Westchester Parent - April/May 2021

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april/may 2021

nymetroparents.com Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

ConneCtions

The power of summer camp friendships and why they’re so important this year

Find a summer camp near you!

Remote School effectS

Specialparent • How to stop comparing your child to others • Autism myths you need to ignore • Find resources for your child

How learning at home has impacted kids, both good and bad

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inside

April/May 2021 16 The Importance of Summer Camp Friendships

Now more than ever, kids need the close bonds formed at camp.

34 The Effects of Remote Learning

Remote school has certainly been tough, but it hasn’t all been bad.

44 Keeping Kids Healthy Post-COVID

After a year of social distancing, how do parents make sure their kids don’t get sick?

46 Is Your Teen Sexting?

It’s increasingly common among teens and tweens. So, what can parents do about it?

48 Pet Sense & Sensibility

Teaching kids how to interact with animals is more important than ever

38 Autism Myths You Should Ignore

Five things about individuals on the spectrum that just aren’t true

40 Avoiding Comparison

Here’s how to avoid comparing your child with special needs to others.

42 Special Needs Resources

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columns

6 Editor’s Note 9 News: What’s happening in the community 12 Toddlers: No Whining, Please 14 Advice: Ask Dad and Buried 50 Last Word: What’s the first thing you’ll do when the weather gets warm?

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44

46

things to do

28 10 Things to Do this Month 30 Congrats Grads 32 Celebrating Earth Day

resources

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions facebook.com/nymetroparents

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18 22 45 49

Camp Resources Camp Guide Health Resources Advertisers’ Index

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

editor’s note APRIL/MAy 2021

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

Craving Connections

I

f you’re like most parents, there’s one thing we can all agree on when it comes to remote learning: It’s been rough—though it hasn’t all been bad. We spoke to several local parents and teachers to explore how learning at home as impacted their kids and students, both good and bad (p. 34).

One of the negative impacts of remote learning? Many kids are craving social connections. But it turns out, summer camp may be just the remedy your child needs.

After all, camp provides the best recipe for social interactions and forming friendships: an escape from routine, shared activities, and exposure to new things. That’s why, after more than a year of social isolation, it’s more important than ever for kids to experience the kinds of friendships made at summer camp (p. 16).

But before summer hits, take a moment to celebrate the spring season with your family. Turn to p. 28 for a bucket list of family fun, from challenging the kids to a round of mini golf to volunteering to help clean up your local park.

Finally, did you know a recent study from researchers at The University of Texas at Dallas found that the key to improving social interactions for those with autism could actually come down to promoting understanding and acceptance among people who are not on the spectrum? So, read “Autism Myths you Should Ignore” (p. 38), in which experts share common misconceptions about the diagnosis and individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

Cheers to a safe and happy spring!

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? Find it here!

The Westchester & Rockland Camp Guide is now available! Learn how summer camps were able to successfully (and safely) operate last year, discover why camp is important for kids’ development, and more.

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BIG APPLE PARENT, QUEENS PARENT, WESTCHESTER PARENT BROOKLYN PARENT, ROCKLAND PARENT, BERGEN • ROCKLAND PARENT, STATEN ISLAND PARENT, and LONG ISLAND PARENT are published monthly by Davler Media Group, LLC Copyright © 2021, Davler Media Group, LLC No part of contents may be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher.

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Thornton-Donovan School’s Summer Challenge Program Dates: July 5 - August 20, 2021 8:30 am to 3:30 pm • Ages 3-14 • Co-ed

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April/May 2021 | nymetroparents.com

Courtesy Sesame Workshop / Zach Hyman

news

The ABCs of Racial Literacy Sesame Workshop’s newest set of resources helps parents have conversations with kids about race and racism.

In mid-March, Sesame Workshop introduced the ABCs of Racial Literacy, a set of resources as part of its Coming Together initiative. The resources—which include educational framework, ongoing research, and a rolling release of content—are designed to help families build racial literacy and have conversations with young children.

The resources use age-appropriate language and strategies to guide difficult questions and conversations surrounding race and racism. For example, one video features Elmo and two Muppets—5-year-old Wes and his father Elijah—and Elmo wants to know why Wes’ skin is brown. Elijah explains melanin and that the color of our skin is an important part of who we are. In another, the Muppets celebrate their own unique identities in a music video. Other videos include families talking about their experiences and activities and conversation starters for families.

“Sesame Workshop has always stood for diversity, inclusion, equity, and kindness. As a trusted source for families, we have a responsibility to speak out for racial justice and empower families to have conversations about race and identity with their children at a young age,” said Kay Wilson Stallings, executive vice president of creative and production at Sesame Workshop.

The resources offered as part of “ABCs of Racial Literacy” are available in both English and Spanish at no cost at sesameworkshop.org/comingtogether.

NYMetroParents

9

news

Toy Organizing Hacks

If Marie Kondo taught us anything, it’s that we’re meant to keep the things that spark joy and throw out (or donate) what doesn’t. But what about the things that give our children joy and give us a headache? Organizing your kids’ toy collection helps create a purposeful place for things. Discover nine unique and easy organizing ideas from the experts at nymetroparents.com/toys.

Donating Old Stuff If you’re like most people, you probably have a good amount of unwanted stuff taking up space—everything from toys your kids no longer play with to old electronics. It’s easy to know what you want to toss, but what do you do with it once it’s boxed up? Find places to donate, recycle, or sell your old items at nymetroparents.com/donate.

Time for Spring Cleaning?

When’s the last time you cleaned out your fridge? Or dusted your houseplants (yes, it’s needed!)? Now’s the time to tackle it because spring cleaning season is officially here. Cleaning experts share other oft-forgotten spots when cleaning, plus tricks to get the job done, at nymetroparents. com/spring-clean.

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Newsy Podcasts for Kids

I

t’s hard enough for adults to keep up with the news—but kids also need to know what’s going on. And they need to be informed by sources that can filter and craft the stories appropriately.

We recently discovered some fantastic newsy podcasts that manage to enlighten kids while also entertaining them. Here are some of our favorites.

The Week Junior Show

KidNuz

Recommended ages: 8-14 From the award-winning magazine The Week Junior, this podcast explores timely topics from each issue. Host Bex from Fun Kids is joined by members of the magazine staff to discuss their favorite stories—for example, could algae hold the secret to successful life on Mars? They also discuss the magazine’s weekly ‘Real or Rubbish?’ report.

Recommended ages: 8-14 This professional, 5-minute broadcast is delivered by four Emmy-winning journalists who are also moms. The brief begins at 7a.m. and provides age-appropriate stories from politics, entertainment, science, health, and sports. Little listeners might learn about glow-in-the-dark sharks or who won the Golden Globes—all in bite-sized takes. A flash quiz at the end entices kids to listen closely.

The Ten News Recommended ages: 8-12 Each episode, which air on Tuesdays and Thursdays, features 10 minutes of current affairs reporting or “the stuff grown-ups are talking about, explained, and way more fun.” For example, stories include The Rover landing on Mars, what’s up with Groundhog Day, and how Georgia flipped from red to blue. Host Bethany Van Delft expertly explains the events as well as their context, and kids are encouraged to create their own takes on the issues.

Time for Kids Explains

ABC KIDS News Time

Recommended ages: 7-12 Every week, a robot L.I.S.A. (“Live In-Studio Audience”) and Deborah Goldstein, the show’s co-host, create a fact-or-fiction game show, in which a young contestant must judge which of the two adults who both claim to be experts (on a range of topics from soccer to sailing) is the one telling the truth. The show is always funny and goofy, but it also teaches kids how to be skeptics, especially when it comes to interpreting the world around them.

Recommended ages: 6 and younger Preschool-age “news helpers” report stories from their own point of view along with Australian Broadcasting Corporation reporter Ruby Cornish. The sometimes silly and always lighthearted discussion of news from around the world includes such topics as why Lunar New Year is celebrated or why some areas are banning single-use plastic. Kids are kept on their toes with the fast-paced but quirky reporting.

April/May 2021 | nymetroparents.com

facebook.com/nymetroparents

Recommended ages: 6-12 Available by subscription only, this weekly news show drops every Monday. Kid reporters from Time for Kids magazine report the stories—which might include the poet Amanda Gorman, the U.S. coin shortage, and training for the upcoming Olympics. There are also weekly quizzes, games, interviews, and debates—like should cursive writing be taught in public schools.

The Big Fib

@nymetroparents

@NYMetroParents

New Places, New Programs WESTCHESTER

Swim School to Open in Stamford, CT Goldfish Swim School is opening a state-of-theart facility in Stamford, CT later this Spring. The school will be dedicated to instilling water safety and confidence in kids through swim lessons for all levels with features like small class sizes for personalized attention, a viewing gallery for parents, Jump Start clinics during school and summer vacation weeks, open swim times for families, and an advanced water purification system. Parents will be required to self-assess their health and the health of their children, wear face masks while out of the water, and socially distance when possible to keep all members safe. 9 Riverbend Drive S., Suite 9C, Stamford, CT; 475-283-9832; goldfishswimschool.com/stamford

Gymnastics Studio in the Bronx to Offer Summer Camp Ninja Gymnastics Factory is slated to begin offering summer camp beginning this June, with touring and sample classes starting in May. The facility is newly renovated with an outdoor play space, offering ninja and gymnastics classes, camps, birthday parties, grown-up & me, drop-in workshops, and community events. Programs are offered to ages twelve months to 17-years-old. The facility also offers free social groups for mothers with newborns ages six months to twelve months. At Ninja Gymnastics Factory, classes teach children proper techniques in a progressive, safe, and fun manner. The goal is to teach young athletes the tools they need to be successful in life through ninja warrior and gymnastics classes. 420 W. 238th St., Bronx; 914-343-3903; ninjagymnasticsfactory.com

ROCKLAND

Easy Ways to Go Green Earth Day always reminds us of the importance of being eco-friendly and sustainable. But figuring out how to overhaul your family’s lifestyle? It’s overwhelming, to say the least.

The good news is you don’t have to completely overhaul your lifestyle. “Start small, and start where you can make a big impact,” says Celia Ristow, a zero-waste writer, organizer, founder of the blog Litterless.com. “You don’t have to change everything at once. You’ll feel really good when you notice your small changes making a difference, which will motivate you to keep going.”

Below is a list of things your family can do to help the Earth. Bonus: Some of them are super-simple and super-easy!

• Simple Changes, Big Impact: Find 13 easy things you can do today to help the environment at nymetroparents.com/ easy-green.

• Green Your Lunchbox: Our favorite picks will cut the waste in your kids’ lunchboxes; find details at nymetroparents.com/green-lunch.

Hospitals in Suffern and Warwick Awarded 5-Star Labor and Delivery Ratings The Birthing Centers of Good Samaritan Hospital and St. Anthony Community Hospital were awarded five-star ratings for vaginal deliveries and St. Anthony Community Hospital was also awarded for C-section deliveries. The rating indicates that the hospital’s clinical outcomes are statistically better than the national average and includes how well a hospital keeps patients safe from potential complications as well as the service line’s ability to care for complex conditions. Additionally, Good Samaritan Hospital was named among the top five percent of hospitals in the nation (who participate in the Healthgrades program) for Obstetrics and Gynecology for the second year in a row. Good Samaritan Hospital: 255 Laffayette Ave., Suffern; St. Anthony Community Hospital: 15 Maple Ave., Warwick; 845-368-5450; goodsamhosp.org/birthing-center; stanthonycommunityhosp.org/birthing-center

• Eco-Friendly Home: Discover 6 tips that will help your make your home more environmentally friendly at nymetroparents.com/eco-home.

• Green Your Kid’s Room: Read 11 things you can do to reduce your kid’s exposure to environmental hazards where they sleep and play at nymetroparents.com/green-kids.

• Why Go Zero Waste?: There are several reasons to reduce the amount of trash your household produces; find 10 simple strategies to get started at nymetroparents.com/zero-waste.

NYMetroParents 11

toddlers

No Whining, Please!

8 strategies to get your kids of any age to stop whining

By Tammy Gold, parent coach

give in, your children will know what to expect and keep whining to get their intended end result. Say what you mean and mean what you say. When your children really understand that you’re not going to budge, they’ll stop trying.

ignore iT Again, if your child is of the appropriate age to really comprehend you, explain that you’re going to ignore all whining. Sometimes children whine because they need attention. Giving them more attention when they whine will only serve to fuel their fire. Say to them, “When you whine, I am not going to listen to you or pay attention to you until you can speak properly.” Then stick to what you said and reward your children by immediately attending to them when they stop whining. here’s nothing that gets on a parent’s nerves like a whining child. However, it’s important you don’t lose your cool.

There’s a right way and a wrong way to stop kids from whining. From gripe to grumble, these 8 tips can help you stop your kids from whining.

T

model AppropriATe BehAviors

Be AwAre of Age

reinforce And prAise

If you are trying to help your child stop whining, you need to be aware of what your child can comprehend. For example, you can’t say to a 1½-year-old, “Honey, please stop whining. It’s really starting to make my blood pressure rise!” A child at that age does not understand what you are saying and probably will whine more! Communicate on a level your child can understand.

When your child acts appropriately, praise their good behaviors.

And reinforce the fact that when they speak without whining, you will attend to them and engage with them immediately. Also express that you appreciate their listening to you and following your directions.

Arm Them wiTh Tools

If it’s really becoming a problem for older children, try using behavioral modification charts and rewards. You can mark the days they remained “whine free” with a small reward. On the flip side, when they have a “whiney moment” take away the intended reward for that day or week.

Very young children may whine because they don’t have other ways to express themselves. Try to arm them with certain words.

If they are whining for “mom,” but really just need help getting a toy, ask “Do you need some help? Do you need help?” Repeat what your child is really trying to say and arm them with the proper tools to express themselves in the best manner possible.

Remember that whining can be age-appropriate and will disappear when they are better able to express themselves.

follow Through For children of any age, it’s of paramount importance to always follow through. If you say, “no more cookies,” but then always

Teach your children the right way to ask for things or express themselves by modeling it yourself. Remember if they see you whining, it will be harder for them to understand why they aren’t able to do the same.

use chArTs And rewArds

encourAge And supporT It is always important to encourage and support your children, even when they are whining. You don’t want your child to think that expressing their feelings angers you, but rather learn how to engage in appropriate behaviors. Even when disciplining your children explain that you do want them to express themselves and it is acceptable to do so in an appropriate manner.

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

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April/May 2021 | nymetroparents.com

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I

f giving your kids too much screen time makes you a bad parent, consider me Miles Davis!

What I mean to say is: You’re not alone. My wife and I are in a similar boat, along with parents all over the world. The pandemic has forced us to do whatever it takes to survive, and frankly, extra screen time is the least of our worries.

Our behavior has changed because our circumstances have changed.

It’s okay if our standards change, too. We’ve all spent some portion of the pandemic indulging bad habits, whether it’s spending more time in PJs and less time exercising, or more time watching Netflix and less time reading. It’s called self-care! And children are just as entitled to it.

The pandemic has been hard on everyone, but our kids may be having the roughest time of all. They might not always show it— kids are resilient as hell! They may not even know it—therapists are going to have a field day unpacking pandemic trauma in about 10 years. But our kids have been forced to adapt to this unprecedented time in unprecedented ways.

Not only were they yanked out of school with no warning, they’ve had to spend the better part of two school years at home, without 1-on-1 teacher interaction, classmates, or friends. My 10-year-old has been hit hard, and sometimes his extra screen time is what happens when my wife and I need some adult time. Playing Roblox online or having a Netflix party are the only ways he gets to interact with his friends. So, we cut him some slack.

Now, things may get challenging when it’s time to transition back to “normal,” or at least some version of it. Some bad habits that were acquired during a year stuck at home may need to be broken—weaning them off the PlayStation is going to be on us. So, we’d all better dust off those parenting chops and get ready for a rough re-entry.

But until then, my kids can plug themselves into the Matrix for all I care! And unless you’re doing that, you’re a better parent than I am.

At least you’ve got that going for you.

Our advice column features the wise and humorous commentary of Mike Julianelle (aka @DadandBuried), a 40-something influencer with a popular podcast who lives in Brooklyn with his wife and two kids.

Have a question for DaDanDburieD? Send it to editor@nymetroparents.com with the subject “DadandBuried’s Advice.”

NYMetroParents 15

camp

The Importance of Summer Camp Friendships

Now more than ever, kids need the close bonds formed at camp

By Madeleine Burry When summer camp is over and campers return home, many kids experience “camp sickness,” a phenomenon that’s the reverse of homesickness. And while camp facilities may be lovely and the atmosphere free from anxiety, it’s not the camp itself that kids miss most. It’s the friendships they formed that spark these feelings.

Camp, as it turns out, is uniquely suited to provide all the very best ingredients for forming friendships: an escape from routine, shared activities, and exposure to new things—all happening under the watchful eye of well-trained role models.

In fact, the friends kids make in camp—whether it’s day camp or a sleepaway—often last years, even decades. In an American Camp Association survey of more than 5,000 families around the U.S., 69 percent of families said their camper was still in contact with the kids they met at camp. That’s why during this period of social isolation brought on by the pandemic, it’s more important than ever for kids to experience the kinds of friendships made at summer camp.

Here are a few reasons why those camp friendships form—and last—so powerfully.

Goodbye Tech; hello connecTions At many camps, no electronics are permitted. Plus, the stress of real life—between exams, daily homework assignments, phones 16

April/May 2021 | nymetroparents.com

vibrating with alerts, and after-school activities—is also absent.

“At camp, kids and staff really get to connect with each other in a way society doesn’t provide anymore,” says Dan Weir, senior director of program development at the YMCA of Long Island.

With the pressures of the outside world removed, what remains is a common routine and activities. It’s an environment that encourages kids to let down their guard and open themselves up. The hope, Weir says, is that kids who are unplugged will spend time with others, making deeper connections.

A chAnce To define And ReinvenT youRself At home, a child may be popular, the class clown, sporty, a slow reader, or forever tagged by an embarrassing event that took place in fourth grade. Labels are removed at camp; it’s an opportunity for a fresh start with a new community. “That’s the beauty of camp: You get to define who you are and who you want to be,” Weir says.

Andy Lustig, a fashion designer who attended an all-girls camp in Maine, says she seized the moment to jettison the personality traits she didn’t like about herself. “Andy, you’re going to go there and you’re not going to be shy—you’re going to be outgoing,” she resolved. For her, camp was a place where she could recreate herself.

Camp also provides a reminder for kids that their lives will be bigger than the communities (school, activities, etc.) they inhabit during the rest of the year. For one of Lustig’s friends, a late bloomer who struggled at school and wasn’t well-liked, camp was a parallel universe that kept her sane throughout the tough time in middle and high schools. During summers, fellow campers were eager to be her friend and saw her positive qualities, and this selfesteem booster kept her going year-round, Lustig says.

ConCentrated time together “When you’re at camp, we really slow down time,” Weir says.

This puts the focus on kids having safe and fun experiences, and above all, forming connections. The shared experience is a big factor. Weir points out that experts believe shared experiences are foundational to friendships. “By doing something together— even if the other person is a complete stranger from a different background, different socioeconomic status, different race, different religion, anything that you can divide people up by—we find that by having that common bond over something, and an experience, really forms a lifelong friendship.”

The time spent at camp becomes a touchstone moment, something that feels meaningful even years after attending. Many of Lustig’s friends returned to camp as counselors in their early 20s, because it felt like a secure place to pause and reassess career and life choices. Similarly, Erica Edelman, who went to Camp

Ramah in the Berkshires for eight summers, says, “I continue to find an unbelievable ability to connect with other ‘camp people.’

We speak the same language, have a shared past—even if we didn’t actually live it together.”

So, is camp right for your child? The answer will always depend on your kid. While camp offers so much in terms of relationship building and freedom from the everyday distractions, not every child will enjoy the experience, or flourish away from family.

Whatever magical mix of elements makes camp friendships develop—from engaging in shared experiences to spending gadget-free time away from home—the power of summercamp connections cannot be denied. Campers have unstoppable enthusiasm and nostalgia for their camp experiences, and with good reason: The bonds created in the short weeks away from home endure well beyond the summer.

Sending your child to camp might be a difficult decision this year.

There are potential health risks and changes in protocols. On the other hand, it’s been a difficult year for kids, and camp could be exactly what they need in order to thrive, especially when it comes to connecting with others and making great friends.

Madeleine Burry is a freelance writer and editor who has held staff positions at Parents.com, Scholastic, and About.com. Burry lives in Park Slope, Brooklyn, with her husband and their cat. You can follow her on Twitter @lovelanewest.

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NYMetroParents 17

Camp Directory rockland >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Bright Beginnings Preschool & Childcare

6 Charles St., New City 914-420-5785 2 Mountainview Court, Pomona brightbeginningsofrockland.com We offer a fun, affordable summer program for children 6 months-school age. Private cul-de-sac location with an acre of property for outdoor play. Program includes meals, water table and sprinkler play, dance lessons, arts and crafts, physical education, and theme weeks.

NYS-licensed/NAFCC accredited facility. Staff are CPRand first aid-certified.

Camp Venture Summer Camp

58 Oak Colony Road, Stony Point 845-624-3860 venturerockland.org/programs/summer-camp Camp Venture is proud to offer a summer day camp for kids with special needs. Our one- to seven-week integrated camp is a fun, nurturing place for Rockland children with intellectual/developmental disabilities.

Activities include swimming, art, and non-competitive sports. Morning and afternoon programs available.

JCC Rockland Camps

450 W. Nyack Road, West Nyack 845-362-4400 jccrockland.org camps@jccrockland.org Join us for an awesome summer at JCC Rockland Camps. With six unique program options for ages 18 months through entering 10th grade, your camper can choose the best program for their interest in a safe and healthy environment. Your camper will be engaged in fun and creative camp activities. Daily swim and lunch included.

Kreative Kids & Vicki’s Dance Studio

61 Maple Ave., New City 845-634-2202 vickistudio.com We are the best alternative to an all-day camp, at reasonable rates! We cater to ages 16 months (diapers welcomed) to 5 years. This multi-arts program includes music, creative movement, theme weeks, and tumbling.

Other special summer programs for ages 2 to adult include a variety of dance and combination classes.

Mosholu Day Camp

261 Arden Valley Road, Southfields 845-243-0751 mosholudaycamp.com Mosholu Day Camp will be open again this summer, offering children a safe and fun experience. CDC and Dept. of Health guidelines are in place, as well as every precaution to ensure the safest experience possible. Our camp day is filled with dynamic activities and located in a beautiful setting.

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Palisades Center

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

RCC Summer Camps

145 College Road, Suffern 845-574-4455 rccsummercamps.com Join the RCC Summer Youth Program for science, art, and computer classes. (No sports or performing arts this year). Six weeks from June 28-Aug. 6, $225 per week. Campers must be entering grades second-ninth in September. Camp hours are 9am-12pm. Call 845-5744455 or email summercamps@sunyrockland.edufor any additional questions.

Rockland Farm Alliance – Junior Farmers Camp

220 South Little Tor Road, New City 845-634-3167 rocklandfarm.org info@rocklandfarm.org Junior Farmers’ Camp introduces children to sustainable agriculture, healthy living, and environmental stewardship through discovery, play, and plenty of time getting their hands dirty farming in the Children’s Garden. Our expert staff will lead children through gardening workshops, science experiments, bug hunts, cooking, foraging, and nature crafts.

Tumble-Bee Gymnastics and Fitness

401 Market St., Nanuet Mall South, Nanuet 845-623-2553 tumble-beegymnastics.com Tumble-Bee Gymnastics and Fitness offers an education in gymnastics, fitness, and fun. Serving Rockland for 36 years, we offer programs for children ages 10 months to 12 years.

Our staff is warm, caring, and well trained to work with your child building confidence and self-esteem to achieve success in the future.

Westchester >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Acres of Adventure Summer Camp at Ann and Andy

2170 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford 914-592-3027 annandandychildcare.com Summer camp for 1-9 weeks, children 3 months-14 years.

Your child will enjoy our 25 play areas including two water slides, zip-line, climbing wall, and ball fields. We offer customized schedules, individualized attention, and hot lunches. Health Department licensed and in business since 1973! Covid safety regulations are followed.

April/May 2021 | nymetroparents.com

Alcott Montessori School

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

Camp PGT at The Play Group Theatre

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

Camp Ramaquois

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

Challenge Camp

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

The Chapel School Summer Program

172 White Plains Road, Bronxville 914-337-3202 thechapelschool.org directorofsummercamps@thechapelschool.org The Chapel School offers various programs from June 14-Aug. 13 for children ages 3-12. The Care Bear Program (ages 3-6) has morning, afternoon, and full-day classes. The Explorer Program (ages 6-12) has classes in sports, Mad Science, drama, singing, and cartooning.

Extended hours 8am-5:30 pm-flexible scheduling onenine weeks.

The Safety of Our Patients Is More Important Than Ever We continue to be committed to your child’s health and safety.

Here’s an example of some of the changes we’ve made to protect our patients and staff in this time of Covid 19: • Air purifiers placed throughout the office

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

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

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

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

NYMetroParents 19

Camp Directory

Cont’d

Curtain Call, Inc. Curtain Call’s Summerstock Workshops for Kindergarten to 12th

1349 Newfield Ave., Stamford, CT 203-329-8207 x16 curtaincallinc.com/summer-programs brian@curtaincallinc.com We anticipate the in-person return of our Summerstock and Summerstock Junior full-day theatre workshops in 2021! Our conservatory-style programs allow a flexible, low-pressure environment for creative and social growth. Four separate sessions run June 28-Aug. 20.

In age-appropriate groups, students rotate between specialized instructors. Now taking reservations.

Easter Seals Project Explore

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

The Inn at East Hill Farm

460 Monadnock St., Troy 800-242-6495 east-hill-farm.com info@east-hill-farm.com The Inn at East Hill Farm is an all-inclusive, family farm vacation resort that is open year-round. Guests enjoy hands-on time with farm animals, horseback riding, milking the cow, patting bunnies, and collecting chicken eggs.

Resort amenities include guided hiking trips, swimming, and a children’s recreation program.

Mandarin Discovery School Summer Camp Programs

Classes in Westchester 914-351-6788 mandarindiscov.org shanshanli@mandarindiscov.org Summer camp is offered for ages 2-10. This summer we are offering online group sessions, virtual and in-person tutoring sessions, and Saturday in-person classes (limited spots available). We teach Mandarin, with an emphasis on speaking, and Chinese culture in a fun, immersive Mandarin environment.

Mosholu Day Camp

261 Arden Valley Road, Southfields 845-243-0751 mosholudaycamp.com Mosholu Day Camp will be open again this summer, offering children a safe and fun experience. CDC and Dept. of Health guidelines are in place, as well as every precaution to ensure the safest experience possible.

Our camp day is filled with dynamic activities and located in a beautiful setting.

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Musical Munchkins

167 Scarsdale Road, Tuckahoe 914-771-7000 musicalmunchkins.com Musical Munchkins offers engaging ZOOM classes to keep the music going with fun-filled activities until we can be together again. Join our virtual world of song and dance!

Experienced teachers and enhanced virtual curriculum tend to young hearts and minds while nurturing little musicians’ music development in a sweet virtual format.

Ninja Gymnastics Factory

420 W. 238th St., Intersection of W. 238th St. and Irwin Ave., Riverdale Area of the Bronx 914-343-3903 ninjagymnasticsfactory.com info@ninjagymnasticsfactory.com Ninja Gymnastics Factory is a newly renovated children’s fun fitness facility. We have programs for all age groups from toddlers to teens including gymnastics and ninja classes, camps, birthday parties, grown-up and me, drop-in workshops, and community events. Our unique space and flexible scheduling guarantees we’ll have something for you.

Oasis Summer Day Camp Westchester

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

Teen Travel (seventh-ninth grades) offers unique trips, overnights, and friendships.

Sportime USA

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

Squire Camps, Inc. at Maria Regina High School, Hartsdale

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

April/May 2021 | nymetroparents.com

Steffi Nossen School of Dance

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

Super Soccer Stars x Pro Soccer Kids

More than 50 locations across NYC, LI, and Westchester 606 Columbus Ave. at 89th St., Upper West Side, Manhattan 212-877-7171 55 Front St., Suite 7, Rockville Centre 516-740-7171 supersoccerstars.com info@supersoccerstars.com Soccer Stars is NY’s No. 1 Youth Soccer Program for 20 years. Highly trained, certified coaches lead small group classes, highlighting teamwork and individual attention, following safety guidelines. More than 50 locations.

Weekly classes, half- and full- day camps, and private sessions anywhere—FUNdamentals or Advanced Training. Ages 2-12 and older. Save $20 using the code NYMPSUM21.

Thornton-Donovan School

100 Overlook Circle, New Rochelle 914-632-8836 td.edu Founded in 1969, the Summer Challenge has been a source of joy, entertainment, enlightenment, and playful fun for boys and girls ages 3-14. Stop by and see our sports field, basketball court, and playground! Swim instruction and recreational swim are major components of the program.

Winston Preparatory School

Various locations throughout the greater NYC area 631-779-2400 winstonprep.edu/our-campuses/li liadmissions@winstonprep.edu Winston Prep’s Summer Enrichment Program provides students in grades third-12th with the unique opportunity to participate in an individually designed program that enhances academic skills and fosters independence. The program is designed to develop language, encoding and decoding, reading comprehension, writing, math, test preparation, organization, and time management skills.

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Holy Angels now welcomes grAdes 6-12 OPEN HOUSE EVENTS middle school

Wednesday, April 21st

hiGh school

Wednesday, May 12th

Inspired. Empowered. Angels. www.holyangels.org Rockland Parent ad_OH ads 2021.indd 1

3/18/21 11:14 AM

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

Limited spots are available for The Play Group Theatre’s inspirational and innovative performing arts camps.

Mix+Match the perfect theatre arts summer for actors ages 4-17!

Discover why PGT is honored year after year for excellence in arts education.

2020

1 , 2, 3, and 4 week camps

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

SM

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Christian Pre-School dfchristianpreschool.org Dobbs Ferry Coupé Theatre Studio coupedance.com Nanuet

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Creative Arts Workshop arts-workshop.com Nyack

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Curtain Call, Inc. curtaincallinc.com Stamford, CT JCC Rockland Camps jccrockland.org West Nyack

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Camp Venture Summer Camp venturerockland.org/programs/ summer-camp Stony Point

Chapel School Summer Program chapelschoolsummercamp. teampages.com/clubs/6897 Bronxville

challenge courses

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Camp PGT at The Play Group Theatre playgroup.org/summer White Plains

Challenge Camp challengecamps.com Hartsdale

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Bright Beginnings of Rockland INC brightbeginningsofrockland.com Pomona

Camp Ramaquois ramaquois.com Pomona

Travel

Alcott School alcottschool.org Scarsdale

competitive Sports

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Flexible Scheduling

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extended Hours

Acres of Adventure Summer Camp @ Ann & Andy’s annandandychildcare.com Elmsford

Lunch

Camp Guide

Transportation

ServiceS:

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vicki’s dance studio 61 Maple Ave, New City • www.vickistudio.com • 634-2202

In-Studio Camps

Starting in June!

We are the perfect, safe solution for you to drop off your child!

Reasonable rates Flexible Schedule

NEW SAFETY GUIDELINES: • Limited class size (REGISTER EARLY)

• Sanitizing throughout each session • Temperatures taken before entering • Easy drop-off & pick-up procedures

FUN-FILLED SA AND FE PART TIME CAMPS FUN !

FOR GIRLS & BOYS 16 MONTHS–TEENS

*Multi-Arts Program (Ages 16 months - 8 years old) includes Arts & Crafts, Music with instruments, theme weeks, tumbling, creative movement & MORE!

Registration is on a first come first serve basis

• Princess Dress Up Dance • Frozen Forever Dance • American Girl Dance • Tumbling Tots • Teen Specialty Email Us For Details: vickisstudio@gmail.com

The Best Alternative to an All-Day Camp!

Winner 2017 Inspectors Choice Awards!

Summer 2021 Camp Sessions Session 1: June 28th - July 23rd Session 2: July 26th - August 13th Offering Stimulating Courses Like...

• Cooking • Arts • Digital Photography • Robotics • Swimming • Sports ...and many more!

• Hot Lunches Included

OUR

48TH YEAR

Hartsdale, New York | 914.328.3798 | Squirecamps@gmail.com NYMetroParents 23

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Ninja Gymnastics Factory ninjagymnasticsfactory.com Riverdale, Bronx

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Rockland Center for the Arts rocklandartcenter.org West Nyack

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Rockland Community College rccsummercamps.com Suffern

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Sportime USA sportimeusa.com Elmsford

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Squire Camps squirecamps.com Hartsdale

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Super Soccer Stars soccerstars.com More than 50 locations across NYC, LI, and Westchester Thornton-Donovan Summer Challenge td.edu New Rochelle

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Steffi Nossen School of Dance steffinossen.org White Plains

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Nature/Petting Zoo

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Musical Munchkins musicalmunchkins.com White Plains

Oasis Camp in Dobbs Ferry oasischildren.com Dobbs Ferry

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challenge courses

Mosholu Day Camp mosholudaycamp.com Southfields

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Fine arts

Mandarin Discovery School mandarindiscov.org Yonkers, White Plains

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Junior Farmers’ Camp rocklandfarm.org/juniorfarmers New City

(counselor-in-Training)

Travel

Horseback riding

competitive Sports

music/ Theater/ Dance

STeam/academic enrichment

ProgramS: Scholarship

Flexible Scheduling

extended Hours

Lunch

Transportation

Camp Guide

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Schedule your child’s physical • Comprehensive Care from Birth to Age 21 • State of the Art Pediatric Office • Extended evening & weekend office hours • Convenient on-site parking • Spacious child friendly waiting area • Most Insurances Accepted

Susan Meisler, M.D. • Hilary Smith, M.D. Lisa Mandelker, D.O. • Debra Etelson, M.D 145 Huguenot St., Suite 200 New Rochelle, NY www.childrenshospital.org/bchp/practices/pediatric-associates-of-southern-westchester

(914) 235-1400 AGES

2-12+

SPRING + SUMMER SOCCER NY's #1 Youth Soccer Program for 20+ years

Over 60 Locations across NYC, LI, and Westchester FUNdamental and Advanced Development Classes + Camps Private Classes available we come to you!

SAVE PROMO CODE:

$20

NYMPSUM21

ENROLL TODAY @ SOCCERSTARS.COM NYMetroParents 25

YMCA Summer Camp at Krucker’s rocklandymca.org Pomona

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Newly-renovated children’s fitness facility Programs for all age groups from toddlers to teens

ninjagymnasticsfactory.com Ninja & gymnastics classes, camps, birthday parties, grown-up & me, drop-in workshops & community events

418-420 West 238th Street Bronx, NY 10463 Riverdale Area of the Bronx info@ninjagymnasticsfactory.com · 914-343-3903 26

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challenge courses

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Special Needs

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YMCA Nyack Summer Camp rocklandymca.org Nyack

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Winston Preparatory School Connecticut winstonprep.edu/our-campuses/ct Various locations throughout the greater NYC area

music/ Theater/ Dance

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extended Hours

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Vicki’s Dance Studio and Kreative Kids vickistudio.com New City

Transportation

Lunch

Camp Guide

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PRIVATE farm visits, by reservation.

For Homeschools, Learning Pods, Special Needs Groups, Birthdays and Celebrations.

YOU’LL BE THE ONLY GUESTS ON THE FARM and the kids can pet, feed and brush their favorite animals and ride a beautiful pony in a SAFE ENVIRONMENT!

• Small Groups • Masks for Everyone • Handwashing • Social Distancing • Everything Sanitized We are looking forward to your visit!

Call or email to reserve your date:

914-763-6925 • 203-431-8322

partygals@piedpiperponyrides.com

piedpiperponyrides.com Rockland Farm Alliance’s

Junior Farmers’ Camp at Cropsey Community Farm

Outdoor, Nature-Based Camp for Kids 6–12

July 19th to Aug 20th Monday to Friday, 9am–3pm

Open House Date Sun, April 18th 10am–12pm

After school programs available 220 S. Little Tor Road, New City, NY *COVID safe protocols in place

www.rocklandfarm.org/juniorfarmers NYMetroParents 27

family fun

10 Things to Do This Month

By Katelin Walling

S

pring is in full force, and what better way to celebrate the season (and warmer weather) than by spending a lot of time outside? Our kids definitely need it after the socially distant winter we had. Below, you’ll find our 10 favorite ideas to have fun with your kids. What’s on your Spring bucket list?

ROOT fOR THE HOME TEAM! MEANDER THROUGH THE BOTANICAL GARDEN. Explore one of the many beautiful botanical gardens or nature centers in our area to spend some much-needed quality time with the outdoors. Bonus: Cherry blossoms are almost at peak bloom! Visit nymetroparents.com/ botanical-gardens for the full list of gardens.

VOLUNTEER wITH yOUR kIDs. Did you know National Volunteer Week is April 18-24? While many typically wait to volunteer during the holidays (it is the season of giving, after all), giving back is something you can do with your family year-round. Whether it’s spending an hour once a month to help keep your local park clean, hosting a drive to collect food for the area food pantry, or doing a fundraiser for your local animal shelter, there are plenty of ways to do a little good in your community. Visit nymetroparents.com/volunteer for more ideas.

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April/May 2021 | nymetroparents.com

Opening Day for the MLB was April 1 (and that’s no April Fool’s joke!). Whether your family cheers for the Mets or Yankees, we can all agree that we’re glad America’s pastime is back—plus, with rules announced earlier this spring, fans are allowed to attend games in person this year! The Yankees’ home opener was April 1 vs. the Toronto Blue Jays, while the Mets’ home opener was April 8 vs. the Miami Marlins.

Dine al freSco. There’s nothing better than eating outside— whether it’s at a restaurant that has outdoor seating, in a backyard (if you’re lucky enough to have one), or on your building’s rooftop terrace—and no better time to do it than National Picnic Day on April 23! So, pack some finger foods, spread out a blanket, and dine among nature at the local park.

challenge the kiDS to a rounD of mini golf.

Waterfalls, windmills, and sand traps, oh my! Challenge your kids to a round of mini golf at Pier 25 in Tribeca, Shipwrecked Mini Golf in Red Hook, Brooklyn, or Alley Pond Golf Center in Little Neck (visit nymetroparents.com/ mini-golf for more locations). Loser has to do the dishes!

See who can make the biggeSt SplaSh! They say April showers bring May flowers—and we certainly hope that’s the case this year! After all, what’s more fun and giggle-inducing than jumping in puddles with your little ones?! On a rainy day, don your rain boots and waterresistant jackets and go puddle jumping. You could wait until the next day to avoid getting completely soaked, but where’s the fun in that?

go to a petting zoo.

Children can get up close to many kinds of animals—and even have the opportunity to feed the resident animals some treats—at Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, or Bronx Zoo. You’ll see alpaca, sheep, goats, cattle, pigs, rabbits, donkeys, and more!

riDe a carouSel. There’s something magical about seeing your little one light up with the joy of riding a carousel—the lights, the music, the animals. And the good news is carousels in our area are reopening this spring! Find all the details you need to know about carousels in NYC at nymetroparents.com/carousels.

burn off extra energy at the playgrounD. After the long winter of the kids being cooped up inside, they’re eager to get outside and run around without having to layer and bundle up. Take your children to the local playground to burn off that pent-up energy—just make sure to bring hand sanitizer and wear face masks to keep everyone safe.

inDulge in an ice cream cone.

After a day of playing outside, treat your kids to a frozen treat! Whether it’s from the ice cream truck parked near the playground, your favorite cone shop on the way home, or by making your own at home, it’ll be a sweet ending to a fun day.

NYMetroParents 29

family fun

Congrats, Grads!

It’s another year of alternative celebrations, but you can still plan a special and memorable day for your graduate—from preschool to college.

By Melissa Wickes

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hile your child’s graduation might not be able to happen as imagined, you can still create a special celebration that adheres to social-distancing guidelines. Here are some fun ideas to make your graduate feel special—whether it’s preschool, middle school, high school, or college.

Preschool Graduates

Middle School Graduates

mAke diy grAduAtion hAts And gowns.

Ask your child’s fAvorite stAr to record A grAduAtion messAge.

Whether your school provides a cap and gown, or you need to find one yourself, let your little one doodle out a decoration to put on top of the cap. Or, let him loose in Michael’s craft store to pick out his favorite stickers, pins, buttons, gems, sequins, fabric paint, and more to decorate the gown.

Post A grAduAtion lAwn sign And hAve A drive-by PArAde.

PurchAse A mArquee messAge.

It’s clear that drive-by parades are a fun energy booster and a great way to feel loved without getting too close. Invite friends, family, and neighbors to drive, walk, scoot, or bike by the house to cheer for the graduate.

New York sports are finally allowing fans again, so if your family is comfortable attending a game, you can congratulate your child up on the jumbo screen. If you’d rather watch the game from home, consider calling a favorite radio station or local news channel to ask for a shout-out.

orgAnize A visit from your kid’s hero.

hAve A grAduAtion movie mArAthon.

If your little graduate is fascinated by fire trucks and sirens, ask your neighborhood fire or police department to come by for a socially distanced, special visit. If the loud noises and lights aren’t your child’s idea of a fun time, invite over another one of her local heroes—like a favorite teacher, sanitation worker, librarian, or doctor.

Luckily, your middle school graduate has many graduations to come even if she didn’t get a big ceremony this year. Give her a sneak peak of the future by watching some of these familyfriendly, graduation-themed movies together:

invite some AnimAls to PlAy. Ask your friend or neighbor if you can borrow their dog or cat to play in the backyard for a few hours. If your child’s favorite animal is more exotic, you can hire a reptile handler—like My Reptile Guys—to put on a show in your backyard!

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It’s a lot easier than it sounds! Using Cameo, you can pay an actor, athlete, or influencer—like Tony Hawk, Lindsay Lohan, Carole Baskin, Floyd Mayweather, or Perez Hilton—to send your child a personalized video message. You can even schedule a video call with one of them!

April/May 2021 | nymetroparents.com

• High School Musical 3: Senior Year (Rated G, Disney+) • Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (Rated PG-13, Amazon Prime) • The Graduate (Rated PG, HBO Max, iTunes) • The Lizzie McGuire Movie (Rated PG, Disney+) • Grease (Rated PG, Amazon Prime) • Legally Blonde (Rated PG-13, Netflix) • A Cinderella Story (Rated PG, Disney+) • Crossroads (PG-13, Cinemax) • Pretty in Pink (PG-13, Amazon Prime) • Paper Towns (PG-13, Amazon Prime) • Jack (PG-13, Disney+) • Never Been Kissed (PG-13, Hulu)

High School and College Graduates create a moving montage.

Commemorate the years with photos and videos of your child’s high school or college experience. Use her favorite song and imagery from the school; then ask her friends if they have any funny or memorable moments on video that you can include.

Have a pretend diploma ceremony witH a placeHolder diploma and special guest speakers.

If your family works together and gets creative, your child can have a “graduation day” full of laughs and surprises.

Create a makeshift diploma and have family members give speeches about the school and your child’s experience.

(Friends and relatives can Zoom in to give their own commencement addresses!) You can also play guest of honor trivia after the speeches end. Good luck not fighting over who gets to give your child her diploma!

RE-OPENING THIS SPRING!

Have a party and invite your cHild’s friends—on Zoom or in-person and socially distanced—so everyone can celebrate togetHer. There’s no doubt your child is missing his friends right now. If you’re not yet comfortable having people over for a gathering outside, throw a virtual grad party for him and invite all of the family and friends who would have attended a regular party. Serve food and drinks, and let the memories and friends make this a party your graduate will never forget!

turn tHe House into a bar witH a personaliZed food and drink menu.

Have you seen those viral videos of families who have turned their homes into bars—complete with a bouncer, DJ, and bartender— for kids turning 21 in quarantine? You can do the same for your college graduate, with school-themed drinks and a menu of foods he loves. It’s not quite the same as a university commencement, but it’s personal and super festive.

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family fun

Celebrating Earth Day

Here are 6 ways you can teach your kids to love—and do good for—the planet!

By Katelin Walling

T

his year marks the 51st anniversary of Earth Day, a day to raise awareness and promote support of environmental protection.

While typical Earth Day celebrations, activities, and more in our communities may be on hold due to the pandemic, there are small, easy ways you can celebrate at home—some of which will have a big impact.

plAnt A gArden—no mAtter whAt size.

Adopt A houseplAnt (or 10!).

In addition to being a fruitful (or vegetable, ha!) hobby, gardening has physical and mental health benefits for kids and adults. Gardening outside promotes movement (walking, squatting, and lifting), and you’ll get plenty of vitamin D—just remember to wear sunscreen! It also “connects us with nature, which has been shown to work wonders for children having a hard time focusing,” says Renata Fossen Brown in Gardening Lab for Kids: 52 Fun Experiments to Learn, Grow, Harvest, Make, Play, and Enjoy Your Garden—making it a perfect activity to combat those quarantine stir-crazies. Gardening can also be therapeutic, and it stimulates all five senses, which is beneficial for many children with special needs.

If you have a backyard or small plot of land, try planting tomatoes, sunflowers, gourds, carrots, poppies, chives, or woolly lamb’s ear, which are ideal for your kid’s first garden.

If you’re in an apartment with rooftop access or you have a balcony, try planting a salsa garden. A patch of constant sun, a few pots, and tomato, cilantro, jalapeño pepper, and bell pepper seeds are all you need to cultivate the main ingredients for some healthy nacho fixin’s. On the other hand, if you want to try something simpler—all you need is a window that gets some light!—try growing a mini herb garden to add fresh seasoning to some of your favorite home-cooked meals. However you decide to jump into gardening, just make sure it’s enjoyable and beneficial for all involved!

Did you know houseplants are good for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being? And with us spending more time than ever in our homes, it’s the perfect time to hop on the houseplant bandwagon to bring a little greenery indoors!

Among the many benefits of houseplants?

• Some plants can improve indoor air quality.

• Being exposed to even a small amount of nature can help kids with schoolwork.

• Plants can boost your microbiome.

• Caring for houseplants can improve your mood and reduce stress.

• Plants teach kids to care for other living things without the commitment of a pet!

go for A wAlk in nAture.

Just make sure you follow proper safety protocol, including wearing a face mask and staying 6 feet apart. Want to do some good while you’re enjoying the great outdoors and fresh air? Bring along some gloves and a few bags to pick up any litter you see.

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StreaM a kid-friendly nature docuMentary.

Make a garden gnoMe.

These true-life films are entertaining and captivating for the whole family, but they also educate viewers about nature, the planet, conservation, climate change, and more. Plus, they’re all conversation-starters. After watching one of the below kidfriendly documentaries, ask your kids questions about what we can do to protect our planet. (All ratings and reviews listed below are courtesy Common Sense Media.)

If you do decide to grow a garden this year, or if you want to try growing something small this year before committing to a garden next year, have your kids help make grassy garden gnomes. Think: homemade chia pets! Visit nymetroparents.com/ gnome for the DIY.

Wings of life ReCoMMenDeD AgeS: 6

and older Disney+, google Play, iTunes, and Vudu Disneynature’s documentary, narrated by Meryl Streep, explains the importance of flowers and the earth’s greatest pollinators: bees, birds, bats, and butterflies.

AVAIlAble on:

oceans 8 and older Amazon, Disney+, google Play, iTunes, and Vudu This documentary takes a close look at the earth’s oceans and the creatures that call it home. expect scenes depicting these bodies of water in all their glory and reality, and animals finding their place in the food chain (sharks feasting on fish, for instance, accompanied by dramatic music).

ReCoMMenDeD AgeS: AVAIlAble on:

chasing coral 9 and older netflix This tragic but awe-inspiring film interviews filmmakers and scientists who attribute the decline of one of the ocean’s most essential living creatures to climate change.

ReCoMMenDeD AgeS: AVAIlAble on:

try reducing faMily WaSte. Sure, we all know the mantra ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ to limit the amount of trash that goes into landfills, but have you thought about exploring becoming a zero-waste household? While the switch to such a lifestyle can be overwhelming, there are 10 small, simple things you can do every day that will help you live a low-waste life, including switching to reusables containers, recycling correctly, composting food scraps, and shopping at a farmer’s market. Visit nymetroparents. com/zero-waste to learn more.

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education

The Effects of Remote Learning Remote school has certainly been tough, but it hasn’t all been bad.

Parents and teachers share how learning from home has impacted kids, both good and bad.

By Stacey Feintuch

M

Morris’s daughter, a ninth grader in East Hanover, NJ, has been doing well academically since her school went all remote in March 2020. She was able to maintain honor roll and she even earned a distance learning award at her eighth-grade graduation. Her social life, however, is a different story. “She is a social person and greatly misses the daily interactions with her friends and teachers,” Morris says. “She typically performs in the school plays and musicals. She hasn’t done so this year and really misses it.”

Many parents will agree: Remote learning has been rough.

Whether kids are in a hybrid or an all-remote model, schooling online has taken a toll—but it hasn’t been all bad. We spoke to several local parents about their kids’ experiences—both positive and negative.

The DownsiDes Just like Morris’s daughter, many kids are craving social connections and idle chatter with peers in class, recess, lunch, or the hallway, all of which can’t happen online. “Kids need to see other kids to form their identity, and they aren’t getting that opportunity,” says Dara Duryea, LCSW, child and family therapist in Succasunna, NJ. “The kids I see are getting grumpy and acting out more at home due to not having interactions with peers.”

Rachel S. from Queens says that being home so much has made her daughter quieter. “On days when my daughter is in school, she can’t really be a kid and have fun.” Students in the city are even more isolated. “Many students say they don’t leave their apartments for several days,” says Wendy B., who teaches in an all-girl public school in East Harlem. “Their social lives are primarily on screens.”

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Unfortunately, remote learning has also led to students— especially those with special needs—falling behind. “I’ve noticed a lot of regression in some special needs students who don’t attend live synchronous teaching regularly and don’t have support at home,” says K. Gargiulo, who teaches remote special education to students in kindergarten through third grade in New York City.

Michele S. in Montclair, NJ struggles at times to get her middle-school daughter, who has ADHD and anxiety, to keep her computer-camera on and take notes. She often has difficulty with her school-issued Chromebook or with navigating teachers’ glitchy internet connections. She can’t meet peers in her new school, which has made her frustrated and disinterested. “My once enthusiastic learner has completely changed,” Michele says. “While she seems to enjoy some of her classes and teachers, overall, she is unmotivated, disengaged, and often does the least work possible.

She has hit a wall. Her attitude is one of ‘who cares’ and ‘this doesn’t really matter.’”

Even students who normally thrive are having trouble with academics. “My daughter is only 7 and has said to me numerous times, ‘Mom, I’m not learning anything,’” says Rachel S., whose daughter has only been to school in person 15 days this school year. In fact, the second grader previously never had an issue doing homework. “Now, it’s like pulling teeth.” Hiring a tutor has helped, but, as Rachel stresses, her daughter needs consistency.

“It’s hard for her to concentrate at home,” she says. “We live in an apartment and we’re on top of each other. She is easily distracted by us and her toys being right there.”

Many kids can’t focus in front of a computer for long hours or independently track their work pace and Zoom schedules. And teachers are having trouble monitoring their students’ progress.

A physics teacher of 14 years at a Bergen County, NJ high school, says she can’t tell who is completing their own work or who may be cheating. Still, she sings her students’ praises. “The majority of my students can manage their time and workload and have risen to the occasion,” she says. “They’re comfortable reaching out for help when they begin to fall behind.”

Jaime Tan, a teacher in Rockland County, says she’s discovered that students really want to be in school. “They leave my class on Friday knowing they won’t be back for a week and their faces drop. I want to give them hugs and tell them to keep up the great work at home that they were able to do while they were in the classroom. However, I know the challenges of working from home are much greater than the desire to do well. When school does

When school does return to normal, I believe kids will have a new appreciation for school.”

And, of course, nothing substitutes learning in a school setting when it comes to hands-on activities. As a chemistry teacher, not being able to have hands-on labs has had the most negative impact on my students,” says Wendy B. “Virtual labs and simulations are okay, but nothing substitutes physically being in the lab and observing, measuring, heating, gathering, and analyzing data with lab partners.”

The Good News While many young students are struggling, there are some who are actually thriving with remote school. “Students who prefer working alone are really shining,” says Lena Guroian, who teaches at a Bergen County middle school. The same goes for shy kids, whom Guroian says are perhaps more comfortable participating by typing in chat on Jamboard (an interactive whiteboard system) or Padlet (like paper for the screen). Here, it’s their thinking that stands out— not their physical selves, she says. They don’t have to worry about who they will sit next to at lunch or on the bus—situations that make them anxious. “Kids with school phobia are doing well with remote learning,” Duryea adds.

Many teachers also find that technology is benefiting students.

“Some technology I’ve been using to record lessons, give extra help, or share my screen have been helpful and allow accessibility for all students,” the physics teacher says. “I can record lessons and share them with students who are absent or who need help. I can meet with students virtually after school hours for extended help.” Since they have no other choice, students are becoming tech wizards. “I think my daughter’s overall problem-solving abilities have expanded in leaps and bounds, whether it’s figuring out some IT issue on her computer or doing research online,” says Michele S. Fortunately, most kids will get back on track. “The great thing about children is that they’re resilient,” Duryea says. “I’m hopeful that this will become a blip on the radar of their lives,”

Guroian adds. “Our students can do catch up if they have the support, motivation, and drive to do so.”

Heather, a New Jersey-based mother of two boys in elementary school and an educator herself, thinks kids’ future success will also depend on their parents. She hired a reading tutor for her younger son, and she and her husband adjusted their work schedules to oversee remote learning. “We, as parents, will continue to support our boys the best we can,” she says. “We’ll give them experiences that encourage their sense of wonder and eagerness to learn. We have the means to do this, both financially and emotionally,” she says. “Many cannot.”

Amy Giesler, a licensed clinical social worker, school-based clinician, registered play therapist, and mother of two from northern New Jersey, summarized it well: “Many children, families, and teachers will emerge from the remote learning experience with new knowledge, skills, memories, and appreciation for the traditional learning environment,” she says. “Values like teamwork, flexibility, and self-discipline have all been promoted through remote learning.

Perhaps the most important lesson learned is one that can’t be taught through books—the importance of hope, perseverance, and optimism during dark times.”

Stacey Feintuch is a freelance writer for print and online publications.

She lives in Bergen County, NJ, and is mom to two boys.

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Practitioners | Activities | Advocates | Education | Camps

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inside 38 Autism Myths You Should Ignore

There are a lot of stereotypes about autism spectrum disorder that just aren’t true— here are the five biggest misconceptions.

40 Avoiding Comparison

Here’s how to avoid comparing your child with special needs to others.

42 Special Needs Directory

Find resources in NYC for your child with special needs NYMetroParents 37

autism awareness month

Autism Myths You Should Ignore

There are a lot of stereotypes about autism spectrum disorder that just aren’t true—here are the five biggest misconceptions.

By Katelin Walling

W

hile the awareness of autism spectrum disorder has grown due to social media, increased research, Autism Awareness Month, and more, there are still many misconceptions about ASD, from its causes to the characteristics and abilities of those on the spectrum.

As its name denotes, autism is a spectrum, meaning not everyone diagnosed with autism displays the same traits, exhibits the same behaviors, or has the same abilities—just like you or me. Applying blanket statements to those on the spectrum would be like saying girls can’t throw or boys don’t cry.

We spoke to experts about stereotypes of ASD and uncovered the truth behind five big misconceptions about the disorder and those diagnosed with it.

environmental chemicals and such that may be at play, but not knowing everything in the environment that may be affecting a fetus, either seen or unseen, makes it hard to decipher that.”

“What we do know about autism is there seems to be a genetic component, and about 10- to 20-percent of cases with ASD are linked to an identified genetic disorder,” Dr. Kuriakose says.

“We anticipate that that number will go up with more genetics research. But even in identical twins, the concordance rate is not 100-percent, so we know there is some factor that is not genetic as well.”

Myth 2: PeoPle on the sPectrum are antisocial and don’t haVe feelings.

Dr. Kuriakose says parents, teachers, and even doctors will tell her things like, “that child can’t have autism because…he’s affectionate, …she makes eye contact, or …he’s interested in other kids.”

“So what can end up happening is people have this very black-and-white picture that a person with autism is someone who is anti-social and isn’t interested in other people,” she says.

“We know that those aren’t necessarily true.” Yet thanks to this persistent myth, a child who does have autism might not be given a diagnosis—his parents may be hanging on to the fact that their child is affectionate though he is struggling in other ways.

“It is often thought that people with autism don’t have feelings, which is a very sad misconception and very far from the truth,” adds Janet Koch, CEO of Life’s WORC.

Despite what many people may think, individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder do like spending time with peers. In fact, interacting with people on the spectrum is the best way to battle these misconceptions.

Myth 1: Vaccines cause autism.

Unfortunately, we do still hear the misconception that autism is related to vaccinations, commonly the measles, mumps, rubella vaccination, says Sarah Kuriakose, Ph.D., BCBA-D, statewide director of psychology services at NYS Office of Mental Health. “Not only was the initial study that showed that a fraudulent study, but followup studies have debunked that many times,” she explains.

There are other concerns that autism is caused by “various environmental factors that a pregnant mother may be exposed to,” says John Pfeifer, assistant executive director at Life’s WORC, a Long Island nonprofit that supports people with developmental disabilities and autism. “There’s still ongoing research about the expansion of electromagnetic technology and various 38

April/May 2021 | nymetroparents.com

Myth 3: PeoPle with autism exhibit challenging and/or maladaPtiVe behaViors.

“It’s not fair to say that challenging behaviors are inherent in the diagnosis,” Pfeifer says. “They are often a byproduct of ineffective treatment of some of the things that are inherent in the diagnosis, which are communication and socialization difficulties.” These behaviors could include flapping hands, rocking, or other selfstimulatory behaviors.

“We still, unfortunately, have the misconception from previous media portrayals that kids with autism are nonverbal, are going to sit in the corner, and just rock or flap their hands,” Dr. Kuriakose says.

As society becomes more educated about autism, people are learning about adapting communication efforts. “It could actually help a person [on the spectrum] to not escalate to such a significant behavior because they’ll be able to communicate more easily with people who have been taught how to communicate with them,” Koch says.

Myth 4: Those on The specTrum are savanTs and/or are fixaTed on one Topic.

The media commonly portrays those with autism as being savants or having restricted interest in a singular subject: Sam Gardner in Netflix’s Atypical and Shaun Murphy in ABC’s The Good Doctor are two recent portrayals. “Certainly, we have kids and adults with autism who have an amazing depth of knowledge in a particular area, incredible memory, incredible pattern recognition skills, things like that that are going to set them up for a particular career,” Dr. Kuriakose says, but not all individuals with ASD show these characteristics.

In fact, the most recent criteria for an autism diagnosis from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fall into two categories: social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors (RRB). There are four traits that fall under the RRB category— repetitive speech or behavior/mannerisms, restricted interest, sensory challenges, and difficulty with transitions or insistence on sameness—and a person needs to only exhibit two of those traits (and meet criteria from the social communication category) to receive a diagnosis of autism, according to Dr. Kuriakose. “So, you could have a kid who has some sensory challenges and insistence on sameness without any restricted interest at all and you could still have the diagnosis,” she says.

Myth 5: people wiTh asd can’T go To college, have jobs, or geT married.

Because some people with autism may struggle with social

situations, have communication challenges, and have difficulty with flexibility, there’s the misconception that they will not be able to attend higher education, have a job, or get married and have kids. “There are lots of examples of folks with autism who do successfully do those things, and the big thing that’s important is it’s all about the supports the environment can provide,” Dr. Kuriakose says.

When working with a patient who is looking at colleges or employment opportunities, Dr. Kuriakose looks for a setting that is supportive of that patient’s strengths and challenges. In fact, “a lot of individuals with autism are actually really great, dedicated, passionate employees, but it has to be a setting that can understand that they might process information and interact in ways that are slightly different from typical.”

In terms of getting married, Dr. Kuriakose says there are quite a few instances where she’s diagnosed a child with autism, and a few months later their parent will observe that they’re seeing some of the same characteristics in themselves or another family member.

“And these are all people who had families,” she says.

So how can we continue to combat these and other myths about people on the spectrum? “Just like with any other group, you shed your misconceptions when you have more close relationships with people in that group,” Dr. Kuriakose says. “I really would encourage people to engage with lots of individuals with autism.”

Anne Cunningham Educational Advocate

empowers parents & children to have a better quality of life through education & social acceptance Advocates for students in school districts in Westchester County, Putnam County, Orange County, Manhattan, parts of Connecticut State Interacts with the school district, attends meetings Understands and interprets evaluation scores Supports the educational rights and needs of students diagnosed with: ASD, ED, Dyslexia, Specific Learning Disability, mental health concerns, Intellectual Disabilities, comorbid diagnoses, Other Health Impaired, ADHD, and others Has a Team of professionals to assist with supporting the students and families Check out Anne’s website to learn more about her and her services and GET A FREE CONSULTATION

Anne Cunningham, MPS, SBL

www.advocate4students.com NYMetroParents 39

special parent

Avoiding Comparison

While it’s normal to sometimes compare your child to others, it’s important to try to limit it. Here’s what you can do.

By Linda DiProperzio

S

ocial media has given us a bird’s eye view into everyone’s life, with parents posting about their kids’ achievements, milestones, celebrations, and more. For any parent, the instinct to compare their children to others can be hard to resist. And for a parent of a child with special needs, it can bring another level of stress and anxiety into the fold.

“Comparison is natural and learning not to compare your child with a disability to others takes effort, but it will get easier with practice and time,” explains Melanie Musson, with LifeInsurancePost.com. Musson is also the parent of a child with special needs. “While you’ll always see differences between your child and their typical peers, you can train your mind not to focus on that.”

Not sure where to start? Follow these simple steps to help you get off the comparison train.

look at the positive.

All the magic lies in our perception, Robinson says. “If you can see the positive traits in your child, you’ll naturally stop comparing him/ her with anyone. So, you should try to look for at least one new positive trait in your child on a daily basis.”

CelebRate youR Child’s uniqueness.

Although it can be hard not to think about the things your child can’t do, try to focus on their strengths and what makes them unique, recommends Marissa Labuz, founder of TeachingLittles.com and a pediatric occupational therapist who works with children with special needs. “Their uniqueness is what will set them apart as they get older, and they may even have special abilities or talents that they wouldn’t otherwise have.”

veRbalize those stRengths.

Realize it is noRmal.

All parents compare their kids to other children from time to time, so it isn’t something to feel guilty about. Engaging in the behavior doesn’t mean you don’t love your child, so give yourself a break, points out Joy Gandell, a parenting, critical life skills, and learning coach.

admit it’s a waste of time.

Comparing two different people to one another will only lead to unhappiness, negativity, and a whole lot of stress. As parents in general, you should always keep this in mind. Once you remind yourself of this, you’ll soon find yourself doing it less often and eventually stop altogether, notes Jessica Robinson of The Speaking Polymath.

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There is a tendency to discuss weaknesses as those things are thought about, talked about, written, printed, and talked about again in many meetings. Let’s do the same thing with strengths, says Janelle Vargo, Director of Education for Wonder Media, an animation production company that creates content to educate children in an entertaining and positive way. If there aren’t a lot of strengths listed or required in your meetings, you’ll have to do this part on your own. And don’t be afraid to remind teachers, administrators, therapists, and doctors of all of the wonderful things your child has accomplished throughout the year.

It can also be helpful to have your child focus on their abilities rather than their disabilities, especially when they’re feeling discouraged by something. For 6 steps to help your child (and you!) focus on their abilities, visit nymetroparents.com/abilities.

see the Reality.

Remind yourself that what you see from other children is often a highlight reel much like what we see on social media, says Kathy Heath, an autism awareness advocate behind TheAutismEdit.com and mom of three children, including one on the autism spectrum.

Remember, no child is perfect, and no parent has it easy.

Join a good suppoRt gRoup.

Find fellow parents of kids with special needs. They’ll understand your struggles and help you feel like you’re not alone, Musson says.

Linda DiProperzio has written extensively on parenting issues for Parents, American Baby, Parenting, and Family Circle, among others. She lives in New York with her husband and two sons.

Why Can’t My Child Learn?

With expertise and a soft touch, Monica Mandell, LMSW, helps families navigate through the special education system. As an experienced bilingual social worker, Monica is able to diagnose and understand the causes of your child’s learning problems. Working together, she will map an advocacy plan to ensure your child’s access to the tools needed for success in school.

MLM ADVOCACY A BILINGUAL EDUCATIONAL ADVOCATE UN DEFENSOR EDUCATIVO

Call or email for a consultation: 914.308.0751 monica@mlmadvocacy.com Learn more at www.mlmadvocacy.com

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NYMetroParents 41

directory

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Activities include swimming, art, and non-competitive sports. Morning and afternoon programs available.

WESTcHESTEr >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Anne Cunningham, Educational Advocate

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She interacts on behalf of students with all disabilities or educational concerns. Anne can be reached at annec@advocate4students.com.

Easter Seals Project Explore

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Green Chimneys School is an accredited special education program for students kindergarten-12th who benefit from a highly structured and supportive setting. An enriched curriculum for individualized academic, behavioral, and emotional support features an innovative, nature-based approach that integrates animal-assisted activities, horticulture, and outdoor exploration into therapeutic treatment and education programs.

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914-308-0751 mlmadvocacy.com The mission of MLM Advocacy is to help families understand and access all the special education services that their child is entitled to. With expertise, compassion, and knowledge of educational law, Monica Mandell helps to navigate this process. The goal is to develop the framework for a master plan for academic success.

Monster Mini Golf – Yonkers Ridge Hill Mall

221 Market St. Unit 2950, second floor, Yonkers 914 346-5072 monsterminigolf.com/yonkers yonkers@monsterminigolf.com Monster Mini Golf is an indoor fun, affordable, upbeat experience for special needs humans of all ages. Our 18 holes of monster-themed mini golf glow-in-thedark experience is wheelchair accessible, climate controlled, with interactive team members. For more excitement we have an on-course DJ, arcade games, bowling, and private party rooms!

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April/May 2021 | nymetroparents.com

Pied Piper Pony Rides

914-763-6925 piedpiperponyrides.com partygals@piedpiperponyrides.com Everyone will love petting, feeding, and hugging all the animals and riding our beautiful pony! Special needs welcome! Private hour-long visits just for you under the tent by our historic barns. USDA-licensed and insured. Masks, hand washing, social distancing, and everything sanitized before you arrive.

Steffi Nossen School of Dance

216 Central Park Ave., White Plains 914-328-1900 steffinossen.org We offer high quality, developmentally appropriate dance instruction and performance opportunities. Adaptive dance classes and camps for students of all abilities (wheelchair and stand up) are part of our preschool through pre-professional classes. Students have the opportunity to learn modern, ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, composition, and creative movement.

The Westchester School

45 Park Ave., Yonkers 914-376-4300 westchesterschool.org jremeny@westchesterschool.org With the new addition of our North Salem Campus, the Westchester School provides educational and therapeutic services to more than 300 students from Long Island to Eldred, NY. The program provides occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language therapy, and psychological counseling in accordance with each student’s Individualized Education Plan.

Winston Preparatory School

Various locations throughout the greater NYC area 631-779-2400 winstonprep.edu/our-campuses/li liadmissions@winstonprep.edu Winston Preparatory School is a network of six campuses offering students with learning differences a highly individualized and responsive education. Our unique model serves students through grade 12. Winston Online now allows students to learn from anywhere in the country. Visit instonprep. edu/apply-now to sign up for a virtual open house.

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

Connecticut: June 30 th– July 30 th, 2021 Registration Deadline: June 11th, 2021

Is your child struggling in school? We can help.

Winston Prep Connecticut 57 West Rocks Road Norwalk, CT 069851 ctsummerprogram@winstonprep.edu, or call 203.229.0465 (x5645)

Green Chimneys School

PROJECT EXPLORE We offer a structured learning environment for children to grow in the areas of cognitive, motor and social development.

Programs Offered: Toddlers 18 months - 2.9 years of age Integrated Pre-School Program 2.9 through 5 years of age If you are interested in touring our Program, please contact Asanchez@eastersealsny.org or call us at 914-328-1578.

Easterseals Project Explore 70 Columbus Avenue Valhalla, NY 10595

greenchimneys.org

NYMetroParents 43

health

Keeping Kids Healthy Post-COVID After a year of social distancing, how do parents make sure their kids don’t get sick?

By Alison Kotch

W

hen COVID-19 forced kids to stay home, the germs they could potentially catch and carry decreased dramatically. But what happens now that kids are going back to school? New York and New Jersey have the most COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and highest death rates in the country. In March, the number of new infections increased 37-percent in little more than a month, according to an AP News article. Plus, children may not be vaccinated for a while, according to David Buchholz, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics at Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. “Nothing has changed for children at this point in the pandemic. The youngest may not get vaccinated until 2022, when the studies are complete.”

Until then, how do parents keep kids protected as they are reintroduced to pre-pandemic activities? We asked Dr. Buchholz to weigh in.

pandemic. Their immune systems have not been compromised by the lack of interaction—and there are likely less germs circulating. “The use of face coverings, social distancing, handwashing, and isolating when ill has dramatically reduced contagious diseases during the pandemic,” Dr. Buchholz says.

“These precautions will continue to help reduce illness as children socialize more.”

In fact, when kids return to “normal” social interaction, their risk of getting sick will be on par with pre-pandemic levels—or might even be reduced. “I’d like to believe that the lessons learned about handwashing and isolating when ill may persist, and reduce contagious disease transmission for, at least, a while,” Dr. Buchholz says. These habits also safeguard against the common cold and other viruses, so kids should continue to wash hands for at least 20 seconds (and sneeze into their arm instead of their hand).

Will my child spread coVid-19?

As adult vaccinations increase, people might be worried that kids will continue to transmit the coronavirus. Fortunately, Dr. Buchholz says, this is not the case. “Studies have shown that the spread of COVID-19 occurs less among children in elementary and middle school, while transmission in high school students is more similar to how adults contract the virus,” he says.

However, that’s no reason to let your guard down when it comes to protection: COVID-19 can be spread through ventilation systems in schools, during indoor after-school sports, and in child care programs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition to all of the regular safety precautions, parents should request that teachers and administrators open windows whenever possible and use fans to ensure proper air circulation.

When can kids get the Vaccine?

Will my child get sick more easily?

The good news: Although children might get sick more easily than they did during the peak of the pandemic (when they were isolated), they won’t be more vulnerable than they were pre44

April/May 2021 | nymetroparents.com

As of press date, Pfizer/BioNTech is testing the vaccine in children ages 12-15, followed by those ages 5-11. Moderna is conducting two studies: one on children ages 12-17 and the other on kids between the ages of 6 months to 12 years. Results should be available by summer. Once a safe and effective dose is determined, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will review data before authorizing it for distribution.

Dr. Buchholz says children will be considered immune two

weeks after completing a single-dose vaccine or two weeks after the second dose of a two-dose vaccine. Until then, facecoverings, hand washing, and isolation will need to continue.

Parents should also boost their child’s immune system with a healthy diet, which is especially important these days— childhood obesity levels have increased 2 percent since the start of the pandemic, as a result of reduced availability of healthy lunches, easier access to snacks, and more screen time, according to a study in the journal Pediatrics.

What precautions should kids continue to take?

After parents are vaccinated, kids can safely see grandparents.

“Per the CDC’s guidelines, an unvaccinated, asymptomatic child may visit a single-family household who has been vaccinated—such as grandparents—without the need for masks or social distancing,” Dr. Buchholz says.

After kids get vaccinated, they should still take precautions as in-person classes return. The CDC advises parents to stay in touch with their school staff and teachers and avoid sending kids to school with a fever of 100.4 or higher, or if they exhibit symptoms of diarrhea, severe headache, vomiting, or nausea.

Sending your children to school with sanitizer and encouraging them not to share musical instruments, writing instruments, or books can also slow the spread of COVID and the common cold. That said, if both kids and adults are vaccinated, families can cautiously start to resume normal activities—and look forward to a brighter, less isolated future.

Health resources rockland >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Crystal Run Healthcare

2 Centerock Road, West Nyack 845-348-1100 crystalrunhealthcare.com Crystal Run Healthcare is a multi-specialty medical group offering the convenience of more than 50 specialties and 400 providers. Our West Nyack facility offers high quality health care with more than 20 medical and surgical specialties, an infusion center, urgent care, diagnostic testing services, on-site laboratory, diagnostic imaging, and women’s imaging.

Miriam Aronoff, D.D.S. & Associates

2 Pearl Drive and 1C Fletcher Road, Monsey 845-712-5133 draronoff.com monseydentist@gmail.com Miriam Aronoff and her associates utilize state-of-the-art equipment and methods in order to achieve state-of-the-art oral healthcare results. We care for patients of all ages without age-related restriction. Connecting with, respecting, and educating our patients is of foremost importance to us.

WESTcHESTEr >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Main Street Pediatric Dentistry Dr. Penny Resnick-Graulich

115 Main St., Suite 302, Tuckahoe 914-633-4440 mainstreetpediatricdentistry.com drpennydds@aol.com For more than 25 years, Dr. Penny and her staff have been making the dental experience a positive one, helping children feel secure, calm, and confident during treatment. They have also taken additional measures to keep patients safe such as HEPA air filtration, external high-speed suction machines, de-fogging machines, and additional PPE.

Pediatric Associates of Southern Westchester, P.C. Affiliated with Montefiore New Rochelle and Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Children’s Hospital.

Drs. Susan Meisler, Hilary Smith, Lisa Mandelker, Debra Etelson 145 Huguenot St., Suite 200, New Rochelle 914-235-1400 childrenshospital.org/bchp/practices/pediatric-associates-of-southern-westchester Pediatric Associates of Southern Westchester, a part of Boston Childrens Health Physicians, provides quality, comprehensive healthcare from birth to age 21. We are recognized at the highest level of distinction by the National Committee for Quality Assurance as a Patient Centered Medical Home practice.

Want more parenting tips, tools & resources…

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

Helping parents make better decisions

NYMetroParents 45

teens

Is Your Teen Sexting?

Sending sexual images and messages is increasingly common among teens and tweens.

What can parents do about it?

By Margaret Hetherman

M

any parents of tweens and teens are accustomed to seeing a phone attached to their kid—like an appendage. It’s so common, in fact, that it can be easy to forget that texts and emails can wreak havoc if things go unexpectedly wrong. Case in point: Sexting—the sending or sharing of sexually explicit images or content via a cellphone or other device—which is becoming increasingly common among tweens and teens. A JAMA Pediatrics report estimates that 14.8 percent of kids ages 12-17 have sent sexts while 27.4 percent have received them. And these numbers continue to rise.

For example, Julia*, a former Manhattan technology teacher, saw fallout firsthand when her (then) 17-year-old daughter, Emma, got tangled up in a digital nightmare. Emma’s boyfriend had talked Emma into sending nude photos of herself. Eventually, they broke up and Emma started dating a guy named “Eric.”

When the ex-boyfriend found out and was infuriated, he proceeded to send a nude photo of Emma to all the “Erics” on Emma’s Facebook page. To complicate things further, one “Eric” was the ex-boyfriend of Emma’s older sister. He notified the family. “Your heart races 100 miles a minute and you’re terrified because this could ruin you. It could literally ruin you,” Julia says.

The ConsequenCes of sexTing Situations like this one are embarrassing and horrifying for everyone involved—and the ramifications can also be extreme. In 46

April/May 2021 | nymetroparents.com

many states, sharing or possessing nude or partially nude images of minors is considered child pornography and can be a felony— even if exchanges are consensual. Another danger is that these images could be picked up and distributed by strangers. Hackers and cyberbullies can cause great emotional harm (or worse) if they get access to a naked picture of a tween or teen.

Elizabeth K. Englander, Ph.D., professor of psychology and founder of Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center at Bridgewater State University, says although these repercussions can be alarming, emphasizing the worst possible outcome isn’t helpful. “There’s a real downside to preaching consequences that are designed to be very frightening, that are very rare,” she says. To maintain credibility when educating kids, she suggests the “bad things can happen, but they don’t necessarily happen” approach.

And it seems that many teens do understand the risks of sexting. One Brooklyn high schooler explained, “It’s always done on Snapchat because it’s impossible to screenshot a picture without letting anyone know.” (Caveat: Someone can use another phone to take a picture of the image on the first phone).

Teens also understand that sexting mishaps could lead to them losing certain privileges—which happens in about 2 percent of cases, according to Dr. Englander.

In Julia’s case, her daughter is now “more cautious, more techsavvy in understanding that if it’s out there, it’s out there forever.”

Emma’s younger siblings learned from her mistake, too. As Julia puts it: “Do you want the whole world to know? Then you don’t put that on the phone because there’s always that chance.”

if You DisCover Your KiD is sexTing…

First of all, don’t panic. “It’s really important to remember that these behaviors don’t mean your child is disturbed, depressed, or has poor self-esteem,” Dr. Englander says. “By age nineteen or twenty, about half of kids will have engaged in sexting. It’s not something that is done by a small, deeply disturbed group of kids.”

She does, however, note that sexting varies with age. “Younger kids are usually compelled by negative pressures, such as people making fun of them or threatening them if they don’t do it. For kids over 14, it’s less about pressure and more likely to involve someone they are dating, sexually active with, or someone ‘nicely’ asking for a photo.”

Talking To Your kids The biggest concern, Dr. Englander says, are the circumstances that lead kids to sext. She suggests parents ask: “‘Are people pressuring you to do this? Do you feel like you’re going to get something out of this? Can you tell me what’s going on with you and this person? Who are they (maybe you know them)?’

Listen to them and make sure they understand the risks.”

Stephen Balkam, founder of Family Online Safety Institute, says “the number one step [in good digital parenting] is to talk early, talk often about how to stay safe online, including what to send, what not to send to friends, to relatives, and particularly what not to send to strangers…it’s a difficult and awkward conversation but one that has to happen.”

Kids are using smart phones at increasingly younger ages.

“These incredibly powerful devices are finding their way into the hands and pockets of elementary school kids, never mind middle school, so the conversations that go with those powerful devices have to happen at an earlier and earlier age,” he says.

Balkam cautions against a cookie-cutter approach and recognizes that values vary from family to family. Conversations about safe sexting are similar to conversations about safe sex.

“Only, only send an image to someone you know and that you trust. Do not show your face or any other obvious physical mark, like a tattoo…and that’s ONLY if they’re in a family that would be okay with that.”

Yaelle Yoran, LMSW, a trauma therapist and a Brooklyn mom, sees kids who would have benefited from parental talks about sexting. Many of them were wounded by the process and believed at the time that they were merely flirting by sending “cute” pictures. These kids need to understand that this isn’t a normal romantic process, she says. Sexting can, in fact, contaminate the concept of love and intimacy—which should come first in a healthy relationship. Not the other way around.

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NYMetroParents 47

pets

Pet Sense & Sensibility Teaching kids how to interact with animals is more important than ever

By Barbara Russo

D

uring the traumatic days of lockdown, many Americans turned to furry, finned, and feathered friends for comfort during the crisis. In fact, pet adoptions went up 57 percent in 2020, according to Shelter Animals Count, a national database of shelter animal statistics and facts. And a recent survey from Westchester’s Banfield Pet Hospital, a major provider of preventative veterinary medicine, shows 1 in 3 people adopted a pet during the pandemic.

This is great news for once-homeless animals, but as society slowly returns to pre-pandemic normalcy, our kids will undoubtedly run into a stranger’s—or even a friend’s—pet. How do parents ensure that their kids interact with these animals safely and appropriately? We spoke with local experts about how to make every pet encounter a good one.

Hartmann, director of education at the Staten Island Zoo. “Do they like to be pet behind the ears? Do they like to not be pet at all? Do they like to be talked to or left alone? Find out the animal’s personality and what they like, the same way we like people to think about that when they interact with us.”

observe body lAnguAge. Just like humans, dogs give out signals to tell us how they feel. A dog wagging his tail is most likely approachable. But if the dog is snarling, has his ears back, is cowering, or gives any signal that he is not happy to greet you, it’s best to stay away, Dr. Navratik says.

never hug A dog.

As tempting as it might be for a child to cuddle or hug a dog— especially one who is extra fluffy like a plush toy—parents should tell their children to refrain. There are some dogs who don’t enjoy this type of attention, but they tolerate it until it’s too late.

“Dogs can’t say that they’ve had enough, so they could bite to show that they want it to stop,” says Donna Reiss of Freedom Dog Training, a pet training service based in Staten Island.

Consider the little Critters.

Ask before petting.

It’s hard for even adults to resist petting cute dogs, but parents should tell their kids to ask permission before attempting to touch any pet, according to Joel Navratik, D.V.M., CEO of MRVL Pet Pharmaceuticals.

“Once you have been given permission by the owner, approach the dog slowly and pet the dog gently,” Dr. Navratik says. “Avoid reaching for the face of the dog on initial contact. If you avoid the face, that keeps you safer and farther from the dog’s mouth in case the dog gets startled and reacts with a snap.”

If you know the owner of the dog you are meeting, take the opportunity to ask about the dog’s likes and dislikes before attempting to touch or pet him. No one knows the dog better than his owner.

“Ask what the animal is comfortable with,” says Jessica Pownall 48

April/May 2021 | nymetroparents.com

The most important thing to remember with small animals like rabbits, hamsters, and gerbils, is to handle them lightly because of their size and fragility.

“We have to remember to be gentle with animals, particularly the smaller animals, because we are much bigger than them,” Pownall Hartmann says. “Even when we think we’re being gentle, we have to remember to be even more gentle, especially when it comes to something like a hamster or guinea pig.”

Some small animals don’t mind being pet, but many don’t like to be picked up because they don’t feel safe when there is no ground beneath their feet. “We want to make sure the animal is comfortable and wants to be friends with us, so we want to make sure we are extra gentle and extra soft with them,” Pownall Hartmann adds.

teACh respeCt for All AnimAls. The most important lesson parents can teach their children about pets—and animals in general—is to have respect for all of them.

“Animals are living, breathing creatures. Learning at a young age to be gentle and show compassion for animals is a lesson that will benefit a child,” Reiss says. “It’s an important life lesson.”

Barbara Russo is a freelance writer who holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the City University of New York. She enjoys playing guitar, following current events, and hanging out with her pet rabbits.

index AcobAtics/GymAstics

Ninja Gymnastics Factory ...................... 26

birthdAy/PArty services Tumble - Bee ......................................... 14 Pied Piper Pony ..................................... 27 Sportime USA, Inc ................................. 31

cAmPs Bright Beginnings Preschool & Childcare ........................... 33 Camp Venture ....................................... 41 JCC of Rockland - Camp ....................... 13 Kreative Kids & Vicki’s Dance Studio ...... 23 Rockland Community College Summer Camps ..................................... 19 Rockland Farm Alliance Jr Farmer Camp ..................................... 27 Alcott Montessori .................................. 35 Ann & Andy........................................... 14 Camp Ramaquois.................................. 27 Challenge Camp.................................... 26 Chapel School / Village Lutheran ........... 25 Curtain Call Inc...................................... 33 Easter Seals NY .................................... 43 Green Chimneys .................................... 43 Mandarin Discovery Preschool............... 33 Mosholu Montefiore Community Center ................................ 52 Ninja Gymnastics Factory ...................... 26 Oasis Children Services............................ 2 Play Group Theatre ................................ 21 Sportime USA, Inc ................................. 31 Squire Advantage Camps ...................... 23 Steffi Nossen School of Dance ............... 17 Super Soccer Stars ................................. 25 Thornton Donovan School ...................... 8

childcAre Bright Beginnings Preschool & Childcare ........................... 33 JCC of Rockland Early Childhood Education ...................... 3

clAsses JCC of Rockland Early Childhood Education ...................... 3 Kreative Kids & Vicki’s Dance Studio ......................................... 23 Mandarin Discovery Preschool............... 33 Ninja Gymnastics Factory ...................... 26 Tumble - Bee ......................................... 14

dAnce Kreative Kids & Vicki’s Dance Studio ......................................... 23 Steffi Nossen School of Dance ............... 17

educAtion Academy of the Holy Angels.................. 21 Alcott Montessori .................................. 35 Ann & Andy........................................... 14 Bright Beginnings Preschool & Childcare ........................... 33

Chapel School / Village Lutheran ........... 25 Easter Seals NY .................................... 43 Green Chimneys .................................... 43 Mandarin Discovery Preschool............... 33 The Westchester School ......................... 36 Thornton Donovan School ...................... 8 Winston Preparatory Connecticut Campus ............................ 43

FAmily entertAinment Monster Mini Golf ................................... 5 Palisades Center .................................... 15 Play Group Theatre ................................ 21

FAmily trAvel

Inn at East Hill Farm (The)...................... 33

Fitness

Tumble - Bee ......................................... 14

heAlth Anne Cunningham, Educational Advocate ............................ 39 Crystal Run Health................................. 52 Main Street Pediatric Dentistry .............. 19 Miriam Aronoff, D.D.S., PLLC.................. 31 MVP Health Care .................................... 7 Pediatric Assoc. of Southern Westchester ....................... 25

music

Musical Munchkins ............................... 35

PerForminG Arts/ActinG Curtain Call Inc...................................... 33 Play Group Theatre ................................ 21

retAil

Palisades Center .................................... 15

Need Weekend Plans?

Our editors’ best picks of local family events delivered to your inbox! nymetroparents.com/register

sPeciAl needs Alcott Montessori .................................. 35 Anne Cunningham, Educational Advocate ............................ 39 Camp Venture ....................................... 41 Easter Seals NY .................................... 43 Green Chimneys .................................... 43 Main Street Pediatric Dentistry .............. 19 MLM Advocacy...................................... 41 Monster Mini Golf ................................... 5 Pied Piper Pony ..................................... 27 Steffi Nossen School of Dance ............... 17 The Westchester School ......................... 36 Winston Preparatory Connecticut Campus ............................ 43

sPorts

Super Soccer Stars ................................. 25

theAtre

Curtain Call Inc...................................... 33

tutors

Mandarin Discovery Preschool............... 33

NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY metropolitan area!

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NYMetroParents 49

last word

What are you looking forward to most with the warmer weather?

“Check out the spring blooms in and around New York City.”

— Suzanne Cohen (@GothamLove), Manhattan

aking o, and that is m d ’t n o w I t a h w e “I’ll tell you up every time w d le d n u b re a s sure my kid have a bunch of u o y en h W . se u leave the ho takes so long.” n kids, getting out eene), Manhatta m; @TheJasonGr (onegooddad.co — Jason Greene

“Break out my new favorit e pair of white, mom-sneaker hightops!”

— Lauren Alperin, Ma nhattan

“Go for long walks and s make outdoor playdate again for my kids.”

n, Brooklyn

ng run. I run “I will go for a lo ain is limited by now, but the terr s and it’s not so snow and wetnes in the cold.” enjoyable to run Westchester

April/May 2021 | nymetroparents.com

e beach!”

“Head to th Brooklyn ie Kramer, — Stephan

“We will definitely bring back our family picnics in Hudson River Park!

Miss those so much. (We grab a few blankets to sit on, pack up lunch and a snack, along with a soccer ball and some bubbles, and it is the best afternoon!)” — Heidi Kristoffer (@ heidikristoffer), Manhattan

“Sit on the de ck of the Irvington Boa t & Beach Club, watchin g the Hudson Rive r at sunset.”

— Beth Ryan , Westchester 50

— Krista Williamson, We stchester

Island — Shara Levine, Long

“I want to feel th e warm sun on my face, look at the sprin g flowers and b irds while on a walk with the family, open the windows fo r fresh air, and fi nally put away my winte r sweaters, jack ets, snow gear, etc.” — Cyn thia Barro

— Diana Rubin,

“I’m going to have a clandestine happy ho ur picnic with my friends at a local park, complet e with champagne, chocolates, and cheese.”

ng bike “Go on a lo r! y daughte m h it w e d ri Island ihy, Long — Lisa Herl

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