New York Family February 2020 by Schneps Media Digital Editions

February 2020 established 1986

newyorkfamily.com

Celebrate

Valentines as a Family Bouncy Fun

The Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Trampoline Parks Tear-out & keep

Teething Timeline

Eden Grinshpan

Culinary Goddess

CITY CAMPS FOR CITY KIDS!

4 ADVANTAGE CAMPS ON THE EAST SIDE & THE WEST SIDE!

DAY CAMPS

Advantage Day Camp—best day camp in NYC! • Every kind of fun imaginable, for campers 4 to 14 • Swimming, art, gym & ﬁeld sports, enrichment, STEAM programs & excursions • Rock wall climbing at West Side location • Starts 6/15 East Side, 6/29 on the West Side

Advantage Junior Tennis Camp— best tennis camp in NYC!

• Players 7 to 17 focus on tennis, up close & all summer long! • Drills, games & match play plus swimming • Starts June 8, East Side & West Side

Advantage QuickStart Tennis Camp— best introduction to tennis ever!

• Customized by age & ability, for campers 4 to 8 • Friendly atmosphere, specialized instruction • Starts 6/15 East Side, 6/15 on the West Side

Advantage STEAM—best summer learning ever! • For children 5 to 9 • Kids explore, discover, collaborate & have fun • Exciting partners for 2020! Kasparov Chess Foundation and Snapology, learning through play with LEGO bricks & more! • Starts 6/15 East Side, 6/29 on the West Side

Pick your Camp. Pick your location. Save 10% when you sign up by 2/28/20! Earn unlimited $25 camp credits!* Choose East Side/Roosevelt Island or West Side/midtown Manhattan Quick & easy to reach NYC locations! Contact Bob Ingersole at bingersole@advantagecamps.net or 212.935.0250

Sign up today at advantagecamps.net * To earn Camp credits, refer a child who is new to Advantage Camps and enrolls. No time limit on referrals.

SUMMER CAMP

REGISTRATION

NOW OPEN!

Early Bird discount expires April 18

Over 70 camp locations in NYC and a sleepaway camp in upstate NY. Financial Assistance Available. Visit YMCAnyc.org/camp February 2020 | New York Family 3

contents

February 2020

NewYorkFamily.com

pg. 50

pg. 64

pg. 44

FEATURES 44 | Eden Grinshpan: On Eden Eats, Food & Family This foodie shares on her love for Middle Eastern-influenced food, Top Chef Canada and of course, family 48 | Hacks, and Shortcuts Resourceful moms share their parenting hacks and shortcuts

Stories & columns 6 | Editor’s Note February Love Notes 8 | Contributors The lovely peeps who have shared their talents this month 10 | Mom Hacks: Beauty Our calming picks of CBD beauty for mom 14 | Strollers 10 strollers perfect for the city parent 20 | Education Why parents should consider Charter Schools 28 | Parent’s Book Club Elizabeth Ames first novel The Other’s Gold

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

pg. 24

pg. 56

32 | Children’s Dental Health A helpful teething timeline and chart from the first tooth to the last of your child’s wisdom teeth

50 | Neighborhood Guide: Valentines with Your Kids Our picks for places to celebrate the romance of New York

34| Family Health Understanding ADHD

54 | Travel A family getaway to Baltimore

42 | Helpful Read A book that teaches kids about a parent’s depression 64 | Mom Stories Writer Alexis Barad-Cutler shares her journey down the plastic surgery rabbit hole 66 | Last Bite Eden Grinshpan’s favorite winter salad

Home & Away 24 | Family Day Out: Museum of Ice Cream This museum of yum now has a permanent space in NYC

Family fun 56 | Trampoline Parks & Activities Jump on over to these fun trampoline spots 58 | Vans New Indoor Skate Park Keep the wheels in motion at Vans Skate Park 198 in Bushwick 60 | Calendar Unmissable events in Manhattan and beyond for February

Directories 18 | Catholic School Guide 22 | Charter School Guide

36 | Family Day Out: Going the Extra Mile Museums, theater, parks for kids with special needs 40 | Family Day Out: How the Culture Pass Works The free ticket that helps families save on NYC popular attractions

on the Cover Photo: Ana Gambuto | anagambuto.com Hair & Makeup: Buffy Hernandez | buffysaintmarie.com Cover clothing on Eden: Apiece Apart | apieceapart.com

February 2020 | New York Family

Editor’s Note

NewYorkFamily.com Publisher: Hester Aba Executive Editor: Donna Duarte-Ladd Digital Editor: Katarina Avendaño Senior Adviser: Susan Weiss Director, Business Development: Mary Ann Oklesson Partnership Managers: Erik Bliss, Erin Brof, Mary Cassidy, Shelli Goldberg-Peck Ad Ops Coordinator: Charlotte Sauvagnat Art Director: Leah Mitch Web Developer: Sylvan Migdal Graphic Designers: Arthur Arutyunov, Connie Sulsenti Nina Gallo Photography

Love Notes New York is an amazing place to celebrate Valentine’s Day. We’re still in the throes of winter, but Mother Nature can sometimes be kind and shows the city some love with a few brisk but not so freezing days where we can all go out and enjoy the wonders of Gotham. This is why you’ll want to check out our piece on “Valentines with your Kids” (page 50). From crafts and storytimes to walking the Highline, we have you covered. Speaking of running around the city, we have the best round-up with “10 Strollers Perfect for the City” (page 14). For more stroller picks visit our extensive stroller guides on newyorkfamily.com. If your kid’s teeth are a mystery to youyou’re not alone. Luckily we mapped out

Graphic Design Intern: Elvia Caballero Editorial Contributor: Mia Salas Editorial Interns: Isabelle Bousquette, Courtney Ingalls, Olga Uzunova

Contact Information

a cool tear-out “Teething Timeline” (page 32) to tack on to the fridge and we’ve even included a fun reward chart to get your kids excited about brushing! We feel super lucky to have Not Safe for Mom Group founder Alexis Barad-Cutler’s essay, “And They’re Spectacular — My Journey down the Plastic Surgery Rabbit Hole” (page 64) in this month’s Mom Stories. Her story is so honest and funny. Lastly, Our cover mom this month (page 44) is talented and funny Eden Grinshpan of Eden Eats and Top Chef Canada, who shares her love for food, being a mom and family.

ADVERTISING: (718) 260-4554 Advertising@NewYorkFamily.com Circulation: (718) 260-8336 Tina@NewYorkFamily.com

Address: New York Family Media/Schneps Media 1 MetroTech Center North, Third Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201

President: Victoria Schneps-Yunis CEO: Joshua Schneps Group Publisher: Clifford Luster

Donna Ladd Executive Editor New York Family has been recognized for editorial and design excellence by PMA. New York Family is published monthly by Queens Family Media, LLC.

get in touch Share your feedback and ideas about family life in the city! Email us at editorial@newyorkfamily.com and tag us at #newyorkfamily

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

Experience Luxury Living In Manhattan

MAGNIFICENT LARGE 2 AND 3 BEDROOM RENTAL RESIDENCES 2 Bedrooms from $4,995 • 3 Bedrooms from $6,495 • Conv. 4 Bedrooms from $8,495 • NO FEE Live the Glenwood lifestyle in these ﬁne neighborhoods: TriBeCa · FiDi · Battery Park North · Fashion District · Lincoln Square · Murray Hill · Midtown East · Upper East Side

glenwoodnyc.com uptown 212-535-0500 | downtown 212-430-5900 All the units include features for, and Glenwood provides reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities, as required by FHA. EQUAL HOUSING OPPTY

February 2020 | New York Family

contributors

Alexis Barad-Cutler Alexis Barad-Cutler wrote this month’s Mom Stories piece, “And They’re Spectacular” (page 64) about her journey on plastic surgery. Alexis is a professional speaker, writer, group facilitator, and founder of Not Safe For Mom Group (nsfmg), an online and in-real-life community where women find a connection in talking candidly, and without shame — about the grittier sides of the motherhood experience. Since nsfmg’s launch — this community is now over 11k-strong community. Alexis opens up much-needed dialogues — bringing to light topics that women often are not given the opportunities, or permission to share. Check out NSFMG at instagram.com/notsafeformomgroup.

Michelle Rose

Mia Salas Mia Salas is a current undergraduate at Princeton University, class of 2022. She intends to concentrate in English and pursue certificates in Creative Writing and Journalism. She is a McGraw Calculus Tutor, Princeton Cheerleader, Events Editor of Nassau Weekly, Spoon University Writer, and Community Action Leader. When Mia isn’t contributing to New York Family monthly, you can find her writing on her blog, One Holiday At A Time. Her career interests include being a fiction author, magazine editor, or English professor. Mia lives in Millstone, NJ.

A Transformational Middle School Experience VISIT US ONLINE TODAY TO RSVP FOR AN EVENT OR SCHEDULE A TOUR. thoughtandindustry.com/manhattan (917) 338-2820 1 Avenue B New York, NY 10009

GP040219

ATI011720

Now Enrolling 6th to 8th Grade

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

INCLUSION • DIVERSITY • EXCELLENCE • ACCEPTANCE • LEADERSHIP

Experience The IDEAL Difference

On any given day at The IDEAL School of Manhattan, students may give a presentation on a civil rights leader; participate in a musical; enjoy Riverside Park; paint a masterpiece; or visit the Met. IDEAL is New York’s only K-12 independent inclusion school, where we celebrate the tremendous social, emotional, and academic growth born in a diverse and nurturing educational community. #SchoolCanBeIDEAL Sign up for a Tuesday Talk and Tour or an Open House to learn more about IDEAL’s rigorous and differentiated program, innovative social justice curriculum, and uniquely inclusive community. LOWER SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE 314 West 91st Street April 7, 2020, 9-11 AM UPPER SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE 270 West 89th Street April 15, 9-11 AM

IDEAL is currently accepting applications for 2020-21 placement.

www.theidealschool.org For further information, contact us at admissions@theidealschool.org or 212-769-1699. February 2020 | New York Family

mom hacks

The Beauty of CBD

Our picks of great hemp beauty products for mom

By Donna LaDD

BD (cannabidiol) can be found in many beauty products these days. Since CBD is a natural ingredient that can add some calm even to the most frazzled of parents, moms are starting to incorporate CBD in their beauty regime. We have rounded up our top five products that we are loving for moms who are ready to hop on the CBD bandwagon. What is CBD oil? CBD oil is from the buds of hemp plants. The buds are the part of the plant that contains a variety of natural chemical compounds that interact with the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s endocannabinoid system to regulate homeostasis and your general sense of physical well-being. When you take CBD, the cannabinoids can offer supplementary and complementary effects in triggering those receptors. The best part? Hempderived CBD has minimal traces of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), so you feel balanced without any psychoactive effects.

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

Populum Lavender + CBD Face Oil

Populum Cold Therapy Hemp Rub

Recommended for evening USE, this lavender and CBD combo makes for a calming add-on to your nightly beauty ritual. Includes Grapeseed oil, which is an excellent source of omega-6 fatty acids and will help replenish your skin while you sleep, giving skin a gorgeous glow. $79,populum.com

Moving through the city while simultaneously carrying a small child can cause a mom to experience anything from significant soreness to outright pain. What we loved about this Cold Therapy Hemp Rub via Populum is that it is fast-acting. Relief comes fast, and this product is a new favorite with permanent residence in all our bags. $45, populum.com

Discover your capable, confident Montessori child. Visit us online to RSVP for one of our upcoming events or to book a tour.

guidepostmontessori.com/nyc Museum Mile

Williamsburg

Columbus Square

Brooklyn Heights

(917) 388-1710 12 E. 79th Street New York, NY 10075 (551) 333-1337 775-D Columbus Avenue New York, NY 10025

(347) 464-0490 717 Driggs Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11211 (929) 524-3588 212 Hicks Street Brooklyn, NY 11201

GP011720

Infant • Toddler • Preschool • Kindergarten • Elementary Mandarin and Spanish Immersion available at selected campuses.

February 2020 | New York Family

mom hacks

Prima Ultra-Rich Body Butter for Dry, Dehydrated Skin

An enriching beauty care option when your skin requires some serious skin support. Ingredients such as Shea Butter are infused with jojoba, five organic oils and whole plant 250mg Broad Spectrum Hemp extract with CBD, providing deep replenishment to the skin. $38, prima.co

Mazz Hanna CBD Skin Salve Vertly CBD Infused Lip Balm Stick

Give your smackers a dose of CBD (50 mg) with this nourishing lip butter, infused with coconut oil, shea butter, cacao butter, kokum butter, jojoba, and hempseed oil. Perfect to combat winter dryness. $24, vertlybalm.com

Know your CBD

Gunhee Park, the founder of Populum Hemp (populum. com), a CBD beauty line, shares his tips on what to look for when shopping for CBD in beauty.

What should you look for in CBD Beauty Products ? Early research has shown that CBD, a natural compound derived from the hemp plant, may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Many skincare companies are now recognizing this potential and have started to add CBD to their product lineups. When choosing a CBD product, make sure to look at the following: â&#x20AC;˘ Look to see if the product is Full Spectrum versus a CBD Isolate. CBD Isolates are a very refined extract that only offers one single compound. In full-spectrum CBD products, cannabinoids and terpenes work together to create what is called an entourage effect, meaning that the restorative benefits of the whole plant are greater than the sum of its parts. Full-spectrum hemp CBD is purely extracted, minimally refined to leave most of the hemp plant intact, and known to be a more effective form of CBD. â&#x20AC;˘ Does the CBD beauty product contain other natural ingredients, or is a product simply adding CBD to generate buzz? While CBD can be powerful it needs to be complemented with other quality ingredients for the final product to be effective.

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

Store this container of skin salve in your bag so you can tackle dry skin whenever you fancy a bit of skin love. A blend of Hemp Extract, vitamin E, shea butter, and eleven (!) therapeutic grade essential oils this skin salve will hydrate and soothe sore muscles. And for some serious beauty zen, this CBD Skin Salve has been blessed by a Shaman under a full moon. $50, mazzhanna.com

IT XHIBh –– 66 E w t Ne geess BBiirrth Ag F orr A Fo

OPENING FEBRUARY 14

The Tisch Building | 212 West 83rd Street | cmom.org

We provide the following dental treatments: t MoutI Guards t Same-DaZ Treatment t %entaM Sealants t ModerO SterilizatioO t LaughinH Gas Protocol t LocaM Anesthetic t ComprehensivF Exams t Hygiene t SilveS DiaminF FluoridF t Crowns t CompositF Fillings (S.D.F. treatments Schedule an appointment online at www.UpperEastPediatricDentristry.com or by phone

WF off eS B fulM spectrVN oG dentaM serviceT foS kidT ageT thrV Open Saturdays

AlM majoS JnsurancF accepted!

The Galli Theater New York Interactive theater shows for the entire family

212-317-1212

30 E. 60th St., Suite 608, NY, NY 10022

Shows • Birthday Parties • Camps

The Little Mermaid 2020 Princess and the Pea • February 1st, 2nd at 2pm The Little Mermaid • February 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th at 2pm The Brave Little Tailor • February 22nd, 23rd, 29th, March 1st at 2pm

Galli Theater 74 Warren Street, New York, NY 10007

212.731.0668

galliny@gmail.com

www.gallitheaternyc.com

Now open in a convenient second location: 101 East 4th Street, N.Y.,N.Y. 10003 February 2020 | New York Family

GEAR

10 S�r�l�ers

Perfect for the City Our top picks for navigating with your little one through the urban jungle BY MIA SALAS AND DONNA LADD

arents in New York City, new and seasoned, know that having a great stroller is one of the essential pieces of gear they will need for their child’s first years. A good stroller should work within your budget and, most importantly, work for your family. Does it fit in your apartment? In the car? Will you be on the subway every day? Do you live in a fifth-floor walk-up? There are many factors to take in when shopping for a stroller. This is a significant and essential purchase, and finding the right stroller is everything. Check out our full guide at newyorkfamily.com.

Baby Jogger City Select LUX The Baby Jogger City Select LUX takes the popular City Select stroller to the next level by providing more versatility with over 20 possible configurations. Add a bench seat for your bigger kids or a second seat for two kids. This stroller also folds and locks, making it super easy to carry. $629.99-$649.99 for stroller, $219.99$$221.99 for second seat kit, babyjogger.com

Britax B-Free Stroller The B-Free Stroller makes family life easy and convenient. Seven storage pockets and an extra-large storage basket offer more room for baby gear (which every busy city parent knows will certainly come in handy). The canopy extends to protect your baby from the sun, and the three-wheel configuration provides great maneuverability. With a 65 pounds capacity, this stroller can accommodate your growing child. $379.99, us.britax.com

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

Elvia-Caballero

Bugaboo Bee 5 The Bugaboo Bee 5 is made for the city and designed for the on-the-go parents, which we all know means NYC parents! This stroller has small swivel wheels, making it easy to steer with one hand, navigate busy city streets, and use on public transport. The one-piece fold in this stroller makes it super easy and convenient to store, and can also be done with one hand. This stroller comes with a seperate bassinet, making it suitable for use from birth. It also comes with a stroller seat that can be used from when your child is approximately 6 months old until toddler age. From $929, bugaboo.com Chicco Mini Bravo Plus Lightweight Stroller This super-lightweight stroller includes a click-in attachment for all Chicco KeyFit and Fit2 infant car seats. The Mini Bravo also features a premium handle grip and parent tray with two cup holders and zippered storage. It has a folding handle that’s easy to reach and activates with just one hand (the fold handle also doubles as a carry handle for easier maneuvering), and oh-so-convenient, a quick-fold design that’s also compact and self-standing, an adjustable canopy with bonus, zip-open mesh panel for improved airflow, and much more. For little ones up to 50 pounds. $179.99, chiccousa.com

This Summer, Bring Your Child to the Next Level in Dance AUDITION SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9 , 2020 Photo by Rosalie Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor

TheaterWorksUSA

ďż˝ďż˝ďż˝ďż˝ďż˝ďż˝ ďż˝ďż˝ďż˝ďż˝ďż˝ďż˝ďż˝ďż˝ ďż˝ďż˝ďż˝ďż˝ďż˝ďż˝ ďż˝ďż˝ďż˝ďż˝ďż˝ďż˝ďż˝ďż˝ďż˝ ďż˝ďż˝ďż˝ďż˝ ďż˝ďż˝ďż˝ďż˝ ďż˝ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ďż˝ďż˝ďż˝ ďż˝ďż˝ Ages 11â&#x20AC;&#x201C;15

Saturday, February 22 at 11AM

Previous ballet training required.

Join Pete the Cat on an adventure of friendship, all the way to Paris and back in a VW Bus! Based on the Pete the Cat Series of Books by Kimberly and James Dean.

DÄ&#x17E;Ć&#x152;ĹľÄ&#x201A;Ĺ?Ä&#x161; dĹ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x161;Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E; Ĺ˝Ä¨ EĹ˝Ç&#x20AC;Ä&#x201A; ^Ä?Ĺ˝Ć&#x;Ä&#x201A;

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

! ! ! " #

Saturday, February 29 at 11AM

Eric Carleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classic story retold on stage through the magic of black light and fanciful puppets. General Admission: $30 per show. Enjoy $14 tickets as a 10Club member

! ! ! !

For more info. or tickets, call (212) 220 - 1460 Order online at www.TribecaPAC.org 199 Chambers St., New York, NY

February 2020 | New York Family

gear

gb Pockit + All-City Built for the city parent the Pockit+ All-City is designed for urban parents on the go, with front-wheel suspension. The slim profile of the wheels is ideal for smooth city surfaces. This stroller is ideal for parents who need a stroller to take to work with them or who are often taking the train or cars and need a very compact stroller. When it’s time to fly, the unique ultracompact folding mechanism makes the Pockit+ All-City hand luggage compliant. Just released in May 2019, the All-City design has just what you’re looking for in a stroller ready to tackle the busy streets. $249.95-$334.95, gb-online.com Graco Uno2Duo The Graco Uno2Duo stroller starts out as a single stroller and expands into a double stroller to grow with your family. With an easy, onehand fold, parent cup holder, and extra-large storage basket, the Uno2Duo is a fullyfeatured stroller. The main seat reclines flat to become an infant bassinet, while the removable child’s tray and standing platform offer a customizable ride. Incorporate a Graco Click Connect infant car seat and a second seat (both sold separately), and the Uno2Duo offers even more customization and riding options. $454.99, gracobaby.com Maclaren Quest The one-handed seat recline and one-foot stroller collapse includes a waterproof round hood, aluminum chassis, removable washable seat fabric, and rain cover. This is a great option for parents looking for a lightweight stroller that can be carried or folded easily. With four recline positions, this stroller is suitable for newborns to kids up to 55 pounds. $275, maclaren.us

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

Mamas & Papas Armadillo City2 Perfect for city living, this stroller is Mamas & Papas’ slimmest and lightest design, but still has maximum comfort for your little passenger as you embark on your city excursions. The one-hand fold is quick and easy, making it suitable for public transportation or if you live in an apartment. The seat reclines into a lie-flat position with breathable fabric to provide more space for your child. $166.28, mamasandpapas.com Maxi-Cosi Adorra Stroller With a comfortable and flexible design that can be used in carriagemode for infants and stroller-mode for toddlers, Maxi-Cosi Adorra is the versatile stroller for you! It is compatible with Maxi Cosi the Mico, Mico Next, Mico AP, Mico AP 2.0, Mico 30, and Mico Max 30 infant car seats when used with the included Maxi Cosi Car Seat Adapters. Stroller mode features a reversible seat that allows either parent or forward-facing positions. One-hand compact fold makes travel easy, and we love the canopy with the peek-a-boo window. $399.99, buybuybaby.com

UPPAbaby VISTA The VISTA performance stroller system has a variety of configurations and maneuvers that enable the parent to build the stroller as the family grows. This stroller includes both bassinet (safe overnight sleep solution) and toddler seat. Features include a one-button telescopic handlebar height adjustment and a reversible toddler seat with multi-position toddler seat recline. There’s also an adjustable canopy for your growing child, an extendable UPF 50+ Sunshade, adjustable footrest, and an XL basket for storage. The VISTA lets you transport up to three children by adding a PiggyBack Ride-Along Board, and it’s compatible with the MESA infant car seat with no adapters necessary. $767.99-979.99, uppababy.com

Â´,W ZDV D SULYLOHJH WR EH D SDUW RI WKRVH PDJLFDO FODVVHV DQG , ZLOO DOZD\V FKHULVK WKLV YHU\ VSHFLDO WLPH IRU PH DQG P\ VRQ Âµ

$ QXUWXULQJ SURJUDP IRU \RXQJ FKLOGUHQ DQG WKHLU FDUHJLYHUV LQ D VDIH KRPH OLNH HQYLURQPHQW ,Q D ZRUOG WKDW LV LQFUHDVLQJO\ DGXOW

3DUHQW DQG &KLOG 1<&

RULHQWHG DQG FRQVXPHU RULHQWHG DQG EHFRPLQJ PRUH WHFKQLFDO DQG OHVV SHUVRQDO WKHUH LV D VWURQJ QHHG WR SURWHFW RXU FKLOGUHQ 7KH PRGHUQ ZRUOG DOVR KDV PDQ\ ZRQGHUIXO WKLQJV WR RIIHU DQG ZH ZDQW RXU FKLOGUHQ WR EH DEOH WR KHDOWKLO\ HPEUDFH WKHP

&RQWDFW XV WKURXJK RXU ZHEVLWH 3DUHQWDQG&KLOG1<& RUJ RU RQ

3DUHQWDQG&KLOG1<& RUJ

3KRWRV E\ $OL 6PLWK Â&#x2039; E\ 3DUHQW DQG &KLOG 1<&

February 2020 | New York Family

catholic schools Directory | Special Advertising Supplement

Cardinal Spellman High School

St. Joseph’s - Yorkville

Xaverian High School

One Cardinal Place (Needham Ave & Baychester Ave.), Bronx, NY 718-881-8000 cardinalspellman.org You can have it all – SMALL school friendliness and BIG school opportunities! This High School offers a program of studies and activities to prepare each student for personal success in college and life. Many of the graduates are awarded college scholarships. In addition to providing a strong academic foundation for college life. Being a large co-ed school, students are offered a step forward toward a more collegelike environment, giving them the opportunity to continue to develop their social skills beyond the small school setting they are leaving behind, while still receiving the support of a nurturing atmosphere. If you are in 8th grade, why not why not call for an appointment to Spend A Day?

420 East 87th Street, New York, NY 212-289-3057 sjyorkville.org Founded in 1880, St. Joseph’s School – Yorkville is a co-educational, Christian community for students in PreK-3 through Grade 8. At SJSY, the whole child is nurtured through by providing a rigorous academic education, while also fostering social-emotional growth, character development, and a commitment to service. The culturally diverse student body hails from all five boroughs. Schedule a school tour to meet the principal and witness students engaged in joyful learning with their peers and thoughtful, dynamic teachers. Come experience this warm and supportive environment where each child is known individually and cared for as a person.

Bay Ridge 7100 Shore Road, Brooklyn, NY 718-836-7100, ext. 127 xaverian.org A private, co-educational, Catholic, college preparatory school for grades 6 – 12. Established in 1957, it’s one of the 13 schools sponsored by the Xaverian Brothers. Students grow in their faith, intellect, leadership skills, musical passions, and athletic talents. They take part in real-world experiences in professional fields through the Internship Program. Students become independent thinkers whose learning goes beyond the classroom. They are challenged to their fullest potential, mastering the necessary skills, as well as curriculum content, to be prepared for their collegiate pursuits at top colleges and universities. Courses have an interdisciplinary approach to teach technological communication and presentation skills.

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

CARDINAL SPELLMAN HIGH SCHOOL

Where Boys and Girls with Dreams Become Men and Women of Vision

Open House: April 28th, 2020 5pm-8pm

Cardinal Spellman High School One Cardinal Spellman Place, Bronx NY 10466 Tel. (718) 881-8000 x 206 I Fax (718) 515-6615

We are still accepting transfer and freshman applications!

www.cardinalspellman.org I TACHS CODE: 303

St. Joseph’s School – Yorkville 420 East 87th Street • New York, NY 10128 • 212-289-3057

COMMITTED TO FAITH, ACADEMICS, SERVICE, FAMILY

• Pre-Kindergarten 3 year old – Grade 8 program • Ranking in the top 10% of all schools in NYS on the English Language Arts and Math state exams • Graduates attend competitive Archdiocesan, specialized public, and private high schools • Scholarships available for 2020-2021 school year • Free breakfast, lunch, and after school snack available to all students • Early drop-off, after-school, and 30+ enrichment programs available • Air-conditioned classrooms, fully-equipped science labs, computer lab, multimedia library, art studio, playrooms, gymnasium, auditorium, cafeteria • 1:1 Chromebooks in upper grades, iPads, interactive whiteboards, integrated technology curriculum, coding, robotics, blended learning • Art, music, instrumental band, physical education, CYO, theater • Easily accessible via the 4 / 5 / 6 / Q trains, M86 / M31 / M15 buses; free school bus available

St. Joseph’s School – Yorkville is a culturally diverse, Christian community where each child is known and joyful learning is valued. We nurture the whole child by providing a rigorous academic education, while also fostering social-emotional growth and character development.

Parent Tour Dates: February 6, 11, 25, March 3, 4, 12, 24

Register for a tour by calling 212-289-3057 or emailing Peggy Sullivan at psullivan@sjyorkville.org. Visit us at www.sjyorkville.org. � St. Joseph's School, Yorkville �@StJoeYorkville February 2020 | New York Family

education

Why Consider Charter Schools? An option for families in the midst of school-search season By Shnieka L. JohnSon

t is prime school-search season in New York City. If you are one of the thousands of families weighing their child’s educational options for pre-Kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school, you are in the thick of applications, essays, and assessments or testing. Aside from your regular work and daily activities during this time, you now must add researching schools, contacting administrators, and touring neighborhood options to your busy to-do list. This is true whether you considering public or private schools. So, how does one choose the best option? Begin with the big decision — public or private. Then, take a look at the options within your preferred category. For those utilizing the city’s public school options, you have many options in your district, with priority at your zoned school, and you will also have access to a host of charter schools. Charter schools (founded by not-for-profit Boards of Trustees) receive government funding, but unlike public schools, they operate independently under a contract (or “charter”)— an example of what has been labeled by some as “public asset privatization” or contracting out. Many of the city’s charter schools utilize public school space. Since the passing of the New York Charter Schools Act of 1998, there has been debate from government officials and families alike on whether these schools should be considered public. According to the United States Department of Education, given that charter schools are open to all students and do not charge tuition, they are categorized right alongside your area public schools. “We serve the communities in which we are located,” says Emily Kim, the Chief Executive Officer of Zeta Charter Schools, which has sites in the South Bronx and the Inwood/ Washington Heights areas. Zeta opened its doors in the fall of 2018. Charter schools may not have all the regulations of a districted school, but they are accountable for academic results and upholding promises that the charter school stemmed from. With well over 200 charter schools in the city, there are tens of thousands of New York

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

City families that are served by these institutions, and these schools have thousands more on their waitlists. So, why are so many families choosing charter schools? Charter schools have more flexibility in their offerings, a longer school year, extended daily hours, and additional programming. “Much of my experience is in charter education, and I love how charters are free to innovate and raise the excellence bar for children,” Kim says. Although every charter is different (the model, goals, and policies may vary) — overall, they are outperforming their neighborhood counterparts on state tests (English language arts and math). “Parents deserve to have a high-quality school option, as well as a choice as to where they send their children to school. Charters provide parents with much-needed educational options for their children, which raises the bar for public education, generally,” Kim says. “We serve families and want them to be close partners with us in their children’s education. Through this partnership, we ensure that children meet their highest and best potential.” Many families are drawn by the opportunity to send their children to high-performing charter schools. Most operate through a lottery placement system due to the demand. “We were zoned for a failing public school (math and reading scores were in the singledigit percentile), and private school is too costly,” says Tiffany G., who is a parent at Harlem Hebrew Language Academy Charter

School. Her daughter, now in fourth grade, started at the school in kindergarten. “Public schools in New York are wonderful if you are wealthy and thereby able to afford an affluent neighborhood where high-quality public schools can be found. For many who are not wealthy or able to afford expensive neighborhoods, public schools are poor performing, sometimes perilous places. The current public school system exacerbates our city’s economic system of have and have-nots, while many charter schools offer a high-quality education accessible to all New Yorkers regardless of income,” she says. Adding: “There is a tremendous amount of variety among charter schools, as they are not bound by all the same regulations as public schools. Shop around to find the school that is the best fit for your child’s learning needs.” For families in the midst of the school search, a common online application (available via nyccharterschools.org) represents approximately 75% of New York City’s charter schools, adding ease to the process of applying. The online form, due by April 1, makes searching school options and information on each accessible. New York families interested in applying to charter schools should check individual school websites for listings of tours, open houses, and application instructions. Shnieka L. Johnson is an education consultant and freelance writer. She is based in Manhattan, where she resides with her husband and son. Contact her via her at shniekajohnson.com.

Come to a New York Family Camp Fair to Get Organized • Daycare & Childcare • A Patchwork of Summer Activities • School and Education Programs Saturday, February 20th 12 – 3PM St Jean Baptiste High School 173 East 75th Street New York, NY 10021

Sunday, March 1st 12 – 3PM Congregation Rodeph Sholom 7 West 83rd Street New York, NY 10024

Sponsored by

NewYorkFamily.com/camp-fairs/registration February 2020 | New York Family

Charter schools Directory | Special Advertising Supplement

DISCOVER DISCOVER OPPORTUNITY OPPORTUNITY

manhattancharterschool.org

Now Now Accepting Accepting Students Students

Amber Charter School East Harlem 220 E. 106th St., New York, NY 212-534-9667 ambercharter.org Amber Charter Schools provide students with an academically rigorous and well-rounded education, along with strong character development, enabling them to prosper in their future endeavors. Widely recognized as the first Latino-led charter school in New York State, Amber Charter School East Harlem is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The school has two locationsEast Harlem (K-5) and Kingsbridge (K–5). The student to teacher ratio is 13 to 1, and students participate in a core curriculum in literacy, mathematics, science and social studies. Enrichment is offered in the visual arts, music, physical education, and technology. All students also receive instruction in Spanish as a second language starting in kindergarten.

Zeta Inwood 1 Elementary 652 W. 187th St., New York, NY

Daily instruction •• French beginning Kindergarten •• Free Services Daily music musicDaily instruction French lessons lessons beginning in Kindergarten Free After After• School School Services 929-447-5281 music instruction • French lessonsin beginning in Kindergarten Free After School Services Small class size that allows for personal attention • Two K-5 public elementary schools in Manhattan zetaschools.org Small classSmall size that allows for personal Two K-5 •public schools in Manhattan class size that allows forattention personal•attention Two elementary K-5 public elementary schools in Manhattan

Two arts-rich K-5 Schools in Manhattan Free AfterSchool

Daily instruction •• French beginning Kindergarten •• Free Services Daily music musicDaily instruction French lessons lessons beginning in Kindergarten Free After After• School School Services music instruction • French lessonsin beginning in Kindergarten Free After School Services Small size allows for attention Two schools Small class classSmall size that that allows for personal personal attention Two K-5 K-5 public elementary schools in in Manhattan Manhattan class size that allows for personal••attention •public Twoelementary K-5 public elementary schools in Manhattan

www.manhattancharterschool.org www.manhattancharterschool.org

Zeta Schools are high-performing, next-generation schools with an innovative, whole-child approach, preparing children for a modern world economy. Starting with a foundation of world-class academics, their complementary social-emotional program emboldens students with the skills to thrive. It is extraordinarily important that children have the time and space to explore potential interests and passions. That’s why at Zeta, students engage in Specialist Classes as part of the school day, which may include chess, music, art, sports, and Taekwondo. Now, until April 1, Zeta is accepting applications for pre-K through 5th grade for the 2020-21 school year.

Manhattan Charter School www.manhattancharterschool.org www.manhattancharterschool.org Phone: (212) 533-2743

We’re so Social

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

100 Attorney Street—New York, NY Manhattan Charter School 2 Phone: (212) 964-3792 220 Henry Street—New York, NY 10002 manhattancharterschool.org We are two small public elementary schools educating children in grades Kindergarten through Fifth. We believe in the importance of an intimate school culture and learning environment, and are committed to offering a well-rounded education designed to help students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. This means that there are never more than 25 students in a class, and that all students receive weekly French, Art, Physical Education, and Technology instruction, in addition to daily music instruction all beginning in Kindergarten. We pride ourselves on delivering challenging, standards-driven instruction and fostering a culture of high expectations. Both schools offer free afterschool. We are dedicated to demonstrating that all children, regardless of race or economic status, can succeed when given equal access to quality education.

THEIR BRILLIANT FUTURE STARTS HERE.

With a focus on rigorous, hands-on academics, wellness, innovation and family service, Zeta Schools prepare students to be leaders and problem solvers in a modern world.

APPLY NOW – zetaschools.org/applynow Excellent, free public elementary schools in your neighborhood

Accepting Grades K - 5 Aceptando Grados K - 5

Casa Abiertas

Open Houses

Jan 28. Feb 25. Mar 24 5:00-6:00 P.M.

WWW.AMBERCHARTER.ORG

Jan 28. Feb 25. Mar 24 5:00-6:00 P.M.

February 2020 | New York Family

family day out

Nicole Franzen

Museum of Ice Cream Experience This museum of yum finds a permanent home in NYC By Jane Beauchamp

aby, it’s cold outside, so head inside to chill out at The Museum of Ice Cream (MOIC)! The MOIC’s first permanent space in New York is now open, and this sweet sensation is a must-do for families. It is like an ice cream dream come true for kids of all ages. From whirling down the threestory slide to frolicking at the ice cream playground, to jumping into a sprinkle pool from a diving board, it is non-stop, sweet fun (with plenty of photo opps along the way). Everyone will scream for ice cream! Step inside the pretty-in-pink doors at 558 Broadway and enter through the gift shop (plenty of merch on sale!) and scoop shop to the ticketed entry to let the fun begin. The space spans nearly 25,000 square feet spread out over three floors. The space features 13 all-new installations, and there is something to touch, eat, or photograph in every single room. Visitors are assigned entry times

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

every 15 minutes when you purchase a ticket online, and you’ll be accompanied by around 15-20 people who all have the same time slot as you. The experience is semi-guided, so you can move at your own speed through the exhibits. Everyone is encouraged to look, eat, and play to have the best ice cream

experience. Prepare to be asked for your ice cream name (think Sorbet-yonce and Justin Timbershake) and follow the signs that say “melt this way.” Your first stop is an ice cream lounge complete with an ice cream shake maker extraordinaire and lounge singer wearing ice cream cones on their head. Enjoy a treat and a song and then venture upstairs. Here you’ll find a floating table filled with dozens of delicious (plastic!) desserts. Amongst them, however, are some edible ice cream-shaped cake pops to enjoy. Next, turn a corner to find a room of doors that open to lots of sweet surprises (including a disco party)! You’ll then take a ride on a celestial subway and float through the clouds and admire the sun, moon, and stars. Go bananas over the banana room (and don’t miss the two mini “hidden rooms” that house a mini trampoline and floor-to-ceiling sprinkles). Make a statement and follow your dreams, just like the pink lettering along the walls guide you to do. Pause and play in the hall filled with larger than life ice cream scoops from the floor to the ceiling (my little ladies tried to eat one, but it sadly isn’t real)

Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Museum of Ice Cream

February 2020 | New York Family

family day out

and enjoy the Booza ice cream stand, making homemade ice cream for all to enjoy. There is also a musical playground with DJ turntables, a rainbow archway, and a melting room with live ballerinas dancing around the ice cream swirls. The absolute highlight for my littlest lady was the three-story slide down through the museum to the next stop on the journey. You may get an unexpected push-down and squeal with joy as you whirl from the top through the lobby and down to the epic last few rooms. Jump, hop, or skip over to the playground — another fan favorite. We love the colorful swings, ice cream spoon seesaw, monkey bars, ice cream cone basketball, and of course, the gymnasts doing tricks throughout. It was tons of fun! Then cozy up in an ice cream bowl filled with pink pearl balls and pretend ice cream cones and melt with delight! The last stop on the journey is the ice cream sprinkle pool. It is the grand finale complete with diving boards, slides, and lots and lots of sprinkles! Stay for a ‘swim’ and let the kids burn off all that ice cream. My little ones even did a cannonball into the sprinkles pool! As you exit, you walk back through the museum gift shop and scoop shop. If you haven’t had enough ice cream, you can always have more before you go. My little reporters recommend the choco-mix-up and churro! There are some new and cool retail items to keep the fun going at home like the Pink Glitter Swirl Ornament to add some sparkle to your tree; Ice Cream Truck Toy to let your kid become an ice cream connoisseur during playtime; Museum of Ice Cream x Skittle Bottle to take the fun of Museum of Ice Cream with you everywhere; and the MOIC Party that has all the things you need for a perfect holiday party, MOIC themed! Everyone will ask pretty please with a cherry on top to go back again and again to the Museum of Ice Cream, where anything you dreamt about is popsicle — I mean possible! Accessible to the general public, the MOIC cafe and shop will offer an exclusive menu, retail products, and there is a party space as well. There’s a coat, and stroller check, and the whole museum is super kid-friendly! For tickets and more information, be sure to visit museumoficecream.com Tickets include ice cream tastings and signature treats exclusive to MOIC NYC. Tickets are $38 per person (children 2 and under are free). MOIC NYC is located at 558 Broadway, New York, NY 10012

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

Nicole Franzen

Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Museum of Ice Cream

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Reading in PreSchool teachers teach with a unique style that really helps children retain information. My daughter learned to read at 5, and last year in 4th Grade, was reading at 7th Grade Level. BEST INVESTMENT I EVER MADE IN MY CHILD! -Annie Lee

Reading in Preschool

Play based-Private Tutoring- ages 3 and up. ReadinginPreschool.com | 917-723-1159 info@readinginpreschool.com

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re sďż˝ Sďż˝cial

Montessori International

Summer Camp 347 East 55th Street (at First Avenue)

s 3WIMMING s $RAMA s 9OGA s !RTS #RAFTS s &IELD 4RIPS s $ANCE s )CE 3KATING

s (ANDS /N 3CIENCE s !CADEMIC 4UTORING s 33!4 )3%% %2" %XAM 0REP s "OWLING s &LOOR 'YMNASTICS s :UMBA

Ages 2Â˝ to 14 Wisdom through Knowledge

212-223-4630

montessorinyc@aol.com www.montessorischoolny.com

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Check out our new site! Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve given our New York Family website a major makeover

INGENIOUS BUBBLE WIZARDRY.â&#x20AC;? -THE NEW YORKER

Telecharge.com or 212.239.6200

For groups or birthdays call 866.642.9849

Visit newyorkfamily.com to check it out and sign up for our weekly newsletters!

New World Stages 340 W. 50th St.

GazillionBubbleShow.com G ill llii B bbl Sh February 2020 | New York Family

Parent’s Book CluB

Discover New Stories with Us!

adrianne mathiowetz

Welcome to New York Family’s Parent’s Book Club! Each month, we feature a different Monthly Pick novel, all of which have several copies available in the New York Public Library. We encourage you to start your own book club with friends, loved ones, and neighbors, using our Monthly Pick as your book of the month. Host meetings to discuss the novel with our discussion questions, and enrich your perspective of the book with our author interview on NewYorkFamily. com. We hope to connect NYC families and encourage more “me time” for parents.

FeBruary Theme:

Love Is in the Air W ith Valentine’s Day coming up, February is the month of love. But the holiday isn’t all about romantic love. Our February Pick reminds us of the unique love between friends, as well as the importance of loving ourselves so that we can love others. The Other’s Gold Elizabeth Ames

Four friends share the same suite during their freshman year of college. The narrative

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

moves from their college days to their lives as new parents. Each part of the novel is devoted to a terrible mistake that each of the women make: the Accident, the Accusation, the Kiss, and the Bite. Ames’ novel evokes the bittersweet experience of falling in love with friendship, of learning what loved ones are capable of, and capable of forgiving. Elizabeth Ames is a graduate of the University of Michigan MFA program, where

she won the Hopwood Award. Her short stories have appeared in Ninth Letter and Third Coast. She currently lives in a Harvard dormitory with her husband, two young children, and a few hundred undergraduates. This is her first novel. Website: elizabethames.com Instagram: @_elizabethames Facebook: elizabethamesauthor To read our interview with Elizabeth Ames, visit NewYorkFamily.com! Ames shares her motivation for writing The Other’s Gold and what she hopes that readers take away: “The book was inspired by feelings I

Overwhelmed trying to understand the school landscape? Confused by the school application process? Not getting the personalized expertise & attention you deserve?

The school admissions experts at NYC Admissions Solutions can help.

“We’re going out to celebrate! Thank you for everything - your help and guidance throughout the process we could not be happier!” NYCAS client & parent of rising 9th grader accepted at top choice school

Request your complimentary introductory phone consultation today: www.nycadmissionssolutions.com info@nycadmissionssolutions.com (347) 709-2258

Helping families, schools & organizations navigate Pre-K through college admissions February 2020 | New York Family

Discussion Questions You read the book, now we have the discussion questions here to guide your book club meeting! We hope that these questions will spark thoughtprovoking, intellectual, and even controversial discussions about the novel.

had as a new parent. I was overwhelmed by the intensity of my emotions and wanted to capture and dramatize some of those feelings in fiction. Then I moved into a college dorm with my husband and baby, and I became very interested in the transformative stretch of life from when most people leave home for the first time to when people start creating families of their own. So many life-defining decisions are made during this stretch of time! And looking at this period of life, a sort of secondary coming-of-age, through the lens of these characters’ worst acts was a way to visit them at pivotal moments in their lives and in the life of their friendship. What I hope readers will take from the book is good company and consolation, the things I get from the books I love best. I hope readers continue to care about these characters, and that the questions raised by the book stay with them as well. It sometimes feels like a reflex to say this, but it is also my sincere hope that my work will increase empathy. I’ve learned to believe in the reality of other people’s lives in part through fiction, and I want to contribute to that belief in someone else’s brain.”

We hope you enjoyed reading and discussing Elizabeth Ames’ The Other’s Gold. Get your book club ready for our next Monthly Pick novel in March- there will surely be a lot to chat about!

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

1. Take a look at the book’s cover. How might the cover art relate to the story? 2. How close did you feel towards the characters in this novel? Was there one character — Lainey, Ji Sun, Alice, or Margaret- that particularly resonated with you? 3. In your opinion, why are the four women friends? What draws them to each other, beyond being placed in the same suite in college, and what continues to bond them to each other in adulthood? 4. What is the value of female friendship in the novel? What about female friendship, in particular, is so complicated, yet binding? 5. According to the novel, can you love someone but not forgive them for their actions? Or vice versa, can you forgive someone but no longer love them? 6. Identify times in the novel where you judged the character’s actions. Were you able to forgive them over the course of the story, and if so, what led you to forgiveness? 7. Why do you think Ames decided to split the novel up into the four sections, each being a mistake? How does the structure of the novel mirror some of its key themes? 8. What defines our lives? Is it our mistakes? Our relationships? Our identity? What is the novel’s answer to this question? 9. How would your characterize Ames’ writing style? How did her prose enhance your reading experience? 10. What separates a “good” person from a “bad” person? Can “good” people do bad things and vice versa? How does Ames’ novel respond to this idea of “good” and “bad”? Can you characterize anyone in this novel using these terms? 11. Share your experience reading this novel. Did you take breaks or read it in one sitting? Why did you pause where you did? Did you annotate as you read? Did you ever have to reread parts of the novel? How did your experience reading this novel differ from your experience reading other novels, if at all? 12. Reread the quote from the Girl Scout Song before the novel begins. How does this quote relate to friendship in The

Other’s Gold? What does the quote suggest about the title’s meaning? 13. On the Penguin Random House page for The Other’s Gold, the novel is listed as “women’s fiction” and “literary fiction. How would you define each of these terms? Should the two be considered separate from each other? 14. Not every novel begins with a prologue. What is the role of the prologue in this novel? How does this prologue differ or relate to other examples of prologues you’ve read? How does a prologue differ from the actual start of a novel, besides the fact that it comes before? 15. The mistakes that the characters make are not negligible, and they even might have frustrated you at times. Why do you think Ames chose to write such grave mistakes that have lasting consequences? Which mistake did you struggle to understand the most? 16. How did the characters develop over the course of the novel? Which characters, in particular, did you feel showed personal growth? 17. Jesmyn Ward, NY Times bestselling author of Sing, Unburied, Sing and Salvage the Bones, says: “Reading Elizabeth Ames’s THE OTHER’S GOLD is like sinking into a lucid dream, wonderful and unsettling in turns, surreally beautiful throughout.” How does your experience reading The Other’s Gold relate to or differ from Ward’s experience? 18. Celeste Ng, NY Times bestselling author of Everything I Never Told You and Little Fires Everywhere, says: “With an uncanny eye for detail, Elizabeth Ames charts the complex, ever-shifting topography of this ‘chosen family’ — and illuminates the ways our closest friends sustain us over the course of our lives.” What is the difference between friends and family? Can we really choose our family, and if so, how do we know when our friends become family? 19. Did you like the ending of the novel? Why do you think Ames ends it how she does? 20. How has The Other’s Gold changed, confirmed, or challenged your previous beliefs, opinions, and perspective?

UNPLUG THIS SUMMER SUMMER CAMP 2020 JUNE 22 - SEPTEMBER 4

SUMMER SPORTS CAMP REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

212.336.6846 â&#x20AC;¢ camps@chelseapiers.com

FLEXIBLE CAMP SCHEDULE CHOOSE 1, 2 OR MORE WEEKS EARLY BIRD PRICING THROUGH MAY 15!

chelseapiers.com/camp February 2020 | New York Family

ths

children’s dental health

Teething Timeline! Shedding 6-7 years

Baby’s first tooth! It’s a milestone that many parents love when it happens and share immediately with all. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a child’s first tooth usually appears between 6 and 12 months. You can also expect the first tooth to be at the front lower level. As for all the other glorious teeth, we have a fun timeline that will help you with what teeth to expect and when, as well as a helpful tooth-brushing chart to get the little ones in the habit of something pretty vital to self-care, brushing their teeth!

SheddingShedding Shedding 6-7years years6-7 years 6-7 CI 7-8years years7-8 yearsLI LateralIncisor Incisor Lateral Incisor 9-13 9-13months months 9-13 months 7-8 Lateral 7-8 years Lateral nths Incisor 9-12 years 9-13 months SM C 10-12years years 10-12 years Canine(Cuspid) (Cuspid) Canine (Cuspid) 16-22 16-22months months 16-22 months 10-12 Canine

Eruption Eruption UpperEruption Teeth Upper Teeth ths Teeth 7-8 years Eruption Upper Teeth Shedding Upper C 8-12 months CentralIncisor Incisor Central Incisor 8-12 months 6-7 years Central years8-12 months FM8-12 months nths Incisor 10-12Central

C C FM FM

LI LI

CI CI C

10-12 Upper Teethyears 9-12years years9-12FM years 13-19 months 13-19 months 9-12 SM SM 13-19 months First Molar SM 9-12 years 13-19 months First Molar SM years 10-12years years 10-12 25-33months months 25-33 months 10-12 SecondMolar Molar Second Molar 25-33 UpperTeeth Teeth Upper Teeth Second Upper Shedding SM Lower Teeth 10-12 years 25-33 months Second Molar Upper Teeth nths 10-12LLyears o w e r T e e L t o h w e r T e e t h Eruption SheddingShedding wSM ohwer Teeth SM LLoow ower Teeth Shedding eerrTTeeeeLtth FM Eruption Eruption SM SecondEruption Molar Second Molar C23-31 23-31months months 23-31 months 10-12 10-12years years 10-12 years Second Molar Lnths ower Teeth 9-11 years Shedding Teeth FM FM SM LowerFM 14-18 months 14-18 months First Molar First Molar 9-11 years 9-11 years LI nths 9-12 years months First Molar C C C Second Molar 23-31 months 14-18 CI 10-12 years 9-11 years LI LI FM 17-23 months 17-23 months 9-12 years 9-12 years Canine (Cuspid) Canine (Cuspid) LI 17-23 months 9-12 years Canine (Cuspid) CI CI nthsMolar 7-8 years 14-18 months CI 9-11 years First C 10-16months months 10-16 months 7-8 7-8years years7-8 years LateralIncisor Incisor Lateral Incisor 10-16 Lateral nths Teeth LI years Canine (Cuspid)6-7 years 17-23 months Baby9-12

Canine 16-22 months years onths (Cuspid)10-12First Molar First Molar

6-10months months 6-10 months 6-7 CentralIncisor Incisor Central Incisor 6-10 6-7years years6-7 years Central

Baby Baby TeethTeeth

10-16 months 7-8 years Lateral Incisor 6-10 months 6-7 years Central Incisor Baby Teeth Permanent Teeth Eruption Permanent Permanent Teeth Teeth Eruption Eruption Eruption AdultAdult TeethTeeth Permanent Teeth Central Incisor 7-8 years CentralIncisor Incisor Central Incisor 7-8years years7-8 years Central 7-8 CI CI CI 8-9years years8-9 years LateralIncisor Incisor Lateral Incisor LI years LI 8-9 Lateral Incisor 8-9 Lateral LI Permanent Eruption C CTeeth Adult Teeth C Canine(Cuspid) (Cuspid) Canine (Cuspid) 11-12years years 11-12 years 11-12 Canine (Cuspid) 11-12 yearsIncisor Canine Central 7-8(Bicuspid) years 10-11 years FP FP FP First Premolar First Premolar (Bicuspid) 10-11 First Premolar (Bicuspid) 10-11 years years CI(Bicuspid) First Premolar 10-11 years SP SP 8-9 years LateralSPIncisor Second LI SecondPremolar Premolar Second Premolar (Bicuspid) (Bicuspid) 10-12years years 10-12 years (Bicuspid) 10-12 Second Premolar (Bicuspid) 10-12 years C FM FM CanineFM (Cuspid) FirstMolar Molar First Molar11-12 years 6-7 6-7years years6-7 years First Upper Teeth Upper Teeth First Molar 6-7 years FP Upper Teeth SecondMolar Molar Second Molar 12-13years years 12-13 years SM SM First Premolar (Bicuspid) 10-11 years 12-13 Second SM Second Molar 12-13 yearsTM SP M 17-21years years 17-21 years Third Molar Third (Wisdom Molar10-12 (Wisdom Teeth)years Teeth) 17-21 Third Molar (Wisdom Teeth) Second Premolar TM(Bicuspid) TM 17-21 Third Molar (Wisdom Teeth) FM M Firstyears Molar 6-7 years Upper Teeth ThirdMolar Molar Third (Wisdom Molar (Wisdom Teeth) Teeth) 17-21years years 17-21 years Third (Wisdom Teeth) 17-21 TM TM Second Molar 12-13 years TM SM 12-13years years 12-13 years SecondMolar Molar Second Molar 12-13 Second Third Molar (Wisdom Teeth) 17-21 years 17-21 years Third Molar (Wisdom Teeth) SM SM M SM TM FirstMolar Molar First Molar 6-7years years6-7 years First 6-7 12-13 years Second Molar SecondPremolar Premolar Second Premolar (Bicuspid)(Bicuspid) 10-12years years 10-12 years LowerTeeth Teeth Lower Teeth FM FM Second (Bicuspid) 10-12 Lower M FM First Molar 6-7 years Third Molar (Wisdom Teeth) 17-21 years First Premolar First Premolar (Bicuspid)(Bicuspid)10-11 10-11years years 10-11 years SP SPFirst Premolar (Bicuspid) SP Second Premolar (Bicuspid)TM 10-12 years 12-13 years Second Molar Canine (Cuspid) Canine (Cuspid) 11-12years years 11-12 years 11-12 FP FP Canine (Cuspid) FP First Premolar (Bicuspid) SM 10-11 years LateralIncisor Incisor Lateral Incisor 8-9years years8-9 years First 6-7 years 8-9 C Molar C Lateral LI C CI LI LI CI 11-12 CI CanineLower (Cuspid) yearsPremolar Central Incisor Central Incisor 6-7years years6-7 years Central Incisor Second (Bicuspid) 10-12 years6-7 Teeth FM Lateral Incisor 8-9 years First Premolar (Bicuspid) 10-11 years SP 32 NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020 Central Incisor 6-7 years (Cuspid) Canine 11-12 years FP

â&#x153;&#x201A;

Name:

Month:

monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday sunday

February 2020 | New York Family

family health

Understanding ADHD Supporting a friend after her child has been diagnosed By Pramod Narula, md.

My girlfriend’s son was just diagnosed with ADHD. I am reading up on the condition and learning what I can do to help support them both. Can you tell me more about treatment options for ADHD?

ttention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, causes symptoms like poor concentration and brash and/ or hyperactive behavior. The trend toward treating ADHD with medication followed the 1999 publication of a large study sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health. The study compared behavioral therapy, medications, and a combination of both. It concluded that medications were most effective at reducing symptoms of uncomplicated ADHD and that combined therapy was most effective for kids with ADHD and other issues. A 2009 follow-up study, however, found that medication might not provide the solution for all children with ADHD and that treatments should vary based on individual situations. The study further suggested that, regardless of the treatment method, the best outcomes occurred in stable, supportive environments. At home and school, parents of children with ADHD should first focus on reducing

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

distractions that interfere with a child’s ability to concentrate. To help a child with ADHD stay on track without medication, parents may try: • Finding a quieter place to do homework. • Sitting with the child to keep him or she focused on tasks. • Establishing routines for bed, bath and playtimes, meals, and homework. Also, parents need to reach out to their child’s teachers and provide a clear understanding of the child’s condition. Children with ADHD need a knowledgeable teacher who understands the symptoms of the disorder and supports distraction-reducing techniques. Behavioral interventions are another treatment method not dependent on drugs. These are aimed at helping children with ADHD improve social skills and develop study habits that boost classroom performance. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps children who have ADHD with practical skills like time management and organization. Kids with ADHD may also miss social cues, but cognitive restructuring helps them learn to recognize these indicators and respond appropriately. Behavioral therapy for parents can help

when ADHD symptoms create difficulty at home, too. Parent management training focuses on changing a child’s behaviors using rewards, praise, constructive time together, and also consequences when appropriate. Healthy lifestyle practices help children reach their full potential, and kids with ADHD are no exception. Getting the proper amounts of exercise and sleep is key. Children with ADHD have the same physical activity needs as any other child [60 minutes per day or more of aerobic activity for kids ages six to 17] to promote general health, but this will not lessen hyperactivity. When considering organized activities, keep in mind that children with ADHD generally do best in individual sports like swimming, martial arts, or track and field, where they are competing against their own personal best. Research has also suggested that getting the appropriate amount of sleep (eight to 12 hours per day for school-age children) can help children function better at school. If a child with ADHD continues to have difficulty at home and in school after using reduced distraction techniques and behavioral therapy, then medication may be the next step. While there is no one-sizefits-all treatment for ADHD, continuing to support your girlfriend and her son as they work with his teachers and doctors to find the best treatment plan for him is the most important thing you can do. Pramod Narula, M.D. is the Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at NewYorkPresbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital.

GET READY FOR SUMMER 2020!

M dau My daughter had a wonderful ﬁrst summer at NCDC. From the welcome picnic until the ﬁnal day, d ay, she felt comfortable and supported. She tried new foods and new sports, and made new friends. She came home happy and tired, which is what camp is all about. —NCDC parent parent

14StreetY.org/NewCountry2020 For more information, please email newcountry@14streety.org or call 646.395.4357. February 2020 | New York Family

family day out

Going the Extra Mile Museums, theater, parks and more for kids with special needs By Mia Salas

e know how challenging it can be to accommodate your little one with special needs in the large crowds of museums or the loud sounds of a theater. Luckily, there are plenty of programs catered specifically to kids with special needs so that your kiddos can join in on the all of the excitement that NYC has to offer. Brooklyn

Sensory Room at Brooklyn Children’s Museum 145 Brooklyn Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11213

The Sensory Room is a permanent exhibit where kids of all abilities can play and explore their senses. A Museum Educator facilitates a program during part of the session, while the remaining time is for your little ones to make their way through the exciting room on their own! The room was created by an advisory committee with experience serving children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The space is designed to be a welcoming and inclusive environment for all kiddos. Just be sure to let the Museum Educator know your child’s particular needs or sensitivities. Sessions are offered every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2-2:30pm, 2:45-3:15pm, 3:30-4pm, and 4:15-4:45pm. Space is limited to 10 kids and their caregivers. Access Programs at New York Transit Museum 99 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Is your little one interested in trains? Then Subway Sleuths will be right up their alley. 2nd to 5th grade students on the autism spectrum are welcome to explore the decommissioned subway station, solve transit mysteries, and develop social skills as they interact with their peers. Each class is facilitated by a special education teacher, a speech-language pathologist, and a Transit Museum educator. This after-school program requires an application. If you’re looking for less of a commitment, Special Day for Kids is a fun outing for kids with disabilities and their families. Explore the museum, visit the quiet room, and participate in a variety of

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

activities. The next Special Day for Kids is coming up in March 2020. Be sure to check out the other programs offered for kids and teens with disabilities at the Transit Museum! Special Aces Junior Development Prospect Park Tennis Alliance Prospect Park Tennis Center, 50 Parkside Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11226

Sign up for Special Aces group tennis instruction for kids with special needs to introduce your little ones to the sport. Tennis professionals and qualified physical and occupational therapists teach tennis fundamentals in a fun way for players ages 6 to 18, grouped by age and ability. Sports wheelchairs are available, but limited, so register early. The upcoming third session begins on March 1 and ends April 26. Classes are on Sundays. Inclusive Services at Brooklyn Public Library Multiple locations

Brooklyn Public Library offers a variety of programs that foster an inclusive environment for kids with and without disabilities. These programs are meant to welcome all kids, accomodating for little ones with special needs. Read and Play for kids up to age 5 and their families is an educational playtime in which kids learn social skills and language development through books and toys. Family LEGO Club invites children of all ages to build, explore, and engage in creative LEGO challenges. We also love Teen Time for All, which is an accessible space for your bigger kids to design, create, and meet new friends. Stay up to date with the Brooklyn Public Library calendar to find specific dates for these programs. Manhattan Inclusive Weekend Programs at Children’s Museum of the Arts 103 Charlton Street, New York, NY 10014

Kids with disabilities and their families are welcome to take part in structured weekend programs that focus on social skills, manual dexterity, and fine and media arts. Inclusive Saturdays: Workshops for Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder

are led by Museum Teaching Artists. These free sessions build community for families affected by autism and encourage expression through art. Inclusive Sundays: Workshops for Children with Physical Disabilities are led by Teaching Artists and Evaluators licensed in Occupational Therapy. All activities are modelled and adjusted to fit the individual needs of every child. Saturdays 9:3010:45am, Sundays 12:30-2:30pm, register in advance. Access Family Programs at The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Pier 86, West 46th Street, New York, NY 10036

Pop into The Intrepid’s monthly programs for kids ages 5 to 17 with learning and developmental disabilities. Take an interactive tour of the Museum and participate in arts and crafts. Each month focuses on a different theme. February’s theme is Living Pictures on February 2. Explore important moments on board the Intrepid through ship tours, movement activities, and hands-on art. February’s

to the public, so you get the whole museum to yourselves! Tours are free, but you must register in advance. Upcoming tours are on February 8 and March 14. New Victory Theater Sensory-Friendly Shows 209 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036

Sensory-Friendly performances at New Victory Theater adapt the light and sound to accommodate sensitivities, and Autism specialists are on hand to provide assistance if needed. These shows are perfect for families affected by autism to experience the theater in a welcoming environment. The upcoming Sensory-Friendly show is Riddle of the Trilobites on February 9, 12pm, $25 tickets. This original musical, for ages 6 and up, takes the audience on an underwater adventure with puppetry and live music. Mark your calendars for Snow White: Sensory-Friendly on April 26. Relaxed Performances at the Lincoln Center Clark Studio Theater, 165 West 65th Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10023

program also offers a session for teens and adults ages 15 and up, which is only offered six times a year. Access Family Programs are on select Sundays, 11am-1pm for kids and 2-4pm for teens and adults when offered. Create Ability at the Museum of Modern Art 11 West 53rd Street, New York, NY 10019

Bring your little ones with learning and developmental disabilities to the Museum for a Create Ability program. Taking place once a month, families explore a different theme each time, observing artwork in the galleries and creating their own art in the classroom. Create Abilityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s February theme on February 9 is Line, Shape and Form. The workshop is for kids ages 5 to 17 at 11am. Theater Development Fund (TDF) Autism Friendly Performances Various theaters: Wicked at Gershwin Theater, 222 West 51st Street, New York, NY 10019 and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at Lyric Theater, 214 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036

Catch a Broadway show with your family in a supportive environment for your kiddos who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or other sensitivity issues. Since 2011, TDF has presented more than 15 autism-friendly shows on Broadway. Working closely with professionals in the field and consultants on the autism spectrum, TDF strives to make each show accessible and enjoyable for everyone. The upcoming shows are Wicked on February 2, 1pm, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on March 1, Part One 1pm and Part Two 6:30pm, and Aladdin on May 3, 1pm. The Discovery Squad at the American Museum of Natural History 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024-5102

This iconic Museum offers special tours designed for families affected by autism spectrum disorders. The program was developed in collaboration with the Seaver Autism Center at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Discovery Squad tours take place before the Museum is open

Get the ultimate theater experience with Relaxed Performances. There are no noise or movement restrictions, so your little ones are free to get up and dance or sing. You can leave and re-enter the theater, and adjustments are made to reduce sensory stimuli. Upcoming performances include SUDS by Bluelaces Theater Company on February 1-9 and Songs from Open Windows by Dan + Claudia Zanes with Yuriana Sobrino on February 15 and 16. Both have viewings at 11am and 2pm and are recommended for ages 5 to 8. MuMu Fresh: An Acoustic Experience by Maimouna Youssef takes the stage on February 22, ages 5 to 11. Access Family Workshops at the Jewish Museum 1109 5th Avenue at 92nd Street, New York, NY 10128

Geared towards families affected by learning and developmental disabilities, bring your kids for an art-filled afternoon. Examine art and then create a work of art to bring home. Learn about artwork in the galleries and get crafty with your art project. The Access Family Workshops rotate the exhibition thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s used as inspiration for your art. The Museum also has programs and tours for kids who are deaf or blind, making the experience accessible to all. February 2020 | New York Family

family day out

Matthew P. Sapolin Playground West 70th Street, New York, NY 10023

While it’s still cold outside, playgrounds are a year-round source of fun for kids. Matthew P. Sapolin Playground honors the former Commissioner of the New York City Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. The playground, is built for children of all abilities. There’s a kid’s garden with accessible bridges, musical instruments built into the play space, and basketball courts with adjustable backstops that can be lowered for kids in wheelchairs. Queens ArtAccess Family Programs at Queens Museum Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY 11368

Queens Museum welcomes families with kids with special needs through family-friendly ArtAccess Autism Initiatives. ArtAccess therapists lead families through observing and making art together. Kids are encouraged to socialize and play with each other to create connections to artwork and build literacy. Another resource we love is Room to Grow: A Guide to Arts Programming in Community Spaces for Families Affected by Autism, published by Queens Museum. This guide details recommendations to community spaces, libraries, museums, and other cultural institutions for developing programs for families affected by autism so that your family can have access to even more individualized experiences for enrichment and fun! Third Sunday of each month, 1:304:30pm. Sensory Storytime and Special Needs Reading Group at Queens Library Woodhaven Library, 85-41 Forest Parkway, Woodhaven, Queens, NY 11421 (Sensory Storytime) Kew Gardens Hills Library, 72-33 Vleigh Place, Flushing, Queens, NY 11367 (Reading Group)

Little ones ages 2 to 3 are invited to Sensory Storytime, where they’ll partake in creative movement, stories, sensory activities, and finger rhymes. Preregistration in the children’s room is required and there is limited space. Another fun option is the Special Needs Reading Group, where you’ll get to read books that help with sensory development. A librarian will read to special needs kids who have limited verbal abilities. Upcoming Sensory Storytime is on February 13, 6-6:45pm

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

There are plenty of programs catered specifically to kids with special needs so that your kiddos can join in on the all of the excitement that NYC has to offer. Launch Trampoline Park 163-50 Crossbay Boulevard, Howard Beach, Queens, NY 11414

Every kid needs to release some of their seemingly endless energy, and a trampoline park is the perfect place to do so. Launch Trampoline Park has trampoline courts, dodgeball, basketball, knockout, Launch Pad to practice tricks, Tumble Traks (extra long trampolines), ninja courses, foam pits, virtual reality games, an arcade, and much more. V.I.P Time is open specifically for guests with special needs and their families on the last Tuesday of every month, 4-8pm, $20. Launch wants to be a safe space for jumpers with special needs, so V.I.P. time is a quieter, calmer, more private environment to accommodate everyone. One parent or guardian also gets to jump for free. The Bronx Quiet Zones at the Bronx Zoo 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460

Get ready for an educational and actionpacked animal adventure at the Bronx Zoo. While the crowds can be overwhelming, Bronx Zoo aims to make the zoo accessible for kids with sensory processing needs. If you need a place to regroup away from the activity of the zoo, there are Quiet and Calm Zones in the Rhino Garden, Zebra Hill, and the area adjacent to Bears. You can also check out a Sensory Bag for no cost with an ID, which contains fidget tools, headphones, and other resources to make sure that your whole family has an enjoyable experience. Swim Academy for Special Needs at the Bronx House 990 Pelham Parkway South, Bronx, NY 10461

Learn to swim at the Bronx House! Speciallytrained instructors work one-on-one with your little one to foster a love for swimming and build their confidence. Join an inclusive and nurturing environment at the Bronx House through this program that stresses water safety and is tailored to your child’s likes and dislikes, keeping in mind their special needs. Special Needs Swim takes place on Fridays, 3-7pm. All Around the City Sensory Sensitive Sundays at Chuck E. Cheese Multiple locations in Brooklyn, Queens, and Bronx

One the first Sunday of every month, head to Chuck E. Cheese two hours before it opens for a fun experience catered towards families who have children with autism and other special needs. Chuck E. Cheese wants all kids to be a kid, so they partnered with the Center for Autism and Related Disorders in 2016 to develop the program. There’s less crowding, dimmed lighting, music turned down or off entirely, limited Chuck E. appearances, and no admission fees! Order off the full-menu and play arcade games with adjusted sound effects. AMC Sensory Friendly Films Participating AMC Theaters: Bay Plaza Cinema 13, DINE-IN Levittown 10, Magic Johnson Harlem 9, Shore 8, Stony Brook 17

AMC Partners with the Autism Society to produce Sensory Friendly Films for families impacted by autism. The lights are up, sound is down, and your little ones can get up, dance, walk, shout, or sing! Current sensory friendly films include Frozen II and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. The family-friendly showings are on the second and fourth Saturday of every month. Check one of the NYC AMC theaters above for specific showtimes. Karma Kids Special Needs Yoga Multiple locations

Experienced and trained teachers support each child’s unique physical, mental, and emotional development through yoga poses and games at Special Needs Yoga. Your little ones will practice breathing exercises and interact with other kids in a safe and welcoming environment. Each class ends with relaxation time and foot rubs! Class size is limited to 8 kids and is 30 minutes long. Be sure to check the Karma Kids schedule, which is subject to change.

Oasis Offers:

Activities Include: • Coding

• • • • • • • •

Legos Robotics Radio Broadcasting Expert Instruction in Arts and Crafts Music Dance Professional sports instruction and clinics Daily instructional/ recreational swim

• Specialized Programs for Ages 3-15 • 8:30am-5:30pm • Extended day available • Hot Lunch lncluded • Flexible Enrollment 2-8 weeks • AC Transportation • American Red Cross • Swim lnstruction • Carnivals, Press Up Days, Color War, Family Pays • Special Events • lmagination Playground Join us for an info session to learn more about camp! Oasis in Central Park 795 Columbus Ave New York NY 646-698-1800 Oasis Downtown 285 Delancey Street New York NY 646-519-5058 Oasis in Bayside 222-55 56th Ave Bayside NY 646-519-5055 visit our website for information session/ open house dates Register online today! www.oasischildren.com

@oasisdaycamps February 2020 | New York Family

family day out

How the Culture Pass Works The free ticket that helps families cut the cost of visiting popular New York City attractions By IsaBelle Bousquette

iconic museums. But that doesn’t mean that all the spots are great for kids. The Frick, for example, strictly refuses admission to anyone under the age of 10. To help you decide how best to use your culture pass, we’ve rounded up a list of the best kid-friendly spots included in Culture Pass NYC:

f you have yet to register for a Culture Pass or just forgot it is available it’s time to revisit this amazing free ticket that gives families access to the best attractions in our city. Wind up the white staircase at the Guggenheim. Travel back to the Victorian Age at the Lewis H. Latimer House. Explore an authentic World War II aircraft carrier docked on the Hudson. And do it all for free. New York City boasts some of the best museums in the world. But the price of admission can really add up, especially if you want to bring the whole family. The Frick charges $22 per person admission, the Whitney, $25, and if you want to hop on the Intrepid, admission is $33. Thankfully, there’s a way New Yorkers can visit all these places for free: Culture Pass.

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan Upper West Side

a library card — from any of New york City’s three library systems — can unlock great deals on famous attractions.

How Does Culture Pass Work? Culture Pass is a way for New Yorkers( or anyone over the age of 13 with a library card) to access over 50 attractions and landmarks around the city without paying the steep price of admission. If you are not a Brooklyn or New York library card holder all you have to do is register for a free Queens, Brooklyn or New York Public Library card. Once you are a library card holder you then log onto culturepass.nyc and type in your library card number. There, you’ll find a list of New York City’s participating institutions. These currently include the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History and the New York Botanical Garden. Choose your desired date and press reserve. After that, it’s as easy as printing out the confirmation, showing up at your favorite museum, and enjoying the best culture New York has to offer.

to two people, but some let you bring a family of four. Make sure you know which type of reservation you have before showing up on the day. Do: cancel if you can’t make it. If you make a reservation and then fail to show up, you won’t be able to visit that attraction for the remainder of the year. Once you make a reservation, you can cancel at any point before printing out your confirmation. Culture Pass suggests canceling a reservation you will not be utilizing three days prior in order to allow someone else to use the pass. when possible That’s why it’s a good idea to wait until the day before your visit before printing out your confirmation just in case your plans change. Don’t: wait until the last minute to reserve. There are limited spaces available on Culture Pass, so it’s a good idea to reserve well in advance. On the website, you can reserve up to three months in advance. Don’t: try to make too many reservations at once. Culture Pass only lets you hold two active reservations at a time. It’s also important to note that you can only use Culture Pass to visit a given attraction once a year. Use your pass wisely!

Do’s and Don’ts of Culture Pass Do: check the number of people on the reservation. Most reservations will be limited

What Are the Best Culture Pass Spots to Visit With Kids? Culture Pass includes most of New York’s

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

Five floors of interactive, educational and rotating exhibits. This year’s exhibit, opening 18 Jan. 2020, is “Inside Art.” It allows kids to step into, onto and through various art installations. They are also invited to create their own sculptures and attend various dance, music and theatre pop-up performances. New York Transit Museum Downtown Brooklyn

A look back at the history of mass transit in the New York metropolitan area. The museum is more exciting than it sounds, especially if you have a child that loves trains. Very toddler-friendly, kids are allowed to hop on and off trains and buses, and even sit in the drivers’ seats. American Museum of Natural History Upper West Side

The world’s largest collection of prehistoric fossil mammals and dinosaurs in the world, the hall of taxidermy African mammals, and the giant blue whale hanging from the ceiling are just a few highlights. You can also check out the Hayden Planetarium and Rose Center for an exploration into space. Brooklyn Children’s Museum Crown Heights

An engaging collection of over 30,000 interactive objects and exhibits. The Brooklyn Children’s Museum opened in 1899, the first-ever children’s museum in the United States. You won’t want to miss the “Sensory Room,” a self-guided exploration

Families can visit the American Museum of Natural History for free by reserving with Culture Pass. into the five senses, designed specifically for Autistic children. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Hell’s Kitchen

An authentic World War II aircraft carrier now converted into a museum of military history. Setting foot on the Intrepid is a truly unique New York experience, with great views over the Hudson. The museum also includes a look into the USS Growler, one of America’s first nuclear-missile submarines.

Children’s Museum of the Arts South Village

A 10,000 square foot space designed for kids aged 0-15 to create art. Children work with teaching artists to paint, sculpt and construct a variety of art pieces. The museum also includes a Media Lab and Sound Booth as well as a Quiet Room where families and children are encouraged to take a minute and relax. cmany.org Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art & Storytelling

Sugar Hill

A place for children, ages 3 to 8, to learn about Sugar Hill through dialogue with artists and the medium of storytelling. The museum is the cultural heart of the Sugar Hill Project, founded by Broadway Housing Communities. It aims to nurture creativity and curiosity, allowing students to grow both as audiences and authors. For a full list of the institutions participating in Culture Pass please visit www.culturepass.nyc/ organizations February 2020 | New York Family

Helpful Read

courtesy image

The compelling story and beautiful illustrations help teach empathy, compassion and patience.

When a Parent is Depressed A book that teaches kids about depression By Jean Sheff

ne in five adults experience depression in their lifetime, but young children are often left in the dark when their mother or father suddenly can’t play with them like they used to. The new picture book, Together Things: When her father feels sad, a little girl finds ways to keep the bonds of love alive (EK Books, February 2020, $18.99) is an age-appropriate introduction to the importance of understanding mental health and illness. For a young child who is living with a parent who is experiencing mental illness this book can help them understand, in an age appropriate and sensitive way, that’s it’s fine for them to have their own feelings

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

about their parents illness. It’s OK if they feel sad or mad. The book gently helps them see, that although their parent may not be able to do all the things with them that they did before

they were feeling ill, they can still enjoy each other in different ways. The compelling story and beautiful illustrations help teach empathy, compassion and patience. For children who are not living with a parent with mental illness this book can open the door to important discussions on what mental health is and how we can be supportive of people or friends that are experiencing this challenge. Reading and discussing this book with your child can help break the stigma that is attached to mental illness. Written by Michelle Vasiliu, an award-winning author and teacher who specializes in exploring parents’ mental health with children, this book celebrates the love between a parent and child and offers concrete problem-solving ideas that can help them feel connected to each other. The book is available at fine books shops and online at Amazon.com. Jean Sheff is co-publisher and editor of Westchester Family.

TEPS S

on Broadway

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Summer 2020 Dance once a week or study intensively…We have a program for you!

FIRST STEPS

Ages 18 mos – 5 yrs

KIDS & TEENS Ages 6 – 14

SUMMER WORKSHOP & INTENSIVE Ages 7 – 18

Eden Grinshpan of Eden Eats on

Food & Family By Donna Ladd

hen you work at New York’s leading parenting magazine, you kind of expect to meet cool moms, and Eden Grinshpan is one of the coolest. This avid foodie and Williamsburg-dweller lives a hilarious, no-filter life. She puts it all out there, from posting videos on Instagram showing her dancing around her apartment while “wearing” a breast pump, to posing topless covered in pizza. On my first coffee date with Eden, we bonded over toddler tantrums and healthy eating strategies. I learned that although Eden is a hard worker, driven by her love for food, she has a killer sense of humor, and is doing this parenting thing very much in her own lane. A bit of history. After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu in London, Eden traveled to India, Israel, and Southeast Asia to take in the culture and, of course, the cuisines of these countries. When she returned to New York, she co-created the show Eden Eats for the Cooking Channel. A year later, she launched Log On & Eat with Eden Grinshpan also for the Cooking Channel. Eden traveled around the country connecting with popular food bloggers and social media influencers who, like Eden, are obsessed with food. This down to earth foodie is also one of the hosts of Top Chef Canada. Amongst all these projects, she cofounded the contemporary Middle Eastern restaurant

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

DEZ, birthed a baby (Ayv, age 3), and is now about to launch a cookbook. The book will be out in Fall 2020 and will have recipes based on contemporary Middleeastern flavors inspired by Eden’s Israeli background and include dishes such as baharat roasted chicken with preserved lemon relish, salted halva chocolate chip cookies (hello-deliciousness!), the creamiest tahini hummus and pistachio cardamom coffee cake that are surprisingly easy to whip up. These days you can find Eden wrapping up edits on her cookbook, running around the city with most possibly the sweetest husband we ever met, Ido, and their adorable daughter Ayv. How has becoming a mother changed the way you cook and see food? I try not to let it change the way I cook because I want Ayv to eat the way Ido and I do. Obviously, it doesn’t always work out, since she has become a little picky in the last couple of months, but we always try. I usually have back-up foods in the house, that I know are a sure thing. I find that Ayv eats more when we all eat together so I try and sit down with her for a nosh while she eats her meals. You are one of the stars of Top Chef Canada. What is it like filming this popular show? Amazing! I still pinch myself every time I see the

Ana Gambuto

February 2020 | New York Family

cooking. Did you grow up eating this delicious food? I am half Israeli and grew up going to Israel every summer. Those flavors and dishes have totally influenced the way I cook at home now for my family and friends. I never get tired of Middle-Eastern food. It’s so fresh, bright, full of flavor and always a crowdpleaser. My first cookbook is coming out fall 2020 and is inspired by so many of those flavors. I can’t wait for everyone to try it out! How do you introduce new foods to your daughter? Any tips on how to do this? Anything that is new I eat WITH my daughter. When she sees me eating it, she gets more into it and is more likely to try it. I am also trying to make an effort to get excited about food that is good for us rather than “treat” food. She will love “treat” food no matter what so we highlight and talk up the healthier options.

Eden’s Favorites I wish I had more time for… travel I always feel saner after… pilates, dance class, yoga.. .me time OR a fat glass of wine Favorite place to grab a bite to eat with the kids? 12 Chairs Favorite date night spot? Franchette, LILIA, Lucien

Favorite dessert spot? Gentile — best gelato Favorite park? We live in NYC... any park will do Favorite winter activity with the fam? Going somewhere hot... Mexico, Miami... Favorite family tv show/movie? Fave movie: Little Women (with Winona Ryder), Working Girl Fave tv show: Sex and the City, Mad Men, The Bachelor (Ido and I have so much fun watching this together).

show. I have been such a fan of the franchise for so many years. I also love that I get to travel to and live in Toronto for a month every year. That’s where I grew up and I haven’t lived there since I was 18 so it gives me a nice little taste of life there. The food I’ve had on the show is insane and the crew I work with is also one of the best crews I have ever worked with. I just love filming Top Chef Canada. You formerly owned Dez, a Middle Eastern restaurant. Will you be back in the restaurant business in the future? One day for sure! I loved Dez so much. I am still so incredibly proud of the restaurant that Sam Wasser (of By Chloe) and I created. The food, brand, space, and community we built was honestly everything we wished for. I have learned so much and can’t wait to use everything I’ve learned in my future projects. Middle Eastern food influences so much of your

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

You have worked with some pretty amazing chefs. Any favorite dishes? So many! One of my all-time fave chefs is Mike Solomonov. His lamb shanks are ridiculous and I always have to resist the urge to face plant into his fresh pita. Missy Robbins is out of control. Love all her pasta dishes and her antipasti, especially at Misi; they’re insane. Favorite dishes under 20 minutes for kids? If these even exist! I always have cheese, fresh veg, and eggs on hand. If I need to put something together fast I just cut up some fresh veg, top with a chunk of feta, a 7-minute egg and maybe some tahini with fresh bread or toast. Ido and I eat like that all the time. I also always batch cook oatmeal and keep it in the fridge to heat up in the morning. I mix in nut butter, flax and fresh fruit with oat milk. Since becoming a mother, are you finding the support you need? Yes. My husband is extremely hands-on and we do almost everything together which makes everything easier and fun! We laugh a lot at all the chaos that comes with parenthood. I am also very lucky to have parents that are extremely helpful and live close by. I have been able to build an incredible community of mom friends in NYC.I always ask them for advice, talk about new milestones or just call them to vent when things get frustrating or hard (which happens as a new mom, let’s be honest). Becoming a parent is incredible but also challenging since everything is new and you are also growing as a parent with your children. I am always comforted by the fact that most of my mom friends go through the same things and we can all connect over it and exchange advice. Your husband seems like a big support to you and Ayv. How are you both balancing huge careers and parenthood?

Ana Gambuto

My husband is the best! I always joke that he has more maternal instincts than I do. We are also extremely lucky to have an amazing support system in our parents, friends and have a great nanny (it takes a village)! Ido and I always focus on our communication and time together which makes communicating as parents work. It’s so easy to get lost in your relationship if you are only talking about your work or children, so we make a point to take time for ourselves and our relationship. The parents are the heart of the family. If they are strong and happy the kids feel secure. The first time we met, we were both digesting our mornings of toddler tantrums. How are you faring these days with your daughter Ayv’s growing personality? Ayv is extremely funny, strong-willed and outgoing.

She knows what she wants and doesn’t give up easily. I am learning alongside her and trying new things every day to help our mornings move faster. I find that giving her two options for her outfits helps (she loves to dress herself), as does having a “special” snack to convince her to get in her stroller to go to school. She loves pomegranate or a bowl full of berries. Ayv loves her independence, so I am teaching myself to give her tasks and I make sure I include her in my daily routine. When we grocery shop, she is in charge of the cart and I give her the food to put in it. Or after I put on her clothes for the day she takes her pj’s to the laundry herself. She LOVES helping out and I LOVE that about her.

Eden at home with her husband Ido and daughter Ayv.

For more on Eden and Eden Eats visit edeneats.com February 2020 | New York Family

Brilliant Mom

Hacks and Shortcuts

By Janine Clements

eing a parent is one of the world’s toughest jobs, but there is an array of genius hacks out there that will make your life way easier (and make you wonder why you didn’t think of them before.) We asked moms to tell us their favorites. Valentine’s activity “For a fun activity with a personal touch, get your kids to make their own Valentine’s cards for their class. Michaels sells a box of 50 blank, colored cards with envelopes for under $10.” — Lynda Allison “Instead of having to cajole your kid into writing their name 20 times on every card, which could likely turn into a battle, get a cute name stamp for them to use and they’ll be done faster than you can say, ‘I love you!’” — Christie Luciano Out and about “When traveling, pack heavy duty black garbage bags and packing tape for instant window blackouts, for no-fuss nap times and bedtimes.” — Emily Rotter “For little emergencies on-the-go, fill a gallon-size reuseable bag with napkins, travel wet wipes, and a change of clothes and put it in the glove box. It will come in handy for anything from car sickness to wet clothes to trash.” — Tanya Bieniek Messina “Keep a small ‘going out to dinner’ bag with coloring books, pencils, small games, and playing cards in the car. This way, when you go to a restaurant with your tribe, you’ll have a great boredom buster to hand.” — Pam Pierce Around the house “If you want your kids to do something, but they just won’t listen, use the words ‘Simon

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

More Amazing Hacks

• Mornings can be chaotic with kids, but they don’t need to be. Download a free weekly schedule template online, fill it out and stick it on the wall. This way each child knows to do before they leave the house. Have a check off column for what they need to take with them, ie: their backpack, lunch, afterschool activity items. • Are you tired of hunting for your kids’ hats, gloves, and scarves? Find everything you need in an instant by filling the pockets of an over-thedoor shoe organizer with all their winter accessories. • For a super easy way to get your

Says.’ It works every time.” — Maureen McKeown Tsuchida “To avoid last minute panic-buying for the endless stream of kids’ birthday parties, bulk buy gifts in the sales, then wrap and stash, so you can grab one from the pile and go.” — Cathy DuRei “Keep nightmares away by spraying Monster Repellent Spray (use linen spray) under the bed at bedtime, so your wee ones can have a restful sleep every night.” — Lilliana Diaz Pedrosa “Fed up of finding cups lying all over the house? Give each kid their own cup, attach a magnet and stick them on the fridge.” — Chantel Waterbury “Keep a lint roller in your arts and crafts box. Next time your kids spill glitter (because you know they’re going to), you can clear it up in no time.” — Mara LoConte

kid to put their coat on, put it on the floor with the hood at their feet. They simply slide their arms into the armholes and flip it over their head. Bingo! • Next time your little one has a booboo, use a pack of frozen marshmallows as a soft, squishy, and not too cold ice pack. • Keep those darn bees away from glasses of juice when your kids are playing outside, stick a straw through an upside-down cupcake liner and pop it over the top. • If your child is bored or irritable, stick them in a warm bubble bath with some toys. Splashing around in those bubbles will get them smiling in no time.

Mealtime magic “Keep hunger at bay before dinnertime by making healthy snack bowls filled with fruit, veggies, cheese, and popcorn for your kids to munch on.” — Robin Levine Shainberg “If your child takes cover at the sight of vegetables, puree or grate them and hide them in the meals you make. They’ll never even notice. Yummy combinations include zucchini or carrots with pasta sauces and cauliflower with mashed potatoes.” — Rachelle Rayner “If you’re too busy to cook every day — and let’s face it most of us are — batch cooking is a game changer. Prepare large quantities of what dish you’re making and freeze in smaller portions, so you can whip one out of the freezer for a speedy, home-cooked meal.” — Anike Wariebi Janine Clements is a Westchester-based freelance writer who is joyfully hacking her way through parenthood.

February 2020 | New York Family

neighborhood guide

Valentines

WiTh Your KidS Our picks for places to celebrate the romance of New York By Mia SalaS

ew York City is full of late night date spots and romantic outings perfect for Valentine’s Day. But if you’re looking to celebrate the holiday with your whole family (babysitters are hard to come by on Valentine’s!) you may not have many options in mind. We’re here to help with our round up of NYC-style ways to get into the Valentine’s Day spirit with your kiddos. SweetS & treatS

Valentine’s Day Cupcakes at Baked by Melissa Multiple locations

Baked by Melissa comes out with a delicious assortment of bite-sized Valentine’s Day treats each year. Adorable to look at and even more yummy to eat, Baked by Melissa never disappoints with their creative flavor combinations. The February Mini of the Month, the new seasonal cupcake that stays around for only that month, will also likely have a Valentine’s Day flare. Pick up a box of cupcakes in-store, have your cupcakes delivered to your doorstep, or bring your little ones into the shop so that they can pick out their favorite flavors! Museum of Ice Cream 558 Broadway, New York, NY 10012

If you haven’t sunk into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream yet, then Valentine’s Day is the time to do so. Take instagrammable pics with your family as you make your way through the super sweet exhibits. It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without a dose (or two) of sugar, so try one of the Museum of Ice Cream’s seven new ice cream flavors, including fun taste combinations such as Nana Banana and Churro Churro. Reserve tickets online to see available times, $39 adults, free for kids ages 2 and younger.

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

Jaccques torres Chocolate Multiple locations

We’re obsessed with Jacques Chocolate’s I Love U Puzzle. This custom hand-made treat composed of dark and milk chocolate is perfect for sharing. If you have a family of four, everyone gets one puzzle piece. Let your kiddos play around with the puzzle before you dig in — real little ones will get a kick out of fitting the jigsaw pieces together. Any treat that combines sugar with play is our kind of dessert! Ship the puzzle to your house or head to Jacques Chocolate for an in-store experience. Spread of Love Box at Macaron Café 625 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10022 152 West 36th St., New York, NY 10018 750 Third Ave., New York, NY 10017

Pop into Macaron Café to try a selection of macaron flavors, including birthday cake, chocolate raspberry, dark chocolate, lavender honey, champagne rose, strawberry smoothie, and matcha green tea. If you really want to get into the Valentine’s Day spirit, shop the Spread of Love Box for $39. You get to choose 15 different macarons to go inside a beautifully wrapped box with flower petals, red tissue paper, and sparkly heart decor. Bring your box home to share with your family or have the box delivered to you. Berry Bliss at the Sugar Factory 835 Washington St., New York, NY 10014

The Sugar Factory has endless options to satisfy your sweet tooth, but our Valentine’s Day pick for kids is the Berry Bliss Goblet. This non-alcoholic beverage is made right in front of you at the table, which little ones get a kick out of. The sweet drink has berries galore: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Goblets are $39 and perfect for sharing with your whole family.

Fondue at Max Brenner 841 Broadway, New York, NY 10003

Fondue is another one of those romantic treats that has Valentine’s Day written all over it. Share your love for your family by sharing a fondue at Max Brenner! Choose from four kinds of fondue: Classic European, Sharing, Urban S’mores, and Crystal Churros. An activity and dessert all in one, dipping treats into fondue is chocolatey fun for all ages. Fondue prices vary from $12 to $25.50. Cookie Decorating Kit from Billy’s Bakery Multiple Locations

Order a Valentine’s Day themed Cookie Decorating Kit from Billy’s Bakery to have a cookie decorating party with your family. The “Love” kit, for $48, comes with 6 large hearts and 12 small ones. You’ll also get three piping bags of royal icing in your choice of colors, three sprinkles of your choice (we recommend Heart Confetti!), mini wooden spoons for spreading icing, and doilies for displaying your cookies. You can pick up the kit at your local Billy’s Bakery when it’s ready or check to see if the Bakery delivers to you. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, Croiffles, and Belgian Liege Waffles at Godiva Café 560 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10022 One Pennsylvania Plaza LL2, New York, NY 10119 52 W 50th St, New York, NY 10012 933 Broadway, New York, NY 10010

Visit a Godiva Café this Valentine’s Day for classic and unique sweet treats. Chocolate dipped strawberries are both a Godiva and Valentine’s Day signature, so share a few of these with your family to start. Next, try either a Godiva Croiffle or a Belgian Liege Waffle. Croiffles are Godiva croissants pressed into a hot waffle with six different savory and sweet combinations. The Belgian Liege Waffles, which also come in Mini Belgian Waffle Bites for your little ones, are waffles made of pearl sugar that caramelizes when the sugar hits the iron. Valentine’s Day Sweet Swap 200 Rector St., Battery Park City, New York, NY 10280

Bake your favorite Valentine’s Day sweets with your family and get ready to trade at the free Valentine’s Day Sweet Swap, 2-4 pm. Bring a few dozen of your one-of-a-kind treat to share with friends and Battery Park City February 2020 | New York Family

NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE

Authority staff. Celebrate the day with your friends and family, and leave with a collection of desserts to devour later! Valentine’s Day Candy at Dylan’s Candy Bar Multiple Locations

A trip to the ultimate NYC candy store may be just what your family needs to kick off Valentine’s Day. Bring your little ones to Dylan’s Candy Bar to shop Valentine’s Day candy. Let your kiddos fill up a bag of their favorite candies as they explore the exciting, rainbow store. If the Dylan’s Candy Bar that you’re at has a Café, then try one of the overthe-top desserts before you leave. Valentine’s Love Shacks Class Taste Buds Kitchen 109 West 27th St., New York, NY 10001

Kids ages 2 to 8 and their ‘rents are invited to this signature Valentine’s Day workshop. With plenty of decorating options at hand, you and your mini chef will create pink frosted roofs and heart shaped window panes to construct your gingerbread house masterpiece. Listen to cheerful love tunes, sip pink hot cocoa, and experience quality family time. $75, 1:30-2:30 pm. CRAFTS, STORYTIMES & HISTORY NY Public Library Valentine’s Day Crafts Multiple Locations

NY Public Library always has a full schedule of free programming for families, and Valentine’s Day is no exception. Yorkville Library has Valentine’s Day Craft Time at 3 pm for ages 3 and up. Sedgwick Library hosts Valentine’s Day: Crafternoon at 3:30 pm for ages 5 and up. Check out what your local NY Public Library has to offer for crafting! Children’s Museum of Manhattan Mural Wall Painting The Tisch Building, 212 West 83rd Street, New York, NY 10024

Visit the iconic Children’s Museum of Manhattan to get a little messy this Valentine’s Day. Bring your kids, ages 5 and younger, to drop-in Mural Wall Painting. Jump into the fun to create a love-themed mural. For families with really little ones, this activity is perfect to celebrate the holiday. Free with museum admission, 12-12:45 pm. Pajama Storytime at Queens Zoo: Owl Always Love Wildlife 53-51 111th St., Flushing, Queens, NY

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

Pistolera brings its Mexican dance music to Flushing Town Hall. 11368

Spend Valentine’s Day evening as a family at Queens Zoo. “Owl Always Love Wildlife” is all about getting to know how animals love and take care of each other as you express your own love and interest in animals. Learn about how animals get along in pairs, family groups, or herds. Find out who takes care of their young and who lets their young fend for themselves. Kids ages 4 and up, along with their families, will meet animals guests, sip hot cocoa, enjoy a nice story, and of course, come in your PJs! $25, 5:30-8 pm. Queens Library: Valentine’s Day Crafts Multiple Locations

Several Queens Libraries offer free Valentine’s Day Crafts for kids and their families. We love the Heart Sand Art Pendant Necklace at Langston Hughes Library, 4:30-5:30 pm. Douglaston/Little Neck Library invites kids ages 6 to 11 to make their own Valentine, 3-3:45pm. Little ones ages 3 and up can head to Au burndale Library to make a Valentine’s Day craft, 3:30-4:15 pm. Peninsula Library and Hunters Point Library also offer crafts and card making. Love in the Time of the Revolution at Fraunces Tavern Museum 54 Pearl St., 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10004

For the history-loving family, Love in the Time of Revolution delves into the romantic traditions of the past. Hop on the romanceinspired tour of the Museum as you explore 18th century courting and marriage customs. Learn about the love stories of the Founding Fathers and their Lady Loves. Included with

museum admission, 2-3 pm. THEATER, MUSIC & MOVIES Yeti, Set, Snow! City Parks Foundation 79th Street and West Drive Central Park, New York, NY 10023

Discover the beautiful love of friendship this Valentine’s Day as you watch Yeti, Set, Snow! An original story and production from the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, Yeti, Set, Snow! tells the story of a young girl named Widget and her friend Twig. The two encounter a yeti named Pascetti who dislikes snow. Through songs and snow day activities, Pascetti discovers not only that snow can be fun, but also how important friendship truly is. Two shows: 10:30 am-11:15 am and 11:30 am-12:15 pm, $8-$12. Carnegie Hall Citywide: Pistolera Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, Queens, NY 11354

Fill your Valentine’s Day evening with music and dancing as a family. Critically acclaimed New York band Pistolera has toured around the world with its accordion-driven dance songs since its debut in 2005. Anchored by the Spanish vocals of Sandra Velasquez and buoyed by accordion, guitar, bass and percussion, Pistolera’s sound is grounded in traditional Mexican music with powerful, socially conscious lyrics. Come ready to dance! Free with online RSVP, 8 pm. Family Film Friday North Hills Queens Library 57-04 Marathon Pkwy., Little Neck, NY 11362

Sit back and relax for a family film screening.

The Addams Family (2019) is showing on Valentine’s Day. This free movie, rated PG, is just a little spooky and all about family love! While you may know the classic story of The Addams Family, watch it come to life, reimagined on the big screen. 2:30-4 pm. Sonic The Hedgehog Multiple locations

We’re super excited for Sonic The Hedgehog movie, which opens on Valentine’s Day! Sonic tries to navigate the complexities of life on Earth with his newfound best friend: a human named Tom Wachowski. They must soon join forces to prevent the evil Dr. Robotnik from capturing Sonic and using his powers for world domination. Sonic The Hedgehog has something for everyone, so check to see if your local theater has showtimes. Paddington Gets in a Jam DR2 Theater, 103 East 15th St., New York, NY 10003

From the creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show comes Paddington Gets in a Jam. An original comedy for the whole family, the production tells the story of a bear named Paddington who offers to help his neighbor prepare for a visit from his Great Aunt. But in typical Paddington fashion, nothing goes as planned. Will Paddington be able to fix everything before his neighbor’s Great Aunt arrives? Get ready for the new Paddington TV Series that is set to launch on Nickelodeon in 2020 with this show on the stage. Two shows: 10 am and 4 pm, ticket prices vary based on seat. Frozen or Aladdin on Broadway Aladdin: New Amsterdam Theatre, 214 West 42nd St., New York, NY 10036 Frozen: St. James Theatre, 246 West 44th St., New York, NY 10036

Treat your family to a Broadway show this Valentine’s Day. There’s nothing quite like the Broadway experience, bringing beautiful sounds, sets, and talented acting together on one stage. Our top picks for Valentine’s Day Broadway shows are Frozen and Aladdin. Both have a love story component and are must-see productions! Ticket prices vary, both shows at 8 pm. ACTIVE FUN Jane’s Carousel Old Dock Street, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Jane’s Carousel in DUMBO is a classic 3-row carousel with 48 exquisitely carved horses

Sweet treats from (clockwise from top left) Max Brenner, Dylan’s Candy Bar, Godiva Café and Jaccques Torres Chocolate and two superb chariots. If you’ve never visited the Carousel, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time. Bring your little ones for some family fun at Jane’s Carousel and be sure to take plenty of photos for your Instagram! 11 am-6 pm, $2 per ride, $20 for 12 tickets. Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center 5th Ave between 49th and 50th Streets, New York, NY 10020

The holidays may be over, but the Rink at Rockefeller Center is still up and running. As one of NYC’s most celebrated attractions, ice skating at Rockefeller Center is known for creating magical moments. You can reserve rink time in advance or drop in during general admission hours. Note that you may have to wait a bit to get on the rink, but once you’re there it’ll surely be worth it! The Cliffs at LIC 11-11 44th Drive, Long Island City, Queens, NY 11101

If your have bigger kids who are looking for a more daring, active family outing this Valentine’s Day, head to The Cliffs at LIC. For a $32 day pass per person, you can explore the vast rock climbing walls at The Cliffs. Kids love bouldering, the shorter walls that sit on gymnastics pads so you can climb

them with no partner and no rope. If you really want a challenge, try roped climbing and see if you can make it to the top. Open 6 am-12 am. Parent & Child Yoga Apple Seeds, 10 West 25th St., New York, NY 10010

Karma Kids Yoga hosts Parent & Child Yoga at Apple Seeds on Fridays, 10:30-11:15 am. Partner with your toddler, strong walkers to 3 years old, in fun, animated poses. The yoga session focuses on sharing and bonding between parent & child, all while strengthening growing muscles and using your imagination. Drop-in $35 per pair, 10 classes $300. Walk the High Line Gansevoort St. to 34th St. on Manhattan’s West Side

A public park built on a 1.45-mile-long elevated rail structure, the High Line represents the intersection of nature, art, and design. Embark on a family walk on the High Line to celebrate your love for each other along with art and nature this Valentine’s Day. Grab a bite to eat at Santina, a coastal Italian restaurant with a menu that highlights vegetables and fish, along the way. High Line open 7 am-7 pm. February 2020 | New York Family

Travel

A Family Getaway to Baltimore This metropolitan hub in Maryland is the perfect winter getaway for the whole family By Charlotte Sauvagnat

altimore might not seem like an obvious spot for a family getaway, but this much-maligned port city is full of beautiful surprises. There are attractions and sights for kids and parents alike, spread around Baltimore’s 250+ neighborhoods (yep — you read that right!). Getting there Though Baltimore is an easy drive from New York, taking the Amtrak from Penn Station (a 2.5-hour journey) is also a great option with little travelers. If you’re riding during the day you’ll be able to spot the Gunpowder, Susquehanna and mighty Delaware Rivers from your train window. Where to stay We stayed at Staybridge Suites, in the heart of the Inner Harbor area. Converted from an old bank, Staybridge has a Wes Anderson feel, and a whimsical elevator kids will love to ride! Staybridge has all the comforts of home, including free laundry amenities in the basement — always helpful if you’re traveling with little ones! There’s also a fitness center and a fully-stocked kitchen. The hotel rooms are super-spacious, and if you’re getting away from the city on a weekday, make sure to take advantage of the Happy Hours every Monday to Wednesday where you can enjoy complimentary food, wine, and beer. How to get around Baltimore is an easy city to get around. The Charm City Circulator (charmcitycirculator. com) is a free bus service that stops at most must-see areas. It is quick, reliable, and clean, and a great way to see some of the city while sitting down. Another fun way to get around is to take a water taxi (baltimorewatertaxi.com) across the Inner Harbor and the West Channel of the Patapsco River. Family fun The Inner Harbor neighborhood is full of fun and family-friendly eating options. From Ripley’s Believe It or Not! to Hard Rock Cafe,

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

Courtesy of Staybridge Suites Baltimore - Inner Harbor, an IHG Hotel

Staybridge Suites are right in the Inner Harbor area. Cheesecake Factory, Bubba Gump Shrimp, Shake Shack and many more. National Aquarium The National Aquarium is a must-do for families. General admission runs around $30 to $40. Admission for kids under the age of two is free. Historic Ships in Baltimore The Baltimore Maritime Museum is home to an impressive collection of ships and maritime exhibits. Kids will love learning about the history of the vessels on display. American Visionary Art Museum The American Visionary Art Museum (avam. org) is filled with art curated by “visionaries” and is really breathtaking, not to mention Instagram-worthy! The current exhibit “Secret Life of Earth” runs through September 2020 and is an homage to our planet. The museum has a lovely outdoor garden with a life-sized chess board to enjoy. Children age 6 and under get in free.

The Sagamore Spirit Distillery The Sagamore Spirit Distillery (sagamorespirit.com) is a short drive from the hotel and is open for guided tours. You can touch and see the inside of barrels used to store whiskey, and there are lots of things to see, smell, touch, and taste. There’s a big lawn outside for running around before or after your tour. Make your own candles A fun and original activity in another area of town is candle making at KSM Candle Co. (knitssoyandmetal.com). The candles you will make are soy-based — lasting longer and using less energy to melt, and ethically sourced from American farmers. You’ll get to test, choose and mix your own scents, and then mix and pour your wax. Or try some macarons! Another fun activity is macaron making at Sacré Sucré Pastry Studio (sacresucre.com). With technique and recipes learned straight from French master pastry chefs, the owners of this shop have perfected their art, and

(Clockwise from top) The American Visionary Art Museum features art that’s outside the norm. The Choptank’s outdoor terrace is great for families. Cross Street Market in Federal Hill offers a wide selection of eats. given it their own little twist. Small batches ensure freshness — be sure you make it there early in the day! Check out this fun tool(livebaltimore. com/neighborhoods) to find which neighborhoods would be the best fit for you and your family! Where to eat Cross Street Market (crossstmarket.com), in the Federal Hill neighborhood, dates back to the 1800s and is filled with stalls selling burgers, tacos, poke bowls and all the street

food you could desire. Be sure to head to The Sweet Shoppe, for a sugar high! The Rye Street Tavern (ryestreettavern. com)in the Port Covington neighborhood is right in front of the Sagamore Spirit Distillery and will be a hit with all ages. There are cocktails made with whiskey from the Distillery, and their hot sauce is aged in Sagamore’s old barrels. The menu is huge and sure to please picky palates. The Food Market (thefoodmarketbaltimore.com) in the Hampden neighborhood is within walking distance of Inner Harbor and

specializes in high-end comfort food. The Choptank (thechoptankbaltimoret. com), is located in the newly renovated Broadway Market in the hip Fells Point neighborhood. The Choptank is a classic fish and crab restaurant serving traditional Maryland cuisine, and their outdoor terrace (heated in colder months) is great for families. Our stay at Staybridge Suites Baltimore - Inner Harbor was complimentary, but all thoughts and opinions are our own. All images are our own unless otherwise indicated. February 2020 | New York Family

Family Fun

Jump

Over to These Trampoline Parks and Activities Bounce over to these fun spots in and around the city

By Mia SalaS

rampoline parks are the current kidfriendly craze for play. Especially in winter, these indoor arenas are perfect for your little ones to burn off some energy. Expect more than just basic trampolines, there are foam pits, obstacle courses and even arcades and rock climbing. Some trampoline parks also offer special hours for toddlers, glow in the dark bouncing, fitness, and kids with special needs. We’ve rounded up the best trampoline parks and activities in and near NYC for jumping fun!

While most of the bouncing at STREB requires enrolling in a class, you can also opt for oneday fun at this exciting center for jumping, flying, and flipping. Activities include PopAction, Trampoline, Flying Trapeze, and more. If you’re interested in enrolling in a trampolinerelated program, Kid TRAMPOLINE, for ages 5 and up, teaches kids the trampolining basics as they learn acrobatic skills, body awareness, and proper and safe techniques for partnering on a trampoline. The spring semester is $500, February 24-June 25. If you love Kid TRAMPOLINE, check out the other unique classes that STREB offers.

Chelsea Piers

Sky Zone

62 Chelsea Piers, New York, NY 10011

Multiple locations - closest to Midtown Manhattan: 33 Lecount Place, New Rochelle, NY 10801

Not only do you get to jump on a trampoline at Chelsea Piers, but rock climbing and a foam pit are part of the package too! Drop-in sessions include CP Champs and Rock-N-Roll Sessions. CP Champs is for kids ages 3 to 5. Activities include gymnastics, trampoline, foam pit, rock climbing, dance, soccer, and basketball. Little ones also enjoy arts & crafts and storytime. Reserve your spot at least 24 hours in advance. Get five sessions for $355 and ten sessions for $635. Rock-N-Roll Sessions are for ages 5 to 16 and include 45 minutes of gymnastics and 45 minutes of rock climbing. Each session is $32. Check the schedule, because sessions can be affected by private parties and holidays. Bounce! Trampoline Sports 310 Michael Drive, Syosset, NY 11791

Head over to Bounce! Trampoline Sports for Open Bounce. Jump, bounce, and flip on the trampoline courts, fall into giant foam pits, and hop into a game of trampoline dodgeball. Open Bounce is for ages 7 and up, but there’s a separate Jr. Zone for little ones ages 6 and under to have their own fun, safely! One hour is $25 and two hours is $35. No-slip socks are mandatory for $3. Jump N Glow, glow in the dark trampoline fun, is for kids taller than 48 inches and sessions start on every hour or half hour after 8 pm. One hour is $22, two hours $32, and 90 minutes $27. Toddler Time runs Tuesday-Friday, 10 am-2 pm and Saturday-

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

Sunday, 9 am-12 pm for jumpers ages 2 to 6 for $15. Finally, we love Sensational Kids, which is an exclusive time for jumpers with autism on Mondays 6-8 pm. Sensational Kids is $12 for one hour, $24 two hours, and $18 for 90 minutes. Billy Beez 1000 Palisades Center Drive, Unit A-100 West Nyack, NY 10994

The 20,000 square ft. park accommodates all ages, including infants and toddlers. Your tots and infants will especially love Mini Beez, the smaller-scale section with softer toys and padded flooring. There are slides, tunnels, swings, ball pits, sports courts, and the Honey Cafe to grab a snack. Day passes are $19.95 for kids ages 4 to 17, $15.95 for toddlers ages 1 to 3, free for infants ages 0 to 11 months with paid child/toddler (otherwise $9.95 for infant with an adult), 6.95 for adults and 9.95 for the second (or more) adults in your group. STREB 51 North 1st St., Brooklyn, NY 11249

Race your friends on the Ninja Warrior Course, play Ultimate Dodgeball, chill out in the Foam Zone, Sky Joust your buddies, conquer the Sky Ladder, and, of course, bounce on the massive wall-to-wall trampolines. Burn some calories with Sky Fit, the workout program for teens and adults ages 13 and older. Sky Fit classes are $10 and run on Tuesdays, 5-6 pm and 7-8 pm. Bring your little ones ages 4 and under to Toddler Time, Sunday-Friday 9:30-11 am, $10, for bouncing without big kids. A parent ticket is included with your child’s ticket, so you can bounce along with your tots. There’s also glow in the dark bounce and members only nights. Freestyle Jump has plenty of open hours for fun, so just purchase a ticket online: $22 one hour, $27 for 90 minutes, and $32 two hours. The hours and rates may vary per location, so if you choose to visit another Sky Zone, check its website in advance. Launch Trampoline Park 163-50 Crossbay Blvd., Howard Beach, Queens, NY 11414 260 West Nyack Road, West Nyack, NY 10994

This play space has something for your whole family. There are trampoline courts, dodgeball, basketball, knockout, Launch Pad to practice tricks, Tumble Traks (extra

long trampolines), ninja courses, foam pits, virtual reality games, an arcade, and much more. Come for Open Jump or to one of the several offered programs at the Queens location. Ignite is for all ages every Friday and Saturday night for three hours. Jump to music by a DJ under the black lights at this glow party. Toddler Time, Wednesday-Thursday 10 am-12 pm, is for kids ages 5 and under to enjoy the entire park without bigger kids. Staff leads trampoline games and open jump fun. V.I.P. Time is designated for guests with special needs every last Tuesday of the month, 4-8 pm. Home School Hours and Trampoline Fitness are coming soon. The Rockland, NY location has the same programs, but the schedule varies, so visit the Rockland Launch website for scheduling specifics. Bounce U 6722 Fort Hamilton Pkwy., Brooklyn, NY 11219 13225 14th Ave., College Point, Queens, NY 11356

Bounce U isn’t exactly a trampoline park. It’s more of a bounce castle park with lots and lots of inflatables. But the action is still the

same: jumping! Jump on the bounce houses, play bounce house basketball, and race your friends on the bounce obstacle course. There’s Open Bounce, Cosmic Bounce, and Pre-School Playdate, ages 2 to 7, for your little ones to have some fun. And don’t miss out on Parent’s Night Out: drop your kids off for supervised bouncing, pizza, movies, and other activities while you enjoy a night out or have some me-time. Hours and rates vary per location. Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park Multiple locations - closest to Midtown Manhattan: 241 Market St., Ridge Hill, NY 10710

At this premier indoor trampoline park, your kids will get to jump, play dodgeball, slam dunk a basketball, and climb a rock wall, with lanes varying in difficulty. There’s even a ninja course, foam pits, and X-Beam, a competition to knock your opponent off the beam and into the soft foam pit. Rockin’ Tot Hours, for your little ones ages 6 and under to play in a safe environment, are MondayFriday 9-11 am and Saturday 8-10 am for $18. Rockin’ Saturday is the ultimate family

jump party, every Saturday night, 9-11 pm, $22. Rockin’ Friday is an exclusive after-dark jump experience with strobes, black lights, and today’s top hits. Rockin’ Friday is every Friday night, 9-11 pm, $22. Urban Air Adventure Park 69 Wesley St., South Hackensack, NJ 07606 1600 Saint George Ave., Avenel, NJ 07001 396 Ryders Lane, Milltown, NJ 08850 Brooklyn location coming soon: 4422 2nd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232

You can visit Urban Air over and over and still find new and exciting things to do! Conquer the climbing walls or climbing hill, challenge your friends in the Warrior Course, eat at the Cafe, play on the Tubes Playground, fight your friends with foamy swords on a balance beam in a foam pit, practice your tricks in DropZone, tumble on the Runway with long trampolines, and play trampoline basketball and dodgeball. There’s even an area for little ones ages 7 and under. Attractions, hours, and prices vary per location. February 2020 | New York Family

family fun

Wheels in Motion Vans opens free indoor skate arena park in Bushwick By Jessica Parks

rooklyn’s skateboarders have a new spot where they can grind, ollie, and catch some air without being chased off by the Man. Vans Skate Park 198, an indoor skating arena park located in a former Bushwick warehouse, is now offering its ramps, rails, and half-pipes to up to 50 skaters at a time. The space, built by clothing and skating brand Vans, has already built up excitement among the borough’s skateboarding community, who need a warm winter spot to gleam their cubes, said one local thrasher. “It’s really great because during the winter, it’s surprising there aren’t a lot of indoor parks,” said Beatrice Domond. “Everyone is really stoked about this, it really needed to be done.” The park may feature music or cultural events, but it is primarily a space to skate, said a rep for Vans. “We built this with the intention of being skateboarding first and skate park first,” said Justin Villano. “But as we continue to grow, we really want to do as best a job as we can to keep our ear to the ground and listen to what the community wants, and then we will tailor the programming around that.” The indoor course incorporates nods to some of New York City’s iconic skate parks, including a replica of Brooklyn Banks, a skate park that sits under the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge. The new skate park will operate as a public skating space, encouraging skateboarders of any ability level to stop by and glide along its concrete surfaces. But in order to prevent heavy crowds from cramping each other’s skate style, skaters must reserve a spot ahead of time for one of the park’s multiple daily sessions. For now, public skate sessions are available Thursday through Sundays, with the noon to 2 pm slot on weekends reserved for young shredders, ages 6–12.

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

Vans

Vans Skate Park 198 (198 Randolph St. between Gardner and Stewart avenues in Bushwick, www.vans.com/space198). Thu–Fri at 2 pm, 4:30 pm, and 7 pm; Sat–Sun noon, 2:30 pm, 5 pm, and 7 pm. Free.

Hailing from the great state of Massachusetts Jessica Parks made her way to Schneps Media after covering Nassau County politics and the Port Washington area for newspapers in western Long Island. Jessica Parks is a reporter for New York Family’s sister publication Brooklyn Paper.

E E C C N N A DA D S S P P M M A A C C AAGGEESS33--1144 êê 0 2 0 0 2 2 20

ê N YC th t tê N Y C 5thS S 6 5 W 6 7 3 W 37

DATES DATES Week1 1 June June22-26 22-26 Week

20 2020 28, ,20 ug28 -Aug 22-A ne22 June Ju

10! ! ALLL10 ORAL OOSESE11WWEEEEKKOR CHOO CH DanceCamps Campsare areback backatatBroadway BroadwayDance DanceCenter Center Dance Children&&Teens! Teens!Join Joinususfor foranother anothergreat greatsummer summer Children dance,games, games,crafts, crafts,making makingnew newfriends, friends,and and ofofdance, creatinglasting lastingmemories. memories.All Alllevels levelswelcome! welcome! creating

REGISTERNOW! NOW! REGISTER

AGES3-5 3-5 AGES

AGES6-9 6-9&&10-14 10-14 AGES

SpiritWeek Week Spirit

AllStyles Styles All

Week2 2 June June26-July 26-July3 3 Passpor Passpor t Around Week t Around theWorld World the

Hip-Hop Hip-Hop

Week3 3 July July6-10 6-10 Week

Fair Tales Fair y yTales

AllStyles Styles All

Week4 4 July July13-17 13-17 Week

Superheroes Superheroes

Hip-Hop Hip-Hop

Week5 5 July July20-24 20-24 Week

OnBroadway Broadway On

Broadway Broadway

Week6 6 July July27-31 27-31 Week

Olympics Olympics

Hip-Hop Hip-Hop

Week7 7 Aug Aug3-7 3-7 Week

WishUpon Upona aStar Star Broadway Broadway Wish

Week8 8 Aug Aug10-14 10-14 Week

Popstar Popstar

Week9 9 Aug Aug17-21 17-21 Week

Magic& &Mysteries Mysteries Hip-Hop Hip-Hop Magic

Week1010 Aug Aug24-28 24-28 Week

OnSafari Safari On

AllStyles Styles All Broadway Broadway

Tee enns s. c. coomm««221122. 4. 4557.7.00003355««W W6655i ni nf of o@@bbwwy ydda annc ce e. c. coomm BBDDCCCChhi lidl dr er enna annddTe February 2020 | New York Family

family fun

10 MUSEUMS

MUSIC

THEATER

Great Kid-Friendly February Events in Manhattan By mia salas

FROZEN PENGUIN 5K & 10K February 1 If your family is looking to get active this winter season, sign up for the Frozen Penguin 5K & 10K! Catch spectacular views of the Hudson as you run the race. When you cross the finish line, you’ll be greeted with steaming cocoa, New York’s finest bagels, and fresh fruit. $50 through Jan. 30, $60 Race Day, 8 am. Riverside Park, 108th Street and Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10025, nycruns. com

LUNAR NEW YEAR FAMILY FESTIVAL ATTRACTIONS

FOOD

February 1 Get ready for a fun-filled family festival to celebrate the Lunar New Year. There will be storytelling, drop-in arts and crafts, teaching artists demonstrations, special guests, and more! Learn more about this Chinese holiday and spend quality family time. Free with museum admission, 10 am-1 pm, 2-5 pm. Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St. New York, NY 10013, mocanyc.org

Outdoors

SUDS February 1-9 Designed for kids ages 5 to 8 with autism and other developmental disabilities, SUDS is an immersive, multisensory theatrical experience. Going to the laundromat may seem boring, but this interactive show turns it into an exhilarating adventure filled with soap, water, and bubbles. Adventure Guides are paired with audience members to tailor the production to their unique needs and interests. $25, times vary. Clark Studio Theater, 165 West 65th St., 7th Floor, New York, NY 10023, lincolncenter.org

RIDDLE OF THE TRILOBITES February 7-23 In this live, original musical, set 500 million years ago, you’ll follow the story of young Aphra, who discovers that the fate of the entire trilobite kingdom rests on her shoulders. She and her arthropod pals must solve the Riddle of the Trilobites before a sea change of epic proportions destroy their home. Kids ages 6 and up and their families will enjoy puppetry, humor, and music! Tickets start at $17, times vary. The New Victory Theater, 209 West 42nd St., New York, NY 10036, newvictory.org

VALENTINE MAKING WORKSHOP February 9 Join in on the annual Battery Park City tradition as you make personalized, handmade cards for your loved ones. Cut, paste, and decorate with provided materials. Art projects are designed for kids ages 4 and up, so bring your little ones for some crafting fun! Free but registration required, 11 am. 6 River Terrace, New York, NY 10282, bpcparks.org

GEORGE WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY OPEN HOUSE

Henry McGee

Kids can go to Broadway shows for free at the annual Kids’ Night on Broadway on February 25.

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

February 15-17 Celebrate George Washington’s birthday at the Museum. Check out the George Washington Portrait Gallery, head to the McEntee Gallery to see a lock of Washington’s hair and a fragment of his tooth, and hop on a guided tour to learn more about Washington’s place in history. Adults $7 museum admission, 11 am-5 pm. Fraunces Tavern

Museum, 54 Pearl St., 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10004, frauncestavernmuseum.org

KIDS WEEK February 15-22 Kids of all ages and interests are welcomed to Kids Week, eight fun days of live animal shows, pop-up planetarium shows, maker spaces, live performances, and so much more! With over 120 free activities, you do not want to miss out. Learn from NASA astronauts and flight directors, watch puppet shows, listen to storytimes, and get your dose of science, technology, and space. Free with museum admission, 10 am-5 pm weekdays, 10 am-6 pm weekends. Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, West 46th St., New York, NY 10036, intrepidmuseum.org

POLAR BEARS FESTIVAL February 23 Celebrate International Polar Bear Day at this family-friendly festival. Learn about the polar bear’s behavior, diet, territory, and how climate change has made them vulnerable species. There will be show-and-tell with Museum collections, activities, interactive theater performances, and scientists will be on hand to tell you more

about polar bears. Free with museum admission, 11 am-4 pm. Milstein Hall of Ocean Life at the American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024-5102, amnh.org

KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY February 25 Kids get to see a participating Broadway show for free when accompanied by a paying adult on Kids’ Night, a program by The Broadway League, presented by The New York Times! You’ll also get restaurant and parking discounts. There will be activities for kids in select theaters, such as talkbacks and activity books. Free for kids, ticket prices vary for adults, showtimes vary. Multiple locations, kidsnightonbroadway.com

Musicals go premordial with “Riddle of the Trilobites” at the New Victory Theater from February 7 through 23.

HAMBURGER CUPCAKES CLASS February 29 Kids ages 6 to 8 and their caregivers are invited to this family workshop cooking class. Learn how to turn a chocolate chip cookie into a hamburger patty, ordinary ingredients into colorful burger toppings, and finish it off with a cupcake bun. Save these tricks for your future spring or summer BBQ and surprise your guests! $45, 9-10 am. Taste Buds Kitchen, 109 West 27th St., New York, NY 10001, tastebudskitchen.com February 2020 | New York Family

family fun

Featured event

Events Around the City By Mia Salas

BLUEBERRY BREAKFAST BRAIDS CLASS February 1 Learn how to twist pastry dough into a beautiful blueberry breakfast braid in this family cooking workshop. Kids ages 6 to 8 will discover the secret to making perfect breakfast bread finished with a sweet glaze. Bring home extra dough to create the treat for your family and friends. Pajamas are more than welcome for this cozy session in the kitchen. $45 per kid with one caregiver, 9-10 am. Taste Buds Kitchen, 109 West 27th St., New York, NY 10001, tastebudskitchen.com

GROUNDHOG DAY CRAFT February 1 Get in the spirit for Groundhog Day with a craft at the library. Groundhog Day is always lots of fun for kids, so make the most of it with your creativity and craftiness. Will the Groundhog see his shadow this year? Free, 2-3 pm. Peninsula Library, 92-25 Rockaway Beach Blvd., Rockaway Beach, Queens, NY 11693, queenslibrary. org

THE THREE LITTLE PIGS February 1-2 We all know the classic story of The Three Little Pigs. Watch that story take the stage: puppet-style! Recommended for ages 3 and up, WonderSpark Puppets puts on an entertaining family-friendly production. $12, $30 family pack, 11 am and 1 pm. The 14th Street Y Theater, 344 East 14th St., New York, NY 10003, wondersparkpuppets.com

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

Winter Jam NYC February 1 Presented by NYC Parks, the Olympic Regional Development Authority, I Love NY, and I Ski NY, Winter Jam is a free winter sports festival for New Yorkers of all ages! Gore Mountain will blow a mini-mountain of snow in the heart of Manhattan, creating an

FAMILY ART PROJECT: LOVE FOR WOODLAND FRIENDS February 8-9 Celebrate the ways we care for each other by creating woodland creature sock puppets or huggable heating pads for those you want to extend care to. Use rice, plant medicine, and essential oils to stuff socks that can be heated or chilled, soothing away the stresses of your loved ones. Free, admission to Wave Hill free until 12 pm, 10 am-1 pm. Wave Hill, 4900 Independence Ave., Bronx, NY 10471, wavehill.org

urban wonderland for all to enjoy. There will be live ice carving, an ice sculpture garden, learn to ski sessions, ice bowling, photo ops, puppet making, flag football, dodgeball, and so much more. Free, 11 am- 3 pm. Rumsey Playfield in Central Park, East 72nd St., New York, NY 10021, nycgovparks.org

FANFAIRE NYC HIGH SCHOOL OF ART & DESIGNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S POP CULTURE ART FESTIVAL February 8-9 Featuring over 125 artists and vendors, award-winning guest speakers, panel discussions, workshops, and more, this festival has it all. For over 80 years, The High School of Art and Design has provided award winning art programs and high quality academics for kids from across all five boroughs. Get ready for a celebration of creativity, entrepreneurship, cartooning, fashion,

and more. $15 per day, $20 for the weekend, $5 students/teachers with ID, 10 am-6 pm. 245 East 56th St., New York, NY 10022, fanfairenyc.com

FAMILY FILMS: TRY, TRY AGAIN! February 15 Bring your kids ages 5 and up for family films at the Museum. Watch Whistle for Willie (1965), the 6 minute short film about a boy who wants to learn to whistle to call his dog, Willie. Then enjoy Zog (2018), the 27-minute film about an accident-prone dragon who learns how to become a dragon at Dragon School. Free, 12 pm. Museum of Modern Art, The Celeste Bartos Theater, 11 West 53rd St., New York, NY 10019, moma.org

STORY TIME: RACHEL BRIAN February 16 Consent (for Kids!) is an empowering invitation to respect yourself and others: the children’s book that parents are crazy about! Little ones will learn about boundaries and how to set them, what to do if someone makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, and more during this story time with Rachel Brian, recommended for ages 3 to 8. Greenlight Bookstore, 632 Flatbush Ave.,

Celebrate a family-friendly Mardi Gras at Brooklyn Bowl on February 23. Brooklyn, NY 11225, greenlightbookstore. com

VALERIE GREEN/DANCE ENTROPY- “HOME” February 16 Get ready for the third phase of “HOME,” an international collaboration between Dance Entropy and choreographers from diverse countries.

Explore the meaning of home through this performance for all ages. Free, 1 pm. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing, Queens, NY 11354, flushingtownhall.org

MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION FT. BLACK TIE BRASS February 23 The Rock and Roll Playhouse presents Mardi Gras Celebration with the Black Tie Brass! This family concert is an immersive, playful experience where little ones and their families will tap into their imagination, creativity, and energy as they sing and dance along. $12, free for kids under age 1. Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11249, therockandrollplayhouse.com

FLUTE FAIR 2020

Meet the Three Little Pigs at the 14th Street Y Theater on February 1 and 2.

February 29 Does your little one play a musical instrument? Are you a musical family? If so, head to the Flute Fair. There will be performances, workshops, exhibits, and masterclasses. Featured guest artists are the flutists of the Metropolitan Opera, who will perform a gala concert. $60 regular, $25 students, special rates for members and their guests, higher fees at the door, 8:30 am-8 pm. W83 Ministry Center, 150 West 83rd St., New York, NY 10024, nyfluteclub.org February 2020 | New York Family

mom StorieS

And They’re SPECTACULAR My journey down the plastic surgery rabbit hole By Alexis BArAd-Cutler

oms don’t wear makeup in this part of Brooklyn. Our wrinkles are hard-won — badges of honor, from worrying about preschool acceptance, or milestones, or whether our kids need speech therapy or OT, or PT, (or all the T’s.) Mascara at drop-off means we must be going somewhere fancy, or . . . to an office. “Botox” is something we allow our cohorts on The Upper East Side to do, and maybe a sprinkle of folks in Park Slope. If we get Botox for a medical reason, like chronic migraine, we get a pass. But we make sure we let everyone know THE REASON. I am something of an anomaly among the moms around here. I am a mom who not only disobeyed the local treatise to avoid Botox, I took the nuclear option as well — and got breast implants. I hope after writing this article, they still let me live here because our zoned school is really top-notch. No one would really know, looking at them. They’re good. Like, really good. And they better be, because my family and I suffered greatly for them. Was it worth it? Well, let me tell you all about it. There’s a history. After nursing each of my two kids for about 18 months each, my breasts looked like the balloons you find under the couch, days after the party — used for pleasure and then discarded and forgotten. And I was not thrilled that any time I bent over, they assumed the shape of jiggly Hershey’s Kisses. But it wasn’t anything I wouldn’t have been able to live with. I also wasn’t really sweating the decision like it was anything major. Many women in my family had gotten plastic surgery. They had lived to tell the tale. It seemed like a new pre-teen celeb every day was coming out with a new chin, or butt, or ankle (who knows?) ... How big a deal could it really be? When I told a few friends about my decision to get implants, their first question was always, “are you THAT unhappy with

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

your breasts?” No. I had reached a point in my life, three years postpartum with my second child, that I was really feeling good in my body. I liked the strength I had built back after two c-sections, thanks to aerial silks classes. I liked where my professional career was heading. I liked where my husband and I had worked to be in our marriage. I wanted fuller breasts because I was happy with everything else about me, and I wanted breasts that matched. The “look,” I described to my surgeon, was: “woman who doesn’t get surgery, who lives in Brooklyn, who doesn’t wear a bra, and barely any makeup.” I gave him the equivalent of a Pinterest board of inspirational “boobs” until finally, I was confident he knew my style. When I picked the smallest implants possible, the nurse thought I would instantly regret it. “Everyone wants bigger,” she said. “You’ll see.” (She was wrong. But I still love her.) My husband was worried sick about the whole thing. He was anti any type of procedure or surgery that alters one’s appearance. He loves me every shape I’ve ever been, and I am grateful. But again, this was for me. We disagree when it comes to non-invasive procedures and plastic surgery. I have always had an interest in body modifications — from tattoos to piercings, to surgeries. I don’t ascribe a moral value to keeping one’s body “natural.” Our bodies are our own to do what we wish with them. What freedom! What joy! Who is anyone to judge another person’s “reason” for wanting to change something? All that being said, we have to know the risks associated with every procedure. One risk associated with surgery — and with implants specifically — is of developing a hematoma. A hematoma is a collection of blood beneath the skin that can occur when blood vessels are damaged. The risk of a hematoma happening after surgery is between 1-6%. When I awoke from surgery, my doctor explained that a vessel near one of my breasts bled quite heavily. Because of my chest muscles (thanks aerial silks), he had to wrestle with my body more than with the average patient to cut into it. “It was more

like doing surgery on a bodybuilder.” I would have felt pretty fierce after hearing that if I didn’t feel like a dump truck had rolled over me, and then slashed me for good measure. I was sent home from surgery with “drains” on either side of my breasts, collecting any excess blood and gore from the surgery, to help prevent a hematoma. No one had mentioned anything about drains. I felt just as betrayed as I had felt after childbirth when I looked down at my body and saw that someone had inserted a catheter in me, and dressed me in that dehumanizing mesh underwear. But in this case, there was no Village of Plastic Surgery Women to blame for not warning me. I hadn’t advertised this far and wide. In the hours following surgery, my right breast began to swell (even more than what is to be expected after augmentation), until it looked like I had an ice pack lodged up to my collarbone. On a scale of 1-10 of pain, I felt like an 11 by the time I made it to the Emergency Room. I went under the knife around midnight, to drain the hematoma, and preserve the implant. Recovery took much longer than expected, because of the back to back surgeries. My family was not prepared for just how incapacitated Mommy would be. The drains — which feel like you would imagine a tube stuck inside an open wound might feel — made it hard for me to do almost anything at all in the house. Any small movement made the drain chafe against my skin, to the point that I was taking painkillers to numb the pain around the drain site more than the incisions from my breast surgery. It was clear that the breast that had had the hematoma was positioned much higher on my chest than the other breast. My doctor told me that the only thing we could do was wait and see if the tissue would eventually allow the implant to settle into place. If not, we could revisit surgery in 9 months. I became obsessed with the mirror. Several times a day, I’d photograph myself topless, and in profile, to see if the position of the breast had changed — gotten lower. I pictured that breast like a small, scuttling animal; something separate from me. A rolly, polly creature that was just inches away from

burrowing its way to its nest — its rightful home. For nine months I walked around with one beautiful breast, and one misshapen breast lodged practically under my chin. I even went on vacation with my uneven breasts, and unapologetically wore bikinis. You get used to things. In the spring I prepared for my third surgery. Knowing what I was getting into this time made it much harder, mentally. I was advised to wean off of my antidepressant — out of concern that that may have been the reason for the excessive bleeding in the first place. I went through three weeks of dark, utter despair as I weaned, my body crying out for the drug it had become so accustomed to. I fantasized about ending it all. I almost stepped into oncoming traffic on Atlantic Avenue. But I survived to Surgery Day. The breast was repaired with a new implant. My doctor did some kind of wizardry that made it so you would never have known what poor Righty has been through. The breasts are fraternal twins that you’d mistake for identical ones unless you were their mother. Or surgeon. Healing was much more straightforward. Again, like childbirth and postpartum — I knew what to expect of recovery this time, and had the proper support in place to get me through the tough days following surgery. When I get undressed before showering, or try on a new bathing suit, I feel really confident about my new breasts. They really are gorgeous. I can go braless in almost anything, so that it is almost unfair. I would trade them in a second to get back the year of my life I spent miserable over them, and the stress I put on my family seeing me suffer through the weeks of recovery over all those surgeries. My mind goes blank when I think about what would have happened if my kids didn’t yell my name, and tug on my jacket that moment on Atlantic Avenue when I was at my absolute lowest point — having weaned off of a drug for the sole purpose of reconstructive surgery for these “perfect breasts.” If my best friend were to tell me she wanted plastic surgery, I would support her wholeheartedly. But I would make sure she is fully aware of the worst that could happen. Sometimes you are that 1% that the worst happens to. And you have to ask yourself, is it worth that risk? Welcome to The Village of Plastic Surgery Women, population 1. Here to answer all questions, tell you everything no one tells you, and support you in your journey. February 2020 | New York Family

last bite

Eden Eats

Winter Citrus, Sumac, and Fennel Salad

over mom Eden Grinsphan shares one of her favorite winter recipes that is not only delicious but easy to make!

Winter Citrus, Sumac, and Fennel Salad INGREDIENTS For the salad: 1 head of butter lettuce, can also use romaine or little gem 3 blood oranges 2 navel oranges 1 ruby red grapefruits 1 bulb of fennel — save the fronds 1 shallot or red onion 1/4 cup of mint leaves, torn or kept whole for garnish 1/2 tsp sumac, for garnish 2 tbsp roughly chopped shelled pistachios For the lemon-honey vinaigrette: 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tbsp white wine vinegar 1/2 large lemon, juiced 3 tsp honey 1/2 small clove of garlic, freshly grated 1 1/2 tsp salt

NewYorkFamily.com | February 2020

Ana Gambuto

INSTRUCTIONS Place all of the dressing ingredients in a bowl and whisk to combine. Set aside. Remove peel from the citrus using a chef’s knife, cutting as close to the flesh as possible to eliminate any pith. Cut into rounds and set aside. Shave fennel and red onion thinly using a mandolin. Toss with ~2 tsp of

the dressing. Build the salad from the bottom — start by laying out butter lettuce and topping with the fennel and red onion. Arrange the citrus and add any remaining fennel and red onion on top. Top with mint, fennel fronds, toasted pistachios, sumac and a drizzle of dressing.

2020

! w o N Vote

Vote for Your

Favorite Family-Friendly Local Spots and Businesses in New York Family’s Family Favorite Awards!

head to : newyorkfamily.com/family-favorites-2020 to vote!

• Family Fun • Health & Wellness • • Style & Shopping • Food • Activities & Learning • UP TOWN & MIDTOWN M ANHAT TAN , DOWNTOWN M ANHAT TAN , BROOKLYN , QUEENS & THE BRONX