Long Island Parent - April 2021 by NYMetroParents

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april 2021

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The power of summer camp friendships and why they’re so important this year

Find a summer camp near you!

Remote School effectS

Specialparent • Supporting education at home • Autism myths you need to ignore • Find resources for your child

How learning at home has impacted kids, both good and bad

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april 2021 14 The Importance of Summer Camp Friendships

Now more than ever, kids need the close bonds formed at camp.

36 The Effects of Remote Learning

Remote school has certainly been tough, but it hasn’t all been bad.

38 How to Save Money on Pets and Pet Supplies

These eight changes you can make to your pet parenting lifestyle right now will help you save money.

40 Is Your Teen Sexting?

It’s increasingly common among teens and tweens. So, what can parents do about it?

28 Autism Myths You Should Ignore

Five things about individuals on the spectrum that just aren’t true

32 Supporting Special Education

These resources will help you supplement your child’s learning at home.

34 Special Needs Directory

columns

6 Editor’s Note 9 News: What’s happening in the community 12 Toddlers: No Whining, Please 13 Advice: Ask Dad and Buried 42 Last Word: What’s the first thing you’ll do when the weather gets warm?

things to do

18 10 Things to Do this Month 20 Easter Egg Hunts, Brunches, & More 22 Celebrating Earth Day

resources 16 Camp Directory 17 Camp Guide 42 Advertisers’ Index

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Craving Connections

f you’re like most parents, there’s one thing we can all agree on when it comes to remote learning: It’s been rough—though it hasn’t all been bad. We spoke to several local parents and teachers to explore how learning at home as impacted their kids and students, both good and bad (p. 36). One of the negative impacts of remote learning? Many kids are craving social connections. But it turns out, summer camp may be just the remedy your child needs. After all, camp provides the best recipe for social interactions and forming friendships: an escape from routine, shared activities, and exposure to new things. That’s why, after more than a year of social isolation, it’s more important than ever for kids to experience the kinds of friendships made at summer camp (p. 14). But before summer hits, take a moment to celebrate the spring season with your family. Turn to p. 18 for an April bucket list of family fun, from challenging the kids to a round of mini golf to volunteering to help clean up your local park. Finally, did you know a recent study from researchers at The University of Texas at Dallas found that the key to improving social interactions for those with autism could actually come down to promoting understanding and acceptance among people who are not on the spectrum? So, read “Autism Myths You Should Ignore” (p. 28), in which experts share common misconceptions about the diagnosis and individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Cheers to a safe and happy April!

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The Long Island 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!

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news

The ABCs of Racial Literacy Sesame Workshop’s newest set of resources helps parents have conversations with kids about race and racism.

In mid-March, Sesame Workshop introduced the ABCs of Racial Literacy, a set of resources as part of its Coming Together initiative. The resources—which include educational framework, ongoing research, and a rolling release of content—are designed to help families build racial literacy and have conversations with young children. The resources use age-appropriate language and strategies to guide difficult questions and conversations surrounding race and racism. For example, one video features Elmo and two Muppets—5-year-old Wes and his father Elijah—and Elmo wants to know why Wes’ skin is brown. Elijah explains melanin and that the color of our skin is an important part of who we are. In another, the Muppets celebrate their own unique identities in a music video. Other videos include families talking about their experiences and activities and conversation starters for families. “Sesame Workshop has always stood for diversity, inclusion, equity, and kindness. As a trusted source for families, we have a responsibility to speak out for racial justice and empower families to have conversations about race and identity with their children at a young age,” said Kay Wilson Stallings, executive vice president of creative and production at Sesame Workshop. The resources offered as part of “ABCs of Racial Literacy” are available in both English and Spanish at no cost at sesameworkshop.org/comingtogether.

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news

Toy Organizing Hacks

If Marie Kondo taught us anything, it’s that we’re meant to keep the things that spark joy and throw out (or donate) what doesn’t. But what about the things that give our children joy and give us a headache? Organizing your kids’ toy collection helps create a purposeful place for things. Discover nine unique and easy organizing ideas from the experts at nymetroparents.com/toys.

Donating Old Stuff If you’re like most people, you probably have a good amount of unwanted stuff taking up space—everything from toys your kids no longer play with to old electronics. It’s easy to know what you want to toss, but what do you do with it once it’s boxed up? Find places to donate, recycle, or sell your old items at nymetroparents.com/donate.

Time for Spring Cleaning? When’s the last time you cleaned out your fridge? Or dusted your houseplants (yes, it’s needed!)? Now’s the time to tackle it because spring cleaning season is officially here. Cleaning experts share other oft-forgotten spots when cleaning, plus tricks to get the job done, at nymetroparents. com/spring-clean. 10

Newsy Podcasts for Kids

t’s hard enough for adults to keep up with the news—but kids also need to know what’s going on. And they need to be informed by sources that can filter and craft the stories appropriately. We recently discovered some fantastic newsy podcasts that manage to enlighten kids while also entertaining them. Here are some of our favorites.

The Week Junior Show

KidNuz

RECOMMENDED AGES: 8-14 From the award-winning magazine The Week Junior, this podcast explores timely topics from each issue. Host Bex from Fun Kids is joined by members of the magazine staff to discuss their favorite stories—for example, could algae hold the secret to successful life on Mars? They also discuss the magazine’s weekly ‘Real or Rubbish?’ report.

RECOMMENDED AGES: 8-14 This professional, 5-minute broadcast is delivered by four Emmy-winning journalists who are also moms. The brief begins at 7a.m. and provides age-appropriate stories from politics, entertainment, science, health, and sports. Little listeners might learn about glow-in-the-dark sharks or who won the Golden Globes—all in bite-sized takes. A flash quiz at the end entices kids to listen closely.

The Ten News RECOMMENDED AGES: 8-12 Each episode, which air on Tuesdays and Thursdays, features 10 minutes of current affairs reporting or “the stuff grown-ups are talking about, explained, and way more fun.” For example, stories include The Rover landing on Mars, what’s up with Groundhog Day, and how Georgia flipped from red to blue. Host Bethany Van Delft expertly explains the events as well as their context, and kids are encouraged to create their own takes on the issues.

Time for Kids Explains

ABC KIDS News Time

RECOMMENDED AGES: 7-12 Every week, a robot L.I.S.A. (“Live In-Studio Audience”) and Deborah Goldstein, the show’s co-host, create a fact-or-fiction game show, in which a young contestant must judge which of the two adults who both claim to be experts (on a range of topics from soccer to sailing) is the one telling the truth. The show is always funny and goofy, but it also teaches kids how to be skeptics, especially when it comes to interpreting the world around them.

RECOMMENDED AGES: 6 and younger Preschool-age “news helpers” report stories from their own point of view along with Australian Broadcasting Corporation reporter Ruby Cornish. The sometimes silly and always lighthearted discussion of news from around the world includes such topics as why Lunar New Year is celebrated or why some areas are banning single-use plastic. Kids are kept on their toes with the fast-paced but quirky reporting.

April 2021 | nymetroparents.com

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RECOMMENDED AGES: 6-12 Available by subscription only, this weekly news show drops every Monday. Kid reporters from Time for Kids magazine report the stories—which might include the poet Amanda Gorman, the U.S. coin shortage, and training for the upcoming Olympics. There are also weekly quizzes, games, interviews, and debates—like should cursive writing be taught in public schools.

The Big Fib

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New Places, New Programs

Easy Ways to Go Green Saf-T-Swim of Garden City opened in December of 2020.

Swim School Opens Commack and Garden City Locations Saf-T-Swim of Commack has been relocated to a brand new facility in the Peppertree Commons Shopping Mall this February. It features more parking, a large pool with two observation rooms, private changing rooms, and an event space for family celebrations. Additionally, Saf-t-Swim opened a new location inside of the Omni Fitness Center in Garden City in December of 2020. The Garden City location utilizes a 25,000-square foot fitness center, on deck seating for parents to watch lessons, and a separate baby-changing room. Both locations offer lessons for swimmers ages two months old to adult, including Individual (1-On-1) lessons and a baby-and-me program. 6401 Jericho Turnpike, Commack; 631-462-9696; 333 Earle Ovington Blvd., Uniondale; 516-876-0848; saf-t-swim.com

Summer Program in Locust Valley to Offer 25+ New Activities Friends Academy Summer Programs is offering lots of new exciting activities and programming for summer 2021, designed to give every child the opportunity to learn, socialize, and have fun. The Trailblazer’s Program for third through ninth graders will have new activities like Forensics, Vets-in-Training, Cheerleading, Dancing Through the Decades, and Apollo 2021. The Explorer’s Program, which is catered to ages three through second grade, will offer age-appropriate, sensory-rich activities—like sports, outdoor play, and water activities— with themes ranging from space exploration to under the sea. Friends Academy’s pre-summer program begins June 14 and runs through June 25, for children ages three through eighth grade. 270 Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley; 516-393-4207; fa.org/summer

Brand New Preschool Opens in Woodbury Primrose School of Woodbury opened the doors to its brand new, state-of-theart facility in December of 2020. The new school has two playgrounds, an indoor interactive room, and a garden that the students help to care for. All meals are freshly prepared by an in-house chef. Through the school’s “Balanced Learning” approach, which combines purposeful play and nurturing guidance, the teachers at Primrose aim to foster curiosity, creativity, confidence, and compassion. 90 Crossways Park Drive West, Woodbury; 516-921-3300; primrosewoodburyny.com

Earth Day always reminds us of the importance of being eco-friendly and sustainable. But figuring out how to overhaul your family’s lifestyle? It’s overwhelming, to say the least. The good news is you don’t have to completely overhaul your lifestyle. “Start small, and start where you can make a big impact,” says Celia Ristow, a zerowaste writer, organizer, founder of the blog Litterless.com. “You don’t have to change everything at once. You’ll feel really good when you notice your small changes making a difference, which will motivate you to keep going.” Below is a list of things your family can do to help the Earth. Bonus: Some of them are super-simple and super-easy! • Simple Changes, Big Impact: Find 13 easy things you can do today to help the environment at nymetroparents.com/ easy-green. • Green Your Lunchbox: Our favorite picks will cut the waste in your kids’ lunchboxes; find details at nymetroparents.com/green-lunch. • Eco-Friendly Home: Discover 6 tips that will help your make your home more environmentally friendly at nymetroparents.com/eco-home. • Green Your Kid’s Room: Read 11 things you can do to reduce your kid’s exposure to environmental hazards where they sleep and play at nymetroparents.com/ green-kids. • Why Go Zero Waste?: There are several reasons to reduce the amount of trash your household produces; find 10 simple strategies to get started at nymetroparents.com/zero-waste. LongIslandParent 11

toddlers

No Whining, Please!

8 strategies to get your kids of any age to stop whining By Tammy Gold, parent coach

give in, your children will know what to expect and keep whining to get their intended end result. Say what you mean and mean what you say. When your children really understand that you’re not going to budge, they’ll stop trying.

ignore iT Again, if your child is of the appropriate age to really comprehend you, explain that you’re going to ignore all whining. Sometimes children whine because they need attention. Giving them more attention when they whine will only serve to fuel their fire. Say to them, “When you whine, I am not going to listen to you or pay attention to you until you can speak properly.” Then stick to what you said and reward your children by immediately attending to them when they stop whining. here’s nothing that gets on a parent’s nerves like a whining child. However, it’s important you don’t lose your cool. There’s a right way and a wrong way to stop kids from whining. From gripe to grumble, these 8 tips can help you stop your kids from whining.

model AppropriATe BehAviors

Be AwAre of Age

reinforce And prAise

If you are trying to help your child stop whining, you need to be aware of what your child can comprehend. For example, you can’t say to a 1½-year-old, “Honey, please stop whining. It’s really starting to make my blood pressure rise!” A child at that age does not understand what you are saying and probably will whine more! Communicate on a level your child can understand.

When your child acts appropriately, praise their good behaviors. And reinforce the fact that when they speak without whining, you will attend to them and engage with them immediately. Also express that you appreciate their listening to you and following your directions.

Arm Them wiTh Tools

If it’s really becoming a problem for older children, try using behavioral modification charts and rewards. You can mark the days they remained “whine free” with a small reward. On the flip side, when they have a “whiney moment” take away the intended reward for that day or week.

Very young children may whine because they don’t have other ways to express themselves. Try to arm them with certain words. If they are whining for “mom,” but really just need help getting a toy, ask “Do you need some help? Do you need help?” Repeat what your child is really trying to say and arm them with the proper tools to express themselves in the best manner possible. Remember that whining can be age-appropriate and will disappear when they are better able to express themselves.

follow Through For children of any age, it’s of paramount importance to always follow through. If you say, “no more cookies,” but then always

Teach your children the right way to ask for things or express themselves by modeling it yourself. Remember if they see you whining, it will be harder for them to understand why they aren’t able to do the same.

use chArTs And rewArds

encourAge And supporT It is always important to encourage and support your children, even when they are whining. You don’t want your child to think that expressing their feelings angers you, but rather learn how to engage in appropriate behaviors. Even when disciplining your children explain that you do want them to express themselves and it is acceptable to do so in an appropriate manner.

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. 12

April 2021 | nymetroparents.com

advice

Ask DadandBuried Help! With my kids home all the time, and my wife and I both working from home, we’ve allowed way too much screen time. There seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel, but I’m worried that all their time on tablets and TV has melted their brains. Am I a bad parent? — Charles V., Mamaroneck

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f giving your kids too much screen time makes you a bad parent, consider me Miles Davis! What I mean to say is: You’re not alone. My wife and I are in a similar boat, along with parents all over the world. The pandemic has forced us to do whatever it takes to survive, and frankly, extra screen time is the least of our worries. Our behavior has changed because our circumstances have changed. It’s okay if our standards change, too. We’ve all spent some portion of the pandemic indulging bad habits, whether it’s spending more time in PJs and less time exercising, or more time watching Netflix and less time reading. It’s called self-care! And children are just as entitled to it. The pandemic has been hard on everyone, but our kids may be having the roughest time of all. They might not always show it— kids are resilient as hell! They may not even know it—therapists are going to have a field day unpacking pandemic trauma in about 10 years. But our kids have been forced to adapt to this unprecedented time in unprecedented ways. Not only were they yanked out of school with no warning, they’ve had to spend the better part of two school years at home, without 1-on-1 teacher interaction, classmates, or friends. My 10-year-old has been hit hard, and sometimes his extra screen time is what happens when my wife and I need some adult time. Playing Roblox online or having a Netflix party are the only ways he gets to interact with his friends. So, we cut him some slack. Now, things may get challenging when it’s time to transition back to “normal,” or at least some version of it. Some bad habits that were acquired during a year stuck at home may need to be broken—weaning them off the PlayStation is going to be on us. So, we’d all better dust off those parenting chops and get ready for a rough re-entry. But until then, my kids can plug themselves into the Matrix for all I care! And unless you’re doing that, you’re a better parent than I am. At least you’ve got that going for you. 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.

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

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camp

The Importance of Summer Camp Friendships

Now more than ever, kids need the close bonds formed at camp By Madeleine Burry When summer camp is over and campers return home, many kids experience “camp sickness,” a phenomenon that’s the reverse of homesickness. And while camp facilities may be lovely and the atmosphere free from anxiety, it’s not the camp itself that kids miss most. It’s the friendships they formed that spark these feelings. Camp, as it turns out, is uniquely suited to provide all the very best ingredients for forming friendships: an escape from routine, shared activities, and exposure to new things—all happening under the watchful eye of well-trained role models. In fact, the friends kids make in camp—whether it’s day camp or a sleepaway—often last years, even decades. In an American Camp Association survey of more than 5,000 families around the U.S., 69 percent of families said their camper was still in contact with the kids they met at camp. That’s why during this period of social isolation brought on by the pandemic, it’s more important than ever for kids to experience the kinds of friendships made at summer camp. Here are a few reasons why those camp friendships form—and last—so powerfully.

Goodbye Tech; hello connecTions At many camps, no electronics are permitted. Plus, the stress of real life—between exams, daily homework assignments, phones 14

April 2021 | nymetroparents.com

vibrating with alerts, and after-school activities—is also absent. “At camp, kids and staff really get to connect with each other in a way society doesn’t provide anymore,” says Dan Weir, senior director of program development at the YMCA of Long Island. With the pressures of the outside world removed, what remains is a common routine and activities. It’s an environment that encourages kids to let down their guard and open themselves up. The hope, Weir says, is that kids who are unplugged will spend time with others, making deeper connections.

A chAnce To define And ReinvenT youRself At home, a child may be popular, the class clown, sporty, a slow reader, or forever tagged by an embarrassing event that took place in fourth grade. Labels are removed at camp; it’s an opportunity for a fresh start with a new community. “That’s the beauty of camp: You get to define who you are and who you want to be,” Weir says. Andy Lustig, a fashion designer who attended an all-girls camp in Maine, says she seized the moment to jettison the personality traits she didn’t like about herself. “Andy, you’re going to go there and you’re not going to be shy—you’re going to be outgoing,” she resolved. For her, camp was a place where she could recreate herself.

Camp also provides a reminder for kids that their lives will be bigger than the communities (school, activities, etc.) they inhabit during the rest of the year. For one of Lustig’s friends, a late bloomer who struggled at school and wasn’t well-liked, camp was a parallel universe that kept her sane throughout the tough time in middle and high schools. During summers, fellow campers were eager to be her friend and saw her positive qualities, and this selfesteem booster kept her going year-round, Lustig says.

ConCentrated time together “When you’re at camp, we really slow down time,” Weir says. This puts the focus on kids having safe and fun experiences, and above all, forming connections. The shared experience is a big factor. Weir points out that experts believe shared experiences are foundational to friendships. “By doing something together— even if the other person is a complete stranger from a different background, different socioeconomic status, different race, different religion, anything that you can divide people up by—we find that by having that common bond over something, and an experience, really forms a lifelong friendship.” The time spent at camp becomes a touchstone moment, something that feels meaningful even years after attending. Many of Lustig’s friends returned to camp as counselors in their early 20s, because it felt like a secure place to pause and reassess career and life choices. Similarly, Erica Edelman, who went to Camp

Ramah in the Berkshires for eight summers, says, “I continue to find an unbelievable ability to connect with other ‘camp people.’ We speak the same language, have a shared past—even if we didn’t actually live it together.” So, is camp right for your child? The answer will always depend on your kid. While camp offers so much in terms of relationship building and freedom from the everyday distractions, not every child will enjoy the experience, or flourish away from family. Whatever magical mix of elements makes camp friendships develop—from engaging in shared experiences to spending gadget-free time away from home—the power of summercamp connections cannot be denied. Campers have unstoppable enthusiasm and nostalgia for their camp experiences, and with good reason: The bonds created in the short weeks away from home endure well beyond the summer. Sending your child to camp might be a difficult decision this year. There are potential health risks and changes in protocols. On the other hand, it’s been a difficult year for kids, and camp could be exactly what they need in order to thrive, especially when it comes to connecting with others and making great friends. Madeleine Burry is a freelance writer and editor who has held staff positions at Parents.com, Scholastic, and About.com. Burry lives in Park Slope, Brooklyn, with her husband and their cat. You can follow her on Twitter @lovelanewest.

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• Ask questions • Offer advice • Learn about different camps • Enjoy a meme or two

Hundreds of parents are members of the New York Camp Parents 2021 Facebook Group

401 Roslyn Road, Roslyn Heights 516-621-9257 bethsholomdaycamp.com office@bethsholomdaycamp.com Beth Sholom Day Camp offers children, ages 3-15, the opportunity to reach their goals in a friendly, noncompetitive atmosphere. Activities include music, dance, arts and crafts, karate, as well as outdoor sports. Red cross swim instruction is offered in our three heated pools. BSDC provides door-to-door, air-conditioned transportation.

Countryside Montessori School

354 Lakeville Road, lower level, Great Neck 516-466-8422 cmsgn.com info@cmsgn.com Countryside Montessori School is offering in-person camp for children ages 18 months to 6 years old. There are morning academics for the older children and playtime for all children. Zoom sessions are also being offered in the morning with a different topic each day.

Friends Academy Summer Programs

270 Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley 516-393-4207 fa.org/summer summer@fa.org Friends Academy Summer Programs provides children ages 3-14 with high quality opportunities in STEM, the arts, and sports. Children learn, explore, socialize, and create wonderful memories that last a lifetime. Programs are taught by school faculty and highly qualified industry professionals.

Kenwal Day Camp

100 Drexel Ave., Melville 631-694-3399 kenwaldaycamp.com kenwaloffice@kenwaldaycamp.com We opened and operated last summer without a single case of Covid! Kenwal is the camp where children can start at three years old, and still thrive at 16. Campers are nurtured and challenged in a fun, safe environment designed for success! Building self-esteem, and being “unplugged” are achieved regularly.

April 2021 | nymetroparents.com

Oasis Day Camp at LIU Post

Brookville 646-519-5066 Steve Miller, camp director oasischildren.com liupost@oasischildren.com Located in beautiful Brookville Long Island, there is never a dull moment at Oasis Day Camp at LIU Post! We pride ourselves on our age-appropriate programming for ages 3-16. We encourage trying new things, establishing lifelong friends, and making memories that will last a lifetime.

Super Soccer Stars x Pro Soccer Kids

More than 50 locations across NYC, LI, and Westchester 606 Columbus Ave. at 89th St., Upper West Side, Manhattan, 212-877-7171 55 Front St., suite 7, Rockville Centre, 516-740-7171 supersoccerstars.com info@supersoccerstars.com Soccer Stars has been New York’s number one youth soccer program for 20 years. Highly trained, certified coaches lead small group classes, highlighting teamwork and individual attention, following safety guidelines. More than 50 locations. Weekly classes, half/full day camps, and private sessions anywhere-FUNdamentals or Advanced Training. Ages 2-12 and older. Save $20 by using the code NYMPSUM21.

Temple Sinai Early Childhood Center

425 Roslyn Road, Roslyn Heights 516-621-8708 mysinai.org/ecc ldayan@mysinai.org Follow the rainbow to SUMMER@TSECC, a six-, seven-, or eight-week summer program for infants, toddlers, twos, and threes! The children will explore weekly themes, specials, and Jewish values while enjoying our indoor and outdoor spaces. We can’t wait for a summer of learning, laughter, and love!

YMCA of Long Island

855-2YMCALI (962254) Bay Shore, East Hampton, Glen Cove, Holtsville, Huntington, and Patchogue ymcali.org/camp camp@ymcali.org info@ymcali.org At the YMCA Summer Day Camp, we offer the best of adventure, athletics, aquatics, camp traditions, STEAM, special guests, and summer learning. Our programs for ages 3-15 are designed to meet your child’s interests and abilities. Two-week sessions run June 28-Aug. 27. Discounts available! (Expire April 30). Following New York State COVID-19 guidelines.

Countryside Montessori School cmsgn.com Great Neck

ciT

Special Needs

Nature/Petting Zoo

(counselor-in-Training)

Travel l

challenge courses

Friends Academy Summer Programs fa.org/summer Locust Valley

Kenwal Day Camp kenwaldaycamp.com Melville

Little Sponges littlesponges.net Westbury

Oasis Camps Long Island oasischildren.com Brookville

Fine arts

Horseback riding

competitive Sports

music/ Theater/ Dance

Camp W Day Camp campwdaycamp.com Melville

STeam/academic enrichment

ProgramS: Scholarship

Flexible Scheduling

Lunch

Beth Sholom Day Camp bethsholomdaycamp.com Roslyn Heights

extended Hours

Transportation

Camp Guide

ServiceS:

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

YMCA of Long Island ymcali.org/camp Bay Shore, East Hampton, Glen Cove, Huntington & Patchogue

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts usdan.org Wheatley Heights

LongIslandParent 17

family fun

10 Things to Do This Month By Katelin Walling

pring is in full force, and what better way to celebrate the season (and warmer weather) than by spending a lot of time outside? Our kids definitely need it after the socially distant winter we had. Below, you’ll find our 10 favorite ideas to have fun with your kids. What’s on your April bucket list?

Celebrate easter. It’s time to bring out the pastels and Peeps! With everything happening in the past year due to the pandemic, Easter is a wonderful opportunity to relax and spend special time together as a family. Visit nymetroparents.com/easter for a list of 10 ideas to celebrate at home—including dying eggs, delicious brunch recipes your kids will love, and movies to watch—and turn to p. 20 for a list of egg hunts, photo ops, and brunches on Long Island!

Volunteer with your kids. Did you know National Volunteer Week is April 18-24? While many typically wait to volunteer during the holidays (it is the season of giving, after all), giving back is something you can do with your family year-round. Whether it’s spending an hour once a month to help keep your local park clean, hosting a drive to collect food for the area food pantry, or doing a fundraiser for your local animal shelter, there are plenty of ways to do a little good in your community. Visit nymetroparents.com/volunteer for more ideas.

April 2021 | nymetroparents.com

root for the home team! Opening Day for the MLB is April 1 (and that’s no April Fool’s joke!). Whether your family cheers for the Mets or Yankees, we can all agree that we’re glad America’s pastime is back—plus, with rules announced earlier this spring, fans are allowed to attend games in person this year! The Yankees’ home opener is April 1 vs. the Toronto Blue Jays, while the Mets’ home opener is April 8 vs. the Miami Marlins.

Dine al freSco. There’s nothing better than eating outside— whether it’s at a restaurant that has outdoor seating, in a backyard (if you’re lucky enough to have one), or on your building’s rooftop terrace—and no better time to do it than National Picnic Day on April 23! So, pack some finger foods, spread out a blanket, and dine among nature at the local park.

challenge the kiDS to a rounD of mini golf. Waterfalls, windmills, and sand traps, oh my! Challenge your kids to a round of mini golf at Pier 25 in Tribeca, Shipwrecked Mini Golf in Red Hook, Brooklyn, or Alley Pond Golf Center in Little Neck (visit nymetroparents.com/ mini-golf for more locations). Loser has to do the dishes!

See who can make the biggeSt SplaSh! They say April showers bring May flowers—and we certainly hope that’s the case this year! After all, what’s more fun and giggle-inducing than jumping in puddles with your little ones?! On a rainy day, don your rain boots and waterresistant jackets and go puddle jumping. You could wait until the next day to avoid getting completely soaked, but where’s the fun in that?

go to a petting zoo. Children can get up close to many kinds of animals—and even have the opportunity to feed the resident animals some treats—at Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, or Bronx Zoo. You’ll see alpaca, sheep, goats, cattle, pigs, rabbits, donkeys, and more!

riDe a carouSel. There’s something magical about seeing your little one light up with the joy of riding a carousel—the lights, the music, the animals. And the good news is carousels in our area are reopening this spring! Find all the details you need to know about carousels in NYC at nymetroparents.com/carousels.

burn off extra energy at the playgrounD. After the long winter of the kids being cooped up inside, they’re eager to get outside and run around without having to layer and bundle up. Take your children to the local playground to burn off that pent-up energy—just make sure to bring hand sanitizer and wear face masks to keep everyone safe.

inDulge in an ice cream cone. After a day of playing outside, treat your kids to a frozen treat! Whether it’s from the ice cream truck parked near the playground, your favorite cone shop on the way home, or by making your own at home, it’ll be a sweet ending to a fun day. LongIslandParent 19

! e r o M & , s e h c n u r B , s t n u H g g E r e t s Ea WHAT: Enjoy a delicious Easter-themed breakfast with the Easter Bunny! Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Easter Bunny will be socially distanced. Advanced registration required. WANT TO GO? $39 adults; $29 kids 2-12. 516-931-2201. milleridgeinn.com.

in-person Vandy Land WHEN: Through April 3: daily, 10am-4pm WHERE: Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy kid-friendly characters, local vendors, musical entertainment, mini golf, and a scavenger hunt. Mr. Bunny will be hopping by for photos. As this is a fundraiser tickets are nonrefundable. Tickets must be purchased in advance. WANT TO GO? $20; $18 members; $14 children; $12 child members. 631-854-5579. vandylandinfo.com. in-person Easter Event WHEN: Friday, April 2, 6:30-8:30pm WHERE: Xplore Port Commack, 54 Vanderbilt Motor Parkway, Commack AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Bring your camera for an Easter Bunny photo! Appearances by Poppy & Branch, Judy Hops, and Max & Ruby, plus a goodie bag for each child. Characters will appear around 7pm for about 45 minutes. Tickets must be purchased in advance. WANT TO GO? $22 children ages 2 and older; $15 children members; $12 1-year-olds; $6 adult attending with child. 631-5438300. xplorecm.simpletix.com/e/65442. in-person Roller Skate with the Easter Bunny WHEN: Saturday, April 3, 10am-12pm WHERE: United Skates of America Inc., 1276 Hicksville Road, Seaford AGES: All WHAT: Skate into Easter with a visit from the Easter Bunny! Purchase tickets in advance. Skate rental included with admission. WANT TO GO? $5. 516-795-7454. eventbrite.com/e/skate-with-theeaster-bunny-at-united-skates-tickets-144238983683. in-person Breakfast with the Easter Bunny WHEN: Through April 3: Saturday-Sunday, 9am-12pm; seatings every half hour WHERE: The Milleridge Inn, 585 N. Broadway, Jericho AGES: All 20

April 2021 | nymetroparents.com

in-person Easter Party WHEN: Through April 3: Saturdays 11am-12:30pm or 2-3:30pm WHERE: Open Stage Works, 1745 Expressway Drive N., Hauppauge AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Celebrate Easter with coloring activity, music, raffles, story time, and pictures with the special guest! Each ticket also includes a goodie bag. Advanced registration required. WANT TO GO? $60 first child, $40 per sibling. 631-647-8777. pixiedustbayshore.com. in-person Spring Photos WHEN: Through April 3: Saturday-Sunday, 12-4pm WHERE: Tanger Outlets Deer Park, 152 The Arches Circle, Deer Park AGES: All WHAT: Hop into the season with fresh portraits of the family. Join the fun for a safe Virtual Easter Bunny Meet and Greet. WANT TO GO? Packages start at $25. 631-667-0600. tangeroutlet.com/deerpark. in-person Egg Hunt WHEN: Through April 3: Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor AGES: 6 and younger WHAT: Children are invited for a festive Egg Hunt! Reserve your 20-minute time slot in advance. WANT TO GO? $7; $6 seniors 65 and older; $5 ages 7-12. 516692-6768. cshfishhatchery.org.

in-person Easter Egg Hunt WHEN: Saturday, April 3, 11am WHERE: Waterdrinker Family Farm & Garden, 663 Wading River Road, Manorville AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Bring the family to the Easter Egg Hunt on the Field! Masks required for anyone older than 2. Greenhouse and Barn will also be open for Easter plants, local baked treats, and gifts! WANT TO GO? Admission is free; prices vary for goods. 631-878-8653. water-drinker.com. in-person It’s Bunny Photo Time! WHEN: Through April 4: Monday-Saturday, 12-7pm; Sunday, 12-6pm WHERE: Roosevelt Field, 630 Old Country Road, Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Have a socially distant photo session with The Bunny! A reservation is encouraged. Walk-ups will be accepted as time allows. Cleaning will take place between visits. Masks required. WANT TO GO? Photo Packages are $34.99-$44.99. 516-742-8001. simon.com/mall/roosevelt-field. in-person Easter Fun at the Animal Farm WHEN: Through April 4: daily, 10am-5pm WHERE: White Post Farms, 250 Old Country Road, Melville AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Admission includes the visiting animals, bird aviaries, monkey barn, playgrounds, picnic areas, safe visiting with the Easter Bunny (bring a camera to take pictures), and the Easter Egg Hunt. WANT TO GO? $20.95. 631-351-9373. whitepostfarms.com. in-person Easter Brunch WHEN: Sunday, April 4, 10am, 12pm, and 2pm WHERE: Long Island Aquarium, 431 E. Main St., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy Easter Brunch, a craft station, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Complete your day with a visit to the aquarium (admission is included). Reservations required. While at the Aquarium make sure to participate in the Penguin Egg Hunt! WANT TO GO? $59.95; $54.95 members; $29.95 children ages 3-12; $24.95 member children ages 3-12; $5 children ages 2 and younger. 631-208-9200. longislandaquarium.com. Free in-person Huntington Egg Hunt Trail 2021 WHEN: Through April 11: daily, anytime WHERE: Begin at Cold Spring Harbor Village, Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Can you spot all the eggs from Cold Spring Harbor Village to Centerport? Stop at one of the merchants listed on the website for a special $10 goodie bag when you mention “lucky to live here.” WANT TO GO? 631-692-7100. luckytolivehererealty.com/blog/ Huntington-Egg-Hunt.

Need Weekend Plans? Our editors’ best picks of local family events delivered to your inbox! nymetroparents.com/register

NYMetroParents.com Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

LongIslandParent 21

family fun

Celebrating Earth Day

Here are 8 ways you can teach your kids to love—and do good for—the planet! By Katelin Walling

his year marks the 51st anniversary of Earth Day, a day to raise awareness and promote support of environmental protection. While typical Earth Day celebrations, activities, and more in our communities may be on hold due to the pandemic, there are small, easy ways you can celebrate at home—some of which will have a big impact.

plAnt A gArden—no mAtter whAt size.

Adopt A houseplAnt (or 10!).

In addition to being a fruitful (or vegetable, ha!) hobby, gardening has physical and mental health benefits for kids and adults. Gardening outside promotes movement (walking, squatting, and lifting), and you’ll get plenty of vitamin D—just remember to wear sunscreen! It also “connects us with nature, which has been shown to work wonders for children having a hard time focusing,” says Renata Fossen Brown in Gardening Lab for Kids: 52 Fun Experiments to Learn, Grow, Harvest, Make, Play, and Enjoy Your Garden—making it a perfect activity to combat those quarantine stir-crazies. Gardening can also be therapeutic, and it stimulates all five senses, which is beneficial for many children with special needs. If you have a backyard or small plot of land, try planting tomatoes, sunflowers, gourds, carrots, poppies, chives, or woolly lamb’s ear, which are ideal for your kid’s first garden. If you’re in an apartment with rooftop access or you have a balcony, try planting a salsa garden. A patch of constant sun, a few pots, and tomato, cilantro, jalapeño pepper, and bell pepper seeds are all you need to cultivate the main ingredients for some healthy nacho fixin’s. On the other hand, if you want to try something simpler—all you need is a window that gets some light!—try growing a mini herb garden to add fresh seasoning to some of your favorite home-cooked meals. However you decide to jump into gardening, just make sure it’s enjoyable and beneficial for all involved!

Did you know houseplants are good for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being? And with us spending more time than ever in our homes, it’s the perfect time to hop on the houseplant bandwagon to bring a little greenery indoors! Among the many benefits of houseplants? • Some plants can improve indoor air quality. • Being exposed to even a small amount of nature can help kids with schoolwork. • Plants can boost your microbiome. • Caring for houseplants can improve your mood and reduce stress. • Plants teach kids to care for other living things without the commitment of a pet!

go for A wAlk in nAture. Just make sure you follow proper safety protocol, including wearing a face mask and staying 6 feet apart. Want to do some good while you’re enjoying the great outdoors and fresh air? Bring along some gloves and a few bags to pick up any litter you see.

April 2021 | nymetroparents.com

watch a Movie with your faMily. If getting your kids to sit through a documentary is a struggle, try watching one of these movies together. While they all have different storylines, they all touch on topics of climate, preservation, conservation, and nature. (All ratings and reviews listed below are courtesy Common Sense Media.) wall-e 5 and older Amazon, Disney+, google Play, iTunes, Vudu, and

ReCoMMeNDeD AgeS: AVAIlABle oN:

YouTube Unlike older kids and grown-ups, younger kids won’t be that impressed by how much is said with so few words. But the action (which includes some robot fights, weapons being fired, explosions, and chase scenes) picks up soon enough. Underlying the whole thing are strong environmental messages: Reduce, reuse, recycle, and think about what you’re doing to the planet (and yourself). fly away home 8 and older AVAIlABle oN: Amazon, google Play, iTunes, Vudu, and YouTube The message of concern and protection of Canada geese and their habitats, and the inventive ways a father-daughter duo works together to save them, should delight animal lovers of all ages ReCoMMeNDeD AgeS:

avatar 13 and older Amazon, Disney+, google Play, iTunes, and Vudu Mixed into the story, which is full of action and adventure, are messages about conservation and the interconnectedness of life.

Support wildlife conServation. Many zoos and aquariums focus their efforts on raising awareness and funds for wildlife conservation—including NYC’s Bronx Zoo, Queens Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium, which are all part of the Wildlife Conservation Society. Visit one of these institutions to learn about and support the conservation efforts.

StreaM a kid-friendly nature docuMentary. These true-life films are entertaining and captivating for the whole family, but they also educate viewers about nature, the planet, conservation, climate change, and more. Plus, they’re all conversation-starters. After watching one of the below kid-friendly documentaries, ask your kids questions about what we can do to protect our planet. (All ratings and reviews listed below are courtesy Common Sense Media.)

ReCoMMeNDeD AgeS: AVAIlABle oN:

Make a garden gnoMe. If you do decide to grow a garden this year, or if you want to try growing something small this year before committing to a garden next year, have your kids help make grassy garden gnomes. Think: homemade chia pets! Visit nymetroparents.com/gnome for the DIY.

try reducing faMily waSte. Sure, we all know the mantra ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ to limit the amount of trash that goes into landfills, but have you thought about exploring becoming a zero-waste household? While the switch to such a lifestyle can be overwhelming, there are 10 small, simple things you can do every day that will help you live a low-waste life, including switching to reusables containers, recycling correctly, composting food scraps, and shopping at a farmer’s market. Visit nymetroparents.com/zero-waste to learn more.

wings of life ReCoMMeNDeD AgeS: 6

and older Disney+, google Play, iTunes, and Vudu Disneynature’s documentary, narrated by Meryl Streep, explains the importance of flowers and the earth’s greatest pollinators: bees, birds, bats, and butterflies.

AVAIlABle oN:

oceans 8 and older Amazon, Disney+, google Play, iTunes,

ReCoMMeNDeD AgeS: AVAIlABle oN:

and Vudu This documentary takes a close look at the earth’s oceans and the creatures that call it home. expect scenes depicting these bodies of water in all their glory and reality, and animals finding their place in the food chain (sharks feasting on fish, for instance, accompanied by dramatic music). chasing coral 9 and older Netflix This tragic but awe-inspiring film interviews filmmakers and scientists who attribute the decline of one of the ocean’s most essential living creatures to climate change.

ReCoMMeNDeD AgeS: AVAIlABle oN:

LongIslandParent 23

Syosset Campus

Levittown Campus

47 Humphrey Dr, Syosset, NY 11791 (516) 921-7171

72 Farmedge Rd, Levittown, NY 11756 (516) 490-3301

FOR CHILDREN • Evaluations

• School-Age Special Education Classes (K-2nd Grade)

• Early Intervention (EI) • Preschool Special Education Classes • Bilingual (Spanish) Preschool Education Class

• Preschool Special Education Itinerant Services (SEIS) • Related Services

• English Language Learner Classes

• ABA Home Program

• Preschool Special Education Class in an Integrated Setting (SCIS)

• Family Center Respite Programs

FOR FAMILIES

• Childcare* (at Levittown)

* fee-for-service

FOR PROFESSIONALS

• Parent Counseling/Parent Training • Parent Education and Support Groups • Family Center Respite Program

• Professional Development* • Internships • Consultations*

* fee-for-service

Early Intervention (EI) & Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) services are for children who have or are suspected of having a developmental delay or disability & are eligible based on NYSDOH or NYSED guidelines. For Early Intervention, referrals are made to NCDOH or SCDOH dependent on your residence. For preschool, referrals are made to your local school district CPSE. Type of services, frequency, location & provider are determined by the municipality for EI & the school district for CPSE. Families have no out of pocket expense but are responsible for fees/costs associated with childcare. All therapists & teachers are licensed and/or certied according to NYSDOH & NYSED regulations.

Visit us online at

www.vclc.org Follow us on social media @varietychildlearningcenter

Practitioners | Activities | Advocates | Education | Camps

online extras Learn about everything you need to do to plan for the future for your child with special needs at nymetroparents.com/sn-planning Looking for apps to help your child with ADHD thrive? Find 9 resources (recommended by parents) to check out nymetroparents.com/adhd-apps Experts share how you and your partner can keep a strong bond when raising a child with autism. Check out nymetroparents.com/asd-parents Do you suspect your child might have a disability? Learn how to plan and get your child evaluated at nymetroparents.com/ld

inside 28 Autism Myths You Should Ignore

There are a lot of stereotypes about autism spectrum disorder that just aren’t true— here are the five biggest misconceptions.

32 Supporting Special Education

These resources will help you supplement your child’s learning at home.

34 Special Needs Directory

Find resources on Long Island for your child with special needs

Providing Services For Over 500 Years

The Hagedorn Little Village School, Jack Joel Center for Special Children (HLVS), is a not-for-proﬁt program that provides services for infants and children up to 11 years of age with learning, language and social delays, motor Impairments and autism with no direct cost to families: • Evaluations • Early intervention (Birth–3) • SEIT • CSE Itinerant Services • ABA Home Programs

• Related Services: - Speech - OT/PT - Parent Training - Family Support Services

• Special Ed Classes: - Pre-School (3-5) - School-Age (5-11) - inclusion

750 Hicksville Road Seaford, NY 11783 • 516-520-6000

www.littlevillage.org

Funded and Regulated by Nassau County (NCDOH) and Suﬀolk County (SCDOH) Departments of Health, NYS, NYS ED Department Early Intervention (EI) and Committee for Preschool Special Education (CPSE) services are for children who have or are suspected of having a developmental delay or disability. Evaluations must be referred by NCDOH/SCDOH for EI and/or to the local school district for CPSE. Services are provided based on an individual child’s eligibility as established by NYS DOH and/or NYS ED department and local government at no direct cost to parents. Parents are responsible for fees/costs associated with childcare. 26

April 2021 | nymetroparents.com

Representing Parents of Children with Disabilities

Special Education Law Services

•Representation at CSE meeting to obtain appropriate programming, support services, accomodations • Negotiation—resolve disputes between parents and school districts • Litigation at Impartial Hearings • Consultation Services— case assessment, options, legal entitlements • Representation in disciplinary matters

Law Offices of Susan J. Deedy & Associates 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 603 Westbury, New York 11590 Phone: (516) 221-8133 Fax: (561) 221-3011 website: www.susandeedylaw.com email: sdeedy@susandeedylaw.com www.facebook.com/susandeedyempowered LongIslandParent 27

autism awareness month

Autism Myths You Should Ignore

There are a lot of stereotypes about autism spectrum disorder that just aren’t true—here are the five biggest misconceptions. By Katelin Walling

Despite what many people may think, individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder do like spending time with peers. In fact, interacting with people on the spectrum is the best way to battle these misconceptions.

hile the awareness of autism spectrum disorder has grown due to social media, increased research, Autism Awareness Month, and more, there are still many misconceptions about ASD, from its causes to the characteristics and abilities of those on the spectrum. As its name denotes, autism is a spectrum, meaning not everyone diagnosed with autism displays the same traits, exhibits the same behaviors, or has the same abilities—just like you or me. Applying blanket statements to those on the spectrum would be like saying girls can’t throw or boys don’t cry. We spoke to experts about stereotypes of ASD and uncovered the truth behind five big misconceptions about the disorder and those diagnosed with it.

Myth 1: Vaccines cause autism. Unfortunately, we do still hear the misconception that autism is related to vaccinations, commonly the measles, mumps, rubella vaccination, says Sarah Kuriakose, Ph.D., BCBA-D, statewide director of psychology services at NYS Office of Mental Health. “Not only was the initial study that showed that a fraudulent 28

April 2021 | nymetroparents.com

study, but follow-up studies have debunked that many times,” she explains. There are other concerns that autism is caused by “various environmental factors that a pregnant mother may be exposed to and in utero some of those environmental causative factors may have somehow affected the fetus,” says John Pfeifer, assistant executive director at Life’s WORC, a Long Island nonprofit that supports people with developmental disabilities and autism. “There’s still ongoing research about the expansion of electromagnetic technology and various environmental chemicals and such that may be at play, but not knowing everything in the environment that may be affecting a fetus, either seen or unseen, makes it hard to decipher that.” “What we do know about autism is there seems to be a genetic component, and about 10- to 20-percent of cases with ASD are linked to an identified genetic disorder,” Dr. Kuriakose says. “We anticipate that that number will go up with more genetics research. But even in identical twins, the concordance rate is not 100-percent, so we know there is some factor that is not genetic as well.”

Myth 2: PeoPle on the sPectrum are antisocial and don’t have feelings. Dr. Kuriakose says parents, teachers, and even doctors will tell her things like, “that child can’t have autism because…he’s affectionate, …she makes eye contact, or …he’s interested in other kids.” “So what can end up happening is people have this very black-and-white picture that a person with autism is someone who is anti-social and isn’t interested in other people,” she says. “We know that those aren’t necessarily true.” Yet thanks to this persistent myth, a child who does have autism might not be given a diagnosis—his parents may be hanging on to the fact that their child is affectionate though he is struggling in other ways. “It is often thought that people with autism don’t have feelings, which is a very sad misconception and very far from the truth,” adds Janet Koch, CEO of Life’s WORC. “They are capable of having loving relationships with family members and friends.”

Myth 3: PeoPle with autism exhibit challenging and/or maladaPtive behaviors. “It’s not fair to say that challenging behaviors are inherent in the diagnosis,” Pfeifer says. “They are often a byproduct of ineffective treatment of some of the things that are inherent in the diagnosis, which are communication and socialization difficulties.” These

behaviors could include flapping hands, rocking, or other selfstimulatory behaviors. “We still, unfortunately, have the misconception from previous media portrayals that kids with autism are nonverbal, are going to sit in the corner, and just rock or flap their hands,” Dr. Kuriakose says. As society becomes more educated about autism, people are learning about adapting communication efforts. “It could actually help a person [on the spectrum] to not escalate to such a significant behavior because they’ll be able to communicate more easily with people who have been taught how to communicate with them,” Koch says.

Myth 4: those on the sPectrum are savants and/or are fixated on one toPic. The media commonly portrays those with autism as being savants or having restricted interest in a singular subject area: Sam Gardner in Netflix’s Atypical and Shaun Murphy in ABC’s The Good Doctor are two recent portrayals. “Certainly, we have kids and adults with autism who have an amazing depth of knowledge in a particular area, incredible memory, incredible pattern recognition skills, things like that that are going to set them up for a particular career,” Dr. Kuriakose says, but not all people on the spectrum show these characteristics.

ABA Psychological Services, P.C.

• Is your child with autism struggling to make friends?

• Are you tired of dealing with tantrums and challenging behavior in your home and in the community? ABA Psychological Services has programs designed to help your child and your family. We are a private ABA agency focused on providing the highest quality therapy based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to children and adults with autism. We provide services in the home, community, and our clinic setting. We focus on teaching skills that are necessary for success in life. Our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) create treatment plans that decrease tantrums, agression, self-injurious behavior, stereotypy, property destruction, noncompliance, and food selectivity. Some behaviors we may teach include language, social skills, self-help skills, play skills, staying on task, toileting, eating a variety of foods, as well as coping skills. We work with all individuals across the spectrum.

We accept most major insurances! Call us today (516) 294-5000

436 Willis Ave 2nd Floor, Williston Park, NY 11596 abapsychologicalservices.com

LongIslandParent 29

autism awareness month In fact, the most recent criteria for an ASD diagnosis from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fall into two categories: social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors (RRB). There are four traits that fall under the RRB category—repetitive speech or behavior/mannerisms, restricted interest, sensory challenges, and difficulty with transitions or insistence on sameness—and a person needs to only exhibit two of the RRB traits (and meet criteria from the social communication category) to receive a diagnosis of autism, according to Dr. Kuriakose. “So, you could have a kid who has some sensory challenges and insistence on sameness without any restricted interest at all and you could still have the diagnosis,” she says.

Myth 5: PeoPle with ASD cAn’t go to college, hAve jobS, or get mArrieD.

fact, “a lot of individuals with autism are actually really great, dedicated, passionate employees, but it has to be a setting that can understand that they might process information and interact in ways that are slightly different from typical.” In terms of getting married, Dr. Kuriakose says there are quite a few instances where she’s diagnosed a child with autism, and a few months later their parent will observe that they’re seeing some of the same characteristics in themselves or another family member. “And these are all people who had families,” she says. So how can we continue to combat these and other myths about people on the spectrum? “Just like with any other group, you shed your misconceptions when you have more close relationships with people in that group,” Dr. Kuriakose says. “I really would encourage people to engage with lots of individuals with autism.”

Because some people with autism may struggle with social situations, have communication challenges, and have difficulty with flexibility, there’s the misconception that they will not be able to attend higher education, have a job, or get married and have kids. “There are lots of examples of folks with autism who do successfully do those things, and the big thing that’s important is it’s all about the supports the environment can provide,” Dr. Kuriakose says. When working with a patient who is looking at colleges or employment opportunities, Dr. Kuriakose looks for a setting that is supportive of that patient’s strengths and challenges. In

School Districts ask their attorneys what is the minimum amount of services the law requires them to provide to special education students. Why shouldn’t you ask your attorney what the maximum amount of services the law requires the School District to provide? Going for your child’s first Individual Education Plan (IEP) and don’t know what to expect? I can give you the answers to those questions and many more, as your attorney, I solve problems. 30

April 2021 | nymetroparents.com

Law Offices of

Brad H. Rosken, PLCC Counselor at Law

(631) 379-9569 www.specialcounselor.com Brad@specialedcounselor.com

LongIslandParent 31

special needs

Supporting Special Education These resources will help you supplement your child’s learning at home. By Sara Ackerman

hildren with disabilities are among the most vulnerable students, and this is especially true as coronavirus-safety measures have led to less classroom time and frequent closures. Parents of elementary school students with disabilities may be wondering how they can support their child’s education at home. While schools continue to implement Individual Education Plans and mandated services regardless of the remote, hybrid, or at-school learning model, there are resources available to parents who would like to supplement learning at home.

reading rockets readingrockets.org This website offers resources for parents of struggling readers, including videos, research, guides, and a “Growing Readers” newsletter.

Free e-Books Parents can find leveled e-books for reading at home on Epic (getepic.com) and TarHeelReader.org. Both sites are free and can be used without a classroom account. There are also e-book databases and apps like Tumblebooks.com, Sora, and Overdrive.com that can be accessed via public library cards.

Math Games & Tools

Resources for Parents Let’s Learn (letslearn.org) This public television program features lessons for children in 3-K through second grade. The lessons are taped by educators and focus on foundational reading and writing skills, literacy, math, science, social studies, and the arts. The series also supports social-emotional learning and brings viewers on virtual field trips to see dance performances, meet animals, visit botanical gardens, and more.

Parent University (parent.schools.nyc) In the fall, the New York City Department of Education launched an online platform for families of public school children. It offers on-demand special education courses, including Sensory Supports for Students with IEPs, Intensive Teaching at Home, and Supporting Students with ASD.

Literacy Resources Reading to and with your child is the most important thing parents can do to support literacy and vocabulary development. For students who struggle with reading, there are several foundational reading skills videos available via Let’s Learn, which can be accessed by anyone online. 32

April 2021 | nymetroparents.com

For children who struggle with fluency in math, games can help. A number of sites such as coolMathgames.com and toytheater. com have engaging games to practice basic skills. And if you want a break from the screen, look no further than board games. Many of the classics you already have at home, such as Sorry!, provide practice with numeral recognition, counting, 1-to-1 correspondence, and decomposition. And research shows that students with disabilities benefit from using math manipulatives, such as Unifix cubes, number lines, and base 10 blocks. Even household objects like paperclips can be used for counting, addition, and subtraction.

Play Areas at Home John Goodson, assistant director of educational services and program development at AHRC New York City, notes that disruptions caused by abrupt school building closures are particularly challenging for special education students. To ease the transition, he suggests parents of young students set up play centers that mirror those found in the classroom. For example, one area of the home can be for building with blocks while another can be designated the dramatic play area. Young children learn primarily through play rather than academic tasks, and the familiarity of centers can provide comfort, in addition to stimulation.

Talk to Your Child’s Teacher Finally, if you want to supplement learning at home, but you aren’t sure how, talk to your child’s school. “Reach out to the teacher. Say, ‘we want to do a little more. What can we do?’” says Tova Horowitz, senior special education teacher at International Academy of Hope in Harlem. Your child’s teacher may have specific suggestions and activities that support the curriculum and your child’s IEP goals.

Does Your Child Struggle With Reading, Speech, OT or Another Learning Challenge? In-Person, Full Day, 5 Days

Vincent Smith School (Est. 1924) Grades 1-12

• • • •

Specializing in Dyslexia, ADHD, School Anxiety Small Classes (Avg. 5 Students) On-Site Related Services Special Ed. Teachers; Wilson-Certified Reading

Rolling Admissions All Year! Email admin@vincentsmithschool.org or call us for a Zoom or in-person tour--we'd love to meet you! 322 Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington, NY • (516) 365-4900 • vincentsmithschool.org Registered with NYS Bd. of Regents. We are a non-profit org. open to all, without regard to race, gender, or nationality.

N E S S B E H AV I O R C O N S U LT I N G

ABA Therapy for children with Autism

FOR LONG ISLAND PARENTS OF KIDS WITH AUTISM... Do you feel like they’ve tried just about EVERYTHING? At NESS BEHAVIOR CONSULTING, we take a small, tight-knit approach to our services, consulting, and ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy.

All major private insurance accepted

• We give each family and child personalized care, without letting anyone fall through the cracks • We listen to each family’s speciﬁc needs and mold the solution around what will replace certain unwanted, maladaptive behaviors with healthier ones • We even offer supportive and strategic parent coaching so the whole family can enjoy more peace of mind. Our professional ABA consultants help you pick up resources to understand and implement therapy effectively!

445 Broadhollow Road, Ste 25, Melville, NY 11747 (516) 252-1444 | www.nessbehaviorconsulting.com LongIslandParent 33

directory

Special NEEDS ABA Psychological Services, P.C.

436 Willis Ave., 2nd floor, Williston Park 516-294-5000 abapsychologicalservices.com pmoss@abapsychologicalservices.com We provide Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA therapy) to children and adults who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our BCBAs provide these services in the home, community, and our clinic setting. We work to decrease challenging or aggressive behaviors while teaching appropriate language, social, daily living, and coping skills.

Advantage Care Health Center

189 Wheatley Road, Brookville 516-686-4400 230 Hanse Ave., Freeport advantagecaredtc.org Advantage Care Health Centers and The Fay J. Lindner Center are Long Islands premier Federally Qualified Health Care Centers (FQHC). We provide comprehensive medical, dental, and mental and behavioral health services to children and adults. The center specializes in providing services to individuals with Autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Family of Kidz - Kidz ABA

familyofkidz.com/kidz-aba info@familyofkidz.com Kidz ABA provides insurance-based ABA services to children of all ages with Autism Spectrum Disorder. We help both caregivers and children to thrive by providing them with strategies to overcome challenging behaviors, increase independence, and develop new skills. Our locations are across Long Island and Queens.

The Hagedorn Little Village School, Jack Joel Center for Special Children

750 Hicksville Road, Seaford 516-520-6000 littlevillage.org jon.feingold@littlevillage.org The Hagedorn Little Village School is a not-for-profit school highly regarded for providing outstanding educational and therapeutic services for children with a wide range of developmental disabilities. HLVS provides year-round programs and services that include diagnostic evaluations and treatment, early intervention, a preschool, an elementary school, SEIT, and related services.

Helping Hands Family

229 Laurel Road, East Northport 631-659-3337 hhfamily.com referral@hhfamily.com We provide ABA Therapy to children diagnosed with autism in both Suffolk and Nassau counties. We provide center-based, in-home, or in-school ABA Therapy. Our highly trained staff work through 1-to-1 sessions with each child, individualized treatment plans and goals, and built-in parent training for all of our programs.

Law Offices of Brad H. Rosken, PLLC

631-379-9569 specialedcounselor.com brad@specialedcounselor.com Brad H. Rosken is an experienced trial attorney. He is also a parent of a child with special needs. He knows how far to push a school district to obtain the maximum that your child is entitled to under law. He will guide you, decipher lingo, and develop effective strategies.

Law Offices of Susan J. Deedy & Associates

1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 603, Westbury 516-221-8133 susandeedylaw.com sdeedy@susandeedylaw.com The Law Offices of Susan J. Deedy and Associates has been representing parents of students with disabilities since 2003. We are proud of our longstanding record of reaching successful resolutions to disputes between parents and school districts. Our representation provides a personalized approach to ensuring that the desired outcome is achieved.

Long Island Speech

844-5-SPEECH (844-577-3324) Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: Stony Brook, Farmingville, Commack, East Yaphank, Islip Terrace, Jericho, Wantagh, New Hyde Park Newest Location: 2915 Sunrise Highway, Islip Terrace 631-675-1065 lispeech.com Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, owns and operates Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy. With her group of therapists, she supports families across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, expressive and receptive language disorders.

The BEST things to do with your kids in your neighborhood - delivered to your inbox!

The Scoop

nymetroparents.com/register 34

April 2021 | nymetroparents.com

Ness Behavior Consulting

516-252-1444 nessbehaviorconsulting.com info@nessbehaviorconsulting.com Ness Behavior Consulting provides services for families and school administrators. We service individuals with behavioral challenges that may impede their ability to learn. We provide in-home services to families and work closely with school administrators to train and build staff capacity of effectively applying the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Variety Child Learning Center

47 Humphrey Drive, Syosset 516-921-7171 Variety Child Learning Center at the Gallow School 72 Farmedge Road, Levittown 516-490-3301 vclc.org Variety Child Learning Center provides evaluations, early intervention, special education (special classes, special classes in integrated settings, itinerant services), ABA, and Family Center Respite Program to more than 750 children and families annually, and professional training. VCLC has implemented COVID protocols in accordance with NYS DOH and CDC guidelines.

Vincent Smith School

322 Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington 516-365-4900 vincentsmithschool.org Vincent Smith School is Long Island’s premier prep school serving students with learning issues such as school anxiety, ADHD, dyslexia, and auditory and language disorders in grades first-12th. VSS students come from all over Long Island and NYC to take advantage of the school’s unique programs and individualized curriculum.

Winston Preparatory School

Various locations throughout the greater NYC area 631-779-2400 winstonprep.edu/our-campuses/li liadmissions@winstonprep.edu Winston Preparatory School is a network of six campuses offering students with learning differences a highly individualized and responsive education. Our unique model serves students through grade 12. Winston Online now allows students to learn from anywhere in the country. Visit instonprep.edu/apply-now to sign up for a virtual open house.

LONG ISLAND SPEECH Licensed Speech Pathologists & Myofunctional Therapists

TELETHERAPY AVAILABLE!

Specializing in the Treatment & Correction of: • Language Disorders • Memory & Auditory Processing Difficulties • Fluency • Voice Disorders • Motor Planning Disorders

• • • • • •

Deviate Swallowing Tongue Thrust Feeding & Swallowing Problems/Aversions Thumb Sucking Articulation Disorders Oral Facial Muscle Weakness

Specialized Therapy Approches Including: • PROMPT • Individual Feeding Therapy • Augmentative Communication Evaluations & Therapy

844-5-SPEECH | www.LIspeech.com

Background Vectors by Vecteezy

LongIslandParent 35

education

The Effects of Remote Learning Remote school has certainly been tough, but it hasn’t all been bad. Parents and teachers share how learning from home has impacted kids, both good and bad. By Stacey Feintuch

Morris’s daughter, a ninth grader in East Hanover, NJ, has been doing well academically since her school went all remote in March 2020. She was able to maintain honor roll and she even earned a distance learning award at her eighth-grade graduation. Her social life, however, is a different story. “She is a social person and greatly misses the daily interactions with her friends and teachers,” Morris says. “She typically performs in the school plays and musicals. She hasn’t done so this year and really misses it.” Many parents will agree: Remote learning has been rough. Whether kids are in a hybrid or an all-remote model, schooling online has taken a toll—but it hasn’t been all bad. We spoke to several local parents about their kids’ experiences—both positive and negative.

The DownsiDes Just like Morris’s daughter, many kids are craving social connections and idle chatter with peers in class, recess, lunch, or the hallway, all of which can’t happen online. “Kids need to see other kids to form their identity, and they aren’t getting that opportunity,” says Dara Duryea, LCSW, child and family therapist in Succasunna, NJ. “The kids I see are getting grumpy and acting out more at home due to not having interactions with peers.” 36

April 2021 | nymetroparents.com

Rachel S. from Queens says that being home so much has made her daughter quieter. “On days when my daughter is in school, she can’t really be a kid and have fun.” Students in the city are even more isolated. “Many students say they don’t leave their apartments for several days,” says Wendy B., who teaches in an all-girl public school in East Harlem. “Their social lives are primarily on screens.” Unfortunately, remote learning has also led to students— especially those with special needs—falling behind. “I’ve noticed a lot of regression in some special needs students who don’t attend live synchronous teaching regularly and don’t have support at home,” says K. Gargiulo, who teaches remote special education to students in kindergarten through third grade in New York City. Michele S. in Montclair, NJ struggles at times to get her middle-school daughter, who has ADHD and anxiety, to keep her computer-camera on and take notes. She often has difficulty with her school-issued Chromebook or with navigating teachers’ glitchy internet connections. She can’t meet peers in her new school, which has made her frustrated and disinterested. “My once enthusiastic learner has completely changed,” Michele says. “While she seems to enjoy some of her classes and teachers, overall, she is unmotivated, disengaged, and often does the least work possible. She has hit a wall. Her attitude is one of ‘who cares’ and ‘this doesn’t really matter.”’ Even students who normally thrive are having trouble with academics. “My daughter is only 7 and has said to me numerous times, ‘Mom, I’m not learning anything,’” says Rachel S., whose daughter has only been to school in person 15 days this school year. In fact, the second grader previously never had an issue doing homework. “Now, it’s like pulling teeth.” Hiring a tutor has helped, but, as Rachel stresses, her daughter needs consistency. “It’s hard for her to concentrate at home,” she says. “We live in an apartment and we’re on top of each other. She is easily distracted by us and her toys being right there.” Many kids can’t focus in front of a computer for long hours or independently track their work pace and Zoom schedules. And teachers are having trouble monitoring their students’ progress. A physics teacher of 14 years at a Bergen County, NJ high school, says she can’t tell who is completing their own work or

who may be cheating. Still, she sings her students’ praises. “The majority of my students can manage their time and workload and have risen to the occasion,” she says. “They’re comfortable reaching out for help when they begin to fall behind.”

Jaime Tan, a teacher in Rockland County, says he’s discovered that students really want to be in school. “They leave my class on Friday knowing they won’t be back for a week and their faces drop. I want to give them hugs and tell them to keep up the great work at home that they were able to do while they were in the classroom. However, I know the challenges of working from home are much greater than the desire to do well. When school does return to normal, I believe kids will have a new appreciation for school.” And, of course, nothing substitutes learning in a school setting when it comes to hands-on activities. As a chemistry teacher, not being able to have hands-on labs has had the most negative impact on my students,” says Wendy B. “Virtual labs and simulations are okay, but nothing substitutes physically being in the lab and observing, measuring, heating, gathering, and analyzing data with lab partners.”

give extra help, or share my screen have been helpful and allow accessibility for all students,” the physics teacher says. “I can record lessons and share them with students who are absent or who need help. I can meet with students virtually after school hours for extended help.” Since they have no other choice, students are becoming tech wizards. “I think my daughter’s overall problem-solving abilities have expanded in leaps and bounds, whether it’s figuring out some IT issue on her computer or doing research online,” says Michele S. Fortunately, most kids will get back on track. “The great thing about children is that they’re resilient,” Duryea says. “I’m hopeful that this will become a blip on the radar of their lives,” Guroian adds. “Our students can do catch up if they have the support, motivation, and drive to do so.” Heather, a New Jersey-based mother of two boys in elementary school and an educator herself, thinks kids’ future success will also depend on their parents. She hired a reading tutor for her younger son, and she and her husband adjusted their work schedules to oversee remote learning. “We, as parents, will continue to support our boys the best we can,” she says. “We’ll give them experiences that encourage their sense of wonder and eagerness to learn. We have the means to do this, both financially and emotionally,” she says. “Many cannot.” Amy Giesler, a licensed clinical social worker, school-based clinician, registered play therapist, and mother of two from northern New Jersey, summarized it well: “Many children, families, and teachers will emerge from the remote learning experience with new knowledge, skills, memories, and appreciation for the traditional learning environment,” she says. “Values like teamwork, flexibility, and self-discipline have all been promoted through remote learning. Perhaps the most important lesson learned is one that can’t be taught through books—the importance of hope, perseverance, and optimism during dark times.”

The Good News While many young students are struggling, there are some who are actually thriving with remote school. “Students who prefer working alone are really shining,” says Lena Guroian, who teaches at a Bergen County middle school. The same goes for shy kids, whom Guroian says are perhaps more comfortable participating by typing in chat on Jamboard (an interactive whiteboard system) or Padlet (like paper for the screen). Here, it’s their thinking that stands out—not their physical selves, she says. They don’t have to worry about who they will sit next to at lunch or on the bus—situations that make them anxious. “Kids with school phobia are doing well with remote learning,” Duryea adds. Many teachers also find that technology is benefiting students. “Some technology I’ve been using to record lessons,

Stacey Feintuch is a freelance writer for print and online publications. She lives in Bergen County, NJ, and is mom to two boys.

LongIslandParent 37

pets

How to Save Money on Pets and Pet Supplies

These eight changes you can make to your pet parenting lifestyle right now will help you save money. By Linda DiProperzio

ew things bring as much love and joy into our lives as our pets. In fact, a recent survey by FinanceBuzz found that 93-percent of people agree that having a furry family member improves their mental health, while 69-percent admit that they are more affectionate with their pet than their significant other! But just like our human children, four-legged kids can be expensive to take care of each and every day. Luckily, there are some simple ways you can save while still keeping your pet healthy, happy and safe.

a crystal ball and can know whether or not you will ever need to file a claim,” explains Rob Jackson, chief pet protector at Healthy Paws. He recommends skipping coverage for wellness visits and taking out a policy for accidents and illness, which can cost anywhere between $20-$100 per month depending on your pet’s age and breed, as well as your location and coverage/deductible.

GrooM at HoMe Acclimating your pet to home nail trims and ear cleanings can pay off, says Dr. Sarah Wooten, the vet expert at Pumpkin Pet Insurance. If you are able to provide basic grooming services for your pet it will be less stressful for them, as well as your pocketbook.

look into Generic Many of the big pet food companies also sell a generic brand pet food, which is just as high quality but may be offered in a limited selection of flavors, notes Steffa Mantilla, a former zookeeper and founder of Money Tamer.

take out a subscriPtion

Maintain HealtHy Habits Prevention is better than cure, says Charli Burbidge, cofounder of Petz. With that in mind, make sure your pet eats healthy, exercises daily, has regular check-ups and stays up to date on vaccinations. And don’t forget about oral hygiene! Brushing your pet’s teeth daily will cut out trips to the vet for teeth cleaning, as well as prevent a number of diseases.

Go to tHe PHarMacy When possible, buy your pet’s medications from a pharmacy—not the vet, suggests Robert Bradley of Superb Dog. Pet parents can save big by getting meds that are common to humans at regular pharmacies (including discount ones like Costco), or ordering from discount pet pharmacies like 1-800-Pet-Meds.

Pet owners can get discounts when purchasing a monthly subscription on everything from food and treats to medications. Petco and Chewy offer 30-percent off your first subscription order and 5-percent off future orders (along with free shipping). Amazon also offers discounts on pet food and items through its Subscribe and Save option.

teaM uP witH friends If you have local pet parent pals, try to find ways to offset costs by joining forces, says Kate LaSala, a certified, professional dog trainer and behavior consultant. For example, if your dog and friend’s dog eat the same food or treats, you can order in bulk to save on shipping or get a discount. You can also take turns dog sitting when one of you is on vacation so there’s no need to hire a dog walker or sitter.

buy secondHand

invest in Pet insurance

Check online sites or ask around to see if anyone wants to sell or even donate their used crates, toys, collars, leashes, etc. that are no longer being used instead of buying new.

While it is an extra cost each month, it can wind up saving you big in the long run. Accidents and emergencies can happen to even the healthiest pet, and that type of care can be expensive. “No one has

Linda DiProperzio has written extensively on parenting issues for Parents, American Baby, Parenting, and Family Circle, among others. She lives in New York with her husband and two sons.

April 2021 | nymetroparents.com

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 LongIslandParent 39

teens

Is Your Teen Sexting? It’s increasingly common among teens and tweens. So, what can parents do about it? By Margaret Hetherman

any parents of tweens and teens are accustomed to seeing a phone attached to their kid—like an appendage. It’s so common, in fact, that it can be easy to forget that texts and emails can wreak havoc if things go unexpectedly wrong. Case in point: Sexting—the sending or sharing of sexually explicit images or content—which is becoming increasingly common among tweens and teens. A JAMA Pediatrics report estimates that 14.8-percent of kids ages 12-17 have sent sexts while 27.4-percent have received them. And these numbers continue to rise.

are designed to be very frightening, that are very rare,” she says. To maintain credibility when educating kids, she suggests the “bad things can happen, but they don’t necessarily happen” approach. And it seems that many teens do understand the risks of sexting. “It’s always done on Snapchat because it’s impossible to screenshot a picture without letting anyone know,” one Brooklyn high schooler explained. (Caveat: Someone can use another phone to take a picture of the Snapchat). Teens also understand that sexting mishaps could lead to them losing certain privileges—which happens in about 2-percent of cases, according to Dr. Englander. In Julia’s case, her daughter is now “more cautious, more techsavvy in understanding that if it’s out there, it’s out there forever.” Emma’s younger siblings learned from her mistake, too. As Julia puts it: “Do you want the whole world to know? Then you don’t put that on the phone because there’s always that chance.”

if You DisCover Your KiD is sexTing…

For example, Julia*, a former Manhattan technology teacher, saw fallout firsthand when her (then) 17-year-old daughter, Emma, got tangled up in a digital nightmare. Emma’s boyfriend had talked Emma into sending nude photos of herself. Eventually, they broke up and Emma started dating a guy named “Eric.” When the ex-boyfriend found out and was infuriated, he proceeded to send a nude photo of Emma to all the “Erics” on Emma’s Facebook page. To complicate things further, one “Eric” was the ex-boyfriend of Emma’s older sister. He notified the family.

The ConsequenCes of sexTing Situations like this are embarrassing and horrifying for everyone involved—and the ramifications can be extreme. In many states, sharing or possessing nude or partially nude images of minors is considered child pornography and can be a felony—even if exchanges are consensual. Another danger: These images could be picked up and distributed by strangers. Hackers and cyberbullies can cause great emotional harm (or worse) if they gain access. Elizabeth K. Englander, Ph.D., professor of psychology and founder of Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center at Bridgewater State University, says although these repercussions can be alarming, emphasizing the worst possible outcome isn’t helpful. “There’s a real downside to preaching consequences that

First of all, don’t panic. “It’s really important to remember that these behaviors don’t mean your child is disturbed, depressed, or has poor self-esteem,” Dr. Englander says. “By age nineteen or twenty, about half of kids will have engaged in sexting.” She does, however, note that sexting varies with age. “Younger kids are usually compelled by negative pressures, such as people making fun of them,” she says. For kids older than 14, it’s less about pressure and more likely to involve someone they are dating or someone ‘nicely’ asking for a photo.

TalKing To Your KiDs The biggest concern, Dr. Englander says, are the circumstances that lead kids to sext. She suggests parents ask: Are people pressuring you to do this? Do you feel like you’re going to get something out of this? Can you tell me what’s going on with you and this person? And make sure they understand the risks. Stephen Balkam, founder of Family Online Safety Institute, says “the number one step is to talk early, talk often about how to stay safe online, including what to send, what not to send…it’s a difficult and awkward conversation but one that has to happen.” He also cautions against a cookie-cutter approach and recognizes that values vary from family to family. Conversations about safe sexting are similar to conversations about safe sex. Yaelle Yoran, LMSW, a trauma therapist and a Brooklyn mom, sees kids who would have benefited from parental talks about sexting. Many of them were wounded by sexting and believed at the time that they were merely flirting. These kids need to understand that this isn’t a normal romantic process, she says. Sexting can, in fact, contaminate the concept of love—which should come first in a healthy relationship. Not the other way around. *Names and location changed for privacy

April 2021 | nymetroparents.com

index

Camps Beth Sholom Day Camp ...........................................15 Countryside Montessori School ................................13 Friends Academy Summer Camp ................................2 Kenwal Day Camp ......................................................5 Oasis Children Services.............................................44 Super Soccer Stars ....................................................15 Temple Sinai of Roslyn................................................8 YMCA of Long Island .................................................7

Child Care / day Care Temple Sinai of Roslyn................................................8 Variety Child Learning Center .....................................7 YMCA of Long Island .................................................7

Classes

JOIN THE BAR/BAT MITZVAH CONVERSATION

YMCA of Long Island .................................................7

developmental ABA Psychological Services P.C.................................29 Advantage Care Health Center...................................3 Applied Behavior Health Management LLC .....................................................31 Helping Hands Family ...............................................35 Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech....................35 Law Offices of Brad H Rosken ..................................30 Ness Behavior Consulting.........................................33

eduCation Countryside Montessori School ................................13 East Woods School .....................................................8 Hagedorn Little Village School ..................................26 Vincent Smith School................................................33

health Advantage Care Health Center...................................3

retail Once Upon a Child ...................................................13

speCial needs ABA Psychological Services P.C.................................29 Advantage Care Health Center...................................3 Applied Behavior Health Management LLC ..............31 Hagedorn Little Village School ..................................26 Helping Hands Family ...............................................35 Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech....................35 Law Offices of Brad H Rosken ..................................30 Ness Behavior Consulting.........................................33 Temple Sinai of Roslyn................................................8 The Law Offices of Susan J. Deedy ............................27 Variety Child Learning Center .....................................7 Variety Child Learning Center ...................................24 Vincent Smith School................................................33

sports Super Soccer Stars ....................................................15 NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY metropolitan area!

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GET ADVICE & RECOMMENDATIONS

MEET & ASK QUESTIONS

LOCAL GROUPS In each of our Facebook groups, you can: • Ask questions and get advice and feedback within minutes! • Connect with local moms/dads in your area. • Get recommendations of vendors and ideas.

TYPE INTO FACEBOOK SEARCH: “Long Island Bar and Bat Mitzvah Market” Find it. Book it. Celebrate!

Mıtzvah Market mitzvahmarket.com

LongIslandParent 41

last word

What’s the first thing you’ll do when the weather gets warm? “Check out the spring blooms in and around New York City.” — Suzanne Cohen (@GothamLove), Manhattan

aking o, and that is m d ’t n o w I t a h w e “I’ll tell you up every time w d le d n u b re a s sure my kid have a bunch of u o y en h W . se u leave the ho takes so long.” n kids, getting out eene), Manhatta m; @TheJasonGr (onegooddad.co — Jason Greene

“Break out my new favorit e pair of white, mom-sneaker hightops!”

— Lauren Alperin, Ma nhattan

“Go for long walks and s make outdoor playdate again for my kids.”

n, Brooklyn

ng run. I run “I will go for a lo ain is limited by now, but the terr s and it’s not so snow and wetnes in the cold.” enjoyable to run Westchester

April 2021 | nymetroparents.com

e beach!” “Head to th Brooklyn ie Kramer, — Stephan

“We will definitely bring back our family picnics in Hudson River Park! Miss those so much. (We grab a few blankets to sit on, pack up lunch and a snack, along with a soccer ball and some bubbles, and it is the best afternoon!)” — Heidi Kristoffer (@ heidikristoffer), Manhattan

“Sit on the de ck of the Irvington Boa t & Beach Club, watchin g the Hudson Rive r at sunset.”

— Beth Ryan , Westchester 42

— Krista Williamson, We stchester

Island — Shara Levine, Long

“I want to feel th e warm sun on my face, look at the sprin g flowers and b irds while on a walk with the family, open the windows fo r fresh air, and fi nally put away my winte r sweaters, jack ets, snow gear, etc.” — Cyn thia Barro

— Diana Rubin,

“I’m going to have a clandestine happy ho ur picnic with my friends at a local park, complet e with champagne, chocolates, and cheese.”

ng bike “Go on a lo r! y daughte m h it w e d ri Island ihy, Long — Lisa Herl

Looking for a camp for your child? Can’t get to an open house?

Camp Fair ON DEMAND

LONG ISLAND

Check out many camps from the comfort of your home.

nymetroparents.com/long-island-virtual-camp-fair

NYMetroParents.com

Oasis Summer Camp at LIU Post ™

A Premier Camp, Uniquely Affordable Daily Hot Lunch Included Transportation Options Weekly Theme Days and Special Events Daily Instructional Swim In An Indoor Olympic Size Saltwater Pool Daily Travel Program For Teens Ages 11-14 Extended Day Options (8AM-6PM) Air Conditioned Indoor and Lush Green/ Division 1 Athletic Outdoor Facilities Specialized Programs That Are Age Appropriate (Ages 3-15) Athletics, Gaga, Hockey Rink, STEAM, Visual/Performing Arts, Horseback Riding, Enrichment, Coding and Radio Broadcasting, and more

Info Sessions

Flexible Enrollment From 2-8 Weeks

Join us for an info session to learn more about our Summer Camp! April 10 at 11am - 12:30pm April 25 at 11am - 12:30pm Meet outside of the PRATT Recreation Center

Five Free T-shirts and A Backpack Included

NOW MORE THAN EVER YOUR CHILDREN NEED A SUMMER OASIS

Now! Camp Begins Enroll LIU Post Campus - 720 Northern Blvd, Brookville, NY 11548 liupost@oasischildren.com oasischildren.com June 28, 2021 646.519.5066

Long Island Parent - April 2021

Articles inside

Autism Myths You Should Ignore

The Importance of Summer Camp Friendships

The Effects of Remote Learning