DECEMBER 2013
Suffolk
Program Directory Perfect picks for every kid
Time to Get Away Eight tips for family trips
Approaching
Autism
Ways to cope with the diagnosis
WIN
PRIZES www.parentguidenews.com Over 1,000 Exciting Family Events S
IN OUR
GIFT GUIDE
GIVEAWAY!
ating Particip With er Provid MANY nce Insura nies a Comp
vie Mo ps 10 ed O al e m The d A R e i n v A Mo ater e Th
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY Mary Ellen Nesnay, DMD Jeffrey Fong, DDS
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contents
table of
December 2013 Volume 30 • Number 12
C
Program Coverage
Birt
P. 16 Hearing, “I Quit?”...................... 16
Six ways to keep your kids in their programs.
Fam
Program Directory......................... 18
C
Leading programs and resources near you.
Don
This
Special Needs
Upd
P. 21
Esse
In S
Craf
It’s Autism......... 21
B
Life after the diagnosis.
Tra
Attra
Health & Fitness
Wh
A com
Mouth Myths.................................. 14 P. 14 The truth about children’s dental health.
Features
P. 28
Express Yourself............................ 12 Teaching communication skills to kids.
Art
Top Toys............................................. 26 Kids’ gifts for your lists.
Traffic, TSA, and Tantrums, Oh My!.. 28
C
Eight tips for surviving holiday travel with your kids.
P. P. 3232 Mixed-Media Mamas.................... 32 Give yourself permission to play.
I parentguide News I December 2013
Submis PAREN News r News, NY 11
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With 8 locations in Nassau and Suffolk counties, Kiddie AcademyÂŽ provides the best educational childcare on Long Island.
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December 2013 I parentguide News I
contents contents
ICE SKATING ICE HOCKEY
table of
ext. 209
• All Ages & Abilities • Beginner Programs for Boys and Girls • Emphasis on Fundamentals & Fun! • Competitions, recitals & shows • Unlimited FREE admission to public December 2013 sessions for all program enrollees
table of
• Specialized programs for beginners through advanced, all ages • Introductory Learn to Play Program, Ages 4-8 • In House Hockey League • Men’s Leagues • Hockey Clinics
Volume 30 • Number 12
December 2013 Volume 30 • Number 12
Contests
ext. 248
Program Coverage
Birthday Blowout.......................................................... 10
NY State LiceNSed FaciLitY P. 16 Hearing, “I Quit?”...................... 16
Family Favorite Photo Contest.................................... 43
Six waysPROVIDE to keep your kidsCHILD in their wITH programs. YOUR
ProgramTHE Directory......................... ACADEMIC EDGE! 18
Columns
Leading programs andCelebration! resources near you. Join in the • Art • Pre-Reading & Math Concepts • Science • Computer Lab • Music • Physical Education • Ice Skating • Dance
EXT. 260 Limited Openings
Don’t Miss........................................................................ 8 This month’s entertainment and activities.
Update............................................................................ 33
Special Needs BIRTHDAY PARTIES HaLF aNd FuLL daY cLaSSeS P. 21
Essential products and information for your brood.
In Season........................................................................ 42 Crafts and games to keep your clan warm all month long.
at the only twin, full-size all season skating facility in the metropolitan area.
It’s Autism......... 21
Bonus
Ten Children (min)...$17500 • Your party package includes....
Life after the diagnosis.
Special “Icing On The Cake” Invitations Two Hour Party 1 ¼ Hours of Skating Reserved Table at the Time Out Cafe Balloons 12 oz. Soda & choice of hot dog or pizza Skate rentals ext. 224 All paper goods
Free skating pass & special gift for birthday child Parents of Birthday child admitted free (skate rentals free) $15 for each additional child over the original 10 Beginners? Half hour group Lessons are available for $3000 per instructor
Travel Directory.............................................................. 30 Attractions and accommodations for great getaways.
Health & Fitness
What’s Happening........................................................ 36
A comprehensive listing of your neighborhood’s classes, performances, and events. Cover Credit: Dare 2b
Mouth Myths.................................. 14 Enjoydental Our Fabulous P. 14 The truth about children’s health. Indoor Skating Facility and The Great Outdoors at Hidden Pond Park Day Camp! ext. 201 P. 28 th • Ice Skating
Publisher Steve Elgort Editor-in-Chief Rachel Kalina
Features
Managing Editor Donald McDermott
• Open To Children 4 Yrs.-10 Grade • 4 or 5 Day Programs, 9am-4pm • Arts & Crafts Express Yourself............................ 12 • Extended AM/PM Hours Available • Computers Teaching communication • High Ropes • Low Camper/Counselor skills Ratio to kids. • Drama • Nurse and EMTS On Staff Daily Top • Go-Carts 26 • FunToys............................................. Theme Days Kids’ gifts for your • Mountain Biking • Swimming 2X Alists. Day • All Sports From Archery To Volleyball • HEATED POOLS
Associate Editor Samantha Chan Editorial Intern Jesse Berberich Art Directors Margaret Baldauf, Susanne Kimball, Ilana Rispoli Director of Web Development Kristen Jankowski Accounting Teresa Pinargote
Traffic, TSA, and Tantrums, Oh My!.. 28
Contributing Writers Andy Areffi, Melissa Areffi, Rich Brugger, Katie Bugbee, Princess Ivana Pignatelli Aragona Cortes, Anita Duhl Glicken, Debra Manchester MacMannis, Don MacMannis, Sallianne McClelland
Eight tips for surviving holiday travel with your kids.
631-232-3222
Advertising Managers Deirdre Antoniello, Karen Gibofsky, Bill Scalzitti
P. P. 3232
Advertising Sales Representatives Karin Mikelis, Jacalyn Rose, Susan Rush, Jennifer Serpi, Rena Spangler, Felicia Stafford, Erica Tiso
Mixed-Media Hidden Pond Park • 660 Terry rd., HauPPauge Mamas.................... 32 www.therinx.com
$1 oFF
Give yourself permission to play.
00
PGTV Producer Beth Elgort
admission To any Public skaTing session
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.
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I parentguide News I December 2013
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parentguidenews.com
Letter from the Editor U
by Rachel Kalina
Winter and its many festivities are Our Program Directory features many options for children upon us! PARENTGUIDE News still looking for their niche and to try something new. You’re wants to spread the holiday cheer. sure to find an activity within its pages for every type of interest. This issue is chock full of priz- Thinking of skipping town with the family during this wones and giveaways for our readers. derful but hectic time of year? Princess Ivana Pignatelli AragCheck out “Top Toys” to see our favorite ona Cortes lends insight on traveling with children during holgift picks for every child, and enter contests for a chance idays in “Traffic, TSA, and Tantrums, Oh My!” The real-life to win each present! As the year winds down and you re- princess and mom suggests helpful tips to reduce stress and flect on all the memories you and your children have make your vacation a memorable one. created in 2013, share with us your favorite one cap- More parenting tips abound in “It’s Autism” by Andy and tured a snapshot. Submit your• photo to the• Family Fa- Melissa Areffi. The authors have three children with autism, 419 Park Avenue South,in13th Floor, New York, NY 10016 212-213-8840 Fax 212-447-7734 vorite Photo Contest for a chance to win a De’Longhi and their article shares advice on how parents can cope when AC230 Air Purifier or tickets to: FAx #to Broadway’s Cinderella. a child is first diagnosed with the disorder. Resolutions are being made, and it’s a great time to teach Want the latest scoop on what are local moms and dads are your children about such commitments — in particular, those discussing? Find out and join in the conversation, too, at The From: iSSue DAte: they’ve made to hobbies, programs, and activities. Wheth- Sandbox Social blog at www.parentguidenews.com. er your kids are budding athletes or artists, they might go Please or fax your comments and/or oK.(or paint- Happy holidays and New Year! throughcall a phase of wanting to throw in the towel brush) when it comes to attending programs. Author Rich SigNAture oFBrugger APProvAl: offers six ways to deflect thoughts of giving up in “Hearing, ‘I Quit?’.”
Proof
ProoF
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We Buy, Sell and Trade Gently Used Kids’ Stuff!
SK-December 2013
Bring in your nearly new kids’ stuff, and we’ll pay you cash on the spot for all items accepted
HClothing • Infant To Size 10-12 (0-18 months must have tags) • Play Clothes • Dresswear • Outerwear
HShoes and Accessories
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WE ACCEPT ALL SEASON APPAREL HFurniture
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HBooks and Toys
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• High Chairs & Swings • Gates • Exersaucers • Pack N Plays • Bouncy Seats • Booster Seats (table) • Jumperoos
We have something for Everyone!! Over 30 Programs (ages 2 2--15yrs) Sports, Arts, Computers, & Travel
Campus Tours: Sat. Dec. 7th (10 (10--12pm) rsvp at camp@fa.org
Clothing must be in good condition, of current style, freshly laundered and neatly organized in boxes or other folding containers. Toys, equipment and furniture items must include all original parts, be clean and in good working condition and meet all industry safety standards. Because the safety of children is a top priority at Once Upon A Child, we are unable to purchase recalled or retrofitted products. We reserve the right to refuse items based on condition, current inventory levels and past experience.
Used Items Buy Back Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-3pm & Saturday 9am-1pm
Visit our website at
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your needs, your neighborhood
For more information (516) 393-4207 December 2013 I parentguide News I
Don’t
MiSS
Feeling Super
Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad all get to explore the new Sprixie Kingdom in Super Mario 3D World. Created exclusively for the Nintendo Wii U game system, this original, new multiplayer game from Nintendo offers hours of Mario Bros. fun for everyone! Super Mario 3D World is available now wherever video games are sold.
Back in the Hobbit
MGM and Warner Bros. present the second half of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. Peter Jackson co-wrote and directs this amazing tale that follows Bilbo, the dwarves, and Gandalf as they continue the journey to get their gold back from the dragon, Smaug. Available in 2D, 3D and IMAX 3D, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, opens on December 13.
Circus Legends
Luminocity, the latest show from the Big Apple Circus, sets up its onering tent at Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park in New York City through January 12. Now in its 36th spectacular season, the entertaining show offers aerial feats, flawless jugglers, astounding acrobats, playful pooches, and much more, all no more than 50 feet from the stage. For tickets, directions and more information, visit www.bigapplecircus.org.
Christmas Miracles
Nathan Andrews is a young doctor who rethinks his career when he loses a patient in the Hallmark Channel original movie, The Christmas Blessing. Nathan finds himself questioning fate and the fragility of life, all the while hoping for a Christmas Miracle. Starring Neil Patrick Harris, Rebecca Gayheart, and Rob Lowe, The Christmas Blessing airs on the Hallmark Channel December 21. Check your local listings.
Still Despicable
Brighten someone’s holiday season this year by putting Despicable Me 2 in his stocking. This summer’s worldwide, smash hit follows the animated adventures of Gru, his three adopted daughters, and a multitude of hilarious minions. The new DVD release provides everything from 45 minutes of bonus features to three, new, minion mini-adventures. Despicable Me will be available on DVD, Digital HD, BluRay, and in a special BluRay Combo Pack, on December 10.
December
by Donald McDermott
The Main Event
Children, teens and adults can become John Cena, The Rock, Hulk Hogan, CM Punk, The Undertaker, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and all of their favorite superstars from the past 30 years in WWE 2K14. The amazing, new, video game from 2K Sports offers more than 45 matches designed to celebrate three decades of WrestleMania. Pick up your copy today for the XBOX 360 and Playstation 3 game systems.
Dynasty on DVD
Lionsgate Home Entertainment proudly presents Duck Dynasty: Seasons 1-3. The backwoods, bearded bunch comes right into your home on DVD and BluRay in a wonderful collector’s set that would make the perfect gift this holiday season. Available in stores and online December 3, the set includes the first three seasons, never-before-released bonus features, and a limited-edition Duck Camo bandana.
Frosty Good Fun
Go along on an unforgettable ride across a winter wonderland with Frozen. The new release from Disney Animation Studios focuses around a fearless young optimist named Anna. When Anna’s sister Elsa uses her icy powers to trap the kingdom in eternal winter, Anna is forced to team up with Kristoff and a hilarious snowman named Olaf in hopes of stopping Elsa and saving the day. Frozen is in theaters now.
Scholastic Stories
Scholastic Storybook Treasures makes it a holiday season to remember with Merry Christmas, Splat...and More Winter Stories. Available in stores and online now, the holiday-theme DVD includes celebrity narration, a read-along function, behind-the-scenes features, and endearing animated tales.
Just Dance
Families have even more reason to get up and dance because Just Dance 2014 is available now for the Nintendo Wii, Playstation 3, XBOX 360, Nintendo Wii U, and Playstation 4 game systems. Ubisoft’s sequel to Just Dance 4 comes complete with all-new moves, new modes and features, and more than 40 of the hottest tracks! Take your party to the next level by picking up a copy today.
Donald McDermott is the managing editor. I parentguide News I December 2013
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December 2013 I parentguide News I
Music and Movement
December
The BayWay Arts Center, 265 E. Main St., East Islip, presents two, original musicals for audiences of all ages. Everyone’s favorite, green ogre goes on a quest to rescue a princess in Shrek the Musical, running December 1-22. And from December 7 to 28, a young girl tries to make the holiday special in Madeline’s Christmas. Get your tickets by calling the box office at (631)581-2700 or visiting www.broadhollow.org.
PROOF
Shop ‘Til You Drop
Feelin’ Frosty
A popular holiday character becomes
by Donald McDermott
Old Fashioned Festivities
The historic seaport village of Port Jefferson is transformed into a living stage during the 18th annual Charles Dickens Festival. Families from all around Long Island gather to celebrate the beloved author with carriage rides, costumed performers, contests, and dozens of old-fashioned activities. The festivities take place December 6-8 along Main Street in Port Jefferson. Find out more by calling (631)473-1414 or logging onto www.portjeffchamber.com.
PROOF
www.parentguidenews.com 212-213-8840 the focus of a live musical show• when
Discover bargains galore at the Holiday Fine Arts & Crafts Fair. The Art League of Long Island hosts this two-day event featuring art demonstrations, raffles, food, drinks, and an array of artists and craftspeople with items for sale. Pay a visit on December 7 and 8 at the Art League of Long Island, 107 E. Deer Park Ave., Dix Hills. Admission is free. For directions and more, contact the Art League at (631)462-5400 or visit www.artleagueli.org.
S MB 12/13
Frosty the Snowman takes the stage at the Broadhollow Theatre, 141 S. Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst. Frosty and his friend Jenny must save the town of Chillsville from Ethel Pierpot’s evil plan to melt all the snow in a performance for the whole family. Call the box office at (631)226-8400 or visit www.broadhollow.org for tickets.
Homes for the Holidays
Celebrate the season and spend quality time as a family by being a part of the Holiday Homes Tour on December 7. Dress warm and go along for a special stroll to see five, beautifully decorated, Amityville homes for the holidays. Afterward, enjoy free tea and cookies in town. Call (631)691-8435 to reserve your spot.
Win $100
our Toward Y rty! a P y a d h t t Bir x e N s ’ d l i h C Calling All April 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 April. 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.
Save BIG at www.parentguidenews.com
Turn your child’s special day into something spectacular. 10 I parentguide News I December 2013
parentguidenews.com
Creature Feature
December
A Christmas Classic
Join staff and volunteers at the Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown for an afternoon of learning in the Cold Climate Creatures program on December 14. The exciting and educational event incorporates live animals and interactive games to study the tools animals use to survive. To hold your place, call (631)979-6344 or go to www.sweetbriarnc.org.
PROOF
Make your holiday season even more special by treating your family to a performance of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. A true Christmas classic based on the 1954 film, the musical follows two army veterans turned vaudeville stars. Irving Berlin’s White Christmas runs through January 5 at the John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport. For tickets and more information, call (631)261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.
PROOF
Holiday Shopping
Brunch with Santa
with a visit to The East End Arts Council Holiday Gift Boutique. Visitors will discover an array of great homemade items and unique gift ideas at totally affordable prices. The doors will be open through December 23 at the East End Arts Council, 133 East Main St., Riverhead. For hours, directions and more information, call (631)727-0900 or visit www.eastendarts.org.
ternoon at Watermill during Brunch With Santa! Visitors enjoy an extensive buffet and take photos with Santa during a morning that is sure to delight children and adults of all ages. The event is held on December 15 and 22 at Watermill Caterers, 711 Smithtown Bypass, Smithtown. Go to www.watermillcaterers.com or call (631)724-3242 for reservations.
Treat your family to a fun-filled A Memorable Morning • af212-213-8840 Finish up your last-minutewww.parentguidenews.com shopping
S MB 12/13
Mark your calendar and head over to the Fire Island Lighthouse at Captree Island on December 14 for some holiday fun during the 11th Annual Reenactment of the Flying Santa. The Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society hosts a special, morning event that includes a chance to meet and take pictures with Santa. Admission is free. Call (631)321-7028 or visit www.fireislandlighthouse.com. Donald McDermott is the managing editor.
Schechter School of Long Island:
A K-12 Jewish Day School providing a dual curriculum of excellence and opening doors to endless possibilities, within a safe, caring and supportive community. Schedule your private tour today! Please contact:
Now Accepting Applications for All Grades.
Dr. Tracy Kaplowitz Director of Admissions and Community Engagement Tel. 516.935.1441, Ext. 1115 | admissions@schechterli.org
Excellence Community Possibilities your needs, your neighborhood
Please visit us at: www.schechterli.org
FOllOW us ON FacebOOk:
facebook.com/ssds.sshsli
December 2013 I parentguide News I 11
O
ne of the most common challenges facing families today is how to communicate feelings in ways that help instead of hurt. Effective techniques are available, so it’s just a matter of learning these tools and putting them into practice. Whether it’s anger, hurt, fear, sadness, or guilt, research tells us that feelings want to come out. Feelings held too long inside can result in withdrawal, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and a whole rash of psychosomatic problems such as headaches, stomach aches, and difficulty sleeping. On the other hand, expressing feelings in hurtful ways such as with insults, meltdowns, sarcasm, withdrawal, or acting out can create great strains on relationships. There are at least five main ways that children learn how to communicate. These include: watching adult family members as they interact, observing how adults communicate with them, engaging with their siblings, viewing examples on TV shows and in movies, and participating in peer interactions. Since sibling relationships are one of the most important templates for how kids get along with their peers, it’s vital that parents teach social skills to their kids and encourage healthy sibling interac12 I parentguide News I December 2013
tions. Think of life inside the family as a laboratory for learning how to get along with others. Bickering between siblings is one of the most common symptoms that arises from not having the tools to work out feelings. During therapy sessions with families, one of our favorite, lead-in questions is, “Do you guys ever recycle, or do you throw everything in the trash?” We’ll get affirmative answers about recycling things like bottles, cans, and newspapers, and then follow up with, “That’s great, but do you know how to recycle your relationship when things get strained?” The point of the question becomes obvious. One of the conflict-resolution tools that we teach parents and kids is called The Repair Kit. It can provide an effective path toward forgiveness, conflict resolution, and bringing out the best in one another. Once acquired, this method can be used as frequently as needed to help things run smoother.
The Repair Kit In this scenario, person 1 starts as the speaker and person 2 as the listener. Both participants sit face to face so their knees are parentguidenews.com
almost touching. Deep breaths are suggested to help the listener avoid becoming anxious or defensive. If everyone can agree, person 1 shares with person 2 each of the following:
1. A genuine appreciation toward the other.
S
tudies show that people report greater life satisfaction and fewer physical symptoms on the exact days when they feel more understood by others in verbal interactions. Neuroscientists explain that when people feel heard and understood, their emotional brains settle down.
2. Something that upsets him. Examples: “It made me mad when you teased me about my shirt today,” or “I don’t like it when…”
Proof
3. A wish or a want that would help fix the upsetting issue. Example: “I want you to be nice to me and not tease me.”
After sharing one way, the flow reverses so that person 1 becomes the listener and person 2 becomes the speaker. Participants should also pause to take deep breaths when reversing roles. Conscious breathing is one of the fastest and most effective de-stressors available.
If you’re thinking that you and your partner may want to try a few couple’s tune-ups with The Repair Kit, don’t be embarrassed! That’s often the case, and you can use the exact same model. We’ve taught it to thousands of couples, too.
We can’t overemphasize the importance of healthy communication. In happy, loving families, everyone takes time to check in and learn how to talk and listen to one another. They know how to repair hurt feelings instead of withdrawing or becoming hurtful to each other. As hard as connecting can be in the hurried pace of our day-to-day lives, quality communication is more important than ever.
Proof
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
It also helps if parents introduce kids ages 5 and older to The Repair Kit as part of a family meeting when things are going well. Explain, “We know that broken things such as a flat tire need repair. We have also learned that when people aren’t acting in caring ways toward each other, something needs to be fixed.” The adults can first model The Repair Kit, and then have each family member practice by pretending to be upset with one another about something.
your needs, your neighborhood
Don and Debra MacMannis are a team both at home and at the office. Married for more than 30 years, the couple have simultaneously served as directors of the Family Therapy Institute of Santa Barbara, a nonprofit organization. In 2009, Don won the title of “Best Family Therapist” in a poll taken by SBParent.com. In 2010, Debra was honored with an Award for Service to the Community by local therapists and the Mayor of Santa Barbara. Additional tips and tools can be found at www.howsyourfamily.com. Don’s award-winning songs and activities related to communication skills may be found at www.kidseps.com.
December 2013 I parentguide News I 13
The truth about children’s dental health
by Anita Duhl Glicken, M.S.W.
MOUTH
MYTHS
Throughout the last decade, oral health has become an important topic of discussion in the health care community. Many studies now link oral health to overall health. A person’s mouth is teeming with bacteria, but most of them are harmless. Normally, the body’s natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, can keep bacteria under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Cavities are the result of a bacterial infection, and young children can “catch” the harmful bacteria that cause cavities. It’s important to try to keep these harmful bacteria from our children’s mouths during their first year or two. If left unchecked, they become the dominant bacteria, and the child with them could experience a lifetime of tooth decay. Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood. It is five times more common than asthma. Untreated, tooth decay can have serious, negative effects on a child’s physical, social, and educational development. Mouth pain makes it difficult to eat a healthy diet, to learn to speak properly, and to concentrate in school. Untreated tooth decay in baby teeth can damage a child’s permanent teeth. 14 I parentguide News I December 2013
The benefits of oral health education and prevention (screening and counseling regarding diet and oral care habits, fluoride varnish application) significantly outweigh the cost of dental disease. For example, full mouth restoration in a hospital operating room costs $6,000 to $10,000. Preventative fluoride varnish application costs 75 cents, takes less than three minutes, and can be done during routine visits to the dentist’s office. Here are some tips to get you started in the right direction when facing common myths about oral health:
1 - It’s okay to share utensils and cups with your children
while eating. Almost every parent is guilty of it, but parents should always use a separate utensil or cup when eating with their child. Recent studies have shown young children can get cavities from Streptococcus mutans (MS), a bacterium that can pass from person to person through the transfer of saliva. A 2008 study in Pediatric Dentistry pointed to mothers as the primary source of the MS colonization in their children.
2 - Blowing on food is the best way to cool down your child’s
meal. Well, not if you are worried about their oral health. MS bacteria can easily be transferred to food and then to children’s mouths. parentguidenews.com
3 - Sugar eats tooth enamel, causing cavities. The true culprit
is the bacteria in the mouth, which convert sugar into enamel-eroding acid. Tooth enamel does not grow back, and once destroyed, sensitive dentine are exposed to decay. Cutting back on sugary foods provides less fuel for bacteria, and brushing and flossing regularly are vital to keep bacteria and cavity counts low.
4 - Losing baby teeth to tooth decay is okay. It is a common myth that losing baby teeth due to tooth decay is insignificant because baby teeth fall out anyway. Tooth decay in baby teeth can actually result in damage to the developing crowns of the permanent teeth growing below them. If baby teeth are lost prematurely, the permanent teeth may erupt mal-positioned and eventually require orthodontics.
5 - You don’t need to worry about cavities in baby teeth. As men-
tioned above, baby teeth hold the space for permanent teeth. If cavities are left untreated in baby teeth, they can develop into serious pain and abscesses. Occasionally the infection can spread to other areas of the body, and in rare occasions, it can even result in death.
As parents, we want what is best for our children. Be sure when you visit your doctor’s office that the health care professionals you see evaluate all areas of your child’s health, including their oral health. These medical professionals can easily be the first to spot early signs of tooth decay and other oral diseases. They can help your dentist nip the problem in the bud before it gets out of hand. And, of course, practice good oral health care with your children, ensuring they brush their teeth twice per day, floss, and limit sugary foods. These simple things can secure them healthy smiles many years down the road.
Anita Duhl Glicken, M.S.W., is the president and C.E.O. of the nccPA Health Foundation and is project leader of the National Interprofessional Initiative on Oral Health (NIIOH) Physician Assistant Initiative. The program is leading the oral health charge among primary care providers, such as certified physician assistants who are often on the frontlines of oral health emergencies, education, and prevention.
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ProoF 419 Park Avenue South, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734 to:
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license d byrengY ForoSfuCisSteronffoicwe mhmiledre &2Fam r Canmp 012! ily Servic es
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PROGRAM DIRECTORY
Discover Some of the Area’s Finest Programs & Resources! Programs
your next special or corporate event, intramural competition, bar/bat mitzvah, or birthday party at Bounce!
BounceU Farmingdale Bounce! Trampoline Sports® 101 Carolyn Boulevard, Farmingdale, NY 11735 310 Michael Drive, Syosset, NY 11791 (631)777-JUMP (5867) (516)762-1300 www.bounceu.com/farmingdale infoli@bounceonit.com. BounceU Farmingdale was voted “Long Island’s Best Children’s www.bounceonit.com/syosset/ Party Place,” “Best Family Amusement” and “Best Camp” for 2011 Bounce! Trampoline Sports® offers one of the most exciting fitness 419inPark Avenue South, Floor,Press. New York, NYdo 10016 212-213-8840 • Faxawesome 212-447-7734 419 Park Avenue South, New jumping, York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax by the Long13th Island What you •get when you mix trends in America: training, working out, and212-447-7734 playing inflatable structures; a clean, climate-controlled environment; door sports on massive, interconnected trampoline courts. Bounce! incredible customer service; and non-stop Trampoline’s jumping courts vary FAX in size to: FAx # excitement in a privateTO: # and purpose. Also featured party atmosphere? You get one of the best parties ever! BounceU are a slam dunk basketball court, the first-ever trampoline bungee Farmingdale is an indoor party and entertainment venue that features jump, a snack bar/lounge, a dedicated toddler/youth area for kids ages warehouse-sized rooms filled withiSSue giantDAte: inflatable structures for all 2-6, and a state-of-the-art sound system. Bounce! offers fun physical From: FROM: ISSUE DATE: ages. It provides a variety of activities for both children and adults. activities for all ages. Children and adults can play in foam pits, and Enjoy enormous slides, inflatable games like boxing and basketball, kids can enjoy one-of-a-kind inflatables. Popular activities include free much comments more! From field tripsoK. and fundraisjump, where visitors are invited to perform tricks like flips Pleasecourses, call orand faxsoyour and/or Please call or fax your comments and/or OK.and twists; obstacle ers to club outings and team parties, every event is all about “U!” trampoline dodgeball; and slam dunk basketball. Skateboarders, boogie Cleanliness and safety are top priorities at BounceU, where the staff boarders, snowboarders are all welcome to practice their skills on the SigNAture isoFalways APProvAl: SIGNATURE high-quality OF APPROVAL:trampolines at Bounce! For safety, each court features attentive to your needs. Whether scheduling a preschool play date, open bounce session, birthday party or fundraiser, make trampoline walls topped by netting and covered padding over spring BounceU your number 1 choice for “creating memories that last a areas. Families, school and camp groups, leagues, organizations, and lifetime.” teams are welcome to come bounce off of the floors and walls! Host
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Give Your Young Explorer a Season Surrounded by Nature at
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium SANTA SATURDAYS!
December 7th, 14th, & 21st • 11am-3pm Have your little one enjoy the Hatchery with Santa.
HOLIDAY BREAK AT THE HATCHERY & AQUARIUM December 26 , 27 , 30 & 31 th
th
th
st
Make your ow holiday ornam n to be displaye ent Hatchery & A d on the quar Christmas ium’s Available throtree. ugh December. out
11am- Hatchery Tour 2pm- Live Animal Encounter 1pm- Trout Feeding Demonstration 3pm- Trout Feeding Demonstration
make beautiful music together.
Exciting family classes—a rich musical environment that encourages your infant, toddler, or preschooler to explore the joy of music. Find out what beautiful music you and your family can make together.
Birthday Parties!
Celebrate while exploring the aquarium, feeding fish & enjoying a live animal presentation!
1660 Rt. 25A, Cold Spring Harbor • 516-692-6768 • CSHFHA.org A non-profit freshwater game fish hatchery and a leading environmental education center devoted to increasing public awareness and knowledge of the freshwater ecosystems of Long Island.
18 I parentguide News I December 2013
(800) 728-2692 . musictogether.com Classes in Long Island and Queens. MusicTogetherLI-Queens.com
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PROGRAM DIRECTORY
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
Proof
BounceU Smithtown 62 Lake Ave., Nesconset, NY 11767 (631)265-JUMP (5867) nesconset.ny@bounceu.com www.bounceu.com BounceU of Smithtown specializes in perfect party ideas and fun programs. It offers amazing inflatable structures, unbeatable customer service, and a climate-controlled environment, so you can enjoy a great time all year. BounceU is happy to host your team or holiday events as well as school or camp field trips. Its state-of-the-art, clean inflatables are a blast for kids, who can get fit while having fun. Teams that visit love the bounce stadiums and games. Classes that stop by participate activities that build their social skills. Scout troops may earn BounceU Participation Patches. Open Bounces are available as Preschool Playdates or All Ages during the year as well. Children bounce, socialize and participate in games. Private parties and fundraisers at BounceU are super easy for parents and exciting for kids. Call or log online to learn more. Children’s Center at Farmingdale State University of New York, The Farmingdale, NY 11735 (631)420-2125 crispil@farmingdale.edu www.farmingdale.edu/childcare The Children’s Center has been a well-kept secret since 1980. It is nestled on the grounds of Farmingdale State College. The program serves children ages eight weeks through pre-k and offers a warm and friendly atmosphere. The center provides a wide range of developmentally appropriate experiences that foster learning, creativity and problem solving, as well as promote a lifelong love of learning. The center boasts four separate fenced-in play yards for large motor development. Children also benefit from activities sponsored by the college. The center is open year round and offers a summer camp program for children ages 5-12 years. It also offers school vacation care for children in grades k through 6 starting in September 2012. Pre-registration is required. Fall 2013: a new building, for which construction has already begun, opens! Visit the website for updates. Call for more information or to schedule a visit.
• • • • • • • •
You’ ve Neve r Se en Anyt hing Like It!
Trampoline Dodgeball Slam Dunk Basketball Enormous Open Jump Court Multiple Foam Pits First Ever Indoor Trampoline Bungee Jumps Bounce! Jr zone for the Younger Set Check Website for Fitness Class Schedules ...And Now Volleyball!
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Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724 (516)692-6768 info@cshfha.org www.cshfha.org The nonprofit Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery is an environmental education center and public aquarium that raises and stocks trout. It has the largest living collection of New York State freshwater reptiles, fish and amphibians. The Hatchery features two aquarium buildings and eight outdoor ponds. Each year schools, scouts and other groups visit the Hatchery to learn about the freshwater ecosystems of New York State. Elementary school-level programs, such as Fins and Jaws and Habitats and Life Cycles, and secondary level programs, such as Pond Life and Freshwater Ecology, complement New York State learning standards and enrich the learning experience of students. The Hatchery’s seasonal Egg Stripping program allows students to witness a centuries-old technique of fish breeding. The Hatchery additionally offers programming with outreach options. Working in conjunction with Trout in the Classroom, the Hatchery is able to bring Egg Stripping programs into schools. Enrichment and Scout programs are also available. All programs include time indoors and outdoors. Please have your students dress appropriately for the weather. Programs run rain or shine.
on red u t a , Fe how S y a om Tod e fr v i L & CBS uch o C the Good Fox NY! Day
Italian Language Littles, Inc. Wind’n Willow Preschool 1201 North Broadway, Massapequa, NY 11758 (631)957-3321 italianlanguagelittles@gmail.com www.italianlanguagelittles.com Benvenuti! Welcome to Italian Language Littles, where students experiyour needs, your neighborhood
Perfect for Birthday Parties, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, Fundraisers, School & Camp Outings and Corporate Team Building! 310 Michael Dr., Syosset • 516-762-1300 bounceonit.com • infoLI@bounceonit.com facebook.com/bouncesyosset twitter.com/bouncesport
December 2013 I parentguide News I 19
PROGRAM DIRECTORY
Oh My Girls! (516)802-5800 www.ohmygirls.com Oh My Girls! is a unique, cooking, fitness and health club designed exclusively for girls ages 8-18. Its focus is on the physical, nutritional, cognitive and social well-being of young girls. OMG! creates an environment that aims to put the fun back in girlhood while guiding its members toward healthful and successful living. The club was founded by two mothers of young girls who are professionally credentialed in the areas of psychology, counseling, physical fitness, life coaching and law. It has a full commercial kitchen, physical fitness room, an organic make-your-own smoothie bar, and a small boutique for apparel and accessories. A circular-shaped workshop room promotes oneon-one communication during classes, which run the gamut from building positive body image to navigating the challenges of middle school. Oh My Girls! offers a variety of fitness classes that recognize the different exercise demands appropriate for developing adolescent bodies. Oh My Girls! staff of professional chefs lead healthy cooking classes that educate girls in nutrition, Music Together of Long Island Queens 419 Park Avenue South, 13th Floor, New York, NYand 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734healthy choices, self-sufficiency and recipe calculations. The club also runs Girl Scout events, birthday celebrations and other special events for tween and Locations: www.musictogetherli-queens.com teen girls. OMG! is a media-free zone, where girls unplug from electronics Music Together is a delightful, joyous approach to music-making to: FAx #preschoolers and the adults and plug back into their lives. The owners of the center aim to make Oh My with your child. For infants, toddlers, Girls! the ultimate stepping stone for every girl to reach her full potential. who love them, Music Together offers families an opportunity to sing, dance and play rhythm instruments in a relaxed, playful, From: iSSue DAte: Professor Pedals non-performance-oriented setting. It nourishes parents’ efforts (516)375-8492 to create a rich musical environment at home, regardless of their www.professorpedals.com musical abilities. Offered in ten-to-12-week sessions in many Please call or fax your comments and/or oK. Professor Pedals teaches kids and adults how to ride two-wheeled bicycles. independently owned locations throughout Long Island and Queens, They provide one-on-one training lessons for mastering bicycle riding and these 45-minute classes are specifically designed to accommodate safety skills. Lessons take place at the student’s home or site. Professor Pedals unique learning style of the very young while being highly SigNAturethe oF APProvAl: has a progressive approach to teaching that improves performance and builds engaging to their adult companions. Music Together is based on confidence, as well as reduces stress and fear. Lessons are structured to meet the philosophy that all children are musical; you may be surprised the strengths and abilities of the individual student. Proprietary training to find that you are, too! ence the fun and excitement of learning Italian! Children can enroll in a language immersion workshop, in which they learn Italian through hands-on experiences, music and movement, games, storytelling, puppetry, arts and crafts, and more. Students develop an appreciation for other cultures, improvement in school performance, problem-solving skills and more. Children who learn a second language before adolescence may achieve native-like pronunciation. The creation of Matthew and Teresa Drucker, Italian Language Littles is the realization of their long-time love of Italian. Because Teresa is a first generation ItalianAmerican, she maintains strong ties to the cultural traditions and language of her parents. Her expertise as an early childhood educator sets the backdrop for educational and fun classes. Matthew, a high school Italian teacher who once lived in Florence, helps bring creative ideas for language learning to Italian Language Littles. Teresa and Matthew’s Italian Language Littles will ensure your child a stimulating environment for today and a bright future for tomorrow. Ongoing enrollment.
Proof
ProoF
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
Benvenuti!
Welcome!
Ongoing Enrollment for Winter/Spring 2014 Registration 45 Minute Language Immersion Workshops • Music & Movement, Games • Storytelling, Puppetry • Arts & Crafts & Much More!
We Offer Classes for Children Ages 2 and Up.
Experience the Fun & Excitement of Learning Italian!
Classes held at: Wind ’n Willow Preschool
1201 North Broadway • Massapequa, NY
For more info, call 631-957-3321 or visit italianlanguagelittles.com 20 I parentguide News I December 2013
If your child is not doing what other kids the same age are doing— ask questions…and get answers.
Call us at 516-731-5588 (press 6) www.mksalomon.com
moving • behaving •
Language Littles
playing • talking • smiling
walking • eating • learning
ITALIAN
info@mksalomon.com
125 E. Bethpage Rd., Plainview NY 11803 The Early Intervention program is funded by NYS & county governments for children birth to 3 suspected of having a developmental disability or delay. Services are authorized by the county. The CPSE program is funded & regulated by the NYS Education Department, county and your local school district for children 3-5. Services for both programs are provided at no direct cost to families for children who meet eligibility guidelines.
listening • sharing • asking parentguidenews.com
SPECIAL NEEDS & HEALTH PROGRAM & FITNESS DIRECTORY devices and techniques are used to assist in a progressive and efficient learning process. Professor Pedals is fully insured and a member of the League of American Bicyclists. The Rinx 660 Terry Road, Hauppauge, NY 11788 (631)232-3222 www.therinx.com Kids will be having so much fun at The Rinx’s ice skating and ice hockey classes, they won’t even realize how much they’re learning! The Rinx Ice Skating School teaches basic ice skating principles at the earliest stages and reinforces them in greater depth as the student advances, providing the basis to enjoy a lifetime of recreational skating or to serve as a foundation for success in figure skating. Classes are formed for Tots (3½-5), Children (6-12), teens and adults, and according to skill level. Students achieve steady progress in a relaxed, enjoyable and fun setting. The nationally recognized United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA) testing system is used, and students who pass an USFSA skill level receive an appropriate patch free of charge! And since practice lessons are so important, the Rinx provides unlimited free admission to any public session during the class term! Whether your child plays forward, defense or tends goal, there is a program for him to achieve his potential in ice hockey at The Rinx Hockey School. They offer specialized programs for beginners through advanced, tots through adults. The Rinx Hockey School offers affordable hockey clinics all year long. There is also a summer hockey camp that runs for eight weeks from June through August. Classes and clinics this good go fast — so register now!
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indoor sports facility that offers year-round private and group training. Programs are available for baseball, softball, soccer, and lacrosse. Dedicated W.E.S.T. instructors help your children train in the sports they love. Additionally available are batting cage and turf field rentals, open dodgeball games every Friday night, weekly sports classes for preschool-age children, flag football and soccer leagues, school and summer break programs, travel team training programs, and seasonal events. Visit W.E.S.T. to check out its enormous facility and exciting programs. W.E.S.T. is also home to some of Long Island’s best sportstheme birthday parties for children ages 3 and older. Its reasonably priced, full-service parties offer parents a stress-free option for celebrating their child’s special day. All W.E.S.T. parties include full use of the turf field, a private party room, and hosts to lead guests through fun, active games. Call today to reserve a party date.
Parent/Child Resources
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Long Island Visitation & Family Services, Inc.
329 E. Main St., Smithtown, NY 11787 www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
Winner’s Edge Sports Training (W.E.S.T.) 156 Railroad St., Huntington Station, NY 11746 (631)367-WEST(9378) www.winnersedgesportstraining.com Winner’s Edge Sports Training (W.E.S.T.) is a 12,000-square-foot
(631)656-8411 www.longislandvisitationandfamilyservices.com With more than 18 years of experience in parenting education, supervised visitation, and family services, Luci Monette, M.A., brings to you her compassion for people. As owner and executive director of Long Island Visitation & Family Services, Inc., Luci is also dedicated to providing children with the opportunity to have positive memories with their parents and loved ones despite family circumstances. LIVFS offers the wellregarded, research-based Common Sense Parenting curriculum for parents of children ages 2-16. This course discusses straightforward methods of positive discipline, which are easily implemented at home. Included is information on child development, parents as teachers, reasonable
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your needs, your neighborhood
December 2013 I parentguide News I 21
PROGRAM SPECIAL NEEDS DIRECTORY & HEALTH & FITNESS DIRECTORY expectations, effective praise, preventive teaching, corrective teaching, and teaching self-control. Participants receive a parent handbook, all course material, and light refreshments during class. Additionally, LIVFS offers various supervised visitation services, such as on- and off-site visits, supervised exchanges, and Coached Visitation, as well as comprehensive home evaluations. Services are offered in a comfortable, relaxed setting at times to suit busy schedules. Day, evening, and weekend programs are available. For services in Spanish, call (631)601-4441. For more information regarding services, dates of upcoming courses, and fees, please call (631)656-8411 or visit LIVFS on the Web.
Special Needs
Proof
J.M. Ladge Speech & Hearing Center C.W. Post Campus/Long Island University Northern Boulevard, Brookville, NY 11548 (516)299-2437 www.liu.edu/cwpost/ladge The C.W. Post J.M. Ladge Speech & Hearing Center serves as a complete diagnostic and therapeutic facility providing speech, language and audiological services for children as well as adults with communication disorders. All services are offered at reasonable rates during day and evening hours. A full range of services include evaluation and treatment of articulation and phonological disorders and language and language learning difficulties, including difficulty with auditory processing and phonemic awareness, stuttering, aphasia and voice disorders. The Center offers accent reduction services for adults and students, stroke rehabilitation programs and groups for children focused on listening, reading readiness and delayed speech/language development. Individual feeding and swallowing services are available, as are mealtime play and language play groups, for those from birth through age 5. For further information, contact Dr. Joyce Rubenstein, Ph.D., director of the Ladge Speech & Hearing Center at C.W. Post, jrubenst@liu.edu.
Marion K. Salomon & Associates 125 East Bethpage Road, Plainview, NY 11803 (516)731-5588 www.mksalomon.com Marion K. Salomon & Associates believes early diagnosis and treatment are important in improving children’s confidence and competence in all areas. This is a caring group of professionals with many years of experience in working with infants and children of all ages. Marion K. Salomon & Associates makes every effort to enhance your child’s development and to respond quickly and sensitively to your concerns as parents and caregivers. Its goal is to provide prompt accurate evaluations, effective treatment and support for families in Long Island, Queens and Brooklyn. Services offered are: speech and language pathology, Prompt, special education, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), physical and occupational therapies, nutritional counseling, psychological and social work services. Marion K. Salomon & Associates is known for its accurate and perceptive autism diagnostic evaluations. If your child receives home-based services, Marion K. Salomon & Associates will go to wherever your child is; at home, in school, at daycare, etc. Marion K. Salomon & Associates also offers services at its Plainview clinic, including parent and child groups and play and social groups. Marion K. Salomon & Associates adds new options all the time. Please check the website for information about clinic services, groups, trainings and workshops.
Proof
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
Fidelis Care (888)FIDELIS / (888)343-3547 www.fideliscare.org In New York State, there are more than 343,000 children younger than 19 without health insurance. It’s a shocking statistic considering there is free or low-cost coverage available to nearly every child younger than 19, regardless of family income, through the state’s Child Health Plus program. Child Health Plus with Fidelis Care offers children comprehensive coverage, including regular checkups, hospitalization, emergency treatment, lab tests,
’ 156 Railroad Street Huntington Station
“Build your Own” party packages start at $299 Be a guest at your child’s next birthday party !
INDOOR SPORTS FACILITY
Program Registration Going On Now For All Ages BASEBALL, SOFTBALL, SOCCER & LACROSSE Private Lessons, Group Classes, & Clinics Indoor Batting Cages & Turf Playing Field Friday Night Dodgeball, Flag Football & Soccer Leagues
www.WinnersEdgeSportsTraining.com 22 I parentguide News I December 2013
631-367-WEST parentguidenews.com
SPECIAL NEEDS & HEALTH PROGRAM & FITNESS DIRECTORY
X-rays, eye care, well-child visits, immunizations, preventive care and schedule an appointment, call or check out the website. more. Through partnerships with providers and local communities, Fidelis Care works to foster a healthier future for children and their families. Fidelis Care offers a spectrum of health and wellness programs and services, such Enrichment/Tutoring Services as AsthmaCare, DiabetesCare and BabyCare, with a special focus on health awareness and prevention activities. Fidelis Care serves more than 783,000 Mathnasium Learning Centers members in 59 counties statewide through a growing network of more than 43-17 Bell Boulevard, Bayside (718)747-MATH (6284) 51,000 providers. Individuals seeking affordable health insurance coverage www.mathnasium.com/bayside shouldSouth, contact toll-free at (888)FIDELIS (888-343-3547) or 3430 Sunrise Highway, Wantagh (516)799-MATH (6284) 419 Park Avenue 13thFidelis Floor, Care New York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734 visit www.fideliscare.org. 414 Central Ave., Cedarhurst (516)569-1500 www.mathnasium.com/fivetowns TO: FAX # That Broadway Smile 1141-3 Jericho Turnpike, Commack (631)543-MATH (6284) 800 North Broadway, Massapequa, NY 11758 Forest Hills (718)544-MATH (6284) (516)753-KIDS 11 Great Neck Road, Great Neck (516)482-MATH (6284) FROM: ISSUE DATE: www.thatbroadwaysmile.com www.mathnasium.com/greatneck Bright smiles get their start at That Broadway Smile, where the staff 2795 Middle Country Road, Lake Grove (631)619-6949 specializes in pediatric and special needs dentistry. The top priority of Dr. www.mathnasium.com/lakegrove Please call or fax your comments and/or OK. Mary Ellen Nesnay and her staff is to help your child achieve and maintain 381 Sunrise Highway, Lynbrook (516)881-7997 a beautiful, healthy smile in a fun, nurturing, and friendly environment. www.mathnasium.com/lynbrook experienced and knowledgeable dentists at Broadway Smile treat tots 1003 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park (516)616-MATH (6284) SIGNATUREThe OF APPROVAL: through teens from all parts of Long Island and Manhattan in a relaxed, www.mathnasium.com/newhydepark comforting atmosphere. Because the staff at Broadway Smile understands 217A Mineola Ave., Roslyn Heights (516)484-MATH (6284) there is a distinct difference between pediatric and general dentists, its www.mathnasium.com/roslyn members are exceptionally attuned to children’s needs, behaviors, and 110 Jackson Ave., Syosset (516)944-MATH (6284) fears. It’s recommended that children visit the dentist upon arrival their first www.mathnasium.com/syosset-jericho 419 Park Avenue South, 13th Floor, York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 Fax children 212-447-7734Mathnasium Learning Centers, with more than 300 locations in the United birthday or tooth. That New Broadway Smile doctors teach parents• and about preventative care to keep teeth healthy for a lifetime. The dentists States, as well as in 16 countries, offer math-only educational programs. In a also have many years of experience treating relaxed, homework-free environment, Mathnasium enables kids to focus on to: FAx # children with special needs. Dr. Mary Ellen Nesnay spent an entire year after dental school working sharpening their math skills. Mathnasium students develop and maintain the exclusively with patients with special needs at Stony Brook Dental School. mathematics knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in the information And she commonly treated patients iSSue with special age. Mathnasium is a learning center where kids go to catch up, keep up, or From: DAte: needs during her twoyear, pediatric dental residency at LIJ/Schneider’s Children’s Hospital. To get ahead in math. Programs run year round for kids of all ages.
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Proof
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
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Please Peace call or Of faxMind your For comments and/or oK. Working Parents
SigNAture oF APProvAl:
Teacher’s Pets Child Care Centers, Inc.
• Ages 6 wks-5 yrs • Reasonable Rates • Open Year Round • Meals Provided • Full Day Schedule • Certified • Computer Education Staff
At three Convenient Locations
PLAINVIEW
WANTAGH
6:30am-6pm
7am-6pm
LEVITTOWN
516-931-8204 516-520-7721 516-731-3263 7am-6:30pm
A NURTURING ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUR CHILD
New LOW COST FEEDING, Are You LANGUAGE & PLAY Worried About GROUPS Your Child’s Speech, Language or Hearing?
Complete Speech, Language and Hearing Evaluation and Therapeutic Center for Children & Adults
Ladge Speech & Hearing Center at C.W. Post
• Reasonable Rates • Infant, Toddlers and School Age Children • Day & Evening Hours • Children’s Eating and Chatting Groups • Individual & Group Therapy
your needs, your neighborhood
For more information call: Dr. Joyce Rubenstein, Director
516-299-2437
email: joyce.rubenstein@liu.edu L.I.U. • C.W. Post • Brookville
Long Island Visitation & Family Services, Inc. Common Sense Parenting Workshops for parents of children ages 2-16 yrs.
Topics Discussed
• Reasonable Expectations • Parents as Teachers • Effective Praise • Preventative Teaching • Corrective Teaching • Teaching Self-control Pre-Registration Required For All Classes
Contact Luci at 631-656-8411 or luci@livisitation.com
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329 East Main St. Suite 5, Smithtown, NY 11787 631-656-8411 www.LongIslandVisitationandFamilyServices.com December 2013 I parentguide News I 23
“Your child has autism.” What would go through your mind if you heard those words? Would you freak out? We felt this shock when we first learned of our kids’ diagnoses, but then we learned to live and grow with it. Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means it affects every child differently. There’s a saying: The autism spectrum is so wide that “if you’ve met one child with autism, you’ve met one child with autism.” Even the children with similar deficits present them and learn to cope with them in different ways. Many people mistakenly equate acceptance of the diagnosis with surrender. It’s really not the case. There are certain things you will need to accept, chief among them is that there’s no cure. But it doesn’t mean conditions won’t get better than they are now. Delayed and slowed development don’t equate to no development. Children will still grow and learn. The processes are just going to take longer, be harder, and require more effort. Once you accept the things you can’t change, you can focus your energy, efforts, and resources on the things on which you can have an impact. With that in mind, here are some tips to help you out when facing a diagnosis of autism:
1
Manage expectations. This is a marathon, not a sprint; you’re not going to “fix” this overnight. This is a life-changing event for you and everyone who is a part of your life. Go with what you know and can do. For example, just because your kid can’t play in little league doesn’t mean he can’t ever play sports. Our children are now competitive ice skaters! Why? Because when you like to spin and don’t get dizzy, it’s considered a skill in figure skating. Measure success in 24 I parentguide News I December 2013
months or years, not days. Sometimes it will feel like you’re getting nowhere, until you look back six months, and realize how far your family has come.
2
Get early intervention ASAP. Time is your enemy. Studies have shown that the earlier help is given to address the needs of a child with autism, the better. You might have to fight the mentality that “they’ll grow out of it.” Most children can improve, but only with a lot of help. Yes, it can be a bit of a pain and feel like you’ve given up your privacy when there are so many people offering assistance. Look at the bright side, you will be able to actually leave the house again. And privacy, for us, is reserved for weekends.
3
Learn the techniques. The therapists won’t live with you 24/7; you have to be involved, too. They aren’t just training your child; they are also training you. The therapy techniques may seem counterintuitive in the beginning. Like we did at first, you may want to argue philosophies to learn as much as you can. Remember this: The techniques work and are worth it.
4
Learn the lingo. Autism experts use a boatload of acronyms, and you need to be able to communicate with them. Yes, it’s like learning a Martian language. There is a plethora of jargon that makes no sense at first. However, take the time to figure it out, and take notes.
5
Take care of yourself. You’re allowed to have fun, and you can’t advocate for your child if you’re burned out. This is really, really important. The first thing we all forget to do, or feel too guilty to do, is have fun without the kids. Find an outlet for happiness and stress relief, and make yourself stick to it. Make sure you remember you’re in this together. There is no need to feel guilty about needing a date night, learning karate, or even just going to a grown-up movie that has absolutely no animated characters. parentguidenews.com
6
Don’t lock yourself away. You and your child need to be exposed to the world. What’s the point of all this work if you’re not going to “live?” We all practice avoidance at first because it’s easier than the alternative. It’s tough to go through the routine of getting ready to only spend a short amount of time outside. Do it anyway. The time eventually gets longer. The first time we went to Disneyland, we lasted maybe an hour. We can last all day now, sometimes.
7 8
Watch out for each other. Divorce and caregiver depression is a big concern. Your partner is the only person who knows what you’re going through. Talk to the that person. Share your feelings and hugs. Don’t try to go it alone. You will burn out if you don’t take care of yourself and your relationships. Have a support system of family and friends who can help out. And some of those relationships need to have nothing to do with autism. You are more than your child’s diagnosis. Having true balance in your life is incredibly important.
9
Proof
Proof
Give up services when you’re done. There are 50,000 kids diagnosed with autism every year. Resources are more limited now than ever. There is literally another kid in line behind yours waiting for help. And we know how difficult it is to give up something for which you fought so hard, but the point of the therapy is to graduate when the time comes.
10
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
Don’t blame yourself. When you can forgive yourself, you can better focus on helping your child. Accept what you can’t change, and then fight like mad for everything else.
Autism parenting is still parenting. It’s just a heck of a lot more intense. You are a parent first. Your child still knows how to push your buttons better than anyone else. We always tell folks, “autistic, not stupid.” Never confuse the two, or they will own you. And never, never confuse disability with inability. Andy and Melissa Areffi have three children with autism. Their book is Navigating Autism: The Essential How-to by Parents for Parents (CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform). Learn more about the Areffi family at www.navautism.com.
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December 2013 I parentguide News I 25
Whether you want to pique your child’s curiosity with an educational gift, or you just want to provide him with the opportunity to have fun, PARENTGUIDE News has a vivacious variety of picks for this holiday season. The best part? We’re giving away every, single item in this gift guide at win. parentguidenews.com! Visit the website for details and chances to win these eye-catching toys.
Bold and Bright
Children who love to draw will be delighted to see their creations come alive with the Crayola Digital Light Designer, available at www.crayola.com. The 360-degree, dome-shape Designer uses LED technology to provide tots with a surface on which to draw, animate creations, and play games. Its mesmerizing lights and ability to spark imagination make this toy a great asset on any wishlist.
Fostering Family Time
The heartwarming mission of Cooper & Kid, founded with the help of Kickstarter, is to support dads in their parenting journey. The brand offers subscription-based The Cooper Kits, which feature curated boxes of materials to create projects. Father and child may try their hands at making things, like a catapult and biplane, while learning all about how they work from the other provisions in The Cooper Kit. Discover more at www.cooperandkid.com.
Smile for the Camera
For the budding photographer in your life, PLAYSKOOL presents the innovative SHOWCAM, a digital camera and projector. Children ages 3 and older will enjoy snapping holiday scenes with this device and then instantly sharing their results on the nearest suitable surface. The camera and projector was specifically built for little hands and comes with a variety of fun features, like the ability to add sound effects. Head to www.hasbrotoyshop.com to file this gift in the “purchased” pile.
Tablet for Tots
With the InnoTab 3S, a Wi-Fi-enabled learning tablet, you no longer have to sacrifice your beloved device for your child’s entertainment. It comes equipped with VTech Kid Connect, an app that connects kids with their parents and friends, and a kid-safe Web browser. Children ages 3 through 9 will enjoy this enriching tablet, available at Toys “R” Us.
26 I parentguide News I December 2013
parentguidenews.com
Need for Speed
Does your kid enjoy zipping, zooming, and revving? The Silverlit Mercedes Benz SLS AMG has all of the thrills an adventurer could want. Controlled by Bluetooth with any “i-Device,” the sports car zips and zooms through a number of speed settings as it twists and turns. Children ages 8 and older will also want to revv up the noise with the sports car’s high-tech speaker system that can stream music. Start your engines at www.silverlit.com.
On-the-Go Games
Quirky and Cute
By now, your family has likely experienced the curious charm of UGLYDOLL plush creatures. Fans of the stuffed monsters are sure to also enjoy UGLYDOLL: GOIN’ PLACES! (VIZ Media) by Travis Nichols, a graphic novel that takes readers on a voyage through the Uglyverse. Kids can tag along with characters like Wage and Ice-Bat as they travel through time and space. Start your child’s journey at www.uglydolls.com.
Photo credit: ™® and © 2012, Pretty Ugly, LLC. All Rights Reserved
If your youngster craves a cell phone, but isn’t quite ready to have one, you’ll want to check out the PlayMG, a pocketable, Wi-Fi, app-gaming system for kids. Available at www.playmg.com, the device comes with two games, a camera, stereo capability, and more.
Suite Set
Introduce the world of PLAYMOBIL® to the next generation with the PLAYMOBIL Large Furnished Hotel. The dwelling comes with a working elevator, furnished rooms, figures, and many other scene-setting accessories. Jumpstart your child’s imagination with this set, available at www.playmobil.us.
Mechanics of Fun
Wish for Fish
Kids who are ready for a pet may be delighted with The AquaFarm, which the whole family can cherish. Offered at www.backtotheroots.com, this fish tank is self-cleaning and actually grows food. The closed-loop ecosystem comes with all major components and a discount coupon for a fish friend.
Photo credit: Chris Roche
For the tinkerer in your life, littleBit offers an electronic building toy that makes science and technology accessible and enjoyable. Comprised of modules that snap together to make simple circuits, littleBits Exploration Kits enable young inventors to produce power, light, sound, and pulse. These elements are then used to create a Morse code machine, a glow-in-the-dark puppet, a bubble flute, and other electronics. Open the gateway to tech exploration at www.littlebits.com.
Rachel Kalina is the editor-in-chief. your needs, your neighborhood
December 2013 I parentguide News I 27
raffic, SA, and antrums, by Princess Ivana Pignatelli Aragona Cortes
Eight tips for surviving holiday travel with your kids. raveling with children — especially during the holiday rush — can seem like training for an Olympic sport. It will push your endurance (and sanity!) to the limit. But there are some things you can do to tone down the madness and limit the “Bah, humbug.” The better organized you are, the easier it gets. I write from experience. I have worked with children for more than 20 years, and I have a master’s degree in education. While I’m also a modern-day princess, I come from modest means and met my Prince Charming, Adriano Pignatelli Aragona Cortes, Prince of the Holy Roman Empire, while on scholarship at Pepperdine University. My most valuable source of education by far is my experience as a mother to our two children. As an American who married an Italian, I frequently fly with my family. I’ve learned a lot of travel-disaster lessons in the School of Hard Knocks, and I’ve developed crisis-averting strategies that have been real lifesavers. The following survival tips will help make your family trip the wonderful adventure it should be.
1. Plan ahead...and plan some more.
Make a list of everything you’ll need for travel, and check it twice. Give yourself plenty of time to consider your schedule and all possible scenarios. How many nap times and mealtimes are there? If a nap happens mid-flight, make sure you have sleep essentials handy. Pack a distraction like a portable DVD player in case sleep doesn’t occur. Check connecting destinations for kid-friendly restaurants and areas.
2. Travel light(ish).
Start packing at least a day or two before departure. Consider
SK-Dec. ‘13
28 I parentguide News I December 2013
whether your vacation spot has items you can borrow or buy to maintain light luggage. Consolidate as much of your luggage as possible. If you’re checking most of your bags, don’t forget a carry-on with extra outfits for the little ones in case of spills!
3. Organize your Mary Poppins purse.
Choose a bag with plenty of separate pockets and compartments for storage of snacks, baby gear, wipes, etc. Make sure the things you’ll need most often are easily accessible. Keep essential travel documents in a noticeable wallet. Use a carry-on Ziploc bag for medications the family might need, such as infant fever reducer, throat soothers, and gas and allergy relievers.
4. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. It always takes longer to get out of the house than anticipated thanks to traffic, airport lines, tantrums, and dirty diapers. Leave a half-hour or more earlier than you think you need.
5. Ace airport security.
Use the “Green Circle” lanes, which offer extra time and assistance to get through the lines. Know the latest TSA regulations, available at www.tsa.gov. Encourage the family to wear slip-on shoes and easy-to-remove jackets. parentguidenews.com
6. Fill their bellies.
Make sure you have plenty of snacks (like infant formula and finger foods) for your brood to enjoy en route. If you’re flying, have a baby bottle ready for take-off and landing as swallowing helps your baby’s ears adjust to pressure changes. For older children, a low-sugar lollipop works great. Don’t forget to fuel yourself. Drink plenty of water and eat when the kids do.
7. Make time fly with entertainment.
PROOF
Whatever your travel method, chances are you’ll have a lot of downtime. Buy a new toy for the trip. Bring books and an iPad — whatever it takes to keep your children from reaching octave levels that break the sound barrier. A few “new” things will keep kids occupied longer. Music is a great soother, so kid-friendly headphones are a great investment. And don’t forget comfort
items like a favorite stuffed animal, sleep pillow, or soft blanket.
8. Map out your road trip.
Proof
Traveling by car with pint-sized passengers can be just as stressful as flying, but many of the same rules apply. Have plenty of snacks and toys on hand to keep your children occupied. A DVD player and headphones may just save your sanity, too. When planning your route, account for rest stops such as parks that give the kids a chance to run around. And always have extras on hand when it comes to diapers, pacifiers, and wipes.
Remember, • holiday travel with chilwww.parentguidenews.com 212-213-8840 www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 dren doesn’t have to mean you reach the end of your rope before the end of the road. Simplify your vacation through planing and preparedness. Travel safely!
Princess Ivana Pignatelli Aragona Cortes is the co-author of A Simple Guide to Pregnancy & Baby’s First Year, (Don’t Sweat It Media, Inc.), founder of Princess Ivana — The Modern Princess at www.princessivana.com, and a featured blogger on Modern Mom. Although she’s a princess, Ivana didn’t wait for a kiss to save her; using her master’s degree in education, she forged a career of her own as a digital strategy consultant. Ivana and her Prince Charming have two fabulous kids.
THE POCONOS’ FAVORITE FAMILY SKI RESORT
1
# Where Family Fun is Guaranteed!
Overall Resort
in the East! SKI Magazine Reader Survey — 2014
SAVE BIG ON WINTER FUN!
Visit www.shawneemt.com/deals
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This only tells part of the story.
Being here says it all.
Smugglers’ Notch Vermont has more ways to make Winter fun, on and off the slopes! Discover all the adventures that await your family this Winter.
Shawnee Mountain Ski Area
I-80 PA Exit 309 | Shawnee on Delaware, PA 18356 570-421-7231 | www.ShawneeMt.com
your needs, your neighborhood
Call 1.866.771.3717 or visit smuggs.com/pg to learn about our Vermont Winter Experience Package and ask how you can SAVE on your Winter Vacation!
December 2013 I parentguide News I 29
Holiday Trips and Destinations Ski Butternut 380 State Road, Route 23, Great Barrington, MA 01230 (413)528-2000 info@SkiButternut.com www.SkiButternut.com SKI Magazine described Ski Butternut as “A True Family Mountain.” It’s easily accessible for NYC residents, about a 2½-hour drive north into the beautiful Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts, where a friendly staff waits to greet you. Butternut features 22 classic New England Trails, 11 lifts including three quad chairlifts, two terrain parks and a snowmaking system that covers 100 percent of the mountain. Ski Butternut is known for great grooming, which converts the trails into fresh corduroy nightly. Ski Butternut offers exceptional learning programs for children. The Adventurers program teach children ages 4-13 how to ski. Ages 4-13 can learn to snowboard in their miniRIDERS program. A Tubing Center makes sliding downhill fun for kids and parents alike! Ski Butternut offers many great deals including specials for those who serve: military, police, firefighters, EMT’s and scouts, plus online coupons for 5th graders and college students, there is even a money saving first-timers package and many more. Ski Butternut is a shining jewel in the Berkshires that’s making skiing and riding affordable! Check out the mountain SnowEAST Magazine readers rated: #1 Classic Resort, #1 ski area in Mass. and #1 Favorite Eastern Resort.
www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840
Shawnee Mountain Ski Area P.O. Box 339, Hollow Road Shawnee-on-Delaware, PA 18356 (570)421-7231 www.shawneemt.com Shawnee Mountain is family and beginner-friendly! Complete with 23 slopes and trails of every difficulty level from beginner to expert and two terrain parks, this Pennsylvania escape is sure to please the whole family. Shawnee has the Pocono Plunge snow tubing park, with individual and two-person (adult and child) tubing. They also offer tubing birthday party packages; call group sales office for details! Installed in 2011, The Tomahawk Express is a high-speed, four-person chairlift, which whisk skiers and snowboarders to the top of the mountain in just three minutes. Despite its high speed, the new chairlift is very beginner and child friendly, slowing 75 percent for loading and unloading. For children ages 7-15 there are skiing and snowboarding daily programs. Other children’s programs include SKIwee for ages 46 and SKIbaby for age 3 and younger. Each program lasts three or six hours daily and includes constant supervision and instruction, lunch and a snack. A variety of accommodations fits the needs of every family from two-three bedroom townhouses and chateaus to condos, villas, The Summit Lodge for groups and the charming Victorian-era Shawnee Inn.
PROOF
Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont 4323 Vermont Route 108 South, Smugglers’ Notch, VT 05464 (866)771-3717 www.smuggs.com/pg Choosing Smugglers’ for your family’s winter vacation is easy! In this year’s SKI Magazine reader survey, Smugglers’ was voted #1 Overall Resort in the East and #1 for family vacations in the East – for the 15th year! This northern Vermont winter wonderland is blanketed by an average annual snowfall of 300 inches, and recent snowmaking enhancements ensure a great experience on the slopes. New activities for family fun include mini snowmobile rides for kids and a heated cabin groomer tour with spectacular mountain views. America’s Family Resort features award-winning children’s programs (6weeks-17years), mountainside village lodging, indoor pool, FunZone entertainment center, hot tubs, shopping, dining and entertainment. Experience year-round Zip Line Canopy Tour, three interconnected mountains with more than 1,000 acres of terrain, 78 trails and 2,610-ft vertical for skiing & snowboarding, plus dedicated trails for cross-country and snowshoeing. Smugglers’ is so serious about delivering on a great Winter vacation, each Club Smugglers’ Package comes with a Family Fun Guarantee, which states that each guest participating in one of the snow sport programs will learn to ski or snowboard or improve their skiing or riding skills or their lesson portion of the package will be refunded! Ask about the Vermont Winter Experience Vacation Package combining on and off snow fun! Smugglers’ Notch Vermont… your best value for Family Fun– anywhere! Call 1(866)771-3717 today to make your reservation or visit www.smuggs.com/pg. 30 I parentguide News I December 2013
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We’re looking for advertising sales/account executives to help make PARENTGUIDE News the most powerful resource for families in the area. Candidates must have excellent communication, creative, and organizational skills, as well as possess an entrepreneurial nature. There’s excellent earning potential for the right person. Our flexible schedule lets you take care of business while being there for your family.
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Ellen Legare and d, Sallianne McClellan .You creators of Art is.. Retreats Mixed Media Art
MixedMedia
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lay p o t n io s is m r e p Give yourself
by Sallianne McClelland
Think you’re not “creative?” Forget what your art teacher at school told you. If you are just starting out, it is not necessary to invest in a lot of supplies or Everyone is an artist! the most expensive items. Sometimes the acrylic paints found in a dollar store are a good place to start. You can never go wrong with a pencil case filled with It can be hard to explore your inner artist when you’re a mom. But the benefits of carving out time from your schedule to learn a new skill, make scissors, a glue stick, paint brush, three favorite paints, a ruler, and simple sewnew friendships, and nourish yourself can leave you relaxed, refreshed, ing kit. Start small. Start simple. Find what you enjoy, and then expand your and happier. supplies and skills as your passion leads you. Attending an art retreat, which lasts anywhere In addition to the extensive workshop offerings, many mixed-media from a weekend to an entire week, art retreats present fabulous vendor offers a unique way to refuel in a shows that are a feast of color, texture, The Art is...You logo welcoming and fun-filled environand original art. They also provide an was created by stay-atment. Retreats are held throughout opportunity for attendees to purchase home mom Kim Geiser, the country, from Connecticut to papers, kits, beads, collage sheets, who can be found at California, and the world (Italy, fibers, fabrics, unique vintage items, persimmonsgal54220. blogspot.com. southern France). During these and original flea market finds. getaways, you can try your hand at People don’t realize they have all sorts of mixed-media projects. inspiration and creativity wrapped up “Mixed-media” refers to the fact that inside of them. It can be hidden and a variety of materials and techniques somehow forgotten because of their are used that draw from different daily commitments to family and disciplines: paper arts, textile colwork. At a mixed-media art retreat, lage, painting, soldering, sculpting, new skills are discovered, techniques www.art-is-you.com • www.voodoonotes.blogspot.com metalwork, photography, millinery, are learned, and a space is created to www.wherewomencreate.com • www.earthangelsstudios.com draw out the creativity and art from art dolls, bookbinding, and more. within. Kindness, encouragement, “From the moment one arrives www.spellbinderspaperarts.com • www.amy-powers.com at the [retreat], you realize that you and smiles are given freely. New have entered a space where everyone friendships are forged. Awareness and speaks your creative language, where priorities change. Instead of jumping you are able to reconnect with your buddies or forge new friendships...and back onto life’s treadmill, and feeling bound by routine, people return home where your only requirement is to be yourself, have fun, and create,” says artfrom a retreat and incorporate what they have discovered into their lives. The ist Lesley Venable, a teacher at mixed-media retreat Art is...You. entire experience is empowering and can make you a happier person! Large-scale retreats are frequently held in a hotel and offer many workshop “I went by myself — a scaredy cat to be sure,” says Ann, who attended an options on a daily basis. Participants can attend one workshop or as many as Art is...You retreat. “I was blown away by the friendliness of everyone there. they like. Workshops are usually six hours long, so even if you can only parYou could just sit down at a table and enter a conversation with people you take in a day’s worth of them, you’ll be learning a ton and likely completing a didn’t know, yet somehow they felt like family. The energy in the workshop project. At Art is...You Mixed Media Retreats, mornings are a mix of powerful was crazy, alive, vibrant, and inspiring. You don’t have to be Picasso to enjoy messages and motivating moments. Luncheons are festive, and low-key, artyourself. It’s like a jump start for your heart, and out of that, your creativity based evenings round out each day. Smaller retreats like An Artful Journey, will flow.” Spellbound, and ViviMagoo offer a more focused selection of workshops in The personal rewards of engaging in an art retreat an intimate and unique space. will far outweigh the pile of dishes that may be waiting in the sink when you get home! Some workshops have extensive supply lists and others require very little.
Sallianne’s favorite links to help you explore the mixed-media world:
Sallianne McClelland is a wife and the mom of a 19-year-old daughter and a 7-year-old son. She is an event manager and a passionate philanthropist. Sallianne runs the leading Art is...You Mixed Media Art Retreats that occur every year across America and in Australia. She is driven to show people how to make a change in their own lives and in the lives of others by creating art and by living in generosity. Sallianne can be contacted at artis@art-is-you.com. Learn more at www.art-is-you.com.
32 I parentguide News I December 2013
parentguidenews.com
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Update Update
by Jesse Berberich
tion that shields delicate ears from painful, Charmz are trendy charms that allow tweens given the lullaby treatment. Sample the avail- adult fashion over the past few years, which loud noises. Log on to www.dotsontots.com to express their individuality! These fun and able tunes at www.rockabyebabymusic.com. has inspired My Sunshine Shoppe to develop fashionable charms for pencils and pens come in Most parents are for more information. a line of mini Lace Leggings for your budthe Angry Beavers: more than 80 styles. Collectable, tradeable, and always are looking ding fashionista. The Lace Leggings are a the Complete Series Shoes With Prospect easy to mix and match, Happy Charmz are sure for ways encourperfect addition to any outfit and come in a DVD box set, Shout! From PROSPECS to be one of the hottest new items around. age their kids to Supernatural variety of colors. To order these perfect acFactory invites you S n e a k e r s , t h e have fun while also Reads cessories, visit www.mysunshineshoppe.com. to inspiring relive the them mirthful to Power Walk 503 Conquering Fears Award-winning author madness this claslearn. of Ubooly is s n e a k e r s a r e Helping a young Eddie Jones spins three, sican Nickelodeon interactiveshow toy designed with Looks Cool, Catches child overcome suspenseful tales in that both and eduyour flubber midsole with you endless, fears and phohis novels Dead kids can enjoy. Highlyentertainentertain- cushioning Drool and Man’s cational bias one of• 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734 H a n d , S k u l l C re e k 419 Park Avenue South, 13th Floor, New York,isNYthe 10016 Consider Banda ingThe with humor that fanstopics both temperature regument. customized toyengages teaches on t h e t o u g h e st Stakeout, and Dead Low young and old, the box set is aavailable like toothbrushing and learning language,at lation for maximum comfort. Their reflective Bib when searchchallenges for Tide (Zonderkidz). The TO: safe FAX #that www.shoutfactory.com. materials ensure travel at night, and ing for a bib and it is available now at Toys “R” Us. any parent. The novels are part of the Caden Chronicles, a c o m b i n e s comenhanced shock absorption offers a better Fobie Friends young adult series thatexperience. follows teen hero fort, function, and walking and FROM: running Power ISSUE DATE: (Fobie Friends) Dots on Tots Nick 503 Caden as he investigates paranormal for your Walk sneakers are available now at fashion seriesDesigned of books in Made from 100-percent organic cotton, www.prospecs-usa.com. phenomena. To pick up copies now, visit baby. Rockabye and Roll by Leslie and Brian addresses baby and toddler head gear from Dots on www.amazon.com. Rockabye Baby takes the greatest artists from Please call or faxa your and/or OK. a numuniquecomments style that Miller ber of childhood Tots pop, protects the and sensitive skingreatest of a newrock, and rap, turns their hits mimics a bandana,fears while entertaining readers. Each tackles a different phobia born. The company’s hat designs into baby-friendly tunesinnovative ideal for sleep. More the Banda Bibbook fits close and snug against a SIGNATURE OF APPROVAL: and comes a plush toy. Find series at Get Little Creative feature flaps that cover your biggest child from the For than 50 of the music industry’s names, Legs child’s neckwith while still being safe.the Discover www.fobiefriends.com. Availablehave at www.happycharmz.com, Happy coldLed weather, asWeezer, well asand special proteclike Zeppelin, Jay-Z,ear have been Leggings become a powerful image in more at www.bazzlebaby.com.
Busy Beavers Engaging Fun With their release of
PROOF
Jesse Berberich is the editorial intern.
SK-Dec. ‘13
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“No Matter how many times you’ve experienced A Christmas Carol,
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SEPTEMBER 2010 DECEMBER 2013 Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury, (800)745-3000, www. specialevents.livenation.com. The baritone wonder is back to kick off the holiday season with an amazing evening of live music. 8pm.
Suffolk December 1 - 15
December 2: Frosty, The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport, (631)261-2900, www.engemantheater.com. Audiences of all ages are sure to enjoy the story of the lovable snowman that has been warming the hearts of families for more than 50 years.
December 1: The Art and Craft Holiday Boutique, Deepwells Farm County Park, Route 25A and Moriches Road, St. James, (631)5638551, www.preferredpromotions.com. Thirty artisans create boutiques throughout the decorated 1845 Greek revival style farmhouse featuring hand-crafted gifts, stained glass, jewelry, handmade marionettes, dolls, painted Santas, pottery, floral arrangements, candles, Christmas ornaments, fiber arts, holiday items and more. 10am-5pm.
December 6 - 8: The 18th annual Charles Dickens Festival, Main Street, Port Jefferson, (631)473-1414, www.portjeffchamber.com. The historic seaport village of Port Jefferson is transformed into a living stage as families from all around Long Island gather to celebrate the beloved author with carriage rides, costumed performers, contests, and dozens of old-fashioned activities.
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Queens
December 1: The Laurie Berkner Band, The Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, 720 Northern Boulevard, Greenvale, (516)299-2752, www.tillescenter.org. The award-winning children’s entertainer drops by the Tilles Center with her multi-talented band for some early holiday festivities.
WestchesterSEPTEMBER 2010
December 1: Trace Adkins - The Christmas Show, NYCB Theatre at
December 6: First Friday, The Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington, (631)351-3250, www.heckscher.org. Celebrate First Friday at The Heckscher Museum of Art. Explore the Museum’s exhibitions during extended viewing hours and enjoy special musical performances. 4 - 8:30pm. Free admission. December 6: Flutissimo!, The Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington, (631)351-3250, www.heckscher.org. The talented
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flute quartet returns with a captivating evening of classical to contemporary music, highlighted by a new flute quartet by Eric Ewazen titled “Harmony in Blue and Gold� inspired by James Abbot McNeill Whistler’s “Peacock Room.� 4-8:30pm.
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December 7 and 8: The Art and Craft Holiday Boutique, Deepwells Farm County Park, Route 25A and Moriches Road, St. James, (631)5638551, www.preferredpromotions.com. Thirty artisans create boutiques throughout the decorated 1845 Greek revival style farmhouse featuring hand-crafted gifts, jewelry, handmade marionettes, dolls, painted Santas, pottery, floral arrangements, candles, organic soaps, Christmas ornaments, fiber arts, holiday items and more. 10am-5pm. December 7: Frosty the Snowman, The Broadhollow Theatre, 141 S. Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst, (631)226-8400, www.broadhollow.org. A popular holiday character becomes the focus of a live musical show when Frosty and his young friend Jenny must save the town of Chillsville from Ethel Pierpot’s evil plan to melt all the snow in a wonderful show for the whole family. Saturdays through December 28.
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December 7 and 8: Holiday Fine Arts & Crafts Fair, The Art League of Long Island, 107 E. Deer Park Ave., Dix Hills, (631)462-5400, www.artleagueli.org. Discover bargains galore at this two-day event featuring art demonstrations, raffles, food & drinks, and an array of artists and craftspeople with items for sale.
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December 7: Holiday Homes Tour, Amityville, (631)691-8435. Dress warm and go along for a special stroll along five beautifully decorated Amityville homes for the holidays. Afterwards, stop to enjoy free tea and cookies in town.
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December 7: The Long Island Comedy Festival - Holiday Comedy
for enrolling now winter session... This season, let curious young minds shine ! classes • parties • winter break fun
specialty toy store for creative gift giving
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art • science • theater Music Together Classes offered in • Garden City • Huntington Village • Manhasset • Oyster Bay • Plainview
Valid at BounceU of Farmingdale location only. Coupon not valid with any other offers or discounts. No cash value. One Coupon per visit per family. Not valid on Special Events or Charity Events. Expires 3/31/13. 1/5/14.
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December 2013 I parentguide News I 37
DECEMBER SEPTEMBER2013 2010 2 Hour Birthday Parties for Girls 3-13 Ma n y Themes! Spa • Princess • Runwa y and More!
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Bash, Suffolk Theater, 118 East Main St., Riverhead, (631)727-4343, www.suffolktheater.com. The restaurant and bar will both be open and the laughter will be flowing in this special holiday-themed event. Doors open at 6pm. Show starts at 8pm.
, what s happen
December 7: Madeline’s Christmas, The BayWay Arts Center, 265 E. Main St., East Islip, (631)581-2700, www.broadhollow.org. A young girl tries to make the season special for those closest to her in this delightful holiday show for all ages. Saturdays through December 28.
December 7: Nature Rambles, The Seatuck Suffolk County Environmental Center, 550 South Bay Ave., Islip, (631)581-6908, www. seatuck.org. The Center hosts an exciting and educational morning session. 10-11am. December 8: Yuletide Family Day, Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site and Interpretive Center, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station, (631)427-5240, www.waltwhitman.org. Enjoy a day of holiday fun with the family & Santa. Play old time games and create crafts like your own holidays ornament, enjoy the musicians and storyteller Johnny Cuomo. Free tours included at every event. 1-3pm. December 13 - 15: A Christmas Carol, Trinity Episcopal Church, 130 Main St., Northport, (631)732-2926, www.minstrelplayers.org. For
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the 8th straight year, The Minstrel Players present the timeless holiday tale of Ebeneezer Scrooge. December 14 and 15: Christmas on Broadway, The Suffolk Theater, 118 East Main St., Riverhead, (631)727-4343, www.suffolktheater. com. The Suffolk Theater gets families into the spirit of the season by hosting an unforgettable show filled with holiday music and dance. Saturday show starts at 8pm, Sunday at 1pm. December 14: Cold Climate Creatures, The Sweetbriar Nature Center, Smithtown, (631)979-6344, www.sweetbriarnc.org. Join staff and volunteers for an afternoon of learning during an exciting and educational event that uses live animals and interactive games to look at the tools animals use to survive.
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ip Bracelet & Lanyard Friendsh BIRTHDAY PARTIES!
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December 15: Brunch with Santa, Watermill Caterers, 711 Smithtown Bypass, Smithtown, www.watermillcaterers.com, (631)724-3242. Treat yourSouth, familyNew to York, a funNY filled afternoon at the Watermill during 419the Park Avenue South, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734 419 Park Avenue 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734 Brunch with Santa program. Visitors will enjoy an extensive buffet and take photos with Santa during a morning that is sure to delight Birthday Parties TO: FAX # TO: FAX # children and adults of all ages.
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December 23: Brunch with Santa, Watermill Caterers, 711 Smithtown WE Bypass, Smithtown, www.watermillcaterers.com, (631)724-3242. SIGNATURE OF APPROVAL: SIGNATURE Treat OF APPROVAL: your family to a fun filled afternoon at the Watermill during the BRING Brunch with Santa program. Visitors will enjoy an extensive buffet THE PARTY and take photos with Santa during a morning that is sure to delight TO YOU! children and adults of all ages. Where the guest of honor makes the cake & eats it too!
in the
The Sweetest Memories Start in the Kitchen
Book Your Party TODAY for the 2014 Season! Real Hands-On, Creative Baking Birthday Parties & Classes New Spacious, Clean & Safe Exhibition Style Kitchen Built for Fun All-Inclusive Party Packages for Birthdays of All Ages, Family Parties & Celebrations of All Kinds Professionally Staffed & Organized for Maximum Participation & Enjoyment See Website Gourmet Cafe, Espresso Bar & Private Party Room For More Party Info Choice of Catered Menu Options for Adults, Too & Check Our Choose From Professionally Created Projects Designed To Give A TRUE Baking Experience & Feeling of Accomplishment! • Cookie Baking & Decorating • Cupcake Baking & Decorating • Extreme Cupcake Designs • Cookie-Chocolate Candy House Creation • Brownie Baking • Cake Decorating • Apple Pie From Scratch & more!
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CRAFT L O O COf Long Island, Inc.
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www.coolcraftslongisland.com December 2013 I parentguide News I 39
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DECEMBER SEPTEMBER2013 2010 Penguin Dance Party,• Cold Spring Harbor Whaling 419December Park Avenue29: South, New York, NY 10016 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734
TO: FROM:
Museum, 301 Main St., Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor, (631)3673418, www.cshwhalingmuseum.org. Put on your best black and whites FAX # Join in fun penguin crafts, and celebrate the end of 2013 like a penguin! enjoy ice pops, get your face painted, and hit the dance floor. 12-3pm.
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December 1 - 22: Shrek The Musical, The BayWay Arts Center, 265
SIGNATURE OFMain APPROVAL: East St., East Islip, (631)581-2700, www.broadhollow.org. The Broadhollow Theatre presents a hilarious story that brings everyone’s favorite ogre to dazzling new life on the stage. Runs weekends through December 28.
Ongoing through December 23: East End Arts Council Holiday Gift Boutique, East End Arts & Humanities Council, 133 East Main St., Riverhead, (631)727-0900, www.eastendarts.org. The East End Arts Council hosts a special holiday gift boutique that offers a wide variety of unique gift ideas.
ProoF
ProoF
419 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734
Ongoing Through December 30: Holiday Light Show, Lakeview Ave., Bayport, www.gssc.us/events/holidaylightshow.asp. Back for FAx #
to: From:
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the 10th year, families are invited to drive through a mile-long wooded trail filled with dazzling light displays and holiday vignettes! 5-9pm (closed on December 24 and 25). Ongoing Through January 2, 2014: Children’s Programs at the Aquarium, The Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center, 431 East Main St., Riverhead, (631)208-9200, ext. 105, www.longislandaquarium.com. Your little ones will learn about creatures that live under the sea in a series of 4-week programs that include hands-on activities, stories, songs, crafts, and live animal encounters. Wednesdays for ages 2-3. Thursdays for ages 3-4. 9:15-10am or 3:15-4pm.
SEPTEMBER 2010
Ongoing Through January 5: Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, The John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport, (631)261-2900, www.engemantheater.com. Make your holiday season even more special by treating your family to a true Christmas classic.
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celebrate your birthday with the pride!
Our birthday parties are easy for parents, affordable, and best of all FUN for your kids!! build your own birthday pack including: -seat location -special experiences -food from the concession stand -goo -goodybag items and more! Don’t miss out on the excitement! Book your party today by calling 516-HOF-TIXX (463-8499) for more information. Mention “PARENTGUIDE” when you call and your son or daughter will be free! your needs, your neighborhood
December 2013 I parentguide News I 41
In
Season
Top of the Season To You
by Jesse Berberich
Crafts and games to keep your clan warm all month long. Reindeer Games
For an easy-to-make ornament that the whole family can enjoy creating, consider the Rudolph Ornament Craft courtesy of www.kaboose.com. What You’ll Need: •½ sheet of light brown craft foam •2 glitter gold chenille sticks •2 medium wiggle eyes •1 red glitter pom pom •6-8 inches of ribbon •White craft glue or hot glue gun •Scissors What To Do: Cut two, tear-drop shapes from the craft foam for the head. To make the ears, cut a small oval, then cut it in half lengthwise. To make it easier for younger children, either draw the shapes onto the craft foam for them, or cut out the shapes yourself ahead of time. Bend each chenille stick in half, then bend and twist them again to form two antlers. Glue the ears toward the top of the round end of one of the tear drop shapes. Glue antlers to the top of the same oval shape. For the hanger, fold ribbon in half and glue the open ends together in between the two antlers. Glue the second oval shape to the back of the first oval to create the back of the reindeer’s head. This sandwiches the ears, antlers, and hanger, giving the ornament a finished look. Glue on wiggle eyes. Glue on red pom pom for nose. Allow to dry completely.
Healthy and Delicious
December 19 is Oatmeal Muffin Day! Enjoy the day with this recipe, courtesy of www.allrecipes.com. These treats taste good and are healthy for you! Ingredients: •2 eggs •2/3 c. brown sugar •½ c. vegetable oil •½ c. milk •1 c. all-purpose flour •¾ c. instant oatmeal •1 tsp. baking powder •½ tsp. baking soda •A pinch salt Directions: Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease 12 muffin cups. Whisk together eggs, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk in a bowl until smooth. Form the batter by stirring flour, oatmeal, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into wet ingredients. Fill the prepared muffin cups with batter. Bake until tops are golden brown and an inserted toothpick comes out clean. This should take about 20 minutes.
Customized Cards
Spark up a little fun this holiday season with personalized products from Spark and Spark. With a wide assortment of themes available and a philosophy of “embracing life’s moments,” Spark and Spark’s impressive cards make those memorable holiday moments that much more magnificent! Visit Spark and Spark at www.sparkandspark.com to see all the company’s wonderful items.
Best Brownies
Celebrate National Brownie Day on December 8 by whipping up a batch of chocolate treats with this recipe from www.allrecipes.com. Ingredients for the brownies: •½ c. butter •1 c. white sugar •2 eggs •1 tsp. vanilla extract •1/3 c. unsweetened cocoa powder •½ c. all-purpose flour •¼
42 I parentguide News I December 2013
tsp. salt • ¼ tsp. baking powder Ingredients for the frosting: •3 Tbs. butter, softened •3 Tbs. unsweetened cocoa powder •1 Tbs. honey •1 tsp.vanilla extract •1 c. confectioners’ sugar. Directions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour an 8-inch-square pan. In a large saucepan, melt ½ c. butter. Remove from heat, and stir in sugar, eggs, and 1 tsp. vanilla extract. Beat in 1/3 c. cocoa, ½ c. flour, salt, and baking powder. Spread batter into prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Do not overcook. Make the frosting by combining 3 Tbs. butter, 3 Tbs. cocoa, 1 Tbs. honey, 1 tsp. vanilla, and 1 c. confectioners’ sugar. Frost brownies while they are still warm for a yummy treat.
Celebration Time
Whether your family will be enjoying the festivities in public or from the comfort of home, there’s no better way to ring in the new year and celebrate the one you’re leaving behind than with these homemade, noisemaker shakers from www.spoonful.com. What You’ll Need: •Ribbon spool •Pencil •Masking tape •Dried peas or beans •Acrylic paint •Colorful stickers. Directions: For each one, first see if the holes in the sides of your ribbon spool are covered by the ribbon’s labels. If so, use a pencil to poke through the label over one of the holes; if not, cover one hole with masking tape. Next, pour a handful of dried peas or beans into the spool through the open hole; then seal the hole with tape. Finally, coat the shaker with acrylic paint, let it dry, and decorate it with colorful stickers.
Serene Winter Scene
Nothing will look better as the centerpiece for your holiday decorations than this homemade Winter Village Scene craft courtesy of www.activityvillage. co.uk. What You’ll Need: •Small cardboard boxes •Brown paint •Black card •Silver card •Cotton wool •Silver glitter •Twigs •Sticky tack •Large sheet of card for the base •White glue Directions: Paint your cardboard boxes brown, and leave them to dry. Cut out some rectangles of black card the length of each box, fold them in half and stick to the top of the boxes to form roofs. Cut out some windows and doors from black card and glue these to your buildings. Put your buildings on your large sheet of card. Add to it a frozen pond cut from silver card, some paths cut from black card, and some twigs stuck upright in sticky tack as trees. When you are happy with the way it looks, glue everything down. Cover the rest of the card with glue and adhere to the cotton wool snow. Add dribbles of glue along the roofs and trees and cover with glitter to create frost. Jesse Berberich is the editorial intern.
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