Westchester Parent - June/July 2021 by NYMetroParents

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june/july 2021

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A Summer of

fun! 5O

boredom buSterS

toddlers Water safety for al and safe Keeping kids soci near you Top water parks

Is summer school right for your child?

A Healthy Body Image How parents can help tweens and teens

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June/July 2021

14 Is This the Summer for School?

Five things to consider when deciding whether summer school is right for your child

20 Preventing Brain Drain

Eight fun, education ways to stop the summer slide before it starts

38 A Safe & Social Summer

We talked to experts about how to be appropriately cautious when preparing for summer fun.

40 A Positive Body Image

Teens often have negative body images—how can parents help?

42 Talking to Kids About Gender & Sexual Identity

Eight expert tips to help you have these important conversations with your children

columns 6 9 12 13 46

Editor’s Note News: What’s happening in the community Baby & Toddler: Water Safety for Little Ones Advice: Ask Dad and Buried Last Word: What is your ideal picnic experience?

things to do

24 Summer Boredom Busters 30 Top Water Parks for Families 34 Go Berry Picking!

resources

18 22 37 45

Education Directory Camp Directory Summer Activities Advertisers’ Index

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

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Health benefit plans are issued or administered by MVP Health Plan, Inc.; MVP Health Insurance Company; MVP Select Care, Inc.; and MVP Health Services Corp., operating subsidiaries of MVP Health Care, Inc. Not all plans available in all states and counties. Print_CHP (10/20) © 2020 MVP Health Care MVP Health Plan, Inc. complies with Federal civil rights laws. MVP Health Plan, Inc. does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-800-852-7826 (TTY: 1-800-662-1220). 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-800-852-7826 (TTY: 1-800-662-1220). This information is available in other formats for members with special needs or who speak a language other than English. Please call us at 1-800-852-7826 (TTY/TTD: 1-800-662-1220).

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editor’s note JUNE/JULy 2021

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Sweet Summertime

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Katelin Walling FEATURES EDITOR: Shana Liebman EvEnTS MAnAgER: Shara Levine

DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Tank

h, summer… it’s the season our kids look forward to most. And after the past year, we’re all looking forward to getting back to “normal,” having fun, and finally traveling again this summer. your kids are likely going to camp (turn to p. 22 for camps with last-minute registrations available!), you’ve probably booked a family trip, and you’re planning to spend a few days at a museum, water park, and beach. With all that fun on the horizon, you’d think your kids would be maxed out on summer activities. But, inevitably, you’ll hear the dreaded “I’m bored!” When that happens, check out our “Summer Boredom Busters” (p. 24). We list 50 things to do with your kids—from catching fireflies and playing flashlight tag to tie-dye and berry picking—all so you can spend your time doing what’s most important: having fun with your children. And did you know that while you’re having fun with your kids, it’s the perfect opportunity for them to learn, too? Whether you’re cooking, reading, or playing games, you can stop the summer slide before it starts. Turn to p. 20 to learn how. Finally, though things are opening up and restrictions are relaxing, it’s still a good idea to ensure your kids are safe—especially the younger ones. Read expert tips for how to have a safe and social summer on p. 38. Here’s to a relaxing, healthy summer full of fun camp days for your kids and spending time together as a family!

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Find 100+ Things to Do this Summer! Discover great family activities all season long in the Summer Family Fun Guide! It’s full of fairs and festivals, travel advice, and fun activities for your family—think: local attractions, day trips, amusement parks, and more.

DIRECTOR | PUBLISHIng MAnAgEMEnT: Jiyon Son Summer 2021

FINANCE CREDIT MAnAgER: Rosa Meinhofer

Family Fun GuiDE Great Summer activitieS for Your familY

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news

Explore the City Under the Sea

New Jersey SEA LIFE Aquarium will celebrate its grand opening June 15.

SEA LIFE, the world’s largest network of aquariums, touched down in East Rutherford, NJ—at American Dream to be exact. The 25,000-square-foot New Jersey SEA LIFE Aquarium has been dubbed City Under the Sea, in a nod to the bustling New York City that lies just across the Hudson River. The aquarium will officially celebrate its grand opening Tuesday, June 15. “It offers a new wave of underwater adventures,” said Julie Estrada, head of public relations of North America for Merlin Entertainments, which owns and operates SEA LIFE as well as many other location-based family entertainment experiences. “What’s amazing about [New Jersey SEA LIFE Aquarium] is, it’s really designed to be a child’s first experience with an aquarium. It’s the first time they’re seeing these creatures up close and personal and learning about them.” The aquarium features more than 3,000 different creatures in a variety of exhibits inspired by NYC’s most memorable moments and experiences, including nods to rush hour, Broadway, the urban jungle, Studio 54, and Fifth Avenue. New Jersey SEA LIFE Aquarium is located at American Dream in East Rutherford, NJ. For more information, visit visitsealife.com/new-jersey.

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news

Becoming America’s Doctor D

r. Fauci: How a Boy from Brooklyn Became America’s Doctor is a sweetly illustrated book (written by Kate Messner and illustrated by Alexandra Bye) that chronicles Anthony Fauci, M.D.’s life—from his Italian childhood home in Brooklyn to his career as a scientist, working to solve AIDS and COVID-19. Readers also get a primer on how vaccines work and some tips from Dr. Fauci about how to become a scientist like him. Finally, there is a suggested reading list for kids who want to learn more. We spoke to Messner about writing this book.

We’re Celebrating…

This June, as the country re-opens, there are more ways to recognize Pride month and teach your kids about Pride, both in-person and virtually. Whether you read a book at home or attend a family-friendly Pride event, you can use this opportunity to teach your kids about some of the dedicated activists who have made the world a more welcoming place, one where diversity is not only tolerated, but embraced. Visit nymetroparents.com/pride for ideas!

We’re Reading… The Motherhood Complex, by BBC science journalist, Melissa Hogenboom, which explores what it means to become a mother—including how the brain changes during pregnancy and how modern technology has defined motherhood. Interweaving her own personal experience as a working mother of two, the sciencefocused book also reveals how the biological changes during pregnancy and motherhood influence a woman’s sense of self.

We’re Watching… Ebony and Denise—a two-mom-threekid family—started the YouTube channel Team2Moms to inspire family-hopeful LGBTQ+ fans. Their conversations, which can hop from serious to silly, often cover tough subjects like race, bisexual parenting, and the confusion of having two moms. For example, they might relate a complicated conversation they had with their oldest about sperm donors or discuss their son’s autism diagnosis. Their message, however, is always about self-acceptance, and their desire for their fans “to be authentically who they are.” 10

What inspired you to create this book? Like everyone else, I was seeing Dr. Fauci on the news each night at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. When I learned a bit about Dr. Fauci’s background, I realized how much his story might serve as an inspiration for tomorrow’s scientists.

What do you hope kids will take away from it? I hope my readers will understand that being a scientist is absolutely within their reach. So often, kids see well-known researchers and public health experts on the news and think of them as important people doing serious work in the world without understanding that those researchers and experts were once curious kids, just like them.

Did anything surprise you when learning about Dr. Fauci’s life? I think the thing that fascinated me the most was the way Dr. Fauci’s Brooklyn upbringing really shaped the career that he would have later on. When I interviewed Dr. Fauci, he told me stories about how his dad would help him and his sister with homework, pushing them to keep trying, even when something felt impossible, because every problem has a solution. It was also interesting to hear how Dr. Fauci really came of age in two different worlds, studying classics and philosophy with the scholars at his rigorous high school and then hitting the streets to play stickball with the guys in his neighborhood. He got along with everyone and was known as the guy who could ex-plain things in a way that made them easy to understand, even back then.

Connect with Kate Messner

June/July 2021 | nymetroparents.com

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New Places, New Programs

Mobile Scoop Shop Available for Parties After a limited season last year, Longford’s Ice Cream mobile scoop shop is back in full swing and available for booking all summer long. The Mobile Scoop Shop is available for private events, like bar and bat mitzvahs, birthday parties, and school events, as well as larger events such, as fairs and festivals. The ice cream truck comes with 12 standard flavors, including 10 ice creams and 2 sorbets. For Mobile Scoop Shop inquiries, email longfordsmobile@aol.com. In addition, Longford’s Ice Cream’s summer flavors (including Georgia Peach, Lemon Pie, and Creamsicle) are back in its retail stores. 4 Elm Place, Rye; 914-967-3797 and 1941 Palmer Ave., Larchmont; 914-630-4503. longfordsicecream.com.

A-Game Sports Offers Preschool After a successful Remote Learning Program offered to students during the pandemic, A-Game Sports has now become an educational option for young children ready to enter a school environment: Little Learners Pre-school academy, which will open for its first day of school Sept. 9. Located within A-Game’s state-of-the-art facility, preschoolers will have a first-rate academic and social development curriculum, as well as the opportunity to get critically needed sports and physical playtime incorporated into their daily routines. “Little Learners Pre-School Academy offers the strongest of foundations for our little learners and the start of their academic journey,” says Nicole Goodrich, academic director. Registration begins June 1, and open houses are scheduled for June 17, July 29, and Aug. 25. 856 Main St., New Rochelle; 914-2789477; goodrich@agamesports.net; agamesports.net.

Children’s Book Series & Club Sparks Curiosity Inspired by their kids’ love of learning and reading, David and Emberli Pridham co-write If Not You, Then Who?, a children’s book series featuring W E’R E G O I N G G R E E N! 9-year-old Brooke Fairley and her 7-year-old brother Noah as they apply their imaginations to create inventions while learning about creativity and teamwork. The newest book in the series, We’re Going Green! (published this summer), explores ways families can be more eco-friendly. Plus, to further inspire kids, the Pridhams recently launched the Young Inventors Club. Parents can join the free club to receive monthly STEM-focused, hands-on activities via email, which kids complete for a chance to win prizes. ifnotyoubooks.com. BY DAVID & EMBERLI PRIDHAM ILLUSTRATIONS BY ANYU ROUAUX

Fun, Interactive Podcasts for Kids This last year saw a surge of interactive kid-podcasts—as desperate parents tried to entertain their home-bound kids with something other than screens. Here are a few of our favorites:

The Past & The Curious ReCommended ages: All Stories from history with catchy music and a quiz segment.

emotion motion ReCommended ages: 3-8, with their grown-ups Each episode invites listeners and their families to get up, move, play, sing, and interact with stories that help children practice their emotional vocabulary, reflect on their feelings, and learn emotional management strategies to support their well-being.

Book Club for Kids ReCommended ages: Tweens and teens Encourage kids to read by connecting them to this podcast, where they can hear middle schoolers discuss popular YA books

The Unexplained disappearance of mars Patel ReCommended ages: Tweens A Peabody Award-winning scripted mystery, featuring a voice cast of middle schoolers, that includes an interactive tie-in.

NYMetroParents 11

baby & toddler

Water Safety for Little Ones

How to keep your young child safe while enjoying the water By Marie Holmes

oung children delight in the water. Some people even believe that babies have a special aquatic connection because they recently emerged from their own personal womb-pool. Yet, in a matter of seconds, water can cause grave harm to a child. “Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages one to four,” says Mary O’Donoghue, senior aquatics director of the YMCA of Greater New York. This year, it’s more important than ever to be aware of these risks. Bobby Hazen, district manager of Saf-T-Swim on Long Island, notes that during the pandemic there was a spike in the number of backyard pools installed across the country. At the same time, social distancing has kept children out of water-safety and swimming classes—potentially creating a perfect storm for water-related accidents. Now is a good time to review water safety guidelines. Here’s what you need to know to keep your little one happy and safe in the water.

Keep children within arm’s reach. Children who don’t know how to swim, and all children ages 4 and younger, should be within arm’s reach of a caregiver at all times when in or around the water. “A lot of drownings take place within five to ten feet of safety,” O’Donoghue says.

don’t rely on floaties. Floating devices filled with air or made from foam can be great for water-play but should never be relied on as drowning prevention. “Anything that’s inflatable can always deflate, so it gives a false sense of security,” O’Donoghue explains.

Know what drowning looKs liKe. Many of us imagine a drowning person frantically thrashing around in the water, but the reality is quite different—and easy to miss. Drowning “doesn’t look anything like you think it’s going to,” Hazen says. A child’s arms may come in and out of the water before they go under, but once they’re under, you won’t see much more than the top of their head beneath the surface, and you won’t hear a thing.

designate a “water-watcher.” Ensure that at least one adult has eyes on the water at all times by taking turns being a designated water-watcher at the pool, beach, or lake. The water-watcher should refrain from drinking alcohol

before or during their shift, and steer clear of other distractions, like a phone, as well.

put protections in place around your pool. There is no replacement for constant supervision, but the following safeguards should still be put into place. Pools should be properly fenced in, easily viewable from the outside, and covered when not in use. You can also get an alarm for your house door or one that floats in or sits below the water. Purchase drain covers, install vacuum release systems, or employ multiple drains to prevent kids’ hair or clothing from getting sucked in. Remove toys from the pool after use so kids won’t be tempted to jump in and get them.

watch out for household hazards. Anything that holds liquid can be dangerous—bathtubs, buckets, toilets. Children can drown in mere inches of water, so make sure to empty kiddie pools after use and watch out for rainwater collecting in buckets or other outdoor containers. Drain the tub after a bath, use locks for toilet lids, and keep the bathroom door closed.

enroll your child in swim lessons. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all children enroll in swimming lessons by age 4 and says children can learn to swim as young as 1. Parent-and-child swim lessons for infants are widely available. The YMCA of Greater New York has classes for children as young as 6 months, and Saf-T-Swim takes students at just 2 months old. These classes usually focus on getting children comfortable in the water and teaching water safety. Remember: Swimming lessons do not make your child drownproof. Even if your child knows how to swim, they may not be able to save themselves in the event of an emergency.

teach your children never to enter the water without an adult. Both O’Donoghue and Hazen stress that one of the most important things you can teach your child is to never get in the water—pool, ocean, or bathtub—without an adult present. Just as we teach children to hold a grown-up’s hand when crossing the street and wear a seatbelt in a car, we want them to grow accustomed to waiting for an adult before entering the water.

Since 2006, expecting moms to moms of toddlers visit Mommybites for advice on all things parenting. The Nanny Boards are NY’s only resource for finding exclusively employer-recommended caregivers. Visit Mommybites.com. 12

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advice

Ask DadandBuried “My son just turned 7, and he loves to swim. The only problem is he’s scared of putting his head under the water, and it really limits how much fun he can have. How do I get him to take the plunge?” — Robert, Rye

irst of all, I don’t appreciate the pun. But I’ll forgive you for it, because a few years ago, I was in the exact same boat. (Two can play that game!) My now-10-year-old was struggling with this very issue. Actually, I was the one struggling, because I was so desperate for him to overcome his fears and finally dunk his head. His grandparents have a pool, and we are lucky to have access to it during the summer. My kid loves nothing more than to spend the day frolicking in the water, but the idea of getting fully submerged freaked him out. Playing with him in the pool was like playing with my wife in the pool right after she’d gotten her hair done. Dunking your head opens up a whole new pool experience—one that includes jumping into the pool, riding water slides, getting thrown around by Dad, and more. And I knew my son would love it. I was begging him to just dunk his head, so he would realize it was no big thing. Then the real fun could begin. Of course, the more I begged, the more he resisted, and the more he resisted, the more frustrated I got. What should have been a fun milestone had turned into a vendetta, and suddenly our visits to Grandma and Pop-pop’s house were fraught with stress. Eventually, I realized he needed to work at his own pace. I loosened my grip as best I could, stopped chirping at him every time he got in the pool, and tried to pretend I didn’t care. When he finally did it, I showered him (there I go again!) with praise. He realized I had been right all along, that it wasn’t a big deal, and it was a lot more fun that way. It was a great moment for both of us, and he’s never looked back. One of the hardest things to do as a parent is convince your kids to try something new. Getting them to try a new food, a new bedtime story, even a new movie can often be like pulling teeth. Even if you know they’re gonna love it once they get their feet wet (I can’t stop!), convincing them can be just about impossible. Sometimes letting go is the best thing you can do. That’s also really hard to do, but if you can manage, it will probably pay off. And then you get to do the absolute hardest thing in parenting: not screaming “I TOLD YOU SO!” in your kid’s face. 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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education

Is This the Summer for School? How to decide if summer school is right for your child By Marie Holmes

he words “summer school” can invoke a draconian misery— and are often uttered as a threat from a teacher or parent. But after more than a year of pandemic shut-down, summer school, like many things, looks very different through COVIDcolored glasses.

What has the school year been like? If your child thrives with in-person learning, summer offers an opportunity for more. On the other hand, if they are anxious about the return to normal, summer school could be a low-stakes way to ease back into the rhythms of the school day. “For the greater part of the year, children, and teachers, have been behind screens,” says Amelia Clune, who teaches third grade in the Bronx. The Summer Rising program, NYC’s free summer plan for kids in kindergarten to 12th grade, she believes, “will provide children with an opportunity to develop not only academic, but also social-emotional skills which, after an isolating year, many of our students need.”

is this a transition year for your chilD?

There are many reasons summer school makes sense this year. For one, parents are worried about learning gaps. Whether their kids have been remote, hybrid, or in school, parents are eager for them to catch up—both academically and socially. They want their children to reacclimate to the classroom—and to spend the day away from home and among peers again. And many local educators agree that far from being punitive, this year’s summer school offerings can and should provide opportunities for students to delight in the in-person company of their classmates and teachers. If you’re thinking about summer school for your child, here are a few things to consider:

Does your chilD have learning gaps that neeD to be aDDresseD? If your child is struggling with assignments, it’s a good indicator they could use extra academic help. Check in with your child’s teacher to see what they recommend. Some summer programs are tailored for kids with specific challenges. For example, the Windward School, which has campuses in Manhattan and Westchester, serves students with language-based learning disabilities. This summer, it will offer its academic summer camp program, running July 6-30. “If students have lost any ground, this is an opportunity for them to make that up,” says program co-director Tanya Ehrlich. Optional afternoon enrichment classes include sports, arts, and drama. “Most kids who come to our program end up feeling like it’s not a punishment for them,” says program co-director Ashley Di Salvo.

Your kindergartener may never have experienced a typical school day with a classroom full of children. An incoming sixth-grader might be anxious about entering a new building and meeting new classmates. While you can reassure them that they won’t be the only one who feels this way, having some familiar places and faces is always helpful. Regardless of the program you choose, summer school can help soothe anxieties about returning in September.

hoW much can you afforD to spenD? If your child’s public school district doesn’t have a summer school program in place, you can consider one of many private school programs or even an academic-focused summer camp. While not free, they can offer the advantages of specially trained teachers (Windward School’s teachers, for example, have degrees in special education) and very small class sizes.

hoW Will you balance summer activities? Kids who need academic intervention have the same needs for play and unstructured time as everyone else. It’s important that kids have some downtime and are forced to find creative ways to entertain themselves. So, figuring out the right balance of play time and school will be up to each family—they’ll have to factor in vacations, summer camp sessions, playdates, and family time. The 2021-2022 academic year, a much longed-for return to normalcy, has a lot riding on it. In addition to getting back up to speed academically, our children have to reacclimate to the idea of school as a destination and learning as a communal activity. While summer school might be something you’d try to avoid at another time, this summer offers everyone a chance to reimagine what school can be, and to carry those lessons with us into September.

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

June/July 2021 | nymetroparents.com

Children’s Place Inspired learning creates endless possibilities • Fully compliant with all CDC school health and safety standards • Immediate full-day and half-day openings • Small, integrated preschool classes • Master’s-level New York State certified teachers • Literacy, STEAM, music and social skills instruction • Extended hours available For more information, please contact Jennifer Geskie, Principal, at jgeskie@setonchildrens.org or call her at (914) 597-4098 Tours available by appointment only

317 North Street • White Plains, NY 10605

NYMetroParents 15

IS YOUR SON IONA PREPARED? INVEST. INSPIRE. IGNITE.

An Iona Preparatory education is one of the best investments you can make for your son’s success. + Graduating classes have earned more than $130 million in academic, merit-based college scholarships over the last five years. + Lifelong alumni network enhances college and career trajectories.

+ A developmental and comprehensive school counseling program that implements a scaffolded approach with dedicated college counselors in a student’s junior year, helping them prepare for acceptances to top-tier higher education institutions such as …

+ Iona Preparatory all but pays for itself as graduates earn an average of $60,000 in scholarships.

For more information, please write to Admissions@IonaPrep.org or visit IonaPrep.org Iona Preparatory Upper School 255 Wilmot Road New Rochelle, NY 10804 (914) 600-6154 16

June/July 2021 | nymetroparents.com

Iona Preparatory Lower School 173 Stratton Road New Rochelle, NY 10804 (914) 633-7744

   @IonaPrep  in/IonaPrep  IonaPreparatory

Education Directory Elizabeth Seton Children’s School

Huntington Learning Center

Green Meadow Waldorf School

307 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge 845-356-2514 gmws.org Green Meadow Waldorf School offers a beautiful 11-acre campus, busing from Westchester/NYC, and outdoor learning spaces. Our focus this year prioritizes our core values: diversity, equity, and inclusion; COVID-19 safety protocols and a healthy campus; strong daily rhythms; deep relationships; and place-based education for the whole person.

317 North St., White Plains 914-597-4098 setonchildrens.org/elizabeth-seton-childrens-school Jennifer Geskie, principal: jgeskie@setonchildrens.org At Elizabeth Seton Children’s School, we believe early learning is critical for success. Children’s Place, with our inclusive SCIS program, offers enriching education for children ages 3-5. Through play, attention to literacy, school readiness, and social relationships, we prepare each student for kindergarten. We offer flexible scheduling and private-pay tuition.

Westchester >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

French-American School of New York (FASNY)

856 Main St., New Rochelle 914-278-9477 agamesports.net/little-learners A-Game Academics Little Learners Pre-School Academy offers a solid basis for kindergarten readiness and a developed and proven curriculum. In a new state-of-the art classroom and facility, children will learn to write, learn math and phonics-as well as science, sports, art and technology.

Green Chimneys

Brother Thomas R. Leto, C.F.C., Ed.D., President Lower School (pre-K-4 to eighth grades): 173 Stratton Road, New Rochelle 914-633-7744 Upper School (ninth to 12th grades): 255 Wilmot Road, New Rochelle 914-632-0714 ionaprep.org An Iona Preparatory education is one of the best investments you can make for your son’s success, with seniors earning more than $130 million in college scholarships over the last five years. An average award of $61,000 means graduates are IONA PREPared because an Iona Prep diploma pays for itself.

rockland >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

A-Game Academics Little Learners Pre-School Academy

Alcott Montessori School

535 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry 914-693-4443 27 Crane Road, Scarsdale 914-472-4404 alcottschool.org Alcott School provides children ages 2-6 a supportive, multicultural, learning environment where they develop independence, self-confidence, and pride in their abilities. All sites offer a developmentally appropriate curriculum with Montessori materials, music, creative movement, and nature enrichment programs.

Ann and Andy Child Care

2170 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford 914-592-3027 annandandychildcare.com annandydca@aol.com Family-owned and operated since 1973! We offer a variety of fun activities for children ages 3 months to 12 years. We are NYSOCFS licensed. We offer flexible schedules, reasonable rates, nutritious lunches, a caring staff, individualized attention, age-appropriate field trips, 25 play areas, and 13 classrooms. COVID safety regulations are followed.

Easter Seals Project Explore

70 Columbus Ave., Valhalla 914-328-1578 easterseals.com/newyork We serve children with and without disabilities in inclusive, integrated, small classrooms. We offer high-quality full- and part-time programs, school year and year-round, for children ages 18 months to 5 years, from 8:30am2:30pm. Vacation clubs during school breaks and summer camp are available.

914-250-0401 fasny.org admissions@fasny.org Founded in 1980, FASNY is an international and bilingual N-12 day school educating more than 700 students on three campuses in Mamaroneck and Larchmont. No French required! It is the only school in the New York metropolitan area accredited to offer both the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma and the French baccalaureate.

400 Doansburg Road, Brewster 845-279-2995 33 Clearpool Road, Carmel 845-225-8226 greenchimneys.org Green Chimneys School is an accredited special education program for students in kindergarten to 12th grade who benefit from a highly structured and supportive setting. An enriched curriculum for individualized academic, behavioral, and emotional support features an innovative, nature-based approach that integrates animal-assisted activities, horticulture, and outdoor exploration into therapeutic treatment and education programs.

Green Meadow Waldorf School

Hoff-Barthelson Music School

25 School Lane, Scarsdale 914-723-1169 hbms.org hb@hbms.org Westchester’s premier music school offers lessons and classes for all ages from 9 months to adult. Students receive a comprehensive music education that includes private lessons, theory classes, ensemble instruction, and numerous performance opportunities with professional accompaniment in a supportive, joyful learning environment. Flexible tuition structure. Financial aid available.

June/July 2021 | nymetroparents.com

1-800-CAN-LEARN (226-5327) Eastchester, Scarsdale, Yorktown 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.

Iona Preparatory School PK-12

Maria Regina High School

500 W. Hartsdale Ave., Hartsdale 914-761-3300 mariaregina.org Maria Regina High School is a Catholic, college preparatory, secondary school for girls founded by the Sisters of the Resurrection. Located in Hartsdale, MRHS offers Advanced Placement, college credit, and honors courses. Students are challenged to develop their intellectual potential through individualized academic programs, strong athletics, and extracurricular and service opportunities in a spiritual atmosphere.

Winston Preparatory School

Seven schools located in New York City, Long Island, NY, Connecticut, New Jersey, California, in addition to a fully online school accessible anywhere in the U.S. 631-779-2400 winstonprep.edu liadmissions@winstonprep.edu Winston Preparatory School is a network of six campuses offering students with learning differences a highly individualized and responsive education. Our unique model serves students through 12th grade. Winston Online now allows students to learn from anywhere in the country. Visit winstonprep.edu/apply-now to sign up for a virtual open house. facebook.com/nymetroparents @nYMetroParents @nymetroparents

Winston Prep Connecticut Enrichment Program Grades 4-12 | June 30 th - July 30 th

Connecticut: June 30 th– July 30 th, 2021

Is your child struggling in school? We can help. Winston Prep Connecticut 57 West Rocks Road Norwalk, CT 069851 ctsummerprogram@winstonprep.edu, or call 203.229.0465 (x5645)

A day camp as complete as sleep-away

« (845) 354-16OO « WWW.RAMAQUOIS.COM

A PREMIER DAY CAMP FOR BOYS & GIRLS, AGES 3-15

➤ Junior Champs, Ages 3-6 ➤ Girls’ Side Spirit, Ages 7-15 ➤ Boys’ Side Pride, Ages 7-15 ➤ Optional Trip Program, Grades 3-10 ➤ 10th Grade Leadership Program 5-acre Crystalline Lake • 9 Heated Swimming Pools Door to Door Transportation • Aerial Adventure Program • Sports, Arts, Special Events, Cultural Activities and more!

Located in Rockland County • 30 Mountain Road, Pomona, NY

NYMetroParents 19

education

Preventing Brain Drain 8 ways to stop the summer slide before it starts By Jessica Allen

ummer slide, brain drain, skill slippage. No matter what you call it, learning loss during school vacation is real—and so are its damaging effects. Studies cited by the National Summer Learning Association estimate that more than 50 percent of U.S. students experience summer learning loss. Spread across five years, some students can lose, on average, approximately 40 percent of academic advances. But learning loss can be prevented, with some effort and engagement on the part of grown-ups. Amita Gupta, Ed.D., professor of early childhood education at CUNY, recommends families use a schedule. “The planned experiences for children should serve to support their growth in four developmental domains (cognitive, social, emotional, and physical), and also address some academic content learning in literacy, social studies, math, and science. This may sound daunting to parents, but the good news is that several of these targets can be reached with a single activity or experience.”

Cook REad Reading “just four to six books during the summer has the potential to prevent a decline in reading achievement scores from the spring to the fall,” according to the Colorado Department of Education. The New York Public Library is offering tons of summer reading activities, and your local library likely has events and reading lists divided by age. Heighten the fun by having your kid start a virtual book club with a far-flung relative or friend. And remember the value of modeling. Kids tend to do as we do, not necessarily as we say. If you want to raise a reader, don’t forget to make time to read yourself.

Cooking your own meals doesn’t just help your wallet— it helps your child’s brain. Use cooking as an opportunity to talk and learn about: • Math: How much do you need of each ingredient? How many people are drinking soda? How many people are drinking milk? • Chemistry: What happens when you mix one ingredient with another? What happens when you add heat? • Human anatomy: Why does food taste the way it does? How do we convert food into energy? What happens to the calories or food we don’t need? • Environmental sustainability: Where was this food grown? How, and by whom? How did it get from there to your table? • Culture: Why does your family eat what it eats? What kinds of foods did you grow up eating? How does food reinforce culture? What kinds of foods are common across cultures? Dial the conversation up or down, depending on your kid’s age and interest. Remember: It doesn’t have to be cooking. “Whatever the household chore—gardening, grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning and organizing, taking a walk—can all be turned into experiences in sorting, classifying, sequencing, observing, predicting, sharing, helping, team building, and problem solving,” Dr. Gupta notes.

do SoME MatH Incorporating learning into your everyday life will help your child become a lifelong learner. It also reminds kids why fundamentals and facts are so important. At the grocery store, talk about what you could buy for $5 or $500. Discuss budgeting. Have a chat about wants versus needs. Point out different shapes to little kids. Teach tweens how credit cards work. And teenagers can learn about the magic of compound interest. Avoid falling into the all-too-common parent trap of saying “I’m terrible at math” by showing how much we all use math every single day.

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June/July 2021 | nymetroparents.com

Play gaMeS The boom in tabletop gaming means there’s a game for every skill you wish to cultivate in your child. But your kids will be having too much fun to realize they’re actually learning. In Scotland Yard (suitable for kids 8 and older), for example, players use logic and critical thinking to find a criminal’s London location. Weird But True—based on the beloved book series by National Geographic—requires players (ages 8 and older) to consider whether a wacky factoid is true or false. The uber-popular Wingspan teaches players (ages 14 and older) about birds, ecology, and biology.

4 5

CheCk the Mail

Subscription boxes give you the chance to experience the world without leaving your house. The day our Universal Yums subscription snack box arrives is one of the happiest in my household. My son and I make predictions about that month’s country, then we enjoy reading about the fun facts (and ranking the snacks) in the colorful, fun booklet that accompanies the treats. Sometimes we draw maps. Sometimes we talk about history or politics. No matter what, we eat all the candy.

go to living rooM SuMMer SChool Is your kid a budding coder? Mixed media artist? Cat lover? Regardless of your child’s interest, there’s a class for that. The pandemic has seen a boom in online learning, with options ranging from a short, one-off class to a multiweek deep-dive. Outschool has tons of video-based classes for kids age 3-18, including math practice, geography, and chess, and social clubs, too.

Join, or extend, a learning Pod When COVID shut down in-person learning, many parents formed learning pods—small groups led by a teacher or tutor. If you already have one from the academic year, consider extending it through the summer, perhaps with some extra sports or crafts thrown in. If not, consider finding a few like-minded families to form a learning pod. Establish your expectations (frequency of meeting, topics discussed, amount of work to be done, masks on or off). The pod’s facilitator could be a recent high school or college graduate, or perhaps a teacher on summer break. How much to pay this person depends on several factors, but you should be realistic about what you’re asking the person and the kids to do.

Set goalS and Celebrate

Set actionable, realistic goals, then celebrate them. Maybe you want your soon-to-be third-grader to read five books over the summer. Set up a chart, add some stickers, and break the big goal (five books) into smaller goals (one chapter every week). Every two chapters gets an ice cream. The right incentive can help motivate.

Above all, make it fun. It is summer, after all. Jessica Allen writes about food, culture, travel, and New York City, where she lives.

What kidS have to Say… I asked my son’s first-grade classmates for suggestions about ways to grow their brains during the summer. Here’s what they said: • Write for fun • Do workbooks • Keep a journal or diary of all the fun things you do • Cool your brain by going swimming • Eat a lot of good stuff • Go to summer camp • Have a sleepover on the Intrepid

NYMetroParents 21

Camp Directory rockland >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Kreative Kids & Vicki’s Dance Studio

61 Maple Ave., New City 845-634-2202 vickistudio.com We are the best alternative to an all-day camp, at reasonable rates! We cater to ages 16 months (diapers welcomed) to 5 years. This multi-arts program includes music, creative movement, theme weeks, and tumbling. Other special summer programs for ages 2 to adult include a variety of dance and combination classes.

Palisades Center

1000 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack 845-348-1000 palisadescenter.com info@palisadescenter.com Palisades Center is more than just a shopping mall; it contains several attractions that could easily make up a day of fun for your summer campers! From NY’s largest indoor mini-golf course to the world’s tallest indoor ropes course, Palisades Center has it all! Book your group at palisadescenter.com or 845-348-1005.

St. Thomas Aquinas College STEAM Summer Camp

125 Route 340, Sparkill 845-398-4150 stac.edu/academics/steam-camps phughes@stac.edu St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, NY will hold its Summer STEAM Camps in-person for middle and elementary school students entering fifth-ninth grades, from Monday, July 19 through Friday, Aug. 13. The STEAM camps offer something for everyone in science, technology, arts, and mathematics.

Tumble-Bee Gymnastics and Fitness

401 Market St., Nanuet Mall South, Nanuet 845-623-2553 tumble-beegymnastics.com Tumble-Bee Gymnastics and Fitness offers an education in gymnastics, fitness, and fun. Serving Rockland for 36 years, we offer programs for children ages 10 months to 12 years. Our staff is warm, caring, and well trained to work with your child building confidence and self-esteem to achieve success in the future.

Westchester >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> A-Game Sports

856 Main St., New Rochelle 914-278-9477 agamesports.net info@agamesports.net A-Game Sports offers highly instructional sports training camps for individual sports, including baseball, softball, basketball, lacrosse, flag football, field hockey, volleyball, and soccer, as well as recreationally enjoyable multisport camps for kids just looking for active fun in the summer.

Acres of Adventure Summer Camp at Ann and Andy

2170 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford 914-592-3027 annandandychildcare.com Summer Camp for one-nine weeks, children ages 3 months to 14 years. Your child will enjoy our 25 play areas including two water slides, zip-line, climbing wall, and ball fields. We offer customized schedules, individualized attention, and hot lunches. Health Department licensed and in business since 1973! COVID safety regulations are followed.

Alcott Montessori School

Curtain Call Inc.

Curtain Call’s Summerstock Workshops for Kindergarten to 12th Grade 1349 Newfield Ave., Stamford, CT 203-329-8207 x16 curtaincallinc.com/summer-programs brian@curtaincallinc.com For 30 years, Curtain Call has encouraged kids and teens to act out in year-round dramatic arts workshops. Back in action and in-person, our full-day Summerstock Workshops provide low-pressure, flexible environments where students work in age-appropriate groups, rotating between specialized instructors. (Sixth to 12th grade: June 28-July 23. Kindergarten-fifth grade: July 26-Aug. 20.)

535 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry 914-693-4443 27 Crane Road, Scarsdale 914-472-4404 alcottschool.org Alcott School’s Summer Fun program offers a variety of schedules for children ages 2-5. Weekly themes are incorporated into outdoor play, science and nature exploration, water play in sprinklers and water tables, open-ended art, tricycle riding, and group games. The multicultural program is enriched by music and nature specialists.

Easter Seals Project Explore

Camp Ramaquois

firebirdstudios.co info@firebirdstudios.co Firebird Studios is a community-minded performing arts academy providing students with unparalleled instruction. Our faculty includes current Broadway talent and performers in concert dance. We are a 21st-century studio, utilizing top-tier technology to give students not only live performances, but dance for film opportunities as well.

30 Mountain Road, Pomona 845-354-1600 ramaquois.com Camp Ramaquois is a day camp as complete as sleepaway camp, situated on 44 acres in Rockland County. From adventurous activities to creative arts and athletic activities, boys and girls ages 3-15 experience a traditional day camp program filled with a variety of stimulating activities.

Challenge Camp

555 W. Hartsdale Ave., Hartsdale 914-779-6024 challengecamps.com info@challengecamps.com Challenge Camp is an ACA-accredited day camp in Hartsdale, offering summer enrichment learning opportunities for bright, curious children ages 4-15. Our cohort model of STEM and arts project-based electives includes active options enabling campers to challenge their minds and bodies. Join us for a summer of fun and learning!

Croton Academy of Arts (CAA)

8 Old Post Road, South, Croton-on-Hudson 914-862-0988 crotonacademy.org office@crotonacademy.org Croton Academy of Arts reopens in-person this summer in a renovated studio space with camp programs for kids, preteens, and teens in comedy improv, sketch writing, theater, dance, fine arts, and crafts. CAA is centered in the lovely river town of Croton-on-Hudson. Multi-camp registrations are discounted.

June/July 2021 | nymetroparents.com

70 Columbus Ave., Valhalla 914-328-1578 easterseals.com/newyork We serve children with and without disabilities in inclusive, integrated, small classrooms. Before- and after-school care, vacation clubs during school breaks, and summer camp are available options. We have special classes in art, music, and science, including interactive SMART Board activities.

Firebird Studios

Musical Munchkins

167 Scarsdale Road, Tuckahoe 914-771-7000 musicalmunchkins.com Musical Munchkins, Westchester’s original early childhood music program celebrates more than 35 years of makin’ music and memories. We delight our youngest musicians and families with wonderful mommy-n-me music. Our curriculum’s awesome activities are for children ages 6 months to 4 years. Currently teaching outdoors and virtually. Regular in-person classes resume this fall.

Oasis Summer Day Camp Westchester

Mercy College, 555 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry 646-519-5057 Andrew Leonard, Upper Camp director Deb Tashoff, Lower Camp director oasischildren.com dobbs@oasischildren.com Oasis Day Camp prides itself on age-appropriate programming for ages 3-15. Early Start (ages 3-5) is a nurturing camp environment. Lower (first-second grade) offers sports, arts, swim, enrichment, and nature. Upper (third-sixth grades) is bigger and better for older campers. Teen Travel (seventh-ninth grades) offers unique trips, overnights, and friendships.

Penny Lane Dance Academy

Sportime USA

80 Route 6, Unit 608, Baldwin Place 914-248-8822 pennylanedance.com info@pennylanedance.com Since 2003, Penny Lane Dance Academy’s camps and classes have been known for being magical and inspirational in the world of dance. We offer summer camps for ages 2-17, from Fairy Academy, where your little one will earn her very own wings, to Artists in Motion for older campers.

380 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford 914-592-2111 x2 sportimeusa.com Sportime USA’s Mini Camp offers a full day of fun activities for ages 5-12. Our mini camp includes unlimited play on all attractions, movie time, crafts, snack, and lunch. We offer a full-day program that fills up quickly, so call in advance.

Squire Camps Inc.

at Maria Regina High School, Hartsdale 914-328-3798 squirecamps.com squirecamps@gmail.com Celebrating 48 years and proud winner of the Westchester County Inspectors Choice Award! Matt Davanzo operates Squire Advantage Camps for children in kindergarten-ninth grades at Maria Regina High School in Hartsdale. Campers design custom schedules from more than 50 exciting activities including robotics, art, swimming, computers, photography, LEGO, and sports.

The Play Group Theatre

1 N. Broadway, Suite 111, White Plains 914-946-4433 playgroup.org info@playgroup.org Get in on the ACT this summer with The Play Group Theatre’s inspirational and innovative Performing Arts Camps! With programs in Musical Theatre, On Camera, and Improv, there is something for everyone at Camp PGT! From online to on stage, PGT offers the best in educational theater for ages 4-17 year-round. facebook.com/nymetroparents

@NYMetroParents

@nymetroparents

Steffi Nossen School of Dance

216 Central Park Ave., White Plains 914-328-1900 steffinossen.org Steffi Nossen School of Dance offers weeklong summer dance camps and intensives for a variety of ages and levels. Creative movement camps combine dance and related craft experiences while weeklong dance camps and intensives enhance technical and artistic growth in modern, ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, musical theater, and composition.

Stepping Stones Museum for Children

Matthews Park, 303 West Ave., Norwalk, CT 203-899-0606 x208 steppingstonesmuseum.org/families/camps Summer Camp at Stepping Stones Museum for Children will be offered June 21-25, July 12-16, and Aug. 12-20. Summer camps include Paleontology Camp, Music Makers Camp, and Space Camp! All three camps will be virtual with a take-home kit, and also include one day inside the museum!

The Scoop nymetroparents.com/register

Get IN on the ACT! PGT’s in-person summer camps are ON!

Limited spots are available for The Play Group Theatre’s inspirational and innovative performing arts camps. Mix+Match the perfect theatre arts summer for actors ages 4-17! Discover why PGT is honored year after year for excellence in arts education.

2020

1 , 2, 3, and 4 week camps

P GT S u m m e r C a m p s P r e p a r i n g K i d s f o r E v e r y S t a g e i n L i f e

NYMetroParents 23

family activities

Summer Boredom Busters

Between camp sessions, vacations, and afternoons at a museum or water park, there will be days when you wake up and wonder what the heck to do.

Make a family time capsule and bury it. Leave yourself a clue (somewhere you frequently look) with a reminder of when you hope to dig it up and where it was buried.

Play flashlight tag.

up with a secret handshake 5 Come or a funny word that only members of your immediate family are in on.

Have a sandcastle building competition. Points for size, creativity, and using natural items found on the beach.

Make your own hard-to-pop bubbles. Mix 1 cup of distilled water, 2 tablespoons of Dawn dish soap, and 1 tablespoon of glycerin. And make a bubble wand with the DIY found at nymetroparents.com/bubble-wand.

Play Would You Rather...?

2 Organize a neighborhood bike parade. It’s extra fun on July 4! 24

June/July 2021 | nymetroparents.com

Kids love to choose between two bizarre options—and you’ll get addicted to this game too. Would you rather investigate scary noises in the attic by yourself or sleep outside in a sleeping bag alone? (The best thing about this game: No props required.) Find more prompts at nymetroparents.com/rather.

Organize a neighborhood scavenger hunt.

Participating neighbors hide predetermined little treasures around their property, then open up their yards to the excitement.

1O Set up a “Mission Impossible” challenge.

Thread yarn in between and around furniture, lamps, railings (anything sturdy and safe in the same room). Challenge bored kids to move from one end of the room to the other without getting “zapped” by the “laser beams.”

Paint with ice. Fill ice cube trays with washable tempera paint, freeze, and head outside with paper (or another fun painting surface— shells, tree bark, fabric) to get messy.

Have a family movie night.

And don’t forget your family’s favorite movie theater treats!

Bake your favorite cookie recipe to make homemade ice cream sandwiches. Bonus points if you make your own ice cream, too!

Volunteer with your kids. Whether it’s picking up trash in the neighborhood park, making cookies for the local firehouse, or organizing a fundraiser for a charity, doing good will make your whole family feel good.

Grow a green thumb.

The Safety of Our Patients Is More Important Than Ever We continue to be committed to your child’s health and safety. Here’s an example of some of the changes we’ve made to protect our patients and staff in this time of Covid 19: • Air purifiers placed throughout the office

Penny Resnick-Graulich, D.M.D Emelie Preis, D.D.S. Danya Mermelstein, D.M.D. Fatina Shtivelman, D.D.S.

MAIN STREET PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY 115 Main Street, Suite 302, Tuckahoe (914)633-4440 www.mainstreetpediatricdentistry.com

• Commercial grade fogger, effective in killing bacteria and viruses, including Covid-19 • UVC lights and sonic systems used to increase sterilization procedures • HEPA air filtration system connected to the HVAC system • Personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, masks, disposable gowns and face shields • As always, we use CDC and OSHA disinfection protocols

Voted 10 years in a row one of Westchester’s Top Pediatric Dentists by Westchester Magazine NYMetroParents 25

family activities

Summer Boredom Busters cont’d

Find a hidden treasure. Geocaching is a modern-day, real-world scavenger hunt that combines modern orienteering and the great outdoors. Learn the rules of geocaching and find a treasure hunt in your area at nymetroparents.com/geo.

Take your dinner outside to dine al fresco.

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Run through the sprinkler.

Relax on the beach while your kids build sandcastles. Make sure to slather on the sunscreen!

Excavate in ice! Running out of ideas on how to keep your wee ones busy on a sweltering day? Freeze a few small, inexpensive toys in a bucket of water, take it outside, and see who can dig one out first.

17 23 Play hopscotch. It’s even more fun than you remember. Draw pictures on the sidewalk with the leftover chalk.

Have a water balloon fight. Don’t forget to pick up all the balloon pieces when you’re done!

Tie-dye your world. Or perhaps just a T-shirt or beach towel—though usually, once we get started, we don’t want to stop! Tie-dye is the process of twisting, knotting, and crumpling fabric, binding it with string or elastics, and applying dye. Learn how to tie-dye with food coloring at nymetroparents.com/tie-dye.

Make a home movie, costumes and all! 26

June/July 2021 | nymetroparents.com

Go screen-free for a week. This is an experiment worth trying, even though it may be challenging!

Have a limbo contest. Crank up the tunes, grab a long stick, and find out how low the kids can go!

Lay back in the grass and see what shapes you can find in the clouds.

Score a hole in one!

There’s something for everyone, including indoor and outdoor facilities, fun obstacles, and courses for every skill and age level. Up the competition and play not just for bragging rights, but for a free pass from chore duty. Visit nymetroparents.com/mini-golf to find a course near you.

29 Shop local at a farmers’ market. Bring your kids to help choose fresh produce, then have them help make dinner.

Designate a family reading day.

Whether you’ve all gotten too much sun at the beach or a rainy day comes along, curl up on the porch, near a fan, or around the living room with a good book each. There’s something to be said for being lost in your own story while those you love are lost right next to you.

If it rains, let the raindrops help your kids create beautiful watercolor paintings! Find out how at nymetroparents.com/rain-painting.

Make sun tea.

Everyone has a favorite recipe, but the basic one is 5 tea bags of any type + 4 cups distilled water in a glass container, covered, for 2-4 hours in direct sunlight. Let the kids drizzle some honey in theirs.

NYMetroParents 27

family activities

Summer Boredom Busters cont’d

Build a home fit for a (fairy) queen.

Gather twigs, leaves, shells, flowers, moss, and any other found natural item, then scope out the perfect place for a fairy house (on a tree branch, in an old stump, under the shade of a large rock or boulder) and build!

42 33

Roast some marshmallows over the campfire for the quintessential summer treat: s’mores!

Learn how to Hula-Hoop.

Mark your calendar to gaze at the stars during the Perseids meteor shower.

Splash in some puddles. Or run around sans umbrella during a warm summer rain.

It’ll be active July 17-Aug. 26, but peak viewing will be Aug. 11-12.

44 Pick your own berries.

Just make sure your kids put more in the container than their mouths! Turn to p. 34 to find a roundup of our favorite locations.

35 Go for a family bike ride.

Clean out your closets and have a rummage sale. Then use the money for a family treat—or donate it to a charity the whole family agrees on.

4O 28

37 Catch fireflies in a jar. Go swimming! 38 Go camping. 39 Pitching a tent in your backyard counts!

Pizza party! Need we say more?

June/July 2021 | nymetroparents.com

Have a family slumber party in the living room.

Go for a hike. Visit nymetroparents.com/hike for the top 5 family-friendly hikes in the area.

47 Fly a kite. 48 Go fishing. 49 Go bowling.

5O Make a playlist.

Ask your child to make one for you, and you make one for her, then dance or chill and share the stories behind your song picks.

Summer 2021 June 21 – 25 • July 12 – 16 • August 12 – 20 Summer camp is back at Stepping Stones, including Paleontology Camp with Professor James, Music Makers Camp with Dan, Dan the Music Man and Space Camp with Jen! All three camps will be virtual, but feature one day inside the museum!

family activities

Top Water Parks for Families Spend the day seeking thrills! By Stacey Feintuch

hen it comes to summer fun, sometimes it just must involve water. Look no further than indoor and outdoor water parks in the New York area. You’ll be cool all day, even if you have to wait in a line. There are plenty of options nearby, so we’ve rounded up a list of our favorite water parks in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania—all perfect for a day trip (or an overnight stay) from the NYC area. Grab your bathing suits and some sunscreen and prepare to beat the heat while staying cool.

Courtesy Kalahari Resorts

Hours: May 29-June 13: Saturday-Sunday 11am to close*; June 19-

Pirate’s Cove at the Land of Make Believe 54 Great Meadows Road – Route 611, Hope, NJ lomb.com • 908-459-9000 Hours: May 29-June 20, Saturday-Sunday and Memorial Day, 10am-6pm; June 21-Sept. 6: daily, 10am-6pm; water park closes at 5:30pm and amusement rides close at 5:45pm AdMission: Pay One Price for unlimited rides, shows, and attractions: $34; $31 seniors ages 62 and older’ free for children younger than 3. Cash or Discover only. Ahoy mateys! Your kids may not stop talking like pirates after their visit to Pirate’s Cove, the waterpark section at the Land of Make Believe. Take a walk on the wild side with a thrilling ride down Pirate’s Peak, zooming through a tunnel and waterfalls. Or stay cool as you explore Buccaneer Pirate Ship and the wading pool, both ideal for smaller children. WHy We Like it: One admission price includes all rides, shows, and attractions, including the amusement park rides at Land of Make Believe. So, you’ll get an action-packed day of family fun, both on land and in the water.

runaway rapids Waterpark at keansburg Amusement Park 275 Beachway Ave., Keansburg, NJ keansburgamusementpark.com • 732-495-1400

27: daily, 11am to close*; June 28-Sept. 6: daily, 10am to close*; Sept. 11-12: Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm. *Closing times vary based on weather and park occupancy. AdMission: $33 for a 3-hour waterpark ticket; $15 Monday-Friday, 4pm to close; $22 Saturday-Sunday and holidays, 4pm to close Enjoy dozens of rides for all ages. Test your acrobatic skills at the Nestea Plunge, a Tarzan-style rope swing. Defy gravity on the uphill waterslide where you’ll plunge downhill, only to be propelled back uphill and down again. The younger set will adore Toddler’s Reef, where they’ll find a dancing fountain, climbable jeep, and more, all geared just for their size. WHy We Like it: Those who aren’t fans of water parks don’t have to pay full price. Get a dry spectator ticket for $14.

six Flags Hurricane Harbor 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, NJ sixflags.com • 732-928-2000 Hours: May 29-June 13: Saturday-Sunday and Memorial Day, 10am-5pm; June 18-Sept. 5: daily, 10am-6pm; plus, Saturday, Sept. 11, 10am-6pm AdMission: $29.99 and up Thrill seekers will delight in the tall, fast, crazy, and of course, wet, rides here. At King Cobra, race through a snake’s body and then go face-to-face with a huge cobra head. Or raft through a 132-foot tunnel into the mouth of a huge funnel for a unique water rush. Little ones aren’t left out of the mix. They can explore Discovery Bay, a huge shallow water playground, or take it easy and cruise down the lazy river. WHy We Like it: If you want to make a full day of it, Six Flags Great Adventure is nearby.

splish splash 2549 Splish Splash Drive, Calverton splishsplash.com • 631-727-3600 Hours: Schedule varies; check the online calendar. AdMission: Weekends: $54.99; $44.99 seniors ages 60 and older, children ages 2 and younger, and those shorter than 48 inches. Weekdays: $49.99; $39.99 seniors ages 60 and older, children ages 2 and younger, and those shorter than 48 inches. Splish Splash, with 96 acres of slides and attractions, offers fun for CONTINueD ON PaGe 32 >

June/July 2021 | nymetroparents.com

RE-OPENING THIS SPRING!

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family activities

> CONTINuED FROM PAGE 30

mountain Creek Waterpark

everyone. Enjoy more than 20 water slides, two wave pools, a large kiddie area, lazy river, and a tropical bird show. Plus, experience high speed slides like Bombs Away and Riptide Racer. Why We like it: Bootlegger’s Run is the only hydromagnetic water coaster in New York full of breathtaking drops, including one from nearly five stories high.

200 Route 94, Vernon, NJ mcwaterpark.com • 973-827-2000 hourS: Opens June 19; daily, 11am-5pm AdmiSSion: $39.99; $10 parking. Passes must be purchased online. Enjoy the great outdoors, water style, at this mountainous water park. Get an adrenaline rush as you plummet through the double-looping thrill slide, Zero-G. Or see if you can handle the iconic Colorado River Rapids. Kids World features Junior Rapids and Fishing Village, a children’s water playground sure to entertain little ones. Why We like it: Try a popular attraction, The Canyon Cliff Jump. Leap off a ledge in front of spectators.

Splash Away Bay Waterpark at Quassy 2132 Middlebury Road (Route 64), Middlebury, CT quassy.com • 203-758-2913 hourS: Waterpark opens May 29 with hours varying. Check here for waterpark hours. AdmiSSion: Weekdays: $31.99; $27.99 seniors, military, and those shorter than 45 inches. Weekends: $33.99; $29.99 seniors, military, and those shorter than 45 inches. Splash Away Bay only: $25.99 weekdays; $29.99 weekends. $10 parking. Guests are strongly encouraged to purchase daily passes online for easier check-in and less personal contact when arriving at the park. This colorful and vibrant waterpark has many ways to get drenched. Get wet and have fun on waterslides that are gigantic and extreme. Saturation Station, an interactive water play area, features a huge tipping bucket. Slide City is the newest children’s attraction at the waterpark. Incorporating five waterslides, this complex is ideal for the younger set who can’t participate on the larger slides. Why We like it: It’s set on a pretty lakeside location. You’ll leave all your worries behind—for the day at least.

the Great Wolf lodge 1 Great Wolf Drive, Scotrun, PA greatwolf.com • 800-768-9653 hourS: daily, 10am-8pm AdmiSSion: Full- and half-day passes are available; prices vary by date. Feed your need for adventure at this indoor water park. Find out what it’s like to ride a roller coaster made of water on Hydro Plunge. It propels your raft, via a motorized track, up a steep climb, only to send you plunging down a thrilling 52-foot vertical drop. Or try The DoubleBarrel Drop. It’s the ultimate water slide with flashing LED lights, electrifying twists and turns, barrel drops, and 450-degree spins. Why We like it: Come for a day with a pass that includes access to the water park and more.

kalahari resorts 250 Kalahai Blvd., Pocono Manor, PA kalahariresorts.com • 570-580-6000 hourS: Indoor water park: Sunday-Thursday, 10am-8pm; FridaySaturday, 10am-9pm. Outdoor water park: Closed for the season. AdmiSSion: Prices vary depending on the date. Get ticket prices here. At 220,000 square feet, this is the largest indoor waterpark in America. It’s part of Kalahari Resorts, a mega resort with an African theme (named after the Kalahari Desert). On the Anaconda, hang on tight as you navigate sharp turns and high-speed plunges on this family raft ride. Or go for Barrelling Baboon, where you’ll slide through soaring dips and twists. Why We like it: Take lessons on how to swim like a mermaid or chomp like a shark.

June/July 2021 | nymetroparents.com

Crocodile Cove at lake Compounce 822 Lake Ave., Bristol, CT lakecompounce.com • 860-583-3300 hourS: May 29-June 13: Saturday, 11am-7pm; Sunday and Memorial Day, 11am-6pm; June 18-Aug. 22: Sunday-Friday, 11am-6pm; Saturday, 11am-7pm; Aug. 28-Sept. 6: SaturdaySunday and Labor Day, 11am-6pm AdmiSSion: Weekends: $49.99 ($54.99 at the gate); $39.99 ($44.99 at the gate) those shorter than 52 inches. Weekdays: $47.99 ($52.99 at the gate); $37.99 ($42.99 at the gate) those shorter than 52 inches. This is Connecticut’s largest waterpark, where you’ll find water rides that the whole family can enjoy. Enjoy multiple wave pools, water slides, special areas for the younger set, and a lake. Take an adventurous raft ride through Mammoth Falls. At Tunnel Twisters, plummet your way through twists and turns. See who splashes down first. Why We like it: Enjoy the amusement park when you’re done. Let kids enjoy their first kiddie coaster, ride the antique carousel, or spin themselves silly on the Drum Circus.

thundering Surf Waterpark 300 Taylor Ave., Beach Haven, NJ thunderingsurfwaterpark.com • 609-492-0869 hourS: June 12-18: daily, 10am-5pm; June 19 through the end of the season: daily, 9:30am-6:30pm AdmiSSion: Day passes: $39.99. 2- and 3-hour admission options are available. Everyone in the family will have fun getting wet at Long Beach Island’s popular waterpark. Little ones can romp around, and adults can relax at Cowabunga Beach. Sail down 1 of 8 whirling water slides or float along the lazy river, which features interactive water play activities. Just beware of the river’s surprise mega-water blasters. Why We like it: Toddlers will love the area just for them with 6 small foam slides, dancing floor jets, and small spray features. Stacey Feintuch is has written for ReadersDigest.com, BestofNJ.com, The Bump, Care.com, Healthline, Highlights for Kids, and other outlets. She lives in Bergen County, NJ. A mom to two boys, you’ll find her at the baseball diamond on the weekends.

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family activities

Go Berry Picking!

The top 10 spots to pick strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. By Alison Leighton

erry picking is one of the most fun family activities when the season rolls around. When your children are small it is absolutely adorable to watch them learn how to pick the fruit and have fun filling up a little container, while also teaching them about where we get our food. Don’t forget sunscreen, your bottle of water, good shoes for walking on uneven ground, and some cash in case a farm doesn’t have an ATM. A tip before you head out: Always be sure to check with a farm in advance by calling or checking out its website or social media to find out what’s in season and what’s still available.

ochs orchard 4 Ochs Lane, Warwick ochsorchard.net • 845-986-1591 Hours: Farm Market: daily, 9am-5:30pm; pick your own: not announced yet Admission: Rates for 2021 have not been announced yet. Mid-June kicks off the pick-your-own season with strawberries, and in July there are peaches, blueberries, raspberries and plums. August has tomatoes, peaches, peppers, eggplant, raspberries, nectarines, apricots and plums. Be sure to check out the Farm Market with delicious goods made from the farm’s produce and veggies like jams & jellies, pure maple syrup, butters, apple cider, honey and more.

Patty’s Berries and Bunches

Garden of Eve Farm 4558 Sound Ave., Riverhead gardenofevefarm.com • 631-722-8777 Hours: Through July 16: daily, 9am-6pm (hours for the farm and the U-Pick time slots); call ahead to make sure berries are available at the day and time you plan to come. Admission: $9.95; free for children younger than 2. Fee does not include the cost of berries. This organic farm is dedicated to providing delicious organic vegetables and fruits. It’s one of the only certified organic U-pick fields on Long Island and it offers other fun activities too! Strawberries are available through the end of June, blueberries are available beginning in late June, and blackberries are available starting mid-July. Admission includes unlimited access to U-pick organic field and the Family Fun Fields, which include unlimited hayrides (Saturday-Sunday, 11am-4pm), pedal karts, hay tower, farm animals, spider web, live music, and more.

June/July 2021 | nymetroparents.com

410 Sound Ave., Mattituck pattysberriesandbunches.org • 631-655-7996 Hours: daily, 9am-5pm Admission: Free; $7.50 per basket for U-pick fruit. This farm offers a variety of seasonal U-Pick fruit options starting in June with strawberries, then raspberries and blueberries in July, and blackberries in August. There are a number of beautiful flower bunches you can purchase as well. Be sure to stop at The Ice Cream Patch, the farm’s ice cream stand, and indulge in seasonal ice cream made from the farm’s own fruits.

Alstede Farms 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ alstedefarms.com • 908-879-7189 Hours: Pick Your Own: daily, 9am-6pm; last entry is 5pm. Farm store: daily, 9am-7pm. Admission: $9.99 entry, plus 1 quart; $6.99 additional quarts; $49.99 entry, plus 6 quarts; $44.99 additional 6 quarts. Tickets must be purchased in advance on the website. Pick-your-own strawberries are in season through June, while blueberries and raspberries are in season at the end June through July, and blackberries will be available mid-August. Plus, there are lots of activities to keep your children happy, such as pony rides and a seasonal maze (the evergreen maze is open now, while CONTINUed ON PAge 36 >

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family activities

> CONTiNUED FROM PAgE 34

the corn and sunflower mazes will open later in the summer). As a result of COVID, you now must pre-purchase a PYO ticket for a specific time slot online. Before you leave, make sure you try some homemade ice cream from the stand made with the farm’s own freshly picked fruits.

Johnson’s Corner Farm 133 Church Road, Medford, NJ johnsonsfarm.com • 609-654-8643 Hours: Pick Your Own: Monday-Friday, 10am-1pm; SaturdaySunday, 10am-4pm; Evening U Pick: Wednesday and Friday, 5-7pm Admission: $5 Monday-Friday; $6 Saturday-Sunday; free for children younger than 1. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Picked farm produce will be weighed and paid for by count or weight as you exit the u-pick experience. “Planting Seeds, Harvesting Memories.” With a cute motto like that, how can you resist checking it out? Johnson’s Corner Farm has seasonal fruit picking, such as strawberries from mid-May to midJune, along with cherries, blueberries, snap peas, string beans, and radishes in other seasons. Plus, kids will enjoy the hayrides, ice cream and other family fun activities (at an additional cost) such as the Discovery Barnyard and Animal Farm, which includes a fun splash pad for children and the opportunity to feed some farm animals.

Von Thun’s Country Farm market 519 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction, NJ • 732-329-8656 438 Route 57 West, Washington, NJ • 732-986-6816 vonthunfarms.com Hours: daily, 9am-5pm; reservations required on weekends. Admission: $3; free for children ages 2 and younger, plus picking containers: $5 pint; $7 quart; $25 bucket Von Thun’s has two farms in NJ, each with “u-pick” activities and on-site farm markets that sell its delicious varieties of produce. During the summer months, the South Brunswick location lets you pick strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries, while the Washington location offers strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and peaches.

Terhune orchards 330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton NJ terhuneorchards.com • 609-924-2310 Hours: Daily, 9am-5pm (blueberries not available for picking Mondays throughout the season) Admission: Call before you visit to find out the latest pricing for the season. Strawberries: $4 minimum charge per person ages 3 and older paid before you enter the patch. This will get credited to the final amount picked at the end. Ripe strawberries are available late May through early June, cherries (sweet and sour) and blueberries are ready mid-June, and blackberries are available in July. Families can visit the farm animals in the barnyard and enjoy the children’s play area. The orchards also have a winery, family activities, and a full calendar of events like a winery music series, Kite Day, and “Read & Pick” events for children. You can also find fresh pressed cider, pies, and other homemade goodies at the country-style Farm Store. 36

June/July 2021 | nymetroparents.com

Jones Family Farms 606 Walnut Tree Hill Road, Shelton, CT jonesfamilyfarms.com • 203-929-8425 Hours: Strawberry season: Monday-Saturday, 8am-5:30pm; Sunday, 8am-12pm. Blueberry season: Tuesday-Saturday, 8am-5:30pm Admission: Admission to the farm is free, and berries are purchased by the pound. The strawberry picking season starts mid-June and lasts into the end of June, sometimes early July. Blueberries are typically available in early to mid-July and usually last until mid-August. The Jones Family has owned the farm for more than 150 years and claims to have one of the finest harvest-your-own picking experiences due to its high-quality crops and the knowledgeable, friendly farmers.

silverman’s Farm 451 Sport Hill Road, Easton, CT silvermansfarm.com • 203-261-3306 Hours: Pick Your Own: daily, 9am-4:30pm (when fruits are in season). Farm Market and Animal Farm: daily 9am-5pm. Admission: Pre-purchased bags are required before entering the orchard. This farm has fruit picking, an Animal Farm, and a market with jellies, cheeses, pies, and more. The beginning of July is the kickoff to the berry picking season. Raspberries and blueberries will be ready at that time, and peach picking begins in mid-July. Children can visit the Animal Farm to feed and pet buffalo, llamas, alpacas, deer, and more (there is an admission fee), and during the summer the Animal Farm hosts story and craft times (free with paid admission).

Evergreen Berry Farm 435 Bassett Road, Watertown, CT evergreenberryfarm.com • 860-274-0825 Hours: Daily, 8am-8pm during peak season (typically July-August). Call or Facebook for current hours and berry updates! Admission: Blueberries: $5.99 per pound; $3.99 per pound over 9 pounds. Raspberries: $7.99 per pound. Containers are provided or bring your own. Evergreen Berry Farm is organically managed with special attention to soil biology and nutrition—a real ecological gem! Use this as an educational lesson for your children while you visit. Pick-your-own berry seasons run July-August for blueberries and early to mid-July for Black raspberries. When you visit, be sure to check out their fresh seltzers and iced teas made with the farm’s very own berries, herbs, and flowers. Alison Leighton is the founder of Social Parent NYC (@SocialParentNYC), which hosts events for parents and their babies/toddlers. She lives in NYC with her husband and son and spends a lot of time reading Corduroy and wondering why Play-Doh smells so good.

Summer Activities rockland >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Palisades Center

1000 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack 845-348-1000 palisadescenter.com info@palisadescenter.com Palisades Center is a four-level shopping center offering 225 brands, 16 sit-down restaurants, a bowling alley, ice rink, the world’s tallest indoor ropes course, comedy club, and more! With its diverse merchant mix, Palisades Center is the go-to place for family fun! Learn more at palisadescenter.com, facebook.com/palisadescenter, twitter.com/palisadescntr, or instagram.com/palisadescntr.

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845-876-4000 dutchessfair.com info@dutchessfair.com For six days each August, the fairgrounds come alive with entertainment around every corner. More than 1,000 individual exhibitors, including hundreds of farm animals, jams, quilts, and more! Explore the carnival midway with games, rides, and delicious food! Fun for the whole family! Fair Hours: 10am–10pm.

The Inn at East Hill Farm

460 Monadnock St., Troy, NH 800-242-6495 east-hill-farm.com info@east-hill-farm.com The Inn at East Hill Farm is an all-inclusive, family farm vacation resort that is open year-round. Guests enjoy hands-on time with farm animals, horseback riding, milking the cow, patting bunnies, and collecting chicken eggs. Resort amenities include guided hiking trips, swimming, and a children’s recreation program.

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Longford’s Ice Cream Retail Shops

4 Elm Place, Rye • 914-967-3797 1941 Palmer Ave., Larchmont • 914-630-4503 Longford’s Ice Cream Mobile Scoop Shop inquiries: 914-804-6969 longfordsicecream.com longfordsicecream@aol.com Longford’s Ice Cream guarantees the creamiest, tastiest ice cream around! Handmade ice cream, sorbet, gelato, and frozen yogurt made in small batches. Our Mobile Scoop Shop is back and available for your private and corporate parties, fundraisers, and fairs. Our retail locations are open and feature more than 36 flavors.

Playland Amusement Park

Playland Parkway, Rye 914-813-7000 playlandpark.org Playland Park, home of the Dragon Coaster, will open for fun Saturday, June 26 through Labor Day, Sept. 6; Wednesday-Sunday, and Mondays, July 5 and Sept. 6. Save time, buy online, pre-purchase day of visit at playlandpark.org. Pricing: Rider $20; Junior Rider $15; Spectator $10; car parking $10.

Want more parenting tips, tools & resources… NYMetroParents.com Helping parents make better decisions

NYMetroParents 37

health

A Safe & Social Summer

We talked to experts about how to be appropriately cautious when preparing for summer fun By Alison Kotch

ne of the toughest parts of the pandemic for both parents and kids was not being able to socialize in person. In fact, a Pew Research Center report found that during the last year, the thing American adults missed most was their social routine. Kids were forced to socialize online—the number of messages they sent increased 144 percent in 2020. But now that infection numbers are down and many people are vaccinated, everyone is eager to return to a version of summer that feels close to our “normal” mask-less lives. For parents, this means ensuring kids make up for lost time on the playground. “Play is the most powerful learning tool for children. The foundation of soft skills like communication, teamwork, adaptability, and leadership is primarily built through play in children’s formative years,” says Ariel Kornblum, Psy.D., clinical director of behavioral and educational services at Manhattan Psychology Group. Unstructured playtime helps foster kids’ imagination and creativity, and it teaches them the coping skills required to navigate life; and strong attachments to both friends and family equip them for everyday challenges. This is true for parents, too. “Connecting to other parents is one of the hallmarks of surviving parenthood, and while this varies for every family, most [adults] rely on support from other parents for any and all challenges,” Dr. Kornblum says. So how do we safely socialize this summer? We spoke to experts about the precautions we should take for group gatherings.

June/July 2021 | nymetroparents.com

Establish comfort lEvEls with othEr parEnts. Although the best course of action is to defer to state, local, and the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding masking, sanitizing, and social distancing, the first step toward normalcy is to decide what level of closeness is appropriate for your family. (This can be tough when our social habits have been disrupted by a trauma-filled year.) Younger kids will likely take longer to adjust to a pre-pandemic-style play, while older students with established friend groups and access to technology might have an easier time. Regardless of your child’s age, the adjustment to in-person socialization may take a while. “What is most important during this time is that parents remain supportive and understand that transitions may take longer than expected,” Dr. Kornblum says.

minimizE any potEntial coviD ExposurE. Parents should not assume that all kids in their friend group are safe playdates. “I always encourage open dialogues between family and friends in order to fully understand the risks,” says Gopi Desai, M.D., FAAP, general pediatrician at New York Presbyterian Queens. “Talk about the activities you and your family have been doing, and what those around you have been doing. This will give you a sense of what the exposure levels might be.” Dr. Desai recommends asking about vaccine status for adults

and kids (older than 12) in the household. If all members are vaccinated, the risk of transmission is much lower. If kids haven’t been vaccinated, Dr. Desai recommends masks—parents should model mask-wearing behavior so their kids can follow their example. Also, talk to them about the importance of not sharing food/cups or items that are difficult to clean, and they should be reminded not to put toys in their mouths or touch their faces. If children will be eating together, and masks will be coming off, make sure to enforce social distancing rules. The CDC says that COVID transmission can occur when touching surfaces covered in the virus, or within 6 feet of others who don’t live in the same house. Another good nugget of advice: Postpone the playdate if anyone is sick.

ReseaRch summeR camp and play outdooRs. If you’re looking to send your child to camp, ones that are primarily outdoors are still your best option. Be sure to ask about safety precautions that will be taken by the staff. Dr. Desai recommends asking if masks are required at all times, if staff members are required to be vaccinated, and about the number of children that will be enrolled. “If staff members are vaccinated and most of the day is spent outdoors and in small groups, this will definitely lower the risk for children attending,” she says. Additionally, parents should know the rules when it comes to encounters with someone who has COVID. “Ideally, even large camps will split up into smaller pods so that kids and staff are only exposed to a limited number of people,” Dr. Desai says.

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No matter what level of socializing your family chooses this summer, keep in mind that the best option for one family may not be the best option for another family. And as Dr. Desi says, it’s important that kids find joy in their summer activities. “We know that there are clear benefits to attending in-person camp and having playdates, so it is crucial to encourage these activities in a way that is safe and mindful.”

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

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www.pennylanedance.com NYMetroParents 39

teens

A Positive Body Image Teens often have negative body images—how can parents help? By Sara Ackerman

teenager’s body image can affect everything from selfesteem to choices about clothing, diet, and exercise. It can also lead to afflictions—from anorexia to body dysmorphia. During this last year of pandemic living, body image issues have exploded, and from 2020-2021, there was a 41-percent increase in people seeking help for eating disorders. Plus, COVID led to more time on social media, which only adds to the problem. What can parents do to ensure teens develop a healthy body image and how should they respond when issues arise?

How Parents Can HelP The first step for parents is to model a happy body image, says Connie Sobczak, author of Embody: Learning to Love Your Unique Body (and Quiet that Critical Voice!) and founder of The Body Positive, a California-based nonprofit devoted to helping individuals work toward body positivity. They should avoid obvious dieting or making negative comments about their own physical appearance—such as body size or aging. Making comments about their child’s physical appearance, whether positive or negative, may also have detrimental effects. Another way parents can help is by demonstrating a healthy relationship with food. Parents “should avoid language that moralizes food, such as eating ‘clean,’ or labeling food as bad 40

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or unhealthy,” says Rosie Barton, LCSW, a therapist at Cobb Psychotherapy in Brooklyn Heights. “In the same vein, parents should aim to speak about body size in a neutral way and promote the idea that health is not dependent on a certain body.” Claire Mysko, an internationally recognized leader in eating disorders advocacy and education, explains that having conversations with your child from a young age about health and nutrition is a protective factor against a range of mental health issues, including eating disorders. Mysko recommends these conversations include emotional and mental health, as well as physical. Rather than talking about the importance of exercise, she recommends talking to kids about what physical activities they find fun. When parents talk too much about what foods are healthy, she adds, “we lose sight of the fact that meals are more than nutrition.” Mysko says reframing meals as a time for community and enjoyment can help prevent eating disorders. Social media frequently exposes teenagers to unrealistic images of health and beauty, despite influencers who promote fitness or “wellness.” Mysko says parents should be aware of the platforms their children are using and the accounts they follow. Talk to your child about how the images they are seeing are quite likely altered and not an accurate portrayal of realistic bodies. Limiting and monitoring teen’s screen time allows them to spend more time engaging with real-world, varied, and realistic bodies, rather than the curated and filtered images on social media.

eating DisorDers anD BoDy DysmorPHia About half of all teenage girls and a third of all teenage boys have engaged in unhealthy weight control practices including skipping meals and the use of laxatives, steroids, and supplements, according to Mysko. And because there is so much shame around eating disorders, there is a good chance the numbers are even higher, especially for boys who may be even less likely to seek help for something typically labeled as a “girls’ issue.” In addition to disordered eating, teens with a negative body image may experience anxiety, low self-esteem, or mood disorders such as depression. Negative body image may also contribute to body dysmorphia—a mental health disorder in which someone can develop a distorted perception of their appearance and fixate on “flaws,” real or imagined, to the point where it affects functioning in their lives. Body dysmorphic disorder affects about 1.7-2.4 percent of the general population, according to Melissa Horowitz, Psy.D., director of Eating Disorders and Weight Management Program at

director of Eating Disorders and Weight Management Program at the American Institute of Cognitive Therapy in Manhattan. Researchers have found that symptoms can develop in early adolescence, although the average age of onset occurs in middle adolescence. The cause of body dysmorphic disorder is not entirely clear, but factors include genes, personality traits, temperament, and the environment.

When to Seek help In general, there are several red flags parents should be aware of when it comes to body image and disorders. Teens who are struggling with body image may cover up certain body parts and make increasing negative comments about specific body parts, including talking about surgery to change their bodies. They may have decreased interest in school, hanging out with friends, and other activities. They may spend significant time scrutinizing themselves in the mirror or refuse to look in the mirror. They may avoid looking at pictures of themselves or being photographed. Increased irritability or other changes in mood are other signs parents should be aware of. Parents should also take note if their teenager abruptly cuts out certain foods from their diet they were previously eating, such as dairy, meat, or carbs, or begins paying significant attention to calories or grams of fat. Mysko notes that eating disorders are often preceded by dieting. If parents have concerns, a crucial first step is to seek out a mental health professional who has expertise in supporting teens with developing a positive body image and a healthy relationship with food and exercise. “Sometimes it might be difficult for a teen to open up to a parent, but they might trust an external source more,” Barton says. Parents can also turn to their doctor or a pediatrician or reach out to a nonprofit group that can provide resources. Dr. Horowitz, however, cautions against over-pathologizing comments teenagers make about their bodies. For example, if your teen says, “I hate my stomach,” don’t jump to conclusions. This is first and foremost an opportunity for the parent to start a conversation with their teen.

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Where to Find Help In addition to discussing concerns with a child’s doctor or pediatrician, who can provide recommendations for psychiatrists or local treatment centers, parents can also turn to the following resources: the national eating DiSorDerS aSSociation nationaleatingdisorders.org NEDA offers a screening tool, helpline, and a database of treatment centers around the country.

the BoDy poSitive thebodypositive.org This is a nonprofit devoted to helping individuals work toward body positivity. The website includes a number of online resources.

health at every Size haescommunity.com This site has a list of resources, including blogs, podcasts, and online groups.

nyc Well nycwell.cityofnewyork.us The 24-hour hotline (888-NYC-WELL) is staffed by mental health professionals. Plus, it has additional resources listed on the website.

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Talking to Kids about Gender & Sexual Identity 6 expert tips to help you have these important conversations with your kids By Madeleine Burry

any parents are overwhelmed by the idea of talking to their kids about gender and sexual identity. And that’s understandable, says Jeffrey Cohen, Psy.D., a psychologist at ColumbiaDoctors and assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. “We can all struggle in talking about gender identity or expression, as well as sexual orientation and identity,” he says. But don’t let this discomfort hold you back from having frank and ongoing discussions about these issues with your children. One reason for prioritizing these chats? You can’t count on schools to provide this information to students. For instance, while sexual health education is required in New York City schools, sex ed is not. “When children are not receiving comprehensive sexuality education, it has detrimental impacts regardless of the identities those children hold,” explains Ryan Mateo Sharnbroich, M.Ed., M.P.H., a sexuality education consultant. Kids miss out on learning about what healthy relationships and intimacy look like, as well as information about safe sex practices and consent.

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“If we want our kids to have healthy, happy, pleasurable lives, we’ve got to take on that responsibility and fill in those gaps,” he adds. This includes talking about sex—and also about sexual and gender identity. Here’s what you need to know to get started.

Do your homework. An understanding of basic concepts is helpful for parents, according to Dr. Cohen, but it’s also reasonable to feel uncertain about what terms to use. “Certainly, the language has shifted a lot over time,” he says. You’ll want to be familiar with all the words that make up the acronym LGBTQ: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (or, sometimes, questioning). Plus, know the difference between: • Sex: This is assigned by doctors at birth based on genitalia. • GenDer expreSSion or GenDer preSentation: This is how someone expresses their gender (think: hairstyle and clothing, and also how a person behaves).

• Gender identity: This refers to a person’s internal understanding of gender—separate from a person’s sex assigned at birth, Dr. Cohen says. “There are many, many ways to experience your gender that transcend the binary [of man/woman].” • Sexuality: This explains who a person is attracted to. Think of these basics as a foundation that’ll help you feel more informed and comfortable having these conversations, Dr. Cohen adds.

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“Your responsibility isn’t to be an encyclopedia and regurgitate facts for your kids,” Mateo Sharnbroich says. Instead, you want to make two things clear to children: You’re aware of gender and sexual diversity; you love and accept people however they identify or express themselves. “That value system matters more than being able to know and teach all the facts,” he says.

don’t put off converSationS until adoleScence. When it comes to talking about sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation, Mateo Sharnbroich says there’s never a bad time to start. By age 3, most children know their gender, he notes. And while understanding sexuality comes later, that doesn’t mean you should hold off on discussing these topics. “Kids at really young ages can understand a diversity of family structures,” he says.

look for natural converSation openinGS. Your child’s questions and observations will often provide an opportunity to talk about gender and sexuality. For example, your preschooler may point out that a nuclear family is different from yours. Older kids may talk about a friend whose gender identity is different than their own. Kids of all ages may make gender-based statements (i.e. “only girls like princesses”). Be honest and age-appropriate in your responses. Give preschoolers simple, concrete responses, and encourage older kids to share their own thoughts and perspective. And note that with teens it may help to ask questions. Even if they don’t respond right away, they’ll understand that you’re open to talking. If teaching moments and questions don’t occur on their own, encourage them through culture. Watching TV together can start conversations and gives parents an opportunity to share their values. “There’s books and TV shows for children of all ages that show a diverse representation of sexual identities,” Mateo Sharnbroich says. Consider them your entry point.

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raising kids

Consider Conversations ongoing. Release the notion of a one-time, “big” talk on all things gender and sexual identity. “It doesn’t necessarily have to be sitting down with your 5-year-old and talking about what all types of sexuality exist,” Mateo Sharnbroich says. Instead, think of it as an ongoing discussion you’re having, that may evolve and deepen with your child’s age. This may help decrease your sense of urgency or stress. If your child asks a question, and you’re not sure how to respond, you can look up the answer together, or tell your child you’ll get back to them after you do some research, Mateo Sharnbroich says. No need to make something up.

show unConditional love and enCourage aCCeptanCe. “Make it really clear that your value system aligns with an inclusive, affirming approach,” Mateo Sharnbroich says. In other words: Live your values, be accepting, call out hateful language, avoid gendered phrases and assumptions, and show that your love for your child is big and unconditional.

talking to kids who have Come out For kids, it can be uncomfortable being the center of the conversation, Mateo Sharnbroich notes. Asking open-ended questions and talking positively about diversity show that you’re accepting, without turning an uncomfortable spotlight on your child as they share their sexual orientation or gender identity, he says. Dr. Cohen recommends some additional supportive behaviors: • express your love: Coming out can be scary for kids (yes, still) so express love, affection, and support. • use appropriate language and pronouns: Respect and affirm your child’s name and pronouns. Similarly, allow them to wear clothing that supports their gender identity.

• Be welComing: Invite your child’s LGBTQ+ friends to come to your house—make it a safe and welcoming space. • partiCipate in welComing Communities: Make sure all the organizations and institutions your child interacts with—school, doctors, camp, sports, religious organizations, and so on—welcome both your child specifically and LGBTQ+ people generally, as well as people with a variety of gender identities. • Build ConneCtions: Help your child meet other people in the LGBTQ+ community. Above all, speak about your child’s identity or orientation openly. “Saying nothing can be hurtful,” Dr. Cohen says. Defend them against insults and negativity from others. Counteract lingering myths by believing that your child can and will be happy as an LGBTQ+ adult. And “explicitly tell them that they will have a good life,” he advises.

Helpful Resources for Parents Looking to learn more? There are plenty of parent-focused resources available. planned parenthood plannedparenthood.org/learn/parents/identity You’ll find age-by-age tips for talking about sex and sexuality as well as sexual orientation and gender identity.

trevor projeCt thetrevorproject.org/resources Find an array of resources about how to show support, plus answers to FAQs.

gender uniCorn transstudent.org/gender The unicorn illustration graphic at this site, which is available in many languages, can help kids discuss their gender identity, gender expression, along with who they are physically and emotionally attracted to.

ameriCan sexual health assoCiation ashasexualhealth.org A rich source of science-based facts about sex and sexuality, with a helpful parent-focused page. ASHA is also behind the website iwannaknow.org, which provides information to teens and young adults.

talk with your kids talkwithyourkids.org The site’s Timeline Guide offers tips for how parents and caretakers can talk to kids about sex, sexuality, and gender from birth onward.

June/July 2021 | nymetroparents.com

index Birthday / Party ServiceS

Family travel

A-Game Sports...................................... 33 Longford’s Ice Cream............................. 33 Sportime USA, Inc ................................. 31 Stepping Stones Museum for Children ........................................... 29 Tumble-Bee ........................................... 35

Inn at East Hill Farm (The)...................... 39

camPS

Crystal Run Health................................. 48 Main Street Pediatric Dentistry ................................................ 25 Miriam Aronoff, D.D.S., PLLC.................. 31 MVP Health Care .................................... 5

A-Game Sports...................................... 33 Alcott Montessori .................................. 37 Ann & Andy........................................... 39 Camp Ramaquois ................................. 19 Challenge Camp.................................... 29 Curtain Call Inc...................................... 39 Easter Seals NY ..................................... 31 Green Chimneys .................................... 35 Iona Prep............................................... 16 Oasis Children Services.......................... 48 Play Group Theatre ................................ 23 Sportime USA, Inc ................................. 31 Squire Advantage Camps ........................ 8 St. Thomas Aquinas College..................... 2 Steffi Nossen School of Dance ............... 33 Stepping Stones Museum for Children ........................................... 29

FitneSS Tumble-Bee ........................................... 35

health

muSic Hoff-Barthelson Music School ............... 35 Musical Munchkins ............................... 33

PerForming artS / acting Croton Academy of Arts ........................ 27 Curtain Call Inc...................................... 39 Play Group Theatre ................................ 23

AND

A-Game Sports...................................... 33 Alcott Montessori .................................. 37 Ann & Andy........................................... 39 Easter Seals NY ..................................... 31 Elizabeth Seton Children’s School .......... 15 FASNY ................................................... 15 Green Chimneys .................................... 35 Green Meadow Waldorf School............... 3 Huntington Learning Center .................... 8 If Not You, Then Who? Books ................ 27 Iona Prep............................................... 16 MRHS .................................................... 17 Winston Preparatory School .................. 19

SPecial needS

BIG

Alcott Montessori .................................. 37 Creative Wonders Therapy Center ...................................... 41 Easter Seals NY ..................................... 31 Green Chimneys .................................... 35 Huntington Learning Center .................... 8 Main Street Pediatric Dentistry ................................................ 25 Steffi Nossen School of Dance ............... 33 The 13th Child....................................... 37 Winston Preparatory School .................. 19

MARKETING PLANS

Family entertainment

SPortS

Play SPace

claSSeS

Stepping Stones Museum for Children .. 29

Firebird Studios ..................................... 37 Hoff-Barthelson Music School ............... 35 Tumble-Bee ........................................... 35

religiouS

dance

reStaurant / Food Service

Firebird Studios ..................................... 37 Penny Lane Dance Academy .................. 39 Steffi Nossen School of Dance ............... 33

develoPmental If Not You, Then Who? Books ................ 27

education

Dutchess County Fair............................. 29 Palisades Center ...................................... 7 Play Group Theatre ................................ 23 Stepping Stones Museum for Children ........................................... 29

Iona Prep............................................... 16

Longford’s Ice Cream............................. 33

retail Longford’s Ice Cream............................. 33 Palisades Center ...................................... 7

A-Game Sports...................................... 33

theatre Curtain Call Inc...................................... 39

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What is your ideal picnic experience? Battery downtown near er th ei — er iv R n on the Hudso I’d bring bread, ce s. la n p w a to k er ic p iv n R s te tchester’ “I most of or the parks in Wes of y an or e fruit or crudité, 1, m r ie so be ay m ), Park or P ’s urray ost likely cuterie (from M some dessert—m y el it n efi d d cheese, and char an wine, snack on, a lot of Westchester anything else to —Abby Diamond, ” e. at ol oc loaded with ch homemade and

“Our ideal picnic spot is called the LIC Landing—steps from the Hunter’s Point ferry stop. There’s a large grass field nea r the Pepsi sign. Ideally, we’d bring fresh fruit and healthy snacks, maybe a che ese platter, or three, and a bottle of Prosec co, but who are we kidding? We have little kids, so we usually end up eating chips and sugary garbage or prepared food from nearby Food Cellar.” —Aaron Lubarsky, Queens

nd! Brats and a “Governors Isla at Little Eva’s. frozen cocktail of summer.” My favorite part Brooklyn —Beverly Chase,

“Central Park for sure. I’d bring sandwiches and Chardonnay.”

an —Heidi Jules, Manhatt

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—Laurel Bauer, Westc hester

“I’d want to be near the water so any grassy area along the rivers, preferably in Brooklyn. Then I’d want fried chicken, slaw, cold beer or wine, and at least three varieties of chips—but also lots of ready to eat fresh fruit. That’s it…oh wait...also lamb biryani.” — Michael Moshan, Westchester

ndwiches, a s , rk a P ry , “Batte Feigenbaum —Andrew !” e in w and r Westcheste

“A balcony overlook ing Central Park, with charcuterie, baguet te, and red wine.”

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Westchester Parent - June/July 2021

Articles inside

Water Safety for Little Ones

A Safe & Social Summer

Is This the Summer for School?