April 2014 Queens by PARENTGUIDE News

APRIL 2014

Queens

90210 to Sharknado Ian Ziering’s best role:

Dad

Enhanced Learning Play’s place in therapy

Plan a

Super Summer with our Camp & Program Directory Q

www.parentguidenews.com Over 1,000 Exciting Family Events

contents contents

table of

Reach Thousands Contests of Your Best Prospects Columns for About $2 Per Day

April 2014 Volume 31 • Number 3

Camp Coverage

April 2014 Volume 31 • Number 3

PROOF

P. 14

Birthday Blowout......................................................... 36

Sports Safety............................... 14

Messy Face Photo Contest.......................................... 43

Summer camp and program considerations.

Camp Directory............................. 16

P. 20

www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840

A look at leading day camps and summer programs.

Don’t Miss........................................................................ 6 This month’s entertainment and activities.

Special Needs

Health............................................................................ 32 Insight and items for your family’s care.

Therapy and Play.......................... 20

Travel.............................................................................. 34

Five ways to enhance activities and learning.

Destinations, product picks, and getaway tips.

Now, www.parentguidenews.com makes42 Update...........................................................................

Special Needs and Health & Fitness Directory......................... 22

Essential products information for your it easyand and affordable tobrood. place

Experts and services catering to family wellness and special needs.

ADVERTISING DIRECTLY ONLINE.

Bonus

P. 26

Health & Fitness

Just clickofon the “advertising information” link Calendar Events........................................................ 36 A listingwww.parentguidenews.com of your neighborhood’s classes, atcomprehensive the top of the events, and performances.

home page and follow the simple Credit:your Daddybusiness & Company to a steps Cover to take Publisher Steveplace. Elgort totally new

Understanding Eczema.... 26 Atopic dermatitis signs and treatment options.

Features

P. 8

Editor-in-Chief Rachel Kalina Managing Please noteEditor thatDonald you McDermott can always

Steve Sanders & Sharknado...... 8

Associate Editor Samantha Chan by receive personal assistance Artcalling Directorsthe Margaret Baldauf, Susanne Kimball, Ilana Rispoli Advertising Direct Helpline Director of Web Development Kristen Jankowski at (212) 213-8840, ext. 224 Accounting Teresa Pinargote or e-mailing us at Contributing Writers National Eczema Association, Rich Brugger, advertisingdirect@parentguidenews.com. Sarah Dussault, Kathleen Rogers, Dr. Aron Schuftan, Aviva Weiss,

Daddy of the Year Ian Ziering talks family and fatherhood.

PROOF

Earth Day................................. 10

Your family’s part in this special movement.

Pregnancy Q & A: Part 2........ 12 With OB-GYN Dr. Aron Schuftan.

Annabel Wrigley

Sew Sweet................................. 28

Advertising Managers Deirdre Antoniello, Karen Gibofsky, Bill Scalzitti

Teaching children to sew.

Woman oman mom

Advertising Sales Representatives Karin Mikelis, Jacalyn Rose, Susan Rush, Jennifer Serpi, Amy Smith, Rena Spangler, Felicia Stafford, Erica Tiso

P. 30

Focus on Fitness.................... 30 Find small ways to get healthier.

PGTV Producer Beth Elgort

Feeling Good, Looking Good... 31

Submission of articles, photographs and artwork is welcome. All material must include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. PARENTGUIDE News assumes no responsibility for the loss or damage of submitted material. PARENTGUIDE News reserves the unrestricted right to edit or otherwise alter submitted material for publication. PARENTGUIDE News, ISSN08961468, is published monthly by PG Media Network Corp., 101 E. Park Ave., #358, Long Beach, NY 11561; 212-213-8840. Copyright 2013 PGMNC. All rights reserved.

Products and accessories to make your life extra fabulous.

April 2014 I parentguide News I

contents contents

table of

April 2014 Volume 31 • Number 3

Contests

P. 14 Camp Coverage A SociAl leArning ProgrAm deSigned

Birthday Blowout......................................................... 36

Sports 14 it hArd to: for Safety............................... children who find

Messy Face Photo Contest.......................................... 43

• Establish and maintain friendships Camp• Share Directory............................. space effectively16 A look at leading day camps and summer • Initiate and maintain conversations programs. • Understand the hidden meaning of spoken P. messages 20 • Interpret social cues • Take in another person’s point of view Therapy and Play.......................... 20 ways to enhance activities and learning. • Pay attentionFive and stay focused • Work in groups Special Needs and Health & • Predict outcomes solve problems Fitnessand Directory......................... 22 • ComprehendExperts concepts underlying and services catering to family pictures/stories/assignments wellness and special needs. • Set boundaries P. 26 • Organize school tasks

Columns

Summer camp and program considerations.

Don’t Miss........................................................................ 6 This month’s entertainment and activities.

Special Needs

Health............................................................................ 32 Insight and items for your family’s care.

Travel.............................................................................. 34 Destinations, product picks, and getaway tips.

Update........................................................................... 42 Essential products and information for your brood.

Bonus

Health theSe difficultieS Are & Fitness often ASSociAted with:

Calendar of Events........................................................ 36 A comprehensive listing of your neighborhood’s classes, events, and performances.

Understanding Eczema.... 26

dermatitis signs and treatment• PDD-NOS •Atopic ADHD/ADD options. • Asperger’s Syndrome • Non-verbal Learning • Other Social Challenges Disability • High P. 8 Functioning Autism

Cover Credit: Daddy & Company

Publisher Steve Elgort

Features

Editor-in-Chief Rachel Kalina Managing Editor Donald McDermott

Steve Sanders & Sharknado...... 8

Associate Editor Samantha Chan

Daddy of the Year Ian Ziering talks family and fatherhood.

Art Directors Margaret Baldauf, Susanne Kimball, Ilana Rispoli

Earth Day................................. 10

Director of Web Development Kristen Jankowski

Your family’s part in this special movement.

Accounting Teresa Pinargote

Pregnancy Q & A: Part 2........ 12

Contributing Writers National Eczema Association, Rich Brugger, Sarah Dussault, Kathleen Rogers, Dr. Aron Schuftan, Aviva Weiss, Annabel Wrigley

With OB-GYN Dr. Aron Schuftan.

Sew Sweet................................. 28

Advertising Managers Deirdre Antoniello, Karen Gibofsky, Bill Scalzitti

Teaching children to sew.

Woman oman motomSociAlizAtion StePS

Advertising Sales Representatives Karin Mikelis, Jacalyn Rose, Susan Rush, Jennifer Serpi, Amy Smith, Rena Spangler, Felicia Stafford, Erica Tiso

P. 30

Focus on Fitness.................... 30

Find small ways to getAve. healthier. 13 South Bayles • Port washington, nY 11050

PGTV Producer Beth Elgort

FeelingtGood, Looking Good... 516.767.0266 • 31 f 516.767.4566

Products and accessories to make www.s2sny.com your life extra fabulous. I parentguide News I April 2014

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Letter from the Editor U

by Rachel Kalina

Spring fever is in full swing, play’s place in learning. And discover how you can celebrate another essential movement this month with “Earth and we’re so excited to start Day” by Kathleen Rogers. summer planning. You may have noticed a familiar face on our cover. In Now’s the time to check out “Steve Sanders & Sharknado,” actor Ian Ziering — famous day camps, sleepaway camps, and for his 90210 adventures and fighting a tornado with bite summer programs for your brood. The PARENTGUIDE News Camp Directory has all the options you need to find — dishes on family and his most important role yet: Dad. the perfect fit for your child. When you’re deciding on a To burn off all that extra energy lingering in the longer summer experience, keep in mind Rich Brugger’s “Sports daylight hours, find fun family happenings in our Calendar Safety,” which offers points to note and questions to ask of Events. Enter to win prizes in columns throughout the while considering programs and touring facilities. It also issue, as well as in the Messy Face Photo Contest. Adwww.parentguidenews.com 212-213-8840 brings awareness to an important subject during National ditional•details and even more giveaways are available Youth Sports Safety Month. at www.parentguidenews.com. When clicking around, stop April is a great time to spread awareness about topics by The Sandbox Social for the latest anecdotes about family relating to special needs and green habits, too. The return of life, day trips with kids, and more from our blogger moms. our Special Needs Directory coincides with April’s Autism Have a superb spring season! Awareness Month. You’ll find services and resources for your family in its pages. To deepen your knowledge of how to enrich activities when it comes to special needs, “Therapy of Play” by Aviva Weiss offers advice about

PROOF

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April 2014 I parentguide News I

DON’T MISS Easter Adventure

Zeus is back just in time to make your holiday even more special in The Dog Who Saved Easter. The new DVD release for families follows the lovable canine as he struggles to help out some friends and make it an Easter to remember. The Dog Who Saved Easter will be available exclusively at Walmart beginning April 8.

Judgement

Sit down with the whole family for a fun-filled game of You’ve Been Sentenced. Winner of the Product of the Year Award from Family Review Center, McNeill Designs presents this innovative game for 3-10 players ranging in age from 8 to adult. Find out more at www.mcneilldesigns.com.

Captain Comeback

Your favorite red, white, and blue avenger is back on screen in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Chris Evans reprises his role as Steve Rogers, the super-powered World War II-era soldier trying to find his place in the modern world. Captain America: The Winter Soldier opens in theaters on April 4.

Under the Sea

Children of all ages become sea life experts with a little help from the Ocean Animal Adventures App. Available now at your app store and fully narrated in 12 languages, the informative app uses an array of interesting facts to introduce kids to 30 ocean animals in three settings. Find out more at www.foxandsheep.com.

Game On

A few of Nintendo’s most popular characters are back in Yoshi’s New Island. Available now for the Nintendo 3DS, the game guides Yoshi and a young Mario through all new stages — from slippery slopes to watery wonderlands. Offering hours of fun and excitement, Yoshi’s New Island is rated E for Everyone.

April by Donald McDermott

Super Story

An ordinary 12 year old is transformed into an extraordinary superhero in Antboy (Viva Pictures). Overnight, Pelle finds himself dealing with his new powers and a supervillain while trying to save a damsel in distress. Teaching audiences that heroes come in all sizes, Antboy opens on April 16.

Furry Family Fun

Get ready to run with the pack when Alpha And Omega 3: The Great Wolf Games comes to DVD and Blu-ray. The exciting new adventure from Lionsgate Home Entertainment follows Alpha, Omega, and their pups as they get together for some friendly competition with fellow forest dwellers. Pick up your copy today.

Totally Bear-Able

Disneynature invites families along on a heartwarming big screen journey with Bears. Actor John C. Reilly narrates this beautiful documentary that explores the lives of bears living in Alaska’s coastal mountains and shores. The film opens on April 18.

Ready, Set, Care

Join a few of your favorite furry friends for a wonderful family adventure in Care Bears: The Carea-thon Games. Filled with plenty of sunshine and fun, the new release includes four episodes from the popular animated Care Bears series. Care Bears: The Care-a-thon Games is available in stores and online now.

LEGO My Game-o

Based on the hit feature film, The LEGO Movie Videogame puts you into the role of an average, ordinary LEGO figure named Emmet. Players guide him along on his quest to stop an evil tyrant. The Lego Movie Videogame is available now for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Wii U, and PlayStation 4.

Donald McDermott is the managing editor. I parentguide News I April 2014

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April Mysterious Journey Don’t Miss Amaluna, at Citi Field, 126th Street and Roosevelt Avenue in Flushing. The indefatigable troupe Cirque du Soleil presents its latest extravaganza, which takes place on a mysterious island governed by goddesses. Their queen, Prospera, stirs up a storm that lands them a group of young men, one of whom strikes up a romance with the queen’s daughter. The show runs through April 13. Tickets are available at www.cirquedusoleil.com.

Flying High It’s National Kite Month! Celebrate at the King Manor Museum on April 19, noon-3pm. While they are fun, learn about how kites have also been used for scientific experiments and discovery. Create and decorate your own kite, and try flying it in the museum’s backyard! Families with children of all ages are welcome at the event at the 150-3 Jamaica Ave. location in Jamaica. Questions? Visit www.kingmanor.org.

by Samantha Chan

Spring has Sprung It’s time for the Spring Egg-stravaganza! Come to one of two sessions on April 19 at the Queens Botanical Garden. At noon and 2pm, families are invited to take part in an egg scavenger hunt, as well as old-fashioned games. Don’t forget to bring your camera! Pre-registration is required. The garden is located at 43-50 Main St. in Flushing.

Page to Stage The Monster Who Ate My Peas takes the stage at Queens Theatre on April 13 with showtimes at 1pm and 3pm. Based on the multiaward-winning book written by Danny Schnitzlein, this musical tells the tale of a young boy who, like many children, doesn’t want to eat his peas. The theater is located at 14 United Nations Ave. South, Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Dial (718)760-0064 or visit www.queenstheatre.org for ticket information.

Mother Earth Celebrate Earth Day at a festival at Flushing Town Hall on April 22. Learn about beekeeping, the importance of clean waterways, and more. In addition, make sculptures, jewelry, and art from recycled materials. People of all ages are welcome to this 1pm event. Flushing Town Hall is located at 137-35 Northern Boulevard in Flushing. Information is available at www.flushingtownhall.org. Samantha Chan is the associate editor.

Do you love your children, love the web, love to schmooze and love living in Queens? If you answered yes to these questions, we’d love to share a BIG secret with you...

(Continued on Pg. 25) your needs, your neighborhood

April 2014 I parentguide News I

Steve & rknado Sanders Sha by Rachel Kalina

Daddy of the Year

Ian Ziering

talks family and fatherhood.

rom onscreen playboy in Beverly Hills, 90210 to chainsaw-wielding hero in Sharknado, actor Ian Ziering has held a range of roles in his decades-long career. And much like his Sharknado character, Fin Shepard, who faces a freaky, shark-infested tornado head on to save his kin, Ziering is first and foremost a family man. I parentguide News I April 2014

MB 4/14

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“The superhero daddy gene kicks in very early, even before your baby’s born,” Ziering says, musing on his real-life feelings of protection. The New Jersey native elaborates, “Once your wife tells you she’s pregnant, [she becomes] even more priceless. You do everything you can to provide.” I recently caught up with the actor to get the scoop on his fun family life. Father to Mia and Penna — who share the same birthday and respectively turn 3 and 1 on April 25 — Ziering takes a proactive parenting role along with his wife, Erin Kristine Ziering. When asked about his favorite way to bond with the girls, Ziering says, “I love to sing with them. We sing all the classics like ‘ABCs,’ ‘Wheels on the Bus.’ I like to inspire Mia’s imagination. I’ll start singing a few lyrics, and then I’ll have her fill in the blanks. By doing that, she gets to guide the story. It’s usually something silly.” To my delighted surprise, Ziering starts to sing a line for me to complete. Although I’m momentarily flustered (preferring to write, rather than sing, words), it speaks to Ziering’s friendly character that he would be willing to share this game with a stranger. Perhaps it’s Ziering’s warm and candid nature that helped him earn the title 2013 Daddy of the Year via father-oriented company Daddy & Co., which offers lifestyle products for papas. By embracing this title, Ziering was able to inspire other fathers in myriad ways — such as encouraging regular family dinners — to be involved in the lives of their children. “Nowadays, people are working more and more,” Ziering says, “We’ve gotta find ways to connect with our kids and be present.” He notes that even when he’s traveling, he stays in touch with his family through Skype. “We have a visual connection,” Ziering says. Bonding also comes in the form of reading to the Ziering kids right before bedtime. “Penna doesn’t understand a word I’m saying,” Ziering explains, “but she sees the pictures and hears me reading. It’s really by osmosis they learn something first.” Reading is an area with which Ziering actually struggled as a child. To compensate for having dyslexia, he relied on humor and playing the class clown, and he excelled at presentations when it came to school projects. “I was never made to feel that [it] was a bad thing: having dyslexia,” Ziering says, “We’re all different in different ways. My parents were always supportive in everything I tried.” His parents’ encouragement and his affinity for performance likely started Ziering on his transition from class clown in front

Did you know?

Dad just wants to dance! Ian Ziering has also strutted his stuff as a guest host for Chippendales in Las Vegas and performed a stint on TV reality series Dancing With of a small audience to an actor The Stars.

who now boasts Broadway and big and small screen credits. When it comes to fostering self-esteem and supporting his children’s interests, Ziering plans to be just as encouraging as his own parents were. “I would tell them to do what my dad always told me to do: that was to always do your best,” Ziering says of how he intends to instill confidence in his daughters while they grow, adding “As long as you always try your hardest, that’s as good as it gets.” To share a tangible level of involvement in Penna’s and Mia’s lives, Ziering and his wife have created e-mail accounts for them. “Whenever we’re out taking pictures, we just forward [them] to their inbox,” Ziering says, explaining that as the girls get older, “They’ll have a little folder they can open up and see all the joy Erin and I are experiencing. I think that’s going to be another layer of love [for] them later in life.” One snapshot Ziering expects his daughter Penna to cherish is of him wearing signature Daddy & Co. “I’m The Daddy” medical scrubs at her delivery. Of proudly sporting the outfit, Ziering says, “It made me feel part of the process. The nurses put me to work.” He adds that the doctor even joked he could use another pair of hands. “It’s just so endearing,” Ziering says, hoping Penna will one day reflect on the photo and proclaim, “My dad’s so cute!” Of course, Ziering doesn’t always conjure the word “cute,” such as when he’s covered in faux blood, fending off flying sharks. For Syfy camp favorite Sharknado (which has a sequel slated to be released in July), Ziering got quite hands on with his stunts. Laughing, he shares that he rappelled off a bridge, which “was a lot of fun,” and that he also did a fair share of swimming and jet skiing, but the most fun part of the flick for him? “Chainsawing out of the belly of a shark.”

Rachel Kalina is the editor-in-chief of PARENTGUIDE News.

In it to Win it!

PARENTGUIDE News wants dad to win some swag! Visit www.parentguidenews.com for the chance to win The Daddy Swag Gift set from Daddy & Co., which includes a pair of “I’m the Daddy” scrubs lauded by Ian Ziering, along with a hat, stickers, pens, a mug, and sunglasses. To check out some of Ziering’s other favorite products, like sweatshirts for pops and books to read with your little ones, visit www.daddyncompany.com. your needs, your neighborhood

April 2014 I parentguide News I

Earth Day, April 22, provides a great opportunity for parents to stop and think about the environment in which we’re raising our children, as well as what we can do to ensure a clean, healthy future for them. It’s hard to remember that environmental protections we now take for granted did not always exist. Industry once belched out smoke and sludge, and air pollution was accepted as the smell of modern life. But with the first Earth Day, things began to change. On April 22, 1970, 20 million people took to streets, parks, and auditoriums across America, demonstrating a new promise to protect our planet. By the end of that year, the first Earth Day had led to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts. Now observed by more than one billion people in 192 countries, Earth Day is the world’s largest simultaneous event. It engages the public in protecting our planet. For the first time in history, the majority of people on Earth live in cities. The shift to urbanization has brought about economic and cultural opportunities and conveniences, but it’s come at a cost that often impacts our smallest citizens the most. Increased asthma, obesity, and diseases in children are just the tip of the iceberg.

10 I parentguide News I April 2014

IR_April

Climate change affects all of us. Scientists agree that an atmosphere with today’s 400 carbon parts-per-million (compared to the pre-industrial average of 315 ppm), destabilizes the environment, leading to more frequent extreme weather events. In 2013, Earth set a new record for billion-dollar weather events: 41 according to The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the insurance industry. In 2012, Hurricane Sandy caused 159 deaths and cost more than $65 billion in damage and loss. The challenge of preparing our cities to withstand extreme weather disasters, while also reducing the carbon emissions that cause climate change, requires every person to pitch in. Earth Day’s theme this year is Green Cities. The following ways can help to make your family life and your city or town green.

• Live green at home. Unplug your appliances when they are not in use. Switch your lights to LEDs. Recycle everything you can. Use air conditioning moderately. Use fewer plastic containers. Find out how your home can incorporate solar power. For more ideas, visit act. earthday.org.

• Stay active. Find ways to create opportunities that encourage

physical activity for your family. Walk or bike to work and school if possible. Visit local parks and nature centers.

• Drive green. Driving less in general, with more fuel-ef-

ficient cars, will help reduce air pollution. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, driving a car is a typical citizen’s most polluting daily activity.

parentguidenews.com

• Eat local and healthy foods. Creating farmers’ markets in cities and towns increases access to less expensive sources of nutritious food for inhabitants.

• Plant trees. Help make your neighborhood a cleaner, greener, more pleasant place to live by planting trees or donating them to enable more greenery worldwide. Visit earthday.org/campaign/canopy-project for details.

• Get involved. Advocate for bike paths, auto-free zones, renewable energy projects, and green financing options in your town. • Green schools. Help ensure that local schools are energy efficient with good air quality and plenty of outdoor play space. Make sure environmental education is a key part of your child’s curriculum.

• Vote green. Consider a candidate’s commitment to environmental protection, clean energy, and sustainable communities when you cast your ballot.

PROOF

• Keep learning. Visit earthday.org/greencities. 419 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734

A Green City is one in which all systems work well (and work together), and in which all citizens enjoy a good quality of life.TO: Join Earth Day Network this year in making your community the Green City FROM: you and your children deserve. No matter where we live on it, the Earth is our only true home.

FAX # ISSUE DATE:

Please call or fax your comments and/or OK.

President of Earth Day Network and a mom, Kathleen Rogers has worked for more than 20 OF APPROVAL: years as an environmentalSIGNATURE attorney and advocate, focusing on international and domestic environmental public policy and law.

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April 2014 I parentguide News I 11

How can gestational diabetes affect my baby?

PART 2

Pregnancy

Q&A

with OB-GYN Dr. Aron Schuftan

The most worrisome issue when confronting gestational diabetes is having a big baby that can get “stuck” in the birth canal. Traditionally, the baby’s head is the largest body part, and once the head is delivered, the body “slides” right out. In a pregnancy with uncontrolled gestational diabetes, the baby is exposed to more sugar than normal due to higher levels of glucose circulating in the mother’s blood stream. As a result, the baby’s shoulders and abdomen get bigger than the head, creating a higher risk of a shoulder dystocia, in which the head comes out but the body gets stuck. This is a serious emergency. There can also be issues with amniotic fluid levels and premature aging of the placenta in uncontrolled gestational diabetics. However, gestational diabetes can be controlled, and if it is, you should be fine. Talk to your health care provider about your concerns, and final additional information at www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/gestational/.

Should I be concerned if I experience any spotting during pregnancy?

Some spotting is common in pregnancy, especially around weeks ﬁve to six as your placenta starts to develop. This is often called “implantation bleeding.” However, all spotting should be taken seriously, and a possible miscarriage should be ruled out. If your blood is Rh-negative, your partner’s blood is Rh-positive, and you experience spotting, you may want to talk to your doctor about getting a shot of RhoGAM.

How much caffeine is safe to consume per day when pregnant?

Caffeine should be avoided in early pregnancy. One study has suggested that more than 200 mg of caffeine (about 2 cups of coffee) a day doubles the risk of miscarriage in the ﬁrst trimester. Try switching to decaf.

Contractions should be how far apart and last for what duration of time before you alert your doctor e asked parents and future parents that labor is starting?

what they most wanted to know about pregnancy. Read on for expert answers from Dr. Aron Schuftan. Missed the ﬁrst Q&A round? Visit www.parentguidenews. com/Articles/PregnancyQAPart1. 12 I parentguide News I April 2014

Usually, we use the five-one-one rule, meaning contractions occur every five minutes and last one minute for one hour. But if you have a high-risk pregnancy or a history of a “fast” delivery, you should talk to your doctor about when she would like to be notified. parentguidenews.com

For the hospital, what should I pack for myself, my partner, and my baby?

A Recommended items for your hospital bag are: o Liquids for hydration: water, sports drinks, diluted juice, coconut juice, etc. o Snacks like popcorn, dried fruit, snack bars o A handheld fan o Hair clips or bands o A MP3 player with small speakers or headphones o A gown, T-shirt, and socks for labor and delivery (all of which can be thrown away) o Extra pillows o Eyeglasses, contact lenses, and contact lense solution o Extra clothes (i.e. comfy pants, underwear, slippers, socks, a nightgown, a bathrobe) o Toiletries (i.e. lip balm, deodorant, a brush/comb, toothpaste and a toothbrush, lotion) o Sanitary pads o A nursing pillow, bras, and nipple cream o Your driver’s license o A medical ID card o Your pediatrician’s contact information o Cash/credit cards o A diaper bag and diapers o Clothes for baby (i.e. onesies, socks, a hat, blankets) o For your partner: a camera, cell phone with charger, a change of clothes, toiletries

PROOF

PROOF Dr. Aron Schuftan is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist who received his medical degree from Ponce School of Medicine in Puerto Rico and his specialty training at Boston Medical Center. He is also the co-founder of EmbraceHer Health, creator of the Pregnancy Companion app. The app provides advice, pregnancy tips and tracking tools, an Ask the Docs feature, a contraction timer, and much more. Find out about the app and other EmbraceHer Health initiatives at www.embraceher.co.

www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840

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April 2014 I parentguide News I 13

by Rich Brugger

S P O R T SS SAF E TY Summer camp and program considerations.

n recent years, sports camps have become increasingly popular. Even traditional summer camps are offering sports activities as value-added enrichment programs. While these types of programs can be excellent for fitness, coordination, and socialization, a keen eye must be kept on safety. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that before choosing a camp, parents should assess their child’s skills; interests; and overall physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This will help them evaluate their child’s ability to effectively participate in a particular camp setting. This type of evaluation is essential when considering camps that require an increased level of physical fitness. In order to choose the best sports camp program for your youngster, it is important to educate yourself by asking the right questions before enrollment. Start by familiarizing yourself with the camp director through a telephone conversation and a personal visit. Assuming the camp’s philosophies on competition and sportsmanship are in line with your values, questions for the camp director should include: •What type of training does the staff receive? According to the American Camp Association (ACA), camp staff members should be trained in emergency procedures, abuse prevention, safety regulations, communication, behavior management techniques, appropriate staff and camper behavior, and supervision. Additionally, the director should be able to provide references. 14 I parentguide News I April 2014

•Are criminal background checks done on all staff members? •How many references do you require for staffers, and how do you check them? •Under what circumstances are camp personnel allowed to be alone with a camper? The answer should be none. •What is the counselor-to-camper ratio? This is especially important for camps offering sports-oriented activities due to the potential for injury. At day camps, ACA standards require the following ratios: one staff member for every six campers ages 4 and 5, one staff member per eight campers ages 6 to 8, one staff member for every 10 campers ages 9 to 14, and one staff member per 12 campers ages 15 to 17. •How old is the equipment that will be in use, and how often is it maintained or replaced? When inspecting facilities, be sure to note the condition of the equipment. Safety apparatuses, such as mats or pads, should be in a state of good repair and free of visible damage. Let your child take an active role in his safety by reviewing some basic guidelines before heading to camp. Make sure your youngster agrees to obey all camp rules and always wear the required safety equipment (sports goggles, mouth guard, pads). Encourage your child to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and to immediately report any illness or injuries. Promote stretching before sports activities as this can help prevent muscle sprains or tears. With a little research and diligence, you can make sure that your youngster has a positive and safe experience participating in sports programs and activities this summer. parentguidenews.com

Special Needs &

SPORTS SAF E TY The benefits of physical activity are universal for all children, including those with special needs. The participation of children with disabilities in sports promotes inclusion, optimizes physical functioning, and enhances well-being. However, children with special needs require unique considerations when participating in sports-training camps. According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, well-informed decisions regarding each child’s participation must consider overall health status, safety precautions, and the availability of appropriate programs and equipment. Parents can choose a camp specifically designed for children with

your needs, your neighborhood

special needs or a mainstream camp where their child will be with kids without special needs. Either way, start by consulting with your child’s doctor and other specialists to make sure you can give the camp director and staff all necessary information and enroll your youngster in a program that is appropriate for his unique needs. In addition to asking basic questions regarding staff training, background checks, and camp-to-counselor ratios, parents should request additional information. Some examples of questions to ask are: How are children grouped for activities? How many medical personnel are on staff,

and what are their qualifications? Additionally, a camp director should be able to discuss how the camp will specifically meet your child’s dietary needs, personal hygiene needs, and any other individual needs. For an extensive list of camps for youngsters with special needs, visit the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities: nichcy.org/publications/camps

Rich Brugger is a Master Instructor who has been involved with martial arts and child safety for more than two decades. He owns a martial arts academy in New Providence, New Jersey, with his wife, Michelle Brugger.

April 2014 I parentguide News I 15

Discover Some of the Area’s Best Summer Camps and Programs

Busy Bee Play Time Kings Park, NY 11754 (631)269-7383 A World Of Discovery Day Camp busybeeplaytime@hotmail.com P.O. Box 604010, Bayside, NY 11360 When your schedule has you buzzing, let Busy Bee Play Time help care for (718)229-3037 your little ones. This daycare center, housed in a bright and cheerful facilinfo@worldofdiscovery.org ity, offers toddler, nursery and pre-k programs. It fulfills working parents’ www.worldofdiscovery.org needs for quality care. Flexible schedules benefit both parents and children. At ASouth, World13th of Discovery summertime is a season for212-447-7734 children Youngsters ages 18 months through 5 years may attend Busy Bee programs 19 Park Avenue Floor, New Day York,Camp, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax to let loose and expand their horizons. They have something for everyin part- or full-time increments. The daycare is open Monday through Frione with an array of activities and well-rounded programs. At A World day from 7 am until 6pm. Summer camp is also available for all, including o: FAx and # two great summer programs. of Discovery there’s one great summer school-age children in grades k-2. Children are able to enjoy enriching acCampers can enjoy baseball, volleyball, basketball, gymnastics, dance tivities and games in a safe, clean and welcoming environment. An extraorand drama, carnivals, cookouts, hiking, scavenger hunts, swimming, dinary outdoor playground provides fitness and fun. Nutritious breakfasts, rom: iSSue DAte: Olympic week and so much more. A World of Discovery Day Camp snacks and hot lunches are included in programs year round. Busy Bee Play is designed to stimulate your child’s imagination, physical well-being Time is a member of the Child Care Council of Suffolk. Contact Miss Cathy and provide an environment where kids can just be kids. Counselors at the number or e-mail listed for additional details. Please call or fax your comments and/or oK. must meet stringent standards and qualifications, and all their Directors and Assistant Directors are New York State Certified administrators The Crayon Box Preschool andAPProvAl: trained in CPR, First Aid and Responding to Emergency. The swim gNAture oF 44-10 192nd St., Flushing, NY 11358 program stresses safety and fun. All swim instructors are certified life(718)888-9341 guards, carefully picked and receptive to camper’s individual needs. For crayonbox333@aol.com more information, call (718)229-3037 or log on to www.worldofdiscovwww.crayonboxpreschool.com ery.org for a complete list of activities for summer camp. Preschool introduces children to the world of education, and the Cray-

Day Camps and Summer Programs

ProoF

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Serving Our Community For More Than 16 Years! Children Ages 2.9-5 Years NYS Certified Teachers Great Teacher/Student Ratios Family Discounts Hours & Programs to Fit All Schedules

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16 I parentguide News I April 2014

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CAMP DIRECTORY

your needs, your neighborhood

April 2014 I parentguide News I 17

CAMP DIRECTORY on Box Preschool thrives on making that first step a positive and rewarding experience. Children feel secure when they are comfortable in their surroundings and know what is going to happen next. Socialization as well as academics are balanced in a way that teaches children to work in a classroom setting. Students receive a well-rounded education by a professional and dedicated staff. Children are provided with a nutritionally balanced breakfast to start the day off right! The school is year-round with an eight-week Summer Program that includes sprinklers and water play daily with academics still offered to keep the children ready for back to school. A day at the Crayon Box consists of reading time, circle time, projects, outdoor activities, gym, nap/rest time and snack. Enroll your children for three days a week (full or h lfday), or five days a week (full or half day). The programs can be customized to your own specific needs. Call now to find out more about the Crayon Box Preschool’s summer camp. The Crayon Box Preschool, “Where learning and fun are all rolled into one!” Friends Academy Summer Camps Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560 (516)393-4207 camp@fa.org www.fasummercamp.org Friends Academy Summer Camps offers exciting programs for children ages 2-14 from 9:30am-4:30pm. All programs provide a safe environment where children learn new skills and make new friends. The General Camp (for ages 2-7) provides a well-rounded program that includes physical education, arts and crafts, music, tennis, science, playground time, two daily swimming periods and special events. Families can choose from four- to eight-week sessions. Children are placed in small groups by age and gender. The Academy program (for ages 8-13) offers one- to eight-week options.

Boys and girls have the opportunity to work on individual and group skills in a well-structured environment that provides instruction and fair competition. The new one-week format allows campers to change activity selections each week. Friends Academy offers more than 24 activity choices, including fine arts, computers, travel, baseball, basketball, dance, golf, horseback riding, ice hockey, ice skating, boys’ and girls’ lacrosse, sailing, soccer, softball, N.F.L. flag football, fencing, gymnastics, tennis, computer game design, digital and video design, robotics design, circus arts, multi-sport, cheerleading, and the Friends Academy Club and Travel program. The C.I.T. Program (for ages 14-15) allows students to intern in an area of interest while learning leadership and child care skills. Camp tuition includes hot and cold lunches, towel service and airconditioned transportation. Call to find out more about the upcoming season and open house dates. Office hours: Monday-Saturday, 9am-4pm. Visit www.fasummercamp.org. Mill Basin Day Camp 5945 Strickland Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11234 (718)251-6200 www.millbasindaycamp.com Summers are for having fun. It’s a time to spend with friends, make memories and share experiences that last a lifetime. That’s what Mill Basin Day Camp is all about. It is dedicated to providing an exciting and fulfilling camp experience for children and their parents by offering fun recreational, social and educational activities. Its staff consists of professionals, many of whom continue to work in child-related fields throughout the year. Directorial staff comprises licensed New York City Department of Education teachers and deans in various elementary and high schools. Mill Basin’s modern, fully air-conditioned facility offers a wide range of activities for children entering pre-k through grade 9 in the upcoming September scholastic year. There are five individual camp programs. Each camp has its own unique and innovative program that best suits the needs of the varying ages of campers. Families are always invited to come in for a personal tour of the facility and to discuss the camp program at length. It would be Mill Basin’s pleasure having you. NYU Summer Program for Kids The College of New Rochelle, New Rochelle, NY 10805 (516)358-1811 donofd01@nyumc.org www.aboutourkids.org The NYU Summer Program for Kids is a seven-week, evidencebased, therapeutic day program geared specifically to meet the needs of 7-11-year-old youngsters with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and behavior disorders. It is a premier program attracting families from across the country and around the world. Children are helped to improve social behavior, friendship skills, coping skills, academic competence, problem-solving skills, selfesteem, classroom behavior, sports competence, rule following and home behavior. A typical day includes academic review, computerassisted learning, art, morning and afternoon team sports, and daily swimming. Weekly specialized parent training helps to improve parent-child relations. The excellent staff-to-child ratio of 1 to 1.5 children enables the NYU Summer Program to make the summer a productive and fun experience for each child. The program is directed by nationally recognized clinicians that are leading experts in their field. Counselors are undergraduate and graduate students who are supervised by the clinical staff. Highly qualified teachers conduct the academic learning centers. The program is directed by Karen Fleiss, Psy. D., Assistant Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry NYU Child Study Center and Clinical Director, Long Island Campus. There is limited enrollment.

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CAMP DIRECTORY Oasis Summer Day Camp in Bayside Queens Queensborough Community College, 22205 56th Ave., Bayside, NY 11364 (646)519-5055 bayside@oasischildren.com www.oasischildren.com This summer, Oasis in Bayside offers a day camp experience tailored to your child’s interests with Camper Academies. For wide-ranging skill development, campers participate in the following academies: Chinese Language and Culture, Science Exploration, Engineering, and Fine/Performing Arts. During academy time, your child develops skills in specific content areas. When campers are not in academies, they participate in traditional day camp programming, which includes sports, team-building activities, visual and performing arts, nature exploration and recreational swimming. Oasis Day Camp is for boys and girls ages 4-14. Also offered is a popular Teen Travel program, for young people ages 12-15, which gives teens the opportunity to take unique daily trips while forming lifelong friendships. Oasis Early Start is offered for 4-year-old campers. This program’s camp day is designed to meet the social, emotional, and physical needs of junior campers. Campers may either bring their lunch or sign up for daily hot lunch service. Oasis bus service picks up and drops off campers from a number of convenient locations in select neighborhoods. Sibling and other discounts are available. Online registration is fast and simple, so don’t wait! Visit the website for details. Queens College Summer Camp 65-30 Kissena Boulevard, Flushing, NY 11367 (718)997-2777 www.qccamp.com Join Queens College Summer Camp for an exciting, fun-filled day camp, for children ages 5-14 as well as a Counselor-In-Training program for teens 15-17. Located on the beautifully landscaped 79-acre campus, the

your needs, your neighborhood

spacious FitzGerald Gym houses an Olympic-standard size pool and basketball courts. Outdoor facilities include new tennis courts, softball fields, and soccer fields. The program offers instruction in a number of different activities, such as swimming, tennis, basketball, computers, art, math, reading, science, and theatre production. A staff of certified instructors, aided by college students experienced in sports and education, help children learn new activities, improve their skill, and have an unforgettable summer. Queens College Summer Camp provides a secure, fun, and educational environment that serves the diverse communities of Queens, Nassau and Manhattan. Programs promote social skills, independence, and self-esteem. Available programs run two, four, six, or eight weeks. Lunch is included. Open House tours are available. Call (718)997-2777 or visit the website www.qccamp.com for more details. Summer at Kew-Forest! 119-17 Union Turnpike, Forest Hills, NY 11375 (718)268-4667, ext. 108 summer@kewforest.org www.kewforest.org The Kew-Forest School, the oldest independent, coed pre-k through 12 school in Queens, welcomes children entering grades pre-k through 6 to its exciting and expansive summer experience, Summer at Kew-Forest! When school ends, camp begins! From July 1 to August 16, kids entering grades pre-k through 6 can enjoy a full-day program (9am- 4:30pm) featuring a morning of academics and an afternoon of recreation, or a half day of either option. Academic sessions focus on hands-on enrichment in reading, writing and math and provide a head start on September. Recreation options range from arts and crafts to computer lab, hands-on science, dance, martial arts, sports, cooking, field trips and more. Register for half-day or full-day sessions by the day, by the week, or for the full seven-week season. The Early Bird and Afternoon Owl programs can be added to extend the day from 7:30am-6pm.

April 2014 I parentguide News I 19

As an occupational therapist and mother of six, my first instinct is to set structured goals for children with special needs. Yes, goals are essential. Yet focusing on the end point can distract from the vital need to play each day. We know this intellectually, but when we’re anxious for a child to reach the next level, we can lose sight of the bigger picture. Play is central to childhood development, and play is the medium through which children achieve their goals. Play is especially valuable in helping children with special needs engage with the world around them. Here are five ideas to incorporate a playful aspect into therapy and learning, inspired by experiences that I’ve shared with other parents.

Give your child a learning context that is personally meaningful. For example, if your child loves Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, use the film’s characters to coach about emotion and to decode facial expressions. When children become familiar with characters who maintain consistent emotional states (such as Happy or Grumpy), they are better able to articulate their own emotional states. Working within your child’s framework of understanding makes it easier to teach new skills.

20 I parentguide News I April 2014

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Create a welcoming environment for learning. Clutter can be especially challenging for children with special needs, who may be sensitive to their physical surroundings. Aesthetic choices matter, too. Children with autism, for example, tend to perceive colors (particularly bold shades) with greater intensity. Invite your child to help choose a paint color for his play space, and take the time to minimize distractions before engaging in new learning activities.

Take learning one step at a time. Given that many children with special needs are prone to sensory overload, move with deliberate caution when introducing new endeavors. For example, if your child is learning a song, deconstruct the steps to reduce frustration. Make it a game, and begin by helping the child master the notes, then the rhythm, then the tempo, and so forth.

purchase a type of toy or therapy equipment, ask your child to choose between styles or colors. When children are encouraged to express themselves and are heard, they are more invested in the outcome. Aviva Weiss is a pediatric occupational therapist. Together with her husband, Haskel Weiss, she founded Fun and Function and designs toys and therapy tools for kids with special needs. Fun and Function is an award-winning company committed to high quality, affordability, great play value, and inclusive learning environments.

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Create a sensory corner on a budget. Sometimes, even play needs a reboot button! By giving children a place to calm down and self-regulate, you enable coping skills and nurture independence. A sensory corner can be simple or elaborate, depending on your space and budget. For example, a pop-up tent, a portable sensory light, noise-reduction headphones, a metronome, chewies, and fidgets can safely channel energy and ease agitation.

Invite your child to participate in making choices that have a direct impact. For example, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve decided to

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Stuttering Potty Training Kent Prep is currently taking summer registrations for the 2014 summer semester. With a devised syllabus taught by experienced teachers, students leave the program prepared and confident for the 2014 semester.

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April 2014 I parentguide News I 21

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Family Care Options 112 W. 34th St., NYC 10120 info@familycareoption.com www.familiycareoption.com (212)SITTERS (516)272-2004 Throughout the New York metropolitan area, Long Island, Westchester and Northern New Jersey, and beyond to Connecticut, Florida, and Southern California, Family Care options provides permanent, temporary, live-in/live-out, full-time or part-time family care for adults, seniors, and children. Nannies and caregivers come from various ethnic backgrounds including Italian, Swiss, Irish, and Russian, to name a few. All of those caring for your family and loved ones have at least three years of childcare experience in the United States, speak English fluently, have a clean background check, two positive references, along with other requirements set by Family Care Options. Additional information regarding nanny qualifications is available online. For adults, whether it is an elderly family member returning home from surgery, the hospital, or rehabilitation, and is in need of assistance, Family Care Options help to maintain the continuation of daily activi-

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ties and maintain independence. In addition to care for families, Family Care Options now offers corporate-sponsored back-up childcare. This is an employer-paid benefit that enables employees to have a qualified Nanny come to their home within short notice when the primary care arrangements break down or is unavailable. In the situation of an emergency, Family Care Options is there for you. Learn more online about their quality care and how your family may benefit.

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Kent Prep 194-11a Northern Boulevard, Bayside, NY 11358 (718)423-5757 info@kentprep.com www.kentprep.com Since 1989, Kent Prep has satisfied the demands of the most competitive student body in the diverse city of Queens. It offers a comprehensive curriculum led by specialized instructors that are at the top of their field whilst providing comprehensive test preparation and professional counseling services for both students and parents to foster personalized academic careers. Through the passionate pursuit of their ambitions, Kentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s students stand out among other achievers in the most selective pools and applicants. Visit the website for additional information.

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Steps to Socialization (s2s) 13 South Bayles Ave., Port Washington, NY 1050 (516)767-0266 info@s2sny.com www.s2sny.com Is your child left out of playdate invitations? Does your child sit on the sidelines at recess? Steps to Socialization (s2s) is a social learning program for children who have difficulty with social interactions. Steps to Socializationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highly trained staff guides students, in groups of 3-4, in learning the skills required to develop and maintain friendships, interpret social cues and work in groups. Skills taught include predicting what someone else is thinking about, how behavior impacts on others, and how to be part of a group. Using targeted activities and role playing, students are equipped with the skills needed to navigate the social world. The program is for children with average to above-average cognitive skills in grades 1 through 8. s2s teaches children how to think socially, step by step.

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Vincent Smith School 322 Port Washington Boulevard, Port Washington, NY 11050 (516)365-4900 www.vincentsmithschool.org The Vincent Smith School (VSS) is well-known for its individualized program for students with learning disabilities in grades 4-12. VSS has a history of excellence dating back to 1924. Located on four and a half acres in suburban Port Washington, Vincent Smith School is a private day school, serving students in Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens Counties in New York. It offers students differentiated instruction

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Special needs & Health & Fitness DIRECTORY in small supportive classes. Students experience academic success, emotional growth and social acceptance. More than 85 percent of graduates go on to college. Vincent Smith School is chartered by the New York State Board of Regents as an independent, nonprofit institution and is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools. It takes pride in being a place where it’s okay to learn differently. The Vincent Smith School is open to all without regard to race, creed, or national origin.

Health and Fitness Dr. Mindy Homer Pediatric Dentistry 800 Community Drive, Suite 200, Manhasset, NY 11030 (516)869-9500 www.doctor-mindy.com Did you know that approximately 40 percent of children have cavities by the time they reach kindergarten, and it is now recommended that children see a dentist no later their first birthday? Dr. Mindy knows that dental visits in early childhood can prevent cavities. Dr. Mindy earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine. She continued her training at Columbia University New York Presbyterian Hospital, where she earned her specialty degree in Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Mindy is board certified and provides the best dental care to pediatric, adolescent and special needs patients. Dr. Mindy’s mission is to make the dental experience fun and anxiety-free for the whole family. She believes in educating parents and children in cavity prevention. She takes the time to understand the needs of your child and family, and she provides individualized treat-

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ment plans to address them. Dr. Mindy’s office is a reflection of her philosophy. It offers a modern, kid-friendly environment with video games in every room. She has digital x-rays to reduce the amount of radiation exposure to your child. Her warm and courteous staff will welcome you with a smile at each appointment. Call today to schedule an appointment or visit www.doctor-mindy.com for more information. Weekend and evening appointments are available.

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www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 • Central location near Bayside, Fresh Meadows and Flushing • Offering group and individual therapies

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Specializing in oral and written language, articulation, phonological processing and oral motor skills, feeding therapy, ﬂuency, auditory processing, reading and spelling and pragmatic language. N

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Program Overview S.O.A.R. is a student directed program that provides students in grades 4-8 the opportunity to remediate, maintain, or enrich their skill sets in the areas of reading, writing, math and social cognition. Students meet daily from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm with NYS certified instructors who utilize multisensory teaching methods to create individualized curriculum for each student in a 5:1 ratio, as well as focus on social cognition by utilizing Michelle Garcia Winner’s Superflex Curriculum.

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Contact Vincent Smith School for Enrollment Information Today: 322 Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington, NY 11050 Telephone: (516) 365-4900 • Fax: (516) 627-5648 • www.vincentsmithschool.org Registered by the New York State Board of Regents – Accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools The Vincent Smith School is a non-profit corporation and is open to all without regard to race, creed, or national origin.

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April 2014 I parentguide News I 23

Special needs & Health & Fitness DIRECTORY Mathnasium Learning Centers 43-17 Bell Boulevard, Bayside (718)747-MATH (6284) www.mathnasium.com/bayside Bayside Speech & Language PALS 3430 Sunrise Highway, Wantagh (516)799-MATH (6284) 58-47 Francis Lewis Boulevard, Suite 15, Bayside, NY 11364 414 Central Ave., Cedarhurst (516)569-1500 (347)408-4247 www.mathnasium.com/fivetowns Fax: (347)408-4398 1141-3 Jericho Turnpike, Commack (631)543-MATH (6284) www.palsspeech.com Forest Hills (718)544-MATH (6284) Bayside Speech & Language PALS, PLLC (PALS Speech) is a 11 Great Neck Road, Great Neck (516)482-MATH (6284) full-service, speech-language practice exclusively devoted to www.mathnasium.com/greatneck improving the lives of children. It specializes in the language, 2795 Middle Country Road, Lake Grove (631)619-6949 speech and feeding skills of preschool and school-aged children, www.mathnasium.com/lakegrove as well as working with families to understand their child’s specif381 Sunrise Highway, Lynbrook (516)881-7997 ic speech and language needs. Through high-quality, customized www.mathnasium.com/lynbrook treatment, PALS endeavors to provide clients with the confidence 1003 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park (516)616-MATH(6284) and skills they need to excel in an academic or social setting. www.mathnasium.com/newhydepark PALS Speech provides evaluations and therapies that cover oral 217A Mineola Ave., Roslyn Heights (516)484-MATH (6284) and written language, articulation, phonological processing and www.mathnasium.com/roslyn 419 Park Avenue South, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734 oral motor skills, feeding issues, fluency, auditory processing, 110 Jackson Ave., Syosset (516)944-MATH (6284) reading and spelling, and pragmatic language. PROMPT, Phonowww.mathnasium.com/syosset-jericho graphix and SOS-trainedTO: therapists are available to work with FAX # 55 Post Ave., Westbury, (516)338-6284 children both individually and in groups. PALS accepts New York westbury@mathnasium.com City Department of Education preschool contracts and RSA letMathnasium FROM: ISSUE DATE: Learning Centers, with more than 300 locations in the ters for school-aged children. PALS Speech is proud to join forces United States, as well as in 16 countries, offer math-only educational with Balanced Pediatrics to offer comprehensive pediatric therapy programs. In a relaxed, homework-free environment, Mathnasium services, such as speech, occupational and physical in acomments and/or OK. Please call ortherapy fax your enables kids to focus on sharpening their math skills. Mathnasium sensory gym. Bilingual Korean evaluations and therapy are now students develop and maintain the mathematics knowledge and conavailable. Therapy may be provided at offsite locations upon refidence needed to succeed in the information age. Mathnasium is a SIGNATURE OF APPROVAL: quest. A therapist will determine a schedule and therapy plan that learning center where kids go to catch up, keep up, or get ahead in is right for you. math. Programs run year round for kids of all ages.

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PARENTGUIDE News has an amazing new online concept, and you could be part of the action. We have immediate openings for three Advertising Sales Executives who want to do what they love. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all we can say at this time. If you are curious about this opportunity and are looking for a career change or part-time employment, please e-mail a cover letter and resume to hr@parentguidenews.com.

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April 2014 I parentguide News I 25

Approximately 30 million Americans have some form of eczema, a non-contagious incurable skin disease. Also known as atopic dermatitis (AD) or atopic eczema, eczema affects about 10 percent of infants and children. While its exact cause is unknown, eczema usually results from a combination of family heredity and various conditions that trigger the red, itchy rash.

Is it atopic dermatitis?

Causes and triggers

•Time of onset. AD begins during the first year of

the skin damage comes from scratching and rubbing that the child cannot control.

AD inflammation results from too many reactive inflammatory cells being in the skin. When something triggers them, they don’t turn off as they should. We try to control AD by controlling the trigger factors that “turn on” inflamed skin, or by “dampening the flames” with anti-inflammatory therapies. Trigger factors are different for everyone. Most children’s symptoms worsen when they get a cold or other infection. Some people have discomfort in the winter, and others simply cannot stand the sweating during summer weather. The following triggers seem to affect every child with AD.

•Rash location. In babies, the rash usually starts on

• Dry skin. People with AD have a defect in their skin so

the face or over elbows and knees. Later in childhood, the rash is typically in the elbow and knee folds. Rashes on the hands, feet, scalp, or behind the ears might also point to AD.

it won’t stay moist. It is especially bad in winter when the heat is on in the house and the humidity drops. Too much bathing without proper moisturizing is an issue, too.

•Rash appearance. Although appearance is different

•Irritants. Irritants are any of the substances outside the

from one person to another, scratch marks and scaly, dry skin are common. The skin may become infected and show yellow crusts or little pus-filled bumps. The skin also may thicken from long-term scratching and rubbing.

body that can cause skin burning, redness, itching, or dryness.

life and almost always presents within the first five years. It’s seldom present at birth, but it often comes on during an infant’s first six weeks. Whereas other rashes can start at any time and most of them disappear within a few days to weeks, AD tends to persist. It may wax and wane, but it keeps coming back.

•Itching. Atopic dermatitis is a very itchy rash. Much of

•Heredity. If other family members or relatives have AD,

•Stress. People with AD often react to stress by having red flushing and itching. And, of course, AD itself, and its treatments, are a source of stress!

asthma, or hay fever, the diagnosis of AD is more likely.

•Heat and sweating. Most people with atopic derma-

•The bottom line. Be sure to get your child diagnosed

titis notice that when they get hot, they itch. They have a type of prickly heat that occurs anytime they sweat.

by a physician. 26 I parentguide News I April 2014

IR_Apr

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•Infections. Bacterial staph infections are the most common type for people with AD. Such infections might be suspected if areas are weeping or crusted or if small “pus-bumps” are seen. A common viral infection, molluscum contagiosum, tends to be more severe in children with AD. Herpes infections (such as fever blisters or cold sores) and fungus can also trigger AD. If lesions look suspicious, ask your doctor about them.

What treatments may help?

ficult to tie to specific allergens. Food allergies can trigger flares, while pollens, dust mites, and pets can seldom do so.

• Moisturizers • Corticosteroids • Topical Immunomodulators (TIMs), a family of topical medications • Tar preparations, such as creams or bath emulsions • Oral or topical antibiotics • Antihistamines

Children may avoid triggers by moisturizing, wearing soft and breathable clothes, limiting exertion and sweat during flares, taking a cool shower or bath when itching due to sweat, tracking potential food allergens with a doctor’s guidance, limiting exposure to allergens (keeping pets off furniture, removing dusty carpets), and by learning to positively cope with stress. Family members should also be able to recognize and and treat infections.

Any treatment options should be discussed with your doctor, and there is the chance that children may outgrow AD. The majority of babies with AD will lose most of the problem by adolescence, often before grade school. A small number of them will have severe AD into adulthood. Many people have remissions that last for years. The dry skin tendency often remains, but most people learn how to keep their dermatitis controlled.

•Allergens. The slower, chronic eczema of AD may be dif-

For more information about infants or children with eczema, visit the National Eczema Association (NEA) at www.nationaleczema.org or join one of NEA’s online support communities: facebook.com/nationaleczema or forum.nationaleczema.org. The NEA is a source of eczema information that is reviewed and approved by a team of volunteer scientific advisers who are experts in the field.

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your needs, your neighborhood

April 2014 I parentguide News I 27

Sew

Sweet

by Annabel Wrigley

Teaching children to sew.

I was one of those people who said she could never work with children — aside from my own! I never planned to become a sewing teacher for children, it just kind of happened. But now that I am teaching children to sew, there is nothing on earth that I would rather do. Watching a child, timid on the first day of class, grow into a confident sewist as lessons progress is such a joy and the reason I teach. Showing kids sewing-machine basics and giving them the autonomy to experiment with fabric and color opens up a new, creative world for them. I have made it my mission to instill children with fantastic memories of crafting. Creativity was valuable in my childhood. I remember watching my grandmother as she worked on her sewing machine. And every school holiday, I’d carefully choose a cross stitch or needlepoint project to do while spending time with my mother and grandmother on the back porch of our farm. There comes a time in a sewing class where everybody suddenly “gets it,” but no one realizes that she’s just crossed an invisible line into independent sewing. As my students sew and chat, they offer each other advice about school, sing along to music, and encouragingly compliment each other’s work. Free of judgement, a self-confidence develops from this interaction. Kids stand a little taller when they leave my class, proudly clutching the day’s artwork, with threads attached to their shoes, scraps of fabric stuck on their sweaters, and toothy smiles as wide as can be. There is a fantastic sense of bonding between teacher and child, which can be replicated between you and your child when learning and creating together. Not only is the act of making with children a positive experience for the teacher or parent, but it is also an incredibly enriching and therapeutic activity for children. You can teach them about the beauty of imperfection. Ignore the wobbly lines, and instead, praise the effort. The straight lines will come with practice and confidence.

How to start I particularly love the Sew Mini or The Derby Line machines from Janome for the younger sewer age 6 or 7. These options have the perfect price point (less than $100) and a great slow speed for the beginner. If your child is a little older and has good control, consider an affordable machine that can grow with her into adulthood, such as the $200-range, full-size mechanical Janome machines. If you are not feeling comfortable teaching your budding sewist, contact your local community center or fabric store for recommendations of teachers. Sometimes local craft or fabric stores offer classes, too. Maybe you want to teach your child. The great thing is that sewing is so portable! You can set up pretty much anywhere that has a table, chair, and good lighting. There are plenty of sewing websites, like Sewmamasew.com, to help you feel inspired. Spend time on Pinterest and start a board with sewing projects and tutorials. Of course, a trip to your local library or bookstore will yield mountains of sewing books. Go ahead, I know you and your child will love it! 28 I parentguide News I April 2014

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Sweet Springtime Barrette Celebrate the blooming season with this hand-sewn project to create for or with your child.

Supplies Find the following at a local fabric or craft store, like Jo-Ann, or on the Web. • Felt scraps • Barrette base • Embroidery floss • Embroidery needle • Seed beads • Erasable gel pen (Pilot FriXion preferred) • Sharp scissors • Hot glue gun

Make it

1. Cut some circles in three different sizes from the felt scraps. Take a look at the barrette base; you want to be able to fit three main circles on it, and they can overlap.

2. Use the scissors to cut a

5. Thread your needle with

little fringe around your smallest circles.

brightly colored embroidery floss. Tie a knot at the end.

6. Holding together one of the three-circle stacks, bring the needle up from behind the stack so it comes through the end of one of the star points.

3. Stack your circles so there are three on a stack, with the smallest, fringed circle on top. Each stack will become a flower.

7. Push the needle down through 4. Draw a star pattern with the erasable gel pen on the top circle of each stack.

the opposite end of the star point. Repeat steps 6 and 7 until the star is finished. Tie a knot at the back of the stack. Remove the pen marks with the iron.

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8. To attach beads when making a star

12. Cut a few leaf shapes from felt.

pattern on another stack, bring the needle from behind as with the first star. This time, thread a bead onto the floss, and then take the needle back down through the felt at the opposite end of the star point. Repeat for each point, and finish with a knot on the back of the stack.

13. Attach the leaves to the barrette with a little hot glue.

14. Attach the two end flowers with hot glue.

9. To make a flower with Vicki knots, bring the floss up from behind a stack. Tie a loose knot in the thread, and place the needle at the spot where the floss is coming through the felt.

10. Tighten the knot around the 11. Push the needle down needle, super close to the felt. Remove the needle.

close to the knot, through the felt, to the back of the stack. Continue making knots until you have enough little dots for your flower circle.

15. Attach the final middle flower.

Annabel Wrigley is a mother, author, and owner of Little Pincushion Studio in Warrenton, VA, where she teaches lots of lovely girls how to sew every week. Her books, We Love to Sew and We Love to Sew-Bedrooms, are published by C&T Publishing and available at www.amazon.com. You can find Annabel at www.littlepincushionstudio.com.

your needs, your neighborhood

April 2014 I parentguide News I 29

Woman oman mom

by Sarah Dussault

For the Woman behind the Mom

Fitness Focus on

Find small ways to get healthier.

If you’ve ever found yourself resenting celebrities that seem to lose baby weight after mere weeks of giving birth while yours still clings on to your hips years after the fact, you’re not alone. Lack of sleep, busy schedules, and the feasibility of actually getting to a gym can make a workout seem like a luxury. Or maybe not. Maybe you don’t like to exercise and having kids offers a semi-acceptable excuse not to do it. But if you want to like fitness and actually engage in it, here are a few ways to incorporate exercise and nutritious meals into your life. Losing weight doesn’t happen by accident. It requires deliberate and well-planned actions. As soon as you let up on those efforts is when the weight creeps back on. If you fail to plan, you are essentially planning to fail. What this means is that you must plan out what you are going to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Snacks should be brought with you in your bag. You pack snacks for your kids, so why shouldn’t you care for yourself in the same way? Most importantly, your kids’ leftovers should not be included in this plan or consumed. Write down what you eat. If you want to keep track of calories, I recommend the MyFitnessPal smartphone app. Even if you don’t want to count calories, jotting down your meals in a journal is extremely beneﬁcial

when it comes to shedding pounds. Measure out proteins and calorie-dense foods like chicken, beef, peanut butter, nuts, and especially frozen yogurt or ice cream if you must. When it comes to ﬁtness, aim to get at least 120 minutes of moderate to intense exercise a week, although 180 would be best. Walking by itself won’t tap into the weight loss side effects of exercise unless it’s on an incline at a brisk pace at the gym. Invest in a running stroller so you can multitask, and alternate between two minutes of walking and two minutes of jogging when using it. One of my favorite ways for new moms to ﬁt in a workout is to do it while the baby is napping. Physique57.com has a library of challenging 30minute workouts that you can rent. Most programs do not require any equipment at all, and they are just as hard as the in- studio versions. YouTube is also a great resource for free exercise videos. My

channel, SarahsFabChannel, provides 10-to-15minute, follow-along workouts that can help target certain areas like your belly post baby. New York City gals Rebekah Borucki and Tara Stiles offer great yoga videos on their channels. Tone It Up and Blogilates will also leave your muscles shaking. If you have enjoyed boutique studio classes, make them a regular part of your week as a date with a girlfriend. These classes are more fun than work when they become a social hour. Plus, reserving a class spot online and facing a potential cancellation fee will ensure you get your butt to the gym. Just as you will plan for meals, you should also schedule your workouts. Allow yourself cheat meals but not days. If you succumb to a sugar craving, get back on track with your next meal or workout. These little tips and tricks can add up to big, positive changes over time.

Sarah Dussault is one of YouTube’s most viewed fitness personalities. A certified personal trainer and health coach, Dussault works at Barry’s Bootcamp in Boston and is the author of healthy living blog SarahFit.com. Her first book, Get Skinny Again! The Right Exercises to Get Back Your Dream Body and the Secrets to Living a Fit Life (Page Street Publishing), is now on sale at Barnes & Noble. NBC’s the “Today” show named it as a top fitness book recommendation. 30 I parentguide News I April 2014

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oman Woman mom

by Samantha Chan

For the Woman behind the Mom

1 2

Proof

1 Urban Halo headbands are the perfect accessory for athletic activities or chic pampering. www.myurbanhalo.com 2 Multiple sclerosis affects more than 400,000 people, and Peekaboos’ Hats for Hope aims to lower that number. Fifty percent of hat sales go toward improving the lives of patients and finding a cure for the disease. Plus, the hats let you also wear a ponytail thanks to a neat trick. www.peekaboos-hats.com

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3 Organic, fair-trade, and sustainably farmed garments are at the heart of Indigenous clothing for men and women. www.indigenous.com

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4 Incorporate earthy tones and elements into your home with help from Emily Henson’s Modern Rustic (Ryland Peters & Small). www.amazon.com 5 RejuvaHealth offers hosiery, socks, and leggings that look great and also prevent varicose veins, blood clots, and other circulatory issues. www.rejuvahealth.com

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HEALTH

by Samantha Chan

1 Ease breastfeeding discomfort with Nizo Wearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nursing bras, cooling or warming packs, and other remedies. www.nizowear.com 2 Marlisa Brownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gluten-Free, Hassle Free, Second Edition (DemosHealth) includes recipes, meal plans, shopping and safe food lists, and more. www.demoshealth.com

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4 Keep your familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pearly whites strong with Branam Oral Healthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Xylitol-based toothpaste, which has proven to reduce cavity-causing bacteria by 72 percent. www.branamsmile.com 5 Little Me Tea offers organic, caffeine-free, naturally sweetened teas with fruits and veggies for your whole family. www.littlemetea.com

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HEALTH 6 Refresh-a-Baby easily attaches to any water bottle, quickly turning it into a baby bottle when you’re on the go! www.refreshababy.com

7 World Peas snacks are crunchy, tasty, and gluten-free, as well as high in protein and fun! www.makepeas.com

Proof

8 Cool off with fresh fruit ice pops from Pop Nature, created by Josie Smith-Malave of Bravo TV’s Top Chef. www.popnature.com

9 During spring cleaning, check out Terramera’s PROOF, the only EPA-registered, plant-based product that kills 100 percent of bed bugs and their eggs. www.bugproof.com

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10 Nonprofit Keeping Babies Safe recently partnered with Go Mama Go to educate hospitals, healthcare personnel, doctors, and retailers so that, in turn, parents, grandparents, and caregivers will know about the proper use of nursery products. www.keepingbabiessafe.org

Samantha Chan is the associate editor.

Over 22 Articles on

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April 2014 I parentguide News I 33

TRAVEL

by Donald McDermott Family travel experts Ciao Bambino! and Travel Savvy Mom proudly present free, tablet-friendly PDF The Smart Parents Guide to Family Adventure Vacations. www.ciaobambino.com

Specially designed to reduce the risk of injury, the Tummy Shield diverts seat belt pressure away from the stomach, making it even safer for an expecting mother to travel while pregnant. www.tummyshield.com Treat your family to an amazing adventure this year when O.A.R.S. hosts a series of unforgettable river trips on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Trips run in April, May, and September. www.oars.com

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Nassau

Calendarof Events

Manhattan

april 2014

100-01 Northern Boulevard, Corona, (718)651-1100, www. queenslibrary.org. Children ages 6 to 12 test their science skills with interesting experiments after school. 4:30pm.

Queens Open Houses

Westchester PROOF

April 5 and 27: Queens College Summer Camp, 65-30 Kissena Boulevard, Flushing, (718)997-2777, www.qccamp.com, 10am-12:30pm.

April 2: Grand Adventures in the Zoo, Queens Zoo, 53-111th St., Flushing, (718)271-1500, www.queenszoo.com. Grandparents can bring their grandchildren, ages 4 and older to the zoo for a grand tour and an afternoon of activities in the Discovery Center. Enjoy live animal encounters, and craft making. Together they can share an appreciation for wildlife and our natural world. Pre-registration is required. 3:30pm.

PROOF

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April 12, 19, and 26: Mill Basin Day Camp, 5945 Strickland Ave., Brooklyn, (718)251-6200, www.millbasindaycamp.com, 11am-2pm.

April 1 - 7

April 5: One Night in Frogtown, Flushing Town Hall, 13735 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, www.flushingtownhall.org. Come for this interactive arts workshop featuring storytelling and musical sing-along, highlighting diversity and creativity. Then, enjoy a multimedia musical based on Emmy-winning author/composer Philip Pelletier’s musical storybook One Night In Frogtown. This acclaimed story comes alive through projected animations, a live reading and musical performances. 1pm with the performance at 2:15pm.

April 1: BOOST STEM Workshop, Langston Hughes Library,

April 6: Everything Kids Expo, Long Island City YMCA,

April 26: Vincent Smith School, 322 Port Washington Boulevard, Port Washington, (516)365-4900, www.vincentsmithschool.org, noon-3pm.

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our Y d r a w o T rty! a P y a d h t t Bir x e N s ’ d l i h C Calling All August Birthdays!

PARENTGUIDE News wants to help make your child’s next birthday the most memorable ever! This month’s Birthday Blowout Contest highlights children’s birthdays that occur in August. To enter, go to www.parentguidenews.com and click on the Birthday Blowout Contest box for details. The winner receives a $100 gift certificate to spend toward a chosen party place or entertainer for the ultimate birthday bash.

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Turn your child’s special day into something spectacular. 36 I parentguide News I April 2014

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April 6: Walk for Kids

April 26: Story Garden

Walk for Kids Growth New York 2014, Human Growth Foundation, 111th Street to Van Wyck Expressway, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, (661)478-6512. Learn about growth disorders, growth deficiency, and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. The three-mile walk is enjoyable for participants of all ages. Also featured are giveaways and entertainment. 1pm.

Mimi for Me Yoga Studio, 76-11 37th St., Jackson Heights, www.facebook. com/StoryGardenWithMissAlexia. Miss Alexia, with the help of a magic ukulele, leads a musical storytime for children ages 0-4. Don’t miss this weekly program, for which registration is required. 10am.

Proof

www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 32-23 Queens Boulevard, (718)224-5863. It’s all about kids and fun at this second annual expo. The day includes entertainment Big Apple Aprilfrom 12: the Earth Day Circus, a variety of hands-on activities for kids; arts and crafts, face painting; karate, and Makedance, A Toy Out Of Recycled music, soccer demos; classes. Plus great raffle prizes Alley Pond EnvironandMaterials, giveaways. 11am-4pm. mental Center, 228-06 Northern Boulevard, Douglaston, www.alleypond.com. Children ages 3-4 are invited to celeApril 9:Earth Reading Fun, Laurelton Library, 134-26 225 St., brate DayFor while learning Laurelton, www.queenslibrary.org. to take care of the planet. Make Reading is fundamental for success. This program teaches kids how much fun can a ball-catcher toy out of recycled materials. Thereading program also includes games, songs, a snack, live animals, and a nature walk. Registration is required. 1:30pm.

April 8 - 15

April 27: 35th Annual Antique Auto Show Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park, www.queensfarm.org. Take the auto buff in your family to check out some true antique cars. Enjoy automobile memorabilia, historic tours, and hayrides. 11am.

April 19: Live! Metlife Early Learner Performance: Professor Winklebottom’s Earth Science Circus, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Brooklyn, (718)735-4400, www.brooklynkids.org. Learn how to keep the planet healthy with The Grand Falloons as they bring the story of Professor Winkelbottom to life through, magic, juggling, plate spinning, classic vaudeville routines, and original music. 4pm.

your needs, your neighborhood

April 2014 I parentguide News I 37

Calendarof Events be, using a great selection of books available at the library. This program occurs weekly. 3:30-6:30pm. April 12: Greenway Clean-way Day, Greenway/Old Vanderbilt Motor Parkway, Bell Boulevard or Springfield Boulevard overpass, Oakland Gardens, http://home.catholicweb.com/FatherJohnMurrayKofC/index.cfm?reinit=y, Gather friends and neighbors or make new friends to help beautify this stretch of the old Vanderbilt Motor Parkway that connects Cunningham Park with Alley Pond Park. Community service participation letters will be provided to any youth who need one. 9am. April 13: Craft Table, The Shops at Skyview Center, 40-24 College Point Boulevard, Flushing. Hosted by Queens Botanical Garden, www.queensbotanical.org. Head to Level D where families make a festive spring craft to celebrate the beginning of the season! Supplies are limited and times/location are subject to change. 2-4pm. April 13: Bronx-Whitestone Bridge Anniversary Lecture, Queens Historical Society at Kingsland Homestead, 143-35 37th Ave., Flushing, www.queenshistoricalsociety.org. As a pre-programming event for their next exhibition and to help mark the 75th anniversary of the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge, Mary Hedge, for MTA April 6: Archivist Walk for KidsBridges and Tunnels, and one of the bridge engineers will be discussing the unique aspects for Kids Newdesign York 2014, Human of Walk the bridge, itsGrowth ultra sleek and the many Growth measures that Foundation, 111th Street to Van Wyck have been taken since the year after it opened to make it more wind resistant. Flushing 2:30-4:30pm. Expressway, Meadows Corona Park, (661)478-6512. Learn about growth disorders, growth deficiency, and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. The three-mile April Celebratefor Honey Bees, Alley walk17: is enjoyable participants of Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Boulevard, Douglaston, (718)229all ages. Also featured are giveaways 4000, www.alleypond.com. Kids ages 4-12 get ready to buzz and entertainment. 1pm. around and learn all about honey bees! Meet a beekeeper, make

April 15 - 21

a beeswax candle, visit the hive, sample honey, make a honey

April 12: Earth Day Make A Toy Out Of Recycled Materials, Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Boulevard, Douglaston, www.alleypond.com. Children ages 3-4 are invited to celebrate Earth Day while learning to take care of the planet. Make a ball-catcher toy out of recycled materials. The program also includes games, songs, a snack, live animals, and a nature walk. Registration is required. 1:30pm. 38 I parentguide News I April 2014

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Materials, Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Boulevard, Douglaston, www.alleypond.com. Children treat, play bee games, and more surprises. Pre-registration reages 10:30am-noon. 3-4 are invited to celequired. brate Earth Day while learning to take of theTime, planet. Make Park Library, 79-50 Bell April 17: care Toddler Windsor a ball-catcher toy out of recycled materials. The program Boulevard, Bayside, (718)468-8300, www.queenslibrary.org. Children ages 2-4 and their caregiver stories, songs also includes games, songs, a snack,enjoy live animals, and aand coloring. Preregistration is required. 11:15am. nature walk. Registration is required. 1:30pm. April 19: Doktor Kaboom, Queens Theatre, Flushing Mead-

April 19: Live!

Proof

Metlife Early Learner Performance: Professor Winklebottom’s Earth Science Circus, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Brooklyn, (718)735-4400, www.brooklynkids.org. Learn how to keep the planet healthy with The Grand Falloons as they bring the story of Professor Winkelbottom to life through, magic, juggling, plate spinning, classic vaudeville routines, and original music. 4pm.

Parkway, Floral Park, www.queensfarm.org. Take the auto buff in your family to check out some true antique cars. Enjoy automobile memorabilia, historic tours, and hayrides. 11am. ows Corona Park, 14 United Nations Ave. South, Flushing, www.queenstheatre.org. This is an original interactive Science Comedy shows for audiences of all ages. Creatively blending theatre arts with the wonders of scientific exploration, the Doktor keeps his crowds riveted with interest and rolling with laughter. 1pm and 3pm. April 20: Colorful Kaleidoscopes, New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona, www.nysci.org. This program invites families with young children to tinker, design and create together. Families explore the colors and fascinating patterns inside of kaleidoscopes. Then they will use natural and man-made materials to make one of their very own. 10:30am-12:30pm.

Proof

www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840

your needs, your neighborhood

April 2014 I parentguide News I 39

Calendarof Events April 22 - 30 April 22: Earth Day Festival, Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, www.flushingtownhall.org. Develop your green thumb, learn about bee-keeping and the importance of clean waterways while making sculptures, jewelry and art out of recycled materials. Appropriate for all ages. 1-4pm.

419 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734

April 26: Story Garden

TO:

FAX 37th # Mimi for Me Yoga Studio, 76-11 St., Jackson Heights, www.facebook. ROM: ISSUE DATE: com/StoryGardenWithMissAlexia. Miss Alexia, with the help of a magic April 6: Walk for Kids ukulele, leads musical Please call or afax yourstorytime comments and/or OK. for children ages 0-4. miss this Walk for Kids Growth New Don’t York 2014, Human Growth weekly program, for which registraFoundation, 111th Street to Van Wyck SIGNATURE OF APPROVAL: tion is required. Expressway, Flushing10am. Meadows Coro-

na Park, (661)478-6512. Learn about growth disorders, growth deficiency, and the importance of early diagthe nosisWhere and treatment. The three-mile The Sweetest guest of honor Memories Start walk is enjoyable for participants of makes the cake in the Kitchen &April eatsAlso it too! 27: 35th are Annual in theAntique Auto Show all ages. featured giveaways and entertainment. 1pm. Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park,TODAY www.queensfarm.org. Take Book Your Party for the 2014 Season! the auto buff in your family to check out some true antique cars. Enjoy  Real Hands-On, Creativeautomobile Baking Birthdaymemorabilia, Parties & Classes historic tours, and hayrides. 11am. April New 12:Spacious, Earth Day Clean & Safe Exhibition Style Kitchen Built for Fun  All-Inclusive Party Packages for Birthdays of All Ages, Family Parties

Make A&Toy Out Of of Recycled Celebrations All Kinds  Professionally Staffed & Organized for Maximum Participation Materials, Alley Pond Environ& Enjoyment mental Center, 228-06 NorthSee Website Gourmet Cafe, Espresso Bar & Private Party Room For More Party Info ern Boulevard,  Choice of Douglaston, Catered Menu Options for Adults, Too & Check Our www.alleypond.com. Children Calendar Regularly Choose From Professionally Created Projects for Specials & agesDesigned 3-4 areToinvited to Baking cele- Experience Give A TRUE Holiday Classes Accomplishment! brate& Feeling Earth ofDay while learning • Cookie Baking & Decorating to take care Baking of the& Decorating planet. Make • Cupcake • Extreme Cupcake a ball-catcher toy Designs out of recycled materials. The program • Cookie-Chocolate Candy House Creation also •includes games, songs, a snack, live animals, and a Brownie Baking • Cake Decorating nature walk. Registration is required. 1:30pm.

April 23: Learn About Environmental Science, Queens Library: Sunnyside Branch, 43-06 Greenpoint Ave., http://greening.queenslibrary.org. Children age 5 and older are invited to receive environmental science lessons after school. From water cycles and electricity to ecological services, kids learn about their world and have fun at the same time. 3:30-4:30pm. April 27: Arbor Festival, Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing, www.queensbotanical.org. It’s a fun-filled day at QBG’s Arbor Festival. Enjoy a variety of activities for all ages including a petting zoo, arts and crafts, live music, facepainting, tours, food and craft vendors, consultations with tree and compost experts, and a beer tent! 11am-6pm.

PROOF

All Month Long Through April 11: Flight of the Butterflies in 3D, NY Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona, (718)699-0005, www.nysci. org. Millions of real butterflies take an amazing journey to a remote and secret hideaway. Weighing less than a penny, the monarch butterfly makes one of the longest migrations on Earth. Follow monarchs’ journey to the remote mountain Aprilthe26: Storyperilous Garden peaks of Mexico in this 3D film. For the first time ever, witness theMimi transformation caterpillar to butterfly, inside a chrysafor Me Yogafrom Studio, 76-11 37th lis,St., thanks to advanced MRI and micro CT scans. Times Vary. Jackson Heights, www.facebook. com/StoryGardenWithMissAlexia. Through April 13:the Amaluna, Field, 126th St. and RoosMiss Alexia, with help of aCiti magic evelt Ave., Flushing, www.cirquedusoleil.com. Prepare to be ukulele, leads a musical storytime amazed by the indefatigable troupe Cirque du Soleil, in this for children ages 0-4. Don’t miss this limited-run engagement. Amaluna, their latest extravaganza, weekly program, for which registratakes place on a mysterious island governed by goddesses. tionqueen, is required. 10am. Their Prospera, stirs up a storm that lands them a group of young men, one of whom strikes up a romance with the queen’s daughter. Times Vary.

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Metlife Early Learner Performance: Professor 40 I parentguide News I April 2014 Winklebottom’s Earth Science Circus, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave.,

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Every Wednesday in April: Nature-Themed Storytime and Craft, Queens Library: Broadway Branch, 40-20 Broadway, http://greening.queenslibrary.org. This nature-themed story time is geared towards children age 18 months-2.5 years. Besides reading books about the natural world, kids complete a nature-themed art project. 1:15-2pm.

Proof

Every Other Saturday in April: Dotty Dot!, Secret Theatre, 4402 23rd St., Long Island City, (718)392-0722, www.secrettheatre.com. This new musical for children depicts a day in the life of a very bossy little girl and her gang of quirky friends as they adventure to put on a play. But when Dotty gets too bossy and her mother forces her to come inside, will the neighborhood kids be able to work together to save the show? Find out. 2pm.

PROOF

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April 2014 I parentguide News I 41

UPDATE

by Donald McDermott

1 Say, “Goodbye” to the same old plastic wraps and foils and “Hello” to the PlateTopper, a hard plastic cover for plates that keeps food fresh longer. www.platetopper.com 2 Eliminate that dirty diaper smell from your home with help from the Whisper® Diaper Pail. The ground-breaking pail features a patented odor-free aerosol spray, hands-free lid, and a trap door that is wide enough for easy diaper disposal. www.whisperdiaperpail.com 3 Revolutionize the way you feed your baby with the Kiinde Twist feeding system, a unique product that allows you to directly put breast milk, from any pump, into leak-proof, easy-to-store packages. www.kiinde.com 4 Kolcraft Enterprises, Inc. is proud to announce the Kolcraft Cloud Umbrella Stroller. Lightweight and easy to use, it is the only stroller in its class to offer a storage basket, all-terrain wheels, one-step folding, and an expandable canopy for maximum coverage and shade. www.kolcraft.com 5 Parents, freshen up your facial care routine with From the Lab’s AM/PM Cleanser No. 586. It puts a twist on the classic water-free cleanser by introducing a unique formula with cutting-edge, anti-aging ingredients. www.fromthelab.com

6 Millions of Colors stands out as a beautiful and stylish fashion brand just for girls ages 2-14. www.millionsofcolorsny.com 7 Forgo slip-and-slide changes for you and baby thanks to Lili’s Bebe Pad. The safe, stylish product offers slip-resistant backing and a comfy surface that’s machine washable and dryer friendly. www.lilibebe.com 8 Invented by two creative moms, ciao! baby is the go-anywhere highchair for babies through 3 year olds that comes complete with a flexible seat and tray, requires no assembly, and is easy to clean. www.theportablehighchair.com 9 Often imitated but never surpassed, the BeaterBlade from New Metro Designs automatically pulls ingredients into the center of a mixing bowl so you never have to stop it and scrape by hand. www.newmetrodesign. com/content/beaterblade.html 10 Celebrated public artist Stephen Powers brings charming expressions of encouragement and devotion to loved ones near and far with I Paid the Light Bill Just to See Your Face: Love in Letters: 12 Notecards and Envelopes (Princeton Architectural Press). Send a letter from the set to receive a smile. www.amazon.com

Go to www.parentguidenews.com for a chance to win these great prizes! 42 I PARENTGUIDE News I April 2014

Donald McDermott is the managing editor.

Win

Story a Rendi 6 Tag r Kit e Board Start Does it seem like whenever arts and crafts time ends, you end up with a colossal mess? Or when the family whips up ice cream sundaes, does chocolate sauce get everywhere but your kid’s mouth? If so, put down the hose, pick up the camera, and send us a snapshot of your child’s messiest moment. Log onto www.parentguidenews.com to submit one photograph per family by the end of April. We’ll post select submissions the following day for viewer voting in May. The winner receives a Rendi 6 Tag Story Board Starter Kit. Rendi helps you capture and celebrate life’s most precious moments via www.rendistyle.com.

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