New York Family April 2014 by New York Family

CoMING sooN: The NeW York BaBY shoW

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aPril 2014

established 1986

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Dentists, PeDiatricians &oB-GYns

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Classes & Camps For every Child

spring

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Inside The Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

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Weill Music Institute

Mark Seliger

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Saturday, April 26 at 3 PM Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage

Natalie Merchant

Natalie Merchant, Vocals | Gabriel Gordon, Guitar | Uri Sharlin, Piano and Accordion Decoda | James Bagwell, Conductor Based on Natalie Merchant’s recent book-and-music project Leave Your Sleep, this concert features nursery rhymes and lullabies by 19th- and 20th-century poets set to Merchant’s beautiful melodies, with chamber orchestra, and projected illustrations by Barbara McClintock.

Limited Ticket Availability: $10, $16, $22 Lead funding for Carnegie Hall Family Concerts has been provided by The Irene Diamond Fund. Carnegie Hall Family Concerts are also made possible, in part, by endowment gifts from The Irene Diamond Fund, Mr. and Mrs. Lester S. Morse Jr., and the Henry and Lucy Moses Fund. Thanks to New York City Department of Homeless Services for supporting young fathers and their families at the concert.

contents

APRIL

newyorkfamily.com

pg.12

22 | Scoop Sweet treats on the UES, an affordable tutoring program, the ultimate nanny finder, and more 24 | It’s My Party Birthday celebrations at Jodi’s Gym, Session 73, and apple seeds pg. 16 26 | Activity Of The Month The best yoga classes in the city for families

pg.46

30 | Starting Out From upscale boutiques to comprehensive super-stores, the NYC metro area has baby-shopping for every budget and need

pg.72 pg.60

FEATURES 46 | Partners In Everything As they welcome their fourth child and celebrate their first line of baby clothes, Rosie & Daron Pope share their secrets for staying in synch at home and in the office 53 | Family Health & Wellness Guide Our readers share their favorite local pediatricians, pediatric dentists and orthodontists, and OB-GYNs. Plus, advice on pre- and post-natal health and on how to pick a pediatrician, and pediatric dentist and orthodontist 60 | Not Your Regularly Scheduled Programming Fun summer camps and classes for city kids of all interests (Part I)

16 | Park It Here Just in time for spring, our family guide to the city’s best parks

HOME & AWAY 68 | Camp Countdown Geek out over a host of summer programs with a foundation in math, science, and technology 70 | Dads Of Real Estate Two local dads, who happen to be on top of the city’s real estate game, share what “location, location, location” means to them and their families

72 | The Last Word One local mom reflects on the importance of amazing aunts in any child’s life—and shares why she loves being an “auntie” herself

COLUMNS

Cover Photo by Sarah Merians Photography On Rosie Pope: (on cover) Rosie Pope Maternity Bohemian Shirt Dress; J. Crew necklace; Lady Kismet Koda bracelets; (above left) Rosie Pope Maternity Audra Dress; Lady Kismet Chosu bangle; her own gold bangles and earrings. On Daron Pope: (on cover and above left) his own clothes

8 | Editor’s Note Lovers as parents, parents as partners

12 | 10 Great Events For April “Bello Mania” at the New Victory Theater, celebrating STEM at the Maker’s Festival, Sakura Matsuri at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and more

10 | Events & Offers The scoop on the New York Baby Show, our April Camp Fairs, a TLB Music giveaway, and Blackboard Award nominations

New York Family | April 2014

40 | A Special Place The Horticultural Society of New York (AKA the Hort) is growing a new generation of little gardeners and ecominded families 42 | A Good Idea As the NYC Dads Group reaches their fifth anniversary and launches a national hub, the founders share five important truths they’ve learned about fatherhood

FAMILY FUN GUIDE

36 | Education Savvy and sympathetic, Smart City Kids founder Roxana Reid has created one of the city’s premiere admissions consultancies focused on nursery school through high school

www.newyorkfamily.com

APRIL 2014 Editor and co-publishEr Eric Messinger emessinger@ manhattanmedia.com sEnior Editor Bridget Moriarity bmoriarity@ manhattanmedia.com associatE Editor Mia Weber mweber@ manhattanmedia.com art dirEctor George W. Widmer gwidmer@ manhattanmedia.com adVErtisinG dEsiGnEr Rachael Tucker rtucker@manhattanmedia.com

contributinG photoGraphErs Heidi Green, Michael Jurick, Sarah Merians, Andrew Schwartz contributinG WritErs Leah Black, Emanuelle Block, Emily Murphy, Iman Saad, Jodi Silberstein, Kristin Tablang publishEr John Hurley For inFormation on thE baby shoW 212.268.3086, jhurley@ manhattanmedia.com associatE publishEr Mary Ann Oklesson maoklesson @ manhattanmedia.com spEcial projEcts dirEctor Alex Schweitzer aschweitzer@ manhattanmedia.com salEs assistant Erik Bliss ebliss@ manhattanmedia.com circulation Aaron Pollard apollard @ manhattanmedia.com businEss manaGEr Shawn Scott sscott@ manhattanmedia.com accounts manaGEr Kathy Pollyea kpollyea @ manhattanmedia.com

manhattan media chairman oF thE board Richard Burns chiEF ExEcutiVE oFFicEr Joanne Harras dirEcEtor oF diGital Dennis Rodriguez

New York Family is a division of Manhattan Media, publishers of AVENUE magazine, and The Blackboard Awards.

ÂŠ 2014 manhattan media, llc | 72 madison avenue, 11th Floor new york, ny 10016 | t: 212.268.8600 | f: 212.268.0577 www.manhattanmedia.com

New York Family | April 2014

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LOVERS AS PARENTS, PARENTS AS PARTNERS Blame it on spring. I’m in the mood to talk about love, and the thought that keeps recurring to me is that I can’t imagine a better companion than the one I have, my wife Rebecca. That’s such a powerful assertion of good fortune, I’m a little in awe of it myself—and wonder if a wiser soul would leave the matter to quiet reflection (instead of sharing it with thousands of readers). But the fact is I like to share. Rebecca and I will be married 16 years this June, and had three more years before that for prior discovery. We’ve shared so much of life, and yet what sustains us now is what’s always sustained us—an easy companionability strengthened by generosity and caring. Plus, the shared history has its own booster effect: I can’t imagine being with someone else because she is my life. Lovers as parents, parents as partners—if this issue has a prevailing theme, that’s it. It’s the backbone of our cover feature on Rosie and Daron Pope (page 46), who nowadays do it all together, home life (four

kids) and work life (a burgeoning empire that embraces maternity clothes and parenting support, and now a new line of baby clothes). Parents as partners is also a big part of the ethos of the notable NYC Dads (page 42), Popes and dreams: who, in five quick years, Associate editor Mia Weber have transformed with our cover couple from a meet-up into a wonderful organization which ranges from New Dad Boot Camps to national advocacy for a progressive view of fatherhood. There are other kinds of “treats” in the issue. For starters, I’d steer everyone to our family guide to the city’s top parks (page 60), and the wonderful ode to Aunties written by our blogger Lani Serota (page 72). But after our long and relentlessly snowy winter, I’m still more inclined to enter spring with a focus on love. Happy April! Eric Messinger Editor, emessinger@manhattanmedia.com

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New York Family | April 2014

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Photo by Sarah Merians Photography

editor’s note

June 30 – August 22 | 4-13 years old Swim

SportS

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two fun locations! BAttErY pArK CitY 212 North End Avenue

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events & offers WIN BIG WITH TLB MUSIC! We’re giving away a semester of music class plus a 25-pack of passes to TLB Music’s indoor playspace (a combo prize worth $965). TLB Music is a popular early childhood music education program and eco-friendly indoor playspace located on the Upper East Side. TLB provides fun, brain-boosting music classes. Throughout the semester, TLB’s talented teachers introduce students to over 20 instruments and all styles of music—jazz, classical, samba, country, folk, Broadway, pop, and more. In addition to the music studio, TLB has an eco-friendly indoor playspace for kids ages 6 months to 6 years. The Playroom is open Monday to Sunday for drop-in play. Giveaway deadline to enter is Friday, May 9, 2014. To enter, visit newyorkfamily.com and click on the Contests and Giveaways link.

THE NEW YORK BABY SHOW IS COMING! TICKETS ON SALE NOW Join us at the New York Baby Show! Welcoming thousands of expectant and new parents (and their infants and toddlers) from the NYC and Tri-State area, the family-friendly mega event takes place on the weekend of May 17-18, 2014, at Pier 92 in Manhattan. Explore a wonderful mix of top products and services for maternity, baby, and toddler, along with an inspiring menu of speakers and demonstrations from highly regarded experts in the world of parenting and pregnancy. Highlights also include moms’ and dads’ lounges, a toddler play area, and the original Stroller Test Track. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit newyorkbabyshow.com.

Justin Winslow

READY, SET, CAMP! Interested in researching days camps or sleepaway camps for your child? With all the options out there— day or sleepaway, city or countryside, single-sex or coed, specialty or general, four weeks or eight—a great way to begin your search is by visiting one of our free Camp Fairs, which we sponsor with the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey. In one convenient setting, the child-friendly Camp Fairs allow parents and children to meet with over 40 camp directors from day camps (in and out of the city), and from sleepaway camps (all over the Northeast). In April, we’ll have a fair on the Upper East Side (on Saturday, 4/5) at St. Jean Baptiste High School (173 East 75th Street, between Lexington and 3rd Avenues) and on the Upper West Side (on Sunday, 4/6) at Congregation Rodeph Sholom (7 West 83rd Street, between Columbus Avenue and Central Park West). Each fair runs from 12-3pm. For more information, visit newyorkfamilycamps.com.

New York Family | April 2014

NOMINATE A GREAT TEACHER FOR A BLACKBOARD AWARD Where would we be without our wonderful teachers? If your child has a special teacher, please take a minute to nominate that deserving educator for a Blackboard Award, which honors local schools and teachers of excellence—and is, moreover, a priceless way of saying thank you for everything the teacher does for their class and school community. Sponsored by New York Family magazine, the Blackboard Awards recognize local teachers from all educational sectors (public, private, charter, and parochial), and all grade-levels (nursery through high school). To tell us about a great educator in your child’s school, visit blackboardawards.com! The deadline for nominations is May 1, 2014. The Awards’ ceremony will be in early June. www.newyorkfamily.com

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MUSEUMS

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family fun

MUSIC

THEATER

ATTRACTIONS

Photo by Mark Seliger

FOOD

Great Events for April Clockwise from top left: “Bello Mania” at New Victory Theater; the Maker’s Festival at CMOM; the Tribeca Family Festival and Street Fair; and Natalie Merchant at Carnegie Hall

By Emily Murphy

CLOWNING AROUND

APRIL 4- 20 [All Ages] Named “America’s Best Clown” by TIME magazine and nominated for a 2013 Drama Desk award, Demetrius Alexandro Claudio Amadeus Bello Nock is back by popular demand at the New Victory Theater! Be prepared to laugh your socks off and gasp in amazement at “Bello Mania,” filled with crazy antics, gravity-defying tricks, and wacky humor (complete with 1-ft-high hair). From $14; various times. 209 West 42nd Street, 646-223-3010, newvictory.org

New York Family | April 2014

FAIRYTALE FUN APRIL 5-27 [Ages 4-10] Fantasy fans will find themselves enchanted at Galli Theater’s production of “Sleeping Beauty.” When an evil fairy isn’t invited to a princess’ birthday party she exacts revenge by placing a sleeping curse on the entire kingdom. Will a charming prince show up and save the day? Don’t miss a children’s workshop every Saturday after the show, where budding actors will perform a version of the play they’ve just seen! Children $15, Adults $20; 2pm, Saturdays & Sundays. 347 West 36th Street, 212-731-0668, gallitheaterny.com

PREHISTORIC FLIGHT APRIL 5 TO JANUARY 5 [All Ages] Long ago, extraordinary reptiles took to the skies for roughly 150 million years. These creatures, called pterosaurs, are the subject of the American Museum of Natural History’s new exhibit, “Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs.” Videos, lifelike models, hands-on activities, and cast models will illuminate these prehistoric beings, whose wingspans could reach up to 40 feet! Children $16, Adults $27; various times between 10:30am and 4:30pm. Central Park West at 79th Street, 212-769-5100, amnh.org continued on page 14

www.newyorkfamily.com

“America’s merica Best Clown” B est C low lo w -T TIME TI ME Magazine Ma

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10 Great events

family fun

APRIL 23-25 [Adults Only] Parents, educators, pediatricians, and anyone working with small children, are invited to check out the Young Child Expo at the New Yorker Hotel. For adults only, the conference focuses on development from birth to age 6 with keynote speakers, workshops, and a mini film festival. Important discussion topics include bullying, early literacy, behavior management, and technology innovations. From $125; 8am to 4:30pm. 481 8th Avenue, 212-787-9700, youngchildexpo.com

THE LAND OF NOD APRIL 26 [Ages 5-10] Natalie Merchant is performing sweet, melodic songs from her concept album “Leave Your Sleep,” which translates nursery rhymes and lullabies from 19th- and 20thcentury poets into beautiful refrains for children. Based off her daughter’s early childhood, Merchant’s concert presents a chamber orchestra and projected illustrations at Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium. From $10; 3pm. 881 7th Ave., 212-247-7800, carnegiehall.org

New York Family | April 2014

FAMILY & FILM FEST

CRAZY CUBES!

APRIL 26 [All Ages] Mini media buffs get the chance to enjoy live Broadway performances, arts and crafts, videogames, film screenings, and more for free at this year’s Tribeca Family Festival and Street Fair! Other kid-friendly highlights include storytelling, animation, and sports, but be sure not to miss the family drive-in movie for all ages! Free; 10am to 4pm. Greenwich Street (from Chambers Street to Hubert Street) and various locations in Tribeca, 212-9412400, tribecafilm.com

APRIL 26 THROUGH DECEMBER [All Ages] Puzzle lovers rejoice! At the Liberty Science Center’s “Beyond Rubik’s Cube” exhibit, guests will take an in-depth peek at one of the world’s most popular toys. From seeing what makes Rubik’s Cube pieces twist without breaking, to studying original models from designer Ernö Rubik, to examining the largest ever assembled version of the puzzle, little ones will love what they’re learning! Free with admission;various times. 222 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City 201-200-1000, lsc.org

BLOOMING IN SPRING

THEY’VE GOT THE BEAT

APRIL 26-27 [All Ages] Enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms and learn about Japanese culture at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden this month. Their annual Sakura Matsuri (cherry blossom festival) is a weekend-long celebration featuring traditional and contemporary events and performances. Taiko drumming, samurai sword-fighting demonstrations, and origami workshops are just a few kid-friendly highlights from over 60 offerings. Children under 12, free; Adults $25; 10am to 6pm. 150 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, 718-623-7200, bbg.org

APRIL 27-28 [Ages 3-6] The New York Philharmonic is presenting its third show in the Very Young People’s Concerts series, where children can learn about the basics of instruments from Philharmonic musicians at the Merkin Concert Hall. This show focuses on percussion: the colors and textures of drums, gongs, shakers, and other beat-worthy equipment. From $22, various times. 129 West 67th Street, 212-501-3330, nyphil.org “Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs” at the AMNH

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

PERFECT FOR PARENTS

From left: The New York Philharmonic’s Very Young People’s Concert series; and Sakura Matsuri at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

events

APRIL 12-22 [All Ages] Your kiddos can meet scientists, engineers, and artists at the Makers’ Festival, an event all about celebrating STEM education. Presented by the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, the 11-day occasion occurs over spring break and includes special hands-on workshops and demonstrations like paintball portraits, hybrid musical instruments, recycled fashion, alchemical tech, and more! Free with museum admission; various times. 212 West 83rd Street, 212-721-1223, cmom.org

Photo by Mike DiVito

MEET THE MAKERS

Photo by Mike Ratliff. Courtsey of Brooklyn Botanic Garden

continued from page 12

Once UponA Ballet

CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS & SLEEPING BEAUTYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WEDDING

Photo: Richard Termine

SEASON FINALE, MAY 10 & 11

Ticket Information: www.nytb.org Ticketmaster.com 800-982-2787 Florence Gould Hall 55 East 59th Street

Special gifts for mothers all weekend long!

family fun

OUTDOORS

HERE!

At play in Central Park

Just In Time For Spring…Our Family Guide To The City’s Best Parks By Emily Murphy Springtime in the city is a wonderful experience, but sometimes New Yorkers can miss the best the season has to offer, like fresh air, trees, wildlife, and animals. For a great way to see the splendor of Mother Nature without leaving the five boroughs, here’s a list of prime parks in the area.

ALLEY POND PARK No other New York park can boast the same rich, geological treasures that Alley Pond Park holds. With glacierformed landscapes, fresh and saltwater wetlands, and plentiful meadows, this is a must-see spot for all nature lovers! Can’t miss playground: For playtime with an educational twist, Alley Pond Park’s Adventure Course has both low ropes and high ropes challenges that are perfect for building teamwork and problem-solving skills. Across the soccer fields near the parking lot Big spring event: The park’s Pets and Pals Day is a free event that is sure to be a kid favorite with giveaways, games, rides, craft projects, pet adoption, pet walks, and more! May 4;

New York Family | April 2014

76th Avenue and Springfield Boulevard Nature tip: With a height of over 134 feet and a circumference of over 18 feet, the Alley Pond Giant tulip tree, also known as the Queens Giant, is one of the oldest living organisms in New York. While the location of the tree isn’t widely publicized (to protect it from potential harm), families may see it on an Urban Park Rangers tour Hidden gem: The park’s many scenic walking trails take hikers through the native hardwood forests and kettle ponds, and even provide views of the salt marshes in the northern tip of Alley Pond. Primarily behind Ballfield 6 near Winchester Boulevard Park location: Near Little Neck Bay in Queens, bordered by the Long Island Expressway, between Springfield Boulevard, Douglastown Parkway, and Hanford Street. Website: nycgovparks.org/parks/ alleypondpark

BATTERY PARK The Battery Park City Parks are a network of smaller areas that contain gardens, playing fields, playgrounds, and a fantastic view overlooking the water. Note: this park area is not to be confused with The Battery Park, which is on the very southern tip of Manhattan, or Hudson River Park, which occupies neighboring areas near the waterfront Can’t miss playground: Teardrop Park houses a unique play spot for children. Some kid-favorite facilities include a

large slide, sand boxes, a water play area, and spots for kids to “rock hop.” Between Warren Street and Murray Street, east of River Terrace Big spring event: Little ones who like to play in the dirt will love the Early Spring Children’s Gardening series taking place in Rockefeller Park. Kids can work in the dirt to dig, plant, and learn about composting and green practices. Tuesdays throughout April; Children’s Garden in Rockefeller Park Nature tip: In Wagner Park, a public rooftop at the Parks Pavilion provides a picturesque view of the Statue of Liberty and Hudson River waterfront. North of historic Battery Park, off of Battery Place Hidden gem: For the best place to relax in a quiet environment, families can visit Rector Park, a quiet area where active recreational activities are frowned upon. There, guests can enjoy a peaceful lunch or naptime while soaking in the fresh air. South End Avenue at Rector Place Location: Various spots around Battery Park City Website: bpcparks.org

BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK Under the Brooklyn Bridge, next to the waterfront, lies this neighborhood staple. The park provides children and families with spectacular views, extraordinary playgrounds, and bountiful water activities. Can’t miss playground: Brooklyn continued on page 18

www.newyorkfamily.com

Michael Jurick Photography

PARK IT

Nurture Your Child’s Unique Personality at the JCC Fall Registration Begins: May 11 for members and May 14 for nonmembers See class listings at jccmanhattan.org/familylife or call 646.505.5708 for info.

FOR THE ENERGETIC ONE who loves to move, jump, and run: Infants + Young Children • Sports + Tumbling • Swim • Ballet at the J! • Little Man Dance Jam

After School • Fencing • Gymnastics + Sports • Hip Hop • Tae Kwon Do • Swim

FOR YOUR CREATIVE KID

who loves to get messy, explore, and sing: Infants + Young Children • Lil’ Explorers • My Art Studio • Kookin’ Kids • Little Maestros

After School • Clay Sculpture + Pottery • Fabric Arts Studio • Science • Theater

FOR YOUR SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Infants + Young Children • My Little Clubhouse • 2s Together • Shabbat Club • Baby Play @ the J • Tummy Time

After School • Clubhouse • Chess • Yoga

Photo: Nancy Adler

who loves playing with friends:

continued from page 16

Central Park’s newly rebuilt 110th street playground

Bridge Park’s Pier 6 is home to many playground areas with catchy names and fantastic equipment. One in particular, the Swing Valley playground, has traditional tot swings, twin swings, Tarzan ropes, and six-seated post swings. Pier 6 Big spring event: A great series of spring events, the Celebrate Brooklyn! Dance Parties, are free and feature dance lessons, a beer garden (for mom and dad), and even a bike valet. May 8, 15 & 22; Pier 1 Nature tip: The perks of being located along the East River include fascinating aquatic creatures. The park hosts a “Seining” catch and release program on May 10, which has revealed critters like the Oyster Toadfish, Lined Seahorse, and Horseshoe Crab in the past. Empire Fulton Ferry Hidden gem: One unique feature of this waterfront park is its accessible beaches, where families can walk along the shore. Recommended spots are Pier 4 beach, Pebble Beach at Main Street, and the Spiral Pond Location: Brooklyn’s East River bank, from Atlantic Avenue to John Street Website: brooklynbridgepark.org

CENTRAL PARK One of the greats, Central Park is the first place most New Yorkers think of when they hear the word “park.” Can’t miss playgrounds: The East 110th Street Playground was newly rebuilt last year; the area boasts several circular spaces (each with their own theme or structure) interconnected by a wooden walkway. Central Park’s Ancient Playground is also a contender, just north of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and inspired by its Egyptian Art exhibitions. The fun-filled attractions include climbing pyramids, sundials, and obelisks. The Robert Bendheim Playground is a space designed for all children, providing sand boxes, soundgenerating play components, and wheelchair-accessible ramps. East 110th Street, East Side at 85th Street, East

New York Family | April 2014

Side at 100th Street Big spring event: Join Central Park for their Family Fishing and Water Celebration. The event will explore living aquatic organisms, catch and release fishing, storytelling, crafts, water walks, and more! June 28; Charles A. Dana Discovery Center at 110th Street between Lenox and 5th Avenue Nature tip: For bird lovers, the park offers personal birding adventure kits, which are available at Belvedere Castle to borrow, free of charge. Each kit includes binoculars, a guidebook, a map, and sketching materials (adults must accompany children under 12 years of age). Belvedere Castle is mid-park at 79th Street Hidden gem: Pathways on the northern end of Central Park are a serene and gorgeous way to introduce children to the magic of tumbling cascades, dense woodlands, and intriguing wildlife. Tours, led by volunteer conservancy members, are available at various dates and times. Meet for the tour at Charles A. Dana Discover Center Location: The middle of Manhattan, from 59th St. to 110th Street, between 5th Avenue and Central Park West Website: centralparknyc.org

FLUSHING MEADOWS CORONA PARK Queen’s largest park is famous for its tie to the World’s Fairs of olden times. A handful of iconic features include the Unisphere, the Rocket Thrower statue, buried time capsules, and the New York State Pavilion. Can’t miss playground: The Playground for All Children was the first play area for both able-bodied and disabled in the United States. It incorporates innovative utilities, including play equipment with safety surfacing, the Interpretive Trail with plaques in both English and Braille, a racing track, and a water wheel. The upper western side of the park, near Saultell Avenue and Corona Avenue Big spring event: Flushing Meadows Corona Park holds its World’s Fair every spring, taking families through the culture of historic New York. May 24; Meet at the Unisphere Nature tip: The Unisphere isn’t exactly a natural occurrence, but it is a mustsee aspect of the park, and nature does take its prevalence once neighboring trees sport their seasonal cherry blossoms. Near Queens Museum at the

intersection of the Avenue of Americas and Avenue of Africa Hidden gem: Flushing Meadows Corona Park surrounds Meadow Lake, the largest lake in the city spanning 93 acres. Center of the park Location: Bordered by Union Turnpike, Grand Central Parkway, Van Wyck Expressway, and Perimeter Road in Queens Website: nycgovparks.org/parks/fmcp

HUDSON RIVER PARK Hudson River Park, with a focus on environmental conservation and five miles filled with recreational and educational facilities, is the longest waterfront park in the United States. Can’t miss playground: The park’s Pier 25 play area is perfect for children aged 2-12. Offerings include a sandbox, eight seasonal water features, two full swing sets, and climbing walls and boulders. Pier 25 Big spring event: For youngsters ages 5 and up, Big City Fishing teaches families to fish while educating them about environmental science and the river. Various dates and times starting June 1; various piers Nature tip: Hudson River Park is the only designated urban estuarine sanctuary, home to over 200 species of fish. Families can witness these species via series like Big City Fishing, River Tots, and Science on the River. Various piers Hidden gem: Take the family for mini golf at Pier 25, a massive 13,000-square-ft course full of sand traps, waterfalls, streams, ponds, footbridges, and even a cave! Location: On the bank of the Hudson River, from 59th Street to the lower tip of Manhattan Website: hudsonriverpark.org

MADISON SQUARE PARK In the heart of the Flatiron District lies Madison Square Park, a 7-acre oasis in the midst of the urban jungle with deep roots in historical New York City. Can’t miss playground feature: The park’s Police Office Moira Ann Smith playground (dedicated to the only fallen female NYPD officer during 9/11) houses cooling sprinklers, a 15-ft water wheel, and free arts & crafts activities from May-October. Entrances at Madison Avenue and 25th and 26th Streets Big spring event: The inaugural Madison Urban Club for Kids (MUCK) workshop, led by Gardener Steph, will teach kids the wonders of the water cycle. April 12; Various locations Nature tip: Madison Square Park is continued on page 20

www.newyorkfamily.com

into summer with us! Day camp for boys and girls ages 4-13 Dwight School Athletic Center 2116 First Avenue | New York City 646.926.4621 Register today at dwightsummercamp.org or contact our Director of Camps at 917.551.6430 or director@dwightsummercamp.org to learn more

continued from page 18

home to a wide variety of Warblers, and don’t miss their lilac grove, featuring ten specimens of the rare “Primrose” lilac in honor of former chairman and CEO of MetLife Bob Benmosche. 25th Street and Madison Avenue Hidden gem: Right next to the park, and cared for by its conservancy, is Worth Square, an ideal family lunch spot with tables and benches. The area holds a unique Manhattan crypt, the second oldest monument in New York, and depicts sabers and cannonballs in its wrought-iron fencing. The western side of the park, between Broadway, West 25th Street, and 5th Avenue Location: Between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue, East 26th Street and East 23rd Street Website: madisonsquarepark.org

PROSPECT PARK Located in Brooklyn, this 535-acre park is home to breathtaking landscape architecture, the Prospect Park Zoo, and the borough’s only forest. Can’t miss playground: The Donald and Barbara Zucker Natural Exploration Area, which newly opened in October, uses “recycled” trees damaged in recent storms to create a unique, natural play spot for children. Nellie’s Lawn in the park’s northeast portion Big spring event: Enjoy the park’s annual New York Philharmonic concert under the stars! This free event lets families unwind while enjoying the orchestra, an evening fireworks display, and park concessions. July 9; Long Meadow Ballfields Nature tip: In Brooklyn’s only forest lies Prospect Park’s ravine, a restored, narrow gorge featuring a diverse tree population and nearby flowing water! Near the center of the park, between the Long Meadow and the Nethermead Hidden gem: Though typically highlighted for winter, Prospect Park’s walking route through Lookout Hill, the Maryland Monument, and the Wellhouse provides spectacular views at one of Brooklyn’s highest points and a glimpse at budding spring trees. Begins at the Boathouse, inside the Lincoln Road/Ocean Avenue entrance Location: Bordered by Prospect Park West, Prospect Park Southwest, Ocean Avenue, and Washington Avenue Website: prospectpark.org

RIVERSIDE PARK On the Upper West Side, Riverside Park is a delightful area overlooking the Hudson, complete with a scenic esplanade, multiple playgrounds, and a distinct character. Can’t miss playground: The Hippo Playground is a children’s favorite,

New York Family | April 2014

featuring various-sized hippo statues that spout water during the hotter months. 91st Street Big spring event: Presented by the Irish Arts Center, Riverside Park will host the New York City Irish Dance Festival, an annual celebration featuring hundreds of the best performers in the field. May 4; Between 68th and 70th Streets Nature tip: Originally owned by famed naturalist James Audubon, Riverside Park’s bird sanctuary is an ideal place to experience all the joys nature has to offer. Don’t miss spring offerings for bird walks from Riverside Park Fund Grassroots Volunteers through the protected area. 116th Street Hidden gem: The Amiable Child Memorial is a special New York City monument that commemorates a small boy who died in 1797 and was buried in the area long before it became Riverside Park. Across the southbound Riverside Drive from Grant’s Tomb and slightly to the north Location: On the Hudson River, from 60th Street to the northern tip of Manhattan Website: riversideparknyc.org

UNION SQUARE PARK This town-square-turned-city-park is home to many festivities and celebrations in the Union Square area. It’s also a popular spot for families due to their wonderful playground offerings! Can’t miss playground feature: The coolest aspect of Union Square Park’s playground holds three outdoor “rooms” in the 15,000-square-ft area. Each play space is designed for children of different ages. Northern end of the park Big spring event: Summer in the Square, an annual children’s series, highlights StoryTime Yoga with Karma Kids Yoga and fabulous performances from favorites Rolie Polie Guacamole and Hot Peas n’ Butter. Starting June 12; South Plaza Nature tip: Union Square Park’s playground is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, so kiddos can take in a dose of nature while they’re enjoying the play equipment! Union Square Park Playground

Prospect Park

Hidden gem: For wee whisperers, the park’s multi-colored talking tubes allow children to carry on conversation from across the playground. Union Square Park Playground Location: Between Union Square West and Union Square East, East 14th and East 17th Streets Website: unionsquarenyc.org/park

VAN CORTLANDT PARK Multiple playgrounds, great golfing areas, and Van Cortlandt Lake are just a few of the reasons to visit this park in the Northwest Bronx. Can’t miss playground: Little golfers will go wild for the Sachkerah Woods Playground, a golf-themed children’s area with a spray shower in the form of a 19th-hole-flag, oversized golf balls that double as climbing equipment, and colored concrete to mimic putting greens and sand traps. Around the corner from Montefiore Hospital and Mosholu Golf Course Big spring event: Van Cortlandt park is hosting a Kids Week, led by Urban Park Rangers. The free event series, perfect for kids ages 12 and under, include a variety of outdoor activities. April 17-18; Van Cortlandt Park Nature Center Nature tip: Van Cortlandt Park contains a few noteworthy geological finds, including Fordham Gneiss, one of the oldest rock formations on Earth, which can be seen from a short hike up Vault Hill. Vault Hill, Van Cortlandt Lake Hidden gem: The oldest building in the Bronx, the Van Cortlandt House Museum has rich history. Even George Washington slept there! The park offers free tours of the museum on Wednesdays. Southwestern part of the park, near Broadway and West 246th Street Location: Bordered by Broadway, Forest Avenue, Van Cortlandt Park East, Bronx River Parkway, and West Gun Hill Road in the Bronx Website: vcpark.org www.newyorkfamily.com

Summer Days Camp 2014 at 74th St.

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scoop

KEEPING PARENTS IN THE KNOW PRENATAl

PregPrep When New York City cardiologist Lara Oboler and her sister-in-law, Marjorie Jaffe Goldner, developed a product that could help optimize a women’s chance of quickly and successfully becoming pregnant, it was a personal mission for both women—the two had each faced challenges in their journey to motherhood. The result was PregPrep, whose Make That Baby kit is designed naturally for women planning a pregnancy. The kit includes a twomonth supply of easy-to-swallow FertilPrep prenatal vitamins, VitaMelts (a mucolytic and anti-oxidant), and Essential Balance Oil for aromatherapy and relaxation. pregprep.com

EDucATION Bee Tutored Selecting educational support for your children can be a tough decision, but Bee Tutored—a local tutoring company getting results since 2007—matches families with tutors in a budget-friendly way. Ranging in levels from Kindergarten through high school, and catering to needs from test prep to language learning, Bee Tutored partners students up with tutors based on personality, interests and strengths to give kids the best experiences possible. Bee Tutored also hosts a variety of community and kid-friendly events, especially here in New York for families to bring their kids and have a fun, educational day. beetutored.com

TREATS The Sweet Shop Nyc Located on the Upper East Side, the Sweet Shop NYC—owned and operated by local couple Kelly and Glyn Jaime—is the ultimate spot for one-stop sugar shopping with a retro twist. Offering candy, chocolates, ice cream, coffee, and tea, as well as party favors, gifts, and balloons, the tasty location is perfect for stocking up on party snacks or for getting a sense of the kind of oldschool sweet emporiums that are seldom seen these days. Plus, since the store offers a supply of old-fashioned confections (think candy buttons and small-batch marshmallows) in addition to Zagatrated gelato and sorbet, foodie parents are sure to get just as much of a sugar rush as their kiddos. thesweetshopnyc.com

New York Family | April 2014

cHIlDcARE mommybites’ Nanny Board What better way to find great childcare than by getting the scoop from a recent employer willing to go the extra yard to help a provider who has meant so much to their family? The Mommybites Nanny Board is a unique recommendation system where families can post glowing reviews of their nannies and help them find new employment after their kids have outgrown the need for them. The board requires a posting fee and that posters (all of whom must be former employers of the nanny in question) provide their contact info as a reference. Since 2006, it’s been a magic formula for helping hard-working nannies find work and local families find excellent childcare. mommybites.com

SPORTy TOy OgoSport OgoSport, a Brooklyn-based toy company known for creating unique, innovative outdoor toys, has released a new toy that is sure to bring hours of fun to any child. The Aero Zipp is a uniquely-shaped launcher that shoots plastic golf balls from a couple hundred feet away. Its cool design and fun colors make it the perfect toy for a playdate in the park as kids get energized for the coming spring season with an extreme game of catch! ogosport.com

FOR mORE TIPS ON lOcAl RESOuRcES FOR FAmIlIES, cHEcK OuT NEWyORKFAmIly.cOm

www.newyorkfamily.com

birthdays

it’s my party

piper Lavish celebrates her 3rd birthday at Jodi’s gym. 1. The birthday girl points the way to parachute fun. 2. Piper is all smiles with her loving parents. 3. Nothing makes for a happier birthday than a bevy of bubbles. Photos by Karen Haberberg Photography (karenhaberberg.com)

hayden wilens celebrates his 1st birthday at apple seeds. 1. Say “cheese”—Hayden’s whole fam is ready for their close-up. 2. It’s a smorgasbord of sweet and sporty cakes for the birthday boy. 3. Hayden and his dad drum up some fun. Photos by Heidi Green Photography (heidigreen.com)

mackenzie newman celebrates her 1st birthday at session 73. 1. The birthday girl sneaks a snuggle with mom on her special day. 2. Mackenzie’s giant cupcake is a total hoot. 3. Little Maestros and Elmo wish Mackenzie the happiest birthday. Photos by Heidi Green Photography (heidigreen.com)

Looking for picture-perfect birthday venues? visit newyorkfamiLy.com/birthday-parties 24

New York Family | April 2014

www.newyorkfamily.com

activity of the month

Strike A

PoSe A Family Guide To Yoga in the City By Iman Saad Yogi Beans

It’s no secret that yoga is becoming an increasingly popular activity for adults, but did you know that it’s also great for kids? There are many benefits of yoga for children. According to Shari Vilchez-Blatt, the founder and director of New York’s Karma Kids Yoga studio, yoga can help with “building concentration and focus, flexibility, balance, and coordination.” Yoga can also improve breathing—which helps little ones de-stress. Lauren Chaitoff and Alexa Klein, co-owners of the Yogi Beans studio, explain the many ways yoga can aid kids, even beyond the physical aspect. While yoga can be a healthy exercise, it can also provide children with a release from their stressful, busy schedules. According to Klein, teachers should encourage kids to “take yoga off of their mat.” “How,” she asks, “can they implement the breathing we do at the end of class in their life?” Regardless of the child’s schedule, yoga can be done at any time and place, making it a great way to relieve stress and help children relax. A variety of yoga studios focusing on families and children also provide a comfortable space for all members of the family. Alexandra Huzar, the marketing and outreach coordinator for the Prenatal Yoga Center, mentions the positive atmosphere for moms in post-natal yoga programs. “For post-natal yoga, you can bring your baby,” she says. “It gives moms a place where they can put themselves first, because they don’t have to give their baby to a babysitter.” The new yoga-for-children trend is also reaching classrooms and schools throughout New York. “Teaching yoga in a classroom or during P.E. helps kids stay fit, because it forces them to participate in a class that introduces a plethora of yoga poses,” Samara Pearlstein, of Lil Yogi’s NYC, says. Additionally, yoga techniques can be taken from the classroom to the home where kids can practice yoga with their parents. Here, we spotlight a handful of studios throughout

New York Family | April 2014

the city where little ones—and new and expectant moms—can study yoga. Namaste! Bend & Bloom In addition to their robust prenatal yoga program, Bend & Bloom offers a holistic approach to childbirth education and postpartum support including postnatal yoga, moms’ groups, and lactation consulting. Their family focus continues with lively family yoga classes. Children age 3 and up can also take part in yoga fun after school while parents and caregivers enjoy their own serene practice in the adjacent studio. Park Slope, Brooklyn; bendandbloom.com Bija Kids Classes include yoga poses, breathing activities, guided meditation, story time, bubbles, music, games, and more. Designed to be developmentally aware, Bija Kids yoga is an active and joyful interpretation of yoga that can improve flexibility, strength, and balance. Classes for students ages 0-3 are with parents or caregivers while classes for all other ages are drop-off. Clinton Hill, Brooklyn; bijakids.com Bread and Yoga In their kids’ yoga classes, children learn to stretch, breathe deeply, relax, and concentrate. They start touching on concepts like peace, being healthy and strong, and just having fun. They also offer special prenatal yoga classes focusing on helping women adjust to the changes their body goes through during pregnancy and Mommy/Baby yoga classes designed to support and nurture bonding and build community between mothers. Inwood; breadandyoga.com Harlem Yoga Studio Their kids’ classes utilize songs, games, and continued on page 28

www.newyorkfamily.com

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moms and moms-to-be. Offering preand post-natal yoga, mommy and me classes, and workshops for moms and families, PYC strives to educate moms through this most excellent and life-changing period. Through community building, childbirth education, and specialized yoga practice, they provide moms with the tools to help make their labor and birth the best experiences they can possibly be. Multiple locations; prenatalyogacenter.com

Karma Kids Yoga

discussion, to introduce yoga and mindfulness, while helping children become comfortable with how they feel and how their bodies move through space. Balance, flexibility, and coordination are explored as poses are practiced. Conscious breathing is introduced to focus the mind and feel peaceful. Family yoga, prenatal, and post-natal classes are also offered. Harlem; harlemyogastudio.com Karma Kids Yoga Karma Kids Yoga is New York’s only yoga studio dedicated to kids and families. Offering yoga for babies, toddlers, kids, teens, and families, as well as circus yoga, prenatal yoga and pilates, special events, and yoga birthday parties. Give your child the tools they need to build confidence, self-esteem, concentration, and focus, and to find their innerpeace. West Village; karmakidsyoga.com Lil Yogi’s NYC Lil Yogi’s NYC offers fun-filled introductory yoga classes and yoga hip-hop classes for children ages 1-10. Children will be introduced to yoga through songs, adventures, games, and stories. Students will also enhance their flexibility, coordination, and fine and gross motor skills through yoga stretches and imaginative play. Expect lots of music, props, and age-appropriate exercises. Upper West Side; lilyogisnyc.com New York Yoga New York Yoga’s prenatal yoga classes are designed to give mamas-to-be the strength they’ll need to go through pregnancy and labor. They work on alleviating common (and unusual) pregnancy-specific side effects, such as lower back pain, night-time leg cramps, and shortness of breath. Every mama deserves to move, breathe, and—most importantly— have fun during pregnancy. Yorkville & Upper East Side; newyorkyoga.com Prenatal Yoga Center The PYC is the first yoga center in NYC to focus on

New York Family | April 2014

Pure Yoga Pure Yoga offers a variety of pre- and post-natal classes including Baby and Me Yoga, Momma Core, and Prenatal Yoga. With an emphasis on the core, Baby and Me Yoga is a multi-level yoga flow class designed to strengthen a parent’s body as they practice yoga with their baby. Momma Core is a multi-level Anusara Yoga class to help new moms feel strong and centered as they resume their yoga practice during the postpartum months. In prenatal yoga, moms learn to safely strengthen their abdominals to maintain postural integrity during pregnancy and labor. Upper West Side & Upper East Side; pureyoga.com Yoga For Two Yoga For Two—developed by Mary Barnes—offers a variety of yoga classes for moms, babies, and couples at Pure Yoga East and West, the JCC, and the Battery Park City Parks Conservancy in NYC. Prenatal Yoga is an invigorating class that helps women gain and maintain strength and flexibility during pregnancy, as well as teaching them to use yoga during childbirth. Baby and Me Yoga is specifically designed to strengthen a woman’s body after giving birth, while practicing yoga in the presence of her baby. This flowing yoga class focuses on strengthening abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. Baby Yoga, massage, and songs are included (babies are newborn until crawling). Momma Core Yoga is an invigorating postpartum yoga class for moms only. Multiple locations; yogafortwo.com Yogi Beans Founded in 2007, Yogi Beans is an educational and engaging yoga-for-kids company. Yogi Beans’ mission is to introduce children of all ages to a healthy, lifelong yoga practice that is non-competitive, physically challenging, and a ton of fun. Professionally-trained, caring Yogi Beans instructors develop children’s abilities to focus, stand up straight, move with control and grace, and find inner strength and selfconfidence. Upper East Side; yogibeans.com

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starting out

SHOP ‘TIL YOU POP From Upscale Boutiques To Comprehensive Super-Stores, The NYC Metro Area Has Baby-Shopping For Every Budget And Need Edited by Mia Weber Creating the perfect happy-place to welcome your newest family member into the home is a task in careful curating that could rattle even the most seasoned of shoppers. Luckily, New York City is bursting with fabulous retailers all ready to help you feather your nest. We asked owners, managers, and buyers from some of our favorite city shops to share their insight, knowledge, and savvy shopping tips.

NessaLee Baby

ALBEE BABY Interview with store manager Peter Roberge

apparel, gear, and furniture for little ones, as well as all of the necessary essentials for baby. Plus, our registry is the top choice for expectant parents everywhere.

What are the store’s core offerings? We run the gamut of children’s products, from strollers to cribs to nursery furniture, and bedding, décor, diaper bags, toys, and feeding items.

How long has the store been in business? The Toys“R”Us family gave birth to us in 1996.

How long has the store been in business? This is our 81st year, owned and operated by our founder’s children and grandchildren.

Notice any interesting trends in the nursery? It’s all in the details! Personal touches like monogrammed pillows, blankets, and keepsakes complete any nursery.

Any advice for parents shopping for a nursery? Everyone wants a nursery that’s special and comfortable, but make sure it’s comfortable for the parent as well as the baby. And don’t be afraid of colors.

What’s one product you love right now? The Kardashian Kids collection [launched] in select stores in March! The line pays close attention to the details and features sweet, on-trend ensembles for girls from newborn to 24 months.

What’s one product you love right now? We have a new crop of European strollers, including Jané, Mima, Mamas and Papas, and Nuna, that offer great quality and versatility at great prices.

24-30 Union Square East, 212-798-9905; babiesrus.com

715 Amsterdam Avenue, 212-662-7337; albeebaby.com

What are your store’s core offerings? Behr’s has the largest display of fine baby and kids’ furniture and accessories in the Tri-State area (housed in over 30,000 square-ft). Plus, we now offer online shopping! That’s a huge deal for Manhattan customers who can’t make the trip to Long Island.

BABIES“R”US What are the store’s core offerings? Babies“R”Us offers an unparalleled assortment of

New York Family | April 2014

BEHR’S SUPERSTORE Interview with co-owner Jared Behr

www.newyorkfamily.com

HIGH (STYLE) EXPECTATIONS By Emily Murphy It’s not always easy staying chic when you’re pregnant— that’s why New York Family rounded up this list of great maternity stores for any future mom who’s still got it and wants to flaunt it. ROSIE POPE MATERNITY Rosie Pope brings sophisticated styles to expecting mothers who don’t want to sacrifice fashion when they start to show. With locations on the Upper East Side, in Tribeca, and in Santa Monica, CA, the store houses flattering pieces that any woman—not just expectant ones—would want to wear (for proof, see Rosie Pope in her own designs on our cover and on page 46). Also, be sure to check out their collection of diaper bags and nursing bras, as well as the new Rosie Pope Baby line of baby clothes. 1265 Madison Avenue & 55 Warren Street; rosiepope.com DESTINATION MATERNITY Destination Maternity is the home of the world’s leading maternity brands Motherhood Maternity, and A Pea in the Pod. It is a one-stop shop for the most extraordinary selection of maternity fashion, accessories and everything imaginable for the pregnant woman. The Destination Maternity superstore in Manhattan is the largest maternity apparel store in the world and also contains a learning studio and the Edamame Spa. 575 Madison Avenue; destinationmaternity.com BUMP BROOKLYN For all the Brooklyn mamas, this affordable fashion house boasts over 50 designers. A refined shopping environment defines the store, while the careful selection of stylish clothes is perfect for the urban woman with a bun in the oven. Besides clothes, Bump Brooklyn also carries nursing and transition wear, pampering products, and jewelry. 464 Bergen Street, Brooklyn; bumpbrooklyn.com CLEMENTINE CONSIGNMENT When founder Cara Wall couldn’t find any consignment maternity clothes during her pregnancy, she decided to start up this store dedicated to being a high-end boutique option for New York women. 39 Washington Square South; clementineconsignment.com

How long has the store been in business? 107 years! We’re now in the fifth generation. Notice any interesting trends in the nursery? Grey is here to stay! This gender-neutral finish just continues to get more popular with stylish moms, especially since companies such as Young America are adding more mid-century modern collections available in the grey finish. What’s one product you love right now? The Naples crib in Grey Satin by Dolce Babi. This crib offers incredible details such as dental molding, fluting, and is available in a stunning hand-rubbed Grey Satin finish. The Naples crib is currently on display in our Behr’s Superstore showroom. 1220 Hicksville Road, Seaford, Long Island, 516-541-2347; behrsfurniture.com BELLINI Interview with co-owner Michelle Freedberg www.newyorkfamily.com

What are your store’s core offerings? Our signature collection of nursery and juvenile furniture, including cribs, beds, dressers, bookcases, armoires, and gliders. We have the Bellini collection as well as other custom lines. How long has the store been in business? We’ve been in business for 31 years. Notice any interesting trends in the nursery? A trend in nursery design is white. White has made a huge comeback in furniture and it’s keeping things crisp and clean. Also, an eclectic mix of traditional and modern. What’s one product you love right now? A specific product I love right now is the Bellini changing table. The over-sized space makes changing your baby so much easier. Several locations in the NYC metro area, including one at 1305 2nd Avenue, 212-517-9233; bellini.com BOING BOING Interview with owner Karen Paperno What are your store’s core offerings? As the country’s first breastfeeding boutique, we are proud to offer the widest selection of nursing bras in the Tri-State area. We also have a great selection of nursing clothing and breast pumps (to rent or buy) and all the spare parts you need. How long has the store been in business? At your cervix since 1996. Please share some breastfeeding advice. Skin-to-skin contact calms the baby while encouraging breastfeeding, so as often as you can, take your top off, and with baby just in a diaper, hold them against your skin. Nurse frequently, and if the baby is falling asleep on the breast, take them off, remove their clothing, and latch them on again. What’s one product you love right now? I love the lightweight slings that are being made right now. It’s about time! The Rockin Baby Sling has reversible ring slings lined in seersucker—which is perfect for warmer weather. Sakura also makes elegant linen slings in muted colors that are just right for a New York City summer. 204 6th Avenue, Brooklyn, 718-398-0251; boingboingbk.com BUYBUY BABY What are the store’s core offerings? We offer an excellent assortment of top products and brands for children from birth to age 4, including continued on page 32 April 2014 | New York Family

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strollers, car seats, bouncers, bassinets, cribs, clothing, bottles, breast pumps, monitors, nursery furniture, and various safety and personal care items. How long has the store been in business? We’ve been open for business since 1996. Notice any interesting trends in the nursery? Parents are loving fresh and chic designs these days! We are seeing a rise in nurseries with a contemporary feel and furniture that has clean lines. Lighter furniture finishes such as light grey and white are super on trend right now and can really make the nursery shine brightly for your new little star-to-be! What’s one product you love right now? The Baby Brezza Formula Pro, which lets you prepare your baby’s bottles in one easy step. Several stores in the NYC metro area, including one at 270 7th Avenue, 917-344-1555; buybuybaby.com CARIBOU BABY Interview with owner Adriane Stare What are your store’s core offerings? Caribou Baby offers adorable and eco-friendly maternity and baby essentials and hosts a full schedule of educational classes for new and expectant families. We have the widest selection of baby carriers in the Tri-State area and families hail from near and far to shop and learn from our staff about baby-wearing and cloth diapers. How long has the store been in business? Three years. Notice any trends in pre- and post-natal clothes? I’ve been seeing a lot of “before and after” pieces on the market lately—these are maternity tops that are designed to fit you during pregnancy, but also fit well after baby and be “nursable.” We like the ones from the brand BoobDesign, because they are stretchy and ruched at the sides to fit your pregnant belly, but they still remain quite fitted after you lose the baby bump. Also, the ingenious chest panel that is characteristic of all of Boob’s nursing-wear means that you can pull it up to nurse easily and discreetly without having to fumble with awkward clips or show your tummy. Please share one piece of baby-wearing advice. Baby-wearing can be really intimidating for new parents when there are so many carrier choices on the market, or when you are struggling at home with your carriers while seeing other parents seeming to wear their babies so effortlessly. Try to remember that we were all novice baby-wearers once, and that we all started in the same, helpless place that you did. It’s okay to feel like it’s hard! Just like so much about parenting, baby-wearing is a skill that is learned and perfected over time. What’s a specific product that you love right now? If I could own one swimsuit for the rest of my life

New York Family | April 2014

(pregnant or not!), it would be the before-andafter Fast Food swimsuit by BoobDesign. It’s totally flattering and I love that I can nurse my baby easily without pulling my breast over the top of the suit. 272 Driggs Avenue, Brooklyn, 347-460-2229; cariboubaby.com GIGGLE Interview with owner Ali Wing What are your store’s core offerings? Nursery, gear, and gifts. This encompasses cribs, car seats, strollers, high chairs, décor, bedding, layette, keepsakes, and more, including giggle’s own line of baby products, giggle Better Basics and giggle’s Best Baby Registry. How long has the store been in business? The first concept store opened in 2003, and the flagship and first New York store opened in 2005. Notice any interesting trends in the nursery? Color. We’re seeing more blues and variations on blues again. We’ve heightened awareness of the environment, and there’s no better place than nature to look for inspiration. And yellows—like mustard, gold, and butter—with positive, fun, energy. What’s one product you love right now? The giggle Gustaf Crib. Made from solid European birch, the giggle Gustaf Crib is all about premium wood craftsmanship and that trademark Scandinavian style. With beautifully-carved dovetail joints that give the piece a cool-on-warm accent, a slow-closing and push-open drawer for storage, and refreshing minimalism, the Gustaf Collection bucks all the trends. 1033 Lexington Avenue, 212-249-4249; 352 Amsterdam Avenue, 212-362-8680; 120 Wooster Street, 212-334-5817; giggle.com NESSALEE BABY Interview with owner Vanessa Antonelli What are your store’s core offerings? We offer strollers, furniture, gear, bedding, layettes, clothing, and custom nursery design services. Basically, we’re a one-stop shop for parents looking for everything, plus service. How long has the store been in business? Our Freehold, NJ store opened almost four years ago, our second location in Livingston, NJ opened last year, and we’re now opening a larger location in Manalapan, NJ. Please share a piece of great advice for parents shopping for a nursery. I constantly hear people saying: “We don’t want to continued on page 34 www.newyorkfamily.com

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spend a lot of money on the nursery because it doesn’t last long.” Says who? Create the nursery of your dreams and make it last. Make choices your child can grow with. What’s one nursery product that you love right now? The Mamas and Papas Galaxy Mobile. It’s one of Caribou Baby my top ten favorite baby products (all which are tried and tested by me) because it does so much and has a long lifespan. It not only moves and plays music, but it lights up and is interactive. What’s a trend in your industry that you’ve noticed? Metallics are popping up everywhere from paint to wallpaper to furniture and bedding. I love that it adds a little bit of glam to the space and can appeal to traditional or modern taste. 346 Mounts Corner Drive, Freehold, NJ; 732-431-0008 & 615 South Livingston Avenue, Livingston, NJ; 973-200-2422; nessaleebaby.com SPROUT SAN FRANSISCO Interview with founder Suzanne Price What are your store’s core offerings? We sell everything that you need for baby in the most natural and organic possible materials. We have a huge selection of organic cotton clothing, ages 0-4 years, and organic bedding and mattresses as well. We also sell solid wood furniture, all natural personal care, wooden and organic cotton toys, and strollers, and car seats free of all toxic chemicals. We also offer classes, like music and baby yoga. How long has your store been in business? We’ve been on the Upper East Side for 2.5 years. What’s a specific product that you love right now? We just got in the only glider chair on the market that is foam-free. Instead, it’s made of all natural latex and covered in material that is Oeko Tek certified to be free of harmful chemicals. Any advice for new parents as they shop for the essentials? At Sprout, when we’re asked what is the one thing that must be organic, we always urge people to invest in an organic crib mattress. Traditional mattresses are made of polyurethane foam and sprayed with flame retardant chemicals—not materials you would want a new baby to sleep on. 1375 3rd Avenue, 212-861-0670; sproutsanfrancisco.com

New York Family | April 2014

THE UPPER BREAST SIDE Interview with owner Felina Rakowski-Gallagher What are your store’s core offerings? We’re a full service lactation resource center which has a very unique “milk bar.” There, women are able to physically try and learn the proper use of the hospitalgrade breast pumps we rent or the personal use breast pumps we sell. We expertly fit women for supportive nursing bras and beautiful, accessible nursing clothing. How long has the store been in business? Since 1999. Please share one piece of breastfeeding advice. If you are having trouble, run—don’t walk—to the phone and call a board-certified lactation consultant (they can be found at nylca.org). Then you can immediately begin protecting your milk supply until you and the baby regain momentum. What’s one product you love right now? We have a nursing tank top right now from Australia that our moms can’t live without! The brand is Ripe. 135 West 70th Street, Suite 1L; 212-873-2653; upperbreastside.com YUMMY MUMMY Interview with owner Amanda Cole What are your store’s core offerings? All of our offerings are geared towards making breastfeeding easier and more comfortable—and we sell tons of nursing bras, nursing tops, and breast pumps. How long has the store been in business? We opened in May of 2009. Notice any interesting trends in maternity clothes? Just a few years ago, clothing was designed either for an expectant mom or a mom who was breastfeeding. Today, tops and dresses are made to be worn both during pregnancy and after pregnancy for breastfeeding. We’re also seeing more organic fabrics. Please share one piece of breastfeeding advice. It’s really important to be your own advocate. If you’re determined to breastfeed, educate yourself with a prenatal class. Speak up in the hospital to ensure you’re seen by the lactation consultant. Tell your partner to protect you from anyone who isn’t in support of your breastfeeding goals. What’s a specific product that you love right now? Bravado Design’s Essential Embrace nursing bra is a new favorite—of mine and our customers’. It’s super supportive and sturdy with full-coverage, but is also soft and pretty. 1201 Lexington Avenue, 212-879-8669; yummymummystore.com www.newyorkfamily.com

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education

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Smart City mom

Smart City Kids founder roxana reid

Savvy And Sympathetic, roxana reid Has Created One Of NyC’s Premiere Admissions Consultancies By Lorraine Duffy Merkl “I was not in the circle of know,” says Roxana Reid, founder of Smart City Kids, of her initial attempt, years ago, to find the right kindergarten for her now 22-year-old son, Armani. It’s a surprising personal statement coming from a woman who is now well-known and well-regarded for her expertise in doing just that: guiding families through the anxious byways of school admissions in New York City. Still, as Reid tells it, the roots of her success at Smart City Kids, which she started in 2001, are firmly embedded in her own educational experiences—first as a Panamanian immigrant growing up in Brooklyn, and later as a mom trying to provide the best education for her children. After moving to the states when she was 11

New York Family | April 2014

with Spanish as her native language, Reid soared academically, becoming the valedictorian of her public middle school in Brooklyn and gaining admission into the elite Stuyvesant High School. “But my mom, who was a teacher herself, said ‘no’ to Stuyvesant because Manhattan was like another country,” Reid explains. “She thought I’d be safer if I was closer to home. But the thing is we lived in Brownsville in the 80’s during the crack era. It wasn’t safe at all.” Fast forward to her 20s. Reid’s career interests lead her to Columbia University’s Graduate School of Social Work with a concentration in education and school-based services. Professionally, she was working at public and private schools, performing educational assessments, advising parents on their children’s challenges, and assisting with school placement for hundreds of students. But as a mom, with Armani on the cusp of nursery school, she found it hard to be objective about own her son’s needs and felt that the admissions process “was startling and daunting.” Later, when it was time to look into kindergarten, she tried to be more organized and pro-active, but the only advice her nursery school director had was continued on page 38

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the default option of looking into the grade schools in the neighborhood. And when she turned to her then sister-in-law for advice, who was one of the few people she knew with a child in private school, that was an even harsher dead-end. “She told me to go to my local public school because private schools was not for us,” Reid says. “And I thought, ‘Hmmm. Really?’ At the same time, I realized that there was a whole world of education out there that may or may not be limited to my family because of income—‘How do I access that?’”

“I’m strategic. I don’t sugar coat. In an [admissions] system that has too many veils, I operate with transparency with my clients.” And so she did. “I did a lot research, more so than what you would typically do to evaluate schools,” she says. She didn’t know it while she was doing it, but Reid was laying the groundwork for the base of knowledge—and the personal experience of having been through it herself—that would eventually allow her to launch Smart City Kids. Like many NYC parents, Reid did a lot of soul searching about the relative merits of public school versus private school for her son. Initially, Armani attended a G & T program at a neighborhood public school, but ultimately she switched him over to private school because, as she described it: “The teachers were overwhelmed, the parents were not as engaged as I had hoped they would be, and to help the situation I found myself volunteering so much it was like I had become the assistant teacher—it just wasn’t what I wanted in terms of my aspirations for him.” More than anything, what she wanted for her son, she realized, was a school that seemed like a really good fit—from its academics to its values—and that realization has been the cornerstone approach that she offers her parent-clients at Smart City Kids. “When I started there was nothing like us around. No one had the nuanced understanding of what placement in this city meant,” Reid says. “I really wanted to be an intimate service that provided clarity on fit, which for me is the most important guide for admissions. It’s not about the best schools—it’s about which schools are best for your child and family.” Families primarily seek out Smart City Kids for guidance to nursery and grade school admissions. Most of the families are affluent and are largely focused on independent schools (i.e. private nursery and ongoing schools) but Reid, with her clients’ interests in mind, will often counsel them to be savvy about their public school options as well. She also does a lot of work with lower-income families who can’t afford her normal fees. The process of getting to know a client begins with a detailed three-page questionnaire. “I’m a

New York Family | April 2014

clinician by training, so talking and vetting is an essential part of the discussion,” Reid says. “We take a lot of time pinpointing what each family’s values and priorities are—and will try to take a 360-degree look at each child… And you know what? When you ask parents big questions about who they are and what they stand for, they know that you are someone who will care deeply about their child.” Her child-focused approach is an important part of her appeal; but needless to say, so is her astute knowledge of city schools and admissions. “I’m strategic. I don’t sugar coat. I don’t speak in veiled terms,” Reid says. “In an [admissions] system that has too many veils, I operate with transparency with my clients.” Both public school and private school admissions have their public face and their less public nuances— but, by and large, private school admissions has a bigger personal component: there is more time spent with applicants and their families, and school admissions directors will often speak with nursery school directors about the applicants from their school. One of the ways that Reid has gained the respect and trust of many in the private school admission world, if not everyone, is by not only being a trustworthy partner but also by having wellregarded consultants on her staff who are from that world, like her “main squeeze,” Terri Decker, who previously worked in admissions at Ethical Culture/ Fieldston and at YMCA Co-op Nursery School. Still, Smart City Kids never makes any guarantees—as some other school consultants are reputed to do. Reid asserts that she has a very high success rate. Families who work with her and her team to focus on schools that really are a good match for their child; and who are willing to apply to a decent number of schools (and not just the ones that are the most competitive to get in to), usually end up with good options. She also commits herself to an ongoing relationship with any of her families who don’t initially end up with a spot somewhere. Another part of her success that she takes enormous pride in is her work with parents with low incomes but big dreams for their kids (families, in other words, with backgrounds much like her own). “Yup, we do a bit of Robin Hood here, we leverage our resources,” Reid says. “I’m no longer a social worker, but I’m still totally passionate about education—and how it can make the biggest difference in a child’s life.” It certainly has for Reid and her children. Her youngest son, Ty, is in grade 9 at a top boarding school in New Jersey. And as for Armani, whose educational fate was the early catalyst that led his mom into school admissions, he’s now at Yale, where he’s studying psychology and economics, and is one of the stars of their resurgent basketball team.

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Days The Horticultural society Of New york (aKa The Hort) Is Growing a New Generation Of Little Gardeners and Eco-Minded Families By Emanuelle Block Have you ever seen a leafy green monster like the ominous and bug-eating venus fly trap, or done some bug-hunting of your own by digging in the dirt to find wiggly worms? Carnivorous plants and squirmy worms can be hard to find in our urban jungle. But on a recent afternoon, the Horticultural Society of New York brought these and other nature-inspired activities to kids and families at their annual Green Bean Bash. The aromatic scents of lemon and mint wafted as kids assembled their own tea bags by hand using organic herbs and spices. At another station, they used grains, fruit, and seeds to inspire a custom granola blend. Botanical artwork and decorative rock painting were among the many hands-on projects encouraging the 250-plus kids and their families to explore the plant world and our ecosystem. “While the world makes strides in technology and cities grow, our mission is to ensure that we don’t forget the importance of plant life,” explains Sara Hobel, executive director of the Hort, the institution’s catchy nickname. “Most city kids grow up without exposure to gardening, but we try to help children discover the joy of nature. Gardening is a healthy activity that can help kids understand the connection between the food we eat and the plants that help sustain our communities.” Through afterschool and summer educational programs, and the building of gardens in public and private schools, the Hort introduces plant life to children from an early age. Kids know how to buy vegetables in a store, but now they are learning to grow them. They might proudly grow up to three different types of lettuces in their school garden or

New York Family | April 2014

Having fun at the Hort’s annual Green Bean Bash

snip fresh herbs to make their own salad dressing. Emphasizing the sensory experience of gardening— sight, smell, touch, taste—kids are learning that there might be as many as five different herbs in a favorite recipe, or how you can grow your own hot peppers. And as the Hort staff always reminds them, gardening is a hobby that can be enjoyed for a lifetime, from childhood through retirement. “Family education is a big push for us, because we see the need across-the-board,” Hobel says. Compared to Whole Foods or at a farmer’s market, with their enormous selections of fresh fruits and vegetables, small groceries in lower-income neighborhoods often have a limited choice of fresh produce—typically broccoli, carrots, iceberg lettuce, and cucumbers. The Hort steps in with programs to help New Yorkers in low-income communities learn about the value of growing fresh foods. They also started a prison garden program based on the belief that people who have had little access to nature can greatly benefit from therapeutic gardening. “Some people may intuitively understand if you have a bad day, you might want to get out into nature for some respite. But that concept is stripped out of urban life,” Hobel elaborates. It wasn’t always so. In the 19th century, www.newyorkfamily.com

Daniel S. Burnstein Photography

when sections of the city were still quite green and pastoral, many people grew their own vegetables. And among the affluent, in particular, gardening emerged as a popular pastime. Garden enthusiasts would revel in how to grow the biggest chrysanthemum or how to cultivate a new species of rhododendra or boxwood imported from England. Mansion owners and their gardeners held club meetings to exchange tips and ideas, and to compete in the annual flower show, which, for many years, was the Horticultural Society of New York’s signature event since its founding in 1902. By the mid-20th century, however, with the city’s green spaces on the wane, the Hort had shifted its priorities from avocational gardening to social service. It still runs the New York Flower Show Dinner Dance, which will take place on April 28 and invites leading floral designers to create elaborate tabletop designs. But the show itself is less about competing flowers, as it was in the days of yore, than it is a benefit to support all of the Hort’s enriching programming.

“while the world makes strides in technology and cities grow, our mission is to ensure that we don’t forget the importance of plant life.” Recently, the Hort introduced a new family membership whose perks include special admission to the family benefit, a speaker luncheon (last year’s topic was how to “green” your household), special excursions (this year is a behind-the-scenes tour of the Queens County Farm), plus admission to other events and programs with families in mind. “By starting the family membership we continue to develop interesting programming for all ages,” says George Pisegna, the Hort’s deputy director and chief of horticulture. “We try to teach our members about sustainable living: foods to eat, cleaning and bath products, green clothing and school supplies, recycling and tips to teach your children at home. We share ideas for eco-friendly DIY crafts and school projects. They are fun, educational—and the kids love them.” A favorite workshop teaches how to make a terrarium. In a glass jar, the kids put in dirt and plants, then add tiny creatures to make it a living habitat. It’s so popular that parents have asked the Hort staff to offer it at children’s birthday parties and in schools. They offer several nature-inspired theme parties (how about a ladybug picnic?), or they can custom-design an activity based on your own child’s interest. They also present an annual student art show, exhibiting artwork from NYC school children. This year’s exhibit featured colorful floral collage and watercolor pieces selected from over 600 entries. As the Hort’s director of education, Pam Ito, describes it, the joy of connecting a child to nature can be as transcendent as nature itself. In the www.newyorkfamily.com

A tabletop design by Renny & Reed at the New York Flower Show Dinner Dance. Inset: Sara Hobel, executive director of the Hort

classroom, she loves to demonstrate how plants can relate to your life. She might use the herb thyme as an example. With its antibacterial qualities, Ito explains that people have historically used thyme to preserve food and prevent spoiling. Now we use thyme in hand sanitizers and cleaning agents. She asks kids “what is unique about this plant?” Likening it to a “super power,” thyme can ward off insects and defend against other plants from growing near it. Ito also likes to demonstrate how growing vegetables in a school garden relates to nature’s cycle: from seed to plant. “We grow it, we eat it, we share it,” she says. One group she recently worked with diced the vegetables and made elaborate “summer rolls.” They included things like cabbage and cilantro, which the kids don’t often eat. But the rolls were colorful and delicious—and they ate them up. “It was so nice because the kids grew all the vegetables themselves,” Ito adds excitedly. If the Hort has its way, all city kids will have that experience.

For more about the hort’s happenings, visit newyorkFamily.com.

April 2014 | New York Family 41

good idea

DaD DaD To

New Dad Bootcamp with the NYC Dads Group

As The Popular NYC Dads Group Reaches Their Fifth Anniversary And Launches A National Hub, The Founders Share Five Important Truths They’ve Learned About Fathers And Fatherhood By Eric Messinger Five years ago, Lance Somerfeld and Matt Schneider— two stay-at-home dads who had first become friends as teachers at a Bronx public school—thought it might be a good idea for their social life (and sanity) to see if there were other stay-at-home dads around who might be interested in getting together on occasion for playdates and schmoozing. Though their effort—the NYC Dads Group—may have been born of personal need and modest expectation, it has accomplished something that, to my knowledge, no previous local dads group had ever done: it worked! These days, NYC Dads has about 1,000 active local members—working dads and stay-at-home dads

New York Family | April 2014

alike—who participate in their live events and enjoy their online offerings. Their group events include everything from dad-child museum visits to Dads’ Night Out fun; and their New Dad Boot Camps, in particular, have become a famously helpful rite of passage for new fathers around the city. At the same time, Somerfeld and Schneider have helped start similar dads groups, not only around the New York Tri-State area, but also in other cities, including Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, and Denver. And they have taken on a high-profile media role as a combination educator/advocate/ watchdog for fathers and fathering that’s been reflected in NYC Dads’ excellent blog and podcasts. How did all this happen? “Our timing worked out well,” Somerfeld says. “More and more families are making childcare and financial decisions based on what’s best for their families rather than being boxed in by outdated gender norms. More dads are active caregivers in their families, and we want to connect with each other to have fun, to be supported, and to learn.” To continue to meet this growing interest among dads to be connected with other dads, Somerfeld and Schneider have decided it’s time to take a giant step forward in the life of their organization by launching a new national organization called City Dads Group that will serve as a national hub with continued on page 44

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information and content from all of their local groups. “We’ll still have websites in each city that will include local content and Meetup experiences. But our hope is that CityDadsGroup.com will become a daily destination for dads—and moms—as they navigate parenthood,” as Schneider explains. With City Dads Group set to launch this month, we thought the timing was perfect to ask Somerfeld and Schneider to reflect on experiences, professional and personal, over the last five years, and share with us five important truths they’ve learned about dads. Fatherhood couldn’t ask for two better spokesmen! 1. Dads Can Hack It: Generally, we as a society still haven’t quite come around to the idea that dads are parents too. If a dad takes his child on public transportation, goes grocery shopping, or bakes the cupcakes for the school bake sale, he’s a rock star. We’re overpraised by strangers for displaying even the most basic level of involvement in our children’s lives. Recently, on a crowded cross-town bus, Lance was reading a picture book with his son when a kind lady complimented him for being a “great dad.” What about all of the other moms and caregivers riding the crowded bus with their children? Were they “great” parents too? The bar is still set extremely low for fathers, and we’re asking society to elevate their parenting expectations for us. We can deliver. Just give us the chance. 2. Dads Love Talking About Parenting: There’s a mystique and misconception that dads keep their feelings inside when it comes to important topics like parenting and relationships. We host parenting workshops covering topics like potty training, happy/healthy sleep habits, admission to preschool, becoming a new dad, and child passenger safety. We have heated conversations during these workshops and during Meetups where dads are champing at the bit to share their opinions and feelings surrounding all topics of parenting. Dads want to share best practices for wiping their daughters after a poop, what to do when their kid refuses to nap, or what app they can use to log feedings during the first few months. They also want to vent their frustrations on the lack of changing stations in public restrooms, lost spontaneity that comes with strict nap and feeding schedules, and not having enough personal time to pursue hobbies, see friends, or exercise. Dads want to talk parenting——they just need the right forum. 3. Dads Want It All: New and expectant dads are worried about how to be successful at work and successful at home. New dads share their fears and valid concerns about long hours, business travel, lack of paternity leave and/or flexible benefits, and a rigid corporate culture. Not surprisingly, studies from Boston College, the Families and Work Institute, and even Dove Men+Care show that most dads want to be successful both in their careers and as fathers. We encourage dads to figure out what benefits they have and use them, to be transparent with supervisors so they know that being a parent is important, and to

New York Family | April 2014

Big Apple Portraits

continued from page 42

nYC Dads Group Founders Lance somerfeld and matt schneider

carve out special time each week to tune in and do something you enjoy with your children. 4. Dads Want To Be On The Team: Parenting is challenging work whether it’s mom or dad in charge. We believe in the idea that dads can be just as nurturing, capable, and confident as moms. Our children need to be fed, cared for, brought to school, assisted with homework, and shuttled to practice. Domestic chores like laundry, cleaning the home, and paying bills need to be tackled, and we’ve drawn the conclusion that it’s so much easier as a high performance tag team of two. Dads need ample opportunities early and often to learn. Too frequently, moms feel as if they’re the only one that can properly care for their child and dads are pushed aside. Please let us fail miserably, pull ourselves up, and learn from our mistakes so we can be capable partners. 5. Dads Are All Different: Research shows that fathers are more physical with their children, that we might push them to take more risks, that we might do less housework, that we are the “fun” parent, and that we are more strict disciplinarians. Frankly, we see plenty of dads on all sides of the spectrum—— from the dad who totes around a paring knife and cutting board so fruits and vegetables are prepared at the ready to the dad who doesn’t cook at all and is fine with store-bought snacks. We see the handy dad who turns a milk carton and popsicle sticks into a birdhouse, and dads who pay their building’s super to construct the new toy kitchen. We see the dads who hover over their child as they move from one rung to the next on the monkey bars and dads who encourage their child to scale a 10-ft-high park fence. In our experience, dads don’t really care about these misconceptions on whether we do it the same or differently. Bottom line? Children benefit from being exposed to a range of parenting styles, so feel free to find your rhythm, go with your gut, and embrace your differences.

FOr mOre InFOrmATIOn ABOuT nYC DADs GrOuP AnD THeIr neW nATIOnAL PLATFOrm, CITY DADs GrOuP, vIsIT nYCDADsGrOuP.COm AnD CITYDADsGrOuP.COm, resPeCTIveLY.

www.newyorkfamily.com

PARTNERS in

EVERYTHING As They Welcome Their Fourth Child And Celebrate Their First Line Of Baby Clothes, Rosie & Daron Pope Share Their Secrets For Staying In Synch At Home And In The Office By Mia Weber

ome may argue that the phenomenon of “pregnancy brain” is a myth, but maternity maven Rosie Pope—known most famously for her Bravo series “Pregnant in Heels”—begs to differ. “Pregnancy amnesia is real,” she insists with a laugh when, at our late February photo shoot, I ask how her current—and in fact, her fourth—pregnancy is measuring up to her previous three. “Like, I’m saying now: ‘It’s great, it’s totally awesome!’ But last week I was probably in tears.” Luckily, amnesia or no, Rosie has a reliable source keeping tabs on her growing baby bump. “I think this pregnancy has been a breeze, relative to some of the earlier ones—whether she knows it, or remembers it, or not,” Rosie’s husband, Daron Pope, chimes in. And who would know better than Daron, who’s not only Rosie’s partner in love and in parenting their kids (5-year-old James, 3-year-old Wellington, and 1-year-old Vivienne) but is also her partner in business, having served as the president and CEO of Rosie Pope Maternity and MomPrep since 2010? In case you didn’t catch that: Yes, they’re married, yes, they run a successful (and growing) business side-by-side, and quadruple-yes…they’re about to welcome their fourth baby into the world [Editor’s note: on March 6, subsequent to our interview with her, Rosie gave birth to a healthy baby girl—Bridget]. And did we mention that Rosie also happens to be the first-ever contributor to Amazon Mom, Amazon Registry, and Amazon Baby—providing curated product picks and parenting tips to Amazon-shopping parents—and, last month, the couple launched Rosie Pope Baby, a delightful line of baby clothes?

New York Family | April 2014

In a world where joining the personal and professional realms can sometimes have unhappy consequences, Rosie and Daron make a pretty airtight case for taking on life’s joys and challenges as a team, playing off of each others strengths, both in business and on the home front. “I think that we complement each other because we have very different things that we focus on [professionally] and I think that we respect the other’s skill set,” Rosie explains. When it comes to skill sets, Rosie and Daron—who first met by chance in an elevator at the Gansevoort Hotel back in 2004—couldn’t bring more diverse contributions to the table. With Rosie’s creative vision and pre- and post-natal know-how (scores of moms love her Rosie Pope Maternity clothing line, educational MomPrep services, and baby bump bible, Mommy IQ: The Complete Guide to Pregnancy) and Daron’s sense of financial savvy (he left his career in the financial industry almost four years ago to take over the fiscal side of Rosie Pope Maternity and MomPrep) proving to be a magic formula in the board room, it’s no wonder the couple seems in synch about their host of professional endeavors. It’s evident in the playful way they interact (from Daron’s plethora of goofy poses at our photo shoot to the easy, breezy way they bounce scheduling details off one another) that the Popes don’t let the tensions that sometimes follow when couples work together make a dent in their marriage. For this sense of continued on page 48

www.newyorkfamily.com

Photos by Sarah Merians Photography. Hair & Makeup by Karina Montoya

www.newyorkfamily.com

April 2014 | New York Family

On Rosie Pope: (this page) Rosie Pope Maternity Audra Dress; Lady Kismet Koda bracelets and Chosu bangle; her own earrings, rings, and gold bangles; (page 50) Rosie Pope Maternity Bohemian Shirt Dress; J. Crew necklace; Vince Camuto heels. On Daron Pope: his own clothes, glasses, and shoes.

continued from page 46

strength, they credit trust and a diligent separation of home and work happenings—a system that they both say took time to perfect. “You have to be able to ask yourself whether you have trust in your partner, otherwise, [the] secondguessing is going to destroy the business and the relationship,” Rosie explains. “It’s okay if you have a relationship with somebody where you don’t trust fully in their skill set. It doesn’t mean you love them any less— it just means you shouldn’t go into business together… If I had decided to be a singer, Daron would not have joined the company. He still loves me, but I don’t think he has any faith that that would be successful.” Daron remains mum on whether he would or wouldn’t get behind a Rosie Pope musical, but he whole-heartedly shares his wife’s views on the necessity of trust and adds that distinguishing between the personal and the professional has been key to the health of their relationship. “In 2010, I think there were probably heated business debates that left some kind of echo after… you could feel that something had stepped into the personal realm,” he recalls. “Now, we can have the most heated business arguments and then, right after, be like: ‘Okay, what are we having for dinner?’” Though both readily admit that they conduct company conversations at home—in the bathroom as Rosie gets ready for the day or at the dinner table at night—the couple has become masterful at not letting business tiffs encroach on the quality of their marriage. And though it’s easy to assume—given their

stature in the baby and maternity sphere—that the Popes would have no worries in regards to their fourth baby, they haven’t let themselves rest on their laurels. “We absolutely face very, very similar, if not the exact, circumstances as other new parents,” Daron says with a sentiment that his wife echoes. “I think anybody that tells you that they’ve totally got it, that everyday’s a breeze…is lying to you. It doesn’t matter how experienced you are, everybody worries—it’s what you do as a parent,” Rosie adds. “It doesn’t mean it has to consume your life or how you parent, but it’s important to respect that it’s something we all go through as parents because we want the best for our children… new things come up all the time that you don’t know how to deal with, or haven’t dealt with before…it helps keep us on the ball with what our clients need.” The fact that the Popes are so in tune with the needs of their clients—expectant moms shopping for chic maternity looks and parents turning to Rosie for her MomPrep classes and consultations on subjects like breastfeeding preparation and infant CPR—is one that truly manifests when the couple comes to the New York Baby Show (last year Rosie served as a spokeswoman and keynote speaker for the event while Daron represented a dad’s perspective on the panel of parenting experts). Both Rosie and Daron love coming to the Show, which will be held on May 17-18 this year (the Popes will be back in a big way— see sidebar on page 50), because it lets them share their expertise directly with moms and dads seeking continued on page 50

Special Delivery 1. Kimono set ($36.50) and beanie ($12.50) in the Blooming Wishes print from the girls layette collection. 2. Onesie ($15.50) and legging ($16.50) in the You’re A Star print from the unisex layette collection. 3. John Johns with snap bottoms ($38.50) in the Anchors Away print from the infant boy collection. 4. Flutter sleeves tee and ($19.50) in the Powder Pink Stripe print and skirt ($18.50) in the Secret Garden print from the infant girls collection. 5. Ruffle dress with bow ($38.50) in the Lemon Blossom print from the infant girl collection.

New York Family | April 2014

1 In addition to their fourth bundle of joy, Rosie and Daron Pope couldn’t be prouder of another precious arrival in their lives: Rosie Pope Baby! The new collection of layettes, infant clothes, swaddling blankets, and mommy & me ensembles (all in exclusive prints) hit the market last month and couldn’t be cuter! Check out our favorite pieces and look for the line at shop.rosiepope.com, amazon.com, diapers.com, in Rosie Pope Maternity & Baby stores (the flagship Maternity Lab at 55 Warren Street and the UES location at 1265 Madison Ave), and in Bloomingdale’s stores.

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See Rosie Pope At The New York Baby Show! Join New York Family and Rosie Pope at the New York Baby Show! The family-friendly mega event for expectant and new parents (and their babies and toddlers) from the Tri-State area and beyond will take place on the weekend of May 17-18, 2014 at Pier 92. Explore a mix of top products and services for maternity, baby, and toddler, along with an inspiring menu of speakers and demonstrations from highly regarded experts (including Rosie and Daron, of course) in the world of parenting and pregnancy. Highlights also include moms’ and dads’ lounges, a toddler play area, and the original Stroller Test Track! For more info and to purchase tickets, visit newyorkbabyshow.com!

continued from page 48

answers to pressing parenting questions. “Becoming a smart parent doesn’t happen in a post-graduate setting…so I think the New York Baby Show is a great opportunity to meet products and companies and to talk to Rosie,” Daron says. And Rosie concurs, underscoring the personal aspect of the Baby Show experience. “Often the resources come down to going online…but it tends to be sort of a lonely experience,” she says. “I think it’s very rare to have the opportunity to be able to have an entire panel of people who want to help you, and give you information, and that you can ask anything you want.” The same genuine sense of care and desire to provide a rock-solid source of parenting knowledge is also a big motivator behind the couple’s most recent project: Rosie Pope Baby, a line of layettes, infant clothes, and mommy & me ensembles that launched in March (see sidebar on page TK). The line lets Rosie Pope Maternity and MomPrep clients and customers continue their relationship with the brand after giving birth. “We meet so many amazing, special people during their pregnancy and take care of them during that time, and we wanted to be able to continue that journey,” Rosie explains. “The [Rosie Pope Baby] collection is a combination of everything I’ve learned over the years as a designer but also as a mother… The way it looks is fun and joyful and very perfect for a child, but I also think it complements a parent’s sense of style. And on the function side of it, it was really important to me to do things that made the clothes really useful and helpful for parents.” After one look at the precious pieces in the collection, it’s clear that Rosie has hit her mark as a designer—but it’s the functional element that makes the line truly unique. Not only is it rife with items like onesies that unbutton at the feet in order to extend the life of the garment as a baby grows, but each piece comes with a collectable Mommy IQ Tip on the hangtag that offers a piece of

New York Family | April 2014

signature Rosie Pope advice. Plus, the new line was developed for an accessible price point ($12.50-38.50, approximately)—a fact that Rosie and Daron hope will help them connect with more new families than ever— and is being delivered through Amazon in order to ensure efficient and quality service and delivery. In fact, since the fourth quarter of 2013, Rosie has been working with Amazon Mom, Amazon Registry, and Amazon Baby as a curator of content (think fun lists of products with themes like “Picks to Keep Baby Entertained”) and provider of expert tips to help parents navigate pregnancy and early parenthood. “I’m [the] first-ever contributor for Amazon Mom,” Rosie says enthusiastically. “I get to give [Amazon parents] expert tips, and curate, and give them things I think will make their lives easier.” The marriage with Amazon is one that seems like a perfect fit for the Popes and their own business. When it comes to giving advice, Rosie is passionate about the fact that there really is no catch-all when it comes to parenting—and she and Daron love that Amazon is essentially the retail equivalent of that philosophy; there’s something accessible for every kind of parent. “Amazon truly recognizes the range of offerings, and that there isn’t one best for anybody,” Rosie says. “We really embody that as a company and what Amazon allows us to do is help people figure out what’s right for them. We get to do that through content and curated picks.” As for what’s best for Rosie and Daron Pope as they manage their business and wait on the arrival of their latest progeny? Well, the two busy parents are hard at work managing their kids’ expectations of the new baby (“From oldest to youngest: super-excited, kind-of-excited and a-little-confused, [and] not-reallysure-what’s-going-on,” Daron says) and remembering to relish the fact that they get to spend their days more together than apart. And who knows? We may see Rosie and Daron (and their lovable brood) back on the small screen sooner rather than later (surely with Rosie in heels, but probably not pregnant). “I think that it’s a fine balance for us because of family and business and everything. But [being on TV] is something I really enjoy doing, so maybe after I have the fourth baby that’s the next baby—instead of having a fifth,” she says with a wry laugh. “We’ll see.” www.newyorkfamily.com

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WELLNESS GUIDE

Sage Advice From Local Pediatricians, Pediatric Dentists, Orthodontists, And OB-GYNs—Plus, Our Readers Share Their Favorite Neighborhood Family Doctors Edited by Emanuelle Block and Bridget Moriarity HOW TO PICK A PEDIATRICIAN

approved doctors from your own physician.

By Jessica Roblin

of Tribeca Pediatrics recommends asking

To find a new restaurant, almost any search

about their doctors’ availability. “How fast do

engine does the trick—and the same goes

you get answers when you visit, and, in an

for many other goods and services, from

emergency, will you really be able to reach

boutiques to hairdressers. Unfortunately,

your pediatrician?”

that’s not how finding a pediatrician works. “The internet is not the best place to get

To that point, Dr. Judith Goldstein of Global Pediatrics notes the increasing

information because it’s anonymous and a lot

presence of “group practices.” This means

of people share grievances [more than the]

that doctors share on-call shifts at night, on

positives,” says Dr. Liza Natale of Pediatric

weekends, and during holidays—so taking

Associates of NYC. So what’s a new parent

more than 30 minutes to call back for an

to do?

emergency isn’t acceptable.

The first step is to get some

Other times, it’s about who you can

recommendations. Natale suggests checking

get in with in the first place. Check various

with fellow parents who have already chosen

pediatric offices for group visits and

a pediatrician or getting a list of personally

www.newyorkfamily.com

If you’re consulting friends, Dr. Michel Cohen

continued on page 54

April 2014 | New York Family

wellness guide

continued from page 53

presentations, free meet-and-greets, and

in their area. “One of the most important

other prenatal-specific services.

things in my practice is good communication

Once you have one doctor (or a few)

between myself, the patient, and the parent,”

in mind, set up a first visit. At the office,

says pediatric dentist Barry Jacobson. Check

you assess fit factors as simple as the look

all credentials and look for a child-friendly

and feel of the space. While cleanliness and

office, with a warm and friendly staff, that’s

organization are musts, a welcoming set-up

also accessible to you. “Parents should

can help relax anxious children. For facilities,

be able to easily schedule appointments,”

look for an office equipped to perform simple

Hochberg says. “Pediatric dental offices must

lab work and multiple tests—that’ll mean less

be available for after-hour emergencies, as

running around, Goldstein points out.

well weekend appointment options.”

Patience is key. A doctor should be open to questions without making parents feel silly,

Time For Braces?

Natale says. Cohen, however, notes that some

Children should be assessed for orthodontic

parents do find it reassuring to have a more

treatment by age 7. If the dentist makes

authoritative sounding board.

an orthodontic referral, they can request

The one thing to get a second opinion on,

a panoramic radiograph, which is a low

Cohen cautions, is medication. “It gets tricky

radiation image to detect underlying issues

if you ask their approach and they say that

like missing or ectopic (displaced) permanent

they try to be very hands off—when in reality

teeth that could result in impaction if left

they’ll prescribe medication every visit.”

untreated. If detected early, orthodontists

At the end of the day a level of comfort

can conservatively re-direct these teeth. They

and trust needs to exist with the pediatrician

can also look for bite and jaw issues. “There

you choose. “Assure yourself that this is

are certain problems than can be dealt with

someone you can really work with—someone

more effectively, efficiently, and appropriately

warm and flexible,” Goldstein says. After all the

if diagnosed early, when a young jaw is still in

basics check out, it’s like all other important

its formative stage,” explains David Sherman,

choices in life—it comes down to intuition.

an orthodontist with offices in Manhattan and

How To Pick THe BesT PediaTric denTisT or orTHodonTisT For Your cHild By emanuelle Block

Long Island.

Finding an orTHodonTisT Parents can ask their child’s pediatrician or dentist for an orthodontic referral. Orthodontist Elliott Moskowitz advises

ParenT To ParenT ediTor’s noTe: A brief aside on how these listings came together: To find a good doctor, many people turn to their friends, so we thought why not turn to our readers to put together a list of favorite, local OBGYNs, pediatricians, and pediatric dentists and orthodontists? (We’ve also included urgent care listings and hospitals in which to give birth.) These listings are not meant to serve as ratings, and we’re sure there are many other great doctors in this area worth mentioning who aren’t included here. But as a parent-to-parent resource, we’re confident that this list will be very useful to those who need it. If you’d like to suggest a favorite OB-GYN, pediatrician, pediatric dentist, or orthodontist, please email the tip to newyorkfamily@manhattanmedia. com, and put “Favorite Doctor” in the subject line. Mention the name of the doctor and the neighborhood where their office is located. We’ll do the rest. Thank you! PediaTricians uPPer easT side: carnegie Hill Pediatrics 1125 Park Avenue (212) 289-1400 stephanie christensen, md Tracy gallagher, md karen lancry, md 159 East 69th Street (212) 249-2113

parents to check a prospective orthodontist’s Whether it’s a little one’s very first trip to the

academic affiliation, credentials, as well as

dentist, or time to straighten that crooked

the number of years in practice, updated

smile, parents need to know what to look for

training, and professional development.

in a pediatric dentist or orthodontist.

“Look for a caring professional and a helpful office staff,” Moskowitz says.

a cHild’s FirsT VisiT To THe denTisT The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

How To HaVe a HealTHY, HaPPY PregnancY

(AAPD) recommends that children visit a dentist by age 1. Even before the first tooth

The journey from pregnancy to motherhood

comes in, you can brush a baby’s gums

entails huge physical and emotional changes.

to help them become comfortable with

We asked several of the city’s top doctors for

brushing. “Some parents mistakenly think

their advice about this life-changing time.

global Pediatrics 1559 York Avenue (212) 585-3329 Barbara landreth, md 115 East 67th Street (212) 772-7569 suzanne loiselle, md laura Popper, md 116 East 66th Street (212) 794-2136 manhattan Pediatrics 125 East 72nd Street (212) 988-6500

they should wait until a child is older so he or she won’t cry at the visit. They should not

PrenaTal adVice:

wait, because it can be too late,” explains

Improve your nutrition, make sure your

Mark Hochberg of the Manhattan Pediatric

vaccinations are up to date, modify your

Dental Group. “The earlier the better is the

lifestyle by increasing exercise and changing

best way to ensure a cavity-free, happy child.”

behaviors that could adversely affect your pregnancy, and start taking a prenatal

How To Find a PediaTric denTisT

vitamin. Each pregnancy and birth is a unique

Pediatric dentists receive at least two

experience and your obstetrician is there

additional years of academic and hospital

to be your compass. –szilvia nagy, md,

training following dental school. The AAPD

attending obstetrician and gynecologist,

website (aapd.org) is a helpful resource for

newYork-Presbyterian/lower manhattan

parents looking for certified pediatric dentists

Hospital

New York Family | April 2014

Park avenue Pediatrics 1111 Park Avenue (212) 534-3000 Pediatrics east of new York 157 East 81st Street (212) 879-7014 Pediatrics of new York 11 East 86th Street (212) 535-3131 upper east side Pediatrics 215 East 79th Street (212) 737-7800 www.newyorkfamily.com

Sit down with your doctor and review any chronic medications you take

Greg A. Yapalater, MD 715 Park Avenue (212) 289-8683

to ensure that you are using medications that are safe during pregnancy. Make sure your doctor has sent a prenatal panel of blood tests to determine if you are immune to rubella and chickenpox. Currently,

Upper West siDe:

genetic testing should include at least cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, and fragile X syndrome for everyone. –peter G. McGovern, MD,

Big Apple pediatrics 315 West 70th Street (212) 595-5501

Chairman, Department of obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount sinai roosevelt and Mount sinai st. luke’s

Columbia West side pediatrics 21 West 86th Street (212) 799-2737

The woman who starts her pregnancy at an appropriate weight should gain about 25-30 lbs during her pregnancy. Gaining too much weight increases the risk of gestational diabetes and hypertension. Gestational diabetes can contribute to increasing the size of the baby

pediatric & Adolescent Medicine 390 West End Avenue (212) 787-1444

and increasing the risk of shoulder dystocia and cesearean section. Hypertension can increase the risk for preterm birth induction and placental blood flow compromise. –William schweizer, MD, Clinical Associate professor, Department of obstetrics and Gynecology at

scantlebury pediatrics, pC 350 Central Park West (212) 749-6010 Weill Cornell Medical Associates 12 West 72nd Street (646) 962-7800 (Additional locations in Manhattan) West Care pediatrics 2 West 86th Street (212) 787-1788 West end pediatrics 450 West End Avenue (212) 769-3070 (Additional location in Manhattan) West park Medical Group 200 West 57th Street (212) 247-4201 Westside pediatrics 620 Columbus Avenue (212) 874-4500 BeloW 42nD street: Beth israel pediatric Associates 10 Union Square East (212) 844-8300 Downtown pediatrics 36 North Moore Street (212) 925-3636 Gramercy pediatrics 67 Irving Place (212) 473-4200 rahul Hace, MD elias Halac, MD 155 East 38th Street (212) 490-2446 (Additional location in Queens)

pediatrics 505 LaGuardia Place (212) 505-0222

nYU langone Medical Center

our Kids’ MD 59 West 12th Street (212) 496-5437 (Additional location in Manhattan)

hips for support when wearing dresses or skirts. Keep flip-flops around

pediatric Associates of nYC 317 East 34th Street (212) 725-6300 (Additional location in Brooklyn)

Purchase an abdominal binder and wear it like a girdle around your if pregnant in the summer for when your shoes don’t fit at the end of a long work day that was too hot to wear compression knee-high stockings. –Geeta sharma, MD, Assistant Attending obstetrician and Gynecologist, newYork-presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center

BirtH ADviCe: Be as prepared as possible for your delivery. Recognizing the signs of labor and getting to the hospital in time are paramount. It’s essential to know what to do during and in-between contractions. Just reading about childbirth is not always enough. Childbirth preparation classes will

premier pediatrics 51 East 25th Street (212) 598-0331 (Additional location in Brooklyn) soho pediatric Group 552 Broadway Street (212) 334-3366

explain the process and have you do practice exercises, which makes couples much more relaxed and “in the know” during labor. –Michael Divon, MD, Chairman of the obstetrics & Gynecology Department at lenox Hill Hospital Bring lip balm and popsicles. Keep an open mind, keep your pelvis relaxed, and connect with the experience. Feel the little one move down the birth canal and welcome the contractions with deep breaths—they

Herminia tolete-rotor, MD 409 East 14th Street (212) 673-1189

will get you to your prize! –Geeta sharma, MD, Assistant Attending

tribeca pediatrics 364 8th Avenue (646) 666-8666 (Additional locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens)

An epidural is the best method to control pain and it is very safe. An

village pediatrics 24 East 12th Street (212) 929-3313

Talk with your obstetrician prior to labor and discuss with them your

peDiAtriC Dentists

and your baby are safe and healthy. Having a cesarean section may not

sara Babich, DDs 116 East 84th Street (212) 988-4070 Jed Best, DDs 180 West End Avenue (212) 362-5517

obstetrician and Gynecologist, newYork-presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center

epidural does not slow down labor. If you plan to get it, don’t wait until you are in agony. Pushing the baby out may require hard work—that’s the part we call “labor.” –Anna Burgansky, MD, Chief of obstetrics and Gynecology, newYork-presbyterian/the Allen Hospital

thoughts, desires, and wishes for your birth experience. They are there to provide you with a memorable encounter, as well as to ensure that you be on your list of “top wishes,” but your doctor will only recommend it if there is a medical reason. If you need a cesarean delivery you can still have most of the same experiences that mothers with uncomplicated vaginal deliveries have and your obstetrician is there to be your advocate. –szilvia nagy, MD, Attending obstetrician and Gynecologist, newYork-presbyterian/lower Manhattan Hospital

continued on page 57

laGuardia place continued on page 56

www.newyorkfamily.com

April 2014 | New York Family

wellness guide Emanuela Corielli, DDS 1317 3rd Avenue (212) 355-7760

er off

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Ruby Gelman, DMD 49 West 12th Street (212) 682-9555 Gramercy Pediatric Dentistry 195 3rd Avenue (212) 477-7712

continued from page 55

Gibbs Orthodontic Associates 40 East 84th Street (212) 535-4111 Adam Goodman, DMD 440 East 57th Street (212) 688-4663 Marc Lemchen, PC Jennifer Salzer, DDS 553 Park Avenue (212) 755-2333

Lois Jackson, DDS and Associates 505 LaGuardia Place (212) 995-8888 (Additional location in Brooklyn)

Elliott Moskowitz, DDS 192 East 75th Street, (212) 879-3956 11 5th Avenue, (212) 4773871

Barry Jacobson, DMD 949 Park Avenue (212) 997-6453

Anamaria Munoz 57 East 75th Street (212) 472-3100

Manhattan Pediatric Dental Group 192 East 75th Street (212) 570-2221

NY Kids Dentistry 112 West 87th Street, (212) 362-3355 110 East 87th Street, (212) 369-2213

Clarissa Marcovich, DDS 133 East 58th Street (212) 753-2676

Park Avenue Orthodontics 935 Park Avenue (212) 452-2777

Margot Jaffe, DDS Caryn Siegel, DMD 110 East 87th Street (212) 369-2213

Sherman Orthodontics 157 East 81st Street (646) 370-3768

Jack Mitchell, DDS 305 East 55th Street (212) 755-3355

Stachel Orthodontics 277 West End Avenue (212) 877-7177

Open Sesame Dentistry 315 West 70th Street (212) 874-1200

Janet H. Stoess-Allen, DMD 935 Park Avenue (212) 452-2777

Park View Pediatric Dentistry 800A 5th Avenue (212) 879-6518

Zarabi Orthodontics 41 East 57th Street (212) 753-1811 OB-GYNS

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New York Family | April 2014

Pediatric Dentistry & West Side Orthodontics 327 Central Park West (212) 280-1700 Pediatric Dentistry of New York 115 Central Park West, (212) 362-7770 180 West End Avenue, (212) 203-1851

Anna Barbieri, MD 5 East 98th Street (212) 659-9360 Beth Israel Women’s Health Center 380 2nd Avenue (212) 844-8590

Timothy Radin, DDS 58 East 54th Street (212) 753-3117

Karen Brodman, MD Lynn Friedman, MD Joyce Kim, MD 885 Park Avenue (212) 737-3282

Renee Wild, DDS 67 Hudson Street (212) 566-7655

Christina Creatura, MD 235 East 67th Street (212) 772-3800

ORTHODONTISTS

Fifth Avenue OB-GYN 1150 5th Avenue (212) 996-9100

www.newyorkfamily.com

continued from page 55 When thinking about the birth experience, it’s important to have a birth plan, but to also stay flexible. Most labors are without complications, but the nature of obstetrics can be unpredictable. The goal at the end should be a healthy mother and baby, but the journey to that endpoint cannot be written ahead of time. –Silvana E. Ribaudo, MD, Assistant Attending Obstetrician and Gynecologist, NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center

POST-NATAL ADVICE: Breastfeed! Unless you have a medical contraindication (and there are a few), breast is best for both mother and baby. Like all new things, it sometimes takes time to get things started, but don’t give up. Watching a baby thrive on breast milk is a powerful feeling for a mother and a wonderful way to bond. –Janet Stein, MD, Director of Obstetrics, Mount Sinai Beth Israel A fever (greater than or equal to 100.4 degrees) with or without malaise, abdominal pain, increased bleeding, or breast tenderness is not normal. This can be a sign of a uterine (endometritis), breast (mastitis) or a wound infection (abdominal incision post cesarean section or vaginal laceration). Women must call their provider immediately when fever or other signs of infections are recognized, for the successful treatment of postpartum infection is timedependent. Another serious problem in the postpartum period is the early identification of psychosocial issues. Postpartum blues are very common in the first few weeks after giving birth. Persistence of extreme mood changes or inability to function must be recognized by the family, the patient, and the provider. –Peter G. McGovern, MD, Chairman, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai Roosevelt and Mount Sinai St. Luke’s Sometimes women get swollen or have hemorrhoids appear after delivery. Putting ice packs on for the first 24 hours followed by warm soaks or sitz baths can help relieve the discomfort. –Joanne Stone, MD, Director, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital

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Rest at home leads to success in breastfeeding and helps the mother become a sane parent. The mother needs to rest after her delivery. She needs to learn her baby’s routine. –William Schweizer, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NYU Langone Medical Center Wear an abdominal binder now around your waist (even in the hospital) to help support your abdominal muscles. –Geeta Sharma, MD, Assistant Attending Obstetrician and Gynecologist, NewYorkPresbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center EDITOR’S NOTE: For an expanded version of this story, please visit newyorkfamily.com.

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April 2014 | New York Family

wellness guide

continued from page 56

Park Avenue Women’s Center 1160 Park Avenue (212) 860-2600

NYP Lower Manhattan Hospital 170 William Street (212) 312-5110

Kameelah Phillips, MD Michael Plakogiannis, MD 215 East 95th Street (212) 996-8000 21 East 22nd Street (212) 460-7800

NYP Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital 3959 Broadway (212) 305-5437

Gae M. Rodke, MD 185 West End Avenue (212) 496-9800 Adam Romoff, MD Suzanne Yale, MD 16 East 82nd Street, (212) 744-9300 768 Park Avenue, (212) 744-9300 Robert Sassoon MD 449 East 68th Street (212) 628-1500

Ricky Friedman, MD Abbe Wain, MD 47 East 88th Street (212) 534-0200 Jane Galasso, MD Lissa Hirch, MD 755 Park Avenue (212) 570-2222 Victor Grazi, MD Andrew Kramer, MD Jonathan Lanzkowsky, MD 1107 5th Avenue (212) 410-6700

Jonathan Scher, MD 1126 Park Avenue (212) 427-7400 Bernadith A. Russel, MD 101 West 12th Street (212) 741-7800 Saul Stromer, MD 899 Park Avenue (212) 717-7000 (Additional location in Brooklyn) Marianne Styler, MD 7 West 81st Street (212) 777-4577

Lisa Johnson, MD 53 East 67th Street (212) 517-9048

Helaine Worrell, MD 106 35th Street (212) 844-1212

Alan Kessler, MD 131 East 65th Street (212) 288-1422

HOSPitALS (WHERE tO GiVE BiRtH)

Karen Kirsch, MD Lee Ellen Marrone, MD 60 East End Avenue (212) 860-4800 Stephanie Lam, DO 110 East 59th Street (212) 583-2855 Janice Marks, MD 215 East 79th Street (212) 794-0200 Jacques Moritz, MD 200 West 57th Street (212) 603-4160 Gary Mucciolo, MD 40 East 88th Street (212) 722-9196

Lenox Hill Hospital 100 East 77th Street (212) 434-2000 Mount Sinai Beth israel 10 Nathan D. Perlman Place (212) 420-2000 Mount Sinai Hospital 1 Gustave L. Levy Place (212) 241-6500 Mount Sinai St. Luke’sRoosevelt 1000 10th Avenue (212) 523-4000

NYP Weill Cornell Medical Center 525 East 68th Street (212) 746-5454 NYU Langone Medical Center 550 1st Avenue (212) 263-7300 URGENt CARE CityMD 336 East 86th Street (212) 772-3627 (additional locations around NYC) DR Walk-in Medical Care 1627 Broadway (866) 366-3060 (Additional locations in Manhattan) Emergency Dentist NYC 100 East 12th Street (212) 486-9458 Manhattan’s Physician Group 154 West 71st Street (212) 496-4600 (Additional locations in Manhattan) MedRite Urgent Care 330 West 42nd Street, (646) 7414229 919 2nd Avenue, (646) 770-0990 380 2nd Avenue, (212) 826-7777 Mount Sinai Urgent Care 638 Columbus Avenue (212) 828-3250 (Additional location in Brooklyn) New York Doctors Walk-in Urgent Care 65 West 13th Street, (212) 414-2800 205 Lexington Avenue, (212) 6844700 One Medical Group 489 5th Avenue (212) 530-2288 (Additional locations in Manhattan) Urgent Care Manhattan 199 Amsterdam Avenue, (212) 721-4200 176 3rd Avenue (212) 420-0222

NYP Columbia University Medical Center 630 West 168th Street (212) 305-2862

NY Midtown OB/GYN 800 2nd Avenue (212) 263-8682

New York Family | April 2014

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Now live in the heart of Broadway! Telecharge.com 212-239-6200 iLuminate.com New World Stages, 340 W 50th St.

Basketball (ages 8-14)

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Dwight Summer Day Camp

Not Your regularlY SCheDuleD PrograMMiNg Summer Fun For City Kids Of All Interests (Part I)

New York Family | April 2014

Edited by Jana Beauchamp, Alissa Katz, Emily Murphy, and Jodi Silberstein

fter the longest and coldest winter in recent memory, NYC children are more than ready to run under the sun. How best to soak in some sunshine while exercising their mind and body? In one of the incredible summer camp offerings in and around NYC! The robust array of summer programs in the area boasts a multitude of opportunities for your child to explore. Whether swinging on zip-lines or rehearsing for a theater performance while learning robotics or sports on the side, your little ray of sunshine will be glowing inside and out.

www.newyorkfamily.com

Bilingual Buds offers three two-week sessions for their summer camp program. The first two sessions are Drama, in which campers will immerse themselves in a story by singing songs, and creating props and scenery. Sessions are broken into age groups of 2.5-5 and 6-12. The third session is called Building, Constructing, and Exploring. Younger campers will learn about the architecture of buildings that surround them, while the older campers will learn about buildings around the world and take exciting field trips to Grand Central and the Botanical Gardens to learn about other architectural marvels. bilingualbuds.com Arsenal Soccer School

The younger set, ages 2.5-6, can enjoy weekly themed arts and crafts, science, cooking, and story time at 74th St. MAGIC Summer Days Camp. With flexible schedules and half- and full-day options, MAGIC’s programs build upon the nursery school experience with outdoor play on a private rooftop playground and gymnastics in their state-of-the-art gym. Themes range from Take Me Out to the Ball Game to Surf’s Up. 74magic.com The waterfront activities hosted by The Advantage Sea and Sports Camp at Maritime College are nothing short of amazing for New York City kids ages 6-17. Supervised by award-winning staff, children can kayak, sail, swim, and play tennis, soccer, basketball, softball, capture the flag, and much more. The 55acre campus includes several fields, a gymnasium, a beach volleyball court, and a beautiful indoor swimming pool. advantagetennisclubs.com Arsenal Soccer Schools are launching in New York on Randall’s Island (June 16-20 and June 30-July 4) and several other U.S. locations this summer. The week-long camps—offered in both day and sleepaway options—will give sporty boys and girls ages 7-17 the chance of a lifetime to “Learn to Play the Arsenal Way.” Coached by qualified and skilled instructors, the camps will employ the same training philosophies that actual Arsenal coaches use with the legendary British “football” team across the pond. playthearsenalwayusa.com Summer Day Camp at Asphalt Green gives kids ages 4-13 the chance to work on progressive skill development with expert sports instructors. Join camp on the Upper East Side’s 5.5-acre campus or Battery Park City at its new 52,000-square-ft campus. Campers uptown and downtown will get the ultimate experience combining swimming, sports, cultural arts, and more! asphaltgreen.org & asphaltgreenbpc.org Basketball Stars of New York offers seven different basketball camps in seven different locations during the summer. The majority include lunch and typically range in ages 7-15. The June 16-20 camp at the Dwight School offers flag football as well as basketball. basketballstarsofny.com www.newyorkfamily.com

A wide range of educational and enrichment activities make for an unforgettable summer at Camp Henry Day Camp. With affordable options for children ages 4.5-13, daily activities include arts and crafts, music, drama, sports, and swimming, in addition to museum visits, amusement park trips, bowling, and other adventures around NYC. Early drop-off and late pick-up are available for an additional fee. The sixweek program is also offered as weekly sessions with various discounts for families. henrystreet.org From ice-skating to golf, from soccer to bowling, Chelsea Piers offers 16 specialty summer sports camps for kids ages 3-17. Every day, children get the chance to try an activity that’s outside of their core sport. Other fun and educational activities include Harbor Cruises aboard a U.S. Coast Guard-certified vessel and appearances by professional athletes. Plus, campers enrolled in the Urban Adventure program make visits to off-site locations and also get the chance to kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and sail on the Hudson. chelseapiers.com Perfect for younger kids ages 2-5.6, Columbus Pre-School provides a summer camp program that features a different theme every week (think Animal Kingdom or Planes, Trains, and Automobiles) via interactive arts and crafts, stories, cooking, block building, and more to enhance children’s social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth. The camp, which runs from June 9 to August 22, also offers a few specialized activities including swimming, creative arts, and gymnastics. columbuspre-school. com Children can craft, paint, sculpt, design, and decorate at The Craft Studio’s June Art mini-camp. Great for ages 3 and up, the studio also offers summer afternoon programs in July and August in which kids can take part in crafting and games. On Fridays, snack and juice are served to start the weekend right. craftstudionyc.com Digital Media Academy offers a wide range of tech camps from video game programming to 3D art animation. Campers will gain access to the latest continued on page 62

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tools and software. There are four different sessions throughout the summer. Camp for ages 6-12 is located in Eastchester at Concordia College, while sessions for teenagers are located at either NYU or Marymount. digitalmediaacademy.org The range of activities and sports is extensive and customized for different age groups at Dwight Summer Day Camp: Early Childhood Division (ages 1-5), Rookie Camp (ages 4-6), Semi-pro camp (ages 6-8), and Pro Camp (ages 9-13). Programs include 2D and 3D art, game design, circus arts, music, movement/dance, yoga, swimming, fencing, basketball, volleyball, baseball, soccer, gymnastics, tennis, and more. The camp offers age-appropriate day and overnight trips and an indoor swimming pool. dwightsummercamp.org EBL Coaching, an organization that provides kids with one-on-one tutoring, is offering two threeweek summer sessions, one for children in grades K-6, and another for grades 6-12. The program for younger children builds skills in reading, writing, spelling, vocabulary, study skills, and sensory math, while older learners focus on subjects like test taking, studying, organizational strategies, and note taking. For both courses, EBL Coaching provides individual assessments, goals, and progress reports. eblcoaching.com Empire Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Programs offers 18 different camps. Some of these include LEGO building, chess, soccer, ballet, and cooking. Sessions are available anywhere from 2-8 weeks and for ages 4-15. Swimming and field trips are also available on a weekl weekly basis for all campers. empirecamp.com Why pick one sport when you can go to camp and play multiple sports? Fastbreak Kids offers an outdoor sports program for flag football, baseball, and soccer, and an indoor program where kids can play basketball, dodgeball, and gaga (Israeli dodge ball). This camp is offered on a weekly or daily basis for ages 5-9 and runs from June 9 to August 29. fastbreakkids.com Kids looking to brush up on their academic prowess can enroll at Fusion Academy for summer tutoring and test prep. Offering customized schedules and a one-to-one learning environment for students of all ages (from kindergarten to college), Fusion Learning Center is staffed with qualified, practicing teachers in all subject areas including chemistry, biology, algebra, calculus, English, writing, and more. Students can sign up for a specific subject or fundamental math, reading, or writing skills. Fusion also has a Get-Ahead Program in which students get a head start on textbook reading to enhance familiarity. fusionacademy.com Calling all future athletes! Future Stars has locations in Westchester and Long Island to challenge the aspiring Michael Jordans, Derek Jeters, and Williams

New York Family | April 2014

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Photo: David Plakke Media

Asphalt Green

sisters. Campers are put into age- and levelappropriate groups that allow them to enhance skills and create new friends in the process. futurestarsny.com Gate Hill Day Camp is where many NYC kids ages 3-15 spend their summers. With a large heated pool complex, an amazing outdoor adventure program, and 33 acres of magnificent mountainside at their fingertips, campers can choose from activities like zip-lining, rock climbing, archery, fencing, martial arts, gymnastics, ceramics, cooking, gaga, and a wide array of sports. The camp’s nature program offers everything an outdoorsy child could want, from hiking and fishing to vegetable and herb gardens and a mini-farm with goats, chickens, rabbits, and sheep. gatehilldaycamp.com Gymtime offers three summer camps—gymnastics for girls, sports for boys, and Summer Breeze day camp for toddlers. The gymnastics camp is offered for ages 5 and up and additional activities during the day include yoga, cooking, art, music, and outdoor activities. At the sports camp, boys will learn the fundamentals of gymnastics, yoga, Tae Kwon Do, and take part in organized sports. The Summer Breeze campers (ages 2-4) will get the opportunity to explore everything Gymtime has to offer. This includes activities in the gym, kitchen, library, and outdoors. gymtime.net NYC children ages 5-12 enjoy the great outdoors and explore the world around them in a safe and fun environment at The JCC Day Camp @ Pearl River. Campers can expect all of the great staff, coaches, and programming from The JCC in Manhattan, including instructional and general swimming, tennis, volleyball, basketball, kickball, soccer, lacrosse, art, yoga, rock climbing, gaga, and more. camps.jccmanhattan.org At Kids in Sports, campers ages 2.5-3 will spent 3.5 hours each day at Temple Israel playing different sports, and other activities including arts-and-crafts and story-time. A sports program is offered for ages 4-6 at the All Souls Church and includes other activities cooperative learning games and relay races. Kids In Sports also offers an outdoor sports program for ages 4-8 with accommodations for rainy days and heat waves. kisnyc.com/camps continued on page 64

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National Academy School Summer Art Camps Week-long, full-day art camps Art and drama for ages 6-10 Painting and drawing for ages 10-13 Art portfolio for high school students

WHO SAID SCIENTISTS DON’T HAVE FUN? OUR KIDS HAVE A BLAST AT

SCITECH KIDS SUMMER CAMP

Summer is a great time for kids to explore the wonders of science. SciTech Kids sparks a child’s innate curiosity and creativity about science through rich, hands-on, captivating experiences. Whether an Explorer (3-5) Adventurer (ages 6-8) or Investigator (ages 9-12) SciTech Kids inspires kids to think like scientists.

BUDDING SCIENTISTS ENJOY THEMES INCLUDING:

• Human body • Earth & Space • Energy & Motion • Living Organisms • How Stuff Works • Light & Sound • Air & Water • Electronics AND MORE

To register call (212) 804-7055 or sci-techkids.com

April 2014 | New York Family

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Owned and run by Scott Heifetz, a real rocket scientist, Launch Math & Science Centers run exciting and educational one-week camps on the Upper West Side for children ages 4-12. The 2014 summer season includes LEGO Robotics and Scratch Programming & Gaming as well as plans for half-day programs for littlest campers. While the programs are educational, the emphasis is always on fun, hands-on projects that kids get to bring home at the end of the day. launchmath.com At Lawrence Woodmere Academy campers ages 2-15 can enjoy traditional sports like tennis, soccer, baseball, and basketball alongside newer activities such as gaga, yoga, and aeroball (which uses a trampolining basketball system). Also on offer are cheerleading, martial arts, cooking, musical theater, and, new for 2014, “Imagination” Playground” (an overnight for kids in grades 4-5). lawrencewoodmere.org At their traditional day summer camp program for children age 3 through entering grade 3, Leman Manhattan offers campers swim lessons, soccer, tennis, basketball, karate, yoga, woodworking, outdoor play at their rooftop playground, and a daily lunch prepared by chefs trained at the French Culinary Institute. Additionally, Leman offers weekly workshops grades 4-9 in which kids can enjoy playing basketball, honing their culinary skills, and working in visual and performing arts. lemanmanhattan.org/summercamp During the summer, girls who are potty trained up until the age of 5 can attend Let’s Dress Up’s special programs. Little fairytale fans will be able to dress up like princesses and other favorites as well as attend tea parties, participate in crafts, have fun with games, and pretend play with friends! Though each session is four days each, parents can also sign up their darlings on a single-day basis. letsdressupct.com The Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club offers an outdoor-based program featuring swimming and an age-appropriate curriculum to foster development. Group sizes are small, which allows for plenty of personal attention from the experienced staff. MBYC has two pools (both supervised by trained lifeguards and a Certified Water Safety Instructor), a private beach, two large fields, a playground, tennis courts, air-conditioned rooms for indoor fun, a covered gazebo, and a game room. Plus, the program includes weekly supplementation by experienced specialists including Mad Science, Super Soccer Stars, Musical Munchkins, and Maritime. mamaroneckbeachandyacht.com For 80 years, Mohawk Day Camp has helped make unforgettable summers for children ages 3-13. On its 40 acres of sports fields, farm, heated pools, craft and hobby areas, tennis courts, and more, campers can enjoy an environment of inclusiveness and exploration. Beyond the traditional sports, Mohawk offers circus skills, cheerleading, rocketry, doll making, songwriting, and guitar lessons. campmohawk.com

New York Family | April 2014

In June and July, Morningside Montessori School is hosting their programs with a twist: the Summer of Science! The sessions will provide the same fantastic facilities like a rooftop playground, yoga, music, soccer, and both in-house and outside activities. This year, however, each of the three two-week courses will have a unique earth science focus. One will teach kids the water cycle, another is all about mountains, and the third introduces watersheds and stream tables. The program is for children ages 2.5- 5.5. morningsidemontessori.org Mount Tom Day Camp is all about sports and the arts for ages 3-14. Activities include basketball, softball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, kickball, gaga, archery, horseback riding, and more. During choice time, kids can also take part in rugby, cricket, squash, and lacrosse. As far as the arts goes, there’s music, drama, dance, crafts, t-shirt art, and cooking; and, during choice time, kids can engage in magic, cartooning, ballroom dance, yoga, jewelry making, and zumba. mounttomdaycamp.com The New Victory Theater offers three kids’ weeks during the summer: Comedy Kids, Theater Kids, and Circus Kids. From July 14-18, the Comedy Kids will explore improv, clowning, and prop and physical comedy. The Theater week, which takes place July 21-25, will allow kids to explore all different aspects of theater. from acting to puppetry. During the week of July 28, the Circus Kids will learn clowning, juggling, dance, and more! All kids’ weeks are for ages 7-11. newvictory.org Oasis Camps are throughout the city in different boroughs, and each site offers different opportunities. As a whole, the camps offer two different summer experiences: a traditional summer camp for children ages 4-11, and a Teen Travel program for 12-14-year-olds. Activities include arts, outdoor education, swimming, sports, and team building. oasischildren.com Budding ballerinas and dancers of all kinds can attend Peridance Dance Camp for two or ten weeks of instruction. Ages 6-12 can take ballet, modern, jazz, tap, African dance, hip-hop, salsa, choreography, and dance history. Programs also include musical theater and crafts. peridance.com/summerprogram.cfm Planet Han, a program teaching kids from all backgrounds to speak Mandarin Chinese, has several summer offerings for children in different age groups. From June 16 to August 15, parents can choose from the following brackets: the babies to 3-year-old group classes; the 2.5- to 4-year-old Immersion Preschool Alternative; or the 4- to 12-year-old Immersion Summer Full Day Camp. Planet Han also has an annual WOW Project—this year is building the Great Wall and Terra Cotta warriors, raising silk worms, and making paper. planethanchinese.com continued on page 66

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Best Summer Ever-

CONVENIENTLY LOCATED TO manhattan!

Imag Imagine magine – so close to home, there’s ’ a camp with a great waterfront ’s experience experien xperience and so much more! Kids will look fo fforward rward to each day of summer, summer,r for f sailing and kayaking, plus swimming lessons and water games at the aquatic center. Even enjoy aarts and craft f s, socce ft crafts, soccer,r,r basketball – and play tennis at New Yo Y rkk Tennis T Club just up the York road! Located on the beautiful, 55-acre 55-ac Maritime ritime College ollege campus, camp is way closer than you ou think!

CALL TODA TODAY DA AY – CAMP FILLS A UP fast!

transportation available!

CALL 718-239-7919 www.advantagecamps.net

continued from page 64

MAMARONECK BEACH & YACHT CLUB Creating lasting family memories one summer at a time.

Day Camp A uniquely warm and intimate program of “big camp” experiences specially tailored for younger campers!

Daily certified swim instruction • Small group sizes • Tennis instruction • Extraordinary arts program • Kayaking • Fields Sports • Music • Science and More

Family Memberships For over 60 years families have enjoyed a family friendly resort-like experience right here at home.

Private Beach Playground Spacious sporting lawns

Swimming Pools 9 Har-tru Tennis Courts Waterfront Dining

Children’s Day Camp Private Cabanas Marina

Call us today: (914) 698-1130 www.mamaroneckbeachandyacht.com

Launch Math & Science

The Riverside Park Conservancy collaborates with different camp providers to provide your little athletes, ages 4-16, with a summer of sports and fun. The cost, which is measured by week, goes to helping to improve the park, and to the care and improvement of recreation areas throughout the waterfront park. riversideparknyc.org For the best in summer dance programs, families should consider the School at Steps’ classes. Catering to all age groups, from 2-18, the educational options range from beginner technique classes for younger kids, to an intensive training program for dedicated students wanting to become professional dancers. School at Steps covers a range of genres, including ballet, jazz, tap, modern, hip-hop, and theater dance. stepsnyc.com SciTech Kids’ summer program, is geared for kids ages 4-13 and gives them the opportunity to combine science with physical activities like running. Most mornings are spent in Central Park exploring the ecosystem, and the afternoons are filled with everything from sports and music to arts and crafts. Lunch, snacks and all scientific supplies are included. sci-techkids.com Camps hosted by TADA! Youth Theater focus on musical theater skills and play building for kids ages 4-14. Taught by two teaching artists, the programs also cover associated themes such as theater games, comedic improv, and dramatic play. Children can master cool dance moves, sing their hearts out, create

New York Family | April 2014

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original musicals, learn Broadway and Off-Broadway numbers, and produce their own shows all in preparation for showing off their hard work to family and friends at the very end of camp. tadatheater.com

over 20 instruments, and encourage kids to dance, bounce to the rhythm, and play music along with them during classes. TLB also offers drama and art programs! tlbmusic.com

At Taft Summer School, young scholars will find a platform to expand their education. Whether students in grades 7-9 are looking for a preview of boarding school life, students in grades 10-12 want to hone their academic skills, or teens want to take SAT prep courses, this independent, educational environment is a fantastic resource. The summer school lasts from June 29 to August 2, and provides both 100- and 200-level classes, academic reports (including grades and topics covered), and residential life. taftschool.org/summer

Of the many active offerings at Woodmont Day Camp, city kids seem to especially love Go-Karts, archery, and the zip-line! Campers ages 4-15 spend their summer days outdoors enjoying baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, flag football, fishing, boating, hiking, and more. Yoga, dance, science, arts and crafts, ceramics, jewelry, cooking, music, theater, fencing, rocketry, and magic are also on the activities menu. Attendees can even select an elective they really enjoy and participate in it for an hour each day for one week. woodmontdaycamp.com

Located in Kips Bay, Tennis Innovators offers full-day and half-day sessions. Not only will they get their daily dose of tennis instruction—including drills in coordination stroke development, but there are other outdoor fields for soccer, basketball, and baseball, too! tennisinnovators.com TLB Music, formerly known as Three Little Birds Music, is a studio and playroom specializing in teaching kids and parents the wonders of music, art, instruments, orchestra and more. The talented teachers at this summer program are familiar with

Serving kids 3.5-16 years old, YMCA Summer Day Camp operates out of 20 branch locations throughout New York City. With offerings ranging from Kindercamp for littlest ones to dedicated sports (basketball, soccer, tennis, and gymnastics) and arts camps, children can enjoy active and creative activities all summer long. Counselors may also bring campers to offsite facilities such as local parks and schools. ymcanyc.org

Central Park (UWS) • Downtown (LES) • Traditional Day Camp for kids ages 5-11 • Early Start Imagination Camp for pre-K kids ages 3-5 • Teen Travel for emerging teens ages 12-14 • 8:30am-5:30pm with extended hours available • Beautiful outdoor facilities & ample air-conditioned indoor space • Sports, Visual & Performing Arts, Outdoor Adventure & Red Cross Swim Instruction • Hot Lunch & Transportation available • Low Ratios with Mature Staff • Flexible enrollment for 2-8 weeks

Come meet us at our next INFO SESSION! Central Park • April 9 at 6:30pm • 795 Columbus Downtown • April 15 at 6:00pm • 285 Delancey To RSVP call or visit us today

oasischildren.com • 718.596.4900 www.newyorkfamily.com

April 2014 | New York Family

home&away

GEEK OuT!

camp countdown

Relativity Workshops

Forward-Thinking MathAnd Science-Based Programs For Kids Are Changing The Landscape Of Summertime Enrichment By Jodi Silberstein When playing a game of word association, the word “camp” probably doesn’t bring to mind activities like video game design or app development. Instead, one usually pictures three-legged races, obstacle courses, and friendship bracelets, right? Well, thanks to a host of innovative tech-based summer programs, the times seem to be changing. For the past decade, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) camps have been cropping up all over the country. STEM, for those who have yet to hear this catch-all up-and-coming phrase, is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, and math. These camps give children access to the kind of equipment and knowledge that for a long time was considered science-fiction. “Science” being the operative word here. Think 3D-printers, robots, Java programming, and audio production software.

New York Family | April 2014

When children attend a STEM camp, it carries them through the summer where a lot of times there’s this brain drain, Scott Heifetz, director of Launch Math and Science Centers on the Upper West Side, explains, adding that this keeps them excited about academics. This summer, Launch will offer six different camp programs for ages 6-12: Actions and Reactions, SCRATCH Programming and Gaming, Lego Robotix, Rocket Science, and Architecture and Engineering. However, new to Launch this summer is their Math & Science FUNdamentals camp for 4- and 5-yearolds. They piloted the program last summer and after it proved to be a huge success, have decided to continue at full speed ahead. “[It’s] a great experience for kids to immerse themselves in the mathematics of pre-K-K as well as hands-on science experiments.” Additionally, there are some city programs, like the Flexible Summer Memberships offered by Mathnasium (with several locations throughout the city), that work as extensions of the math tutoring a child might receive during the academic year (though are not a summer program in the traditional sense). Mathnasium underscores that summer sessions can be a very productive time. Without the pressures of schoolwork, it allows the team to solely focus on working with each child on exactly what he or she needs to catch up or get ahead in math. In a similar vein, SciTech Kids, a STEM center located just above Midtown, echoes the commitment to making academic subjects enjoyable. SciTech has a program and a guiding philosophy that is fully dedicated to making STEM a fun, hands-on learning experience for kids of all ages. For SciTech’s Robot Madness camp, Kim Magloire, founder and president of SciTech, explains that the older campers are given robot kits and use them throughout the week to build their own robots. The 4- and 5-year-olds, who are a bit too young for the

Where To Have A STEM-Filled Summer Check out some of our favorite summer programs for cool techie kiddos! Corlears School, corlearsschool.org Digital Media Academy, digitalmediaacademy.org Launch Math and Science Centers, launchmath.com Mathnasium, mathnasium.com Relativity School, relativityworkshops.org SciTech Kids, sci-techkids.com www.newyorkfamily.com

kits, instead use materials such as paper, cardboard, pipe cleaners, conductive play dough, and LED lights to build their robots. Robotics programs seem to be a common favorite at STEM camps across the board. Digital Media Academy (DMA), a company centered around STEM’s technology aspect, has a robotics camp that boasts life-changing experiences. Vince Matthews, director of marketing at DMA, tells the story of a mother who signed up her autistic child for one of the academy’s Adventures in Robotics sessions with hopes of challenging him and breaking him out of his shell. The boy went on to be the president of his school’s robotics league and has placed in the state finals about three times, Matthews says with pride. DMA has 24 locations across the US and Canada, three being in the New York City area. At both the NYU and Marymount campuses, students ages 1218 can explore DMA’s most popular themes, which include various game design programs (including 3D design and Java programming), filmmaking, music and audio production, and app development—to name a few. Additionally, DMA is more than happy to accommodate campers with special needs. At Concordia College in Eastchester, New York, DMA’s younger campers (8-12), will surprisingly enough, be able to choose from the same programs as the 12-18 year olds. Of course, it will be tailored to their young minds, but yes, 8-year-olds will be designing their own video games. A common concern among parents who are skeptical about signing their children up for STEM camps is the lack of physical activity. The thought process that often comes up is that children have been sitting at desks all school year—so won’t STEM camps be seemingly more of the same? The answer is a resounding “no!” In fact, the Corlears School’s Summer Science camp is centered around themes of horticulture and zoology. Mornings are spent in science explorations, both inside and outside, while afternoons focus on other activities. Children ages 5 and up will spend afternoons learning sports, digital photography, dance, and music, as well as taking care of the Corlears critters. “Summer Science at Corlears is a program based on the understanding that children find delight in the opportunity to explore the natural world within their city and neighborhood,” explains Ari Wasserman, the director of summer camp at Corlears School. Similarly, at SciTech, campers will spend mornings as lab scientists and afternoons as field scientists. “[SciTech’s] summer camp is half outdoors in Central Park,” Magloire says. “They get to do a lot of exploratory science. We use the environment as a tool to teach kids.” Not even inevitable city heat waves will stop SciTech from getting those campers on their feet, outdoors, thinking and learning like scientists. A popular hot weather day activity is melting s’mores using solar ovens made out of sticks, aluminum foil, Saran Wrap, and pizza boxes. On the hottest days, Launch, which also has www.newyorkfamily.com

launch math and science centers

campers spending half their day outdoors, will take a moment’s pause from math and science and let the kids be kids splashing in Central Park’s fountain. On both hot and rainy days, instructors take the campers to the American Museum of Natural History for a fun tour or an IMAX movie. Students at the Relativity School’s three week intensive workshop will also take advantage of the city and use it as inspiration and a backdrop for the student films. Relativity School is a division of Hollywood’s Relativity Motion Picture Studio and has just opened up a program in New York at the Dwight School on Central Park West. Students will learn different techniques to perfect their craft, and then put them to the test in their own student films. Programs offered include film production, acting, musical theatre, commercial dance, and electronic music production. Production teams will use all the latest technology in editing and audio software, plus, they’ll learn how to make a professional-quality YouTube page to market their film, which can then be conveniently linked to in their college applications when the time comes. The number one comment Magloire gets from the parents of SciTech campers is that they can’t believe that everyday the child comes home and says: “Did you know…?” When sending their kids to STEM camps, parents no longer have to pry to get info about what their little ones did all day—kids are eager to share all the information they’re learning. “Four-year-olds are explaining electric circuits,” Magloire adds. Likewise, Heifetz often hears parents at Launch say: “I have to drop my son off every day and I wish I could stay with him. I wish I had this when I was growing up. I wish I could stay and build all this cool stuff too!” We couldn’t think of a better argument for immersing your child in a sea of techie fun this summer!

For more cool summer programs, see page TK, or visiT newyorKFamily.com.

April 2014 | New York Family

home&away

REAL

ESTATE A Heavy-Weight Developer & A Star Broker Discuss The Living Choices They’ve Made For Their Own Families

Real estate Tell us about a project you consider one of your career highlights. I’ve spent the past 16 years developing our projects on Roosevelt Island—seven new apartment buildings called Riverwalk. We operate all the retail leases on the island and are working on the new Cornell campus residence—and it’s been amazing watching the transformation of the island. Do you have any personal rules to help you balance work and home life? I have three kids and a business to run, so I don’t think of it as a balance. I want to be successful at both work and home. I’m always working, which means that everything blends and the tasks never end. I may spend part of my work day planning my son’s bar mitzvah, and I’ll respond to emails after [my youngest son] goes to sleep and the other kids are doing homework.

By Eric Messinger Over the past six months, we’ve introduced you to ten local “moms of real estate” who shared their own experiences of finding a home and neighborhood for their families that suited needs and fancies. In the latest installment of our “Parents & Real Estate” series, we turned to two local fathers working in real estate for their personal stories of what “location, location, location” has meant for their families. DAVID KRAMER, PRINCIPAL, THE HUDSON COMPANIES Describe your main professional responsibilities. As managing principal, I do everything from making sure there are plenty of clementines in the office to overseeing our work, which is developing real estate throughout the city. I’m part therapist, part big, bad boss, part BFF, and part air traffic control. Right now we have 13 active projects, so there are a lot of decisions to make. We’re developing, building, and managing new apartment buildings in every corner of the city, including affordable, market-rate, middle income, and institutional housing. What do you love most about your job? I love the variety of skills needed to be a successful developer. On any given day, I’m dealing with politics, unions, staff issues, floor plans, lender term sheets, neighbors, buyers, land owners, investors, architects, and contractors.

New York Family | April 2014

David Kramer with his wife and their three children.

What neighborhood and in what kind of housing do you live? I live in a drafty brownstone in Brooklyn Heights… We’ve been in the house 11 years. I love every inch of the house and would be happy to keep it for three generations. What do you like most about your neighborhood? I grew up on the Upper West Side, walking down West End Avenue to Collegiate and thinking it was the best childhood you could have. I now feel that way about Brooklyn Heights, and that my kids have a great gig walking six blocks down Clinton Street to St. Ann’s. We’re near almost every subway line [and] Clinton Street is a great place to hail a cab or jump on a bike. Tell us about the key factors that compelled you to your present living situation? We joined the great Brooklyn migration in 1998 when we were expecting our first child and bought at 1 Main in DUMBO for $250/square foot. That started

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our Brooklyn journey, and we haven’t looked back. Now that we’re in a private house, there are certainly parts of condo life we miss, like porters, doormen, and the super. And there are parts of condo life we don’t miss, like obsessive conversations about the sponsor, the bizarre behavior of a board member, and having to make small talk in the elevator. How many children do you have? What are some of the neighborhood places and activities you like to share with them? Sadie is 15, and now has some independence to explore the borough’s finest culinary delights like Hot Bagels, My Little Pizzeria, and Tazza. Eli is 13 and can be found on his scooter commuting to the Heights Casino, where he’s expected to be a semiprofessional squash player. For 8-year-old Jack, the week’s highlight is walking into Ani Sushi, where he receives celebrity treatment. What are some of your favorite pearls of advice for families who are figuring out where to live in the city? I think the happiest moment of my life was February, 2004—we had just bought our house and a few months later, Sadie got into kindergarten. The dual burdens of housing and schools could take a break… My advice is, decide on public/private [school], focus on kindergarten, and then make your move—and don’t obsess over what interest rates are at that moment. JASON HABER, UPPER WEST SIDE SALES DIRECTOR, WARBURG REALTY Describe your main professional responsibilities. In late January, Warburg purchased Rubicon Property, a firm that I co-founded with my brother. As a result of the acquisition I now manage the Upper West Side office of Warburg Realty. I help our team of agents run and grow their businesses while working with my own roster of clients as well. What do you love most about your job? There is a tremendous satisfaction that comes along with handing someone their new set of keys. The purchase of a home is like no other asset acquisition— it’s the only investment I know of that can keep you warm at night. Do you have any personal rules to help you balance work and home life? I set up my schedule so I can be home at certain times of the day. For example, I try to be home by 7pm every night so I can give my daughter, Makayla, a bath. On many evenings I have events so that means heading back out after I’ve gone home. I have the benefit of working a few blocks away from my apartment, so I try to pop-in to spend a little time with her during the day as well. When we are together, I try to keep my phone in my pocket and my undivided attention on Makayla. My wife and I also have a rule that dinner and weekend family time is unplugged.

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Jason Haber with his daughter, Makayla.

What neighborhood and in what kind of housing do you live? My wife and I have lived on the Upper West Side for many years. We live in a condo on West 70th Street that is close to [my] office, and Makayla’s new pre-school. What do you like most about your neighborhood? The Upper West Side is an ideal environment to raise a child. You have great playgrounds, great parks, and great schools. We regularly take Makayla to the ballet, art galleries, museums, and cultural centers. What do you like most about your home? Our apartment has a great view. And we’ve used that view to teach Makayla about all sorts of things. We’ve taught her about aviation by watching the planes as they fly in and out of LaGuardia Airport. We’ve taught her about the moon by watching its dramatic rise. What are some of the neighborhood places and activities you like to share with your daughter? We often take her to the playgrounds at PS 199 and PS 87. She loves running around on the Great Lawn, where she has developed a great soccer kick. The Children’s Museum is a great place to visit. What are some of your favorite pearls of advice for families who are figuring out where to live in the city or whether to move to the suburbs? The truth is there is, there is no right answer. There is only an answer that is right for your family. For us, the right decision was to remain here. To me this is a very personal decision. Friends have their thoughts, your family members will have their views, but ultimately you’ve got to do what is right for you and your kids.

FOR MORE URBAN LIVING TIPS, VISIT NEWYORKFAMILY.COM

April 2014 | New York Family

the last word

GreateSt Aunties one local mom draws Strength and Parenting Inspiration from all The amazing aunts In her life (Including her own Sister)

I have many wonderful “aunties” in my life, from blood relatives to godmothers to loving neighbors, without whom my life would be incomplete and without whom my teenage years would have been absolute hell—rather than merely sheer agony. In fact, my older daughter’s hebrew name is in honor of my maternal Great-auntie, ala. ala’s twinkling blue eyes and mischievous wink were a delight to all who knew her and a respite for my mother (“auntie, save me!” she would yell across the hall in their shared Brighton Beach apartment, when in trouble with ala’s sister rena). She was protective—she told me the numbers on her forearm were someone’s phone number until I was ready to hear what they really were. She was hilarious—from her I learned that a sense of humor is the key to surviving and thriving. auntie ruth lived next door to my paternal grandparents for over 40 years. when my father expected a bad report card, he ran to her house with the unopened envelope. “of course he got straight a’s!” she would recount to me with love and pride. auntie Judy is my godmother. from her I experienced the love from being the first baby in someone’s adult life. auntie donna, actually a firstcousin-once-removed-by-marriage, was the original mIlf and made holidays by the pool in florida endlessly entertaining. auntie Janice took the collect calls from very homesick me during a semester abroad in england. having so many wonderful aunties in my life made me even more appreciative when my own sister became an auntie to my kids. I could not have managed my first six weeks of postpartum life without my sister, who was transitioning from one job to another when I delivered my first child. mere was born to be an auntie and jumped into her new role with characteristic gusto. I can still see her whirling around the apartment with Sloane strapped to her in the Baby Bjorn, folding laundry, cooking spaghetti squash, and singing songs from “wicked.” and our

New York Family | April 2014

second daughter, Tanys, never plays second fiddle—she and auntie mere share a feisty temperament and love of mischief, especially as it relates to their older sisters. distance and a busy law practice did not deter her from being our in-case-of-emergency, most reliable sitter, and the girls’ de facto third parent until her own twin boys arrived—and she gave me the greatest gift by giving me the chance to be an auntie to my twin nephews, everett and ronan. once, while being reprimanded by mere, her son everett told her: “I am going to live with auntie lani. She gives me so much candy!” which proves that good auntie-ing is all the bad parenting we wish we could do—unrestrained bribery (“If you give me a smooch I will buy you a toy!”), never saying “no” (“of course we can have more cotton candy!”), and fierce competitiveness (“who is the best auntie ever?”). Being an auntie is motherhood without stretch marks, cracked nipples, sleepless nights (mostly), potty-training, homework help, and college applications. It is providing candy without paying for dentist appointments; disney without discipline; parenting off the chain like there is no tomorrow! I promise I will settle down once the kids are older and the stakes are higher. I will not be providing my nephews with age-prohibited substances or let them drive my car without a license. I am just laying the groundwork now to let them know there is another (semi) responsible adult who loves them unconditionally, knows all the crazy stuff their mommy and daddy did when they were younger, will be good for a little extra cash and a lot of extra patience, and is the place they can run to when they feel like running away. after all, the boys can take over the bedrooms vacated by their cousins no doubt en route to auntie mere. Lani Serota is a city mom madly in love with her two daughters, her husband, and new york City. read more from her on our Parenting in Progress blog at newyorkfamily.com. www.newyorkfamily.com

Illustration by OHARA Hale, cargocollective.com

By Lani Serota