOOD IDEA

The Dillon Debuts The Townhouses On West 53rd

From “Hello” To “Hola”: Little Pim Offers Scientifically Based Videos And A Generous Dollop Of Fun, Plus A Language Quiz Giveaway

68 | QUALITY TIME

36 | GROWING UP

A Recipe From A Star Chef, A D.I.Y. Paper Flower Bouquet, Plus The Easiest Way To Put On A Show At Home

Scoot! Scoot!: The Website StrollerTraffic Has Established An Older Sibling—ScooterTraffic

66 | DREAM BUILDINGS

74 | THE LAST WORD 70 | CAMP COUNTDOWN 10 Questions To Ask A Camp Director, Fun Facts About Camp

6

New York Family | January 2012

TOC_0112.indd 6

The Silent Tsunami

The Cover: Photography by Thaddeus Harden (thaddeusharden.com). Styled by Joy Sherwood. Make-Up by Darci Louise for Fresh Cosmetics. Hair

by Ryan Cotton for Jed Root. Shot on location at Moomah in Tribeca.

Correction: In the December issue, we misquoted Julie Menin on page 60.

We wrote: “Education is a privilege not a right.” It is meant to read: “Education is a right, not a privilege.” www.newyorkfamily.com

12/21/11 6:51 PM

the future of

space exploration

Step into the future in this new exhibition that transports visitors to the Moon, Mars, and beyond as it boldly explores humanity’s next steps in space.

NOW OPEN

Tickets at amnh.org Open daily Central Park West at 79th Street 212-769-5100

Beyond Planet Earth: The Future of Space Exploration is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York, (www.amnh.org), in collaboration with MadaTech: the Israel National Museum of Science, Technology, & Space, Haifa, Israel.

Beyond Planet Earth is made possible through the sponsorship of

And is proudly supported by Con Edison.

Major funding has been provided by The Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Endowment Fund.

Additional support is generously provided by Mary and David Solomon.

Presented with special thanks to NASA.

AmericanMuseum.indd 1

12/19/11 4:40 PM

EdiTOr ANd CO-PUBLiSHEr Eric Messinger emessinger @ manhattanmedia.com SENiOr EdiTOr Whitney Casser wcasser @ manhattanmedia.com ASSOCiATE EdiTOr Kat Harrison kharrison @manhattanmedia.com ArT dirECTOr George W. Widmer gwidmer @manhattanmedia.com PrOdUCTiON MANAgEr Ed Johnson ejohnson @ manhattanmedia.com ASSiSTANT PrOdUCTiON MANAgEr Quarn Corley qcorley @ manhattanmedia.com PHOTO EdiTOr Andrew Schwartz

40” 39” 38” 37” — 36”-

CONTriBUTiNg PHOTOgrAPHErS Heidi Green, Thaddeus Harden, Michael Jurick CONTriBUTiNg WriTErS Maria Riley, Joy Sherwood, Veronica Torok, Briehn Trumbauer, Joe Wack, Mia Weber, Christine Wei

35” -

PUBLiSHEr John Hurley 212-268-3086, jhurley @ manhattanmedia.com

34” —

ASSOCiATE PUBLiSHEr Mary Ann Oklesson maoklesson @ manhattanmedia.com

REGISTER NOW FOR 33” WINTER/SPRING ClASSES32” VISIT JCCMANHATTAN.ORG OR CAll 646.505.5708 31” 334 AMSTERDAM AVE AT 76Th ST —

• Swimming, Sports, Music, Art and more!

• For children, birth—4 years

aschwartz@ manhattanmedia.com

SENiOr ACCOUNT MANAgEr Gina Waldman gwaldman @ manhattanmedia.com SPECiAL PrOjECTS dirECTOr Alex Schweitzer aschweitzer @ manhattanmedia.com

30”

NEW PArENTS ExPO Rebecca Martin 212-284-9732, rmartin @manhattanmedia.com

29”-

ASSiSTANT TO THE PUBLiSHEr Laura Mishkin lmishkin @ manhattanmedia.com

28” -

CirCULATiON Joe Bendik jbendik@ manhattanmedia.com AdVErTiSiNg COOrdiNATOr Jennie Valenti

27” — 26” -

jvalenti @ manhattanmedia.com

25” -

BUSiNESS MANAgEr Shawn Scott sscott@ manhattanmedia.com

24” 23” — 22”-

ACCOUNTS MANAgEr Kathy Pollyea kpollyea @ manhattanmedia.com Manhattan Media PrESidENT/CEO Tom Allon tallon @ manhattanmedia.com CFO/COO Joanne Harras jharras @ manhattanmedia.com FOUNdiNg PUBLiSHEr Barbara Witt dirECTOr OF iNTErACTiVE MArkETiNg ANd digiTAL STrATEgY Jay Gissen jgissen @ manhattanmedia.com WEB PrOdUCTiON COOrdiNATOr Kathryn Fortuno kfortuno @manhattanmedia.com EVENTS MANAgEr Jasmin Freeman jfreeman @ manhattanmedia.com

a beneficiary

ion

of UJA-Federat

New York Family is a division of Manhattan Media, publishers of AVENUE magazine, Our Town, West Side Spirit, New York Press, Mitzvah magazine, The Capitol, City Hall, City Arts, Chelsea Clinton News, The Westsider and The Blackboard Awards. © 2011 Manhattan Media, LLC | 79 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10016 | t: 212.268.8600 | f: 212.268.0577 www.manhattanmedia.com

8

New York Family | January 2012

EDNOTE_Masthead_0112.indd 8

www.newyorkfamily.com

12/21/11 10:57 AM

s• ss Facilitie World-Cla

Expe

iculum

amic Curr

on • Dyn rt Instructi

The Best Sports Programs, Hands Down.

Chelsea Piers offers Manhattan’s best and most comprehensive selection of sports programs for children. Combining world-class facilities and age-appropriate curricula, our professional staff provides athletes the opportunity to learn and grow through sports.

Sky Rink • 212.336.6100 Learn To Skate | Figure Skating | Hockey Prep | Ice Hockey Leagues

The Field House • 212.336.6500 Soccer | Gymnastics | Basketball | Dance | Rock Climbing Martial Arts | Youth Fitness Classes | Leagues | Sports Clinics

Sports Classes at

23rd Street & Hudson River Park www.chelseapiers.com Visit chelseapiers.com for a complete listing of sports classes available for both kids and adults.

The Golf Club • 212.336.6400 Private Lessons | After-School Programs | Weekend Clinics

Celebrate your Birthday at Chelsea Piers!

Sports | Ice Skating | Golf | Bowling | Toddler Play

www.chelseapiers.com

pen!

ow O N n o i t a r t s gi Spring Re ChelseaPier_FP.indd 1

12/19/11 4:35 PM

editor’s note

A dreAm of her own In my world—where children’s activity centers and enrichment programs abound— Moomah is in a category all its own. It’s a café with a relaxed country-in-the-city vibe, a menu of yummy, natural options and walls filled with art and do-it-together projects. It’s also a family oasis offering classes (and dropin crafts) in everything from fiber arts to dramatic play, and a wondrous installation called the Funky Forest.

If the melding of a café and a children’s activity retreat sounds unorthodox, or at the least untried, all I can tell you is that it works like dream—and the dreamer is the owner, Tracey Stewart. Moomah reflects Tracey’s interests and sensibilities as well as her warm and generous personality. When you read our interview with Tracey (beginning on page 38) you’ll see what I mean. No need to give much of it away here, though I will note that she has the distinction of being our first cover subject to get a little teary when talking about her husband (yup, that guy from The Daily Show) and what a good

10

New York Family | January 2012

EDNOTE_Masthead_0112.indd 10

partner and parent he is. I suspect he would he say the same of her.

When I think about it, Tracey’s not the only wonderful dreamer (and NYC mom) featured in the issue. We have stories on Tara Mandy, who created the fabulous websites StrollerTraffic and ScooterTraffic (page 36); and Julia Pimsleur, the force behind all those great Little Pim language learning products (page 34). Stephanie Goldstein isn’t a mom, but if her boutique Stoopher & Boots is any indication, she gets it (page 26)!

This is also an issue with a lot of good service stories. Depending on the age of your children, some of you may make a beeline to the 2012 Stroller Guide (page 32); others will appreciate the camp stories (page 70). The Classes Guide (page 50) is the common ground with great ideas for tots and tweens alike. Ditto with Winter In The City (page 44), an especially helpful resource if you want to take the kids skiing locally or go on a hot chocolate family crawl.

Tracey and I joking around at the shoot.

Or we could all just meet at Moomah (with or without the kids)!

Happy January, ERIC MESSINGER EDITOR emessinger@manhattanmedia.com

www.newyorkfamily.com

12/21/11 5:28 PM

ASPHALT GREEN SUMMER DAY CAMP June 28 – August 17, 2012

FUN FITNESS AND FRIENDSHIP! Pee Wee Camp | Ages 4-6 Junior Camp | Ages 6-8 Senior Camp | Ages 8-13

Sports • Swimming • Arts & Crafts • Music • Day Trips • Senior Camp Overnight Trips • Bus Service Available

REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 2.

Visit ASPHALTGREEN.ORG/CAMP for more information or to register online.

555 East 90th Street • 212.369.8890 ext. 2084

AsphaltGreen.indd 1

12/8/11 11:10 AM

N e w yo r k fa m i ly c o N t e s t s & s p e c i a l e v e N t s

ExerBlast

WI N A

PARTHYIS

LI KE TOU R FO R Y

KI D

Meet 8moms Offering insider deals to the greatest spas, restaurants, family activities and more, 8moms connects NYC parents to the best local buys from the best local places. In partnership with New York Family, 8moms posts daily deals for families to view for free! January’s offerings will include Melissa and Doug toys and puzzles, Kidville programs and classes and handcrafted jewelry. To learn more—and to snag some fabulous deals—visit newyorkfamily.com.

The New York Baby Show This Spring!

On October 15 and 16, 2011, New York Family hosted the largest baby and toddler show in the New York Metropolitan Area in years. The next mega-event—The New York Baby Show—will take place on May 19 and 20, 2012. To be informed about event news, send us a brief note and you’ll be the first to hear when registration opens. Email us at: newyorkbabyshow@manhattanmedia.com.

Come Join The Camp Fairs The New York Family Camp Fair tour is roaring through town two weekends in January. On January 21 the camp fair will be on the city’s Upper East Side; on January 22 on the Upper West Side; on January 28 near Union Square; and on January 29 in Brooklyn. The camp fairs allow parents to meet with directors from dozens of summer camps. RSVP at newyorkfamilycamps.com.

12

New York Family | January 2012

NYF_0112.indd 12

CONTESTS & GIVEAWAYS Win A Birthday Party At ExerBlast!

Treat your kid to an out-of-this world birthday at one of the hottest, new activity centers in the city—Exerblast! Your child and up to 12 friends will be treated to a unique and athletic game, as they rack up energy points climbing revolving rock walls, scaling the geometric Climbatron and plowing through the PowerPath. The all-inclusive party includes: a private party zone, invitations, balloons and two adventure guides who will lead your birthday adventure. And get this! One of the best children’s photographers in New York City, Karen Haberberg, will capture all the special bday moments as part of this special giveaway. This package is appropriate for kids ages 5-14. To enter, visit newyorkfamily.com and click on the Contests & Giveaways tab for details. Deadline to enter is Friday, February 3.

The Library’s 2012 Family Benefit The New York Public Library’s 2012 Family Benefit will take place on Sunday, January 22 from 10am-12pm in Astor Hall at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. Last year, the event raised over $200,000 to support children’s programs and services. And New York Family is delighted to be the media sponsor once again! This year, the theme will be A Passport to Adventure. Kids will explore foreign cultures though hands-on games, crafts, readings, performances and food.

For more information, go to newyorkfamily.com/events and contact librarycubs@nypl.org. www.newyorkfamily.com

12/21/11 11:30 AM

Chris Lee

Weill Music Institute

Family Concert One-hour, weekend afternoon Tickets concerts designed for families with start at children ages 5–10. Join us for fun activities—free to all ticket holders— one hour before the concert.

$9

Sunday, January 22 at 1 PM | Zankel

Ensemble ACJW

Featuring alumni of The Academy—a program of Carnegie Hall, The Juilliard School, and the Weill Music Institute in partnership with the New York City Department of Education

Let “the brightest, most promising postgraduate musicians the city has to offer” (The New York Times) inspire your children to pick up an instrument.

Community Sing with Take 6 Friday, February 3 at 7 PM

Neighborhood Concert Series sponsored by

Experience the magic of singing as a community and become part of an amazing vocal ensemble for a day.

No experience is necessary; all ages are welcome.

Free

Apollo Theater 253 West 125th Street (between Seventh and Eighth avenues) | Manhattan RSVP beginning January 3: 212-531-5305 23ACBD Community Sing events are part of the Neighborhood Concert Series.

Carnegie Hall Family Concerts are made possible, in part, by generous endowment gifts from Mr. and Mrs. Lester S. Morse Jr., and the Henry and Lucy Moses Fund.

carnegiehall.org | 212-247-7800 | Box Office at 57th and Seventh Artists, programs, dates, and ticket prices subject to change. © 2012 CHC.

CarnigieHall.indd 1

12/6/11 2:30 PM

Family Fun Guide

10 Great events For January

Move To The Music

Gershwin In The House

enticing. Admission is $7/adults, $5/students, seniors and children.

Free for kids under 2. Corner of Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn, 718-6941600, mta.info/museum.

January 7 ROCKIN’ ROBOTICS

[All Ages]

Celebrate The Dragon

Through January THE SCIENCE OF RUSH HOUR [All Ages]

Who knew that the history behind switches and circuit breakers could be totally electrifying? The New York Transit Museum’s first science exhibit, ElectriCity: Powering New York’s Rails, was designed by Liberty Science Center to help transit riders rethink their subway experience. Sure to get kids thinking, the exhibit showcases artifacts like a giant subway control board panel from the 1930s in a 2,000-square-foot space. And handson activities that let them create sparks and operate model trains make electricity (and science) all the more

14

New York Family | January 2012

FAMILYFUNGUIDE_0112.indd 14

Which robot will reign above the rest? Root for your favorite as it navigates a course at Liberty Science Center’s Robots! - FIRST® Tech Challenge Competition and marvel as high school students showcase their own creations. Kids will learn that engineering isn’t just for adults and that robots look even better off the silver screen.

Free with paid admission, 12-4pm. 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, 201-200-1000, lsc.org.

January 7, 21 & 28 DISCOVER THE UNIVERSE [Ages 6-10]

Art and science go hand-in-hand, particularly when it comes to the fascinating work of artist Aleksandra Mir. In the Whitney’s latest Family Fun Workshop, The Art of Experimentation, curious clans will watch segments of Mir’s video project The Seduction of Galileo Galilei (2011) and learn all

about the father of modern science.

After perusing Mir’s creative collages, families can work together on their own artistic creations. $10 per family, 10:30am-12:30pm, pre-registration recommended. 945 Madison Avenue, 212-570-3600, whitney.org.

January 8 GERSHWIN IN THE HOUSE [Ages 4-11]

Broadway Playhouse presents a special showcase of some of the greatest theatrical music of all time—the show tunes of George and Ira Gershwin. Join Director Sean Hartley in this family matinee concert series, designed to make musicals more accessible to children. Listen to classic numbers from Strike Up The Band, Porgy and Bess and Girl Crazy and learn the stories behind some of the most famous American musicals. All tickets are $20, 11am. Merkin Concert Hall at Kaufman Center, 129 West 67th Street, 212-501-3300, kaufmancenter.org.

January 8 MOVE TO THE MUSIC [All Ages]

From the speed of Irish stepping to the sounds of staccato tap, Stam-Pede at Symphony Space makes for an excellent introduction to the world of rhythm and movement. Kids will learn from eight different dance troupes as www.newyorkfamily.com

12/20/11 5:30 PM

BIRTHDAY PARTY SEASON IS

( DON’T GET LEFT OUT IN THE COLD ; )

Celebrate your child’s birthday with a one of a kind creative party that will be the highlight of their year.

Oodles of interactive activities lead to magical masterpieces and lasting memories.

MENTION THIS AD when planning your party and your guest of honor receives a SPECIAL GIFT from Make Meaning's boutique!

JU

ST

W

(Up to $50 value!) | Book by 02/29/12

AL

K

IN

AN

REATE! C D soap

ceramics

cake decorating glass

paper

jewelry

candles

Birthday parties now booking at NYC's HOTTEST party destination.

Email: parties@makemeaning.com | (212) 213-4265 UWS: 329 Columbus Avenue btwn 75th and 76th UES: 1501 Third Avenue btwn 84th and 85th | www.makemeaning.com MakeMeaning.indd 1

12/19/11 4:31 PM

Family Fun Guide they showcase everything from Parijat Desai Dance Company’s hybrid of modern and traditional Indian dance to the theatrical, narrative-based choreography of Caleb Teicher & Company. This dazzling display of highenergy motion will have kids feeling the passion of Spanish flamenco, laughing at the comedy of vaudeville and marveling at the musicality of classical ballet all in the same show.

All tickets are $15, 3pm. Peter Jay Sharp Theatre, 2537 Broadway, 212-864-5400, symphonyspace.org.

January 14 SCANDINAVIAN STYLE [Ages 5-12]

This month, take a trip to the Nordic side of the world without ever leaving the city. The Scandinavia House presents the Luminous Modernism Children’s Workshop: Dragon Style, a showcase of the unique Norwegian architecture popular in the late 19th Century. Families can browse the art of the Luminous Modernism exhibit and connect with the beauty of dragon style—a cross between the medieval art of the Vikings and the more modern architecture of the Swiss Chalet. Inspired by what you see? Use elements of dragon style to breathe some 21st Century life into your very own building models. $10 per person, 1-4pm, pre-registration is required. 58 Park Avenue, 212-779-3587, scandinaviahouse.org.

January 22 CELEBRATE THE DRAGON [All Ages]

The 4,710th Lunar New Year is underway and it happens to be the Year of the Dragon, the only mythical being of the twelve animals that form the Chinese Zodiac. Come celebrate the magic of this auspicious creature at the Museum of Chinese in America’s Lunar New Year Festival Family Day with calligraphy and storytelling workshops, art projects and family gallery tours. Lion dancing performances will weave together imagination and reality, and pianist Dave Liang of the Shanghai Restoration Project will introduce families to fresh versions of traditional Chinese children’s songs. General admission is $10, free

16

New York Family | January 2012

FAMILYFUNGUIDE_0112.indd 16

|

1 0 G r e at e v e N t s F o r J a N ua r Y

for children ages 1 & under, 10am-5pm. 215 Centre Street, 212-619-4785, mocanyc.org.

January 22 A TRASH BASH [Ages 3-6]

Come turn your trash into a trumpet at the 92nd Street Y with professional trumpeters and composers Matt Holman and Nadje Noordhuis of the Dueling Duo Trumpets. Form a trash-trumpet band, and prepare to jam like you have never have before! Kids will have the opportunity to use their imaginations and create new instruments, and then raise the roof and enjoy stories and songs with the Bash the Trash crew in this hour-long family concert. Tickets are $12, 3pm.

Buttenwieser Hall, 1395 Lexington Avenue, 212-415-5500, 92y.org.

January 28 FOOT-STOMPIN’ FUN [Ages 3-6]

There is nothing better than jamming jug-band style with The Wiyos to get your family grooving. Put on your favorite fedora and let this folksy band take you back to the 1920s Rockin’ Robotics and 30s for some vintage vaudeville in this free, interactive CarnegieKids concert at The Brooklyn Central Library. creates original artwork right in front Armed with a guitar, banjo, kazoo, of your eyes. Every child in attendance harmonica—and don’t forget the wash- will also receive a free coloring book by board—The Wiyos can coax music out Mr. Reynolds, the best-selling illusof any little thing. At 45 minutes long, trator of the Judy Moody book series, this concert is the perfect length for and get the chance to meet him after young music lovers who still yearn for the show. Tickets start at $15, performid-afternoon naptime. Free, 1pm. 10 mance times vary. The Kaye Playhouse Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, 718at Hunter College, East 68th Street 230-2100, brooklynpubliclibrary.org.

(Between Park & Lexington Avenues), 212-971-9500, littleorchestra.org.

January 28-29 A MAESTRO’S MASTERPIECE [Ages 3-5]

As part of the Lolli-Pops, a special concert series for little ones, The Little Orchestra Society hosts Camille Saint-Saëns’ beloved Carnival of the Animals. Watch the music spring to life as guest illustrator Peter H. Reynolds

For daily event picks for families, check out our Family Calendar at newyorkfamily.com/events. www.newyorkfamily.com

12/20/11 5:30 PM

shoofly_winter3_201#1BF804E.pdf

12/2/11

7:06:42 PM

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

even supermoms need care. call or walk-in today.

.

Partials_1011.indd 1

12/22/11 10:28 AM

Family Fun Guide

|

t h E at E r

PLAys For the

PiNt-sized The Paper Bag Players Laugh! Laugh! Laugh!

For The Playdate Crowd, Children’s Theater Has It All: Big Laughs, Crazy Adventures And Happy Endings

BY Eric MEssiNgEr New York City is the theater capital of the world—and that goes for children’s theater, too—with more than ten well-established companies producing Broadway-like entertainment for kids of all ages. Offering on-stage specialties ranging from modern adaptations of fairytales to cutting-edge fun, no two companies are quite alike—and they are all worth getting to know.

Making Books Sing This critically acclaimed non-profit serves up a unique mix of literacy and musical theater with its lively reproductions of contemporary children’s books. makingbookssing.org Coming Soon: The Butterfly (Apr. 14-29)

Now Showing: Wiseacre Farm and Rumple Who?

The New Victory Theater While not strictly a producer of plays, the famed New Victory—one of the long-time anchors of the revitalized Times Square— features theatrical productions in its mix of cutting-edge live entertainment for families. newvictory.org Coming Soon: Rumplestiltskin (Jan. 6-8); Miss Ophelia (Jan. 13-15); Hands Up! (Jan. 18- 22); Wuthering Heights, Restless Souls (Jan. 27-29)

Galli Theater 25 years old and still standing strong, the Galli’s special way of connecting with kids is through fresh adaptations of classic fairytales, presenting up to ten productions a year. gallitheaterny.com Coming Soon: Frog Prince (Jan. 7–29); Aladdin (Jan. 8-Feb. 26)

The Paper Bag Players This forward-thinking troupe is noted for its creative repurposing of common household objects into cheerful sets, costumes and props to bring its hilarious song-and-dance routines to life. thepaperbagplayers.org Coming Soon: The Paper Bag Players Laugh! Laugh! Laugh! (Jan. 28-Feb. 12)

Literally Alive Now in their 12th season, Literally Alive produces musicals based on classic children’s literature. Plus, there’s always a pre-show arts workshop for added fun. literallyalive.com Coming Soon: Alice in Wonderland (Feb. 12-May 20)

Puppetworks The legendary Nicolas Coppola has been entertaining families with his marionette theater in Brooklyn for over 30 years.

Simply amazing. puppetworks.org Coming Soon: The Steadfast Tin Soldier & Nutcracker Sweets (Jan. 7-8); Puss in Boots (Jan. 14-Apr. 5)

13th Street Repertory This veteran company typically has a few beloved children’s shows in rotation.

13thstreetrep.org

Manhattan Children’s Theatre Celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, the Tribeca-based company offers a mix of classic and new productions, while still trying to keep it as affordable for families as possible. mctny.com Now Showing: Giggle, Giggle, Quack

18

New York Family | January 2012

FAMILYFUNGUIDE_0112.indd 18

Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre The long-time Central Park staple can always be counted on for top-notch puppet plays. cityparksfoundation.org Coming Soon: Little Miss Muffet’s Monster-Sitting Service (Begins Jan. 17)

The New Victory Theater, Hands Up!

TADA! Youth Theater Noted for their acting classes, TADA! also sponsors professional-quality musical theater throughout the year with casts of totally talented kids. tadatheater.com Coming Soon: The History Mystery (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Tribeca Performing Arts Center & TheatreworksUSA We’ve put these veteran institutions together because many of the family shows at BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts are Theatreworks productions. tribecapac.org, theatreworksusa.org Coming Soon: Henry & Mudge (Feb. 26) Vital Children’s Theatre A high-profile theater group whose family division specializes in musical theater for young children. The present productions are at several Upper West Side locations. vitaltheatre.org Coming Soon: The Bully (Jan. 14-Feb. 16) For more shows to see with your kids, visit our FAmiLy CALeNdAr At NewyorkFAmiLy.Com. www.newyorkfamily.com

12/21/11 10:16 AM

NewVictory.indd 1

12/19/11 5:28 PM

Family Fun Guide

|

MUSEUMS

EXHIBITING GOOD HEALTH CMOM’s New EatSleepPlay™ Exhibition Does The Seemingly Impossible—Turning The Body Into An Interactive Adventure like pedaling a bike to work off 14 calories from four noodles, families can learn together (see sidebar for more examples).

Slide through a giant mouth. Step inside a brain. Sound like But it’s more than just an educational funzone. Since before an episode of The Magic School Bus? Just about! Welcome to the the exhibit opened, CMOM has been cultivating community new exhibit at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM)— outreach programs through efforts with The National Institute of EatSleepPlay™: Building Health Every Day. Health (NIH) by adapting its tween and young teen We Can! curFor the past few years, CMOM has been shaping a comprericulum for two- to five-year-olds. hensive EatSleepPlay™ Health Initiative. “We started noticing The interactive curriculum, which is aligned with Pre-K and kids being heavy more than a decade ago,” CMOM’s Executive health standards, combines the arts, science, math, literacy and Director Andrew Ackerman says. “We have to get at this issue physical health. “We have a lesson where kids get a portion plate when kids are really young.” and use model magic to make their favorite fruits and vegetables,” For Ackerman, EatSleepPlay™ shines because it’s a project says Leslie Bushara, CMOM’s Deputy Director of Education and about the overall well-being of a child, not just another health Guest Services. “Then we do movement activities about portion exhibit. And because a museum is a neutral setting for families and size, read a book and make a healthy parfait.” The program sans medical evaluation, Ackerman hopes parents will dialogue is presented to nearly 150 children and parents per week at three with their kids to make small lifestyle changes that can have a big different East Side House Settlement sites in the South Bronx, and impact, such as substituting a whole orange for sugary OJ. Bushara claims they have witnessed changes in kids’ eating habits The highly hands-on exhibit is divided into four areas: the during the 11-week course.

Brain (or Decision Center), and—you guessed it—Eat, Sleep and CMOM is also collaborating with the Louisiana Children’s Play. With more than 70 interactive games and activity stations, Museum in New Orleans to make the curriculum a national model for early childhood health. Other outreach efforts include training in Head Starts across the city to develop Green Cart, the Eat area called Sleep Stealers a holistic approach to teaching nutrifeatures Super Sprowtz show how choices made tion and fitness, and working with vegetable characters during the day affect sleep CUNY Childcare Providers to educate The best way to experithat have superpowat night—click buttons to women through a course on literacy ence the exhibit is to walk ers. Through videos and put a TV in the bedroom and health. through it. But here are sorting games in this or eat a heavy dinner, and “Issues around food are emotional some of the highlights! early childhood section, the inflatable Sleep Stealand cultural,” Bushara says. “What we learn about Colby Carrot, ers awaken. do, in a sensitive way, is [introduce] DECISION CENTER who has super sight, and fun, engaging activities that aren’t • A Graffiti Wall emphaErica Eggplant, who is PLAY intimidating.” sizes how bad choices super smart.

• Get your heart rate goThe same can be said of EatSleepinfluence the community. ing by playing a Tabletop Play™—but you’ll just have to visit • The Royal Flush station is SLEEP Cardio game similar to and see for yourself. a talking British toilet that • A sleep-deprivation Whac-A-Mole.

BY BRIEHN TRUMBAUER

ORE L P X E

THIS

explains bodily functions.

EAT • Represented by an NYC

20

foosball game pits a drowsy team rigged to lose against a well-rested team.

• Giant green monsters

New York Family | January 2012

FAMILYFUNGUIDE_0112.indd 20

• Move in crazy ways to break through laser beams and create music in the laser dance room.

FOR MORE ABOUT THE FEATURES OF EATSLEEPPLAY™, SEE OUR EXTENDED STORY ON NEWYORKFAMILY.COM. www.newyorkfamily.com

12/20/11 5:32 PM

“Worth cheering about!” – The New York Times

“THE PAPER BAG PLAYERS

LAUGH! LAUGH! LAUGH!” Symphony Space 95th and Broadway

Saturday, Jan. 28th at 11:00 am Sunday, Jan. 29th at 3:00 pm

Tickets: $30, $25, $15 Box Office: 212-864-5400

The Kaye Playhouse

at Hunter college East 68th Street Between Park & Lexington

Saturday, Feb. 4th Sunday, Feb. 5th Saturday, Feb. 11th Sunday, Feb. 12th

Shows at 2:00 pm Tickets: $30, $25, $15 Box Office: 212-772-4448

Kevin, Ted, Amy, John and Laura are back, and ready to Laugh! Laugh! Laugh!!

For group sales call 212-353-2332

Partials_1011.indd 2

thepaperbagplayers.org

12/22/11 10:29 AM

scoop

|

KeepiNg pareNts iN the KNow

FOOD Wholesome Eats Disguised As Treats We’ve noticed a dessert trend popping up around the city, and it’s one you don’t have to feel guilty about: bakeries and ice creameries that specialize in vegan, kosher, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, you-name-it-free options. Friends Dan Dunbar and Christopher Hollowell recently opened their Dun-Well Doughnuts (pictured) shop in Williamsburg with more than 50 delicious all-vegan varieties. BabyCakes NYC™, founded by Erin McKenna, uses agave nectar instead of sugar and offers alternatives for those with wheat, gluten, dairy, casein and egg allergies. Eleni’s, a “No Nuts Allowed” bakery, features peanut- and tree nut-free iced sugar cookies and cupcakes. And for those who enjoy a frozen treat any time of the year, Simply Peeled serves up dairy-, gluten- and soy-free soft-serve that uses only natural fruit, filtered water and organic cane sugar. For more information, visit dunwelldoughnuts.com, babycakesnyc.com, elenis.com and simplypeeled.com.

BOOK Wanna Get Stuck?

Has your child ever gotten something stuck in a tree? Has a towering Central Park oak or maple swallowed your kid’s kite or taken your tot’s toy? The scenario is hilarious and its comedic potential is fully realized in Stuck (Philomel Books, 2011) by Brooklyn-based author and illustrator Oliver Jeffers. In this delicately drawn picture book, little Floyd uses a shoe, a bucket of paint, a ladder, a whale—even the kitchen sink!—in an effort to free his kite from the clutches of a gigantic tree. Let your children read all about out how Floyd resolves the crisis with resourcefulness and aplomb. For more information, visit oliverjeffers.com.

BLOG Green Living Online Here’s a local and green-minded blog to add to your RSS feed: AlexandraZissu.com. The eco-obsessed writer (pictured) provides parental insight into how to find safe everyday products for families.

22

New York Family | January 2012

SCOOP_0112.indd 22

From cosmetics for moms to cribs for tots, Zissu scours the market in an effort to learn what’s clean and green, and what’s not.

Informative and enlightening, Zissu’s blog complements other great resources including her co-written books The Complete Organic Pregnancy and Planet Home, along with The Conscious Kitchen.

For more information, visit alexandrazissu.com.

APP iKid In The City Are you an NYC parent on-the-go? There’s an app for that. When native New Yorker Lara Serebrier Paul began navigating the city with her new baby, she found it difficult to whip out her notes about the nearest subway elevator or playground. Soon after, iKidNY was born. The app offers vital info in five categories that city parents need most: Indoor Activities, Outdoor Activities, Changing Tables, Subway Elevators and Kid-Friendly Restaurants. With one-touch navigation, an interactive map with directions and auto-connect to phone numbers and websites, all of Lara’s tips are at the tips of your fingers. For more information, visit ikidny.com.

THERAPY A Therapist For The Very Young With the motto “empowered parents, happy families,” Dana Rosenbloom, an expert in early childhood education and development, works with parents and children to tackle family issues. Rosenbloom’s organization Dana’s Kids provides services in Individualized Child & Family Therapy that cover an assortment of topics for moms and dads (like bringing home a new baby and raising a child with special needs) and for kids (such as improving play skills and decreasing temper tantrums). Families can also work together with courses on sleep training, dealing with sibling rivalry and more. Along with family therapy, Dana presents her techniques at parenting programs and play groups. For more information, visit danaskids.com.

FOr A DAILY DOSE OF SCOOP, VISIT NEWYOrKFAmILY.COm. www.newyorkfamily.com

12/20/11 5:31 PM

JA

ZZ

AT

LI

NC

OL

N

CE

NT

ER

Give the gift of New York!

FA

W

MI

T HA D

m ru

LY

CO

rM

E

IM

IS

me

NC

at

RT

P

ils tW

on

V RO an

d

his

IS

Ar

I AT

&

ts

C

ON

ts ra f

en

?

sem

ble

SAVE $10 ON TICKETS WHEN YOU USE CODE: RDNYF TO PURCHASE TICKETS: CALL (866) 299-9682 GO TO BROADWAYOFFERS.COM BRING AD TO BOX OFFICE - 1535 BROADWAY AT 46TH ST.

TEXT: THERIDE TO 313131

matt wilson Courtesy of the Artist

“The hottest new way to see New York.”

F

Preferred Card of Jazz at Lincoln Center

11 EB

\1

Fr

ee

PM

p

3 PM &

co re -

nc

ert

ac

it tiv

ies

,1

2:1

5

pm

&

2:1

5p

m

JALC.ORG

Media Partner

JAZZ FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

®

centercharge 212-721-6500

b ox o f fi c e Broadway at 60th

Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Subject to availability. Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.

Nine ticket limit per order. This offer may be revoked at any time.

World Renowned Parenting Center Pre-natal & Parenting Workshops Early Childhood Classes in art, music, dance, sports, swimming and more!

Information • Support • Expertise Community • Parents Like You

AN OPEN DOOR TO EXTRAORDINARY WORLDS™ 92nd Street Y Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street An agency of UJA-Federation

YFADWONDPLYNF1-1a.indd 1

Partials_1011.indd 3

Members get more out of Wonderplay. To become a member, visit 92Y.org/Wonderplay today!

11/10/11 4:17 PM

12/22/11 10:30 AM

JA

ZZ

AT

LI

NC

OL

N

CE

NT

ER

Give the gift of New York!

FA

MI

A WH Dr

LY

CO

S T I

um

me

rM

NC

E

IM att

RT

PR

ls Wi

on

a

I OV

h nd

is

Ar

S

I AT

&

ts

C

ON

ts ra f

en

?

sem

ble

SAVE $10 ON TICKETS WHEN YOU USE CODE: RDNYF TO PURCHASE TICKETS: CALL (866) 299-9682 GO TO BROADWAYOFFERS.COM BRING AD TO BOX OFFICE - 1535 BROADWAY AT 46TH ST.

TEXT: THERIDE TO 313131

matt wilson Courtesy of the Artist

“The hottest new way to see New York.”

F

Preferred Card of Jazz at Lincoln Center

11 EB

\1

Fr

ee

PM

pr

&

3

PM

on e-c

cer

ta

ct

ti ivi

es,

12

:15

pm

&

2:1

5p

m

JALC.ORG

Media Partner

JAZZ FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

®

centercharge 212-721-6500

b ox o f fi c e Broadway at 60th

Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Subject to availability. Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.

Nine ticket limit per order. This offer may be revoked at any time.

World Renowned Parenting Center Pre-natal & Parenting Workshops Early Childhood Classes in art, music, dance, sports, swimming and more!

Information • Support • Expertise Community • Parents Like You

AN OPEN DOOR TO EXTRAORDINARY WORLDS™ 92nd Street Y Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street An agency of UJA-Federation

YFADWONDPLYNF1-1a.indd 1

Members get more out of Wonderplay. To become a member, visit 92Y.org/Wonderplay today!

11/10/11 4:17 PM

T R E AT S

FRESH FACE FINDS

5

2 1

3

4

Beauty Buys & Ideas For The New Year

BY SHARA BENISON 1. The Body Builder Give limp locks a boost with new Matrix Total Results Amplify Wonder Boost Root Lifter spray. Its lightweight formula is packed with proteins that coat each individual hair strand to build lasting volume. An extended nozzle deposits the styling spray directly to the root, leaving even the finest tresses with noticeable lift. After one use, you’ll never style without it again. $16, Mizu Salon, mizuforhair.com 2. Sleeping Beauty Dreams of younger looking skin are a thing of the past with Bliss’ new The Youth As We Know It™ night cream. Made with a potent blend of collagen and elastin protectors, vitamin A and shea butter, the anti-aging formula works while you doze to visibly reduce wrinkles and boost skin’s elasticity. $79, Sephora, sephora.com 3. Palette Pleaser Bobbi Brown’s limited edition Ultra Nude Eye Palette is an absolute must for makeup minimalists and mavens alike. Six wearable shades of matte, shimmery and

24

New York Family | January 2012

TREATS_0112.indd 24

metallic browns flatter any skin tone and can be easily layered to create a natural or dramatic look, depending on your mood.

The palette includes a dual-end shadow brush, making application a cinch. $45, Bloomingdales, bloomingdales.com 4. Kiss Me Kate In celebration of Kate Moss’ ten year anniversary as the face of Rimmel London, the brand has launched a collection of lipsticks created by the supermodel herself.

Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate Moss comes in five fashion-forward shades designed to capture the iconic beauty’s unique, edgy style. Choose from nude, pink, coral, deep berry or red. $5.49, Duane Reade, duanereade.com 5. The Bar Method Step inside Drybar, the city’s chicest new hair spa, and you’ll find an army of skilled stylists ready to pamper and perfect even the most tangled coifs. What you won’t find however, are scissors. That’s because Drybar, located on West 16th Street, offers “no cuts, no color, just blowouts.”

Launched by former hair stylist Alli Webb, the blowout bar offers New Yorkers great style at a good price. “Women struggle with the same two bad options: high end salons that charge upwards of $70 for a blowout or the dreaded discount chain where you don’t know what you’re going to get,” explains Webb. At Drybar, every blowout is $40—regardless of hair’s length, thickness or texture.

The menu of style options includes five looks, ranging from the sleek and smooth “Manhattan” to the super voluminous “Southern Comfort.” Stylists are adept at pulling off edgier looks as well, like the messy, just-rolled-out-of-bed “Mai Tai.” Head massages and up-dos can be added on to any service for an additional charge.

Drybar’s second New York location opens this month in the Le Parker Meridien Hotel on West 56th Street, thedrybar.com SHARA BENISON WRITES ABOUT BEAUTY ON THE TREATS BLOG AT NEWYORKFAMILY.COM. www.newyorkfamily.com

12/21/11 8:23 AM

MOM KNOWS BEST! Mind Over Matter Health and Fitness was founded to provide busy NYC Moms a service to integrate fitness into their daily lives.

MUSIC, ART & DANCE AT

SCHOOL OF THE ARTS Spring classes begin Jan 30 Enroll Today!

M.O.M’s mission is to provide certified Pre-natal and Postpartum fitness instructors specializing in areas such as Personal Training, Yoga & Pilates.

Whether in your home, office or outdoors, MOM trainers are equipped to turn any space into your own private gym.

212-865-9290 www.mindovermatternyc.com joshua@mindovermatternyc.com ASK ABOUT OUR M.I.L.F. BOOT CAMP CLASSES!

Drawing + Painting + Ceramics Jewelry Making + Photography Early Childhood Music + Dalcroze Music Tech + Private Lessons Group Instruction + Ballet + Modern Dance + Early Childhood Dance Hip Hop + Jazz + Tap + Theater Dance Performing Ensembles + And More!

Jack L. Mitchell, DDS Orthodontics: Rita V. Taliwal, DMD, MS

www.pediatricdentistNYC.com 305 East 55th St. New York, NY 10022

Partials_1011.indd 4

between 1st & 2nd Avenues 212-755-3355

Visit 92Y.org/SOA, call 212.415.5500 or stop by the Box Office. an open door to extraordinary worlds™ Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street An agency of UJA-Federation

SHARE AND CONNECT

12/22/11 10:30 AM

MOM KNOWS BEST! Mind Over Matter Health and Fitness was founded to provide busy NYC Moms a service to integrate fitness into their daily lives.

MUSIC, ART & DANCE AT

SCHOOL OF THE ARTS Spring classes begin Jan 30 Enroll Today!

M.O.M’s mission is to provide certified Pre-natal and Postpartum fitness instructors specializing in areas such as Personal Training, Yoga & Pilates.

Whether in your home, office or outdoors, MOM trainers are equipped to turn any space into your own private gym.

212-865-9290 www.mindovermatternyc.com joshua@mindovermatternyc.com ASK ABOUT OUR M.I.L.F. BOOT CAMP CLASSES!

Drawing + Painting + Ceramics Jewelry Making + Photography Early Childhood Music + Dalcroze Music Tech + Private Lessons Group Instruction + Ballet + Modern Dance + Early Childhood Dance Hip Hop + Jazz + Tap + Theater Dance Performing Ensembles + And More!

Jack L. Mitchell, DDS Orthodontics: Rita V. Taliwal, DMD, MS

www.pediatricdentistNYC.com 305 East 55th St. New York, NY 10022

between 1st & 2nd Avenues 212-755-3355

Visit 92Y.org/SOA, call 212.415.5500 or stop by the Box Office. an open door to extraordinary worlds™ Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street An agency of UJA-Federation

SHARE AND CONNECT

t r e at s

|

A SpeciAl plAce

hAndmAde photos by Andrew Schwartz

heAven

With Its Delightful Finds For The Family, The Upper West Side Boutique Stoopher & Boots Has Become A Hit With City Parents

BY WhitNeY cASSer Inside its lavender-painted walls, with sofa-stuffed nooks for kiddies to curl up in—plus a much-loved resident pooch—Stoopher & Boots on the Upper West Side holds indie treasures aplenty for gift-giving city dwellers, especially ones with kids in tow. The idea for the family-focused shop, which opened in May 2010, began when Founder and Owner Stephanie Goldstein started designing tshirts for her sister’s children. Fam and friends were impressed and after posting her creations online, the shirts started selling like crazy.

Even Sarah Jessica Parker wanted some of the threads for her twins.

With that kind of attention, you can guess what happened next.

“I needed to make a decision—did I want to be a wholesaler or a retailer?” Goldstein remembers. Ultimately, she chose to pursue retail for the creative freedom. The result? A super cozy, local Etsy come to life.

“I felt like the neighborhood could use a good gift store,” says Goldstein. “I thought to do gifts because there’s a lot of flexibility in it and then I wanted to do handmade because it’s unique and I thought this neighborhood would appreciate that.”

Open seven days a week, Stoopher & Boots is a small community in and of itself with familiar faces walking through the door on a regular basis. With Kings of Leon and Beck softly pouring through its speaker system and an open door policy, the uptown store is a one-stop destination for families looking to browse a wide array of unique gift ideas, such as quirky stuffed animals, toys and books, throw pillows, wall hangings, kids’ clothing and jewelry.

“I want it to feel like you’re in my living room,” says Gold-

stein while petting her lovable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Scout. Her business philosophy is to be as helpful as possible without being pushy. The approachable owner keeps nothing in her store above arm’s reach and she’s constantly offering new services to her customers, like custom-made party favors and personalized embellishments for camp tees and uniforms.

Aside from her own crafting talents, Goldstein has a keen instinct for one-of-a-kind finds, often by small, independent artists.

“A woman who was making children’s NYC taxi tees stopped by the store one day,” Goldstein recalls. “She had heard about the store from a friend... She wanted to show me some samples.”

While Goldstein normally doesn’t take pitches without an appointment, the instant she caught a glimpse of the artist’s work, she was hooked.

“I bought all of her samples right off of her and sold out within ten days.”

In the year and a half it’s been open, Stoopher & Boots has also made itself into an online shopping destination while hitting its stride as a gift hunter’s paradise. And with soft and inviting kids’ couches for lounging, a giant chalkboard upon which little shoppers can unleash creative urges and a steady stream of new toys and gifts to discover, this city store has found its niche: having a little bit of something for everyone.

Stoopher & Boots is located at 385 Amsterdam Avenue. Visit the store online at stoopher.bigcartel.com.

And for more greAt shopping ideAs, check out our treAts blog At newyorkfAmily.com.

A stoopher & boots sAmpler

original kid kit™, $38

26

perpetual wooden block calendar, $28

New York Family | January 2012

TREATS_0112.indd 26

the Abcs of central park: An Alphabet guidebook by G. Augustine Lynas, $12.95

taxi nyc thermal tee, $38

personalized collection monogram necklace, $88 www.newyorkfamily.com

12/21/11 11:29 AM

Fitness Made Fun at 92nd Street Y We’ve got classes, lessons and leagues for kids of all ages.

• Gymnastics • Tiny & Junior Tumblers

The children are in school and now is the perfect time to pamper yourself and do all the things you have wanted to do...

• Swimming • Basketball • Private Coaching • Pee Wee Tennis • KidSports • Teen Fitness Classes • Personal Training • Birthday Parties

Skin care including Botox®, Juvederm® and Dermasweep® Microdermabrasion Breast enhancement and Mommy Makeovers, Liposuction and Liposculpture

New York Family readers will receive a complimentary consultation.

Plastic Surgery for the entire family.

For the Parents …

• Aesthetic & Reconstructive Facial Surgery • Aesthetic Breast Surgery & Body Contouring • Spa and Facial Services For the children…

• Emergency care of lacerations, burns and fractures • Treatment of congenital conditions and birthmarks • Excisions of lesions and scar revisions • Torn earlobes and prominent ears

Douglas M. Monasebian, MD, FACS 784 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10021

at 92Y.org/ Enroll today! Register or call 212.415.5500

212-472-8700 info@ParkAvenuePlasticSurgery.com www.ParkAvenuePlasticSurgery.com AN OPEN DOOR TO EXTRAORDINARY WORLDS™ 92nd Street Y, Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street An agency of UJA-Federation

Partials_1011.indd 5

12/22/11 10:31 AM

IT ’S MY PARTY Alexandra Elwell celebrates her 7th birthday at the Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers.

1

2

3

1. All smiles, the birthday girl links arms with friends on the ice. 2. Up, up, and away! Alexandra gets a thrilling mid-air twirl. 3. Surrounded by sparkling snowflake balloons, party guests gather ‘round the cheery cake. Photos by Heidi Green (heidigreen.com)

Spencer Brod celebrates his 6th birthday at Make Meaning.

1

2

3

4

1. Spencer gets a 21st Century fête, complete with a glorious smartphone game-themed cake. 2. The b-day boy adores his Angry Birds treat. 3. A crafty party guest decorates a delicious sweet.

4. All eyes are on Spencer—it’s a party in his honor, after all!

Photos by Michael Jurick (jurick.net)

Sloane Mayman celebrates her 7th birthday at the American Museum of Natural History.

1

2

3

4

1. Sloane flashes a million-dollar smile as dazzling as her drawing. 2. The birthday girl’s excitement is infectious. 3. The girl of the hour blows out her big-girl candles as her family cheers on. 4. Sloane and her happy guests enjoy some hands-on fun in a dino egg dig pit.

Photos by Heidi Green (heidigreen.com)

INTERESTED IN FEATURING YOUR CHILD’S BIRTHDAY PARTY IN THE MAGAZINE? SEND AN EMAIL TO DBUCHELLI@MANHATTANMEDIA.COM FOR MORE DETAILS.

28

New York Family | January 2012

ITSMYPARTY_0112.indd 28

www.newyorkfamily.com

12/21/11 8:25 AM

CraftStudio.indd 1

12/14/11 5:59 PM

Frazzled parents of young children, breathe easy. According to economist and parenting author Bryan Caplan, the benefits of having kids are greater than they seem. Take his advice, and resolve to stop working so hard at parenting the “right” way this year.

Caplan, a professor of economics at George Mason University and father of three boys—a two-year-old and eight-year-old twins—wrote his first parenting book, Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids (Basic Books, 2011), while pulling the night shift during the infancy of his youngest son. In the book, Caplan explains that parents today are making painful sacrifices for their children’s wellbeing in vain.

“The big problem,” he says, “is people focusing too much on changing their kids and not enough on enjoying them.” By examining a multitude of twin and adoption studies, Caplan found that the effects of child-rearing are mostly short-term; it’s really nature that dictates the lion’s share of how a person will turn out.

This news indicates that parental unhappiness is an unnecessary consequence of expending extra energy on raising kids and, better yet, may be avoidable.

Rather than try to change our children, “we should think about raising kids in a very similar way as we would look at a marriage or a friendship,” Caplan insists. Most people enter into such relationships because they appreciate future spouses and friends for who they already are, not because they hope to drastically reshape their personalities. It is understood that efforts to change one’s spouse will likely fail and lead to the dissatisfaction of both partners, but it is rarely acknowledged that this also occurs in parent-child relationships.

Instead, parents persist in trying to mold the perfect children, even though experimental evidence shows that they have little long-term ability to influence their kids’ personalities. By accepting their children with the same respect that they would show to a spouse or a friend, parents take a step toward creating more fulfilling family relationships.

The dominance of nature over nurture also means that parents can relax when it comes to pushing extracurricular activities that children are not good at or do not enjoy. Parents shouldn’t feel like they are putting their children at a disadvantage by not signing them up for every class or sport available across the city. Fewer activities may actually mean less stress.

“I was pushed to play sports and never really liked it, and I didn’t want to do that to my kids,” Caplan recalls. He does not dictate what his boys should do with their time, although he does impose a 90-minute limit on daily computer and TV usage. And while this boundary exists, the twins also enjoy reading or playing

30

New York Family | January 2012

STARTINGOUT_0112.indd 30

a St epie

lyss

by a

sign

BY VeroNica Torok

t de

Bryan Caplan’s Book Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids Might Have Some Parents Thinking: The More The Merrier!

Jack e

hands-oFF parenTing

imagination games and perusing comic books with their father.

Caplan’s advice on discipline comes from his economics background: establish credibility by being clear and consistent.

“There’s some very good experimental evidence [that] clear, consistent, mild punishment is very effective,” he says. New parents can implement Caplan’s advice on discipline early on. Even at just six months, Caplan’s twins were old enough to respond to having their highchairs turned away from the table for a few minutes when they refused to eat. When they got a little older, he used the same tactic and put them in the “naughty corner.”

A child will respond to kindness and respect just like anyone else, Caplan says, and “often the child does end up becoming just like you; you just have to wait. So your child when he’s 40 is going to be a lot like you now, when you’re 40. When he’s ten he’s going to act like a kid—what do you expect?”

After determining that parental nurturing has little to no effect on most of the things we want for our children, such as happiness, success and character, Caplan found that the area in which parents have the most significant long-term effect on their kids is in their relationships—how kids perceive and remember their parents.

“What’s sad to me about someone like [“Tiger Mom”] Amy Chua is [that] she’s pushing her kids so hard to make them succeed when the science says parents really don’t have much effect there,” Caplan notes. “She’s…messing up the area where she really does make a difference.”

Readers of his book also learn that the world is safer than ever before, much more so than it was in the idyllic 1950s for example.

This is more good news, and for Caplan, yet another reason to support hands-off parenting. It should not come as a surprise that his favorite parenting book is Lenore Skenazy’s Free-Range Kids, which suggests that parents give little ones a bit more freedom and, in doing so, spare themselves irrational worry.

Ultimately, Caplan encourages new parents to envision the longrun, a world in which the diapers and incessant crying is eventually not part of every day life. “Think ahead over your lifetime and how you’re going to feel 10 years from now, 20 years from now, 30 years from now. And when you decide to stop [having kids], don’t just do it based upon how you feel today,” he says. “[Having] a lot of grandkids really does make a big difference in people’s lives later on.”

This of course does not mean that parents should maximize the number of kids they have until they reach their biological limits, but Caplan does recommend that they weigh his evidence before they decide to stop having children.

“Almost all the difference between living standards today and living standards 200 years ago is just from new ideas,” Caplan says.

And new ideas come from people. From an economist’s point of view, a higher population can mean prosperity. So if parenting can be less work with a more fruitful payoff, why not have another child?

n

s ta r t i n g o u t

To read how one nY FamilY oF nine makes iT work, see “when hip meeTs home” on our websiTe. www.newyorkfamily.com

12/21/11 10:54 AM

They Are Only Young Once.

We Get It! FOR REGISTER2012 SPRING

Gymtime Gymnastics Rhythm and Glues All the fun and activity you can possibly have in one place!

1520 York Avenue, New York, NY 10028 • 212.861.7732

For more information and a full list of classes for your child visit: www.gymtime.net.

GymTime.indd 1

12/20/11 4:34 PM

s ta r t i n g o u t

|

New pareNt esseNtials

Stroller

StyleS

1

Nine New Models For Transporting Newborns And Toddlers The stroller market has never been more competitive or dynamic than it is today. Full of tip-top choices, parents may have to do a little more research, but the end result is well worth it: a great piece of equipment for you and your baby. (And they look pretty sweet, too.)

1. 4moms Origami Stroller

The 4moms Origami is a power-folding, cell phone-charging, mileage-counting, LCD-sporting stroller with generators in the rear wheels that charge as you walk. Plus, the Origami has daytime running lights, pathway lights for low-light conditions and sensors that detect when a child’s in the seat—so it will never fold by accident. $849.99, 4moms.com

2

2. Aprica presto™ flat

Newborn and toddler modes on the presto™ flat will accommodate your growing child while an integrated carry strap keeps you both effortlessly mobile. Aprica has included a built-in seat ventilation panel to keep baby comfortable as the four-position recline feature goes from upright to flat for peaceful sleeping. $199.99, aprica.com

3

3. bloom baby bloom zen™

The bloom zen delivers the world’s slimmest folding, full-size all-terrain stroller and revolutionary newborn travel system. In two unique color options—the silver and black monochrome and CMYK with reversible pads in cyan, magenta, yellow and black—the zen stroller is truly one-of-a-kind. $799, bloombaby.com

4. Britax B-READY

4

Sporting new foam-filled rubber tires, a one-piece wheel design and a more upright, four-position top seat, Britax’s B-READY has been fully refreshed for 2012. $499, britax.com

32

New York Family | January 2012

STARTINGOUT_0112.indd 32

www.newyorkfamily.com

12/21/11 12:37 PM

5

5. Bugaboo Bee All Black

From infant to toddler, the new Bugaboo Bee All Black is both compact and complete, with a unique height adjustable backrest that gives it added longevity.

This nimble stroller is a city family’s best friend with a patented 2D/3D semi-automatic folding system and reversible seat. $699, bugaboo.com

6. Quinny® Moodd

With its sleek, high gloss finish and user-friendly features like an automatic unfolding system, the Quinny® Moodd Stroller is in a league of its own when it comes to fashionable strollers. This piece is high in comfort, and sure to turn heads. $700, quinny.com

6

7. Chicco Cortina Magic

A chiseled, lightweight frame with premium upholstered fabrics make the Cortina Magic both elegant and functional. Special features include a large basket, extended canopy and premium all-wheel suspension for increased maneuverability and smooth moving.

Plus the multi-position “Memory Recline” seat will always remember your baby’s favorite way to ride. $199.99, chiccousa.com 7

8. Stokke® Xplory®

Through its uniquely designed height and seat facing adjustments, the Stokke® Xplory® grows with your child for a perfect fit from head to toe. And with large rear wheels and easy-swivel front ones, moving about the city is a cinch. $1,049.99, stokke.com

9. phil&teds promenade

Introducing phil&teds new premium urban inline stroller, the promenade. The promenade is a blend of high-end aesthetic, fresh innovation and adaptable functionality, including reversible and convertible flat bed seats. $849.99, diapers.com 8

The New York Baby Show!

9

www.newyorkfamily.com

STARTINGOUT_0112.indd 33

On October 15 and 16, 2011, New York Family presented the largest baby and toddler show in the New York Metropolitan Area in years, when several thousand new and expectant parents and their young children gathered at Pier 92 in New York City for The New Parents Expo. The next mega-event—renamed The New York Baby Show—will take place on the weekend of May 19 and 20, 2012. To be informed about event news and deals, send us a brief note with your email address and you’ll be the first to hear when registration opens. Email us at: newyorkbabyshow@manhattanmedia.com.

January 2012 | New York Family

33

12/21/11 12:37 PM

GROWING UP

FROM

|

A GOOD IDEA Julia Pimsleur Levine and family.

“HELLO” TO

“HOLA” Spearheaded By An NYC Mom, The Popular Early Language Learning Program Little Pim Offers Scientifically Based Videos And A Generous Dollop Of Fun of a growing business—speaks to the very backbone of the Little Pim philosophy. “Language learning is not a one-stop shop. We reHe’s a jolly panda with big furry ears and an infectious giggle. ally see ourselves as a starting point for children to love language There’s much to love about Little Pim—the popular cartoon bear learning and want to engage with it,” explains Pimsleur Levine. that has been teaching foreign languages via conversation skills to “Our goal at Little Pim is to be every child’s first introduction.” children ages six months to six years since 2008.

Pimsleur Levine, who speaks more than three languages Little Pim (littlepim.com) is the cuddly creation of NYC mom herself, conceived the series while hunting for tools to help her Julia Pimsleur Levine, the daughter of the mastermind behind the oldest son learn French. When she found nothing that fit the Pimsleur audio language learning method for adults. First featured in bill, this former language instructor and filmmaker merged her foreign language-only DVDs, the adorable bear has now spawned a professional and personal experiences to create her own teaching series of flashcards, music CDs, online games and books for children. tool. The result? A lively, laughing panda who narrates day-toThis educational ecosystem—at first glance a natural trajectory day scenarios, popping in and out of real-life vignettes to call out common objects and actions.

Pop Quiz Giveaway!

The high-energy videos in which Little Pim appears, Help your child take this pop quiz tap into something that’s become more and more valuable and enter to win a Little Pim gift to educators and parents everywhere. “If it wasn’t fun or high quality, then kids wouldn’t watch and they wouldn’t set! Share these language learning 4. What is the capital of France? learn—that’s why fun is really important to us,” Pimsleur questions with your 4-8 year-old. a. Brussels Levine says of working with her award-winning team b. Paris of producers in the early stages of the company. “[We 1. What language is c. Berlin wanted] to come up with something just as exciting as spoken in Mexico? watching Curious George or Elmo or whatever else kids a. Spanish 5. Which one of these might be watching.” b. Portuguese is not an Italian food?

But she notes that Little Pim is categorically distinct c. English a. Linguine from other TV shows whose educational values have been b. Baguette recently questioned.

2. Which of these languages is spoc. Spaghetti “We chose the DVD medium because we wanted to ken by the most people in the world? make it easy for parents and kids,” she says, “but ours a. Japanese Send your answers to b. Korean familygiveaways@manhattanmedia.com is a teaching series that just happens to be as fun as the entertainment series [that] don’t have an expressed teachc. Chinese and enter to win a Little Pim gift set ing method.” Pointing to the Entertainment Immersion in one of ten languages—the perfect Method® she developed with input from neuroscientist 3. How do you say start to your little one’s language Dr. April Benasich, she argues that Little Pim starts with “hello” in Spanish? learning adventure! Please include a scientifically supported approach, and then adds a major a. Hola your contact information and put splash of fun. b. Halo “Little Pim” in the subject line of the That’s where the “booster products”—the online c. Olé email. Deadline is Friday, January 27. games, coloring pages and pull tab books—all come in,

BY CHRISTINE WEI

34

New York Family | January 2012

GROWINGUP_0112.indd 34

www.newyorkfamily.com

12/21/11 4:12 PM

to support the core DVDs that are available for download.

“The brain is actually hard-wired to absorb and reproduce sounds of other languages and learn vocabulary through the age of six,” Pimsleur Levine cites. “After the age of six, children are neurally committed to [their native language], so it gets exponentially harder every year after a child turns six to pick up a new language.” At an age when kids are especially sensitive to the vocabulary repetition found in the videos, the booster products serve as additional reinforcement.

Foreign language learning has exploded across the nation in recent years—especially given the academic benefits correlated with bilingualism—and Pimsleur Levine speaks to the importance of “lowering the bar” for what’s required of moms and dads to participate in their child’s learning of a new language. “Most parents want to introduce their kids to a second language, but don’t speak [it] themselves,” she says. With phonetic spellings and free downloadable scripts, all parents can be easily involved.

But the series is quite practical in more ways than one: Little Pim is fully focused on conversational skills.

“We picked words that are relevant to young children,” Pimsleur Levine says. “If you were to try to do another [company’s] film with your four-year-old, [she] would be learning how to say things like ‘Where’s my passport?’ or ‘Can I get a cab?’—where really what your child needs to know how to say is ‘I want a chocolate cake.’”

For children beyond Little Pim’s target years, Pimsleur Levine suggests that parents opt for formal classes. “When kids are five to ten, they’re very social, and it’s very important for them to have a learning experience with their peers,” she says. “You also want to teach them reading and writing then—Little Pim is totally focused on the early years pre-reading with hearing and repeating intuitively.”

While Pimsleur Levine and her company are keeping their eyes on cornering this window of opportunity for learning, they’ll be cracking down on digital initiatives in the near future. Beyond the current iPad and iPhone games, they plan to bring the video series to mobile gadgets. They’re also likely to expand to the much-demanded languages of Portuguese and Korean.

At the end of the day, Pimsleur Levine advises parents serious about teaching their children a second language to keep it fun and keep at it.

“The trick is to keep a little bit going all the time,” she says. “You don’t have to force it on them, but you can keep speaking [in a second language] even if they don’t answer.

Like anything, it takes some research and dedication.”

However frustrating the process may be, a cuddly panda might just make it easier for little ones.

For more on language learning, check out our story on raising a bilingual child—“¿Que Pasa, mommy?”—at newyorkFamily.com. www.newyorkfamily.com

GROWINGUP_0112.indd 35

Come and Play Don’t Miss Out Winter / Spring Season Sign U p Today

Sports for Boys & Girls, 1-12 Years old.

Classes, Birthday Parties and Summer Camps offered

NYC & Greenwich, CT • 212-744-4900 • www.kisnyc.com January 2012 | New York Family

35

12/21/11 3:51 PM

GROWING UP

SCOOT! SCOOT!

Photo by Jennifer Tonetti-Spellman

After Wowing New Parents With Its Savvy Approach, The Website StrollerTraffic Has Established An Older Sibling—ScooterTraffic, For Moms And Dads Of Preschoolers

NYC mom Tara Mandy with her children, Henry and Greta.

BY ELISABETH FRANKEL REED As a successful and creative businesswoman (not to mention, a mother of two), Tara Mandy understands the importance of planning ahead. In March 2009 when she founded StrollerTraffic—a website which provides expert advice and cool product picks for new and expectant parents—she intended to eventually include the families of preschool age children. In November 2011, with the site firmly established as a popular and dependable resource for parents, Mandy followed through and launched ScooterTraffic for parents of three- to five-year-olds.

But Mandy hasn’t always been so focused on the parenting world. Although she loved her previous position as the Travel

Editor of New York magazine, she didn’t feel as though she could fully perform while taking care of a new baby. Switching gears, Mandy created StrollerTraffic to allow her the flexibility to care for her daughter Greta.

StrollerTraffic has achieved its popularity through content that is informative, smart and timely. In early December of last year, the site’s Holiday Gift Guide offered fun suggestions for babies and toddlers, like an urbanite stamp set from DwellStudio, but warned readers that they were on their own for the rest of their gifting. “We focus our content on moms when they’re in mom mode,” Mandy explains.

And there are perks to running a successful website and being a parent, too. Mandy gets answers from top experts to any question or concern that piques her curiosity. And those questions lead to interesting posts on topics that other moms care about as well.

But that doesn’t mean she’s biased. Although Mandy’s experience as a parent influences her work, she is careful to keep her own personal choices out of it. As Mandy puts it, “I am a big believer in “to each her own” when it comes to parenting styles.

ScooterTraffic Founder Tara Mandy’s Top 3 Picks For Preschoolers

Early Rider Revolution Balance Bike by Tyke Rider $200, tykerider.com

36

New York Family | January 2012

GROWINGUP_0112.indd 36

Kånken Mini Daypack by Fjällräven $45, fjallraven.us

Pink Dump Truck by Green Toys $27.99, greentoys.com www.newyorkfamily.com

12/21/11 10:18 AM

And I would never want to make anyone feel slighted or ridiculed by the content produced on our site.”

When she was first thinking about how to handle content for the three- to five-year-old set, Mandy had considered simply making it another edition of StrollerTraffic, similar to the localized city editions that the brand offers. In the end, she decided to make a separate website and newsletter with an independent staff. Continuity between the two sites will be provided as some scouts shift over and bring their experience to ScooterTraffic, while some experts will write for both sites. There will also be new city editors to produce local editions for New York, Los Angeles and Dallas.

To most effectively serve their readership, each site reflects the needs of their respective audiences. StrollerTraffic parents tend to be “laser-focused” on the latest trends: the best strollers, safest car seats and the healthiest food. ScooterTraffic parents are more concerned with their child’s developmental process: how to teach them to behave, succeed in school and make friends.

Together, the two sites create quite the comprehensive guide to family matters.

Fans of StrollerTraffic will feel at home on the new ScooterTraffic homepage. The SCOOPDaily link remains prominent, though the article categories have changed to reflect the older age group. The condensed Style + Gear category reflects the decreased interest in the material among parents of preschool children. This makes room for the new categories Learning + Play and School + Camp, which represent the increased emphasis on activities and development. Other reorganizations have produced Parties + Meals and Gifts + Keepsakes. Health + Safety is the only category to be carried over intact from the original site, a clear sign of its continued importance.

While developing StrollerTraffic with the ever-changing needs of parents in mind, Mandy thought of using a recognition program that appealed to parenting brands and retail channels as a way to market her fledgling site to their respective audiences.

“We tested the waters early on with a few ‘Best Of’ roundups, and saw the tremendous response and excitement from the brands that had made the lists,” Mandy recalls. This led to her producing the first Cribsie Awards in collaboration with Elina Furman of A-List Mom at the beginning of 2011.

How it works is rather simple. Anyone can nominate a parenting product for an award. Then the list of nominees is winnowed down to about 350. “We select the finalists—based on a combination of innovation, design, utility, marketability and popularity as measured by the number of nominations,” explains Mandy.

Winners are chosen by the public and announced in April.

But always looking ahead, Mandy is aware of the importance of progress in her own endeavors as well. Even with the launch of the new ScooterTraffic website, she is determined to continuously improve the user experience. She admits, “If I could, I would rip apart the sites and completely redevelop them every six months.”

From where we sit, they look pretty darn good. for more of tara’s adventures, CheCk out our story “and the Cribsie Goes to…” on newyorkfamily.Com.

changing time make the change to cloth diapers & help change our planet

3605 12 Avenue Brooklyn NY 11218

1.718.305.7525 www.daintybaby.com

min $50 purchase

www.newyorkfamily.com

GROWINGUP_0112.indd 37

January 2012 | New York Family

37

12/21/11 10:18 AM

THE

MAMA OF

MOOMAH

Her One-Of-A-Kind Café May Be A Magical Playhouse For Children And Parents Alike—But Tracey Stewart Would Be The First To Tell You That The Real Magic In Her Life Is Being With Jon And The Kids

By Kat Harrison 38

New York Family | January 2012

COVERSTORY_FEATURE_0112.indd 38

www.newyorkfamily.com

12/20/11 5:33 PM

Photography by Thaddeus Harden | Styled by Joy Sherwood www.newyorkfamily.com

COVERSTORY_FEATURE_0112.indd 39

January 2012 | New York Family

39

12/20/11 5:33 PM

I

t’s easy to see why folks from all over town flock to Tracey Stewart’s cozy corner of Tribeca. At Moomah, Stewart’s café-cum-art-space, the walls dance with beluga whales while shelves house sea turtle shadowboxes and oversized jacks. Old-school diner booths with red trim bookend metallic tables inspired by vintage wallpaper. A virtual room— the Funky Forest—unpacks an interactive ecosystem for its wee visitors. Overall, the style is smooth and subtlety reigns supreme.

In the Stewart family home—which Tracey shares with her husband, The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart, and their children, Nate, 7 and Maggie, 5—the details are just as inviting. Santa, the resident goldfish, resides atop the kitchen counter while a wall-sized chalkboard that, for the time being, reads “Be Reasonable!!” upholds the household’s humor.

From where I sit, Tracey balances the depths of New York City motherhood and a creative career with grace. She—just like her home and workplace—echoes comfort, cool and a whole lot of funny. Read on for her family’s love of a certain cooking channel and why, above all, she believes there’s no place like home.

Moomah is your world. It seems to have everything!

I know—my friends call it my playhouse. [Laughs] Describe it to me in one line, if you can.

Honestly, I think of it like a womb. I really do.

Ha. In what way?

It’s very therapeutic down there. I always say to the staff, ‘When a mom comes in and she is screaming about her bagel and she’s upset—she’s really not an asshole.’ She’s just stressed and has no time for herself. Try to remember that and help that person along.

When did it all begin?

Prior to having children, I loved going out to eat, being in my neighborhood and visiting with my neighbors. And when I was pregnant, same thing. People open the doors for you, they give you drinks of water. They are happy to see you! And then the minute that baby is on the outside of you, they want nothing to do with you. I would try to go out and never felt completely welcomed. I tried to do the classes—dancing around with your baby and singing really terrible songs. I wanted to shoot myself in the head. If I wanted to go out to eat, and the place was welcoming to kids—the music was terrible, the food was terrible. And it just felt like a part of my life had been separated that didn’t need to be separated. And I knew that I wasn’t the only one feeling like this.

So you created Moomah.

[I wanted to] create this space where you can really have quality time with your child. But the misconception is that people think that it’s motivated from wanting to build a magical place for kids.

But the main motivation is for parents. Kids have it good nowadays. They’re okay. But who’s not okay? The parents of those kids.

Tell me about it! You opened the doors in 2009. What were the first two years like?

I have been so immersed. First, in figuring out how to do it in the first place. And then making sure that it was running right, that there were systems in place. And now that is all starting to happen. This year is going be about balance. This year is going to be about me learning that I have really smart, great people there and that it’s okay—they’re going to take care of everything. But definitely for these two years, I needed to be down there in the trenches figuring everything out.

40

New York Family | January 2012

COVERSTORY_FEATURE_0112.indd 40

What was the thought process like?

It was really just thinking about all my experiences as a mother and every little thing that would make a mom’s life easier. In the beginning, when the kids are young and you have to pack the wipes and the diapers and you’re sleep deprived and completely overwhelmed, sometimes you just want to have a sandwich. And so the bathroom has wipes, a beautiful changing table, there’s a potty seat, there’s a chair in case you didn’t want to breastfeed out in public. But I didn’t want it to be [exclusively] “Mommy World.” I wanted everybody coming in. So we got fantastic coffee. We also paid a lot of attention to make sure that there were things that kids would eat and were healthy but also were delicious. And we got beer and wine. But that’s really for the moms.

Speaking of the mommy world…

That is actually the company I prefer to keep now. That is my cir-cle! [Laughs] You want to complain and you want to find out an answer to something and they want to talk about the same stuff.

Where does the name come from?

Moomah was the name of my security blanket when I was little. I wanted it to be like a security blanket for moms.

What was your childhood like?

When I was young, my mom wasn’t being negligent but it was definitely considered okay that you would put your baby in the playpen, you’d watch your soap operas, and you would throw some toys in there for them every now and then.

“I always say to the [Moomah] staff, ‘When a mom comes in and she is screaming about her bagel and she’s upset—she’s really not an asshole.’ She’s just stressed and has no time for herself. Try to remember that.”

And now you have your own children to shape.

[When] we decided to get pregnant, we figured oh you just “decide” and that will just happen. I decorated the room, got the crib and got everything ready…and then nothing. We tried for about two years and then did several In Vitro [treatments]. You’re waiting for something, you’re so excited. And then I got [Nate].

I was always a mildly anxious person, but once I had him, I became tremendously anxious and vigilant and I had this feeling of having to protect him at all times.

Do your kids frequent Moomah?

Yes, that’s the beauty of it. I think they feel proud. They get to bring their friends and I can tell that they feel really good that this is their mom’s place and they even feel like it’s their house sometimes.

Which is a problem because they are so comfortable. A lot of the classes that were created [were] based on what I knew they liked.

continued on page 42 www.newyorkfamily.com

12/21/11 12:01 PM

Discover Ross School E D U C AT I N G T H E W H O L E C H I L D F O R T H E W H O L E W O R L D

NEW YORK CITY RECEPTION JANUARY 18, 6–8PM The Crosby Hotel 79 Crosby Street, NYC Learn more about Ross Lower and Upper Schools, Summer programs and the Tennis Academy at this informative reception.

RSVP to 631-907-5400

An accredited boarding and day school for Pre-Nursery through Grade 12 and Post Graduates.

Global, integrated curriculum with opportunities for independent study, advanced classes, competitive athletics, extracurricular activities and travel.

Campuses in East Hampton and Bridgehampton, New York, with gardens and a farm.

Summer day and boarding programs for ages 3–18.

Tennis Academy for competitive tennis players.

UPPER S CH OOL (5– 12, PG) 18 GOODFR IEND D RIVE EAST H A MPTON, NY

LOW ER S C HOOL (PN–4) 739 BUTTER LANE B R IDGEHA MPTON, NY

visit us online at www.ross.org RossSchool.indd 1

12/14/11 5:55 PM

continued from page 40 The art projects, too?

Initially I come up with some of the ideas that I want to do.

What do my kids like right now? What’s happening in the world that kids are interested in? Then we’ll sit down in a meeting and the artists explode my idea. They take it so far beyond what I could even imagine.

What are Nate and Maggie like right now?

My son is very gentle, sweet, sensitive, emotional and kind.

He loves Star Wars and football. He is going to be a really good husband some day and is a good cuddler. He loves to go out at night. Maggie is hilarious and irreverent, like her dad in girl form.

She says the craziest things and is very dramatic. Like me, she could be in a fit of tears and be laughing a minute later. I always say that she’s me on the inside and Jon on the outside. And Nate is Jon on the outside and me on the inside.

“We all love to stay home. Jon always makes a joke that if there was a heat-seeking satellite going above our apartment, it would just be a blob that would move from one room to the next.”

Do you have any TV rules at home?

Before we had kids, we had all these ideas. First, it was that they wouldn’t watch TV. Then [when] we had them, [we said] ‘Well they are definitely going to have to watch TV because I need to sit down for a second.’ Then we realized that there was certain TV that they got so much joy from and that we all liked to watch together.

Like what?

We are obsessed with The Food Network. We watch Restaurant Impossible, Cupcake Wars, Chopped and Iron Chef. That’s pretty much all we watch anymore. Before, I was watching Little Bear and suffering. But now we all equally enjoy what we watch.

And [the kids] get really motivated, so they want to cook.

What else do you do you like to do as a family?

We all love to stay home. Jon always makes a joke that if there was a heat-seeking satellite going above our apartment, it would just be a blob that would move from one room to the next. We just sit around and cuddle all the time. And every now and then, we’ll get invited to something and go. If we’re going to go out, it’s because food is motivating us to leave the house.

You don’t like being in the spotlight?

Oh no, no. That’s why I watch Jon and I’m like ‘I can’t believe you love to do that, you crave to do that, and you’re comfortable.’

It’s shocking to me.

And I hear you have quite the engagement story.

We used to do The New York Times crossword puzzle every night… It was two days before Valentine’s Day and he comes home and [says], ‘I remembered to bring those crossword puzzles home.’ So as I start to fill [it] out, there’s all these words in it that relate to us. And then the [clue] is “Valentine’s Day Request.” And it’s “Will you marry me?” And another one is “Recipient of the Request.” I’m looking at it saying, ‘It almost looks like my name could fit in there.’ I look over and he’s crying and I’m like, ‘Is that what this is?’ He had met Will Shortz backstage at Conan O’Brien and asked him to do it months ahead of time. It made it hard for everyone who got engaged after me!

Adorable! How do you and Jon navigate parenthood together as a couple?

We both think the same things are funny and we both value the same things. So parenting for us is very easy as far as our relationship goes because we always see eye to eye [with] the kids. When we were first dating, we used to play [this] hockey video game. He was really good at it and I wasn’t. I would get agitated and he’d say, ‘Let’s never play against each other.’ So if we’re some place [with] a board game, he’ll never play against me. He always has to be on my team. And I feel like that’s a philosophy that we keep in parenting, in our marriage. That we’re working for the same thing.

What’s he like with the kids?

Jon is such an incredible dad. He’s smart, sensitive and fair.

He’s so present. I feel supported and the kids feel supported. Maggie will be having a tantrum and he’ll throw himself on the floor, fall and hit his head and she’ll start laughing. [Jon’s] the one that always brings everything back to having a sense of humor about things. We never get too sad at any moment because we’re always able to find the humor in everything—even in the hardest times.

He’s the most reasonable [nods to the family chalkboard]. Then Nate, then Maggie, then me!

Any advice for a mom who is just starting out?

I’m very fortunate to be in a place where I can talk to other moms every day. I get great advice on a regular basis. If I was going to give my own, it would be to make sure that you get the emotional support you need. Loving these little creatures as much as we do can be very taxing. We need to take care of our families, ourselves and when time allows, I always suggest that we remember to take care of other moms. Sharing our stories, our triumphs and our failures creates a sense of community and reminds us that we’re not alone.

Moomah pushes the creative envelope when it comes to crafts for kids— including this dinosaur shadowbox (shown at right). For more eclectic ideas, visit moomah.com and read Tracey’s blog “Moomah The Journal.”

How did you two meet?

A blind date—we had a mutual friend who knew that I found him extremely attractive.

42

New York Family | January 2012

COVERSTORY_FEATURE_0112.indd 42

www.newyorkfamily.com

12/20/11 5:33 PM

IT’S NOT TOO EARLY TO THINK ABOUT SUMMER CAMP FOR 2012!

Renee Flax, director of camper placement of the ACA NY & NJ, will be on hand to answer parents’ questions and help guide them in their search for the right camp!

Upcoming Fairs:

SATURDAY, JAN 28, 2012 Downtown Grace Church School 86 4th Ave. 12PM - 3PM

SATURDAY, JAN 21, 2012

SUNDAY, JAN 29, 2012

SUNDAY, JAN 22, 2012

SATURDAY, FEB 4, 2012

Upper West Side St. Jean Baptiste School 173 E. 75th St. 12PM - 3PM

Upper West Side Congregation Rodeph Sholom 7 W. 83rd St. 12PM - 3PM

Park Slope Union Temple 17 Eastern Pkwy 12PM - 3PM

Upper West Side Bank Street School 610 W. 112th St. 12PM - 3PM

New York Family magazine and the American Camp Association, NY & NJ are teaming up for their winter fairs! Meet dozens of different camp directors from local DAY CAMPS and SLEEPAWAY CAMPS from across the region.

Great for children ages 3 to 17! pre-register at:

Newyorkfamilycamps.com For more info on summer camps:

TheRightCamp.com

CAMPFAIRS122211.indd 1

12/21/11 2:10 PM

n i r e t n i W the ity C

Where To Have Fun (Indoors & Out) When Things Get Really Cold

Who Says You Can’t Ski Near New York City?

Thunder Ridge Ski Area (Patterson, NY) Just 75 minutes from NYC, Thunder Ridge features 30 trails of varying difficulty. Three-hour lessons for children ages 5-12 are offered on weekends and holidays, and in a new program aimed at the preschool-kindergarten set, little ones can learn the basics, too.

Without a car? Ride the Metro-North Railroad. And on Saturdays and Sundays through March, enjoy free shuttle service between the Patterson train station and the slopes. thunderridgeski.com Hunter Mountain (Hunter, NY) With 240 skiable acres, 11 lifts, 55 trails and nine snow-tubing chutes, this resort is an exciting and not-too-far-away option.

Programs are available for children ages 4-17 in skiing and snowboarding, and daycare is available for children six months through six years. huntermtn.com Belleayre Mountain (Highmount, NY) Located in the Catskills just two and a half hours outside of the city, this resort offers eight lifts and 55 trails, glades and parks.

A full-day instructional program is offered for children ages 4-12.

Workshops and clinics are also available for kids and adults to hone their skiing, snowboarding and even cross-country skills.

Visitors can also enjoy the lodging, dining and attractions of the nearby Catskills. belleayre.com Whiteface Mountain (Lake Placid, NY) Rated the No. 1 ski resort in the Northeast by the readers of SKI Magazine, this winter paradise encompasses the slopes used at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. Adventure-loving fams can try their hands (and feet) at the Gold Medal Games

44

New York Family | January 2012

WINTERintheCITY_FEATURE_0112.indd 44

Family Edition, where a few of the adrenaline-pumping activities include bobsledding and speed skating. whiteface.com Woodloch Resort (Hawley, PA) Sitting on 1,000 acres in the heart of northeastern Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, Woodloch is a four-season retreat that stays abuzz all winter long. A few of the many cold-weather activities guests can enjoy are snow tubing, ice skating and snowmobiling. Purchase a Woodloch VIP pass for quicker access to the 18 trails at neighboring Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain. woodloch.com Ski Butternut (Great Barrington, MA) Beginners on these Berkshire slopes can breathe easy. Three trails are designated Slow Zones, where speedy skiing is prohibited. Novices ages 4-12 can receive full- and half-day instruction on weekends and holidays. For longer-term vacations, mid-week ski-and-stay packages are a steal. skibutternut.com Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort (Hancock, MA) This popular Berkshires resort boasts top-rated instructional programs, such as its KidsRule Mountain Camps for children ages 4-14 (there’s even a program for three-year-olds!). Little ones six months and older can enjoy indoor play in the Cub’s Den playroom while parents take to the slopes. jiminypeak.com Smugglers’ Notch Resort (Smugglers’ Notch, VT) Cruise any one of this award-winning ski spot’s three mountains, then trek over to the FunZone, a kid-friendly recreation center complete with an indoor playground and a mini-golf course.

Condominiums come equipped with kitchens, Internet access and in-unit or nearby laundry facilities. Free lift tickets are available for kids ages 5 and under. smuggs.com – Tiffanie Green and Annie Young

Woodloch Resort

PERFECT POWDER

www.newyorkfamily.com

12/20/11 5:35 PM

GIVE YOUR CHILD THE GIFT OF SUMMER CAMP Ages: 2.6 – 5 years olds by June 2012 iculum namic Curr ction • Dy ru st In rt e lities • Exp -Class Faci

Activities include: cooking, free play, music / movement, arts and crafts, outdoor water / sensory/ sprinkler play, and Shabbat.

World

Campers will enjoy Theme Days and a Family Picnic. Our older campers will enjoy a Sports Program run by Kids in Sports, Field Trips, Pizza Day, and Weekly Specialists.

Currently Enrolling Campers Contact: Contact Lindsay Bennett at 212-249-5001 or lbennett@templeisraelnyc.org Temple Israel of the City of New York 112 E 75 St. nyfMamaroneckBeach1201:Layout 1 12/20/11 8:56 AM New York, NY 10021

The Best Place To Skate.

Looking For Family Fun Close to Home this Summer?

Come Join us at the

Page 1

Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club

Sky Rink has been New York’s favorite place to skate since 1969.

Bring friends & family to Chelsea Piers for:

Surrounded on 3 sides by the Long Island Sound Something for everyone in the Family • Right Around the Corner • Private Beach • Private Cabanas • Two Swimming Pools • Yacht Club and Docks • Indoor/Outdoor Waterfront Dining • Children’s Day Camp • 9 Har-Tru Tennis Courts with Pro

General ICe SkaTInG

Weekends, 1:00-3:50pm Mondays & Fridays, 1:30-5:20pm Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:00-5:20pm

SkaTInG SChool

new classes begin every week.

Purchase 11 classes and get 1 free!

BIrThday ParTIeS

new york’s coolest party place.

All-inclusive party packages starting at $40/person.

Sky rink at

Contact us today at 914-698-1130 info@mamaroneckbeachandyacht.com www.mamaroneckbeachandyacht.com

Pier 61 • 23rd Street & hudson river Park 212.336.6100 • www.chelseapiers.com/sr Visit chelseapiers.com for a complete listing of sports classes available for both kids and adults.

NYF 1-2p SR 1-12.indd 1

Partials_1011.indd 6

12/16/11 12:05 PM

12/22/11 10:31 AM

GIVE YOUR CHILD THE GIFT OF SUMMER CAMP Ages: 2.6 – 5 years olds by June 2012 ulum mic Curric ion • Dyna ct ru st In pert cilities • Ex rld-Class Fa

Activities include: cooking, free play, music / movement, arts and crafts, outdoor water / sensory/ sprinkler play, and Shabbat.

Wo

Campers will enjoy Theme Days and a Family Picnic. Our older campers will enjoy a Sports Program run by Kids in Sports, Field Trips, Pizza Day, and Weekly Specialists.

Currently Enrolling Campers Contact: Contact Lindsay Bennett at 212-249-5001 or lbennett@templeisraelnyc.org Temple Israel of the City of New York 112 E 75 St. nyfMamaroneckBeach1201:Layout 1 12/20/11 8:56 AM New York, NY 10021

The Best Place To Skate.

Looking For Family Fun Close to Home this Summer?

Come Join us at the

Page 1

Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club

Sky Rink has been New York’s favorite place to skate since 1969.

Bring friends & family to Chelsea Piers for:

Surrounded on 3 sides by the Long Island Sound Something for everyone in the Family • Right Around the Corner • Private Beach • Private Cabanas • Two Swimming Pools • Yacht Club and Docks • Indoor/Outdoor Waterfront Dining • Children’s Day Camp • 9 Har-Tru Tennis Courts with Pro

General ICe SkaTInG

Weekends, 1:00-3:50pm Mondays & Fridays, 1:30-5:20pm Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:00-5:20pm

SkaTInG SChool

new classes begin every week.

Purchase 11 classes and get 1 free!

BIrThday ParTIeS

new york’s coolest party place.

All-inclusive party packages starting at $40/person.

Sky rink at

Contact us today at 914-698-1130 info@mamaroneckbeachandyacht.com www.mamaroneckbeachandyacht.com

Pier 61 • 23rd Street & hudson river Park 212.336.6100 • www.chelseapiers.com/sr Visit chelseapiers.com for a complete listing of sports classes available for both kids and adults.

NYF 1-2p SR 1-12.indd 1

12/16/11 12:05 PM

scones, or make it a lunch date with the “Mad Hatter,” which includes a pot of tea, two scones, sandwiches and dessert. Locations on the Upper West and Upper East Sides, alicesteacup.com.

©HiArtKids!

American Girl Café As if the shopping experience at this girl-world emporium isn’t exciting enough, little ladies can head up to the third floor for afternoon tea with their dolls. Choose from a selection of treats both savory and sweet, and have fun dining with tiny cups and doll companions. 609 Fifth Avenue, americangirl.com.

HiArt!

D.I.Y. Creative Escapes From The Cold The Craft Studio Whether you’re just in the neighborhood or hosting your child’s next birthday party, The Craft Studio is one of our fav places to get creative. It also offers seasonal workshops and a toy corner stocked with the latest goodies and gifts. 1657 Third Avenue, craftstudionyc.com.

HiArt! This isn’t your average craft place. Children as young as two can participate in programs such as Opera N’ Art, Manga Madness and Theater & Improv for Kids. 227 West 29th Street, Studio 4R, hiartkids.com.

Kids At Art The Upper East Side art haven encourages kids ages 2-11 to get messy during their age- and ability-grouped classes. Plus, an on-site art gallery allows students to display their finished masterpieces in style. 431 East 73rd Street, kidsatartnyc.com.

Make Meaning With seven crafting experiences to choose from, including soap, jewelry, ceramics and cake decorating, Make Meaning has art projects for kids and adults alike. And with more than 100 classes a month, this arts and crafts mecca is sure to inspire the crafty connoisseur in everyone. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended. Located on the Upper East and Upper West Sides, makemeaning.com.

–Gavriella Mahpour

ONE LUMP OR TWO? Teatime Gets Kid-Friendly Alice’s Tea Cup This whimsical wonderland of a café is totally devoted to tea. Pop in for a simple and delicious afternoon sipping sesh with

46

New York Family | January 2012

WINTERintheCITY_FEATURE_0112.indd 46

Russian Tea Room Children will love sampling raspberry zinger, lotus green and chamomile teas; choosing from a carousel of sandwiches that includes grilled trio of cheeses, miniature BLTs and classic tuna fish; and finishing off the experience with mouthwatering desserts such as warm scones, red velvet cupcakes and chocolate mousse. 150 West 57th Street, russiantearoomnyc.com.

Sweet Melissa Patisserie This Brooklyn bakery offers an array of cakes, pies and assorted treats baked fresh daily, but the venue’s children’s tea parties are a fanciful idea for your child’s next b-day party. Kids can sip hot or iced tea, milk or juice while nibbling scones, finger sandwiches and petit fours. And the best part? Wee guests can use Sweet Melissa’s dress-up chest of costumes. Locations in Park Slope and Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, sweetmelissapatisserie.com.

— Amanda Ferris and Gavriella Mahpour

SPIN, SPIRAL, SLAP Where To Ice Skate, Where To Pass The Puck The Standard Hotel Now in its second season, this pop-up ice rink has become a popular skating locale for families in-the-know. When your footsies grow weary, be sure to stop by the hotel’s Kaffeehaus for fresh crepes, waffles, hot cocoa and spiced apple cider. 848 Washington Street, standardhotels.com/new-york-city.

Wollman Rink With ice hockey, a skating school, public skating and one of the most picturesque settings in the city, Wollman Rink in Central Park has long been a favorite of New York City families. Enter at 59th Street and Sixth Avenue, wollmanskatingrink.com.

Lasker Rink A twin rink facility tucked away in the north end of Central Park, Lasker offers a youth hockey league, ice skating school and public skating. Enter at 110th Street and Lenox Avenue, laskerrink.com.

Citi Pond There’s free admission (and lockers) at Bryant Park’s Citi Pond, with skate sharpening available for a $20 fee.

Between 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues, citipondatbryantpark.com. www.newyorkfamily.com

12/20/11 5:36 PM

NEW YORK CITY k ‘ n ’ R o l l B a b i e s , B ro a d w a y B a b i e s & S u p e r s t a r s Home of Roc

Babies & Preschoolers

Kids

Tweens & Teens

Enroll Now for Winter/Spring 2012 • Classes Begin Jan. 21!

184 East 76th St. New York, NY 10021

Call Us Today! applauseny.com

(212) 717-0703

reasons why your student will want to come to our school

1 One-to-One Classes 2 School/Life Balance 3 Music and Art One student, one teacher. From pace to teaching style—unique.

Our Homework Café® keeps homework at school.

Recording studio and mixed-media art studio allow creativity.

Attend our next info session... www.FusionEventsNY.com Manhattan 866-430-7677

Long Island 866-426-1188

now enrolling for spring

full-time academy • tutoring & mentoring • enrichment

Partials_1011.indd 7

12/22/11 10:32 AM

Jacques Torres

The Rink Everyone should hit The Rink at Rockefeller Center at least once! Skating lessons and public skating are offered—not to mention a picture-perfect view of the 30,000-light tree. Fifth Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets, rockefellercenter.com.

Sky Rink Beginners to advanced skaters can glide around the Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers, which hosts youth hockey, figure skating, general skating and cozy parties. Pier 61 (23rd Street and the Hudson River), chelseapiers.com.

City Ice Pavilion Long Island City’s relatively new addition to the skating scene is an NHL-style dome with an ice skating school, ice hockey training and free public skating. 47-32 32nd Place, Queens, cityicepavilion.com.

Citi Pond at Bryant Park

—Leah Black and Gavriella Mahpour

HOT COCOA HAVENS Where To Get A Steaming Cup Of Sweetness City Bakery Nothing beats a homemade marshmallow floating in a giant mug of drinkable chocolate. City Bakery’s rich, thick concoction is sure to satisfy any chocaholic. Pair it with the bakery’s famed pretzel croissant for the best sweet and savory combination around. 3 West 18th Street, thecitybakery.com.

48

New York Family | January 2012

WINTERintheCITY_FEATURE_0112.indd 48

Dylan’s Candy Bar & Café Located on the store’s third level, Dylan’s café offers six varieties of over-the-top frozen hot chocolate, including “Birthday Party” (which comes with whipped cream, sprinkles and a slice of cake) and “Peanut Butter Explosion” (complete with peanut butter cups, chocolate chips/sauce and whipped cream). 1011 Third Avenue, dylanscandybar.com.

Jacques Torres There’s a reason Jacques Torres is known as “Mr. Chocolate.”

Kids can try the classic thick and creamy hot cocoa (and add flawww.newyorkfamily.com

12/20/11 5:36 PM

vorings such as peanut butter, orange or caramel), while adults sip the “wicked” version, made with allspice, cinnamon, chipotle and ancho chiles. Various locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, mrchocolate.com.

has mm has

MarieBelle’s Cacao Bar and Tea Salon This specialty chocolatier pulls no punches when it comes to hot chocolate: The menu features five different varieties, each with the option of “European-style” (made with water) or “American-style” (made with milk). The mocha is made with finely ground coffee powder and 60% cacao, while the spicy version is flavored with chipotle, ancho chiles, nutmeg and cinnamon. 484 Broome Street, mariebelle.com.

Max Brenner Max Brenner’s signature hot chocolate is served in a speciallydesigned “hug mug” (the better to warm your hands with, of course!). Choose from dark, milk and white chocolate varieties, and mix in your flavor of choice: raspberry, coconut, cinnamon, mint, hazelnut or banana. 841 Broadway, maxbrenner.com.

1597 York Avenue 506 Amsterdam Avenue (b/t 84th and 85th)

506 Amsterdam Avenue (b/t 84th and Avenue 85th) 506 Amsterdam

1597 York Avenue

212-828-MATH (6284) 84th 85th) Call Now(b/t to schedule a Fun,and Informative, and Risk-free Assessment!

212-828-MATH (

Picture your family Call Now to schedule a Fun,atInformative, and R Smugglers’ Notch Vermont

Where Family Fun is Guaranteed!

the

whole

family

went on

ZIP LINES Tonight let’s go to the

I can’t wait ‘til we make

Thanks,

My new friends are

all of this stuff?

–Gavriella Mahpour

www.newyorkfamily.com

WINTERintheCITY_FEATURE_0112.indd 49

(

Call Now to schedule a Fun, Informative, and R

Lucky Strike This upscale alley features 26 lanes and 11 billiard tables.

The private LuXe Lounge, which includes four exclusive lanes and a media center, makes Lucky Strike a great locale for your own bowler’s next birthday party. 624-660 West 42nd Street, bowlluckystrike.com.

heaD To newyoRkfamily.com all winTeR long foR seasonal iDeas on The Daily.

15

212-828-MATH (

Call Now to schedule a Risk-free Assessment!

Call Now to schedule a Fun, Informative, and Risk-free Assessment!

300 New York Located at Chelsea Piers, this alley boasts 40 lanes with special lighting and enhanced sound for plenty of pin-dropping fun. For those in need of a break, there’s also a video arcade and gaming room. Pier 60 (23rd Street and the West Side Highway), threehundred.com.

Bowlmor Lanes With 42 glow-in-the-dark lanes, a newly installed mini-golf course and a full in-house restaurant, this popular Union Square bowling spot offers families a spirited time at a reasonable price.

Sunday night is Sunday Funday featuring $6 games and $3 shoe rentals. Children welcome Friday-Sunday only. 110 University Place, bowlmor.com.

15

(

506 Amsterdam Avenue 212-828-MATH (6284) (b/t 84th and 85th)

—Amy Spiro

Nothing Says Family Fun Like A Granny Bowl

XX

(b/t 84th and 85th) (b/t 84th and 85th)

Otto’s Pizzeria This Mario Batali restaurant is well-known for its pizza, but in the winter months it also offers a sweet, warm treat: gianduja calda, or hazelnut hot chocolate with cinnamon whipped cream, made from roasted hazelnut grounds leftover from the gelato.

1 Fifth Avenue, ottopizzeria.com.

Roll Down The lanes

X X

has multiplied! has multiplied!

1 for Family Programs

#

SKI Magazine Reader Survey - 13 years

FREE winter vacation brochure & DVD!

1.800.451.8752 // smuggs.com/nyf

January 2012 | New York Family

49

12/20/11 5:38 PM

ALL YOU NEED IS CLASS

From Mommy & Me To Cooking, From Dance To Advanced Art—Our Winter-Spring Classes Directory Is Full Of Inspiration, Learning And Major Fun

Looking for the perfect winter indoor activity for your child? You’ve come to the right place.

MIND MATTERS How do you play baseball, carve a slice of pizza and learn new languages? Your brain is an amazing organ. Learn about the cutting-edge field of neuroscience through hands-on experiments and innovative lab activities at Inside Your Brain classes at the American Museum of Natural History this January. (amnh.org) EAT & LEARN Get ready to mix, measure and create as Mini Chef brings its “Culinary Playground” to The Art Farm. The popular children’s cooking program helps kids of all ages develop a love of cooking.

By creating local and global cuisine, Mini Chef’s Head Chef, Sylvie Berger, brings children on a taste bud voyage. (theartfarms.org)

apple seeds

new introductory yoga-inspired ballet class explores the basics in a simple and playful way. Classes will be offered at apple seeds in Chelsea and the Upper West Side location coming soon! (appleseedsnyc.com) TUMBLING TOTS The Tiny Tot Fitness Program at Columbus Gym concentrates on balance, coordination and fine motor skills, along with sports, props and circle time. Mini gym/super gym classes provide an introduction to basic skills using the vault, balance beam, bars, floor and trampoline. (columbusgymnyc.com) BLAST OFF! After School Fitness Blasts at ExerBlast strengthen growing bodies as kids rack up energy points, game rewards and healthy benefits. Kids get a heart-pounding workout which winds down with stretching and relaxation in the unique BlastDown Zone. (exerblast.com) MUSIC FOR MINIS Join Hands On! for age-appropriate music classes that teach basic music concepts, which are introduced while children play miniature instruments. (handson4music.com)

will guide you and your baby as you explore music while building visual, auditory and physical skills in a clean, nurturing and friendly environment. (nykidsclub.com)

Karma Kids Yoga

FOR ASPIRING ATHLETES A fun introductory sports class for boys and girls, Toddler Sports at the 14th Street Y is for little ones ages 2-3 years with parent or caregiver. Through a range of developmentally appropriate activities, children engage in non-competitive interactive games that help develop motor coordination and promote flexibility and balance. (14streety.org)

A CLASS THAT ROCKS All aboard! Join Kidville for an exciting musical adventure where you and your child become passengers on the Rockin’ Railroad. Each week, a rockin’ crew and conductor take you on a journey through tempo, rhythm, word recognition and sound identification. The class explores a different instrument and musical genre each week. (kidville.com) TINY DANCERS Now that your child is walking…why not start dancing in the “twinkle twinkle little toes” class at apple seeds? This

50

New York Family | January 2012

CLASSGUIDE_FEATURE_0112.indd 50

MUSICAL MILESTONES Created with infant development experts, NY Kids Club’s Infant Milestones class

74th St. MAGIC

www.newyorkfamily.com

12/21/11 12:32 PM

CAKE CLASS Anyone can be a cake boss after Make Meaning’s new cake decorating class. Starting this spring at the UES and UWS locations, kids of all ages will have the opportunity to create their own cake masterpieces. (makemeaning.com) CHELSEA CHAMPS A hidden gem at the Chelsea Piers Field House, Champs is similar to the preschool program with its amazing facilities: gymnastics, trampoline, foam pit, rock climbing, dance, soccer and basketball, along with arts and crafts, storytime, etc. Champs is designed as a one-, two- or three-day-a-week program and also has a drop-in option. (chelseapiers.com/fh)

Chelsea Piers GLOW-GA YOGA Be sure to wear white to this special glowin-the-dark yoga class! At Karma Kids Yoga, little ones will experience a magical environment while mastering partner and group yoga poses. The fun yoga games will light up the room every Tuesday at 3:30pm, for children ages 5-7. (karmakidsyoga.com)

SPINNING STORIES INTO SONGS For kiddies 8-12 years old, the 92nd Street Y offers Storybook Musical classes. Explore the world of musical theater while developing characters, stories and writing skills as well as learning vocal techniques. Finish the class with a performance for family and friends. (92Y.org)

MAKING MAGIC One of NYC’s most comprehensive preschool alternative programs, 74th St. MAGIC’s classes, My Own Time and Classroom Kids, offer the opportunity to experience group activities and explore nursery school themes through music, art, stories, dramatic play and games.

Special winter and spring semester pricing offered. (74magic.com)

GO GREEN Bond, learn and play with your kids with parent/child programs at Asphalt Green!

They offer classes for babies and toddlers in swimming and tumbling, as well as Basketball Academy for kids 7-12 with Mom or Dad. (asphaltgreen.org)

THE VENUES MULTI-SERVICE 14th Street Y, 344 East 14th Street, 212-780-0800, 14streety.org 74th St. MAGIC, 510 East 74th Street, 212-737-2989, 74magic.com 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Avenue, 212-415-5500, 92Y.org American Museum of Natural History, 79th Street and Central Park West, 212-769-5100, amnh.org apple seeds, 10 West 25th Street, 212-792-7590, appleseedsnyc.com Art Farm in the City, 419 East 91st Street, 212-410-3117, theartfarms.org Asphalt Green, 555 East 90th Street, 212-369-8890, asphaltgreen.org Chelsea Piers, 23rd Street & the Hudson River, 212-336-6520, chelseapiers.com Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd Street, 212-721-1223, cmom.org www.newyorkfamily.com

CLASSGUIDE_FEATURE_0112.indd 51

Citibabes, 52 Mercer Street, 3rd Floor, 212-334-5440, citibabes.com Discovery Programs, 251 West 100th Street, 212-749-8717, discoveryprograms.com Gymboree Play & Music, Multiple locations in Manhattan, manhattan@gymboreeclasses.com, gymboreeclasses.com Gymtime Rhythm & Glues, 1520 York Avenue, 212-861-7732, gymtime.net The JCC in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave., 646-505-5708, jccmanhattan.org Jodi’s Gym, 244 East 84th Street, 212772-7633, jodisgym.com Kids at Work, 242 West 27th Street, #4A, 212-488-8800, kidsatworknyc.com Kidville, Multiple locations in Manhattan, 212-772-8435, kidville.com Moomah, 161 Hudson Street, 212-2260345, moomah.com

CLASS AT THE MUSEUM New interactive exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) include EatSleepPlay™, which introduces parents and children to the importance of making healthy choices. (cmom.org) TINY TASTERS When your little one is off from school...

Taste Buds is running cooking camp! Get toasty in the kitchen with friends while learning delicious recipes. Choose from Chocolate Lovers Camp in February or Baking 101 Camp and Iron Chef Camp in March. (tastebudscook.com) JEWEL OF THE CITY CitiJewels at Citibabes introduces children to a sparkling world of jewelry. Children will learn different jewelry-making skills such as beading and braiding while also learning the history behind the methods. (citibabes.com) JAM WITH JAZZ NYC’s fastest-growing music school, New York Jazz Academy, is offering Jelly Jamz music classes to infants and toddlers.

Kids explore fundamentals in general music, movement and jazz. Junior Jazz (up to age 12) and Teen Jazz programs also available. (nyjazzacademy.com) DISCOVER SCHOOL Discovery Programs announces a morning Practically Preschool program for winter/spring. Children with late fall/winter birthdays need not wait until September to experience the routines, socialization and community of learning at preschool. Art, movement, music and gym are fully integrated. (discoveryprograms.com)

January 2012 | New York Family

51

12/21/11 12:32 PM

Winter - Spring MAGIC Classes begin January 30th

Full roster of energypacked classes in music, art, gymnastics and cooking for children 6 months to early teens

Come Join the Fun! Call us today at 212.737.2989 or visit us at www.74magic.com

MAGIC also features one of NYC’s most comprehensive preschool alternative programs‌ Check out our SPECIAL Winter/Spring Pricing!

Join us on Facebook

Follow us. on Twitter

Under the red canopy at 510 East 74th Street (off York Avenue) NYC 212.737.2989 www.74magic.com

74Magic.indd 1

12/9/11 5:16 PM

WAVE HELLO TO HIART! Intelligence, Exuberance, Music, Movement, Gallery Hops, Hands-On Art and Mega Fun: HiArt! has it all! From Opera ’N Art to Manga Madness or Paint!, this arts program brings the city’s most outstanding up-and-coming artists to the most arts-savvy New York families. From tots to teens. (hiartkids.com)

The Art Farm In the City

CARE TO DANCE? Peridance Capezio Center offers Movement for Boys classes specifically designed for the energetic and physical minds of young male dancers. Based on various modern techniques using floor and standing exercises, these classes put an emphasis on important athletic movements and coordination. (peridance.com) MUSEUM TOURS FOR MINIS ArtXplorers offers interactive and fun live, virtual and audio art tours, art reviews, advice and more. ArtXplorers is offering a customized art tour series for kids with props and art projects to more than 25 museums. (artxplorers.com) PRINT-YOUR-OWN Every Friday, participants 8 and older are invited to experiment with different techniques in printmaking including silkscreening, block prints and mono prints at

the Children’s Museum of the Arts. Local printer and artist Caroline McAuliffe will guide young artists in creating their own designs and teaching printmaking skills. (cmany.org) TENNIS TIME SPORTIME’s QuickStart Tennis offers young athletes professional instruction with pros from the John McEnroe Tennis Academy. Utilizing specialized equipment and a shorter court, kids as young as 3 are guided through a variety of activities to help them confidently learn the game. (sportimeny.com/manhattan) PAINT LIKE A PRO For little painters ages 3 and up, The Craft Studio is holding an egg-painting workshop this spring. Kiddos use acrylic paints, feathers, sequins and more on real hardboiled eggs! This workshop takes place Friday, March 30. Other classes offered throughout the year. (craftstudionyc.com)

THE VENUES continued Lucy Moses School at Kaufman Center, 129 West 67th Street, 212-501-3360, kaufman-center.org/lms New York Theatre Ballet, 30 East 31st Street, 5th Floor, 212-679-0401, nytb.org School at Peridance, 126 East 13th Street, 212-505-0886, peridance.com The School at Steps, 2121 Broadway, 4th Fl., 212-874-3678, stepsnyc.com/school EDUCATIONAL & CULTURAL ENRICHMENT socialsklz:-), 250 West 85th Street, 212579-5300, socialsklz.com Take Two Film Academy, 775 Columbus Avenue, 917-546-6816, taketwofilmacademy.com GYMNASTICS Columbus Gym, 606 Columbus Avenue,

54

New York Family | January 2012

CLASSGUIDE_FEATURE_0112.indd 54

212-721-0090, columbusgymnyc.com My Gym, 250 East 60th Street, 212-4219496/22 West 66th Street, 212-724-3400, my-gym.com LANGUAGE Baby Fingers, Multiple locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, 212-874-5978, mybabyfingers.com Bilingual Buds, 175 Riverside Boulevard, 212-787-8088, bilingualbuds.com French Institute Alliance Française, 22 East 60th Street, 646-388-6612, fiaf.org Language Workshop for Children, Multiple locations in Manhattan, 212-3960830, languageworkshopforchildren.com MUSIC & PERFORMANCE Applause NYC, 184 East 76th Street, 212-717-0703, applauseny.com

BABY BALLERINAS At the Joffrey Ballet School, children ages 3-4 who are ready to be in a class by themselves will begin to learn the basics of creative movement in Baby Ballerinas. Socialization skills such as turntaking and following instructions will be emphasized. Live piano accompaniment provides a stimulating environment for all classes. (joffreyballetschool.com) KNITTING KIDS Loop of the Loom, a fiber arts studio, opens afterschool classes for Growing Crafters who want to develop artistic skills of weaving, felting, sewing and more. Multiple projects of different durations and levels of expertise from tapestry to jacket are chosen by the student.

The spring semester starts January 30.

For kids ages 8-14. (loopoftheloom.com) ACT IN FRENCH Kids learn French by acting in FIAF’s Theater Acting & Performing class!

Intermediate and advanced students develop oral skills and work toward fluency with theater games and short text interpretations. This exciting course includes improvisations, French text studies and teambuilding. (fiaf.org) GET A JUMP ON IT Perfect for your active and creative 2-year-old, Jodi’s Jumpstart is a great preparation for, or addition to, preschool.

Experienced and enthusiastic teachers will guide your child through 90 minutes of Jodi’s Gym education and fun. Jumpstart is a blend of the gym’s signature gymnastics program, storytime, art, music and snack. (jodisgym.com) MARTIAL ARTS MASTERS At West Side Taekwondo, classes for 4- and 5-year-olds (pee wees) promote the ideals of discipline, respect and confidence through activities designed to increase aerobic capacity, sharpen motor skills and enhance focus. (westsidetkd.com) www.newyorkfamily.com

12/21/11 12:33 PM

Bilingual toddlers are chic!

Introducing FIAF’s French Immersion Preschool Dine, relax and make beautiful art together, without any reservations!

Accepting applications for September 2012

For info & to apply 646 388 6694 fiafpreschool.org NYFamilyad1_11.pdf

C

M

1

French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) 22 East 60th Street New York, NY 10022 12/15/10

11:49 AM

moomah.com

award-winning coffee, beer & wine • organic, vegan & gluten-free options • art projects inspired classes • to-go art kits • virtual forest

161 Hudson Street • New York, NY 10013 • 212 226 0345

three little birds music

Y

music education & exploration for children

CM

MY

CY

CMY

Music Classes, Playroom Birthday Parties and More

K

266 east 78th street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue

schedule your free trial today! www.tlbmusic.com 212 744 0404

Partials_1011.indd 8

12/22/11 10:32 AM

THE VENUES continued Atlantic Acting School, 76 Ninth Avenue, 212-691-5919, atlanticactingschool.org Creative Play For Kids, Multiple locations in Manhattan, 212-729-1667, creativeplayforkids.com The Diller-Quaile School of Music, 24 East 95th Street, 212-369-1484, dillerquaile.org The Early Ear, 48 West 68th Street, 110 West 96th Street, 353 East 78th Street, 212-877-7125, theearlyear.com Eastside Westside Music Together, 102 West 75th Street, 212-496-1242, eswsmusictogether.com Hands On!, Multiple locations, 212-6281945, handson4music.com Jazz at Lincoln Center, Frederick P. Rose Hall, Broadway at 60th Street, 212258-9800, jalc.org

Little Maestros, Multiple locations, 212396-3977, littlemaestros.com Moey’s Music Party, 130 East 80th St, 917-680-6739, moeysmusicparty.com Music for Aardvarks, Multiple locations, 718-858-1741, musicforaardvarks.com

New York Jazz Academy, 263 West 86th Street, 718-426-0633, nyjazzacademy.com TADA! Youth Theater, 15 West 28th Street, 3rd Floor, 212-252-1619, tadatheater.com Three Little Birds Music, 266 East 78th Street, 212-744-0404, tlbmusic.com

SPORTS & ADVENTURE East Side Tae Kwon Do, 325 East 65th St., 212-755-5982, eastsidetaekwondo.com ExerBlast, 100 Reade Street, 888-898-9797, exerblast.com

GET READY TO DANCE The School at Steps’s Pre-Dance and Pre-Tap Classes are for kids ages 4-5.

They incorporate live music to further develop children’s creativity and prepare them for ballet, jazz and tap at the basic level. (stepsnyc.com)

Applause NYC MATH MADNESS The Mathnasium Enrichment Program at Mathnasium is offered year-round for qualifying students in second grade through pre-algebra. Whether your child is advanced in math, struggling in school or somewhere in between, this program is sure to get and keep your child “Crazy About Math!” (mathnasium.com) BALLET BASICS AND BEYOND Children ages 2-6 discover and develop their love of dance in Ballet Academy East’s Pre-Ballet classes. Ballet fundamentals are introduced in a fun and creative environment. Classes are accompanied by pianist. Teachers have extensive performance and teaching backgrounds. (baenyc.com) MAKE MUSICAL THEATER Kids gain a total theater experience in Lucy Moses School’s year-long Musical Theater Workshop. During the winter and spring they develop and perform their own original musicals, which are presented at the end of the year in Merkin Concert Hall (kaufman-center.org/lms)

56

New York Family | January 2012

CLASSGUIDE_FEATURE_0112.indd 56

YOGA FOR YOUNGSTERS Shooting Stars classes, for ages 3-4, open a world of imaginative exploration for your child’s mind, body and heart.

Using an active, fun and collaborative approach to traditional practice, Yoga Stars programs encourage the development of physical coordination, verbal communication and creative play. (yogastars.com) LITTLE FILM STARS Lights, Camera, Action! Get into the act with Take Two Film Academy’s winter Saturday workshops. Kids and teens learn how to write, act, direct and edit a short film in just three sessions. (taketwofilmacademy.com)

as they become good listeners, follow directions and cooperate in a group. (my-gym.com) LEARN WITH YOUR HANDS Learn sign language and infant massage all in one. Baby Fingers offers unique classes to facilitate the development of parent/child bond as well as language and relaxation. This special opportunity is available at a new downtown location— details on the web! (mybabyfingers.com) DANCE WITH ME Highly skilled music teachers and pianists work together to introduce music to children at The Early Ear. Kids engage in singalongs, movement, musical games and stories. (theearlyear.com) BECOME BILINGUAL Bilingual Buds’ Mommy & Me program offers a full-immersion environment and “minds-on” activities to inspire the youngest of language learners. Babies and toddlers are busy with theme-based stories and songs, music and movement, puppetry and parachutes. The program uses the school’s head teachers and Mandarin preschool curriculum to ignite children’s natural language ability. (bilingualbuds.com) LITTLE LANGUAGE LEARNERS The Language Workshop for Children’s Half-Year Language-Immersion Preschool runs from January to May. Youngsters absorb French or Spanish and build fundamental skills through socialization, creativity and age-appropriate activities, plus the LWFC’s languagebuilding songs and storybooks. (languageworkshopforchildren.com)

TADA!

A GYM OF ONE’S OWN At My Gym, Terrific Tots learn beginning sports skills, gain fine and gross motor proficiency and strengthen manipulative skills. In this age group, teaching physical skills is a top priority, but children also develop social skills www.newyorkfamily.com

12/21/11 12:33 PM

AL

NE

6m

W

: LTo -3y g CL AS ETH ER SE S

FRENCH • SPANISH ITALIAN • CHINESE M-

6 Ages

9Y

Full Immersion • Native Teachers

CLASSES PRESCHooLS & CAmPS

Featuring the Thibaut Technique®, perfected almost 40 years, and recognized by The New York Times, PBS, People, Parents, Wall St. Journal, Fox, BBC, NBC, CBS, ABC, and CNN.

FREE mATERIALS MANhATTAN (Eastside, Westside) • LI • NJ

212.628.2700

www.LanguageWorkshopForChildren.com

we’ve thought of everything.

coming winter 2012 to the upper west side

playground classes camps birthdays events and more

SIGN UP TODAY! Tom DelPizzo Photography

Partials_1011.indd 9

10 west 25th street 200 west end ave

appleseedsnyc.com 212.792.7590

12/22/11 10:33 AM

THE VENUES continued

Three Little Birds Music

A ROUND OF APPLAUSE At Applause NYC’s Broadway Little Stars, your child takes the stage for an introduction to a different Broadway show each week with theater games, toys, props, singing and dancing! These classes are a great way to instill confidence, self-esteem and listening skills. Perfect for children ages 3-4 with upcoming school interviews. (applauseny.com) ACT AT ATLANTIC The Creators class at Atlantic Acting School is a must for any young performer looking for an afterschool outlet for creative expression.

Through improvised games, structured movement exercises and storytelling, this class explores all areas of performance and beginning playwriting. The class will culminate in a final performance for parents and friends. (atlanticactingschool.org)

Fastbreak Kids, Multiple locations in Manhattan, 212-724-FAST, fastbreakkids.com Kids In Sports, Multiple locations in Manhattan, 212-744-4900, kisnyc.com Physique Swim School, Multiple locations in Manhattan, 212-725-0939, physiqueswimming.com SPORTIME Randall’s Island, One Randall’s Island, 212-427-6150, sportimeny.com/ manhattan West Side Taekwondo, 700 Columbus Avenue, 212-663-3998, westsidetkd.com SOCCER Kick & Play, Locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Hoboken, 212-8775425, kickandplay.com Soccer by Coach Fher, Multiple locations, 917-650-3008, coachfher.com SocRoc, 235 East 49th Street, 917-703-0409, jcsocroc.com

PLAY CREATIVELY Creative Play for Kids, an upbeat music, movement and play program, is offering Drop-In Music Classes at its Upper West Side location. Ideal for babies and toddlers. Check out live music programs beginning January 2012. (creativeplayforkids.com) MUSICAL STORIES In Diller-Quaile’s Story Dramatization class for 3s and 4s, favorite stories and folk tales are brought to life through singing, movement and improvisation.

Orff instruments (xylophones, metallophones and glockenspiels), as well as other percussion instruments from around the world, enhance the musical experience. (diller-quaile.org) LET’S SING TOGETHER Music Together® is the essential music program, one that a child can attend from birth through age 4. Each child participates at his or her own level in singing, moving, chanting, listening, watching and exploring musical instruments. The class provides a variety of adult-child activities that are fun and offer new ways to play musically at home. (eswsmusictogether.com)

Little Maestros

58

New York Family | January 2012

CLASSGUIDE_FEATURE_0112.indd 58

BUON GIORNO FOR BABIES Giardino dei Bambini at Collina Italiana

Super Soccer Stars & Super Soccer Stars Premier, 200+ locations throughout the TriState area, 212-877-7171, supersoccerstars. com and starspremier.com TUTORING EBL Coaching, 17 East 89th Street, Suite 1D, 212-249-0147, eblcoaching.com Launch Math Achievement Centers, 173 West 81st Street, Lower Level, 949-5286240, launchmath.com Mathnasium, 1597 York Ave and 506 Amsterdam Ave, 212-828-6284, mathnasium.com YOGA Karma Kids Yoga, 104 West 14th Street, 646-638-1444, karmakidsyoga.com Yoga Stars, Locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, 212-787-9642, yogastars.com Yogi Beans, Manhattan, info@yogibeans. com, yogibeans.com

is a morning drop-off where experienced instructors who are native speakers provide multiple opportunities for kids ages 2-5 to learn Italian through play, while gaining important socialization skills. (collinaitaliana.com) GET SPORTY Kids In Sports offers a variety of athletics programs, including baseball, basketball, floor hockey, flag football and soccer, in a fun and encouraging setting. (kisnyc.com) SING ME A STORY This winter and spring little thespians are acting, singing and dancing at TADA! in the T.O.T.S. (Theater on Their Scale) program. Kids ages 2-3 and their caregivers develop language and coordination through song and story. (tadatheater.com) JAZZ THINGS UP Jazz at Lincoln Center is offering an interactive WeBop class for families to explore their creativity and musicality through jazz concepts, instruments and great performers.

This winter, programs include Making Jazz Friends: Sing with Louis Armstrong, share your favorite things with John Coltrane and dance with Dizzy Gillespie. (jalc.org)

www.newyorkfamily.com

12/21/11 12:33 PM

Come Play Yoga at Karma Kids Yoga! a division of

Steps on Broadway

Training the dancers of tomorrow.

Let your inner rainbow shine!

Dance programs for ages 2-18

Bring the zen home with our new CD, Come Play Yoga!, Mom’s Choice Awards Winner, available at CDbaby.com, Amazon, selected tracks on iTunes and now playing on Pandora.

Karma Kids Yoga | 104 West 14th Street, NYC | karmakidsyoga.com | (646)638-1444

Enrolling now for Young Dancers Program & Technique Classes 2121 Broadway @ 74th St, NYC 10023 • 212-874-3678 • StepsNYC.com

SAS_NYFamilyJan2012_QtrPg.indd 1

Yoga for Babies Toddlers, Kids, Teens, Families Community Yoga CircusYoga Prenatal Yoga Free Story Time Yoga Yoga Birthday Parties Special Events Teacher Training

12/14/11 6:43:14 PM

www.preschoolofamerica.us

A Year-Round Program Mon-Fri 8:00am-6:00pm General Programs Infant program 3mos-1yr Toddler program 1-2yrs Nursery program 2-3yrs Preschool program 3-4yrs Pre-kindergarten 4-5yrs After school program 5yrs-up

Special Programs Piano class Art class Dance class Karate class Yoga class Soccer class Foreign language class

Two New Brooklyn Locations Bay Ridge • 863 60th Street 11220 Cobble Hill: 382 Baltic St. 11201 Please Call (212) 767-0606

Locations Serving 3 mos - 6 years

2109 Broadway @ 73rd St. 345 W 42nd St. @ 8th Ave. 25 Tudor City Place @ 41st St. (Ages 2 and up) 212-262-4545 212-681-4671 212-877-1388 1190 Park Ave. @ 93rd St. 1501 Lexington Ave. @ 97th St.

212-410-1100

212-987-3700

101 West End Ave. @ 64th St. 600 6th Ave. @ 17th St.

212-362-0135

212-255-6911

39 Eldridge St. @ Canal St.

212-925-0998 46 Market St. @ Madison St.

212-346-9868

Please check this proof carefully for errors and omissions. Your approval constitutes acceptance of full responsibility for all errors, omissions, legal and ethical compliance in this document. NYMETROPARENTS will not accept liability for errors overlooked on proof. Colors shown are representative and may vary in individual copies of the magazine. AD IS NOT TO SCALE. We appreciate your prompt attention and approval. Created 05/04/2011 12:26 PM 25

Partials_1011.indd 10

12/22/11 10:33 AM

Super Soccer Stars

A MUSICAL ROAD TRIP This winter and spring, Three Little Birds Music classes are taking an imaginary road trip around the USA with Carly and the Crockers! Each week, students will visit a new state and meet a different style of music. (tlbmusic.com) WAY TO GO, SPORT Sports leagues for kids! Fastbreak Kids offers basketball, baseball and football (both flag and tackle). (fastbreakkids.com)

A DECADE OF MUSIC AND MORE Little Maestros, the award-winning music program, is celebrating its 10th year! Four Broadway-quality performers teach in every class. The early childhood-approved curriculum includes a weekly musical storytime, language development segments, funny and meaningful puppet shows and bubble music. (littlemaestros.com) MORE MOEY For the first time, Moey’s Music Party brings its weekly music class to your living room and playroom! Each class introduces your kids and their friends to instruments, musical fairytales, puppets, bubbles, phonics and fun. Winter themes include Pirates, Princesses and Valentine’s Day. Stay cozy this winter and let Moey bring the class to you— your friends, your space, your schedule! (moeysmusicparty.com)

KICK IT TO THE EAST East Side Tae Kwon Do now offers a special Family Class, which allows parents to take a Tae Kwon Do class with their child. This class is special because it is not a “Mommy and Me” class. It’s for kids 5 and older and allows both parent and child to get a workout. (eastsidetaekwondo.com) SOCCER POWER Soccer by Coach Fher offers popular classes year-round. The program introduces children to basic soccer skills through a series of fun games and activities. (coachfher.com) TWEENS WITH A TWIST The unique Tween curriculum at Yogi Beans uses yoga to help bridge the gap between child and teenager. Tween classes incorporate a more adult approach to the yoga poses, breath and meditation, while encouraging the individuality and creativity of each tween. (yogibeans.com)

LITTLE KICKERS Tots are introduced to soccer with Kick & Play classes city-wide. For ages 1224 months, this parent/child pre-soccer & movement program uses engaging puppet characters, original music and a low child-instructor ratio to teach your toddler to balance, run, kick and play. (kickandplay.com)

BE A SOCCER STAR Super Soccer Stars teaches children ages 2 and up the game of soccer in a fun and non-competitive environment.

With more than 200 locations throughout NYC, there’s a class for every young soccer star! And for players ages 5 and up, Super Soccer Stars Premier offers advanced development classes throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, as well as 10 competitive travel teams with a developmental focus. (supersoccerstars. com; starspremier.com)

ANIMALS MAKE MUSIC Music for Aardvarks might be coming to your neighborhood, with even more class locations added for winter 2012! Interactive classes include simple movement, dancing, singing, storytelling and instruments, often with a city theme. (musicforaardvarks.com)

TAKE IT TO THE STAGE Ballet School NY, the official training school for New York Theatre Ballet, offers weekly Pre-Ballet III classes for children age 7 by audition or invitation only. Qualified students have the opportunity to perform with NYTB. (nytb.org)

60

New York Family | January 2012

CLASSGUIDE_FEATURE_0112.indd 60

WATER BABIES UNITE! Kids ages 8 and older can enroll in swim team prep at Physique Swim School. All swimmers will learn to be safe, confident and efficient. (physiqueswimming.com) AFTERSCHOOL ENRICHMENT EBL Coaching will be offering its winter and spring academic afterschool enrichment programs. At the elementary level, they focus on building reading, writing, math and spelling skills by using research-based, multi-sensory strategies. At the middle/high school level, they teach test-taking, notetaking, organization, reading comprehension and writing skills. (eblcoaching.com) SKILLS CLUB The fun, interactive clubsocialsklz:-) afterschool program at socialsklz:-) features the vital life skills kids need to thrive in the modern world. The program includes topics such as proper greetings and introductions, social and communication skills, being a good friend, respect for oneself and others, personal grooming, body language, phone interaction, organization and timeliness, gratitude, dining skills and more. (socialsklz.com) MATH TAKES OFF At the Launch Math Achievement Center’s Robots, Rockets & Electronics Workshop, kids learn about building robots, rockets and electronics, and make their very own models to take home.

Each week brings a new project. This winter, Launch adds Monday sessions of this 10-week, do-it-yourself workshop. (launchmath.com) TENNIS ANYONE? The QuickStart Tennis format at YMCA’s Grosvenor Neighborhood House takes a new approach to introducing children to the game. Balls are colorful, lighter and low compression, helping children track and hit them while developing optimal swing patterns. Racquets are appropriately sized for all ages, and tennis courts are miniaturized. To register for winter sessions, contact Grace Rochford at 212-749-8500 or grochford@ymcanyc.org. (ymcanyc.org) SEASON OF DANCE Broadway Dance Center offers various workshops designed specifically for children ages 4-9 years throughout the school year, including Intro to Hip-Hop, Intro to Jazz, Ballet/Jazz, Pre-Ballet and Acting in Dance. (broadwaydancecenter.com) www.newyorkfamily.com

12/21/11 12:34 PM

Improve Up to TWO GRADE LEVELS!

One-On-One Tutoring Grades Pre-K to 12 ✐ Reading comprehension & writing ✐ Multi-sensory math

SKILLS WATCH OUR EOS BUILDING VID ONLINE AT ching.com www.eblcoa

✐ Phonics instruction & reading fluency ✐ State test preparation ✐ Study & organizational skills ✐ Orton Gillingham instruction ✐ Specialized programs for students with dyslexia, ADD and learning disabilities ✐ Home tutoring available in NYC, Brooklyn, Queens, Westchester and New Jersey

EBL Coaching

212-249-0147 Dr. Emily Levy, Director www.eblcoaching.com

EBLCoaching_0911_LR.indd 1

11/17/11 11:34 AM

LA ScuoLA D’ItALIA GuGLIELMo MARcoNI 12 East 96th Street, New York, NY 10128

Pre K-12th Grade

La Scuola d’Italia is a private unique Italian/English bilingual and bicultural school reflecting the best features of the Italian and American education.

Knowledge of the Italian/English language is not a pre-requisite for admission to Pre-K through 9th grade.

La Scuola d’Italia is chartered by the Board of Regents of the State of New York and by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Italy.

The School is a member of the New York State Association of Independent Schools.

www.lascuoladitalia.org tel. 212-369-3290 email: secretary@lascuoladitalia.org

Partials_1011.indd 11

12/22/11 10:33 AM

FEBRUARY 4

Poppyseed Pre-Nursery Enrich your child’s day with Music, Art, Gym and Play!

•Mommy And Me • Pre-school Alternative •Age Appropriate Classes

Group and Private Tutoring and Classes for Adults and Children

For Babies, Toddlers & 2’s OPEN HOUSE Sunday, March 11 10am–4pm Sample class on January 11 by reservation 424 West End Ave. @ 81st | 212.877.7614 | poppyseedprenursery.com

1556 Third Ave Suite 603

212.427.7770 • www.collinaitaliana.com info@collinaitaliana.com

30

yrs. of Fun, Frien ds, & Fitness !

fo r k i d s 9 mos to 12 yrs

teeny tumblers • mighty muscle movers • rockin' rollers jodi's jumpstart • tumbling tots • creative cartwheeling kids funtastic gymnastics • totally tumbling • motion evolution mad science • creation station • open play jodis to go • best birthdays ever!

244 E. 84th St. NYC • 212.772.7633

Partials_1011.indd 12

• www.jodisgym.com • 25 Hubbels Dr. Mt. Kisco • 914.244.8811

12/22/11 10:34 AM

Home and Away

|

oN the market

Three’s A ChArm

Uptown, Downtown, All Around—We’ve Found The Elusive Three-Bedroom For many families, the make-or-break factor in deciding whether they will ultimately move to the suburbs or stay in the city is whether or not they can find a three-bedroom apartment that fits their lifestyle. Some believe it’s becoming harder and harder to find the perfect blend of elements, enough space and great amenities, while staying within their price range. So we went ahead and did some of the legwork for fams. Here are a few options we came up with, and there are so many more out there, if you just look.

122 East 82nd Street, Unit 5A | Upper East Side Bright and sunny, this renovated three-bedroom has an eat-in kitchen with granite counter tops, a Dacor range, Sub-Zero fridge and wine chiller. And with a formal dining room, high-beamed ceilings, ample closets and a lovely common garden, there is certainly no shortage of space. Plus, pets are allowed.

Asking Price: $1,675,000 Maintenance/CC: $2,527 Agent: Patty Lehan and Tamir Shemesh, Corcoran, 212-323-3246

258 Broadway, PHF | Tribeca This pre-war three-bedroom penthouse loft is directly across from City Hall Park.

Light floods this quiet space from its many exposures and seven original skylights. The living room has a gas fireplace, while the renovated open kitchen boasts stainless appliances and a walk-in pantry. This loft has generous closet space and a beautiful terrace.

Asking Price: $2,400,000 Maintenance/CC: $2,619 Agent: Doreen Courtright, Prudential Douglas Elliman, 212-319-5499 Sharon Flynn, Stribling, 212-585-4579

54 Riverside Drive, Unit 5C | Upper West Side Entertaining is easy and fun in the expansive living room and large dining room of this elegant pre-war three-bedroom apartment. Just beyond the dining room, separated by pocket doors, is a den with a marble powder room. Cooking is a pleasure in a windowed eat-in kitchen with lots of cabinets and counter space.

High-end appliances include a vented-out Viking stove, Sub-Zero refrigerator, dishwasher and Bosch W/D. The building has a 24-hour doorman, bike storage and a pet-friendly attitude. It’s steps away from Riverside Park.

Asking Price: $3,150,000 Maintenance/CC: $3,018 Agent: Rich Johnson, Halstead, 212-381-2377

142 Sackett Street, Unit 4 | Cobble Hill, Brooklyn A private keyed elevator takes you to this glamorous three-bedroom, two-bath condo. Oversized windows and sliding glass doors fill the living space with sun. An airy dining room leads to a balcony where residents can view the Brooklyn church spires and the Manhattan skyline. The master bedroom has an en suite bath with a Jacuzzi tub. What’s more, a short walk leads you to all of Cobble Hill’s fine restaurants, shops and schools, with ready access to the beautiful Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Asking Price: $995,000 Maintenance/CC: $511 Agent: Maria Ryan, Brown Harris Stevens, 718-399-4127 PriCes on All ProPerTies As of DeCember 16, 2011. for more TiPs on reAl esTATe AnD Design for fAmilies, sign uP for our weekly e-newsleTTer AT newyorkfAmily.Com.

64

New York Family | January 2012

HOMEandAWAY_0112.indd 64

www.newyorkfamily.com

12/21/11 10:31 AM

CARES - THE SIMPLE WAY TO FLY SAFE WITH KIDS! • FAA CERTIFIED FROM Take off to landing • Weighs 1 pound – fits in a pocket • Takes 1 minute to install • For kids 22-44 lbs sitting in their own seats • No more lugging car seats to keep kids safe in planes For more information Call 800-299-6249 Visit www.kidsflysafe.com for online order or NY store locations

Partials_1011.indd 15

12/22/11 10:36 AM

CARES - THE SIMPLE WAY TO FLY SAFE WITH KIDS! • FAA CERTIFIED FROM Take off to landing • Weighs 1 pound – fits in a pocket • Takes 1 minute to install • For kids 22-44 lbs sitting in their own seats • No more lugging car seats to keep kids safe in planes For more information Call 800-299-6249 Visit www.kidsflysafe.com for online order or NY store locations

|

dream buildiNgs

alexander severin/raZummedia

Home and Away

The Dillon DebuTs

The

Townhouses on West 53rd bY maria rileY

A collection of nine triplex homes launched by The Dillon in December, The Townhouses on West 53rd offer all the amenities you’d expect in a Manhattan luxury building plus some true rarities, including indoor pull-up parking and private backyards.

The Dillon’s main seven-story building debuted in 2010, offering New Yorkers state-of-the-art design along with a garden plaza, fitness center, children’s playroom and lounge. Residents of the townhouses have full access to such services.

“The Townhouses offer an incredible amount of living space, both indoors and out,” says Louis V. Greco, Principal with developer SDS Procida. “Imagine cooking dinner while your kids play in a roomy backyard, within eyesight, through floorto-ceiling glass—all in the heart of the greatest city on earth.”

66

New York Family | January 2012

HOMEandAWAY_0112.indd 66

Designed with a unique mix of vintage and contemporary furnishings by Haus Interior, The Townhouses on West 53rd Street showcase ceilings as high as 13 feet, kitchens adorned with white quartz countertops, marble-floored bathrooms and the convenience of bedroom-level laundry rooms. Homes range from 2,210 square feet up to 2,770 square feet, and prices start at $3.165 million.

“Our vision was to create a building as vibrant as the neighborhood itself,” explains Greco.

The Midtown West location boasts a bustling environment featuring wide open spaces at nearby Central Park, museums, theaters and a variety of restaurants with international cuisine. The neighborhood has become much more family-friendly, spurred by the popularity of the nearby Time Warner Center and Whole Foods.

To view an available home at The Townhouses on West 53rd, visit The Dillon Sales Gallery and Model Residences at 425 West 53rd Street. Eight of the nine homes are still available for purchase. And as Greco notes: “A newly constructed, thoughtfully planned, three-story Townhouse is a rarity in any Manhattan neighborhood.”

Address: 425 West 53rd Street Prices: Townhouses range from $3.165 million to $4.15 million Developer: SDS Procida Architect and Designer: Smith-Miller + Hawkinson; Haus Interior & Nina Freudenberger Sales Office: 212-586-5300 Website: dillon53.com www.newyorkfamily.com

12/21/11 10:46 AM

If you think Mom loves

,diamonds, .Wait till you see the kids’ reactions.

The distinguished panel at AAA has awarded Velas Resorts a total of 26 diamonds for service, dining and accommodations. We also offer plenty of fun for your most precious jewels. Our kids’ programs feature arts and crafts, games, outdoor fun and more – all day, every day. It’s no wonder we were recently named among the world’s “Top Resorts” in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards and have earned three “Most Outstanding Resort” awards from Condé Nast Johansens. Discover a truly rare all-inclusive family vacation on Mexico’s Pacific or Caribbean Coast. All we ask you to include are your highest expectations.

Beyond all-inclusive. Beyond all compare.

888-320-7579 • velasresorts.com

Grand Velas Riviera Maya

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

Casa Velas Puerto Vallarta

Lucca Restaurant

Frida Restaurant

Piaf Restaurant

RIVIeRA MAyA: GRAnD VelAs RIVIeRA MAyA ~ nueVO VAllARTA: GRAnD VelAs RIVIeRA nAyARIT PueRTO VAllARTA: CAsA VelAs + VelAs VAllARTA

Untitled-3 1

12/16/11 11:35 AM

Home and Away

|

qualitY time

Have Fun At Home This Month With A Recipe From A Star Chef, A D.I.Y. Flower Bouquet, Plus The Easiest Way To Put On A Show At Home Cold-Weather Recipe Therapy

| BY Carla SullivaN oF miNimuNCherS

Grilled Chicken And Vegetable Quesadilla With Fresh Tomato Sauce Marc Murphy is not only the Chef and Owner of four restaurants throughout NYC—Landmarc Columbus Circle, Landmarc Tribeca, Ditch Plains West Village and Ditch Plains UWS—but he is also a father of two. And his restaurants feature some of the most extensive children’s menus in Manhattan! Here’s a delicious recipe courtesy of Chef Marc to add to your own kitchen’s menu.

Quesadilla 1 chicken breast Salt and pepper 1 small red onion 1 zucchini 1 yellow squash 1 cup roasted red peppers 1 cup grated cheddar cheese 4 whole wheat tortillas Tomato Sauce 3 whole plum tomatoes 1 shallot thinly sliced 2 cloves garlic 4 tbs. olive oil Salt and pepper 4 leaves torn basil 1/4 cup chopped parsley

| Serves 4

Instructions Butterfly the chicken breast and season with salt and pepper. Place the chicken on a hot grill and cook for four minutes. Flip and cook for another four minutes. Remove from grill, let cool and then dice the chicken into 1-inch pieces.

Dice the red onion, zucchini and squash and sauté in a pan for two minutes or until vegetables are soft. Add the roasted red peppers.

Spread grated cheese on one half of each tortilla and place grilled chicken and vegetables on top, covering with more cheese. Fold the tortillas in half and place them in a 350-degree oven for five minutes.

Slice each tortilla into four pieces and serve with fresh tomato sauce.

Cut tomatoes in quarters. Sauté with shallots, garlic and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Add herbs and cook for 15 minutes. Puree sauce and serve warm with quesadillas.

FOR MORE On HEAlTHY COOkInG, READ An InTERVIEW WITH MARC MuRPHY AT nEWYORkFAMIlY.COM.

Make-Your-Own Bouquet BY liNdSeY JohNSoN oF the CraFt Studio Give your kids a jump-start on Valentine’s Day with this great floral arrangement and vase craft that will last longer than fresh flowers and be a fresh look for indoors all winter long.

Materials An inexpensive plastic or glass vase One roll of brightly colored yarn 20-30 sheets of brightly colored tissue paper Glitter pom-poms 5 pipe cleaners Strong glue Instructions Help your child glue the beginning piece of the yarn roll to the bottom of the vase. Begin tightly wrapping the yarn around the vase. Continue until you get to the top of the vase and secure the end of the yarn with more glue.

Accordion fold 3-5 sheets of different colored tissue all together.

Secure a pipe cleaner around the middle of the folded tissue. Using kid-friendly scissors, cut a curved edge on the tissue paper fold.

Begin gently separating and pulling a part the tissue paper to create a layered flower. Make as many as will fit in your vase. Present the bouquet as a beautiful, long-lasting Valentine’s Day gift!

Every Room’s A Stage

BY Sharla FeldSCher oF KidFuN

It’s winter and that means the kids are stuck in the house. But children love to sing, perform and dress up! Do you have an area in your home that you can designate as a stage? You can easily build one.

Just lay blocks side by side on the ground—in a large square or rectangle—and you have a stage. Or, visit a nearby home repair store and buy eight cinder blocks and a sheet of smooth, sturdy wood to place over the blocks. Put a basket nearby filled with dress-up clothes. Boas are a plus! Let your kids perform their own shows all winter long.

FOR MORE FROM kIDFun, lOOk FOR SHARlA’S MOnTHlY TIPS On OuR SCOOP BlOG AT nEWYORkFAMIlY.COM.

FOR MORE CREATIVE CRAFT IDEAS, VISIT nEWYORkFAMIlY.COM.

68

New York Family | January 2012

HOMEandAWAY_0112.indd 68

www.newyorkfamily.com

12/21/11 10:53 AM

Mandell.indd 1

12/15/11 10:47 AM

Home and Away

|

caMp couNtdowN

10 queStionS to aSk a Camp direCtor A Priorities List For Your Camp Search

4. What are the enrollment options? What is the length of the program offered? Is there flexibility? You should also inquire about available transportation.

Fun at Woodmont Day Camp.

BY Jess Michaels When researching a summer camp for your child, there are certain pieces of information you should know in order to make an informed decision. Whether you speak to the camp director in person or by phone, the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey (ACA, NY and NJ) recommends asking these ten questions to help you get started.

1. What is the camp’s mission and philosophy? Each camp is unique in its programming and approaches, so it’s important that the director can easily explain what they’re all about. Ask the director about the type of child that is typically successful. Renee Flax, Director of Camper Placement for the ACA, NY and NJ says, “Knowing your child’s personality and learning style, along with carefully considering whether or not the camp’s philosophy matches your own philosophy, are valuable in selecting the right camp.”

2. What does the camp’s programming involve? Think about if you are looking for a well-rounded camp experience or a specialty program, like martial arts or theater. What activities are must-haves for your child? How long is each activity? How many electives do the campers get and what kind of guidance do they receive in choosing them?

3. What type of training and education does the director have? The ACA recommends that directors possess a bachelor’s degree, have completed in-service training within the past three years, and have at least sixteen weeks of camp administrative experience.

70

New York Family | January 2012

HOMEandAWAY_0112.indd 70

5. What is the staff like? It’s important to know who will be caring for your child. Ask about the age make-up, pre-season and on-going staff trainings, the camper-to-staff ratio and cabin supervision. “Parents should not only ask the camp about how many hours or types of training the staff has, but more importantly, the overarching philosophy and message being delivered to the staff,” says Paul Isserles, Director of Buckley Country Day Camp in Roslyn, NY. At a minimum, camp staff should be trained in safety regulations, emergency procedures and communication, behavior management techniques, child abuse prevention, appropriate staff and camper behavior, and specific procedures for supervision.

6. What percentage of the campers return each year? A large number of returning campers usually indicates a high level of satisfaction with the camp’s programming and operation.

7. What are the safety procedures? Ask about the safety measures that are in place. These can include: medical personnel on property, emergency plans, staff screening procedures and instructor qualifications.

8. Is the camp accredited? Find out if the program follows a nationally known accreditation process and if it’s inspected each summer by the Department of Health. The ACA is the only national organization which establishes uniform standards for reviewing camps.

9. Can the camp accommodate special needs? If your child has special requirements, such as food allergies, religious obligations or a learning disability, ask how the camp proceeds.

10. Can the camp provide references? This is generally one of the best ways to check a camp’s reputation and service record. Ask other parents about the experiences of their children at the camp and whether their child is returning or attending for the first time. “Parents can provide you with an ‘inside’ perspective on how camp impacted their children directly,” says Sam Borek, Owner/Director of Woodmont Day Camp in New City, NY. Still have queStionS? Come aSk them in perSon at a free Camp fair hoSted by new york family and the aCa, ny and nJ. viSit newyorkfamilyCampS.Com for more info. www.newyorkfamily.com

12/21/11 11:32 AM

EXPERIENCE MARINE SCIENCE

Phillips Exeter Academy Summer School July 1-August 4, 2012 Five weeks of exploration and discovery.

The

WHALE CAMP

at the

Fundy Marine Science Institute Face-to-face with whales, porpoises, puffins and lots of marine life

We offer Residential/Day programs for motivated students. You will enjoy full access to our campus with its state-of-the-art Phelps Science Center, the world’s largest secondary school library, and expansive athletic facilities. Our UPPER SCHOOL program is for students who have completed grades 9, 10, 11 or 12. ACCESS EXETER, a program of accelerated study in the arts and sciences, is open to students who have completed grades 7 or 8.

Explore the systems of life in the sea HANDS-ON MARINE SCIENCE, OCEANOGRAPHY & WHALE RESEARCH ON GRAND MANAN ISLAND BETWEEN MAINE AND NOVA SCOTIA

For more detailed information please visit our website.

Free Brochure & Info:

www.exeter.edu/summer

www.whalecamp.com

2 0 M a i n S t r e e t y E x e t e r, N H 0 3 8 3 3 - 2 4 6 0 Te l 6 0 3 . 7 7 7 . 3 4 8 8 y F a x 6 0 3 . 7 7 7 . 4 3 8 5 e m a i l s u m m e r @ e x e t e r. e d u

Ask About: $40,000 College Scholarships • STEM Projects • College Accredited Courses Mention Keycode WC★NYF for $50/week Discount

z Ama

in

fe rs, Li e m m g Su

NTR

AL PA

Get up to $100 off when you attend an info session!

R K

CE

lo n g F r

iends

cenTral ParK & downTown ✔

Located in Central Park on the UWS and Downtown on the LES!

✔

Beautiful athletic facilities and fields, ample indoor space, nature trails, Olympic-sized pool & more!

✔

Activities include athletics, fine & performing arts, nature exploration and swim instruction!

✔

Traditional 9am-5pm Day Camp for children ages 4-11!

✔

Teen Travel program for young adults ages 12-15!

✔

Early-Start Jr. Camper Program specially designed for 4 year olds!

✔

Hot lunch, transportation, early drop-off & late pick-up services available!

✔

Low camper to adult ratios with college-age staff or older!

✔

Flexible enrollment for 2-8 weeks!

This camp is licensed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and is inspected twice yearly. The inspection reports are filed at the Bureau of Food Safety and Community Sanitation. If you have questions, please contact Oasis at (718)596-4900.

Partials_1011.indd 13

Visit our website:

www.oasischildren.com

simple & Fast online registration, Upcoming info sessions,special discounts, camp Photos & more!

or call us at 1.800.317.1392

12/22/11 10:34 AM

Home and Away

|

camp couNtdowN

fun facts about camp Some Little-Known Knowledge About Spending A Summer Away From Home Each year, millions of children, youth and adults head to the hills, lakes, valleys and parks to participate in the time-honored tradition of camp. And, while most people easily conjure up images of campfires and canoes, there is a lot more to the camp experience than most realize. Here are ten things you may not know.

k

odac

p Sch

Cam

1. Camp is older than dirt, almost literally.

Started in 1861, the camp experience turned an impressive 150 years young in 2011. The secret behind the longevity? “Camps are constantly adapting to meet the changing needs of today’s families,” says Peg Smith, Chief Executive Officer for the American Camp Association® (ACA). “And yet, camp is very much the same as it was 150 years ago—kids still have authentic, life-changing experiences.”

2. Camp is worth its weight in gold, and then some! The camp experience is life-changing—developing friendships and memories that last well beyond the final campfire. And, there is a camp for every budget. Often camps offer special pricing or financial assistance, and some camp experiences qualify for tax credits or for payment with pre-tax dollars.

3. Green is “zen.” Research shows that first-hand experiences with nature, like those at camp, reduce stress in children and help them better handle anxiety in the future. In addition to teaching children how to be good stewards of the environment, camps are teaching children how to enjoy the world around them and take a minute to breathe deep and connect with nature.

4. Mommies and daddies can do it, too. Camp is not just for children. There are family camp experiences, and camps for single adults, senior adults and any adult who wants to relax and enjoy all camp has to offer. Adults benefit from the same sense of community, authentic relationships and self-discovery that children do.

5. Try this on for size! Camp is a great place to try new activities and hobbies. Afraid of rock walls? According to ACA research, 74% of campers reported that they tried new activities at camp that they were afraid to do at first. And, those activities often leave lasting impressions.

72

New York Family | January 2012

HOMEandAWAY_0112.indd 72

Camp Schodack

6. Manners matter (and often linger). The camp experience teaches more than just archery or lanyard making. The entire experience is made of teachable moments, perhaps one of the biggest is how to live with a group of people. Campers learn to pick up after themselves, respect each other’s property, and to say “Please” and “Thank You.” 7. Veggies taste better with friends. Hollywood and fictional novels may have given camp food a bad reputation, but camps are constantly exploring healthy food options, and often are at the forefront of things like allergy specific diets, healthy snack options and vegetarian meals.

Camp S

chodack

8. If everyone else went to camp, maybe there’s something to it! Camp has played an important role in the lives of some of the most talented people in history. ACA’s family resource site offers a list of notable campers—including business professionals, celebrities, artists and great thinkers.

9. Camp gets those neurons pumping. Research shows that participation in intentional programs, like camp, during summer months helps stem summer learning loss.

10. Camp builds leaders for the 21st Century and beyond.

Independence, resiliency, teamwork, problem-solving skills and the ability to relate to other people—these are the skills that tomorrow’s leaders will need, and the skills camp has been adept at building for 150 years. ©2011 American Camp Association, Inc. Want to knoW more about camps for kids? come to a free camp fair hosted by neW york family and the aca, ny and nJ. Visit neWyorkfamilycamps.com for more info. www.newyorkfamily.com

12/21/11 10:48 AM

Temple Israel of the City of New York

My “Special Person” and Me Summer Camp Program

East Side 1569 Second Ave. Ph. (212)-570-5500 Fax (212)-570-5508

JUNE 4TH - JULY 26TH MONDAY & WEDNESDAY OR TUESDAY & THURSDAY 9:30 AM–11:00AM AGE: 2.0 – 2.7 YEARS OLD BY OCT 2012

Bronx

163 Exterior St. Ph. (212)-222-4880 Fax (718)-993-2188

(212)-222-4880 www.paddedwagon.com

• ART • SENSORY PLAY

McMaid

• FREE PLAY • MUSIC AND MOVEMENT

For all your cleaning needs

• SNACK

212-371-5555 www.mcmaidnyc.com

• WATERPLAY ON THE PLAYGROUND

REGISTER NOW!

AND MORE….

For more information contact: Contact Lindsay Bennett at 212-249-5001 or lbennett@templeisraelnyc.org Temple Israel of the City of New York 112 E 75 St. New York, NY 10021

Manhattan Cleaning Corp.

The Name You KNow & TrusT iN maNhaTTaN move-iN/ouT, PosT CoNsTruCTioN, GeNeral,TurNover, CorP. aPTs, eTC. FullY iNs/BoNded

the

Summer SAVE DATE 2012!

Open House February 11th 10-2pm

Your Sleepaway Camp Matchmaker Finding Sleepaway Camps for Children and Teens and

Teen Connection (a Division of the Camp Connection) Offering information and advice on: Teen Travel Enrichment/College Programs Study Abroad Community Service, Language Immersion and more!!!

•16 Specialty Programs • Weekly Sessions • ENROLL BY FEB. 15 & SAVE! • Door - Door Transportation for Manhattan Residents

fscamps.com

Partials_1011.indd 14

FREE Personalized Service • No Fee • No Obligation Over 20 years experience!

Representing over 500 programs!

SUMMER CAMPS at Purchase College

914.273.8500

www.thEcampconnection.com email: camp4u@thecampconnection.com 800-834-2267

12/22/11 10:36 AM

the last word

TheSilent Tsunami As The Birth Of Her Third Child Approaches, A Mother Struggles To Help Her Oldest Cope With His Speech Delay B y J e s s i c a S h yb a While the weather naturally transitions, things have begun to change far beyond the seasons at home. We’re expecting our third child (a boy), and there’s a lot of excitement building. Zoe, who is two, still carries on regular conversations with my belly, and her older brother Jack, who is four, thinks of something new every day that he wants to teach his soon-to-be little bro. The nursery is nearly finished, the crib is built and there’s a bassinet waiting to rock right next to my bed.

My husband and I feel as though we’ve prepared as best as we could (and, honestly, better than for the first two), but my son, Jack, when he’s not playing teacher, isn’t handling the impending changes very well.

“Just when I think I’ve got this parenting gig figured out—ha!— out comes a curve ball to remind me again that parenting is about constant change.”

Jack is an extraordinarily sensitive and sweet boy. He’s been the observant child ever since he was born—the type that aims to please and never makes much of a fuss. He is a whiz at puzzles and loves to play soccer with his close buddy from preschool.

However, along with his conservative and content disposition, he also struggles to communicate.

For a while, we’ve been concerned that his confidence was being affected by his growing awareness of his delay—and recently Jack qualified to receive both speech and play therapy. While we weren’t sure how the play therapy would help—Jack is perfectly fine in social situations—we agreed to follow the recommendation and a therapist has been coming to our apartment twice a week to

74

New York Family | January 2012

LASTWORD_0112.indd 74

play games with him one-on-one. (Remember, this is in addition to his time with the speech therapist.)

Since the beginning of the sessions, Jack’s behavior at home has gotten almost unmanageable. He’s frustrated and struggling for attention and power all the time. He just seems so desperately frustrated in his own skin. At times, the situation has left me feeling like I’m a student again in front of a class facing the chalkboard, chalk in hand, waiting for the right answer to come to me—and it never comes. Just when I think I’ve got this parenting gig figured out—ha!—out comes a curve ball to remind me that parenting is about constant change and adjustments.

I am incredibly blessed to have a very bright and aware little boy who needs me to help him find comfort and confidence within himself, yet I cannot seem to help him as much as he needs, and that void is wreaking havoc on my mental state. It feels like the rise of a silent tsunami right here in the apartment.

I’ve been through enough parenting ups and downs to know that the water will recede (or certainly break!), and this phase too shall pass, and we might even end up feeling quite proud of how far we’ve come. But can it pass soon? Trying to prepare for a new child on top of trying to help my oldest has been overwhelming.

Believe it or not, I still try to remind myself to enjoy the pregnancy, to put aside some time to bond with the one on the way while he’s still a part of me. When I’m not driven to distraction, I also try to savor my precious time with my two little sidekicks and their dad before we become a party of five. I’m trying to focus on the peace and beauty within the spinning carousel. And of that there is much.

There always is. Pretty soon though I will have to focus on the immediate needs of a newborn. I wonder about when the surrounding chaos will recede and Jack will find his peace.

Jessica Shyba blogs at Mommas Gone City (mommasgonecity.com) about her ongoing adventures raising children in New York. Her third child, Beau, was born in early December. www.newyorkfamily.com

12/20/11 5:29 PM

SuperSoccer.indd 1

12/15/11 10:43 AM

The Only

SKYLIT POOL

SUN TERRACE

ONE

BBQ GRILLS

With Everything

CHILDREN’S PLAYROOM

PET SPA

FITNESS CLUB

ENTERTAINMENT LOUNGE

BUSINESS CENTER

YOGA

New Year. New Opportunity.

One Carnegie Hill offers you the ultimate Upper East Side lifestyle. Spectacular, spacious residences for sale that feature River to River views, marble baths, granite kitchens and over ONE CARNEGIE HILL

18,000 sq ft of fabulous amenities designed by David Rockwell. One Carnegie Hill. Own the luxury of Related on the Upper East Side.

Newly released one, two and three bedroom residences for sale from $690,000.

212.249.8505 217 EAST 96TH STREET

www.onecarnegiehillsales.com | www.related.com The complete offering terms are in an offering plan available from the sponsor: File No. CC-04-0003. Sponsor: One Carnegie Hill Associates, L.L.C., 60 Columbus Circle, NY, NY 10023.

OneCarnegieHill.indd 1

12/22/11 11:18 AM

The Only

SKYLIT POOL

SUN TERRACE

ONE

BBQ GRILLS

With Everything

CHILDREN’S PLAYROOM

PET SPA

FITNESS CLUB

ENTERTAINMENT LOUNGE

BUSINESS CENTER

YOGA

New Year. New Opportunity.

One Carnegie Hill offers you the ultimate Upper East Side lifestyle. Spectacular, spacious residences for sale that feature River to River views, marble baths, granite kitchens and over ONE CARNEGIE HILL

18,000 sq ft of fabulous amenities designed by David Rockwell. One Carnegie Hill. Own the luxury of Related on the Upper East Side.

Newly released one, two and three bedroom residences for sale from $690,000.

212.249.8505 217 EAST 96TH STREET

www.onecarnegiehillsales.com | www.related.com The complete offering terms are in an offering plan available from the sponsor: File No. CC-04-0003. Sponsor: One Carnegie Hill Associates, L.L.C., 60 Columbus Circle, NY, NY 10023.

OneCarnegieHill.indd 1

12/19/11 4:42 PM

THE VENUES continued NY Kids Club, Multiple locations in Manhattan, 347-706-4700, nykidsclub.com Poppyseed Pre-Nursery, 424 West End Avenue, 212-877-7614, poppyseedprenursery.com YMCA, Multiple locations in Manhattan, 212-630-9600, ymcanyc.org ARTS & CRAFTS ArtXplorers, 646-785-9759, artxplorers.com Children’s Museum of the Arts (CMA), 103 Charlton Street, 212-274-0986, cmany.org The Craft Studio, 1657 Third Avenue, 212-831-6626, craftstudionyc.com HiArt!, 227 West 29th Street, Studio 4R, 212-209-1552, hiartkids.com Kids at Art, 431 East 73rd Street (at Little Shop of Crafts), 212-410-9780, kidsatartnyc.com

PERFORM & PLAY The Young Performers Workshop comes to Gymboree Play & Music! In this onehour drop-off program, future stars ages 3-5 years will develop their imaginations through costume play, improvisational games and a variety of songs and miniplays. (gymboreeclasses.com)

Richard Freeda Photography

FALL INTO ART In its 11th year, Kids at Art focuses on the basics of visual arts, with age-appropriate art projects for 2- to 11-yearolds. Classes are limited in size so that each child receives individual attention.

The winter/spring session runs January 9-May 31. (kidsatartnyc.com)

Gymtime Rhythm & Glues

52

New York Family | January 2012

CLASSGUIDE_FEATURE_0112.indd 52

Loop of the Loom, 227 East 87th Street, 212-722-2686, loopoftheloom.com Make Meaning, 329 Columbus Avenue/1501 Third Avenue, 212-3620350/212-744-0011, makemeaning.com

Joffery Ballet School

COOKING Collina Italiana, 1556 Third Avenue, ste.603, 212-427-7770, collinaitaliana.com Taste Buds, 109 West 27th Street, 212242-2248, tastebudscook.com DANCE Ballet Academy East, 1651 Third Avenue, 3rd Floor, 212-410-9140, baenyc.com Broadway Dance Center, 322 West 45th St., 212-582-9304, broadwaydancecenter.com Joffrey Ballet School, 434 Avenue of the Americas, 212-254-8520, joffreyballetschool.com

LEARN LAX Gymtime Rhythm & Glues’ Sports and Gymnastics program will build a strong foundation of sports skills for your little athlete by introducing the basics of gymnastics, soccer, basketball and hockey. New for this year, Gymtime adds the popular sport of lacrosse to the lineup. (gymtime.net) SATURDAY MORNING SOCCER At 235 East 49th Street, Saturday SocRoc classes are taught by James Christie, former Soccer Pro and Certified Fitness trainer. Emphasis is on learning soccer skills, teamwork and playing in a game situation. Six- to 9-year-olds play at 9am, 10- to 14-year-olds at 10am and 4- to 6-year-olds at 11am. (jcsocroc.com)

SEW SO MUCH Put a dash of sewing, a sprinkle of Project Runway enthusiasm and loads of decorative fabrics and trims together, and you have the framework for Fabric Arts Studio at the JCC in Manhattan. From designing your own one-of-a-kind accessories to simplified amigurumi-style funky stuffed toys (a take on the Japanese animal crochet trend), little ones will leave this class with countless projects, fashion savvy, and the lifelong skill of sewing by hand. (jccmanhattan.org) BABY JAM Kids at Work presents Jam Sessions Babies, where music for you and your little one, 0-13 months, is intimate, ageappropriate and never amplified! Jam Sessions Babies features music that is “off the beaten path,” including world and folk music, and adult participation is encouraged. Every class includes two teachers, one of whom is a professional guitarist. (kidsatworknyc.com) FILM FANS Moomah is offering exciting new creative classes this semester, including Film Fanatics Craft Quest, where young artists view carefully selected movie scenes, discuss what they saw and create awesome art projects based on favorite flicks. (moomah.com) PLAY AT POPPYSEED Babes, tots & two’s enjoy fun-filled play with parent or caregiver at Poppyseed by singing songs, dancing with instruments, painting pictures, cruising in mini-cars, playing in the pretend kitchen, choo-chooing with BRIO trains, jumping in the mini-gym and making new friends. (poppyseedprenursery.com)

www.newyorkfamily.com

12/21/11 7:00 PM