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NYMETROPARENTS.COM APRIL 2018

BIRTHDAY

BLOWOUT! Special Tips for Milestone Parties SpecialParent

Autism Awareness Month • Myths to Ignore • Keeping Happy as a Couple—Challenges and All

5 Easy Steps to a Cleaner, Greener Home

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

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contents table of

Original photo by ›› PhotoOp NYC (photoopnyc.com) Clothing provided

by Appaman (appaman.com)

april 2018

24 34

special needs 16 Autism Myths You Should Ignore

Build a Budget That Works

Here’s how to make a spending plan that covers the things you need—and helps you save for the things you want.

April Activities

Buy fresh produce at a local farmers’ market, root for the home (minor leage baseball) team, and more!

18 A Child on the Spectrum—and a Happy Marriage 20 Special Needs Directory

42

birthday parties 36 Planning a Blowout Birthday Party 38 Easy as Pie—Er...Cake

What Makes Toddlers Tick

This is why young children do the (sometimes) weird things they do.

raising kids

things to do

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 5 Things Parents Should Know About Keeping Kids Healthy While Traveling 12 A Passion for the Performing Arts 41 Party Central 42 What Makes Toddlers Tick 44 Is Your Child Ready to be a CIT? 45 Camps for Older Kids 46 Camps-at-a-Glance Chart 48 Meet the Doctor 49 Party Planner 49 Advertisers’ Index 50 Quotables

13 Bubble Wand 26 Family Fun in Manhattan 27 Family Activities Calendar 34 April Activities

family life 22 Give Your Home a Health Check 24 Build a Budget That Works

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› facebook.com/nymetroparents

15 Autism Awareness Month 22 5 Easy Steps to a Cleaner, Greener Home

35 Birthday Blowout!

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

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raising kids editor’s note

APRIL 2018 • Vol.11 • No.8

Special Times, Special Kids

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Deborah Skolnik MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling SENIOR EDITOR: Bethany Braun-Silva ENGAGEMENT EDITOR: Samantha Neudorf ASSISTANT EDITOR: Melissa Wickes

W

hen my daughter Clara turned 3, I planned an at-home party with a clown and cake.

It seemed like the perfect idea—until the clown got lost on the way to our house.

For 45 minutes, 20 bored preschoolers ran wildly around my living room. The clown finally arrived at the same time the pizza did, so I told her she’d have to wait till the kids were done eating. A few minutes later, I spied her through our front window: She’d set up a lawn chair in front of my neighbor’s house and was smoking a cigarette. My neighbor was freaking out at the sudden appearance of a random, smoking clown. It was a party I’ll never forget—and neither will the family next door!

Birthday celebrations can be tons of fun, but only if they’re done right. That’s why I’m loving our birthday party section this month. “Planning a Blowout Birthday Party” by Samantha Neudorf (p. 36) reveals event planners’ secrets for throwing bashes, with advice on finding a venue, vendors, and more. “Easy as Pie—Er…Cake” (p. 38) features charming birthday cake recipes.

In addition to extraordinary occasions, extraordinary kids are on our mind right now: April is Autism Awareness Month. Turn to our Special Parent section on p. 15 to read two thoughtful pieces: “Autism Myths to Ignore,” by Katelin Walling, which debunks harmful stereotypes about those on the autism spectrum, and “A Child on the Spectrum—and a Happy Marriage,” by Madeleine Burry.

April is when Earth Day is observed. On p. 22, Emma Steven explores how to freshen your home by reducing toxins. We’ve also got a fresh look at toddlers’ quirky behaviors on p. 42.

And you won’t want to miss Lambeth Hochwald’s story on p. 44, “Is Your Child Ready to be a CIT?” We explore the traits that make a kid a great counselor-in-training.

Of course, this month also brings us Easter and Passover. Wishing a happy holiday to all of you observing, a fun and healthy spring to everyone, and not a smoking clown in sight!

Investigative Feature: “An Unimaginable Tragedy” by Stacey Pfeffer (nymetroparents.com/infant-mortality) Profile: “Kids Making a Difference” by Julia Hyman (nymetroparents.com/making-a-difference) Family Fun Column: Outings: “See the World in Miniature” at Gulliver’s Gate in Times Square by Katelin Walling (nymetroparents.com/gullivers-gate) and “Where Education and Inspiration Take Flight” at Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of New Jersey by Caitlin Berens (nymetroparents.com/aviation-hall) Personal Essay: “Powerful Tunes” by Michaela Searfoorce (nymetroparents.com/powerful-tunes) Special Series: Me Time: “Battling Burnout” by Katelin Walling (nymetroparents.com/ battling-burnout) and “Extracurriculars vs. Extra Downtime” by Rosalind Muggeridge (nymetroparents.com/extracurriculars-vs-downtime)

Best E-Newsletter: NYMetroParents Weekend Planner (sign up at nymetroparents.com/register)

Westchester Parent 914-397-0200 Nini DeLuca, Manager Merrill Sugarman, Mary Wender Brooklyn Parent 718-878-4860 Phyllis Crupi, Selene Rodriguez Rockland Parent 845-848-8021 Cara Roteman, Jim Russo Long Island Parent, Nassau 516-883-4543 Joan Bergman, Manager Lisa Herlihy Long Island Parent, Suffolk 631-472-5437 Karen Shapiro, Gayle Sherman

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DIRECTOR OF TRAFFIC: Heather Gambaro ADMINISTRATION MANAGER: Erin Jordan

We’re proud to announce that our print magazine and website won eight awards for editorial and digital excellence at the annual Parenting Media Association Awards Banquet last month in St. Petersburg, FL.

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Sherri Alpert, D.D.S., owner of the practice, says the laser has changed the way she practices dentistry, noting that patients don’t have to spend as much time in the office with this treatment as compared to traditional dental techniques.

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April 2018 | nymetroparents.com

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raising kids in the know

5 Things Parents Should Know About Keeping Kids Healthy While Traveling ››

By Bethany Braun-Silva with Zak Zarbock, M.D.

I

t’s no secret that when traveling you put yourself at risk for getting sick. Your chances of catching a germ or two are pretty high—after all, you’ll be doing everything from mingling with crowds to breathing recycled air on the plane.

And when you’re traveling with children, your chances of contracting a bug are even higher. After all, kids love to put their fingers in their mouths, roll on the floor, and do many other not-so-sanitary things. But there are precautions you can take when traveling with kids to ensure they (and you!) stay as healthy as possible.

Below, Zak Zarbock, M.D., dad, pediatrician, and founder of Zarbee’s Naturals shares five ways you can keep kids healthy while traveling.

Sanitize once you get past security. Most fliers are required to take off their shoes at airport security. With everyone touching the bottoms of their shoes, germs and bacteria are being transferred to their hands, and then on everything else they touch past that point. Quickly using a hand wipe just past security can go a long way toward keeping germs at a minimum.

Be prepared. The best defense is a good offense. To ensure your family feels their best while on vacation, take a multivitamin

to fill any nutritional gaps in your diet. Also, focus on wholesome immune support ingredients such as vitamin C, zinc, and even elderberry.

Wipe down contact points. When you get to your seat (both at the gate and on the plane), quickly wipe down the arm rests, handles, and any side or tray tables before you settle in. You’ll feel better knowing your kid’s food, drinks, snacks, toys, and activities will be handled with clean hands and only come into contact with fresh surfaces.

Hydrate. Make sure you and your family drink lots of water.

Planes are known to dehydrate people, and keeping hydrated will make everyone less vulnerable to dry skin, eyes, and mouths. Consider bringing a refillable water bottle or getting bottled water at the airport so you are prepared for the entire flight.

Wash your hands. No one wants to arrive at their destination only to find an illness coming on, so hand washing is a no brainer, and soap and water are always best to fight germs you might pick up en route to your destination. If soap and water aren’t available, I recommend using a baby wipe on the hands, followed by hand sanitizer.

Father and pediatrician Zak Zarbock, M.D., was inspired to create Zarbee’s Naturals after looking for alternative wellness products, only to realize there weren’t many wholesome, safe, and chemical-free options on the shelf. After some research, tests, and trials (with his own boys sharing their input), Zarbee’s Naturals was born.

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April 2018 | nymetroparents.com

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raising kids voices

A Passion for the Performing Arts ›› How sharing my interest in the arts helped me become a better parent. By Darren Critz

Courtesy Darren Critz

T

hough nothing has been disastrous (yet), I have managed to mess up many aspects of parenthood. A good example: Easter. Somewhere along the way, I began referring to the Easter Bunny as Peter—he bizarrely morphed with Peter Rabbit for a reason I can’t remember. To avoid a Sunday morning food-coloring feast because of my own aversion to chemicals in food dye, Peter would steal the Easter eggs from our house rather than leave them out to be found and consumed.

Perhaps even more reflective of my failures is the fact that this alternate history about the Easter Bunny came about at all, since my family has been Jewish as far back as anyone can remember.

Spoiler alert: Jews don’t celebrate Easter.

But I have done a lot of things right, too. I’ve demystified swearing and curse words, taught my daughter that avant-garde jazz isn’t always as terrible as people say it is, and, perhaps most importantly, I’ve helped instill in her a love for the performing arts.

From practically the moment she was born, I’ve been bringing my daughter to events, both at Symphony Space and all around the city. I’ve made efforts to make the arts a regular part of her life, and not just a once-a-year visit to the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes (thereby avoiding Christmas-specific events and balancing out the whole Jewish/Easter thing, I suppose).

I’ve taken her to music concerts that spanned genres, from rock to jazz to classical and just about everything in between. We’ve attended a ton of dance performances, seeing everything from tap to ballet to percussive dance. And we’ve been to more theatrical events than I can count.

The results have made a huge impact on her life. We’ve had discussions about what it takes to write songs and compose music, and where the different styles of music originated. I’ve watched her choreograph dances for stuffed animals and our cat after viewing dance performances (great stuff, despite the erratic performances by the lazy stuffed bears and the overly entitled cat, who studied briefly with Balanchine—as if we needed to hear that story again for the billionth time!).

I’ve also witnessed her take the things she’s seen and apply some amazing thoughts and questions to the world outside of the performances: How do bands decide where to put their instruments onstage? How do puppeteers transport their fragile-looking puppets without breaking them? How do performers create funny voices, and is that what the actor sounds like in real life?

And the results have helped her in school as well. Why write yet another story about a turtle, when a critique of the lighting for

Darren Critz and his daughter Regan

that circus show is so much more interesting? Don’t think math is important? How are you going to settle up with the venue for your 80-percent cut of the merchandise profits if you can’t figure out how to calculate percentages? (She’s way into money—the little capitalist!)

All of this is to say the arts have helped shape her as a thinker and communicator in ways I could never have done as successfully without their assistance.

Sure, you could argue there’s another dad out there who lets his kids eat the damn eggs crawling with Yellow Dye No. 6 (aka benzenesulphonic acid, treated with hydrochloric acid and sodium nitrite), and whose preference for baseball means he can testify that sports have had the same effect on his child as the arts has on mine. But I guess that kind of just strengthens what I’m saying, right?

When we find ways to share our passions, hobbies, loves, and interests with our children, we bond in ways we could never imagine, help expand our children’s minds, and become more communicative, responsive parents as a result. Thanks, arts!

Thanks, baseball! And thanks, Easter Bunny, for burying your eggs in Mr. McGregor’s garden and not in mine!

Darren Critz is director of Performing Arts Programs at Symphony Space, a performing arts center on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. He curates Symphony Space’s Just Kidding series, which will have its final performance for this season March 24. The 2018-2019 season will begin in October, with such performances as New Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s The Rainbow Fish in October, Elizabeth Mitchell and You Are My Flower in December, and more family performances most weekends through March 2019.

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April 2018 | nymetroparents.com

things to do

diy corner

Bubble Wand

If you’ve ever walked through Central Park when it’s nice outside, you’ve likely seen the guys making giant bubbles.

Without fail, the kids nearby go crazy for the bubbles—trying to pop them, catch them, and even cajoling the bubblemaker to allow them to try making some.

So why not bring that uninhibited joy and enthusiasm to your backyard by making your own bubble wand? Lowe’s— yes, the home improvement store—shared its how-to to create a heart-shaped bubble wand with a few simple materials. And if hearts aren’t your kids’ favorite shape, have them help you create different ones, real or imagined. The bubble-making possibilities are endless!

Tools & Materials Wire cutters Pliers Drill and bit set Duct tape or electrical tape

Galvanized 14-gauge wire, 100 feet ½-by-48-inch dowel Loctite Super Glue Water heater pan (optional)

Instructions 1. Make bubble solution by mixing ½ cup of water, ½ cup of dishwashing liquid, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.

(Multiply these quantities to make the amount of solution you’ll need.) Allow the mixture to sit overnight before using.

2. Drill a hole sized to the diameter of your wire (about 1/16 inch) into the end of a dowel. Make the hole as deep as your bit will go.

3. Cut a 5-foot piece of 14-gauge wire and straighten it as much as possible. Apply glue to the hole, insert one end of the wire into the hole, and let dry.

4. Heart-shaped loop in bubble wand: Form the shape of a heart using gentle curves, and bring the other end of the wire back to the handle. Wrap that end around the wire where it enters the dowel and then around the end of the dowel. Check the end for sharp edges and cover with duct or electrical tape, if necessary.

5. Pour the bubble solution into a shallow tray such as a saucer-shape sled or water heater pan. (A 20-inch pan with the drain hole plugged works well but requires a large amount of bubble solution.)

Project and image courtesy Lowe’s

RocklandParent 13

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SpecialParent

online extras Chase Bailey, a teen with autism, hosts his own YouTube cooking channel and published a cookbook. Read more, and find some of his recipes, at ›› nymetroparents.com/chase-bailey

Your child with autism wants to form a secure bond with you, even if it doesn’t always seem that way. Learn how to understand signals at ›› nymetroparents.com/autism-connection

Advocates are pushing for a stop to the R-word. Find out how, and what you can do to help at ›› nymetroparents.com/r-word

Going out to dinner with a child who has autism can be very stressful. Find tips from a mom who’s been there at ›› nymetroparents.com/autism-dining

autism awareness month

16 A utism Myths to Ignore: There are a lot of stereotypes about autism spectrum disorder that just aren’t true—here are the five biggest misconceptions.

Child on the Spectrum—and a 18 A Happy Marriage Your child’s diagnosis can be challenging to your marriage. Experts share how to keep your bond strong. pecial Needs Directory: Find 20 S resources in Rockland County for your child with special needs

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

Autism Myths You Should Ignore

››

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

W

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

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

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

Myth 1: Vaccines cause autism.

Unfortunately we do still hear the misconception that autism is related to vaccinations, commonly the measles, mumps, rubella vaccination, says Sarah Kuriakose, Ph.D., BCBA-D, clinical assistant professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at NYU Langone Health. “Not only was the initial study that showed that a fraudulent study, but follow-up studies have debunked that many times,” she explains.

There are other concerns that autism is caused by “various environmental factors that a pregnant mother may be exposed to and 16

April 2018 | nymetroparents.com

in utero some of those environmental causative factors may have somehow affected the fetus,” says John Pfeifer, senior director of Clinical Services and the Family Center for Autism, part of Life’s WORC, a Long Island nonprofit that supports people with developmental disabilities and autism. “There’s still ongoing research about the expansion of electromagnetic technology and various environmental chemicals and such that may be at play, but not knowing everything in the environment that may be affecting a fetus, either seen or unseen, makes it hard to decipher that.”

“What we do know about autism is there seems to be a genetic component, and about ten to twenty percent of cases with ASD are linked to an identified genetic disorder,” says Dr. Kuriakose, who is also senior director of the NYU Langone Autism and Developmental Neuroscience Initiative and the clinical director of the Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical and Research Program at NYU’s Child Study Center. “We anticipate that that number will go up with more genetics research. But even in identical twins, the concordance rate is not one-hundred percent, so we know there is some factor that is not genetic as well.”

Myth 2: People on the spectrum are anti-social and don’t have feelings.

Dr. Kuriakose says parents, teachers, and even doctors will tell her things like, “that child can’t have autism because…he’s affection-

ate, …she makes eye contact, or …he’s interested in other kids.”

“So what can end up happening is people have this very blackand-white picture that a person with autism is someone who is anti-social and isn’t interested in other people,” she says. “We know that those aren’t necessarily true.” Yet thanks to this persistent myth, a child who does have autism might not be given a diagnosis—his parents may be hanging on to the fact that their child is affectionate though he is struggling in other ways.

“It is often thought that people with autism don’t have feelings, which is a very sad misconception and very far from the truth,” adds Janet Koch, CEO of Life’s WORC. “They are capable of having loving relationships with family members and friends.”

Myth 3: People with autism exhibit challenging and/or maladaptive behaviors.

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

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

As society becomes more educated about autism, people are learning about adapting communication efforts. “I have young children, and they’re learning in integrated classrooms about what these behaviors may mean. It could actually help a person [on the spectrum] to not escalate to such a significant behavior because they’ll be able to communicate more easily with people who have been taught how to communicate with them,” Koch says.

Myth 4: Those on the spectrum are savants and/or are fixated on one topic.

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

Angie’s List Award Winner

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

Myth 5: People with ASD can’t go to college, have jobs, or get married.

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

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

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

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

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

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RocklandParent 17

A Child on the Spectrum—and a Happy Marriage ››

Your child’s diagnosis can be challenging to your relationship. Experts share how to keep your bond strong. By Madeleine Burry

H

ere’s a fundamental truth: Being married with children is wonderful and rewarding—but also really, really hard. And for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder, raising a child is a whole other level of difficulty. More and more moms and dads face this situation; 1 in 68 children have ASD, according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s a diagnosis that’s life changing for the entire family.

“The diagnosis of a child with autism and the breakdown in communication create a major strain on a marriage,” says Alisha Griffith, Aud.D., CCC-SLP, autism parenting coach, author of Au-mazing Gift: A Journey to Autism Acceptance, and mom to an 11-year-old son with autism.

That sounds ominous. Marriage is hard enough without additional stress or strain. And it’s true: The time-consuming daily grind of parenting a child on the spectrum, along with the financial and emotional burden involved, can take over moms’ and dads’ lives, leaving little time to nurture your partnership. Neglecting a marriage does not tend to lead to good things. In fact, for years, despite no actual scientific source, people thought the divorce rates were significantly higher—80 percent—for parents of children on the spectrum. A 2010 study from the Kennedy Krieger Institute debunked the anecdotal rumor. The reality: The divorce rate for parents is the same, regardless of whether they have a child with ASD or not.

That points to something reassuring: Maintaining a healthy, happy marriage as a parent of a child on the spectrum may be challenging, but it’s definitely doable. We spoke to experts—couples therapists, coaches, and psychiatrists who are deeply familiar with the impact of this diagnosis on relationships—to find out practical tips to help your marriage stay strong.

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April 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Pick a Path Together

Often, parents react to a diagnosis in very different ways: One parent may seek to become an expert, researching the condition constantly, while the other is subsumed by emotions, feeling sorrow, grief, and frustration. “There’s a misalignment in this response that creates distance,” says Tracy Ross, LCSW, a couples and family therapist who specializes in treating parents of children on the spectrum.

How can couples feel united in this fragmented moment? If it’s a matter of disagreeing over next steps, pick an expert and trust her to steer your path forward, recommends Gail Saltz, M.D., psychiatrist and author of The Power of Different: The Link Between Disorder and Genius. “To some degree, it’s useful to pick your maven and go with that. Pick someone you really both can feel confident in and then let them direct some of that decision-making,” she says.

This is also a moment to sharpen your communication skills, discussing everything from feelings to treatment. That can be harder than it sounds (there’s a reason we praise preschoolers and kindergarteners when they’re good listeners; listening isn’t easy!). Schedule time for judgment-free conversations, recommends Dr. Griffith. “Respect the role of speaker and listener. Take turns to truly listen to each other. Create rules for a safe conversation,” she says, so it doesn’t break down in screams or stony silence.

Make Sure Work is Shared

Typically, one parent becomes the primary caretaker for a child on the spectrum, Dr. Saltz says. (Yes, it’s usually the mom.) And that’s fine, so

long as both parents have responsibilities and acknowledge each other’s contributions. “Caretaking doesn’t have to be fifty-fifty,” Dr. Saltz says, but without participation from both moms and dads, resentment festers.

Ross adds that it’s helpful to recognize your spouse’s talents. Consider how your partner can help you become a better parent, and where your different skills can be most helpful to your child. “You can’t both be working on the same thing—there’s just too much to do. Divide and conquer is really better,” Ross says.

SPECIAL NEEDS MARKETPLACE

Bring Back Date Night (Or Day)

Your child can easily become the focus of your every conversation, activity, and thought. And, doing otherwise may induce feelings of guilt (I shouldn’t go to the movies when I have that towering pile of paperwork to tackle). But your marriage requires attention, too. “Make sure you do carve out time to do pleasurable things together and do not spend every waking moment on your child,” Dr. Saltz says.

“You have to keep your relationship interesting and spicy. You were married way before you were a parent, so you still have to nurture your marriage,” Dr. Griffith says. To that end, put date night on the calendar, just like any other important appointment.

If you don’t feel comfortable leaving your child with a caretaker, or can’t afford one, Dr. Griffith suggests shifting date night to date day—after you drop your child off at school, skip out of your responsibilities for a few hours in favor of a long lunch, coffee at your local café, a walk in the park, or a trip to the museum or movies together.

Develop a Support System

It can be deeply lonely to be a parent of a child with ASD. “Parents who don’t have kids with special needs don’t know how hard it is.

[They] don’t know what you go through,” says Jennifer Kaufman, an occupational therapist who works in NYC public schools and mom to a 9-year-old son who is on the spectrum.

“When you have a typical child, you meet other families with kids and your world expands, but when you have a kid on the spectrum your world can constrict, and that’s harder,” Ross says.

Simple social gatherings—like a trip to the park or a birthday party—are difficult for kids who are on the spectrum. That leads many parents to just opt out. “Parents with kids on the spectrum get embarrassed, feel judged, feel upset, so they tend to isolate which can cause stress,” Ross says.

Instead of RSVPing no until the invites end, Ross recommends educating the people around you: Have a conversation with friends about what to expect from your child, and how to talk to their own child about being around kids on the spectrum.

As well as maintaining pre-existing relationships, look to make new connections. “Find other parents who may be having a similar struggle, so you have a community to be able to talk to about these [struggles],” Dr. Saltz says. Ross recommends seeking out parent groups.

Consider Volunteering

It can feel relieving and world opening to raise money or volunteer for autism-related causes, Dr. Saltz says. “Doing volunteer work together can be helpful and bonding,” she says.

Immersed in therapy, testing, and schedules, it’s easy to neglect caring for your marriage—but it’s not a small thing to overlook. As Ross points out, “It’s not a luxury to work on your relationship. It’s really important for the adults and the whole family.” Having a strong partnership reduces the likelihood of burnout, and allows you to do more on behalf of your children. So go ahead: Enjoy some time with your spouse, and make your partnership a top priority.

Madeleine Burry is a Brooklyn-based freelance writer and editor, covering everything from parenting to open data to workplace productivity. She’s held staff positions at Parents.com, Scholastic, and About.com. You can follow her on Twitter @lovelanewest.

The Otto Specht School

Where challenges become life-changing opportunities!

Programs

Kindergarten Grades 1 - 8 High School (diploma program) High School Practical Life Skills (certificate program) Transitional Life Skills (post-secondary) Reaching beyond the four walls of a traditional classroom to bring a Waldorf Curriculum and hands-on learning to students with learning challenges and developmental delays. www.ottospechtschool.org info@ottospecht.org Farm Faire April 14th! www.ottospechtschool.org/farm-faire-1/

RocklandParent 19

Special Needs Directory Bounce! Trampoline Sports

612 Corporate Way (off Route 303), Valley Cottage 845-268-4000 facebook.com/bouncetrampolinesports twitter.com/bouncesport bouncevalleycottage.com info@bounceonit.com We welcome children with sensory or special needs to our special needs sessions on Tuesday nights from 6-7pm when our entire facility is open just for you. Parents are allowed to join the children on the trampolines at no additional cost and the cost for the hour is discounted.

Our 10,000-square-foot facility includes trampoline dodgeball, slam-dunk basketball, giant foam pits, and our Bounce!

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Bounce! Jr. for ages 5 and younger with separate trampoline court, foam pit, and giant inflatable castle. Free Wi-Fi, HD television lounge, and snack and coffee bar.

Camp Huntington

56 Bruceville Road, High Falls 855-707-2267 camphuntington.com dfalk@camphuntington.com Camp Huntington, a coed, residential summer camp for children and young adults with autism and related developmental and learning disabilities, and ADD. Ability levels mild to moderatesevere. Located in High Falls in the beautiful Catskill Mountain region, the camp provides therapeutically and instructionally designed recreation programs in summer and certain weekends during the year. Programs offer structured daily activities designed to be safe, learningbased, fun, and rewarding.

Positive reinforcement motivates children to be happy and participate meaningfully. Activities encourage improvement in selfmanagement and independence, and advancement in social and life skills. camphuntington.com.

20

Coupé Theatre Studio

430 Market St., Nanuet 845-623-2808 coupedance.com For more than 45 years, Coupé Theatre Studio has offered the finest training in performing arts. We are now proud to offer an integrative dance program called Rhythm Works, which is an inclusive hip-hop dance program open to dancers, ages 7-14, of all levels and abilities. The class is specifically designed for children with special needs, including Down syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy, to work on different skills such as strength, coordination, and memory. The program runs for a 10-week period. Children gain cognitive skills, physical fitness, and social skills. Call for more information regarding upcoming sessions.

Pre-registration is required.

Dental Wellness of Suffern Sherri Alpert, D.D.S.

2 Executive Blvd., Suite 307, Suffern 845-918-1801 dentalwellnessofsuffern.com dentalwellness@optonline.net Dr. Alpert is excited to offer drill-free, needle-free dentistry with the Solea CO2 Laser.

Dental Wellness of Suffern provides natural, effective, quality dental care to make your visit as enjoyable, comfortable, and relaxing as possible. A parent herself, Dr. Alpert enjoys working with children who are apprehensive about the dentist, as well as those with special needs, creating a fun environment with magic tricks, a wall mural, and a lot of patience. Her practice offers comfortable cosmetic dentistry for the entire family including implants and full mouth reconstruction if necessary.

Glaze Pottery and Art Studio

34 Orangeburg Plaza, Orangeburg 845-359-9020 glazeartstudio.com Glaze Pottery and Art Studio, owned by The ARC, Rockland, is Rockland County’s foremost paint-your-own-pottery store

April 2018 | nymetroparents.com

with a wide range of choices for the first timer to the seasoned artist. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive studio and we welcome and accommodate people of all ages and abilities. To paint as a large group or to plan a party or special event, call to make a reservation. Otherwise drop in any time to paint your very own work of art. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Huntington Learning Center

58 East Route 59, Nanuet 845-624-6800 23 Jefferson Ave., Westwood, NJ 201-664-2000 75 N. Maple Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 201-447-1200 huntingtonhelps.com Huntington is the leader in K-12th tutoring and test prep.

Our certified tutors provide children with individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. We also help prep students for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington’s proven programs help children develop the skills, confidence, and motivation needed for academic success. Founded in 1977, Huntington’s mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn more about our mission at huntingtonhelps.com.

Jill’s Ceramics

180 Germonds Road, West Nyack 845-623-4975 jillceramics.com jillsceramics@aol.com Established for more than 38 years, Jill’s Ceramics has always welcomed special needs groups to her studio. She offers a safe and patient environment for kids and adults alike to create their own works of art. The studio offers a huge variety of plaster pieces that can be painted and taken home in the same day, or glazed ceramics with a large assortment of finishes (seasonal items, figurines, customized plates, mugs, bowls, and more).

Please call ahead to schedule a group time and group pricing.

Marita Smith, D.D.S. Smith’s Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry

5C Medical Park Drive, Pomona 845-414-9626 smithslittlesmiles.com drsmith@smithslittlesmiles.com Dr. Marita Smith is a board-certified pediatric dentist who is dedicated to providing excellent dental care for children from infancy through adolescence in a warm and friendly environment. Dr. Smith completed her pediatrics specialty at a Level 1 Trauma center, where she received extensive training at the Rose F. Kennedy Center in caring for children with special needs. We are a cutting-edge practice that delivers state-of-theart, evidence-based dental care to our patients. Dr. Smith places great focus on prevention and her goal is to keep your child’s smile healthy!

Nyack Pediatric Dentistry Dr. Angela Boudounis-Hatzis

265 N. Highland Ave., (Route 9W), Nyack 845-512-8434 nyackpediatricdentistry.com drb@nyackpediatricdentistry.com Nyack Pediatric Dentistry is a cutting-edge practice that delivers state-of-the-art oral health care to the pediatric population, from birth through teenage years. We believe that good oral health begins with prevention. Using age-appropriate techniques, we accomplish this through education and motivation. Our office is bright and cheerful and equipped with video games, flat screen TVs, toys, books, and prizes. We believe that by providing a comfortable and understanding atmosphere, patients will develop a positive attitude toward dental care that will last a lifetime. We welcome patients with special needs.

Otto Specht School

260 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge 845-352-5020 x130 ottospechtschool.org info@ottospecht.org At the Otto Specht School, we

work to discover each child’s path to lifelong learning, offering a variety of educational programs designed to meet the needs of students with developmental delays, social and sensory sensitivities, and learning challenges. We have looked beyond both typical and special educational models to provide an extraordinary education to those who need it most. We offer kindergarten, first-eighth grades, high school (with the opportunity to earn a diploma), High School Practical Life Skills (certificate program), and Transitional Life Skills (post-secondary program).

SPOTS Special Programs in Occupational Therapy Services

30 Ramland Road, Orangeburg 845-848-2228 spotsot.com amy.h@spotsot.com SPOTS is a pediatric occupational therapy practice with a new location in Orangeburg.

Founded in 1998 in Manhattan, SPOTS is excited to be offering services in Rockland County. SPOTS provides personal occupational therapy services for toddlers to teens.

We are committed to fostering a child’s self-esteem and confidence while utilizing his or her strengths to improve areas of difficulty, such as sensory processing skills, fine and gross motor skills, handwriting skills, social skills, attention and self-regulation skills. We offer comprehensive evaluations, individual therapy, social skills, and handwriting groups.

Tumble-Bee Gymnastics and Fitness

401 Market St., Nanuet Mall South, Nanuet 845-623-2553 tumble-beegymnastics.com Tumble-Bee Gymnastics, celebrating more than 30 years of serving families in Rockland, offers gymnastics programs for children ages 10 months to 12 years. On Tuesdays, we offer a class for special children designed for those with mild to moderate physical disabilities or developmental delays. Safety is our first priority, so class size is limited. Children must be evaluated prior to joining. Call today to set up an appointment and a trial class.

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family life home

Some plants, such as Spider Plants, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, Peace Lilies, Aloe Vera, and Garden Mums are natural air purifiers, according to NASA. So this Earth Day, why not take your kids to pick out a little greenery for your home?

Give Your Home a Health Check ›› Five simple steps to reducing environmental toxins around your house

D

o you want to detox your home but don’t know where to start? Got a couple of green products in your kitchen but want to know what else you should you be doing? Consider this: The average family is exposed to thousands of environmental toxins and the majority of this occurs in the home. The good news? There are simple things you can do to make your living space greener and healthier for your family.

“The first point I would say is don’t get overwhelmed,” reassures Nneka Leibe, director of healthy living science at the Environmental Working Group. “There are simple changes that can make an impactful difference.”

Here are five expert-approved priority tasks you can do in your home to go a little greener:

Improve your air quality.

“One thing people don’t realize is that the indoor air is a poorer quality than the outdoors. Even in cities,” says Maia James, green home consultant and founder of gimmethegoodstuff.org. In fact, indoor air is as much as two to five times more polluted than air outside.

“A lot of people are thinking about the pollution they are exposed to outdoors,” Leibe says. “When we started to dig into the products we have indoors, we realized that a lot of the things we have in our home and furniture either release chemicals or are made with chemicals that we suggest to avoid.”

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April 2018 | nymetroparents.com

By Emma Steven

Don’t panic: You can improve your air quality quickly by replacing many of the items below.

Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC), especially the flexible kind found in products such as shower curtains, toys, raincoats, and kids’ mattress covers. Made from extremely toxic chemicals called dioxins, flexible PVC releases phthalates, which are known endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). As their name suggests, EDCs can interfere with hormones and the organs that produce them, such as the thyroid and reproductive system. EDCs also may be linked to health problems including cancers, thyroid problems, infertility, developmental delays, and possible immune system changes, according to the World Health Organization. Plus, a 2013 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found a link between phthalates and asthma.

Flame-retardants. Another group of EDCs, these are found in the polyurethane foam in couches, pillows, mattresses, children’s products, and upholstered furniture. The most toxic flame retardants (polybrominated diphenyl ethers aka PBDEs) were banned in 2006, so older furniture is more dangerous. Many pieces of furniture are now made without flame-retardants; look for the TB117-2013 label or call the manufacturer to check. Although it’s not always possible to replace large pieces due to cost, try to prioritize children’s mattresses and pillows—kids spend a lot of time sleeping with their faces next to them.

Conventional cleaning products and air fresheners. Many of the cleaning products and air fresheners in our homes contain chemicals that are released into the air, such as ammonia (an asthma trigger), quaternary ammonium compounds (may cause birth defects), and synthetic fragrance (contains phthalates), according to Leibe. However, manufacturers rarely put the full ingredient list on the side of the bottle. Check the Environmental Working Group’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning (ewg.org/guides/cleaners) or apps such as Good Guide to find out what’s in your kitchen cabinet. Thankfully, there are now many safer choices in stores.

Dry cleaning uses perchloroethylene or PERC, which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers to be a carcinogen.

PERC can remain on your clothes and is released into the air during cleaning. If you can’t avoid dry cleaning completely, James recommends airing dry-cleaned clothes outside before bringing them inside, and looking for dry cleaners that use a liquid carbon dioxide or silicone method instead.

Traditional building supplies. The EPA warns that paints, sealants, and adhesives can release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene into the air, even when you can no longer smell them. VOCs are known to cause eye, nose, and throat irritation; damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system; and are a suspected carcinogen, according to the EPA. Choose low and non-VOC products or buy a VOC sealant to paint over the top. Keep children and pregnant women away from painting or sealing projects.

Particle wood and MDF releases small amounts of formaldehyde into the air from the glues that hold it together, according to the EPA. If real wood isn’t an option, choose a product that is GreenGuard or California Phase 2 compliant for a low emission standard.

Furniture with waterproof or stain-guard finishes. These are made with perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) that have been linked in multiple studies, including a 2015 study from Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals, to health problems such as infertility, cancer, and thyroid disease.

Chemical pesticides. Children’s exposure to insecticides in the home increases their risk of developing leukemia or lymphoma, according to a meta-analysis published by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Use natural methods instead.

Synthetic carpet can emit many toxins including VOCs, PFCs, and EDCs. Choose wool rugs and wood floors, but make sure your rug doesn’t contain toxic glues or PVC, and use non-VOC sealants on wood floors. If using carpet, look for one certified as low VOC. Lead paint, asbestos, and radon gas are known toxins or deadly carcinogens and require specialist removal or mitigation. Lead is commonly found in paint in buildings built before 1978, asbestos is found in building supplies and insulation, and radon gas is naturally occurring. Visit epa.gov for details on how to get your home tested—and never attempt to remove these substances yourself.

If you want to go one step further, James recommends investing in an air filter to actively clean the air. For a low-fi option, you can add wool rugs and plants—both have been shown in studies to be natural VOC absorbers. And don’t forget to open your windows every day!

Reduce household dust.

Those dust bunnies may look harmless, but nasties like lead, phthalates, BPA, flame-retardants, PFCs, and chemicals from cleaning prod-

ucts lurk in them. Gary Ginsberg, Ph.D., an assistant professor and toxicologist at Yale School of Public Health, has studied household dust extensively. He says dust is a key source of children’s exposure to contaminants at home, with levels of phthalates, lead, and flame-retardants in dust relating closely to levels in blood and urine. Children and babies ingest a lot because they spend more time on the floor and put things in their mouths. They are also much smaller and still developing, so toxins have a much bigger potential impact on their health.

Vacuum regularly using a HEPA filter vacuum, wet-mop floors, and wipe down surfaces. Fit filters to heating and air-conditioning units, take off your shoes when you get home, and use a doormat to reduce the amount of outdoor dust and soil coming into your home.

Buy a water filter.

“Another small change that is really impactful is purchasing a water filter,” Leibe says. The quality of tap water can vary widely, so it’s important to check yours via your water utility’s website or a resource like the EWG Tap Water Database (ewg.org/tapwater). Just make sure to regularly clean the water container and change the filter.

Switch to cleaner personal care items.

Many beauty products contain small amounts of chemicals, including EDCs and lead. James recommends starting with the products that are used the most often and on the biggest areas such as moisturizers, sunscreen, and shampoos. Many people are surprised to hear the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not require safety testing for personal care and cosmetic products, so it’s up to the consumer to check labels. The EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database (ewg.org/ skindeep) is a great resource for researching ingredients as are apps such as Think Dirty, which let you check on the go.

Ditch plastic and non-stick cookware.

Replace plastic bottles with stainless steel or glass. The dangers of BPA are well known, but the plastics used to replace it (like bisphenol S aka BPS) are also thought to contain EDCs, according to the EWG and James. Never heat food in the microwave in plastic as this can lead to chemicals such as phthalates leaching into it, and replace non-stick cookware as these are made with PFCs.

Don’t obsess.

All of the experts interviewed were keen to emphasize that we should not be lying awake at night (on our non-organic mattresses) panicking. “I know it’s hard to not freak out about this stuff as you begin to educate yourself,” James says. “But it’s helpful to remember that it’s all about cumulative risk. No one item in the home is going to make or break your family’s health.”

“It’s not a life or death situation,” Dr. Ginsberg agrees. “There are a lot of low-level risks out there. We are doing much better today than we were when I was a kid. We don’t want to overwhelm people because then [they] will be paralyzed.”

“All of these changes combine to reduce our body burden of chemical exposure,” Leibe adds. “They’re small changes but very, very important to reducing the number of chemicals we’re exposed to that lead to adverse health impacts.”

The onus is now on us, as consumers, to do the legwork to find out what’s in the things we use. “The biggest piece of advice is that because of lapses in regulation, parents have to become amateur investigators,” Leibe concludes. “They can’t rely on claims and advertising hype.”

By increasing your knowledge and making smart choices, it is possible to make your home a greener and healthier place. So you can sleep better in more ways than one!

Emma Steven is a British freelance writer living in Manhattan with her husband, two small kids, and two cats.

RocklandParent 23

family life finances

Build A Budget That Works

››

Stop living from paycheck to paycheck! Here’s how to make a spending plan that covers the things you need—and helps you save for the things you want. By Katelin Walling

D

o you know how much, on average, you’ll spend each year on raising a child? $12,980, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture if your child was born in 2015.

That’s $233,610 over the course of your child’s underage years, ages newborn to 17. For good measure, add in another $51,000 for projected inflation.

And that’s not even taking into consideration how much you’ll need to save if you want to buy a house for your family, pay for a chunk of your children’s college educations, or contribute to your retirement. Oh, and speaking of college: Most parents in their 20s and 30s are paying off their student loans, too.

Is thinking about all of these numbers making your head spin? Before you panic, consider doing this: making a budget.

It will help you “create realistic goals by understanding your spending and savings behaviors and make sure you don’t spend more than you earn,” says Keri Danielski, consumer finance expert and spokeswoman for Intuit’s money management tools Mint and Turbo.

If you’re hoping the magic fix is cutting your daily latte habit or bringing a lunch from home instead of buying a $15 salad, you’re 24

April 2018 | nymetroparents.com

in for a rude awakening. While those small changes will certainly help you save money (as long as you actually save it), they’re only the start. What you really need to do is step back and take in the big picture of how much you earn—and spend.

“I know a lot of people struggle with this, but it’s worth the struggle. I tell my clients all the time: This is the foundation to financial planning,” says Kristen Euretig, CFP, founder of Brooklyn Plans, a financial planning service geared toward women in their 20s to early 40s. “This is what’s coming in and going out every month, and if you can get this piece right, you can do everything else.”

Before sitting down to tackle your finances, set yourself up for success by finding a system that both you and your partner feel comfortable using. “Whether it’s tracking everything manually in a spreadsheet or using a personal finance tracker like Mint to help track in real-time, you need something that works for you,” Danielski says. “This will make budgeting easier and more enjoyable for you.”

Once you have a system figured out, creating your budget can be accomplished in four steps:

Know how much you’re bringing in. Before you and your partner can even think about determining how much money to allocate to various expenses, you need to know your total net annual income. That’s how much you’re both taking home after taxes.

“When we go to create a budget, we automatically go to the expenses side,” Euretig says. “But that side is meaningless if you don’t have the right income number because that’s how you actually figure out if you can afford your monthly expenses. So that’s the first step.”

The easiest way to figure out your total net annual income, if you’re salaried employees, is to multiply your last paycheck amount by however many pay periods are in a year. This will be a little trickier for freelancers, Euretig notes.

Determine your current spending habits. “People tend to underestimate what they spend and overestimate what they save,” says Daniel D’Ordine, CFP, founder of DDO Advisory Services LLC, which offers financial planning, investment management, and insurance solutions for families and business owners in New York City, the Hudson Valley, and New England. “You have to get a very good sense of what your steady spending habits are.”

He suggests reviewing 12 months of statements from credit cards and bank accounts to see what you actually spent in a year and on what. Categorize what you spent into fixed expenses (rent, transportation or commute, groceries, utilities, child care, etc.) and discretionary expenses (takeout, entertainment, clothes, gym memberships, vacations, birthday parties, etc.).

Then use the total amount you spent in the past year as a baseline to determine an average monthly expenditure. “It’s as simple as knowing that we spend around $8,500 a month all-in,” D’Ordine says. This will help you figure out how much of your total net monthly income you have left over to save for various goals.

Figure out your goals. First and foremost, D’Ordine suggests bulking up your emergency fund if you don’t have one. He advises keeping approximately three months of expenses in your savings account in case something happens, like you lose your job or your partner needs to take an extended leave.

Then sit down together and write down your main goals,“and be very realistic,” Danielski says. Do some research on how much these goals will cost and how long it will take you to reach them—a down payment on a house, retirement, college for your kids, paying off debt (see sidebar) “Once you identify how much you need to start saving, you can figure out your budget,” Danielski adds.

Periodically check in on your budget to make sure you’re meeting your budget goals. “I think that a monthly checkin provides accountability,” D’Ordine says. “So that when unexpected opportunities arise to spend money that maybe aren’t in the budget, something will go off in the individual’s brain that will say ‘well, wait a second, this is going to come back to haunt me when we check in at the end of the month.’”

“The more you’re aware of your spending and savings habits, the better you’ll be able to meet your budget goals,” adds Danielski, who suggests couples plan “money dates” out of the house to make these check-ins something to look forward to.

“Weekly or bi-weekly meetings are helpful if you’re trying to cut back on spending habits,” she says. “Monthly and quarterly meetings may be a better fit if you’re checking in on the overall health of your budget and goals.”

These periodic check-ins are also a good time to take a peek at your emergency fund. “If it’s being depleted, that means you’re

spending more than your average monthly amount or you’re spending more than is coming in,” D’Ordine says. You’ll want to review your discretionary expenses to see what you can trim. But, D’Ordine adds, “if that emergency buffer is creeping up, then that extra money is what you can throw into the college fund or save for a down payment.”

While all of this might seem like a massive undertaking, setting up a budget and attacking problem areas now will set you up for success down the road. “Once you’re cash-flow positive and you have more savings and you’re spending less than you earn, you can pay off debt, you can save for a home, you can save for other goals, you can invest, you can save for retirement,” Euretig says. “So it’s really crucial and it’s worth the time to get right because it sets you up for literally anything else you want to do financially.”

HOW TO PAY DOWN DEBT FASTER In the Northeast, 75.4 percent of families currently have debt, according to the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances, which was released in October 2017. If you’re one of those families, experts agree that you should first pay down the debt with the highest interest rate, whether it’s credit card debt, student loans, or mortgage loans.

Daniel D’Ordine, CFP, founder of DDO Advisory Services LLC, suggests paying down those debts aggressively even before saving for a down payment on a house or your child’s college education.

“If the student loan is a four-percent [interest rate] and the credit card debt is at eighteen, you want to attack that credit card debt as quickly as possible before putting it into an interest-bearing account for your down payment that is going to earn one percent,” he says. “As long as you have that credit card debt at eighteen percent, it’s not going away unless you really, really attack it aggressively.”

One way you can attack credit card debt aggressively is looking into a balance transfer offer through a credit card company or your bank, suggests Kristen Euretig, CFP, founder of Brooklyn Plans. “Some credit cards will offer a balance transfer, which means that you basically shift the balance of one card to another,” she says. For example, a credit card company might have an offer in which you transfer your balance and are charged 3 percent for the transfer, but then have a promotional interest rate of 0 percent for 18 months. One downside is after the initial 18 months, you might have an even higher interest rate than your current card’s, so be sure to research the terms of the offer in advance, Euretig stresses.

As for student loan debt, there are a lot of repayment options with federal student loans. “People aren’t always familiar about what’s available to them, and student loan vendors are notorious for being really bad at explaining and relaying the different options to people, so a bit of online research might be helpful,” Euretig says. Or you can ask the lender, “What plan can I be on to have the lowest monthly payment right now?” and that can free up some of your money to attack credit card debt. Just keep in mind these lower monthly payments means the loans will take longer to pay off.

Want to cut some of your spending habits? Find these experts' suggestions at ›› nymetroparents.com/spending-cuts

things to do

city bound

N Y C

There’s no prettier way to celebrate spring than by viewing Japanese cherry blossoms, also known as sakura.

Your imagination will soar with the help of live music and puppetry!

The Big Umbrella Festival at Lincoln Center is the world’s first month-long festival dedicated to performing arts programs for children on the autism spectrum and their families. Over the course of five weeks, there will be a wide range of experiences, including three original interactive theater productions, as well as relaxed performances across the LC campus. There will also be a symposium and various professional development opportunities for artists, arts professionals, and presenters interested in creating a learning community around neurodiversity and the arts. April 14-May 6, see website for times. Age: All. See website for ticketed event prices. Lincoln Center, Broadway and 65th Street. bigumbrellafestival.org.

April 2018 | nymetroparents.com

The museum is home to the private library of financier Pierpont Morgan and has expanded to include rare artifacts, books, music manuscripts, and more for visitors to see. Besides concerts, lectures, films, tours, and gallery talks, the museum hosts family programming, such as Morgan Explorers, which is a drop-in experience with hands-on activities to learn more about the library.

Visit it: 225 Madison Ave., Murray Hill; 212-685-0008; themorgan.org Can’t-miss event: Spring Family Fair on April 15, 2-4:30pm Directions: Approximately a 1-hour drive from New City

Courtesy American Museum of Natural History

Buatti Ramos

Welcome the spring season and celebrate Japanese culture at the Cherry Blossom Festival at Randall’s Island Park. There will be lots of paper flower making, face painting, kite flying, yo-yo balloon fishing, origami, kimono try-ons, crafts, games, and more. Expect performances from J.D. Patch Band, NY Suwa Taiko Drumming, and Taisan Tanaka Calligraphy, too. April 21, 12-4pm. Age: All. FREE. Randall’s Island Park, Fields 62/63. randallsisland.org.

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W he hile y re ou , v ’r isit e …

The Morgan Library & Museum

Sakura Season

A First-Of-Its-Kind Festival!

Courtesy The Morgan Library & Museum

Courtesy Randall’s Island Park Alliance

Family Fun in Manhattan

American Museum of Natural History

As one of the world’s leading scientific and cultural institutions, the American Museum of Natural History offers a plethora of kid-friendly, educational exhibits to learn about dinosaurs, animals, fossils, space, and human origins. View the Titanosaur—a 122-foot-long dinosaur—on display in the Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Orientation Center, or take part in a self-guided tour throughout the museum.

Visit it: Central Park West and 79th Street, Upper West Side; 212769-5100; amnh.org Can’t-miss event: Butterfly Conservatory through May 28: daily, 10am-5:45pm Directions: Approximately a 1-hour drive from New City

Ideas When You Need Them:

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Turn the page for details on Spring Fun (No. 6 on our list).

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APRIL

CALENDAR 28

Editor’s Hot Tickets

29

We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!

30

Show Time!, Special Needs

31

Holiday Fun

32

The Great Outdoors, Fun Fairs & Festivals

33

Smarty Pants, Movers & Shakers

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS

Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the seven events we consider can’t-miss—the ones we’re taking our own kids to. Consider it your cheat sheet to the best of what’s great this month!

1

Nyack Outdoor Farmers’ Market Opening Day

WHEN: Thursday, April 5, 8am-2pm WHERE: Downtown Nyack, Main Street Parking Lot, Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Kick off the spring season by visiting some of the greatest vendors in the region who come together to bring you locally produced food, featuring produce, baked goods, sweets, and more, along with local artists and craftspeople offering unique gifts.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Spring has sprung—one of our favorite outdoor markets is back for the season!

WANT TO GO? Free admission. 845-642-0859. nyackchamber.org.

SpringFest Street Fair

2

WHEN: Sunday, April 8, 10am-5pm WHERE: Downtown Nyack, Main Street and North Broadway, Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Featuring more than 300 vendors offering fine crafts, jewelry, art, photography, collectibles, antiques, quality handmade crafts, unique gifts, and more. Also enjoy special offers from local shops and restaurants, live entertainment, street performers, and fair food.

WHY WE LOVE IT: The first official sign of spring!

WANT TO GO? Free admission. 845-353-2221. nyackchamber.org.

3

Earth Day Celebration and Hike-A-Thon

WHEN: Saturday, April 21, Hike-A-Thon, 9-11am; Earth Day Celebration, 11am-3pm WHERE: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum’s Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Drive, Cornwall AGES: All WHAT: Choose from four offered hikes, open to hikers of all levels and ages. The Earth Day celebration is a family-friendly event and features the Stillman Family Green Zone, filled with fun and informative games and activities. Also enjoy live music, hay rides, nature play in Grasshopper Grove, live animals, and more.

WHY WE LOVE IT: What’s the best way to celebrate Earth Day? With fresh air and fun!

WANT TO GO? $5 suggested donation per car. 845-534-5506. hhnaturemuseum.org.

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April 2018 | nymetroparents.com

3 Hooked on Hudson FREE

4

WHEN: Saturday, April 28, 9am-3pm WHERE: Ross Dock Picnic Area, Palisades Interstate Park, Exit 1 of the Palisades Interstate Parkway to park entrance, Fort Lee AGES: All WHAT: Annual fishing contest with exhibits and more. Equipment and bait provided.

WHY WE LOVE IT: You’ll be sure to get hooked on fishing!

WANT TO GO? 201-768-1360. palisadesparksconservancy.org.

5

Great American Cleanup FREE

WHEN: April 7-May 6, Saturday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: Keep Rockland Beautiful, see website for locations, Rockland County AGES: All WHAT: Join in to help remove tons of litter from our streets, parks, and waterways to help make our communities cleaner, healthier, and more beautiful. It’s a great way to make a positive, lasting difference toward a healthy local environment. Check the website for specific dates, times, locations, and registration.

WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s right there in the name: Let’s keep Rockland beautiful!

WANT TO GO? 845-708-9164. keeprocklandbeautiful.org.

Spring Fun

6

WHEN: March 20-May 18, Tuesday-Friday, 1:30-5pm WHERE: New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Watch the garden’s plants and animals wake up from winter with buds bursting, birds nesting, and seeds sprouting. Investigate the ways nature signals spring and help our feathered friends build their nests with special nesting bags to take back to your neighborhood.

WHY WE LOVE IT: All signs point to spring—finally!

WANT TO GO? $23; $20 seniors and children ages 2-12; $10 for children younger than 2. 718-817-8700. nybg.org.

7

Healthy Kids Running Series

WHEN: April 8-May 20, dates and times vary WHERE: Various locations in Bergen County, New Jersey; check website AGES: 3-17 WHAT: A five-week running program for kids in pre-K to eighth grade.

Each race series takes place once a week and offers age-appropriate running events, including the 50-yard dash, 75-yard dash, and the ¼-mile, ½-mile, and one-mile run.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Encourages a fun, healthy, and active lifestyle.

WANT TO GO? $35. 484-352-2729. healthykidsrunningseries.org.

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WE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FREE Think a freebie has to be ho-hum? Don’t let the price tag (or lack of one) fool you. Here are the five no-cost events we’re excited about now. You’re welcome.

Amazing Grace Circus Big Top Circus Camp Open House FREE

WHEN: Sunday, April 8, 11am-4pm WHERE: Memorial Park, Piermont and Depew streets, Nyack AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Visit Amazing Grace Circus in Memorial Park during Nyack’s Springfest. The circus is open for kids to try out everything they can learn at Mr. Amazing’s Big Top Circus Camp.

WANT TO GO? 845-721-5059. amazinggracecircus.org.

Friday Fun FREE

WHEN: April 6-20, Fridays, 4-5pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Village Branch, 85 Main St., Haverstraw AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Enjoy different programs every week, including Builder’s Club, games, 3-D fun with 3-D pens, PS4, Code Club, Science Squad, and more.

WANT TO GO? 845-429-3445. hkdpl.org.

Maker Day FREE

WHEN: Saturday, April 28, 10am-1pm WHERE: Elisabeth Morrow School, 435 Lydecker St., Englewood, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Participate in this creative hands-on event that is part science fair, part county fair, and full on exploratio of creative works by current students. Students, faculty, and other community members will lead several hands-on demonstrations, take-away projects, and participatory designing experiences. Snacks will be provided.

WANT TO GO? 201-568-5566. elisabethmorrow.org.

West Rock Summer Camp Open House FREE

WHEN: Sunday, April 29, 2-4pm WHERE: West Rock Indoor Sports Complex, 21 Pralle Lane, Nanuet AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Come meet the all sports and basketball coaches, and experience a fun-filled day of camp. Register online by April 20 to receive a free T-shirt, and enter the raffle for a chance to win a free week of camp.

WANT TO GO? 845-623-3636. westrockindoor.com.

Weekly Drop-In at Rockland Baby Café FREE

WHEN: Year-round: Tuesdays, 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE: Rockland Baby Café, 14 S. Main St., Spring Valley AGES: Newborn to 2, adult WHAT: Meet and talk to new moms, learn how to make breast-feeding easier, make sure your baby is latching and gaining well, and get tips on pumping, going back to work, and other parenting topics.

WANT TO GO? 914-922-2240. rocklandgov.com. ››

SUMMER CAMP? WE’RE THE NATURAL CHOICE. Wander down the Lindgren drive and you know you’ve entered into a very special place. We offer an extensive arts and crafts program, sports, and swim lessons, gardening, and farm animals and hikes in the adjacent Closter Nature Center.

Our unique country atmosphere engages and inspires campers and lets children be children.

FIND OUT MORE!

Visit lindgrenschool.com or call 201.768.3550 today.

CLOSTER, NJ

Summer Camp for ages 3 to 11

PROVIDING KID APPROVED DENTAL CARE!

Marita Smith, DDS Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

Specializing in Dental Care for Children of All Ages State of the Art Dental Care & Facility Evening & Saturday Hours Available 24 Hour Emergency Service Available Most Dental Insurances Accepted Nitrous Oxide available for children when necessary Se Habla Espanol

Smith’s Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry 5C Medical Park Drive, Pomona, NY 10970 drsmith@smithslittlesmiles.com

(845) 414-9626

www.smithslittlesmiles.com

facebook.com/smithslittlesmilespd

@smithslittlesmiles

RocklandParent 29

WHAT: This treasured tale, featuring funny and endearing farm animals, explores bravery, selfless love, and the true meaning of friendship.

WANT TO GO? $15. 914-698-0098. emelin.org.

‘The Trees are Singing’: A Dance Performance to Celebrate Earth Day FREE

SHOW TIME!

Songs of Protest 2 - Music That Changed the World

WHEN: Saturday, April 7, 7:30pm WHERE: BOCES - The Ritterhausen Auditorium, Old Nyack High School, 131 N. Midland Ave., Nyack AGES: All WHAT: A concert that brings together a highly talented group of musicians to celebrate the power of music to effect change.

WANT TO GO? $28-$48. 855-278-7762. artsrock.org.

‘The Sleeping Beauty’: Russian National Ballet

WHEN: Saturday, April 7, 8pm WHERE: New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Prudential Hall, 1 Center St., Newark, NJ AGES: All WHAT: The crown jewel of famed choreographer Marius Petipa’s career, Sleeping Beauty tells the magical story of a beautiful sleeping princess who awaits the kiss of her prince.

WANT TO GO? $29-$69. 888-466-5722. njpac.org.

WHEN: Sunday, April 22, 2-3pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the beauty of spring, when trees bring forth new leaves with this show by The Debra Weiss Dance Company.

WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

‘Disney Junior Dance Party’

WHEN: Sunday, April 22, 12:30pm and 4pm WHERE: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St., Morristown, NJ AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Sing-along to Disney Junior’s greatest hits with your favorite characters: Mickey and the Roadster Racers, Sofia The First, Puppy Dog Pals, Elena of Avalor, Doc McStuffins, The Lion Guard, and more.

WANT TO GO? $29-$59. 973-539-8008. mayoarts.org.

‘PJ Masks Live! Time to Be a Hero’

WHEN: Tuesday, April 24, 3pm and 6pm WHERE: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St., Morristown, NJ AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Join Catboy, Owlette, and Gekko as they race into the night to save the day from triple trouble: Romeo, Night Ninja and Luna Girl. Complete with your favorite music and brand-new songs you’ve never heard before.

WANT TO GO? $29.50-$59.50. 973-539-8008. mayoarts.org.

‘Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site’

WHEN: Sunday, April 8, 1pm and 4pm WHERE: Bergen Performing Arts Center, 30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Bedtime is approaching, and this team of construction vehicles needs to get their rest. Based on the book by author Sherri Duskey Rinker and illustrator Tom Lichtenheld.

WANT TO GO? $15-$49. 201-227-1030. bergenpac.org.

Friends Around the World with Yosi

WHEN: Tuesday, April 10, 11:30am WHERE: Village Hall - The Annie Zusy Youth Center, 131 N. Maple Ave., Ridgewood, NJ AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Yosi brings songs, dances, and instruments from around the world as he promotes acceptance of all cultures.

WANT TO GO? $5; free for children younger than 2. 201-670-5500. ridgewoodnj.net.

‘Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live: King for A Day!’

WHEN: Saturday, April 21, 1:30pm and 5pm WHERE: Bergen Performing Arts Center, 30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ AGES: 3-5 WHAT: The beloved characters come alive on stage tell a story full of fun, valuable lessons of kindness, helping others, and being a friend.

WANT TO GO? $15-$49. 201-227-1030. bergenpac.org.

‘Charlotte’s Web’

WHEN: Sunday, April 22, 11am and 1pm WHERE: Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Lane, Mamaroneck AGES: 3-8 30

April 2018 | nymetroparents.com

SPECIAL NEEDS ‘Pete the Cat’ - Relaxed Performance

WHEN: Monday, April 23, 4pm WHERE: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St., Morristown, NJ AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Groovy, rockin’ Pete the Cat sets out to turn the super square lives of the family he moves in with upside down. This relaxed performance will have lights up, modified sound, a quiet room, and the ability to get out of your seat.

WANT TO GO? $12-$15. 973-539-8008. mayoarts.org.

‘Story Pirates: Greatest Hits’ Sensory-Friendly Kidz Cabaret Series

WHEN: Saturday, April 28, 1pm and 3pm WHERE: Bergen Performing Arts Center, Drapkin Cabaret & Lounge, 30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Story Pirates turn original stories from kids into wild sketch comedy musicals featuring professional actors. Sensory-friendly performances are designed to make patrons more comfortable. Patrons are free to stand, move around and talk during the performance.

WANT TO GO? $19. 201-227-1030. bergenpac.org.

Autism Awareness Day

WHEN: Sunday, April 29, 10am-4pm WHERE: Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Meet local service organizations, enjoy train rides, carousel rides, live demonstrations, and more.

WANT TO GO? Free admission. 201-262-3771. co.bergen.nj.us.

HOLIDAY FUN Earth Day Towers FREE

WHEN: Friday, April 13, 4-5pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Village Branch, 85 Main St., Haverstraw AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Create a fort, town, or scenes using recycled materials. Using simple mechanics, add movable elements to the structures.

WANT TO GO? 845-429-3445. hkdpl.org.

Wholeness Center KIDS

Call for fun spring break classes!

Birthday Parties Yoga Art and Craft Classes Pathfinders for Young Boys Call about Summer Programs & Classes Please see website for details.

Party for the Planet FREE

WHEN: Sunday, April 15, 10am-4pm WHERE: Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Visit exhibitors throughout the zoo and attend a special program in the Education Center to discover ways to connect to your local environment this Earth Day. Learn about eco-friendly products, programs, and services available in the area.

WANT TO GO? 201-262-3771. co.bergen.nj.us.

Preschool & Childcare Open Enrollment

2 years-School Age

Earth Day Celebration

WHEN: Saturday, April 21, 12-4pm WHERE: Veterans Memorial Park, 15 Cedar St., Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy live music, food vendors, used battery drop, local artisans, craft projects, and unique hands-on activities. Join the Keep Rockland Beautiful Inc. Great American Cleanup crew prior to the event.

WANT TO GO? Free admission. 845-353-2221. nyackchamber.org.

Earth Day

WHEN: Saturday, April 21, 10:30am-3pm WHERE: Trailside Museum and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park, 55 Hessian Drive, Highland Falls AGES: All WHAT: Come to the Bear Den to make snacks for the black bears then watch the zookeepers let the bears enjoy the tasty treats. Enjoy nature-related displays and activities, and family-friendly fun with an Earth-friendly focus.

WANT TO GO? $10 parking fee; $1 suggested donation. 845-786-2701 x293. trailsidezoo.org.

Primitive Fire Making

WHEN: Sunday, April 22, 10am-12pm WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Celebrate Earth Day by learning one of mankind’s oldest most valuable skills: fire making. Develop a connection to our ancestors by using a fire-bow, hand-drill, and other fire-by-friction techniques.

WANT TO GO? $50. 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org. ››

• Operated and run by a NYS certified Elementary Teacher with a Literacy Specialization.

• All Staff – CPR & First Aid Certified • We offer special rates for teachers!

• Before and after school programs as well as drops in for school delays and closures.

• We follow a NYS pre-k curriculum • NYS Licensed Facility & NAFCC Accredited

Now Includes Weekly Dance Lessons

(914)420-5785 Two Great Locations in New City & Pomona

BrightBeginningsofRockland.com

Glamour Girls Unite at Sparkle Up!

$20 Kids’ Haircuts Include FREE mini mani or glitter tattoo

Girl Scout & Fundraiser Events • Playdate Programs Teen Make-up Instruction Girls Night Out

8 Second Street, New City, NY • 845-634-0140 • SparkleUpParties.com

RocklandParent 31

Pink Moon Beach Fire FREE

WHEN: Sunday, April 29, 7pm WHERE: Alpine Picnic Area and Boat Basin, Palisades Interstate Parkway at Exit 2, Alpine, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Algonquin Indians and American colonists called the April full moon the “Pink Moon.” Bring a chair or blanket some refreshments to enjoy.

WANT TO GO? 201-768-1360. palisadesparksconservancy.org.

FUN FAIRS THE GREAT OUTDOORS & FESTIVALS Trout Tales

Spring Farm Faire to Benefit the Otto Specht School

WHEN: April 7-8, Saturday-Sunday, 12-4pm WHERE: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum’s Wildlife Education Center, 25 Boulevard, Cornwall-on-Hudson AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Celebrate the opening of trout fishing season, and feed the fish after Meet the Animal presentations at 1pm and 2:30pm.

WANT TO GO? $3. 845-534-7781. hhnaturemuseum.org.

WHEN: Saturday, April 14, 10am-4pm WHERE: Fellowship Community, 241 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge AGES: All WHAT: A fun-filled family event with live music, crafts, local food by NoCo Catering, games, puppet shows, and more.

WANT TO GO? Food and activity tickets for purchase. 917-513-8000. ottospechtschool.org.

Gardening for Tomorrow

Crafts & Drafts Street Fair

WHEN: Sunday, April 15, 12pm WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: Adult WHAT: Tenafly Nature Center Executive Director Peter Punzi will take guests on a tour of the pollinator garden and butterfly house as he discusses the best way to plan your garden to benefit our local pollinators.

WANT TO GO? $10. 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.

Primitive Living Skills Workshop

WHEN: Sunday, April 15, 10am-12:30pm WHERE: The Nature Place Day Camp, 285 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Participants in this hands-on workshop will gain knowledge and experience in wilderness living techniques, make new friends, and strengthen their connection to their surroundings. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? $45. 845-356-1234. thenatureplace.com.

World Tapir Day

WHEN: Sunday, April 15, 10am-7pm WHERE: Downtown Suffern, Lafayette Avenue, Suffern AGES: All WHAT: Tons of craft vendors, food vendors, Suffern restaurants, Kidz Zone, and a beer, wine, and spirits garden.

WANT TO GO? Free admission. 845-659-9203. suffernchamber.org.

Spring Festival

WHEN: Sunday, April 15, 11am-3pm WHERE: Cropsey Community Farm, 220 S. Little Tor Road, New City AGES: All WHAT: Come celebrate spring with the Rockland Farm Alliance.

There will be pony rides, food, local vendors, arts and crafts, gardening and planting activities, mini workshops, farm tours, and more.

WANT TO GO? Free admission. 845-634-3167. rocklandfarm.org.

Annual Daffodil Festival And Earth Day Fair FREE

WHEN: Saturday, April 28, 11am-2pm WHERE: Bergen County Zoo, 216 Forest Ave., Paramus, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Meet an 18-year-old Baird’s Tapir. Spend time with zoo staff and docents to learn all about these endangered animals.

WANT TO GO? $8; $5 children ages 3-14; $2 seniors. 201-262-3771. co.bergen.nj.us.

WHEN: Sunday, April 22, 11am-2pm WHERE: Memorial Park Van Neste Square, East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ AGES: All WHAT: Learn ways to recycle better and increase the community commitment to a sustainable future through waste reduction, reuse, and improving the quality of our recyclables.

WANT TO GO? 201-445-2600. ridgewoodchamber.com.

Wild Edibles Foraging FREE

Clarkstown’s Indoor Farmers Market

WHEN: Sunday, April 29, 12-1pm WHERE: The Nature Place Day Camp, 307 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Enjoy a vernal adventure into the environs to discover what’s growing wild and edible in this area.

WANT TO GO? 845-356-1234. thenatureplace.com.

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April 2018 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Through May 12: Saturdays, 10am-1pm WHERE: Congers Community Center, 6 Gilchrest Road, Congers AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy fresh produce and goodies even when it’s cold out.

Find baked goods, pickles, produce, vegetables, jams, eggs, meats, and more.

WANT TO GO? Free admission. town.clarkstown.ny.us.

SMARTY PANTS Fire and Ice Show with Mad Science FREE

WHEN: Sunday, April 8, 3-4pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Learn about the properties of fire and combustion, then cool off with demonstrations involving dry ice.

WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

MOVERS & SHAKERS Sukey Molloy & Friends FREE

WHEN: Thursday, April 5, 10:30am WHERE: Finkelstein Memorial Library, 24 Chestnut St., Spring Valley AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Join Sukey Molloy & Friends for sing-along fun featuring Sukey’s award-winning music and circle time movement play. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 845-352-5700. finkelsteinlibrary.org.

West Rock Spring Break Camp

WHEN: Tuesday, April 17, 7-7:30pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Come in to enjoy stories, songs, puppets, and more.

WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

WHEN: April 2-6, Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm WHERE: West Rock Indoor Sports Complex, 21 Pralle Lane, Nanuet AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Come and enjoy a fun-filled day of sports, inflatables, arts and crafts, and activities. Counselors will create teams to compete in relay races, kickball, dodgeball, basketball, soccer, and more.

WANT TO GO? $50 full day for children 6 and older; $30 half day for children ages 3-5. 845-623-3636. westrockindoor.com.

Riordan Mythology Club FREE

8th Annual Lost Brook Trail Race

Pajama Storytime FREE

WHEN: Friday, April 27, 4-5pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Village Branch, 85 Main St., Haverstraw AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Calling all Rick Riordan fans! Once a month, come discuss one of the Percy Jackson Books, The Kane Chronicles, or the new Magnus Chase books. Each meeting will include either a fun game or a creative project.

WANT TO GO? 845-429-3445. hkdpl.org.

Bugs Workshop with Mad Science FREE

WHEN: Sunday, April 29, 2-3pm WHERE: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, Main Library, 10 W. Ramapo Road, Garnerville AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Children are introduced to the world of entomology. Examine real specimens and models to learn about insect anatomy; discover what sets them apart from other arthropods; and see from an insect’s point of view with an interchangeable lens viewer to take home.

Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 845-786-3800. hkdpl.org.

Kids Art Program

WHEN: April 10-May 5, Tuesdays, 3:45-5:45pm; Saturdays, 10am-12pm WHERE: Wholeness Center, 7 New Lake Road, Valley Cottage AGES: 5-12 WHAT: The program helps to bring out the creative, artistic side in children who thought they would never be able to create art, and the techniques are easy to learn using all different mediums and not repeating a project once completed.

WANT TO GO? $22 drop-in class. 845-268-7532. wholenesscenterny.com.

WHEN: Saturday, April 7, 9am WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly, NJ AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Get out on the hit the trail at the Lost Brook Trail Race. Run over rocks, sticks, and logs as you traverse the trail in pursuit of your next best time.

WANT TO GO? $30-$45. 201-568-6093. tenaflynaturecenter.org.

United Hospice of Rockland’s 9th Annual Walk to Remember

WHEN: Sunday, April 15, 8am WHERE: Rockland Lake State Park, 299 Rockland Lake Road, Valley Cottage AGES: All WHAT: Individuals and families who have been touched by United Hospice of Rockland can come together and walk to remember loved ones.

WANT TO GO? $30. 845-634-4974. hospiceofrockland.org.

Children’s Champions Awards Celebration

WHEN: Thursday, April 26, 5:45-10pm WHERE: Nyack Seaport, 21 Burd St., Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Recognize all those who work tirelessly on behalf of children in Rockland County and honor this year’s awardees.

WANT TO GO? $65; $20 children. 845-425-0009. childcarerockland.org.

Annual Blessing of the Soil with Archbishop Timothy Cardinal Dolan FREE

WHEN: Saturday, April 28, 12pm WHERE: Catholic Charities Community Services of Rockland, 78 Hudson Ave., Haverstraw AGES: All WHAT: The Annual Blessing of the Soil, with Archbishop Dolan as guest of honor, features activities for the entire family.

WANT TO GO? 845-942-5791. ccsrockland.org.

The Tipping Point: Artists Address Climate Change FREE WHEN: Through May 25: Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm; SaturdaySunday, 1-4pm WHERE: Rockland Center for the Arts, 27 S. Greenbush Road, West Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Tipping Point offers a fresh perspective on critical environmental issues, the effects we have on our climate and planet, and how understand and adapt to change these effects.

WANT TO GO? 845-358-0877. rocklandartcenter.org.

Coming up next month: MAY 5-6: The Hard Cider Run at Warwick Valley Winery, Warwick MAY 19-20: Open Cockpit Weekend at The Aviation Hall of Fame of New Jersey, Teterboro, NJ MAY 26-28: Sugar Loaf Spring Festival, Sugar Loaf

RocklandParent 33

April things to do

where-to guide

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Compiled by Samantha Neudorf

Activities FARMERS’ MARKETS

MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

Find more>> farmers’ markets in Rockland County at nymetroparents.com/farmers-markets.

John Koolery/Rockland Boulders

They say April showers bring May flowers, but why should a little rain stop you from getting outside? With the onset of warmer weather (and quite frankly more daylight now that we have sprung forward for Daylight Saving Time), there is no excuse to hibernate at home anymore. Get out to a farmers’ market to gather local, in-season produce or head to a fundraising walk to support a cause. Minor league baseball season is also around the corner, which is always a great reason to root for your home team.

And finally, books are always in season, so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t pay a visit your local bookstore to sharpen your child’s mind and imagination.

Rockland Boulders CanAm League Palisades Credit Union Park, 1 Palisades Credit Union Park Drive, Pomona rocklandboulders.com Season begins May 17 Tickets: $11-$16 Kids ages 12 and younger can get on the field every Sunday and run the bases after the game.

Kids are also allowed to play catch on the field after the games.

Find more>> local minor league teams at nymetroparents.com/ ballparks.

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Town of Clarkstown Indoor Farmers Market Congers Community Center, 6 Gilcrest Road, Congers town.clarkstown.ny.us Through May 12: Saturdays, 10am-2pm Find a selection of baked goods, pickles, vegetables, jams, eggs, meats, and more at this indoor market.

Kids are allowed to play catch on the field and run the bases after Rockland Boulders games.

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FUNDRAISING WALKS

Meadowlark Toys 817 Chestnut Ridge Road, Chestnut Ridge 845-290-1572; meadowlarktoys.com Founded in 2005 by families at Green Meadow Waldorf School in Chestnut Ridge, Meadowlark stocks fiction for children and teens that encourages emotional growth and inspires a sense of wonder. Browse the natural toys and craft supplies for a unique and memorable gift.

Great Strides – the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Albertus Magnus High School, 798 NY-304, Bardonia fightcf.cff.org On May 6, raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the world’s leader in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis, an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of nearly 30,000 children and adults in the U.S., with more than 75 percent of people diagnosed with CF by age 2. The nonprofit foundation funds research into drugs that fight this debilitating disease and aims to improve the quality of life for those living with CF.

Find more>> children’s bookstores in Rockland County at nymetroparents.com/bookstores.

Find more>> fundraising walks in Rockland County at nymetroparents.com/walks.

BOOKSTORES

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online extras You’ve planned and paid for a birthday party that reflects your child’s passions and interests, so do all the guests need to go home with a party favor? ›› nymetroparents.com/party-favors

We found solutions to four common birthday party dilemmas. Read what they are and how to solve them at ›› nymetroparents.com/birthday-dilemmas

How can you make your child’s birthday special when it’s near a holiday? Find expert tips at ›› nymetroparents.com/holiday-birthday

Getting ready to set a date for your child’s next birthday party? Find the ultimate party planning timeline at ›› nymetroparents.com/party-timeline

inside

raising kids birthday blowout

36 Planning a Blowout Birthday Party: Whether you’re celebrating a major milestone or simply want to have an extra-special party, these tips from event planners can help you create a totally terrific bash.

38 Easy as Pie—Er...Cake: Three recipes for the classic birthday treat that you and your kids can make together.

Peter Oberc Photography

Morgan I. celebrates her bat mitzvah, planned by The Event of a Lifetime, Inc., with her friends

Planning a Blowout Birthday Party

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Whether you’re celebrating a major milestone or simply want to have an extra-special party, these tips from event planners can help you create a totally terriffic bash. By Samantha Neudorf

W

hen I turned 9, my mom planned a birthday party I will never forget: She rented a limousine for my friends and me to ride in for an afternoon tea party. We dressed up in gowns and heels, got our hair and nails done, and then enjoyed finger sandwiches, cookies, and lemonade as we were chauffeured around town. To this day it has been a favorite birthday party of mine, and a memory I continue to treasure.

Birthdays are occasions that kids will remember for the rest of their lives, and birthday parties are a way to hold those memories in place. Sometimes, you want to make those celebrations extra-big, either because you’re marking a major milestone—such as a bar or bat mitzvah, quinceañera, or sweet 16—or simply for the fun of it.

Planning a blowout birthday party can feel daunting, though. Where do you even begin? We asked event planners (though you may think they’re only for weddings, you can find those who plan children’s birthday parties, too) what to keep in mind.

Pick the venue and DJ (if you’re having one) first.

The venue is key when piecing together the rest of the details for your child’s party. This locks you into a specific neighborhood or town, and helps narrow down the options for additional elements, if desired, such as caterers and entertainment.

If you’re planning a bar or bat mitzvah and live in a town with a large Jewish population, it’s crucial to book your venue early. “If you wait too long, you may end up with a venue that’s too big or not big enough, or too expensive and not your style because you were stuck with what was available,” says Melisa Imberman, president of The Event of a Lifetime Inc., an event planning company based in West36

April 2018 | nymetroparents.com

chester County. Imberman even suggests booking the venue and DJ before your child gets a bar or bat mitzvah date from the temple.

For other types of birthday parties, families should start booking a venue at least a month beforehand. Marla Mase, founder of PARTYpoopers, a kids’ party planning company serving the greater New York area, says families call her anywhere from a month to six months in advance for all types of parties, including first birthdays.

Securing a venue also allows you (or your event planner, if you’re using one) to see the space and pick out the décor and design for the party. “You can’t really plan décor and design if you don’t know where [the venue] is because you need to know what kind of space you’re working with,” Mase says.

Set a budget.

There is no particular amount of money families should set aside when planning a birthday party; it really depends on what they’re willing to spend. One helpful hint is to decide what aspects of the party to prioritize. For example, a family planning a daughter’s sweet 16 may invest more in having a DJ and photo booth, and may opt for cheaper food because it’s not the focal point of the party. “Your number of guests is the biggest contributor to your budget,” Imberman says. “There are some variables that are not going to change with your number of guests, but there are some, like food and beverage, that will.”

A benefit of hiring an event planner is they develop a rapport with vendors and venues and can offer discounts. Event planners have a list of clients they continually work with, which saves families the time and effort of doing their own research. “I represent a

potential party every weekend, so although most people want to make customers happy, [vendors] want to make me happy because I bring them repeated business,” Imberman says.

Adjust the party to your child’s personality.

Some kids may be outgoing and want the spotlight on them, and some may just want to lie low. Never force your child into a situation that would make him unhappy. The party and vibe should reflect your child’s personality and feel like it’s very much his own party. Mase plans parties for children of all ages and remembers planning a bat mitzvah for a shy girl who did not want a DJ or dancing, so she instead planned a murder mystery theme. “It was a huge success without any dancing,” Mase says. “You have to know your kids—don’t create an event for them that’s not for them.”

Discuss details.

Event planners consider everything when putting together a party, from when food will be served to when dancing should start, and serve as liaisons to all moving parts. It’s a smart strategy for families to follow as well. For example, if there will be a candle lighting ceremony or speech, make sure that the first course of a meal will not be served at the same time, because no one will be able to hear what’s being said. If there will be a first dance, it shouldn’t start until after food service, so guests can finish their meals without the food getting cold. “Even if you have the best caterer and the best DJ, they likely will not talk to each other before the day, Imberman says: “I do a very detailed timeline and communicate it with everyone prior rather than running into an issue before the party.”

Consider hiring security.

It’s strongly recommended for sweet 16s, when teenagers may get rowdy. “Sometimes kids are hanging out in the bathrooms trying to get alcohol,” Imberman says. “Security is very important.” It’s also advisable to have adult chaperones across the venue to monitor the kids.

Let the professionals do their jobs.

If you’re working with an event planner, resist the urge to become very hands-on and micromanage the details. It’s much wiser to trust that your event planner knows what she’s doing. “You’re hiring someone so that you can enjoy and be at your own party,” Mase says. “I have seen times where people undermined their own events because they were not having fun.” There’s no use in worrying about potential problems—that’s what the event planner was hired to solve.

BIRTHDAY PARTY CHECKLIST Whether you hire an event planner or not, here is a helpful checklist of things to keep in mind when putting together your child’s birthday party.

• • • • • • • • • •

Pick a date and time Secure a venue Choose your DJ or entertainment Send out invitations Select a theme and décor Arrange food and catering (don’t forget the cake and candles!)

Designate a photographer Plan your outfit Make party favors Mail thank-you cards

Main Street Cinemas hosts birthday parties with the best kids and family friendly movies...at the best admission prices in Rockland County!

For special rates and packages for kid’s birthday parties and other group outings, please contact us at: 845-634-5100 or email: events@mainstcinemas.com MARCH 23

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Jill’s Ceramics

Where children & adults create their own functional works of art

Call for Extended Group Hours / Pricing & Current Weekend Hours

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Mon, Tues & Wed 930am-300pm Tues & Thurs 700pm-930pm Friday Kids Classes 300-500pm

180 Germonds Rd. West Nyack, NY • 845-623-4975 • www.jillsceramics.com RocklandParent 37

Easy as Pie—Er...Cake

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Three birthday cakes you can bake with your kids

I

f you’re throwing a birthday party for your child, impress everyone by baking your own homemade birthday cake—and get your children involved in the process! These three recipes are easy enough for kids to help make and will get them excited about baking and decorating. Besides, who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too?

Teddy Bear Cake

This would be the perfect cake to make for a younger brother or sister’s birthday. The cute smile is made out of delicious chocolate candy. You will have three cupcakes left over when you have made your bear, so you can check how good your cake is before the party!

Serves 10 You will need 1 quantity Large Vanilla or Chocolate Cake (see p. 40) 1 quantity Small Vanilla or Chocolate Cake (see p. 40) 1 quantity Chocolate Fudge Frosting (see p. 40) Assorted chocolate drops and buttons

2 8-inch round cake pans Non-stick baking parchment 12-hole muffin pan, lined with 6 paper cupcake cases and 1 mini paper cupcake case Large plate or board with room for the cake, ears, and ribbon

Directions 1. P reheat the oven. Ask an adult to help you turn the oven on to 350°F, so it will be hot by the time you are ready to bake.

2. P ut one of the round cake pans on the baking parchment and draw around it twice to make two circles. Cut them out. Scoop a little soft butter onto a paper towel and rub this all over the inside of the pans. Put the parchment circles into the bases of the pans and leave to one side.

3. M ake the large quantity of cake batter and spoon it evenly into the two pans. Ask an adult to help you put it onto the middle shelf of the oven for about 30 minutes. Check that the cakes 38

April 2018 | nymetroparents.com

are done by pushing a metal skewer into the middle of one. If it comes out clean, the cake is cooked. Leave them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack.

Turn them the right way up and leave to cool completely.

4. While the big cake is cooking, make the small quantity of cake batter. Spoon the batter into the mini cupcake case first and then evenly into the other cupcake cases. Ask an adult to help you put these onto the middle shelf of the oven and set a timer for 15 minutes. When the timer goes off, take out the mini cake and set the timer for another 10 minutes to finish cooking the other cupcakes. Leave the cakes in the tin to cool for 10 minutes and then move them to the wire rack to cool completely.

5. Make the Chocolate Fudge Frosting while the cakes are cooling.

6. Use a long, serrated knife to level the tops of the big cakes, if they are not flat. Place one cake on the serving plate and spread 3-4 tablespoons of chocolate frosting over the top. Put the second cake on top. Use three-quarters of the remaining chocolate frosting to cover the top and sides of the whole cake, spreading it evenly with a palette knife.

7. Cover the tops of two cupcakes with frosting. These are the teddy’s ears but they will need to be raised, so peel the paper case off another cupcake and cut it in half horizontally. Put one half under each ear and put the ears in their place by the head.

The ears should now be roughly the same height as the cake.

8. P eel the paper case off the mini cupcake and completely cover it with frosting. Put it in the middle of the cake to make the teddy’s nose. Arrange the chocolate drops on the face for the eyes, mouth, and ears. Make a bow out of ribbon and place at the teddy’s neck.

Lemon Cake with Candies

You can go wild with the decorations for this one, using lots of different varieties and colors of candies. The key is to add all the sweet treats to the cake no more than 1-2 hours before serving, otherwise they might soften and bleed into the frosting.

Serves 12 You will need 1 quantity Large Lemon Cake (see p. 40) 3 sticks unsalted butter, softened 4 cups confectioners’ (icing) sugar

4 tablespoons lemon curd Assorted candies 2 8-inch round cake pans Non-stick baking parchment

Directions 1. Ask an adult to help you turn the oven on to 350°F, so it will be hot by the time you are ready to bake. Put one of the round cake pans on the baking parchment and draw around it twice to make two circles. Cut them out. Scoop a little soft butter onto a paper towel and rub this all over the inside of the pans. Put the parchment circles into the bases of the pans and leave to one side.

2. M ake the cake batter, and spoon it evenly into the two pans.

Ask an adult to help you put them onto the middle shelf of the oven for about 30 minutes. Leave the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack. Turn them the right way up and leave to cool.

3. W hen the cakes are cold, slice each one in half horizontally to give four even layers.

4. M ake the frosting. Put the soft butter into a bowl and place a strainer (sieve) over the bowl. Add a few tablespoons of confectioners’ (icing) sugar to the strainer and sift over the butter. Now beat the mixture together with a wooden spoon, then add a little more sugar and mix again. Keep going until all the sugar has been mixed in and the frosting is smooth and pale. Add the lemon curd and mix again until smooth.

5. P lace one cake layer on a serving plate and spread with 2 big tablespoons of frosting.

6. Top with another cake layer and 2 more tablespoons of frosting.

Repeat until you have four layers of cake and three layers of frosting.

7. C over the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting, spreading it evenly with a palette knife.

8. Decorate the cake with a whole range of your favorite candies!

Chocolate Fudge Birthday Cake

This is a really delicious, chocolatey cake, perfect for birthdays—just decorate it and add candles! It tastes best when made the day before the party. You need four different bowls for this one, so make sure you wash up afterward!

Serves 10-12 You will need For the cake 2¼ cups all-purpose (plain) flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda Pinch of salt 3½ oz. bittersweet chocolate

Directions 1. Ask an adult to help you preheat the oven to 350°F. 2. Grease the inside of the cake pan with a little soft butter on a piece of kitchen paper. Put the cake pan on the non-stick baking parchment and draw around it. Using scissors, cut inside the line so you have a circle the same size as the pan. Fit this into the bottom of the pan.

3. Set a large strainer (sieve) over a bowl and tip the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into the strainer. Carefully sift these ingredients into the bowl. Put the bowl on one side until needed.

4. Break up the bittersweet chocolate and put it into a large heatproof mixing bowl. Add in the cocoa powder. Ask an adult to help you pour on the very hot water. Leave for 1 minute, then stir gently with a wooden spoon until the chocolate has all melted and the mixture is very smooth. Put to one side.

5. Put the butter and sugar into the bowl of an electric mixer or a mixing bowl. Beat well with the whisk attachment or a wooden spoon.

6. Break the eggs into a small bowl, remove any pieces of shell.

Whisk with a fork until the mix is a bit frothy and the yolks have broken up, then gradually add the eggs to the sugar and butter and beat really well until very smooth.

7. Add the melted chocolate mixture to the bowl and mix well.

Spoon in the yogurt, tip in the flour mixture, and mix well.

8. Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan, and smooth out the top with a spatula.

9. Ask an adult to help you put the cake in the oven to bake for 55 minutes. To test if it is cooked ask an adult to help you remove the cake from the oven and stick a skewer into the middle, then carefully pull it out—the cake is cooked if the skewer comes out clean. If the skewer is sticky, then bake for another 5 minutes and test again. Remove the cake from the oven and set the pan on a wire rack. Leave to cool for 5 minutes then loosen the cake by running a round-bladed knife inside the pan. Unclip the pan and leave the cake to cool completely. Don’t worry if it sinks a bit.

10. To make the frosting, put the cream into a saucepan. Ask an adult to help you heat it until it is hot but not quite boiling.

Remove the pan from the heat. Break up the two kinds of chocolate and put it into a heatproof bowl. Carefully pour the hot cream over the chocolate. Leave for about 2 minutes then stir until smooth. Leave to cool. The frosting will thicken as it cools.

11. Set the cake upside down on a serving plate. Spread the icing on the top and sides of the cake to cover it completely. Decorate with sprinkles, candies, and candles. Leave in a cool place until it is firm before you cut it. Store your cake in an airtight container and eat it within five days. continued on next page ››

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3 tablespoons cocoa powder ½ cup water, hot but not boiling 1½ sticks unsalted butter, softened 1½ cups superfine (caster) sugar 3 large eggs 1 cup plain yogurt

For the decoration 9-inch springform cake pan ½ cup (100 ml) heavy cream Non-stick baking parchment 2 oz. milk chocolate 2 oz. bittersweet (dark) chocolate Cake candles Selection of chocolate candies

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‹‹ continued from previous page

VANILLA CAKE, SMALL AND LARGE Each recipe tells you which size of cake to make. For some of the recipes you need to make two quantities of cake batter. If you try and put all the ingredients in together there will be too much for you to mix, so make the two cakes separately. Get all the ingredients ready for both cakes, make one cake and while that is cooking make the other one. You can make the cakes by yourself, mixing everything by hand, but it will be much quicker with an electric mixer. You must always ask an adult to help before you use a mixer.

Small Cake

This will make a 7-inch round cake. It needs to cook for 25 minutes.

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons 1 stick unsalted butter, at room all-purpose (plain) flour temperature 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ cup superfine (caster) sugar 2 tablespoons milk, at room 2 large eggs, beaten temperature ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Large Cake

This will make a 9-inch round cake. It needs to cook for 35-40 minutes.

2¼ cups all-purpose (plain) flour 2 sticks unsalted butter, at room 4 teaspoons baking powder temperature 3-4 tablespoons milk, at room 1¼ cups superfine (caster) sugar temperature 4 large eggs, beaten 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the oven. Ask an adult to turn the oven on to 350°F so it will be hot by the time you are ready to bake.

2. Prepare your cake pan. First read the project and find out which size of cake you need to make and which size pan. Find the correct pan and place it on some baking parchment. Draw around it and cut out the parchment circle. Scoop a little soft butter onto a paper towel and rub this all over the inside of the pan. Put the parchment circle into the base of the pan and leave it to one side.

3. Put the soft butter and sugar into a large mixing bowl and beat with a wooden spoon until the butter is soft, creamy, and pale (if an adult is helping, you could use an electric beater).

4. Break the eggs into a small bowl and remove any pieces of shell.

Beat the eggs with a fork until the yolks have broken up and the mixture is a bit frothy.

5. Add a little egg to the creamed butter mixture and beat with the wooden spoon until the egg is all blended in. Then add a little more egg and beat again. Add a small sprinkle of flour if the mixture looks as though it is starting to separate (becoming gritty rather than smooth). Keep adding the egg until it is all used up and scrape any mixture down from the sides with a spatula.

6. Add the vanilla extract and stir it into the mixture.

7. Sift the flour and baking powder together into a separate bowl.

8. Add half the flour to the mixture and fold it in. To fold, use a metal spoon to cut through the mixture in a gentle figure of eight. Don’t beat or over-stir it—gentle folding traps air into the mixture and will make the cake lovely and light. When the half the flour is mixed in, add the second half and do the same folding.

9. Add the milk and fold it in. Your mixture should be smooth and drop from the spoon when you lift it. If it is still very stiff add another spoonful and fold again.

10. Pour the batter into the cake pan, scraping the bowl with a soft spatula to get out all the mixture. Smooth out the surface with the spatula.

11. Put on oven mitts and ask an adult to help you put the cake in the oven. Check how long it will take for the size of cake you have baked, and set a timer.

12. When the time is up, check the cake through the oven door. It should have risen high in the pan and be a golden color. If it doesn’t look done, leave it for a few minutes longer. Put on oven mitts. Ask an adult to help you to take it out. If it is ready, it will be have shrunk away from the side of the pan and when you press it with a finger it will spring back up. An extra test is to push a metal skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is cooked. If it is covered with sticky mix, it needs a bit longer in the oven. Leave the cake to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes.

13. Run a blunt knife all the way round inside the pan to make sure the cake is loose.

14. Place a wire rack on top of the cake pan and then turn the rack and pan upside down so that the cake drops out of the pan onto the rack.

Carefully turn the cake over so it is right side up. Leave it until it is completely cold before you begin decorating it.

Other flavors you can make:

Chocolate: For a large chocolate cake, once you have measured the flour, take 3 tablespoons out and put it back in the bag. Then add 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder instead. (For the small cake, change 1 tablespoon of flour for the cocoa.)

Lemon or orange cakes: Leave out the vanilla extract and use a grater to grate the zest of an unwaxed lemon or unwaxed orange onto a plate. Take care not to grate your fingers! Only grate the colored surface of the peel.

The white pith beneath is bitter and you don’t want any in your mix. Keep turning the fruit to find ungrated peel. Add it to your mixture and fold it in.

CHOCOLATE FUDGE FROSTING A chocolate cake isn’t complete without a dark, sticky, super-chocolatey, chocolate frosting and this is the best! It’s easy to spread over cakes with a knife or you could even try piping it.

You will need

12 oz. bittersweet dark chocolate 2 sticks unsalted butter ¾ cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3¼ cup confectioners’ (icing) sugar

Directions

1. Ask an adult to help you chop the chocolate into chunks using a sharp knife and a flat chopping board. Put the chocolate into a heatproof bowl.

2. Add the butter to the bowl and then ask an adult to help you set it over a pan of barely simmering water, making sure that the bottom 40

April 2018 | nymetroparents.com

of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir occasionally until melted and smooth, then set aside to cool slightly.

3. Put the milk and vanilla extract into another bowl and gradually sift in the confectioners’ (icing) sugar, a little at a time. Stir until smooth before adding more sugar.

4. Add the cooled chocolate mixture to the sugar mixture and stir until smooth. Let the frosting sit and thicken up slightly before you use it—it will be easier to spread.

Design, photography, and illustration by CICO Books 2017. Reprinted from My First Cookie & Cake Decorating Book with permission of CICO Books.

PartyCentral Your local guide to entertainers, party places, activities, and other resources.

BIRTHDAY ENTERTAINMENT K & A HOUSE OF BOUNCE PARTY RENTALS 845-825-6617 kahouseofbounce.com “We bring the party to you.” We have one of the largest selections of themed bounce houses along with dry and wet slides, obstacle courses, dunk tanks, and other interactive inflatables as well as cotton candy, popcorn, and additional fun concession foods.

BIRTHDAY GIFTS TILLY...A DEER’S TALE 914-764-5564 tillyadeerstale.com Tilly...A Deer’s Tale is about a real deer that lives in upstate New York and faces challenges after an accident. This powerful story is meant to inspire children living with physical challenges or limitations. The book makes a great birthday gift!

PARTY PLACES ABRAKADOODLE ART STUDIO FOR KIDS 53 Prospect Place, Hillsdale 201-383-0027 abrakadoodle.com/nj04 Facebook: abrakadoodlenj04 Instagram: abrakadoodlenorthjersey kroberts@abrakadoodle.com Paint, slime, draw, fun, clay, and glitter are all the cool things we do at our studio! Abrakadoodle has been serving the community for more than 11 years offering arty parties for ages 3 and older.

BLUE MOON MEXICAN CAFÉ 7-27 Pondfield Road, Bronxville 914-337-4000 42 Kinderkamack Road, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 201-782-9500 23 E. Palisade Ave., Englewood, NJ 201-541-0600 327 Franklin Ave., Wyckoff, NJ 201-891-1331 595 Broadway, Norwood, NJ 201-784-3311 bluemoonmexicancafe.com Looking to spice up your child’s next birthday party without sending your savings south of the border? Your

party guests will revel in a fun-filled celebration with a mouth-watering menu. Call today to find out more!

signed by their friends, and an item for each child to paint.

BOUNCE! TRAMPOLINE SPORTS 612 Corporate Way (off Route 303), Valley Cottage 845-268-4000 facebook.com/bouncetrampolinesports twitter.com/bouncesport bouncevalleycottage.com info@bounceonit.com There is no party place in the tri-state area like Bounce! Trampoline Sports! Guests jump on more than 10,000-square-feet of trampolines, including trampoline dodgeball, slam-dunk basketball, and launching into giant foam pits! Visit our website or call for party details.

MAIN STREET CINEMAS - NEW CITY 6 202 S. Main St., New City 845-634-5100 mainstcinemas.com events@mainstcinemas.com We offer the lowest admission prices and movie party packages in Rockland County. Packages include bundled price for admission and snacks, reserved seating, and expedited snack bar service.

GLAZE POTTERY AND ART STUDIO 34 Orangeburg Plaza, Orangeburg 845-359-9020 glazeartstudio.com We are Rockland’s premier paint-your-own-pottery studio. We offer creative and fun birthday parties in which each child paints their own masterpiece (includes a pottery piece per child, paint, stamps, sponges, and stencils). Call for party package options.

HEALTHBARN USA 1057 Hillcrest Road, Ridgewood, NJ 201-444-2955 healthbarnusa.com info@healthbarnusa.com Celebrate your child’s birthday with an amazing, hands-on food adventure! Kids ages 3-15 transform into natural chefs through their choice of culinary fun at the Birthday Barn Bash. You choose one of our birthday entrée themes and pair it with a dessert!

JILL’S CERAMICS 180 Germonds Road, West Nyack 845-623-4975 jillceramics.com jillsceramics@aol.com We offer a fully equipped ceramics and plaster studio at which children and adults let their creativity run wild. Parties for kids include paper goods, a painter’s hat for the birthday child

NEW CITY BOWL AND BATTING CAGES 90 N. Main St., New City 845-634-4977 newcitybowlandbattingcages.com We are well known for our great birthday party packages and offer Glow Bowling for our Sunday parties.

All parties include bowling, shoe rental, food, paper goods, invitations, setup, and cleanup. We do the work, you enjoy the party!

SPARKLE UP 8 Second St., New City 845-634-0140 sparkleupparties.com; sparkleup@me.com Glamour girls unite! We offer fun and exciting princess, rock star, glamour girl, and American Girl Doll themed party packages, including dress up with our amazing costumes, hairstyling, mini-manicures, sparkle tattoos, dancing, and catwalk.

VICKI’S DANCE STUDIO AND KREATIVE KIDS 61 Maple Ave., New City 845-634-2202 vickistudio.com We offer a variety of birthday parties for boys and girls of all ages. Great party theme options include Hip-Hop Dance Party & Games Mix, Jumping Gymnastics, Disney Dance Mix, and Dress-up Princess Party!

WEST ROCK INDOOR SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX 21 Pralle Lane, Nanuet 845-623-3636 westrockindoor.com West Rock offers the ultimate place to hold your birthday party. Our unique and versatile facility boasts 40-foot ceilings, 26,000 square feet of turf, two regulation-size basketball courts, six Har-Tru tennis courts, indoor bouncers, and private party room.

RocklandParent 41

raising kids baby

Sponsored by

What Makes Toddlers Tick Why toddlers do the weird things they do

M

y toddler will not keep his clothes on. Seconds upon entering our apartment he strips down to his diaper and pretty much stays like that until it’s time to leave again.

He also answers almost every question with a “no,” and will only eat out of a green bowl. While we entertain this weirdness because he is only 2, it turns out it might not be so weird after all. I’m sure most parents of toddlers have at least a few things they consider out-of-the-ordinary behavior, and like me, find themselves constantly chasing after a naked dictator while dodging attacks from his green bowl.

Toddlers are new to this earth and are figuring things out at their own speed and in their own weird way. Read on for some of the strangest things they do, and why they do them.

No Means No

Chances are if you ask a toddler a question, you will be met with…

“No!” “Do you want to go outside?” “No.” “Do you want to eat dinner?” “No.” “How about you put some pants on.” “No!” That last one wasn’t really a question, but you get my drift.

So what’s with the negative attitude, tots? Turns out, it’s not 42

April 2018 | nymetroparents.com

››

By Bethany Braun-Silva

really so negative. Toddlers who are learning to express themselves use “no” as way to assert their independence and gain just a bit of control in a world where they are constantly told what to do and when to do it.

“Toddlers are gaining independence from their parents. Up until about eighteen months or so, kids really feel as though they are one with their mom (or primary caregiver). Their little brains don’t have the maturity to understand seeing the perspective of another person,” says Amy Webb, creator of the blog thoughtfulparent.com, who has a doctorate in Human Development and Family Sciences and is mom of two. “So as they are gaining this independence, they want to ‘do it myself’ for just about everything, and this could include dressing or just about anything else.”

While hearing “no” from your toddler all day long can be increasingly frustrating, just know it means your little one is growing up and growing into herself.

Here’s what you can do if your child’s refusal is becoming a bit too much: • Offer choices. Instead of telling your child to put pants

on, ask what color pants he would like to wear today. This leaves little room for a negative answer.

• Make it a learning game. Help your child count how many peas are left on her plate as she eats them one at a time. Make it fun!

• Watch your language. Toddlers are sponges and will pick up your behavior. Instead of telling your spouse, “No, I’m not watching another episode of The Bachelor tonight,” try saying, “How about we watch a movie we will all enjoy.”

• Don’t back down. Toddlers can be defiant, but they need their parents to set boundaries. If what your child is saying no to is a non-negotiable, stand your ground. It will get better.

Again, Again!

I have seen Moana at least 50 times. While it’s a great movie, I’m ready to move on. In fact, since starting this article we have moved on…I am currently on my 20th viewing of Trolls. Ughhhhh.

When my toddler finds a movie he likes, he will watch it every day, sometimes twice a day. Melissa Robles from Kew Gardens, Queens, has the same issue with her 2½-year-old. “Gracie is obsessed with reading Green Eggs and Ham. She would have me read it to her ten times in a day, and on more than one occasion, I have,” she says.

While this repetition is frustrating for parents, it’s extremely comforting for little ones. “Toddlers really thrive on repetition and it makes them feel safe and it’s also exciting and fun to them,” says Tanya Altmann, M.D., pediatrician, mother, and author of Baby & Toddler Basics: Expert Answers to Parents’ Top 150 Questions. “They like patterns, they like counting the steps walking up to preschool the same way every day, and will get mad if you skip a step.”

Toddlers rely on repetitive behavior to know what to expect.

Their communications skills are so minimal at this age that knowing what to expect is, in fact, key to their health and happiness.

Repetition is actually a great tool for parents, too because if you stick to the same routine, your toddler will know what’s expected of him and will likely do it. Dr. Altmann suggests using this behavior to your advantage. “The good thing about repetition is that you can change any toddler behavior that you want to change. Whether it’s getting them to sleep through the night or eat green vegetables, as long as you’re consistent for a week and offer positive reinforcements and ignore undesired behavior, you can change their behavior,” she says.

Nudity, Nose Picking, and Head Banging

No, this is not the name of the latest Tarantino film, but rather three distinct (and strange) behaviors you might witness from your little one. As I mentioned earlier, the main problem we deal with in our family is getting my toddler to keep his clothes on. While

we manage to keep our little nudist contained at home, sometimes he starts stripping in public.

Toddlers have no concept of what’s socially acceptable, so they don’t really see this as a problem. Same goes for nose picking.

If your toddler has an itch or a booger, she will stick her finger up her nose because she doesn’t realize it’s a gross thing to do.

Teaching your toddler social cues and what’s expected of him in the house and outside of the house will go a long way to making his behavior more acceptable.

As for head banging, that’s a bit different. Some toddlers will bang their heads against their crib at night or before falling asleep for a nap. While this behavior can seem worrisome or outright scary, it’s actually completely normal and a way for your toddler to self-soothe. Often head banging happens at night as way for her to get herself to sleep. She is soothed by the rhythm she is creating and will most likely outgrow it in no time.

When to Worry

Toddlers definitely display some strange behaviors from time to time, but there are certain behaviors that could raise a red flag.

For instance if your child is using the above-mentioned head banging as a way of cutting off interaction from you and others, it might be time to reach out to your pediatrician. Also, “if your child consistently is testing limits to the point where it’s driving you crazy and it’s disrupting everyone in the house and causing a lot of extra stress, that could be a sign that there is something else going on with your toddler, and you may want to talk to your pediatrician,” Dr. Altmann says.

Rafi Bilek, LCSW, director of Baltimore Therapy Center, suggests parents watch out for certain behaviors, as they may be indicators of something more serious going on, such as autism or a behavioral disorder: • Regression in language or motor skills (e.g., child was using many words but then can’t seem to speak in words at all; child was running but now can’t seem to walk) • Child screams for hours without a break • Child clutches at private parts anxiously (possible sign of sexual abuse) • Child is violent to the point of causing serious injury to self or others

As the parent, you know your child. If any of your toddler’s behaviors seem really strange or off to you, make an appointment with his pediatrician or even ask to chat over the phone. That’s what they’re there for.

Raising a toddler is one of the most challenging times for parents—they don’t call it the Terrible 2s for nothing. One thing I know for sure is my toddler is weird (but adorable!), and it’s my job as his mom to help him feel comfortable and safe enough to let his little freak flag fly.

From our sponsors: The mission of Allied Foundation is to impact and improve the health and well-being of residents within Allied Physicians Group’s geographical footprint, which currently includes Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk), Queens, Brooklyn, Richmond, Westchester, Rockland, and Orange. The Allied Foundation funds community-based strategies and initiatives, including Breastfeeding Support (toll-free Support Line: 866-621-2769; Breast Milk Depots), Community Education (free app—AlliedPG—and lectures about such topics as ADHD, managing food allergies, behavioral health, and infant CPR), Early Childhood Literacy (proud partner of Reach Out and Read and The BookFairies); and Community Service (Diaper Bank of Long Island). For more information, visit alliedfoundation.org.

RocklandParent 43

raising kids teen

Is Your Child Ready to Be a CIT? ››

Find out what being a counselor-in-training really means, and what camp directors look for in their trainees. By Lambeth Hochwald

I

f you’re the parent of a teen who lives for anything related to camp, from the arts and crafts cabin to color wars to archery, now might be the time to talk to him about applying for a summer job as a counselor-in-training at a camp nearby. Turns out, becoming a CIT is the next best thing to being a camper because your teen will get firsthand experience and job training, and have a little fun, too.

How Do I Know My Child Is Ready?

Your teenager may have set up many a lemonade stand or sold Girl Scout cookies, but for most kids a CIT position will be their first job. As a parent, you’ll know that your teen is a great CIT candidate if he or she is extra trustworthy. “An important question for parents to consider is, ‘Would I trust my teen to watch other people’s children?’ suggests Michael Halpern, director of Mosholu Day Camp in the Bronx. If your answer is yes, “That’s usually a good sign that you, as a parent, think that your child would be a great counselor-in-training.”

Also ask yourself how reliable your teen is, says Colleen Barnhart, camp director at Camp Claire in Lyme, Connecticut.

“When you ask him or her to do something and walk away, does it get done?” she asks. “If you continually ask them over several weeks, do they eventually do it without being asked?”

Again, if you’re able to answer ‘yes’ to both these questions, 44

April 2018 | nymetroparents.com

your child probably is conscientious enough to make a good CIT. To help your teen get ready for the job, give her responsibilities around the house and hold her accountable, Barnhart says.

“Assign her chores, show her exactly how to do them by participating with her as a partner, and then have her do that task alone the next week. If she messes up, don’t tell her that it is not her fault. Instead, be constructive. Tell her it’s okay because she is learning and show her how to do better next time.”

There’s one more important character trait your child should have: He should really love camp. At Mosholu, for example, 95 percent of CITs are ex-campers, and supervisors there have worked up the ranks all the way from their days as campers to unit leader.

“The perfect CIT is one who grew up in my camp because they know how things go,” Halpern says. “That’s even more important to us than an application filled with babysitting experience.” After all, babysitting is usually 1-on-1, while camp is all about being in a group. “The fact that you’ve been in camp means that you know about the group dynamic,” Halpern explains. “As CITs, you’re not going to be one-on-one with a child ever, so we need to know that you’ve had that experience interacting in groups.”

Last of all, make sure your teen has the right motivation for applying for a CIT job. Does he want to work with kids, or does he just want to be back at camp? “CIT work is hard work,” Barnhart says. “To know if your child is really ready to be a CIT,

ask what his goals are for the summer. Be sure he’s clear on why he wants this job.”

The Qualities Camp Directors Value

One of the key qualities of a CIT is an eagerness to to learn.

“I want my CITs to take on a leadership role and add more responsibilities as they get experiences,” says Peter Corbin, founder and director of Corbin’s Crusaders Sports Club in Greenwich, Connecticut, who hires five to 10 CITs each summer. “When they come to us as a CIT they don’t have a lot of experience. That’s why at the beginning we give them a taste of responsibility, and as they get more and more successful, we give them more. If they’re not as successful, we’ll give them more direction.”

The other qualities camp directors look for include good communications skills, maturity, responsibility, respect, care for others, interest in working and engaging with children, teamwork, and initiative, Barnhart says.

“At the beginning, initiative looks like being a willing buddy to a camper for trips to the bathroom or nurse,” she explains.

“It’s also helping campers clean their area without being asked, and starting games with campers during downtime, such as cards, charades, wax museum, or storytelling. Initiative is one of many qualities that is important for a camp staff to function as a team, because that is what we essentially are when it comes down to it.” Familiarity with the camp can also be an important factor when a teen is hired to be a CIT, Halpern says. “We look at the type of camp they went to and if their camp was similar to ours in terms of being traditional or outdoorsy or things like that,” he says.

In the end, a meeting without the parents present is a critical part of most hiring procedures. “We like to have a conversation with teens—without their parents there—so we can speak to their maturity and their abilities to be outgoing and friendly,” Halpern says.

What Kids Can Expect From a CIT Program

As a CIT, your teen may stay with her assigned bunk or switch around the camp depending on the need for extra help. She could be asked to pitch in on a variety of tasks, such as setting up the baseball fields before campers arrive (including making sure all the equipment is in place), assisting the arts and crafts counselors, or helping the swim instructors. “Typically we give the CITs the option to either be with a group or with an activity,” Corbin says. “I’ve had CITs learn how to become swim instructors and ultimately work as lifeguards, while others tend to work with a particular age group all summer.”

Regardless, CITs should expect to always have someone supervising them. Your child should also be prepared for long, tiring days. “CITs tend to get tired very easily because they’re working the full day and may have never done so before,” Corbin says. “They realize quickly that the work isn’t always easy, but it’s also really wonderful to see their sense of pride in the job—they often tell me how cool it was to work with such and such kids, or do a particular job, even if it meant moving baseball equipment in the hot sun.”

In addition, Barnhart says that while CITs should expect fun lessons and team-building activities, they should also realize that, unlike camp itself, not every second is going to be fun. “Working at a camp is a lot of hard, sometimes gross work, especially at resident camps where we are on duty twenty hours a day, six days a week,” she says. “CITs will get tired and frustrated, but it is all

part of the process of maturing and learning how to be a camp counselor.” Another thing your child needs to realize is that he will in all likelihood not get paid. CITs “are legally campers, so they pay to attend, but we write them letters for community service hours,” says Barnhart. “Other camps may pay, but none that I am familiar with.” Of course, CIT experience may lead to a paid counselor job in future years.

For some kids, it can be a bit of a transition to move from camper to counselor. Barnhart understands this. “I firmly believe in giving CITs the chance to grow into the role and rise to expectations, which is why I don’t call them ‘kids’ anymore,” she says. “They are no longer campers, except legally, so we start treating them like the young adults they are. They are never in charge of supervision but they certainly can assist us with it.”

In the end, consider this: Being a CIT is essentially one giant job interview for the next year. “We look for CITs to use feedback to grow and better themselves,” Barnhart says. “We constantly give CITs feedback on how they are doing, what their strengths are, what we would like to see more of, and specifically what negative behaviors we would like them to be aware of and change. A great CIT will often go out of their way to ask for feedback, and then take this feedback, reflect on it, and actively try to do better.”

That feedback loop is what will enable your teen to become a CIT and then, hopefully, be asked back as a counselor for a future summer.

Lambeth Hochwald is a New York City-based journalist covering trends, relationships, and life in New York City.

Camps for Older Kids Camp Clio

Held at Camp Claire 15 Oakland Ave., Lyme, CT Middlesex County Camp 298 E. Haddam Moodus Road, Moodus, CT 212-472-5207 campclio.org Camp Clio and our new Camp Clio Teen offer a unique experience for adopted children (ages 9-12) and teens (ages 13-16).

Camp Clio campers and counselors, themselves adopted and serving as role models, share the intimacy and safety of being with other adopted friends, providing the opportunity to share feelings and adoption stories with others who understand adoption without explanation because they are “just like me”—all in a fun camp environment. Camp Clio Teen: July 1-13. Camp Clio Youth: July 1-21. Campers may come for one or more sessions.

Scholarships available.

Mosholu Day Camp

261 Arden Valley Road, Southfields 845-243-0751 mosholudaycamp.com Mosholu Camps offer parents a quality program at a low cost. With a strong emphasis on developing new relationships and experiences, our traditional camp day is filled with dynamic activities.

Located at Lake Cohasset in Harriman State Park, our staff is a spirited group of creative counselors, who offer encouragement and motivation to help strengthen the camper’s self-opinion, while developing their social, athletic, and academic skills.

Campers ages 5-15 participate in an array of activities such as swimming, music, arts, trips, archery, boating, dance, and sports. At Mosholu, we make memories!

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Alpine Day Camp alpinescoutcamp.org

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Summer Play Camp at Blue Rock School

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summerplaycamp.org

Challenge Courses

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CIT

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CHiLDREN’S BiRTHDAY PARTiES TURN YOUR PARTY INTO A FIESTA AT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD BLUE MOON

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Pinatas • Crafts • Entertainment • Sombreros • Birthday Cake (packages range from $8.95 - $21.00 per child)

2 convenient locations this summer: Grace Church Nyack, NY and Community Center, Warwick, NY Ages 5 – 14 • 9:00am – 4:00pm • Monday - Friday

for party info

201.848.4088 • www.bluemoonmexicancafe.com

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Rockland Farm Alliance’s

Junior Farmers Summer Camp

JUNE 25 – AUGUST 3, 2018

845.721.5059 carlo@amazinggracecircus.org

OPEN ENROLLMENT 2018 • NYS Licensed Facility • Daycare for Ages 6 weeks – 5 yrs • Flexible Hours to Fit Your Schedule

at Cropsey Community Camp

Session 1: August 6th – 10th, 2018 Session 2: August 13th – 17th, 2018 Camp Hours: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

• After School & Holiday Break Care for Children up to 12 yrs • Learning Center Equipped with Ipads & Computers • Full & Part Time Summer Program • We Follow NYS Pre-k Curriculum • Fun activities including baking, dance, yoga/exercise, science experiments, daily outdoor play (weather permitting), dramatic play, Spanish and Art.

To register go to www.rocklandfarm.org For questions, please contact: sxarah@rocklandfarm.org

CAMP OPEN HOUSE : March 25th, 10am – 12pm

Brilliant Minds Daycare & Learning Center

New City, NY | 845-535-9658 | Brilliantmindsdaycare.com

Mathnasium Summer Camp can help with the loss of knowledge over summer vacation.

Summer M ath Camp pac kage starting at $275/mon th!

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Celebrate this year with a hands-on food adventure!

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2018

*Johns Hopkins University study about summer slide: http://education.jhu.edu/PD/newhorizons/ Journals/spring2010/why-summer-learning/

Mathnasium of Nanuet

845-624-6284

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Summer Camp too!

Ridgewood, NJ 201-444-2955

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Meet the

Health Care Professional

Dental Wellness of Suffern Sherri Alpert, D.D.S. 2 Executive Blvd., Suite 307, Suffern 845-918-1801 dentalwellnessofsuffern.com dentalwellness@optonline.net

Dr. Alpert is excited to offer drill free, needle free dentistry with the Solea CO2 Laser. Her practice offers comfortable cosmetic dentistry for the entire family including implants and full mouth reconstruction if necessary. Dental Wellness of Suffern provides natural, effective, quality dental care to make your visit as enjoyable, comfortable, and relaxing as possible. A parent herself, Dr. Alpert enjoys working with children who are apprehensive about the dentist, creating a fun environment with magic tricks, a wall mural, and a Find the Dental Helpers game.

Marita Smith, D.D.S. Smith’s Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry 5C Medical Park Drive, Pomona 845-414-9626 smithslittlesmiles.com drsmith@smithslittlesmiles.com

Dr. Marita Smith is a board-certified pediatric dentist dedicated to providing excellent dental care for children from infancy through adolescence in a warm and friendly environment. As a mother of two, Dr. Smith knows how important it is for a child to be comfortable and stress-free during their dental visits. Dr. Smith places great focus on prevention and her goal is to keep your child’s smile healthy! Most insurances accepted. Evening and Saturday hours and 24-hour emergency service available. Se habla Español.

Tenafly Pediatrics 74 Pascack Road, Park Ridge, NJ 201-326-7120 Offices also in Tenafly, Fort Lee, Clifton, Paramus, and Oakland, NJ tenaflypediatrics.com

Dr. David Schaumberger is one of the pediatricians working out of our newly expanded Park Ridge office. As someone who lives nearby, he enjoys working in Northern Bergen and Rockland counties. Dr. Schaumberger completed his pediatric residency from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York and has been working at Tenafly Pediatrics since 2001. On a personal note, he enjoys ethnic cuisine and spending time with his three children. Tenafly Pediatrics is a recent Angie’s List Winner with offices conveniently located throughout Bergen County.

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A&R Advanced Dental Group, Anna Alekseyeva, D.D.S., Roman Izmailov, D.D.S. 5C Medical Park Drive, Pomona 845-364-9400; aradvanceddental.com

At A&R Advanced Dental Group, patient satisfaction and comfort is our No. 1 priority. We are a cutting-edge practice that delivers state-of-the-art dental care to our patients. Dr. Roman Izmailov and Dr. Anna Alekseyeva have more than 30 years of experience in all phases of dentistry, including highquality and affordable dental implants, zirconia crowns, porcelain veneers, fixed bridges, root canal treatments, teeth whitening, and composite fillings.

Evening appointments are available and we accept most insurances.

Clemente Orthodontics 603 S. Route 304, New City 845-638-6646 60 W. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 201-447-2888 clementeorthodontics.com

At Clemente Orthodontics, our patients receive the benefit of experience, quality, and energy that comes with a multigenerational team. Dr. Michael Clemente and his daughters, Dr. Nicole Clemente and Dr. Marissa Clemente, work together seamlessly to care for your orthodontic needs. They run a stateof-the-art practice with digital X-rays, private treatment rooms, impression-free Invisalign, and a highly experienced staff. They are an Invisalign Super Elite Premier provider, offering Invisalign and Invisalign Teen as treatment options.

Consultations are complimentary.

Kastin Orthodontics 6 Medical Park Drive, Pomona 845-354-7233 kastinorthodontics.com drkastin09@yahoo.com

With 16 years of orthodontic experience, Dr. Brett Kastin prides his practice on conservative early treatment and cost-free childhood dental monitoring, enabling the most effective treatment possible, as well as being a knowledgeable, compassionate clinician and friend. He utilizes state-of-the-art materials and customized treatment planning for every patient to ensure the highest quality of care. Dr. Kastin is a certified Invisalign® provider, has been president of the Rockland County Dental Society since 2006, and was voted Rockland›s «Top Orthodontist» by the dentists of Rockland County for the past 10 years. Initial exams are complimentary, as are children’s recall appointments.

Crystal Run Healthcare 2 Centerock Road, West Nyack 845-348-1100 crystalrunhealthcare.com

Crystal Run Healthcare is a premier multispecialty group medical practice with more than 400 providers, offering the convenience of Primary Care and nearly 50 medical specialties, all under one roof. Our 70,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art West Nyack facility offers patients easy access to quality health care by way of more than 20 medical and surgical specialties, including Adolescent Medicine, Pediatrics, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, including Urogynecology. In addition, our innovative facility boasts an Infusion Center, Urgent Care, diagnostic testing services, on-site laboratory services, Diagnostic Imaging, and Women’s Imaging—making it a one-stop health care destination for all. We are here to meet the needs of every family member, regardless of age or medical condition. Crystal Run also has offices in Haverstraw, Stony Point, and Suffern.

Bobby Crohn, D.D.S. Monroe Dental Office 400 State Route 17M, Suite 2, Monroe 845-782-0189 monroedentaloffice.com monroedental@optonline.net

Smile More Kidz Meet Your Smile Team 140 Oak Tree Road, Tappan 845-367–4866 smilemorekidz.com

At Smile More Kidz, we are part of a local tradition of providing your children with the very best that dentistry has to offer in a friendly, comfortable setting.

Our entire team understands how children develop and learn and will make the extra effort to make sure nervous kids feel comfortable and respected. We offer 8am–7pm and Saturday appointments so our patients don’t have to miss school for their care, something our team feels strongly about. We believe in building a foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles by making every visit to our office a fun and informative experience.

Dr. Crohn graduated from SUNY Stony Brook with a degree in biology. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University at Buffalo in 1992, and he completed his general practice residency at Danbury Hospital in 1993. Dr. Crohn has done extensive additional training in implant dentistry including training with Dr. Nick Elian at Vistara Institute, DentalXP Symposiums, and training at Zimmerman Institute.

Dr. Crohn is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He offers state-of-the-art treatment including on-site cone beam 3-D imaging.

raising kids ad index NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY metropolitan area! acrobatics / gymnastics Amazing Grace CIRCUS! ..............47 Tumble-Bee Gymnastics ...............14

birthday / party services Academy for Martial Arts ............... 11 Blue Moon Mexican Café ..............47 Bounce! Trampoline Sports ...........21 Glaze Pottery & Art Studio ...............8 Healthbarn USA.............................47 Jill’s Ceramics................................37 K & A House of Bounce .................39 Main Street Cinemas .....................37 New City Bowling & Batting Cages .. 14 Rockland Parent Party Planner .....49 Sparkle Up .....................................31 The Wholeness Center ..................31 Tumble-Bee Gymnastics ...............14 West Rock Indoor Sports Complex ............................. 11

camps

Academy for Martial Arts ............... 11 Amazing Grace CIRCUS! ..............47 Bright Beginnings Preschool & Daycare .....................................31 Brilliant Minds Daycare & Learning Center .............................47 Camp Clio ...................................... 11 Camp Huntington...........................19 Camp Ramaquois .......................... 11 Glaze Pottery & Art Studio ...............8 Healthbarn USA.............................47 Kreative Kids & Vicki’s Dance Studio ...................................9 Lindgren School & Camp...............29 Mathnasium of Nanuet ..................47 Mosholu Montefiore Community Center...........................7 Palisades Country Day School & Camp............................................9 Rockland Farm Alliance .................47 West Rock Indoor Sports Complex ............................. 11

child care / day care

Bright Beginnings Preschool & Daycare .....................................31

Brilliant Minds Daycare & Learning Center .............................47

classes

Glaze Pottery & Art Studio ...............8 Healthbarn USA.............................47 Jill’s Ceramics................................37 Kreative Kids & Vicki’s Dance Studio ...................................9 Mathnasium of Nanuet ..................47 Tumble-Bee Gymnastics ...............14

dance

DeStaso Landscaping .....................7 Hudson Valley Psychotherapy .......37 Johnson, William Dr. ......................52 Kastin & Newman Orthodontics.....48 Sachdev Family Orthodontics..........8 Smile More Dentistry .....................49 Smith’s Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry ...................29, 48 Spots OT .......................................21 Tenafly Pediatrics ....................17, 48 The Wholeness Center ..................31

Kreative Kids & Vicki’s Dance Studio ...................................9

performing arts / acting

developmental

Hudson Valley Psychotherapy .......37 Otto Specht School........................19

Blue Moon Mexican Café ..............47 Nyack Chamber of Commerce ........5 Palisades Center ............................3

education

retail

Bright Beginnings Preschool & Daycare .....................................31 Brilliant Minds Daycare & Learning Center .............................47 Huntington Learning Center ..........21 Lindgren School & Camp...............29 Mathnasium of Nanuet ..................47 Otto Specht School........................19 Palisades Country Day School & Camp............................................9

family entertainment / events / outings

Bounce! Trampoline Sports ...........21 Jill’s Ceramics................................37 K & A House of Bounce .................39 Main Street Cinemas .....................37 New City Bowling & Batting Cages ................................14 Nyack Chamber of Commerce ........5 Palisades Center ............................3 Rockland Farm Alliance .................47

fitness

Academy for Martial Arts ............... 11 Tumble-Bee Gymnastics ...............14

health

Clemente Orthodontics .................48 Crystal Run Healthcare .............2, 48 Dental Wellness of Suffern......14, 48, 49

PARTY PLANNER Invite Fudgie or Mystique to your next party!

Amazing Grace CIRCUS! ..............47

restaurant / food services

Palisades Center ............................3 Sparkle Up .....................................31 Tilly...A Deer’s Tale.........................17

services

DeStaso Landscaping .....................7

special events

FUDGIE

MYSTIQUE

Magic - Face Balloon Animals Magic - FacePainting Painting –– Balloon Animals Birthdays Picnics Birthdays–– Camps Camps ––Picnics

Special Reduced Rates Mon – Thurs!

201-825-7481 www.fudgietheclown.com Fully Insured

Lindgren School & Camp...............29 Nyack Chamber of Commerce ........5 The Wholeness Center ..................31

special needs

Camp Huntington...........................19 Huntington Learning Center ..........21 Otto Specht School........................19 Spots OT .......................................21 Tumble-Bee Gymnastics ...............14

sports

Academy for Martial Arts ............... 11 Bounce! Trampoline Sports ...........21 New City Bowling & Batting Cages ................................14 West Rock Indoor Sports Complex ............................. 11

theater

Main Street Cinemas .....................37

tutors

Huntington Learning Center ..........21

CHOCOLATE Parties are SWEET!

Fo 3 – r ag 10 es 3

Make and take home whatever you want your guests to create: • Chocolate Pizza • Hand Dipped Apples or Fruit • Chocolate Pretzels

...

Also a full homemade chocolate and gift shop for all occasions: • Holidays • Showers • Party Platters or just a quick treat!

Mini-Camps Running Year 'Round!

32 Orangetown Center, Orangeburg

845-365-0285 chocolatiermatisse@gmail.com

www.chocolatiermatisse.com

RocklandParent 49

raising kids quotables

What are some ways you’ve taught your kids kindness?

“Leading by example is always the best way to teach kids anything.

My husband and I do little things, like say, ‘please’ and ‘thank you,’ but we also show kindness and empathy to our children and to each other, which our kids see and emulate.”

–Carol Bermudez, New City

“When my daughter was 4 and in an especially not-so-nice mood my partner and I explained The Golden Rule, which is essentially, ‘treat people how you want them to treat you.’ Now when she says something mean or refuses to share a toy with her brother, we just say, ‘Stay gold, Roxie,’ and usually that does the trick.”

–Aisha R., Clinton Hill, Brooklyn

“It’s so hard for kids to think beyond themselves, especially when they are so young, but it is also so important. We teach our son kindness in the larger sense. We encourage him not only to be kind to his friends, but to himself, to the earth, to animals. Giving him a broad perspective early on will teach him to be a conscious citizen in this big world...we hope.”

–Jeffrey Klimpton, Manhattan

in an instagram “I love this little guy so much! He’s going to be new to this big brother business but I know he’s going to have the baby laughing all the time with all of his jokes.”

“My kids’ school teaches a ‘Kind and Gentle’ philosophy that they carry over into all activities. The other day, I got what seemed to be my 100th call from a telemarketer and after some pretty foul language on my part, my daughter reminded my that I was not being K and G (kind and gentle). She’s the one who’s teaching me!”

–Paula Terrozzo, Long Island City, Queens

(Posted by @rattlesandheels aka Queens mom Adanna Dill)

Go For It!

Whatever ‘it’ is that you feel like you might be the only mom doing or not doing or feeling or not feeling, you’ve probably got company somewhere. Find another mom at library lap time or in the church nursery or at the pediatrician’s and lay ‘it’ on the line—wait for the blessing of hearing that mom say ‘me, too.’

–Elizabeth Spencer in a post entitled “New Mama, You Don’t Have to ‘Cherish Every Moment’,” on motherly.ly

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April 2018 | nymetroparents.com

“It’s always great to see your children trying new things, watching their adventurous side coming to light. It’s especially gratifying when I see my son—who’s been diagnosed with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder—take a leap even when he is scared. I have done plenty of things while afraid and after I complete them I feel so freakin’ good. That’s exactly what he’s been doing lately, only it is much harder for him than for me, or for most of us. He’s been trying new things and just going for it, even when he’s scared.

–Eileen Carter-Campos in an article entitled “Helping a Child With Autism Try New Things;” read the whole thing at nymetroparents.com/new-things-autism.

More NYMetroParents.com Highlights: FUN IN SPRING: Download a free guide to the top Spring activities in the NY area (nymetroparents.com/ spring-activities).

PLAN YOUR CHILD’S SUMMER: Find the perfect camp at nymetroparents.com/camp-finder.

HOPPIN’ GOOD TIME: Find local Easter events at nymetroparents.com/easter-nyc.

MAKE YOUR OWN MATZAH: A Passover activity for the whole family (nymetroparents.com/matzah).

We've got everything for a…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! NYMetroParents.com is parents' Party Central—one-stop shopping for the best in: H Party Places (for the trendiest, newest, or most classic locale) H Entertainers (clowns, balloon twisting, magicians, spa parties & so much more!)

H Gift-Giving (from charitable ideas to the best presents for every age) H At-Home Party Themes (think pirates, princesses, superheroes, Harry Potter…)

H Planning Help H Tips & Tricks from the Pros (…and parents who’ve been there!)

Bergen•RocklandParent NORTH

HILLSDALE • MONTVALE

SEPTEMBER 2012

NORTHVALE • NORWOOD • OLD TAPPAN • PARK RIDGE • RAMSEY • RIDGEWOOD • SADDLE RIVER/UPPER SADDLE RIVER • WALDWICK • WESTWOOD • WYCKOFF

NYMETROPARENTS.COM

LongIslandParent Parent SPETEMBER 2012

Class Is In!

After-School Activities

✓ ❑ ✓ ❑

Resource Guide

✓ ❑ ✓ ❑

SLOW DOWN!

NYMETROPARENTS.COM

Back-to-School Resource Guide Pack a Smarter Lunch Ease the Morning Rush Advocate for Your Twins

How to Manage Kids’ Schedules

What Makes a Good Mentor?

+ 174 Family

+ 130 Family

(see our calendar, p. 26)

(see our calendar, p. 32)

Events

Events

Plus: Learning to Let Go

Vaccines at Every Age Plus: Journaling for Your Child

Where-To Guide: Berry Picking

•

Dinosaur Fun

Where-To Guide: Apple Picking • Outing: New York Hall of Science

NYMetroParents Helping Parents Make Better Decisions