New York Family July 1, 2010 by New York Family

parenting with sense and sensibility JULY

2010

www.newyorkfamily.com

WWW.NEWYORKFAMILY.COM NEW YORK FAMILY

F I R E WORKS A T

I N T R E P I D

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ARE YOU IN?

SALUT

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AT INTR EPID

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Birthday Parties! Book your child’s birthday party NOW! www.kidville.com

Themes include:

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tribeca: 200 Church St. (corner of Duane) NY, NY 10013 phone: 212.362.3923

Little Maestros @ 69th St. 344 East 69th St. (btwn 1st & 2nd) NY, NY 10021 phone: 212.772.8435

park slope:

upper west side:

808 Union St. (corner of 7th) Brooklyn, NY 11215 phone: 718.569.2150

466 Columbus Ave. (btwn 82nd & 83rd) NY, NY 10024 phone: 212.362.7792

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Event dates:

July 14th, 2010 at 8:00 AM August 17th, 2010 at 8:00 AM September 14th, 2010 at 8:00 AM

Location:

The Princeton Review 317 Madison Avenue

Advanced registration is required. Call 646.613.9500 or email jiovino@review.com to reserve a spot today!

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3 WEEK INTE NSIVE SUMMER PR OGRAMS:

• June, July & August •Grades Pre K -12 • Reading, Wri ting, Math & Study Skills • Multi-Senso ry Instruction

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ARE YOU IN OR OUT?

2010 HOME SCHEDULE Don’t miss out on this Summer’s hottest sporting event. Come to Randall’s Island for seven nights of star-studded TeamTennis action, and bring your friends and family! MON. JULY 5 7PM

WASHINGTON

WED. JULY 7 7PM BLAKE

BOSTON

SUN. JULY 11 4PM

PHILADELPHIA

MON. JULY 12 7PM

SPRINGFIELD

WED. JULY 14 7PM MCENROE

THU. JULY 15 7PM S. WILLIAMS

RODDICK

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For tickets call

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NEIGHBORHOOD NOTES From the best playgrounds to family-friendly dining, ten families tell us what they love about where they live.

July 2010 volume 23, issue 13

INSIDE

102 MATERNITY MEMOS As she approaches motherhood, a New York Family editor shares what she’s learned during pregnancy; plus, maternity resources to help you make the most of the next nine months and beyond.

102 58

42 THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO RAISING KIDS IN NYC

THE CITY DISCOVERED

PERSPECTIVES IN PARENTING Sound bytes from the year’s most enlightening experts; unforgettable quotes from memorable cover subjects and a directory of helpful resources for parents.

THOUGHT A mom swallows her vendetta against “princess pink” and allows her daughter to be (and dress) herself.

BEST IN CLASS A guide to the city’s extracurricular offerings for infants to tweens; plus, local experts weigh in on the benefits of music, art, gymnastics and other classes for kids.

SCHOOL OF THOUGHT

CULTURE CONNECTION A few of our favorite museums and theaters for kids, paired with some lesser known locales families are sure to love.

HEALTHY HOME, HAPPY HOME

EDITOR’S NOTE Ultimate things.

106 ON SECOND

DEPARTMENTS

Education experts weigh in on how to cultivate a lifelong dedication to learning in kids.

From Broadway to bookstores to ball games, we’ve rounded up our 50 favorite outings, adventures and experiences that make for a uniquely New York childhood.

FABULOUS FINDS From all-natural applesauce to a laptop just for kids to the perfect pink nail polish, our style editor’s top ten family shopping picks from the past year.

COLUMNS

WHAT’S NEW FROM NEW YORK FAMILY The synergy of Facebook, Twitter, and Newyorkfamily.com.

BUZZWORTHY The perfect family sunscreen; Scholastic’s solution to long car trips; John Grisham’s chapter book for kids; and more great ideas for July .

TEN IDEAS Our monthly roundup of family-friendly fun in the city.

Expert tips on eating well as a family; innovative ideas to make the most of after-dinner-beforebed bonding time; and fun exercises to do together.

PARTY PLANNER Our birthday checklist makes party planning a piece of cake; an etiquette expert offers tips on dodging social snafus at the celebration; great gifts for every age group and a list of the city’s best birthday venues.

THE COVER: Illustration by Jessica Balaschak and Mitchell Hoffman. 8

New York Family | July 2010

www.newyorkfamily.com

ART in the

Garden

Every weekend the Family Art Project engages children with the natural world and inspires creativity. Bring your family to explore the gardens, create art and be together outdoors. FREE with admission every Saturday & Sunday, from 10AM to 1PM.

Wave Hill A public garden & cultural center

www.wavehill.org W. 249th St. & Independence Ave. %URQ[ 1< s

Getting here is easy! Purchase a Metro-North Getaway package and receive discounts on round-trip rail fare and admission to Wave Hill. Free shuttle; go to www.wavehill.org for schedule.

Target Free Days

Target sponsors free Tuesday and Saturday morning admission to Wave Hill, providing public access to the arts in our community.

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The Art Farm 419 East 91 St. 212.410.3117 TheArtFarms.org

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Enchanting Foreign Language Programs for Children

P E HI RI DS S F N IEN RT FU FR N SPORTS FU SPO

RTS IP SPOENDSHORTt h e FRI UN SP Great S T ORship F Out doors

Language Lessons

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Italian Mandarin French Spanish

Monday - Saturday

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SH FRIEND

Family Travel Program

Paris & Barcelona June 2010 Limited reservations available!

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Call 212.501.8524

646.505.4430

thecarouseloflanguages.com

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Presented by The Creature Production Company in association with BBC Worldwide

THE BIGGEST ACT THE GARDEN HAS EVER SEEN!

On-the-Go-Nannies On-the-Go-Childcare Services Background checks CPR Certiﬁed Nannies Nanny Share Trips & Activities Language Program

BBC & logo © & TM BBC 1996 Walking With Dinosaurs word mark and logo TM and © BBC 1998

Bonus Childrens’ Museum Membership

JULY 21-25 GET YOUR TICKETS BEFORE THEY’RE EXTINCT! TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THEGARDEN.COM, THE GARDEN BOX OFFICE, TICKETMASTER OR 866.858.0008. GROUPS OF 10+, CALL 212.465.6080

Join us and the Guinness World Records™in making the loudest Dinosaur roar in over 65 million years! Powered by PictorialReDirect.com Ticketmaster subject to fees. VIP seats available. MSG has the following available for people with disabilities: Wheelchair, Designated Aisle Transfer and Companion Seats; Accessible Restrooms and Assistive Listening Devices. Please contact the MSG Disabled Services Department at (212) 465-6034. All rights reserved. ©MSG Entertainment, a division of Madison Square Garden®, LP.

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Days Camp MAGIC Classes Summer Summer Days Camp for children

Energy-packed classes in music, art, gymnastics, cooking, science and preschool alternatives for children 6 months to 8 years.

2Â˝ to 6 years. Only a 2 week minimum required...half day and full day options available.

Mondays at MAGIC

MAGIC Birthday Parties Fun and Affordable... Let us help you create an unforgettable, special day!

Join us for a dizzying array of special events!

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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!!! FREE Personalized Service • No Fee • No Obligation Over 20 years experience! Representing over 500 programs!

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Not every kid wants the same kind of camp, and we want happy campers! That’s why Summer at St. Bart’s offers three options that include swim every day: St. Bart’s Day Camp • June 8–August 20 • Ages 3 ½ to 7 Swimming every day Sports and fitness Arts and Crafts Science Dance and Movement Drama Island Sports • June 21–August 20 • Ages 7 to 13 Swimming every day Arts and Crafts Athletic instruction: Tennis • Soccer • Football • Basketball • Kickball • Baseball Adventure Camp • June 21–August 20 • Ages 7 to 13 Swimming every day Arts and Crafts Science Sports and fitness Dance and Movement Drama Around the city trips...two per week: Yankee Stadium tour • Top of the Rock • The Duck Tour The Metropolitan Museum • and so much more… Summer at St. Bart’s offers flexible scheduling, the Breakfast Club, Lunch and After Camp program. To register or schedule a family tour contact Eileen Reddy at 212.378.0203, reddy@stbarts.org or look at our website www.stbarts.org.

St. Bartholomew’s Church

325 Park Avenue at 51st Street • www.stbarts.org • 212.378.0203

EDITOR AND CO-PUBLISHER Eric Messinger emessinger @manhattanmedia.com ART DIRECTOR Mitchell Hoffman mhoffman @manhattanmedia.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR Leah Black lblack@manhattanmedia.com DEPUTY EDITOR Katie Main kmain @manhattanmedia.com STYLE DIRECTOR Joy Sherwood jsherwood @manhattanmedia.com DEPUTY ART DIRECTOR Jessica Balaschak jbalaschak@manhattanmedia.com PRODUCTION MANAGER Mark Stinson mstinson @manhattanmedia.com DEPUTY PRODUCTION MANAGER Heather Mulcahey hmulcahey @manhattanmedia.com PHOTO EDITOR Andrew Schwartz aschwartz@manhattanmedia.com SENIOR EDITORS Darcy Newell dnewell@manhattanmedia.com Meira Drazin mdrazin @manhattanmedia.com CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Daniel S. Burnstein, Heidi Green, Thaddeus Harden, Jennifer Lee, Josh Lehrer, Sarah Merians CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Janet Allon, Nicole Adelman, Heather Chaet, Beata Cherepakhina, Noelia de la Cruz, Kristen Duca, Robin Saks Frankel, Michelle Levine, Meredith Lopez, Lisa Loverro, Jennifer Maslowski, Leah Ramella, Elisabeth Reed, Molly O’Meara Sheehan, Molly Tracy, Ashley Troost GROUP PUBLISHER Alex Schweitzer 212-284-9735, aschweitzer @manhattanmedia.com PUBLISHER John Hurley 212-268-3086, jhurley @manhattanmedia.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Mary Ann Oklesson maoklesson @manhattanmedia.com SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER Gina Waldman gwaldman @manhattanmedia.com CIRCULATION John Baxter jbaxter @manhattanmedia.com Joe Bendik jbendik@manhattanmedia.com ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Jennie Valenti jvalenti @manhattanmedia.com BUSINESS MANAGER Shawn Scott sscott@manhattanmedia.com 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 MARKETING DIRECTOR Tom Kelly tkelly @manhattanmedia.com EVENTS MANAGER Stephanie Musso smusso @manhattanmedia.com 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. © 2008 Manhattan Media, LLC | 79 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10016 | t: 212.268.8600 | f: 212.268.0577 www.manhattanmedia.com

New York Family | July 2010

www.newyorkfamily.com

Ease into parenthood with a highly referred Baby Nurse

A multi-sensory approach to learning languages Toddler Program (12-23 months)

An Experienced Baby Nurse wil care for your newborn on a weekly or monthly basis.

Two-three year olds program After School Program for 3-5 yrs Summer Camp for 3-7 yrs Ballet en Español for 3-7 yrs Flamenco en Español for 3-7 yrs

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o f R o c 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 e m o H

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parenting with sense and sensibility

edit ’s

NOTE

www.newyorkfamily.com

Ultimate Things

b Be ra C an y U st H nk ons d .S. o ed ist n a e N s fo ow ew pita m nt r n a s ls on ly ur M & in g t si ag W A he ng n or m ex et® ld eri ce h Re ca lle os po nc pi rt e tal

Creating an “ultimate” guide sounds daunting, but compared to producing the regular issues of the magazine it has its own special perks. I’m even tempted to apply the words fun and rewarding. Fun because it challenges both the edit team and the art team to find creative, fresh and engaging approaches to an annual product. Rewarding because it’s a chance to share the best of ourselves with you. Before our gracious former executive editor Leah Black left the magazine a few weeks ago to have her first child, we would joke about how she’d soon be able to apply all the things she’s learned about parenting from working at the magazine. But it’s not quite the same, is it? I try to keep that in mind because for me, a parenting magazine is best when it has the feel of a conversation (however one-sided) between editors and writers and readers interested in similar

topics—as opposed to reading like a litany of prescriptions for how a parent should parent. Leah herself takes up this theme in the issue with a sweet and informative account of some of the things she’s learned about being pregnant and preparing for giving birth. (Readers who have gotten to know Leah a bit may enjoy the picture of her and her baby boy that accompanies the article.) There’s a lot of good sharing going on in this issue. In our “greatest hits” feature we pulled together excerpts from our favorite interviews this year with authors like Po Bronson (“Nurture Shock”), Adele Faber (“Siblings Without Rivalry”) and Ada Calhoun (“Instinctive Parenting”). In our “Neighborhood Guide,” ten parents from across the city share insider info on what they love about their hoods from a family

perspective. And my co-editors Katie Main and Darcy Newell did the awesomest job (as my son would say) creating a list of 50 special city kid experiences. You’ll also find good info on children’s classes, birthday parties, shopping finds, family wellness, education and family cultural oases (common and not-as-common). There’s also a special personal essay by author, actress and NYC mom of three Amy Wilson, who just published a very smart and funny book called, “When Did I Get Like This? The Screamer, The Worrier, The Dinosaur-Chicken-Nugget-Buyer, & Other Mothers I Swore I’d Never Be.” I don’t know when any of us got like this either but thanks for sharing the journey with this magazine.

2010/2011

EDITION

Have A Happy July,

ERIC MESSINGER emessinger@manhattanmedia.com

Because There’s So Much to See and Do in New York…

he New York Eye and Ear Infirmary is one of the recognized leaders in eye, ear, nose and throat care. Serving New York since 1820, we have more than 500 affiliated physicians throughout the tri-state area and we are part of all major health plans, HMOs and PPOs. America’s first specialty hospital, with ● Board certified specialists in: I Ophthalmology I Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery I Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery ● Related areas such as the Ear Institute and its pediatric Hearing & Learning Center, Hearing Aid Dispensary, Orthoptics, Sleep Lab, Facial Paralysis & Rehabilitation, Institute for Voice and Swallowing, Allergy and Pain Management ● All forms of Laser Vision Correction ● Beautiful Ambulatory “Same Day” Surgery Center ● Specialized Services for Children/Adults/Senior Citizens ● For extra convenience if you live or work downtown, satellite offices for Ear-Nose-Throat care in: I Wall Street area: 65 Broadway, Phone: 212-514-6933 I Chinatown: 128-138 Mott Street, Phone: 212-343-8399 I And new Tribeca location opening Summer 2010 ● Visit our Web Site at www.nyee.edu

For information call 1-800-449-HOPE (4673) The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary 310 East 14th Street, New York, NY 10003 18

New York Family | July 2010

www.newyorkfamily.com

Authentic

ction ert Instru p x E • s ie cilit

• Best Valu

The City’s Best Summer Day Camps for Tots to Teens. Camps run June 21 – September 3 • Ages 3 to 17 Years Since 1996, campers have enjoyed world-class athletic facilities, expert and caring instructors, and the most exciting sports curriculum, without ever leaving the city!

16 Camps to Choose from: Golf • Performance Golf • Ice Hockey • Ice Skating • Bowling Sports Academy • Acceleration Pre-Season Hockey Preschool Gymnastics • Preschool Ice Skating Gymnastics • Urban Adventure for Teens New This Summer: Junior Gymnastics • Elite Soccer BlueStreak Sports Training: Basketball • Football • Volleyball

Enroll for 1, 2 or more weeks. Instant Online Enrollment • Lunch Provided Transportation & After Care Available

23rd Street & Hudson River Park 212.336.6846 www.chelseapiers.com/camps Visit chelseapiers.com for a complete listing of sports classes available for both kids and adults.

Welcome to the Family Why Join Us At NewYorkFamily.com? A recent reader survey offered very heartening news. It seems that a good deal of you actually read this magazine and enjoy it. We loved hearing that, of course, and appreciate the time everyone took to ﬁll out the survey. But we also know that the pace at which most of us consume our media has become too quick and too regular to only engage on a monthly basis and only in print. So a few months ago we re-launched (in a quiet way) NewYorkFamily. com, with the hope of offering parents a steady pipeline of all sorts of good information on family activities, shopping, health and wellness, education, travel, child development, family dynamics, real estate—really everything we do in the magazine but in a way that makes sense for the web and nurtures community.

NewYorkFamily.com is where you can do a definitive search for children’s classes and birthday party venues, find a selective and helpful guide for family activities around the city (and especially on the weekend), and find lots of daily surprises, whether it’s news about a great children’s clothing sale or a really interesting blog item on the emotional life of a parent. The good news is we really are getting there, and in the next couple of months I promise you that you will be pleasantly dazzled by all different ways we might be fun and useful to you—and none more so than in the area of community (whether you’re a new parent, or someone who might want to join our family book club coming soon). One suggestion for now: if you haven’t already, take a minute to visit NewYorkFamily.com, check it out and sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter and the free digital edition of our monthly magazine. You’d be joining about 18,000 of your neighbor families who find the weekly e-newsletter to be chock-full of selective tips on family activities, shopping items and parenting resources, and anything else we think you’ll appreciate discovering. And it’ll keep you abreast of everything that’s going on with NewYorkFamily. com as it rolls out this year. We hope you’ll come along for the ride.

New York Family | July 2010

Prizes

AND

GIVEAWAYS

THEY’RE BACK! Chances are homo sapiens and dinosaurs wouldn’t have been the best of neighbors had we inhabited the planet at the same time. But if you want to experience what it’s like to be in the presence of a dinosaur, there’s nothing quite like WALKING WITH DINOSAURS– THE ARENA SPECTACULAR, which will be returning to Madison Square Garden from July 21 to July 25. Not only are the dinosaur robots life-like in every way (including size), but the show tells the story of their evolution, so it’s thrilling and educational. New York Family is giving away two family packs of four tickets each. To win, write us at newyorkfamily@ manhattanmedia.com, putting “Dinosaur” in the subject line. Deadline: Thursday, July 15 at noon.

OH, BEAUTIFUL! We think the work of child and family photographer Olga Starr is so wonderful that we’ll leave it at that, and recommend you visit her website (osphotography. com) and form your own opinion. To win a free on-location family photo session and an 11x14 wall portrait with Olga Starr, write us at newyorkfamily@ manhattanmedia.com, putting “Olga Starr” in the subject line. Deadline: Thursday, July 15, at noon.

www.newyorkfamily.com

buzz

QO R G A N I C O N T H E G O Healthy baby food on-the-go just got easier—and more delicious—with the arrival of Plum Organ-

WORTHY

ics’ baby food pouches and the Plum Dispensing Spoon By Boon. Available in flavor combinations

QM OV E OV E R ,

like pumpkin and banana and pear and mango,

NANCY DREW

added sugar, juice, colors or flavors. The dispensing spoons easily attach to the

Your children will love cracking the case

pouches ($3.99 for a package of two spoons) and are BpA-free, PVC-free and

in John Grisham’s new legal thriller for

Phthalate-free. Just attach the spoon to the pouch, squeeze and watch the puree

kids, “Theodore Boone, Kid Lawyer.”

neatly fill the spoon. For more info, visit plumorganics.com.

Grisham, a #1 interna-

the pouches are made with 100% organic pureed fruits and veggies and have no

tional best-selling author

QA Q UA D F O R S P E C I A L K I D S

of titles like “The Pelican

“The Quad Manhattan” is a new Reade Street recreational center dedi-

Brief” and “A Time to Kill,”

cated to “2E” or “Twice Exceptional” children—gifted kids who also

introduces kids to the

have special learning needs. Developed by experts in child psychology,

character of Theo Boone, a

psychiatry, education, language and occupational therapy, The Quad

determined-to-be-a-lawyer

Manhattan will help kids harness their intellectual energies and gifts,

tween who finds himself in

adapt to changing environments and develop friendships through so-

the middle of a high-profile

cial and educational programs. Programs for kids ages 5 to 12 include

murder trial. Recommend-

academic help after school, Saturday programs and a summer camp,

ed for ages 8 to 12; $16.99. For more

while “The Quad Squad” program caters to 2 and 3-year-olds with mo-

info, visit theodoreboone.com.

tor and/or language delays. For more info, visit thequadmanhattan.com.

QB O N VOYA G E ,

July

BORING TRIPS! Beat sibling bickering, boredom and hours of passive entertainment on car trips,

THE CHECKLIST FOR

trains and flights with Scholastic Storybook Treasures’ “The Wheels On The Bus Sing-Along Travel Kit.” The kit comes with 15 animated literary classics on two DVDs, a 13-song sing-along CD and a 34-page activity booklet filled with games and activities, crayons and helpful tips for parents, ensuring your kids hours of immersive and creative fun. Best of all, everything is packaged into a neat and portable travel case. Designed for kids ages 3 to 9; $24.95. For more info, visit scholastic.com.

RE FOR MO EAS ID & TIPS VISIT om ily.c newyorkfam

Q T H E P E R F E C T F A M I LY S U N S C R E E N Episencial is an organic skin care line that satisfies even the choosiest parent’s criteria for a multi-purpose family sunscreen. Made with wholesome, organic ingredients that actually improve your skin, Episencial prod-

ucts are infused with juice extracts—not artificial fragrances—so they smell delicious. And they’re good for the planet, too! Episencial products are manufactured under solar power and packaged with recycled and sustainable materials that feature art from author Eric Carle’s children’s books. We especially love the Episencial Sunblock Kit available at Diapers.com, which includes a vitamin-boosting sunscreen, protective face balm and a soothing cream, plus a creative art project for kids with the “The Very Hungry Caterpillar!” $19.95, epicencial.com.

New York Family | July 2010

www.newyorkfamily.com

The office where an entrepreneur watches over her business and a mother watches over her family where there’s no commute it’s always casual Friday and Nicole Janssen’s most important meetings involve crayons.

TRIBECA

MANHATTAN

26 Varick Street 646. 486-3905

1625 York Avenue 212.517.7877

See the Janssen’s story and start your own at CaliforniaClosets.com

New York Family Partner Proﬁle

The Art Of Education The World Class Learning Academy New York—the City’s Newest Private School—Incorporates The Visual And Performing Arts In Everyday Learning, Giving Students A Lasting Appreciation For This Integral Discipline

ew York parents have a new and exciting choice for their children’s education, as the World Class Learning Academy New York—a new school for children ages 3-11—will open its doors for the very first time in September 2010. Located on 2nd Avenue and 2nd Street, the school is part of the long-established and highly regarded World Class Learning Group ( WCL Group) known for its personalized and progressive approach to education. The World Class Learning Academy New York is the newest addition to its collection of U.S. schools, known as the British Schools of America, which include locations in Boston, Charlotte, Houston, Chicago and Washington, D.C. WCL Group schools use the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), an approach to learning created 25 years ago by a branch of the WCL group called Fieldwork Education. Today, the IPC is used in over 900 schools and 56 countries worldwide, and WCLA New York will be the first New York institution to utilize this impressive and successful approach. The IPC is particularly unique because it offers a challenging and theme-based educational concept, accelerating students’ abilities years ahead of their peers. The IPC revolves around thematic units, each of which addresses a different topic (like flowers and insects, rainforests and bears) that are specifically chosen

N 24

New York Family | July 2010

for both their immediate interest to young students and the opportunities they provide for multi-platform study. The students then approach each topic through a variety of different academic disciplines, such as history, math and geography. This approach not only broadens the scope of what children can learn, but also encourages a centralized learning experience, allowing children to make profound connections between classes and subjects. Another opportunity that the IPC curriculum allows is the continuous inclusion of the arts in the classroom. “The way that we want to approach education is to equip children with the best possible skills and knowledge which will enable them not only to survive but to succeed in this increasingly difficult-to-predict world,” says Head of School John Taylor. “One of the ways we can achieve this is through the visual and performing arts, which greatly contribute to children’s creativity, adaptability and lateral thinking.” Taylor, a native of Durham, England and father of two grown children, has served as a school principal for 17 years in five prominent international schools. In addition, Taylor has attended numerous prestigious universities and music conservatowww.newyorkfamily.com

New York Family Partner Proﬁle

ries in the United Kingdom, and has garnered accolades as a professional concert pianist and cellist, as well as an orchestral and choral director. “Classes in the arts weren’t thought of as being important 15 to 20 years ago; they were just add-ons to the main subjects, like English, math and science. Which isn’t to say that those subjects aren’t important, they certainly are, but it is to say that the arts are now an integral part of the curriculum,” Taylor says. “And the beauty of the IPC is that it integrates subjects in different themed ways, so it’s very easy to introduce the performing arts and make them as significant as any other subject.” For example, four- and fiveyear-old students at WCL Group schools study the topic of “Treasure,” says Nursery and Reception teacher Sharon Cox, who has spent the last eight years teaching at British School of America in Chicago and has now joined the New York staff. “Through this topic, the children might learn about pirates and sing different sea shanties, and play musical instruments as an accompaniment,” she says. “They might work with a partner and design their own treasure map, and then role-play a pirate ship and act out travels on the seas. They might also identify an object that is a special treasure to them and sketch it in their sketch books.” And this inclusion of the arts continues as the children grow older and more mature. “The eight- and nineyear-old students study the theme of ‘Chocolate,’” says Hayley Roberts, another veteran from the Chicago school joining the WCLA New York administration. “Art might be incorporated into this theme by designing a chocolate wrapper, advertising the chocolate by composing a musical jingle for the radio using instruments and voice, or acting out an advertisement to promote the sale of their chocolate bar,” Roberts says. In addition, the school’s administration intends to create opportunities for children to explore the arts beyond the classroom, both in diverse extracurricular activities and frequent field www.newyorkfamily.com

trips to museums, theaters and concert halls. Taylor is also enthusiastic about creating an ambassador program with artists in the city, in which musicians, actors and visual artists would become an integral part of the children’s exposure to the arts. Visiting artists will come to the school for discussions and special performances, as well as lead the children in tours of the venues in which they work. “We want to give our children unique experiences and introduce them to these professionals,” says Taylor. “This way we are showing students what it’s like to be at that level, and to show them that these are real people doing real jobs in the real world.” And though the WCLA New York will also focus diligently on other core subjects, Taylor believes that it is the combination of these diverse disciplines that leads to a well-rounded educational experience and truly prepares students for the world. “WCLA New York believes the future will belong to those who have imagination, lateral vision, adaptability and confidence,” Taylor says. “Learning to learn is the key, and WCLA New York firmly believes it can deliver that key.” To learn more about the World Class Learning Academy, New York, visit wclgroup.com.

A Student’s Perspective A Wider World View The WCL Group’s Collection of U.S. schools includes the British School of Washington, D.C., among others. Fostering an understanding of international relations is a key component of the educational program at WCL schools. Here, Jonny Gass and Olivia Cannon, Year 12 students at this school, share their appreciation for their globally-minded institution. What have been your most memorable classes? OC: It’s a close contest, but I love language-based studies. I’m in the IB (International Baccalaureate) French class now, and it’s fantastic. We read and discuss in French and because it’s a smaller class we have very personalized attention from our teacher. But I also love that there is always room to challenge yourself. I’m not very good with math and science, but one of the other subjects I do at the I.B. level is chemistry, and I know that I wouldn’t be able to take that class at another school.

It’s rigorous but it’s something I enjoy, and knowing that I can do it—that it might not be easy but I can do it—is important to me. How do you think your education has prepared you for life after school? JG: For me, being exposed to so many friends whose parents have traveled and have lived in different places, the British School has given me a lot to learn more about the world. I really want to become bilingual now; I want to be able to communicate and learn from others. OC: I agree, and I wouldn’t have had that same fervor if I had gone to a different school. The school shows students how important it is to see the world and not simply live

in your little bubble. It’s something we learn, to act locally and think globally, and this mindset expands your horizons exponentially. What advice would you give parents or students considering the WCLA New York? OC: Your kids will be learning beyond their day-to-day lessons. People from all over the world are in the same classroom, and you suddenly realize that you’re going to school for things beyond classes and homework. JG: It’s beyond physical lessons and subjects, there are life lessons here. It’s such a great opportunity to go to school and be surrounded by different cultures, so I’d suggest that parents be ready to take full advantage of it. July 2010 | New York Family

CALENDAR

july

G R E AT I D E A S F O R

By goCityKids.com and newyorkfamily.com

July 1-31

July 8th-30th

Saturdays In July

July 1-31

MUSIC IN THE PARK

ART SMARTS

READY TO ROCK

[All Ages] Every summer the Oval Lawn at Madison Square Park becomes a live music destination for families of all ages, as kiddie rock stars like The Deedle Deedle Dees, AudraRox and Hayes Greenfield descend upon the park for frequent (and free!) outdoor concerts. Children will be entertained by the high-energy music, storytelling and more. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.; free. Madison Square Park, 212-538-1884, madisonsquarepark.org.

[All Ages] Each week this summer, Socrates Sculpture Park offers Saturday Sculpture Workshops for kids, in which local artists lead children in creative projects. Kids will work with a new artist each week and explore diverse artistic mediums like papier-mâché, painting and sculpture. 12 noon-3 p.m; free. Broadway at Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, 718-956-1819, socratessculpturepark.org.

[Ages 7 and Under] Riverside Park’s “Children’s Performance Series” is a compilation of live music, storytelling and theatrical performances designed specifically for young ages. This summer your kids can look forward to performances from the Bossy Frog Band, the musical comedy group IMPROV 4 Kids, and Bindlestiff’s Family Circus, all for free! Riverside Park, between 59th and 72nd Street, weather permitting. For a complete listing of locations, dates and times, visit riversideparkfund.org.

Saturdays in

July

July 8-30

PRESIDENTIAL ROCK [Ages 8+] Theatreworks’ production “We The People: America Rocks,” is a rock musical about a young student running for election who gets some sound political advice from none other than the Founding Fathers! George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin appear and teach the student—and the audience—the power of making a difference. Show times vary; tickets are free on a first-come, fi rst-served basis. Lucille Lortel Theatre, 121 Christopher Street, 212647-1100, theatreworksusa.org. July 10, 17 and 31

READING RAINBOW [Ages 7 And Under] Get your kids outdoors and encourage a love of reading at the same time by visiting the

New York Family

| July 2010

www.newyorkfamily.com

July 16-18

RIGHT ON TARGET [All Ages] This weekend only, Target’s Arts & Wonder Free Family Event gives families free admission to 80 of New York City’s best cultural institutions and destinations, including the New York Philharmonic, MoMa, Lincoln Center, Wave Hill, Imagination Playground at Chelsea Market Passage and much more. With so many exhibits, performances and activities, your family is bound to create the perfect (and free!) weekend itinerary. For a list of all participating institutions, call 410821-8220.

BERNARD ENTE FOR THE METROPOLITAN WATERFRONT ALLIANCE

Bryant Park Reading Room’s weekly “Word for Word Kids” series. The Reading Room, a free outdoor space filled with books and magazines, will host magician Arnie Kolodner, kid rock band Starfish, and more. All events are free and open to the public. Bryant Park Reading Room, 42nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, bryantpark.org.

24th plenty of rock n’ roll for the whole family. Kids will love the sounds from Ralph Covert, a Grammy-nominated musician revered for his enthusiasm and catchy songs (perfect for kids, parents and everyone in between) and will be mesmerized by Cirque-tacular Entertainment’s spectacular moves and beautiful costumes. 3 p.m. Mainstage, Central Park, 212-360-8343, summerstage.org July 24

July 17

ON THE WATERFRONT

STORY SESSION

[All Ages] Ferry over to the recently reopened Governors Island to take part in the annual City of Water Day Festival, a day of education, entertainment and adventure in the sun. Kids can fish, canoe, kayak, make arts and crafts, take boat tours, and participate in a kids-only race sponsored by New York Road Runners. Families can also learn how to do their part in protecting and preserving the waterfront. Ferries leave from the Battery Park Maritime Building at 10 South Street Seaport. The event will also take place at Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Festival from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., cityofwaterday.org.

1st-31st

www.newyorkfamily.com

17th July 18

SUMMER JAM [All Ages] Head to Global Family Day at Central Park’s Summerstage and enjoy puppet shows, acrobatics, face-painting, story-telling and COURTESY OF SUSAN FEDYNAK/MADSION SQUARE PARK CONSERVANCY

[Ages 5+] Bring your family to Rector Park to hear Native American storyteller Perry Ground share stories about his culture and the history of his people. A member of the Iroquois clan, Ground will engage listeners of all ages with educational and entertaining stories that have been passed down in his family for hundreds of years, including “The Fastest Animal in The Forrest.” 11 a.m.; free, Rector Park West (access via Rector Street). For more info: 212-267-9700, bpcparks.org.

newyorkfamily.com.

For more great listings,

see gocitykids.com, the online cityguide for parents.

July 2010 | New York Family

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Dream Buildings

Get Ready To Discover Some Of The Best Family-Friendly Buildings In New York City...

Clockwise from top: 72nd Street/Miraval Living, 2280 FDB, The Corner at 200 West, The Ashley and 845 West End Avenue

www.newyorkfamily.com

July 2010 | New York Family

75’Indoor Pool

The Ashley makes it possible to have the best of both worlds—city living with space to breathe and rental apartments that feel like home. “The layouts are quite unique and the size of the residences are exceptional,” says Clifford Finn, Managing Director of New Developments, Citi-Habitats. “Each space has fantastic light and presents a connection to one of the parks that surround the building.” The 209-unit building has larger-than-usual apartments, from studios to three-bedroom units up to 1,900 square feet. Superior interior apartment finishes include solid wood flooring and doors, Bosch washers and dryers,

Bowling Alley

2 Bedroom stainless steel kitchen appliances, CaesarStone quartz countertops with copper mosaic tile backsplashes and bathrooms with imported porcelain tile walls and floors and Kohler fixtures. The Ashley sits atop an amenity base that is “not to be rivaled,” says Finn. A 40,000 square-foot LA PALESTRA Athletic Club and Spa features a 75-foot indoor pool (“one of only a handful of junior Olympic pools in the entire city,” Finn points out), a two-lane bowling alley, a double-height/ two-level rock climbing wall, basketball and squash courts, yoga and Pilates studios, spa treatment rooms and much more. Concierge service by Abigail Michaels is included, and renters receive complimentary move-in service to coordinate relocation, telephone and cable service and more. This kind of convenience is representative of life at The Ashley. The neighborhood has attracted lots of families, and The Ashley captures the perfect blend of access to public space with plenty of privacy. The Ashley also features an exquisitely-landscaped private courtyard available to residents. Across the street from a children’s park and featuring an indoor playroom by Kidville, the building is child-friendly. Just a block-anda-half from Lincoln Center, yet set amidst so many parks and green spaces, The Ashley truly lets residents have it all. —Michelle Levine

Address: 400 West 63rd Street | Developer: Extell Development Company Architect of Record: Costas Kondylis Partners | Design Architects: Extell Design/McGinley/Roman & Williams Landscape Architect: Matthews Nielsen | On-Site Leasing Ofﬁce: 888-554-0133 | Website: theashleynyc.com

New York Family | July 2010

www.newyorkfamily.com

RIVERSIDE SOUTH UPPER WEST SIDE

A LARGER LEASE ON LIVING WELL GRACIOUS DESIGN The Ashley features two and three bedroom homes with oversized layouts, ďŹ nished-in-place oak ďŹ&#x201A;oors, four-ďŹ xture baths, high ceilings, and abundant light through expansive windows.

PEERLESS AMENITIES The 40,000 square foot LA PALESTRA Athletic Club & Spaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elite sporting facilities include a 75' indoor pool, a two-level rock climbing wall, dedicated Yoga and Pilates studios, an indoor golf driving range, basketball and squash courts, a bowling alley, and a cafĂŠ. For children, there is an indoor playground designed by Kidville, NY.

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE The Ashley oďŹ&#x20AC;ers elite concierge services by Abigail Michaels, on-site parking, an on-site valet, private storage units, and secure bike storage.

EARLY SUMMER OCCUPANCY & BRS FROM STUDIOS & BRS ALSO AVAILABLE ON-SITE LEASING CENTER WEST RD STREET Mâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;F â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SAT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SUN â&#x20AC;&#x201C; CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT WWW THEASHLEYNYC COM EXCLUSIVE AGENT: CITI HABITATS MARKETING GROUP

845 West End Avenue

845 West End Avenue is a classic, pre-war corner building, recently renovated into the ultimate Upper West Side condominium residence. A perfect fit for families, it features spacious bedrooms and bathrooms, a playroom, a fitness center and bike storage, plus all the luxurious details that will appeal to discerning parents. Located on West End Avenue at 101st Street, 845 West End Avenue is equidistant from Central Park and Riverside Park, in a neighborhood packed with restaurants, stores and cultural institutions. The building is comprised of ninety-one spacious apartments in six different layouts. “This building is really special,” says Iva Spitzer, Executive Vice President at The Corcoran Group. “It’s a big, big building, a very grand building. The room dimensions are spectacular, the windows are large. Everything about it is big and bold.” 845 West End’s original architects, Schwartz and Gross, were prolific in the 1920s, with an eye for detail. “In this building, we have a grand lobby, which they did in amazing marble, and we restored it entirely—even the plaster ceiling and the dentil molding. It was too good to improve on,” Spitzer ex-

plains. This styling is echoed in the apartments. “Every single thing—every crown molding, every herringbone oak floor, every thermopane window—is brand new, but in keeping with the tradition of the building.” Modern updates make the pre-war styling even more special—central air conditioning, heated marble bathroom floors with Kohler undermount tubs and sinks, in-unit washers and dryers, and Bosch and Liebherr kitchen appliances. “In the current marketplace, I think this is what people want,” concludes Spitzer. “They want their home to be really appropriate for the way that we live today. And that’s what we’ve done here. Great floor plans, great dimensions—really good living.” —Jennifer Maslowski

Address: 845 West End Avenue, Two, Three and Four Bedroom Apartments | Prices: Starting at $1,800,000 Developer: Sterling American Properties and Atlas Capital Group Architect: CetraRuddy | Sales ofﬁce: 212-784-9845 | Website: 845wea.com

New York Family | July 2010

www.newyorkfamily.com

I T ’S T I M E TO CH A NGE YOU R DE FI N I T ION OF PR E -WA R . 845 West End Avenue has been thoughtfully restored with elegant finishes and modern conveniences.

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L I V I NG ROOM BEDROOM

DI N I NG ROOM

T H E CO M P L E T E O FFE R I N G T E R M S A R E I N A N O FFE R I N G P L A N AVA I L A B L E FR O M S P O N S O R . FI L E N O. C D 0 8 - 06 47

BEDROOM

2-4 Bedroom Pre-War Condominiums with Gracious Entry Foyers, Central Air Conditioning, Radiant Heated Bathroom Floors, New Double-Pane Windows, and a Washer/Dryer in Every Home. E X PA N S I V E C O N D O M I N I U M L I V I N G S TA RT S AT $ 1.8 M I L L I O N .

..

845 W E A .C OM

EXCLUSIVE MARKETING AND SALES AGENT THE CORCORAN GROUP

EVAN JOSEPH

515 East 72nd Street/ Miraval Living

EVAN JOSEPH

The Upper East Side is now home to an urban oasis where the comforts of home reside in harmony with relaxed, healthy living—that also has the benefits of an ultimate getaway without the bother of going away. 515 East 72nd Street/Miraval Living, featuring 40 floors of private residences, was developed through a collaboration with Miraval Resort and Spa, the #1 destination spa in the world by Conde Nast Traveler and Travel +Leisure. “The location of the building on a beautiful, tree-lined cul-de-sac, together with the private amenity offerings, creates a real sense of community and healthy living,” says Loretta Shanahan-Bradbury, 515 East 72nd Street/Miraval Living’s sales director. The building’s height and proximity to the East River afford spectacular sunrise views and a dramatic evening skyline. Residences range from 575-square-foot studios to 3,500-square-foot five-bedroom apartments, most featuring terraces or balconies. Additionally, just unveiled are the Tower Residences, 45 luxe homes located in the condominium’s uppermost floors. No detail has been overlooked, with design touches including sustainable, natural walnut floors and cabinetry, commercial grade kitchen appliances and generously-sized bedrooms and closets. Boasting one of Manhattan’s largest amenity packages, 515 East 72nd Street/Miraval Living has more than 40,000 square feet of options for its residents, including one of the largest on-premises private parks in the city with its own “Miraval Lawn.” Kid-friendly amenities include The Creative Arts Studio, which allows residents to take advantage of music and dance lessons, poetry readings and guest lectures, with an activity space that is perfect for arts and crafts.

515 East 72nd Street/Miraval Living also connects residents through an abundant number of onsite classes, activities, and lectures that can be arranged through its Miraval advisor, including parent/child yoga, parenting classes, dancing instruction and even cooking classes.“The extensive classes and programs for all ages go beyond what any other building has to offer,” says Shanahan-Bradbury. There is also the Miraval Garden Café serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks—“a great place for everyone to gather and share a meal,” says Shanahan-Bradbury. Residents can mingle with other families and have play dates in the building’s private park, which offers a serene yoga retreat, platform gardens, and a vast expanse of lawns and enchanting groves. Fitness fanatics can get their fix without ever leaving the building premises by visiting the 56’ private indoor swimming pool, yoga studio, basketball court, state-of-the-art fitness center, and rock climbing wall. If residents do ever choose to leave the premises, the neighborhood offers up some of New York’s best public and private schools, restaurants, local groceries, and attractions, including the East River promenade, Central Park and Museum Mile. In part, says Shanahan-Bradbury, “the building’s appeal comes from its location on the Upper East Side, which is known as one of New York City’s greatest neighborhoods.” —Amanda Sakuma

Address: 515 East 72nd Street | Prices: One to Three Bedrooms priced from $724,500. | Developer: River Terrace LLC Interior Designer: Bonetti/Kozerski Studio | Architect: Acheson Doyle Partners Sales Ofﬁce: 212-772-2722 | Website: 515e72.com

New York Family | July 2010

www.newyorkfamily.com

SINCE WHEN DOES HAVING FUN MEAN LEAVING HOME? COOKING WORKSHOP FLOATIE FOR SWIM CLASS

The complete offering terms are in an offering plan from the sponsor: River Terrace Apartments LLC. File No. CD05-0596.

AFTERNOON HOOPS ON BASKETBALL/ SQUASH COURT

PAINTING WORKSHOP

TUTU FOR DANCE CLASS YOGA CLASS

DIRTY SNEAKERS FROM PLAYING IN PRIVATE PARK

Isabel Richards, Resident, 515 East 72nd Street/Miraval Living

HOME IS WHERE YOU LIVE Experience the ease of inspired condominium living at 515 East 72nd Street/Miraval Living – the site of New York’s most comprehensive, private, lifestyle and health facilities by world-renowned Miraval Spa and Resort, consistently rated the #1 destination spa in the world by Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure.

1 to 3 BEDROOMS PRICED FROM $724,500 | TOWER RESIDENCES FROM $1,600,000 IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY 0N-SITE SALES & DESIGN CENTER OPEN DAILY

888.657.8830 | 515E72.com

2280 FDB 2280 Frederick Douglass Boulevard (2280 FDB) is an architecturally unique and luxurious residential building nestled in the heart of Harlem, just two blocks from Morningside Park and down the hill from Columbia University. Located at 2280 FDB and 123rd Street, 2280 FDB offers 89 residences comprised of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with top-notch amenities like customized furniture, Aster Cucine cabinetry, Dornbracht brushed nickel fittings and super-capacity LG washers and dryers. Along with a balcony affording breathtaking views, every apartment features its own unique layout—after all, “some people like to have their bedroom next to their kids, while others would rather have their bedroom away from their kids,” says Hans Futterman, President of RGS Holdings, the building’s developer. But what really makes the building stand out,

he says, is the quality of the finishes. “I chose materials like real wood as opposed to engineered wood, and environmentally-friendly paints.” Residents of 2280 FDB will also enjoy a 24-hour concierge, a massive outdoor recreation space, onsite parking, a lovely rooftop terrace complete with an outdoor fireplace and even a 25-year tax abatement. Just outside is a rapidly transforming neighborhood with gourmet grocers, romantic cafes, and turn-of-the-century Romanesque row houses. “I’m very committed to Harlem, as a developer and as a resident,” says Futterman. “I have lived here with my family for several years and have no plans to move in the foreseeable future.” —Ashley Troost

Address: 2280 Frederick Douglass Boulevard and 123rd Street | Prices: Ownership starts at $509,000 Developer: RGS Holdings | Architect: GF55 | Interiors: BoConcept Marketing and Sales: Halstead Property Development Marketing | Sales Ofﬁce: 212-521-5742 Website: 2280fdb.com

New York Family | July 2010

www.newyorkfamily.com

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The Corner at 200 West

ne of New York City’s most classic neighborhoods is home to a new luxury building that redefines what it means to rent a home in the city. The Corner at 200 West, located on Broadway and 72nd Street on the Upper West Side, meets its residents’ refined tastes, addresses their concerns about the environment, and fulfills their families’ needs all at once. In fact, since its March opening, well over half of the building’s apartments have been rented. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Jeffrey Kaye, Vice President of Gotham Real Estate Developers. Why? “I think it’s several things,” Kaye says. “First: location, location, location. Next, the quality of the building—it stands apart from other rental apartments on the market because we’ve paid so much attention to every detail. And finally, the amenity package is great. We have a kids’ playroom, a rooftop terrace, an in-house concierge and even a continental breakfast.” The Corner features 196 luxury rental units and five floors of retail space (a Trader Joe’s is set to open on the ground floor later this year). Families appreciate that apartments are spacious and include a high number of two- and three-bedroom homes, each with its own washer-dryer unit and plenty of closet space—extras that aren’t typically offered in rental units. When it comes to interior design and finishes, no detail has been overlooked. Apartments have open kitchens with custom-wood cabinets, Caesar stone countertops, and Liebherr and GE appliances, as well as bathrooms with cultured marble sinks, oversized mirrors, and Kohler faucets. The Corner manages to blend these high-end touches with family-friendly amenities without sacrificing any of its sophistication. The building’s playroom, which includes Macintosh computers and a large screen for watching television and DVDs, is “playful yet sophisticated so that parents can entertain their children without feeling like they’re in Romper Room,” says Kaye. An adjacent fitness center features windows that look into the playroom, so parents can watch their children during their workouts. Families will love spending time on the common roof deck, which has a mist wall, sundeck, barbeque area, bar, movie theatre screen, and glass fireplace. The building also features a fulltime doorman and concierge and a designated room for bicycle and stroller storage.

Recognizing that today’s sophisticated renter is also eco-conscious, Gotham utilized numerous “green” products when constructing The Corner, including local building materials, low reflectivity glass that reduces energy loss, Energy Saver appliances, and water-saving plumbing features. The Upper West Side itself features excellent schools (The Corner is zoned for PS 199), museums, family activity centers, green spaces like Riverside Park and Central Park, and proximity to most major subway lines. The Corner is also within walking distance of world-class cultural hubs, including Lincoln Center, Symphony Space and the Beacon Theater. “The Upper West Side speaks for itself as far as being a family-friendly neighborhood,” sums up Kaye. “You walk around a one-block radius of 72nd Street and Broadway and the amount of strollers you see is pretty incredible. We believe it’s one of the best locations in all of Manhattan. That’s why we chose it.” —Heather Peterson

Address: 200 West 72nd Street | Developer: Gotham Developers | Architect: Handel Architects Interiors: Andres Escobar Associates | Rooftop/Landscaping: Sullivan Group Designs Sales Ofﬁce: 212-721-1200 | Website: 200west72.com

New York Family | July 2010

www.newyorkfamily.com

The New Modern-Classic On The Upper West Side

24/7 CONCIERGE FULLY ATTENDED LOBBY ON-SITE VALET SERVICES 10,000SF ROOFTOP TERRACE CHILDREN’S PLAYROOM FITNESS CENTER & RESIDENTS’ LOUNGE WASHER/DRYER IN EVERY HOME SPECTACULAR VIEWS PET FRIENDLY MANY ONE-OF-A-KIND LAYOUTS

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200WEST 72.COM '&'#,'&#&'%% 200 WEST 72ND STREET, NY N Y 10023

The Ultimate Guide To Raising Kids In The City

www.newyorkfamily.com

t’s true that having a family in New York City isn’t exactly idyllic—you won’t find expansive front yards or white picket fences. But we think it’s even better. In fact, many of us wouldn’t dream of raising our kids anywhere else. After all, where else are they just a walk or subway ride away from encounters with art, culture and science? Where else can they turn a corner and stumble upon a street festival, a parade or a movie set? But our city kids won’t be kids for long, and that’s where this guide comes in. We hope it will help you take advantage of everything New York has to offer, whether you want to scope out the latest children’s clothing store, enroll your child in an imaginative class or find the perfect place to throw a birthday party. We’ve also included advice on nurturing your child’s natural curiosity, maintaining wellness and finding your family’s dream neighborhood. We even offer up our own checklist of essential experiences for every city kid. We hope you’ll use this guide to find both inspiration and information. Now grab ahold of your little one’s hand and go exploring!

July 2010 | New York Family

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The City Discovered To The Gorillas 1 Wave At The Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo’s famous Congo Gorilla Forest is home to 400 species of great apes, but what makes it most spectacular is the Great Apes Gallery. Gorillas roam the forest ﬂoor—and make frequent trips to the windows to interact with kids on the other side.

On Cannolis At The 2 Feast San Gennaro Festival You may lure your children there with the scrumptious Italian dishes like Zeppole and Tiramisu, but the annual San Gennaro Festival in Little Italy is a night of magic that extends beyond tasty treats. It’s the longest running outdoor religious festival in the United States, and boasts musical performances and religious celebrations.

Listen To A Story 3 At A City Bookstore Make an ordinary day an extraordinary one and bring your children to hear a story read at one of the city’s many kid-friendly bookstores, such as Barnes & Noble, Books of Wonder or Scholastic. Staff members read stories with dramatic ﬂair to keep your kids on the edge of their seat.

Watch Puppets In The Park

Kids will feel like they stepped into a fairy tale when they see a puppet show at the charming Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in Central Park, where

New York Family | July 2010

From Broadway To Ball Games

50 Experiences That Make For A Uniquely New York Childhood impressive handcrafted marionettes perform modern versions of fairy tales on vivid sets. Or, catch a performance at Puppetworks—the Park Slope institution has been serving up literature-inspired marionette shows for over two decades.

Sail The Seas At The 5 South Street Seaport A day at South Street Seaport is an oceanic adventure. Board The Peking, a 1911 barge restored by the South Street Seaport Museum, and learn about life at sea. End your day with a relaxing sunset cruise around the harbor.

Dance On The Big Piano 6 At FAO Schwarz This famous toy store has everything a child could ever want—toys, gadgets, stuffed animals, dolls, candy and an interactive grand piano! Kids can tap their feet on keys that light up as they dance out their tunes.

Birdwatching At The 7 Jamaica Bay National

Wildlife Refuge

Take your kids birdwatching at the renowned Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. The facility covers 9,155 acres of diverse habitats and attracts thousands of different birds during migration season.

Do The Shake 8 At Shake Shack Satisfy your family’s sweet tooth and head to Madison Square Park’s outdoor shake haven, Shake Shack. The line may be long, but it’s worth the wait!

Bloom And Blossom 9 At The BBG Celebrate spring at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, which boasts the largest and most diverse collection of cherry blossoms outside of Japan. Also look out for the annual Sakura Matsuri Festival at the beginning of May, a weekend celebration of Japanese culture with over 60 events and performances.

Take The City By Water 10 City kids make enthusiastic tourists. Instead of boarding a tour bus to www.newyorkfamily.com

Egg Rolls and Egg Creams photo: Kate Milford; Prospect Park Carousel photo: Don Wiss

ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS

see major attractions, hop on a water taxi, ferry or cruise ship for a completely unique view of city and some high-water adventure.

of dim sum carts that stroll by your family’s table, making it easy to sample diverse and delicious dishes like dumplings, pork buns, rice and noodles.

Walk Like An Egyptian 11 At The Temple Of Dendur

Have Breakfast 16 With Bunnies

Built as a shrine to the goddess Isis in 15 B.C., the Temple of Dendur was presented to the U.S. in 1965, and shortly after, it found its permanent home at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A marvelous representation of ancient Egyptian culture, the temple is a mustsee stop for history buffs of all ages.

Introduce some furry fun into your family’s weekend breakfast routine and head to The Art Farm In The City, kids can feed and play with hamsters, chinchillas, rabbits and even bearded dragons. Or have an animal encounter at any time of day at one of the city zoos—there’s one in every borough!

Clap Your Hands And 12 Stomp Your Feet To A Street Or Subway Performance

Row, Row, Row Your 17 Boat In Central Park

From violinists to dancers to mimes, New York City’s streets and subways are ﬁlled with eclectic and energetic performers. The subway station at Herald Square is a great place to start, as performers frequently treat commuters to lively jam sessions on weekday evenings.

Take It All In From Above 13 The New York City experience wouldn’t be complete without a spectacular view from the observation deck of the Empire State Building or Rockefeller Center’s Top of the Rock. Searching for your neighborhood from hundreds of feet in the air is an adventure in itself.

Bridge The Divide from 14 Manhattan To Brooklyn Take the mile-long walk across the 127-year-old suspension bridge that made history—the one and only Brooklyn Bridge. If you feel the need for speed, there’s a separate lane for bike riders. Start in Manhattan and wind up at the Brooklyn waterfront—enjoy some ice cream at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory, not to mention some great views of the city!

Have Dim “Yum!” 15 in Chinatown Experience authentic Chinese food at its best—in Chinatown! Most restaurants provide the luxury (and tradition) www.newyorkfamily.com

Catch A Theatrical 21 Production Designed

Just For Kids

Broadway isn’t the only way to build your child’s appreciation for the arts— New Victory Theatre, Vital Children’s Theatre and Literally Alive are just a few of the great interactive theaters devoted exclusively to kids. From acrobats ﬂying high to story books coming alive, these productions are sure to leave your kids in awe.

Get Some Transportation 22 Inspiration

What better way to spend a lovely summer afternoon than by rowing in Central Park’s serene lake? Venture to the Loeb Boathouse—home of the iconic Boathouse Restaurant—which offers boat rentals for $12 an hour.

Make an ordinary trip an exciting adventure by opting for an above ground subway ride—there are several lines that make above ground trips, including the 4, 5, B and D in the Bronx, the 7 and N, R and W in Queens, and the A, C, F, 2, 4 and 5 in Brooklyn. Kids will marvel at the graffiti, the tracks and the landscape ﬂying by!

See Your Favorite 18 Characters On Broadway

Share Secrets At Grand 23 Central Terminal

They already love the characters, why not experience them live? Take a trip to The Great White Way to see acclaimed productions of “The Lion King,” “Mary Poppins” and more.

Take Them Out To A 19 Minor League Ball Game

Who needs soup cans and string when you can play telephone in New York’s historic Grand Central Terminal? The Whispering Gallery’s low ceramic arches were designed in a unique way that allows two people standing at diagonal arches to hear each other’s whispers clearly. It will delight even the staunchest little disbeliever.

New Yorkers are lucky to have not one but two minor league baseball teams—the Staten Island Yankees and The Brooklyn Cyclones. Both teams offer the excitement of professional baseball for affordable prices. What’s more, these stadiums frequently treat visitors to prizes, giveaways and postgame ﬁreworks.

No trip to Prospect Park is complete without a spin around the beloved Carousel. Carved in 1912 and restored by the park in 1990, the Carousel has over 51 majestic horses, a lion, a giraffe, a deer, and two dragon-pulled chariots.

Get Carriage-d Away 20 In Central Park

Visit The Statue 25 Of Liberty

A magical fairy tale ride through and around Central Park on a horse-drawn carriage is quintessential “ﬁrst” for New York City kids. Point out the world famous Wollman Rink, the Central Park Zoo and the Carousel during your ride.

Cruise The Carousel 24 In Prospect Park

Lady Liberty—who will celebrate her 124th birthday this October—is one of the foremost symbols of New York, and a visit to Liberty Island is a must-do for New York families and tourists alike. Share a U.S. history lesson as you climb to the crown and take in the views! July 2010 | New York Family

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Farm Museum, the only working historical farm in the city. The Apple Festival is free and takes place every October, featuring a variety of apples, fresh cider and cider pressing demonstrations and the nation’s largest apple cobbler baked on site!

Splish Splash In A City 26 Park Spray Shower No pool? No problem! Dozens of playgrounds and parks in all ﬁve boroughs offer spray showers, which are a great way for kids to cool down and have some fun. Visit the New York Parks and Recreation website for a comprehensive list of spray showers in the city .

Catch A Movie 27 In The Park

Celebrate Halloween 36 With Pumpkins In

The Park

Parks throughout the city offer outdoor movie screenings for little to no charge. One program we particularly love is RiverFlicks For Kids (there are also RiverFlicks For Adults—hello, date night!) at Hudson Park’s Pier 46, which offers a nice mix of classics and new ﬁlms along the river.

web and learn about physics on the massive seesaw. Finally, Live Science workshop at Liberty Science Center, a rotating program that explores topics like electricity and architecture.

Pack A Picnic And 28 Head To Wave Hill

Menorah

Watch The Lighting Of 32 The World’s Largest

Central Park is a great destination for spectacular, spooky fun! First, take the kids to the annual Pumpkin Festival, a free day of activities like a visit to a haunted house, a scarecrow design competition and pumpkin carving. Next, head to the annual Pumpkin Sail on Harlem Meer—it’s New York’s largest pumpkin ﬂotilla. Bring your own jack-olantern and let it set sail across the river!

Stick Your Head In The 37 Clouds And Stroll The

High Line

Wave Hill—a 28-acre public garden and cultural center in the Bronx—provides the perfect backdrop to a picnic lunch. With art galleries, numerous exotic gardens and a gift shop ﬁlled with unique crafts from local artists, Wave Hill is a great place to learn, play and revel in our beautiful natural surroundings.

New Yorkers celebrate The Festival of Lights in style with the lighting of a 32-foot, 4,000-pound menorah at Grand Army Plaza. Your kids will love the glittering lights in the city sky and stand in awe of the giant cherry picker crane used to light the menorah. Spectators are also treated to folk dancing, live music and Hanukkah treats.

Watch Some Of The 29 World’s Best Ballerinas

Watch Floats Take Shape 38 Give Back To The City By 33 Before Serving Your Neighbors The Macy’s

“Dancing With The Stars” takes on a whole new meaning in New York, as the city offers families an incredible variety of dance performances throughout the year at companies like The New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and The Joffrey Ballet.

Go Green At The City’s 30 Green Markets Pick up fresh fruits and veggies, potted plants and sweet-smelling ﬂowers at one of the city’s many green markets. The Union Square Market is an obvious favorite, but there are dozens more in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island. Visit cenyc. org/ourmarkets to ﬁnd one near you.

Experiment And 31 Explore At New York’s

Science Centers

New York City is a great place for aspiring scientists! First, take your kids to the American Museum of Natural History’s Discovery Room, where they can track real-time earthquakes and learn about artifacts. Next, schedule a trip to the New York Hall of Science’s playground, where kids can climb on a giant spider

New York Family | July 2010

Thanksgiving Day Parade

Since 1927, families have ﬂocked to the streets around The American Museum of Natural History the night before the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to see their favorite characters come to life! Watch the giant helium balloons inﬂate; your kids will be amazed to see a larger-than-life Spiderman and Dora the Explorer take on the streets of New York!

Have An Egg-cellent 34 Adventure On The Lower East Side Celebrate with the Chinese and Jewish communities at The Museum at Eldridge Street’s annual Egg Rolls & Egg Creams Festival, a free, fun-ﬁlled block party. The festival takes place in June each year and boasts storytelling, scribal arts, Yiddish and Chinese language lessons, and of course, delicious kosher egg rolls and egg creams!

Take A Bite Out Of A Big 35 Apple At The Queens

County Farm

Celebrate the fall season with an apple extravaganza at the Queens County

Escape the bustle of the city and head to Gansevoort Street to visit the Meatpacking District’s best-kept secret—a peaceful park 20 feet above the city streets! The High Line Park, built on a 1.45-mile-long elevated rail structure, boasts breathtaking views of the city, eccentric art installations and beautiful ﬂowers.

There are hundreds of ways to help others in the city. Serve a meal at a soup kitchen, care for abused animals at a nearby shelter, or participate in gardening and public revitalization projects. New York Cares is a great place to start your search and can help you ﬁnd a perfect project for your family’s interests, schedules and abilities.

Nurture Musicians-In39 The-Making In World-

Class Settings

New York City has an abundance of opportunities for kids to study under the tutelage of world-class musicians. Turtle Bay Music School offers classes for children ages 18 months to 12 years, and your child can choose from a variety of instruments, from the piano to the cello. The Lucy Moses School at Kaufman Center is recognized throughout the city for its topnotch training for kids of all ages and levels. Jazz at Lincoln Center’s WeBop program is another great choice—it’s perfect for kids ages 8 months to 5 years, especially those who want to learn to swing. www.newyorkfamily.com

Take A Hike Through 46 The Native Forest Explore the New York Botanical Garden’s Native Forest, a 50-acre untouched woodland expanse that surrounds and protects the Bronx River. Boasting 250 acres of beautiful gardens and hundreds of plant species, the NYBG is a beautiful location for a Sunday stroll, a lesson in horticulture or a celebration of the start of spring.

Take Tea For Two At A 47 Historic City Hotel

Park It For A 40 Kid’s Concert

Surprise the kids with a special tea outing at an iconic hotel! The Waldorf, the Plaza Hotel, and the Carlyle are all magniﬁcent locations for proper tea and biscuits. Or, head to American Girl Place to enjoy Kit’s Garden Party sandwiches or Joseﬁna’s favorite chicken salad with your tasty tea.

With so many city parks at your family’s disposal, ﬁnding an outdoor concert is a walk in the park. Check out the City Park Foundation’s SummerStage program—the non-proﬁt organization provides live entertainment and educational programming in 750 city parks.

Scream For Ice Cream 41 At The City’s Specialty

Shops

New York City has so many ice cream shops with unique recipes and special histories. The Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, a Chinatown staple for 28 years, infuses the classic American dessert with an exotic Chinese twist and boasts gourmet ﬂavors like avocado, wasabi, lychee and ginger. Small sports fans will ﬂip for Last Licks, a sports-themed ice cream bar where they can enjoy a scoop while chatting it up with sports idols. Finally, the smooth, rich goodness to be found at Brooklyn’s Blue Marble is worth a trip across the river.

Travel Back In Time 42 To Coney Island Plan an action-packed day of classic summer fun. Take your kids for a stroll on the board walk (Coney Island also offers great ﬁshing from the pier and boat rentals), ride the world-famous Cyclone roller coaster, and of course, indulge in a mouth-watering hotdog at the original Nathan’s Famous hotdogs. On Friday nights in the summer, guests are also treated to a spectacular ﬁreworks display.

Hear The Philharmonic 43 Play In Central, Prospect

Or Cunningham Park

Who says kids don’t like classical music, especially when it’s at a free outdoor concert in their favorite local park? The New York Philharmonic hosts free concerts in parks all across the city, from Central Park to Prospect Park to Cunningham Park. Featured composers include Gershwin and Tchaikovsky, and ﬁreworks frequently top off performances.

Let It Snow 44 When the ﬁrst snow falls each winter, kids have two things in mind— sledding and snowmen. Central Park has named Pilgrim Hill and Cedar Hill its two best sledding spots, but don’t discount the smaller parks. Riverside Park’s South Lawn, Battery Park City’s Teardrop Park and Prospect Park all provide idyllic settings for sledding fun.

Make A Date To Skate 45 New York City has two iconic

29 www.newyorkfamily.com

venues for ice skating. The world-famous Christmas tree provides a festive backdrop to the Rockefeller Center skating rink, while Wollman Rink in Central Park affords a picturesque New York backdrop and view of the stars in the sky.

Sit With Santa 48 With so many Santas in New York City, the Christmas season is especially bright for little believers! We especially love the Santa at Macy’s in Herald Square and the ABC Carpet & Home store. Make a day of your visit by admiring all of the festive window displays.

Take Your Kids 49 To Candy Land “May each step you take be sweet!” reads the ﬂoor tile in Dylan’s Candy Bar, and with so many candy stores in the city, the wish just might come true! Treat your kids to a special sweet from Dylan’s (an extravagant candy mecca on Third Avenue), Economy Candy (a Lower East Side staple with an old-school feel) or the new Dewey’s Candy (an adorable storefront in DUMBO that would make Wonka proud).

Choo-Choo Your Way To 50 A Holiday Train Show Head to the New York Botanical Garden during the holidays and watch a train serpentine its way through a beautifully lit miniature replica of New York City—with famous landmarks constructed entirely of plant parts! Or, catch the holiday train show at Grand Central Terminal’s New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex—the 34-foot track winds through a Manhattan cityscape all the way to the North Pole! Contributors: Beata Cherepakhina, Noelia de la Cruz, Ashley Troost July 2010 | New York Family

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Parenting From Unspoiling Overindulged Kids To Dealing With Sibling Rivalry, We’ve Compiled Sound Bytes From Some Of The Year’s Most Enlightening Experts

important message? Kids need to know how they’re doing in order to adjust. What happens with kids who’ve been praised for their innate abilities, or just praised too often, is we’re interrupting their natural sense of learning to judge for themselves how well they’re doing, and they begin to expect and need praise as a reward. They start to do things for the reward, rather than because they really like it. And they tend to become focused on maintaining the image or label of being smart, or a great artist or even tidy. Photography by Suzanne Cohen (suzannecohenphotography.com) What that usually means is that they become riskaverse. They don’t want to do things that they fear might reveal to other people that Po Bronson: Debunking Parenting Myths they’re not that smart after all. What a kid needs is motivaIn “Nurture Shock: New Thinking About Children,” Po tion to fall in love with things and love them passionately. Bronson and Ashley Merryman offer groundbreaking perspectives on a range of parenting issues and support their You also uncovered some surprising research about findings with compelling scientific research. Their underlykids and race. Specifically, that kids that go to more diverse ing premise is that many of the decisions we make as parents are based on good intentions rather than good ideas. schools don’t necessarily have better racial attitudes. As Bronson puts it, “Important science is being ignored.” I found out that the more diverse a school is, the more each race or ethnicity will stick to its own, and that kids who go Let’s talk about your research on the adverse affects to a diverse school don’t have better racial attitudes. And of too much praise on children. Why is this such an all along scientists knew this. Ashley and I were digging

New York Family | July 2010

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into the social science behind the Supreme Court cases [for desegregation]. The original theory proposed by [Gordon] Allport in the 1950s was called Contact Theory, and it argued that kids needed diverse environments but that that would not be enough—kids would need regular positive contact, with an authority figure around, and they needed to have positive relationships. But we went ahead with only one aspect—the diverse environment. I wish we could do the last 30 years over again. The solution is not to stop integration, but science tells us that we need to do more than just throw kids together. —Meira Drazin

Richard Bromﬁeld: Unspoiling Our Kids Richard Bromfield, a psychologist, Harvard Medical Center faculty member and author of “How To Unspoil Your Child Fast,” shares why he believes overindulged kids are disadvantaged, the telltale signs you may be spoiling your child and how parents can undo the damage. What are some signs that parents might be overindulging their kids? When you have to pay them, or beg them, or go through such lengths just to get one ounce of reasonable cooperation. When you find yourself not liking the children you’ve raised because of their behavior. When you’re embarrassed about the way they treat you or other people in public. When they’re unable to share, when they are unable to express or even experience gratitude. What are some negative effects of having an overindulged child? On a day-to-day basis, they can be tiring, frustrating, annoying. You have children who are unhappy, whose self-absorption gets in the way of a connection with other people. Really overindulged children, over a long period of time, can lag behind in work ethic and not be able to assume the responsibilities of kids their age. So it can go anywhere from making a parent’s life miserable to children who can’t be content with the realities of the human condition. What is one thing parents can do right away to unspoil their kids? Stop negotiating for everything you want or everything your child wants. You’re not settling a case with Microsoft; you’re just trying to get a kid to brush his teeth…The secret of unspoiling is there is no such thing as unspoiling. All it means is no longer spoiling. —Amanda Sakuma

Adele Faber: Getting At The Root Of Sibling Rivalry It has been over two decades since Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish penned “Siblings Without Rivalry,” a practical, no-frills approach to helping children get along. It became a “New York Times” bestseller upon its 1987 publication, and 23 years later it remains the definitive guide for parents seeking to quell sibling animosity. We spoke to Faber about the book’s ideas—and how they remain as relevant today as ever. www.newyorkfamily.com

What’s at the root of sibling rivalry? There are many roots. The first is the advent of the second child, which signals less for the first child—less time, less attention and fewer hugs. Everyone is cooing over the new baby, so the question comes up, “Is she worth more?” Then the conclusion is, “If she is worth more, then I’m worth less,” and that translates to the possibility of being worthless, and that’s scary. And so the child fights for his place in the sun. So, what would be a step-by-step approach for parents who are trying to resolve a fight between siblings? Immediately step in and acknowledge their feelings. Then acknowledge the problem aloud. Say something like, “You were especially mad because you had it first.” Having a problem respected and the difficulty recognized really settles everybody and refocuses the whole issue from, “I’m going to kill him” to “What should we do now?” Then show them a lot of confidence: “Now, you two figure out something that will be fair to you, and fair to you,” as you point to each child. Then give them privacy to let them settle the argument on their own. When a happy scenario does not ensue, you step in and make your judgment. —Emily Weiss

Kyle and Marsha Pruett: Exploring How Men And Women Parent Differently In their book “Partnership Parenting,” husband-andwife team Dr. Kyle Pruett, child psychiatrist at the Yale Child Study Program, and Marsha Kline Pruett, chaired professor at Smith College School for Social Work, explore the different qualities that men and women bring to childrearing, and how couples can combine their individual strengths in order to co-parent successfully. According to the book, there are fundamental differences between the way men and women parent. What are the main differences between the genders? Marsha: One is women tend to want to talk through, talk out and talk over issues and concepts, not only with their partner, but with their children. Fathers are more likely to parent with fewer words and clearer authority. Another difference is when women are with children, they like to teach them. They like kids to be successful at what they’re doing so they create learning environments where children can achieve what they’re trying to master. Men also want their children to achieve, but they don’t feel they need to do as much work to set it up. They promote a bit more autonomy, exploration and frustration tolerance with children. So the combination is that women often help children feel safe, men often help children take risks. When you have both of those, it makes a lovely fabric. You include many conversation starters in your book—things that parents should discuss when it comes to raising their children. Why is it so important for parents to talk about these issues? Kyle: Most parents spend more time before the child is born talking about the color July 2010 | New York Family

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Unforgettable Quotes From Some Of Our Recent Cover Parents “The biggest surprise about parenting so far has deﬁnitely been how your instincts really do kick in. I was worried that I wouldn’t know what to do. But there is that nature thing that happens. The love and the care you have for this person—I feel like I’ve known her forever.” —Ana Ortiz, actress, “Ugly Betty”

“[My son] Brandon repeats everything. The other day I was getting ready to leave the house, got him all dressed up and everything, and his mom was in the bathroom. So I said, ‘Tell Mommy it’s time to leave the house.’ So he runs to her and goes, ‘Hey Babe, Daddy’s ready.’” —Maurice DuBois, news anchor, CBS 2 News This Morning

of the nursery than they do the important issues of raising their child together. How are they going to handle discipline? Are they going to let the child sleep with them in the bed? Are they going to get up with the child in the middle of the night or let them cry? Only when you get down to the nitty-gritty details of your ideas about parenting are you going to begin to understand how easy or difficult making a really good co-parenting relationship is going to be. Most parents never have those conversations, but when they do, the job goes better, they enjoy it more and they feel more in love with each other. —Mary Squillace

Ada Calhoun: Encouraging Parents To Trust Their Instincts In “Instinctive Parenting: Trusting Ourselves To Raise Good Kids,” Babble.com editor Ada Calhoun shares her personal journey as a mother, and offers parents some refreshing advice—stop listening to others when it comes to raising your kids, and start listening to yourself. There are seemingly so many right and wrong ways to

New York Family | July 2010

“My mama used to take us to classical concerts, and believe me, my mama did not want to go there. We’d be the only black people anywhere around, but she would be like ‘Yeah, child, listen to this man’s music and be quiet.’” —Wynton Marsalis, jazz trumpeter and founder of Jazz At Lincoln Center

“I think [‘Gossip Girl’] has opened up a conversation between parents and kids— mothers and daughters especially. Parents can say, ‘Are you really doing that?’ And when parents or kids on the show make a mistake, there are repercussions. There’s always a moral to the story somehow.” —Kelly Rutherford, actress, “Gossip Girl”

“For me, dealing with the city is much easier than dealing with the kids. At work, adults are pretty good at taking orders, but kids tend to be a little more difficult.” —Kevin Sheekey, former Deputy Mayor

parent touted by books and online sources. Yet you advise parents to simply listen to their gut. Why do you think that so many parents have forgotten how to do this? I think parents are in the pursuit of what’s best for their kids so they seek out as much information as possible to accomplish that goal. They just want to know all the options, and it’s natural to get overloaded and overwhelmed. But it distracts you from using your gut, which can be stressful for the parents and the children. In the book you say that kids need three simple things: food, shelter and love. Do you find that thinking of parenting in those terms makes it less stressful? I find that focusing on these simple things helps me remember what’s important to me—raising a happy child. Remembering that your children need you to love them and to keep them safe makes everything else seem unimportant. I find that following your gut and blocking out the “do it this way” or “don’t do it this way” approach help you focus on the basics. We just have to remember they are children and not projects. —Lanchi Venator www.newyorkfamily.com

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CHILDREN’S FURNITURE

Baby Sitters’ Guild, 60 East 42nd Street, Suite 912, 212-682-0227, babysittersguild.com Barnard Babysitting Service, 49 Claremont Avenue, Second Floor of Elliot Hall, 212-854-2035, eclipse.barnard. columbia.edu/~bbsitter/ Columbia University, East Campus Building, Lower Level, 212-854-5494, cce.columbia.edu/ employers (potential employers can post under job listings) Marymount College of Fordham University, 718-817-4350, fordham.edu (potential employers can post under job listings) NYU, 133 East 13th Street, Second Floor, 212-998-4730, nyu.edu/careerservices (potential employers can post under job listings) Pinch Sitters, 212-260-6005, nypinchsitters.com Sensible Sitters, 334 East 94th Street, Suite 3A, 646-485-5121, sensiblesitters.com Sitter City, 888-211-9749, sittercity.com

ABC Carpet & Home, 888 Broadway, 212-473-3000, abchome.com Bellini Baby and Teen Furniture, Call 1-888-472-BABY (2229) or go to bellini.com for locations Califnornia Closets, 1625 York Avenue; 26 Varick Street; 1-800-339-2567; caliclosets.com Ducduc, 524 Broadway, Number 206, 212-226-1868, ducducnyc.com Ethan Allen, 1107 Third Avenue at 65th Street, 212-308-7703, ethanallen.com Giggle, Multiple locations in Manhattan, 1-800-495-8577, giggle.com Iglooplay, 718-622-0047, iglooplay.com Kid’s Supply Co. Jr. Homestore, 1343 Madison Avenue at 94th Street, 212-426-1200, kidssupply.com Mini Jake, 178 North 9th Street, Brooklyn, 800-646-4043, minijake.com Modernmini, 888-233-1558, modernmini.com Modern Tots, 53 Pearl Street, Brooklyn, 1-877-289-0453, moderntots.com P’kolino, Sold in high-end boutiques like Modern Tots and Giggle, 888-403-8992, pkolino.com Pottery Barn Kids, 1311 Second Avenue, 212-879-4746, potterybarnkids.com Q Collection, 800-775-0994, qcollection.com Restoration Hardware, 212-260-9479, restorationhardware.com

BABY SUPPLIES Albee’s, 715 Amsterdam Avenue 212-662-8902, babyexpressstores.com Babies “R” Us, Various locations around New York, 800-869-7787, toysrus.com Baby Depot, 707 Sixth Avenue, 212-229-1300, coat.com Buy Buy Baby, 270 Seventh Avenue, 917-344-1555, buybuybaby.com Giggle, Multiple locations, giggle.com Lester’s, 1534 Second Avenue, 212-734-9292, lestersnyc.com Nomie Baby, nomiebaby.com Planet Kids, 247 East 86th Street, 426-2040-2688; Broadway, 212-864-8705; planetkidsny.com Schneider’s, 41 West 25th Street, 212-228-3540, schneidersbaby.com Stokke, stokke.com

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS & STATIONERY Elise Margolis, elisemargolis.com. Kate’s Paperie, Various locations in Manhattan, katespaperie.com Little Extras, 676 Amsterdam Avenue, 212-721-6161 Love, Laura Gifts, lovelauragifts.com Notes by Nanette, 363 East 76th Street, #5EF, 212-517-8783, notesbynanette.com Papyrus Cards and Stationery, Various locations in Manhattan, papyrusonline.com Simply Fresh Prints by Jordan Elyse, 26 West 17th Street, Suite 801, 646-519-6080, simplyfreshprints.com Tiffany and Co., 727 Fifth Avenue, 212-755-8000, tiffany.com

New York Family | July 2010

DAY CARE CENTERS Bright Minds Day Care and Nursery School, 212-920-1014, brightmindnyc.com River School, 75 West End Avenue, 212-707-8300, theriverschool.com Star America, 780 Eighth Avenue, 212-262-4896, starpreschool.com Tutor Time, 776 Sixth Avenue, 212-683-5020, tutortime.com

FAMILY-FRIENDLY PHARMACIES Cherry’s Pharmacy, 207 East 66th Street, 212-717-7797, cherryspharmacy.com

NANNIES AND BABY NURSES Absolute Best Care, 274 Madison Ave, Suite 503, 212-481-5705, absolutebestcare.com Au Pair USA, 161 Sixth Avenue, 1-800-Au-Pairs, AuPairUSA.org Best Domestic Placement Services, 10 East 39th Street, Suite 1108, 212-683-3060, bestdomesticplmt.com Caring Baby Nurses, 646-373-1200, caringbabynurses.com

Craigslist Message Board, newyork.craigslist.org 1st Choice Nanny, 706 Avenue U, Brooklyn, 718-375-1686, 1stchoicenannyjobs.com Golden Touch Employment Agency, 45 West 34th Street, Suite 607, 212-643-0500 Immanuel Agency Inc., 500 West 37th Street, immanuelagencyinc.com InterExchange/Au Pair USA, 161 Sixth Avenue, 212-924-0446, 212-924-0446 Irish Echo, 4 East 47th Street, Sixth Floor, 212-686-1266, irishecho.com London Agency, 767 Lexington Avenue, Room 603, 212-755-5064 Nanny’s USA, Various locations, 212-234-1959, nannysusa.com. New York Nanny Center Inc., 250 West 57th Street, 212-265-3354, nynanny.com Pavilion Agency, 15 East 40th Street, Suite 400, 212-889-6609, pavillionagency.com Philippino Placement Agency Inc., 5 West 48th Street, Fifth Floor, 212-398-3799 TeacherCare, 212-808-5273, teachercare.com Urban Baby Message Board, urbanbaby.com

PARENTING CLASSES AND GROUPS Baby Bites, 646-258-3907, babybitesnyc.com Big City Moms, 917-488-8542, bigcitymoms.com Bowery Babes, bowerybabes.com Divalysscious Moms, 917-601-0068, divalyssciousmoms.com Dream Team, 646-827-9190, dreamteambaby.com Executive Moms, 917-715-1115, executivemoms.com The Jewish Community Center, 334 Amsterdam Avenue, 646-505-4444, jccmanhattan.org Manhattan Mothers of Twins, 212-774-7488, manhattanmothersoftwins.org Manhattan Twins Club, 212-774-7488, manhattantwinsclub.org MEDBASICS, 917-353-1932, babymedbasics.com Metro Minis, 212-313-9600, metrominis.com Nancy Samalin, RN, MS, 212-787-8883 New Parents’ Get Together, 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Avenue, 212-996-1100 NYC Dads Group, nycdadsgroup.com The Parents League, 115 East 82nd Street, 737-7385, parentsleague.org Parents Without Partners, 800-637-7974, parentswithoutpartners.org The SoHo Parenting Center, 568 Broadway, Suite 205, 212-334-3744, sohoparenting.com

Twiniversity, 917-442-2020, twiniversity.com

PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY ROOMS Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of New York-Presbyterian, 3959 Broadway, 212-305-6628, childrensnyp.org New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center for Emergency Medicine, 525 East 68th Street, 212-746-3300, nypemergency.org

PHOTOGRAPHERS Aoommie Photography, 646-249-7990, aoommiephotography.com Bebornaday Studio, 917-880-2503, Bebornaday.com Bentley Waters Photography, 914-953-4155, bentleywaters.com Bruce Lemler Photography, 917-499-8291, lemlerphotography.com Classic Kids, 212-396-1160, classickidsphotography.com CLEverPhotos, 917-345-9953, cleverphotos.com Daniel S. Burnstein Photography, 718-207-9665, danielsburnstein.com Heidi Green Photography, 212-545-5304, heidigreen.com Jennifer Lee Photography, 212-799-1501, jenniferleephotography.com Jessica Leigh Photography, 212-327-1944, jessicaleighfoto.com Jordan Elyse Photography, 646-519-6080, jordanelyse.com Josh Lehrer, 212-877-1256, joshlehrer.com Karen Haberberg Photography, 917-541-3103, karenhaberberg.com Leshem Loft, 917-608-7818, leshemloft.com Lindsey Gray Photography, Lindseygrayphotography.com Michael Jurick, 917-892-7231, jurick.net Nina Drapacz Photography, 212-772-7814, ninadrapaczphotography.com Paloma Sendrey Photography, 718-432-2365, palomasendrey.com Jeffrey Shaw, 212-865-0480; jeffreyshaw.com Portraits Inc., 614-832-5863, portraitsinc.com Rachel Hudgins Photography, 917-710-2556, rachelhudgins.com Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company, 212-633-0502, sarahmerians.com Shutter Sisters Images, 917-969-7570 or 917-862-2456, shuttersistersimages.com Suzanne Cohen Photography, 917-284-8431, suzannecohenphotography.com Thaddeus Harden Photography, 646-256-8853, thaddeusharden.com www.newyorkfamily.com

This Is Bigger Than

BIG! This September, come in and feel the energy of Gymtime’s new spacious, sunny and bright, expanded facilities. We will offer even more classes to enhance your little gymnast’s growth and experience. Register now for Fall 2010 at www.gymtime.net

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.

We're Growing By This fall, reach new heights at our brand FALL 2010 registration in

Leaps & Bounds! new, state of the art gym just upstairs. our new space starts now!

Weekly upscale markets taking place at and benefiting public schools throughout Manhattan.

EN D

MILY A F

Every Saturday starting June 5th 10am-5pm

PS 63, 121 E. 3rd St.

between Ave. A and First Ave.

Visit theMARTE.com or call 212.268.0501

for details & to become a vendor

: twitter.com/theMARTEnyc : facebook.com/theMARTE

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Fabulous

SHOPPING

FINDS Family Huddle Written by famous football family Peyton, Eli and Archie Manning Focus is on values of family and football Age 4-8 $16.99 scholastic.com

Our Style Editor’s

Top Ten Shopping Picks From The Past Year BY JOY SHERWOOD

Hanky Panky Maternity line of lace thongs Packaged in a baby bottle— the perfect shower gift for expecting mommies $40 hankypanky.com

Skip Hop Monkey-shaped backpack Roomy main compartment with adjustable side pockets $20 skiphop.com

Instax Mini 7S Camera Fuji camera that takes credit card-sized photos For immediate satisfaction $96 fujiﬁlmusa.com

New York Family | July 2010

www.newyorkfamily.com

NetPal Disney’s own laptop with WiFi capabilities for kids ages 6 and up Safe and easy to use with parental control options and software featuring Disney characters and icons $349.99 toysrus.com

Texthook Smartphone holder Designed to hook onto strollers, bicycles, treadmills and even shopping carts Available in black or white $25 thetexthook.com

GoGo Squeeze All-natural applesauce for on the go Available in apple, banana, peach and strawberry ﬂavors $2.99 for a pack of four Whole Foods

Essie “Knockout Pout” The perfect pick-me-up for your nails $9 essie.com

Ionator by Activeion Chemical-free sanitizing device that puriﬁes tap water Spray on household surfaces and rid them of 99% of harmful bacteria $169 activeion.com

Ultimate Organizer for Moms For scheduling, notes and important dates $24.95 welcomebooks.com

www.newyorkfamily.com

July 2010 | New York Family

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Children’s Fashion Directory CLOTHING

SHOPPING

EAST VILLAGE: Ibiza Kidz 830 Broadway New York, NY 10206 212-228-7990 ibizakidz.com Pink Olive Boutique 439 East 9th Street New York, NY 10009 212-780-0036 pinkoliveboutique.com GRAMERCY: Space Kiddets 26 East 22nd Street New York, NY 10010 212-420-9878 spacekiddets.com MEATPACKING DISTRICT: Yoyamart 15 Gansevoort Street New York, NY 10010 212-242-5511 yoyashop.com MIDTOWN: Bloomingdales 1000 3rd Avenue, 8th Floor New York, NY 10022 212-705-2000 bloomingdales.com Little BG @ Bergdorf Goodman 745 5th Avenue, 7th Floor New York, NY 10019 212-753-7300 bergdorfgoodman.com SOHO: Bundle 128 Thompson New York, NY 10012 212-982-9465 bundlenyc.com Diesel Kids 416 West Broadway New York, NY 10012 212-343-3863 diesel.com Paul Frank 195 Mulberry New York, NY 10012 212-965-5079 paulfrank.com TRIBECA: Bu and the Duck* 106 Franklin Street New York, NY 10013 212-431-9226 buandtheduck.com Capucine 20 Harrison Street New York, NY 10013 212-219-4030 capucinemaman.com Crem Bebè 68 2nd Avenue New York, N.Y. 10003 212-979-6848 crembebe.com

UPPER EAST SIDE: Baby CZ 820 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10065 212-288-8030 babycz.com Barneys New York 660 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10021 212-826-8900 barneys.com Bonne Nuit 1193 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10028 212-472-7300 bonnenuitonline.com Bonpoint* 810 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10065 212-879-0900 bonpoint.com Brooks Brothers 346 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10017 212-682-8800 brooksbrothers.com Catimini 1125 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10028 212-987-0688 catiminiusa.com Crewcuts* 1190 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10028 212-348-9803 jcrew.com Flora and Henri 1023 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10021 212-249-1695 florahenri.com Flowers by Zoe 1070 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10028 212-535-3777 flowersbyzoeclothes.com Greenstones* 1184 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10028 212-427-1665 Infinity 1116 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10028 212-734-0077 Jacadi 1260 3rd Avenue New York, NY 10021 212-717-9292 jacadi.us Juicy Couture* 860 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10021 212-327-2398 juicycouture.com

New York Family | July 2010

A Few Of Our Favorite Clothing, Shoe And Toy Stores

Lester’s 1534 2nd Avenue New York, NY 10075 212-734-9292 lestersnyc.com Lilly Pulitzer 1020 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10075 212-744-4620 lilypulitzer.com Magic Windows 1186 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10028 212-289-0028 magicwindowskids.com Mish Mish 1435 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10128 212-996-6474 mishnewyork.com Obaibi 1296 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10128 212-369-8125 obaibi.com Peter Elliot Blue 997 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10021 212-570-2301 Petit Bateau 1094 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10028 212-988-8884 petit-bateau.us Ralph Lauren Baby & Child 872 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10021 212-606-3376 ralphlauren.com Spring Flowers* 1050 3rd Avenue New York, NY 10065 212-758-2669 springﬂowerschildren.com UPPER WEST SIDE: Berkley Girl* 410 Columbus Avenue New York, NY 10024 212-744-9507 berkleygirl.com Granny Made 467 Amsterdam Avenue New York, NY 10024 212-496-1222 grannymade.com Z Baby Company* 996 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10021 212-472-2229 zbabycompany.com WEST VILLAGE: Estella 493 6th Avenue New York, NY 10011 212-255-3553 estella-nyc.com

SHOES TRIBECA: Shooﬂy 42 Hudson Street New York, NY 10013 212-406-3270 shooﬂynyc.com UPPER EAST SIDE: Galo* 1296 3rd Avenue New York, NY 10021 212-288-3448 galoshoes.com Little Eric 1118 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10028 212-717-1513 Lester’s 1534 2nd Avenue New York, NY 10075 212-734-9292 lestersnyc.com Collections by Stride Rite 1542 3rd Avenue New York, NY 10028 212-249-0551 striderite.com Naturino* 1184 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10028 212-427-0679 naturino.com Shoes and more 1194 3rd Avenue New York, NY 10021 212-734-3700 shoesnmore.com Ibiza Kidz 830 Broadway New York, NY 10206 212-228-7990 ibizakidz.com UPPER WEST SIDE: Harry’s Shoes for Kids 2315 Broadway New York, NY 10024 212-874-2034 harrys-shoes.com Tip Top Kids Shoes 149 West 72nd Street New York, NY 10023 212-874-1003 tiptopshoes.com The Shoe Tree 2876 Broadway New York, NY 10025 212-280-1711

TOYS UPPER EAST SIDE: Mary Arnold Toys 1010 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10021 212-744-8510 maryarnoldtoys.com HomBoms Toys Inc. 1500 First Avenue New York, NY 10075 212-717-5300

State News* 112 East 86th Street New York, NY 10028 212-831-8010 Very Good Toys 1020 3rd Avenue New York, NY 10065 212-521-3605 TRIBECA: Boomerang Toys 119 W. Broadway New York, NY 10013 212-226-7650 boomerangtoys.com UPPER WEST SIDE: West Side Kids 498 Amsterdam Avenue New York, NY 10024 212-496-7282 MIDTOWN: American Girl Place 609 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10017 877-247-5223 americangirl.com Build-a-Bear 565 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10017 212-871-7080 buildabear.com FAO Schwartz 767 5th Avenue New York, NY 10153 212-644-9400 faoschwartz.com Nintendo World Store 10 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10020 646-459-0800 nintendoworldstore.com Toys R Us 1514 Broadway New York, NY 10036 646-366-8800 toyrus.com CHELSEA: Kidding Around 60 West 15th Street New York, NY 10011 212-645-6337 kiddingaround.us GREENWICH VILLAGE: Dinosaur Hill 306 East 9th Street New York, NY 10003 212-473-5850 dinosaurhill.com SOHO: Kidrobot 118 Prince Street New York, NY 10012 212-966-6688 kidrobot.com

*Check for more locations

www.newyorkfamily.com

INTRODUCING

™

Made on an Organic Farm in the U.S.A.

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

Pure Flower & Plant Extracts Dermatologist Tested • Allergy Tested No Synthetic Fragrances or Colors No Icky Chemicals Paraben & Phthalate Free personalized, hand-crafted jewelry, children’s flatware and other smile-inspiring things made just for you in sterling and copper

Dairy & Soy Free Color Safe for Mom’s Hair, too!

PURE. ORGANIC. SOLUTIONS. FOR BABIES AND KIDS Sold at C.O. Bigelows, Clydes and select salons and apothecaries

www.babobotanicals.com

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Multi-Service Venues

CLASSES

14TH STREET Y The 14th Street Y offers classes in sports, fitness, aquatics, early education, after school programs and more. The “2x2 Program” prepares children for the transition to preschool through engagement in classroom play with their caregivers. While kids interact and explore, adults take part in discussions led by parenting experts. 344 East 14th Street, 212-780-0800, 14streety.org. (Ages newborn to 18 years)

Best In

Class Whatever Your Child’s Passion, The City Offers A Wealth Of Extracurricular Offerings To Choose From

Super Soccer Stars 92ND STREET Y 92Y’s “Wonderplay” offers ageappropriate classes for children under 5, plus parent get-togethers and family activities like cooking. After-school classes, private instruction, music ensembles and dance troupes are offered for children ages 6-18. 92Y also offers kids’ fitness and sports classes like “Fitness Fusion.” 1395 Lexington Avenue, 212-415-5500, 92Y.org. (Ages newborn to 18 years) APPLE SEEDS Music, movement, art, science, cooking, language and gradual separation are some of the over 100 classes offered at this 15,000square foot facility. At the core of apple seeds is the NYC-themed indoor playground. It also offers birthday parties, camps, events,

ment and music, and the visual arts; the Creative Lab offers classes that focus on creative expression; and kids can explore art and music on Saturdays with Supersonic Music Classes and Saturday Studio Artists. 432 Lafayette, Mezzanine, 646-602-7066, theblueschool. org. (Ages 18 months to 7 years)

a boutique, bookstore and kids’ hair salon. apple seeds also offers its kiddie rock music class, songs for seeds, on the Upper East and Upper West Sides. 10 West 25th Street, appleseedsnyc.com. (Ages newborn to 5 years) ART FARM IN THE CITY Children’s classes cover live animals, music, art, baking and more. The adult participation class Rock, Smocks and Animals for ages 1-4 includes music, art, story and upclose animal encounters; the after-school club Animal Care ages 3-8 educates children about live animals and how to care for them. Art, Adventures and More is a sophisticated Art Class for Children 4-12 years where children create masterpieces on canvas and learn various artistic styles. All classes get time to mingle with the animals in the indoor petting zoo. 419 East 91st Street, 212-410-3117, theartfarms.org. (Ages 14 months to 8 years)

Gymtime Rhythm & Glues ASPHALT GREEN Widely known for its popular AquaCenter, the sports complex offers swimming classes for babies on up. Other classes include gymnastics, baseball, martial arts, flag football, basketball, soccer and camps. 555 East 90th Street, 212-369-8890, asphaltgreen.org. (Ages 4 months to 16 years) BODY AND SPIRIT PROGRAM, RUTGERS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Classes are offered for toddlers through middle schoolers in art, movement, sports, computers and music. 236 West 73rd Street, 212-877-8227, rutgerschurch. com. (Ages 6 months to 12 years)

Citibabes

New York Family | July 2010

BLUE SCHOOL The Blue School offers public programs designed to encourage creativity, exploration and innovative thinking. Afternoon enrichment classes are offered in science, move-

CHELSEA PIERS To celebrate its 15th anniversary, the popular sports complex is adding a new classroom and new programs, including CP-After-Three, an afterschool program for children in grades K-3, and CP Building Blocks, a sports and enrichment program designed for children with special needs. In addition, Chelsea Piers Bluestreak offers Li’l Blues sport-specific training in hockey, soccer, baseball, basketball and flag football for kids 10 and older. Plus, The Sports Center health club has opened up its indoor climbing wall for tweens and teens, and the Golf Club Rink has added a afterschool golf clinic for girls. 23rd Street & the Hudson River, 212-336-6666, chelseapiers.com. (Ages 1 to 17 years) CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF MANHATTAN This building is chock-full of interactive exhibits, including “PlayWorks,” which features interactive learning activities for newborns up to age 4. Early childhood classes, such as Preschool Prep for ages 2 & 3, and drop-off classes, such as Gross Biology for ages 4 & 5, let kids participate in hands-on activities from art to science. 212 West 83rd Street, 212-721-1223, cmom.org. (Ages 6 months to 5 years) www.newyorkfamily.com

ATLANTICforKIDS AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS FOR PRE-K THRU TEENS

NOW!

To reserve a space in the class or for more info, please call:

Heather Baird 212-691-5919 ext. 1171

LIMITED AVAILABILITY!

ATLANTICACTINGSCHOOL www.ATLANTICACTINGSCHOOL.org

What Will My Child Get Out Of An Art Class?

CLASSES

Zoë Greenbaum and Cyndie Bellen-Berthézène of HiArt! and Valentina Van Hise of The Art Farm in the City share the beneﬁts of art classes for kids: • A sense of themselves as active and creative participants in the real world • Helps kids understand and value themselves as individual thinkers • Discipline, focus and follow-through • Problem-solving skills: art means making choices • A way to shake off the blues • An opportunity to express themselves through artistic hands-on experiences in a warm environment where their work isn’t judged • A love and understanding of the arts as a reﬂection of what is great about us as humans • Children learn to see, hear and appreciate the world around them with acuity and joy

CHURCH STREET SCHOOL FOR MUSIC AND ART This nonprofit community arts institution offers a variety of music classes, including folk guitar, string ensemble and private lessons. Art classes and music and movement classes are also offered. 74 Warren Street, 212-571-7290, churchstreetschool.org. (Ages 16 months and up)

Asphalt Green CITIBABES The deluxe downtown club offers families a rich menu of children’s and family classes, including art, cooking, dance, language, music, family yoga, sports, and science. New this year are a variety of classes for older children (ages 4 to 10 years) including “Namastar Yoga,” which takes place in a dimmed room lit with stars drifting on the ceiling; “Lab Series,” a rotating, thematic workshop featuring experts on everything from robots to circuses; “CitiCooks,” a new cooking course that explores

New York Family | July 2010

and intellectual skills using Leapfrog Schoolhouse products. Sports classes focus on the basics of eight sports. Various locations in Manhattan, 877-496-5327, gymboreeclasses.com. (Ages newborn to 5 years) GYMTIME RHYTHM & GLUES A longtime oasis for children’s enrichment classes, Gymtime Rhythm & Glues offers children’s classes in a space with state-of-the-art facilities and eco-friendly features. Classes include recreational and team gymnastics, art, music, cooking and taekwondo. Preschool education classes are also offered. This fall, Gymtime is adding a new state-ofthe-art gym upstairs! 1520 York Avenue, 212-861-7732, gymtime. net. (Ages 6 months to 12 years)

diverse and multicultural ingredients as well as the importance of healthy food choices; and “CitiDance Syles,” a class with a ballet warm-up that soon transforms into the honing of exciting jazz dance skills. 52 Mercer Street, 3rd Floor, 212-334-5440, citibabes.com. (Ages 3 months to 10 years)

THE JCC IN MANHATTAN Covering infants through teens, the JCC’s menu of activities is full of classes in art, dance, cooking, chess, computers, science, special needs, theater, and more. Sports classes, including yoga, karate and swimming, are also offered. Basketball courts are available for teams and pick-up games. 334 Amsterdam Avenue, 646-505-4444, jccmanhattan.org. (Ages newborn to 18 years)

COLUMBUS PRESCHOOL AND GYM Little ones learn special awareness with props and mirrors, while classes for older kids integrate fitness with arts and crafts, painting, stories and music. 606 Columbus Avenue, 212-721-0090, columbuspreschoolandgym.com. (Ages 12 months to 12 years)

KIDS AT WORK Kids at Work offers economical drop-in Mommy-and-me classes for ages 0-4 in music and sensory art on weekdays and Saturdays. Classes focus on process-oriented and age-appropriate activities. 102 West 14th Street, #2, 347-9338293, kidsatworknyc.com. (Ages newborn to 4 years)

DISCOVERY PROGRAMS Discovery Programs offers a wide range of innovative and arts-based classes that inspire, educate and nurture children of all ages. Parent and child classes include Baby Gym, Music and the parent support group, Baby Talk. Early Childhood Programs, directed by leading educator Elaine Winter, offer 2–4-day programs for toddlers and preschoolers. These include Almost On My Own, On My Own, Practically Preschool and Summer Camp. After school, Discovery is busy with gymnastics, ballet, art, music, taekwondo, theatre and Action Hero Dance. 251 West 100th Street, 212-749-8717, discoveryprograms.com. (Ages newborn to tween)

KIDVILLE Named “Best Tot Hot Spot” by New York Magazine, Kidville operates upscale facilities, catering to young children and their families. In addition to offering developmental classes for newborns through 6year-olds, including Little Maestros, Run Wiggle Paint & Giggle, My Big Messy Art Class, Kidville Sports and Kidville University (Kidville’s

GYMBOREE PLAY & MUSIC Children experience legendary movement and sensory classes, plus music, art, developmental play and sports classes. A preschool alternative class focuses on social

Pre-School Alternative Program), Kidville also features an indoor playspace, a retail boutique, the Kidville Salon and birthday parties for children up to age 9. Various locations in Manhattan, 212-7728435, kidville.com. (Ages newborn to 5 years)

AMNH

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American Museum of Natural History MANHATTAN MOVEMENT & ARTS CENTER Kids can take classes in different genres of dance, pursue their love for the stage in musical theater classes, or join the circus in their Circus Arts program. MMAC also offers dance, music, art, movement and fitness, and the Afro-Brazilian martial art known as Capoeira. 248 West 60th Street, 212-787-1178, manhattanmovement.com. (Ages 6 weeks to teens) MANHATTAN YOUTH’S DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY CENTER This community center for downtown families offers swim lessons, art classes, bookmaking, dance and fitness, language classes and more. 120 Warren Street, 212766-1104, manhattanyouth.org. (Ages 6 months and up) MOOMAH This whimsical playspace and café in Tribeca is all about inspiring quality family time: parents and kids can make art projects, play with toys and discovery kits and

Hands On! www.newyorkfamily.com

2ND SESSION MINI-CAMP

FALL SESSIO N STARTS SEPTEMBER 25TH

STARTS AUGUST 17 Girotondo (circle of fun) Ages 2-5 An Italian language program which improves ďŹ&#x201A;uency through songs, stories, games and arts & crafts. Classes require parent or caregiver.

NEW Il Giardino dei Bambini Ages 2-5 Il Giardino dei Bambini is a morning drop-off playgroup at CI for kids ages 2-5. Childen may join in on the fun every Tuesday and Thursday from 9-12 on an as needed basis. Experienced instructors provide multiple opportunities for kids to learn Italian though play, while learning important socialization skills. The program offers language learning through games, activities, songs, dance, theater and hands-on creativity (art projects and cooking). Space is limited. 24-hour advance reservation is required.

Piccoli Cuochi Ages 5-11 Italian Cooking and Recipes for children & grown-ups.

Create, Act, Draw... Ages 3-5 & 7-12 Italian Theater Workshop

Elementary, Middle & High School Programs Ages 6-18 Group and private classes for adults and children

135 E 96th St (between Lex & Park) 212.427.7770 â&#x20AC;˘ www.collinaitaliana.com info@collinaitaliana.com

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enjoy seasonal cuisine in the café. There’s also a handful of imaginative classes, including a glow-inthe-dark yoga class, a musical storytelling class and a tea and dress up class hosted by Moomah’s inhouse superhero, Supertryer. 161 Hudson Street, 212-226-0345, moomah.com. MUSICAL KIDS INTERNATIONAL Kids dance, drum and sing their way to foreign language fluency. Music and immersion classes are offered for English, Spanish, French, Korean, Japanese, Hebrew and Chinese. Various locations in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn, 212-996-5898, musicalkids.net. (Ages 6 months to 10 years)

REEBOK SPORTS CLUB/NY AND THE SPORTS CLUB/LA The “For Kids Only” initiative includes classes in art, cooking, dance, music, sports and theater, among other activities. Reebok: 160 Columbus Avenue, 212-3626800; Sports Club: 330 East 61st Street, 212-355-5100, thesportsclubla.com. (Ages 6 months to 12 years) 74th St. MAGIC Offers engaging classes in music, art, gymnastics, cook ing, science and preschool alternatives for children 6 months to early teens, all housed in the same carriage house as Epiphany Community Nursery School. Fall semester begins September 15th. 510 East 74th Street, 212737-2989, 74magic.com. (Ages 6 months to early teens) YMCA Today, there are 19 YMCA branches throughout the five boroughs. A strong focus of the centers is on youth, and swimming, karate, music, art, dance and various sports lessons are offered at each branch. For YMCA locations and class listings, visit the YMCA of Greater New York website. Various locations in Manhattan, 212630-9600, ymcanyc.org. (Ages 6 months and up)

92nd Street Y NEW YORK KIDS CLUB Children enjoy a variety of exciting enrichment classes including gymnastics, ballet, cooking, martial arts, preschool musical, rock climbing, art, music, and sports time. Preschool alternative programs available for 2-, 3- and 4-year-olds. Various locations in Manhattan, 212-721-4400, nykidsclub.com. (Ages 6 months to 12 years) PEEK A BABY Classes give babies a chance to play and let parents have a chance to socialize. “Save Your Sanity” is aimed toward parents of children 0-8 months old. “Sing, Dance, and Play” features story time, musical instruments and unstructured play. Classes are held at Art Farm in the City, 419 East 91st Street, peekababyny.com. (Ages newborn to 3 years) POPPYSEED PRE-NURSERY Offers classes for children in arts and crafts, music, singing and dancing. They also feature a “Mommy and me” program and nursery school. Classes meet two to three times a week and include participation of a parent or caregiver. 424 West End Avenue at 81st Street, 212-8777614. (Ages 1 to 3 years)

New York Family | July 2010

Art THE ART CENTER Classes at The Art Center will help children develop their creative side in a structured environment. Afterschool and holiday classes improve drawing, painting, and sculpting skills. During the Mostly Art Summer Program, kids work on projects, play, and listen to stories. For the “Art in Motion” program, the art center partners with American Youth Dance Theater to provide kids with a half day each of art and dance instruction. 423 East 75th Street, 212-535-1199, theartcenterny.com. (Ages 5 to 16 years)

What Will My Child Get Out Of A Sports Class? Elizabeth Right of Kids in Sports and Mollie Marcoux of the Field House at Chelsea Piers share the beneﬁts of sports classes for kids: • Teaches teamwork and sportsmanship • Children learn the importance of hard work, practice and discipline • Teaches children to handle defeat with grace and dignity • Develops communication and problem-solving skills • Improves control and balance • Children learn how to follow directions and take turns • Inspires a sense of accomplishment

children learn about animation, Japanese art, theatre and fine art techniques. 182 Lafayette Street, 212-274-0986, cmany.org. (Ages 10 months to 12 years)

tion with a piece of classical music or a ballet. 601 West 26th Street, Studio 1425I, 212-362-8190, hiartkids.com. (Ages 17 months to 14 years)

COLOR ME MINE From kindergarten through eighth grade, children can learn all about their favorite artists and how to paint like them in “Paint Like the Masters” classes. For preschoolers, there are “Paint Me A Story” story and painting hours. 116 Franklin Street, 212-941-0120, tribeca. colormemine.com. (Ages 3 to 13 years)

KIDS AT ART Art lessons here captivate kids of all ages. A 12-class club card can be purchased and used for classes taught by professional artists and teachers, which focus on drawing, painting and sculpting. Special holiday and spring break workshops are available. Little Shop of Crafts, 431 East 73rd Street, 212-4109780, kidsatartnyc.com. (Ages 2 to 11 years)

THE CRAFT STUDIO Exciting seasonal workshops and drop-in classes accommodate both the flexible and those pressed for time. For the walk-in classes, children choose a piece of pottery, wood or plaster on which to paint their own masterpiece. 1657 Third Avenue, 212-831-6626, craftstudionyc.com. (Ages 3 years and up) HI ART! The philosophy here is to make the world of high art fun and accessible for kids. Stimulating classes invite kids to explore visual art in connec-

LOOP OF THE LOOM This weaving studio teaches children the art of Saori, a type of weaving that emphasizes free expression and results in one-of-a-kind pieces. The studio has looms, over 500 different colors of yarn, and baskets overflowing with ropes, sparkly ribbons, and other materials reclaimed from New York’s fashion industry. 227 East 87th Street, 212-722-2686, loopoftheloom.com. (Ages 5 and up) METROPOLITAN MOMS This culture-themed social group

ARTKIDS Children visit a different New York City museum, art gallery or auction house weekly and participate in hands-on learning projects related to the exhibition. Kids can also roam the galleries of the Met with special ArtKids iPod tours that can be downloaded from the ArtKids website. Book club tours, family tours, vacation tours, birthday party tours and special thematic tours are also available. 646-6784497, artmuseny.com. (Ages 3.5 to 12 years) CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF THE ARTS Hands-on art and music classes are offered to preschoolers. Older

Art Farm in the City www.newyorkfamily.com

GIVE YOUR CHILD THE BEST

Celebrate your child’s creativity at ®

Tribeca’s Hidden Academic Gem

Join us for: The only “make your own book” store, where kids can write and illustrate their own books in a fun and festive environment.

• My Caregivers & Me Playtime • Playgroups Teaching Manners & Socializing • Parent Support Groups • Variety of Language Classes • Elite Elementary School Preparation • Tutoring in all subjects, preK-12 • Creative & Dramatic Arts

Enroll Now Space Limited 10% OFF if you enroll now

15% OFF

if you enroll a friend

We also offer:

Unique Birthday Parties Classes: Creative Writing (ages 6-13) Kindergarten Readiness (ages 2-5) Special Workshops Drop-in and Create Summer and Holiday Camps

(TLC)

•Expert Childcare •Extended Hours •Half & Full-day Sessions •Party Rental Space for Birthdays & Celebrations •Evening and Weekend Hours

For an appointment contact Elizabeth Grant, Educational Director grante747@aol.com

718-812- 1910 TribecaLearningCenter.org

10 FREE

1624 First Avenue NY NY 10028 212-288-2928 infony@scribblepress.com scribblepress.com

TRIBECA LEARNING CENTER CONSECUTIVE CLASSES 21 St. John’s Lane New York, NY 11370 718-812-1910 www.tribecalearningcenter.org

Let’s get to know one another. Choose from academic enrichment, tutorial, creative and dramatic classes. Guardian must attend. Expires August 31, 2010

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for moms and kids takes part in regular private museum tours, gallery walks, architectural and historical neighborhood walks, artist studio visits, culinary excursions and more—all with their little ones in tow! Activities are available for moms of babies, toddlers and school-aged kids. 212-206-7272, metropolitanmoms.com. (Ages newborn to adult) SCRIBBLE PRESS At this “make your own book” store, kids can write and illustrate their own books and collaborate on calendars, crafts and games. They offer a full creative writing program for grades 2 through 8, including after school classes and vacation camps. Younger children starting at age 2 can take introductory creativity and kindergarten readiness classes such as “The Colors of My World” and ABCs. 1624 First Avenue, 212-288-2928, scribblepress.com.

one-pot family meals, lunch box meals from around the globe, family sushi for parents and teens, pizza-making, cupcakes and Brazilian and Thai cooking. 50 West 23rd Street, 1-888-958-CHEF, iceculinary.com. (Ages 10 years and up) MINI CHEF NYC Classes focus on different types of food. Kids can learn to make a variety of sweet and savory goodies like chocolate truffles, Caramel “Fleurs de Sel” Madeleine, Mexicana Verrine and Pineapple/Coconut Cake. Classes are held at The Art Farm in the City, 419 East 91st Street, 212-727-2703, minichefnyc.com. (Ages 3 to 9 years) AMERICAN YOUTH DANCE THEATER Classes in pre-ballet, classical ballet, tap, jazz, musical theater/ Broadway, hip-hop, modern dance and flamenco for ages 2.5 to teens. 428 East 75th Street, 2nd Floor, 212-717-5419, americanyouthdancetheater.com. (Ages 2.5 years through teens)

Cooking COOK WITH CLASS Chef Rob Endelman offers cooking classes in the comfort of your own home with his private one-on-one and group lessons for children 6 years and older. 163 Amsterdam Avenue, #318, 917-704-9056, cookwithclass.net. (Ages 5 years and up) CUPCAKE KIDS! Kids have fun in the kitchen while also learning about food and nutrition. Learn to measure, sift, mix, knead, zest, decorate and more while making everything from pizza to cupcakes. Classes, camps and parties are now held at the new Cupcake Kids! kitchen studio. 109 West 27th Street, 212-242-2248, cupcakekids.com. (Ages 2 to 16 years) THE INSTITUTE OF CULINARY EDUCATION Offers classes in French pastry,

Joffrey Ballet

Dance ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER Dance classes for all ages are offered. Two-year-olds will love Ailey Extension’s Tiny Steps creative movement program, and The Ailey School’s Junior Division offers a nurturing approach to dance training. All programs encompass a diverse curriculum of dance classes. 405 West 55th Street, 212-4059000, alvinailey.org. (Ages 3 to 17 years)

What Will My Child Get Out Of A Music Class? Samari Weinberg of Hands On! and the experts at Eastside Westside Music Together share the beneﬁts of art classes for kids: • Encourages language development through pre-literacy activities and active listening • Teaches a love of music and positive disposition towards music making • Creates memories of bonding through family music making that will last a lifetime • Aids children’s emotional growth through self-expression, social growth through communal learning and leadership opportunities and cognitive growth through spatial awareness and creative activities

New York Family | July 2010

Gymboree Play & Music

BALLET ACADEMY EAST With more than 30 years of experience, Ballet Academy East offers classes to both children and adults of all levels. The programs include the pre-professional ballet division for ages 7-18, pre-ballet, tap and modern for ages 3-6, Mother & Child classes for 2-years-olds and adult ballet, tap, Pilates and yoga. 1651 Third Avenue, 3rd Floor, 212-410-9140, baenyc.com. (Ages 2 years to adult) BALLET HISPANICO This venue offers a balanced curriculum in ballet, Spanish dance and creative movement, and a free workshop for boys ages 6-12. Preprofessional classes are also available. 167 West 89th Street, 212362-6710, ballethispanico.org. (Ages 2.5 years to adult) JOFFREY BALLET SCHOOL The Children’s Division offers classes in creative movement (ages 3-4), pre-ballet (ages 5-7) and ballet or intermediate ballet (ages 7-15). 434 Avenue of the Americas, 3rd Floor, 212-254-8520, joffreyballetschool.com. (Ages 3 years and up) LOWER EAST SIDE DANCE ACADEMY This newly opened dance school offers classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, Zumba and more in a 2500 square foot loft with two large studios and plenty of stroller parking in the lobby. Dance birthday parties are available, too. 62 Orchard Street, 2nd Floor, 212-343-1620, lesdanceacademy.com.

LUCY MOSES SCHOOL This community arts center offers plenty of dance classes for children and teens, including Creative Dance, Dress Up and Dance, preballet, ballet, jazz and Broadway, and Hop, Skip and Dance. 129 West 67th Street, 212-501-3360, kaufman-center.org. (Ages 4 years and up) MANHATTAN YOUTH BALLET This graded, pre-professional ballet academy and performance company teaches classical technique modeled on European ballet schools. Auditions begin at age 8. Students study and perform in the studios and state-of-the-art theater of the Manhattan Movement & Arts Center. 248 West 60th Street, 212-787-1178, manhattanyouthballet.org. (Ages 8 to 18 years) NEW YORK THEATRE BALLET Ballet School NY is the theater’s official training academy. Pre-ballet consists of three different levels (ages 3-4, 5-6, and 7). Ballet I and Ballet II (ages 8-10) are by audition or invitation only. More advanced students move on to Ballet III. 30 East 31st Street, 5th Floor, 212-679-0401, nytb.org. (Ages 3 years and up)

Chelsea Piers www.newyorkfamily.com

TAKE A Musical Theater

Class or

Camp!

Week-long camps run all summer long for grades 1-8. Space is still available!

NEW! Afternoon Adventures extended camp day program! NEW! TADA! now offers summer classes for kids aged 0-6!

See A Show!

Don’t miss TADA!’s New York Premiere Family Musical,

July 9-August 4

The Magic Pot: Three Tales From China

A FAMILY MUSICAL ABOUT ANCIENT TALES WITH A NEW TWIST

GREAT LOW TICKET PRICES FOR KIDS, GROUPS & BIRTHDAY PARTIES!

www.tadatheater.com - 212.252.1619

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What Will My Child Get Out Of A Dance Class?

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Julia Dubno of Ballet Academy East and Kate Thomas of The School At Steps share the beneﬁts of dance classes for kids: • Discipline, focus and stamina • Flexibility, strength and grace • Music appreciation • Coordination and balance • Memory • Respect for others

PERIDANCE CENTER Ballet, modern, jazz, tap, hip hop and creative movement classes are offered for children as young as 18 months. 126 East 13th Street, 212-505-0886, peridance.com. (Ages 18 months and up) THE SCHOOL AT STEPS The School at Steps offers a diversified academic year and summer dance program. Beginning with the Young Dancers Program and continuing through the pre-profes-

JCC in Manhattan sional division, the programs give children and teens an opportunity to explore dance, experiment and hone their skills. The new yearround program, Explore Dance (ages 9-15), offers beginning ballet, jazz, hip hop and tap students an option to purchase a single class or a package of classes. 2121 Broadway, 4th Floor, 212-8743678, stepsnyc.com/school. (Ages 2 to 18 years)

Education and Enrichment AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY Educational, science-focused classes are offered for all ages. A “Robots in Space” class lets second and third graders build and design robots, and “Twinkling Stars” for preschoolers and kindergarteners explores the science of the night sky. 79th Street and Central Park West, 212-769-5200, amnh.org. (Ages 3 and up)

New York Family | July 2010

STRATOLAB Kids ages 9 and up have fun with learning by combining the latest computer technologies with their skills in areas such as math, problem solving, and storytelling. Just a few of the classes available: Robotics, Video Game Programming, and Anime and Animation. 125 West 72nd Street, Suite 4F, 646827-2242, stratolab.com. (Ages 9 years and up) STORYTIME BY DESIGN Kids will “rock the book” to original fun music with educational themes. They also will learn about the in contemporary and classic literature. Bubbles, puppetry, author visits, simple art and limbo complete the experience. Class activities range from practicing the alphabet and counting to learning about educational concepts. Various Upper East Side locations and on-site private story hours, 917-405-7959 or 917533-4201, storytimebydesign.com. (Ages 6 months to 5 years) TRIBECA LEARNING CENTER The Tribeca Learning Center offers academic and creative programs for children with special developmental needs. Programs include lessons in reading, writing, math, exercise, arts and crafts, music, dance, computers, Mommy/Daddy & Me and much more. 21 Saint Johns Lane, 718-812-1910, tribecalearningcenter.org. (Ages 2-6)

MY GYM My Gym offers classes that incorporate music, dance and games, and are designed to build self-esteem and confidence through age-appropriate, non-competitive gymnastics and fitness activities. The stateof-the-art facility can also host action-packed birthday parties. 250 East 60th Street, 212-421-9496, my-gym.com. (Ages 6 weeks to 11 years) 22 West 66th Street, 212724-3400. (Ages 6 weeks to 6 years)

Language BABY FINGERS Babies, toddlers and children and adults learn American Sign Language through music, guitar lessons, drama or storytelling classes. Music therapy is also available. Various locations in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn, 212-8745978, mybabyfingers.com. (Ages newborn to 6 years) BILINGUAL BUDS The first school of its kind in the greater New York area, Bilingual Buds offers a Mandarin immersion preschool and kindergarten, as well as Mommy & Me for ages 1-4 and an afterschool program for ages 5-10. The summer camp program takes place in Manhattan and Beijing, China. 175 Riverside Boulevard (at 68th Street), 212787-8088, bilingualbudsnyc.com (Ages 1 to 10 years) BILINGUAL BIRDIES Classes in Spanish, French or Hebrew consist of basic vocabulary taught through music and simple dance movements. Private lessons are also offered. Various locations in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn, 646-443-1313, bilingualbirdies. com. (Ages 8 months to 5 years) CAROUSEL OF LANGUAGES The Italian for Toddlers program gives students a chance to learn Italian in a fun, friendly, inviting environment. Home tutoring is also available. Up for a family vacation

Three Little Birds in Italia? Italian for Toddlers plans multicultural programs abroad in places like Florence, Venice and Rome. 385 West End Avenue, 212-508-8524, italianfortoddlers. com. (Ages 6 months to 12 years) COLLINA ITALIANA Toddlers can pick up basic Italian words and phrases through songs, games, dance, film and arts and crafts. Classes also available for elementary and middle-school kids. Specialty theater, cooking and arts and crafts classes and homework help also available. 135 East 96th Street, 212-427-7770, collinaitaliana.com. (Ages 2 years to adult) FRENCH INSTITUTE/ ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE Children between the ages of 12 months and 5 years can enroll in “à petits pas,” a program that uses games, songs, dances and stories to teach basic French. Instruction for children ages 5-17 is stratified by fluency level and includes theater and cooking classes. 22 East 60th Street, 212-355-6100, fiaf. org. (Ages 1 to adult) ¡HOLA! A PLAYGROUP IN SPANISH Offers classes for children that teach Spanish through activities, such as music, crafts, ballet, and yoga. “Radio Lab” lets kids work with multimedia to learn Spanish. Various locations in Manhattan, 917-648-5006, holaplaygroup. com. (Ages 12 months to 8 years)

Gymnastics JODI’S GYM Jodi’s Gym has been providing fun, friends and fitness to New York kids for 29 years. Programs for children 6 months-5th grade include: Teeny Tumblers, Mighty Muscle Movers, Rockin’ Rollers, Tumbling Tots, Creative Cartwheeling Kids, Tiny Dancers, Fun-Tastic Gymnastics, Accelerated & Advanced Gymnastics, Totally Tumbling, Motion Evolution and Hip Hop Hooray! Jodi’s also offers open play time, playgroups and Jodi’s To Go, as well as summer and holiday camps. 244 East 84th Street, 212-772-7633, jodisgym. com. (Ages 6 months-12 years)

The School at Steps www.newyorkfamily.com

Enroll now for Academic Year 2010/11 Online registration available

Young Dancers (ages 2-6) Technique Classes (ages 6-18) Pre-Professional Program (ages 7-18) – Ballet & Theater Dance Focus

Training the dancers of tomorrow

Ballet • Jazz • Hip Hip • Horton Based Modern Technique • Tap • Theater Dance • Partnering • Repertory 212-874-3678 • www.stepsnyc.com/school • theschool@stepsnyc.com

a division of STEPS ON BROADWAY Supporting the dance community for over 30 years Carol Paumgarten, Founder/Artistic Director • Diane Grumet, Co-Artistic Director 2121 BROADWAY @74 ST., NY, NY 10023 • PH: 212 874-2410 • www.stepsnyc.com

photos: P. Goode, R. O’Connor, E. Patino

The Diller-Quaile School of Music Applications for 2010-2011 classes and lessons are now being accepted! Early Childhood Music Classes (Infants - 7 Years) Music & Art Preschool Classes Instrument and Voice Lessons for Children and Teens Class Instruction for Beginners Orchestra, Chorus, Chamber Music & Suzuki Playing Classes Advanced High School Program Adult Programs & Teacher Training Concerts for All Ages

THE DILLER-QUAILE SCHOOL OF MUSIC 24 EAST 95TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10128 (212) 369-1484 www.diller-quaile.org ACCREDITED BY THE ACCREDITING COMMISSION FOR COMMUNITY AND PRECOLLEGIATE ARTS SCHOOLS

What Will My Child Get Out Of A Cooking Class?

CLASSES

Jessi Walter of Cupcake Kids! and Alyssa Volland of Mini Chef share the beneﬁts of cooking classes for kids: • Creativity • Independence • Social, motor, math and science skills • More developed taste buds and palates • Culture and geography • Process-driven thinking • A foundation for a lifetime of healthy food choices

IBERIAN AMERICAN INSTITUTE This new Spanish language school in Manhattan offers Saturday classes, and provides a safe and encouraging atmosphere in which to learn. The consistent, year-round program is taught by experienced, nativespeaking teachers. Classes taught at Church of the Epiphany, 1393 York Avenue, 212-688-6619, iberianamericaninstitute.com. (Ages 3 years to adult)

M o d e l . A c t i o n. Ta l k . — s t r e s s e s daily practical use learned through hands-on experience. Class size is small to maximize individual attention, and skilled teachers bring energy and warmth to the classroom. They offer a varied schedule with classes meeting most families’ needs, including weekends. Athome support materials and private tutoring options maximize learning. 173 West 81st Street, Lower Level, 212-724-2421, planethanchinese.com. (Ages 2 to 12 years)

Music & Performance

TODD SHAPERA

ABC DO-RE-ME! Offers enriching music programs for babies, toddlers and kids, including Kindermusik and Pre-Suzuki. Classes teach music and encourage social development with a focus on adventure, fantasy and imagination. Multiple locations in Manhattan, 646-434-1419, abcdoreme. com. (Ages newborn to 7 years)

Jodi’s Gym INSTITUTO CERVANTES The Instituto Cervantes offers yearround Spanish language courses for kids, with one week summer camps in July and August. Their Children’s Theater Workshop develops social skills and confidence, all the while encouraging each child’s imagination and improving Spanish skills. Courses are also available for teenagers. 211 East 49th Street, 212-308-7720 ext. 3., newyorkcervantes.es (Ages 4+) LANGUAGE WORKSHOP FOR CHILDREN Original LWFC songs, visual aids and games are used to teach French, Spanish, Italian and Chinese. Various locations in Manhattan, 212-396-0830, languageworkshopforchildren.com. (Ages 6 months to 9 years) PLANET HAN Planet Han offers children a fresh approach to learning Mandarin Chinese. Their teaching approach—

New York Family | July 2010

APPLAUSE NEW YORK CITY, HOME OF ROCK-N-ROLL BABIES, BROADWAY BABIES AND SUPERSTARS Programs develop musical and rhythmic skills, incorporating costumes, props and musical instruments. Budding stars ages 5-18 can take classes in acting, dancing and singing and auditioning. 184 East 76th Street, 212-717-0703, applauseny.com. (Ages newborn to 18 years) ATLANTIC ACTING SCHOOL Atlantic for Kids offers classes in acting, playwriting, improvisation and much more. Aspiring actors and playwrights can also sign up for the Saturday Youth Program. 76 Ninth Avenue, 212-691-5919, atlanticactingschool.org. (Ages 4 to 18 years) CREATIVE PLAY FOR KIDS A music and movement play program for babies and toddlers, Creative Play For Kids offers ageappropriate classes with singing, instruments, dancing and play—creating a fun, stimulating environment and encouraging sensory integration. Multiple locations in Manhattan, 212-729-1667,

creativeplayforkids.com. (Ages 3 months to 3 years) THE DILLER-QUAILE SCHOOL OF MUSIC Early childhood instruction for infants to 7-year-olds teaches children basic music concepts through listening, movement, singing, playing authentic percussion instruments and, eventually, reading and writing music. Kids 3-5 get to make their own instruments and create art inspired by music. 24 East 95th Street, 212-369-1484, dillerquaile.org. (Ages newborn and up) THE EARLY EAR Highly-skilled music teachers and pianists work together to introduce music to children. Kids engage in sing-alongs, movement, musical games and stories. Speciallydesigned kid-sized music instruments await the touch of curious little hands. New at the East 78th Street Studio is “Dance with Me,” a dance and pre-ballet program for ages 2.5 and older. 48 West 68th Street, 110 West 96th Street, 353 East 78th Street, 212-877-7125, earlyear.com. (Ages 4 months to 5 years) EASTSIDE WESTSIDE MUSIC TOGETHER Nurtures children’s natural enthusiasm for music and movement through singing, dancing, chanting and playing instruments with their loved ones. Children from birth to 4 years old play, explore, and make music together. Teachers trained in developmentally appropriate practice lead you through musical ways to interact with your children both in and out of class using a rich and varied collection of songs and chants, one of which families take home each semester. 102 West 75th Street, 212-496-1242, eswsmusictogether.com. (Ages newborn to 4 years) GREENWICH HOUSE MUSIC SCHOOL Founded in 1905, Greenwich House offers private lessons, group

classes, and ensembles with regular recitals. Children ages 6-10 can develop their voices through individual and group singing in the Young Voices class, which incorporates sight-singing exercises, theory and songs representing a range of musical styles. 46 Barrow Street, 212-242-4770, greenwichhouse. org. (Ages newborn and up) HANDS ON! Age-appropriate music classes teach basic music concepts, which are introduced while children play miniature instruments. Each class has a pianist. Art classes are also offered. Multiple locations, 212628-1945, handson4music.com. (Ages 4 months to 5 years)

Atlantic Acting School

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER WeBop! classes introduce little musicians to the spirit of jazz. Infants and toddlers sing and stomp, while older children tap out their own beats and learn to match sound to symbol. The Middle School Jazz Academy gives talented students a tuition-free opportunity to jam with the best musicians in today’s jazz scene. The popular “Jazz For Young People” concert series explores the music of jazz greats. 33 West 60th Street, 212-258-9800, jalc.org. (Ages 8 months to 8th grade)

Karma Kids Yoga www.newyorkfamily.com

ANDREW SCHWARTZ

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Come Play Yoga at Karma Kids Yoga! Yoga for Babies Toddlers, Kids, Teens, Families NEW CircusYoga Prenatal Yoga Free Story Time Yoga Yoga Birthday Parties Special Events Teacher Training

We let the dogs out. 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. Visit our website to learn about the benefits of yoga for children, our Class Descriptions, Special Events, other locations around NYC and Brooklyn, Children’s Yoga Teacher Training, and Yoga Birthday Party information. KARMA KIDS YOGA 104 West 14th Street, NYC (646)638-1444 downdog@karmakidsyoga.com karmakidsyoga.com

Voted “Best Kids Yoga” by TimeOut NY Kids and New York Magazine.

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LITTLE MAESTROS Held in children’s venues throughout the city, Little Maestros is more than your typical music class. Each session features a full band playing live music designed specifically for infants and toddlers to sing and dance to. Classes also incorporate puppet shows, story time and educational games. Various locations, 212-772-8435, littlemaestros. com. (Ages newborn to 5 years) MOEY’S MUSIC PARTY Birthdays, Christmas and Hanukkah come once a year, but every day’s a party in this fun, interactive music class with Off-Broadway songwriter, Moey! Sessions include songs, dances, props, instruments, puppets and letters based on a weekly party theme. Gymboree Play & Music, 410 East 84th Street, 917- 680- 6730, moeysmusicparty.com. (Ages newborn to 4 years)

instrumental play for children as well as parents/caregivers. The program is based on the premise that all children are musical and will express this ability if their early environment supports such learning. Various locations throughout Manhattan, 212-358-3801, MusicTogetherNYC.com. (Ages newborn to 4 years) NEW YORK JAZZ ACADEMY New York Jazz Academy’s programs are coached by leading jazz professionals. Students are introduced to musical fundamentals, including instrumental technique, notereading and music theory, but also develop their improvisation skills. For children ages 4 and up, private lessons are available at home or at the teacher’s private studio. Infant/ Toddler program coming soon. 263 West 86th Street, 718-426-0633, nyjazzacademy.com. (Ages newborn and up) SCHOOL FOR STRINGS Early childhood music classes are offered for kids ages 16 months to 4 years. The Instrumental Program gives kids of all ages expert instruction in violin, cello and piano. 419 West 54th Street, 212-315-0915, schoolforstrings.org. (Ages 16 months to adult)

Applause New York City MUSIC FOR AARDVARKS Interactive classes include simple movement, dancing, singing, storytelling and instruments, often with a city-focused theme. 199 Lafayette Street, 718-858-1741, musicforaardvarks.com. (Ages 6 months to 5 years) MUSIC TOGETHER IN THE CITY Offers music classes with songs, rhythmic chants, movement and

STAGECOACH THEATRE ARTS Through classes in dance, music and drama, kids gain an appreciation for the arts and build self-confidence. Classes are broken down by age and skill level, and most feature a presentation at the end of the season for family and friends. Held at Manhattan Country School, 7 East 96th Street, 347-678-8989, stage-school.com. (Ages 4 to 16 years) TADA! This youth theater offers classes and camps for kids of all ages and talent levels throughout the year. Classes involve singing, choreography and theater games and always end with a performance. The T.O.T.S. (Theater On Their Scale) class introduces little ones and their caregivers to

What Will My Child Get Out Of A Gymnastics Class? Jodi Levine of Jodi’s Gym and Chris Vollaro of Gymtime Rhythm & Glues share the benefits of gymnastics classes for kids: • An introduction to fitness at an early age • A foundation for all sports • Balance, flexibility and coordination • Strength and muscle memory • Children work toward improving their personal best instead of competing with their peers

New York Family | July 2010

the joys of theater. TADA! also offers classes on the Upper West Side and in Brooklyn. 15 West 28th Street, 3rd Floor, 212-252-1619, tadatheater.com. (Ages newborn to 8th grade) TAKE TWO FILM ACADEMY Kids learn the art of film-making from start to finish with after school and Saturday classes that cover screenwriting, acting, editing, directing and camera operation. With hands-on experience with professional equipment, cameras, audio and editing software, your budding stars will be ready for the big screen in no time! 622 Broadway, 917546-6816, taketwofilmacademy. com. (Ages 6 to 14) THREE LITTLE BIRDS MUSIC Whether by plucking guitar strings or tapping out staccato beats, parents and children learn together in TLB’s rich sensory environment. Age-specific classes teach elementary music theory and improve cognitive skills while exposing kids to every instrument in the orchestra. 266 East 78th Street, 212-7440404, tlbmusic.com. (Ages 4.5 months to 5 years)

Craft Studio sessions that pair rock climbing with painting, yoga, swimming and other activities. 575 Degraw St, Brooklyn, 347-834-9066, brooklynboulders.com. (Ages 3 to 10) FASTBREAK KIDS Offers basketball and football (both flag and tackle) weekend sports leagues for kids. Provides coaching in small groups (or even one-onone instruction.) Various locations in Manhattan, 212-724-FAST, fastbreakkids.com. (Ages 6 to 14 years) KIDZ FIT AT SMART WORKOUT The gym Smart Workout now offers the Kidz Fit program—fun fitness classes for kids that coincide with the adult class schedule, plus a cooking program that teaches nutrition. 124 East 40th Street, 212-661-1660, smartworkout. net. (Ages 3 to 11)

Children’s Museum of Manhattan

Sports & Adventure BIG CITY VOLLEYBALL This co-ed adult volleyball league with full-size courts scattered throughout the city offers instruction for kids, too. Classes focus on the fundamentals of volleyball, proper mechanics, and skill development. Multiple locations in Manhattan, 212-288-4240, bigcityvolleyball. com. (Ages 10 to 16 years) BROOKLYN BOULDERS Brooklyn Boulders offers kids the opportunity to challenge themselves on the rock climbing wall and have some fun. Kids ages 3 to 10 will love the child league, an instructional course for beginners, while tweens and teens can partake in a more advanced course to hone their skills. Also look out for BKB Summer Adventures; week-long camp

KIDS IN SPORTS This athletic program offers a variety of sports including baseball, basketball, floor hockey, flag football and soccer, in a fun and encouraging setting. Various locations in Manhattan, 212-744-4900, kisnyc.com. (Ages 1 to 12 years) LIL SLUGGERS Lil’ Sluggers offers an introduction to baseball, tailored specifically for each age group. Students learn to throw, catch, hit and run bases in a friendly environment. Advanced sluggers can sign up for weekly league classes, where they play competitively while learning about teamwork and cooperation. Various locations, 631-367-9378, lilsluggersnyc.com. (Ages 2 to 7 years) SIMPLY SPORTS This athletic program for kids emphasizes not just skills and technique, but a love of the game. Classes available in soccer, basketball, flag football, baseball, hockey, and dodgeball. Various locations in Manhattan, 877-213-BALL, simplysports.net. (Ages 3 to 13 years) www.newyorkfamily.com

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What Will My Child Get Out Of A Mommy & Me Class?

CLASSES

Sally Tannen of the 92nd Street Y Parenting Center and Natalie Cronin Reyes of Kidville share the beneﬁts of Mommy & Me classes, for moms (and dads!) and babies alike: • Babies get the opportunity to play with their grownups • Babies to learn movement skills, which build musclemind connections that serve as building blocks for future muscle development • Babies and toddlers gain structure and social awareness by coming to a class on a regular basis • Parents enjoy the opportunity to advocate the power of play. • Parents can make new friends, share information and build a community with other moms and dads

SPORTIME AT RANDALL’S ISLAND This beautiful new 20-court facility offers tennis programming for children 5 through 17. Whether your child is a beginner or advanced player, SPORTIME has level-appropriate programs in an encouraging and enriching environment. Call and ask about their Adult Programming, too. One Randall’s Island, 212-427-6150, sportimeny. com/randallsisland. (Ages 5 to 17 years) SUTTON EAST TENNIS The youth program at Sutton East trains students in an age-appropriate environment. In Pee Wee Tennis, the courts, rackets and foam balls are sized down to allow for comfortable skill development. Pre-Junior classes function on a half-court, while Junior level students use a full-court to practice advanced strokes, double strategies, and serving techniques. The Pee-Wee Multi-Sports Academy introduces children to tennis, soccer, basketball and t-ball. A summer camp program is also available. 488 East 60th Street, 212-7513452, suttoneasttennis.com. (Ages 3 to 18 years)

WOLLMAN SKATING RINK Learn to skate outdoors at Central Park’s iconic Wollman Rink. The rink offers classes as well as private lessons in skating and figure skating. Central Park at 59th Street and Sixth Avenue, 212-4396900, wollmanskatingrink.com. (Ages 3 and up)

while developing confidence, focus and determination. 39 West 19th Street, 212-727-0773 or 1-80052-TIGER, TSK.com. (Ages 3 years and up) WEST SIDE TAEKWONDO Classes for children ages 3-5 use physical activity to promote respect and confidence. Starting at age 6, children can enroll in the Children’s Program, which emphasizes discipline. 700 Columbus Avenue, 212-663-3998, westsidetkd.com. (Ages 3 years and up)

Soccer CARLOS OLIVIERA SOCCER ACADEMY Soccer classes to develop individual skills as well as the fundamentals of team playing are available for kids. More than 30 locations throughout Manhattan. 718-743-9402, cosacademy.com. (Ages 2 to 14 years)

TIGER SCHULMANN’S MIXED MARTIAL ARTS Tiger Schulmann’s Cubs program (ages 3-5) is the perfect choice for preschoolers to learn developmental skills in a fun, safe environment. Children’s (ages 5-7) and Kid’s programs (ages 8 and up) teach discipline and self-defense

Swimming NEW YORK SPORTS CLUB Lessons available for kids of various ages and skill levels. Class levels range from Water Tot to Swim Team Conditioning. Private lessons also offered. 1637 Third Avenue, 212-987-7200, mysportsclubs. com. (Ages 6 months to 14 years) PHYSIQUE SWIM SCHOOL Offers a progressive program designed for all levels of swimmers. Kids ages 8 and older can enroll in swim team prep, while kids under 3 years and their parents will like the sing-along program, “Me and My Shadow.” All swimmers will learn to be safe, confident and efficient. Various locations around Manhattan, 212-725-0939, physiqueswimming.com. (Ages 4 months to 15 years)

Martial Arts EAST SIDE TAE KWON DO Offering classes for children from toddlers to tweens, East Side Tae Kwon Do is marked by its high standards, charming, well-lit space, and vibe that is welcoming to boys and girls alike. Classes develop stamina, core muscle strength and flexibility as well as discipline, perseverance and mental acuity. 325 East 65 Street, 212-755-5982, eastsidetaekwondo.com. (Ages 18 months to 12 years)

Brooklyn Boulders

74th St. MAGIC SOCCER BY COACH FHER Former soccer pro Coach Shadrach Gonzalez Fher offers his popular classes year-round. The program introduces children to basic soccer skills through a series of fun games and activities. Locations vary, 917650-3008, coachfher.com. (Ages 3 to 8) SUPER SOCCER STARS Students develop skills, self-confidence and teamwork in a fun, non-competitive environment. Positive reinforcement and low child-tocoach ratios ensure that students improve soccer skills through warmups, drills and games. School Break Mini Camps, Advanced Skill Development Clinics and Birthday Parties are also available. Classes for children with special needs are offered at several locations. More than 150 locations throughout the Tri-State area, 212-877-7171, supersoccerstars.com. (Ages 2 and up)

SWIM JIM Toddler classes teach children ages 6 months to 3 years how to be comfortable in the water. Classes for older kids focus on stroke technique. Individual and group classes offered. Lessons taught year-round. Pool locations throughout the city, 212-749-7335, swimjim.com. (Ages 6 months and up)

Tutoring BRIGHT CITY KIDS Through workshops, private tutoring, and “bootcamps,” Bright City Kids prepares children for standardized testing. After an evaluation by a licensed psychologist, children are placed in an individually tailored program. Bright City Kids prepares children for the ERB, the Stanford-Binet and the OLSAT. 54 Pine Street, 917–539–4575, brightcitykids.com. (Ages pre-kindergarten to second grade) CLUB Z! Club Z! provides one-on-one, inhome tutoring in subjects like reading, math and science, as well as for assessment tests (ACT, SAT). Tutors also help students with learning disabilities, providing sessions

apple seeds

New York Family | July 2010

www.newyorkfamily.com

Poppyseed Pre-Nursery Enrich your child’s day with Music, Art, Gym and Play! •Mommy And Me • Pre-school Alternative •Mini-camp •Age Appropriate Classes For Babies, Toddlers & 2’s 424 West End Ave. @ 81st | 212.877.7614

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in speech therapy and study skills. Locations vary, 866-448-8867, clubztutoring.com. (All ages)

CLASSES

ing with mazes, matching patterns and identification games. Older students can choose their method of learning (individual, group, camp, etc.). 44 Wall Street, 4th Floor, 1-888-407-8688, tutorsnewyork. com. (Ages 3 years and up)

EBL COACHING EBL Coaching provides one-onone tutorial services to students with varied learning needs. They use research-based, multisensory strategies that are individualized according to the needs of each student. Also offers 3-week intensive summer programs and specific programs for students with ADD/ADHD and learning disabilities. 17 East 89th Street, Suite 1D, 212-2490147, eblcoaching.com. (Ages Pre-K to 12th grade) KUMON CENTER The Kumon Center helps students master math and reading skills. Using the Kumon Method, developed in Japan, students advance with “self-motivated-learning” through worksheets, assignments and lots of practice. Kumon assesses students’ readiness for advancement with assignments after they receive perfect scores within a time limit. Various locations, 877-586-6673, kumon.com. (Ages Pre-K to 12th grade) LAUNCH MATH Launch Math uses real world activities and interactive projects to

Kidville show students that math is fun and relevant in the real world. Launch Math has camps, workshops and clubs to help children learn while having fun. 173 West 81st Street, Lower Level (between 81st and Amsterdam), 949-528-6240, launchmath.com. (Ages Pre-K to 8th grade) MANHATTAN EDGE Manhattan Edge offers everything from science camps, home group study, and individual tutoring to manners courses and talented and gifted camp. Pre-schoolers can prepare for standardized tests by play-

MATHNASIUM Through tutoring and enrichment programs, students in grades PreK through 12 build a solid math foundation. Students receive both homework guidance and a customized program that fills in skill gaps and builds fluency with numbers. 1597 York Avenue, 212-8286284, mathnasium.com/manhattan. (Ages Pre-K to 12th grade) THE PRINCETON REVIEW The Princeton Review helps students by focusing on preparation and practice to improve performance in the classroom and on standardized tests. Through its website it also helps parents, teachers, students and schools navigate the complexities of school admissions. 594 Broadway, Suite 502, 646-613-9500, princetonreview. com. (All Ages)

Yoga KARMA KIDS YOGA New York’s only yoga studio just for kids, Karma Kids Yoga offers

yoga classes for infants 6 weeks old through teens, Family Yoga, CircusYoga, free Story Time Yoga, and Prenatal Yoga for mommiesto-be. Yoga Birthday Parties, too! 104 West 14th Street, 646-6381444, karmakidsyoga.com (Ages 2 months and up) THE PRENATAL YOGA CENTER Specializes in prenatal and postnatal yoga and provides education for expecting and new parents and families. In addition to Mommy and Me yoga, infant massage, and music, the center offers workshops and lectures that address issues related to pregnancy, childbirth, early childhood parenting, family dynamics and alternative healing. 251 West 72nd Street, 212-3622985, prenatalyogacenter.com. (Ages newborn to 18 months) YOGI BEANS This yoga program emphasizes positive thinking and maintaining a healthy self-image. Created to help children achieve body awareness and self-confidence, the program translates yoga into something children can understand, relate to and enjoy. Various locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, 212-787-YOGA, yogibeans.com. (Ages prenatal to 10 years)

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New York Family | July 2010

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Love Learning

For

BY KRISTEN DUCA

ifelong learning—it’s a phrase garnering popularity as parents, perhaps now more than ever, are working to instill an early appreciation for education in their children. After all, children with a thirst for knowledge often enjoy great academic and personal success. But with so many articles, books, experts and opinions on the subject, determining your plan of action can seem like a daunting undertaking. So we consulted three leading child development experts, and we’re happy to report some refreshing news: It turns out that all you really need is an engaged, in-the-moment attitude toward your children’s education, and it’s never too early, or too late, to get involved.

Start At Home Cultivating a love of learning begins at home, so it’s no surprise that a parent’s role is crucial to children’s development. Parents can begin by using their own interest in learning as a model for their families. Dr. Betty Bardige, early childhood author and consultant, encourages parents to read—and show their enjoyment of reading—in front of their children. “If you are www.newyorkfamily.com

excited about learning and willing to share what you love with your children, they will be intrigued with what intrigues their parents,” says Bardige. Of course, reading with your children is one of the simplest and most effective things a parent can do. Professor Susan J. Schwartz, clinical director of the Institute for Learning and Academic Achievement at the NYU Child Study Center, recommends that parents read to their children regularly, regardless of age. For babies, Schwartz suggests books with visual stimulation, like big patterns and colorful contrast. Toddlers and young children like to read the same books over and over, but be sure to introduce new books into your routine, perhaps with similar themes or by the same author or illustrator to generate quick interest in a new title. When kids become too old for bedtime stories, parents can take an interest in summer reading assignments by reading the books along with their children, engaging in conversation about the books along the way. Schwartz also suggests that families institute “family reading time” everyday, in which everyone reads individually, but simultaneously. Even if it’s only for 10 minutes, this time establishes the importance of daily reading and encourages thoughtful conversations, which are another great tool for parents. “Having conversations with your child, even before they are verbal, makes a huge difference,” says Dr. Joshua Sparrow, co-author with T. Berry Brazelton of “Touchpoints: Birth to Three.” Sparrow advises parents to always ask questions when talking with their child July 2010 | New York Family

EDUCATION

Expert Advice On Inspiring Curiosity In Kids

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What Parents Can Learn From Teachers Five Educators Share Their Insights Into How Kids Learn And How Parents Can Help By Laura Zingmond and Helen Zelon

EDUCATION

wo years ago, The Blackboard Awards, an annual event hosted by New York Family’s parent company, Manhattan Media, honoring some of the city’s best educators, invited a panel of New York City teachers to a roundtable conversation starting with the basics: how parents can support their children as they learn. Together, these educators have nearly 80 years of in-the-trenches classroom experience. We are grateful they’ve shared their thoughts with us. What makes a child teachable? Lynn Bernstein: Two things: curiosity and the ability to tolerate frustration. Nancy Arcieri: I think every kid is teachable if the teacher creates the environment that’s needed. Jon Goldman: I agree absolutely; it’s a given: water is wet, the sky is blue, kids are going to learn. How and what they learn is up to the environment and the people they are exposed to. David Lebson: I believe that a

and to initiate conversations that invite curiosity. Bardige agrees. Even in baby and toddler years, she says parents should engage in constant conversation that is both playful and lively.

Everyday Learning Whether you’re looking to teach your kids about math, science or history, the world around you provides infinite opportunities for hands-on lessons. “Parents can create wonderful learning experiences for children that are tactile and multi-sensory,” says Schwartz. Engage your children in interactive, project-based activities like collecting leaves, gardening, cooking, grocery shopping and conducting simple science experiments. These will help build a diverse vocabulary and teach responsibility and cause-and-effect lessons. If your child doesn’t seem to be engrossed in a specific subject, try to spark an interest at home by using one of their hobbies, says Bardige. For example, if your child is crazy about

New York Family | July 2010

child’s education rests on a tripod of teacher, child and parent. If any one of those legs is missing, it’s going to be a challenge. If two are gone, the kid’s not going to succeed. What do you say to parents who worry that their child hates to read? Caroline Gaynor: I don’t believe that a child can hate to read. Where it breaks down is that the right book has not been put into that child’s hand. The most important thing is putting your child on your lap and making reading an everyday part of your life. Homework’s an issue from the early grades up. What should parents understand about it? How much should they get involved? Caroline Gaynor: Homework is an indicator for the teacher. Did the teacher teach what she had to teach today? Did the children understand it, or does she need to re-teach it? If a child is having so much difficulty, spending hours with her homework,

baseball, bring home books about legendary players to encourage reading, or use a favorite team’s scores or statistics to teach math skills.

Let There Be Play According to Schwartz, “play is a child’s work,” and parents can make play more formal or relaxed by altering their routine. For instance, some days parents may take their children to the sandbox and let them explore on their own. Another day, they might bring a measuring toy to teach the child about simple math concepts in a fun and informal setting. Counting steps from the bus to the entrance of a museum or keeping a piggy bank are casual ways children can learn about numbers, counting and money. When judging when and how to participate in your children’s playtime, Bardige suggests that parents first let their kids explore independently. “Watch, wait, wonder and find a way to enter by taking cues from your child,” she says. “See if there is an opportunity to support learning

just send a note into the teacher. Jon Goldman: It’s always reasonable for a child to ask, “Why am I doing this?” David Lebson: It’s absolutely reasonable for a parent to ask why. Parents should also understand there’s a difference between, “Can you help me understand why this is important?” and “Why is my daughter doing this crap?” THE EDUCATORS: Nancy Arcieri is a faculty member and vice principal at De La Salle Academy. Lynn Bernstein came to teaching via the New York City Teaching Fellows program. Since 2002, she has taught kindergarten and ﬁrst grade in Crown Heights and Park Slope, Brooklyn. Caroline Gaynor teaches at the Manhattan New School, P.S. 290, where she is the literacy coach and works with students and teachers across all grades. Jon Goldman has taught English at Beacon High School since it opened in 1993. David Lebson teaches middle school science at the School at Columbia University. Transcript has been edited for length and style.

by asking questions.” Sparrow agrees, encouraging parents to watch as their infant or toddler explores an object or new environment, but to be ready to move in when they become frustrated or uninterested. Another way to enrich everyday play is to supply your children with materials that invite creativity, constructions and inventions. “Provide your children interesting play materials that are developmentally appropriate, like scraps of cloth, recycled paper or other materials for art projects,” advises Bardige. “Look for gentle challenges that are just a small step away from where they are now,” says Sparrow. “The biggest motivation for a child is when the parent is engaged in play. Be present, engaged and tuned-in, and don’t multi-task when you’re with your child.” Above all, Bardige advises, parents should enjoy the time they have with their kids. “Be sure to enjoy the ride,” she says. “Every child is different, curious and magical in his own way.” www.newyorkfamily.com

RIVER PARK NURSERY SCHOOL Living, Learning. Today & for Tomorrow. Teaching West Side kids for over 40 years 1/2 day & full-day program for ages 2.8-5 years • Large class room space •Truly diverse student body •Large outdoor play space •Active parent cooperative •All teachers have a minimum of 25 years teaching experience and a Masters in Early childhood Education

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Picasso

THEATER If You Love The Gazillion Bubble Show, You Might Also Love...

A Few Of Our Favorite Cultural Destinations For Kids—Paired With Some Lesser Known Locales They’re Sure To Love If You Love Carnegie Hall, You Might Also Love...

THE LITTLE ORCHESTRA SOCIETY

JOHN TARTAGLIA’S IMAGINOCEAN Small bubbles, huge bubbles, green bubbles, blue bubbles—millions of bubbles of different colors and sizes ﬁll the New World Stages Theatre each night as the popular Gazillion Bubble Show graces the stage with light effects, lasers and incredible bubble creations (gazillionbubbleshow.com). And where else can you ﬁnd bubbles? Under the sea at John Tartaglia’s ImaginOcean (imaginoceanthemusical.com)! A magical black-light puppet show created by the artist behind Disney’s “Johnny and the Sprites,” the show chronicles the adventures of aquatic friends Tank, Bubbles and Dorsel.

THEATER If You Love Vital Children’s Theatre, You Might Also Love...

LITERALLY ALIVE CHILDREN’S THEATRE Whether following the misadventures of Pinkalicious or showcasing the pirouettes of Angelina Ballerina, Vital Children’s Theatre brings loveable and vibrant characters to life right in front of your children’s eyes (vitaltheatre.org). Another great destination for both theater and book lovers is Literally Alive Children’s Theatre, which turns classic literature into musicals (think “Treasure Island” and “The Little Mermaid”), and even offers pre-show arts workshops designed just for kids (literallyalive.com)!

New York Family | July 2010

The world-famous Carnegie Hall is more than just a grand recital and concert hall—it’s also a perfect place to cultivate your child’s interest in music (carnegiehall.org). The “CarnegieKids” program puts on free interactive concerts for children ages 4-6, and the Hall offers Family Concerts for families with children 5-12. Another great venue offering quality classical music for kids is The Little Orchestra Society (littleorchestra.org). A New York City staple for over 62 years, this musical gem offers a “Lolli-Pops” series of concerts for kids ages 3-5 and the award-winning “Happy Concerts for Young People” series for children ages 6-12.

If You Love Symphony Space, You Might Also Love...

THE BRING YOUR OWN KID (BYOK) SERIES AT 92Y TRIBECA With performances and events that bring kids closer to literature, music, theatre, ﬁlm and dance, Symphony Space is the perfect place to give your kids a broad www.newyorkfamily.com

Tonight belongs to...

Broadwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most haunting love story.

Telecharge.com or (212) 239-6200 MAJESTIC THEATRE, 247 West 44TH Street

www.ThePhantomOfTheOpera.com

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introduction to the arts, and its “Just Kidding” concert series means there’s always somewhere to take the kids on Saturdays (symphonyspace.org). And guess what? 92Y Tribeca’s BYOK (Bring Your Own Kid) concert series means there’s always somewhere to take the kids on Sundays (92y.org)! The series features performers on the cutting edge of the kindie music scene, like Astrograss, Joanie Leeds and Secret Agent 23 Skidoo.

If You Love The New York City Ballet, You Might Also Love…

NEW YORK THEATRE BALLET Graceful dancers, exquisite costumes, classical music—ballets are a wonderful treat for children and parents alike. Parents who love the New York City Ballet (nycballet.com) are sure to fall in love with the lovely New York Theatre Ballet (nytb.org), whose “Once Upon a Ballet” series of one-hour performances for children includes such gems as “Cinderella,” “Sleeping Beauty,” and “Carnival of the Animals and The Firebird.”

If You Love The Theater At Madison Square Garden, You Might Also Love...

THE “BIG RED CHAIR” FAMILY SERIES AT THE NYU SKIRBALL CENTER Madison Square Garden is the arena known around the world, and the Theater at MSG offers world-class entertainment for families all year long (thegarden.com). Make sure to catch Cirque du Soleil’s “Wintuk”—it’s a great way to celebrate the winter season as a family. Another great spot to catch world-class family entertainment is The NYU Skirball Center, home to The “Big Red Chair” Family Series, which offers moving, educational and entertaining productions for kids of all ages (skirballcenter.nyu.edu).

If You Love Central Park’s Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater, You Might Also Love...

PUPPETWORKS Originally a 19th century schoolhouse designed for the 1875 Centennial

THEATER If You Love The New Victory Theater, You Might Also Love...

Exposition in Philadelphia, the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre was purchased by the NYC Parks Department in 1947 and has been entertaining families ever since (swedishcottage.org). Children love watching talented puppeteers bring stories like “Cinderella” and “Peter Pan” to life. While Puppetworks may be a bridge away for Manhattanites, this Brooklyn institution is well worth the trip (puppetworks.org). The not-forproﬁt company entertains kids of all ages with hand-crafted marionettes and imaginative retellings of classic tales like “Aladdin” and “Little Red Riding Hood.”

MUSEUMS If You Love The Children’s Museum Of Manhattan, You Might Also Love…

THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF THE ARTS From exploring a cave with Dora to traveling back in time to ancient Greece, kids from all over the city love learning through the interactive, arts-based exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan (cmom.org). And just a short trip downtown is another great arts destination—the Soho-based Children’s Museum of the Arts features artwork by children and child-friendly artists and keeps a calendar packed with hands-on workshops (cmany.org).

If You Love The Guggenheim, You Might Also Love…

SOCRATES SCULPTURE PARK

TRIBECA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Known as the go-to Broadway theater for families, 42nd Street’s New Victory Theater maintains a packed roster of high-quality performances in every genre imaginable, from dance to circus to vaudeville (newvictory. org). Another great venue for dance, puppetry and musical performance is the Tribeca Performing Arts Center, where kids can get up close and personal with some of their favorite ﬁctional characters, like the barnyard animals from “Giggle, Giggle, Quack,” Charlotte from “Charlotte’s Web” and Aslan from “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” (tribecapac.org).

New York Family | July 2010

Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural gem contains art as marvelous as the Guggenheim building itself (guggenheim.org). Teach your little ones to admire the masterpiece of Wright’s design as they view pieces by Kandinsky, Picasso and Van Gogh. For another lesson in structural appreciation, head to Queens and behold a former-landﬁll-turnedoutdoor-exhibition-area at Socrates Sculpture Park (socratessculpturepark. org). Kids will delight in the everrotating, whimsical art exhibitions, not to mention the many outdoor artmaking workshops.

If You Love The Jewish Museum, You Might Also Love…

CHILDREN’S GALLERIES FOR JEWISH CULTURE With more than 28,000 objects in its permanent collection—including www.newyorkfamily.com

Visit our farm in the City! •Farm

Birthday Parties •Summer Camp •Special Events QUEENS COUNTY FARM MUSEUM 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park, NY 11004 718-347-3276 info@queensfarm.org queensfarm.org

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Telecharge.c o m or 212.239.6200 340 West 50th Street, NYC ImaginOceanTheMusical.com

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paintings, sculptures, photographs, coins and ceremonial pieces—The Jewish Museum chronicles Jewish heritage and history (thejewishmuseum.org). Budding historians will love choosing from over 4,300 television programs from 1935 and on, all of which are pulled straight from the National Jewish Archive of Broadcasting. For another interactive, educational experience, consider making a trip to the Children’s Galleries for Jewish Culture (cgjc. org). The exhibit “From Tent to Temple: Life in the Ancient Near East” allows little ones to ﬁnd food, make clothes and construct houses. “From Home to Home: Jewish Immigration to America” is another hands-on experience that lets kids choose whether they want to relocate, shop, pack or even create their very own community.

If You Love The Museum Of The City Of New York, You Might Also Love…

THE MOUNT VERNON HOTEL MUSEUM AND GARDEN The Museum of the City of New York traces the history of each of the five boroughs from their humble beginnings to modern day (mcny. org). Children will delight in the extensive collection of classic toys, including 18th-century dollhouses and trinkets, as well as the collection of vintage Broadway memorabilia and exhibits commemorating fire fighters, cars and fashion in the city. Take another step back in time with a visit to the Mount Vernon Hotel Museum and Garden, a preserved house that served as a fashionable retreat for urbanites during the 1800s (back when 14th Street was the northernmost point in Manhattan!) (mvhm.org). The house boasts eight furnished period rooms and an exquisite garden, and offers tours, workshops and events for families.

at more modern seafaring technology (and to learn about air travel and space exploration, too), hop aboard the World War II aircraft carrier Intrepid at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, which features a range of interactive exhibits and hosts family activities and events throughout the year (intrepidmuseum.org).

If You Love The American Museum of Natural History, You Might Also Love…

THE NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE Boasting a staggering collection of dinosaurs, fossils, taxidermy and dioramas, The American Museum of Natural History is a go-to destination for many New York families (amnh.org). The museum’s interactive exhibits (there are over 450 of them!) make it a great place to jump-start an interest in science outside the classroom. Another great oasis for small science lovers is the New York Hall of Science, which features a Rocket Park mini golf course, an expansive science playground complete with slides, sand pits and fog machines and a host of other hands-on exhibits and workshops that blur the lines between education and entertainment for curious kids (nysci.org).

If You Love The Museum Of Modern Art, You Might Also Love…

THE NEW MUSEUM The world’s premiere destination for modern art, the MoMA’s six ﬂoors house more than 150,000 diverse works of art (moma.org). The collection also appeals to small artists-in-the-making, allowing kids to view works by artists like Van Gogh, Picasso and Warhol in a welcoming setting. For another dose of innovative ideas, visit the New Museum, which opened in 2007 and showcases international, cutting-edge contemporary art (newmuseum.org). Abstract pieces ﬁll this ultra-modern space, and the museum’s frequent family days and free admission to children under 18 are two great reasons to stop by.

MUSEUM If You Love The New York Transit Museum, You Might Also Love… The New York City Police Museum

If You Love The South Street Seaport, You Might Also Love…

THE INTREPID SEA, AIR & SPACE MUSEUM Full of paintings, drawings, models and other sailing-related paraphernalia, the South Street Seaport Museum traces the history of New York through this port (southstreetseaport.com). Grab a bite to eat and enjoy shopping and strolling the cobblestone streets. Plus, check out the new “Tigers” exhibition, where kids can learn all about their favorite striped felines through hightech interactive exhibits. For a look

New York Family | July 2010

Pay homage to the subway and a slew of other machines dedicated to getting you where you need to go at the NY Transit Museum (mta.info). Housed in a historic 1936 subway station in Brooklyn Heights, the museum documents the history of public transit. Kids interested in the history and workings of the city will also enjoy the New York City Police Museum, with its exhibits, collections and educational workshops that chronicle the legacy of New York’s Finest (nycpolicemuseum.org). Kids can test out patrol car sirens, take their friends’ mug shots and explore a real jail cell. The museum also offers a permanent exhibit honoring the New York police officers who were lost in 9/11.

www.newyorkfamily.com

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enger hunt twist. Keep a bowl by the door filled with slips of paper with colors, letters, numbers and shapes written on them (aka “The What”). After dinner, lace up your shoes, pick The What from the bowl, and you’re off! Search for The What all over—in store windows, in bus ads, on the people you pass. A great activity for younger kids, you can help your kids expend their last bits of energy and sneak in some basic learning skills, too.

Twilight

TIME

How To Make The Most Of AfterDinner-Before-Bed Family Bonding BY HEATHER CHAET

ou’ve cleared the dinner dishes and helped the kids with their homework, but there are still a few hours before it’s time for pajamas, brushed teeth and bedtime reading—what’s a parent to do? You don’t want to rile them up with high-energy games, nor do you want your kids to settle into the couch for an hour’s worth of television. Instead, the perfect activity for this “twilight family time” is interactive, designed to inspire creativity, and most of all, something the whole family can do together. Here are a few new ideas to help you make the most of this tricky block of time. Iron Chef Dessert: Family Edition Channel your inner Bobby Flay or Mario Batali and get cooking! Split the family into teams and choose a secret ingredient (to avoid a sibling conflict, flip a coin to see which kid gets to pick). Like the TV show, each team must create a dessert using the secret ingredient in only 20 minutes.

New York Family | July 2010

The best part? Judging time, where everyone gets to eat the yummy concoctions. Earlier in the day, hit your neighborhood farmer’s market to select the secret ingredient—it’s a great opportunity to encourage fresh, healthy choices and for your kids to try new, locally-grown foods. Not A Box (or Blanket or Wrapping Paper Roll) As the bunny in Antoinette Portis’ book insists, a box is not a box. Grab an empty box—or wrapping paper roll, blanket or other everyday item—and let your family’s imagination take over. One family member “turns” the box/blanket/paper roll into something, while the rest of you have to guess what it is. A perfect indoor activity during the cold-weather months, this game will give everyone’s creative muscles a workout and is sure to inspire some big laughs, too. The “What” Walk Go on a family walk with a scav-

What Day Is It? Did you know every day of the year is some official day? Sure, we celebrate the big holidays, but there are plenty of lesser-known celebratory days that are great fodder for family activities. First, find out what day it is to inspire your activity. (For a list of days, try familycrafts.about.com and search for “special days.”) March 5 is Parachute Day, so make your own parachutes for a few toy dinosaurs with string and paper towels. October 25 is Pablo Picasso’s birthday, so find some of Picasso’s work on the computer, discuss which ones you like and get some art supplies for an inspired drawing session. Exploring new people, places and ideas is sure to spark a conversation you’ve never had before, plus all of that random knowledge could make your kid the next “Jeopardy” champion. Say Ohm Want increased attention span, enhanced ability to focus and overall feelings of calm and happiness? (Who doesn’t?) Give meditation a go with relaxation techniques created specifically for families. Don’t think the kids will sit still? Check out the books “Moody Cow” and “Peaceful Piggy Meditation” by Kerry Lee MacLean (you can also view some exercises at kerryleemaclean.com). Then don some comfy clothes, plop down on the floor and try some of the exercises. Not only will they teach your kids some basic calming tools they can use anywhere, but you may find yourself “settling your thoughts” the next time you’re waiting (again) for the delayed express train. www.newyorkfamily.com

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. 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!

RAPHAEL KELLMAN, M.D. Autism can be treated Autism is an epidemic of toxicity and secondary dysfunction in a number of systems in the body. It can be defeated by reversing the toxicity and treating the dysfunction bio-medically with natural compounds and medicines. Dr. Kellman a graduate of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, an internist and a pioneer in holistic medicine. He specializes in holistic medicine and in the treatment of autism, ASD and developmental disorders. Dr. Kellman’s innovative approach to holistic medicine and his groundbreaking discovery of the Thyroid-Autism connection based on the TRH stimulation test has changed the lives of hundreds of children. Guided by advanced metabolic, hormonal and immunological testing, he skillfully uses the most effective natural compounds along with prescription medicines when needed. He uses the Defeat Autism Now! approach. Author of “Gut Reactions” and “Matrix Healing”.

LOCATIONS: Manhattan Office 150 East 55th Street, 6th floor New York, NY 10022 Hartsdale Office 141 South Central Park Ave, Suite 305 Hartsdale, NY 10530

212-717-1118 • www.raphaelkellmanmd.com

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STAYS FIT!

Four Fun Exercises For The Entire Family BY BEATA CHEREPAKHINA

veryone needs to stay fit and healthy, so what better bonding activity than to exercise with your kids? City fitness experts weigh in on activities, games and challenges that are perfect for families of all ages and sizes—and a lot of fun, too! Turn Your Local Park Into A Personal Gym: There’s no need to buy expensive exercise equipment when you have so many city parks at your disposal. A park bench is perfect for exercising for both kids and adults—try using it for push-ups, squats, and step-ups, suggests Cathe Thompson, Group Fitness Manager at Equinox. Modify the activity for your kids by reducing repetitions and make sure they stretch before they start.

The Pedometer Challenge: With so much to see, walking in the city is great exercise for families. However, if your kids need some extra motivation to get moving, try the pedometer challenge. “Give each family member a pedometer and start a tracking chart,” says Ellen Murphy, senior director of communications and public relations for the YMCA of Greater New York. Entice your kids with rewards the whole family can enjoy, like activities and daytrips, for reaching certain milestones. “For reaching 70,000 steps a week you can take a trip to a mini golf course or the beach,” Murphy says. Fitness Tag: This twist on Tag gives a physical boost to the classic game. Instead of standing in place

once your tagged, think of a challenging but fun physical activity, like jumping jacks or balancing on one foot, and continue to do it until you get untagged, suggests Lisa Sanguiliano, senior director of healthy lifestyles for the YMCA of Greater New York. “Balancing activities are especially fun. They challenge kids and are great for their bodies,” Sanguiliano says. The Commercial Break Home Fitness Circuit: Squeeze in some exercise to your family’s favorite television show. “Instead of preparing a snack, families can spend the commercial break doing a home fitness circuit,” says Murphy. Start off with jumping jacks to get the blood moving and loosen up. For a dynamic stretch and core workout, families can try opposite elbow-opposite-knee twists, or yoga poses. Then move on to core strengthening activities such as wall sits or planks before finishing with group stretching; try sitting with your legs in a “v” shape, facing another family member, and gently pull each other forward or backward. With a great family program and exercise during commercial breaks, you’ll take TV time to a whole new level.

A Healthy Home Expert Advice On Eating Well Together BY TRACY GARY As a mom and handmade food enthusiast, it’s a constant effort to make natural, nutritious food the norm rather than the exception. Below are a few tips to help you “de-junk” your family’s kitchen: RID YOUR PANTRY OF PROCESSED PRODUCTS that contain hard-topronounce chemical compounds, food coloring, high-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated fats and excess sodium. UPGRADE FAVORITE JUNK FOOD TO QUALITY ingredients. Smoothies are a great vehicle for nutritious food— unsweetened cocoa powder, almond milk, dates, avocado, strawberry and greens make a yummy “chocolate shake.” RELOCATE THE EPICENTER OF HEALTH from the medicine cabinet to the kitchen. Shift the paradigm from reacting to illness to prevention.

New York Family | July 2010

Maintain wellness through a steady diet of seasonal fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, fermented dairy such as keﬁr, nuts, ﬁsh, dried fruit, seaweed, herbs and spices. EAT GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES DAILY. Mince them into staples such as pasta sauce, soup, meatballs, scrambled eggs and burritos. GET OFF THE ROLLER COASTER OF SUGAR HIGHS AND LOWS by eating whole grains instead of processed breads and pastas. Brown rice, quinoa, millet, steel cut oats and barley even out energy, balance mood and reduce sugar cravings.

SWEETEN WITH NATURAL SWEETENERS such as maple syrup, brown rice syrup and stevia. INSTEAD OF JUICE, ADD FLAVOR AND COLOR to water with a few teaspoons of natural fruit concentrate liquid—try blueberry, black cherry, cranberry, elderberry or fresh orange or lemon juice sweetened with stevia. Tracy Gary is founder of Intuition Nutrition (intuition-nutrition.com). She supports families as they dejunk and upgrade the quality of their food and health. www.newyorkfamily.com

PROOF YOU CAN HAVE YOUR ACTIVE NEW YORK LIFESTYLE AND STRAIGHTEN YOUR TEETH You might ﬁnd this family ﬂying the trapeze, hosting dinner with friends, presiding over community board meetings, acting in school plays, collecting snow globe souvenirs, or debating the merits of skis versus boards.

Debbie and Siena look great pictured wearing their Invisalign and Invisalign Teen braces. Robert and Callie are in preliminary stages optimizing anticipated treatment. And Scampers, we’re sorry but you don’t need Invisalign.

As busy as they are, they understand the link between oral health and overall health*. That’s why they chose to have their teeth straightened by leading orthodontic specialist, Dr. Joseph T. Hung at RockCenter Orthodontics.

Trained at Harvard University School of Dental Medicine with a specialty in bone healing, Dr. Hung has become one of the most trusted and respected orthodontists in New York City. Dr. Hung is an Invisalign Elite Provider and has been recognized as a top Invisalign provider every year since 2003.

Dr. Hung enables patients of all ages to maintain good oral health by providing straight teeth and a proper bite while using the least amount of visible braces possible.

*Harvard Medical School Special Health Report. “Your Oral Health and Overall Health.” Dental Health for Adults (2009): 6-11.

Call RockCenter Orthodontics today at 212-265-3577 for a lifetime of healthy, happy, and beautiful smiles for the whole family. 630 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1812 45 Rockefeller Plaza, NY, NY 10111

www.rockcenterortho.com 212-265-3577

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B rthday Bas cs Planning A Party For Your Child? Here’s All You’ll Want To Know BY ASHLEY TROOST

When Picking The Perfect Place: Jessica Hochman, senior director of birthday parties at Kidville, suggests looking for cleanliness, brightness and an enthusiastic staff. “You don’t want to host your child’s birthday at a restaurant if the staff doesn’t like kids,” she says. Many venues will decorate the space to your liking and provide food and beverages, but be sure to speak up in advance if you’d like to bring your own.

When Gathering Supplies: No birthday party would be complete without plenty of balloons, says Rosie Weissbart, co-owner of party supply store State News. Instead of buying patterned plates, cups and napkins, mix bright solid color supplies—which are cheaper and more usable if you have extras—to create your own color scheme.

tempting to cut costs with a shortened guest list, etiquette expert Faye Rogaski encourages parents to invite everyone in their child’s class. An easy way to cut down a guest list is to invite either all the girls or all the boys to ensure that no one’s feelings are hurt.

When Choosing Entertainment: Clowns and magicians can keep kids entertained for hours, but if you want to do something a little non-traditional, hire an acrobat or a caricature artist. Research customer reviews or talk to other parents; urbanbaby.com is a great place to get ideas and advice about the city’s best kid-friendly entertainers.

When Sending Invitations: Send out your cards by snail mail or e-vites, as distributing cards at school means lost invitations, distracted kids in class and hurt feelings.

When Finding The Food: For the most part, kids aren’t picky about birthday party spreads; pizza, chips and pigs in a blanket will usually satisfy your guests. If you want to serve healthier fare, kids will still love celery sticks

Chelsea Piers

74th St. Magic

When Creating A Guest List: Though it may be

New York Family | July 2010

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Birthday Resource Directory VENUES

Three Little Birds

and peanut butter, carrots and hummus and fruit kebabs. Pick up some nut-free and gluten-free treats in case any of your guests have allergies or diet restrictions.

When Taking The Cake: With the right birthday message or decorations, a homemade confection or cake from Whole Foods can be just as special as a more expensive gourmet option. Another great idea is to bake (or buy) plain vanilla and chocolate cupcakes and allow the kids to decorate their treats themselves. When You Need a Photo Finish: When looking for a professional photographer, Kochman suggests that parents ask to see photos of past parties and kid events, instead of posed family portraits, to make sure they know what they’re getting. If you decide to take the photos yourself, make sure to snap up candid moments and little details, like the cake, decorations and presents. Take photos from your child’s perspective, instead of always aiming the camera down at the kids. For a truly unique photo experience, consider renting a photo booth—kids will love posing with friends and bringing the pictures home to Mom and Dad. When Giving Out Goodies: If you don’t have a big budget for goodie bags but want to send the kids home with a little something, have guests fill their own bags with inexpensive treats like gold coins, plastic jewelry and bubbles. Another interactive option is to have kids make projects— like painting flowerpots or decorating picture frames—that that they can bring home and enjoy.

Applause New York City www.newyorkfamily.com

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 Alice’s Tea Cup Various locations 212-734-4832, aliceteacup.com American Girl Place 609 Fifth Avenue at 49th Street 877-247-5223, americangirl.com American Museum of Natural History 79th Street and Central Park West 212-769-5100, amnh.org Applause New York City, Home of Rock ‘n’ Roll Babies, Broadway Babies and Superstars, Various locations in Manhattan 212-7170703,broadwaybabies.com apple seeds 10 West 25th Street 212-792-7590 ext. 208, 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 Ballet Academy East 1651 Third Avenue, 212-410-9140, balletacademyeast.com Big Daddy’s Various locations in Manhattan 212-717-2020, bigdaddysnyc.com Bowlmor Lanes 110 University Place 212-680-0012, bowlmor.com Bronx Zoo 2300 Southern Boulevard 718-220-5103, bronxzoo.com Brooklyn Boulders 575 DeGraw Street, Brooklyn 347-834-9066, brooklynboulders.com Build-A-Bear Workshop 565 Fifth Avenue 212-871-7080, buildabear.com Camp Broadway 336 West 37th Street, Suite 460 212-575-2929, campbroadway.com Carnival 110 University Place 212-255-8188, carnivalnyc.com Central Park Zoo East Side between 62nd and 63rd streets, 212-439-6500, centralparkzoo.com Chelsea Piers West 23rd Street and the Hudson River, 212-336-6518, chelseapiers.com Children’s Museum of the Arts 182 Lafayette Street 212-274-0986, cmany.org Children’s Museum of the East End 376 Bridgehampton/Sag Harbor Turnpike 631-537-8250, cmee.org Children’s Museum of Manhattan 212 West 83rd Street (between Amsterdam and Broadway) 212-721-1223 ext. 219, cmom.org

Citibabes 52 Mercer Street, Third Floor 1-800-697-0107, citibabes.com City Ice Pavilion 47-32 32nd Place, Long Island City 718-505-6230, ityicepavilion.com City Treehouse 129A West 20th Street 212-255-2050, citytreehouse.com Color Me Mine 116 Franklin Street 212-941-0120, tribeca.colormemine.com Columbus Pre-School and Gym 606 Columbus Avenue 212-721-0090, columbuspreschoolandgym.com Cozy’s Cuts for Kids Various locations in Manhattan 212-585-COZY, cozycutsforkids.com The Craft Studio 1657 Third Avenue, 212-831-6626, craftstudionyc.com Creative Play for Kids 212-729-1667, creativeplayforkids.com Cupcake Kids! 109 West 27th Street 212-242-2248, cupcakekids.com Dashing Diva Various locations, 212-228-9999, dashingdiva.com Dave & Buster’s 234 West 42nd Street 646-495-2015, daveandbusters.com Deb’s Family Disco Club LQ, 511 Lexington Avenue 212-586-7425, familydisco.com Discovery Programs 251 West 100th Street 212-749-8717, discoveryprograms.com Dramazone Various locations.917-690-0789, dramazonenyc.com Dylan’s Candy Bar 1011 Third Avenue, 646-735-0078, dylanscandybar.com East Side Tae Kwon Do 325 East 65th Street, 212-755-5982, eastsidetaekwondo.com The Early Ear Various locations in Manhattan 212-877-7125, theearlyear.com Fantasma Magic 421 Seventh Avenue, Second Floor 212-244-3633, or call Donna at 917-903-7563, fantasmamagic.com FAO Schwarz Fifth Avenue 767 5th Avenue, 212-644-9400, fao.com Galli Group 38 West 38th Street 212-810-6485, galli-group.com Gymboree Various locations in Manhattan 877-496-5327, gymboreeclasses.com Gymtime Rhythm & Glues 1520 York Avenue 212-861-7732, gymtime.net Hands On! Various locations in Manhattan 212-628-1945, handson4music.com Harlem Lanes 2116 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard, Third and Fourth Floors 212-678-BOWL, harlemlanes.net July 2010 | New York Family

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Birthday Resource Directory

Kidville

Five Pre-Party Etiquette Tips For Birthday Girls and Boys BY FAYE ROGASKI Hosting a birthday party is an exciting and unforgettable moment in a child’s life. As a parent, it’s important to lay down a few basic guidelines in advance to ensure that the event goes smoothly for both the birthday child and guests.

A few days before the party, discuss the schedule of events on party day with your child so there’s no confusion.

Walk through how he or she should greet guests—go through the exercise of a proper greeting by ringing your own doorbell and pretending to be a visitor. If your kids practice, they’ll feel more comfortable welcoming guests on the big day.

No matter what kind of activities you are having at your party, make sure that everyone is included. Pick activities that will keep everyone involved and entertained, and remind your child how hurt they would feel if they were not included in something.

Practice receiving gifts. We all get presents that we don’t love, but it’s important to be polite so that we don’t hurt other people’s feelings, especially children. Practice opening gifts with your child so that they know what to do and say if this happens to them.

Sending thank-you notes is an important acknowledgement of your guests’ generosity. Encourage your child to send thoughtful notes to all guests, and to mail them promptly after the party. Faye Rogaski is the founder of socialsklz:-) tools to thrive in the modern world, life skills classes for children, tweens and teens in New York City and Westchester.

New York Family | July 2010

Heartland Brewery Various locations, 646-366-0235, heartlandbrewery.com Hi Art! 227 West 29th Street, 4th Floor 917-318-9499, hiartkids.com Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Pier 86, West 46th Sreet and 12th Avenue, 212-245-0072, intrepidmuseum.org The JCC in Manhattan 334 Amsterdam Avenue 646-505-4444, jccmanhattan.org Jodi’s Gym 244 East 84th Street, 212-772-7633, jodisgym.com Karma Kids Yoga 104 West 14th Street, Second Floor, 646-638-1444, karmakidsyoga.com Kids At Art 1349 Lexington Avenue 212-410-9780, kidsatartnyc.com Kids In Sports Various locations 212-744-4900, kisnyc.com Kidfresh 1628 Second Avenue 212-861-1 141, kidfresh.com Kidville Various locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn 212-362-3923, kidville.com Let’s Dress Up! 345 East 85th Street 212-879-0956, uppereast.com/letsdressup.htm The Little Gym 2121 Broadway 212-799-1225, tlgupperwestsideny.com Loop of the Loom 227 East 87th Street 212-722-2686, loopoftheloom.com Lucky Strike 624-660 West 42nd Street 646-829-0170, bowlluckystrike. com Madame Tussaud’s 234 West 42nd Street 212-512-9600 ext. 607, nycwax.com Manhattan Movement & Arts Center 248 West 60th Street 212-787-1178, manhattanmovement.com Manhattan Youth Downtown Community Center 120 Warren Street, 212-766-1104, manhattanyouth.org McBurney YMCA 125 West 14th Street 212-912-2300, ymcanyc.org Medieval Times 149 Polito Avenue, Lyndhurst,NJ 201-933-2220, medievaltimes.com Mini Chef NYC Various locations 212-727-2703, minichefnyc.com My Gym Various locations 800-4MGYMS, my-gym.com Museum of the City of New York 1220 Fifth Avenue 212-534-1672, mcny.org NBA Store Fifth Avenue and 52nd Street 877-NBA-EVENT, nba.com/nycstore

New York Hall of Science 47-01 111th Street, Queens 718-699-0005, nyscience.org New York Kids Club Various locations in Manhattan 212-721-4400, nykidsclub.com New York Party Kids 1584 York Avenue, 917-331-6382, nypartykids.com New York Transit Museum Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn, 718-694-1600, mta.info.mta/museum Parteaz NYC Tea Parties 212-769-7679, nyc.parteaz.com Poppyseed Pre-Nursery 424 West End Avenue, 212-877-7614 Queens County Farm Museum 7350 Little Neck Parkway 718-347-3276, queensfarm.org Reebok Sports Club/NY 160 Columbus Avenue, 212-362-6800, reeboksportsclubny.com. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium 234 West 42nd Street, 212-398-3133, ripleysnewyork.com Robot Galaxy Freehold Raceway Mall, 3710 Route 9, Freehold, NJ, 732-431-3876; Palisades Center, 1000 Palisades Center, West Nyack, NY 845-353-3187; robotgalaxy.com Rockefeller Center 47th and 50th Streets between Fifth and Seventh Avenues, 212-332-7654, patinagroup.com The Scholastic Store 557 Broadway, 212-343-6166, store.scholastic.com Scribble Press 1624 First Avenue 212-288-2928, scribblepress.com Slate 54 West 21st Street 212-989-0096, slate-ny.com Soccer by Coach Fher 917-650-3008, coachfher.com Sony Wonder Technology Lab 56th Street and Madison Avenue, 212-833-7858, sonywondertechlab.com Spin New York 48 East 23rd Street 212-982-8802, spinyc.com Sports Club/LA Various locations in Manhattan, 212-355-5100, thesportsclubla.com Sportime at Randall’s Island 212-427-6150, sportimeny.com Starmites Kids Parties 212-473-3409, kids-parties-nyc.com Steps On Broadway 2121 Broadway, 212-874-2410, stepsnyc.com StoryTime By Design 170 East 87th Street, Suite East 6A, 917-405-7959, storytimebydesign.com Super Soccer Stars Various locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and the Hamptons,212-877-7171, supersoccerstars.com

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GIFT GIVING MADE EASY The Best Birthday Presents For Every Age By Amanda Sakuma

amilies who spend their weekends running from one birthday party to the next, meet your new superhero! Started by New York moms Lisa Fielding and Stefanie Katz-Rothman, online gift service Gift Hero helps parents pick out the perfect birthday present. The site features toys organized by gender, price and age range. Simply order the gift online and 1-2 days later, it’s delivered to either you or the birthday recipient, wrapped in an eco-friendly gift bag with a personalized message. Shoppers at Gift Hero also have the option of donating to the Ronald McDonald House of New York—donations will help provide toys and games for their playroom. Stuck on what type of gift to buy for the next party? Stick to this list from Fielding and Rothman: RECOMMENDATIONS BY AGE AGE 2 BOY: My First Remote Control Dune Buggy, $25 This dune buggy is created especially for younger children—it’s easy for little hands to use the remote control and it makes the coolest sounds. GIRL: eeboo Tot Tower Nursery Friends, $22 A stacking and nesting toy. It is a great introduction to nursery rhymes and the artwork is gorgeous. It’s made of very high quality durable cardboard and includes 10 pieces. AGE 3 Boy: Zoob Jr. Zoomer Car Set, $25 Two things little boys crave in one toy— building and cars! Boys will love to build these cars by following the easy instructions or just using their imaginations. Zoob is wonderful for creative play and building ﬁne motor skills. Zoob Jr. is sized especially for younger hands. Girl: Creative Rainbow Curve Set, $25 A beautiful natural wood toy with multiple design possibilities. It offers hours of inde-

New York Family | July 2010

pendent, creative play. Helps develop fine motor skills and encourages problem solving. AGE 4 Boy: Clics 175 Piece Bucket, $24 Children “clic” together the pieces to build anything they can imagine. Even includes some pieces with faces. Comes in a handy storage bucket. Girl: Chickyboom, $25 A new-to-the-market, award-winning, quirky, fun game of strategy and balance. It’s eco-friendly and made entirely of natural wood. AGE 5 Boy: Intro to Engineering, $35 A great first science kit. It introduces kids to engineering basics through 25 fun experiments that teach kids to build things they can actually use, like a wind-up car or a sailboat. Girl: Bella Butterfly Hopscotch, $25 A classic game that girls love in a colorful and portable set. Gets girls up and active. Comes in a durable carrying case and is suitable for indoor or outdoor play. AGE 6-7 Boy: Baseball Guys, $24 Play set for boys to create and play their own baseball game. Includes a felt field, two teams, referees and scoreboard. Great for a playdate or independent play. Girl: Create Your Own PopUp Books, $20 Let her imagination run wild with this awesome kit that lets her create her own pop-up books. Includes two hardcover books, pop-up pieces in different shapes with sticky backs, and markers. AGE 8-10 Boy: Rubber Band Powered Flying Machines, $20 An awesome way for kids to learn about the science of flight. Includes everything needed to make three planes that really fly—includes instructions for fun games and experiments. Girl: Friends 4Ever Bracelet Kit, $25 The best camp gift! Includes materials and easy instructions to make friendship bracelets for the whole bunk!

Three Little Birds Music 266 East 78th Street, 212-744-0404,tlbmusic.com. Uno Chicago Grill Various locations, unos.com Tiger Shulmann’s Karate 39 West 19th Street 212-727-0773, tsk.com Watson Adventures Scavenger Hunts Various locations, 877-9-Go-Hunt, watsonadventures.com West Side Taekwondo 700 Columbus Avenue, 212-663-3998, westsidetkd.com West Side YMCA 5 West 63rd Street 212-875-4100, ymcanyc.org Wollman Skating Rink Central Park, 212-439-6900, wollmanskatingrink.com Xtreme Rhythmic Academy 351 East 74th Street and First Avenue,646-457-7527

ENTERTAINERS Acoustic Corral 631-921-1491,mleyden@yahoo.com Art-N-Orbit 212-579-7634, artnoribit.com/newyork Company’s Coming 212-260-3036, companyscomingent.com Crazy Daisy Clowns 718-278-4871, crazydaisyclowns.com Fantasy Face Painting 917-620-7006, allenenlow.com Joanie Leeds Music for Kids,718-930-7434, joanieleeds.com Josh Beckerman 516-527-6659, joshbeckerman.com Mad Science 866-948-2964, madscience.org/manhattan Magic Al 516-677-0883, magic-al.com Magical Dave 917-886-6364, magicaldave.com Magician Michael Chamberlin 212-767-9353, mikecmagic.com Mark Z-Man 646-785-7171, markzman.com Miyachi Masters 615-791-7783, myachi.com Moogie 908-725-1213, moogieland.com Mystery and Mayhem 212-260-2295, mysteryandmayhem.com NYC Face Art 908-725-1213, nycfaceart.com NY Sketches 646-452-9946, nysketches.com Sammie and Tudie 212-828-5386, imaginationplayhouse.com Silly Billy 212-645-1299, sillybillymagic.com Starmites Children’s Parties 212-473-3409, kids-parties-nyc.com Talking Hands Theater 347-536-6055, puppetree.com. Teri Tales 212-780-3473 The Hoop Wizard 917-754-2486, hoopwizard.com

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NYC Families Share What They Love About Where They Live

hen we began putting together a guide to the most family-friendly NYC neighborhoods, we decided to call in our greatest resource—our reader families! Here, 10 families share what they love about the areas they call home, from adventures in outdoor markets to diverse playgrounds to memorable museums.

street outdoor space, perfect for bringing the dog and the baby. 2) There’s a Gymboree on 38th Street and a soon-to-be Kidville on 34th Street. 3) Madison Square Park is a perfect park for young families, with a big playground, two beautiful fountains and a summer concert series for kids. 4) Scandinavia House—the headquarters of The American-Scandinavian Foundation—has a great playground and tons of educational programs for kids.

“What’s not to love? Everyone is a little zany, so we all jive together pretty well,” says Heather Chaet, who lives on the UWS with husband Jason and daughter, Tessa, 3. “Somehow, in the largest city in the U.S., the vibe of the Upper West Side evokes a small-town feel.” 1) WeBop at Jazz at Lincoln Center is the best music class in the city—it gets kiddos moving and grooving. No “Wheels On The Bus” here! 2) We have (or will have soon) the food shopping trifecta: Fairway, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, which is opening in August.

“Although not the hippest zip code, 10016 has a lot to offer families including parks, restaurants, schools and a very central location,” says Amy Pucciariello, who calls Murray Hill home with husband Alex and son Jake, 5 months.

New York Family | July 2010

Jennifer Maslowski’s daughter Alida on the steps in Morningside Park.

“Harlem is a friendly, vibrant, diverse and spacious place to live,” says Jennifer Maslowski, who lives in the neighborhood with husband Bill and daughter Alida, 6. “With great transportation options, we can get everywhere quickly, but are always happy to get back home to Harlem.”

Amy Pucciariello with husband Alex and son Jake.

1) The Barking Dog, El Rio Grande and Christina’s restaurants have great off-

3) Belvedere Castle (79th Street, mid-Central Park). Climb, explore, imagine. Bonus: it’s free. 4) The family membership to American Museum of Natural History. The annual fee gives you free admission for two adults and four kids and discounts on special events, movies, food and gifts.

1) Gorgeous parks. To the south in Central

Heather Chaet’s daughter Tessa at a WeBop jazz class.

Park are the Harlem Meer, two playgrounds, and the Dana Discovery Center. To the west, Morningside Park features a new playground, turtle pond and dog run. 2) Great restaurants. Almost all are www.newyorkfamily.com

kid-friendly, including newer places like Frizzante (Italian) and Zoma (Ethiopian), and old favorites like Amy Ruth’s (Southern). 3) Huge apartments. You can get two, three or even four times the space for the same rent as lower down in Manhattan. The best deals are gut-renovated apartments in older buildings. 4) Easy parking. Lots cost under $200 a month, and street parking is always available.

“We love living in Fort Greene because of the diversity,” says Sharon Ng, who lives here with husband Ian and daughter Ella Mei, 2. “We are a Chino-Latino family ourselves, and a walk around the block becomes a trip around the world because Fort Greene is home to everyone from everywhere!”

Sharon Ng with husband Ian and daughter Ella Mei.

1) The children’s art classes at Pratt are

Leah Agudelo’s daughters, Veronica and Julia, at the park.

“Tribeca has everything families could want and more,” says Leah Agudelo, who lives in this downtown nabe with husband Carlos and their daughters Veronica, 4, and Julia, 9 months. “It’s a welcoming, incredibly family-friendly neighborhood.” 1)Tribeca has playgrounds, like Washington Market Park, and large outdoor spaces, like Battery Park City. I love that my daughter can ride her bike along the Hudson or scooter around the circle in Washington Market Park. 2) Plenty of indoor fun, too—living in NYC with kids also entails making it through the long winters. Luckily, Tribeca has tons of indoor options, like Kidville, Moomah, Playgarden and a new library in Battery Park City. 3) Convenient to subway lines—almost every major subway line stops here. 4) School options—Tribeca has some of the best schools around, including PS 234, PS 150, Claremont Prep, Washington Market School and the Park Preschool. www.newyorkfamily.com

amazing, and we love exploring the sculpture garden oasis there. 2) I love taking my daughter to the sprinklers at Camel Park (formally known as Edmonds Playground), which is a great destination for babies and toddlers. 3) Proximity to the best of Brooklyn: We love exploring the craft fair at the Brooklyn Lyceum and the Brooklyn Flea, ﬂying kites in Brooklyn Bridge Park and sunset picnics at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. 4) Fort Greene has delicious and diverse cuisine—I love the pain-au-chocolate at Choice Market, the delicious Cuban corn at Habana Outpost and a glass of bubbly Lambrusco from Olivino’s after a hard day of work!

“The Lower East Side feels like a small town within the city. People say hello on the street and in the stores, and we look out for each other,” says Erin Rodriguez, who calls the LES her home with husband Alex and their three children, Aurelia, 6, Gabriella, 5 and Elias, 3.

Erin Rodriguez’s son Elias at the MARTE ﬂea market.

1) The Educational Alliance—this is a long-standing community institution with a stellar reputation. All of my children spent two years in its nursery school program; the neighborhood would not be the same without it. 2) FDR Park—the amphitheatre has summertime music venues and the baseball fields are brand new. There’s also a gated soccer field, picnic area and sprinkler park for the little ones. 3) PS110—the school’s parent participation level is high, and with frequent school-wide events (like movie nights and pancake breakfasts), it instills a sense of community into education. 4) The Essex Street Market—this is a wonderful place for family shopping, with tons of vendors selling fresh produce, cheese, fish and more. It’s reasonably priced and clean and the vendors are friendly.

“Living in NYC allows us to offer our children the most diverse and rich elements of life, and the West Village is our home base,” says Leona Casella, who lives in the WV with husband Max and daughters Mia, 4, and Gioia, 2. 1) One of our favorite local parks is Bleecker Park. My girls love it for its climbing structures, huge sandbox, swings, and, after Memorial Day, water! 2) In the winter we spend our Saturdays at the Hudson Park Library. The second ﬂoor is dedicated to children and offers music, story telling, drawing, and, along with books, toys and imaginative play-things. 3) Chelsea Piers is another favorite; with a Toddler Gym for running around, a wonderful carousel, ice skating, wall climbing and bowling, it’s an indoor/outdoor paradise. 4) We frequent Chelsea Market year round. July 2010 | New York Family

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Leona Casella with husband Max and daughters Mia and Gioia.

Whether it’s for fresh produce for dinner, a look at the magniﬁcent art work along the rocky walls or to greet Santa or the ghosts around the holidays, everyone in our family loves this outing. 5) Our family loves music, so in the summertime we especially love Hudson River Park, which has live concerts between Pier 40 and Pier 62. These evenings remind me of my small town summer nights, with the beneﬁt of being in the most amazing city!

playgrounds designed for the under-5 set, like JJ Byrne at 5th Avenue and 4th Street, Slope Park at 6th Avenue and 18th Street and Harmony at Prospect Park West and 9th Street. 3) Family-friendly dining—most restaurants will happily set you up with a highchair or booster seat and some crayons. Some neighborhood spots even offer “Kids Eat Free” nights, when you get a free kids’ entrée with the purchase of a regular adult entrée! 4) Museums—North Slope is a short bus ride from the Brooklyn Children’s Museum and steps away from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Brooklyn Museum. South Slope is 20 minutes by train to the New York Aquarium and Coney Island.

“The Upper East Side is so family-friendly,” says Robin Saks Frankel, who lives on the UES with husband Adam and sons Max, 2 and Gabe, 9 months. “Everything I need to keep my kids happy and busy is right around me.”

“We love living in Park Slope because of the tight-knit sense of community here,” says Meredith Lopez, who lives here with husband Carlos and son Gabriel, 1. “No matter how young or old your kids are, there is always a fun place to take them to, an activity they can participate in, or a group of parents happy to have you around.”

Robin Saks Frankel with sons Max and Gabe.

Meredith Lopez’s son Gabriel at the JJ Byrne Playground.

1) The YMCA—The Armory Sports Complex on 15th Street now compliments the regular 9th Street location, so there are activities for the kids every day of the week. 2) Plenty of playgrounds—Little ones can crawl around the Tot Lot (just inside the Garﬁeld entrance of Prospect Park), while toddlers can run amok at any of the several

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1) Parks and playgrounds—we go to Carl Schurz Park almost every day. A day at Central Park with the kids is a great and easy way to enjoy being outside without too much structure. 2) Kids’ classes—The 92nd Street Y has some of the most amazing new mom, baby and toddler programs. Other favorites include Parkbench (a pre-pre school for little ones), StoryTime by Design and Three Little Birds. 3) Great schools—The UES has more preschools and preschool alternatives than any other neighborhood in Manhattan. 4) Retail shops—Planet Kids, Gap Kids, Children’s Place, Kidville and plenty of momand-pop apparel, toy and gift retailers.

“Forest Hills is NYC’s best-kept secret for a family friendly, affordable neighborhood,” says Harmony Skillman, who lives in this Queens quarter with husband Gavin and son Connor, 2. The sidewalks are littered with strollers and the parks filled with kids.”

Harmony Skillman and son Connor at Cheeburger.

1) The best of both worlds. In FH, you have the R, V, F & E trains, which can get you into Manhattan in about 25 minutes. You’re also close to the LIE and Grand Central Parkway, and can be in Nassau County in the same amount of time. Parking spots are a fraction of Manhattan rates, and street parking is often a viable option. 2) FH playgrounds and parks have amenities for all ages, plus water sprinklers and grassy areas. Some of our favorites are Yellowstone Park, Austin Street Park, PS 196, Russell Sage Playground and Hawthorne Park. 3) Activities Galore. There are three Music Together locations, a Gymboree, every class imaginable at the Central Queens Y, Forest Hills Little League and Young Chefs Academy, to name a few! 4) Austin Street. Every kind of restaurant, café, ice cream shop, bookstore and boutique can be found on Austin Street. Looking for family-friendly dining? Hit Nick’s Pizza or Cheeburger. Date night? Try Aged or Bonﬁre Grille. Mom’s Night Out? Check out Jade or Moca. 5) Great Parents. This is the community where parents strike up a conversation in Starbucks, where you see the same faces at the playground each afternoon. FH parents care about this neighborhood and keeping it safe, warm and inviting. www.newyorkfamily.com

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My First Nine Months

Leah Black with her newborn son, Avi.

A New York Family Editor Shares What She Learned During Pregnancy BY LEAH BLACK

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hen I first announced I was pregnant, one of the most common responses I’d get from family, friends and co-workers was that I’d probably be the most prepared new mom. After all, I’d been working as an editor at New York Family for over three years, learning the ins and outs of the New York City parenting world, interviewing child development experts and reviewing baby gear. But while I have no doubt that this knowledge will be helpful, if there is one lesson I’ve learned in my time at the magazine, it’s that there’s no such

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thing as being “ready” for parenthood. And the same, I’ve learned, goes for pregnancy. As I near the end of my third trimester (by the time this goes to print, I will likely be holding my baby), I’m surprised at how little I knew at the very beginning and how much I’ve My Favorite Go-To Resources For Moms-To-Be learned. But I also feel like I’ve spent much of my pregnancy searching for answers: What Laugh and Learn DVDs with Sheri Bayles. This popkind of childbirth education class should ular New York-based Lamaze instructor, lactation consultant and RN has a series of three DVDs that feature live classes I take? Do I really need a baby swing? you can watch at home, including childbirth, breastfeeding, and Are these weird symptoms I’m having newborn babycare. Each DVD is packed with helpful information normal? And how should I react to delivered by Bayles in a neatly packaged, accessible way. She even the guy in the deli telling me it looks peppers her advice with real-life anecdotes that are surprisingly enfrom behind like I’m carrying a boy? tertaining. Use them as a supplement to any classes you’re taking, or What follows is just some of what simply watch the videos in lieu of taking a live class. Basic Registry Checklists. There are many checklists detailing I’ve learned along the way. I hope it what you “need” to register for (available on store websites like Buy helps other moms-to-be navigate Buy Baby) but I found most of them excessive. I wanted something their pregnancy with a little more more streamlined that just outlined the basic gear and accessories to surety. get me started. I found two really helpful lists: one is Giggle’s jump-

Pregnancy Essentials

start checklist called “the basics,” available on giggle.com; the other is the checklist of newborn necessities, available on Consumer Reports’ baby blog at blogs.consumerreports.org/baby. Use one or both for a one-shot guide. Babycenter.com. One of the most helpful websites for parBeing pregnant in New York City ents-to-be and new parents is Babycenter.com. Sign up for their is interesting, if only because of the weekly e-newsletter which offers useful information, tips and adattention bestowed on you by comvice that corresponds to each week of your pregnancy. Also, join a “Birth Club” (simply choose the month and year you’re due) plete strangers—way beyond people and browse the message boards to see what other women offering you their seat on the subway. due at the same time are talking about. I’ve had women pass me in the street and

Embrace Strangers’ Attention And Well Wishes

offer their “congratulations,” construction workers yell down from their scaffolding predictions of whether I was carrying a boy or girl (or twins), and one man advise me not to get an epidural through the window of a restaurant. On the one hand this can be a little creepy, but on the other it’s nice that people want to offer their well wishes in whatever form they may take. I tried to appreciate this unique time, as I’m sure once my big belly turns into a screaming baby, the attention won’t be so friendly.

Pick A Few Pregnancy (And Early Childhood) Books To Guide You Through There are so many pregnancy and baby books available, it can be tempting to overload your nightstand with reading material. But as to not get overwhelmed, it’s best to pick a handful of books you identify with. I found a lot of the books overly-focused on the complications that can arise during pregnancy, which only seemed to create needless worry. For a more straightforward approach, I love “The Pregnancy Bible” by Dr. Joanne Stone and Dr. Keith Edelman. It’s loaded with great information (and lots of glossy photos) and covers your body’s changes throughout the pregnancy, the development of the baby, as well as topics like maternity leave, intimacy issues and nutrition. “The Stress-Free Guide To Pregnancy,” by OBGYN Carol Livoti is another helpful book. It’s focused on each of the three trimesters and takes a reassuring approach to separating www.newyorkfamily.com

“fact” from “fiction” while offering helpful information on common pregnancy symptoms. Lastly, it can be helpful to read about life post-pregnancy to prepare for what you need to know once baby arrives. “Heading Home With Your Newborn: From Birth To Reality,” by Dr. Jennifer Shu and Dr. Laura A. Gana, both moms and pediatricians, is a great introduction to baby care for first-time parents, covering everything from breastfeeding to diaper changing to sleep.

Choose Which Childbirth Education Classes To Take The best time to take classes is in your third trimester, when you’re close enough to the birth to still remember what you’ve learned after the baby is born. There are many different types of classes available, and after much research I decided on three—a childbirth education class, a breastfeeding class and an infant CPR class. Most of these can be taken through the hospital where you’re giving birth, your OBGYN practice, or at a private parenting center or though a mommy group. For the CPR class, I particularly recommend Little Hearts CPR in Chelsea (littleheartscpr.com), which offers a three-hour class that covers all the basics, from how to July 2010 | New York Family

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respond to choking to administering infant CPR. Of all the classes I took, I felt this one was the most worthwhile.

MATERNITY

Design A Nursery You Love On A Budget

storage bins. (Their crib, the Ikea Gulliver, is only $99 and is recommended as the “Best Basic Baby Crib” by Consumer Reports). Last, for unique decorative touches, check out etsy.com, which features art, accessories and vintage items sold by If I could have done artists and collectors. I found paintings one thing differently these last nine months, and posters, a mobile and wall decals I love, most of which were under $20.

Like many parents, I was on a limited budget and wasn’t sure how long I’d be in my current apartment. it would have been to Yet I still wanted my baby’s nursspend less time in front Relax And Enjoy Yourself ery to be an inviting place to spend of the computer screen time in. I found there are plenty of In a way, these nine months feel creative ways to create a room you like you’re preparing for a big test. comparing stroller love that don’t cost a lot of money. reviews and more time Researching baby gear, reading up on First, start with a vision—a great epidurals and birth plans, educating simply relaxing with place to look for inspiration is Apartabout breastfeeding. It’s easy my husband, my family yourself ment Therapy’s website, ohdeedoh. to get so consumed with everything and my friends. com, where design-savvy parents you think you need to know that you post photos of their children’s forget about living in the moment. rooms. Projectnursery.com is another site with lots of If I could have done one thing differently these last nine real-life photos that offer up a lot of ideas you can play off months, it would have been to spend less time in front of of. When it comes to furniture and accessories, parents the computer screen comparing stroller reviews and more love Ikea for their inexpensive furniture and accessories, time simply relaxing with my husband, my family and my ranging from dressers and changing tables to lamps and friends. It’s what I plan on doing in these final weeks!

Maternity Resources HOSPITALS Beyond their excellent maternity wards, many of the major city hospitals offer classes or seminars in everything from childbirth preparation to infant CPR. Beth Israel Hospital. 16th Street at First Avenue, 212-420-2000 (General), 212-420-2999 (Classes), 212-420-3895 (Patient Care), bethisraelny.org. Columbia Presbyterian Hospital/ Babies Hospital/Sloane Hospital for Women. 3959 Broadway at 166th Street, 212-305-2500 (General), 212-305-2040 (Parent Ed.), nyph.org. Lenox Hill Hospital. 100 East 77th Street, 212-434-2000 (General), 212-434-2273 (Parent Education), 212-434-3152 (Babies’ Club), lenoxhillhospital.org. The Mount Sinai Medical Center. 1176 Fifth Avenue at 98th Street, 212-241-6500 (General), 212-2417491 (Women’s and Children’s Ofﬁce), 212-241-6578 (Breastfeeding Warm Line), mountsinai.org. New York Presbyterian Hospital at the NY Weill Cornell Center. 525 East 68th Street, 212-7465454 (General), 212-746-3215 (Parenthood Preparation), nyp.org. New York University Medical Center. 560 First Avenue at 32nd Street, 212-263-7300 (General), 212-263-7201 (Classes), nyubaby.org. Roosevelt Hospital. 1000 Tenth Avenue at 59th Street, 212-5234000 (General), 212-523-6222 (Classes), wehealny.org. St. Luke’s Hospital. 1111 Amster-

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dam Avenue at 114th Street, 212523-4000 (General), 212-5236222 (Parent/Family Education), wehealny.org. Natural Birthing Centers, The Brooklyn Birthing Center. 2183 Ocean Avenue, Brooklyn, 718-3766655, BrooklynBirthingCenter.com. Women’s Health & Birthing Pavilion. 70 West Burnside Avenue, Bronx, 718-716-2229, mhhc.org. The Birthing Center at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital. (Please note: this is an in-hospital birthing center.) 1111 Amsterdam Avenue, 212-523-6222, nywomenshealth.com.

CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION Individuals and centers that offer classes and support for a number of maternity-related experiences, from childbirth preparation to postpartum. Fern Drillings. Various locations, 212-744-6649. Jewish Community Center. 334 Amsterdam Avenue, 646-5054444, jccmanhattan.org. Diana Simkin. Upper East Side locations, 212-348-0208. 92nd Street Y. 1395 Lexington Avenue, 212-415-5500, 92y.org.

PRENATAL EXERCISE, MASSAGE AND SUPPORT Special classes for pregnant women now are offered by most gyms and exercise centers. Here are a few special places: Diastasis Rehab. 212.388.1308, maternalﬁtness.com

Expect To Be Fit. Expecttobefit.com Fitnotic. fitnotic.com Maternal Fitness. 108 East 16th Street, Fourth Floor, 212-3531947, maternalfitness.com. Reebok Sports Club/NY. 160 Columbus Avenue at 67th Street. 212-362-6800; 330 East 61st Street, 212-355-5100; 45 Rockefeller Plaza, 212-218-8600; thesportscluba.com. Prenatal Yoga Center. 251 West 72nd Street, Suite 2F, 212-3622985, prenatalyogacenter.com. Prenatal Massage Center. 123 West 79th Street, Suite LL2, 212330-6846, prenatalmassagecenter.com. Spa Bebe. 180 East 16th Street, Fourth Floor, 212-353-1547, maternalfitness.com. Strollercize Inc. 800-Y-STROLL, strollercize.com.

Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey. Morristown: 973-971-4600; West Orange, 973325-2229; Englewood, 201-5697773; and Somerset, 732-5370631; rmanj.com. Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York. Manhattan: 635 Madison Avenue, 212-756-5777; White Plains: 15 North Broadway, Garden Level, Suite G, 914-9976200; Long Island: 400 Garden City Plaza, Suite 107, 516-7493633; rmany.com.

BREASTFEEDING SERVICES AND SUPPORT Yummy Mummy 1201 Lexington Avenue, 212-87-YUMMY, yummymummystore.com Upper Breast Side 135 West 70th Street, 212 873-2653, upperbreastside.com

MATERNITY CLOTHES

NYU Fertility Center/NYU Program for IVF. 660 First Avenue, 212-263-8990, nyuivf.com.

A Pea in the Pod, 151 West 34th Street, 212-244-6126, apeainthepod.com Destination Maternity, 28 E 57th Street, 212-588-0220, destinationmaternity.com. Motherhood Maternity, 641 6th Avenue, 212-741-3488, motherhood.com (Additional locations on the UES and midtown). Rosie Pope Maternity, 78 Greene Street, 212-608-2036, rosiepopematernity.com. Veronique Maternity, 1321 Madison Avenue, 212-831-7800, veronique.com

The Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility. 1305 York Avenue, 646-962-CRMI, 888-703-3456, ivf.org.

Viacord, 866-668-4895, viacord.com

Tribeca Med Spa. 114 Hudson Street, 212-925-9500, tribecamedspa.com. The Pregnant New Yorker. 917385-8820, the pregnantnewyorker.com Sweet Pea Baby Planners. 303.522.4334, sweetpeababyplanners.com.

FERTILITY CLINICS

OTHER SERVICES

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The Princess Principle How One Mom Swallowed Her Vendetta Against “Princess Pink” And Let Her Daughter Be Herself BY AMY WILSON

efore I had a little girl, I was certain about one thing—if I ever had a daughter, there would be no princess stuff in our house. No explosion of PeptoBismol pink. No Disneyification of everything from her toothbrush to her sippy cup. We actually visited the Magic Kingdom just before I conceived my daughter. Walking around with my two little boys, I rolled my eyes at the little girls in their polyester finery and prom updos. First of all, it’s a little hot in Orlando for synthetic fabrics. Second, allowing your little girl to be a princess, all the time, seemed so anti-feminist. So unoriginal. When I discovered I was pregnant, I told myself that any daughter of mine was going to run and jump and tomboy her way through life. Cut to three years later. I have a daughter who does gymnastics all day long, who easily keeps her two older brothers in line, who is the very definition of self-esteem. She also does all this in fuchsia polka dot leggings, a purple T-shirt and hot-pink sneakers. If it’s not pink and/or purple, Maggie’s not wearing it. The French schoolgirl blouses and navy dresses I bought for her hang in a row in her closet, forlorn, under-worn. It’s really only worth the struggle to get her to put one of them on if it’s Easter Sunday or picture day at Gymboree. Otherwise Maggie is adamant about her early-BelindaCarlisle look. “I love pink!” she shouts, then strikes a gymnast’s I-stuck-thatlanding! pose. Similarly, Maggie is drawn to all things princess like a moth to a flame. For the first two years of her life, she was fairly oblivious—if she saw Snow

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White or Cinderella on a coloring book, she’d crow, “That you, Mommy!” But then one night, Maggie’s doting babysitter brought her a gift—a pink princess toy cell phone with Cinderella on it. Maggie clutched it to her chest, madly in love. The floodgates were opened.

Maggie is adamant about her earlyBelinda-Carlisle look. “I love pink!” she shouts, then strikes a gymnast’s I-stuck-thatlanding! pose. We went on vacation last month, and sitting on the chaise lounge next to us were a pair of Disney princess flip-flops, with genuine imitation jewels. Maggie spotted them and gasped, like Carrie Bradshaw seeing the latest Christian Louboutins. “Would you like to try them on?” I asked Maggie. She nodded, eyes wide. Once the flip-flops were on her feet, she turned them from side to side, admiring the sandals from every angle. “Dem for a pretty princess,” she breathed. And in that moment, she became one. Maybe it was crazy to think that I could keep everything princess out of my daughter’s life. We would have to be living in a cave for Maggie not to see this stuff and want it. And there’s no denying that it delights her. Maggie is overdue for new sneakers, and part of me wants to go to the shoe store without her and guessti-

mate her size, since if she comes with me, she will no doubt pick the most bedazzled, Sleeping Beauty-covered ones in the store. But if those are the ones she chooses with her heart, why should I tell her she can only have the understated Tretorns I prefer? My job as a parent is not to shape her as I would wish, it’s to encourage her to be herself, to dream big, and to follow where that leads. Last night, after I read Maggie her bedtime story, we had a little talk. MOMMY: So, Maggie, what are you going to be when you grow up? MAGGIE: A princess. Just as I had suspected. I tried redirecting the witness. MOMMY: That sounds fun, but it might be hard to make that happen. If you can’t be a princess, then what will you be? MAGGIE: Um. A queen. MOMMY: Okay, a queen. That might be hard, too. What if you can’t be a queen either? MAGGIE: Then I be a tiger. Well, that was more like it. MOMMY: A tiger! Wow, that sounds exciting. Where would you live if you were a tiger? Maggie looked at me. Wasn’t it obvious? MAGGIE: In da castle with da queen and da princess. My daughter has her future wellplanned, and who am I to tell her differently? Princesses know what they want. v Am y Wi l s o n i s t h e m o t h e r o f three, and the author of “When D i d I G e t L i k e T h i s ? ” ( Wi l l i a m Morrow) and of the one-woman show Mother Load. She blogs at motherloadtheblog.com. www.newyorkfamily.com