Rockland/Bergen Parent - May 2024

What is Book tok?

What parents need to know

Balancing Emotional Labor

f E atur E s

8 | tech 5 Substack newsletters to follow

| childcare New study shows how to support employers with caregiving benefits 18 | Mom Stories

battle with postpartum depression

| tech

parents need to know about

30 | Profile Glow Maven Latham Thomas

storiEs & Co Lumns

6 | editor’s letter

12 | Family day o ut Gardens for family visits

22 | Family day o ut A sensory-inclusive Harry Potter

24 | a sk the e xpert How to manage emotional labor in your home

| teens

for parenting teenagers

32 | c alendar

the fun activities for

The Art of Mothering

May is a busy month, and it is also includes Mother’s Day.

Many know becoming a mom affects us all differently. In Mom Stories (page 18), our Deputy Editor, Jeannine Cintron, shares her Battle with Postpartum Depression and how she still works through the struggle of depression and anxiety.

This month’s profiled mom, Latham Thomas of Mama Glow, has continuously honored mothers by educating doulas and nurse care managers, working to advance maternal health via community and academia, and more. She recently opened The Soft Space, where people can engage in

well-being experiences. Latham gives us all the details of this new space and shares about watching her young adult son soar and why she is an open nester vs an empty nester. What would parents’ work lives look like if all employers up the ante. A study reveals why Caregiving Benefits Improve the Family and the Employer (page 14).

Big news Witches, Wizards and Muggles. The Harry Potter Exhibition (page 22) “SensorySundays” will turn the lights down, lower the noise on specific dates!

Donna

Publi S he R : Clifford Luster

e dito R ial d i R ecto R : Donna Duarte-Ladd

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adve R ti S ing d i R ecto R : Stacie Goldberg

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e dito R ial aSS i S tant: Alexa Lutter

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Cirigliano, Chris Cunnington, Lori Falco, Shelli Goldberg-Peck, LynnMarie Hanley, Lisa Herlihy, Nicole Miller, Janine Mulé, Nina Spiegelman, Gwen Tomaselli

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aR t d i R ecto R : Leah Mitch

Web d evelo P e R : Sylvan Migdal

gR aP hic d e S igne RS : Arthur Arutyunov, Connie Sulsenti

e dito RS at laRge: Serena Norr, Cris Pearlstein

e dito R ial contR ibuto RS : Jana Beauchamp, Mia Salas

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5 Substack Newsletters to Follow Written by Women

By Donna Duarte-LaDD

During the pandemic, a lot unfolded. Sure, it was a chaotic time, but it also sparked creativity, leading many of us to cultivate or seek genuineness while we schooled kids, worked, and juggled our day-to-day. Amidst this, digital newsletters emerged. Sure, there are those newsletters we never signed up for that mysteriously plant themselves in our inbox that do not relate to our lives. Go away! Yes, those newsletters. These were different. These offered authenticity as the main narrative, and while some have started before the pandemic or post-lockdown, we have begun to hear more about these exceptional newsletters.

Some are from our favorite sites or podcasts, where newsletters are an opportunity to provide you with valuable and helpful content daily or weekly. Sign up for those and read them because they are most likely being curated by an editor with excellent credentials- gathering and sending this valuable content your way.

Another form is Substack, where you can browse a variety of newsletters, sign up for one or more, and manage what is sent to your inbox.

What is Substack

Substack emerged around 2017 and allows writers to publish and circulate their newsletters. Most come from working editors, journalists, or people who wish to share more about a particular subject; this is a welcoming forum where they can do it.

It’s a revolution for many writers as it allows journalists, editors, and authors to do what they are passionate about (writing) while being provided tools to create and manage their subscriber lists. Authors can even charge subscriptions for access to their content, and

fans can read beyond what is shared on a writer’s social media handle. It is a way to stan out on someone you admire while not flooding your beloved mailbox with content you don’t want to read, a win win for all involved.

Here are 5 worth checking out Resilence with Alexa Wilding . New York Family’s former cover mom (October 2022), Alexa Wilding, is also a great writer. After years of sharing her life via Instagram as a writer, singer-songwriter, twin mom, cancer mom, survivor, and advocate, she has started a Substack.

When I was just a fan of her IG handle, her raw essays led me to get to know her, which led to an NYF cover. Whether she shared from her earthy home upstate or at the hospital while one of her twins and then herself fought (and won) their cancer battles,

her writings were profound. Even in the saddest moments, there were layers of hope and a love for the energy and mystique of life. I am excited to read more about her journey and, most importantly, resilience in her new newsletter!

Gratitude Journal by Alex Elle. Alex is my therapist; she doesn’t know it, but she may since she has a following of over a million plus on Instagram alone, and most of her followers hang on to her every phrase, wordfor-word. This New York Times bestselling author, breath coach and more- has posted words that have lifted, consoled, and given me hope. Her newsletter, Gratitude Journal, is a resource of hope and growth where you can find posts on Growing through Grief and Gratitude , Lessons are Blessings and Gratitude for Boundaries , and more. This is for all

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her free subscribers; Alex also offers paid subscriptions from $7 a month to $70 a year, which provides different benefits.

Scraps by Carolina Gelen. It all started with a can of tuna for me with Carolina Gelen. I was searching for a suggested feed on Ig, and this delicious (and affordable!) recipe where one can make tuna benedicts, tuna burger, and more in just a few minutes became my lunch and dinner staple. Her newsletter is full of delicious recipes that feel easy to make and doable for my family in this expensive food economy; her newsletter is called SCRAPS, and her goal is to work hard to churn out recipes that won’t break the bank. I want to, and so will you, make everything she cooks up, like her Sweet & Saucy Apricot Chicken and her 30-Minute Creamy Caramelized Fennel Pasta

Les Undressed. There used to be a time when I dressed pretty cute; as I write this post, my big toe wiggles out of the hole of my well-worn sock. While I still have my style moments, they have become few and far

Substack is a way to stan out on someone you admire while not flooding your beloved mailbox with content you don’t want to read — a win win for all involved.

between as I now work full-time remotely. Sure, not having to worry about getting dressed up daily has its financial and time benefits, but I grew up loving style. While New Yorkers are pretty stylish, Parisian style hits differently. They have that je ne sais quoi when it comes to their wardrobe.

Someone I found who inspires me is Sylvie Mus. This human could wear a sack and look fabulous, so let’s get that right out in the open. Her twist on classics reminds me of what quiet elegance looks like. Initially from Rwanda and now living in Paris, Sylvie’s newsletter focuses on wardrobe building and

insider tips, and her approach to dressing is more simplified, which is where I am personally at right now in my life. It also doesn’t hurt that she shares some of her day-to-day life, which gives me a dose of everything France I adore.

Hi, It’s Your Older Sister. One of the coolest things about newsletters authored by a friend or colleague is that they offer a unique glimpse into the things you already admire about that person and a window into their thoughts and experiences. Whether it’s a heartfelt reflection on life, insider tips, or candid musings on motherhood, it is refreshing to read authentic content. It harks back to the days when blogs first started to pop -up, before people became influencers, and the waters began to get mucked with what is real and what is staged.

Hi, It’s Your Older Sister. Cris Pearlstein shares genuine tips and honest mom advice, such as rejection and identities. Many of us can relate to these subjects while adulting and mothering. It is also nice to know that your older sister still has your back.

Gardens for Family Visits in Westchester

and beyond

By Serena norr

Spring is a favorite season especially after a chilly winter. From outdoor festivals to hiking, there are tons of things to do outside in Westchester. One of our favorite ways to enjoy the weather and landscape is to explore the magnificent gardens that surround us. Incredibly, many of the areas gardens are free and/or offer a range of programming for kids of all ages. Check out some of our favorites below:

Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden

Families will love spending the day at this South Salem museum and garden. This includes a beautifully-preserved 3.5-acre Japanese-inspired stroll garden, as well as onsite museum. In the museum, you’ll find exhibits with local artists and events. Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll Garden, 28 Deveau Road, North Salem, NY 10560

Untermyer Gardens Conservancy

A Westchester favorite, this 43-acre public garden features a look at incredible architecture and multicultural design overlooking the Hudson River. Founded in 1917 by Samuel and Minnie Untermyer, the gardens have families can enjoy access to the gardens, as well as tours, summer concerts, and more. Admission is free; however, special events have various fees. 945 N Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701.

Donald M. Kendall Sculpture

Gardens

Enjoy an afternoon in this sculpture garden to view a collection of 45 pieces of outdoor art.

Started in 1965 by Donald M. Kendall, former chairman of the board and CEO, the garden features art from 20th-century artists and gardening design from Russell Page. The gardens are open from 10:00am-4:00pm on weekends from May 31st-November 17th. PepsiCo, 700 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase, NY 10577.

Caramoor Center of the Arts

While Caramoor is the go-to place for summer concerts, it is also home to beautiful

grounds for exploring and hiking. Over the summer, this includes access to sound art throughout the gardens. You can also view their gardens, enjoy a picnic, or simply relax. 149 Girdle Ridge Rd, Katonah, NY 10536

John Jay Homestead

This historic site is the former home of John Jay, one of the authors of The Federalist Papers. Here, you and your family can enjoy access to its grounds during their weekend farmers market or view one of their five gardens. The formal garden dates all the way back to the 19th century. Additionally, throughout the year they host events where you can learn more about the grounds and its history. 400 Jay St, Katonah, NY 10536.

Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate

Take a tour of this sprawling 40-room home and garden space. The former home of four generations of the Rockerfeller family, the estate is now the site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The grand tour includes the classic (home) tour, plus additional time in the gardens, art galleries, and visits to the second floor of this historic home. 381 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591

Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Memorial

Explore this beautiful public park and garden with your family all-year long. This includes gardening events, spring walks, and the cool dinosaur garden. Everywhere you turn you will be amazed by the beauty of the landscape and its 15 garden spaces. 2610 NY-35, Katonah, NY 10536

Beverly E Smith Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden

This Yonkers gardens is volunteer-run where you and your kids can enjoy birds, butterflies, plants, animals, and insects. Programming includes spring walks, bird watching, nature exploration, and more. Admission is free. 19 Dudley St, Yonkers, NY 10703.

Wave Hill Public Garden & Cultural Center

Located close by in the Bronx, a day trip to Wave Hill offers families a fun day of nature and exploration. Enjoy access to their multiple gardens and woodlands within its 28 acres, art events, hands-on workshops, performances, and much more! Upcoming events include garden walks, birding, forest bathing, and more. 4900 Independence Ave, Bronx, NY 10471

Photo by Jessica n orman

t he Vista at untermyer Gardens conservatory

May 19, 2024

Caregiving Benefits childcare

New

study shows how support from employers strengthens families — and businesses

By Serena norr

The phrase ‘caregiver benefits’ might seem completely foreign to many parents. Unfortunately, the modern parent has to contend with a barrage of work/home confluences as they navigate childcare, work schedules, kids’ schedules, illness, and much more. While hybrid/remote work has become a part of the norm since COVID, many parents still have to piece together childcare, which sometimes feels like piecing together an impossible puzzle. From using vacation time for kids’ illness to using PTO days, many parents simply need flexibility – and employers who value and understand that –to make it all work.

On top of figuring out schedules, parents also have to allocate enough funds – and make enough money – to pay for childcare. In some instances, childcare is so costly where some parents may find themselves working to essentially pay for childcare. This causes many parents stress and unease. Many even leave the workforce and/or can’t take on challenging roles such as leadership roles because the stress outweighs the potential positives.

However, a recent white paper study, “The R.O.I.(Return of Investment) of Caregiving Benefits” from Vivvi, a company that provides child care and early learning for children and families, in collaboration with The Fifth Trimester, found that family-friendly caregiving practices can boost earnings, productivity, and leadership potential. Thus, caregiving benefits can lead to an improved work environment and profit to employers. In fact, childcare benefits are so vital, respondents from this recent study said they ranked having childcare benefits more than having a 401k!

“In 2024, support for caregivers at work – benefits, training, culture, or all three – is no longer ‘bells and whistles’ but a vital

pillar of profitability, with calculable R.O.I.,” says Lauren Smith Brody, founder of The Fifth Trimester, and author of the report. “For years, we’ve known that this progress is the right thing to do, but now we can see – with real numbers – that it’s a business imperative.”

Featuring six months of quantitative and qualitative research and data, the survey measured more than 300 caregivers and 10

individual case studies in a diverse range of industries, demonstrating how support can drive profits. Read on to check out more about the survey and its surprising findings.

Quite simply, caregiving benefits can include non-monetary and monetary benefits such as offering flexible schedules, providing discounted or complimentary childcare services, offering extended leave time, and/or offering respite care, to name a few options.

CAMPS

Learning doesn't have to end when school's out!

Our camps keep kids engaged throughout summer and holiday breaks!

CAMPS

Learning doesn't have to end when school's out! Our camps keep kids engaged throughout summer and holiday breaks!

Mad Science Camps Include:

•Science experiments for kids ages 5-9

Mad Science Camps Include:

•Make-and-take activities each day

•Science experiments for kids ages 5-9

•A variety of different themes to choose from that cover a wide-range of STEM subjects, from engineering to biology

•Make-and-take activities each day

•A variety of different themes to choose from that cover a wide-range of STEM subjects, from engineering to biology

•Physical activity each day

•Physical activity each day

Key Findings in The R.O.I. of Caregiving Benefit

Caregiving benefits not only benefit parents but provide retention for all. When parents are treated with belonging and equity in a company, other employers also benefit. The survey found that 42% of respondents who considered leaving their job in the last year say that they stayed because of their employer’s support of their caregiving; while 59% of respondents say that if they had back-up or subsidized child care they would be likely to stay in their job for at least four years.

Candidates are actively looking for family benefits. Being a parent is no longer something caregivers have to hide or figure out on their own. Survey findings show that 9 out of 10 respondents say that they’d rather have an ongoing child care subsidy of $10,000 than an immediate $10,000 cash bonus. Incredibly, respondents ranked having child care benefits more important to them than having a 401k. Candidates are also looking for paid family leave, on-ramping programs,

and fertility benefits when looking for a new role, even if they won’t use them yet.

Productivity is boosted with parent-friendly policies. Quite simply, when parents don’t have to worry about childcare they are better able to be focused and motivated. According to the survey, 69% of respondents said if their employer had backup or subsidized child care they would work in person more often than required. Additionally, 57% of respondents said that if their employer had backup or subsidized child care they would take on higher-level work.

Leadership can be unlocked with childcare benefits. The survey also found that childcare benefits may offer companies better gender balance. Thus, allowing more women in

WHY WAIT?

leadership positions.

Improvement of ROI and profits. One case study showed that every $1 invested in caregiving benefits drives $18.93, for an R.O.I. of nearly 18x.

“This new report makes it clear that parents are driven to stay, grow, and create progress and profit for their employer,” says Lauren Hobbs, Chief Marketing Officer at Vivvi.

“There is no single way to support caregivers in the workforce; but rather, so many accessible strategies—each with measurable R.O.I.—that companies can implement regardless of their size, structure or industry.”

The full survey results of “The R.O.I. of Caregiving Benefits” and the 10 case studies can be found here.

My Battle with Postpartum Depression

By Jeannine Cintron

Depression is a funny little illness. Because you look and feel like you’ve been through the spin cycle of a washing machine, yet everyone keeps telling you that you’re totally fine. You’re fine, your family says. You’re fine, your friends say. You’re fine, the doctor says. You’re healthy, your family is healthy, and everything is perfectly fine in your life.

If you’re supposedly so fine, then why don’t you feel fine?

Why, instead, do you feel like every moment awake is an assault on your mind and body, like the very act of taking air into your lungs is earth-shatteringly terrifying, and like you are no longer even living inside of yourself, but instead just functioning as a separate, mindless entity, numbly hovering over your former self in the meager hope that someday you can return and feel, dare I say, normal again?

And all the while, as you’re feeling increasingly un-fine, the world around you is spinning away. People are still living their lives, still going to work, still caring for their children, still eating and sleeping and smiling and laughing every day. They’re doing all the things you did back when you really were

fine. Except now, everyone else is fine. They go right on living while you teeter dangerously on the brink of insanity, wondering how you’ll make it another day, another hour, even another minute.

I had my miscarriage in the middle of Thanksgiving dinner. I had watched the parade in the morning, dressed my son in his holiday finest, then drove over to my mom’s house in Brooklyn and sat down with my family at the table to eat. Sometime between my first stuffed mushroom and second slice of turkey, I began to feel the stabbing pangs of labor pain. Two terrifying hours later, I emerged from an emergency room bathroom stall with a tiny, balled-up fetus wrapped inside of a sanitary napkin. Horrified and shaking, I handed it to the triage nurse, who told me I was running a fever and needed to calm down.

Please don’t feel sorry for me. My story is only seemingly dramatic because hospitals, blood, and death tend to fill me with dread, and retelling the events of that day is simply impossible to do without conveying just how dramatic it all felt at the time. But in reality, I’d been only eight weeks along, was quite optimistic that I could conceive again soon, and honestly thought I was going to be okay. I mean, much worse things have happened to

people much more misfortunate than myself. So after about ten miserable hours in a dim hospital room, I went home and crawled into bed, exhausted and sad but feeling that the worst of it was over.

Or so I thought.

I did not know, at that point, that postpartum depression could happen after a miscarriage, even one occurring in just the first trimester. I didn’t know that the overflow of hormones coursing through my body after this event – combined with the severe loneliness brought on by a harsh winter, a young child who needed more from me than I could possibly give at the time, and a hardworking husband who was never home – would lead me into a frightening downward spiral so intense that I am still recovering from it today.

My husband used to leave for work around 6a.m., and I’d wake up at 5a.m. just to savor the only adult company I’d enjoy all day until he returned, already half-asleep, around 9p.m. Those mornings I’d sit on the floor of the foggy bathroom while he showered for work and we’d chitchat back and forth. It was the closest to normal that I would feel all day. Then I’d climb back into bed when he left, around the same time my son would usually wake up, and we’d watch cartoons together until the sun came up. And then I’d brace

myself for a very long, lonely, dreary, anxietyridden day.

The darkest period of my life was like one, long, drawn-out anxiety attack. I’ve struggled with anxiety my entire life, but never like this. My days were spent pacing the floors of my three-room apartment for hours at a time, fingers tearing at the hair behind my neck and pulling until it bled. I’d clutch the phone in my hands and cry, praying for it to ring, wishing for someone to talk to, anyone at all who could distract me from my personal hell for a moment or two. I’d open every shade and curtain in the house, hoping the daylight might flood my home and chase my shadowy demons away. I’d wait by the window, praying, begging, pleading for my husband to pull up in his car and save me from the bitter, paralyzing loneliness.

One morning, after I’d gotten out of bed, I fainted as I poured my son’s breakfast cereal. It could have been from dehydration, or anxiety, or maybe just plain hunger, as I hadn’t been able to force down more than a slice or two of bread in about two days. I quickly awoke to find my son, confused and

I’d open every shade and curtain in the house, hoping the daylight might flood my home and chase my shadowy demons away.

visibly upset, pleading with me to get up. At that point, I really needed help. For my little boy, my sweet, innocent, scared little child, I had to come out of this. I simply had to. There was just no other way.

Recovery was a gradual process. With the help of my family, some medication, and a whole lot of self-discovery, I eventually began to feel like myself again.

The following March, I was thrilled to learn that my daughter was on the way. This was a blessing for more than just the obvious reasons, because it forced me to stop taking my medication and learn to heal entirely on my own. Honestly, I didn’t even think I was capable of healing on my own until I had no

other choice. So I believe my little girl saved me from what might have been a different kind of downward spiral.

You don’t need to be a parent to find yourself coping with depression, although I know many are. You don’t need to be married, divorced, employed, unemployed, grieving, sick, healthy, rich, or poor. You don’t need to have any reason at all. For many of us, depression and anxiety are simply things we struggle with every single day. They’re as real to us as breathing. Today, I still battle depression and anxiety, although it looks and feels much different when hormones aren’t involved as much.

Your depression affects everyone around you, whether you realize it or not: your family, your children, your friends, your job. Sometimes people understand, but most of the time, they don’t. If you’re lucky, someone will see you struggling, and they’ll reach out to you. If you’re really lucky, you’ll find a place within yourself where healing can begin on its own – where you can realize how much the people in your life need you – and you can learn to be you again.

A SensoryInclusive Harry Potter

The Exhibition welcomes all witches, wizards and muggles to its “Sensory Sundays”

By Donna Duarte-LaDD

On a recent Sunday, we did something rare as a family and headed to Harry Potter: The Exhibition. This meant there was no tag teaming, with one parent going out with one kid while the other stayed home with our Autistic son. Without the pricey airplane ticket to LA or Florida, we headed into the world of Harry Potter.

The mystical world of Harry Potter is enchanting, charming, and, for kids (and parents!), magical. But for kids with Sensory Processing Disorders, regardless of the charm and like many other entertaining places -it can be overwhelming.

Web MD describes this disorder as people with sensory processing disorder are oversensitive to things in their environment. Common sounds may be painful or overwhelming.

There is more to this disorder, but in a nutshell, this condition can affect the entire family. As visiting spots may not be tangible for your child with a sensory processing disorder, some feel it is better to skip rather than overwhelm your child. This is something I get as a mother of an Autistic eight-year-old.

Thankfully, the wizarding world of Harry Potter: The Exhibition which has been showing New Yorkers this world, since May 2023, has partnered with KultureCity and obtained its Sensory Inclusive certification. Until August, “Sensory Sundays” will turn the lights down and more on specific dates. Guests exploring the exhibit will be minimal and manageable, meaning kids can check out it at their own pace. If loud noise triggers you or even smells- these will be reduced. If you

or your child needs a little extra, KultureCity ® Sensory Bags will be readily available. In these packs, which are of no extra cost, remember to give it back so others can use it after your visit; you’ll find strobe reduction glasses, noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and more.

What is KultureCity

This non-profit organization offers and partners to make spaces more sensoryinclusive so people with sensory processing disorders and unseen disabilities can experience what is happening around them.

Key Highlights of the Harry Potter: The Exhibition Book to Screen : Whether you need a recap or are just ready to get the show going, you can sit and watch a video and literary quotes from Harry Potter movies and books. Don’t forget to check out the first edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

The Great Hall Gallery : is a space that allows visitors to celebrate magical seasonal moments in its iconic architecture.

The Hogwarts Houses Gallery : kicks off the exhibition fun, giving guests a chance to dive into their chosen Hogwarts house during preregistration. Even if one house is working its spell for you to select it, this gallery lets you explore them all! Imagine this: a festive hall with the legendary Sorting Hat as the centerpiece, begging for photo ops. And don’t miss the newly designed house crests gleaming on stunning stained glass windows.

Hagrid’s Hut and The Forbidden Forest: Kids will love this fan favorite. Go on a fantastical adventure with an interactive Patronus delightful experience. Then, get ready to uncover legendary creatures like centaurs and Acromantula hiding in the forest, and step inside a replica of Hagrid’s Hut for an adventure you won’t forget!

My youngest loved videos but was mainly enamored with the carpet and chose to experience the magic from the floor (no one batted an eyelash). My oldest enjoyed the entire experience; there were no teenage eye rolls or sighs; he was super involved and happy to finally experience the exhibition. It reminded me that going to sensory-inclusive events and spaces is not only for the sensorysensitive person but also for the family, who may miss fun experiences, making it a winwin for everyone.

Harry Potter:The Exhibition

50 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001 across the street from Macy’s Sensory Sundays coming up: May 5, June 2, July 14, and August 4, 2024, 9am-11am

Tickets: Kids (ages 3-15) $32.66, Adults (ages 16 plus) $43.55, Children under 3 free

How to Manage Emotional Labor in Your Home

By Kaitlyn Riggio

Scheduling appointments, making the grocery lists, managing disagreements between siblings. There’s a seemingly endless list of things that go into running a home, especially when you look beyond physical tasks like chores and getting kids where they need to be.

Recently, more and more people have been talking about emotional labor, the often unseen work that goes into making sure life runs smoothly, whether that’s at home or at work.

Emotional labor often takes the form of everyday tasks, so it’s easy for them to be overlooked, but no household would function without it.

Oftentimes, emotional labor falls more on one spouse over the other, which can get exhausting over time.

We sat down with Dr. Yasmine Saad, clinical psychologist and founder and CEO of Madison Park Psychological Services about how parents can manage emotional labor more effectively at home.

How would you define emotional labor at home?

Emotional Labor was initially introduced by Arlie Hochschild in her book “The Managed Heart” (1983). This theory explores how individuals manage their emotions to meet the demands of their roles, initially in professional settings but later extended to personal and family contexts.

Emotional labor in the home context refers to the management and regulation of emotions to maintain harmony and meet the emotional needs of family members.

This includes a wide range of activities, from showing empathy and support, to managing the emotional climate of the home, to ensuring everyone’s needs are met in terms of love, care, and attention. Examples of emotional labor in a family setting can vary widely but often include:

• Listening and providing emotional support: This involves being there for family members during times of stress, sadness, or

celebration, offering a shoulder to lean on, and providing comfort and encouragement.

• Anticipating the emotional needs of family members, such as knowing when a partner had a tough day and needs space or when a child needs extra attention.

• Maintaining a positive home environment by mediating conflicts, maintaining morale, and fostering a sense of security and belonging.

• Ensuring family activities foster positive memories and bonds

It’s not uncommon for the distribution of emotional labor to be uneven at home, with one spouse doing more than the other. What effect can this have on a relationship in the long term?

The distribution of emotional labor in homes is often uneven, typically with one partner, usually the one who is most maternal, taking on a greater share of this emotional role. Fathers or mothers can occupy that role.

The uneven distribution of emotional labor can have several long-term effects on a relationship, including:

• Resentment and frustration: The partner carrying a larger share of emotional labor may feel overburdened, unappreciated, and resentful, eroding relationship satisfaction.

• Emotional burnout: Constantly managing others’ emotional needs can lead to emotional exhaustion, reducing one’s capacity to manage one’s own emotions effectively.

• Decreased intimacy and connection: As one partner feels increasingly burdened and the other potentially oblivious or disengaged, the emotional distance can grow, affecting

intimacy and connection.

How can spouses make sure emotional labor is evenly distributed?

To ensure a more even distribution of emotional labor, spouses can take several steps:

• Open Communication: Regularly discuss the distribution of emotional labor, acknowledging its presence and importance. Share feelings and experiences openly to foster understanding.

• Recognition and Appreciation: Recognize each partner’s efforts in managing emotional labor and express gratitude for these often invisible tasks.

• Shared Responsibility: Actively work towards sharing the emotional load, which may involve redistributing tasks, setting boundaries, and proactively offering support.

• Develop Self-awareness: Encourage each other to become more aware of one’s own emotional needs and capacities and how one’s actions affect the emotional climate of the home.

• Seek External Support: In cases where the imbalance is significant and difficult to address, seeking the guidance of a therapist or counselor can be beneficial.

Additional considerations include the importance of modeling healthy emotional labor practices for children, as this sets the foundation for their future relationships and emotional well-being.

Also, understanding that the dynamics of emotional labor can vary widely among different types of families and cultural backgrounds, and what works for one family may not work for another.

Tips on Parenting Teens

By Serena norr

Parenting teens can be equally challenging and amazing. As your kids are growing up, they are navigating a new terrain with extended responsibilities, questions about life, and simply finding their way. In some instances, teens might rebel, act out, or shut down. Others might be dealing with mental health issues, or simply feel overwhelmed by the many things they have on their plates. As parents it’s important to be there for them as well as to allow them to explore and find themselves. Below, we are sharing some tips on parenting teens and how to navigate this time.

Keep the communication open and be a good listener

Teens, in general, are sometimes known to

shut down. This can include closing you off from the conversations and/or giving you limited-to-no responses. Try not to take this personally as teens are also figuring out who they are as well as what they believe in.

Establish an open dialogue with them so they know that they can go to you. It’s important not to stress out or force conversations, but rather be open to their journey and listen. Teens need parents to listen as a way to feel understood, which can help to forge a closer connection. Sometimes this might even involve walking away from a conversation or revisiting it if anger comes into play.

Let them explore and encourage them

Teens, unlike younger kids, are figuring out their interests and/or what they enjoy doing. Give them the space to figure out their inter-

ests/passions as well as support their journey, even if you might noy completely understand it. It is important for them to feel your support and know you are there for them.

Provide guidance and give clear guidelines

You want your teen to know what is acceptable about where they are going and/ or who they are hanging out with. This is a good time to discuss values,making good choices, and any challenges that might arise. Make sure they know - and understandthe consequences if they don’t follow the guidelines. This could be anything from breaking curfew to drinking to being grounded.

Respect their values

Your teen might not have the same values/ views as you. Show them that you respect what is important to them and ask them to explain why it is important to them if you are conflicted. Showing that you care about them/

respect them will go a long way as you address your concerns while still supporting them.

Spend time together

Despite what they might think, your teen is still a child who needs you in a different way. Show them that you care and you’re interested in them by doing things together. This could be you enjoying something that they love and/or you involving them in one of your favorite activities. Be consistent and make it a point to show up for themfocusing on activities without the clutch of devices or technology. Try activities such as yoga, hiking, or even simply enjoying a meal together.

Share your experiences

Even though they might not say it, they look up to you. Share your lived experiences, including some hard life lessons you had to learn at their age. They will appreciate - and maybe even be shocked - at how human you are.

Be a role model

Your teens are watching. Model traits that

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you would want them to embody such as kindness, thoughtfulness, curiosity, confidence, patience, and more. It is also important for them to see you being passionate about what you do. This can also include your volunteer work and how you show up in the family. Even if they might not be expressing these traits now, they are absorbing everything.

Make sure teens get enough sleep

Teens may think they can operate on little sleep, but as we know sleep is vital for everyone to function and be in a better mood. Set realistic goals around bedtime, including an electronic curfew or no screens after a certain amount of time. Also, make sure they get up at a decent time on the weekend.

Reach out for support

While you can do all of the “right” things, there’s still a level of complexity when it comes to parenting teens. Know that this is all part of their journey and will take time for them to find their way. Find local parenting support groups - with a focus on

teen parenting as well as teen specific issues to communicate your struggles with others in a similar situation.

In NYC, check out Parenting Teens in NYC, NYC Parents with Disabilities, and Raising Teenage Girls Is HARD! Parenting Teens Support Group by Teen Thrive on Facebook.

Check in your teens mental health

We are in a mental health epidemic. According to the Center for Disease Control, “more than 4 in 10 (42%) students felt persistently sad or hopeless and nearly onethird (29%) experienced poor mental health.” This problem is continuing to heighten with common pressures, social media, and issues at home and school.

Check in with your teen to see how they are doing. Some ways to monitor this might be assessing their energy levels, digestion issues, headaches, increased anxiety, anger, eating issues, memory problems, and more. If you are concerned, contact your local doctor and/or find a support group or therapist, and of course be present for them.

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What is BookTok?

and what parents need to know

By Kaitlyn Riggio

BookTok, a niche community on TikTok focused on books and literature, has been gaining traction recently. Its reach has even expanded beyond the app: you can find displays in Barnes and Noble’s and other book stores dedicated to showcasing BookTok’s current favorites.

With over 29 million videos posted to the BookTok tag, more people than ever are getting book recommendations from TikTok, including plenty of young adult readers.

But there’s no real way of controlling what books get put on your child’s For You Page, and many of the most popular books on BookTok may not be suitable for young adult readers.

What do parents need to know about BookTok? And how involved should parents be in what their children are reading, especially as they get older?

We sat down with Dr. Erin O’Connor, chief of education for parenting platform Cooper, to talk about BookTok, how to find appropriate books, benefits kids of reading books of all kinds and more.

How the rising popularity of BookTok is impacting young adult readers

O’Connor says one of the best things about BookTok is that it’s getting teens and adolescents to read.

Reading helps teens and adolescents develop important emotional and cognitive skills. It allows kids to process more emotionally sophisticated content more easily than if they were accessing this content on the ever-moving world of social media, for example.

There are countless benefits that come with pleasure reading for teens and adolescents, so “there’s just a huge upside” in creating a space “where it’s cool to be discussing books and be engaging in these sorts of interactions,” O’Connor says.

While BookTok is beneficial because it’s getting teens and adolescents to read, it should still be approached with caution.

Like many other social media sites that teens and adolescents use, there’s not a lot of control

over what content is put in front of users. As a result, book recommendations from BookTok don’t have the chance to be vetted by parents.

“Some of these books have a lot of adult, mature themes around unhealthy relationships, violence, things like that, that are hard to judge outside of the context of reading,” O’Connor says.

How much should parents be involved in what their kids are reading

The degree of how much a parent should be involved with what their child is different for every family. But it can never hurt to have knowledge about what your child is choosing to read, especially for adolescents and young teens.

O’Connor recommends sites like Common Sense Media if you’re looking for a more researched opinion on what a book contains.

Or, you can get on BookTok yourself and see what’s out there.

“That’s a good way to just get a quick sort of understanding of what your young adult is seeing and what their interest is in a book,” O’Connor says.

It’s also important to remember that even when young adult readers start to gravitate towards more mature books, O’Connor says it’s “not always the content that we’re worried about that they’re interested in.”

“[Adolescence is] a challenging time in terms of friendships and identity and sexuality and all these things that children are often seeking information out about anyway,” O’Connor says.

When dealing with teenagers, give them some space and privacy about what they’re reading.

“If they seem to be enjoying the book and able to handle the content, you can talk to them

about some of the themes, but you don’t necessarily have to be reading along with them,” O’Connor says.

But for younger children, reading the same book at the same time as them can be a great way to start a conversation with them about themes they may be reading about.

O’Connor recommends being aware of series or books by the same author, where the maturity level and themes might “ramp up” as they go on. For example, maybe the first two books in a series are okay for your 13 year old to read, but you may suggest that they hold off on reading the next books until they’re 16.

While there may be temptation to shield children from more mature themes, remember that censoring what they read may not stop them from encountering them. “A lot of these themes and topics, they’re going to be seeing them on Youtube, TikTok, Instagram,” O’Connor says. “And reading is a good way to digest that material in a little bit more of a removed way.”

O’Connor says it’s important to, as a parent, encourage open communication and be ready to discuss these mature themes when teens and adolescents come across them.

There are many benefits of letting young readers read books of all kinds

O’Connor says reading a variety of books can help with empathy development, especially in teen and adolescent readers.

“I think it’s really the exposure to not only diverse voices in terms of the authors, but also diverse experiences in terms of the characters, and seeing and understanding the thought processes that they go through as they make decisions,” O’Connor says. “And thinking about yourself and how you make decisions can be very viable.”

Glow Maven Latham Thomas

on The Soft Space, advancing maternal health via community and academia, watching her young adult son soar, and how she is an Open Nest, not an Empty Nester

By Donna Duarte-LaDD

Our cover this month is by happenstance. Latham Thomas of Mama Glow unveiled a stunning new space and I was eager to feature it. The Soft Space embodies community, education, and support, among other things—but more on that later.

Our New York Family team had quite the agenda on the day of the shoot at this new space. Our Events Editor, Shara Levine, kicked off her day celebrating Women’s International Day in a movement class. Then, our crew arrived to photograph the space and our April mom. While our cover mom, was getting glammed up, photographer Yumi Matsuo and I got to work, absorbing the energy of the space, capturing its loveliness and Latham’s infectious energy.

After we saw the captured pics, we couldn’t resist featuring this new space and celebrating Latham on the cover.

A champion of maternal health through advocacy and teaching- Latham knows support is crucial at the beginning of becoming a mother and even more vital as we journey through the many phases of being women.

We are excited about this new space and one doesn't have to live in Brooklyn to enjoy the space. The community is for all and is there to support you.

I chatted with Latham about expanding Mama Glow, watching her young adult son soar, and how she is an Open Nest , not an Empty Nester.

For all the parents new to Mama Glow,

can you share how Mama Glow supports mothers and families?

I’m the founder of Mama Glow, a global maternal health and education platform that educates and professionally develops doulas and nurse care managers to serve in our healthcare system to improve maternal health outcomes. We have trained nearly 3,000 doulas across the USA and 6 continents. Our market leading training program, the Mama Glow Doula Homeschool Professional Training Program is the first of its kind to be embedded as an Ivy League University course where I was appointed Visiting Professor of the Practice of Gender and Sexuality Studies at Brown University. My commitment to advancing maternal health is grounded in community and academia. We recently wrapped a national Doula Competency training program we designed for CVS Health and Aetna nurse care managers for CEUs. This means that nurses are also learning how to integrate the doula model of care to support families.

We offer doula matching services to families in different ways, some are private pay, others come to us through the Mama Glow Foundation for pro bono doula services. We also offer educational programs for parents.

The Mama Glow Foundation leads efforts in education, advocacy and the arts as well as research and scholarship. At the Foundation we welcome and mentor University fellows through our partnership with Brown University and support Doula clubs on 5 campuses, supporting university doula collectives. The Mama Glow Foundation also provides pro bono doula services across the country

through partnerships with companies like Carol’s Daughter and the Love Delivered Initiative, and through the Citywide Doula Initiative, where the Mama Glow Foundation is the largest provider of pro bono doula services in New York City.

It’s been a deep pleasure to elevate and celebrate this work through our platform, including: The Doula Expo by Mama Glow, our annual culture shifting festival that celebrates a vision for the future of birth work, this past Spring, we held the Doula Expo at Hudson Yards in a 60,000 square foot space and welcomed nearly 2,000 guests. This is how we show up in the community and now folks will be able to also join us for lectures, workshops and events and community support at The Soft Space by Mama Glow as well.

Any advice for an overwhelmed mother on how she can make space for herself?

It’s really important to listen to your body. Self-care is about checking in with yourself on a moment-to-moment basis and meeting your personal needs. Community is so critical as we navigate the challenges of new parenthood. I encourage folks who are feeling overwhelmed to tap into their support system, your sister circle, and practice asking for help - by the way; it can be difficult to ask for help when you’re the person everyone depends on. Having a group text check-in having some folks you can ask to come over and watch the kids while you go for a walk alone, can be really helpful in reducing stress. All of the self-care and stress management tools I use are free: I journal, practice deep breathing, turn on the music and move my body, I water my plants, I go outside

for a walk… all of this helps me stay calibrated. I would invite you to pour energy into the small things that bring you pleasure and punctuate moments of pleasure throughout the day, even those of us who are busy can choose to make this time for ourselves.

It is no secret that New York Family loves you; this is your third cover! Your first cover featured you and your then-tween son. How is parenting evolving for you as your son transitions into adulthood?

I’m honored for my third cover! Parenting

is amazing at every stage. My son is now 20 years alive and I have an Open Nest. I wrote a post when Fulano headed off to school where I spoke about the potency of this new life phase and what it was like to move away from birthing and caring for someone for nearly two decades and then sending them out into the world. My son went on to attend Berklee School of Music in Boston and is now a junior in college. While it’s just a 3 hour train or car ride away from Brooklyn, it’s still far enough away that I am reminded of the distance. It’s good for him because it allows him to spread his wings. I learn so much as a parent about trust. When your children begin to soar, you have to activate your trust and faith in ways previously unimagined, you have to trust that all of the lessons you gave and the messages you shared were encoded. You have to believe that you have raised a person who carries their values in their heart and makes good decisions without your direct and daily influence. And that mutual trust is the pulse of your relationship. I am an evolved version of myself, I became anew when I gave birth to my son and I shed a layer of myself when he entered this new life phase. I don’t say ‘Empty’ nest because I don’t feel empty; I feel whole, alive, and full. I have been so creative during this time, and I’ve given birth to so many projects during my open nesting phase. Open nesting is a rite of passage that I honor and celebrate.

What types of programming are available at The Soft Space?

The programing is really special, we have everything from our professional doula training programs, to wellness and self-care programming like, Full Moon Sound Baths, Crystals for Fertility, Sacred Belly Dance, Womb Healing and more. What’s been really great is that a lot of brand partners have come to the space to activate, so we have hosted events with folks like Juliane Hough and KINRGY, CVS Aetna, where we hosted a retreat for their Women’s Health team, Nanit hosted a day long activation for parents. We are hosting a Retreat for Doulas and Caregivers, something we love to do most, is pour into our community. The space is really versatile and we look forward to bringing even more amazing offerings to the community as we head into the Summer months! Stay tuned to our site and mailing list for program updates!

Handles: @Glowmaven, @thesoftspace.bk @mamaglow

Photo by Yumi Matsuo

calendar

By Shara Levine

r ockL and

Palisades Mall carnival

When : May 2-12, MondaysFridays, 5 – 10 pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 3 – 10 pm

WheRe : Palisades Center, 1000 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack

ageS: All

What: Exciting games, thrilling rides, and your favorite fair foods make this a great day out for the family!

Want to go?: Ride bracelets $45. campys.com

colonial candle Making

When : Saturday, May 4, 11 am – 4 pm

WheRe : Fort Montgomery

State Historic Site, 690 Route 9W, Fort Montgomery

ageS: All

What: Learn about different types of candles and

illumination from the colonial time period and leave with a beeswax candle.

Want to go?: Free. (845) 446–2134, parks.ny.gov

Star Wars event-May the 4th be With you

When : Saturday, May 4, 2 – 4 pm

WheRe : Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library Village Branch, 85 Main St., Haverstraw

ageS: 5 – 12

What: Take part in outergalactic games and crafts, and create your own Jedi Lightsaber. WANT TO GO?: Free. haverstrawlibrary.org

Family yoga

When : Sundays, 10:15 – 11 am, through May 26.

WheRe : Peace in Piermont, 458 Piermont Ave., Piermont

ageS: All

What: This class provides a great opportunity to foster and deepen the connection you have with yourself and your loved one.

Want to go?: $35 for 2; $11 each additional person. peaceinpiermont.com

Make a cool card for Mother’s day

When : Sunday, May 5, 2 – 3 pm

WheRe : Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Branch, 10 West Ramapo Road, Garnerville

ageS: 8 – 12

What: Make a pop-up card for either your mom, grandma, aunt, neighbor, teacher or friend.

Want to go?: Free. (845) 786–3800, haverstrawlibrary. org

new york boulders opening day

When : Friday, May 10, 7 pm

WheRe : Clover Stadium, 1 Palisades Credit Union Park Dr., Pomona

ageS: All

What: See the New York Boulders take on the New Jersey Jackals for an exciting opening-day game with a spectacular fireworks display to follow.

Want to go?: $12-$22. nyboulders.com

children’s Shakespeare theatre Presents: two noble kinsmen

When : Saturday, May 10, Sunday, May 11, and Friday, May 17, 7 – 9 pm; Saturday, May 18, 2 – 4 pm.

WheRe : Palisades Presbyterian Church, 17 Washington Springs Road, Palisades

unravel some fun at the s heep and Wool festival in chestnut ridge on m ay 19.

ageS: All

What: See this young cast perform this rarely produced Shakespeare play that will delight audiences.

Want to go?: $15-20. childrensshakespeare.ludus. com

Sheep and Wool Festival

When : Sunday, May 19, 10 am – 4 pm

WheRe : 275 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge 10977

ageS: All

What: Enjoy fiber craft activities, a petting zoo, live music, local craft vendors, delicious food, and more.

Want to go?: Free admission. fibercraftstudio.org

kids Fishing day

When : Sunday, May 19, 10 am – 12 pm

WheRe : Hudson Highlands Nature Center Outdoor Discovery Center, 120 Muser Drive, Cornwall

ageS: 4 – 12

What: Children are invited to learn the art of fishing or enhance their skills.

Want to go?: $14; free for children younger than 4. (845) 534–5506, hhnaturecenter.org

nyack Famous Street Fair

When : Sunday, May 19, 10 am – 5 pm

WheRe : Downtown Nyack, Main Street & Broadway, Nyack

ageS: All

What: Discover what

Downtown Nyack has to offer at this annual event featuring vendors, food, and music.

Want to go?: Free. (201) 410–5416, visitnyack.org

Bergen

Sesame Street live! Say hello

When : Sunday, May 5, 2 – 4 pm.

WheRe : State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick

ageS: 3 and older

What: Sing and dance with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and Cookie Monster while enjoying fun surprises along the way.

Want to go?: $29-$79. stnj. org

alice dreaming of Wonderland

When : Sunday, May 5, 3 pm

WheRe : Bergen Performing Arts Center, 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ

ageS: All

What: This action-packed and exciting Theatrical Circus show is full of surprises and amazing circus acts, enhanced with video projection mapping, and live music.

Want to go?: $35-$55. (201) 227–1030, bergenpac.org

Play unstoppable Festival

When : May 7-June 10,

Mondays-Fridays, 10 am – 5:30 pm, Saturdays, 10 am – 7 pm, Sundays, 10 am – 6:30 pm

WheRe : LEGOLAND Discovery Center New Jersey at American Dream, 1 American Dream Way Suite A, East Rutherford, NJ ageS: All

What: Design your own spirit animal, share your best moves at the Play Unstoppable Dance Party and see the world premiere of the all-new LEGO Friends 4D movie!

Want to go?: Tickets start at $24.99. legolanddiscoverycenter.com

charlotte’s Web

When : Thursday, May 9, 4 pm

WheRe : Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South Street, Morristown, NJ

ageS: 4 - 10

What: This re-imagined production of Charlotte’s Web features bluegrass music and a clever set design, telling the treasured story of selfless love and the true meaning of friendship.

Want to go?: $15-$20. (973) 539–8008, mayoarts.org

the good Festival

When : Saturday, May 11, 11 am – 4 pm

WheRe : Westfield Garden State Plaza, One Garden State Plaza, Paramus ageS: All What: Celebration

sustainability with ecoconscious fun and inspiration including live performances, LEGO fun, and more!

Want to go?: Free. westfield. com

Sing along & Face Painting

When : Saturday, May 11, 11 am

WheRe : Bergen Town Center, Route 4 East & Forest Ave. Paramus, NJ

ageS: 2 - 5

What: Bring your litle ones to this musical story time with nursery rhymes, dancing, singalong, instrument play, scarf movement, drums, parachute, and face painting!

Want to go?: Free. (201) 845–4050, bergentowncenter. com

Spring Family hike

When : Sunday, May 12, 11 am – 1 pm

WheRe : Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave. Tenafly, NJ ageS: All

What: Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just hoping for a pretty photo op with the family, a walk is the perfect activity to celebrate this special family day.

Want to go?: $10; $5 members. (201) 568–6093, tncnj.org

open cockpit days 2024

When : Saturday, May 18, 10:30

a lice dreaming of Wonderland drops into Bergen Performing a rts center on may 5.

hudson highlands nature center hosts a Kids fishing day on may 19.

calendar MAY

am – 4 pm.

WheRe : The New Jersey Aviation Hall of Fame, 400 Fred Wehran Drive, Teterboro, NJ

ageS: All

What: Sit in the cockpit of a very rare Lockheed Bushmaster plane, a U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter, and a M*A*S*H Bell 47 helicopter made famous during the Korean War.

Want to go?: $20; $15 for Seniors 65 and older; $12 for children 3-11; free for children 2 and younger. njahof.org

earthFest overpeck 2024

When : Sunday, May 19, 12 – 5 pm

WheRe : Overpeck County Park, Fort Lee Road, Leonia, NJ

ageS: All

What: Come out for a celebration of clean water and a healthy environment! There will be green-themed vendors, food trucks, children’s presentations, activities and fishing derby.

Want to go?: Free admission. eventbrite.com

Wyckoff Memorial day Parade

When : Monday, May 27, 11:30 am

WheRe : Parade begins on Wyckoff Ave. Wyckoff, NJ

ageS: All

What: Come together as a community to honor those who gave their lives for our freedom.

Want to go?: Free. wyckoffnj.gov

nyc

children’s day: kodomo no hi

When : Sunday, May 5, 12:30 –3:30 pm

WheRe : Japan Society, 333 E 47th St., Murray Hill ageS: 3 – 8

What: Take part in traditional activities like carp streamer making, samurai helmet origami, pose for pictures with lifesized samurai armor displays, and more!

Want to go?: $18. japansociety.org

Musical explorers Family concert

When : Saturday, May 11, 12 – 1 pm & 3 – 4 pm.

WheRe : Carnegie Hall, 881 7th Ave., Midtown Manhattan

ageS: 5 – 8

What: Discover music from around the world in this vibrant, highly interactive concert.

Want to go?: $18. carnegiehall.org

Japan Parade

When : Saturday, May 11, 1 pm

WheRe : Parade begins at W, 81st Street and Central Park West, Upper West Side

ageS: All

What: Celebrates the friendship between NYC and Japan with floats, music, performances, community leaders, and more.

Want to go?: Free. japanparadenyc.org

Free Second Sundays

When : Sunday, May 12, 10:30 am – 6 pm.

WheRe : The Whitney Museum of American Art, 99 Gansevoort St., Meatpacking District

ageS: All What: Enjoy artmaking, activities, tours, classes, and other special events that celebrate Whitney exhibitions and community events.

Want to go?: Free. whitney. org

18th annual dance Parade

When : Saturday, May 18, 12 – 7 pm

WheRe : Parade begins at 6th Ave. and 17th St., Greenwich Village

ageS: All

What: This annual celebration of dance boasts thousands of dancers and spectators, more than 100 styles of dance and nearly 200 dance groups. Want to go?: Free. danceparade.org

Fleet Week

When : May 25-27, all day; Friday, May 24, 7 pm; Monday, May 27, 10 am.

WheRe : The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, New York

ageS: All

What: Come out for musical performances, activities, and demos from the military, including the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, Office of Naval Research and many more!

Want to go?: Free. intrepidmuseum.org

Pop into Spring

When : Weekdays, 1:30 – 3 pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 11 am –3 pm, through May 17.

WheRe : New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Belmont

ageS: 3-10

What: Explore the wonders of spring by learning about bees, flowers, and pollination and create a seed ball to grow Bee Balm—a pollinator-friendly plant for your neighborhood. Want to go?: Included with admission: $4-$35. (718) 817–8700, nybg.org

s

Palisades mall carnival runs from may 2 to

Dr. Krebs is now part of Crystal Run!

People, including children want to be heard, I strive to make them feel that I understand them and that I am listening.”

elcomed her staff communityfor

We are thrilled to announce that Crystal Run Healthcare has welcomed Dr. Genevieve M. Krebs, a well known pediatrician, along with her staff and patients. Dr. Krebs has been serving the Rockland County community for over 30 years, and we are honored to have her join our team. Patients of Dr. Krebs can expect to receive the same high-quality, patient-centered care that they have come to expect from her. In addition, they will now have access to extended hours, weekend availability for well and sick visits, and 24/7 emergency access to a pediatrician. At Crystal Run Healthcare, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for children from infancy through adolescence, and we strive to educate parents on ways to prevent illness and promote wellness, helping to keep their kids healthy, active, and safe.

Appointments available with Dr. Krebs in West Nyack! Call 845-357-2177 today to schedule an appointment or visit us online CrystalRunHealthcare.com/Krebs