October 2014 Queens by PARENTGUIDE News

OCTOBER 2014

Queens

Party if You Want to with our Birthday Directory

Homework

How to get focused

Special Needs

CUTE DIY COSTUMES

IEP Meetings & Lawyers

Health Section

Childhood Obesity www.parentguidenews.com Over 1,000 Exciting Family Events Q

contents contents

table of

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

October 2014 Volume 31 • Number 10

PROOF

Birthday Coverage

October 2014 Volume 31 • Number 10

P. 22

Birthday Blowout.......................................................... 33

Slumber Party Success...... 22

Fall into Autumn Photo Contest.................................. 36

Host an unforgettable birthday sleepover.

www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840

Birthday Directory................ 24 Party places and entertainers for the happiest of occasions.

P. 14

P. 20

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

Special Needs

Travel.............................................................................. 19 Destinations, product picks, and getaway tips.

Health............................................................................ Now, www.parentguidenews.com makes28

The IEP Meeting.......... 14

Insight and items for your family’s care.

it easy and affordable to place DIRECTLY EssentialADVERTISING products and information for your ONLINE. brood.

Should you bring a lawyer?

Update.......................................................................... 34

Special Needs and Health & Fitness Directory.......... 16

Just click on the “advertising information” link Bonus at the top of the www.parentguidenews.com

Experts and services catering to family wellness and special needs.

Calendar of Events....................................................... 32 A comprehensive of your events, and homelisting page andneighborhood’s follow theclasses, simple performances.

Honesty and LDs......... 20

steps to take your business to a Cover Credit: Sara totally new place.

Why it’s important to speak openly about learning disabilities.

Health & Fitness

Publisher Steve Elgort

Editor-in-Chief Rachel Kalina

Please note that you can always Managing Editor Donald McDermott receive personal assistance by Associate Editor Samantha Chan calling the Advertising Direct Helpline Art Directors Margaret Baldauf, Susanne Kimball, Ilana Rispoli at (212) 213-8840, ext. 224 Director of Web Development Kristen Jankowski or e-mailing us at Accounting Teresa Pinargote advertisingdirect@parentguidenews.com. Contributing Writers Dr. Jane Frederick, Felicia Harris,

Childhood Obesity.......... 10

Prevention and treatment options.

PROOF

Features

P. 10

Homework Help................ 8 Tips to improve focus.

Dr. Keith Kantor, Dr. Stephanie Kirschbaum, Abby Larson, Ellyn Levy, Louise Weadock

Costume Craft................... 12 P. 8

Create a couple of easy but inspired Halloween outﬁts.

Advertising Managers Deirdre Antoniello, Karen Gibofsky, Bill Scalzitti

Woman oman mom

Advertising Sales Representatives Julie Leonoff, Jacalyn Rose, Susan Rush, Jennifer Serpi, Amy Smith, Rena Spangler, Felicia Stafford,

Protect Your Peepers............................................................... 30

PGTV Producer Beth Elgort

Eye care tips for every age.

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.

Feeling Good, Looking Good................................................ 31 Products and accessories to make your life extra fabulous.

October 2014 I parentguide News I

contents contents

table of

October 2014 Volume 31 • Number 10

Birthday Coverage

October 2014 Volume 31 • Number 10

Contests

P. 22

Birthday Blowout.......................................................... 33

Slumber Party Success...... 22

Fall into Autumn Photo Contest.................................. 36

Host an unforgettable birthday sleepover.

Columns

Birthday Directory................ 24 Party places and entertainers for the happiest of occasions.

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

Special Needs

P. 14

Travel.............................................................................. 19 Destinations, product picks, and getaway tips.

Health............................................................................ 28

The IEP Meeting.......... 14

Insight and items for your family’s care.

Should you bring a lawyer?

P. 20

Update.......................................................................... 34 Essential products and information for your brood.

Special Needs and Health & Fitness Directory.......... 16

Bonus

Experts and services catering to family wellness and special needs.

Calendar of Events....................................................... 32 A comprehensive listing of your neighborhood’s classes, events, and performances.

Honesty and LDs......... 20 Why it’s important to speak openly about learning disabilities.

Cover Credit: Sara

Health & Fitness

Publisher Steve Elgort Editor-in-Chief Rachel Kalina

Childhood Obesity.......... 10

Managing Editor Donald McDermott

Prevention and treatment options.

Features

Associate Editor Samantha Chan

P. 10

Art Directors Margaret Baldauf, Susanne Kimball, Ilana Rispoli Director of Web Development Kristen Jankowski Accounting Teresa Pinargote

Homework Help................ 8 Tips to improve focus.

Contributing Writers Dr. Jane Frederick, Felicia Harris, Dr. Keith Kantor, Dr. Stephanie Kirschbaum, Abby Larson, Ellyn Levy, Louise Weadock

Costume Craft................... 12 P. 8

Create a couple of easy but inspired Halloween outﬁts.

Advertising Managers Deirdre Antoniello, Karen Gibofsky, Bill Scalzitti

Woman oman mom

Advertising Sales Representatives Julie Leonoff, Jacalyn Rose, Susan Rush, Jennifer Serpi, Amy Smith, Rena Spangler, Felicia Stafford,

Protect Your Peepers............................................................... 30

PGTV Producer Beth Elgort

Eye care tips for every age.

Feeling Good, Looking Good................................................ 31 Products and accessories to make your life extra fabulous. I parentguide News I October 2014

parentguidenews.com

Letter from the Editor Oh, how I adore October! Leaves take on a new, vibrant spectrum of color, creating a splendid autumnal backdrop. There are all sorts of fall fairs and festivals (found in our print and Web calendars) filled with cider, pumpkin picking, and hayrides. The best part, though? Halloween and the opportunities it presents to make crafts, decorations, and costumes! I’ve enjoyed the spooky celebration for as long as I can remember. My husband and I often host parties where dress up is mandatory (yes, I’m that person), and it’s such great fun. To help your family get into the spirit of the season, we’re excited to share “Costume Craft” by wedding and lifestyle blogger, as well as D.I.Y. expert, Abby Larson. Larson’s thousands of followers regularly check her Style Me Pretty blogs for inspired living tips, and this month, she instructs PARENTGUIDE News readers how to create two easy but adorable outfits for little ones. And there’s even more reason to get into fiesta preparation this month with our Birthday Directory. In it, you’ll find tons of party venues, entertainers, and services to make your child’s day a special one. Perhaps, you’d rather host a special birthday night? Then turn to “Slumber Party Success”

PROOF

by Rachel Kalina

by Felicia Harris, which details how to host a memorable sleepover with snacks, games, and fun activities. Of course, when the parties are over, it’s time to get back to the grind. With help from Louise Weadock, your after-school routine can be a lot more pleasant from now on. Read “Homework Help” for tips on how to get kids focused for study sessions. And for parents stressing about upcoming Individualized Education Program (IEP) developments for their child with special needs, Ellyn Levy has penned “The IEP Meeting.” Levy outlines the pros and cons of hiring a lawyer to help with IEPs, and gives us a firsthand account of her personal experiences in this area. Additional support, resources, and programs for your child may also be found in our Special Needs Directory. Don’t forget all of the virtual goodies available at www.parentguidenews.com: The Sandbox Social mommy blog, contests with prizes, and even more articles to help you be the best parent you can be.

PROOF

www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840

Have a great October and a happy Halloween!

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October 2014 I parentguide News I

DON’T MISS What a Day

A popular children’s book comes to the big screen in Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. The entertaining flick follows 11-year-old Alexander as he experiences the most terrible and horrible day of his young life. Check it out in theaters beginning October 10.

Living Life

The journey of Manolo, a young man torn between his family and following his heart, is the focus of The Book of Life. The animated feature encourages audiences to celebrate the past while looking to the future. Look for it in a theater near you beginning October 17.

October by Donald McDermott

Halloween Ponies

Ring in Halloween with the new My Little Pony – Friendship Is Magic: Spooktacular Pony Tales! Presented by Shout! Factory Kids and Hasbro Studios, the DVD release features six episodes and a sing-along, as well as additional spooky-themed fun. Copies are available in stores and online now.

All Shapes and Sizes

Nickelodeon expands its line of acclaimed Let’s Learn DVDs with Let’s Learn: Patterns and Shapes. Kids can play along with five new episodes from Team Umizoomi, Dora the Explorer, and Blue’s Clues as they explore circles, squares, triangles, and more. Created by Nickelodeon Home Entertainment, the new DVD is available now.

Monster Challenges

A Movie Mystery

The Hallmark Movies & Mysteries series presents Garage Sale Mysteries. Lori Laughlin stars as Jennifer Shannon, a veteran garage sale shopper with a knack for finding hidden treasures.The original film premieres on The Hallmark Channel October 26. Check you local listings for times.

Happy Halloween

An annual tradition continues this month when ABC Family presents a 13-night programming tribute to Halloween. Aside from holiday-themed episodes of the most popular shows, viewers can also enjoy movies like The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Addams Family, Casper, ParaNorman, and many more. The special event runs October 19-31. Check your local listings.

To Infinity

Play as some of your favorite heroes with the Infinity 2.0 Marvel Value Pack. The specially priced set comes with a starter pack, Spider-Man play set, Captain America, and a disc pack. The pack is available now for the XBox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4,WiiU, and XBox One game systems.

Join Cookie Monster and head back to school with a new app from PBS Kids and Sesame Street. Cookie Monster’s Challenge offers a mix of whimsy and education designed to help kids ages 3-5 adapt to the new school year. Featuring ten mini games, nine levels, and more, the app is available for the iPad.

Under the Spell

Just in time for Halloween, Sabrina — Secrets of a Teenage Witch: A Witch and a Werewolf The Movie comes to DVD and Digital HD. The animated release from Lionsgate Home Entertainment follows the charming Sabrina Spellman as she leads a double life as both a klutzy high schooler and superhero sorceress. Pick up your copy today.

Just for Kicks

Soccer comes to life in stunning detail in FIFA 15. The amazing game from EA Sports comes complete with more than 600 new emotional reactions. FIFA 15 is available in stores and online now for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, and Nintendo 3DS. Donald McDermott is the managing editor.

I parentguide News I October 2014

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October Creative Genes

by Samantha Chan

Seasonal Celebrations

Explore the creative genes in your family at Little Makers: Paint Party at the New York Hall of Science on October 5, 10:30am.Young children along with their parents/caregivers are invited to design and create together with new materials, tools, and processes. Projects may get messy, so be sure to dress your budding artist and yourself in appropriate clothing. Registration is required and can by done by logging onto www.nysci.org or dialing (718)699-0005. The museum is located at 47-01 111th St. in Corona.

In the Patch

Queens Botanical Garden celebrates autumn with Harvest Fest and Pumpkin Patch on October 19, 11am-6pm. The day is jam-packed with music, nature and garden walks, demonstrations, food, crafts, and beer for mommy and daddy. Find information on this and other QBG events at www.queensbotanical.org.

All About Kids ProoF

Celebrate the most crisp time of year at Sunnyside Garden Park during the Octoberfest Arts and Crafts Fair. October 11, noon, brings about arts and crafts, German food and drinks, and family-friendly live musical performances. A pumpkin patch for picking and painting activities are also on the program! Head to the venue at 48-21 39th Ave. in Sunnyside.

Transform Your World Proof

Head to Queens County Farm The Big Apple Circus is back under Museum on October 26 for the 419 Park AvenueatSouth,the 13th York, NY 10016 BigFloor, TopNew at Damrosch Park â&#x20AC;˘ 212-213-8840 â&#x20AC;˘ Fax 212-447-7734 Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fall Festival beginning at Lincoln Center in Manhattan 11am. Halloween costumes are enstarting October 17. The magic to: that includes FAx # couraged for the event continues for 135 performances country-style festivities. There are and concludes January 11,iSSue 2015.DAte: appearances by characters From: and a The 37th season brings about live music performance. The event Metamorphosis, which is both is appropriate for all ages.The farm Please call or faxandyour comments mesmerizing astonishing. Bring and/or oK. is located at 73-50 Little Neck your brood to the circus where Parkway in Floral Park. Quesevery audience member is entertained and never more than SigNAture oFor APProvAl: tions? Dial (718)347-3276 50-feet from the stage. Visit www.bigapplecircus.org or call visit www.queensfarm.org. (888)541-3750 for information on tickets and showtimes.

www.parentguidenews.com â&#x20AC;˘ 212-213-8840

Samantha Chan is the associate editor.

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October 2014 I parentguide News I

Homework Help Tips to improve focus. by Louise Weadock

The beginning of the school year can be such an exciting time. There are thrilling bus rides and lunches with novel faces, hallway hugs with old friends, and of course, new teachers and subjects to explore. Although once the sense of adventure wears off and the assignments pile up, the nightly fight to wrangle a successful homework session begins. Homework time is commonly identified as one of the biggest causes of anxiety for both children and parents during the school year. As head coaches, parents are challenged to find ways to get kids “fit” for academic exercises. They help with strategies to optimize learning potential. A child’s mind develops with sensory challenges from different smells, tastes, sounds, colors, lights, physical feelings, and other forms of input. Spending the day sitting in a classroom can fail to fulfill a child’s need for various types of stimulation, and the short time slots allotted to recess and gym don’t compensate for this sensory deficiency. Parents must find ways to fill in the sensory gap. Luckily, there are proven methods that help to engage a child’s senses and mind right from the moment he steps off the bus at the end of the school day through homework time that evening. With practice, these methods just may change otherwise stressful routines into positive experiences.

Begin with muscle movement. Nothing can fulfill a child’s need to burn energy and take in sensory stimulation quite like a workout of the muscles. Whether through outdoor play or an indoor fitness program, engaging in activities that involve climbing, swinging, running, or biking can help to fire up sensoryprocessing to the brain and decrease anxiety. Such activities loosen joints and enhance overall awareness. A good workout can also enhance relationships between children and their surroundings. It can improve the child’s overall sense of self by stimulating the vestibular system, located within the inner ear, which increases athletic coordination and spatial awareness. Just 45 minutes of movement and hands-on physical activity before school or homework time loosens muscle tension, oxygenates the brain, promotes healthy circulation, builds focus, and fulfills sensory needs. Muscle activity supports the comprehension of big thoughts and persistence to complete complex projects. Additionally, information learned while performing motorplanning exercises (trampolining, jump roping, hiking, and biking) is more quickly absorbed and stays in memory for a longer period of time than facts learned while merely sitting. Help children prepare sensory snacks. If there is one thing that every parent understands, it is that a hungry child is an antsy child. So, start your homework routine with a snack. Food can be calming and fulfilling. The hands-on nature of preparing food has the additional benefit of keeping children active as they get ready to work. Smells and tastes experienced while learning create memory pegs for the child. Measurements, fractions, mixtures, and nutritional facts all present learning opportunities that the child will remember. While preparing snacks, discuss the upcoming homework topics. Strategize a plan of attack. Identify areas where help is needed. Children are calmed through the input of different smells, tastes, and textures that abound.

I parentguide News I October 2014

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Develop a quiet, calm, and consistent homework space. Smells, colors, lights, and sounds are great when we are trying to fulfill our sensory needs, but homework time requires a calm, clean, clutter-free, and consistent space to prevent children from being distracted by their surroundings. Use putty on pencils to make them easier to hold. If the child can tolerate it, turn on soothing background music (preferably classical) to set a calm mood. Turn off the TV, and minimize other sources of distracting sounds and flashing lights. Homework should be the sole focus of the moment. Experiment a little bit to find out exactly what sources of sensory input optimize your child’s homework productivity, and understand that these will be different for every child. Offer minor sensory input to improve focus and concentration. Kitchen smells from dinner or dessert that waft into the homework area can provide minor sensory input without being distracting. Some children respond well to textured toys that keep one hand fidgeting, while others prefer the feel and taste of chewing gum. Still others like visual patterns to keep the mind occupied. Homework should be the focus of homework time, but it is unrealistic to expect any child to be able to attune 100 percent of his brainpower to a worksheet. Minor sensory distractions can go a long way toward curbing restlessness without costing productivity. Experiment and listen to your child to find what works. Segment homework time into different blocks. Any child will dread the idea of having to sit down for an hour of homework, but most children are more willing to sit through several 10- to 20-minute blocks of it. After a set amount of time, offer your child a 5- to 10-minute break. If a short break is chosen, provide more sensory-pleasing activities like cooking or an art project to lessen restlessness before it’s time to get back to work. Stay away from the computer or tablet screens during sensory time. Don’t “helicopter,” but do keep homework sessions lighthearted. Homework shouldn’t be stressful. Be mindful of the signals that you put out, even if you feel frustrated, and be attuned to your child’s moods. Children respond to the moods and mindsets of their parents. If you are anxiously hovering over your child’s paper, your child may sense and mime your attitude. Instead, keep calm, collected, and on target. Treat homework as an adventure, and your child will positively respond.

Avoid phone, tablet, and computer games in the hours leading up to homework time. Playing a video game employs the short muscle group, which is reactive and counteracts the brain activity required for homework completion.

Louise Weadock MPH, RN, is the founder of WeeZee – The Science of Play, an 18,000-square-foot play and learning facility for children all ages and abilities at 480 Bedford Road, Chappaqua, New York. The mom of two is also a registered child psychiatric nurse with 30 years of ASD/ SID research experience, including research at Johns Hopkins University. Weadock is a known sensory stimulation expert and has written articles for a variety of parenting publications. For more information, call (914)752-2100 or visit www.weezeeworld.com. your needs, your neighborhood

October 2014 I parentguide News I

by Dr. Keith Kantor

D O O H D L I CH

Y T I S BE ns.

ptio o t n e m t a e r t tion and

Preven

Childhood obesity rates remain high in the United States of America. Obesity is defined as an accumulation of body fat to the extent of which it may have a negative impact on health and increase the risk for chronic diseases. The varying causes of childhood obesity include a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, genetics, and socioeconomic status. Two main treatments for obesity involve changes in exercise and diet.

n exercise plan for a child should be fun and match his personality. It is not wise to force a child into the same fitness regimen an adult would follow. If your child is not competitive, then don’t force him to participate in competitive sports. Instead, find other active programs he can do outside of organized sports. Children should daily engage in leisure play that requires movement for at least one hour or more. Taking your child to the park, playing catch, shooting hoops, going for a walk, etc., all provide economical ways to encourage fitness. Also, limit television, computer, and tablet time to only one hour per day. This will not only encourage more healthy activity in general, but also increase creativity during playtime. One important thing to remember is that the best guidance is through example. Children are great observers, and they can spot a hypocrite. “Do as I say, not as I do” is no way to inspire a child to be active and eat healthy foods. Make small lifestyle changes with your children. Regular park trips or walks for exercise and daily eating five servings of fruit and vegetables present simple ways to get started. Limit sodas and sugary, salty, or processed treats to specific times. First, educate your children about the downfalls of eat-

In the United States,

17% of children

ages 2-19

are classified as obese and have a body mass index higher than 30. BMI is a representation of height compared to weight. An optimal BMI range is

18.5-24.99.

ing and drinking too much sugar. Talk about tooth and tummy aches and gaining excessive body fat. Then, move on to limiting intake to particular times like after practice or Saturdays at lunch. If you do away with soda and sugar altogether, chances are your children will be unhappy. This compromise keeps their consumption special and creates realistic boundaries. Plan and cook healthy meals and snacks together as a family. Children love hands-on activities. If they help prepare a nutritious meal, it is more likely they will eat it. Depending on the age of your children, the level of help they can offer will vary. Start by getting them to contribute to your shopping list and excursions, as well as having them set the table and mix ingredients. There are many different ways to involve kids of all ages in the process of making a healthy meal. And spending time together as a family is priceless. Studies have shown that families who eat meals together are much closer than those who don’t. Always include healthy fats in each meal and snack. Fat is not what makes us gain weight; sugar and processed foods are what pack on the pounds. Incorporating healthy fats from nuts, seeds, nut butters, avocados, hummus, and healthy oils will keep your child feeling full for a longer period of time. This reduces food cravings for processed snacks that are rich in sodium and sugar. Have raw vegetables with guacamole or hummus as snack; make a healthy trail mix with nuts, cereal, and dried fruit; or make homemade nutrition bars with almond butter.

Dr. Keith Kantor is a leading nutritionist and co-author of The Green Box League of Nutritious Justice (Effective Press), which provides exercises, tips, and recipes to help prevent childhood obesity. The book recently won a Mom’s Choice Award. For more facts about childhood obesity, visit www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/. 10 I parentguide News I October 2014

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your needs, your neighborhood

October 2014 I parentguide News I 11

Costume

CRAFT

Create a couple of easy but inspired Halloween outfits.

by Abby Larson

It’s easy enough to visit a pop-up Halloween store and let the kids pick outfits they’ll likely wear only once. But with a little planning and lots of creativity, you can create some truly memorable costumes. If your family participates in making them, too, please note there should be adult supervision at all times. Below are two concepts that will help your imagination take flight.

Hot Air Balloon Costume Whimsical and adorable, the Hot Air Balloon costume is sure to garner compliments from your child’s peers, and your friends, too!

Supplies:

• 30-inch red latex balloon • Helium tank (party stores can likely blow up the balloon for you without having to rent a tank) • 36-inch balloon netting • Gold spray paint • 10-inch foam floral hoop • Red parachute cord • Red woven cotton straps • Red duct tape • Red felt • Brown lunch bags • Rubber bands (½ yard) • ½-inch foam sheet • Basket large enough to fit around your child • Utility knife • Scissors • Hot glue gun and glue sticks • Pilot’s cap • Pilot’s jacket

Instructions: 1) Use the utility knife to cut out the bottom of the basket. Line the inside edge

with duct tape so there are no sharp points. 2) Crumple a lunch bag into a ball, and stuff it inside another lunch bag; tie with a rubber band. Repeat to make three other “sandbags.” 3) Use the gold spray paint to coat the sandbags, floral hoop, and balloon netting. Let the pieces dry for 30 minutes. 4) Cut the red felt into small triangles. Thread the red parachute cord through the spokes of the basket, leaving an arc on each side, and knot at the ends on the inside of the basket. Glue the triangles to the cord to make pennant flags. 5) Thread the red straps through both sides of the basket, as far apart as your child’s shoulders. Glue the ends to the straps on one side, then place the basket on your child to measure where to cut the ends on the other sides. Glue remaining ends in place. 6) Tie red parachute cord from the basket corners to the floral hoop. Hold the hoop level and at a height tall enough to leave room for your child. Tie the sandbags onto each corner of the basket with red parachute cord. 7) Cut the foam into 2-inch strips as long as the sides of the basket. Hot glue to the top of each basket side. Completely cover each piece of foam with red duct tape to form a cushioned rim to the basket. 8) Cut 4-inch strips of red felt, and glue them end-to-end to form a scarf. Cut the ends with scissors to form a fringe. 9) Inflate the red balloon, and place it in the gold netting. Have another person hold the balloon while you tie the netting to the floral hoop, keeping the length even on all sides. 10) Dress your little one in the hat, jacket, and scarf. Place the basket over his head, and help him pull his arms through the straps. Your child is now ready to fly! 12 I parentguide News I October 2014

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Bubble Bath Costume

Photo credit: Ruth Eileen Photography

Supplies:

• 9-inch clear latex balloons • 5-inch clear latex balloons • 5-inch pearl white latex balloons • White shirt and pants • White elastic • Hot glue gun and sticks • Rubber cement • Rubber ducks • Blowing bubbles • Safety pins • Wagon • White fabric (enough to cover the wagon) • Packing tape

Instructions: 1) Wrap the wagon in the white fabric, securing it to the

underside of the wagon with packing tape. 2) Blow up a whole bunch of each size of balloon (no helium needed). Blow each balloon to close to full size, then slowly leak out the air until it reaches its roundest shape. Tie it off. 3) Use the rubber cement to attach balloons to the fabriccovered wagon and to each other. Start with a ring of the largest size balloon around the edge of the wagon. Build up the “bubbles,” varying size and color as you go. Leave a gap in the balloons on one side so a child can easily get in and out of the “bath.” 4) Cut a piece of white elastic slightly shorter than the circumference of your child’s head, and hot glue its ends to form a headband. Hot glue the tied ends of 3-4 balloons to the elastic loop to complete the bubble headband. 5) Glue or safety pin several clusters of balloons to your child’s shirt (have him put the shirt on first). 6) Use rubber cement to adhere rubber ducks to a few of the bubbles. You can also add bathtime props like scrubs, washcloths, and soap. Give your child blowing bubbles to add to the fun!

Abby Larson is editor and founder of the wildly popular wedding blog Style Me Pretty and its offshoot Style Me Pretty Living. Larson has devoted the past six years to Style Me Pretty, seeking out quality content, cultivating her editorial eye, building an expert team, and raising the wedding bar. SMP Living is home to party ideas, DIYs, recipes, travel tips, home tours, and resources for inspired living. Discover Larson’s dreamy, fabulous world at www.stylemepretty.com and in her book Style Me Pretty Weddings: Inspiration & Ideas for an Unforgettable Celebration (Potter Style). your needs, your neighborhood

October 2014 I parentguide News I 13

by Ellyn Levy

The

IEP Meeting Should you bring a lawyer?

hen I started the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process — necessary for public school students in special education and related services — for my daughter, I got the shock of a lifetime. I initially had no legal representation and was essentially told that I didn’t know what would be best for my daughter. I felt harassed, and even worse, I discovered that the school district could make decisions with which I might not agree. All of this could and would happen even though I had documentation from a neuropsychologist outlining exactly what educational accommodations my daughter needed to succeed in school. I thought it would have been fairly easy to get these accommodations in place. Well, it turned out I was very naïve. I learned quickly and painfully that I could trust no one within the school district to have the same level of dedication to supporting my daughter that I did as her parent. I realized that I needed the support of an attorney versed in education law. I needed a strong, dynamic, no-nonsense attorney who could teach me how to listen, know what was possible and reasonable to expect, and calm me down when I could not get everything for my daughter that I had hoped to obtain. Having legal counsel gave me the chance to review all documents the school might provide before a meeting (although rarely was anything offered in advance). The attorney and I also reviewed what my daughter’s doctor recommended so I knew what we were requesting. The lawyer sat between my husband and me. She quite literally had to be there for me to lean on and to explain what the pupil personnel director was offering in the way of accommodations. When you make the decision to bring counsel, you must inform the school district ahead of time because it will then supply legal counsel to rebut yours. In my experience, the atmosphere does seem a lot more caustic and frightening when there are attorneys in the room. But that does not mean you shouldn’t bring one. It’s no picnic without one, either! For me, there really was no question that I was going to live with the anxiety of an unpleasant experience for my daughter’s sake. 14 I parentguide News I October 2014

SK 10/14

egal representation: Just thinking about it seems so overwhelming and off-putting for many parents. How bad does it really have to be before you decide that you need the help of an attorney who can hold your hand (both literally and figuratively) through the IEP process? Well, I can tell you from experience that it has to be pretty awful to go to that extreme. I don’t think any parents really want to believe they can’t get what their child actually needs from the school district without legal representation, but it’s sometimes the case.

During an IEP meeting with legal representation, the attorneys joust legal points — your child is or is not entitled to certain educational accommodations. It’s not set in stone, there is no recipe, and the lawyers deﬁnitely battle. I found that the words they used were often jargon that my attorney needed to explain in terms I could understand. After many such meetings, I got used to the language and the tenor of the atmosphere in the room and learned to expect it. I watched the discomfort on the teachers faces as they watched this scene unfold. I found the strongest reason to have legal representation was that I was able to get more IEP beneﬁts than I would have if I went it alone. Education lawyers are experts on what your child is entitled to because it is their job to know and understand the law. As parents, we can (and should!) become highly informed advocates for our children, but we just cannot have the same level of expertise as education lawyers. I also found that I learned how to advocate for my daughter through my attorney. After a while, I was able to go to these meetings with only my daughter, and she and I could advocate quite well. If we were unsure about something, we

Resources

Additional copaa.org b.org/ parentcenterhu er find-your-cent

ncld.org

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who are willing to work on a pro-bono or sliding scale fee basis. Contact your local Parent Training Information Center, bar association, or the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates for more information. If you have a school district with a proven track record that will listen to what you believe are your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs, then I would go without an attorney. Remember, though, if the district does something with which you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t agree, you always have the right to bring legal representation. The old adage â&#x20AC;&#x153;You get more with honey than you get with vinegarâ&#x20AC;? may be true in this situation. Avoiding the contentious situation of using an attorney may allow you to have better overall relationships with administrators and teachers, and this can deďŹ nitely beneďŹ t your child. I think my daughter would have likely felt more supported by the district if there had been less or no ďŹ ghting for the accommodations she needed. I believe each family must decide what is best for its child. There is no easy way to walk into an IEP meeting. Whether or not you bring representation, you must know your legal rights. If you feel having legal representation is necessary, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate. It may be difďŹ cult, but it will help you get your child what she needs, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what really matters.

PROOF

didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sign any paperwork and scheduled a follow-up meeting. We were in control, mostly. We gained conďŹ dence and a better understanding of our rights. We had the strength and knowledge to walk out and consult our attorney by phone by the time my daughter was in 10th grade. Of course, bringing legal counsel to an IEP meeting had some negative connotations, too. As I described previously, it made the meeting even more contentious than it already was. Having lawyers in the room escalated the meeting to a whole other level of importance, and the tension rose for everyone; it was truly palpable when you walked through the door. Another major con to considering legal representation is the ďŹ nancial aspect of this process. It is expensive from the very beginning, when the attorney accepts your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s case and you sign a retainer fee, to each time you speak on the phone and go to a meeting. There are education attorneys

www.parentguidenews.com â&#x20AC;˘ 212-213-8840 Ellyn Levy is a speech-language patholo-

gist who has worked with children and adults in private schools, universities, hospitals, and private practice for 35 years. She currently has a private practice in New York City and may be reached via ellynlevy1@gmail.com. This article has been reprinted with the permission of the National Center for Learning Disabilities.

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October 2014 I parentguide News I 15

Special Needs and Health & Fitness Services Close to Home

dent, nonprofit institution and is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools. It takes pride in being a place where it’s okay to learn differently. The Vincent Smith School is open to all without regard to race, creed, or national origin.

Special Needs

Vincent Smith School 322 Port Washington Boulevard, Port Washington, NY 11050 (516)365-4900 Enrichment & Tutoring Services www.vincentsmithschool.org The Vincent Smith School (VSS) is well-known for its www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 individualized program for students with learning disabilities in grades 3-12. VSS has a history of excellence Bayside Speech & Language PALS dating back to 1924. Located on four and a half acres in 58-47 Francis Lewis Boulevard, Suite 15 suburban Port Washington, Vincent Smith School is a Bayside, NY 11364 private day school, serving students in Nassau, Suffolk, (347)408-4247 and Queens Counties in New York. It offers students difFax: (347)408-4398 ferentiated instruction in small supportive classes. Stuwww.palsspeech.com dents experience academic success, emotional growth Bayside Speech & Language PALS, PLLC (PALS and social acceptance. More than 85 percent of graduSpeech) is a full-service, speech-language practice exates go on to college. Vincent Smith School is chartered clusively devoted to improving the lives of children. by the New York State Board of Regents as an indepenIt specializes in the language, speech and feeding

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16 I parentguide News I October 2014

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Special needs & Health & Fitness DIRECTORY

Please call or fax your comments and/or oK.

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419 Park Avenue South, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734

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skills of preschool and school-aged children, as well as working with families to understand their child’s specific speech and language needs. Through highquality, customized treatment, PALS endeavors to provide clients with the confidence and skills they need to excel in an academic or social setting. PALS Speech provides evaluations and therapies that cover oral and written language, articulation, phonological processing and oral motor skills, feeding issues, fluency, auditory processing, reading and spelling, and pragmatic language. PROMPT, Phonographix and SOS-trained therapists are available to work with children both individually and in groups. PALS accepts New York City Department of Education preschool contracts and RSA letters for school-aged children. PALS Speech is proud to join forces with Balanced Pediatrics to offer comprehensive pediatric therapy services, such as speech, occupational and physical therapy in a sensory gym. Bilingual Korean evaluations and therapy are now available. Therapy may be provided at off-site locations upon request. A therapist will determine a schedule and therapy plan that is right for you

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• Establish and maintain friendships • Share space effectively • Initiate and maintain conversations • Understand the hidden meaning of spoken messages • Interpret social cues • Take in another person’s point of view • Pay attention and stay focused • Work in groups • Predict outcomes and solve problems • Comprehend concepts underlying pictures/stories/assignments • Set boundaries • Organize school tasks theSe difficultieS Are often ASSociAted with: • PDD-NOS • ADHD/ADD • Asperger’s Syndrome • Non-verbal Learning • Other Social Challenges Disability • High Functioning Autism

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Special needs & Health & Fitness DIRECTORY Parent/Child Resources Kent Prep 194-11a Northern Boulevard, Bayside, NY 11358 (718)423-5757 info@kentprep.com www.kentprep.com Since 1989, Kent Prep has satisfied the demands of the most competitive student body in the diverse city of Queens. It offers a comprehensive curriculum led by specialized instructors that are at the top of their field whilst providing comprehensive test preparation and professional counseling services for both students and parents to foster personalized academic careers. Through the passionate pursuit of their ambitions, Kentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s students stand out among other achievers in the most selective pools and applicants. Visit the website for additional information. Steps to Socialization (s2s) 13 South Bayles Ave., Port Washington, NY 1050 (516)767-0266 info@s2sny.com www.s2sny.com Is your child left out of playdate invitations? Does your child sit on the sidelines at recess? Steps to Socializa-

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tion (s2s) is a social learning program for children who have difficulty with social interactions. Steps to Socializationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highly trained staff guides students, in groups of 3-4, in learning the skills required to develop and maintain friendships, interpret social cues and work in groups. Skills taught include predicting what someone else is thinking about, how behavior impacts on others, and how to be part of a group. Using targeted activities and role playing, students are equipped with the skills needed to navigate the social world. The program is for children with average to above-average cognitive skills in grades 1 through 8. s2s teaches children how to think socially, step by step.

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October 2014 I parentguide News I 19

by Ellyn Levy

Honesty & LDs A Why it’s important to speak

openly about learning disabilities.

dvocating for your child around relatives and friends who don’t understand learning disabilities (LDs) and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a skill you can master. It takes some personal insight and the desire to be supportive of your most precious gift: your child.

I have a hard time understanding why adults hide certain personal information about themselves. I find that it leads to a loss of authenticity in relationships and lack of true connection. That could easily be due to limited self-confidence and perhaps poor self-esteem. After all, if you show your true colors, then someone might not like the “real” you. As human beings, we all want to be liked and have our families and friends support us. If we expose ourselves too much, it leaves us open to criticism and makes us vulnerable. When we become parents, we are keenly aware of our children’s vulnerabilities and have a strong desire to protect them from anyone who might not understand them. When our children are diagnosed with learning challenges of any sort, we want to protect them even more. The question is: How do we do that? The answer is straightforward and daunting to many parents and caregivers: We must teach children to be honest about their learning challenges and not shy away from using the correct terminology to describe their diagnoses. If we don’t, we’re teaching the child there’s something to be ashamed of. Hiding implies there’s something wrong. If you hide the fact that a child has a LD or ADHD, the child may think, I can’t be myself. Being forthcoming and advocating for your child can do just 20 I parentguide News I October 2014 SK 10/14

parentguidenews.com

the opposite; it boosts a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s self-confidence. Speaking openly about your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s challenges does a world of good for the entire family. It fosters honest communication about the specific learning disability. It enables you to provide information for those who may not know about the disability. And if you are faced with skepticism, you can address it head on. One time, a close friend told me that my daughter had â&#x20AC;&#x153;an unfair advantageâ&#x20AC;? because she could take a state exam with extended test time and in a separate location due to her dyslexia and ADHD. These accommodations were legitimate and mandated for my daughter, and I was mortified to hear such an opinion from a friend. I knew I had to educate this person and called her to tell her I was upset about her comment. I felt she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t truly understand the nature of my daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s learning disability and how it academically impacted her. After I explained my feelings and enlightened my friend about the situation, she no longer harbored the ridiculous notion that somehow my daughter had an unfair advantage. It took patience on my part to advocate and openly communicate for my daughter. In the end, though, it was key to my friendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s understanding and maintaining our relationship.

PROOF

www.parentguidenews.com â&#x20AC;˘ 212-213-8840

Ellyn Levy is a speech-language pathologist who has worked with children and adults in private schools, universities, hospitals, and private practice for 35 years. She currently has a private practice in New York City and may be reached via ellynlevy1@gmail. com. This article has been reprinted with the permission of the National Center for Learning Disabilities.

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Celebrating a birthday is one of the most exciting times in a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. Since there is nothing more fun for a child than to spend an entire day and night with friends, a slumber party presents the perfect way to make the birthday girl or boy feel special. However, the idea of hosting a slumber party may give you thoughts of children running amok at your home as food is strewn everywhere. Really, though, it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be that complicated! The following tips instruct how to host a successful slumber party.

Invitations

party area. For dinner, allow the children to prepare their own meal to encourage interaction and creativity. Tacos are kid friendly and simple to make. Place taco shells, meat or vegetarian bean fillings, tomatoes, cheese, lettuce, and spices in separate bowls on the kitchen table. Distribute paper plates, and have each child put together a taco. Just add drinks to complete the meal.

Dessert

To simplify the cake and ice cream presentation, prepare the Cake Cone recipe in the sidebar ahead of time. It only requires three ingredients: ice cream cones, cake mix, and ice cream.

Allow your child to create invitations. Purchase blank invitation cards, stickers, and colored pencils to enable creative designs. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to include party details, such as asking guests to bring a blanket and pillow. Try to invite an even number of children so that no one is left out when a game or activity calls for partners.

Decorations

Since a slumber party is an all-night event, hang balloons from the ceiling by crepe paper. This decor will maintain the party atmosphere throughout the night, and your decorations will last longer being out of reach.

Games

Play a few simple games once all of the children have arrived to build cohesion and relationships. Some suggestions: The Paper Clip Game. Attach 10 paper clips together for each child. Have the children sit in a circle and detach each paper clip as fast as they can without changing the shape of the paperclips. The first person to complete the task wins a small prize. To enhance the excitement, play upbeat music during the game. The Mummy. Partners are chosen by drawing names (so no one feels bad for being the last person picked). Then, one child from each pair uses an entire roll of toilet paper to wrap his partner like a mummy. The first pair to finish the roll wins a prize.

Food

Provide snacks like a bowls of chips, a healthy veggie tray, and fruit around the 22 I parentguide News I October 2014

IR 9/14

parentguidenews.com

Activity

After the meal, everyone should be ready to wind down with a fun but low-key activity. Spread an old bed sheet or a drop cloth in the middle of the floor. In its center, place stickers, glue, foam shapes, markers, glitter, and similar items. Give each child a plain white T-shirt to decorate with these supplies. Once the shirts are complete, hang them up to dry. Return them to the children at the end of the party.

Bedtime

When it’s time for bed, allow the children to sleep in the TV room on the floor watching an age-appropriate and engaging movie they’ve chosen. Before long, they’ll likely relax and fall asleep.

PROOF Morning after

Once the party is over, provide tortillas, cooked eggs, and cheese on the breakfast table so guests can make breakfast burritos and heat them in the microwave. As they watch a little television and talk, their parents will soon arrive to pick them up. Your child and little guests will have memories that will last for a lifetime.

Cake Cone recipe Enjoy cake and ice cream in the convenience of a cone. Ingredients • Ice cream cones (yellow wafers) • Ice cream • Cake mix made from the box • Food coloring (optional) Instructions

PROOF

1 Fill each ice cream cone with 1 tablespoon of cake

www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 mixture. Don’t use too much mixture because it will rise, and you don’t want it to overflow.

2 Place mixture-filled cones on a cookie sheet. Bake them for about 10 minutes.

3 Remove the cones from the oven, and cool them for

Felicia Harris is an instructor of Chef’s Delights cooking class in Mesquite, Texas, where children ages 4 to 6 years prepare easy-to-make, healthy meals. She is the author of children’s cookbook Slumber Party Recipes (CreateSpace), which can be found at Amazon.com.

about 15 minutes. Put candles in each cake cone and sing “Happy Birthday.”

4 Remove the candles. Add a scoop of ice cream in the additional space left at the top of the cone and serve.

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Let’s Celebrate! Entertainers, Party Places and More...

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BIRTHDAY DIRECTORY tions with a diverse menu of delicacies prepared on premises are provided for adult guests, making Celebrations in the Kitchen a terrific venue for your next party or family affair! Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises Pier 83, West 42nd Street, NYC 10036 (212)563-3200 info@circleline42.com www.circleline42.com The company that has hosted more than 60 million guests since 1945, and is considered “America’s Favorite Boat Ride,” also brings you fun-filled Kid’s Cruises for unforgettable birthday parties on selected dates. Boys and girls are sure to love their cruise featuring live entertainment, a strolling magician, face-painter or balloon artist, photo opportunities with the Statue of Liberty, giveaways for all attending children, and much more fun. Boarding begins at 9:30, setting sail at 10am. Group rates are available for parties, play groups and gathering with 15 or more people. In addition to exciting birthday parties, don’t forget Circle Line’s five different leisurely tours including the famous Best of NYC Cruise, the Landmark Cruise, the quick and easy Liberty Cruise or the sunset Harbor Lights cruise. All cruises include all-new tour content created in partnership with the New-York Historical Society, creating an enthralling narrative of the history, culture and landscape that make New York Iconic. Visit www.circleline42.com or find Circle Line on Facebook for more information on this exciting and fun way to see celebrate a birthday against the world’s most famous skyline.

Proof

feel like celebrities for a day — a special day. Upon entering the Toddlewood Studio, birthday party guests are given Toddlewood robes and seated at the Hair and Makeup Station. While some girls are getting glammed up, others enjoy the Toddlewood Photobooth and Karaoke Station. Once they’re ready, they are taken onto the photography set where the magic happens. It’s all about “fabulosity!” Finish off with a group photo and a V.I.P. brunch. Each child goes home with a gorgeous picture, and the birthday girl gets a CD of all the images! Lights, cameras, Toddlewood! Fun Craft Great Neck (516)487-0255 www.funcraftparties.net What could be more fun for a child’s birthday party than having it at Fun Craft? Fun Craft is celebrating its 25th anniversary! Fun Craft has everything from plastercraft painting and create-your-own CD to stuff-a-pet, decorate-your-own pillowcase or T-shirt, tie dye, sand art and much more. There’s no limit to what kids can create at Fun Craft. An one-and-a-half- or two-hour party includes a craft activity, a private disco room with your very own DJ, dancing games, the latest sound and lighting show, video games, bubble fun, pizza, drinks, goodie bags and invites. In other words, everything is done for you, so just bring the camera. Add-ons include party themes, characters, carnival cotton candy, a popcorn wagon, create-your-own ice cream sundaes, face painting, tattoos, piñatas, balloons and so much more. Customize your own party or choose from packages: economy, premium, Royalty Prince/Princess, Stuff-a-Pet, Wild ‘n’ Wacky, Pirate, Silly Science, Pajama Party and many more. Fun Craft is open seven days a week for parties, walk-ins and Wednesday play dates.

Proof

www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840

Fabulosity at the Toddlewood Studio 27B Great Neck Road, Great Neck, NY 11201 (646)596-4227 studio@toddlewood.com www.toddlewoodparties.com Internationally acclaimed photographer Tricia Messeroux brings her full photography glamour experience to kids’ birthday parties. Kids have the chance to

your needs, your neighborhood

Little Ladies Club Hicksville, NY 11801 (516)939-CLUB (2582) www.thelittleladiesclub.com With so many princess parties available, what sets the Little Ladies Club apart

October 2014 I parentguide News I 25

BIRTHDAY DIRECTORY

Proof

from the rest? With more than 14 years of experience, Little Ladies Club ensures you can count on your party being absolutely perfect! The Little Ladies Club is an original creation hosting Glamour Parties for girls ages 1 through sweet 16. The Little Ladies Club provides first-class service in their spectacular location. You will have your choice of age-appropriate party rooms. Her Majesty Suite is adorned with beautiful Victorian décor, while the Tween Queen Spa is super chic and tons of fun. Parties are private, all-inclusive, two-hour celebrations. They feature stunning hairstyles, hair accessories, personalized combs, aromatherapy manicures and pedicures, dress up, a red carpet fashion show, a tea party, dancing, party favors, plus so much more! Boys love it, too! Her Majesty Suite accommodates boys with the “Mr. Royal T” Club House and specially designed boy services. Her Majesty Suite also accommodates adults. Lovely Lady Lola, a custom-created fortune teller machine, provides inspirational messages to your tween or teen queen! Offering the hippest jukebox, therapeutic fountains, cucumber facials and bracelet beading, the Club is a favorite among tweens! So whether your child is a princess, tween or teen, and you are looking for perfection, look no further than The Little Ladies Club!

www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 Medieval Times The Meadowlands Castle 149 Polito Ave., Lyndhurst, NJ 07071-0327 (888) 935-6878 www.medievaltimes.com In the mood for some old-fashioned fun? Medieval Times invites you to come celebrate more than 20 years of feasting, fighting and fun! A popular dinner attraction for all ages, Medieval Times Castles features a two-hour dinner and live show based upon authentic medieval history. Guests enjoy a four course medieval banquet while witnessing brave knights compete on horseback in games of skill, jousting matches and swordfights. Admission includes a four course dinner, beverages and a live show. Parking is

26 I parentguide News I October 2014

parentguidenews.com

BIRTHDAY DIRECTORY free. In addition to their regular daily schedules, Medieval Times is the perfect place to celebrate the next birthday of the young Lord or Lady of your own castle! Their special action-packed birthday party packages include preferred seating, an individual photo with the King or Queen, a cheering banner, birthday cake, and an announcement in honor of the birthday child during the performance! Medieval Times is located west of Giants Stadium and just minutes from mid-town Manhattan. Other locations include Hanover, MD; Lawrenceville, GA; Kissimmee, FL; Schaumburg, IL; Myrtle Beach, SC; Dallas, TX; Buena Park, CA; and Toronto, Ontario. Call the number above for reservations and further information. Queens Theatre 14 United Nations Ave. South, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY 11368 (718)760-0686, ext. 224 cbaker@queenstheatre.org www.queenstheatre.org Celebrate your birthday with Queens Theatre! QT offers a beautiful, 90person capacity space to host your special day. Enjoy an one-hour party in the Cabaret Theatre before taking in one of the fun Family Series shows! The Cabaret Theatre offers a beautiful setting equipped with lighting and a sound system. Bring your own food and decorations; QT provides everything else. Your party will also receive special pricing on the performance tickets. Contact Rentals Manager Connie Baker at the e-mail or number listed for more information or to book your event.

Proof

Center offers new party packages and discount coupons. This fun family facility is open year round and offers indoor simulator golf, a driving range,putting green, sand trap, meeting rooms, and more. Visit the pro-shop with a wide array of golf products and miniature golf courses, Romeo with 21 holes and Juliet with 18 holes. The facility boasts an upgraded landing area, target greens, an high-definition TV in the shopping area, a decorated party room, a range servant dispenser, a cafe with a wide variety of snacks and drinks, plus tons more. Have a birthday coming up? Spring Rock Golf Center is just the place to host your bash. Spring Rock provides you with the tables, chairs, tablecloths, paper good and utensils. Choose from a basic party package or a super package that is sure to delight all guests and the birthday honoree with mini golf. A little blue-redgreen “choo choo,” the Train Ride, is the perfect ride for everyone from young children to the young-at-heart adults. All you need to do is show up and enjoy the special occasion. Spring Rock Golf Center also caters to summer camps. Call or log on to arrange for a party today!

Proof

www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840

Spring Rock Golf Center 377 Denton Ave., New Hyde Park, NY 11040 (516)739-0167 www.springrockgolf.com Hey, parents! On a budget but want some family fun? Spring Rock Golf

your needs, your neighborhood

October 2014 I parentguide News I 27

HEALTH

by Samantha Chan 1 Pack a truly complete lunch for your little ones with the brand-new Omiebox.The BPA- and phthalate-free plastic lunchbox features an insulated bowl to pack hot and cold items together. www.omielife.com/omiebox

4 2

2 Up the cleaning game in your home with the Soniclean VT Plus S-200 vacuum, which has a fragrance-dispensing system that freshens your home as you clean. www.mysoniclean.com

PROOF 1

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3 The Custom Care Modular Bathing Solution features three easy-to-change positions to promote proper support for your baby. www.toysrus.com 4 Babyganics Diaper Rash Cream boasts vitamins A, D, and E, as well as plant-based ingredients. www.babyganics.com

Go to www.parentguidenews.com for a chance to win these great prizes!

5 Whether you’re looking for a flashy accessory or a safety product, turn to 4id Fit Glow, which offers everything from headphones to shoelaces and armbands. www.4id.com

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HEALTH 6 Get your fill of essential oils and nutrients from Carrington Farms Flax Paks, convenient snacks for on-the-go families. www.carringtonfarms.com 7 Natursutten offers your family an ecologically sustainable and natural rubber pacifier thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s softer than silicone and easy to clean. www.amazon.com 8 Pack your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lunch with a healthy alternative to cookies and candy with Lance Whole Grain Crackers, available in Cheddar Cheese, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, and Peanut Butter flavors. www.lance.com

6 7

9 Ditch traditional sweets this Halloween and pick up Surf Sweets, a non-GMO candy collection free of corn syrup, artificial food dyes, nuts, gluten, soy, and dairy. www.surfsweets.com 10 Tame the Flame from Healthy Mama Brand is a mint-flavored, calcium-rich antacid that relieves heartburn while being gentle on the body. www.healthymamabrand.com

8 Samantha Chan is the associate editor.

your needs, your neighborhood

October 2014 I parentguide News I 29

Woman oman mom

For the Woman behind the Mom

According to the Prevent Blindness organization, women are more likely than men to face vision problems. A recent survey by the same eye health and safety organization also found that only 9 percent of women knew that they were at significantly greater risk of suffering permanent vision loss. While exercising, eating right, and regularly visiting your eye doctor are some of the most effective ways to help ward off vision issues, there are age-specific recommendations that may help, too. Peruse the guidelines for positive eye health below.

20s — Get in the habit of having annual comprehensive eye exams.

This helps establish baseline measures and enables you to form a relationship with your eye care professional. Computer and smartphone usage are particularly high at this age, so remember the 20-20-20 rule. Look at an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes while using digital devices. This helps minimize eye strain, visual fatigue, and headaches. It can also potentially reduce the effects caused by dangerous blue light emitted from digital devices.

30s — This age group should also follow the 20-20-20 rule and take

frequent breaks with computer use. Even if you have good vision and don’t require prescription glasses, consider getting eyeglass lenses made just for computer use or those that help block blue light to reduce eye strain. Also, pregnant women may want to increase water intake and use lubricating drops to keep eyes hydrated.

40s — At this time, many women (and men!) begin to experience

farsightedness, which is when focusing on objects close up becomes increasingly difficult. This means you’ll need glasses that magnify objects, also known as “readers.” In addition to readers, lubricating drops can help comfort the eyes. Long-lasting hydration is key in order to replace diminishing tear film mucus.

50s — Women in their 50s typically experience hormonal shifts that

may affect their eyesight. Getting your ocular surface examined and evaluated for dry eyes is recommended. And for those of you who have put off getting readers in your 40s, you’ll need to procure a pair as your arm most likely won’t be long enough to now accommodate reading. This is also the age range when women may begin seeing floaters and flashing lights, and they usually continue to experience diminished vision. Make sure you are visiting your eye doctor every year and keeping your prescription up to date. 30 I parentguide News I October 2014

IR 10/14

While I regularly see many of the above conditions in my patients, there are some more serious issues of which women should especially be aware.

Eye Trauma

A common injury from cosmetics is accidentally poking a mascara wand into the eye. While this scenario, along with getting other kinds of makeup in the eye, is uncomfortable and irritating, it may not necessarily result in serious injury. It’s important to use common sense when judging if you should receive urgent care. The best step is to check with your eye doctor, especially if you are experiencing persistent discomfort.

Cataracts

As the world’s leading cause of blindness, cataracts — or cloudy areas in the eyes’ lenses — typically appear in people older than 40. To help protect your vision, it’s important to wear sunglasses, eat healthy foods, and control your blood sugar. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Glaucoma

This condition causes damage to the optic nerve, resulting in the buildup of pressure behind the eye. It generally shows up after age 40 and worsens over time. While there are treatments to help symptoms and early detection can help slow the progression, there is no cure for glaucoma. Men and women alike can get it, and it tends to be an inherited disease.

Diabetes

Women are more at risk for certain health conditions that impact their vision, including diabetes. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 12 million women age 20 or older have diabetes. This condition increases the risk for developing eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy. People with diabetes also frequently experience light sensitivity, difficulty distinguishing colors in low lighting, and trouble driving at night. Routine visits to the eye doctor play a vital role in your overall health care. When you make them a priority, your peepers will be pleased. Dr. Stephanie Kirschbaum is a VSP Vision Care optometrist located in California. VSP Vision Care is one of the largest nonprofit vision benefits and services company in the United States. parentguidenews.com

Woman oman mom

For the Woman behind the Mom

by Samantha Chan Keep your energy high from studio to street with Gaiam’s new yoga wear, featuring cute pieces like the Pima Flow Tank and printed leggings. www.gaiam.com

Tackle your hair concerns with the new line of elixirs from Giovanni Eco Chic Cosmetics. From turning the clock back on heat damage to reviving limp hair, Giovanni has your head covered. www.giovannicosmetics.com

Proof

ProoF

Dr. Lin Skincare has something for every skin type. For dry skin, check out the Daily Hydrating Gel. Have oily skin? The Acne Cleansing Pads419 might perfectSouth, for you. ParkbeAvenue New York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734 www.drlinskincare.com

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From: Not just great for mom’s skin, Paula’s Choice Earth Sourced cleansers and moisturizers are also safe for babies thanks to their all-natural ingredients. www.paulaschoice.com

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DAte: with the fragrance Fill iSSue your home of fall with Air Wick’s National Park Collection of home freshners. comments and/or oK. www.airwick.com

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Nassau

Calendarof Events

Manhattan Queens

October 1-7 Westchester October 1: Fall Storytime, Peninsula Library, 92-25 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Rockaway Beach, (718)634-1110, www. queenslibrary.org. Little ones and their caregivers enjoy a morning of stories, music, fingerplays, and a simple craft. Noon. October 4: Terrarium Class, luludi living frames, 2307 24th Ave., Astoria, www.luludi.net. Children and adults learn how to build a terrarium with an air plant, colored sands and their choice of a selection of whimsical decorative accent. Reservations required and can be done via their website. 6pm. October 7: Arch for Kids Community Workshop, Seaside Library, 116-15 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Rockaway Park, (718)6341876, www.queenslibrary.org. This community workshop for families explores building facades, the components of greenhouses and the elements of sustainable community design. 4pm.

October 8-14 October 8: Live Animals with Ranger Eric Powers, MitchellLinden Library, 29-42 Union St., Flushing, (718)539-2330, www.queenslibrary.org. Join Ranger Eric and his display of live animals and a variety of animal artifacts. 3:30pm. October 11: Adventure Hour Pumpkin Party, Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Boulevard, Douglaston,

October 5 Community Arts Day, Kew Gardens Cinemas Park, Lefferts Boulevard and Austin Street, Kew Gardens, www.kewgardensart.com. Celebrate the diversity of the community as reflected by its own artists. Enjoy photography, glass making, pottery, jewelry, illustration, and other media. Watch as art is created before your very eyes. 11am-5pm. 32 I parentguide News I October 2014

October 11 Adventure Hour Pumpkin Party,

OCTOBER 2014

(718)229-4000, www.alleypond.com. Toddlers and their parents/ caregivers are invited to socialize with community members and enjoy activities that include live animals, art projects, outdoor play, trail walks, and music. Registration required. 10:30am. October 11: Storybook Discovery Day: Share a Story with Me!, Voelker Orth Museum, Bird Sanctuary, and Victorian Garden, 149-19 38th Ave., Flushing, (718)359-6227, www.vomuseum. org. Head to the cozy parlor, where storyteller Karyn Mooney shares the joys of reading with young children, well before they can read on their own. In celebration of National Tell a Story Day (10/27), this Storybook Discovery session celebrates stories, books, and book-making! After reading stories together, children will learn to make their own accordion books. 11am-noon. October 11: Octoberfest Arts and Crafts Fair Pumpkin Patch, Sunnyside Garden Park, 48-21, 39th Ave., Sunnyside, www. sunnysidegardenspark.org. Celebrate the season with arts and crafts from local artisans, classic German food and drinks, and live music performances. Plus a special treat for kids features a pumpkin patch and pumpkin painting. Noon.

October 15-21 October 16: Pajama Party Storytime!, Barnes and Noble Utopia Center, 176-60 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, (718)3804340, www.barnesandnoble.com. Children are welcome to join in their pajamas for this pajama party. Check the website for special costume themes and more information. 6:30pm. October 18: Hindu Celebration of Diwali, the “Festival of Lights,” Queens Museum, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, (718)592-5555, www.queensmuseum.org. The festival symbolizes the victory of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness and is celebrated to honor Rama-chandra, the seventh avatar (incarnation of the god Vishnu). This celebration is free and open to people of all faiths and traditions. 2-5pm. October 18: Fall Harvest October 31 Festival, King Manor Museum 150-03 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica, www.kingmanor.org. Celebrate the fall harvestHalloween at the KingReManor with a historical cooking demonstration, Mixed, Flushingbutter churning, and autumn-themed crafts, apple cider pressing, Town for Hall,families 137-35with children of all ages. Noon-4pm. Appropriate Northern Boulevard, Flushing, www. flushingtownhall. org. Three holidays: Dia de los Muertos, October 22: Scattered Halloween, and AllLight Opening Celebration, NY Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona, (718)699-0005, www. Saints’ Day are being celebrated with hands-on activities for all nysci.org. Celebrate the beautiful work, Scattered Light by ages. Costumes are encouraged as you join in making masks, All Saints’ Day Medallions, and Mexican Sugar Skulls. 4pm. parentguidenews.com

October 22-31

Dick Esterle. The evening is inspired by the Celebration of Mind festival, which honors Martin Gardener, featuring magicians, music, and activities that puzzle, raise mathematical concepts and tease ideas of perception. 5-8pm.

fun for children of all ages. Wear your costume, and enjoy pig races, kids’ pony rides, food, live country music, and the ConEdison Ecology booth. The Haunted House and Amazing Maize Maze are open as well. 11am-4pm.

October 25: Halloween Harvest Festival, Socrates Sculpture Park, 32-01 Vernon Boulevard, Long Island City, (718)956-1819, www. socratessculpturepark.org. It’s time again for this seasonal artistic celebration to prep for Halloween! Craft a costume alongside the park’s artists, listen to music and enjoy seasonal foods from local restaurants. Face painting, and a canine costume contest are also on the agenda. 11am-3pm.

October 29: Haunted Halloween Hike, Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Boulevard, Douglaston, (718)229-4000, www.alleypond.com. Kids can try out their Halloween costumes when the haunted walk returns! Don’t miss all the fun haunted activities--a spooky trail walk, hot chocolate, and ghost stories. Bring lots of courage and leave the flashlights home-- a spooky guide will lead the way. Registration required. Note this is a drop-off hike. 6:30pm.

October 26: Children’s Fall Festival, Queens County Farm Museum, 5 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park, (718)347October 3276, www.queensfarm.org. Come for a festival of Halloween Community Arts Day, Kew Gardens Cinemas Park, Lefferts Boulevard and Austin Street, Kew Gardens, www.kewgardensart.com. Celebrate the diversity ofShare the commuyour event details 1st artists. of the preceding month nity as reflectedby bythe its own Enjoy photography, glass making, pottery, jewelry, illustration, and familyasactivities andbefore events FREE charge at otherSubmit media. Watch art is created your veryofeyes. www.parentguidenews.com/Catalog/SubmitACalendarItem 11am-5pm. or e-mail Samantha Chan: samantha@parentguidenews.com

Calendarof Events

October 11

October 31 Halloween ReMixed, Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, www. flushingtownhall. org. Three holidays: Dia de los Muertos, Halloween, and All Saints’ Day are being celebrated with hands-on activities for all ages. Costumes are encouraged as you join in making masks, All Saints’ Day Medallions, and Mexican Sugar Skulls. 4pm.

0 0 1 $ n i W

our Toward Y rty! a P y a d h t t Bir x e N s ’ d l i h C

Adventure Hour Pumpkin Party, Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Boulevard, Douglaston, (718)229-4000, www. alleypond.com. Toddlers and their parents/caregivers are invited to socialize with community members and enjoy activities that include live animals, art projects, outdoor play, trail walks, and music. Registration required. 10:30am. PARENTGUIDE News

Calling All February Birthdays! wants to help make your child’s

next birthday the most memorable ever!

This month’s Birthday Blowout Contest highlights children’s October 18 birthdays that occur in February.

Fall Harvest Festival, King Manor To enter, go to www.parentguidenews.com and click on the Museum, 150-3 Jamaica Ave., Birthday Blowout Contest box for details. The winner receives a Jamaica, www.kingmanor.org. Celebrate the fall Kingto spend toward a chosen party place or entertainer $100 giftharvest certifiat cate Manor with a historic cooking for the ultimate birthday bash. demonstration, apple cider pressing, butter churning, and autumnthemed crafts. Appropriate for families with children of all ages. special day into something spectacular. Turn your child’s Noon-4pm.

Save BIG at www.parentguidenews.com

your needs, your neighborhood

October 25

October 2014 I parentguide News I 33

UPDATE

by Donald McDermott

4 5 6

10 1 Keep your bundle of joy warm, cozy, and safe all year with the moon cocoon wearable duvet. www.niniandpumpkin.com/products

6 Easy to clean, 100-percent silicone, and non-toxic, the animalshaped Baby Bibs from Ulubulu are a perfect gift for new parents. www.ulubulu.com/products

2 Welcome your new baby with cuddly organic clothes from Wee Urban. Its Bring Me Home Gift Sets offer unique, genderneutral options designed to keep little ones snugly and warm. www.weeurban.com

7 Designed with both baby and mommy in mind, the multi-functional nursing blanket from Me Beau Bébé comes with various features to maximize comfort, privacy, and functionality. wwww.mebeaubebe.com

3 Golden Thread’s heirloom-worthy jewelry comes in styles for one and all. Its Baby & Child collection features kid-appropriate sizes. www.goldenthreadshop.com

8 Difrax, the well-known European baby products company, has a new creation that is at the forefront of orthodontic pacifiers. Its 3-stage pacifier system features bold, colorful, and stylish patterns designed to meet baby’s needs at every age. www.difrax.com

4 The affordable, high-quality Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump by Evenflo features a PerfectlyPure™ design that prevents milk backup. www.evenflofeeding.com

9 The Angelcare® AC 605 Movement & Sound Monitor comes with an under-the-mattress sensor pad and two state-of-the-art Parent Units for added reassurance that baby is safely asleep. www.angelcarebaby.com

5 Hypo-allergenic and fully supportive, the San Diego Bebe EcoNursing Pillow offers comfort for both mom and baby. www.doubleblessings.com

10 A leader in universal compact electronic gear for smartphones, tablets, and digital and action cameras is proud to present the iStabilizer Monopod and Bluetooth Shutter Remote. www.istabilizer.com

Go to www.parentguidenews.com for a chance to win these great prizes! 34 News I October 2014 SKI parentguide 10/14

Donald McDermott is the managing editor.

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$100 worth of kitchenware from Casabella

Submit photos of your children romping in a pile of leaves, bobbing for apples, dressing up for Halloween, picking pumpkins, building a scarecrow, or enjoying other fall-related fare by November 1 for a chance to win $100 worth of kitchenware from Casabella. Casabella wants to help you create your favorite autumn treats! Share it all with us at www.parentguidenews.com. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll post select entries online for viewer voting until the end of November. Encourage friends and relatives to vote once a day, too.

Visit www.parentguidenews.com for contest details.