Brooklyn Parent January 2019

Brooklyn rooklyn Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM JANUARY 2019

r

ST E M

STE AM Why art was added to science, technology, engineering, and math •

Plus, find schools, tutors, academic enrichment, and more!

Is It Time to Move?

Real-estate experts and parents weigh in

5 Reasons It’s Okay to Be a ‘Lazy Parent’ HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

BrooklynParent

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Here for you with the health insurance your family deserves Money-saving plans that make you all feel better We’re here for you with help choosing the right health insurance. With our plans, you can save on medications, see specialists without a referral, even talk to a doctor 24/7.

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contents table of

january 2019

25

education 16 Full STEAM Ahead 20 Education Directory 22 Highlighted Programs

Family Fun a Ride Away

Things to do and shows to see this month a train ride away.

40

What Your Teen Really Needs From You

44

Where There’s a Will

Ten things your teen is still relying on you for, despite her newfound independence.

Having a plan in place will protect your children and prepare them for the future.

raising kids

things to do

family life

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 5 Reasons It’s Okay to Be a Lazy Parent 12 A Healthy Obsession 15 5 Tips to Hire the Right Nanny for Your Family 40 What Your Teen Really Needs From You 42 Ready, Set, Sibling!

45 Open Houses 46 Meet the Director 47 Professional Services 47 Party Central 48 Meet the Health Care Professional 49 Family Resource Guide 49 Advertiser’s Index 50 Stuff We Like

14 Starry Slime

38 How to Know When You’re Ready to Move

25 Family Fun a Ride Away

44 Where There’s a Will

27 Family Activities Calendar

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› 10 5 Reasons It’s Okay to Be a ‘Lazy Parent’ 16 STEM --> STEAM 38 Is It Time to Move? facebook.com/nymetroparents

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

BrooklynParent

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raising kids editor’s note

JANUARY 2019 • Vol.16 • No.6

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

New Year, New Resolutions

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Katelin Walling ASSISTANT EDITORS: Anja Webb, Melissa Wickes DIRECTOR OF CONTENT: Deborah Skolnik

H

appy New Year!

For many of us, January means turning over a new leaf (or at least trying!). We make resolutions we promise ourselves we will keep only to let our family take priority. It’s only natural; after all, you want to make the best decisions for your kids, from finding fun and exciting things to do with your children any day of the month to selecting the right camps, health care providers, schools, or after-school activities for your brood. We here at Brooklyn Parent are here to help find just what you’re looking for and make better decisions for your family!

Ensuring our kids get a great education is always a priority, so we’re also here to tell you about a big trend in more and more schools: Art is being added to STEM studies.

In “Full STEAM Ahead” by Madeleine Burry (p. 16), you’ll find six reasons schools are embracing art as part of science, technology, engineering, and math education. And turn to our Education Directory on p. 20 to find a school, academic enrichment program, or tutor for your child to kick the new semester off on a great start.

If you’re expecting a second child, you’ll want to make sure your first-born is fully prepared. In “Ready, Set, Sibling!” (p. 42), Denise Porretto shares tips on everything, from sharing the news to post-birth bonding. Speaking of growing your family: The size of your home or where you live may soon become a hot-button topic, so check out “How to Know When You’re Ready to Move” by Lambeth Hochwald (p. 38).

Are you the parent of a teen? Once upon a time, you were your teen’s social director, homework-helper, and more, but most of those roles have been phased out. While it may seem like your oh-so-grown-up child needs you less, she actually still needs a lot from you.

Read Deborah Skolnik’s “What Your Teen Really Needs from You” (pg. 40) for 10 reasons you shouldn’t keep your distance. Go ahead, give your teen a hug—just maybe not in public.

Another thing that should be a priority? Take time to establish a will (see p. 44 for willwriting advice). While no one wants to think about the unimaginable, having a plan in place will protect your children should something happen to you and your partner.

From our family—me, Melissa, Anja, Alice, Whitney, and Debbie—to yours, we wish you all a happy, healthy New Year!

DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke EDITORIAL INTERN: Megan Vasquez

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Big Apple Parent 212-315-0800 Jeunesse Jackson, Manager Lauren Alperin Meirowitz, Managing Director Queens Parent 718-878-4860 Annene Guertin, Manager Westchester Parent 914-397-0200 Nini DeLuca, Manager Merrill Sugarman 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 To Advertise: nympads@davlermedia.com To Submit Events: nymetroparents.com/submitevents To Submit News: nymetroparents.com/submitnews

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MANAGING DIRECTOR: Lauren Alperin Meirowitz 646-736-3609

OPERATIONS

DIR. OF OPERATIONS -- EVENTS: Rebecca Stolcz DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Ray Winn OPERATIONS COORDINATORS: Elvins Cruz, Leonard Porter DIRECTOR OF TRAFFIC: Heather Gambaro MARKETING SERVICES MANAGER: Erin Jordan

Katelin Walling Editorial Director Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

PRODUCTION

DIRECTOR|PUBLISHING MANAGEMENT: Anthony Diaz DIRECTOR|DIGITAL CONTENT: Silvia Balu

Keep in Touch: @nymetroparents nymetroparents.com editor@nymetroparents.com

CALENDARS CALENDAR COORDINATOR: Whitney C. Harris BROOKLYN CALENDAR: Karen Lo EVENT RESEARCHERS: Rochelle Dorset, Shara Levine

MARKETING

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MARKETING DIRECTOR: Ryan Christopher ASSISTANT MARKETING MANGER: Kristine Pulaski

FINANCE

CONTROLLER: David Friedman CREDIT ASSISTANT: Rosa Meinhofer

Davler Media Group

Tell Us How You Give Back!

In this season of showing gratitude and giving, we want hear how you help those who are less fortunate. Does your family volunteer on a regular basis? Do your kids raise money for a charity? Does your business give back to the community?

Share your story of giving back with us, and we’ll share it with our readers on NYMetroParents.com. We’ll help you to raise the visibility of your cause and let others know how they can get involved.

Sharing your story couldn’t be easier: Simply fill out the form at nymetroparents.com/submitnews. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Courtesy Little Scholars NYC

raising kids new places, new programs

Day Care Opens Bensonhurst Location

The curriculum at Little Scholars Benso nhurst, like the other Little Scholars facilities, will include art, music, dance, and yoga to stimulate social, cognitive, and physical development. dios.io LLC

Who: Little Scholars What’s New: The Bensonhurst child care center, the fifth Little Scholars location in Brooklyn, which is slated to open this month.

The 6,000-square-foot facility will include a private playground and modern NYC Department of Education-approved supplies and furniture.

Children ages 2-5 can attend. After-school programs will be available for children in kindergarten-fifth grades. Plus, extended-hours (from 7am-7pm) were implemented to help make child care easier for working parents. The curriculum will be designed to stimulate social, cognitive, physical, and other areas of development. Daily activities include art, music, dance, and yoga. In addition to child care services, Little Scholars offers enrichment classes such as dance and foreign language.

Want More Info: 1502 W. 1st St., Bensonhurst; 718-210-3233; littlescholarsnyc.com

Who: Blue Studios What’s New: The STEM studio in Boerum Hill, which opened for classes Oct. 15, 2018.

Blue Studios offers K-12 STEM programs six days a week with classes that cover a variety of topics ranging from coding, civil engineering, and aquaponics, to chemistry, microbiology, paleontology, and more.

Classes are 90 minutes and are kept at a 5-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. Each course gets more detailed as students advance. For example, Intrepid Tots focuses on understanding the role of the civil engineer, meanwhile kindergarteners through second graders learn that the world is intentionally planned and designed. From there, students learn to deal with real-life engineering requirements.

Want More Info: 396 Atlantic Ave., Boerum Hill; 718-858-4038; bluestudios.io

Courtesy Blue Stu

STEM Studio Space Opens in Boerum Hill

science and deal with real-life dents are taught to x math and ple com gly sin At Blue Studios, stu rea inc ements, including re. ctu tru ras engineering requir inf ng laboration in buildi the necessity of col

Who: A. Fantis What’s New: A collaboration with Vanderbilt University for a phenomenonbased learning program, which began August 2018.

The program places an emphasis on creative thinking, problem solving, and analysis inspired by real world problems and events. This holistic way of teaching allows for interdisciplinary study, extending beyond traditional STEAM approaches to discovery. It inspires curiosity and allows students to apply knowledge in unique ways to previously unrelated subjects, according to Theodore G. Tasoulas, principal of A. Fantis.

The program is led by Jennifer Unfair, Ph.D., executive director of the Center for Science Outreach and research assistant professor of education at Vanderbilt University.

Want More Info: 195 State St., Brooklyn Heights; 718-524-0501; afantis.org 8

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Courtesy A. Fantis

Brooklyn Heights Parochial School Partners with Vanderbilt University in Phenomenon-Based Learning

The Billion Oyster Pro ject is an example of the PhenomenonBased learning approa ch, where students at A. Fantis check in on oysters growing in the classroom and con duct experiments while learning about the history of them, rea ding about them, and utilizing math.

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David Van Deman

raising kids in the know

5 Ways to ‘Not Quite Ruin Your Child’

›› By Melissa Wickes

T

here’s an abundance of resources—from books and magazines to Facebook and parent groups—to turn to when seeking advice on how to raise the smartest, highest-achieving, and most successful children. We all want what’s best for our kids, after all. But James Breakwell, professional comedy writer and selfproclaimed amateur father of four girls (and two pigs), suggests it’s simply a waste of time. “In the long run, we all work out to be average,” he says. “Your child would be better off if you just relax and do a little less for them, rather than stress yourself out and push them as hard as possible.”

Breakwell, author of Bare Minimum Parenting: The Ultimate Guide to Not-Quite Ruining Your Child, shares advice that proves it’s okay to be a “lazy parent.”

Say no to (parental) peer pressure. When the mother of a boy in your son’s Boy Scout troop makes comments about the KitKat you put in his lunch or your daughter’s field hockey coach asks why she’s not on a travel team yet (in fourth grade), it can be difficult to stick to your own parenting ways. But if every parent thinks they’re right about how to parent and you’re wrong, then everyone is wrong, according to Breakwell. “If someone tells you you’re a terrible parent, who cares,” he says.

“They can’t stop you from giving your kid that candy bar. We’ve been raising kids for hundreds of thousands of years before Facebook and online forums. Don’t let parent-shaming control your decisions.”

Show up sometimes, but not all the time. “Raise your kid to think they’re a member of the family, not the entire family,” Breakwell suggests. By dropping everything, leaving work, and traveling far and wide to go to every single one of your son’s lacrosse games, you’re teaching him that he’s the epicenter of the universe and he should only do things in search of your validation, not because he loves them. Instead, Breakwell suggests showing up when you can, and when you do, take him out for dinner after the game. “After all, your kids aren’t going to remember the games you weren’t at, but they will remember the one time you took them for pizza after,” he says.

Speaking of sports, are you spending all of your time and money to fly around the country, pay tournament fees, and book hotels so your child can potentially get a scholarship to college and you can save money? Breakwell compares that to spending $1,000 at a claw machine for a $5 stuffed animal. “Why not take all of that money 10

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

James Breakwell (middle), author of Bare Minimum Parenting: The Ultimage Guide to Not-Quite Ruining Your Child, with his family

you’re wasting and save it for college?” Breakwell suggests. Plus, it’s likely your kid won’t become a professional sports player.

Convince them they had a great childhood. When parents post pictures on Facebook, Breakwell says they’re lying to their friends.

“You post your best picture, I post my best picture, and we create an echo chamber of lying where everyone thinks the other is telling the truth,” Breakwell says. “Use this to your advantage.”

Due to the strange phenomenon known as childhood amnesia, kids can only remember events that occurred before age 3 when they’re little, according to Popular Science. By the time they’re 7, these early memories are almost entirely gone and what they “remember” is a product of what you tell them and the photos they see. “If they don’t remember anyway, why are we stressing out?!” Breakwell asks. “Save the pictures that frame you in a good light and tell your kid she had a happy childhood, and, when she grows up, she won’t blame you for all of her problems.”

Stop worrying about preschool (and middle school, high school, college…). “Overachieving parents say that all they care about is their child getting a good education and that education is all that matters. Honestly, I don’t think education matters all that much as long as your kid somehow gets one somewhere,” Breakwell says. “Nobody has secret math. Math at one school will be the same as it is at another school even if the other school has a swimming pool and a polo field.” If a parent is saying she wants her son to go to the best school, does this mean the school that will make him the happiest and feel the most fulfilled, or is it the one that will ensure he makes the most money? Instead of focusing on getting your kid into the school with the ‘best reputation,’ focus on helping your child make the most of his education.

Gently shove your child out the door. The first benchmark of successful parenting is if you raised your child to ultimately support themselves, according to Breakwell. Now, no one is suggesting your 7-year-old live off of lemonade stand money. However, when the time is right, if your child doesn’t get a job, he will certainly never leave.

While every parent ideally wants to encourage his child to follow her dreams of becoming a freelance traveling poet, money does ultimately matter. If she’s not making any, it’s coming from you. While you don’t have to explicitly discourage your child from choosing a “fun but impoverishing career,” it can’t hurt to not encourage her to choose a career that will lead to her living in your basement.

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BrooklynParent 11

Courtesy Christopher Dale

raising kids voices

A Healthy Obsession ››

My son is my best reason yet to learn to limit my OCD behaviors. By Christopher Dale

I

did not hit the genetic lottery. Depression, anxiety, and addiction run in my family, and in early adulthood I battled all three.

Fortunately, a combination of psychiatry, medication, and Alcoholics Anonymous have made my 30s far better than my 20s.

I got well—or at least well enough—just in time to salvage my marriage and become a father.

Now, as my toddler marches steadily toward constant cognizance— into remembering and mimicking his parents’ mannerisms—I feel urgency to address another diagnosis, one less dangerous but nonetheless a source of angst and alienation.

I want to overcome my obsessive-compulsive disorder—before it affects my son.

At its root, OCD is a fear-based mental illness. It involves counterproductive efforts to maintain a sense of safety when feeling threatened or at risk. A telltale peculiarity is the actions taken to offset these uneasy feelings are completely unassociated with the perceived threats. For example, my OCD might compel me to mitigate fear of failing at work by adjusting a framed photo in the bedroom.

Thus commences a cycle where, contrary to intentions, the safety-seeking actions actually lead to worsening anxiety. It’s the feeling of hopelessness attached to knowing that what you’re doing is patently illogical…and being incapable of doing anything about it.

Though no specific gene has been pinpointed, research indicates OCD runs in families. Those with a parent or sibling with OCD have a higher risk of developing it. Experts also believe environmental factors can cause OCD tendencies to develop—a “monkey see, monkey do” effect.

In other words, the more my son, Nicholas, sees my OCD-mandated movements, the more likely he is to develop his own.

I got off lightly compared to many others with OCD, as my obsessive thoughts and routines aren’t extreme or dangerous. I’m compelled to rigidly arrange my shoes, and often fail to flick a light switch per my compulsion’s inexplicable ideal, leading to multiple repeats. I do this pinching thing with my hands (the pressure quells my OCD), and, stereotypically, I’m uneasy stepping on sidewalk cracks.

I also fight the urge to grind my teeth—often unsuccessfully, considering my dental records. These bodily compulsions are particularly burdensome since, unlike shoes and light switches, I can’t just walk away from my teeth. Constant triggers require constant vigilance.

And though it hasn’t impacted my career, relationships, or other big-ticket items, my OCD is still a significant source of alienation,

The author with his son, Nicholas

humiliation, and stress. Despite this, I’ve never hit an “immediate pain vs. long-term reward” ratio sufficient to commit myself to truly overcoming my OCD. Until now. Until Nicholas.

If Nicholas develops OCD via overwhelming genetics, so be it.

But if nurture plays a determining role, it’s my responsibility to prevent my son from following in my pavement crack-averse footsteps.

From a parenting perspective, this dilemma’s simplicity is refreshing. Even at age 2, raising Nicholas presents a spectrum of gray areas. Is he eating enough? Learning enough? Interacting enough?

Answers typically fall into the “probably,” “I think so,” or “I have no idea” columns. Clear-cut cases of yes and no are elusive.

Not so with this issue. It’s a must-do.

In spite—or perhaps because—of this, the execution is exceptionally intimidating. So are the stakes: There is absolutely nothing in which I am more invested than my only child. For his sake, I simply cannot fail at this, and that fact is overwhelming.

Sometimes I watch him at play—a carefree mind concocting universes where roaring dinosaurs and anthropomorphized trains coexist—and can’t imagine burdening that innocence with my compulsions. That my failing is even a possibility brings deep shame, and I feel guilty even though the jury is still out.

The disorder’s volatility adds even more pressure. My OCD is relatively minor, but those who are not as lucky as I am can be hindered or even debilitated by it. What if Nicholas not only gets it from me, but gets it worse than me?

It is with this tenuous poker hand—these imperfect cards, these unknowable variables and outcomes—that I simply have to go all in. I do this by default, as neither standing pat nor folding are viable options.

My path to success is straight but uphill: Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most proven way to overcome mild-to-moderate OCD such as mine. The specific therapy is astoundingly simple, yet exceedingly difficult: exposure and response prevention, which is clinical speak for facing my triggers without acting on my fear-based physical impulses.

Apparently, there’s a catch phrase to this: “Better sane than safe.” The fact that such a phrase exists is, well, kind of insane.

Nevertheless, here we go. The shoe rack is about to get less tidy, the light fixtures less flickered, my teeth less clenched (and hopefully less sore).

Wish me luck. It’ll be a tough road. Thankfully my son—my ultimate motivator—is riding shotgun.

Christopher Dale is a freelance writer and public relations executive who resides in Little Falls, NJ. His work has appeared in a variety of outlets, including NY Daily News, Newsday, The Daily Beast, and Parents.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ChrisDaleWriter.

12

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

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diy corner

Courtesy Michaels.com

things to do

Starry Slime

Experiment with chemistry, astronomy, and art with this out-of-this-world craft! Slime is huge these days—what kid doesn’t have a can full of this stuff to squish, pull, and shape? Your kids may already have a batch slime or two, but do they have one with a galactic (and educational) twist?

Explore the patterns and colors of the Milky Way while spending a little quality time crafting. Use this project to segway the conversation into a STEM (or STEAM) learning opportunity to think creatively about outer space or how something sticky like glue can produce something smooth like slime.

You’ll Need 2 Elmer’s® Washable Clear School Glue, 5 oz.

1 Creatology™ Jumbo Wood Craft Sticks 1 Glitter Shakers By Creatology®

1 Creatology™ Glitter, 3 oz.

2 Elmer’s® Washable School Glue, 4 oz.

Wilton® Gel Icing Colors, 12 Pieces

Instructions Project Notes: All types of Elmer’s® glue work with this recipe; however, this project uses two 5 fl. oz. bottles of clear glue and two 4 fl. oz. bottles of white glue to make Starry Slime as shown.

Be careful when children are crafting with sequins, as the product does have a choke hazard warning on the label.

Protect your work surface with wax (or palette) paper and wear an apron (or other protective garment) to protect clothing, as the food coloring may stain.

1. F irst, find your favorite glue slime recipe [visit michaels.com for a few options]. For the Starry Slime, add color to each slime according to your recipe’s instructions.

2. This slime has four colored stripes: black star slime, pink slime, teal slime, and crystal slime. To make black star slime, use one 5 fl. oz. bottle of clear glue. To get the color shown, add black food coloring and a very small quantity of royal blue food coloring, according to your recipe’s instructions. (Tip: Dip a craft stick into the food-coloring container, then mix the color into the glue, stirring thoroughly until it’s completely blended.

Always use a new, clean craft stick when dipping into your food coloring to avoid cross-contamination.)

3. Flatten out your slime on a piece of wax (or palette) paper and sprinkle on fine glitter in silver, pink, purple, peacock blue, and dark blue. Fold the slime’s edges in toward the center to blend the glitters into the slime. Continue until they are evenly distributed throughout the slime. Repeat to mix tiny silver stars into the slime.

4. T o make crystal slime, make your favorite 5 oz. clear glue recipe. Repeat Step 3 to blend white iridescent glitter into the slime. Continue until it is evenly distributed throughout the slime.

5. To make pink slime, use a recipe that calls for a 4 fl. oz. bottle of white glue. To get the color shown add pink food coloring and a tiny quantity of violet food coloring, according to your recipe’s directions.

6. To make teal slime, use a recipe that calls for a 4 fl. oz. bottle of white glue. To get the color shown add teal food coloring according to your recipe’s instructions.

7. Form each slime into a long strip and lay each one next to the other on your non-stick surface. Now, fold and twist the slimes together until you have blended them just the way you like.

8. Store your slime in an airtight, sealable container (or re-sealable plastic bag).

Craft and photography courtesy and reprinted with permission of Michaels // Michaels.com; share photos of your project with #MakeItWithMichaels.

14

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

raising kids child care

5 Tips to Hire the Right Nanny for Your Family ›› Courtesy Mommybites.com

A

nanny is an invaluable resource, a specialist who loves and cares for your kids in your absence. For many families, their nanny is more than just someone who works for them. Here are some important must-knows before you start the hiring process.

Assess your needs. A nanny’s primary role is to oversee the well-being of your child while you are away, but before you start looking for a nanny, consider what your exact needs are. Will your nanny’s responsibilities be general (meal prep, cleaning, changing diapers, taking the kids to activities), or will he specialize in specific social or intellectual development (helping with toilet training, language development, or homework) in addition to regular duties? Be sure you are clear about what your must-haves are vs. your nice-to-haves.

Determine a salary. Closely examine your budget and what you can afford when it comes to wages, as well as the employment taxes and possible worker’s compensation you need to pay. You may want to consider a part-time or nanny-share arrangement.

Know where to look. You can choose to find a nanny on your own by using an online resource such as mommybites.com or reading ads online, or you can work with an agency that is experienced in match-

ing families with screened nannies. Whichever way you go, be sure to interview the candidates, so you can get a feel for their personality.

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Full STEAM Ahead

››

How the arts play an important role in your child’s science, technology, engineering, and math education By Madeleine Burry

“

I

’ve always loved both science and art,” says Liz Heinecke, author of several STEAM project books for children, including STEAM Lab for Kids: 52 Creative Hands-On Projects for Exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. If you think about it, she says, science and art are inseparable. But that’s not always how educators and learning experts have approached the two disciplines.

Nowadays, STEAM is a common phrase. The acronym, as Heinecke’s book title suggests, stands for science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Rewind just a few years, though, and the buzzed-about term was STEM—science, technology, engineering, and math, without the arts included. And earlier still, elementary, middle, and high schools didn’t devote much time to engineering and technology, and math and science were typically taught in different classrooms, without much exploration of the interactions between the two topics. We asked experts to explain the evolution, and why it makes sense from an educational perspective.

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January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

How the Arts Got Top Billing

STEM was first mentioned in the 1990s, says Jackie Speake, Ed.D., STEM education consultant and author of Designing Meaningful STEM Lessons. The concept “spread like wildfire through the educational landscape,” she says.

Driving STEM’s popularity were concerns that American children lack the skills required for a 21st-century workforce, from problem solving to a strong backbone of knowledge. That’s backed up by data: American students “rank around the middle of the pack” in international math and science assessments, Pew Research notes.

With STEM, the focus is not primarily on knowledge—for instance, how accurately students can recite times tables or elements in the periodic table—but on the application of information, and growing problem-solving, observational, and exploratory skills. And rather than treating the four pillars as separate and distinct from each other, STEM education focuses on how they’re connected and inform each other.

So, what about that “A”?

Artist and author John Maeda, former president of Rhode Island School of Art and Design, was the first champion of adding the arts to STEM and growing the acronym to STEAM. “There is great power in these fields [design and technology] taken separately, and even more when they are put together,” he wrote in a 2013 op-ed for Seattle Times. But, he went on to note, the key is to develop creative, critical-thinking skills in kindergarten through 12th-grade schools.

disciplines as separate entities within STEM,” Speake says. This isn’t due to a lack of appreciation for the arts. “STEM projects do not deliberately exclude the arts or any other subject,” she says, noting that they’re included as needed. She—and other educators and experts—have concerns that giving the arts equal weight dilutes the focus on the core STEM disciplines.

STEAM advocates, on the other hand, see art’s presence as just surfacing a discipline that was already involved and integral to learning STEM topics.

Benefits of Going STEAM

Arts make STEM topics more engaging—even to kids who don’t think they like science or math. Does your child say, “I hate science” or “I’m just not good at math”? These phrases can start early but including the arts in learning can be transformative for some kids.

It’s easy to find memorizing a long litany of facts and formulas unappealing, but Heinecke points out math is also a language that helps us describe the universe. If we can get kids to see math as art and beauty and nature, that changes the way they think about the world and the way they approach subjects in school,” Heinecke says.

Why add the arts to STEM? For one thing, the arts make for an inviting, easy access point to STEM topics.

“Art is a great on-ramp for a lot of kids, to get them doing science, technology, engineering, and math experiments in a way that is entertaining and approachable,” Heinecke says.

And that’s just one reason why it’s smart to embrace the arts within STEM. These are some others: The arts are already a vital part of science, technology, engineering, and math. No need to shoehorn in the arts when it comes to learning—or teaching—science, technology, engineering, and math. “Art and design have played a prominent role in STEM, whether it’s pointed out to people or not,” Heinecke notes.

Speake agrees. “STEM lessons naturally involve art (for example, product design), language arts (communication), and social studies and history (setting the context for engineering challenges),” she says.

Here’s where a schism occurs, however, between STEAM and STEM proponents: “I’m not necessarily supportive of additional

Doing hands-on projects and experiments that involve the arts solidifies a child’s understanding of concepts. Take tessellations— they’re a pattern of repeated shapes without any gaps. Think: the tiles on your kitchen backsplash or bathroom walls. Explain the concept and it’s possible kids will follow, but also possible they’ll be intimidated by the long word or struggle to find the relevance.

A better option? Have kids create tessellations of their own, Heinecke suggests. This is a project in one of her books, done using candy wrappers or dried pasta as the pattern-making device.

continued on next page ››

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BrooklynParent 17

‹‹ continued from previous page

By creating tessellations, kids see the concept in action and may be inspired to seek out other tessellations in nature (the design on the back of a turtle’s shell, for instance). Plus, the creation process is most likely more memorable than a lecture or slides.

STEAM connects your child’s interests to the real world. Watch any popular cooking show (say, The Great British Baking Show, Top Chef, or MasterChef Junior) and you and your kids will see science and art, and possibly engineering and technology, in action, Heinecke points out. There’s the wizardry of sous vide cooking, the science to temper chocolate, architectural decorations, and so on.

“Kids connect best with things when they can touch, see, or understand how to use it everyday life,” Heinecke says. “One great thing about adding the arts is that it’s just another way for kids to connect their interests in the real world to the STEM disciplines.”

The arts show children how to be creative problem-solvers, and the value of mistakes. Amazing engineers aren’t good at their jobs because of their fast, mental arithmetic or equation-solving abilities.

Those are important skills, but it’s creative approaches to problem solving that truly make the difference between a flip phone and an iPhone.

“People come from all around the world to be educated in the United States because kids here learn to be creative. A big part of that is art,” Heinecke says. “Art forces you to be creative and brings you out of your shell.”

And, art gives kids a place to make interesting mistakes and challenge themselves. “Our kids don’t have enough space to be creative,” she says. “Art gives kids an arena where there isn’t always a right answer.”

Art reduces STEM’s intimidation factor—and helps raise informed children. In day-to-day life as grown-ups, even if we work in fields and industries far removed from STEM, we need to have a basic understanding of the topics involved.

“Not every kid has to be a scientist or engineer, but the more you embrace the STEM disciplines, the better citizen of the world you’ll be,” Heinecke says. “The more well-informed people are as children, the more they’ll grow up to be well-informed adults.”

How Parents Can Encourage STEAM Learning

Avoid any kids’ play or building kits that do not encourage creative, independent thinking, Speake advises.

“It is not STEM (or STEAM) if there is little creativity in the solving of problems,” Speake says. There’s little value to kits where each child builds the same projects, without options for individualization and exploration, she says.

Heinecke’s advice is simple: “Throw some math tools in with your kids’ art supplies.” Rulers, protractors, and compasses are all fair game.

And highlight the moments when disciplines overlap, Heinecke says. As your child learns about patterns and shapes, let her know this is geometry, a type of math.

Ultimately, Heinecke says, a big goal is to make kids comfortable and familiar with STEM before they hit middle school. And inclusion of the arts can help, she says. “The idea is really to get kids engaged—and keep them engaged.”

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

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Leif Ericson Day School

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January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

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Science, Language & Arts International School 9 Hanover Place 718–636–3836 Early Childhood Campus: 132 4th Place slaschool.org Science, Language & Arts International School is an independent nursery-eighth grade school in Brooklyn, focused on hands-on science, arts, and math. Committed to providing children with a rich and rigorous education in French or Mandarin.

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January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Highlighted Program A. Fantis Parochial School

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steppingstones86.com • Steppingstones86@aol.com 24

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Susan Walsh, Principal Nathan Lynch Director of Admissions, Marketing, and Development

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Tarrytown Music Hall

Hudson River Museum

History buff fams will appreciate this multidisciplinary complex that draws its identity from its site on the banks of the Hudson River. The museum collections focus on 19th-century through contemporary American art; Glenview, an 1876 house on the National Register of Historic Places; Hudson Riverama, an environmental teaching gallery; a state-of-the-art, 120seat planetarium; and a 400-seat outdoor amphitheater with programs every weekend, special days for families, and events throughout the year.

Visit It: 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers; Metro-North Hudson Line; hrm.org; 914-963-4550 x4550

Beverly Buchanan (American, 1940-2015). Studio Home, 2008. Acrylic on foam board; 10¼ x 11½ x 7½ inches.

Courtesy Andrew Edlin Gallery, New York

One of the busiest theaters in the region, Tarrytown Music Hall is a cultural destination, attracting more than 85,000 people, including 25,000 children, on an annual basis from all over the tri-state area. The 843-seat venue is a nonprofit, educational, and cultural organization attracting talent including the Laurie Berkner Band, Random Farms Kids’ Theater Productions, and The Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Favorites.

Visit It: 13 Main St., Tarrytown; Metro-North Hudson Line; tarrytownmusichall.org; 877-840-0457

The views alone are worth the trip almost any time of year.

A trip to the far end of Long Island is worth it for so many reasons, including the performing arts.

Families can craft fun and creative works of art inspired by the museum’s collections and exhibitions.

Bay Street Theater

The Bruce Museum

Highlighting art, science, and natural history, the Bruce Museum houses more than a dozen changing exhibitions annually. The permanent galleries feature the natural sciences that encompass regional to global perspectives. The museum was originally built as a private home in 1853.

It’s worth a visit for family-friendly events such as Bruce Beginnings, Jr., Design Time, and Art Adventures.

Visit It: 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich, CT; Metro-North New Haven Line; brucemuseum.org; 203-869-0376

and beyo nd!

Situated on Long Wharf in Sag Harbor, this nonprofit, 299-seat professional regional theater was founded in 1991. In addition to the Mainstage productions, a variety of year-round programs include The Comedy Club, The Workshops, special events, and Educational Outreach Initiatives such as Literature Live!, a Summer College Internship Program, Theater Workshops, and kids theater camps and classes. Recent kid-friendly shows range from Go Home Tiny Monster Puppet Show to Reading a Christmas Carol and Holiday Sing-A-Long.

Visit It: Corner of Bay and Main streets, Sag Harbor; LIRR Montauk Branch; baystreet.org; 631-725-9500 BrooklynParent 25

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+ 174 Family

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(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

26

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Dinosaur Fun

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

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

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Ideas When You Need Them:

Sign up for our FREE newsletter & never hear “I’m bored!” again. We email the top kids’ events every Thursday—just in time to make weekend plans!

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Turn the page for details on NYC Winter Lantern Festival (No. 2 on our list).

JANUARY

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nymetroparents.com/submitevent UPDATED DAILY AT nymetroparents.com/calendar EDITOR: KAREN LO bkcal@davlermedia.com

CALENDAR

28

Editor’s Hot Tickets

33

Once Upon a Time

29

We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!

34

30

Crafty Kids, Mini Musicians

The Great Outdoors, Holiday Fun

31

Movers & Shakers

35

Animal Lovers

32

Smarty Pants, Show Time!

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS

Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the nine 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

Easel with Whiteboard Workshop FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 5, 9am-12pm WHERE: Home Depot Gowanus, 550 Hamilton Ave., Gowanus AGES: 5-8 WHAT: With this hands-on workshop you and your child can build an easel to display some art.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Once the easel is built, display artwork and experiment with different mediums, as Picasso, Kahlo, and Basquiat each did with their easels.

WANT TO GO? 718-832-8553. homedepot.com.

NYC Winter Lantern Festival

WHEN: Through Jan. 6: Wednesday-Sunday, 5-10pm; Friday and Saturday, 5-11pm WHERE: Snug Harbor Cultural Arts Center, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Snug Harbor Cultural Center is illuminated by 40 LED installations that stretch up to 30 feet tall. The lanterns will be accompanied by live performances of traditional Chinese dances and art, and a shop with a variety of holiday vendors.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Walk through incredible light displays like the Light Tunnel, Wonderland, Sea World, Animal Kingdom, Panda Paradise, and the Holiday Zone.

WANT TO GO? $23; $15 and children ages 3-12 and seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 3. 718-425-3504. nycwinterlanternfestival.com.

2

3

The Botanical World of Harry Potter Tour Series: Herbology

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 13, 2:30-3:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave., Crown Heights AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: The study and use of herbs for healing, health, and beauty go far back in the history of humankind and continue, very actively, in 28

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

the present. Join for an interactive tour about these plants and the ways wizards (and Muggles) use them.

WHY WE LOVE IT: The whole family can cultivate their green thumbs in this exploration of the real-life magic of plants and herbs.

WANT TO GO? $15; $8 seniors and students; free for children younger than 12. 718-623-7200. bbg.org.

4

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Festival

WHEN: Monday, Jan. 21, 10am-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Join the Brooklyn Children’s Museum’s I Have a Dream Celebration as they honor the life and legacy of the iconic civil rights leader and celebrate themes of diversity, equality, freedom, and resistance.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Children of all ages will have the opportunity to explore MLK Jr.’s legacy through collective art activities, story time, and more!

WANT TO GO? $11; free for children younger than 1. 718-735-4400. brooklynkids.org.

Harry Potter: A History of Magic

5

WHEN: Through Jan. 27: Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday, 10am-6pm; Friday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: The exhibition features rare books, manuscripts, and magical objects from museums, as well as original material from J.K. Rowling.

WHY WE LOVE IT: NYHS will also host several Harry Potter-related events, including trivia, Hogwarts House Badge decorating, and more!

WANT TO GO? $21; $16 teachers and seniors; $13 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children 4 and younger. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.

6

Get weekend activities delivered to you!

Mil’s Trills 9th Annual Winter Bash

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 27, 2:30pm WHERE: ShapeShifter Lab, 18 Whitwell Place, Gowanus AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Bandleader Amelia Robinson unites Brooklyn communities in this annual celebration of live music and art making.

The event will feature a full-band performance as well as a recital of budding young songwriters who will be playing original songs and improvised tunes created with the audience.

WHY WE LOVE IT: This musical party offers audiences a chance to become songwriters of their very own. Plus, a yoga warm-up will be presented by Bend and Bloom!

WANT TO GO? $10; $15 at the door; $45 family rate on day of show; free for babies in arms. 646-820-9452. milstrills.com.

Winter Zoo Wonderland

WHEN: Through Jan. 27: Saturday-Sunday, 10am-4:30pm WHERE: Prospect Park Zoo, 450 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Park AGES: All WHAT: Explore the outdoor trail, warm up in the zoo’s indoor exhibits, and discover the special adaptations animals have to survive in the cold. Check out special sensory stations for toddlers from 11am-3pm on weekends.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids will play migration, hibernation, and adaptation games and conduct experiments to understand how melting ice affects the environment.

WANT TO GO? $9.95; $6.95 children ages 3-12; free for children 2 and younger. 718-399-7339. prospectparkzoo.com.

5

7

WHEN: Jan. 6-Feb. 10, Sundays, 11am-12:15pm and 1:302:45pm WHERE: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Prospect Heights AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Children and their adult companions can explore together to discover the world through art, play fun gallery games, and create their own masterpieces in the studio. Winter classes will focus on Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power to explore themes of art and community.

WHY WE LOVE IT: This month, kids will explore work by artists in Brooklyn and the rest of New York, and then get to know communityminded artists from around the world.

WANT TO GO? $27. 718-638-5000. brooklynmuseum.org.

8

WHEN: Through May 5: First Sunday of every month, 5:15pm and 6:15pm WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: This music and movement workshop connects famous children’s stories to everyday sounds, rhythms, and melodies.

WHY WE LOVE IT: This workshop gives children the opportunity to experiment with new ways of self-expression through singing, playing instruments, and creating sounds to represent ideas.

WANT TO GO? $11; free for children younger than 1. 718-735-4400. brooklynkids.org.

9

Donald Zucker and Barbara Hrbek Zucker Ocean Wonders: Sharks!

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.

CloseKnit FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 3, 2-4pm WHERE: Noble Maritime Collection at Snug Harbor Cultural Arts Center, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Knitters of all skill levels are invited to join this long-running community program to make knitted wares for charities.

WANT TO GO? 718-425-3504. snug-harbor.org.

Target First Saturday FREE

F.A.M. (Family Art Magic)

Bringing Stories to Life Through Music

nymetroparents.com/register ››

WHEN: Through June 30: daily, 10am-6pm WHERE: New York Aquarium, 602 Surf Ave., Coney Island AGES: All WHAT: See the more than 115 species, including sand tiger sharks, sandbar sharks, and loggerhead sea turtles, that live in this state-of-the-art exhibit.

WHY WE LOVE IT: This shark exhibit is totally awe-inspiring!

WANT TO GO? $12; free for children 2 and younger. 718-265-3474. nyaquarium.com.

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 5, 5-11pm WHERE: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Prospect Heights AGES: All WHAT: Create your own mixed-media mobile inspired by the work of Betye Saar, enjoy music from Brooklyn-based DJ Bembona, and enjoy performances and a movement workshop by the Brooklyn Dance Festival.

WANT TO GO? 718-638-5000. brooklynmuseum.org.

Farmhouse Family Day FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 19, 11am-4pm WHERE: Wyckoff House Museum, 5816 Clarendon Road, East Flatbush AGES: All WHAT: Explore NYC’s oldest house! Enjoy scavenger hunts, artifact investigation, gardening, self-guided exploration, and hands-on activities!

WANT TO GO? 718-629-5400. wyckoffmuseum.org.

Family Storytime at the Laundromat! FREE

WHEN: Jan. 6-20, Sundays, 12-2pm WHERE: Giant Wash Laundromat, 795 Rockaway Ave., Brownsville AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: You can talk, read, sing, write, and play at a Laundromat!

Come join a BPL children’s librarian who will lead story time and fun literacy activities for the whole family to enjoy.

WANT TO GO? bklynlibrary.org.

Pre-K Story & Play FREE

WHEN: Jan. 3-31, Thursdays, 10:45-11:15am WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Brooklyn Heights, 109 Remsen St., Brooklyn Heights AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Bring your pre-kindergarten kids to the library for a morning of reading stories, singing songs, and learning finger plays. After story time, there will be a craft or exploration stations to enjoy.

WANT TO GO? 718-623-7100. bklynlibrary.org. ›› BrooklynParent 29

Paint, Stamp, and Draw: 2D Art Day

WHEN: Jan. 2-30, Wednesdays; 1:30-4:30pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Ave., Staten Island AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Create your own artwork in the walk-in workshop with paint, stamps, pencils, and more 2-D tools.

WANT TO GO? $8. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.

Sculpt and Shape: 3D Art Day

CRAFTY KIDS Kids’ ArtFest

WHEN: Through Jan. 1: daily, 10am-5pm WHERE: Jewish Children’s Museum, 792 Eastern Parkway, Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy an incredible line-up of workshops and activities for children of all ages.

WANT TO GO? $13; $10 seniors; free for children younger than 2.

718-467-0600. jcm.museum.

Play Cafe

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 5, 10-11am WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Ave., Staten Island AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Socialize in the pop-up café while children do crafts and other fun activities guided by museum staff.

WANT TO GO? $8. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.

BRIC Orientation: Media Education FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 8, 6:30-8:30pm WHERE: BRIC, 647 Fulton St., Studio A, Fort Greene AGES: Adult WHAT: Want to have your film, TV show, or short to air on our New York Emmy-winning, community-produced TV channel? It’s possible.

Learn more at orientation!

WANT TO GO? 718-683-5600. bricartsmedia.org.

Creativity Lab

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 13, 4-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Prospect Heights AGES: All WHAT: Take inspiration from the galleries and get messy, experiment with materials, and learn artistic techniques with a new project each month.

WANT TO GO? $8. 718-638-5000. brooklynmuseum.org.

Stroller Tour

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 16, 10-11am WHERE: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Prospect Heights AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: Designed for children up to 2 years, this interactive, baby-friendly tour features touchable objects, songs, and an opportunity to connect with other adults.

WANT TO GO? $16. 718-638-5000. brooklynmuseum.org.

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January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Jan. 3-31, Thursdays; 1:30-4:30pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Ave., Staten Island AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Grab some clay and other fun mediums to explore 3-D art.

WANT TO GO? $8. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.

Little Artists

WHEN: Jan. 15-April 2, Tuesdays, 10:35am WHERE: Spark by Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 1 John St., Dumbo AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Explore art in the SPARK studio, experiment with materials, discover hidden objects from the BCM collection on scavenger hunt challenges, and create masterworks in this one-hour class.

WANT TO GO? $36. 718-852-2470. brooklynkids.org/spark.

ColorLab

WHEN: Through May 24: Thursday, 2-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Learn about contemporary Afrofuturism through books, materials, and prompts to guide creating.

WANT TO GO? $11; free for children younger than 1. 718-735-4400. brooklynkids.org.

Transit Tots

WHEN: Through Dec. 31, Thursdays, 10:15-11am WHERE: New York Transit Museum, 99 Schermerhorn St., Brooklyn Heights AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Young train enthusiasts explore themes like animals underground, the people and buildings of New York City, colors and shapes, and, the city’s subways and buses.

WANT TO GO? $10; $5 children ages 2-17. 718-694-1600. nytransitmuseum.org.

MINI

MUSICIANS Story Time: Brooklyn Music Factory’s Little Songwriters FREE WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 10, 11:30am WHERE: Greenlight Bookstore, 686 Fulton St., Fort Greene AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Join in a group sing-along using songs from Little Songwriters class curriculum that address basic musical concepts and incorporate shakers, scarves, African drums, and other instruments.

WANT TO GO? 718-246-0200. greenlightbookstore.com.

The Buttons Weekend Sing-Along

WHEN: Through March 17: Saturdays, 11-11:45am WHERE: Edamama Cute Cuts & More, 568 Union Ave., Unit B, Williamsburg AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: This sing-along features original tunes, classic children’s songs, and oldies rock ‘n’ roll to get everyone singing and dancing.

WANT TO GO? $15; $5 per additional child. 718-388-3663. edamama.com.

Silly Sing-a-Long

WHEN: Jan. 15-April 2, Tuesdays, 11:45am WHERE: Spark by Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 1 John St., Dumbo AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Go an exciting theatrical journey filled with instruments, puppets, scarves, bubbles, and much more. With a morning sing-along, every child starts her day in a creative way!

WANT TO GO? $36. 718-852-2470. brooklynkids.org/spark.

Tiny Tot Theater

WHEN: Jan. 17-April 4, Thursdays, 9:30am WHERE: Spark by Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 1 John St., Dumbo AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Along with a storyteller/puppeteer from Spellbound Theatre you and your child will explore creative play, movement, and puppet making.

WANT TO GO? $36. 718-852-2470. brooklynkids.org/spark.

Big Trip!: A Musical Journey Around NYC

WHEN: Jan. 17-April 4, Thursdays, 10:45am WHERE: Spark by Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 1 John St., Dumbo AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy songs about transportation, the natural world, landmarks, and other topics familiar to even the youngest New Yorkers. Children and their caregivers will explore imaginary play through seated and standing movement, musical instruments, dance, and lots of sing-alongs!

WANT TO GO? $36. 718-852-2470. brooklynkids.org/spark.

Yo Re Mi Music and Movement

WHEN: Jan. 18-April 5, Fridays, 9:30am WHERE: Spark by Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 1 John St., Dumbo AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Through unique integration of movement and original live music, you’ll explore nature, geography, culture, language, rhythm, dance, songwriting, and playing instruments.

WANT TO GO? $36. 718-852-2470. brooklynkids.org/spark.

Thursday Workshops with The Little Orchestra Society

WHEN: Through May 23: Thursdays, 3pm and 4pm WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Create your own melodies, discover cultures, and build communities as you explore new sounds and songs.

WANT TO GO? $11; free for children younger than 1. 718-735-4400. brooklynkids.org.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Get weekend activities delivered to you!

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New York Islanders vs. New York Rangers

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 12, 1pm WHERE: Barclays Center, 620 Atlantic Ave., Prospect Heights/Park Slope AGES: All WHAT: See the Islanders take on the Rangers in this inter-borough showdown. Which team are you cheering for?

WANT TO GO? $75 and up. 917-618-6100. barclayscenter.com.

Brooklyn Nets vs. New York Knicks

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 25, 7:30pm WHERE: Barclays Center, 620 Atlantic Ave., Prospect Heights/Park Slope AGES: All WHAT: In a showdown between two of the city’s basketball teams, which will win?

WANT TO GO? $72 and up. 917-618-6100. barclayscenter.com.

January Evening Yoga Series: Breathe in the New Year!

WHEN: Jan. 4-25, Fridays, 6:30-7:30pm WHERE: Blood Root Valley (Greenbelt), 700 Rockland Ave., Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Begin the new year with an evening of indoor yoga practice through a series of four classes for people of all experience levels. Stretch, breathe, and relax your way into 2019.

WANT TO GO? $10 donation. 718-351-3450. sigreenbelt.org.

Storytime & Sensory Lounge

WHEN: Jan. 15-April 2, Tuesdays, 9:20 am WHERE: Spark by Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 1 John St., Dumbo AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Children and caregivers explore their senses in this interactive class that includes song, storytelling, dramatic role-play, and an art project.

WANT TO GO? $36. 718-852-2470. brooklynkids.org/spark.

New York Road Runners Open Run FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 18: Tuesdays, 7pm WHERE: Pier 6, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Atlantic Avenue and Furman Street, Brooklyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: Participate in free weekly 2.5-3 mile runs, directed by volunteers.

Open to all experience levels, walkers, strollers, and dogs.

WANT TO GO? 718-222-9939. brooklynbridgepark.org. ››

Story Time and Yoga Workshop FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 1, 11:30am WHERE: Greenlight Bookstore, 686 Fulton St., Fort Greene AGES: All WHAT: This special event features yoga teachers reading yoga-themed books and an activity where young yogis will learn kid-friendly yoga poses.

WANT TO GO? 718-246-0200. greenlightbookstore.com.

Winter Yoga

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 6, 2-3pm WHERE: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave., Crown Heights AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Sarah Schumann will lead this all-levels yoga class that emphasizes warming and opening the body through yoga postures, breathing exercises, and guided meditation.

WANT TO GO? $15; $8 seniors and students; free for children 12 and younger. 718-623-7200. bbg.org.

BrooklynParent 31

Friday/Saturday Drop-In

WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Friday-Saturday, 6:30-9:30pm WHERE: Brooklyn Game Lab, 310 7th Ave., Park Slope AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Drop in for Dungeons and Dragons and other role-playing games that your kids and teens will love.

WANT TO GO? $48. 718-788-1122. brooklyngamelab.com.

SHOW TIME! Coney Island Circus Sideshow - New Year’s Day

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2-6pm WHERE: Coney Island USA, 1208 Surf Ave., Coney Island AGES: All WHAT: The World Famous Coney Island Circus Sideshow will perform on New Year’s Day (right after the Polar Bear Swim) at Sideshows By The Seashore!

WANT TO GO? $10; $5 for children younger than 12. 718-372-5159. coneyisland.com.

Winter Break Movies FREE

SMARTY PANTS BCM Explorers Day

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 1, 10am-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Together with your child, can you find an authentic West Indian Day Parade costume? Have you met Madagascar hissing cockroaches?

Can you try your dance moves in Global Beats?

WANT TO GO? $11; free for children younger than 1. 718-735-4400. brooklynkids.org.

Transit Trivia

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 29, 6:30-8:30pm WHERE: New York Transit Museum, 99 Schermerhorn St., Brooklyn Heights AGES: Adult WHAT: Transit Trivia is back with a trivia contest like no other. Hustle up a two-six person team of transit superstars or make new friends on the spot, and don’t forget to study up!

WANT TO GO? $20. 718-694-1600. nytransitmuseum.org.

WHEN: Through Jan. 2: See website for schedule WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Ulmer Park Library, 2602 Bath Ave., Gravesend AGES: All WHAT: During the winter school break, watch a movie and go home with a souvenir craft. This program starts with Incredibles 2 and a superhero mask crafting activity.

WANT TO GO? 718-265-3443. bklynlibrary.org.

Staten Island School of Rock Presents: Winter Concert

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 20, 1-3pm WHERE: Music Hall at Snug Harbor Cultural Arts Center, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Watch these rock stars come alive in front of an enormous crowd, many of whom will be performing onstage for the first time.

WANT TO GO? $15. 718-425-3504. snug-harbor.org.

PBS KIDS Live! Really BIG tiny Adventure Presented by Zappos Adaptive WHEN: Friday, Jan. 25, 6pm WHERE: St. George Theatre, 35 Hyatt St., Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Find out what happens when Dot, Dee, and Del get shrunk to the size of grasshoppers on their way to a birthday party!

WANT TO GO? $29-$99. 718-442-2900. stgeorgetheatre.com.

Escher: The Exhibition and Experience

Magic at Coney

Baby Sign Language

Exhibition: Impractical Jokers: Homecoming

WHEN: Through Feb. 3: Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Sunday, 10am-7pm; Thursday, 10am-9pm WHERE: Industry City, 34 34th St., Building 6, Sunset Park AGES: All WHAT: Experience the art of M.C. Escher in this exhibition featuring more than 200 original works.

WANT TO GO? $20; $13 children ages 12-17; $6 children ages 5-11. eschernyc.com.

WHEN: Jan. 16-April 3, Wednesdays, 10:45am WHERE: Spark by Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 1 John St., Dumbo AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Learn the basics of sign language, including numbers, colors, greetings, and family terms. Students can practice their new language skills through fun activities such as songs and games.

WANT TO GO? $36. 718-852-2470. brooklynkids.org/spark.

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January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Through Jan. 27: Sundays, 12pm WHERE: Coney Island USA, 1208 Surf Ave., Coney Island AGES: All WHAT: This magical variety show highlights a vast array of magicians, featuring illusionists, escape artists, mentalists, and close-up magicians from around the world.

WANT TO GO? $10; $5 for children younger than 12. 718-372-5159. coneyisland.com.

WHEN: Through March 17: Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: Staten Island Museum at Snug Harbor, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: See original costumes, props, and art, and learn about behindthe-scenes production.

WANT TO GO? $8; $5 seniors and students with ID; $2 children ages 2-12. 718-727-1135. StatenIslandMuseum.org.

ONCE UPON A TIME Story Play FREE

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 4, 10:30am-11:30am WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library - Brighton Beach, 16 Brighton First Road, Brighton Beach AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy stories, rhymes, and songs.

WANT TO GO? 718-946-2917.

Family Story Time

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 6, 10:30am-12pm WHERE: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave., Crown Heights AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Read garden-inspired stories and explore different winter themes each month; drop in anytime during program hours to join in.

WANT TO GO? $15; $8 seniors and students; free for children younger than 12. 718-623-7200. bbg.org.

Unbound: Malala Yousafzai

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 8, 7:30pm WHERE: BAM, 30 Lafayette Ave., Fort Greene AGES: All WHAT: Nobel laureate and New York Times bestselling author, Malala Yousafzai (I Am Malala and Malala’s Magic Pencil) will discuss her new book, We Are Displaced: My Journey and Stories from Refugee Girls Around the World.

WANT TO GO? $20 and up. 718-636-4100. bam.org.

D ITE-19 L M LI 018 STIL E 2 TS BL A LA SE VAI A

After-school enrichment in STEM, arts, language!

SLA is an independent school focused on hands-on science, arts, and math in a language immersion environment. After-school is open to all students ages 2–12.

Register for after-school classes: www.slaschool.org

PLG Graphic Novel Book Group FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 10, 5:30pm WHERE: Greenlight Bookstore PLG, 632 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Lefferts Garden AGES: 9-17 WHAT: This new graphic novel book group reads and discusses comics and graphic novels in a variety of genres. For January, the group discusses Ms. Marvel Vol. 1: No Normal.

WANT TO GO? 718-246-0200. greenlightbookstore.com.

‘Freeda the Frog’ FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 19, 11:30am WHERE: Barnes & Noble, 267 7th Ave., Park Slope AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Nadine Haruni joins for a story time featuring her latest in the Freeda the Frog series, Freeda the Frog is on the Move!

WANT TO GO? 718-832-9066. bn.com.

mid-winter spring break

FG Young Readers Book Group FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 22, 5:30pm WHERE: Greenlight Bookstore, 686 Fulton St., Fort Greene AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Led by Greenlight staff, the young readers’ book group in Fort Greene reads and discusses Ghost by Jason Reynolds. Pizza is served.

WANT TO GO? 718-246-0200. greenlightbookstore.com.

More Curious Jane: Science + Design + Engineering for Inquisitive Girls FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 26, 12pm WHERE: Barnes & Noble, 267 7th Ave., Park Slope AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: More Curious Jane, a cool collection of projects to encourage young girls’ participation in science and engineering, debuts with a special author event with DIY elements.

WANT TO GO? 718-832-9066. bn.com.

For 6-13 year olds

Mid-Winter:

February 18-22, 2019 mmdg.org/dance-camps

Spring:

April 22-26, 2019 THE SCHOOL at the MARK MORRIS DANCE CENTER

BrooklynParent 33

HOLIDAY FUN! Holiday Festival of Traditions FREE

WHEN: Through Jan. 6: daily, 1-4pm WHERE: H.H. Biddle House, 70 Satterlee St., Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: This holiday celebration features the Festival of Trees exhibit with a glittering display of decorated evergreen trees and the Menorah representing the Jewish Festival of Lights to commemorate the diverse cultures of our community past and present.

WANT TO GO? 718-887-9125. nycgovparks.org.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS New Year’s Day Hike: Prospect Park FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 1, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Prospect Park, 101 East Drive, Brooklyn AGES: 13 and older WHAT: This hiking program features intensity levels ranging from light to moderate to vigorous. Our light hikes feature a leisurely stroll on mostly paved paths.

WANT TO GO? 718-421-2021. prospectpark.org.

Gingerbread Lane

WHEN: Through Jan. 21: Monday-Friday, 9:30am, 5pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona, Queens AGES: All WHAT: A holiday tradition not to be missed! Visitors marvel at homemade gingerbread houses made entirely of edible gingerbread, royal icing, and candy.

WANT TO GO? $16 adults; $13 children, students, and senior citizens.

718-699-0005. nysci.org.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Storytelling and Music Event FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 6, 11am-12pm WHERE: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave., Crown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Explore Brooklyn Botanic Garden and observe the birds, mammals, and insects that remain active in winter.

WANT TO GO? $15; $8 seniors and students; free for children 12 and younger. 718-623-7200. bbg.org.

WHEN: Monday, Jan. 21, 11am-3pm WHERE: Grace Reformed Church of Flatbush, 1800 Bedford Ave., Prospect Lefferts Gardens AGES: All WHAT: Brooklyn author Jacqueline Woodson reads from her book Show Way, a story of the Underground Railroad, as well as her new picture book The Day You Begin. Enjoy music performances, activities, crafts, and a complimentary lunch.

WANT TO GO? 718-246-0200. greenlightbookstore.com.

Chase Away the Winter Blues Outdoor Tour

Martin Luther King Jr. Day FREE

Winter Nature Walk with Bradley Klein

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 6, 12-1pm WHERE: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave., Crown Heights AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Join licensed psychotherapist Lynne Spevack for this narrated walk designed to relieve the winter doldrums.

WANT TO GO? $15; $8 seniors and students; free for children 12 and younger. 718-623-7200. bbg.org.

Mulchfest FREE

WHEN: Jan. 12-13, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-2pm WHERE: Prospect Park, Park Circle Entrance, Park Slope AGES: All WHAT: Bring your holiday tree to Prospect Park, where it will go through a chipper and transform into environment-friendly mulch at both 3rd Street and Park Circle Entrances.

WANT TO GO? 718-965-8951. prospectpark.org.

Brooklyn Borough Hall Saturday Greenmarket

WHEN: Through Dec. 8: Saturdays, 8am-5pm WHERE: Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon St., Downtown Brooklyn AGES: All WHAT: Buy fresh and locally grown fruits and vegetables and take part in programs like nutrition workshops, clothing collections, and food scrap collections.

WANT TO GO? grownyc.org.

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January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Monday, Jan. 21, 12-4pm WHERE: Prospect Park Audubon Center and Lefferts Historic House, 101 East Drive, Flatbush AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy Audubon center activities and freedom songs and stories with storyteller Tammy Hall.

WANT TO GO? 646-393-9031. prospectpark.org.

ANIMAL LOVERS Con Edison Second Saturday Science: Happy Hibernations!

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 12, 12-1pm WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Ave., Staten Island AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Explore how certain animals survive the winter months and meet some special critters from the Staten Island Zoo. WANT TO GO? $8. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.

Tot Time Tuesdays FREE

WHEN: Jan. 1-29, 10-11:30am, See website for details WHERE: Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center, 2351 Veteran’s Road W., Staten Island AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Nature lovers will learn about a new plant or animal each

week during this indoor playgroup.

A short hike follows the story time, weather permitting.

WANT TO GO? 718-605-3970. parks.ny.gov.

ShopRite Kidz Cook

WHEN: Jan. 4-Feb. 1, Fridays; 3pm and 4pm

WHERE: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Ave., Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: Kids will get a hands-on class on how to create dishes that are tasty for them and their pets!

WANT TO GO? $8. 718-273-2060. sichildrensmuseum.org.

Zoofari Martin Luther King Day Camp

WHEN: Monday, Jan. 21, 9am-3pm WHERE: Prospect Park Zoo, 450 Flatbush Avenue, Prospect Park AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Meet live animals up close, explore predator and prey adaptations, and visit zoo animals to uncover the unique ways animals protect themselves.

WANT TO GO? $100 non-members; $75 members. 718-3997339. prospectparkzoo.com.

Keeper for a Day

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 26, 2-3:30pm WHERE: New York Aquarium, 602 Surf Ave., Coney Island AGES: 5-12 WHAT: This fast-paced program is jammed full of special experiences that demonstrate just what it’s like to care for the marine mammals and birds that call the New York Aquarium home.

WANT TO GO? $60. 718-265-3474. nyaquarium.com.

Art in the Park: Bird Baths and Feeders FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 26, 2-3:30pm WHERE: Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center, 2351 Veteran’s Road W., Staten Island AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Paint and assemble terra cotta pots to create outdoor bird baths and make a variety of bird feeders out of recycled materials.

WANT TO GO? 718-605-3970 x201. parks.ny.gov.

FEBRUARY 16

KINGS THEATRE // BROOKLYN TICKETS FROM KINGSTHEATRE.COM

1027 FLATBUSH AVE BROOKLYN NY 11226

BrooklynParent 35

things to do

where-to guide

CHILL OUT This Winter Compiled by Anja Webb

Winter is in full swing, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to go into total hibernation mode. Use the cold weather to your advantage by ice-skating with your family or trade in the grey slush for some fresh, mountainside powder with a ski or snowboarding getaway at some nearby slopes. If you or you kids aren’t big fans of the cold, stay indoors and go bowling. And since the kids are heading back to school after the holiday break, try an educational activity by checking out a museum that’s perfect for your little ones.

SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING Mount Peter 40 Ski Lane, Warwick 845-986-4940; mtpeter.com Features 14 trails, from beginner to black diamond, a terrain park, tubing, and a new quad lift. Offers free beginner lessons on weekends and holidays with the purchase of a lift ticket (for ages 5 and older).

There’s also a Tiny Tots program for children ages 4 and younger (must be potty trained), which includes a lesson, equipment rental, lift ticket, and hot chocolate. Ski racing program for ages 6-18.

Find more>> nymetroparents.com/skiing

BOWLING Shell Lanes 1 Bouck Court, Gravesend 718-336-6700; shelllanes.com Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9-12am; Friday-Saturday, 9-1:30am; Sunday, 9-12am Offers 32 lanes, snack counter and bar service, and cosmic bowling on Friday and Saturday nights. Children’s party packages are available.

Find more>> nymetroparents.com/bowling

KID-FRIENDLY MUSEUMS Jewish Children’s Museum 792 Eastern Parkway, Crown Heights 718-907-8861; jcm.museum Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10am-4pm; Sunday, 10am-5:30pm Admission: $13; $10 seniors; free for children younger than 2 This museum celebrates Jewish culture through hands-on exhibits focusing on Jewish holidays, biblical history, the land of Israel, and contemporary Jewish life. It features multimedia exhibits, an art gallery, two state-of-the-art computer labs, a game show studio, a 75seat audiovisual theater, a miniature-golf course, and a craft workshop.

ICE-SKATING

Find more>> nymetroparents.com/museum

Find more>> nymetroparents.com/ice-skating

Aviator Sports and Events Center Floyd Bennett Field, 3159 Flatbush Ave., Marine Park 718-758-7500; 718-758-7567; aviatorsports.com Hours: Year-round: Monday-Thursday, 11am-3:45pm; Friday, 11am-3:45pm and 7:30-11pm; Saturday, 1:45-6pm and 7-11pm (through April); Sunday, 12:30-6pm. Call for holiday schedule.

Price: Non-members: $12; $10 children younger than 1.

Members: $11; $9.10 for children younger than 11. $6 skate rental. Free lockers; bring your own lock

THE CHILDREN’S ACADEMY AT LIU BROOKLYN

FREE Trial Class January 15th

Join Us This Winter For Class!

Academics, Athletics & Creativity in Downtown Brooklyn’s Best Educational Facilities Ages 3 – 12; classes start January 19 and run for 12 weeks

2019

Whatever your child’s passion, they’ll find it at The Children’s Academy 718-488-1364 childrensacademy@liu.edu liu.edu/liuchildrensacademy

A Jewish cultural experience in your regular Music Together class!

In Music Together Sing Shalom you’ll learn lots of ways to interact musically with your child! Classes combine your Music Together favorites with an all new collection of Jewish songs!

Semester begins Jan. 15th – Register today!

of Bay Ridge www.MusicTogetherBR.com

718-499-2866

Tuesdays 10:15am Madison Jewish Center 2989 Nostrand Ave (near Ave. P.) with Emma Alabaster

Music Together Sing Shalom is offered in collaboration with The Jewish Education Project with funding by UJA-Federation of New York

Bar Bat Mitzvah Facebook Groups Ask questions, share ideas, and get advice.

Join today!

New York City facebook.com/groups/NewYorkCityBarBatMitzvah

Mıtzvah Market Find it. Book it. Celebrate!

mitzvahmarket.com BrooklynParent 37

family life home

How to Know When You’re Ready to Move

››

Is it time for a new home? Real-estate experts (and real parents!) share the factors that make families relocate. By Lambeth Hochwald

T

he signs might be right in front of you: Maybe you and your family are feeling totally squished into a too-small apartment or perhaps your children are getting ready to start school and you aren’t sure your local school district is right for your kids. These are just two scenarios in which it feels like you might be ready to consider switching neighborhoods or spending your hard-earned savings on upgrading to your first home.

“Many moves are dictated by lifecycles in the family, whether it is a marriage, a new child, or the start of school,” says Alison Bernstein, founder of Suburban Jungle, a real estate firm exclusively focused on buyers leaving the city for the suburbs. “If thinking down the road about your kids’ school experience causes you to break into a cold sweat, it may be time to go. Ultimately, whether you move or stay in your neighborhood comes down to the level of happiness you have day to day, and whether there is a need for change.”

The following, experts say, are all signs it may be time to start reading the real estate ads:

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January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Your place is less kid-friendly than you thought. For Becky Margel, mom of Remy (3) and Reese (6 months), it was a staircase that prompted her and her husband, Jesse, to move from Manhattan to Glen Rock, NJ in February 2018.

“We lived in a duplex and when our three-year-old began walking up and down the very steep spiral staircase on her own, it started to make us nervous,” says Margel, who lived in NYC for a decade before the move to the suburbs.

Your family is growing—but your space isn’t. Another nudge for the Margels was the fact that Becky was pregnant again.

“With baby two on the way and additional baby gear entering our apartment, we knew it was time to get out of the city and move to the suburbs,” she says. “With no space to put all the toys that was another sign that it was time to live somewhere with way more space.”

Bernstein sees families in similar situations all the time: “Often

the addition of a child into an already at-capacity apartment is enough to signal that it’s time for a change,” she says. “Baby girls and boys and all their gear and toys demand space.”

Ultimately, it may no longer be fun to stow toilet paper under the bed and extra diapers in your clothing closet.

You’re longing for a lawn. Outdoor space may be one of the biggest reasons families opt to relocate, says Greg McHale, a real estate agent at Compass.

“While we have seen city folks adapt to living with kids in living quarters your cousin in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, would deem postage stamp-sized, for many parents, not being able to essentially kick your kids outside when they are rowdy ultimately becomes a major sticking point,” he says.

Of course, you don’t always have to leave the city to get a yard. “Whether the family can afford an apartment or a house with private outdoor space in their favorite neighborhood or school district can sometimes be the ‘make or break’ decision between hanging around or heading to Hastings-on-Hudson,” McHale says.

Your local parks suddenly seem puny. Another way to gauge your need for greenery is by doing this exercise, which McHale recommends to all his clients: “As a litmus test, if you’re okay with spending the day in Central or Prospect park for your weekend expeditions, then stick with the city,” he says. “There are deals to be had on the Upper East Side and Windsor Terrace right now. But, not for long.”

However, if those two fabulous parks aren’t enough nature for you and your crew, it may be time to make a move.

City life is starting to feel overwhelming. Cramped conditions and a lack of green space can prompt an exodus, but so can other realities of an urban existence. Add in the strain of school applications, the sleep issues if you’re in a noisy apartment, the expense, and other annoyances, and you’ve got a family ready to make a move.

That’s exactly the scenario Amy Hill, who moved from Brooklyn to Tarrytown with her husband and two sons, faced last year.

“We were getting kicked out of our apartment (the owners wanted to sell it), so we didn’t have much of a choice,” Hill says. But the decision to leave Brooklyn—where Hill’s entire family still lives—was one they made on their own, due not only to a desire for more space, but also a list of irritants that included the dirt and grime of urban living. “Our other triggers included the broken glass on the sidewalks, the worry over the kids running into the street, and navigating the narrow [store] aisles with our double stroller,” she says. “Oh, and someone almost hit us throwing a urine-filled bottle out their car window!”

You haven’t found your parent tribe. Loneliness is another reason many parents find it’s time to move.

“When you are a new parent living in New York City and you find yourself feeling isolated or without any baby playmates for your little one, it may be time to consider a move,” says Amy Owens, a real estate broker at Keller Williams in New York City. The same thing can happen in the suburbs if you’re living in a neighborhood populated by mostly older families.

You feel like you’ve aged out of your ’hood, as in you’re the only one with a baby and everyone else is crowding into your favorite local bar for happy hour. While this neighborhood once felt familiar it can suddenly feel strange to be in a different life stage from pretty much everyone else around you.

“When you start feeling like you’re the only one on your block with a stroller it may be time to move,” Bernstein says.

Your bustling neighborhood is starting to be annoying. When your busy morning schedule clashes with the neighborhood’s late-night vibe, it can also feel like a big disconnect. For example, if your favorite café is empty during the day but packed at night you might feel left out and exceedingly out of place.

“It’s extremely taxing as well when people are out partying in the streets until all hours of the night keeping you and/or your whole family awake,” Bernstein adds.

You already know people in the town you’re considering.

Having pals already in place always eases the transition. They can show you where to buy groceries, what the schools are like, and which pediatrician to choose, as well as clue you in to favorite traditions in town where neighbors gather, such as Fourth of July parades, tree-lighting ceremonies, or Halloween events, Margel advises. “The transition was seamless since we knew a few people in town,” she says. “This made it very easy to adjust.”

And you just might find other urbanites living in your new town, too. “The good news is that a new home doesn’t always mean moving away from your friends,” Owens says. “Many New York City suburbs are loaded with residents who just a few short years ago were your Brooklyn and Manhattan neighbors.”

You’ve always dreamed of owning a home. For many families, saving for a home of their own is an important goal.

“A lot of long-time city dwellers find themselves itching to cross the Hudson once their family grows in number,” Owens says. “A home in the suburbs also comes with the added bonus of a backyard, good public schools, and a community of your contemporaries.”

For Margel and Hill, leaving the city for the suburbs turned out to be one of the best things they ever did and they mostly have zero regrets about the decision.

“We love the shopping,” Margel says. “We have every store imaginable within 15 minutes. Well, I love it, my husband not so much!”

And if you end up missing a lot of things about your former neighborhood, you can vent about this, too, with your new neighbors who are likely going to be easily able to relate to how you feel.

“No matter how much we love our new town, we do miss my family, the pizza, and the bagels,” Hill says.

An easy fix: Just take the train, bus, or ferry back to your once-favorite neighborhood for the day. You might just come to realize that you miss fewer and fewer things about your neighborhood the longer you’ve put down roots in a new—and exciting—place.

Lambeth Hochwald covers trends, relationships, and life in New York City.

BrooklynParent 39

raising kids teen

What Your Teen Really Needs from You

››

Your oh-so-grown-up child is less independent than she seems—here’s what she’s still relying on you to provide. By Deborah Skolnik

I

f you have a teen, you probably look at him—on those rare moments when he isn’t holed up in his room or out somewhere with his friends—and wonder: “How’d you get so big?” And the bigger your child gets, the smaller the list of things he relies on you for becomes. Once upon a time, you were his wardrobe coordinator, social activities director, and on and on, but most of those roles have long been phased out. In fact, aside from food, money, rides, and more food, it’s easy to conclude your teen needs nothing from you at all.

But thinking that way is a mistake. “Teens look like little adults, and so a lot of times parents treat them like little adults, but their brains are not caught up yet,” says Emily Roberts, M.A., L.P.C., psychotherapist and author of Express Yourself. And adolescents have lots of big tasks to accomplish, from hammering out their moral code to making plans for the future. With so much on their plates, it’s a time kids still rely on their parents, says Kashmira Rustomji, M.D., M.P.H., a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center.

So don’t keep your distance. Make sure your child is still getting what he needs from you, especially the following: Praise (when appropriate). “There tends to be a lot more conflict in parent-adolescent relationships,” Dr. Rustomji says. “Often that conflict is about trivial things.”

Take time to give your teen props when she’s earned it, whether that’s for a good grade, going out of her way to help a younger sibling (or you!), or being a great friend. It will balance out some of the times you and your teen find yourselves at odds, and boost her self-esteem.

Your good example. Teens “are still very sensitive creatures at this time and they’re still very impressionable, so they may hear half of

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January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

what you’re saying and they make that their reality,” Roberts points out. That’s why it’s important not to just tell your teen what’s right and what’s wrong, but to show it to him through everything you do.

“Teens are always watching you,” Dr. Rustomji adds. So be a good role model—“show them how to cope with stress, how to be respectful, and model the moral code you developed for yourself,” she urges.

Chores. No one wants them, but all teens need them, Roberts says. “A lot of parents forget that that practice of helping around the house is not only about [teens] showing their family they are involved, it’s really a habit they need to have especially as they ease into adulthood,” she explains.

Yes, teens tend to have busy lives, but that’s not a reason to do away with chores altogether: “You and I sometimes have a lot of work, and we still have to go home and clean our rooms and do our laundry,” Roberts says. Just be considerate of your teen’s hectic weeks: “Have a conversation with them about their schedule, especially in the beginning and middle of the school year with midterms and homework and homecoming and all that, asking how you can help,” Roberts advises. Some weeks you may need to make your teen’s chore load a little lighter. The key is to keep her responsibilities as consistent as possible over time, so she accepts chores as a part of life.

Help managing his hectic schedule. Your child’s time commitments are growing exponentially—faster than his brain can keep up, Roberts says. “The adolescent brain doesn’t stop growing until the early twenties, and sometimes teens overestimate or underestimate [things],” she explains, including how long certain activities may take. Roberts suggests saying, “Let’s look at how we can schedule your time together,” and then doing just that.

Tammy Gold, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., a family therapist, is a fan of putting a calendar in your teen’s room. “Studies show that children really love structure,” she says. “Show them what their week looks like...so they know when the soccer game is, when the test is.”

Time spent hanging out with you. Yes, it can seem like you’re the last person your child wants to pass the time with, but that’s not true, Gold says. Look for lulls in your teen’s busy social schedule: “Maybe they weren’t invited somewhere and they’re not going to say that to you, but they could be suffering, so you make the plans,” Gold explains. Even if they weren’t snubbed, teens often don’t like being alone, and could be up for a little company. You can also make a ritual to spend time together at a certain time each week.

Spending time together isn’t just nice; it has important developmental benefits for your teen. “Obviously, for a toddler you need to be there to say things like ‘Don’t touch the flame!’ But for a teenager you need to be there not only to teach appropriate social behavior and values and model them, but to help them decode what they’re seeing,” Gold says.

Help understanding social media. Speaking of things your teen may need your assistance in decoding, social media tops the list, Gold says. “For kids on social media, they need to know that this is a fictitious life, not real life,” she explains. “Everyone is just putting the best of themselves out there, so don’t let it make you feel bad.”

If your teen is often down because she finds out via social media that she wasn’t invited somewhere with pals, or because her posts got too few likes, it may be time for a social media break. Gold’s own 13-year-old is only allowed to use Snapchat. “That still has the ability to make you say ‘OMG I missed that party, it stinks that I wasn’t invited,’ but that’s gone after twenty-four hours,” Gold says.

Rules and limits. Oh, we know you’re going to get some eye rolls when you say, “Be home before ten!” or “No walking home from the party alone!” but that’s no reason to hold back. “Adolescents...tend to want to do things that give them thrills and give them excitement, and sometimes that behavior leads to maladaptive behavior like drugs and alcohol and unsafe sex,” Dr. Rustomji says. “So this is a time when it’s really important for parents to set those limits to protect their child.”

It’s also helpful to walk through some sticky scenarios ahead of time. Pose questions to your teen, like, “If someone is drinking at a party and wants you to drink too, how do you say no?” or “If someone gets drunk, what do you do?” Again, your teen may think it’s silly, but try anyway. “If your family has a certain set of values that you want to impart in your children, just make those clear,” Dr. Rustomji says. “And also tell your teen why.”

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FITNESS AND FUN FOR YOUR LITTLE ONE • • • • •

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Reassurance that you’re always there. “It’s important to tell teens ‘Hey, you’re growing, you’re maturing and because of that you get to go to the mall, you get to go out, but we’re still here to help you,’” Gold says. And it’s even more crucial to make that clear when you and your teen are fighting, she adds. “[Tell your teen] ‘You can yell at me and scream at me, but I’m never going away,’” she urges.

Specializing In: • • • • • • • •

Your apologies (when appropriate). Did you lose control and scream at your teen? “That happens, it’s normal,” Gold says. “What are you going to do about it now? Recover and say you’re sorry. Teach your child how to say you’re sorry.” Not only will your child learn it’s right to apologize when he’s wrong, he’ll also learn nobody’s perfect.

Your love. “Teens need holding, as silly as it sounds,” Gold says. “I like to spoon my 13-year-old for ten minutes a night, and we talk about what happened during the day, and she loves it.” So go ahead, give your big kid a hug. Who knows? You might even get a hug back.

Deborah Skolnik is the former editorial director of NYMetroParents. She lives in Westchester with her husband and 14-year-old, both of whom are much taller than she is.

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BrooklynParent 41

raising kids baby

Ready, Set, Sibling!

››

Pregnant again? Learn how to prepare your first-born for the baby on the way. By Denise Porretto

I

t was once believed that Earth was the center of the universe.

But those early scientists got it wrong: Ask any mom and she will tell you that everything revolves around her first-born.

Whether it’s for 10 months or a few years, the oldest child has Mom and Dad’s attention all to herself. So while parents may be delighted they’re expecting a second child, they may worry about how to break the news to their first-born and prevent any jealousy that might arise.

“Bringing a new baby into the world is a very complex and magical process,” says Kenneth Schuster, Psy.D., clinical neuropsychologist in the Learning and Development Center and director of clinical training at the Child Mind Institute. “But for a child, it is best to keep things simple and concrete. Introduce the subject in an age-appropriate manner. Answer his or her questions using age-appropriate language. Keep in mind that what is appropriate for one two-year-old may not be appropriate for another. Different children have different language skills and social maturity. ...You need to meet your child where he is, and remember that anecdotal stories about what may have worked for another family will not necessarily work for your child.”

With that in mind, read on for ways to prepare your child for the new baby.

Time the talk

If being pregnant for nine months seems like forever to you, imagine how long it would seem to a 2-year-old! After all, a 1-minute timeout feels like an hour to a kid that age. So if you have a very 42

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

young child, breaking the baby news early may not be best. He may not even understand at first or remember what you’ve said.

Many other factors may impact your decision about when to share your news. For instance, if you’re not feeling well, you may consider telling her sooner rather than later, or else she may worry you’re really sick.

Your growing belly will eventually become noticeable, making the talk inevitable. “The news that a baby is on the way becomes more meaningful to a young child when there are perceptible changes to their physical environment,” Dr. Schuster says. “For instance, perhaps the child is noticing mommy’s shrinking lap. Or the child has taken note that his parents are moving in furniture and painting walls.”

Until you’re ready to share the news, be discreet. Even a very young child hears her parents talking and can pick up on “secret” information. More importantly, however, you don’t want your child, at any age, hearing the news from anyone else. “You want to make sure you’re keeping them in the loop,” says Jen Trachtenberg, M.D., assistant clinical professor of pediatrics at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Keep It Simple

When sharing the news with your young child, be direct. Simply say, “Mommy has a baby in her belly.” Even older children don’t need to hear additional details. This is not the time for a “birds and bees” talk, Dr. Schuster says. There will be plenty of time for your child to ask questions should she need further explanation.

Be sure not to ask your child if he wants a baby brother or sister.

This could backfire! (What are you going to do if she says, “No”?)

Just as important as sharing the factual news with your child is conveying the emotions surrounding it. Reassure her that you and your partner are fully capable of loving both her and her new sibling. “Emphasize that she will not be left out, that there’s more than enough love to go around,” Dr. Trachtenberg says.

Accentuate the Positive

Over the coming months, there will be many opportunities for you to prepare your child for the big event. Of course, not everything you tell him about the new baby will be rosy. Explain that new baby brothers and sisters are not born ready to play, but rather spend a lot of time sleeping, eating, crying, and pooping (expect a giggle for that one). Tell your child he did the same thing when he was a baby.

The trick is to spin the “bad news” in a positive way. For instance, tell your child the baby will cry a lot, but also say it will be like a game to figure out what she needs. Is she hungry? Tired? Needing a diaper change?

Emma L., who lives in New York City with her husband and two children, Ella (7) and Rafa (4), believes finding a good marketing angle is the best way to deal with potential issues. “Need to transition the older child to a bed, so the newborn can have the crib?

Market it as an amazing new bed she gets to have because she is such a big girl!” she suggests.

Get Ready Together

Once you’ve shared the news, build on it with age-appropriate activities: • Read books together about having a new sibling. Many favorite TV characters have siblings as well. Watch the show your child likes and talk about how those siblings interact.

• Give your child a baby doll and feed, change, and rock it together.

• Introduce your child to a friend or relative’s baby. The baby should be older than 3 months to reduce the risk of catching an illness from your child, and you should exercise caution if you let your child hold the baby.

• Share old photos of you and your siblings, and tell stories about what life was like growing up together. Don’t forget current photos. Fran L., a mother of two boys in Syosset, told 3½-year-old Ben about the baby on the way by surprising him with her sonogram photo.

• Allow your child to pick out clothes or toys for the new baby.

• Have your child participate in a sibling-preparation class at a local hospital.

• Enlist your first-born as an all-important “mommy’s helper,” Dr. Schuster suggests. “Tell your two-year-old that you will need her help letting you know when the baby is crying and figuring out what the baby needs. You can tell older children that you’ll need their help getting clean diapers ready and making the baby laugh by making silly faces.”

• When referring to the baby-to-be, use language such as “our baby” and “your baby sister/brother”—it suggests your child has a relationship with the baby and has an important role to play.

Post-Birth Bonding

To keep the sibling relationship growing after the baby arrives, do a few more things: • Help your child choose a gift for the newborn. Give your first-born a gift the newborn “picked out” as well.

• Avoid introducing big changes in your older child’s routine while your baby is still settling in. That includes toilet training, going from a bottle to a sippy cup, and giving up the pacifier.

• Allow your child to help with the baby. Closely supervised older children can hold the baby while sitting, or can pass di-

apering or bathing supplies to the parent. Children of all ages can sing songs to a fussy newborn. (If your child doesn’t want to help, though, don’t force it. Encourage him to say hello and goodnight to his sibling and let the relationship blossom on its own.)

• Praise your first-born whenever she is behaving well.

• Have her spend time with other family members, such as grandparents, to deepen those relationships. Emphasize that you are one big happy family with enough love to go around.

Even if you do all of the above, there may be some bumps in the road. For one thing, expect a bit of regression—sliding backward on previously mastered skills is not unusual. Emma’s daughter Ella, who had been toilet-trained for five months, briefly went back to diapers after the birth of her little brother. The key, Dr. Trachtenberg says, is not to make a big deal of it.

A certain amount of jealousy and acting out may also be unavoidable. Stay the course with the strategies above, and remain positive—hugs, kisses, and kind words will go a long way. And be sure to have regular 1-on-1 time with your older child. Emma has a “girls’ lunch out” once a week with Ella.

Realize that for a child, no matter what his or her age, having a baby brother or sister enter the family is nowhere near as tumultuous as parents imagine it to be. “Most of the time it’s a smooth transition,” Dr. Trachtenberg says. “I’ve been in private practice twenty-two years and people always ask me when is the best time to have a second child. But whether the children are close in age or far apart, it’s super rare that there’s any ongoing jealousy. It will work out.”

Denise Porretto is a freelance writer in Princeton, NJ.

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BrooklynParent 43

family life legal

Where There’s a Will

››

Though you may not want to consider the unthinkable, having a plan in place will protect your children and prepare them for the future. By Anja Webb

D

o you know who would have legal guardianship of your children if something were to happen to you or your partner? Do you know for certain your estate would be quickly and indisputably transferred to your heirs? On that note, have you selected your heirs? Though you may think there’s no need to create a will because you’re young and healthy, life is unpredictable. “The sooner you put a comprehensive plan in place, the better off you and your family will be,” say Rosanna Guardavaccaro, a registered representative and financial advisor of Strategies For Wealth and a financial representative of Guardian based in New York City and Rye. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to planning your will.

Choose a Will-Writing Method

There are a number of ways you can set up your will, and, depending on your financial resources, each method has its pros and cons.

A lawyer is the best option, especially if you have a large estate, according to Guardavaccaro. A typical fee for a simple will is approximately $500, Guardavaccaro says, but that extra expense is worth it for the peace of mind that comes with hiring a professional.

If hiring a lawyer is out of your budget, or if you just don’t have the time to sit down with one, there are online forms and apps that can help you get started. For example, USLegalWills.com allows you to make your will at home by simply filling in a form and answering questions. With a fee of approximately $40, it’s a more affordable option for young professionals or those with young 44

January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

children. You could also use an app to develop your will, such as Tomorrow, which offers the software free of charge.

In extreme cases, a holographic will, one written in your own handwriting and typically without multiple witnesses, is an option in certain states. Though not legal in New York in most instances, holographic wills are accepted in New Jersey.

“To be clear, not all do-it-yourself approaches to will writing result in a holographic will,” says Tim Hewson, president of USLegalWills.com. “It is an absolutely terrible way to prepare your own will and is almost certainly going to result in a very poorly drafted document. Holographic wills are written into law to cover extreme circumstances, like being pinned under a rock, where witnesses are not available. It is not a will-writing approach that should be considered under normal circumstances.”

Think About the Details

Once you’ve selected the method to create your will, it’s time to think about the details. Guardavaccaro suggests consulting with a lawyer to ensure this is done right, “but the basic process is relatively straightforward: Make a list of your assets, decide who gets what, and pick someone to serve as an executor for your estate,” she says.

“Meet with the attorney and iron out expectations both monetarily and the actual creation of the will. Once an attorney is chosen and the will is created, the individual picks three witnesses. …The witnesses should be friends you trust.”

When planning your will, it can also be easy to overlook a few aspects like social media and gifting rights. It’s good to think about who will shut off your Facebook and Instagram, and whether or not your heirs can give away their inheritance as they see fit.

Be sure to discuss these with your lawyer, if you have one, or make provisions for them otherwise.

Select a Guardian and Heir

If you haven’t already done so, now’s the time to appoint a guardian for your children if they’re younger than 18. “The parent has to figure out who will…take care of the assets for the benefit of the children,” Guardavaccaro says. “When appointing a guardian, it is best to look at either a family member or friend that you can currently count on and raises their children in a similar fashion that you do.” Some aspects you might want to take into consideration are fiscal responsibility and religious or ethical values.

When it comes to selecting an heir, you’ll want to keep in mind how old your children are. For younger children, the guardian will likely also be named as the property guardian and manage the estate until the kids are old enough to take over, according to Nolo.com, a resource with easy-to-understand legal information. For children who are 18 or older, it’s important to have a clear line of communication about what to expect should anything happen to you. “Make sure they’re aware of any wills, accounts, or trusts that name them as beneficiaries,” Guardavaccaro advises. “Also, give them the name of your lawyer and your financial representative, as well as details on accessing your financial holdings.” This will help prepare them for the future and simplify the process in the future.

But what if you and your partner pass away or become incapacitated without having selected either a guardian or an heir?

“Without having a clear directive from you, the state takes over and the next of kin can be brought in to take care of the children and assets,” Guardavaccaro says. This means your loved ones and belongings can very easily end up in the hands of the wrong person, especially if you’ve had a falling out with certain members of your immediate family. For this reason, you should clearly specify who you want to look after your children. Though this is a big decision, if you end up changing your mind or part ways with the person you had selected as your guardian, you can always amend the document later, according to Guardavaccaro.

OPEN HOUSES 2019 Brooklyn College Preparatory Center for the Performing Arts

234 Roosevelt Hall, 2900 Bedford Ave. 718-951-4111 bcprepcenter.org Join us for a music, dance, and theater Open House on Feb. 2 from 11am-4pm.

Leif Ericson Day School

1037 72nd St. 718-748-9023 Christine Hauge, principal ledsny.org Leif Ericson Day School offers a well-rounded, quality education for children in nursery-eighth grade.

Join us for an open house on Jan. 23 from 7-8:30pm, or Feb. 10 from 2-4pm.

The Park Slope Day Camp

Ronny Schindler, executive director 718-788-7732 parkslopedaycamp.com Join us for an open house on Jan. 26 from 1-2:30pm at 339 8th St.

Redeemer St. John’s Nursery School

Redeemer St. John’s Nursery School has served the community for more than 40 years. Join us for an open house Saturday, Jan. 26 from 10am-12pm.

Science, Language & Arts International School

9 Hanover Place Early Childhood Campus 132 4th Place 718–636–3836 slaschool.org We are hosting an elementary school open house on Thursday, Jan. 10 at 9am an early childhood annex on Thursday, Jan. 17 at 9:15am, and a middle school on Friday, Jan. 18, at 9am.

Stepping Stones Nursery School

245 86th St., Bay Ridge 718-630-1000 Stepping Stones-The Next Step 9321 Ridge Blvd.

718-630-1001 steppingstones86.com steppingstones86@aol.com Join us for an open house on Wednesday, Jan. 16 or 23 at 6pm.

939 83rd St. 718-833-7700

The Ramifications of No Will

Aside from the obvious concerns of your property and family going to the wrong people, not having a will can cause strife and disagreements among your relatives. “I have encountered squabbles over small items of sentimental value to large, truly valuable items like paintings,” says David Reischer, Esq., a New York attorney and CEO of LegalAdvice.com. “Families seem to fight over anything and everything. Therefore, always remember: Have the deceased execute a last will and testament prior to leaving this world, in order to determine his intent how to distribute any remaining items in the estate.”

After all, it’s better to have a will in place and not need it, rather than leave your loved ones to scrap over your possessions.

The emotional aspect of setting up a will—coming to grips with your mortality, imagining a world where your children grow up without you, divvying up your possessions with the understanding that all you own and all you love will someday be out of your grasp—is intense. But don’t let that stop you from taking the steps to ensure your family and friends will be prepared in the event the unthinkable happens. Parenting is full of tough decisions that can make you stop in your tracks, but at the end of the day, you have to do what you can to ensure your family will be okay.

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718-986-3163 TrueChanges.org contact@truechanges.org BrooklynParent 45

The Park Slope Day Camp

Meet the

Director

Ronny Schindler, executive director 718-788-7732 parkslopedaycamp.com Since 1992, Ronny has grown PSDC into a Brooklyn institution and has no intention of slowing down: “Every summer brings new experiences, new friendships, new memories. So, for me, the work never stops!” Ronny holds an M.A. in education and has devoted more than 28 years to running camps and after-school programs. “Camp is an essential part of childhood,” he says with a smile, “and, unlike eating your vegetables, it’s fun.” When he gets free time, Ronny enjoys the outdoors and traveling with his family.

A. Fantis Parochial School PreK3 through eighth grade, including UPK Theodore G. Tasoulas, principal 195 State St. 718-624-0501 afantis.org Mr. Tasoulas has been a dedicated educator for 15 years, during which time he has taught, led, and developed schools in a variety of settings, including independent, special education, and charter. He graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, spending a year studying abroad in Madrid. He received his master’s degree from Teachers College, Columbia University, and is working toward his doctorate in educational leadership. As a school leader, he focuses on creating a culture that engages in a cycle of continuous improvement. This includes developing faculty and connecting with families and the community to enhance student life and academic achievement.

Little Scholars Learning Center 52 Quentin Road 448 Neptune Ave. 104 West End Ave. 4123 Avenue U 718-210-3233 littlescholarsnyc.com littlescholarsnyc@gmail.com As an educator and mother, Mariana Korsunsky, M.S. E.D., the owner and director of Little Scholars Learning Center, is aware of how much every parent wants a nurturing environment for their child. She has worked in daycare since 2007 as a head teacher. Along with a master’s degree in early childhood education and special education, she holds many accreditations and certificates in early childhood education and has extensive training in ABA therapy. Realizing how the world of childcare education is constantly evolving, she is always learning something new to better herself and provide better education services to the children in her care.

Urban Explorers Day Camp 38-32 Flatlands Ave. 718-951-9732 urbanexplorers.nyc admin@urbanexplorers.nyc Chris has been around day camps his entire life. His father, John DiGennaro (aka “Mister D”), began running camps in 1974. Three years ago, Chris took on the role of the new Mister D. While modernizing some aspects of the program Chris believes that the foundation of Urban Explorers, giving your children a well-rounded camp experience with New York City as the backdrop, is what has made his family’s camp last for 43 Summers. Chris is driven by the idea that for children to have meaningful outcomes they must have meaningful experiences.

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January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

CBE KIDS CAMP Elementary and Travel camps: 718-768 3814 x210 cbebk.org/camp bfinkelstein@cbebk.org Bobbie Finkelstein has been the director of Congregation Beth Elohim’s, CBE KIDS CAMPS for more than 20 years. She has a master’s degree in social work, with a concentration in groups. “I feel that children learn so much from being in a group setting at camp. We empower them to be confident, caring group members,” Bobbie Finkelstein says. “The campers love the experience so much that they go on to become CIT’s, assistant counselors, and head counselors as they get older. There is nothing more rewarding for a camp director than to see campers return as staff.”

Mill Basin Day Camp 5945 Strickland Ave. 718-251-6200 millbasindaycamp.com Dear Friends, Edith Katsman, the camp director, is proud to lead our wonderful staff at Mill Basin Day Camp as we have done for the past 21 years. Please plan a time to stop by to visit and tour our facility and discuss the camp program. Edith and I want to know how we personally can make this summer one that your family will remember forever. Sincerely, Jack Grosbard, owner of Mill Basin Day Camp.

Saint Saviour Catholic Academy 701 8th Ave., Park Slope 718-768-8000 x4 saintsaviourcatholicacademy.org nlynch@sscaparkslope.org Principal Susan Walsh has a background in education, having taught in both Catholic and public schools. She has worked with children in the general education setting as well as with children who have diverse learning needs. She carries on Saint Saviour Catholic Academy’s mission to create an environment where each child discovers a unique enthusiasm for learning, academic excellence, and social responsibility to reach his or her highest potential.

BASIS Independent Brooklyn 556 Columbia St. 718-643-6302 basisindependentbrooklyn.com admissions@basisindependent.com Ms. Ruggles joined BASIS Independent Brooklyn as head of school after serving in that position at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley and BASIS Scottsdale. She earned a Master of Science degree in education/social policy as well as a Master of Arts degree in American literature from Northwestern. “I love the marriage of content mastery and enthusiasm at our school. Nearly everywhere one looks on campus, we find teachers helping students, students helping teachers, and students helping students. Mutual support makes for the rich learning environment of accomplishment.”

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

PARTY ENTERTAINMENT CLOWNS.COM

Proudly serving Westchester, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx 516-577-0000 718-971-5862 clowns.com We are a family-owned and -operated entertainment company, offering a wide range of party and entertainment services including clowns, inflatable bounce houses, characters, magicians, princesses, magic shows, face painting, and party concession rentals.

PARTY PLACES

Professional services

Your local guide to tutors, teachers, lawyers, financial planners, and other professionals DENTISTS & DENTAL PROVIDERS BROOKLYN FAMILY ORTHODONTICS Alexis K. Fermanis, D.D.S., M.S. 142 Joralemon St. 6B, Brooklyn Heights 73 8th Ave. at Union Street, Park Slope 718-395-6582 bkfamilyortho.com Dr. Alexis Fermanis is an orthodontic specialist who practiced in Brooklyn for 10 years before starting Brooklyn Family Orthodontics in 2014. Dr. Fermanis believes that a beautiful smile makes a great first impression and is passionate about providing that for her patients.

PARK SLOPE KIDS DENTAL CARE

150 4th Ave., Brooklyn 718-488-0200 parkslopekidsdental.com At Park Slope Kids Dental Care, we are committed to giving children the best possible experiences at our office to help set them up for a lifetime of good oral health.

DOCTORS & MEDICAL PROVIDERS CHARLOT, DR. CASCYA - ALLERGY AND ASTHMA CARE OF BROOKLYN

10 Plaza St. E., Suite 1E 311 Saint Nicholas Ave., Ridgewood 347-564-3211 brooklynallergydr.com Dr. Cascya Charlot is an award-winning, Harvard Medical School-trained physician who is board-certified in pediatric and adult allergy and immunology. She

evaluates patients for a wide variety of allergic conditions including asthma, eczema, food allergies, sinusitis, and environmental allergies.

PEDIATRIC IMMEDIATE CARE

698 Manhattan Ave. 718-389-PEDS (7337) 150 E. Sunrise Highway, Suite 105, North Lindenhurst 631-956-PEDS (7337) 1077 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown 631-864-PEDS (7337) pediatricimmediatecare.com Pediatric Immediate Care is a team of hearts where kids come first. State-ofthe-art medical office equipment allows us to deliver your test results during your visit. Kid-friendly; walk-ins welcome; most insurance plans accepted.

TUTORS & TEST PREP EYE LEVEL BROOKLYN

150 4th Ave., Park Slope 718-494-1232 slopeenrichment@gmail.com 1605 Voorhies Ave., Sheepshead Bay 718-494-1232 brooklynenrichment@gmail.com myeyelevel.com Eye Level offers math and English programs for ages 3-14. Whether the immediate goal is early learning, remedial education, or academic education, Eye Level is the answer.

ART FUN STUDIO

547 92nd St. 718-680-0508 artfunstudio.com; alla@artfunstudio.com Canvas and ceramic painting art studio in Brooklyn. Plan a child’s budget-friendly birthday party or adult’s Sip and Paint event, check our classes or just walk in for spontaneous fun!

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BOUNCEU 6722 Fort Hamilton Parkway (entrance on 67th Street & 9th Avenue), Dyker Heights 347-450-5867 bounceu.com/brooklyn-ny BounceU, the premier birthday party and play experience in all of Brooklyn. We’re a 30,000-square-foot indoor recreational facility with “YUGE” inflatable play equipment.

CHELSEA PIERS SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX

West 23rd Street and Hudson River Park, Manhattan Field House Registration Desk: 212-336-6500 x6520 chelseapiers.com/youth Why cross the bridge for your next birthday party? Because Chelsea Piers parties are action-packed, entertaining, and hassle-free, with more sports, activities, and fun than any other party venue in NYC!

INTREPID SEA, AIR & SPACE MUSEUM

Pier 86, West 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue, Manhattan 646-381-5166 intrepidmuseum.org Celebrate your child’s birthday with a one-of-a-kind party! The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum will captivate groups of all ages and interests. Choose from exciting themes, value packages, and customization options to create a birthday adventure they’ll remember forever!

MAX ADVENTURES PARTY CENTER

2378 Flatbush Ave. 718-676-9577 maxadventuresny.com; party@maxadventuresny.com We are unique, we are big, and we are private, unlike any other party place or entertainment venue. When the lights are off and the special effects are turned on, the whole place will glow.

SKY ZONE TRAMPOLINE PARK-DEER PARK

111 Rodeo Drive, Deer Park 631-392-2600 skyzone.com/deerpark; deerparkinfo@skyzone.com The best birthday parties are at Sky Zone, Deer Park. We customize every birthday party.

We have themed parties and super hero parties that include Dodgeball, Foam Zone, Sky Slam, and endless jumping opportunities!

URBANGLASS

647 Fulton St. 718-625-3685 urbanglass.org/classes Celebrate your next birthday with UrbanGlass and discover the thrill of glass in all its forms! Located in the heart of Brooklyn, we offer fun-filled party packages that include lessons in glassblowing, beadmaking, neon, and fusing.

BrooklynParent 47

Meet the

Health Care Professional

Pediatric Immediate Care 698 Manhattan Ave. 718-389-PEDS (7337) 150 E. Sunrise Highway, Suite 105, North Lindenhurst 631-956-PEDS (7337) 1077 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown 631-864-PEDS (7337) pediatricimmediatecare.com

Pediatric Immediate Care is a team of hearts where kids come first. State-ofthe-art medical office equipment allows us to deliver your test results during your visit. Kid-friendly; walk-ins welcome; most insurance plans accepted.

Complete pediatric and adolescent care, as well as baby, camp, school, and sports physicals. Certified urgent care recommended by Urgent Care Association of America. Thirty years of dedication to our patients. The offices are open seven days a week including holidays, 8am-11pm.

Yelena Kogelman, M.D. Maimonides Children’s Hospital Pediatric Endocrinology 4802 10th Ave. 718-283-7500

Dr. Kogelman is a highly respected board-certified pediatric endocrinologist who, as part of a team of experienced pediatric endocrine subspecialists, provides care for children and teens who have problems with growth, puberty, obesity, diabetes, hypoglycemia, and other disorders related to hormones and the glands that produce them. She also has expertise in care for transgender people. Dr. Kogelman provides the highest level of compassionate, family-centered care in an environment designed just for children.

Juan Kupferman, M.D., M.P.H. Maimonides Children’s Hospital Pediatric Nephrology & Hypertension 948 48th St., 3rd floor 6701 Bay Parkway, 4th floor 718-283-7500

Dr. Kupferman is a highly regarded, board-certified pediatric nephrologist and hypertension specialist. He is an accomplished researcher in the areas of hypertension, urinary tract abnormalities, and chronic kidney disease. He offers expertise in the diagnosis and management of children from infancy through late adolescence for disorders affecting the kidney and urinary tract, including hematuria, proteinuria, high blood pressure, urinary tract abnormalities, inherited kidney diseases, kidney stones, as well as clinical complications of chronic kidney disease.

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January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Park Slope Kids Dental Care 150 4th Ave. 718-488-0200 parkslopekidsdental.com

At Park Slope Kids Dental Care, children who are first seen for a friendly examination and cleaning are able to enjoy the dental experience and build a bond of trust with us. A customized dental plan that includes prevention, growth development, and possible treatment is created to fit your child’s specific dental needs. We are committed to giving children the best possible experiences at our office to help set them up for a lifetime of good oral health.

Dr. Charlot Cascya - Allergy and Asthma Care of Brooklyn 10 Plaza St. E., Suite 1E 311 Saint Nicholas Ave., Ridgewood 347-564-3211 brooklynallergydr.com

Dr. Cascya Charlot is an award-winning, Harvard Medical School-trained physician who is board-certified in pediatric and adult allergy and immunology. She is the chief of pediatric allergy at Methodist Hospital in Park Slope, and medical director of Allergy and Asthma Care of Brooklyn, in Park Slope and Williamsburg. She evaluates patients for a wide variety of allergic conditions including asthma, eczema, food allergies, sinusitis, and environmental allergies. Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades including the prestigious Patients’ Choice “Most Compassionate Doctor” award in 2012 and 2013.

Brooklyn Family Orthodontics Alexis K. Fermanis, D.D.S., M.S. 142 Joralemon St., 6B, Brooklyn Heights 73 8th Ave. at Union Street, Park Slope 718-395-6582 bkfamilyortho.com

Dr. Alexis Fermanis is an orthodontic specialist who practiced in Brooklyn for 10 years before starting Brooklyn Family Orthodontics in 2014. She is a native New Yorker and enjoys running and traveling in her free time. Dr. Fermanis believes that a beautiful smile makes a great first impression and she is passionate about providing that for her patients. She is active in her alumni societies and local dental organizations and regularly attends continuing education classes so that she can provide the most successful results for her patients.

Prema Ramaswamy, M.D. Maimonides Children’s Hospital Pediatric Cardiology 948 48th St., 3rd floor 6701 Bay Parkway, 4th floor 718-283-7500

Dr. Prema Ramaswamy is a board-certified pediatric cardiologist and chief of the Division of Pediatric Cardiology at Maimonides Children’s Hospital.

Dr. Ramaswamy leads a dedicated team of highly-trained pediatric cardiologists, providing comprehensive evaluation and management of children, from fetus to adolescent, with congenital heart disease, arrhythmia, and other heart related problems. Maimonides offers state-of-the art technology and is accredited in pediatric transthoracic and fetal echocardiography. Dr. Ramaswamy focuses on not only treating the heart ailment, but also combating any fears and concerns the children and their parents might have.

FAMILY RESOURCE GUIDE FOREIGN LANGUAGE CLASSES

La Récré De Paris

CBE Kids: Congregation Beth Elohim

Need to plan the perfect party?

FIND venues, entertainers, suppliers, and other ideas to create the ideal party in our online Parent Resources Directory.

NYMetroParents.com

274 Garfield Place, Park Slope

Servicing Brooklyn and Manhattan

Ha’Geemnasia is CBE’s Hebrew language and Israeli culture after-school program. All Ha’Geemnasia classes allow children to have fun while engaging in activities with Israeli teachers. Ha’Geemnasia offers after-school pickup from local schools.

The art of teaching children French through recreation is our way of approaching a new language. Come and join us for a creative, loving, and fun experience.

718-768-3814 congregationbethelohim.org • bfinkelstein@cbebk.org

917-436-0477 larecredeparis.com • info@larecredeparis.com

raising kids ad index NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY metropolitan area! birthday / party services

dance

Max Adventures .............................................................13

Art’s House Schools ......................................................19 Mark Morris Dance Group .............................................33 Studio 214 .....................................................................41

Brooklyn College Prep Center For Performing Arts .......11 Llingsworth Music...........................................................45 Music Together of Bay Ridge .........................................15 The Jewish Education Project .......................................37

education

performing arts / acting

camps Camp Huntington ...........................................................37 Congregation Beth Elohim .........................................2, 46 Leif Ericson Day School ................................................23 Mill Basin Day Camp .................................................5, 46 Park Slope Day Camp .............................................46, 52 Smart Start.....................................................................22 Stepping Stones Preschool ...........................................24 Treasure Island ..............................................................24 Urban Explorers Day Camp .......................................9, 46 YMCA of Greater New York ...........................................43

World of Wonder Day Care ...........................................24

A Fantis Parochial School ........................................23, 46 Basis Independent School .......................................19, 47 Brienza’s Academic Advantage......................................17 Brooklyn Friends School ................................................18 DGK Parochial School of Holy Cross ............................21 Huntington Learning Center ..........................................21 Leif Ericson Day School ................................................23 Lighthouse Family Day Care .........................................22 Little Scholars ..........................................................23, 46 Madwell/Success Academy .............................................7 Music Together of Bay Ridge .........................................15 Redeemer St. John Nursery School ..............................22 Science Language & Arts Intl School ............................33 St. Saviours Catholic Academy ...............................24, 46 Stepping Stones Preschool ...........................................24 Studio 214 .....................................................................41 Treasure Island ..............................................................24 World of Wonder Day Care ...........................................24

classes

family entertainment / events / outings

child care / day care Lighthouse Family Day Care .........................................22 Little Scholars ..........................................................23, 46 Mommybites...................................................................51 Smart Start.....................................................................22 Stepping Stones Preschool ...........................................24 Treasure Island ..............................................................24

Art’s House Schools ......................................................19 Brienza’s Academic Advantage......................................17 Brooklyn College Prep Center For Performing Arts .......11 DGK Parochial School of Holy Cross ............................21 Lighthouse Family Day Care .........................................22 LIU Children’s Academy ................................................37 Mark Morris Dance Group .............................................33 Music Together of Bay Ridge .........................................15 Redeemer St. John Nursery School ..............................22 Smart Start.....................................................................22 Studio 214 .....................................................................41 The Jewish Education Project .......................................37 World of Wonder Day Care ...........................................24 YMCA of Greater New York ...........................................43

King Kong ......................................................................13 Kings Theatre at the Ambassador Theatre ....................35 Llingsworth Music...........................................................45

Brooklyn College Prep Center For Performing Arts .......11 King Kong ......................................................................13

play spaces Max Adventures .............................................................13

religious A Fantis Parochial School ........................................23, 46 Congregation Beth Elohim .........................................2, 46 DGK Parochial School of Holy Cross ............................21 Leif Ericson Day School ................................................23 St. Saviours Catholic Academy ...............................24, 46 The Jewish Education Project .......................................37

retail Llingsworth Music...........................................................45

special education Huntington Learning Center ..........................................21

special events Kings Theatre at the Ambassador Theatre ....................35

special needs health Allergy & Asthma Care of Brooklyn..........................41, 48 Brooklyn Family Orthodontics ..................................41, 48 Converge Direct/Health First ...........................................3 Maimonides Medical Center ..........................................48 Park Slope Kids Dental Care..........................................48 Pediatric Immediate Care...............................................48 True Changes Behavior Therapy LLC ...........................45

Camp Huntington ...........................................................37 Early Start Inc ................................................................11 True Changes Behavior Therapy LLC ...........................45

theater King Kong ......................................................................13 Kings Theatre at the Ambassador Theatre ....................35

tutors music Art’s House Schools ......................................................19

Brienza’s Academic Advantage......................................17 Huntington Learning Center ..........................................21

BrooklynParent 49

raising kids stuff we like

Skincare for the Whole Family

››

By Katelin Walling

Back By Popular Demand!

For Preemies—and Proud Mamas

Created specifically for the delicate skin of premature babies, the nutrientrich BEB Organic Silky Cream and Nourishing Oil pack a supermoisturizing one-two punch when used together—and since they were created for preemie skin, they’re super gentle and NICU-safe. For moms who need a little extra moisture in the winter, use the Silky Cream at night to relieve dry skin followed by the Nourishing Oil to lock in moisture. And if pregnancy has caused hormonal acne, or your little one has infant acne, apply some Healing Gel, which is great for treating break outs, healing eczema, and minimizing scars. (Silky Cream: $68; Nourishing Oil: $52; Healing Gel: $64; beborganic.com)

After a nearly 3-year hiatus, Johnson’s brought back the fanfavorite Baby Creamy Oil with Aloe & Vitamin E last July due to consumer demand. If that doesn’t tell you how great this moisturizer is, maybe this will: It’s paraben-, phthalate-, sulfate-, and dye-free due to Johnson’s total brand relaunch last year. The company is now being 100-percent transparent about the ingredients in its products, and is using more naturally derived (and fewer total) components. The nongreasy formula of the creamy oil absorbs quickly—and it’s great for the whole family! ($3.99; target.com)

Old Remedies, New Uses This One’s for the Dads—and Teens

A super-gentle moisturizer, miniOrganic’s Superfine Jojoba can be used from cradle to parenthood.

Use it on babies during infant massage, to relieve cradle cap, or add a few drops to the bath. Meanwhile, moms can use it as makeup remover and for treating cuticles and nails.

What we’re most excited about is dads and teens can use it, too!

Encourage your hubby to use it postshave as a soothing balm. And the certified organic, vegan, cruelty-free moisturizer is gentle enough to use if you or your teen has acne-prone skin. ($38; miniorganics.com)

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January 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Inspired by proven, centuries-old remedies from various countries, Vivaiodays Rose Geranium Cleansing Water takes its cue from Zulu women healers, who use Rose Geranium leaves as a treatment. While formulated as a sanitizer for easy cleanup on the go, just add a bit to a cotton pad and use it as oil-free makeup remover. It’s ophthalmologistand dermatologist-tested, plus gluten- and cruelty-free, and certified vegan. Bonus: For every Vivaiodays product sold, the company donates money to fund a day of school for a deserving student somewhere in the world. ($14; vivaiodays.com)

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