Big Apple Parent - May 2021

BigApple Parent

May 2021

nymetroPArents.com Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

Education SpEcial • The power of preschool • Applying to private school

Find the right school for your kids

Specialty

BenefitS

Find the perfect summer camp!

e d i s t u o o d o t things this month!

Oasis Summer Camp at Central Park ™

A Premier Camp, Uniquely Affordable Expansive North Meadow Summer Private Playground

State of the art Air Conditioned Premier Indoor Space at Basis Independent School Exclusive Use of Indoor Private Pool (Swim instruction) Busing from Various Points in Manhattan Wide Variety of Activities Including Arts and Crafts, Sports, STEAM, Theater, Swimming, and Martial Arts Age-appropriate Programs for Ages 3-15 Daily Travel program for Teens Ages 11-13 Flexible Enrollment 2-8 Weeks Carnival, Dress-up Days, Color war

Info Sessions

Daily Hot Lunch Included

Join us for an info session to learn more about our Summer Camp!

April 10 and April 23 - 2pm

RSVP to Avital Lazar, Camp Director: Avital@oasischildren.com Meet in front of the Tarr Family Playground (lovingly known by neighborhood children as “the volcano park”)

Partnership with Central Park Conservancy

NOW MORE THAN EVER YOUR CHILDREN NEED A SUMMER OASIS

Now! Camp Begins Enroll Central Park, Basis Independent School, Upper West Side oasischildren.com June 28, 2021 646.698.1800

centralpark@oasischildren.com

P SFAMILYNYC .ORG/ENROLL PS Family NYC is an agency dedicated to helping families with children 0 to 3 access low cost or free child care. Eligibility is based on your family’s income, size, and needs. Contact us to see if you qualify so we can process your application and find the best child care provider for your family.

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inside

may 2021 16 Keeping Kids Healthy Post-COVID

After a year of social distancing, how do parents make sure their kids don’t get sick?

18 The Power of Preschool

Experts discuss the importance of early childhood education

22 Applying to Private Schools

The application process can be challenging, so we’ve simplified the steps

34 A Speciality Camp Summer

These targeted camps allow kids to pursue their passions.

46 Pet Sense & Sensibility

Teaching kids how to interact with animals is more important than ever

columns

6 Editor’s Note 9 News: What’s happening in the community 12 Baby: Sun Protection for Baby 14 Advice: Ask Dad and Buried 50 Last Word: What do you appreciate about your kids’ teachers now more than ever?

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things to do 26 Your Outdoor Bucket List 42 Congrats, Grads!

44 Celebrating Mom

resources

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34

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20 24 36 38 48 49

Preschool Directory Private & Parochial Directory Camp Directory Camp Guide Meet the Health Care Professional Advertisers’ Index

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions facebook.com/nymetroparents

@NYMetroParents

Visit NYMETROPARENTS.COM for family activities updated daily and more than 2,000 parenting articles!

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editor’s note MAy 2021

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

Warmer Days Ahead

T

he weather’s getting warmer every day and summer will be here before you know it. Have you started making your family’s summer plans yet?

Whether you’re taking a much-needed vacation, sending your child to a day or sleepaway camp, or just hanging around the area this year, it might be worth considering a specialty camp or two to engage your child for a few weeks. There are so many benefits, but, most importantly, they allow your child to follow their passions with likeminded peers. And, since they’re typically weeklong stints, specialty camps can fill in the gaps between your family’s other plans. Read more about them on p.34, then turn to p.36 to browse and choose the best camp for your child.

Speaking of warmer weather, we’re excited to spend as much time outside as possible, which is why Manhattan mom Marie Holmes compiled a bucket list of 50 things you can do outside with your kids right now (p.26). We’re talking Luna Park, Wave Hill, Queens County Farm Museum, Governors Island, and more!

Before you head out for a day of outdoor fun, make sure to slather the family in sunscreen! May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and one of the best ways to prevent it is using a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen. Visit nymetroparents.com/sunscreen for more info—and if you have a baby, turn to p.12 to find out how to protect your littlest family member.

However you choose to spend your time outside this month, we hope you have a blast!

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? Find it here!

The NyC Camp Guide is now available! Learn how summer camps were able to successfully (and safely) operate last year, discover why camp is important for kids’ development, and more. What’s even better is, you can research dozens of area camps and compare them side by side to ensure you choose the best one for your child!

2021

Need a

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news

Harry Potter in NYC

The flagship store is slated to open in the Flatiron District early this summer.

Harry Potter New York, the world’s largest official Harry Potter flagship store, is slated to open next to the Flatiron building on June 3. The three-floor wizarding wonder will house the largest collection of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts products in the world all under one roof—from personalized robes to Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans to a brandnew range of wands designed specifically for this location.

Harry Potter New York will feature 15 different themed areas and a number of exciting experiences that use digital technology and VR to bring the Wizarding World to life. You can strike a pose at one of the many photo opportunities within the store (like the London phone box or inside Hagrid’s boots) or visit the interactive wand table to bring one of your favorite Harry Potter characters to life.

Harry Potter New York, located at 935 Broadway, will open with a virtual queuing system in place (you’ll scan a QR code to join and return when you are notified to rather than stand in line), and it will follow all CDC COVID-19 safety guidelines, including reduced capacity and face coverings.

For a sneak-peak of all of the magical merchandise Harry Potter New York will feature, visit harrypottershop.com.

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news

New Books We Love

Keeping the City Going

Podcast Pick

Shayna Ferm and Tracey Tee, creators of the popular live comedy show, The Pump and Dump Show, and the Band of Mothers app, talk about what it’s like to be a woman who also happens to be a mom in Band of Mothers. With nothing off limits, this long-time duo (they’ve been friends since eighth grade!) explores women’s lifestyle subjects and expert opinions. They often include compelling guests, and always have honest, raw, charmingly irreverent conversations and hilarious games.

Me Time Did you know taking 15-20 minutes of me time each day can help prevent caregiver burnout? “Me time is recovery time,” says Elizabeth Lombardo, Ph.D., author of Better Than Perfect: 7 Strategies to Crush Your Inner Critic and Create a Life You Love. Learn how me time reduces stress and how to find the time (even if it seems impossible right now) at nymetroparents.com/ me-time.

T

his beautifully illustrated book by Caldecott Medalist Brian Floca (Locomotive, Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11) realistically captures New York during an unreal time: when families were stuck at home clanging pots for the city’s unsung heroes. And as normalcy returns, this book will memorialize our pandemic madness—and the incredible perseverance and comradery demonstrated by this city and most importantly its essential workers. We spoke to Floca about his book.

Why did you want to write a book about essential workers?

How did creating this book help you through the pandemic?

I’ve never been happier to see a UPS truck or a fire engine or a delivery cyclist coming down the block than I was last spring. Each of the essential workers operating those vehicles seemed to me to be making the assertion that, yes, the city would continue to function, that we would in fact get through this thing. I was grateful for that.

It gave me something to do, is the simplest way to put it! (And, yes, I made bread, too.)

How did you find your specific inspiration?

Almost everything in the book was inspired by—or simply lifted from—something I saw while walking or biking near my studio in Gowanus. Any questions I had about the details on the garbage truck I was drawing could be resolved with a short walk.

Making Mom Friends In the absence of traditional meetups like library story hours, it’s been tricky to make new mom friends this past year. But with a bit of effort and creativity, you can nurture friendships with other moms who’ll relate to what you’re going through, whether it’s teething troubles or teenage texting. Find ideas at nymetroparents.com/momfriends.

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By Brian Floca

May 2021 | nymetroparents.com

What do you hope kids will take away from this book?

Making the book has certainly helped me be more observant and appreciative of the people and the work that make New York run—a remarkable feat even when there is no pandemic. As E.B. White said: “It is a miracle that New York works at all. The whole thing is implausible.” If looking at the book helps readers be more aware and appreciative, too, or if readers have friends and family who do this kind of work and who might feel acknowledged by the book, then I would be very happy with that.

For LittLe Kids

Peace Train

By Cat Stevens; illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds To mark the iconic song’s 50th anniversary, Cat Steven’s picture book (published May 11) invites readers to hop on the Peace Train and join its growing group of passengers who are all ready to travel together to a better world of peace and human understanding.

For MiddLe schooLers

Stamped (For Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You

By Jason Reynolds, Ibram X. Kendi; adapted by Sonja Cherry-Paul, illustrated by Rachelle Baker Adapted from the groundbreaking bestseller Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, this book (published May 11) shows kids where racist ideas came from and how they impact America today, and introduces them to the heroes who have fought racism with antiracism.

For teens

The Supreme Lie

By Geraldine McCaughrean In this darkly comic thriller (published May 12) by a Carnegie Medal-winning author, 15-year-old Gloria is thrust into a world of corrupt and desperate politicians. As she becomes aware of the forces manipulating her, she must take actions that could save, or end, thousands of lives—including her own.

New Places, New Programs Private School is Opening Downtown Brooklyn and Chelsea Campuses BASIS Independent School is opening two new campuses in the fall—one in Downtown Brooklyn to serve PreK-second grade and one in Chelsea to serve sixth-tenth grade. BASIS Independent Brooklyn’s new Lower School campus is a 62,000-square-foot space in City Point with movement/gym rooms, sun-drenched classrooms, and access to Willoughby Street Park. BASIS Independent Manhattan’s new Upper School campus in Chelsea features a rooftop recreation area, a dining space, and specialized spaces for art, chemistry, drama, and physics. It will also partner with Chelsea Piers for physical education opportunities. The Upper School will serve up to tenth grade beginning in the fall, but will grow one grade level each year through twelfth grade. Lower School: 412 Albee Square West, Downtown Brooklyn; Upper School: 556 W. 22nd St., Chelsea; 347-305-4960; basisindependent.com/ny

Language Immersion Preschool to Open in Williamsburg this Fall Brooklyn Global Prep is slated to open this fall in Williamsburg.

The school offers bilingual education in French and Mandarin and a Reggio curriculum to ages newborn to six years old. They aim to encourage freedom, creativity, and socialization by emphasizing transparent and communal spaces, free flowing classrooms, flexible community spaces, art studios, music, and an indoor garden and playground. Each week, Brooklyn Global Prep offers a free online French and Mandarin class on their website.

423 Kent Ave., Williamsburg; admissions@brooklynglobalprep.com; 718-734-2771; brooklynglobalprep.com

Summer Camp Opens East Village Location Steve & Kate’s summer camp opened an East Village location this year. The camp is designed for children entering pre-K through seventh grade, offering an extensive choice of activities to cater to the interests of all children. Campers are given the opportunity to choose what activities they want to participate in—like media games, sewing, board games, sports, water play, and weekly specials like giant inflatables— to create each day to their liking. The ability to choose their day teaches children to learn to trust their judgement, make their own decisions, and tackle new challenges.

Camp will run this summer from June 28 through Sept. 3. St. George Academy, 215 E. 6th st., East Village; 347-227-0080; nyc.eastvillage@steveandkate.com; steveandkatescamp.com/manhattan-east-village

Boosting Emotional Wellness in Kids Even if you don’t think your kids are stressed out or affected by the past year, it’s a good time to up your game when it comes to fostering emotional wellness. Here are 5 simple things you can do:

Support your child. Check in with your kids at least once a week and remind them part of your job is to answer their questions and provide support. Speak openly and calmly about your own anxieties and your children will become better at adapting during periods of crisis.

Get active. Spend plenty of time dancing around the house introduce your kids to yoga. Staying active can help reduce stress levels.

Practice mindfulness. Meditating or coloring are some great ways to be present with one another and enjoy each other’s company without having to say or do much, and they’re ideal for supporting mental health and wellness.

Be informative. If your child expresses some fear of re-entering public spaces and social environments, provide information and be specific regarding what you will do outside of the house and how you will be smart to stay healthy.

Stay aware. If your child is having trouble sleeping, eating, or experiences dramatic mood changes, you should probably seek a mental health professional’s guidance.

For more, visit nymetroparents.com/ emotions.

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baby

Sun Protection for Baby

Summer is around the corner—don’t forget the sunscreen!

By Alison Leighton

F

or many parents, sunscreen wasn’t a staple in our beach bag. Back then, we weren’t taught much about the dangers of overexposure to the sun.

Today, parents are more informed about risks such as cancer or damaged skin, and most adults practice safe sunscreen habits with their kids. But as summer approaches, it’s always a good idea to buff up on healthy sun tips for babies.

Can my newborn wear sunsCreen?

Baby skin is sensitive and still very delicate, so most doctors don’t recommend using sunscreen before 6 months old. Instead, parents should rely on other forms of sun protection—such as shade from an umbrella, a stroller canopy, or a pop-up tent. For additional relief, try a clip-on fan for a stroller or lounge chair. Infants should also wear brimmed hats and sunglasses if possible. Dress them in lightweight UVA/UVB protective or UPF- (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) containing clothing, and make sure they don’t get overheated.

This is especially important between the hours of 10am and 4pm, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

If you can’t avoid the sun, it’s safe to apply a small amount of sunscreen to small, exposed areas, such as an infant’s face or the back of her hands. Check with your pediatrician about this and also refer to the sunscreen guidelines below.

How do I keep my baby proteCted from tHe sun?

The Mayo Clinic says it’s safe for babies to wear sunscreen after 6 months and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a history of sunburns, especially in youth, can increase the risk of skin cancer later in life. So, don’t forget to follow these rules for the whole family.

• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going outside.

• Use a lotion which contains 30 SPF or higher.

• Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin every two hours or after getting wet. Do this even if it’s cloudy; clouds don’t absorb all the harmful UV radiation.

• Use a mineral-based sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which prevent skin and eye irritation in babies. Zinc will

act as a barrier against the sun and won’t be absorbed into your baby’s pores.

• Water-resistant sunscreen is ideal.

• Everyone, regardless of skin-tone, should wear sunscreen.

do I need sunsCreen speCIfICally made for babIes? “If you are using a mineral sunscreen that has limited ingredients, you don’t necessarily need one labeled ‘for babies/children’,” according to Orit Markowitz, M.D., boardcertified dermatologist and founder of OptiSkin in Manhattan. “However, it can be easier for parents to look for a baby/kid safe label if they are unsure.”

Dr. Markowitz notes that babies older than 6 months and small children tend to have more sensitive skin, so she recommends parents use mineral blockers with pure ingredients (like zinc or titanium dioxide) instead of chemical sunscreens that contain micro-size particles that are absorbed by a young child’s delicate pores. “Mineral or physical sunscreens sit on top of the skin making it a better option for babies, children, and even adults with sensitive skin as you are less likely to have a reaction,” she explains.

Many popular sunscreen brands have baby- and child-specific options. Test a new brand of sunscreen on a small section of your baby’s skin and a wait for a couple of minutes to see if there is a reaction before applying more. Some brands sell baby sunscreen in solid form called sunscreen sticks (which look like mini deodorant) and are especially useful for wiggly babies’ faces. You will also find various options that may meet personal preferences, such as hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free, or vegan.

How do I keep my toddler proteCted from tHe sun?

Even as babies age, they can be burned easily in direct sunlight and become overheated quickly. Continue to keep your child in the shade as much as possible, reapply sunscreen, and maintain the sunprotective behaviors you started at 6 months old. Also, your child may be swimming and playing in water at this age, so don’t forget to reapply after they get wet, and/or after two hours of exposure.

And finally, our favorite tip: Go outside and have a blast with your little ones!

Since 2006, expecting moms to moms of toddlers visit Mommybites for advice on all things parenting. The Nanny Boards are NY’s only resource for finding exclusively employer-recommended caregivers. Visit Mommybites.com.

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May 2021 | nymetroparents.com

sponsored content

Normal Baby Spit-up: Is Your Baby Healthy?

Pediatric gastroenterologist Graciela Wetzler, M.D., explains the causes of infant vomiting—and how to alleviate it.

By Graciela Wetzler, M.D., pediatric gastroenterologist at the Children’s Hospital of Brooklyn at Maimonides Medical Center

A

s a pediatric gastroenterologist, the majority of calls I receive are from worried parents who are concerned whether their baby’s spit-up is normal. The baby may regurgitate once a day or after every feeding.

In fact, 60 percent of healthy babies spit up more than once a day.

Usually, she is content and is gaining weight—we call them “happy spitters”—but the parents are nervous wrecks. They complain that their clothing is stained, their carpets smell, and they’re worried that something is seriously wrong with the baby’s digestive system. Although in rare instances spit-up may be a sign of a real problem, in most cases it is a normal, benign, transient symptom.

To understand the difference between normal spitup and a more serious problem, here is a short lesson in infant nutrition and anatomy: After a baby swallows his food (breast milk, formula, or solid food), the food travels through the esophagus into the stomach and then to the small intestine. There is a physiologic valve, called the lower esophageal sphincter, which prevents food from coming back into the esophagus from the stomach. For many healthy babies, this valve relaxes at the wrong time, causing regurgitation. Some babies, especially premature ones, have delayed gastric emptying (I call this “lazy stomach”), which aggravates the problem.

For the vast majority of healthy babies, the spit-up symptom peaks by 4 months of age and normally resolves by the first birthday. As long as your baby appears healthy and is gaining weight, you can be reassured that she will outgrow the problem.

Here are a few tips to help an infant who spits up: • Avoid overfeeding. Smaller and more frequent feedings will empty the stomach faster.

• Minimize intake of air during feeding. If the bottle is too low, the baby can swallow air, which causes gas and crying.

• Don’t jiggle the baby during and after feeding. Too much movement may cause reflux.

• Sit her in an upright position after feeding. Sitting and lying on the back makes reflux worse. Hold the baby in your arms as much as you can.

• Elevate the crib at a 30-degree angle. I suggest using a book under the legs at the head of the crib. Do not use pillows to prop him up in the crib, since this can cause suffocation.

• Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke. This relaxes the esophageal sphincter.

• Thicken formula with cereal. Add 1 tablespoon of cereal for every 2 ounces of formula and crosscut the nipple to facilitate the flow of this mixture. Although this may improve reflux, it can cause excessive gas and constipation. Consult your doctor before trying and what kind of cereal you can use.

When these lifestyle measures do not improve the symptom of spit-up and the regurgitation problem is severe, it may be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This condition is associated with: • Poor weight gain (due to lack of caloric intake) • Excessive crying • Respiratory symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing, hoarseness, or pneumonia • Arching, hiccups, or funny faces (such as tongue extrusion) • Feeding difficulties, such as pushing the nipple away • Gagging or choking, which can be dangerous in young babies since they may stop breathing and turn blue If you’re worried your baby’s spit-up isn’t normal and might be caused by GERD, consult with your doctor. He or she may recommend medical therapies including a hypoallergenic formula or the use of antacids.

Maimonides Medical Center is a 711-bed, nonprofit tertiary care provider in Brooklyn. Maimonides operates the largest hospital in Brooklyn, as well as the borough’s only full-service Cancer Center. Its physicians are nationally known for clinical excellence, innovation, and groundbreaking research, and it is a major clinical training site for the SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. Founded in 1911, the Medical Center continues to grow and adapt to the needs of Brooklyn’s patients and families. It is an affiliate of Northwell Health. For more information, visit maimo.org.

NYMetroParents 13

advice

Ask DadandBuried Upper School Is Open!

Now Enrolling K–9

GSB begins the candidacy journey for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years and Diploma Programme!

We offer seamless education Grades K-12 Bilingual Curriculum teaching to the highest international standards Fast Track Program for students without German language Financial Assistance available Dance and Arts program

Rendering of our brand-new school building in Crown Heights set to open Fall 2022

A whole child education for the future global citizen. An international community of families from Brooklyn and beyond.

German School Brooklyn.

We’re all going crazy. Every sunny, warm day is followed by three lousy ones, and my kids need to get outside—and away from me! How do we survive these next few weeks before summer without losing our minds? — Marcus, Staten Island

H

onestly, Marcus? I DON’T KNOW! We’ve been stuck inside far more than we’re used to. Parents have been working from home; kids have been schooling from home; some of us have even been teaching from home. We’re all dying to get outside and back to normal life.

If we lived in California or another warm locale where social distancing outside is easy, maybe we’d feel differently. Unfortunately, we live here, where winter has been long and brutal and enjoys rope-a-doping us with false hope well into spring! We’re all going a little mad—especially our kids. (Not that you can tell; kids are already insane…unless it’s just my kids. Please don’t let it be just my kids!)

Thankfully, spring is here and so is the vaccine!

You’ve done what you needed to do in order to survive. Maybe you’ve kept the family together with weekly game nights. Maybe you’ve stayed sane by Zooming with friends. Maybe you’ve allowed the kids to melt their brains with video games so you could have some adult time? Guilty as charged!

Whatever coping method you used, you’re surely completely sick of it by now, and also probably completely sick of your kids. I think we are all dying to get a lot further than 6 feet away from our kids.

And we’re so close (to being far from our children).

Take heart that change is coming. Use these sporadic sunny days to take a walk and yell at your kids outside, and if you’re vaccinated, visit other vaccinated people. Keep ordering take-out and delivery, keep maximizing your Netflix account, and keep letting your kids play Fortnite or Doom or Double Dragon or whatever they play these days.

Hang on for a little while longer, Marcus, and soon enough the weather, and the vaccine (and herd immunity!) will give us all the protection we need to start getting together with friends again, to start getting away from our kids again, and to start living life again—if we can remember how!

Our advice column features the wise and humorous commentary of Mike Julianelle (aka @DadandBuried), a 40-something influencer with a popular podcast who lives in Brooklyn with his wife and two kids.

Because bilingual education is the future. admissions@germanschoolbrooklyn.org or 347-897-8161

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Have a question for DaDanDburieD? Send it to editor@nymetroparents.com with the subject “DadandBuried’s Advice.”

The effects of MDS’ program on my daughter are immeasurable. I have watched her transform from a shy and reserved child to an independent and creative thinker ready to take on the world.

—Parent 2021

Age 2–5 years Schedule a Virtual Tour Today!

Since 1977, MDS has followed a Montessori philosophy to guide and inspire a joy of learning both in and outside the classroom.

We are an inclusive preschool program that values diversity, excellence in early childhood education, and continuous learning. We are located in the Prospect Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn. We’d love for your family to join us!

www.montessoridayschool.org | (718) 398-2322 237 Park Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11238 NYMetroParents 15

health

Keeping Kids Healthy Post-COVID After a year of social distancing, how do parents make sure their kids don’t get sick?

By Alison Kotch

W

hen COVID-19 forced kids to stay home, the germs they could potentially catch and carry decreased dramatically.

But what happens now that kids are going back to school? In March, the number of new infections in our area increased 37-percent in little more than a month, according to an AP News article. Plus, children may not be vaccinated for a while, according to David Buchholz, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics at Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. “The youngest may not get vaccinated until 2022, when the studies are complete.”

Until then, how do parents keep kids protected as they are reintroduced to prepandemic activities?

Will my child get sick more easily?

The good news: Although children might get sick more easily than they did during the peak of the pandemic (when they were isolated), they won’t be more vulnerable than they were prepandemic. Their immune systems have not been compromised by the lack of interaction—and there are likely less germs circulating.

“The use of face coverings, social distancing, handwashing, and isolating when ill has dramatically reduced contagious diseases during the pandemic,” Dr. Buchholz says. “These precautions will continue to help reduce illness as children socialize more.”

In fact, when kids return to “normal” social interaction, their risk of getting sick will be on par with pre-pandemic levels—or might even be reduced. “I’d like to believe that the lessons learned about handwashing and isolating when ill may persist, and reduce contagious disease transmission for, at least, a while,” Dr. Buchholz says. These habits also safeguard against the common cold and other viruses.

Will my child spread coVid-19?

As adult vaccinations increase, people might be worried that kids will continue to transmit the coronavirus. Fortunately, Dr. Buchholz says, this is not the case. “Studies have shown that the spread of COVID-19 occurs less among children in elementary and middle school, while transmission in high school students is more similar to how adults contract the virus,” he says.

However, that’s no reason to let your guard down when it comes to

protection: COVID-19 can be spread through ventilation systems in schools, during indoor after-school sports, and in child care programs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In addition to all of the regular safety precautions, parents should request that teachers and administrators open windows whenever possible and use fans to ensure proper air circulation.

When can kids get Vaccinated?

As of press date, Pfizer/BioNTech is testing the vaccine in children ages 12-15, followed by those ages 5-11. Moderna is conducting two studies: one on children ages 12-17 and the other on kids ages of 6 months to 12 years.

Results should be available by summer. Once a safe and effective dose is determined, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will review data before authorizing it.

Dr. Buchholz says children will be considered immune two weeks after completing a single-dose vaccine or two weeks after the second dose of a two-dose vaccine. Until then, face-coverings, hand washing, and isolation will need to continue. Parents should also boost their child’s immune system with a healthy diet, which is especially important these days—childhood obesity levels have increased 2 percent since the start of the pandemic, as a result of reduced availability of healthy lunches, easier access to snacks, and more screen time, according to a study in the journal Pediatrics.

What precautions should kids continue to take?

“Per the CDC’s guidelines, an unvaccinated, asymptomatic child may visit a single-family household who has been vaccinated—such as grandparents—without the need for masks or social distancing,” Dr. Buchholz says.

After kids get vaccinated, they should still take precautions as in-person classes return. The CDC advises parents to stay in touch with their school staff and teachers and avoid sending kids to school with a fever of 100.4 or higher, or if they exhibit symptoms of diarrhea, severe headache, vomiting, or nausea. Sending your children to school with sanitizer and encouraging them not to share musical instruments, writing instruments, or books can also slow the spread of COVID and the common cold. That said, if both kids and adults are vaccinated, families can cautiously start to resume normal activities—and look forward to a brighter, less isolated future.

Alison Kotch is a freelance writer, editor and runner who specializes in wellness and travel content. She enjoys cooking and gardening and lives in Brooklyn.

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17 NYMetroParents 4/8/21 11:44 AM

education

The Power of

Preschool

Experts discuss the importance of early childhood education. It’s much more than just play time!

By Melissa Wickes

K

ids play together, sit in a circle with their teachers and sing songs, eventually moving to the table for a snack.

Maybe they discuss the weather outside or the calendar or learn about letters and numbers. From the outside, you’d be forgiven for seeing preschool as a nice-to-have, rather than a necessity—and, for those not in public pre-K programs, a potentially expensive option at that. Indeed, some parents have argued that preschool is simply a glorified day care, that anything taught there can easily be learned at home.

There is, however, more going on in that classroom than the untrained eye might observe. Educators and child development experts say that early childhood education offers kids advantages long after they leave the colorful walls of their preschool classroom and helps set them up for success in school and beyond.

In fact, research shows that the benefits of preschool are tangible and visible in more ways than one. Preschool not only provides more opportunities for children, it helps them learn how to face social interactions as well, according to Rina Collins, a former preschool teacher and director of the early childhood enrichment program Book Nook, which has two locations on the Upper West Side and one in Tribeca. There are, as a result, big differences between at-home learning and in-school learning.

“There’s a different expectation at home when there is a parent with a child versus a teacher with a child,” Collins says.

“Children do naturally develop skills, but at home they are only exposed to a certain amount of materials, toys, or learning products. School is open to a whole different variety of learning materials from programs to class trips.”

Trained Teachers and Groups of peers Schools provide teachers who are professionally trained to be molding young minds and are equipped with certain skills parents alone may not have. An important aspect of in-school learning is instilling in kids the ability to interact successfully with other people. It may seem very straightforward, but getting along with others, especially at 2-4 years old, is not so easy.

Being in a classroom with multiple children their own age allows children to develop social and emotional skills that cannot be learned solely at home, Collins says.

At preschool, children become accustomed to being in group settings, separating from parents, and making decisions on their own—even if those decisions are as simple as, “Do I want to play with blocks or finger paint today?” All of the social experiences children undergo in preschool contribute to their overall confidence, according to Tovah Klein, Ph.D., author of How Toddlers Thrive and director of the Barnard College Center for Toddler Development.

“People think of it as the ABCs and 123s, but it’s much, much more than that,” Dr. Klein says. “Children gain a lot of confidence by being able to handle themselves away from their parents and then reuniting with them later in the day.”

Preschool classrooms also teach kids a great deal about resiliency and curiosity, according to Dr. Klein. Being able to handle disappointment and moving on from it, learning to be proud of your own work, and the ability to make decisions all play into a child’s curiosity and overall desire to learn.

preparinG Kids To Learn Beyond the realm of confidence and social skills, going to preschool prepares children for life in various other ways, such as getting them ready to learn in school. This has 18

May 2021 | nymetroparents.com

become increasingly true in recent years as the kindergarten curriculum has been revamped. Today, skills such as reading are generally being taught earlier, prompting one study to ask, “Is kindergarten the new first grade?” With so much more expected of children at the kindergarten level, early education becomes crucial as preparation for the new rigors of kindergarten.

Various studies have shown that early education programs for 3- and 4-year-olds improve language skills, literacy, and mathematics. Attending preschool has been shown to improve children’s IQ, their receptive and expressive vocabulary skills, and early reading and math skills. By enrolling your child in a preschool program, you are preparing him to acquire academic skills that he will be expected to use as early as kindergarten— and offering him a head start in his academic career.

Studies show that a crucial part of preschool education lies in stimulating interactions between students and their preschool teachers. By supporting their students emotionally and academically, teachers help children learn to develop skills, respond both verbally and physically, and enjoy learning.

Young children often struggle with the transition from a play environment to a learning environment, which can cause a “learning anxiety,” or fear of learning, according to Collins.

By introducing your child to this learning environment as early as preschool, you eliminate the anxiety as early as possible, preparing her for future learning.

Teaching Kids RouTine Preschool also helps children develop and understand the concept of a routine. The school day is structured, which helps acclimate children into a daily routine and a learning environment in a gentle and enjoyable way. Being accustomed to a routine helps children prepare for higher levels of grade school, college, and a professional life, according to Collins.

“When I was in a kindergarten classroom with children who didn’t go to preschool prior to entering, they were experiencing social anxiety and learning anxiety simply because they didn’t know what to expect,” Collins says. “Preschool fills those separation and learning anxieties, so your child has a better idea and is better prepared for the future.”

In the process of preparing a child for a routine, parents likewise become accustomed to enforcing and sticking to that routine. The earlier you start bringing your child to a structured program every day, Collins says, the earlier you learn the importance of an everyday routine for your child. An aspect that is also beneficial for parents is, the earlier you begin, the earlier you can decide what works for you and your child and what doesn’t.

By sending your child to preschool, experts say, he will be provided the resources necessary for proper academic preparation, and social and emotional development. Plus, she will learn more about herself than she could ever do from your living room.

Looking for a Better School Alternative Next Fall?

Explore MUSE Academy • Exceptional faculty with advanced degrees • Small class sizes with individualized instruction • Daily classes in music, dance, visual arts, and Spanish • Literacy, math, and science curricula based on most successful programs in the world • A highly diverse, warm, and welcoming student body and families Limited slots available for Pre-K 3 through 2nd Grade for Fall 2021.

Attend a Virtual Open House admissions@museacademybk.com

(929) 400-1751

NYMetroParents 19

education

Preschool Directory Brooklyn >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Brooklyn Global Prep

423 Kent Ave., Williamsburg 732- 924-5432 brooklynglobalprep.com admissions@brooklynglobalprep.com We are a child-centric haven that utilizes language immersion, creating a path for happy, diverse, open-minded thinkers. We have an integrated curriculum that seamlessly weaves together the acquisition of social, emotional, and academic skills, learning of co-constructed content, and building of community in dual languages.

Brooklyn Heights Montessori School

185 Court St., Cobble Hill 718-858-5100 bhmsny.org admissions@bhmsny.org Nestled in the heart of Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights Montessori School is a diverse community committed to educational excellence serving students age 2- eighth grade. Our Twos and Preschool programs feature mixed-aged classrooms, beautiful Montessori materials, and a curriculum responsive to students’ needs.

DGK Parochial School

Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, 8502 Ridge Blvd., Bay Ridge 718-836-8096 dgkschool.com info@dgkschool.org Our Nursery and pre-K programs are designed to meet the needs of young children. Your child will gain the skills, knowledge, and approaches to learning that are necessary for kindergarten in a variety of ways. They will engage with their peers, adjust to routines, solve problems, learn and use new vocabulary throughout the day in our learning centers.

Diocese of Brooklyn

Locations throughout Brooklyn 718-965-7300 catholicschoolsbq.org/welcome Your preschooler will benefit from an engaging and faithbased education to start out in the right direction. We

invite you to learn about a Catholic Academy or Parish School near you. Registration is open now! Visit us at catholicschoolsbq.org.

Queens. PS Family NYC ofrece a las familias cuidado de niosdiurnos gratuitos a muy bajo costo entre las edades de 0 a 3 años en Brooklyn y Queens.

KinderCare Learning Centers

Stepping Stones Nursery School

Locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan 833-905-3276 Opening soon: Park Slope KinderCare Cobble Hill KinderCare kindercare.com/nyc For 50 years, KinderCare Learning Centers—America’s largest, most accredited childcare provider—has been creating safe, encouraging environments where kids can learn, grow, and build confidence for life. New centers are opening soon in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

Visit us at kindercare.com/nyc or call 833-905-3276 to learn more.

Montessori Day School of Brooklyn

237 Park Place, Prospect Heights 718-398-2322 montessoridayschool.org Since 1977, MDS has followed a Montessori philosophy to guide and inspire a joy of learning both in and outside of the classroom. We are an inclusive preschool program that values diversity, excellence in early childhood education, and continuous learning. Hours are 8am-3pm with extended day available.

MUSE Academy

126 Saint Felix St., Fort Greene 929-400-1751 museacademybk.com admissions@museacademybk.com MUSE Academy’s Preschool Program provides a joyful introduction to school with a student-centered academic preparation combined with a rich mix of arts and play.

MUSE offers daily classes in music, dance, visual arts, and Spanish starting in Pre-K 3. Attend a virtual open house or contact their admissions team.

PS Family NYC

718-701-1707 psfamilynyc.org info@psfamilynyc.org PS Family NYC offers families free and low-cost in-home childcare for children ages newborn to 3 in Brooklyn and

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245 86th St., Bay Ridge 718-630-1000 Stepping Stones-The Next Step 9321 Ridge Blvd.

718-630-1001 steppingstones86.com steppingstones86@aol.com Stepping Stones offers an independent educational curriculum focusing on developing a love of learning for ages 2-5. Stepping Stones has been providing care for more than 18 years. Classrooms are equipped with age-appropriate materials where children experience music, art, dramatic play, block center, puzzles, libraries, storytelling, outdoor play, and nature walks.

Visitation Academy

8902 Ridge Blvd., Fort Hamilton 718-680-9452 visitationacademy.net office@visitationacademy.net Beginning in pre-kindergarten, students are exposed to a number of strategies in literacy and math. Daily art activities include painting, watercolor, collage, clay modeling, and drawing. Students explore literature themes through stories, songs, flannel-boards, and crafts. Each week students participate in religion, music, physical education, French, and art. Daily outdoor play!

Manhattan >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> China Institute

40 Rector St., 2nd floor, Financial District 212-744-8181 x143 chinainstitute.org zfeng@chinainstitute.org China Institute’s early school year program is an engaging, fully immersive, in-person language environment where children learn skills to begin a lifetime of discovery and inspiration. All classes are conducted in Mandarin, providing the best foundation for acquiring academic, social, and language skills and success in kindergarten and beyond. chinainstitute.org/early-school-year-program.

We are a language immersion preschool that uses creative open spaces, nature, & art to create diverse and open minded global thinkers.

We provide a variety of innovative, language immersion experiences for our youngest learners using the Reggio Emilia approach.

Now accepting applications: Fall 2021 French & Mandarian Immersion School

Infants - Kindergarden Enrichment Programs

BROOKLYNGLOBALPREP.COM 429 KENT AVE, BROOKLYN NY

This Summer: Live and In Person!

Multi & one week camps for grades 4-12 beginning July 6

Learn more at playonstudios.com Follow us @playonstudios

One week camps for grades K-4 running July 5-August 27 NYMetroParents 21

education

Do Your research

Applying to

Private Schools

The application process can be challenging, so we’ve simplified the steps.

By Shana Liebman

A

pplying to private school in New York City can be an arduous process. Parents need to be available to take their kid on tours and help navigate the multi-faceted journey. That said, the rewards are immense—a hard-won acceptance at a prestigious institution can brighten any child’s future. We outlined the process which might be worth beginning as soon as this spring.

Emily Glickman, an educational consultant in NYC who runs Abacus Guide Educational Consulting, recommends families start their private school admissions-research 1½ years before the student will start private school. In addition to online research (on sites like privateschoolreview.com) and polling friends and family for recommendations, it’s important to see the school firsthand—which these days might be online or in-person. Keeping track of deadlines and dates is important—and many tutors recommend parents seek the advice of a professional guidance counselor and/or closely follow an admissions-process calendar.

The applicaTion process In addition to an online application, most private schools will require a student- and/or parent-written essay (depending on the age of the student), an interview with the student and parents, school records/transcripts, teacher recommendations, and a portfolio or footage of creative and extracurricular achievements. Most schools also require Education Records Bureau test scores. The complete application is typically due in January or February for the following school year, depending on the school.

The essaY While the essay is not as crucial as it is on college admissions, it should be a substantial piece of writing clearly written by the student, not the parent (unless the school asks for a parent essay). Most applications will provide a list of prompts, such as Who is the person you most admire? “Helping your child brainstorm which topic to write about is a great way for you to be involved without heavily editing or actually writing the essay,” according to Kate Fisher, a Noodle Pros essay expert. Glickman suggests kids work on their essays during the summer, so it doesn’t interfere with schoolwork.

The inTerview Most schools will meet with the parent(s) and child at some point during the admission process. Make sure you know what to expect prior to the meeting, especially for young children, so you will be able to tell your child about the process. Child visits might be in a small group or 1-on-1 with an admissions officer.

Some schools require children to separate from their parents, and students applying to older grades are often asked to visit with the current class during the school day.

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RequiRed TesTing For pre-K to first grade, NYC private schools do not require a written test. For second through fourth grades, the test given by the ERB is now called the Independent School Entrance Exam Primary.

For fifth grade and higher, the ERB test is known merely as the ISEE. The ISEE (and ISEE Primary) measure verbal and quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, mathematics, and writing skills.

Most private schools now also accept another test, the Secondary School Admission Test, put out by a competing company. The SSAT is administered on three levels (elementary, middle, and upper).

Through our unique dual program, which incorporates both the French and American curricula, The École offers students the lifetime benefits of a bilingual education and empowers them to create and connect to a world filled with possibilities.

TuiTion If private school tuition is beyond your means, there are still several ways to make it work. You can apply for financial aid or scholarships—many schools offer aid regardless of the family’s income. There are also loans and payment services that can help you make the leap. Most experts advise parents to begin the financial aid application process as soon as possible. Private schools generally render their bills in early summer and late fall for payment within 30 days.

offeR LeTTeRs & AccepTAnce Letters of acceptance typically arrive in March (schools with rolling admissions might notify you earlier.) It’s important to keep in mind that private schools are not required to accept any percentage of applicants, nor give a reason for rejection. If you were rejected from all the schools to which you applied, it might be worth looking at some others with rolling admissions that are still open.

If you were waitlisted, you will be notified of acceptance in April—after the school finds out who is coming. It might make sense to accept one of the other offers you have, although if the school where you were waitlisted offers you a place, you will forfeit the deposit already paid to the school you were not waitlisted at.

The good news is that at this point, the long process will thankfully be over and hopefully your family will be thrilled about your child’s new school.

Connect with us facebook.com/nymetroparents

@NYMetroParents @nymetroparents

The École is happy to be able to make an additional budget of financial aid available to new applicants for 2021-2022.

Contact The École at admissions@theEcole.org to find out more!

Pre-Nursery—8th Grade

Fifth Avenue Building 206 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10010

Main Building

111 East 22nd Street New York, NY 10010

www.theEcole.org NYMetroParents 23

education

Private & Parochial School Directory Brooklyn >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Brooklyn Global Prep

423 Kent Ave., Williamsburg 732- 924-5432 brooklynglobalprep.com admissions@brooklynglobalprep.com We are a child-centric haven that utilizes language immersion, creating a path for happy, diverse, open-minded thinkers. We have an integrated curriculum that seamlessly weaves together the acquisition of social, emotional, and academic skills, learning of co-constructed content, and building of community in dual languages.

Brooklyn Heights Montessori School

185 Court St., Cobble Hill 718-858-5100 bhmsny.org admissions@bhmsny.org Nestled in the heart of Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights Montessori School is a diverse community committed to educational excellence serving students age 2-eighth grade. Our programs are rooted in the Montessori philosophy, a 100-year-old framework based on child development and rooted in a joy of learning.

Catholic Schools - Brooklyn and Queens

718-965-7380 catholicschoolsbq.org/welcome catholicschools@diobrook.org Your child deserves a Catholic School education. More than ever, educating the minds and hearts of our children is vitally important. We invite you to visit with a Catholic school near you to learn about faith based and value centered education with a track record of academic excellence.

DGK Parochial School

Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, 8502 Ridge Blvd., Bay Ridge 718-836-8096 dgkschool.com info@dgkschool.org Our kindergarten-fourth curriculum is aligned with New York State Common Core Standards. It is designed to engage children in the learning process, provide them with a sense of accomplishment, help them understand the value of learning, and prepare them for Middle School.

Fontbonne Hall - The Lab School For Girls

9901 Shore Road, Bay Ridge 718-748-2244 fontbonne.org Fontbonne Hall, the Lab School for Girls, a Catholic, all-girl, private high school is not just for future

24

May 2021 | nymetroparents.com

scientists, doctors, or engineers but instead for all expansive thinkers, creative problem solvers, and potential pioneers. FH offers a hybrid learning model consisting of synchronous learning every day, and a fully remote option.

German School of Brooklyn

17 Eastern Parkway, 5th floor, Prospect Heights 917-361-2921 germanschoolbrooklyn.org office@germanschoolbrooklyn.org German School Brooklyn (GSB) is an independent international lower, middle, and upper school with a bilingual curriculum. GSB admits students without knowledge of German and offers financial assistance. GSB is beginning its candidacy journey for the IB MYP and IB DP. A whole child education for future global citizens. Enrolling kindergarten-ninth grades.

KinderCare Learning Centers

Locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan 833-905-3276 Opening soon: Park Slope KinderCare Cobble Hill KinderCare kindercare.com/nyc For 50 years, KinderCare Learning Centers—America’s largest, most accredited childcare provider—has been creating safe, encouraging environments where kids can learn, grow, and build confidence for life. New centers are opening soon in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

Visit us at kindercare.com/nyc or call 833-905-3276 to learn more.

Montessori Day School of Brooklyn

237 Park Place, Prospect Heights 718-398-2322 montessoridayschool.org Since 1977, MDS has followed a Montessori philosophy to guide and inspire a joy of learning both in and outside of the classroom. We are an inclusive preschool program that values diversity, excellence in early childhood education, and continuous learning. Hours are 8am-3pm with extended day available.

MUSE Academy

126 Saint Felix St., Fort Greene 929-400-1751 museacademybk.com admissions@museacademybk.com MUSE Academy offers exceptional faculty with advanced degrees, small class sizes, and daily classes in music, dance, visual arts, and Spanish. MUSE’s literacy, math, and science curricula draw upon on most successful programs in the world. Attend an upcoming virtual open house or contact their admissions team at admissions@museacademybk. com or 929-400-1751.

Visitation Academy

8902 Ridge Blvd., Fort Hamilton 718-680-9452 visitationacademy.net office@visitationacademy.net At Visitation, we know the importance of educating girls in our society and the positive impact they will make on the world. Visitation provides rigorous, differentiated instruction in core subjects and offers physical education, music, visual arts, and French.

Students take the Living Environment, Earth Science, and Algebra 1 Regents.

Manhattan >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The École

111 E. 22nd St., Flatiron 646-410-2238 theecole.org bonjour@theecole.org The École is an independent, French-American bilingual school serving an international community of Maternelle-to-Middle School students in New York City’s Flatiron District. Students at The École have been onsite, learning live from teachers in the classroom since Sept. 1. Currently accepting applications for 2021-2022!

German-American School: Where Kids Learn German

Upper East Side Garden City, Long Island New Hyde Park, Long Island 212-787-7543 german-american-school.org kidslearngerman@aol.com German-American School NY offers a NY-State accredited after-school German language program.

The school has taught German to children since 1892 and its motto today is “German is for everyone”—not just for Germans. Now offering online classes for adults as well.

Learning Spring School

247 E. 20th St., Gramercy Park 212-239-4926 mpoggi@learningspring.org LearningSpring is a 12-month special education school for children diagnosed on the autism spectrum in grades kindergarten-eighth. Our students are bright, verbal, and ready to learn. Our integrated curriculum is designed to set high standards for students based on their ability and provide structure and support to enable students to succeed.

SIGN UP NOW

YEAR-ROUND REGISTRATION

OPEN NOW!

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Summer Camp Year-Round Programming REGISTER NOW AT:

NTC.USTA.COM Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Flushing, NY 11368

When Registering Online Use Code- BigAppleMay21

At Visitation, we know the importance of educating girls in our society and the positive impact they will make on the world as they mature into young women.

Visitation Academy is a Catholic school committed to having a community of learners who are compassionate, confident, and resilient.

VISITATION ACADEMY PROVIDES RIGOROUS, DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION IN CORE SUBJECTS: FRENCH VISUAL ARTS MUSIC/DRAMA PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Small class sizes • spacious classrooms • 7.5 acre campus • Middle School-Regents classes Sciences and Algebra • Partnership with Fontbonne Hall Academy 8902 Ridge Boulevard, Brooklyn, NY 11209 | 718-680-9452 | office@visitationacademy.net NYMetroParents 25

family fun

Your Outdoor Bucket List!

50 reasons to get outside and have fun with your kids!

By Marie Holmes

N

ow that the temperatures are warming up and the trees are in bloom, it’s the perfect time to head outdoors. Here are 50 spots you can go to with the kids to enjoy being outside in the greatest city on earth. Think of this as your pre-summer bucket list.

And if you visit any of these places, make sure to tag @NYMetroParents when you share your pics on Instagram!

Make your way through the adventure ropes course or zip line over the Bronx

Courtesy of Related-Oxford

NYC Parks - Daniel Avila

River at the Bronx Zoo Treetop Adventure (bronxzootreetop.com).

Look down on the little toy cars and ant people through the glass floor of The Edge, the highest outdoor deck in the Western Hemisphere (edgenyc.com).

Get a look at the city’s geologic past in the wetlands, tidal flats, meadows, and forest of Alley Pond Park, which sits on the site of a glacier-formed moraine.

Visit more than 80 animal ambassadors and check out the programs available at the park’s Environmental Center (alleypond.org).

Take in a favorite flick at the Skyline Drive-In, as well as a sunset view of Manhattan from the comfort of your car—or purchase a seat in the outdoor seating area if you don’t have your own vehicle (skylinedriveinnyc.com).

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Immersive Mandarin Summer Program for Children (ages 2-14) Travel Around China in Thirty Days! 环游中国三十天！ July 12 - August 20 www.chinainstitute.org/camp

NYMetroParents 27

Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation

family fun Feed a handful of grains to a gentle sheep or alpaca at the Prospect Park Zoo. See if you can spot the zoo’s Pallas cat, also known as the original Grumpy (prospectparkzoo.com).

Run through a rain of pink petals in the Cherry Esplanade, learn about

Use your MetroCard to take the tram from the East Side of Manhattan to Roosevelt Island. Enjoy the green space at

Select the sites you’d like to see up-close on a Hop-on, Hop-off City Experience by Hornblower Sightseeing Cruises. Check out the Statue of Liberty, Ellis

Four Freedoms Park or check out one of the historical sites located on the island (rioc.ny.gov).

Island, Governors Island, Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport, Battery Park, the new Hudson Yards and more (hornblower.com)!

insects and native plants in the Discovery Garden, and say hello to the turtles, carp and ducks in the Japanese Garden’s pond at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (bbg.org).

See the sharks swimming overhead from inside the immersive coral reef tunnel at Coney Island’s New York Aquarium. Watch the sea lions ham in up for an audience at the Aquatheater (nyaquarium.com).

Rent a boat to paddle around the lake, bike the park’s circular drive, or strap on a pair of skates and roll in Prospect Park. Run the mile of the Long Meadow—the longest stretch of unbroken meadow in any U.S. urban park (prospectpark.org)!

Root for the home team at a Brooklyn Cyclones game. Watch the

Enjoy some outdoor time at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum by exploring the Nest, an interactive play space on the museum’s roof inspired by the unique nests of baya weaver birds and crafted with wood reclaimed from city water towers (brooklynkids.org).

Courtesy Tri-Lox 2

roller coasters plunge in the Coney Island background as the sun sets over the sea (milb.com/brooklyn).

Ride the classic tilt-a-whirl, bumper cars, and Ferris wheel in Adventurer’s Park. There are also lots of kiddie rides designed to bring a smile to the youngest visitors (adventurerspark.com).

Romp in the playgrounds, cool off in the water play area, and enjoy unobstructed views of lower Manhattan from the sandy Pier 4 beach at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Check out the calendar of events for activities such a virtual story time and a family fitness class (brooklynbridgepark.org).

See a piece of Pepsi-Cola history at Gantry Plaza State Park. Cool off in the mist fountain and prepare your fresh catch on the fishing pier’s cleaning table (parks.ny.gov).

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Rent a bike or a paddle boat to explore some of the 900-plus acres in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.

Get splashed by the iconic Unisphere fountains (nycgovparks.org).

Take a multi-sensory tour of the sugar refining process on the oneof-a-kind playground structures in Williamsburg’s Domino Park. The waterfront views of Manhattan are also pretty sweet (dominopark.com).

Your child deserves a CATHOLIC SCHOOL education.

Learn more about safe in-person or remote learning at a Catholic school near you.

Ask about Financial Assistance & Scholarship opportunities.

Visit us TRANSFERS online today at: MID-YEAR AND ADMISSIONS FOR catholicschoolsBQ.org/welcome FALL 2021 ARE BEING ACCEPTED NOW!

NYMetroParents 29

family fun Bring your bikes for a ride alongside the water in Shirley Chisholm State Park, named in honor of the trailblazing Brooklyn crusader. If you don’t own a bike, you can borrow one from the bike library—adult and child sizes available (parks.ny.gov).

Watch the seals do tricks at mealtime at the Central Park Zoo. Feed the animals at the children’s zoo, and don’t miss the entertainment of the Delacorte Clock at the turn of every hour (centralparkzoo.com)!

Enjoy 360-degree views of the city at Top of the Rock. Spot Central Park, both

Admire the Manhattan skyline from atop a painted horse at Jane’s Carousel in Dumbo. The 1922 carousel has been lovingly restored and is

rivers and the Empire State Building from on high (topoftherocknyc.com).

ready to delight riders of all ages (janescarousel.com).

Take in the view of the city from the top of the Empire State Building. Whether you’re gazing down at the city from the 86th or 102nd floor, you’ll understand why the aweinspiring panorama has remained a tourist draw for so long (esbnyc.com).

Wend your way through Central Park on foot, bike, or horse and carriage. Spend

Julienne Schaer HRP-449

some time in one of the park’s 21 playgrounds, rent a model sailboat, or clamber atop the Alice in Wonderland sculpture (centralparknyc.org).

Spend the entire day at Pier 25 in Hudson River Park. Your kids can play mini golf, climb the playground structures, or cool off in the water features (hudsonriverpark.org).

Hop aboard the carousel, the Choo Choo, the Frog Hopper, and other little kidfriendly rides in Fantasy Forest Amusement Park (fantasyforestnyc.com).

Courtesy American Princess Cruises

Ride one of the animals on the historic Forest Park Carousel, show your strength

Timothy Schenck

on the high-striker, or win a prize at the ring toss (forestparkcarousel.com).

Spot the tail of a whale or some diving dolphins on a Whale

Go for a leisurely stroll up or down the High Line, a linear

Watching and Dolphin Adventure Cruise with American Princess Cruises (americanprincesscruises.com).

park built atop an old elevated train track. Admire the contemporary art installations on display (thehighline.org).

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Watch the birds in the aviary, hear the sea lions bark, and feed the animals in the petting zoo at the Queens Zoo (queenszoo.com).

May 2021 | nymetroparents.com

Admire the outdoor art exhibitions and take in the views of the Manhattan skyline at Socrates Sculpture Park in Long Island City (socratessculpturepark.org).

Visit Groundhog Chuck and his friends at the Staten Island Zoo. Check out the bees in the apiary and say hello to the otters, foxes, horses and leopards (statenislandzoo.org).

Visit land that has been feeding New Yorkers for more than three centuries at the Queens County Farm Museum. Say hello to the animals and pick up some fresh produce at the farm stand (queensfarm.org).

Head out to the ball game at Citi Field. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see the home run apple spring into action (mlb.com/mets).

Explore the expansive, shady grounds of the Bronx Zoo. Hop aboard the Bug Carousel or climb high in the Nature Trek for a bird’s eye view (bronxzoo.com).

View Yayoi Kusama’s giant, whimsical sculptures on display at the New York Botanical Garden. Go on a scavenger hunt and sit in on story time in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden (nybg.org).

Try your hand at a carnival game, enjoy a hot dog on the

Go to a game at the iconic Yankee Stadium.

boardwalk, or buckle up to ride the famous Cyclone roller coaster at Luna Park in Coney Island. Enjoy aerial views a hundred feet in the sky on the swings of the Brooklyn Flyer (lunaparknyc.com).

Arrive early and enjoy a visit to the New York Yankees Museum before the game (mlb.com/yankees).

OPEN HOUSE MAY 20

Check website for details

GRADUATING INDEPENDENT WOMEN SINCE 1937

Fontbonne Hall, a college preparatory school for young women located in Bay Ridge, founded on the gospel of Jesus Christ and inspired by the philosophy and charism of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, offers a superior educational program to form and empower women of confidence and compassion.

• Offering a hybrid learning model consisting of synchronous learning every day • Hybrid learning model with fully remote learning option • The only all girls Catholic HS in NYC and Long Island to offer the AP Capstone Program; 16 AP courses offered • College partnerships in Performing Arts, Nursing, Elementary Education and more • Fontbonne is the exclusive school in NY to offer the Brown University Women in Engineering Program as part of our comprehensive STEM program • Beautiful multi-building campus located in Bay Ridge • Over 30 Clubs and Activities and a wide selection of Athletics • Virtual info sessions and visit days available for prospective students • Virtual school community building events • Transfer students accepted

9901 SHORE ROAD, BROOKLYN, NY 11209 718.748.2244 www.Fontbonne.org

NYMetroParents 31

family fun Take a peek at the New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden, one of two authentic classical Chinese gardens in the country, and enjoy more than a hundred varieties of roses in the rose garden at the Snug Harbor Botanical Garden (snug-harbor.org).

Take a guided weekend tour through Historic Richmond Town to learn how New Yorkers lived centuries ago and make your children grateful for modern conveniences (historicrichmondtown.org)!

Head out from the Greenbelt Nature Center to one of several hiking trails. Check out the

Climb aboard the 1943 aircraft carrier housing the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. Take an up-close look at a variety of planes

calendar of events for other nature center programs (sigreenbelt.org).

displayed on the ship’s deck (intrepidmuseum.org).

Built on the site of the infamous landfill of the same name, Freshkills Park, while still under development, has several areas open to the public. Visitors can climb the playground equipment at Schmul Park or ride bikes along the 3.2mile New Springville Greenway (freshkillspark.org).

Joshua Bright

Take in views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Statue of Liberty while biking or walking the car-free roads of Governor’s Island. Enjoy art exhibitions, musical performances,

Spot the fish swimming in the aquatic garden, admire sweeping views of the Hudson, and trek through the forest at Wave Hill.

mini golf, a zipline, playgrounds, and more (govisland.com)!

Take the 103rd Street Footbridge to Randall’s Island and enjoy 10 miles of pathways to walk or bike. Check out the calendar of events for details on story time, movie nights, and other familyfriendly events (andallsisland.org).

Family art projects take place on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-1pm (wavehill.org).

Admire the flowers, stand in the shade of the trees, and smell the roses at the Queens Botanical Garden (queensbotanical.org).

Penelope Duus

Admire the Statue of Liberty up close from the adjoining grounds (it’s not currently possible

Circumnavigate the entire island of Manhattan and enjoy the sea breeze on a Circle Line sightseeing cruise. Spot 130 landmarks

Print out or pick up a copy of the scavenger hunt for children to lead them on an exploration of the trees, plants, and animals that inhabit Green-Wood Cemetery. Keep in mind

from the boat’s outdoor deck (circleline.com).

that Green-Wood is an active cemetery, and guests of all ages need to respect the sanctity of the grounds (green-wood.com).

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to go inside Lady Liberty). Tack a stop at Ellis Island onto your trip and learn about the arrival of millions of immigrants to the USA (nps.gov).

Explore New York’s native woodlands and wetlands in sprawling Van Cortlandt Park.

Walk one of the nature trails, check out some of the five playgrounds, or lounge in the sunshine on the lawn (vancortlandt.org).

Marie Holmes has written for Good Housekeeping, Cosmopolitan, the Washington Post, and other publications. She lives in Upper Manhattan with her wife and their two children.

Safety first. A love of learning.

Confidence for life!

KinderCare kids do better!

Recent BRIGANCE® and TerraNova® national assessments show the longer children stay with us, the better they’ll do! KinderCare kids are more prepared for first grade than expected for their grade level and meet key developmental milestones sooner.

New centers are opening soon in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Come see what we're all about!

We’re enrolling ages 6 weeks through preschool! www.kindercare.com/nyc

Let’s Go! Register Now!

Enroll in the 2021 to 2022 School Year

To learn more, give us a call at 833-905-3276

Be part of Stepping Stones Summer Camp July 6th to August 13th! (for ages 2–10) (mini camp available Aug 16th to Aug 20th)

Stepping Stones

245 86th Street | 9321 Ridge Blvd Brooklyn, NY | 718-630-1000 2-year-old classes, 3-year-old classes, private Pre-K office@steppingstones86.com Program, Kindergarten Program, After School Program www.steppingstones86.com NYMetroParents 33

camp

A Specialty Camp Summer

These targeted camps allow kids to pursue their passions.

By Zlata Faerman

specific sport (tennis, soccer, baseball, and more), STEAM, dance, art, academics, and pretty much anything your child shows an interest in.

There are also specialty camps for kids who want to travel— either to experience different cultures or to pursue a passion. For example, there are camps in Costa Rica where campers help save sea turtles.

No matter what your children’s interests are, there is likely a specialty camp out there for them.

the Benefits of a specialty camp

T

his last year of pandemic-living erased all sense of routine.

Now that summer is approaching, both parents and kids are craving some normalcy—especially more interaction with their peers, which is where summer camp can come to the rescue.

While some parents may be concerned about COVID safety at camp, many are reassured by last summer’s study conducted by the American Camp Association, which showed that out of 90,000 kids at 486 camps, less than 1 percent of campers and staffers contracted COVID-19. “This summer is looking hopeful!

Registration has already opened for many camps, and spots are filling up fast,” says Gregg Morrow, who manages clients at UltraCamp, a summer camp registration and management tool.

So, for parents who are jumping on the camp bandwagon, the only question that remains is: Which camp? Will you choose a day camp that offers a varied program of outdoorsy fun like swimming, sports, hiking, games, and arts and crafts or a sleepaway camp? Or is this the summer for a specialty camp or two?

What are specialty camps?

Some specialty camps are intended for a specific group of kids— such as those with rare skin conditions, campers with cancer, gifted and talented children, at-risk youth, kids with certain health conditions, or individuals with intellectual or physical disabilities. There are also specialty camps for children who want to focus on a particular interest and learn to master a skill—like a 34

May 2021 | nymetroparents.com

Specialty camps allow children (and their parents) to come together around a mutual interest—and gives kids the chance to meet others with the same passion. These relationships foster a sense of community and encourage growth and confidence in kids.

“There is a lot of power bringing people together who share a common love of something and the community that love fosters,” says Mike Samer, co-founder of Everyday California—a San Diego, CA-based surfing camp.

“Specialty camps are a great way for students to hone-in and focus on one thing and one thing only for a short period of time,” says Christopher Rim, CEO and founder of Command Education Group, which hosts a week-long College Application Booster Camp. “Specialty camps allow kids the opportunity to build out and focus on one endeavor and make a lot of progress in a short amount of time.”

These camps are also often shorter (one week as opposed to several), which means they can fill in the gaps between other summer plans like traditional day camp, sleepaway camp, or a family vacation.

So, if you’re trying to decide between specialty, day, and sleepaway camp for your child, consider choosing two or all three options—if it’s feasible for your family—and line them up to fully engage your kid. After a year of reduced social-emotional learning, it’s the ideal summer for this, according to Tom Rosenberg, president and CEO of ACA. “After such an isolating and traumatic year of disruption and loss, the SEL outcomes that result from camp experiences will help young people prepare to thrive in school this fall,” he says.

Zlata Faerman is a full-time publicist, part-time writer, and round-the-clock ambassador to wit and humor. When she’s not crafting kitchen concoctions for @lifeandthymez, she can be found spending time with her family, having @zlatathoughts, and fantasizing about being a Real Housewife of New Jersey.

School year 2021-22: Classes start second week in September

German Lessons Since 1897

New York State Accredited Language Program • Low tuition • No previous German necessary • Minimum age: 6 years • Manhattan location: Upper East Side • Additional locations: Franklin Square & Garden City

New this year: Adult Classes Online only!

German is for everyone!

For further information, contact kidslearngerman@aol.com or visit german-american-school.org

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camp

Camp Directory Brooklyn >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Brooklyn Music School

126 Saint Felix St., Fort Greene 718-638-5660 brooklynmusicschool.org contactus@brooklynmusicschool.org Brooklyn Music School (BMS) is excited to present our Summer 2021 programming, including the Summer Institute for ages 5-8 and the Summer Intensives for ages 9-12! Play, sing, and dance your way through the summer of a lifetime with our world-class curriculum and instructors and make new friends while learning and having fun!

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center

One Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor and Brooklyn 516-367-5170 summercamps.dnalc.org The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center offers weeklong biology-focused summer camps for students entering grades sixth-12th. Join us at the flagship in Cold Spring Harbor, our new center in Brooklyn, or virtually. Campers use sophisticated laboratory and computer equipment to perform experiments grade levels above their peers.

Derek Kellogg Basketball Camp

Long Island University (Downtown Brooklyn location), 1 University Plaza, Downtown Brooklyn coachkellogg.com mvogel33@gmail.com Does your child love basketball? Come spend a week of fun and learning the game at Long Island University located in downtown Brooklyn! Kids will play games, compete in contests, and learn the fundamentals of basketball! Available for children of all skill levels for grades third-10th.

Mill Basin Day Camp

5945 Strickland Ave., Mill Basin 718-251-6200 millbasindaycamp.com MBDC is dedicated to providing exciting and fulfilling camp experiences for children through fun, recreational, and safe activities. Our modern, air-conditioned, and private facility offers a wide range of activities for children entering pre-K through ninth grade. There are five individual camps, each with unique and innovative programming.

Park Slope Day Camp

Ronny Schindler, director Brooklyn Bridge Park, Carroll Gardens, Prospect Park, Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Carroll Gardens, Prospect Park, Windsor Terrace 718-788-7732 parkslopedaycamp.com For 30 years, Park Slope Day Camp has been providing Brooklyn families with a safe, nurturing, and unique day camp experience. Located in Brooklyn Bridge Park, Carroll Gardens, Prospect Park, and Windsor Terrace, we offer a wide variety of outdoor activities and options including traditional camp, soccer, and more.

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Splat Camp

China Institute

Stepping Stones Nursery School and Summer Camp

Collina Italiana

9 Hanover Place, Downtown Brooklyn 646-343-9888 splatcamps.com splatcamp@voicesadvance.com Come to Splat Camp where we blend art, play, and STEM into a unique magical experience for kids age 4-10. Make slime, learn about space, and play outside.

Our camp appeals equally to artsy kids, brainy kids, science lovers, mythology fans, and creative thinkers!

We are #ProNerd all day.

245 86th Street and 9321 Ridge Blvd. Bay Ridge 718-630-1000 steppingstones86.com office@steppingstones86.com Stepping Stones Summer Camp is a camp in Bay Ridge for ages 2-10. Creative weekly themes that center around outdoor sprinkler fun, daily enrichment activities, yoga, science, cooking, dance, drama, physical education, and local walking trips are just some of the exciting events planned every summer.

40 Rector St., 2nd floor, Financial District 212-744-8181 x143 chinainstitute.org/camp zfeng@chinainstitute.org Give your child(ren) the gift of Chinese language and culture by joining China Institute’s Immersive Mandarin Summer Program! Children experience a six-week immersive “tour” to eleven cities in China! In addition to language learning, participants enjoy cultural activities like calligraphy, Chinese sports, theater, arts, storytelling, and cooking. chinainstitute.org/camp.

1556 Third Ave., Suite 602-603 (between 87th and 88th Street), Upper East Side 212-427-7770 collinaitaliana.com info@collinaitaliana.com Summer camp at Collina Italiana is a fun, immersive experience for kids of all language competency levels.

Starting June 7, children (ages 3-10) learn about all things Italian through games, music, and dance. Kids age 6 and older learn writing and reading, as well as the basics of Italian grammar!

Manhattan >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Oasis Summer Day Camps in Manhattan Atlantic Acting School

76 Ninth Ave., Suite 313, Chelsea 212-691-5919 atlanticactingschool.org/kids-and-teens/summer education@atlantictheater.org Actors (ages 4-18) spend their summer days playing, creating, and forming lifelong friendships, all from the comfort and safety of home! In addition to creating characters and scripts, students may produce their own work! Camps include musical theater, improv, scene study, and film. All are rooted in our acting technique.

Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Flushing ntc.usta.com The Billie Jean National Tennis Center offers year-round programs: daytime, after-school, and weekend, as well as fun-filled summer day camps with multi-sport activities for all ages and levels. Campers work on tennis techniques, tactics, multi-sport conditioning, and strategy. Enrollment available at ntc.usta.com.

Camp Settoga

127 Call Hollow Road, Pomona 646-505-4430 campsettoga.org Camp Settoga is a day camp located in Pomona, NY for ages 4-12 that combines traditional summer camp experiences with Jewish values, and a dynamic variety of programming. Transportation, towel service, lunch, and snack are included. Visit our website to learn more about our Covid-19 plans and health and safety procedures.

Check out

Oasis in Central Park 795 Columbus Ave., Upper West Side 646-698-1800 Avital Lazar Director oasischildren.com centralpark@oasischildren.com Oasis in Downtown-PS 110 285 Delancey St., Lower East Side 649-519-5058 Stacey Soto, Director downtown@oasischildren.com oasischildren.com oasischildren.com Oasis Day Camp prides itself on age-appropriate programming for ages 3-15. Early Start (ages 3-5) is a nurturing camp environment. Lower (first-second grade) offers sports, arts, swim, enrichment, and nature. Upper (third-sixth grades) is bigger and better for older campers. Teen Travel (seventh-ninth grades) offers unique trips, overnights, and friendships.

Play On! Studios

Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew, 263 W. 86th St., Upper West Side 347-709-4149 Play On! Studios Theater Camps Lena Moy-Borgen, director playonstudios.com info@playonstudios.com Play On! Studios offers awesome theater camps for grades kindergarten-12th on the Upper West Side! In all of our camps, young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors and teaching artists, and build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment.

nymetroparents.com/nyc-virtual-camp-fair

THE SUMMER WE’VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR IS FINALLY HERE! THE SUMMER WE’VE THE SUMMER WE’VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR ALL BEEN WAITING FOR IS FINALLY HERE! IS FINALLY HERE!

Photo: Jennifer Weisbord

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO LEARN ABOUT OUR COVID-19 HEALTH VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO LEARN ABOUT OUR AND SAFETY PROCEDURES COVID-19 HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCEDURES Photo: Jennifer Weisbord

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO LEARN ABOUT OUR CAMPSETTOGA.ORG COVID-19 HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCEDURES

646.505.4430

A PROUD PARTNER OF UJA-FEDERATION OF NEW YORK NYMetroParents 37

All Star Studios allstarstudiosnyc.com Forest Hills Atlantic Acting School atlanticactingschool.org Chelsea

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Buckley Summer Academy buckleycountryday.com Roslyn

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Camp SAY campsay.org East Stroudsburg, PA

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Chatty Child Speech and Occupational Therapy, PLLC chattychild.com Tribeca China Institute chinainstitute.org/camp Downtown Manhattan

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Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center summercamps.dnalc.org/ dnalc-nyc/Downtown City Tech, Brooklyn

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Countryside Montessori School cmsgn.com Great Neck

Hillcrest Jewish Center Day Camp hjcdaycamp.org Flushing

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Ivy Day School ivydayschool.com Forest Hills, Flushing

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Kon Gen kongeninternationalpreschool. com Bayside

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Lewis Latimer House Museum lewislatimerhouse.org/ tinkerlab Flushing

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Little Blossoms of Middle Village littleblossomsofmiddlevillage.com Middle Village

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music

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Day Trips

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Imagine Works Youth Theatre imagineworksonline.com West Village

Magic Day Camp magicdaycamp.com Bayside

Theater

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Derek Kellogg Basketball Camp coachkellogg.com Downtown Brooklyn Garden School gardenschool.org/programs/ summer Jackson Heights

ProgramS: Half-Day option

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NORY nory.co/summer Various locations throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island City

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Oasis Camp in Bayside oasischildren.com Bayside

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Oasis Camp in Central Park oasischildren.com Upper West Side

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Oasis Camp in Downtown oasischildren.com Downtown Manhattan

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Park Slope Day Camp parkslopedaycamp.com Prospect Park Windsor Terrace, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn Bridge Park

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Play On! Studios playonstudios.com Upper West Side Rose Academy of Ballet roseacademyofballet.com Forest Hills

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School of Rock Queens queens.schoolofrock.com Bayside

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Splat Camp splatcamps.com Downtown Brooklyn Stargazer Day Camp stargazerdaycamp.com Marine Park 40

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Super Soccer Stars soccerstars.com 50+ locations across NYC, LI, and Westchester

Young People’s Day Camp of Queens queenscamp.com Oakland Gardens

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Winston Preparatory School Connecticut winstonprep.edu/our-campuses/ct Various locations throughout greater NYC

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St. Francis Preparatory School sfponline.org Fresh Meadows Summer at The Kew-Forest School kewforest.org/summer Forest Hills

STEAM/Robotics

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Stepping Stones steppingstones86.com Bay Ridge

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• Small class sizes • Academic rigor • Community spirit • Greek Language/Culture and Orthodox Christian Values

The Dimitrios and Georgia Kaloidis Parochial School is committed to excellence in education

8502 Ridge Boulevard, Brooklyn N.Y. 11209 718-836-8096 | www.dgkschool.org | info@dgkschool.org NYMetroParents 41

family fun

Congrats, Grads!

It’s another year of alternative celebrations, but you can still plan a special and memorable day for your graduate—from preschool to college.

By Melissa Wickes

W

hile your child’s graduation might not be able to happen as imagined, you can still create a special celebration that adheres to social-distancing guidelines. Here are some fun ideas to make your graduate feel special—whether it’s preschool, middle school, high school, or college.

Preschool Graduates Make DIY graDuatIon hats anD gowns.

organIze a vIsIt froM Your kID’s hero.

Whether your school provides a cap and gown, or you need to find one yourself, let your little one doodle out a decoration to put on top of the cap. Or, let him loose in Michael’s craft store to pick out his favorite stickers, pins, buttons, gems, sequins, fabric paint, and more to decorate the gown.

If your little graduate is fascinated by fire trucks and sirens, ask your neighborhood fire or police department to come by for a socially distanced, special visit. If the loud noises and lights aren’t your child’s idea of a fun time, invite over another one of her local heroes—like a favorite teacher, sanitation worker, librarian, or doctor.

Post a graDuatIon lawn sIgn anD have a DrIve-bY ParaDe. It’s clear that drive-by parades are a fun energy booster and a great way to feel loved without getting too close. Invite friends, family, and neighbors to drive, walk, scoot, or bike by the house to cheer for the graduate.

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May 2021 | nymetroparents.com

InvIte soMe anIMals to PlaY. Ask your friend or neighbor if you can borrow their dog or cat to play in the backyard for a few hours. If your child’s favorite animal is more exotic, you can hire a reptile handler—like My Reptile Guys—to put on a show in your backyard!

Middle School Graduates

High School and College Graduates

ask your CHild’s favorite star to reCord a graduation message.

Create a moving montage.

It’s a lot easier than it sounds! Using Cameo, you can pay an actor, athlete, or influencer—like Tony Hawk, Lindsay Lohan, Carole Baskin, Floyd Mayweather, or Perez Hilton—to send your child a personalized video message. You can even schedule a video call with one of them!

Commemorate the years with photos and videos of your child’s high school or college experience. Use her favorite song and imagery from the school; then ask her friends if they have any funny or memorable moments on video that you can include.

purCHase a marquee message.

Have a pretend diploma Ceremony witH a plaCeHolder diploma and speCial guest speakers.

New York sports are finally allowing fans again, so if your family is comfortable attending a game, you can congratulate your child up on the jumbo screen. If you’d rather watch the game from home, consider calling a favorite radio station or local news channel to ask for a shout-out.

Have a graduation movie maratHon. Luckily, your middle school graduate has many graduations to come even if she didn’t get a big ceremony this year. Give her a sneak peak of the future by watching some of these family-friendly, graduation-themed movies together: • High School Musical 3: Senior Year (Rated G, Disney+) • Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (Rated PG-13, Amazon Prime) • The Graduate (Rated PG, HBO Max, iTunes) • The Lizzie McGuire Movie (Rated PG, Disney+) • Grease (Rated PG, Amazon Prime) • Legally Blonde (Rated PG-13, Netflix) • A Cinderella Story (Rated PG, Disney+) • Crossroads (PG-13, Cinemax) • Pretty in Pink (PG-13, Amazon Prime) • Paper Towns (PG-13, Amazon Prime) • Jack (PG-13, Disney+) • Never Been Kissed (PG-13, Hulu)

If your family works together and gets creative, your child can have a “graduation day” full of laughs and surprises. Create a makeshift diploma and have family members give speeches about the school and your child’s experience. (Friends and relatives can Zoom in to give their own commencement addresses!) You can also play guest of honor trivia after the speeches end.

Good luck not fighting over who gets to give your child her diploma!

Have a party and invite your CHild’s friends—on Zoom or in-person and soCially distanCed—so everyone Can Celebrate togetHer. There’s no doubt your child is missing his friends right now. If you’re not yet comfortable having people over for a gathering outside, throw a virtual grad party for him and invite all of the family and friends who would have attended a regular party. Serve food and drinks, and let the memories and friends make this a party your graduate will never forget!

turn tHe House into a bar witH a personaliZed food and drink menu.

Have you seen those viral videos of families who have turned their homes into bars—complete with a bouncer, DJ, and bartender—for kids turning 21 in quarantine? You can do the same for your college graduate, with schoolthemed drinks and a menu of foods he loves. It’s not quite the same as a university commencement, but it’s personal and super festive.

NYMetroParents 43

family fun

Celebrating Mom 8 ideas to celebrate Mother’s Day this year

By Melissa Wickes

E

very day is a good day to celebrate Mom, but this year we should work even harder to make her feel extra special to make up for different (or lack of) celebrations last year. Here are some ideas for celebrating Mother’s Day in 2021 and making Mom feel extra special—whether you’re spending the day together or apart. And remember: The vaccine gives us protection we may have not had last year, but it’s important to remain cautious and continue to practice smart COVID-protection tactics.

order, Make, or take Her for Her favorite Meal Whether it’s takeout, a home-cooked dinner, or you’re looking to spend the day out, make sure Mom has a special meal to celebrate the day. If you’re staying in, put down a tablecloth, light a candle, and have the kids pretend to be servers!

Make MoM a HoMeMade Gift A harsh reality is sinking in for many Dads: The kids aren’t coming home from school with the usual Mother’s Day craft gift. Luckily, you still have time to make that happen for Mom at home. Visit nymetroparents.com/mom for some craft gift ideas that can inspire your little one to create the perfect gift for Mom.

Have a Picnic If the weather holds up on Mother’s Day, and as of right now the forecast for New York is looking clear, plan a special backyard picnic.

Give MoM tHe day off Moms are superheroes under regular circumstances and right now, they are likely balancing motherhood with homeschooling all while being someone for the whole family to turn to in this time of uncertainty. Give Mom the day off from being the designated superhero by getting up early to finish up some house chores, make her breakfast in bed, or even plan a full at-home spa day.

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Plan a MotHer’s day scavenGer Hunt Surely your home is filled with relics and memories the kids share with Mom. Look for things around the house with Mom that represent special moments and bring back happy memories you’ve experienced together.

Some things you can search for, courtesy of MistoBox’s Blog, include: • A picture of you and Mom. Tip: Make it more challenging by finding one from every age!

• An old birthday card from Mom or to Mom • A handmade gift from Mother’s Days in the past • Clothing you borrowed from Mom’s closet • A book she read to you when you were little

take a free ride on tHe Hudson Circle Line’s Landmarks Cruise is offering free rides to moms on Mother’s Day at 12pm using the discount code MOMSFREE21. Take in breathtaking views of Manhattan’s downtown skyline with mom to make it a day she won’t forget.

Make MoM a sPecial dessert If Mom has a sweet tooth, surprise her with her favorite dessert. Want to try something new? Visit nymetroparents.com/mom for the recipe for Van Leeuwen’s Roasted Banana Ice Cream excerpted from Van Leeuwen Cookbook.

Make a MotHer’s day cocktail You can make Mom feel like she’s enjoying a special drink out at a restaurant with the ingredients you already have in your home.

Makemeacocktail.com allows you to plug in every alcoholic drink and mixer you have in the house and will then generate all of the fun drinks you can make using them.

mommybites.com

Find a Nanny, Place a Nanny New York’s most reliable Nanny Boards — restricted to parents’ posts mommybites.com/nannies Mommybites is a community that connects expectant, new, and young moms to resources, education, expert parenting tips, fun family activities, job opportunities, childcare, and each other.

facebook.com/mommybites

pinterest.com/mommybites

twitter.com/mommybitesny

instagram.com/mommybitesparenting NYMetroParents 45

pets

Pet Sense & Sensibility Teaching kids how to interact with animals is more important than ever

By Barbara Russo

D

uring the traumatic days of lockdown, many Americans turned to furry, finned, and feathered friends for comfort during the crisis. In fact, pet adoptions went up 57-percent in 2020, according to Shelter Animals Count, a national database of shelter animal statistics and facts. And a recent survey from Westchester’s Banfield Pet Hospital, a major provider of preventative veterinary medicine, shows 1 in 3 people adopted a pet during the pandemic.

This is great news for once-homeless animals, but as society slowly returns to pre-pandemic normalcy, our kids will undoubtedly run into a stranger’s—or even a friend’s—pet. How do parents ensure that their kids interact with these animals safely and appropriately? We spoke with local experts about how to make every pet encounter a good one.

Hartmann, director of education at the Staten Island Zoo. “Do they like to be pet behind the ears? Do they like to not be pet at all? Do they like to be talked to or left alone? Find out the animal’s personality and what they like, the same way we like people to think about that when they interact with us.”

observe body lAnguAge. Just like humans, dogs give out signals to tell us how they feel. A dog wagging his tail is most likely approachable. But if the dog is snarling, has his ears back, is cowering, or gives any signal that he is not happy to greet you, it’s best to stay away, Dr. Navratik says.

never hug A dog.

As tempting as it might be for a child to cuddle or hug a dog— especially one who is extra fluffy like a plush toy—parents should tell their children to refrain. There are some dogs who don’t enjoy this type of attention, but they tolerate it until it’s too late.

“Dogs can’t say that they’ve had enough, so they could bite to show that they want it to stop,” says Donna Reiss of Freedom Dog Training, a pet training service based in Staten Island.

Consider the little Critters.

Ask before petting.

It’s hard for even adults to resist petting cute dogs, but parents should tell their kids to ask permission before attempting to touch any pet, according to Joel Navratik, D.V.M., CEO of MRVL Pet Pharmaceuticals.

“Once you have been given permission by the owner, approach the dog slowly and pet the dog gently,” Dr. Navratik says. “Avoid reaching for the face of the dog on initial contact. If you avoid the face, that keeps you safer and farther from the dog’s mouth in case the dog gets startled and reacts with a snap.”

If you know the owner of the dog you are meeting, take the opportunity to ask about the dog’s likes and dislikes before attempting to touch or pet him. No one knows the dog better than his owner.

“Ask what the animal is comfortable with,” says Jessica Pownall 46

May 2021 | nymetroparents.com

The most important thing to remember with small animals like rabbits, hamsters, and gerbils, is to handle them lightly because of their size and fragility.

“We have to remember to be gentle with animals, particularly the smaller animals, because we are much bigger than them,” Pownall Hartmann says. “Even when we think we’re being gentle, we have to remember to be even more gentle, especially when it comes to something like a hamster or guinea pig.”

Some small animals don’t mind being pet, but many don’t like to be picked up because they don’t feel safe when there is no ground beneath their feet. “We want to make sure the animal is comfortable and wants to be friends with us, so we want to make sure we are extra gentle and extra soft with them,” Pownall Hartmann adds.

teACh respeCt for All AnimAls. The most important lesson parents can teach their children about pets—and animals in general—is to have respect for all of them.

“Animals are living, breathing creatures. Learning at a young age to be gentle and show compassion for animals is a lesson that will benefit a child,” Reiss says. “It’s an important life lesson.”

Barbara Russo is a freelance writer who holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the City University of New York. She enjoys playing guitar, following current events, and hanging out with her pet rabbits.

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health

Meet the

HealtH Care Professional Hanano Watanabe, M.D. - Maimonides Children’s Hospital

Pediatric Cardiology 948 48th St., 1st floor, Brooklyn 6701 Bay Parkway, 4th floor, Brooklyn 718-283-7500 maimo.org/find-a-doctor/hanano-watanabe Hanano Watanabe, M.D., is a board-certified pediatric cardiologist at the Maimonides Children’s Hospital who completed her Pediatric Cardiology training at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center. She is part of a dedicated team of pediatric cardiologists providing infants, children, and adolescents with comprehensive evaluation and treatment for congenital heart disease, murmurs, arrhythmias (including fetal arrhythmias), and other cardiac disorders. Dr. Watanabe is a compassionate and dedicated physician who provides individualized care plans for every patient. The Maimonides Children’s Hospital is equipped with state-ofthe art technologies, including fetal and pediatric transthoracic echocardiography.

Linda Chen, DO - Maimonides Children’s Hospital Pediatric Pulmonology

948 48th St., 3rd floor, Brooklyn 718-283-7500 maimo.org/find-a-doctor/linda-chen Linda Chen, DO, is a respected, experienced, board-certified pediatric pulmonologist who is a member of our comprehensive Pediatric Pulmonary service that cares for infants, children, and adolescents with all forms of lung concerns and disease including asthma, pneumonia, chronic lung disease, chronic cough, and other pulmonary issues.

In addition to consultations and care of lung problems and diseases, our team also offers pulmonary function testing, allergy evaluation, pre-operative assessment, pediatric sleep evaluation, and bronchoscopy. Our pulmonologists provide the highest level of compassionate, family-centered care in an environment designed just for children.

Rabia Agha, M.D. - Maimonides Children’s Hospital Pediatric Infectious Disease

948 48th St., 3rd floor, Brooklyn 6701 Bay Parkway, 4th floor, Brooklyn 718-283-7500 maimo.org/find-a-doctor/rabia-agha Rabia Agha, M.D., is Director of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Division at the Maimonides Children’s Hospital. She is board-certified in pediatric infectious diseases, and specializes in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of complicated infections in infants, children, and adolescents.

Dr. Agha oversees our COVID Recovery Program for Children. In addition, she treats a wide range of conditions including congenital infections, invasive bacterial infections, unusual infections in immunocompromised patients, fever of unknown origin, Lyme disease, and travel-related infections. She also directs the Family Travel Medicine Center.

Tina Rakitt, M.D. - Maimonides Children’s Hospital Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition

948 48th St., 3rd floor, Brooklyn 6701 Bay Parkway, 4th floor, Brooklyn 718-283-7500 maimo.org/find-a-doctor/tina-rakitt Tina Rakitt, M.D., is a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist at the Maimonides Children’s Hospital. She completed subspecialty training at the prestigious Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and has more than 10 years’ experience in treating a variety of conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), celiac disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Dr. Rakitt’s warm and engaging manner focuses not only on treating the disease itself, but also on combating any fears and concerns children and their loved ones may have.

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index Birthday/Party ServiceS

Bite-size expert advice Telehealth • Home Remodeling International Schooling

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camPS

Atlantic Acting School ..................................................................................17 Brooklyn Music School .................................................................................37 China Institute..............................................................................................27 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNALC.........................................................27 Derek Kellogg Basketball Camp....................................................................35 JCC of Manhattan/Camp Settoga.................................................................37 Mill Basin Day Camp ......................................................................................5 Oasis Children Services...................................................................................2 Park Slope Day Camp ...................................................................................52 Play On! Studios...........................................................................................21 Splat Camp ..................................................................................................41 The Ecole ......................................................................................................23 USTA BJK National Tennis Center .................................................................25

child care/day care

PS Family NYC................................................................................................3 Brooklyn Global Prep....................................................................................21 KinderCare Education...................................................................................33 Montessori Day School of Brooklyn ..............................................................15 Muse Academy.............................................................................................19 Stepping Stones Preschool ...........................................................................33

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last word

What do you appreciate about your kids’ teachers now more than ever? iative of “I am forever grateful and apprec to pivot e teachers and tutors who were abl during the and adapt a new way of teaching rning, flexible pandemic. Social-emotional lea students—you thinking, connection with your you. We thank did it all. We see you. We value , Westchester you.” — Erica Maltz, @whizkidstutoring

“I’d say it’s a three-way tie betwe en their magical powers to keep the kids engaged online, their heaps of patience, and the genuine care that they have shown for our kids me ntal health and well-being.”

essible!

“My kids’ teachers have been so acc them, but In the past I was hesitant to contact made throughout the pandemic they have n to hearing themselves totally available and ope this time all of my concerns. I know how difficult reciate that has been for educators, so I really app nication.” they make the extra time for commu

— Beverly Chase, Brooklyn

ndled everything with “I appreciate how they ha ity, and resilience. calm, patience, no negativ heroes in my life as I consider them essential the children happy well for helping me to keep School was really the during this difficult period. d in their lives with only other ‘normal’ they ha wn and having to stay everything else closed do nds.” away from family and frie Staten Island — Michelle Yannaco,

“That they’ve be en able to adapt to this new way of teaching so quic k ly while also juggli ng their own families that ar e also home.”

— Shara Levine,

Long Island

“I appreciate my spec ial education coordinator now mor e than ever because she ensures the teach ers at our school are following all 504 plans and IEPs, making it easier for the students to transition between remote and in-perso n learning.” — Geanine Cilenti-Petraglia (@ge aninecilenti), Bronx

d — Jeannine Cintron, Staten Islan

“We’ve all seen teachers adapting so quickly to this huge technology curve—they’ve had to be fast and flexible while still maintaining the 1-on-1 rapport with students, plus connection in and among the class. All that would be a challenge for anyone, and I think that my kids’ teachers—and all of New York’s amazing teachers—really rose to the occasion. In my book, they deserve an A plus!” — Kristin Glosserman (@KristenGlosserman), Manhattan

“Their patience! I haven’t heard my son’s teacher raise his voice once in eight months. On the first day, he wore a tie with a sloth on it, and he told the class that’s how they were going to take it, nice and slow. He’s amazing.”

— Katherine Dykstra, (@ktdsees), Brooklyn

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