Rockland/Bergen Parent - April 2022

RocklandParent.com

April 2022

Vibrant Joy Mikaela Pabon of @dressedinjoy on family, home & bold moves

The Benefits of a

Bilingual Education

Tough talks

Speaking with kids about difficult topics

Special needs Resources for families

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contents

April 2022

RocklandParent.com

pg. 16

pg. 10 pg. 14

pg. 28

FEATURES 12 | Special Needs Helpful special needs glossary 14 | Special Needs How to support your child who stutters 18 | Camp Experts share on why Summer Camp 2022 will be amazing 24 | Education Bilingual Education for kids 28 | Cover — Mikaela Pabon Shares on family, design and the joy of beautiful colors and patterns 30 | Travel Paris getaway for a mom trip or adventure with the family

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RocklandParent.com | April 2022

Stories & columns 6 | Editor’s Note

pg. 30

Family fun 32 | Calendar Family-friendly events this month

8 | Ask the Expert Talking to kids about the war in Ukraine and other tough topics 10 | Mom Hacks How to ace eco-friendly thrift shopping 16 | Family Fun Best skateboarding parks for kids 20 | Ask the Expert NYPD detective shares tips he uses to keep his family safe 26 | Family Day Out As the weather starts to warm up these spots make for perfect family hikes

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April 2022 | Rockland/Bergen Parent

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Editor’s Note

NewYorkFamily.com Publisher: Clifford Luster Executive Director: Donna Duarte-Ladd Associate Publisher: Erin Brof Advertising Director: Stacie Goldberg Digital Editor: Courtney Ingalls Senior Adviser: Susan Weiss Partnership Managers: Lauren Alperin, Lauren Anchin, Joan Bergman, Mary Cassidy, Lori Falco Shelli Goldberg-Peck, Annene Guertin, LynnMarie Hanley, Lisa Herlihy, Janine Mulé, Cara Roteman, Nina Spiegelman, Gwen Tomaselli Marketing & Strategy Director: Rosalia Bobé Sales & Marketing Coordinator: Mykael Fields Marketing Assistant: Tilejah Gilead Nina Gallo Photography

April — Spring Vibes A new season brings days of warmth and hope. The cold days are fewer; the sunshine stays a bit longer. This is why when we thought of our April cover, Mikaela Pabon (page 28) came to mind. Mikaela seamlessly works vibrant hues into her life, both at home and work. We chatted with Mikaela about her line @dressedforjoy, family, and style ruts.

Life-changing events are happening in the world that frankly can be hard to understand.

We chatted with an expert on how parents can speak to their children about Talking to Kids about the War in Ukraine and Other Tough Topics (page 8).

And now that the weather is warming up we have a Calendar of Fun Events (page 32) as well as our favorite Skateparks (page 16) in and around the Rockland area.

Lastly, check out why camp experts are excited for Summer Camp 2022, page 18.

Donna and New York Family Media

We are saddened by the crisis in Ukraine and stand with our Ukrainian community— New York City has the highest Ukraine population of all United States. Please check out New York Family online on organizations that offer on the ground support.

Art Director: Leah Mitch Web Developer: Sylvan Migdal Graphic Designers: Arthur Arutyunov, Connie Sulsenti Editor at large: Cris Pearlstein Editorial Contributors: Jana Beauchamp, Mia Salas Editorial Interns: Océane Goriou, Kilani Sierra, Liana Vazquez

Contact Information

ADVERTISING: (718) 260-4554 Advertising@NewYorkFamily.com Circulation: (718) 260-8336 Tina@NewYorkFamily.com Address: New York Family Media/Schneps Media 1 MetroTech Center North, Third Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201

President: Victoria Schneps-Yunis CEO: Joshua Schneps COO: Clifford Luster

2021

New York Family has been awarded the PMA Gold Award for Excellence in Website Design and the Silver Award for Excellence overall.

New York Family is published monthly by Queens Family Media, LLC.

get in touch Share your feedback and ideas about family life in New York!

Email us at editorial@newyorkfamily.com and tag us at #newyorkfamily

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Reproduction of New York Family Media in whole or part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. All rights reserved. ©2022 Queens Family Media, LLC

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ask the expert

Talking to Kids about the War in Ukraine and other difficult topics

By Courtney Ingalls

A

s we continue to watch the conflict in Ukraine unfold, kids are also starting to hear more and more about what is going on with the war. Difficult world events such as this one can be hard for kids to understand and it could be a scary topic for them.

Whether your child comes to you asking questions about the current conflict or you want to have a discussion but not sure how to tackle it, we sat down with Andrea Barbalich, Editor in Chief of The Week Junior to talk about tips and strategies for talking to your kids about Ukraine and other future difficult topics.

With everything going on in Ukraine, Why is it important to talk to your kids about world events?

Children count on adults to help them make sense of events and feel safe when frightening events are happening, and the war in Ukraine is a global event receiving a massive amount of media coverage.

Nothing quite like this has happened since World War II and certainly not in the lifetime of young children who are growing up now. All but the very youngest children are aware that it’s happening, it’s being discussed in homes, and at school and among friends, it’s on TikTok, so it is very much a topic for a family conversation.

It’s a complicated situation even for adults to understand so kids may be confused, worried or frightened and they need trusted adults that they feel they can go to and who will tell them the truth.

How would you go about talking about world events that could be scary for kids to think about?

Our approach at The Week Junior is to tell the truth calmly and straightforwardly without

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providing more detail than is appropriate for their maturity level. This depends on the child and parents know their kids best.

Different children respond differently to different information. At The Week Junior, we focus on ages 8-14 and some of the children on the older end may have a more sophisticated understanding of what’s happening, and may be able to handle more details.

While for younger children, it may be sufficient to understand that there is fighting between these two countries, people around the world are calling for peace and standing with Ukraine and governments and humanitarian organizations and individuals are providing help for the people of Ukraine.

What are some tips that parents should keep in mind when talking to your kids about these difficult topics?

First and foremost I would say tell the truth simply and clearly, again without providing more details than is appropriate for the child’s maturity level. I think it’s really important to open a dialogue with children to ask them what they think.

They may come to you with questions or you may initiate a conversation with them and ask them what they think about what’s happening. Giving them a chance to share their thoughts helps them feel empowered and letting them know that you’re there to listen is very reassuring to them, and as your children grow up, you want to keep that line of commu-

nication open so they can come to you when they have questions or they’re concerned about something.

Also if they are worried about something that is inaccurate, you’ll have a chance to correct it. Oftentimes children will think something is happening and get incorrect information that will actually cause them to be more worried, and being able to talk it out with a trusted adult can help actually lower their anxiety level rather than increasing it.

A couple other suggestions I have are to emphasize the helpers. There are people around the world standing with Ukraine who want this war to end. There are governments and nonprofit groups and even people in Ukraine and at the border of Ukraine who are doing everything they can to help the people of Ukraine.

The governments are doing what they can to put pressure on Russia to stop the fighting.

One thing we like to say at The Week Junior is there are always more people that help than people who hurt and that’s an important message to send to kids is that there are all these people who feel the same way they do, that they really do not want this war to be happening.

The other thing I would say is that a conversation like this is opportunity to reinforce your family’s values. You can say “I’m concerned for the people in Ukraine”, “I’m concerned for the people in the military and other people who are fighting”, “I’m concerned for the people in Russia who do not want this war”, and “our family hopes for peace”. That

is a way to make the child safe within your family and that this is something that you are concerned about as a family.

Something else I would say is try to keep up with the news yourself as much as you can and feel comfortable with so when your child does have questions you will be able to answer them. At the same time, it’s okay to say I don’t know. There are a lot of things that nobody knows right now. Nobody knows when the fighting will stop, nobody knows exactly what Russia plans to do so it’s ok to say “I don’t know that right now, no one does but we might know more next week, we might know later this week” and things like that.

Another suggestion that I would have: just as people around the world are helping, kids can help as well. That can give kids a real sense of agency and generation alpha (which is the generation of children with The Week Junior) they are a very passionate and caring generation of children who really want to make a difference in the world and they want to speak up about the things they care about, and they want to take action.

So talking to them about things they per-

Giving children a chance to share their thoughts helps them feel empowered and letting them know that you’re there to listen is very reassuring to them. sonally can do to reach out to others can help them feel more in control and less anxious and more reassured, and it’s a great feeling for them to know they are doing something in the face of something so difficult.

Are there areas of conversation or information that parents should steer clear of during these discussions?

I would advise not going into great detail about violence and deaths. I think that can be very frightening, however if a child asks directly “have people died in this war?” I would tell the truth and say yes some Ukrainians have died and Russians have died as well unfortunately and I would just be truthful. It’s just really important, especially when asked a direct question, to tell the truth.

Are there certain resources that parents

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should go to to prepare for these kinds of difficult talks?

I can’t resist telling you about our online information hub that we’ve created just in the past several days to put all of our information about Ukraine all in one spot. It’s available to everyone at theweekjunior.com/ukraine, and we have advice on talking to kids, we have our two news stories from the past week that very clearly explain what’s happening so that if parents are looking for language to use or word choice, or just how to explain the history between the two countries and why this may be happening and what the real world reaction has been and how are people helping.

There are some very clearly written articles that are posted on that page that parents could consult. We also have all of our suggestions on how kids can make a difference and how they can get involved.

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April 2022 | Rockland/Bergen Parent

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mom hacks

How to Ace Eco-Friendly

Thrift Shopping

By Courtney Ingalls

A

ccording to the Environmental Protection Agency, in 2018, 17 million tons of textile waste ended up in landfills.

This number is growing every year.

There are significant advantages to shopping vintage. For parents who have younger children, second-hand or vintage clothing is an excellent option since kids’ are constantly growing and it is a budget-friendly way to shop. It also teaches kids that thrifting is good for the environment and fun when scoring some fabulous pieces.

Now for those of you (including myself) who are trying to dip their toes into the world of thrifting, Natalie Sky, Owner of Mother Vintage NYC, shares her experience with thrift shopping with terrific tips for us newbies!

How did your fascination for thrifting/vintage shopping begin?

I grew up thrifting out of necessity — my mom was a single mom of 5. Thrift shops were somewhere that she could get us all

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clothes without really breaking the bank.

Funny thing is, we didn’t know we were shopping at Thrift Shops or that the clothes were secondhand until we got older. She called The Salvation Army “Sallys.”

We always looked at Sallys as a cool place where we could find unique clothes that our friends didn’t have. So even after I became a teenager/ adult, I continued shopping there for cool, unique clothes!

How did the idea of your store, MOTHER VINTAGE, come to be?

Growing up in the thrifts, my love for thrifting never ended! My twin sister and I tour the world as singers/ DJ’s. Anytime we land in a new city I map out where the closest thrift/ vintage shops are and we head out to shop before our shows.

While acquiring clothes for ourselves, we started collecting cute vintage kid clothing that reminded us of outfits we wore growing up. Then we had kids of our own and we found ourselves shopping at Thrift shops for our kids. That’s when the idea of MOTHER VINTAGE came about.

Here we are doing the same thing our mother did, thrifting for clothes for our kids! Although we could always shop in other stores– we were always back at the thrifts! MOTHER VINTAGE is really a nod to our mother who introduced us to thrifting + vintage, but it’s also our way to give other people the chance to shop some

of our finds + scoop up some of that NYC 90’s – 2000’s Aesthetic for their kids. That’s what MOTHER VINTAGE collections are inspired by, what we saw + wore growing up in NYC in the late 90’s – early 2000’s.

Vintage/thrift shopping has become so popular over the past couple of years. Why do you believe that is?

So many reasons! The reason our Mother brought us, to save money! Because you can find high quality clothing at low prices. Because it’s fun, it’s like searching for treasure you never know what unique pieces you will find while thrifting. Because most fashion trends are rip offs of past fashion anyway!

Right now y2k style is making a comeback — low rise jeans, bucket hats, that Ed Hardy vibe — these are all things you can currently find at the thrifts! And of course because It’s eco-friendly and sustainable!

What are some of the benefits of second hand clothes shopping, especially when it comes to kids clothing?

Kids outgrow clothing so fast! Thrifting is budget friendly, you can shop for a full season of kids clothes for a fraction of the price you would pay at regular department stores.

There’s so many different styles & items to shop — new styles & past seasonsvintage to designer.

When your child outgrows their current wardrobe, you can donate those & pick up something “new.” I love bringing my kids to pick out their own clothes at the thrift store!

It really is a way to find unique clothing and allow them to make their style their own since there’s so much to choose from and as they get older you can teach them how thrifting is sustainable and you’re actually helping the earth by shopping there!

For those (like myself) who would like to start thrift shopping, what are some tips/ techniques to help get your started?

Dress comfortably! Some thrift shops have fitting rooms, some don’t. So be ready

to try on clothing over your clothes if necessary.

Check all buttons/ seams/ zippers & stains and then — DOUBLE CHECK! I’ve come home with the perfect leather jacket only to find out the zipper was broken. I was able to get it fixed, but that isn’t always the case so make sure you inspect your items before bringing them to the checkout.

Size doesn’t always matter. Vintage clothing tends to run smaller than modern day sizing so don’t be scared to shop in different size sections than you’re used to.

Always check for deals! Most

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thrift shops have color tag sales. So like on a Monday there might be 50% off green tags — or even multiple colors. Check for the color tags of the day for an extra little discount.

Lastly, be ready to dig/ hunt for those treasures.

Some days at the thrift store you might strike gold & find tons of awesome pieces — the next day you might not. But that is the thrill of the find!

www.PalaceStamford.org | 203-325-4466 April 2022 | Rockland/Bergen Parent

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Special needS

SpEcial NEEDS Glossary Keywords that every special needs family should know

By Mia SalaS

P

art of navigating a special needs diagnosis is knowing the words used to describe it. But it can be intimidating to ask what everything means, especially when doctors or websites seem to be speaking another language with acronyms like “ERSS” and “OT”. We’ve all been in that confusing place before and, as parents, it’s not a fun feeling. That’s why, we’ve created a glossary for keywords that you may want to know as a parent of kids with special needs. This guide includes common special needs words, phrases, and acronyms so that you can feel more confident in your parenting journey!

Special Needs Diagnosis Developmental disability: Physical, learning, language, or behavioral impairments that will delay your child’s development. ADHD, Autism, learning disabilities, etc. are all examples of developmental disabilities.

ADHD– Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A developmental disability that makes it difficult for your child to pay attention or stay focused. Look out for squirming and fidgeting, talking a lot, not being able to wait for their turn, or trouble concentrating.

ASD– Autism Spectrum Disorder: A developmental disability that may delay your child’s speech, motor, learning, and social skills. Early intervention (see below) can help improve skills.

Down Syndrome: A condition caused by an extra chromosome that affects how your child’s brain and body develop. Diagnosis typically happens before or during birth.

Emotional Disturbance: Mental health disorders such as anxiety, bipolar, OCD, etc. that have no direct, identifiable cause.

Be on the lookout for aggressive behavior,

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withdrawal or nerves related to social environments, and vocal outbursts in public places.

Learning Disability: Difficulty learning and grasping new concepts. Learning disabilities include dyslexia (reading), dysgraphia (writing), and dyscalculia (math). See Special Education for more.

Stutter: A speech disorder that makes it challenging for your child to say what they want to say. You may hear them repeat a sound a lot, hold one sound for a long time, or stop speaking mid-sentence.

Special Needs Resources OPWDD– Office of People with Developmental Disabilities: A New York organization that can help connect your family to nonprofit services, based on what kind of treatment/therapy they need, and provide funding.

Transition planning: Creating an action plan for what your child with special needs will do after high school. This is often a part of your IEP (see below).

Service provider: An agency or organization that will help your special needs family navigate some aspect of your journey. This could be everything from speech therapy to after school programs with a focus on special needs to horseback riding as a form of physical therapy.

INCLUDEnyc: A non-profit organization that

advocates for young people in NYC to be included in their communities: classrooms, workplaces, etc. They have super informative resources for parents of kids with special needs, and they can connect you with professionals who can help you navigate your options even further.

Special Education Inclusion: Everyone in the classroom feels welcomed by the school, teacher, and classmates. For special needs kids, inclusion is definitely a keyword to look for when choosing a school!

IEP– Individualized Education Program: A written plan for your child’s education as a special needs student. According to the NYC Department of Education (DOE), this means your child is guaranteed a free and appropriate public education in a Least Restrictive Environment (see below). Your child’s IEP will also include development and progress reports, evaluation results, specific needs, and anything else that is relevant to your child’s success.

IEP Teams: Your IEP team will be made up of you (as a parent/guardian), a school psychologist, a special education teacher (and sometimes a general education teacher), and the district representative.

It may also include a school physician or other service providers who have worked with your child.

LRE– Least Restrictive Environment: Your child will be in a classroom with kids who do not have special needs.

SETSS– Special Education Teacher Support Services: Either a special education teacher will design specific activities for children with special needs or the special education teacher will collaborate with the general education teacher to modify the entire classroom to accommodate.

SEDL– Special Education Distance Learning: Modifying special needs education for virtual/online students. This became especially important during the pandemic.

SWD– Students With Disabilities: Used to refer to special needs children in the classroom.

SC– Special Class: If your child’s needs cannot be met in a general education classroom, they will have all classes taught specifically by a special education teacher.

These classes are typically very small in NYC schools, with up to 12 students for elementary/middle school and up to 15 for high school.

PBIS– Positive Behavioral Interventions & Support: NYC school-wide approach that encourages positive behavior instead of punishing or pointing out the negative. One example of this is changing a poster from “No Food. No Weapons. No Drugs.” to “School Rules: Be Safe, Responsible, Respectful”. This positive environment is especially important for special needs education.

Special Needs Treatment & Evaluation ADL– Activities of daily living: Day-to-day actions like brushing your teeth, going to the bathroom, walking up and down stairs, etc. that are used to determine your child’s diagnosis and progress.

Early intervention: Services and support for infants and young children with developmental disabilities. Early intervention can often help improve your child’s skills and progress.

OT– Occupational Therapy: Focuses on ADL’s (see above) and other everyday skills that your child will work on.

PT- Physical Therapy: Focuses on physical

developmental disabilities and helps your child with mobility and movement.

Speech pathology: Focuses on language and speech disabilities to help your child communicate their thoughts.

Regression: Your child loses skills that they previously had. If regression happens, you may want to revisit and revise your child’s IEP (see above).

AT– Assistive technology: Any device that helps your child’s special needs by improving their capabilities. AT’s include wheelchairs, text to speech, voice recognition, and more.

ABA– Applied Behavior Analysis: A positive-reinforcement program designed to understand your child’s behavior in real life situations. It is most commonly used for children with Autism, but it can also be effective for other developmental disabilities.

Developmental milestones: Key movements, expressions, speech etc. that show your child’s progress. For little ones, this may include smiling at people, crawling, copying sounds, and reaching for toys.

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www.westchesterschool.org April 2022 | Rockland/Bergen Parent

13

SPECIAL NEEDS

How to Support Your Child Who

Stutters What to look for — and how to listen

BY MIA SALAS

K

ids trip up on their words a lot, especially when they’re still learning how to talk. As parents, we worry about everything, so we’re bound to wonder if maybe there’s something else going on.

Stuttering is actually not too uncommon as you may think– 5% of young kids stutter and about 1% of all people do, which is 70 million people.

If you’re navigating a potential or diagnosed stutter in your child, we’re here to help. You probably have a million questions, so we caught up with Travis Robertson, VP of Programming at The Stuttering Association for the Young (SAY) to get your questions answered. Read on to learn about how you can best support your child through their speech journey.

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What causes stuttering “Stuttering is a neurological difference in the way that people process speech,” says Robertson. More often than not, a stutter will reveal itself very early as kids are still developing their speech. Robertson explains how a common misconception is that stuttering is caused by trauma or nerves: “Those are things that can exacerbate a stutter perhaps or can bring to light a stutter, but the neurological challenge exists independently of that.” The only caveat being brain damage due to a physical head injury.

Stuttering is also not related to your capabilities as a parent. As parents, we know how easy it is to blame ourselves and to wonder what we could have done differently.

In the case of stuttering, it is not caused by anything you did as a parent. Your job

moving forward? To support your child as they navigate this challenge.

How parents can recognize stuttering So if stutters develop at a young age, how can parents recognize the difference between stuttering and typical kid-like mispronunciations? Robertson recommends seeking a diagnosis even if there’s a small concern, because stuttering can look very different from person to person. The SAY Stuttering 101 Guide outlines three generalized “types” of stutters: Sound repetitions: repeating one sound or syllable over and over again Sound prolongations: extending one sound for a long time Silent blocks: pauses between words, a complete stop in sound

If you recognize one or more of these in your child, or some variation of them, then you’ll likely want to see a specialist.

It’s important to note that a stutter does not indicate a learning disability. “People who stutter know what they want to say and are, more often than not, confident in what they want to say. It’s not necessarily a situation of forgetting your words. It’s just the process of creating the sound of the word that is in your mind,” explains Robertson.

How to get involved with your child’s speech pathology Especially if you have young kids, you’ll want to be involved with your child’s speech therapy sessions to some degree. What might this look like? Goal setting. “Families have options. Work with a speech pathologist to collaborate on what those goals are,” advises Robertson. “What do you want for your speech? Do you want to stop stuttering? Or be able to stutter confidently and help people understand exactly what is going on? Is it that you want to make a new friend? Is it that you want to answer questions in class without the fear of stuttering?”

The goal for a person who stutters does not have to be to stop stuttering altogether.

And for little ones around other kids in school or after-school programs, they may have other priorities that feel more urgent to them, such as raising their hand in class without feeling nervous about their stutter.

Encourage your child to think about these smaller successes, and work alongside your speech pathologist to set realistic, thoughtful goals.

How stuttering may impact your child emotionally It’s key that as a parent, you’re aware of what your child who stutters may be experiencing emotionally. “Below the surface there can be feelings of fear, anxiety, trauma, insecurity,” says Robertson, “There are a lot of things that I may be processing in my head: What are the words that I think I’m going to stutter on? Is there an alternative word I can use? Can you tell that I stutter? How is this going to affect the next interaction I have with you?” This is just an idea of what your child may be experiencing. Just as stuttering presents itself differently for everyone, it’s emotional impact will also be different.

It’s important to note that a slight or mild stutter doesn’t necessarily mean that your child is not experiencing insecurity or doubt. Vice versa, Robertson explains: “If

“People who stutter know what they want to say and are, more often than not, confident in what they want to say.

It’s not necessarily a situation of forgetting your words. It’s just the process of creating the sound of the word that is in your mind.”

I’m a person who has a very strong stutter, that does not necessarily mean that I’m emotionally in a bad place. I may be very confident, secure, and comfortable in the experience that I’m having.” As parents, we have to try our best not to assume. Read on to learn how to talk to your kiddos about what they may be thinking and feeling.

How to best support your child after a stuttering diagnosis “One of the most important things is just to be able to talk about it,” insists Robertson.

The only way to find out what your child is experiencing on the inside is to talk and listen. “Often times, there can be a hesitation to mention the thing or talk about things that are hard, sometimes in hopes that they will go away, or as not to draw more attention to them. It’s important to be able to make space to have the conversation and to make it a collaboration with your child,” says Robertson.

Talking about the stutter may be difficult at first for both you and your child, but it creates a strong emotional support system moving forward.

If your child does not seem to want to talk about it at first, don’t be discouraged.

Their speech progression journey will take

time, and at some point during that time, your child will lean on you because they’ll know you’re there to support them. Ask your child how they felt after their speech pathology sessions, discuss any nerves they may have before heading to school for the day, and check-in with them to see how they feel about their speech progression.

Now, of course their stutter shouldn’t be the only thing you talk about, because you don’t want your child to feel as if they are defined by it. But just let them know that you are open to conversation whenever they are, and that there is nothing wrong with them.

“I think it’s important for young people and families to understand that stuttering is okay. It’s okay to be a confident and clear communicator, and still be a person who stutters,” says Robertson.

Tips for listening to your child Listening sounds like an easy concept, but it can be a lot harder than you think to be a good listener. “The most impactful thing that parents, families, teachers, and everyone in the community can do is to listen,” says Robertson.

There are a few things that you’ll want to refrain from doing when it comes to listening to your child who stutters. First, try not to finish their sentences. “It comes with the best intentions,” explains Robertson, “But that’s a form of not really making time and space for someone. If someone is trying to guess the word that I’m trying to say before I have the chance to communicate it, on some level it can read as a microaggression: I don’t have time to give you space to say what you have to say. It goes a really long way if you as a listener are able to just listen.”

Next, try not to use phrases such as “slow down” or “take a breath”. “Again, it comes with good intentions, but it’s much more of a complex experience than just taking a breath and slowing down. It goes much deeper than that,” says Robertson. It can be difficult, but do your best not to simplify stuttering with these phrases.

At the end of the day, being a good listener means being able to show that you are fully present. Make eye contact, use body language to show that you’re engaged, and be patient to allow your child to say what they want to say. Other children may not always give them the same time and space at school, so you’ll want to make sure that they have it at home.

Let your child know that their words matter, and they are worth waiting for!

April 2022 | Rockland/Bergen Parent

15

family Fun

The Best Skateparks Fun spots in and around Rockland and Bergen Counties

By Serena Norr

H

ave a kiddo into skateboarding or doing tricks on their bike or blades?

Luckily, there are some fun skateparks where they can practice around Bergen and Rockland County. Below, we’re sharing a recap of a few places to practice, learn, and watch others master their skating skills.

Nyack Skatepark:

A 4,200-square-foot skate right on the Hudson River, you’ll love the gorgeous views and many obstacles for skaters of all abilities. This includes mini ramps, flat rails, quarter and half pipes, and much more. Great for kids to practice on their skateboards, rollerblades, BMX, or scooter. In addition to the skating loops, the complex is wheel-chair accessible. 9 Depew Avenue, Nyack, NY 10960.

Patriot Skatepark:

A mini trip over the Mario Cuomo Bridge

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RocklandParent.com | April 2022

will take you to Patriot Skate Park. Here, you’ll find mini ramps and rail rails to enjoy skateboarding, in-line skating, and biking.

363 Underhill Avenue, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598.

2nd Nature:

For some indoor skating action, visit 2nd Nature over in Peekskill. A great place to learn, they offer group and private skateboarding lessons where your child can learn the ins and outs in a safe environment. They also offer camps and birthday parties for some special offerings for your mini skater. 1 Highland Industrial Park Peekskill, NY 10566.

Hidden Skatepark:

For an underground place to skate, visit Hidden Skate Park where some skaters created their own skate park digging a road buried in the woods. They dug it out and then used wood and planks to make some ramps. Since this isn’t an official skatepark, use caution

when practicing at the facility. Old Route 9W, Haverstraw.

Sidney E. Frank Skatepark:

Take a trip to New Rochelle for a visit to the Sidney E. Frank Skate Park. This state-ofthe-art facility is open year-round and offers a great way for skaters to master their techniques on skateboards, bikes, or rollerblades.

436 5th Ave, New Rochelle, NY 10801.

Ringwood Skatepark:

Located at the C. Wailliam Hofmann Recreation Complex, this complex is for skateboarding and in-line skating only (no bikes or scooters are permitted). Skaters also have to register and must complete the Park Registration Form for use of the facility. 60 Margaret King Avenue, Ringwood, NJ 07456.

Paterson Skatepark:

A smaller park, you’ll find a freshly paved ground with mini ramps and small obstacles.

99-105 21st Avenue, Paterson, NJ 07501.

Passaic Skatepark:

Located in Pulaski Park, this smaller skatepark is a great place to practice. Kids will find small ledges and obstacles. Pulaski Park, 4th Street, Passaic, NJ 07055

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Summer Camps are Thriving!

Whoo-hoo, we are so happy that Summer Camp is in full swing. We asked camp experts to share why camp is so wonderful for kids and what families can expect this summer!

“Our summer program provides children with the balance between scheduled activities such as arts & crafts, music & movement, cooking, dramatic play and nature study with plenty of free time to relax and play outdoors with their friends!”

—Jaime Naddeo, Director, Bright Beginnings Preschool & Childcare Camp program,

“Summer is the perfect time to let your children explore their passions! Whether your child is a natural performer or needs help coming out of their shell, participating in our summer dance programs will help build confidence, self-esteem and lifelong friendships!”

—Alison Frankel, Associate Artistic Director, Coupe Theatre Studio

“Just as we did for the past few years, Mosholu Day Camp is excited to provide the safest summer possible. We closely follow all safety guidelines from the NY State Dept. of Health, CDC and American Camping Association.”

—Mike Halpern, Director Youth Services, Mosholu Day Camp

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RocklandParent.com | April 2022

“The Stage Left Children’s Theater summer programs encourage young people to develop life skills as they learn to use their imagination and creative energies to explore every aspect of theatrical production and most importantly, to have fun while they perform.”

—Francesca Lopez, Executive Director, Stage Left Children’s Theater

“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.”

—Sue Ferreri, Executive Director, Rockland Farm Alliance Junior Farmer’s Camp

“Summer is the best time of year to introduce your child to new physical activities. Our noncompetitive gymnastics classes allow every child to succeed by building self- confidence & self- esteem through physical and mental challenges in a fun safe environment. “ — Cheryl Holm, Owner, Tumble-Bee Gymnastics

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April 2022 | Rockland/Bergen Parent

19

Safety First!

NYPD Detective shares tips he uses to keep his family safe

By Jeannine Cintron

“M

om, can you come pick me up?

Everyone is talking about gun threats in school today. I’m really nervous.

Please come get me!”

This is the jarring text I received from my 13-year-old son back on Dec. 17. Like many other kids that day, he was shaken by rumors of “National Shoot Up Your School Day,” a morbid “challenge” many claim to have started on TikTok. While the challenge itself turned out to be a hoax, the threat of gun violence in schools is very real.

After one and a half torturous years of remote learning, I thought I’d be more excited to have the kids back in school full time. But between the increasing violence in schools and my ongoing love affair with

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RocklandParent.com | April 2022

true crime documentaries, I’m not far from locking them in their rooms forever – which is not recommended if you don’t want to end up the subject of a true crime documentary.

As a parent, there simply seems to be no limit to my anxieties involving the safety of my children. It starts the moment they head to school and subsides only once they are home safely with me.

I spoke to recently retired NYPD Detective and father of three Dominick La Torre in search of some advice on keeping kids safe in a world where it seems evil lurks around every corner. He shared the following tips, all of which he uses to keep his own family safe.

Start Safety Practices Early.

Det. La Torre says parents shouldn’t wait

until their kids are in school to implement safety practices, citing the importance of preparing them for a time when mom and dad aren’t always around. “When my kids were very little, I made up a simple but catchy tune that incorporated our address,” he said. “We sang it together every day: ‘I live at ______ Court, Staten Island, New York!’ We also sang our phone number together—area code included, of course.”

Everyone Needs An ID. La Torre also suggests parents create identification cards, preferably laminated, to keep in their child’s backpack and/or jacket at all times. “Try to update the cards with a new photo every six months so that you have the most recent image of your child to share with police in the event of an emergency,” he explains.

You can also get an official ID card for your child through the Operation SAFECHILD program, a free public service that provides you with a card containing your child’s name, biographical information (date of birth, gender, height, weight, hair and eye color, and other identifying data), and a fingerprint image of both index fingers. It serves a dual purpose when used in conjunction with the NYS AMBER Alert and Missing Child Alert programs. It “allows

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21

safety

essential missing child information to be disseminated, statewide if necessary, within minutes and dramatically increases the possibility of bringing a missing child home,” according to nysheriffs.org. For information on how to obtain a SAFE CHILD Card for your child or to host an event in your community, contact the Community Affairs Officer at your local precinct.

Role Play Helps.

It might seem silly to some, but role play is an invaluable tool for teaching children — old and young— how to manage certain situations. La Torre recommends parents envision various scenarios and demonstrate to their children how each should be handled.

“I tell my kids not to be afraid to make a scene if a stranger ever approaches them.

The louder they are, the better,” he cautions.

“They know to run as fast as they can into a store, a school, a bank, a police station.

Anywhere they can be seen on camera is good. We routinely go over a list of safe places to go if they are in danger or lost.”

Another scenario — perhaps the most worrisome of all — is that of an active shooter in school. Unlike “stranger danger,” this is not the time to make a spectacle and attract attention. La Torre says it’s important for students to remain as quiet as possible, move out of sight, and follow their teacher’s directions carefully.

Parents can register with Notify NYC to receive information about emergency events. Schools train and drill all staff and students in the General Response Protocol, which describes what to do in an evacuation, shelter-in, or lockdown, according to the New York City Department of Education. The training is tailored for different grade levels so that it’s age-appropriate and not scary or upsetting.

Have Regular Chats With Your Kids.

Consistency is one of the most important things to keep in mind when going over safety practices with your family, according to La Torre. “Don’t just talk and assume that they’re listening. Have them repeat your words back to you. Despite your best attempts to make it interesting, eventually your kids will be tired of discussing what to do in dangerous situations. But don’t get discouraged because those discussions might save their lives one day,” La Torre urges.

Track Them.

Most older kids have cell phones, which

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RocklandParent.com | April 2022

“Keep the dialogue with your children as open as possible, and never shame them for being afraid or nervous.

Teach them to trust their gut." makes keeping track of their whereabouts easy with an app you can download to your phones, such as Life 360 or Google Maps. But what if your child is too young for a phone, or like my son, has a phone but forgets it at home every other day?

La Torre recommends using a GPS tracking device like the LandAirSea 54 Tracker, the Jiobit or the Lil Tracker 2G Kids’ GPS Tracker Watch. These devices can be sewn into the lining on your child’s coat, clipped onto a backpack, or even worn on the wrist. A subscription is usually required, but it’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind in knowing your child’s exact location at all times.

Do Your Research.

Did you know you can easily find out if you live near a registered sex offender by searching a public online directory? The New York State Sex Offender Registry contains a variety of information about registered sex offenders, including photos, names and aliases, home and/or work addresses, and convictions that required registration.

This information is readily available at criminaljustice.ny.gov, where you can also get information on missing persons and crime statistics in your area.

Trust No One. Unfortunately, nearly 75 percent of abductions are executed by someone known by the victim. La Torre advises parents to routinely remind their children not to trust or go with anyone without permission. “My kids and I have a secret code word we use if they are in danger. If they are approached by a family friend, neighbor, or even a relative, they should use caution. If this person can tell them the code word, they will know they are safe with this person. It’s sad, but it’s the world we live in and it’s better to be safe than sorry.”

Maintain An Open Dialogue.

“It’s crucial that your children feel comfortable coming to you with any concerns or problems they’re having,” La Torre says.

Since so many abductions involve someone familiar to the victim, kids need to know they can talk to you when someone they know is acting strangely or inappropriately toward them. They should also feel safe coming to you if they hear talk of any threats in school, have knowledge of another student bringing dangerous weapons to school, or if anyone has threatened their well-being in any way.

“Keep the dialogue with your children as open as possible, and never shame them for being afraid or nervous,” La Torre continued.

“Teach them to trust their gut. If something or someone seems off, they should come to you immediately.”

Monitor Phones And Internet Use. There are a million reasons to stay on top of your child’s social media, and steering clear of predators is at the very top of that list. Children (and parents, for that matter) should never share any personal information on the internet, a fact that needs to be repeated over and over again. Even the most careful of children can fall victim to illintentioned people online. La Torre strongly recommends Bark, a parental control app that monitors more than 30 of the most popular apps and social media platforms, including text messaging and email, for signs of digital dangers. Parents receive alerts on bullying, predators, sexual content, and more. If you don’t want to purchase an app, make sure you know all of their passwords and regularly check their internet history, pictures, text messages, and all social media accounts.

Talk To A Mental Health Professional.

This stuff is scary. Most of us never experienced school lockdowns and online predators in our own childhoods, so it can be difficult to relate to what our kids are dealing with today. If your child is feeling heightened stress or anxiety about their safety that isn’t due to any direct threats or emergencies, have them speak to a therapist or child psychologist about managing their fears.

“As parents, the most important thing we can do when we are worried about our kids is remain vigilant,” La Torre says. “If you worry whether you’re doing the right thing when it comes to your child’s safety, then you probably are. It’s the parents who worry that are getting it right.”

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April 2022 | Rockland/Bergen Parent

23

Education

Bilingual Education for Kids

By BarBara russo

B

etter grades. More brain power.

Academic success. These are all things parents want for their children when it comes to their education. While it can be challenging for parents to uncover the secret to success for their budding student, many childhood education and wellness experts are in agreement that one way to help a child learn, grow and thrive in school is through bilingual education.

In a city with almost 8 million people, only about 50 percent speak only English at home, according to NYC population data.

Given these statistics, it’s understandable that bilingual education is becoming increasingly popular in New York City and nearby.

Bilingual education is offered at public, charter and private schools throughout the metro area. Interestingly, parents of children who speak only English at home still choose bilingual education for the child’s education based on a number of reasons such as giving their child an opportunity to explore and embrace a culture that’s different from their own. In this article, we’ll shed some light on this learning model—addressing its benefits and concerns—to help parents decide if bilingual education is the right path for their child.

What is Bilingual Education?

First, let’s define what bilingual education actually means. In a nutshell, bilingual education is when a child learns subject matter—such as math, history and science— in two different languages. In the United States, this generally includes English and a secondary language.

In other words, bilingual education means more than learning to say “hello” in a foreign language. It refers to using two languages as a means of instruction—not just teaching the secondary language as its own subject.

While there are different models of bilingual education, educators usually teach students in their native language in conjunction with a second language. How much focus is placed on

24

RocklandParent.com | April 2022

one language versus the other varies depending on the requirements of the lesson plans, teaching models and school curriculum.

History of Bilingual Education in NYC Bilingual education has been around for quite some time now. Private schools each have their own founding stories, many dating back to the early 20th century. But as for bilingual programs in New York public schools, bilingual and ESL education appeared in 1974 following a lawsuit against the NYC’s Board of Education for failing to educate Puerto Rican students with limited English skills. Since the implementation of the Aspira Consent Decree, New York ESL and bilingual programs have expanded to serve students speaking over 145 languages.

While bilingual education began primarily as a way for kids who speak their native language at home to learn English, it has since become attractable to parents of kids who already speak English natively.

Why? Keep reading to find out.

Why Choose Bilingual Education?

There are many advantages to bilingual education. First there is the connection to culture. Learning another language—and learning through another language—is a great way for children to be accepting and respectful of others of all backgrounds, celebrate diversity and promote inclusion.

Deborah Gilboa, MD, (also known as Dr. G to her patients), a family physician and professor at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Medicine, says bilingual education

gives students a more global view, something many parents want their kids to have.

“When you learn a language, you don’t just learn the language. You learn some things about the culture,” Gilboa says. “It helps children see things from more than one perspective, which is really valuable in terms of building cognition and critical thinking, too.”

Bilingual education also helps children develop empathy and improve their ability to communicate with others, no matter what their native or secondary language is.

“The language itself also strengthen’s a child’s understanding of each language,” Gilboa said. “When you’re asked to think about does the adjective go before or after the noun and why, you start to understand the parts of speech better, how things related better and see that often something is expressed a little differently from one language to another.”

When it comes to academics, studies have shown there are many mind-sharpening benefits of bilingual education. National Library of Medicine research suggests there are cognitive advantages to learning two languages among toddlers and infants.

“Because bilingual children inherently practice switching between languages, it’s no surprise these skills extend into academics,” says Leanne Sherred, CCC-SLP and co-founder of Expressable virtual speech therapy. “Young children have increased abilities to perform executive functioning tasks like multitasking, problem solving, and time management required for academic success.”

If a child is from a bilingual or non-English

speaking household, their academic needs can be better supported in the language that they are most apt to using at home or on a daily basis, Sherred adds. This holds true even as a child gains new skills and knowledge throughout their bilingual education.

Bilingual education can also lead to more professional opportunites for students once they enter adulthood.

“Knowing more than one language in our global world makes a person a more appealing employee and more concerned global citizen,” says Gilboa, who recently authored the book From Stressed to Resilient: The Guide to Handle More and Feel It Less.

When should your child start bilingual education?

Most educators and language experts agree that introducing a child to a dual-language program at the preschool or kindergarten age is ideal, but it’s never too late. In fact, introducing your child to bilingual education at an older age can give them benefits they may not have achieved as a younger student in the same program. Children in later

elementary grades above can grasp certain cognitive concepts that younger kids don’t, Gilboa says.

“Older children get a higher form of academic language, meaning they grasp vocabulary,” Gilboa says. “When kids go to a language-immersion school, those benefits only persist if the child keeps having exposure to that language.”

What are some challenges of bilingual education?

Some experts say that learning two languages can cause a delay in speech development.

Sherred says this is actually a misperception based in a belief that bilingual children are prone to confusion since their vocabulary development is split between two languages.

“In reality, this phenomenon is called ‘code-switching’ and even bilingual adults regularly mix words from two languages in the same sentences,” Sherred says. “This is a completely normal part of bilingual speech development, and it doesn’t cause a delay in communication abilities.”

As children get older and their vocabulary

and linguistics expand, they naturally learn how to distinguish between languages during conversations, Sherred adds.

English as a Second Language vs.

Dual Language While there are several different types of bilingual education within public, charter and private schools, one notable distinction parents should consider is English as a Second Language (ESL) versus dual language program. Does your child speak another language at home and you want them to learn English through school? If yes, then ESL is the bilingual education format that you’re looking for. If your goal is for your child to learn two languages simultaneously (half instruction in one language and half in another language), then dual language is the right fit.

More information is available online for parents interested in bilingual education for their child. The NYC Department of Education also gives an overview on its website about the types of bilingual programs available in NYC public schools.

Additional reporting Mia Salas

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April 2022 | Rockland/Bergen Parent

25

Family day out

Great Family Hikes As the weather starts to warm up these spots make for perfect nature trails

By Serena Norr

L

iving in Bergen and Rockland Counties, we are so lucky to have access to so many incredible trails and hikes. With the weather getting a little nicer, we are excited to share some nearby places – for both novice and new hikers – to explore in and around the area with your family. Happy exploring.

BERGEN COUNTY

Stairway to Heaven:

The name alone is pretty impressive and is also known as one of the best hikes to view New Jersey’s Pinwheel’s Vista. This includes a journey –aka via a Stairway to Heaven– through boardwalks, a suspension bridge, hardwood forest, fields of wildflowers, train tracks, a pasture, and boulders before you get to the final majestic view. At approximately 7.3 miles (round trip), the hike is definitely for older kids and their families who can climb a somewhat rugged and rocky terrain.

However, there are parts of the hike (flat boardwalks) that make it easier for younger kids for a modified, shorter hike at 2.0 miles.

Pochuck Mountain, Vernon Township, NJ 07462.

Flat Rock Brook Nature Association:

A 150-acre nature preserve in Englewood, NJ, families will enjoy this educational center where they can also enjoy a moderate hike at 3.6 miles. This includes access to a stream, wetlands, pond, and forested meadows. The grounds also include a playground, access to the Nature Preserve Center, and seven different looped hikes to explore. 443 Van Nostrand Avenue Englewood, NJ 07631

Hikers will enjoy both rocky and smooth paths, water banks and streams, and forests.

26 Bear Brook Road, Park Ridge, NJ 07656

trails that range from 0.7 to 3.1 miles. Woodland Park Woodland Park, NJ 07424.

Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve:

Ramapo Valley County Reservation:

Located in Bergen County Park, this hike features five loop trails that start with a twomile radius from the parking lot. A popular hike for families and dogs, hikers will enjoy soaking in the beauty of nature with stunning panoramic views, a reservoir, and a waterfall.

608 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430

A beautiful hike that loops around the Upper Lake and Lower Pond as well as Basalt Beach and designed bridges. The preserve also offers access to fishing (with a New Jersey State license), a picnic area, and the use of kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. 1 Nature Preserve Way, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417.

Tenafly Nature Center

Abram S. Hewitt State Forest:

A 10-mile hike, families will enjoy views of gorgeous mountain ridges, rocky outcrops, upland swaps, colorful bedrock, and forest.

The forest is quite majestic – untouched and only reachable by foot. This is one of the more challenging hikes that ends with a beautiful view along Greenwood Lake. Additionally, the forest includes 6 miles of the Appalachian Trail that meanders through the peaceful forest. West Milford, NJ 07421.

A dense, rugged forest, you won’t find smooth, narrow paths here. However, the Lost Brook Preserve is a fun way for families to explore and better understand the natural terrain.

This includes rocks that cover trails, boulders, and foot bridges over streams. They also host tons of events throughout the year such as a scavenger hunt, maple sugaring, and more. 313 Hudson Avenue, Tenafly, NJ 07670.

ROCKLAND COUNTY Bear Mountain State Park:

Palisades Interstate Park:

A 12-mile hike encompassing 2,500 acres, this hike is not far from NYC or Westchester that offers access to beautiful views such as cliffs, shorefront. Offering 30 miles of trails – including many rugged ones – it’s advisable to plan your route before you go. The easy trail is probably ideal for younger kids that loops around in about two hours – going up to an 8-mile challenging hike. The grounds are also accessible on some hikes via bikes as well as offering picnic tables and use of the water for fishing or kayaking. Alpine, NJ 07620.

A popular attraction, Bear Mountain State Park offers access to 52,000-acres, ranging from mild-to-moderate hikes. This includes gorgeous scenery, forested backdrops, and 235 miles of trails as well as 18 miles of the Appalachian trail. Additionally, families can enjoy access to a large field, shaded picnic areas, fishing access, a swimming pool, and even tie in a visit to the Trailside Museums and Zoo. You can also enjoy their on-site ice skating rink (during the winter) or a ride – or two – around their acclaimed MerryGo-Round. Palisades Parkway or Route 9W North, Bear Mountain, NY 10911.

Garret Mountain Reservation: Atkins Glen Park:

A shorter hike at 1.7 miles, the hike is located near Park Ridge, New Jersey and features beautiful scenery. The park has been preserved by former owners James Leach and, later, Daniel H. Atkins, and later given to the Boroughs of Park Ridge and Woodcliff Lake.

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Located in Paterson and Woodland Park, Garret Mountain Reservation offers access to 568-acres and incredible views of northern New Jersey and the NYC skyline – at 500-feet above sea level. Additional points of interest on your hike include the historic Lambert Castle, Lambert Observation Tower, and of course hiking

Tallman Mountain State Park:

Overlooking the Hudson and Piermont Marsh, Tallman Mountain State Park offers access to 700-acres and two trails. This includes a wooded hike ranging from 2.5 to 5 miles, depending on what loop you take. The park also offers access to a swimming pool,

track, tennis courts, field, and picnic areas.

Route 9W, Sparkill, NY 1097.

Sterling Forest State Park: Offering access to the woodlands, Sterling Forest State Park is an explorers’ paradise with over 22 acres of natural refuge and a deep-forested habitat for many animals such as the black bear, hawks, and many birds. The park also offers access to hunting and fishing and a visitor center where you and your family can learn more about the park’s local environment. 116 Old Forge Road Tuxedo Park, NY 10987.

Hook Mountain State Park:

A part of the Palisades Interstate Park system, Hook Mountain offers 7.5-miles of trails that follows along the Hudson River. An uphill hike, there are three connecting and circular

loops to the Long Path that is known to be a little difficult. However, there are varying lengths with the longest being around 12 miles. Enjoy views of NYC, and of course the river. Nyack Beach State Park, 698 North Broadway, Nyack, NY 10960.

way to get in a walk on paved terrain.

Offering stunning views of the Hudson River and the Palisades, the trail also has benches and picnic tables. You can make a day out of it and also explore Nyack Beach State Park at the base of Hook Mountain. 698 North Broadway, Nyack, NY 10960.

Buttermilk Falls County Park:

Offering access to 75 acres of land, Buttermilk Falls County Park is a gorgeous hike that is a part of the Palisades ridge. Trails lead to the stream and some incredible overlooks and waterfall views that’s fantastic for discovery and bird watching. 199 S Greenbush Road, Orangeburg, NY 10962.

Nyack-Haverstraw River Trails:

A 5-mile dirt trail, this mild hike is a great

Rockland Lake State Park:

This park includes 256-acres, which features a mix of developed and undeveloped lands.

Families can enjoy access to a forested wetland, a pool, tennis courts, picnic areas, golf courses, and trails. The park also includes an environmental education center that is operated during the summer. 299 Rockland Lake Road., Valley Cottage, NY 10989.

April 2022 | Rockland/Bergen Parent

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Ready for Joy!

Mikaela Pabon of @dressedinjoy on family, home and bold moves

By Donna Duarte-LaDD

A

s we all make our way out of this pandemic, I have felt the tug of wanting aspiration and inspiration infused into my closet and home. I believe Instagram caught on as I was searching for stylish people, and one day, Brooklyn-based Mikaela Pabon popped up on my feed.

This mom of two IG posts are full of bright, colorful clothing, mixed prints — and I find myself always wanting to see more.

I am not the only one, many women are inspired by this wardrobe stylist, content creator and founder of the statement-making athleisure line @dressedinjoy.

Via her social media feeds, Mikaela shares daily (@mikaela.pabon) on her life as she and her husband Dre juggle their young children (Christian, age 8, Elle, age 4) while sharing tips and cheering on others.

At the photo shoot — our tightknit crew found ourselves seamlessly fitting in with the kids, Mikaela's amazing husband, and even the dog made it into the photo shoot. You can’t fake that kind of energy — just pure love and openness.

While Mikaela is undoubtedly stylish, her quiet confidence intrigued me while we were at their home that snowy day in Brooklyn.

So yes, while she is one of the chicest moms I have met in some time, her whole vibe is bright, and yes, the next day, I went full-on bright palettes and print mode!

Let’s first discuss your style? Does it come naturally, or do you have to work the vibrancy of colors and prints into your life?

My style absolutely comes naturally.

Often, I’ll imagine an outfit in my head before I put it together. Color and print have been a part of my wardrobe for as long as I can remember! I’ve studied Hawaiian dance since I was eight years old, and we’d always

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wear the brightest colored costumes, lots of greenery, bold floral prints — that stuck with me over the years and it’s why I am still so drawn to them now.

Can you share with us about your collection Dressed in Joy? Dressed in Joy is like my love letter to little Mikaela. Since I was a young girl, designing clothes has been my dream, but I squashed that dream myself when I didn’t think it was a realistic career. Isn’t that crazy? That I made that decision for myself at such a young age! What started as designing a hoodie for myself that I couldn’t find anywhere in the market (and I looked for months!) has turned into more than I could have ever imagined. I started Dressed in Joy when I was still working my corporate job at Jetblue, hoping to sell at least ten hoodies in my first weekend. I ended up selling 52! It’s been uphill from there. People all around the world — from Japan to Germany to Australia — are Dressed in Joy. From the likes of Tabitha Brown to Jessica Alba, being on the TODAY Show with Al Roker and local NYC news stations, my brand has gone farther in the last two years than I ever thought was possible.

After just over a year of selling athleisure exclusively, I launched a Ready-to-Wear collection in May of 2021, which did exceptionally well. So well, I launched another for Spring 2022. It has been received extremely well, and I am looking forward to offering more JOY for my customers. It’s been an indescribable feeling to know that my work brings joy to so many people worldwide.

Many of us have a pile of cozy sweats from the last few years of being stuck at homecan you share tips on how one can get out of a style slump?

Well, here’s the thing, you can still be cute in cozy sweats! Not only are they available in so many more colors but also

in vibrant prints (*cough* Dressed in Joy *cough*)! Get yourself a pair of fun, colorful sneakers that can turn into your everyday shoe (because really, who’s wearing heels every day anymore?), and you’re golden. You can also switch out your joggers for a pair of high waist denim. You can still throw on your hoodie, but try tucking the front of it and throw on a leather jacket over it for a cool weekend look.

Now that spring is coming around, more dresses and skirts are showing up in stores, which is another way to transition out of your joggers! They can be just as cozy without the stigma that wearing joggers can sometimes carry. Most of all, wear what brings you joy and have fun!

At the photoshoot, we chatted about how at one point, you had too much going on, something many of us moms can relate to.

How did you step back and check-in with yourself so you could move forward?

Oh man, yeah. I know many of us get overwhelmed with everything we have to do and all the thoughts and information we have to keep in our brains. I had gotten completely overwhelmed with my corporate job, with a baby who cried all the time while trying to keep a drowning business afloat. Something had to give. When I realized I was crying and feeling overwhelmed more than enjoying my family or taking time for myself, I knew it was time to take a break. It was HARD. It was really hard to let my business go (before Dressed in Joy, I owned another online boutique) because it felt like a part of my identity, but there was no way to sustain it all.

And on top of it all, I didn’t enjoy it anymore.

It was work I dreaded, and that’s never a good feeling. I talked it through with Dre and he supported whatever my decision was 100%. And thank God I did that! It was only when I allowed myself the time to breathe, be

Photo by Yumi Matsuo

inspired, and relax that the idea for the first Dressed in Joy hoodie came to me.

You have equally stylish mom friends. How are you and your @momstylematters there for each other?

We are all so much alike! From family structures (we each have two kids, boy & girl) to our bold and colorful styles and being fashion entrepreneurs, it’s easy for us to support each other because we’re all going through similar challenges. We connected

initially via style and then motherhood and entrepreneurship. There’s nothing like being able to call your girlfriend and complain about running your business and toddler drama all at the same time!

You have a creative and tight-knit family; even your dog Indi is lovely! How do you and Dre, your husband, keep the family in sync?

Thank you! Honestly, a lot of it came naturally to us because we have the same goals for our children — to raise good

humans who aren’t afraid to do what they love. We are both very encouraging to our kids, whether they want to be a dentist (Elle) or an Engineer/YouTuber (Christian) because ultimately, we want them both to know that we have their backs with whatever they decide to do, as long as they remain kind and happy people. Dre and I do our best to set the example for doing what we love and living out our dreams and it is our hope that they both remember that about us as they grow into adulthood.

April 2022 | Rockland/Bergen Parent

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TRAVEL

Paris �e�aw�y

Add this chic city to your next #momtrip or family bucket list

BY DONNA DUARTE�LADD

A

year plus into the pandemic, it hit me that I was no longer daydreaming; never mind goals — a goal seemed like a fool’s game. Mentally and emotionally, I was exhausted.

One day, I began to do something I had not done in a while; I created a vision board.

My vision board consisted of one theme.

Paris. Crazy lady, I know. I went from not considering anything for myself to dreaming of taking a trip to another country. No kids, no partner — just a fun mom trip.

Was flying to another country going

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to solve my gloominess, of course not, but getting away was only going to do good. It also would gift me something I hadn’t had in years…time to myself.

So I took the trip. Along with a fellow mother/friend who also needed solo time, we packed our bags with clothes we hadn’t worn in, let’s say…two years (!) and hopped on a jetplane to France.

Au revoir!

Getting There One of the perks of my job is that we are offered many trips, some to faraway places. It surprises people, but I am pretty particular when

accepting a travel trip. One huge factor is, yes, the kids. Another big one is that I want to go on an aspirational trip and provide our readers with something that will feel like a dose of selfcare. What is the point of sharing a trip that our readers will not want to take?!

The Flight: Things to Know about French Bee French bee checks all the boxes for team New York Family. It is the first French smart-cost long-haul airline. In New York, we have many French families, and I love this airline for our French parents who fly to France often. It also is perfect for families who want to take that dream trip and an airline such as French bee can take the entire family without breaking the bank.

French bee flies modern Airbus A350s and offers three customizable ticket options Basic, Smart and Premium. Currently, fares start at $199 one-way from New York to Paris, and booking is an À la carte experience. Working with your budget, you pick what fits for you. Since my trip was a ‘mom getaway,’ I chose Premium, yup,

When you bring the kids... no regrets. I had plenty of legroom; all French bee seats include USB and electrical ports, headphone plugs, and unlimited in-flight entertainment. I had a yummy breakfast after I slept, which was the first time I slept on a flight. The flight attendants were kind, and the vibe was joyful. I had the wrong mask on (I was rusty), and they graciously supplied one that was compliant for flying. They asked us continuously if we needed anything-honestly my friend and I needed some TLC; we take care of everyone, and we are not often asked if we are okay or need something. So, merci for this.

Another cool thing French bee offers is to combine your plane ticket with your train destination when you book your flight. You receive a special rate on your train tickets, including guarantees of your train trip in case of delay or cancellation, which when traveling to another country this is a huge task to check off the list.

Helpful Planning Resources I am a research kind of person- most parents are as we are use to our time being tight. Working with Atout France, I streamlined the spots we wanted to visit. I also used the site to stay up to date regarding COVID in France. I highly recommend visiting this site as it was essential for planning a smooth trip.

Also, if one of the main to do’s on your list is visiting all the museums you can, consider the Paris Museum Pass.

The pass allows you to skip the lines (but not security, of course!) at some of the best museums-check online to ensure your museum is on the list. You can choose between three passes: 2, 4 or 6 days, and is activated at first use.

If you plan on visiting many museums, this pass is cost-effective.

Tip: for the 18 and younger set, most museums are free- this pass is best for adults.

Bonjour, what to do in Paris (with or without kids) There are so many great parts of Paris to stay at and really you should stay in the nook that works for you and your family.

We stayed in Montmartre in the 18th arrondissement- which is a neighborhood I would recommend staying in with kids or adding to your must-visit list. The

restaurants and cafes are all unique and friendly. As a mom to a special needs child, I know what works or wouldn’t for my son, and I know we will come back here (soon I hope) and stay in Montmartre.

There were kids on scooters and parents dropping and picking up kids. The Metro (subway) is central to this area. The vibe felt familiar which is always a goal personally for me when traveling- and my friend and I seamlessly fit right in.

Visiting France in the time of COVID We all know that health protocols are ever-changing. My trip was relatively recent, and at the time, a Health Pass was required. You need to get to a French Pharmacy as soon as you get settled, which isn’t difficult as they are everywhere in France. To learn more on how to acquire this pass, click here.

According to the U.S Embassy and Consulate of France: As of February 12th fully vaccinated travelers coming from any green or orange nation, including the United States (as well as minor children under 12) no longer require a covid test to enter France, and may enter with proof of vaccination and a sworn statement they do not have symptoms of COVID-19 nor contact with someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19.

Helpful Tips • If you are babywearing your babe, you will want to bring a comfortable baby carrier, as wearing your little one will make your life much more manageable than lugging a giant stroller. The museums are busy and the restaurants packed. Carrying your baby will help you to maneuver around smoothly.

• When it comes to eating in restaurants, the French eat pretty late, so you may want to eat fairly early before the bistros get crowded when eating with young kids.

• Regarding strollers, leave your huge city stroller at home and bring a lightweight easy to fold stroller. There are narrow sidewalks in some arrondissements and cobbled streets, but let’s be honest, a toddler will only walk so much, and a folded stroller will come in handy.

• There are great parks in Paris; bring comfy shoes and wear them just like you would in your neighborhood park.

Standouts of Montmartre Dali Paris Museum (Salvador Dali) at 11 rue Poulbot (children under 8 are free) Since Notre Dame (still worth visiting) is being repaired, Sacre Coeur is located at the city’s highest point and is a beautiful church to visit.

Place du Tertre in Montmartre with Kidssitting on top of Paris’ largest hill; this artistic spot is full of street art, bistros, and even a little train for kids to hop on.

Museums that should be on your list Lourve Museum: We went in the afternoon but would recommend going first thing in the morning if you have little ones as it does get busy.

Musée de L’Orangerie: Kids will love this beauty of a museum. You will love it for being the stunning showcase of Claude Monet’s monumental series of water lily paintings.

Musee Picasso Paris Picasso-Paris National Museum: Keep in mind there are many stairs -thankfully there are elevators if you have little kids or a stroller.

The Centre Pompidou Modern Art Museum: This museum is terrific; you can spend hours at this iconic museum with the kids. There is much to do and visit; I recommend going online to plan your visit if you bring the family.

Kid-friendly restaurant recommendations via Atout France LouLou Paris: located in the courtyard just outside the Louvre, this restaurant has fantastic views of the Louvre and its glass pyramid as well as the Eiffel Tower and the Tuileries gardens. If you’re looking for a post-museum meal, this is a great spot. Probably best for slightly older children; website is only in French sorry but the images will show you what a great setting.

Brutus: crepes are great for kids and adults and this restaurant presents a more modern take with both savory and sweet creations. It’s also Paris’ first cider bar and while there are 25 types of cider for adults, they also offer organic apple juice. They also have a kids menu and coloring activities to keep the kids occupied while you wait for those crepes. It’s in the Batignolles neighbourhood in the 17th arrondissement.

Galeries Lafayette Paris Hausmann: this is the classic Paris department store so after you’re done shopping for the family, there are several types of restaurants to choose from. Jour is a good casual spot for made-to-order salads and fresh juices.

There’s always Angelina: the mainstay on Rue de Rivoli famous for its decadent hot chocolate if you’re looking for a snack spot.

The Paris Tourist Office also has several family-friendly restaurants on their website (https://en.parisinfo.com).

April 2022 | Rockland/Bergen Parent

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By Shara Levine

Guided Family Day Hike at The NaturePlace.

ROCKLAND COUNTY Kids Night Out/Glowga!

WHEN: April 2-30, Saturdays, 6-8:30pm WHERE: Peace in Piermont, 458 Piermont Ave, Piermont AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Kids will adventure around Piermont, paint + craft, play board games, have a tent show + end the night with glowga (glow-in-the-dark yoga) + a guided meditation!

WANT TO GO?: $44.

845-848-2600. https:// peaceinpiermont.com/events.

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Bunny Fest WHEN: Saturday, April 2, 1-4pm WHERE: Palisades Center, 1000 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Celeberate the arrival of the Easter Bunny with a dance party, balloon artist, face paint, giveaways, activities, and more.

WANT TO GO?: 845-3481000. https://palisadescenter. com/event/bunny-fest/.

Season Opening Day WHEN: Friday, April 8, 10am-5pm WHERE: LEGOLAND New

RocklandParent.com | April 2022

York Resort, One Legoland Blvd., Goshen AGES: All WHAT: Be there when LEGOLAND New York opens for the season with seven themed lands at the ultimate LEGO® theme park destination!

WANT TO GO?: $89.99 front gate; $79.99 online ages 3 and older. 845-410-0290. https:// legoland.com/new-york/

AGES: All WHAT: Come to Trailside’s Bear Den when the zookeepers will be putting out treats & decorating the Bear Den, plus nature-related displays, activities, and more.

WANT TO GO?: $1 per person suggested donation.

845-786-2701 x293. https:// trailsidemuseumsandzoo.org/ events/.

Earth Day Celebration

Guided Family Day Hike: West Mountain

WHEN: Saturday, April 23, 11am-3pm WHERE: Trailside Museum and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park, 55 Hessian Drive, Highland Falls

WHEN: Saturday, April 23, 10am-2pm WHERE: The Nature Place Day Camp, 285 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge AGES: All

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Two to Five Bedroom Residences Starting at $4,050,000 P R I V AT E A P P O I N T M E N T S N O W A V A I L A B L E O C C U PA N C Y S U M M E R 2 0 2 2 5 5 5 W 2 2 N D S T R E E T, W E S T C H E L S E A T H ECO RT L A N D N YC.CO M 212 27 1 5 4 8 3 @T H ECO RT L A N D N YC

E X C L U S I V E M A R K E T I N G & S A L E S A G E N T S : R E L AT E D S A L E S L L C & C O R E THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS ARE IN AN OFFERING PLAN AVAILABLE FROM THE SPONSOR, 22ND AND 11TH ASSOCIATES, L.L.C., C/O THE RELATED COMPANIES, L.P., 30 HUDSON YARDS, NEW YORK 10001. File No. CD19-0409. All images, including without limitation, views and exposure to light, are artist’s renderings and are for representational purposes only and are subject to variances. Furnishings and plantings are shown for illustrative purposes only and are not included in a unit purchase. Equal Housing Opportunity.

April 2022 | Rockland/Bergen Parent

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april

WHAT: Celebrate Earth Day and hike along the Fawn and Timp-Torne trails, through groves of Mountain Laurel and enjoy fantastic views along West Mountain.

WANT TO GO?: $25; $10 per child. 845-356-1234. https://thenatureplace.com/ programs/year-round/hikes/.

BERGEN COUNTY Peking Acrobats WHEN: Friday, April 1, 3pm and 7:30pm WHERE: New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center St., Newark AGES: All WHAT: The time-honored art form of Chinese acrobatics combines traditional music and high-tech special effects for a jaw-dropping carnival of fun.

WANT TO GO?: $49-$59.

800-466-5722. https://njpac. org/event/peking-acrobats

Ramsey Jrs. Fundraiser: Touch A Truck WHEN: Sunday, April 3, 10am-1pm WHERE: Ramsey Farmers’ Market, 2 W Main St., Ramsey AGES: All WHAT: Children will meet fire and police with vehicles and

Opening Day at LEGOLAND New York. rescue workers will be there with an ambulance, fire trucks, and more.

WANT TO GO?: Donations Accepted. 201-675-6866. ramseyfarmersmarket.org.

Opening Weekend WHEN: April 2-3, 11am-7pm WHERE: Six Flags Great Adventure, 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson AGES: All WHAT: The thrills are back!

Head to Six Flags this season

(Above) Open Cockpit Day at the Aviation Hall of Fame & Museum.

(Right) Opening Weekend at Six Flags Great Adventure.

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to get your fill of family fun!

WANT TO GO?: $39.99. 732928-2000. https://sixflags. com/greatadventure.

Easter Egg Hunt With Princess Tiana!

WHEN: Friday, April 15, 5-6:30pm WHERE: Glitter & Glam at Paramus Park, 700 Paramus Park, Paramus AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Bring you favorite Easter basket and join Tiana this annual Easter Egg Hunt!

WANT TO GO?: $49. 201970-4526 x1. https:// eventbrite.com/e/easter-egghunt-with-princess-tianatickets-273050821357.

Open Cockpit Day WHEN: Saturday, April 23, 10:30am-4pm. Last Admission 2:45pm WHERE: The Aviation Hall of Fame & Museum of New Jersey, 400 Fred Wehran Dr., Teterboro AGES: All WHAT: Visitors will again have the opportunities to sit in the cockpit of a very rare Lockheed Bushmaster plane, a U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter, and sit a M*A*S*H Bell 47 helicopter made famous during the Korean War. WANT TO GO?: $15; $12 for seniors and children younger than 12; free for children 2 years and younger. 201-2886344. https://njahof.org/ events/

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