Long Island Parent - October/November 2020

LongIsland Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020

THINGS TO DO IN NYC RIGHT NOW!

School Year Success

Does your child need a tutor? g Helping remote-learners focus and more g

COLD, FLU, OR

COVID?

How to tell the difference and stay as safe as possible

2020 LI Parent "LEAD" full-page ad:Layout 1 10/12/20 9:46 AM Page 1

E D U C AT I O N T H AT

I N S P I R E S

Like our schools, our students choose to lead, not follow. We led the way in Distance Learning and we’re leading the way back into the classroom. No wonder our students go on to lead in their high schools, colleges and communities. Long Island’s Catholic Elementary Schools can help your student find the leader that’s in them. To find a school near you, go to LICatholicElementarySchools.org

www.LICatholicElementarySchools.org

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inside

october/ november 2020 16 School Year Success Whether your kids are at home, in school, or a mix, ensure they stay on track.

28 Safe & Spooky Celebrations How do we prepare our families for a safe and fun Halloween this year?

32 Rethinking Turkey Day Some tips for celebrating Thanksgiving safely

38 Prepping for Flu Season The differences between a cold, the flu, and COVID-19—and how stay as safe as possible

COLUMNS 6 Editor’s Note 9 News: What’s Happening in the Community 12 Advice: Ask DadandBuried 14 Baby: The Perfect Pediatrician 18 Kids’ Life: The Home Cafeteria 20 Tech for Kids: Math & Reading Apps

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34 Kids’ Life: Let’s Chat 36 Birthday: It’s Party Time 40 Development: Independent Play Time 46 Last Word: Having the Kids at Home

THINGS TO DO 22 Your 2020 NYC Bucket List 30 Halloween Events

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NYMetroParents

RESOURCES 42 Parenting Resources 44 Open Houses 45 Advertisers’ Index

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions facebook.com/nymetroparents

@NYMetroParents

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

47 HUMPHREY DRIVE, SYOSSET, NEW YORK 11791 •72 FARMEDGE RD. LEVITTOWN, NY 11756 Variety Child Learning Center provides evaluations, early intervention, special education (special classes, special classes in integrated settings, itinerant services) ABA, Family Center Respite Program to more than 750 children and families annually and professional training

FOR CHILDREN • Evaluations • Early Intervention (EI) • Preschool Special Education Classes • Preschool Special Education Class in an Integrated Setting (SCIS) • English Language Learner Preschool Classes (Spanish Bilingual Support)

• Special Education Itinerant Services (SEIS) • Related Services • School-age Special Education Classes • ABA Home Program • Family Center Respite Program • Childcare*

FOR FAMILIES

FOR PROFESSIONALS

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

• Professional Development* • Pediatric Resident Training • Program Internships • Consultation* *fee-based program

VCLC has implemented COVID protocols in accordance with NYS DOH and CDC guidelines 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 & providor are determined by the municipality for EI and the school district for CPSE. Families have no out of pocket expense but are responsible for fees/costs associated with child care. All therapists and teachers are licensed and/or certified according to NYSDOH & NYSED regulations.

FOR MORE ON VCLC’S PROGRAMS & SERVICES, CALL 516-921-7171 OR VISIT VCLC.ORG School vector created by nizovatina - www.freepik.com | School vector created by pikisuperstar - www.freepik.com

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editor’s note

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL

A Full Season

T

hough it doesn’t look like the fall of years past, it’s still our favorite season. Pumpkins are being picked, hot apple cider is being sipped, and school (however it looks for your children) is in full swing. It may be a truly unique school year, but you can help your kids make the most of it (p. 16).

Itching to get the family out of the house? Find a curated a list of places your family can visit right now (all with precautions to keep you safe) on p. 22. Think of it as your end-ofyear bucket list—or perhaps a starting point for planning your family’s holiday staycation.

Finally, cold and flu season is upon us, but what does that mean in the midst of a pandemic? Read what you need to know on p. 38.

Stay healthy and safe!

Katelin Walling Editorial Director Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

Keep in Touch: @nymetroparents nymetroparents.com editor@nymetroparents.com

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October/November 2020 | nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Katelin Walling PRODUCTION EDITOR: Melissa Wickes EDITORS-AT-LARGE: Shara Levine • Shana Liebman • Alice Tank

ADVERTISING SALES

To Advertise: nympads@davlermedia.com Big Apple Parent 212-315-0800 Jeunesse Jackson • Lauren Alperin Meirowitz Queens Parent • Annene Guertin • 718-878-4860 Westchester Parent 914-397-0200 Nini DeLuca • Lauren Anchin • Meredith Perl • Merrill Sugarman Brooklyn Parent • Selene Rodriguez • 718-878-4860 Rockland Parent • Jim Russo • 845-848-8021 Long Island Parent 516-883-4543 Joan Bergman • Lisa Herlihy STATEN ISLAND PARENT 718-494-1932 EDITOR/PUBLISHER: Roselle Farina-Hecht

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BIG APPLE PARENT, QUEENS PARENT, WESTCHESTER PARENT, BROOKLYN PARENT, ROCKLAND PARENT, BERGEN•ROCKLAND PARENT, STATEN ISLAND PARENT, and LONG ISLAND PARENT are published monthly by Davler Media Group, LLC Copyright © 2020, Davler Media Group, LLC. No part of contents may be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher.

We can’t wait to welcome you to the Friends Academy family!

VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSES Upper School (Grades 9-12) Monday, November 2 | 9:30 am

Middle School (Grades 5-8) Monday, November 9 | 9 am

Lower School (Play Group-Grade 4) Tuesday, November 10 | 9 am

Visit FA.org/admissions or call 516-393-4244 to RSVP!

Our diverse and welcoming community is strengthened by our Quaker values, which empower our students to inquire, reflect, and engage in their classrooms, in their neighborhoods, and in the world.

270 Duck Pond Road | Locust Valley, NY 11560 | FA.org LongIslandParent

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news

Frankie

Luke

Mae Leni

TO THE WINNERS!!

Three families won Chromebooks from B&H Photo as part of the First Day of School Photo Contest.

As part of the First Day of School Photo Contest, we asked to see your kids’ photos (whether they’re home schooling, learning remotely full time, or are following a blended learning model), and you, dear readers, delivered! More than 250 of you submitted your kid’s first day of school photo for a chance to win 1 of 3 Chromebooks from our partner B&H Photo—and the winners have been selected!

Frankie, a first-grader from Suffolk County, took home Fan Favorite with more than 1,300 votes! Luke, a sixth-grader from Nassau County, and Westchester County sisters Mae (fourth grade) and Leni (second grade) were selected as Editors’ Picks.

Find out more details at nymetroparents.com/contest.

LongIslandParent

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Courtesy Suzanne Cohen

news

Find the Perfect Pumpkin Whether you’re looking for a pumpkin to carve into a jack-o-lantern for your stoop or a couple of little guys to decorate inside, find a pumpkin patch to pick your own at nymetroparents.com/ pumpkins.

Let’s Get Carving!

Carving a pumpkin with your kids for Halloween but not sure where to start? The pros share tips for carving jack-o’-lanterns with kids (including tips for making your pumpkins last) at nymetroparents.com/carve.

No-Carve Ideas Let’s face it, Halloween just isn’t Halloween without jack-o’-lanterns. But with little kids, carving pumpkins might be on your “to avoid” list. You could break out the paints and paint brushes, or you could go for something a little out of the ordinary. Find no-carve pumpkin ideas at nymetroparents.com/no-carve.

Submit Your Masterpiece!

After your kids carve or decorate their pumpkins, enter a photo for a chance to win a family fun day at Palisades Center at nymetroparents.com/ pumpkin-contest.

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Suzanne Cohen, the Manhattan mom behind @GothamLove, with her children

A Love Letter to NYC

S

uzanne Cohen is a NYC photographer who owns her own company. A few years ago, however, as the Instagram craze started to hit, her husband, Adam Cohen, of DadaRocks.com, convinced her to start a blog GothamLove.com (and an IG account). She never looked back. “I fell in love with the entire platform and the idea of showing your daily life through powerful images was right up my alley!” As a mom of three in Manhattan, discovering new content is easy in the city that never sleeps. Plus, her three kids are a source of endless inspiration.

What do you think is a parent’s hardest job?

I would have to say discipline. My husband and I are constantly doing our best to raise good and happy humans and make sure our kids treat people with fairness and kindness. So, sometimes we are not the best disciplinarians.

We usually let most little things slide and focus on the big picture.

What is the best thing about raising kids in New York City?

There are too many things to name and that is why we never left, even with three kids!

There are countless children’s events, art installations, great restaurants, and non-stop

entertainment all at your fingertips. For us, it always made sense to live right in the middle of everything and take advantage of our city. At the moment, we are living our life one day at a time to its fullest and feel beyond lucky to call New York City our home.

What’s your favorite off-the-beatenpath thing to do with your kids?

We’ve always loved spending a few nights each summer out east at the Wölffer Estate Wine Stand in Suffolk County. And if you’re looking for something closer to NYC, Governors’ Island is the best place I can think. It’s an untapped resource for many New Yorkers.

Why follow @gothamlove? We love watching Cohen’s family life unfold in her gorgeous photos—plus she’s always got an upbeat and inspirational attitude.

Read more at nymetroparents.com/gothamlove.

@gothamlove

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October/November 2020 | nymetroparents.com

@GothamLove

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gothamlove.com

New Places, New Programs Halloween Drive-Thru

A Back-to-School Giveaway Fidelis Care helped families by giving away more than 60,000 free school supplies and Personal Protection Equipment to families in need at a community event in Wyandanch on Oct. 1. It was made possible by the donations of Fidelis Care, partnered with Long Island Head Start, a program that provides early childhood education, health, nutrition, and more to low-income and at-risk children and their families. fideliscare.org.

The beloved grocery store is hosting its first-ever drive-through Halloween Happenings experience in the Stew Leonard’s parking lot. Customers will follow a path through more than a dozen scenes. This free event runs through Oct. 31, daily, during store hours. P.S. All kids younger than 12 who wear a costume to Stew Leonard’s Oct. 26-31 will receive a free ice cream cone. If they say trick or treat in checkout, they’ll receive a small treat bag! 261 Airport Plaza, Farmingdale; 516962-8210; 1897 Front St., East Meadow; 516-3949001; stewleonards.com.

A Unique Thanksgiving Parade Each year, we bundle up and head out to see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons float down Fifth Avenue, but this year will look a little different. While the traditional parade won’t happen (to avoid the massive crowds), you can still see the balloons, performers, floats, and more from the comfort of your couch! For more details, visit nymetroparents.com/parade.

What are you thankful for?

Even the rhino statues at the Bronx Zoo were wearing masks! —Follow us on Instagram, @NYMetroParents, for more local news, memes, advice, and more

Make a gratitude chain by cutting 6-by-1-inch slips of colored construction paper in shades of red, orange, and brown to incorporate a Thanksgiving theme. Let each person at your Thanksgiving dinner write one blessing they have received this past year or one thing for which they are thankful. Connect the ends on the first strip of paper with tape or glue and then connect each link to the chain. This is fun to work on all month with the family, too. Find more ideas like this to celebrate Thanksgiving at nymetroparents.com/traditions.

Want to see your child in our magazine? Tag us on Instagram for a chance to be featured!

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advice

Ask DadandBuried It’s our turn to host Thanksgiving this year. I’m nervous, because on top of the pandemic, there’s the election, which may still be up in the air come the end of November. How are we supposed to navigate dinner with the in-laws when we have opposing political views? —Marielle, White Plains

A

h, celebrating the holidays during the most contentious political atmosphere since Lincoln was President. What a delightful way to cap off the nightmare that is 2020!

Pandemics, wildfires, murder hornets, and now Thanksgiving with the in-laws.

What are we supposed to be thankful for again?

I kid, I kid. Even during this difficult year, we can all find something to be thankful for. Hopefully your list includes your health, and your jobs, and maybe even the pandemic puppy you allowed your kids to talk you into. But the fact is, family gatherings are always fraught, and this year’s political landscape is bound to make them even tougher than usual.

Regardless of your affiliation, nobody likes getting into political arguments (except for every single person on Facebook, obviously), especially on a national holiday.

The coronavirus hasn’t given us much; it’s mostly been taking things away. But it may offer the perfect escape clause. You mention that it’s your turn to host Thanksgiving, but…maybe it isn’t? With flu season arriving and COVID-19 numbers surging again, it might be a good year to hold off on the big holiday gathering.

There has never been a better reason to avoid your in-laws than the global pandemic that is starting to bubble back up. Don’t want to discuss the presidential election with your father-in-law over mashed potatoes? Then don’t! Tell them you don’t want to take the chance of getting them sick and take a raincheck on hosting.

That way you can skip the debate over BLM and MAGA and antifa and the Supreme Court and enjoy a low-key holiday yelling at your kids to sit still and finish their stuffing. Just like a normal year!

If the in-laws are desperate to see the kids, offer to do a Zoom Thanksgiving instead, and the first time someone mentions politics, turn off the Wi-Fi. If they’re anything like my in-laws, they won’t be able to figure it out anyway.

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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October/November 2020 | nymetroparents.com

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baby it means they’re board-certified and belong to the American Academy of Pediatrics. (This can be verified by visiting the American Board of Pediatrics’ website, abp.org.)

LOOK BEYOND THE RESUME.

The Perfect Pediatrician Finding the right doctor for your kids can be tricky, but it’s worth a careful search.

By Misha Valencia

O

ne of the most important relationships parents have may be the one they develop with their children’s doctors.

It’s crucial for parents to trust their pediatrician as they navigate their child’s developmental stages, possible illnesses, and medical concerns. Now, during the pandemic, it’s especially important that parents value their kids’ medical evaluations. So how do you ensure you find the right fit?

CONDUCT A THOROUGH SEARCH. Many parents begin looking for a doctor before their child is born. The American Pregnancy Association urges parents to ask relatives, friends, and prenatal care providers for referrals. You can also research providers in your area by checking your insurance company’s website. (If insurance or cost is an issue contact your local Department of Health to locate pediatricians or clinics that provide care on a sliding scale.)

Another way to learn more about providers? Read reviews on websites such as Zocdoc.com and Ratemds.com, but it’s important to remember that opinions can be very subjective.

Your research should include the provider’s medical training and knowledge, her bedside manner, her reputation in the community, any facilities she is associated with, and her medical perspectives on different issues (like vaccines, medication, breast-feeding).

Look for providers with the FAAP credentials after their name—

The best way to narrow the field is to meet the pediatrician. Set up a visit, ask questions, and get a sense of how the office runs.

Jennifer McCarthy, an attorney and mother of two boys in New Jersey, says when looking for a pediatrician, her main focus was finding someone who “would be open to being a partner in my children’s care. When my older son was born, we met a doctor who talked for twenty minutes straight without ever asking a single question about my child—that is exactly what I didn’t want.”

Emily Skeen, a pediatric nurse in New York City, says it’s also important to examine the doctor’s practice. “Do they return phone calls? Can you make an appointment easily? Is there a medical professional available after hours?” Some other questions to ask: How long is the wait? Will your child see the same pediatrician for all visits? And because COVID-19 is spreading: Is there a separate waiting area for sick children?

DON’T LET COVID-19 DETER A DOCTOR VISIT. It might seem easier and safer to put off a pediatrician visit right now, but despite current coronavirus concerns, parents should not hesitate to bring their young ones to a doctor’s office— especially for annual checkups and immunizations, according to Kevin A. Slavin, M.D., a pediatric infectious disease specialist with Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health.

Another reason not to miss a doctor’s visit this year: the flu shot, if you’re opting to get your children vaccinated. Plus, because flu and COVID-19 symptoms are so similar, a visit might be the only way to diagnose your child.

In addition to taking all precautions, including wearing masks and sanitizing hands, make sure you ask the office what safety procedures are in place. For example, can you wait outside or in the car before your appointment? Does the doctor offer telehealth services for times when in-person visits aren’t required?

WHAT IF IT ENDS UP NOT BEING A GOOD FIT? Caregivers have the right to switch providers at any point if they feel uncomfortable. If there is a specific issue that can be addressed, try giving some feedback first and see if things improve.

If you feel dismissed or uneasy, then find another pediatrician.

Even after a provider is selected, keep an eye on how the doctor interacts with you and your children. Is he patient with the kids?

Do you feel rushed through visits? If your children express feeling uncomfortable or not wanting to see a certain doctor, look into finding someone your kids feel more at ease with.

The rigorous process of finding the ideal pediatrician is worth it. The right doctor can be a lifelong asset to you and your kids throughout their young lives.

Mommybites’ nanny boards only feature postings from nannies’ current families. You can rely on their recommendations. If you need a nanny or babysitter, visit Mommybites.com.

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October/November 2020 | nymetroparents.com

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School Year

Success Whether your kids are learning at home, in school, or a mix of the two, it’s possible to ensure they stay on track for 2020-2021.

By Shana Liebman

W

ith COVID-19 cluster zones appearing in our area, one of the biggest issues facing parents is remote education. How do we keep our kids engaged and learning while at home? Does she need a tutor? How can you help him stay focused? When are those state and standardized tests? Read on for how to help your child get the most out of this school year.

DOES YOUR CHILD NEED A TUTOR?

Kids are struggling more than ever—experts weigh in on how and when to hire help It’s an unusual time for education—remote learning has forced students to find new ways to engage with academics. Many are struggling with at-home learning (Zoom calls, Google Classroom, etc.) and some are struggling with the schoolwork itself. How do you know if your child needs extra help? We asked education experts how parents can assess from the sidelines and intervene if necessary.

SIGNS YOU CHILD MAY NEED A TUTOR Although many flailing students will be flagged by their teacher, it’s often up to the parents to observe the signs. Angela Thomas, director of wellness and counseling at the Elisabeth Morrow School in New Jersey, says she’s “not sure the teacher will always ring the alarm as much as an observant parent can.”

If your child is struggling to keep up, having problems completing grade-level assignments, getting low grades, avoiding doing homework, or complaining about material being too hard, it’s a good time to investigate further help, says Jeffrey Wu, managing 16

October/November 2020 | nymetroparents.com

director of The Tutorverse in Manhattan.

Other signs your child may need extra help, according to Daniel Koffler, president of New Frontiers Executive Functioning Coaching in Manhattan: she normally likes school but is suddenly disinterested, or you sense a sudden loss of self-confidence or motivation. “These are difficult signals to read as they can be momentary, or sometimes hidden, but most parents know their children well enough to look out for cues,” he says.

Parents should also pay attention to how their child feels about a subject, says Talia Kovacs, CEO of an international consulting firm and founder of Talia Kovacs Consulting in Brooklyn. “For many children, disinterest in a subject is a sign that they are not yet fully understanding the topic or are having a hard time making natural connections necessary to grasp a concept,” she says. This might just be a matter of asking him what subjects he doesn’t like and confirming with the teacher that it’s a topic of concern.

FINDING THE RIGHT TUTOR If a parent decides their child could benefit from a tutor, they should first speak with their kid’s teacher to get his perspective, Koffler says. “Sometimes children can be defiant or take a different stance on accountability at school vs. home.” He also believes parents should speak with their child, so “that they have agency over their educational efforts, regardless of age.”

Ask teachers, friends, and community members for recommendations and referrals for tutors—either remote, inperson, or a hybrid—in your area. It’s important to make sure you find someone who is specifically trained in the subjects in which your child needs help. For example, Rebecca Mannis, Ph.D.,

learning specialist and founder of Ivy Prep Learning Center, points out that someone who is trained in how to teach beginning reading may not know how to teach reading comprehension strategies to middle school students within the context of their history class.

Early intervention is always the best approach, Koffler warns. “The longer one lets a problem fester, the harder it is to reinforce foundations and make progress,” he says. Getting your child back on track will help her feel better about herself and her abilities. And, as Kovacs points out, “by using an outside tutor to help your child understand a topic further and retain their curiosity, you’ll help them find their love of learning all over again.”

GETTING OUT THE WIGGLES

What to do if your student just can’t sit still when learning at home Half the kids in my son’s online classroom are spinning and bopping in their chairs and the other half are nowhere to be seen—and likely running down the hallways of their homes. It’s tough for kids, especially young ones, to sit still for long periods of remote learning. So, what can parents do to help them?

“Let them stand! Who says you have to sit all day?” says Stacy Haynes, a professional counselor and educator at Little Hands Agency. She also urges parents to minimize the distraction—find quiet space for everyone to learn— and to allow for fidget toys, like fidget spinners, squishy balls, magnets, and paper clips. Diana Lee Santamaria, an early education specialist who writes bilingual books for kids, recommends setting a timer “so they have a clear-cut understanding of how much time they will be in that learning session.” And Rebecca Mannis, Ph.D., learning specialist and founder of Ivy Prep Learning Center, says parents should set small goals or deadlines for kids and then reward them with treats for attaining them.

It’s also important to have a quiet and comfortable workstation, and to minimize the glare of the screen with proper lighting. Another trick, according to Sheila Liang of Singapore Math Learning Center, is to encourage him to take notes—this will help your child stay focused. A routine can also help—get up at the same time every day, eat a good breakfast, and make sure your child has everything she needs at her desk. Get him into the mindset that it’s time to focus and actively listen— which parents can enforce by modeling this behavior.

Another surefire way to get out the wiggles is taking frequent breaks to move around. Here are some ideas for a quick mobile breaktime that will help kids refocus and reset: • Go on a short bike ride. Even if it’s just around the block, let your kids breathe some fresh air and move their legs.

• Dance it out. Play your family’s favorite songs and bust a move.

• Get up and stretch. A couple of warrior poses on each leg and a long downward-facing dog should do the trick.

• Jump around. Use a trampoline, jumping rope, or just tennis shoes and a floor.

• Organize a scavenger hunt. Plant 4-5 items based on a theme such as shapes or food and then give your kids clues to find them.

• Create an obstacle course. Use chalk to draw obstacle prompts on cement; create a Hula-Hoop challenge or use the hoops as steppingstones; crawl through tents or tunnels.

• Let them play with their hands. Give your kids a ball of clay or dough and ask them to make shapes.

• Zentangle. This game uses small squares of paper to create spur-of-themoment designs, which helps the creator be in the moment and forget about other concerns, like algebra.

When is That Test?

Stay on top of testing with this calendar of exam dates While we don’t know for certain what this school year’s standardized testing situation will be, it’s always a good idea to know when exams are being administered to help your student prepare.

New York State Exams •G IFTED AND TALENTED: Families must file a Request for Testing in the fall and the test is administered to students in January 2021.

• THE NEW YORK STATE REGENTS: Jan. 26-29, 2021; June 15-25, 2021; Aug. 12-13, 2021 • ALTERNATE ASSESSMENT: March 8-June 11, 2021 •E NGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS TEST (GRADES 3-8): April 20-22, 2021 (paper); April 19-26, 2021 (computer) •N YSESLA (SPEAKING) TEST: April 19-May 28, 2021 •N YSESLA (LISTENING, READING, WRITING) TEST: May 17-28, 2021 • MATH TEST (GRADES 3-8): May 4-6, 2021 (paper); May 3-10, 2021 (computer) • NY STATE SCIENCE TEST (GRADE 4 AND 8): May 25-June 4, 2021 (performance); June 7, 2021 (written)

College Testing •A CT: Oct. 17, 24, and 25; Dec. 12; Feb. 6, 2021; April 17, 2021; June 12, 2021; July 17, 2021 •P SAT / NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP QUALIFYING: Oct. 14, 17, and 29; Jan. 26, 2021 • SAT: Nov. 7; Dec. 5; March 13, 2021; May 8, 2021; June 5, 2021 •A P EXAMS: May 3-7, 2021; May 10-14, 2021

LongIslandParent 17

kid’s life same thing, so it’s a matter of what we’re in the mood for.” –Sarah Carlson, Staten Island

DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS AND TRICKS? “My eight-year-old had a list of available snacks and the eating times. She’s super independent but will argue over food if I tell her options. Writing it out helps, and then if we are in meetings, she doesn’t have to ask us.” –Brad Buford, Manhattan “I pack lunch the night before for my pre-K and first-grader, just as I’d do if we were in school. It’s the least stressful option and most time-saving for us.” –Quincy Taylor, Queens “I have lots of basics so my 11-year-old can make his own lunch.

I vaguely taught him to make cheesy eggs, a grilled cheese, and a quesadilla. I actually bought a plug-in quesadilla maker that’s divided into eight ‘pizza slices’ and presses together so he’d be more into it.” –Aimee Hartstein, New Jersey “If they can make their own breakfast and lunch (cereal, PB&J, leftovers), then I’ll make dinner. Snacks are on hand. One sweet per day. Pizza delivery and Shake Shack delivery will happen.”

–Pilar Vahey, Brooklyn

Local parents share how they make lunchtime feel less like a free-for-all.

By Shana Liebman

A

h, lunch…as if remote learning wasn’t rough enough on parents. Every day your kids are learning at home means you have to think about, prep, cook, reheat, and/or serve lunch to them. Not to mention that many kids have an entirely different lunch break than their sibling, or—eek!—no lunch break at all. To help lunchtime feel more organized than chaotic, we talked to parents all over the area about what they’re making for lunch and how they’re coping when lunchtime rolls around.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU? “Fajitas, chicken cutlets, cheesesteak sandwich, chicken fried rice, every kind of egg, Bolognese sauce with different kinds of pasta, homemade tortilla chips with guacamole.” –Paula Notari, New Jersey “I am buying croissants and muffins for consumption throughout the day. For lunch, it’s frozen meals like Amy’s mac and cheese for kids to reheat.” –Nicole Davis, Westchester County “We switch off between sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, quesadillas, pizza, meatballs, and mac and cheese. We all eat the 18

October/November 2020 | nymetroparents.com

“I set up a mock cafeteria line for my kids who were guided to pick up a tray, plate, etc. and then choose from the fruit, salad, and dessert servings in little cups I had placed in a line. And although I will only occasionally put on a pretend hair net to serve lunch, I will try to set it up with one or two different items that make my kids feel a little in control with some choice.” –Rachael Conaty Maglienti, Westchester County

WHAT ARE YOUR LUNCHTIME CHALLENGES? “My first-grader needs to eat around 11:15am before school starts, so I just make lunch for her brothers then. At noon, my fourthgrader eats his lunch in five minutes. At 1pm, my sixth-grader eats.”

–Tracy Portnoy, Westchester County “We usually make lunch, which is along the lines of a sandwich, have it sit there uneaten only for our third-grader to determine shortly after recess is over that she’s hungry and wants lunch.

–Rob Davis, Rockland County

HAVE YOU DISCOVERED ANY SILVER LININGS? “Having lunch at home for a picky eater gives him more options than when he had to bring it to school because I can prepare things like scrambled eggs or mac and cheese that wouldn’t have translated to a lunchbox/thermos.” –Jennifer Lippman, Westchester County “It’s a nice opportunity to get a hot lunch (or something that wouldn’t normally be possible in a packed lunch) into them.”

–Melinda Chappelear, Queens “Pre-pandemic, we would be spending tons of money on lunch, and I would never have time to stop and eat lunch at all. Now it’s the only time of day we all stop doing whatever we are doing and eat together, even if it’s just for 10 minutes.” –Beverly Chase, Brooklyn

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LongIslandParent 19

tech for kids

Math & Reading Apps These fun (and educational) apps will keep kids learning after the school day ends.

By Melissa Wickes

Apps for Elementary School Kids PBS KIDS FOR PARENTS PLAY & LEARN ENGINEERING

LIBBY, BY OVERDRIVE RECOMMENDED AGES: 5 and older

Get free and easy access to your local library’s entire selection of digital kids (and adult) books. And for reluctant readers, there are audio versions available.

RECOMMENDED AGES: 3-4

DRAGONBOX BIG NUMBERS

This parent-child engagement tool was created in collaboration with early childhood experts and allows users to design and test roller coasters, use simple tools to problem solve their way through an obstacle course, build clever contraptions to deliver food to hungry animals, and construct boxy towers to rescue a kitten from a tree.

RECOMMENDED AGES: 6 and older

EPIC! - KIDS’ BOOKS AND VIDEOS

Quirky games that require early elementary arithmetic so kids can practice math as they explore a virtual world.

JUMP NUMBERS RECOMMENDED AGES: 6 and older

Kids jump between different math equations and techniques in an attempt to rescue an imaginary animal family.

RECOMMENDED AGES: 4 and older

A digital reading club for kids ages 2-12, which includes quizzes and learning videos, plus materials for parents.

BRAINPOP FEATURED MOVIE RECOMMENDED AGES: 8 and older

RECOMMENDED AGES: 5 and older

Daily videos about a wide variety of topics, from Mars to Frida Kahlo, will get kids thinking—and hopefully lead to further exploration.

These inspired multimedia projects are not overtly academic but reading and math skills are required for each challenge.

SLICE FRACTIONS

DIY.ORG

RECOMMENDED AGES: 9 and older

In this interactive game, kids slice though lava and ice to learn about fractions.

Apps for Middle and High School Kids DRAGONBOX ALGEBRA 12+ RECOMMENDED AGES: 12 and older

Designed by a math teacher, this game makes advanced algebra skills seem simple. (Other versions and levels are also available.)

JOUR-GUIDED JOURNALING RECOMMENDED AGES: 13 and older

A prompted journal-writing opportunity that encourages kids to reflect and write on their own.

TEEN & ADULT PHONICS LIBRARY RECOMMENDED AGES: 15 and older

For teens who struggle with reading or dyslexia, this app provides age-appropriate reading selections using decodable words.

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October/November 2020 | nymetroparents.com

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family activities

Check out the view from the Top of the Rock. This vantage point offers one thing the Empire State Building can’t: a view of the classic art deco ESB itself (topoftherocknyc.com).

Snap some pics with your favorite celebrities and characters at Madame Tussauds New York. Jimmy Fallon, King Kong, the Ghostbusters, Marvel superheroes, and more (madametussauds.com)!

Visit Roosevelt Island via tram. The novelty of a tram ride over the East River combines with the wonder of visiting a built-up island with space to roam.

Your 2020 NYC Bucket List 45 reasons to love (and explore) New York City before the end of the year

By Katelin Walling

W

e live in—arguably—the greatest city in the world, and for seven months, we were unable to take advantage of all the city has to offer. So, we compiled a list of 45 things in New York City you can do with your kids right now—from museums and experiences to many things we consider “touristy” (but now’s the perfect time for New Yorkers to visit!). Consider this the end-of-year bucket list for every New York metro area family. As with anything these days, since things change quickly because of the coronavirus pandemic, call locations before visiting to ensure they’re still open. And if you check off any of these items and post about your adventures on Instagram, make sure to tag us: @NYMetroParents!

Head to the historic boiler room of Chelsea Market to experience ARTECHOUSE. The immersive art space will be transformed into unique expressions of Pantone’s Color of the Year 2020, Classic Blue, beginning Oct. 22 (artechouse.com).

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October/November 2020 | nymetroparents.com

Talk quietly at the whispering gallery at Grand Central Terminal. You go to

Svetlana Jovanovic

one corner and your kiddo goes to another— and you can hear each other whisper. It’s cool. Then you can stare at the zodiac ceiling.

Meet King Nyani, the world’s largest gorilla sculpture, in Bella Abzug Park in Hudson Yards. On display through next summer, the sculpture aims to raise awareness of the critically endangered gorilla species.

Go to the Central Park Zoo. A classic zoo experience in the middle of Manhattan, it’s a smaller scale than its Bronx cousin, but it still includes polar bears, seals, and snakes.

Plus, the children’s section has a petting zoo (centralparkzoo.com).

Climb aboard the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum.

Be amazed by the scale of an aircraft carrier, a submarine, a Concorde, and even a space shuttle (intrepidmuseum.org).

Do a lot of sightseeing in 90 minutes with Hornblower Cruises Hop-on, Hop-off Sightseeing Cruise. Must-see sights include Governors Island, Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport, Hudson Yards, and the Statue of Liberty (hornblower.com).

Explore Jewish culture, history, and traditions at the Jewish Children’s Museum. The Brooklyn institution even has an indoor mini-golf course celebrating six major Jewish life events (jcm.museum).

Feed the alpacas and sheep at Prospect Park Zoo in Brooklyn. And don’t forget to stop in to see the elusive Pallas’s cat, or as the zoo calls them, the original grumpy cat (prospectparkzoo.com).

See a miniature version of NYC at Queens Museum. The Panorama of the City of New York was originally built for the 1964 World’s Fair and is considered the crown jewel of the museum’s collection (queensmuseum.org).

Get a head start on holiday shopping at Empire Outlets on Staten Island.

It’s NYC’s only outlet shopping destination (empireoutlets.nyc)!

Go on a lantern safari with Bronx Zoo’s Holiday Lights. It features illuminated animals from all over the world in five safaris spread throughout the zoo. Make sure to visit with all your favorite live animals while there (bronxzoo.com)!

Scott Frances for SPYSCAPE

Explore 250 acres of the Bronx at New York Botanical Garden. You’ll see an old-growth forest, a natural Bronx River waterfall, native plants, aquatic plants, and more (nybg.org).

See part of the 1964 World’s Fair atop the aviary at the Queens Zoo in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens. You’ll also meet animals from North and South America without leaving the World’s Borough!

Indulge your chocolate cravings at Hershey’s Chocolate World. Don’t

Learn the secrets and skills of spies at SPYSCAPE! Go behind the scenes of

miss the s’more experience (hersheys.com)! Bond, James Bond (spyscape.com). continued on next page

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continued from previous page

Visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece of modern architecture, the Guggenheim Museum. See modern and contemporary art, including works by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Pollock, as well as intriguing special exhibits (guggenheim.org).

Make your way to the top of the iconic Empire State Building for spectacular views of Manhattan. This is a rite of passage for every New Yorker (esbnyc.com)!

See more art at the Brooklyn Museum. No matter the exhibit, something is always bright and interesting here (brooklynmuseum.org).

Get your fill of all things sweet and sour at the Sour Patch Kids Store in Greenwich Village.

Enjoy photo ops, special edition merch, and a one-ofa-kind dessert menu featuring the sour-sweet candy (sourpatchkids.com/store_nyc).

Take a moment of remembrance at the 9/11 Memorial. Then visit the museum to see artifacts, hear personal stories, and learn about the events of Sept. 11 and the aftermath (911memorial.org).

Watch a show at Puppetworks Theater in Park Slope, Brooklyn. It’s a nonprofit puppet theater with handmade wood marionettes and deep Brooklyn roots— and it’s operating at 25-percent capacity (puppetworks.org).

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October/November 2020 | nymetroparents.com

Skate at the iconic Rockefeller Center ice rink. While the official details of its opening are still to be announced (as of press), The Rink at Rockefeller Center will reopen to ice-skaters this fall with guidelines in place to maintain social distancing (skatingatrockcenter.com).

Help your kids learn fire safety at FDNY Fire Zone. Kids can climb on a realistic fire truck, try on bunker gear, meet a firefighter, and more (fdnysmart. org/firezone).

Take in art at MoMA. Because everyone needs to see Monet’s “Water Lilies” in person—and there’s plenty of other colors, shapes, and awesomeness (moma.org).

See the world’s tallest Hot Light at Krispy Kreme Times Square. Then see how the doughnuts are made and enjoy the special edition Big Apple doughnut, only available at this location.

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Dylan’s Candy Bar. Tap your inner Willy Wonka at this retail testament to sugar, which now has four NYC locations: the Upper East Side, Columbus Circle, Hudson Yards, and Soho.

Stand in awe at the Rockefeller Center tree. Official details about the 2020 Christmas tree and tree lighting ceremony have not been released (as of press), but we do know that COVID-19 won’t stop this holiday tradition (rockefellercenter.com)!

continued on next page

LongIslandParent 25

continued from previous page

Climb the Vessel’s 154 flights of stairs.

The different vantage points and views of the city are totally worth it, we promise (hudsonyardsnewyork.com)!

Get up close and personal with Lady Liberty aboard Statue Cruises. While you

Discover unbelievable mysteries Circumnavigate the island of at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Manhattan on Circle Line’s Times Square. Shrunken heads, the Best of NYC Cruise! It’s the only world’s tallest man, a two-headed calf, and more await (ripleysnewyork.com)!

sightseeing experience to do so (circleline.com).

might not be able to go inside the statue just yet, you can walk the grounds, then stop over to explore the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration (statuecruises.com).

Walk the High Line. Stroll on what used to be a train line and is now a well-architected park on the west side of Manhattan and view special art installations along the way.

Brush up on history at New-York Historical Society. Though the DiMenna Children’s History Museum remains temporarily closed, the society’s other exhibits have family guides available for use in the galleries (nyhistory.org).

Find some hidden treasures at Brooklyn Flea in Dumbo. Browse furniture, vintage clothing, antiques, a selection of handcrafted items from local artisans, food, and more (brooklynflea.com).

Discover the wonders of the ocean at New York Aquarium in Coney Island, Brooklyn. You’ll meet turtles, sharks, jellyfish, sea lions, seals, sea otters, and more (nyaquarium.com)!

Get lost in the American Museum of Natural History. Dinosaurs, gigantic crystals, and a 94-foot-long blue whale, need we say more? Don’t forget to stop by The Nature of Color, a special exhibit that explores the world of color (amnh.org).

Get cultured at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Priceless artifacts and works of art, mummies, and so much more make this a thrilling educational ride (metmuseum.org).

Explore the multi-sensory installations of everyone’s favorite frozen treat at the Museum of Ice Cream. You’ll even enjoy unique flavors of the sweet treat (museumoficecream.com)!

Climb on Alice in Wonderland in Central Park. Clamber over and hide under bronze Stand 100 stories above NYC when you visit the Edge, the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere! The deck features a glass floor, so you can observe the ant-like city streets below (edgenyc.com).

26

Immerse yourself in and experience the joy of color at Color Factory.

The experiential art exhibit is full of Insta-worthy photo ops (colorfactory.co)!

October/November 2020 | nymetroparents.com

mushrooms at Alice’s feet.

Meander through the LuminoCity Festival displays on Randall’s Island. You’ll see LED light sculptures of Insta-famous dogs and cats (including Smoothie the cat), a Mysterious Forest, and more (luminocityfestival.com).

20 things to do on Long Island with your family before the year ends

I

f one thing’s for sure, the last six months have made us really appreciate all of the fun there is in our neighborhoods.

Luckily, Long Island is home to a ton of fun and exciting places to visit, many that are rich in culture and natural history.

Use this as your end-of-year Long Island bucket list and check off each venue when you get a chance to go!

c L earn about all things in the sky without leaving the ground at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. You’ll see more than 75 air and space crafts, from hot air balloons to an actual Lunar Module (cradleofaviation.org).

and butterfly meadows, deciduous forests, and a white pine-shaded ravine, all beginning in the sanctuary’s most popular attraction—the vast wildflower meadows (nature.org).

c Climb a two-story structure at the Long Island Children’s Museum. Changes & Challenges allows kids to experience how people with differing abilities adapt to daily challenges (licm.org).

c Feed hungry trout at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery and Aquarium. This nonprofit center has the largest living collection of New York state freshwater reptiles, fish, and amphibians (cshfha.org).

c Stand next to a sperm whale jaw at The Whaling Museum & Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor.

Its current exhibits display the whaling history of the area, including New York state’s only fully equipped 19th-century whaleboat with original gear (cshwhalingmuseum.org)!

c Explore one of the largest all-living coral reef displays in this hemisphere and a 120,000-gallon shark tank at the Long Island Aquarium. Year-round sea lion shows, numerous touch tanks, butterflies from all over the world, and more than 100 exhibits and interactive experiences await you (longislandaquarium.com)!

c Meander around the mansion that inspired the Buchanan estate in The Great Gatsby film at Old Westbury Gardens. You’ll enjoy 200 acres of formal gardens, landscaped grounds, woodlands, ponds, and lakes (oldwestburygardens.org).

c Hit a hole in one at Pirate Adventure Golf at Bayville Adventure Park. You can also climb on Jungle Tree Top Adventure, The Adventure Tower or give bumper boats a try (bayvilleadventurepark.com).

c Explore rolling lawns, formal gardens, hiking trails, and more at the Planting Fields Arboretum. The Camellia Greenhouse and the Main Greenhouse both have seasonal displays (plantingfields.org).

cM eet Oliver and Patches, the two giraffes that call White Post Farms home. You’ll also find a farmers market, animal performances, and a sing-along hayride (whitepostfarms.net)!

c See a large selection of rare and unusual monkeys, parrots, llamas, wallabies, reptiles, and other exotic animals at The Animal Farm Petting Zoo! Bottle-feed baby pigs and hand-feed baby goats or even take a free pony ride (afpz.org)!

c L earn all about fire safety at the Nassau County Firefighters Museum. It’s located inside the Cradle of Aviation (ncfiremuseum.org).

c Gaze up at one of Long Island’s largest collections of fir, spruce, pine, and hemlock trees at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum. Located along the Connetquot River, the arboretum is also home to many varieties of bird species (bayardcuttingarboretum.com). c Meet parrots, zebras, coatimundi, deer, alpacas,and more at the Long Island Game Farm! You can even bottlefeed baby animals (longislandgamefarm.com). c Learn about Long Island nature and wildlife at the Sweetbriar Nature Center. The center is located on 54 acres, with nature trails winding through diverse areas that include wetlands, fields, and forests along the Nissequogue River (sweetbriarnc.org). c Meander nearly 2½ miles of unmarked trails at the Uplands Farm Nature Sanctuary. You’ll explore bird

c Relax at the family-friendly vineyards on the North Fork of Long Island. The wineries have picnic areas, events, and sometimes live music that the whole family will love (liwines.com). c Immerse yourself in Long Island’s natural history at the South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center.

Discover and explore all it has to offer (sofo.org). c Get lost in the Gnome Hedge Maze at Harbes Family Farm. Pig races and singing hay rides are offered on Fridays (harbesfamilyfarm.com)! c Bike to the water at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve. You’ll enjoy beautiful forest and farm views all along the way (parks.ny.gov)! c Learn about Native American history at Garvies Point Museum. Stay tuned for the Woodland Winter Walk in February (garviespointmuseum.com)!

LongIslandParent 27

halloween

It’s time for skeletons, witches, and jack-o’-lanterns, but how do we prepare our families for a safe and fun Halloween?

By Melissa Wickes

H

alloween is quickly approaching, and it’s a dose of fun every family is in dire need of right now. But considering the pandemic, is traditional Halloween fun off the table? Is trick-or-treating allowed? Can you show off this year’s homemade costume at a spooky soirée? No matter what your celebrations look like—and whether they’re in person or not—here are some ideas for celebrating safely.

TRICK-OR-TREATING: YAY OR NAY? Governor Andrew Cuomo said he won’t formally ban trick-ortreating this Halloween, but he doesn’t necessarily encourage parents to take their kids door-to-door either. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classified traditional trickor-treating (where treats are handed to children going doorto-door) as a high-risk activity and instead recommends the following alternatives: • Individually wrap goodie bags and line them up at the end 28

October/November 2020 | nymetroparents.com

of your yard or driveway for neighbors to come collect in their costumes.

• Create a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search in your home or backyard for family and friends.

You can determine the risk-level of trick-or-treating in your area with Hershey’s new Halloween website, halloween2020.org. It tracks the risk levels (red, orange, yellow, and green) of trick-ortreating throughout the country. Most of New York is yellow, though there are areas of red, orange, and green. Based on the color of your area, the site lists suggestions of activities that are considered safe.

If your family ultimately chooses to go door-to-door, everyone should wear a face mask covering the nose and mouth and regularly sanitize, especially if chowing down on some treats during the trip. Remember: Not every family will feel comfortable handing out treats this year, so be patient and understanding— and try not to ring the doorbell more than once!

FACE MASK 411

COSTUME PARADES

A costume mask for Halloween cannot be substituted for a cloth face mask, according to the CDC, unless it’s made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that cover your mouth and nose and don’t leave any gaps around your face. Also, you and your little ones should not wear a costume mask over a cloth mask because it can make it difficult to breathe. Instead, consider buying a fun Halloween-themed cloth mask or one that goes with your costume.

Unfortunately, many Halloween parades and organized events (like NYC’s Greenwich Village Halloween Parade), have been canceled. However, you can safely create your own smaller parade outside, socially distanced, and with everyone in a mask (and of course, a costume!). Walk down the street where you normally trick-or-treat and have a costume contest at the end.

PARTY PROTOCOL As we know, outdoor activities are lower risk than indoor ones. Since Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, consider hosting an afternoon gathering with just a few guests in your backyard, as long as everyone follows social distancing and face mask guidelines.

If staying home is more your jam right now, throw a costume party (and contest) over Zoom. You can even use spooky Zoom backgrounds to make it feel like a real graveyard smash.

PUMPKIN CARVING Making jack-o’-lanterns is a timeless Halloween activity (visit nymetroparents.com/carve for pumpkin-carving tips) that can easily be done outside. Everyone can bring their own pumpkins, tools, and hand sanitizer—and sit 6 feet apart. May the best pumpkin win!

(NOT-SO) SCARY MOVIE NIGHTS Many drive-in movie theaters are throwing Halloween movie nights throughout October. Pick a night to go with friends (in separate cars, of course) and enjoy a spooky (or not-so-spooky) Halloween flick. Bonus points if you bring candy corn instead of popcorn! Alternatively, you can have a Halloween movie marathon at home (or give Netflix Party a try for an at-home movie night with friends).

HAUNTED HOUSES Spooky venues throughout the New York area are doing their very best to keep you and your family safe (and spooked) through the Halloween season. If you’re all about being scared, pay a visit to one of the many haunted houses or spooky corn mazes in the New York area. If you’d rather something not-so-spooky, consider the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, which is being hosted in Westchester County and on Long Island this year.

LongIslandParent 29

S T N E EV

IN-PERSON Halloween Spooktacular WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 24, 11am-1pm WHERE: What’s Cooking?, 30 E. Main St., Oyster Bay AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Decorate a chocolate haunted house and make spooky cookies, mummy dogs, and ghostly pumpkin pudding! Come in costume and celebrate with friends! Private groups welcome.

WANT TO GO? $49.99. 516-922-2665. whatscookingny.com.

IN-PERSON Haunted Hatchery WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2-5pm WHERE: Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Participate in a Not So Scary Haunted Hatchery where they can trick-or-treat throughout the grounds.

WANT TO GO? $7; $6 ages 65 and older; $5 per child age 3-12; free admission for children 2 and younger and members.

516-692-6768. cshfishhatchery.org.

ONLINE Spooky Sea Creatures: Virtual Fun Friday Workshop WHEN: Friday, Oct. 23, 4pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: 3-12 WHAT: During this spooky month, find out what unusual creatures lurk in the deep. Explore the ocean›s midnight zone and its unusual inhabitants! Create a sensory ocean-zones-in-a-bottle craft using materials found at home.

WANT TO GO? $5 donation greatly appreciated. 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

IN-PERSON Nightmare at the Movies: ‘The Adams Family’ WHEN: Friday, Oct. 23, 7pm WHERE: Adventureland, 2245 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale AGES: All WHAT: A safe and fun night out for the whole family! All packages include a chicken dinner with fries and a drink, popcorn, an Adventureland arcade card and trivia on select days!

WANT TO GO? $40 per person or $125 per carload. 631-6946868. adventureland.us.

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FREE ONLINE Spooky Spider Cookie WHEN: Monday, Oct. 26, 3-4pm WHERE: Patchogue-Medford Library, 54-60 E. Main St., Patchogue AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Relax and unwind by creating a spider cookie with Oreos, pretzels, and candy corn! Pick up a grab-and-go kit.

WANT TO GO? 631-654-4700. pmlib.org.

FREE ONLINE Zombie Barbies WHEN: Friday, Oct. 30, 3-4pm WHERE: Patchogue-Medford Library, 54-60 E. Main St., Patchogue AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Turn a Barbie into a scary monster! Kits will be available for pickup a week before the program. Kits are first-come, first-serve.

WANT TO GO? 631-654-4700. pmlib.org.

ONLINE Ghost Ships: Virtual Fun Friday Workshop WHEN: Friday, Oct. 30, 4pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Explore some of the spookiest ships ever to sail the seven seas. Discover how to create a ghostly optical illusion as you make your own thaumatropes using materials found at home.

WANT TO GO? $5 donation greatly appreciated. 631-3673418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

IN-PERSON Nightmare at the Movies WHEN: Friday, Oct. 30, 7pm: Goosebumps 2; 9:30pm: Halloween 2 WHERE: Adventureland, 2245 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale AGES: All WHAT: A safe and fun night out for the whole family. All packages include a chicken dinner with fries and a drink, popcorn, an Adventureland arcade card, and trivia on select days!

WANT TO GO? $40 per person or $125 per carload. 631-694-6868. adventureland.us.

IN-PERSON Spooky Science Night WHEN: Friday, Oct. 30, 5-7pm WHERE: Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City AGES: 5-12 WHAT: The Cradle of Aviation Museum’s annual Family Science Night returns with two socially distant and safe family sessions.

Each session is packed with stimulating family-fun, STEM activities, and a Halloween parade to entertain the entire family.

All activities are included with admission. All tickets must be purchased in advance, no tickets will be sold at the door.

WANT TO GO? $15; $10 members. 516-572-4111. cradleofaviation.org.

FREE IN-PERSON

Stew Leonard’s in Farmingdale Halloween Happenings WHEN: Through Oct. 31: daily, 11am-8pm (Farmingdale) and 11am-9pm (East Meadow) WHERE: Stew Leonard’s, 261 Airport Plaza, Farmingdale and Stew Leonard’s, 1897 Front St., East Meadow AGES: All WHAT: Stew Leonard’s in Farmingdale invites all little ghouls and goblins to its first-ever drive-through Halloween celebration!

Cars will follow a path through more than a dozen familyfriendly scenes featuring inflatable characters. Plus, all kids younger than 12 who wear their Halloween costume to Stew Leonard’s from Oct. 26-31 will receive a free cone at the Ice Cream Parlor. And, if they say “trick or treat” at the checkout lane, they’ll receive a free small treat bag!

WANT TO GO? 516-962-8210. stewleonards.com.

IN-PERSON The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze Long Island WHEN: Through Nov. 1: Friday-Sunday, 6:30-10:30pm; Wednesday-Thursday, 6:30-9pm WHERE: Old Bethpage Restoration Village, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage AGES: All WHAT: The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is a walk-through experience of thousands of hand-carved pumpkins in elaborate displays that light up the night with larger-than-life installations, along with synchronized lighting, create a magical, family-friendly experience for all ages. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

WANT TO GO? Tickets start at $24. 914-366-6900. pumpkinblaze.org.

FREE IN-PERSON Halloween Storywalk WHEN: Oct. 17-31, All Day WHERE: Patchogue-Medford Library, 54-60 E. Main St., Patchogue AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a self-guided quest for the entire family! Pick up your map at the Children›s Department Information Desk during library hours or print your map and story questions from home at any time to navigate your way through Patchogue Village by following a story. Complete your quest and receive a Halloween surprise! Don›t forget to wear your costume WANT TO GO? 631-654-4700 x200. pmlib.org.

IN-PERSON Spooky Weekend Crafts WHEN: Through Oct. 31: Saturday-Sunday, 12-4pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum & Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Enjoy spooky self-serve crafts in the museum workshop.

Costumes encouraged! Free with admission!

WANT TO GO? $6; $5 seniors 62 and older and children 4-18; free for children, active military with ID and members. 631-3673418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

IN-PERSON Haunted Village in Southampton WHEN: Oct. 24-31, Saturdays, 2-4pm WHERE: Southampton History Museum, 17 Meeting House Lane, Southampton AGES: All WHAT: Visit a haunted Southampton Village inhabited with ghosts, goblins, and ghouls all on the grounds of the historic Rogers Mansion. The museum’s outbuildings will be open and occupied with the unimaginable. RSVP required.

WANT TO GO? $10; free for children 10 and younger. 631-2832494. southamptonhistory.org.

IN-PERSON Haunted Hallway: A Collection of Creepy Curiosities WHEN: Through Nov. 7: Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-4:30pm WHERE: Suffolk County Historical Society, 300 W. Main St., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Visit...if you dare! The creepiest curiosities will have you looking over your shoulders as you meander the museum›s halls.

WANT TO GO? $10 families; $5 adults; $3 seniors 60 and older; $1 children 17 and younger; free for members. 631-727-2881. suffolkcountyhistoricalsociety.org.

FREE ONLINE ‘Nightmare on Main Street’: Exhibition WHEN: Through Nov. 7: daily, 8am-5pm WHERE: Huntington Arts Council, 213 Main St., Huntington AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Nightmare on Main Street is in its 9th year and remains a favorite of student artists. Students in grades 6-12 were invited to participate in this show with submissions inspired by Halloween! This event will all be presented via Facebook LIVE. WANT TO GO? 631-271-8423. huntingtonarts.org.

LongIslandParent 31

thanksgiving • Have a virtual dinner so the kids can see their relatives and share memories.

These activities pose a moderate risk: • Have a small outdoor dinner with family and friends in your community (just be sure to always follow CDC guidelines for hosting outdoor gatherings).

• Go for a family hike where people can maintain social distancing. Don’t forget the hand sanitizer and masks for when social distancing isn’t possible!

And the CDC recommends avoiding: • Shopping in crowded stores before, on, or after Thanksgiving. (This probably isn’t the year to go crazy on Black Friday!)

• Attending a crowded sports event or parade • Attending large indoor gatherings with people outside your household. As much as we want things to return to normal, this isn’t the year to have a normal Thanksgiving celebration at grandma’s house.

MAKE UP A NEW RITUAL Because this is already an unusual year, it might be just the right time to stage an alternative Thanksgiving. Think outside the box to make this holiday extra-special.

Watch a movie marathon. After enjoying the unique Macy’s

Here are some tips for how to celebrate Thanksgiving safely.

By Jacqueline Neber

T

he holidays are normally a time to relax with your family, but this year the coronavirus has ensured that we won’t be having our usual Thanksgivings. Despite all the lowhanging anxiety and extra precautions, it’s still possible to have a good holiday this November—while also staying safe.

TIPS FROM THE CDC Although it might be customary for your family to head to Grandma’s house for a feast, traveling increases the risk of your family getting and spreading coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following lower risk activities: • Have a small dinner, with only the people who live in your household.

• Prepare your favorite Thanksgiving recipes and drop the food off at the houses of friends and family.

Thanksgiving Day Parade from the comfort of your couch (the traditional extravaganza is on hold this year to avoid crowds), why not continue the day with some fall family favorites? Screen the classic A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, then watch as turkeys try to save the day (and their kin) in the animated Free Birds. Not rooting for any of the teams playing on Nov. 26, but still in the mood for football? Try Remember the Titans, Rudy, or Radio. And you can always start the holiday celebrations a little early with Elf, Home Alone, or Miracle on 34th Street.

Plan your own family turkey trot. Running (or walking) your own 5K is a great way for the whole family to get some exercise. Who needs other runners? This way, you’ll all win!

Have a friendly Thanksgiving dish competition. Do the kids love making chocolate chip cookies? Does your sister usually make a mean sweet potato pie? Invite family members to drop their favorite homemade dishes at your house—and then do a Zoom competition where you “judge” the best dish.

Don’t forget to make something for them, too!

Invent your own tradition! It will help take your mind off the impact COVID-19 has had on all our lives—whether it’s a new recipe, an excursion, or a new activity—do something that you’ve never done as a family. Now is the time to start and incorporate it again next year!

Jacqueline Neber is a social journalism MA candidate at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY.

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LongIslandParent 33

kid’s life

17 prompts to get your children engaged in conversations about their day, opinions, feelings, and more

By Whitney C. Harris

F

amily togetherness has taken on a completely new dimension for the past couple of months. We’re spending more time with our children than ever before. And while that means lots of movies, board games, and homework help, it also means we have ample time for casual chatting—whether it’s during a walk around the

WHAT WAS YOUR HAPPY, HARD, AND HELPER MOMENT OF THE DAY? This is a great way to wrap up the day as a family, whether or not you’ve spent most of your time together at home. It allows everyone to touch base, get a sense of the emotional, psychological, and physical wins and challenges of the day, and it particularly helps little ones get into the habit of reflecting and remembering what they did over a period of time. You might be surprised at what your kids come up with! And if you’re feeling ambitious, you can add a “hilarious moment” to the mix, because there are just too many ridiculously funny things that go down during quarantine.

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neighborhood or at the breakfast, lunch, or dinner table. Here are 17 ways to get the ball rolling—and get kids talking! Just remember that if you want your children to talk, you should expect to do lots of talking too. Demonstrate how to give thoughtful, detailed answers.

And then zip your lips so the kids can have the floor.

WHAT WAS THE FIRST THING YOU DID THIS MORNING? You may not know every moment of your child’s life quite like you thought you did!

October/November 2020 | nymetroparents.com

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW? WHAT ARE YOU IN THE MIDDLE OF LEARNING? Believe it or not, your kids might be a little interested to hear what the grown-ups are working on all day long. And, of course, parents are curious about what their kids are focusing on for distance learning. This is also a chance to share any new hobbies or skills you’re trying to master, while encouraging your kids to be working on exciting new things too.

TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE Give kids a chance to tell two truths and a lie about their day. Try to guess which is the lie!

DID YOU SEE ANYTHING NEW TODAY? As adults, we may forget that seeing the world through the eyes of our children is seeing everything anew.

WHO DID YOU TALK TO TODAY? This is one of those questions that will hopefully lead to a much bigger conversation about family, friends, connecting with loved ones, and what’s going on in everyone’s lives.

DID YOU DO ANYTHING DIFFERENTLY TODAY? As a parent, you can give your answer first to give kids an idea of what they might have done differently.

Maybe you ate oatmeal instead of your usual eggs for breakfast because you wanted to top your oats with fruit and nuts. Maybe you read some of your book after lunch instead of jumping back on email to give your mind a reset.

TELL A JOKE OR MAKE US LAUGH. Take turns telling one-line jokes or trying to make everyone at the dinner table laugh by doing silly faces or dances.

WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED TO DO THIS WEEK? MONTH? YEAR? Now is a great time to help kids think a little ahead and focus on something to look forward to.

WHAT SUPERPOWER DO YOU WISH YOU HAD RIGHT NOW? The answers to this could get interesting, from germ fighting powers to time travel!

START A STORY. Each person in the family takes a turn starting a fictional story. The next person adds 1-2 sentences to the story, and then the next person adds more to help develop the plot. See how long you can keep the story going.

THUMBS UP OR THUMBS DOWN DID YOU MISS ANYONE OR ANYTHING TODAY? Depending upon the children’s age and maturity, parents should take the opportunity to ask them gently, but directly, what they miss from time to time. This gives kids a chance to give voice to thoughts and emotions that may be just below the surface.

WHAT ARE YOU GRATEFUL FOR? A good follow-up to a question about what’s lacking is a question that puts the spotlight on what we do have.

RHYME TIME! Someone says a word or phrase and the next person has to quickly say something that rhymes with it. Go around the family circle as many times as you can.

Pick an object or idea and everyone in the family gets to cast their vote thumbs up or thumbs down. Some ideas include: Zoom calls. Sourdough bread. Tie-dye shirts. Spicy pickles.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WANT TO DO YOU WANT TO DO TOMORROW? Whether you have an entire Saturday to fill, or just a few minutes to do something fun as a family before diving into your weekday routine, it’s worth asking your kids to weigh in on something they’d enjoy doing the next day so you can chat about it and plan for it.

DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? You may be amazed at the questions your kids come up with!

Whitney C. Harris is a freelance writer who lives in Sleepy Hollow, NY, with her husband, three children, and a dog.

LongIslandParent 35

birthday

Socially distant ways to celebrate your child’s birthday

By Shana Liebman

S

hould your kid have a celebration this year? While birthday celebrations for kids are not exactly essential, they are developmentally important. “Social distancing does not mean social isolation,” says Graziella Simonetti, a parenting coach on Long Island. “Celebrating is injecting something joyful into a time that is tough,” she adds.

Assuming your little one is eager to party, how should you approach it? Some people may still be uneasy about actually gathering kids together—and that’s perfectly okay! There are so many ways you can throw a unique celebration, whether in person (while social distancing) or virtual.

So, how will you celebrate your birthday child this year?

Planner also suggests “gathering around a bonfire with a makeyour-own s’mores bar or setting beach towels or picnic blankets 6 feet apart and giving each guest their own picnic basket full of goodies to enjoy.”

SEE A DRIVE-IN MOVIE. Take advantage drive-in movie theaters, which have popped up all over New York. Families can arrange to meet up at a local drivein and park near each other. Or if you have a small projector and a white sheet, set up your own outdoor theater where kids can watch from chairs or blankets placed 6 feet apart.

PLAN A DRIVE-BY PARADE. HOST A BACKYARD CELEBRATION. As long as all guests wear face masks and follow other safety guidelines, there are lots of possibilities to host a party. For example, kids can go on a scavenger hunt and meet up with their finds at a chosen location for a socially distanced celebration. One family in Westchester invited an ice cream truck to park in their driveway to distribute cones to guests (who then mingled at a safe distance nearby). Seri Kertzner of New York City’s Little Miss Party 36

October/November 2020 | nymetroparents.com

Ask guests to bring balloons or messages for a bulletin board. Have a sign competition. Set up a table for gifts and one for goodie bags so guests can pick up and drop off without making contact.

You can also ask friends to drive up to your house to sing “Happy Birthday” from a safe distance away—while the birthday girl sits on a decorated chair or throne in the front yard. Or do a reverse drive-by, where the birthday kid is driven around town, stopping at friends’ houses to hear well wishes and exchange gifts.

SCHEDULE A VIDEO CHAT PARTY. Invite your kid’s friends to be on a video chat to wish him a happy day. Let the party-viewers watch while the birthday boy blows out his candles. In addition, ask friends and relatives to record their birthday wishes on video and email them to you.

You can even download fun Zoom background templates from Canva.com to ‘transform’ your kid’s birthday celebration to the location or theme of choice.

HOST A VIRTUAL GAME NIGHT. Facebook’s Instant Games offers games kids can play online together. Or try your hands at Crazy 8s, Checkers, or Go Fish with PlayingCards.io which allows for chatting and a Zoom video linkup. Or challenge your child and his friends to solve a virtual escape room.

simultaneously watch a video or listen to music—while chatting or using a webcam to video conference. Netflix Party synchronizes a video playback and adds a group chat option during streaming so kids can watch together.

PLAN A SPECIAL DAY AT HOME. Make his favorite dessert or do a creative project together. Take an online trip to the zoo or a famous museum—if you’re feeling comfortable take him to the zoo or aquarium for the afternoon.

Or let your little one be king or queen for a day.

DINE AT YOUR KID’S FAVORITE RESTAURANT. If you’re comfortable sitting inside, many restaurants in our area are open. If the weather’s nice, choose a location that has outdoor dining. Or you can always place a to-go order.

LIVESTREAM A PERFORMANCE.

BOOK A VIRTUAL GROUP CLASS

Ask around to see if someone somewhere (geography doesn’t matter here) can stream a live performance of, say, a magic show or a clown stunt.

If chatting over Zoom just doesn’t cut it, book a virtual group class for your little one and her friends so they can participate in an activity together.

INVITE FRIENDS TO THE VIRTUAL THEATER.

Whatever kind of celebration you choose, make sure your birthday boy or girl is happy with the plan and that it makes your kid feel special—and be sure to reassure everyone that next year things will hopefully be very different.

Invite a group of buddies to a planned event and encourage them to grab delicious snacks and settle in for a show.

Watch2gether allows you to create a room where kids can

LongIslandParents 37

health

Prepping for Flu Season Learn how you can tell the difference between a common cold, the flu, and COVID-19—and stay as safe as possible

By Barbara Russo

T

his year’s cold and flu season is a lot more complicated due to the current COVID-19 crisis. In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 39 million cases of influenza (a viral disease that attacks the nose, throat, and lungs). Most adults will get the common cold about twice a year—though children get it more often. This begs the question: What will cold and flu season be like during the pandemic?

PREDICTIONS IN A PANDEMIC How bad will flu season be in the U.S. this year? Kelly Fradin, M.D., author of Parenting in A Pandemic: How to Help Your Family Through COVID-19, looks for clues from Australia— where the flu season occurs before ours. “What we’ve seen in Australia is that there has been ninety-eight percent less flu than normal,” she says. “It’s been attributed to all the precautions that have been in place for coronavirus.”

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October/November 2020 | nymetroparents.com

Sharon Nachman, M.D., chief of the division of pediatric infectious diseases at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, says the severity of flu season in the U.S. will depend on the individual—and what safety precautions they take.

“Among populations that are not going to be wearing masks, the flu season has good potential to be bad. We have a lot of people indoors, the weather’s getting colder, and it catches easily in households,” Dr. Nachman says. “However, among those populations that are being very careful by wearing masks and washing their hands, the potential is that we will have low transmission in those settings.”

THE FLU SHOT Doctors strongly encourage adults and children ages 6 months and older get the flu shot. Although there are no guarantees that the shot will prevent the flu, the illness won’t be as severe.

“Of the children who died last year of flu, more than eighty percent of them did not receive any flu vaccine,” Dr. Nachman says. “The flu vaccine may not prevent all disease, but it’s going to work hard at preventing hospitalizations, and will work even harder at preventing death.”

Shirin Peters, M.D., an internal medicine specialist, and founder, medical director, and primary care physician at Bethany Medical Clinic of New York, agrees that the flu shot is essential this year, “as it will prevent my patients from needing to seek care in a busy urgent care or emergency room, where they may be exposed to COVID-19 and other infectious illness.”

IS IT A COLD, FLU, OR COVID-19?

The symptoms for all three illnesses are similar. “Symptoms of the flu and cold are similar and often include cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle and body aches, headaches, and fatigue, but the flu is more intense and comes on more abruptly,” says Myron Rolle, M.D., a resident at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General. These symptoms are so similar to those of COVID-19, that it’s often hard to make a diagnosis.

One distinguishing symptom of COVID-19 is anosmia—loss of smell (and often taste as well). Not all COVID-infected patients get anosmia and because the flu can cause a stuffy nose, it may still be a symptom that causes confusion.

Dr. Rolle recommends getting tested for COVID-19 if any flu-like symptoms occur in adults or kids. And don’t worry— tests will be available, Dr. Nachman says. “Many doctors are now starting to get rapid testing abilities in their offices, similar to rapid testing for flu and strep throat.” She believes the frequency and ease of COVID tests will only increase.

“The more resources to do this that are available, the more doctors are going to feel comfortable with testing.”

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TAKE ALL PRECAUTIONS As flu and cold season approaches, it’s more important than ever to take precautions such as washing your hands, wearing face masks, and social distancing. “The good news is that the same measures that help prevent the spread of COVID-19 can also help prevent the spread of the cold and flu viruses,” says Travis Stork, M.D., an emergency medicine physician.

And if you or your child get sick, doctors recommend rest, hydration, and a good diet to help your immune system. “Over the counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help with body aches and fever,” Dr. Stork says. “Eat a wholesome diet with plant-based foods that are loaded with antioxidants, like fruits and vegetables which will help your immune system fight off the infection. Get plenty of rest and if you get concerned, call your doctor.”

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

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LongIslandParents 39

development

Playing independently helps children build self-reliance, problem-solving skills, creativity, confidence, and more.

By Whitney C. Harris

P

laydates are a great opportunity for children to learn social skills and build healthy relationships. But with social distancing remaining a priority, independent play has perhaps never been so important. Jefra Rees is an Early Childhood Educator at Pono—New York City’s only democratic, outdoor, urban, educational program—and a staunch advocate of how independent play helps to build autonomy, self-reliance, and problem-solving skills; increases focus, attention span, and creativity; and allows you and your child to discover their natural interests.

“In our fast-paced world surrounded by screens and technology, we sometimes need to take a step back and understand that many of the things we do for our children may hinder them from developing these important skills,” says Daniel Sinyor, M.D., pediatrician at Crystal Run Healthcare.

Sylvia Boyle and Tsion Teckle, founders of KidOvation Stage, tout independent play for its benefits when it comes to developing executive function, which affects a child’s ability to self-regulate and control impulses. What’s more, independent play helps a child build their confidence and independence.

All of these skills are critical to a child’s overall health, development, and future success, according to Boyle and Teckle.

In addition to the major developmental pluses of a child who engages in independent play is the obvious relief of not

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having to constantly entertain your kiddo. Think of it as a good thing that you can take yourself out of the driver’s seat and let your little one take the lead. So how can it be done?

ENCOURAGING INDEPENDENT PLAY “Play is natural for children. They don’t really need to be taught to play as much as they need to be given the opportunity,” Boyle and Teckle say. The key to fostering seamless independent play is creating a safe, open space for children to be free to explore and make a mess and let their imaginations take off.

There should be few, if any, limits in their play space. And parents should also be careful not to overfill the space with too many toys, which can distract a child from getting deeply, wonderfully involved in any one toy or activity. Make sure the space is tidy and well-organized when the child enters so they can easily access everything.

Research shows independent play can begin as early as 6 months, Boyle and Teckle say. So you can start small with a play mat and a few baby-safe toys situated in a secure part of your home. Rees recommends avoiding baby containers like swings, bouncy seats, jumpers, etc. “Not only do they restrict an infant’s natural movement, they can have negative side effects on their development,” she says.

As your baby becomes a toddler, make sure her play space remains a “yes” space, a term coined by parent educator Janet

Lansbury. Use babyproofing measures as much as possible, including gates, shelves bolted to the wall, electrical outlet covers, and scan the room for small choking hazards or sharp objects, Dr. Sinyor says.

“A toddler that has access to every room in the house is not going to play independently for very long,” Rees advises. You can introduce or swap out new toys and materials that embrace their natural creativity or interests. Once your kiddo is clearly gravitating toward specific types of play, you can provide new objects to encourage those passions, while adding in a diversity of playthings to maybe spark new interests.

Don’t forget that having a child who plays well independently means you are also providing them with their undivided attention sometimes. Give your child at least 15 minutes of your total presence each day where you engage them with songs and books and describe their environment. “A child who feels secure and receives healthy doses of attention throughout the day will more likely engage in independent play,” Dr. Sinyor says.

And then just remember to step away so they can run with the fun. At this point completely remove yourself from play either physically (if safe) or psychologically by not engaging in what’s going on. It may be tempting to ask thought-provoking questions and engage in your child’s free play but that can have the opposite of the intended effect and actually interrupt a child’s thought process, Boyle and Teckle add.

TOYS FOR INDEPENDENT PLAY There’s the old joke that kids enjoy playing with big boxes more than the gifts that came inside of them. And there’s lots of truth to that. Rees recommends having a few quality and open-ended play objects—they don’t even have to be toys. A collection of oversized cardboard boxes can make for some amazing building materials. Boyle and Teckle also recommend building sets, gears, blocks, and Magnatiles for mini architecture enthusiasts. Plain wooden figurines, stuffed animals, action figures, dolls, and animal figurines all help inspire some make believe. While a basket of various hats or props are perfect for dramatic play.

Boyle and Teckle also encourage some artsy materials like playdough and creating a designated area for water coloring or paint exploration that is accessible (and acceptable!) without support from a caregiver. It could even mean “painting” rocks with just water and some brushes. And don’t underestimate the thrill of playing outside with water. Simply fill a plastic storage container with water and add animal figurines, droppers, funnels, measuring cups, and more. Kids will know what to do!

Just be sure to “carefully curate your toy selection and avoid clutter,” Rees adds. What’s more, look for things that can be used in myriad ways not just in one specific manner. Dr. Sinyor says objects kids can twist, move, and manipulate will keep them more engaged than toys with an on/off button or overstimulating activities that involve screens and other electronics.

REMEMBER TO BE PATIENT If your child doesn’t make immediate progress with independent play, try to be patient. It can be a major challenge for some children in the beginning. But all children are capable of doing it, Rees says.

“This is why introducing this skill as early as you possibly can could be life changing for your child and the whole family,” Boyle and Teckle says. Start with realistic expectations: 5 minutes at first, gradually building up to 10 minutes, 15 minutes, and then more. Dr. Sinyor says an 18-month-old may play independently for 15 minutes while a 2-year-old will spend 30 minutes or more.

“You can help to build up their tolerance level by letting them know you’ll be leaving for a few minutes and then coming back,” Rees says. And try to find the time of day where your child is most amenable to solo play. For many families this is right after a meal or any time your kiddo isn’t going to be hungry or tired, Boyle and Teckle recommend.

Then just make sure the activities and toys you offer are age-appropriate and engaging—and be consistent about presenting opportunities for your child to enter that “playing happily by herself” zone.

It’s a good idea to build independent play time into your family routine. Kids will even start to anticipate the designated time and will be more likely to engage the behavior, Dr. Sinyor says. Additionally, parents should become adept at recognizing when their children are self-engaged outside of scheduled independent play time. “Play doesn’t always mean sitting down, playing with toys. It can be daydreaming and thinking,” Rees says. So, try not to disrupt a child who is content being alone in the moment.

Free play is like a muscle that has to be exercised. So be sure to make time and space for it each and every day. Then, just sit back and let the play magic unfold.

Whitney C. Harris is a freelance writer who lives in Sleepy Hollow with her husband, three children, and a dog.

LongIslandParents 41

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646-889-1613 alisteducation.com info@alisteducation.com A-List Education specializes in live online exam preparation, distance learning support, and college advising. We work with families and schools to meet specific learning needs with the ultimate goal of improving academic performance and college readiness. A-List’s adaptive learning technology is the same methodology used by the SAT and ACT.

Advanced Academic Programs of Roslyn

20 Roosevelt Ave., Roslyn 516-484-1789 roslynacademics.com info@roslynacademicprograms.com Roslyn Academic Programs offers enrichment programs for school age children in mathematics, physics, coding, robotics, and engineering. We also offer AP (Calculus, Physics, Coding) test preparation and standardized tests (ACT, SAT, SAT subject, etc.) preparation. Now offering both in person (small groups) and live online.

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory - DNA Learning Center

One Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor 516-367-5170 dnalc.org dnalc@cshl.edu The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center is the world’s first science center devoted entirely to genetics education. Join us for fun, challenging programs for science enthusiasts in fifth-12th grade, led by experienced educators. Now offering camps and enrichment courses virtually, pre-recorded, and on-site.

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77 Broadway, Rocky Point 631-744-4001 studioeartclass.com studioeartclass. com/parties, studioeartclass.com/ childrens-camps We have moved! Visit our newly built location at 77 Broadway, Rocky Point.

Specializing in classes in pottery, ceramics, painting, and drawing. Classes for all ages and abilities. Accepting self-direction reimbursement. Following NY guidelines to stop the spread. Learn about our classes at studioeartclass.com or call 631-744-4001.

EDUCATION A List Education

646-889-1613 alisteducation.com info@alisteducation.com A-List Education specializes in live online exam preparation, distance learning support, and college advising. We work with families and schools to meet specific learning needs with the ultimate goal of improving academic performance and college readiness. A-List’s adaptive learning technology is the same methodology used by the SAT and ACT.

Catholic Elementary Schools of Long Island

Diocese of Rockville Centre Multiple Locations 516-280-2479 licatholicelementaryschools.org Long Island’s Catholic elementary schools are 43 unique and beautiful schools in Nassau and Suffolk counties that educate the whole child in the spirit of service and compassion. Coupled with God’s love, we strive to inspire each child to grow spiritually and academically in a diverse and challenging world.

October/November 2020 | nymetroparents.com

354 Lakeville Road, lower level, Great Neck 516-466-8422 cmsgn.com info@cmsgn.com Countryside Montessori School offers children 18 months to 6 years, a wellbalanced and enriched curriculum which includes traditional subjects, art, and music.

They are located on an estate-like setting with an outdoor playground and nature walks. Classrooms are fully equipped and spacious. Zoom classes are offered for toddler and nursery children.

East Woods School

31 Yellow Cote Road, Oyster Bay 516-922-4400 eastwoods.org East Woods, in Oyster Bay, is a private school for ages 2 to eighth grade. We are a friendly community of students, faculty, and parents that feels more like one big family. We have been inspiring confidence, excellence, and kindness since 1946. We develop confident, motivated, and kind leaders.

Friends Academy

270 Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley 516-676-0393 fa.org At Friends Academy, we achieve educational excellence by committing to the highest standards of learning. Our welcoming community is strengthened by our Quaker values, empowering our students to inquire, reflect, and engage in their classrooms and the world. Our students learn and live with purpose to achieve greatness without sacrificing goodness.

Harbor Child Care

Multiple Locations in Nassau County Executive Office: 999 Herricks Road, New Hyde Park 516-248-9855 harborchildcare.org For more than 40 years, Harbor Child Care has provided a unique child care program for children ages 12 weeks to 12 years.

We believe more than 20,000 children have experienced a warm, kind educational environment, and curriculum that readies them for kindergarten and beyond in multiple locations across Nassau County.

Holy Angels Regional School

1 Division St., Patchogue 631-475-2641 holyangelsregional.org Since 1923, Holy Angels Regional School has illuminated the hearts and minds of students through academic excellence and the values of Catholic faith. Our mission is to provide each student the opportunity to grow spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically in a safe and caring environment.

IN-PERSON

BOTH

Holy Child Academy

25 Store Hill Road, Old Westbury 516-626-9300 holychildacademy.org Holy Child Academy is Long Island’s only premier, independent Catholic elementary and middle school for children of all faithstoddler through eighth grade. Our creative educators help each child develop a joy for learning by seamlessly integrating our humanities and science curriculum with technology, fine arts, music, theater, and athletics.

Lawrence Woodmere Academy

336 Woodmere Blvd., Woodmere 516-374-9000 lawrencewoodmere.org admissions@lawrencewoodmere.org Lawrence Woodmere Academy LWA is a coeducational, non-religious, college preparatory school with a more than 100year history of academic excellence. LWA comprises pre-school through 12th grade students. The school culture is marked by global perspective within a school community, with a mission distilled into three core values: truth, integrity, and service.

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 NYSDOH and CDC guidelines.

FOOD & HEALTH 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 Island’s 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.

Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy

Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success Nassau: 516-216-1791 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 Queens: 718-640-6767 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.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Once Upon A Child

1089 Hicksville Road, Seaford 516-579-4200 onceuponachildseaford.com m_teller@hotmail.com We buy and sell gently used and new kids clothing, furniture, equipment, and toys!

We pay cash for an array of gently used name brand items. Each item brought into our store is individually reviewed. We will purchase gently used and new items that meet current style and safety standards.

Oneil Consulting Nassau County

516-316-6485 oneilconsult.com oneilconsulting1@gmail.com Special Needs parents are a special breed of parent. They are tough but tired, strong but scared, and determined to provide their children with a fruitful life. Oneil Consulting is not just an advocate, we have the resources and tools to help you and your child succeed. You are not alone.

SPECIAL NEEDS 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 Island’s 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.

Holy Angels Regional School

Huntington Learning Centers

Baldwin, Bay Shore, Carle Place, East Northport, Flushing, Lynbrook, Manhasset, Massapequa, Miller Place, Patchogue, Plainview, Smithtown 1-800-CAN-LEARN huntingtonhelps.com Huntington is the premier tutoring and test prep provider, including SAT/ACT and state tests, for kindergarten to 12th grades. The company prides itself on personalized attention and proven results.

Founded in 1977, Huntington’s mission is to give every student the best education possible. Tutoring is available in-center and online.

Give Your Children the advantage that lasts a lifetime!

Open Registration Schedule a family tour or a student shadowing day!

Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy

Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success Nassau: 516-216-1791 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 Queens: 718-640-6767 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.

• • • •

Early Childhood Programs Pre-K thru Eighth Grade Before & After Care N.Y.S. Regents Courses: Algebra I & Earth Science

631-475-0422 · 1 Division Street, Patchogue, NY

holyangelsregional.org

Oneil Consulting Nassau County

516-316-6485 oneilconsult.com oneilconsulting1@gmail.com Special Needs parents are a special breed of parent. They are tough but tired, strong but scared, and determined to provide their children with a fruitful life.

Oneil Consulting is not just an advocate, we have the resources and tools to help you and your child succeed. You are not alone.

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.

LongIslandParents 43

Looking for a SDUW WLPH ÁH[LEOH MRE"

open

VIRTUAL

IN-PERSON

BOTH

Holy Angels Regional School

East Woods School

31 Yellow Cote Road, Oyster Bay 516-922-4400 eastwoods.org Schedule a private tour today to learn why East Woods School is the right choice for you.

1 Division St., Patchogue 631-475-2641 holyangelsregional.org Come visit our school and give your children the advantage that lasts a lifetime.

Open registration. Call us anytime to arrange a tour.

Friends Academy

Holy Child Academy

270 Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley 516-676-0393 fa.org Join us for a Virtual Open House Monday, Nov. 2 (Upper School), Tuesday, Nov. 10 (Lower School). Check our website for Middle School open house, or call for a personal tour.

25 Store Hill Road, Old Westbury 516-626-9300 holychildacademy.org Nurturing the spirit, challenging the mindcall us to schedule a personal tour.

Vincent Smith School

322 Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington 516-365-4900 vincentsmithschool.org Enroll now. We won’t let your child fall behind! Register for our virtual open house on Thursday Nov. 12, at 9:30am.

Find it. Book it. Celebrate!

Jobs Board Exciting Opportunities for Moms (and Dads)

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October/November 2020 | nymetroparents.com

index CAMP

HOME SERVICES

Countryside Montessori School...............................................................19

Painted Pieces........................................................................................37

Friends Academy......................................................................................7

HEALTH CLASSES

Advantage Care Health Center...............................................................21

Advanced Academic Programs of Roslyn ................................................15 Blue Umbrella........................................................................................43 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNALC....................................................39 Long Island Nets....................................................................................12

Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech..................................................15

Studio E Art Classes ...............................................................................25

Holy Angels Regional School...................................................................43

RELIGIOUS Diocese of RVC........................................................................................2 Holy Child Academy...............................................................................39

EDUCATION A List Education.....................................................................................21 Advanced Academic Programs of Roslyn ................................................15 Countryside Montessori School...............................................................19 Diocese of RVC........................................................................................2 East Woods School...................................................................................3 Friends Academy......................................................................................7 Holy Angels Regional School...................................................................43 Holy Child Academy...............................................................................39 Lawrence Woodmere Academy...............................................................19 Variety Child Learning Center...................................................................5

FAMILY ENTERTIANMENT / EVENTS / OUTINGS

RETAIL Once Upon a Child.................................................................................15 Painted Pieces........................................................................................37

SPECIAL EVENTS Adventureland Amusement Park.............................................................29 All Kids Fair............................................................................................24

SPECIAL NEEDS Advantage Care Health Center...............................................................21 Huntington Learning Center...................................................................48

Adventureland Amusement Park.............................................................29 All Kids Fair............................................................................................24 Artechouse.............................................................................................33 DreamWorks Animation - Gabby’s Dollhouse..........................................47 DreamWorks Animation - Jurassic World.................................................13 Long Island Nets....................................................................................12

Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech..................................................15

Ripley’s Believe it or Not...........................................................................8

Huntington Learning Center...................................................................48

Variety Child Learning Center...................................................................5

TUTORS A List Education.....................................................................................21 Advanced Academic Programs of Roslyn ................................................15

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last word

What has been your favorite part of having your kids at home more?

“We have more time to connect and less stress about where we have to be next.”

—Natasha D’Anna (@twindollicious), Staten Island

, g crafts, nature n ri lo p ex st la b a orate “We are having e tried to incorp v I’ . re o m d n a , ject. recipes in every fun pro g in rn a le f o it b r a little a difficult year fo n ee b s a h is th I know one everything d s a h y il m fa r u nue to everyone, and o ealthy, and conti h , fe sa y a st to we can er.” year like no oth grow during this ttan ), Manha (@strollerinthecity —Brianne Manz

“Getting to understan d what makes them tic k on a deeper level. It help s me better parent ea ch child in more effective way, to push them to excel and shine.”

—Pamela Pekerman (@pamelapekerman), Westchester

“I LOVE having them near me and safe even though they drive me nuts 49 percent of the time. I love that we have dinner together every night (even more that my husband makes it!). I love that we bonded over Little House on the Prairie and have been watching our favorite childhood movies.” —Stacy Wallenstein (@themintchipmama), Long Island

“I’ve really enjoyed being able to witness the bond between my 11-year-old and 1-year-old.

So many of those moments would be lost if my oldest was in school. Life has just slowed down more, which gives room for more beautiful little moments at home to witness.”

—Danielle Sapienza (@danielleguentherphotos), Manhattan

“My favorite part of this new at-home work/schooling lifestyle is eating our meals together. Our lives were so busy, and I was constantly carpooling at the end of the day to various activities and eating on the go. I love that our family eats dinner together every night (and lunch most days).” —Katy Winter (@katys_organized_home), Westchester

46

October/November 2020 | nymetroparents.com

A NETFLIX A NETFLIX ORIGINAL ORIGINAL SERIES SERIES A NETFLIX A NETFLIX A NETFLIX ORIGINAL ORIGINAL ORIGINAL SERIES SERIES SERIES A NETFLIX A NETFLIX ORIGINAL ORIGINAL SERIES SERIES

GET READY GET READY FOR FOR CAT-TASTIC CAT-TASTIC SURPRISES! SURPRISES! GET GET READY GET READY READY FOR FORFOR CAT-TASTIC CAT-TASTIC CAT-TASTIC GET READY GET READY FOR FOR SURPRISES! SURPRISES! SURPRISES! CAT-TASTIC CAT-TASTIC SURPRISES! SURPRISES!

COMING COMING SOON SOON COMING COMING COMING SOON SOON SOON YOU YOU CAN YOU CAN CHECK CHECK CANOUT CHECK OUT GABBY'S GABBY'S OUT GABBY'S DOLLHOUSE DOLLHOUSE DOLLHOUSE ON ON YOUTUBE! YOUTUBE! ON YOUTUBE! COMING COMING SOON SOON

YOU CAN YOU CHECK CANOUT CHECK GABBY'S OUT GABBY'S DOLLHOUSE DOLLHOUSE ON YOUTUBE! ON YOUTUBE!

DreamWorks Gabby’s DreamWorks Dollhouse Gabby’s © 2020 Dollhouse DreamWorks © 2020 Animation DreamWorks LLC. Animation All rights reserved.

LLC. All rights reserved

DreamWorks Gabby’s DreamWorks Gabby’s Dollhouse Dollhouse Gabby’s © 2020 Dollhouse © DreamWorks 2020 DreamWorks © 2020 Animation DreamWorks Animation LLC. Animation All LLC. rights All rights reserved.

LLC. reserved.

All rights reserved YOU CANYOU CHECK CANOUT CHECK GABBY'S OUT GABBY'S DOLLHOUSE DOLLHOUSE ONDreamWorks YOUTUBE! ON YOUTUBE!

DreamWorks Gabby’s DreamWorks Dollhouse Gabby’s © 2020 Dollhouse DreamWorks © 2020 Animation DreamWorks LLC. All Animation rights reserved.

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©2020 Huntington Mark, LLC. Independently Owned and Operated. *Available at participating centers. **Not valid with any other offers. ***Grade level results are based on cumulative average grade level increases in reading and math for 17,445 students from 2010-2014 using the full set of available student data. ****Results are based on surveys of 3,289 Huntington students graduating in 2019, using their initial Huntington Academic Evaluation and final SAT/ACT test score.