Queens Parent October 2018

Queens Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM PARENTS.COM OCTOBER 2018

Birthday

Bl o w o u t !

• What your child really wants at her party • Venues, entertainment, and resources, oh my!

Get in the Halloween Spirit Pumpkin picking, haunted houses, and more!

Welcome to ‘Sharenthood’

Weighing the pros and cons of posting your baby on social media

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

QueensParent

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25

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languages spoken at home

60

+

nationalities represented on campus

20

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interscholastic athletic teams

Attend an

Open House PRESCHOOL – GRADE 12

.

Saturday, September 29 at 1:00pm

15

+

Wednesday, October 17 at 8:15am Saturday, November 10 at 1:00pm

clubs, including signature programs in Mock Trial and Model UN

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Wednesday, December 5 at 8:15am RSVP at

kewforest.org/OpenHouse

Established in 1918, The Kew-Forest School is the oldest independent, co-ed, college preparatory school

average class size

in Queens. Our school provides a safe, nurturing, and intellectually vigorous environment.

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%

For more information, contact

faculty holding advanced degrees

Brad Walters, Director of Admission bwalters@kewforest.org

Celebrating years

100 11 9 - 17 U N I O N T U R N P I K E 718 . 26 8 . 4 6 67

FOREST HILLS, NY

W W W. K E W FO R E S T.O R G

113 7 5

of inspired education

180 East 79 St. Suite # 1C New York, NY 10021

114-20 Queens Blvd, Suite CS2 Forest Hills, NY 11375

Committed to providing Neuropsychological and educational assessments to the children of NYC for more than a decade.

Our director, Dr. Sanam Hafeez, is a highly sought-after expert in child development and learning and is faculty at Columbia University. She's a regular medical guest and expert on NBC, CBS, ABC, and CNN news shows, the Dr. Oz show, and contributes regularly to Web MD, Yahoo! Health and Parenting, Glamour, MSN, Women's Health Magazine, and more.

Dr. Abigail Connolly joins the CCPS team, and brings with her over 25 years of experience with Autism and learning from the NYC Department of Education.

Who We Help: • Learning disabilities • Autism Spectrum Disorders • Developmental Disorders and Delays • Depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, mood disorders, etc

How We Help: • Extra time and separate location on tests (City Wide, Common Core, SATs,) • IEP and 504 planning, entrance to private schools and medication management • Forensic (Injury, Child Custody, and Immigration) cases • Treatment planning based on comprehensive assessment

We accept Health Insurance GHI, UnitedHealthCare, Oxford, Cigna, MagnaCare, BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) All Major credit cards accepted

www.ComprehendTheMind.com | 1-888-441-0015 QueensParent

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contents table of

Original photo by ›› Big Apple Portraits (bigappleportraits.com) Clothing provided

by Land’s End (landsend.com)

october 2018

37 16

birthday parties 38 What Kids Really Want at Their Birthday Parties

22

40 Birthday Party Directory 42 Birthday Planner

October Chills & Spooky Thrills

Get in the Halloween spirit with some ghoulish fun and light-hearted haunts

‘Sharental’ Advisory

Which moments with your baby you should share, and which ones you shouldn’t

401K vs. IRA vs. Nothing

Let us help you determine which retirement savings vehicle is best for you

raising kids

things to do

family life

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 The Road to Happy Motherhood 13 How to Help Your Teen Be Active & Healthy 16 ‘Sharental’ Advisory 20 Teen Milestones You Need to Know 25 Parochial Schools and Private Schools 42 Party Planner 44 Open Houses 45 Meet the Doctor 46 Party Central 47 Professional Services 49 Advertisers’ Index 50 Quotables

12 Dream Catcher

18 Babyproofing 2.0

26 Family Fun a Ride Away

22 401K vs. IRA vs. Nothing

27 Family Activities Calendar 37 October Chills & Spooky Thrills

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› 38 What Your Child Really Wants at Her Party 40 Venues, Entertainment, and Resources 37 Get in the Halloween Spirit 16 Welcome to ‘Sharenthood’ facebook.com/nymetroparents

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

Children’s Birthday Parties start at $17.95 Teen Parties starting at $25.95 We are now booking Corporate and Holiday Parties starting at $25 per person.

Upgrades Available

Corporate & Team Building Party Packages Avaliable Year Round Taking reservations for 2018 & 2019 Please call our party hostess Lisa for more information and to book your party today!!!

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Call about our

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Bayside, NY 11358

GRAND OPENING! www.iCodingClub.com QueensParent

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OCTOBER 2018 • Vol.24 • No.3

raising kids editor’s note

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Katelin Walling ASSISTANT EDITORS: Anja Webb, Melissa Wickes

Party Secrets

DIRECTOR OF CONTENT: Deborah Skolnik

I

love every issue of Westchester Parent we publish, but there’s something extra-sweet about the months when we cover kids’ birthday parties. After all, who doesn’t love a celebration? It’s a blast seeing your child so happy, and it’s also a terrific chance to put your parental pride on display. But when it comes to kids’ parties, is bigger always better? What do our children actually remember about their special day? We asked writer Lambeth Hochwald to investigate. The result: “What Kids Really Want at Their Birthday Parties” on p. 38, an unflinching look at the gotta-haves, nice-to-haves, and don’t-really-needs, through the eyes of those who know children the best. Read this insightful piece right now—it may significantly change the way you go about your party planning in the future.

Speaking of public shows of parental pride, do you run to social media and share the news each time your baby does something cute or new? There’s a name for that— ‘sharenting’—and we’re almost all doing it. Dasha Kofman examines our motives, as well as this trend’s pros and cons, in her report “‘Sharental’ Advisory” (p. 16). It may make you think twice about safeguarding your little one’s privacy. Meanwhile over on p. 18, Anja Webb’s story, “Baby Proofing 2.0,” will have you thinking about how to safeguard your little one in general. It gives a terrific rundown of ways to keep active and curious toddlers safe at home; you’ll want to make sure you take every tip to heart.

Then there’s a story near and dear to my own heart: “Teen Milestones You Need to Know,” on p. 20. As the mom of two teenage daughters, I know kids make some real quantum leaps in their adolescent years, especially when it comes to cognitive and emotional development. No, these milestones aren’t Insta-worthy—sorry, sharents!—but they’re important signs that your child’s growth is right on track. Read on and you’ll see why it’s actually a good (if annoying) thing that your teen is embarrassed by you or disagrees with your politics.

While you’re focused on your child’s well-being (and what decent parent isn’t?) it’s easy to forget your own. That’s why Melissa Wickes’s article, “Saving for Retirement” (p. 22), is so vital to read. It demystifies the most common types of savings vehicles, and explains painless ways to build your nest egg now so it’s ready when you need it most. And don’t miss my essay, “The Road to Happy Motherhood” on p. 10. I share the “selfish” decision that helped me escape a dreary bout of postpartum blues, and made me a happier, better mom—I guess it wasn’t so selfish doing something for myself after all. Would you like to share your personal essay about parenthood with us?

We’re always looking for great new submissions for our Voices page. Feel free to send yours to editor@nymetroparents.com!

Of course, no October issue of our magazine would be complete without a celebration of my favorite holiday: Halloween! There’s something about the sight of little kids in costumes (and, I’ll admit, mounds of candy) that makes me so happy, and you too, I bet. For some chills and thrills, turn to p. 37, where we share information on pumpkinpicking spots, haunted houses, and more.

Wishing you a boo-tiful month ahead!

REGIONAL EDITORS: Samantha Beranbom (Rockland); Karen Demeter (Suffolk); Whitney C. Harris (Westchester); Karen Lo (Brooklyn, Manhattan); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke

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Big Apple Parent 212-315-0800 Jeunesse Jackson, Manager EJ Morales-Gomez 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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MOMMYBITES

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Amy Lazar-Pollack 516-851-7004

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

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BIG APPLE PARENT, QUEENS PARENT, WESTCHESTER PARENT BROOKLYN PARENT, ROCKLAND PARENT, BERGEN • ROCKLAND PARENT, STATEN ISLAND PARENT, and LONG ISLAND PARENT are published monthly by Davler Media Group, LLC Copyright © 2017, Davler Media Group, LLC No part of contents may be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher.

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Come Visit a Magnet School

District 25 and 30

Magnet Schools Assistance Program Come explore the innovative educational opportunities that magnet schools offer students.

Diversity • Academic Excellence • Equity

OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE PS 92

Harry T Stewart, Sr. Magnet School for Engineering, Architecture and the Arts 99-01 34th Avenue, Corona, 11368 • ps92q.org

Wednesday, Oct. 3 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM PS 201

The Discovery School for Inquiry and Research: STEAM Magnet School 65-11 155 Street, Flushing 11367 • PS201.org

PS/MS 200

The Magnet School of Global Studies & Leadership 70-10 164th St, Flushing 11365 • globalstudiesandleadership.org

Wednesday, October 24 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM IS 145

Joseph Pulitzer Magnet School of Innovation and Applied Learning 33-34 80 Street, Queens 11372 • 145innovators.com

Tuesday, October 9 from 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Tuesday, October 9 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Tuesday, October 23 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

For information about open houses and school tours or an application, please call 718-759-4977 or email info@magnetschools.nyc. | www.D2530magnet.com

Dr. Zweihorn is a board-certified orthodontist specializing in the treatment of children, teens and adults. Our team focuses on helping you achieve your best smile!

CALL TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION 718.969.9234 • www.drzweinhorn.com

All for a Smile BACK TO SCHOOL OCTOBER PROMOTION: 5% off for full braces $100 off Invisalign

150-25 Union Turnpike Flushing, N.Y. 11367 Office Hours Include Sundays and Evenings QueensParent

7

raising kids new places, new programs

The Kew-Forest School opened to local children on Sept. 25, 1918 with the mission “to exert all its energ ies, to use every means at its command, to make every child an effi cient worker, helpful citizen, and a power for good.”

el Elmhurst

Who: The Kew-Forest School What’s New: Series of events and activities for 2018-2019 school year to celebrate the school’s 100th anniversary.

The school year kicked off on Sept. 25 with a Founders Day Assembly. Staff and students buried a time capsule that included a 2018 yearbook.

A Centennial Gala will be held at the Queens Museum in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park on Saturday, Oct. 13 from 6:30 to 10:30pm.

Throughout the year, the school will do a 100 Book Read Aloud which will look at the best of children’s books by decade (to coincide with the anniversary).

Want More Info: 119-17 Union Turnpike, Forest Hills; 718-2684667; kewforest.org

Courtesy Michael Brian

Private School in Forest Hills Celebrates 100th Anniversary with Events and Activities

Who: Eye Level Elmhurst What’s New: The 2018 Eye Level Math Olympiad which will be held at St. John’s University on Nov. 3.

Once a year, young math enthusiasts from all over the globe gather to compete in the numerous Eye Level Math Olympiads held across the country. This standardized math exam is designed to test students’ dexterity for problem solving, reasoning, communication, critical thinking, and other math-related skills.

Students in second-ninth grades are welcome to participate, and those interested in taking a practice exam may do so at participating Eye Level Learning Centers throughout October. Registration for the Olympiad is through Oct. 14 and the fee is $20 for members of Eye Level and $30 for non-members.

Want More Info: 87-37 Justice Ave., Elmhurst; 718-393-2428; eyelevelelmhurst.com

Courtesy Eye Lev

Elmhurst Learning Center Holds Math Olympiad

ms which mpiad is 30 proble Eye Level Math Oly t has 20 par d on sec The first part of the the te; nutes to comple students have 20 mi tes to complete. dents have 30 minu problems, which stu

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October 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Courtesy Joyous Mus

Who: Joyous Music School What’s New: Beginner music classes which are scheduled to begin Nov. 1.

This non-committal program is to prepare children ages 3-6 for the next level of individualized training. Classes will be held once a week for 45 minutes. Students in this program will have the chance to play songs they enjoy as well as more traditional classical songs.

“Learning the traditional way of practice and repeat makes it very hard for a child to have fun,” says Julian Yu, director of Joyous Music School, pianist, and composer. “We want to focus less on practice and more on playing.”

Want More Info: 21 Jerusalem Ave., Hicksville; 888-628-9865; joyousmusicschool.org

ic School

Prestigous Music School to Offer Beginner Music Classes for Children in Nassau County

The Joyous String Ens emble has performed for various impressive audiences, most notabl y for President Obama at the 2015 National Christmas Tree Lightin g Ceremony at the Wh ite House.

Buckley Country Day School Toddler through Grade 8

Opening The Eyes And Awakening The Mind

OPEN

HOUSE

Sunday, Oct. 14, 2pm & Tuesday, Nov. 27, 9 am C������� U��������� T������� C������ A�������� S�����

2 I.U. WIllets Road, Roslyn, New York

516.472.2702

www.buckleycountryday.com QueensParent

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The Road to Happy Motherhood

TP Enders

raising kids voices

››

The author, her family, and her Miata, almost six months after she purchased it

How my dream car helped me get back in gear after the post-baby blues

I

fell in love with the Mazda Miata around the same time I fell in love with my husband. Both were great looking, dependable, and made me feel like life’s journeys would be a whole lot more exciting if we made them together. I married my prince charming a few years later, but we drove away in his Buick, not my tiny dream car.

I didn’t mind, especially since marriage itself speeded us along in thrilling new directions. We had a daughter, traded our cool Manhattan apartment for a little house with a white picket fence in my hometown, and welcomed another daughter. It felt like we’d gone from zero to two kids in under 60 seconds! We bought a minivan, something I thought I’d never do. Indeed, between sour-milk baby bottles and suburban living, some days I scarcely recognized myself. But I was content.

Then something happened: An invitation to my high school reunion arrived along with a form asking what I’d done with my life. Suddenly I felt as blank as the form.

What had I done with my life? My teenage dreams were a bust. I wasn’t a famous writer living in Manhattan, the way I’d planned. I was back living in my hometown. I was a minivan mom.

Blame it on the high-school reunion committee or hormones (I was postpartum), but as I measured the unexciting progress of my life against the ruler of adolescent ambition, I felt like a huge failure. I slipped into a gray, tearful state that lasted for months. Sleepless, I’d hit the gym at 5am. Then one morning on the way home, I passed a Miata. My heart leapt at the sight; it was the best I’d felt in a long time. And a realization washed over me: I didn’t have to be a minivan mom after all.

“I’m buying a Miata,” I told everybody. My husband was cool with it—but my mom friends disapproved. “Will you use it enough?” asked one pal, though she herself had once bought an expensive party dress she’d worn only once. “Can you afford it?” quizzed another friend, whose SUV cost multiples of what my Miata, which I planned to buy used, would. Then finally, 10

October 2018 | nymetroparents.com

By Deborah Skolnik

one friend voiced the true sticking point: “It’s a two-seater.

Where will you put the kids?” she pressed, even knowing we were keeping the minivan and the Buick.

I was disappointed in, or rather for, my friends. We mothers have only come so far. We urge one another to do things that affirm our individuality—provided they tie into our families.

We cheer each other on to assert our financial power—so long as our purchases can be stashed in the closet, away from judgmental eyes. It’s fine for a dad to buy himself a sports car— in fact my neighbor just had—but if a mom buys herself one, it’s unseemly.

Rattled, I called my oldest friend, Matt, for advice. “You’re in a full-fledged midlife crisis!” he teased. Then he grew serious.

“My buddy used to drive me around in his sports car,” he mused. “On the highway, it felt like all four wheels had lifted off the ground.”

He paused. “Buy the car.”

So I did. I had to learn to drive stick, which was intimidating.

It takes finesse to start a manual transmission car from a dead stop. At first I either stalled out or hit the gas too fast, sending the engine into frenetic revolutions. Yet each day, my driving improved, and so did my blues, until both miraculously smoothed out. Who knew a car had healing powers?

Okay, it wasn’t really the car; it was the fact that I had done something solely for myself. Some shifts, I came to see, are automatic—girlhood’s dreams give way to motherhood’s realities. But figuring out how to be a mom while still asserting your individuality? That’s a conscious shift, but one worth making.

After weeks of practice, I drove my daughter to preschool in the Miata. As I pulled out of the parking lot, several mothers gathered around. One stroked the Miata’s door. “Looks fun,” she said. I smiled. Then I prayed, Please God, don’t let me stall out in front of everyone.

I pulled out smoothly. I was barely going 10 miles per hour, but it felt like all four wheels had lifted off the ground.

Our World Neighborhood Charter School 2

135-25 79th St, Howard Beach, NY 11414 visit us at www.owncs.org We have joined the District 27 School Community!

Now Enrolling for Kindergarten, First Grade, & Second Grade

Seats are filling up quickly.

Please visit us to learn about our great school!

• Rigorous academic curriculum • Spanish beginning in Kindergarten • Integrated study of world culture

• Integrated study of history of ideas • Arts & Music integrated into curriculum • Individualized learning plans • Free breakfast & lunch • 1-1 student laptop program

Weekly Tours

For a tour or additional information

Tuesdays & Thursdays 10 AM - 1 PM

Contact Lucille Ranchor admissions@owncs.org 718-392-3405

Sign up for Fall semester classes at www.paconyschool.com

ART

MUSIC

PIANO VOICE GUITAR VIOLIN BRASS WOODWINDS PERCUSSION CHORUS THEORY BALLET FLAMENCO MODERN DRAWING OIL PAINTING WATERCOLOR SCULPTURE DRAMA MUSICAL THEATER

DANCE We offer more performance opportunities than any other music school in Queens, and prepare students for High School, NYSSMA, Pre College, and College

SPANISH PRE-SCHOOL MUSIC

VOTED BEST MUSIC SCHOOL IN QUEENS, 2017 & 2018!

35-57 89th St, Jackson Heights, NY info@paconyschool.com www.paconyschool.com (718) 639-1425 • (917) 774-3411 QueensParent 11

District 28

Magnet Schools Assistance Program

Come explore the innovative educational opportunities that magnet schools offer students.

Diversity • Academic Excellence • Equity

things to do

diy corner

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È Open House Schedule Ç PS 55

ation 55

The Maure Magnet School of Communication Arts, Technology and Multimedia, PS 55 131-10 97 Avenue, Richmond Hill, NY 11419 www.ps55q.com

Thursday, October 18 from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM PS 140

The Edward K. Ellington Magnet School of Science, Technology and the Arts, PS 140 166-01 116 Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11434 www.theedwardkellingtonschool.org

Monday, October 15 from 9:45 AM – 11:00 AM PS 349

The Magnet School of Leadership and Innovation Through STEAM, PS 349 88-08 164 Street, Jamaica, NY 11432 www.ps349.info

Friday, October 19 from 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM MS 358

The Magnet School of STEAM Exploration and Experiential Learning 88-08 164 Street, Jamaica, NY 11432 www.ms358.org

Thursday, October 25 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Come visit a Magnet School

Dream Catcher

Going to bed alone can be scary for children, especially those who tend to have nightmares or difficulty getting settled down for the night.

One thing that can help relieve bedtime anxiety is the reassurance a dream catcher can provide. Because they were made to protect children from bad dreams, you can help your kid get some shut-eye by making this dream catcher craft from Laura Minter and Tia Williams’s “The Big Book of 100 Outdoor Activities.”

This dream catcher is made from the center part of an embroidery hoop, which you can find in most craft stores. A dream catcher is traditionally woven to resemble a spider’s web. You will need some feathers, which you can search for on a woodland walk, and some beads to decorate.

You will need

Different-colored beads

2 shades of brightly colored twine

6 feathers

Embroidery hoop

Glue

1. To make the weave on the embroidery hoop, begin by tying the end of the twine onto the hoop. Pull the twine about 1½ inches along and fold it over the top of the hoop from the front. Bring the twine in through the loop and pull tight. Continue all the way along the hoop.

2. When you get to the beginning, continue to loop the twine and go forward, but instead of looping around the hoop, loop through the previous row of twine, in the center of each loop.

Pull tight each time.

3. Keep going round, looping and pulling tight, until the gaps become too small to continue easily. Tie the twine in the center and trim the loose ends.

For information about open houses and school tours or an application, please call 718-759-4977 or email info@magnetschools.nyc. | www.D28magnet.com 12

October 2018 | nymetroparents.com

4. Tie three pieces of twine onto the bottom of the hoop, evenly spaced out. Add beads to each one, then cut to your preferred lengths (this one was about 10 inches in the center). Glue two feathers onto the bottom of each piece of twine. Add another length of twine to the top of the hoop to enable you to hang your dream catcher.

Extract reprinted here with permission from GMC Publications, The Big Book of 100 Outdoor Activities by Laura Minter and Tia Williams, RRP $19.95, published July 2018

raising kids in the know

Social Thinking in a Social World

Approaching our 10th Year!

How to Help Your Teen Be Active & Healthy ››

G

By Melissa Wickes

ood exercise and eating habits are vital and are best established at a young age. By teaching your teen effective and enjoyable ways to exercise and stay well, you are setting her up to live a healthy, happy life. Here are five ways you can help your teen get excited about fitness and wellness, according to Christian Palmer, strength and conditioning coach and personal trainer at Equinox Mamaroneck.

Make sure his focus isn’t the scale. In a world dominated by social media and superficial mindsets, teens are very conscious of how they look versus how they feel. Palmer suggests the first thing to teach your child when it comes to exercising is not to focus on the scale, but instead on the way exercising makes him feel.

Help her eat healthy, but don’t enforce a strict diet. Developing a healthy and well-balanced diet is important, especially in growing teenagers. But, giving a strict, structured diet to a teen may not be necessary or the best option for her. Instead, Palmer suggests encouraging her to make the best choices she can and emphasize eating from the ground (unprocessed, natural foods).

Don’t be afraid of weights. A lot of parents are afraid their child will stunt his growth if he begins lifting weights at a young age. The reality, Palmer says, is most kids aren’t strong enough to lift weights that would negatively impact their growth in any way. Teach him the proper form for motions such as squatting, deadlifting, and pressing.

“Strength is typically what translates to better movers, better athletes, and ultimately more confidence,” Palmer says. Help your child develop a structured weightlifting plan, and keep it simple!

Make sure she loves what she’s doing. Forcing your kid to work out in a way she doesn’t find enjoyable can be the easiest way to make her hate exercising, Palmer warns. Instead of making her go for a run when she really doesn’t want to, find out what she loves and integrate it into the exercise plan. “Take your daughter to the field, invite her friend, and make it a competition. Make it fun but add a challenge so she gets the cardiovascular benefit as well,” Palmer says Lead by example. “A lot of kids come to me and say, ‘my dad wants me to go to the gym but he doesn’t really do it so I don’t really think it’s that important,’” Palmer says. Parents are the strongest influence on their children. If you are implementing healthy eating and exercise habits in your own life, it will not only be easier for your teen to do so, but it might make him want to.

Do you know this child?

She always sits alone on the bus He interrupts other peopleʻs conversations She isnʻt invited on play dates He melts down when thereʻs unexpect ed change

The social world can be a challenging place.

At Steps To Socialization we focus on · Social & Communication Skills · Confidence Building · Everyday Organizational & Behavioral Skills · Parent Education & Support

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13 SOUTH BAYLES AVENUE PORT WASHINGTON, NY 516.767.0266 | www.s2sny.com QueensParent 13

raising kids child care

The Benefits of a Nanny Share ›› Courtesy Mommybites.com

A

s a parent, one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is who will care for your child when you can’t. For most, that means choosing between a nanny and day care center while Mom and Dad are at work. But why not consider a third option such as a nanny share? It’s a new trend on the rise— two or more families employ one nanny and share the cost of her or his salary. It’s a solution that offers the best of having a nanny and sending your child to a child care center.

Here are the top three benefits of participating in a nanny share with another family.

Significant savings: The cost of the nanny’s salary is shared across two or more families, which means the financial burden one family bears is usually significantly lower than any other child care options available.

Individual attention: In a nanny-share setup, the nanny cares for two or more children (but not too many), which provides a more

intimate environment than day care centers. This allows the nanny to give each of the children more individual attention every day than they would likely receive at a child care facility.

Socialization: In addition to the individual attention your child will receive, she’ll also gain the benefits of socializing with the other kids involved in the nanny share. It’s like getting the best of both worlds.

Mommybites’ mom-generated nanny, babysitter, and nanny-share boards have been some of the most popular child-care resources in New York City since 2006. You can ďŹ nd nannies and babysitters as well as help them get new jobs. Join this community of moms and receive weekly parenting advice at mommybites.com/newyork.

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October 2018 | nymetroparents.com

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Discover new friends and ways to PLAY at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, home of the US Open!

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raising kids baby

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‘Sharental’ Advisory ››

Posting about your little one’s life on social media is big-time fun—but is it smart? And safe?

I

n parenthood, there are moments of mayhem we don’t want anyone else to see and moments we want to highlight on Instagram— and, if we’re being honest, moments of mayhem that are totally worthy of a post on Instagram. If this is something you know all too well, welcome to ‘sharenthood.’

It is no secret that as we scroll through our various social media feeds, most (if not all) of what we see is staged. Everyone has a different motive for posting their children on social media, and some choose to keep their babies off Facebook and Instagram completely.

The 38,000-follower Instagram account @thispugslife, winner of The Ellen DeGeneres Show’s Ellen Rate My Baby, began as an account showcasing Charlie, a black pug. Account creator Meredith Kreuger’s daughter was added to the mix when she was born. “Followers tell me all the time that the two of them make them smile and make them happy,” Kreuger says. “My goal is to make people laugh via Instagram and blogging. I love captioning photos and I love to write!”

There are parents who post pictures to keep their families in the loop, some who use Instagram as a scrapbook of sorts, others who are aiming to send a greater message, and in some cases, to receive a sense of validation. This all leads us to the question: to post or not to post?

Why Sharent?

Mac & Mia, an online children’s clothing service, surveyed 2,000 new parents about how they felt when it came to posting their babies on social media. The survey concluded there are two types 16

October 2018 | nymetroparents.com

By Dasha Kofman

of parents: those who claim they use social media to keep friends and family involved and develop content for future scrapbooking projects (87 percent) and those who have no shame in saying ‘it just feels good to show off my kid’ (13 percent).

Although parents link their posting motives to being about their kids, it turns out it’s more about appeasing themselves, according to Ida Jeltova, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist in Rockland and Bergen counties with more than 14 years of clinical experience working with children, youths, and families. “Social media provides a perception, if not actual validation, of ‘my child is liked and doing well. I am a good parent’,” she says.

There is a small population of parents who are competitive due to insecurity, Dr. Jeltova adds, which forces the child to develop an extension of parental ego and self-esteem. “The parent needs the child to be liked to feel likeable themselves,” she says.

At the end of the day, every parent is different, and there’s nothing wrong with feeling validated, whether you’re helping others by sending a message or it gives you an extra boost—as long as it’s all in good spirit.

Sending a Message

A national survey conducted by Edison Research, as a part of Minute Maid’s this is GOOD campaign, revealed that 94 percent of sharents stage their social media posts. Although this might seem shocking, it is important to remember that social media is meant for an audience and the photos are staged to project a motive, whether it’s clear or ambiguous.

For example, the Instagram account @papaanddaddy, which has 44,600 followers, is clear in its message and role in the social media world: to normalize same-sex parenting.

“There’s a lot of work left to be done in normalizing same-sex parenting. This is our small way of paying it forward,” says James Loduca, one of the dads behind the account. “At the end of the day, representation matters. It’s hard to dream about what you can’t see. As kids, there weren’t gay families represented in media.

We want to do our part to change that for generations to come.”

d lishes b a t s E Year 45

But Be Conscious of Cyber Bullying

Christine Di’Amore, a Youtuber with nearly 300,000 subscribers, is best known for her videos about makeup and lifestyle. Despite her Internet presence, she has chosen to keep her daughter out of the public eye for now.

“While hateful comments don’t hurt me, a lot of people who aren’t conditioned to the harsh world that social media can be (like my daughter) might be more affected by those words, regardless of how ridiculous or untrue they are,” Di’Amore says.

“If my daughter does come across any negative comments, she knows I will have a conversation with her and try to help her understand the psyche behind those who bully others, and the reason they want to bring others down to their level.”

As children grow older and have more access to the Internet they will come to realize cyber bullies are everywhere. While their hurtful comments can be ignored, they might be hard to brush off. On the flip side, being exposed to cyber bullying at a young age can help children understand how to deal with it as they enter their teenage years.

“Another reason for not sharing that I often hear is a desire to protect the child’s privacy. The child has the right to be growing up in a protected, emotionally safe environment,” Dr. Jeltova says.

“Having his or her images posted is inviting feedback and judgment and potentially jeopardizes the privacy and emotional safety.”

When you place yourself in the public eye, whether it’s to express a message to thousands of followers or you’re sharing your child’s preschool graduation, there is a safety concern and a leeway for hatred. “There are a ton of people out there that are looking to do harm in a variety of ways,” says Amaliya Makarovskaya, a Manhattan mom of two. “I find that there is very little to be gained from social media in general, especially through my kids posts.”

Circling back to the Mac & Mia survey, 42 percent of parents say they have planned posts of their children in advance and have spent up to 2 hours to get the perfect shot. As with all things when it comes to parenting, it’s ultimately up to you to weigh the pros and cons of sharing snapshots of your children on social media, but think beyond safety and look into your true motive for posting a photo of your child. Remember: There is a definitive line between remembering a moment and wasting time.

Dasha Kofman, a senior at Binghamton University, was a summer 2018 editorial intern for NYMetroParents.

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raising kids home

Make sure to put child-proof latches on all cabinets and drawers containing hazardous materials, such as household cleaners, to keep your toddler safe.

Baby Proof ing 2.0

››

How to update your safety measures at home once your baby becomes a toddler

W

hen your little one starts walking and begins exploring in greater depth, you may start to wonder what the next step is for child proofing your living space. It’s a good question to ask yourself: “As you prepare your home for the toddler stage, every part of the home should be reviewed to ensure the safety of your newly and very mobile little one,” says Geneuviève Thibault, founder of bblüv, a baby and toddler accessory retailer. “As your toddler grows and develops strength and ability, some tools, such as gates and play yards, can become obsolete as they triumphantly climb right over them. Now, the little things we can easily overlook, like outlet covers, cabinet door locks, door handles, potentially hazardous house plants, pets, and cleaning products, become critically important as your toddler expands and explores his environment.”

With this in mind, here are five areas of your home that you’ll want to scrutinize.

Bathroom

There are so many things a child could get into—and make a major mess with—in a bathroom, from lipstick to toilet-paper rolls.

“The toddler stage finds little ones still testing every object with their hands and mouth,” Thibault says. As a result, parents should lock all cabinets with a child-proof latch to keep any cleaners and medications out of reach. It’s also important to keep your poisons and sharps “well out of reach… high up above the reach of the child,” in case someone forgets to relock the cabinet after use, says Carolyn Ziegler, a child proofer with 35 years of experience and 18

October 2018 | nymetroparents.com

By Anja Webb

founder of Dreambaby, a child safety company.

There’s another potential danger lurking in your bathroom: the toilet. Besides the obvious sanitary issues surrounding children playing in the toilet, they could also drown, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The water may seem shallow enough to us, but it’s the perfect height and depth for a toddler to fall in face first and get stuck with his head underwater.

“You have to be very careful that your child does not have access to the toilet,” Ziegler says. “There are a number of products that can be used to close your toilet and make sure it is fully closed.”

You can either purchase a latch specifically for the toilet, or use a childproof safety lock like the ones on your cabinets.

Windows

Nearly 5,000 children fall out of windows annually, with urban children being the most frequently affected, according to the CPSC. Though most modern homes have windows with screens and locks, those measures just simply aren’t enough. Screens are meant to stop insects, not children, so they are not a means of preventing falls.

“When living in an apartment you need to understand the height of your apartment. You do not want children to have access to fall out of those windows,” Ziegler says. “So you must make sure you have a restrictor on [windows] so they will only open four inches, no more. You want to be able to make sure you can get a bit of fresh air, but the children are secured within.”

Though there’s no substitute for parental supervision, parents

can’t keep a watchful eye 24/7. “Window and door alarms also alert parents quickly to potential dangers and are especially helpful during times when parents are sleeping,” Thibault recommends.

“Avoid putting shelves or climbable furniture under windows.”

Falling isn’t the only window-related danger for children. A study by the Center for Injury Research and Policy shows that nearly 17,000 children younger than 6 are hospitalized annually for injuries caused by window blinds, which can be a potential strangulation hazard. “Many blinds have got long cords,” Ziegler says. “Make sure you keep those well out of reach of children.” In order to prevent injury, replace traditional blinds with cordless blinds, or get a retrofitting kit that allows you to tie up cords in spaces that are out of reach of children. And don’t let renting inhibit your toddler proofing. “If you can’t screw things in because you’re renters, don’t do it. There are plenty of products that are adhesive, or work on handles that you can slide over,” according to Ziegler.

Furniture

The CPSC advises parents anchor all furniture to the wall, or secure it with anti-tip brackets. This includes dressers, entertainment sets, televisions, and any furnishings with drawers. Additionally, to reduce risk of any of these items toppling over, be certain to use all products according to manufacturer instructions.

Even if your furniture is safely mounted, children can climb up shelves, according to anchorit.gov. To discourage children from scaling furnishings in an attempt to reach appealing objects, never store toys, remote controls, or other desirable items on top of tall furniture.

Kitchen

Just like the bathroom, the kitchen is filled with potential hazards.

As always, you’ll want to secure all cabinets and drawers with childproof latches, but that’s not all. “One of the things I try to encourage parents to do is actually do most of the cooking while the child is asleep so you haven’t got all of this buzzing activity, sharp knives, hot stoves, ovens, and everything at the same time,” Ziegler advises.

Of course, on a busy day it’s not always convenient to wait until nighttime to prepare dinner or do the week’s meal prep. When waiting isn’t an option, try to cook on the back burners so children can’t reach up and grab anything. Additionally, “make sure you always turn [pots’ and pans’] handles inwards,” Ziegler says.

Heating System

We all know how cold it can get in New York when winter rolls around. However, radiators may be a potential hazard. “Parents with radiators can install covers that are both functional and fashionable,” Thibault says. These covers can prevent children from coming into direct contact and sustaining serious burns.

Also begin educating your children about the risk of injury from burns. “Start teaching them the word ‘hot’ very early,” Ziegler advises. “You need to sound a little alarming when you say the word.

You need to start instilling the understanding of hot. You don’t want them to be touching that hot radiator and getting that burn.”

And though a nice hot bath may seem ideal after a day in the snow, keep your water heater set to lower than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. “A lot of water that comes out of your tap is very, very hot and a child can be scalded by it,” Ziegler warns. “Make sure that if there is a temperature gauge that you can vary, bring it down.”

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If you’re not sure if an area of your home is fully toddler proofed, you may need a change of perspective. “Check out your home from your toddler’s viewpoint,” Thibault advises. “What looks interesting but is potentially dangerous?” This could point out any aspects of child proofing you might have overlooked.

QueensParent 19

raising kids teen

Teen Milestones You Need to Know ›› This tumultuous time of life is full of firsts—here’s how to roll with some of your child’s big changes.

I

t seems like only yesterday your child was a baby and you were cooing over his every breakthrough. From first smile to first laugh to first wobbly step, your days were filled with scrapbook-stuffers and Insta-worthy occasions.

Guess what? As your child enters the teen years, she’ll be launching into a period of all-new milestones. No, they’re (mostly) not so cute— no need to pull out that scrapbook again!—but they are important signs that he’s growing up and branching out in healthy new ways.

While children develop at their own pace, we asked leading experts to identify some of the leaps forward you might experience soon, and offer advice to help you cope with the challenges they may present.

Peer-Group Preference

Remember the good old days when your child wanted you to accompany her everywhere, and fought with her siblings and even your partner for the right to sit next to you at dinners out? Steel yourself: Your days at the top of the A-list may be numbered.

“One [milestone] I think is common is shifting to your peer group instead of your family as a source of guidance and companionship,” says Rachel Annunziato, Ph.D., an associate professor of clinical psychology at Fordham University in the Bronx.

“That can be hard for us as parents, but it can be a normal part of adolescent development,” Dr. Annunziato says. Teens “are being given more autonomy, and it’s a time when there’s more experimenting.

It’s more of a chance to socialize on their own terms.”

Your best response? Give your child some of the space he’s craving. “This is where they are working things out in a way that will be helpful before going into the college environment,” Dr. Annunziato explains. It doesn’t mean you have to retreat entirely—plan parent-kid activities scheduled around his other obligations.

“I sometimes call it ‘calendaring backwards,’ where you set up the 20

October 2018 | nymetroparents.com

By Deborah Skolnik

stuff that’s fixed and you can’t change in the calendar, and then put in the stuff that you want to prioritize,” says Mark Bertin, M.D., a developmental pediatrician in Pleasantville and author of How Children Thrive and Mindful Parenting for ADHD.

Social Calendar Commandeering

It can be a little distressing when your child’s social plans no longer include you. But if you’re at least consulted, you’re better off than many parents! That’s because the day may come when your kid makes plans for herself without asking your permission at all. (It may happen sooner in the city and in areas where there’s good public transportation.) In part, your child has become his own social director because he’s developing a better sense of time management. But for you it can be “very fear-inducing,” Dr. Annunziato says, especially if your child’s plans involve new friends you haven’t met yet.

Your greatest ally, she says, is social media; thanks to it you may have more of an opportunity to get to know your kids’ friends’ parents, not to mention the friend herself. Alternatively, you can suggest the kids come over before going out. Don’t be afraid to nix a plan that seems unsafe or involves unsavory people, or a locale or return time that breaks family rules.

Extreme Embarrassment

Times were, you could be yourself around your child and his friends.

Doing your victory dance at sports games will send her into a red-faced tizzy. And singing? Don’t even try. Why are you suddenly such a disgrace, no matter what you do?

“That sense of being embarrassed by your parents is kind of exactly what you’d expect from teens. It’s because of the kind of tightrope they’re trying to walk, of staying connected to their parents—which you know is still the goal even though they’re trying to become indi-

viduals—while also becoming more and more involved with their peers for support,” Dr. Bertin says. “That sense of embarrassment is probably just a natural reflection of a situation that’s confusing to them. They’re trying to be their own person and that puts them in a situation where they’re still connecting to you and connecting to their social group and trying to find a place that fits for all of that.”

Again, the solution is to give your child some space (and tone down any of your embarrassing behaviors). Of course, adds Dr. Bertin, “know as a parent that there are still going to be times when you need to set a boundary and do something even if it’s embarrassing,” such as being stricter than everyone else’s parents (according to your child).

amps up and cognitively a lot is happening.” These changes may manifest themselves in strident ways: Your child could proclaim that meat is murder or argue with your politics heatedly.

This is a positive transformation, Dr. Annunziato says. “It’s great to foster teens’ expression... to teach them how to respectfully disagree,” she explains. Acknowledge your teen’s opinions, and accommodate his wishes whenever possible without necessarily backing off of your viewpoints.

Future-Facing Planning

No one’s saying your child didn’t plot out her future when she was younger. Perhaps she planned on being a rock star, but now her dreams may start taking on a more realistic slant—she may say she wants to become a physician or an engineer. Teens “begin to become more goal oriented,” Dr. Annunziato says. “I think that it’s something I am seeing even younger, and it lasts into the college years.” As teens’ sense of time becomes refined and their

cognitive skills develop, planning for the future seems more doable.

“If someone is showing an interest in [their future], run with it, make sure their plans make sense, let them take the lead,” Dr. Bertin says. But not all kids will be focused on life after school, he cautions.” And don’t be disappointed if your child’s desire ultimately peters out: “A lot of us are a lot different in college than in high school... Things are going to keep changing,” he says—an apt description of the teen years.

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Sure, your child may have given a valentine to Jane a few years ago, and then had a crush on another girl the next year. But sometime in your kid’s midteens, you may start to realize that you’re no longer his main squeeze. “Certainly [there’s] more interest in dating; that will start around then, whether it’s with the opposite sex or the same sex,” Dr. Annunziato says.

While pairing off can stem from genuine interest, it can also be a result of dating pressure.

How do you help your child resist the urge to follow the crowd in forming couples? “To the extent you can, keep communication open,” Dr. Annunziato recommends. Let your child know she can always come to you for guidance. As for when to allow your child to date, Dr. Annunziato says it’s all a matter of individual maturity—make sure he understands what it means, and is prepared for potentially getting hurt. And set ground rules and stick to them.

Philosophical Pushiness

Your child’s been learning a lot in school, and from you, lately.

“Maybe empathy for others is changing and increasing,” Dr. Annunziato says. “This is a time when moral reasoning really

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family life finances

Saving for Retirement

››

IRAs and 401Ks can be overwhelming for many. Fear not: We’re here to help!

W

hether you’re just starting your career, switching jobs, or you’ve been working for three decades, making sure you’re saving for retirement is one of the most important things you can do to set yourself up for the future. And the sooner you start saving, the better off you’ll be financially. After all, of those who participated in the Charles Schwab 2018 401K Participant Survey, 60 percent said their 401K will be their main source of income in retirement.

In that same survey, though, 40 percent said saving enough money for a comfortable retirement was their most significant source of financial stress. And with all of the savings options available, you may be feeling the stress too. It can be difficult to navigate what retirement savings vehicle is best for you. The two most-common ways to save for retirement are a 401K and an Individual Retirement Account.

Both are great tax-advantaged options, but it is a common misconception that you have to choose one. Those who are aggressively saving may have both a 401K and an IRA.

What is a 401K?

A 401K is an employer-sponsored program that allows eligible employees of a company to save and invest a percentage of their salary for retirement without paying taxes on it, according to Rosanna Guardavaccaro, financial advisor with Strategies for Wealth in Rye Brook and The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America. A 401K allows you to put away up to $18,500 each year. Only an employer can sponsor a 401K for its employees, and this includes if you work for yourself.

If you work for a company that offers a 401K, especially one that will match contributions, Daniel D’Ordine, CPF, founder of DDO Advisory Services in Rhinebeck, suggests taking advantage of it and 22

October 2018 | nymetroparents.com

By Melissa Wickes

contributing at least the matching percentage, if it’s financially feasible. For example, if your employer will make a matching contribution of up to 6 percent of your salary, you should contribute that amount.

There are a handful of benefits to a 401K. “Contribution limits are so high that you can really lower your current income tax bill by taking money and putting it into your 401K,” D’Ordine says. If you live in a high tax area, this is especially valuable because you are lowering your tax bracket by contributing. For example, if you pocket $12,000 of your paycheck, you will have to pay up to 40 percent of taxes on that amount. However, if you put that same $12,000 into your 401K, it’s tax-free money and you have the opportunity to have a portion of that matched by your company (aka free money).

Another advantage is a 401K is ‘automated invisible savings,’ D’Ordine says. “Once you can adjust to this slight reduction in your paycheck, the savings are happening automatically,” he says. “You forget about it and it takes away the emotional component of saving.”

Another great benefit of investing in a 401K is dollar-cost averaging, which means you are investing a fixed dollar amount on a regular schedule and any market fluctuations will not affect this investment, D’Ordine says. Should your salary or your financial situation change, you can change your investment contributions on a quarterly or yearly basis, depending on your company’s policy.

What is an IRA?

An IRA is a mini-federal retirement account you can set up on your own, without sponsorship from an employer, according to D’Ordine.

An investment custodian, bank, mutual fund company, or advisor can help you set up a traditional or Roth IRA. With both IRAs, you

can put away up to $5,500 each year, plus an additional $1,000 if you’re older than 50.

The difference between the two is in contributions. When you contribute to a traditional IRA, you can claim the contribution on your tax return. This means you will pay taxes on the money when you retire, Guardavaccaro says. But you might not get the full amount back in your refund. If your employer offers a retirement plan and your income exceeds certain levels, your deduction may be limited; if your employer doesn’t offer a plan, your deduction is allowed in full, according to the Internal Revenue Service. Roth IRA contributions are not tax-deductible, and you will receive that sum of money tax-free when you retire.

If your modified adjusted gross income (the total income you report that is eligible to be taxed, minus some adjustments you can make) is more than $120,000 as a single or $189,000 as a couple, you may no longer qualify for an IRA. It’s best to consult your accountant or tax advisor if you think this may be the case.

ployees in their own plan in lieu of a paying a larger salary.

Things get a little jumbled when your company doesn’t match or doesn’t begin to match until after a few years of employment, or if your company doesn’t offer a 401K. At that point, look into an IRA. When opening a either kind of IRA, D’Ordine suggests working with an investment professional who can give you advice, as well as a CPA who can double check the numbers. It is important to

know the difference between an investment shop, which can help you set up a plan, and someone who is in the business of giving tax advice because there is a huge tax component to investing for retirement, D’Ordine says.

An IRA is a great option for anyone, whether your company offers a 401K plan or not, so why not have both if you can afford it?

Is it okay to have neither?

“It’s always a better decision to save than not,” Guardavaccaro

says. “Retirement is an important goal and individuals should continuously save for it.”

This is subject to the individual, D’Ordine says. If you’re saving toward a short-term goal, it may be best to stop 401K contributions for that period of time.

A lot of companies will allow you to pause your 401K or easily adjust your contribution, according to D’Ordine. Your IRA is up to your discretion. The most important thing is making choices that make sense for you.

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Choosing a Retirement Fund

Determining which plan is best for you is easier than you may think. If your company will match any amount of your 401K contribution, D’Ordine suggests to do that. A matching contribution should be your number-one priority when determining how to invest for your future. Many people believe 401Ks are not the most beneficial options due to fees and investment selections, however having access to one is actually a huge benefit of working for a company, D’Ordine says.

“Put in enough to get your match, and if you don’t love the idea of solely investing in a 401K, invest in other stuff as well,” D’Ordine says.

While most large companies offer 401K plans, ‘mom and pop shop’ businesses may not, D’Ordine says. However, this doesn’t mean your boss doesn’t have a retirement plan in place.

Some small business owners may put away money for em-

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176-21 Wexford Terrace, Jamaica Estates, NY 11432 Phone: 718-297-2120 | Fax: 718-739-0037 @WEARETMLA | #HILLTOPPERNATION | TACHS #016

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October 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Parochial School and Private Schools PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS Archbishop Molloy High School

83-53 Manton St., Briarwood 718-441-2100 x155 or x110 admissions@molloyhs.org Archbishop Molloy High School promotes intellectual curiosity, creativity, personal growth, and faith. Rooted in a tradition of high standards in academics, athletics, and service to others, students are challenged to excel by our top-tier faculty, dedicated coaching staff, and competitive curriculum. Students feel part of a family, and with many school activities and programs, there truly is something for everyone. Molloy continually benchmarks its current academic offerings and use of technology with other higher learning institutions in order to keep evolving as a dynamic school in a rapidly changing world.

Mary Louis Academy: Empowering Young Women Since 1936

176-21 Wexford Terrace, Jamaica Estates 718-297-2120 tmla.org The Mary Louis Academy has established several exciting initiatives designed to provide young women with increased opportunities to achieve academic success, develop leadership skills, set career goals, and form strategies to achieve those goals.

Successful completion of a program, all of which begin September 2018, will be recognized at graduation with a special designation certificate. The academic concentrations will include: Pre-Med, Dual-Language/International Studies Program, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), Fine Art, Music, and Physical Education and Wellness. For more info, visit tmla.org.

Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School

71-06 31st Ave. E., East Elmhurst 718-898-3800 x2 msgrmcclancy.org Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School is a Catholic, coeducational, college preparatory school conducted in the educational tradition of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. It provides a quality education for young men and women from diverse academic, social, cultural, and religious backgrounds, interweaving gospel values with the core curriculum. The school incorporates a dynamic Campus Ministry Program with a strong mission and service component. Students are offered a

disciplined, nurturing environment, with opportunities available for college credit and Advanced Placement, as well as challenging honors courses in all subject areas.

St. Agnes Academic High School

13-20 124th St., College Point 718-353-6276 stagneshs.org Statistics prove that girls enrolled in single gender schools set higher educational goals, feel in control of their own choices, and achieve at higher levels in math, science, and reading. At St. Agnes 100-percent of recent graduates attended college. St. Agnes girls thrive in a culture of mutual respect and inclusivity, where diversity of thought is celebrated. They lead in every way, gaining a deeper understanding of their own power to change the course of history. Students are encouraged to take risks, develop their talents, and push boundaries.

robomind

PRIVATE SCHOOLS The Kew-Forest School

119-17 Union Turnpike, Forest Hills 718-268-4667 x125 kewforest.org Established in 1918, The Kew-Forest School is celebrating its centennial this year. We are the oldest independent, coed, college preparatory school in Queens for students in preschool through 12th grade. With more than 255 students, 60 nationalities represented on campus, and 25 languages spoken at home, our school provides a safe, nurturing, and intellectually vigorous environment.

United Nations International School

173-53 Croyden Road, Jamaica Estates 718-658-6166 unis.org rsorrentini@unis.org The United Nations International School Queens campus provides an intimate learning environment promoting academic achievement, personal growth, and a passion for learning. Inspired by the ideals of the United Nations, students become active and thoughtful global citizens. Small class sizes support individualized attention. Modern languages and a strong fine arts program complement a rigorous academic curriculum. With an experienced faculty, supportive parents, and outstanding students, UNIS provides an optimal educational experience for students from kindergarten-eighth grade.

QUEENS CAMPUS K - 8

OPEN HOUSE Thursday, October 4th at 9:00 a.m.

RSVP rsorrentini@unis.org • Rigorous international curriculum • Multicultural music, art, and drama programs • French and Spanish taught from Kindergarten • Environmental Center • Flexible after-care and after school activities

173-53 Croydon Rd. Jamaica Estates, NY 11432 718-658-6166 | www.unis.org QueensParent 25

things to do

outbound

Family Fun a Ride Away Courtesy Van Cortlandt Manor

Courtesy Boundless Adventures

In Westchester County, NY…

Boundless Adventure Park hopes to get kids off their phones and active outside.

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at the Van Cortlandt Manor features more than 10,000 individually hand-carved, illuminated jack-o’-lanterns.

Boundless Adventure Park

Van Cortlandt Manor

There’s an obstacle course for every climber at Boundless Adventure, whether you’re a beginner or a pro. During the 3 hours you spend here, you can do as many courses as you wish. If you’re interested in a less physical experience, walking paths and benches are available throughout the park as well. Leave your valuables in the car because this is quite the outdoor adventure!

Visit It: 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase; 914-893-4550

Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum

Long Island is rich with whaling heritage, as it was one of the island’s most important commercial industries. This unique museum provides exhibits and programs that leave visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the industry that shaped the economic and social foundation of the region. View approximately 6,000 artifacts, the only fully-equipped whaling vessel with original gear on display in New York, scrimshaw collections, ship logs, and more.

Visit It: 279 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor; 631-367-3418; cshwhalingmuseum.org October 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Courtesy Hudson Highlands Nature Museum

Courtesy Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum

o and bey nd!

Create a keepsake “scrimshaw” box at Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum during one of the many crafting programs.

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The beautiful stone manor house and brick ferry house in Hudson Valley is the perfect place for Halloween thrills and not-so-spooky fun with the whole family. Explore the historic, 18th-century riverside landscape during the day or come back for a breathtaking display of jack-o’-lanterns at The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze on select evenings through the end of November.

Visit It: 525 S. Riverside, Croton-on-Hudson; hudsonvalley.org

The Hudson Highlands Nature Museum highlights the role human interaction has in the well-being of our earth.

Hudson Highlands Nature Museum

This museum aims to teach its visitors how to responsibly take care of our environment. Educational programming, native animals, natural habitats, and trails are just some of the things to experience when you visit— all highlighting the unique ecology of the Hudson Highlands. Throughout October, participate in a variety of fun events including Halloween ‘I Spy’ and ‘Fungus Among Us.’ Visit It: 120 Muser Drive, Cornwall; 845-534-5506; hhnm.org

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 The Amazing Maize (No. 4 on our list).

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WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?

nymetroparents.com/submitevent UPDATED DAILY AT nymetroparents.com/calendar EDITOR: GAIL WARREN qpcal@davlermedia.com

OCTOBER CALENDAR

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Editor’s Hot Tickets

29

We Can’t Believe it’s Free

30

Mini Musicians

31

Show Time!

32

Fun Fairs & Festivals Crafty Kids

33

On Screen

34

The Great Outdoors, Smarty Pants

35

Movers & Shakers, Special Needs, Browse & Buy

36

Holiday Fun

5

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS

Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the seven events we consider can’t-miss—the ones we’re taking our own kids to.

Consider it your cheat sheet to the best of what’s great this month!

1

Carnegie Hall Citywide: Hazmat Modine FREE

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 5, 8pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Hear New Orleans-style honky-tonk propelled by the vocals and harmonica of Wade Schuman.

WHY WE LOVE IT: A little taste of the Big Easy comes to Queens.

WANT TO GO? 718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.org.

Kid Flicks One

2

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 13, 11am WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria AGES: 3-8, adult WHAT: Features audience favorites and award-winners from the 2018 New York International Children’s Film Festival.

WHY WE LOVE IT: This is the largest film festival for kids and teens in North America.

WANT TO GO? $15; $11 students and seniors; $7 youth ages 3-17. 718429-2579. movingimage.us.

3

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 21, 8am WHERE: Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, 11101 Corona Ave., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: This noncompetitive, 3-mile walk raises money to fund research, information, and support for those affected by breast cancer.

WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s a celebration of survivors and an opportunity to remember lost loved-ones.

WANT TO GO? 800-227-2345. makingstrideswalk.org/queens.

The Amazing Maize

WHEN: Through Oct. 27: Saturday-Sunday and Columbus Day, 11am-4:30pm WHERE: Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park

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October 2018 | nymetroparents.com

4

AGES: All WHAT: Challenge yourself with finding clues, solving puzzles, and making your way out of the 3-acre maze.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Who knew getting lost could be so much fun?

WANT TO GO? $10; $5 children ages 4-11; free for children ages 3 and younger. 718-347-3276. queensfarm.org.

Dead or Alive: Science of Creepy

5

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 28, 1-5pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Participants will make their own fake vial of blood, become a zombie while learning about biological simulations, watch pumpkin chucking demos, and create a real habitat for a fake creature.

WHY WE LOVE IT: A combination of weird science and spooky fun!

WANT TO GO? $16; $13 seniors and children ages 2-17. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

TINKERTOY®: Build Your Imagination™

WHEN: Through Jan. 6, 2019: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Visitors can explore a walk-in size replica of the canister, experiment with renewable energy and water filtration, and take part in a scavenger hunt.

WHY WE LOVE IT: A great way to introduce children to STEM concepts!

WANT TO GO? $13; free children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

6

The Socrates Annual, 2018 Exhibition FREE

7

WHEN: Oct. 7-March 10, 2019; see website for schedule WHERE: Socrates Sculpture Park, 35-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City AGES: All WHAT: Each year the park presents an exhibition of new commissions made by artists awarded the Park’s Emerging Artist Fellowship.

WHY WE LOVE IT: The art responds to the park’s history and landscape.

WANT TO GO? 718-956-1819. socratessculpturepark.org.

Get weekend activities delivered to you!

nymetroparents.com/register ››

Class Trip Programs

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 six no-cost events we’re excited about now. You’re welcome.

Strategies for Successful College Planning Seminar FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 2, 7pm WHERE: Floral Park Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Chris Eschman presents five strategies for achieving college funding goals.

WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

Open House New York FREE

WHEN: Oct. 13-14, Saturday-Sunday, 2:30pm WHERE: Queens Historical Society at Kingsland Homestead, 143-35 37th Ave., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: The perfect opportunity to explore normally off-limits places.

WANT TO GO? 718-939-0647. queenshistoricalsociety.org.

at

the Bowne House THE 1661 BOWNE HOUSE offers educational tours for students K-12.

The tours compliment the New York State Curriculum and follow the Social Studies Scope and Sequence guidelines of the New York City Department of Education.

We offer four unique tours: • Colonial Life in Queens • Objects from the Past • The Flushing Remonstrance, Cornerstone of American Democracy • Bowne House on the Go For Group Tours, please call: 718-359-0528 or email: office@bownehouse.org.

You may download a form from our website: www.bownehouse.org.

All group tours are by advance appointment.

The Bowne House is located at: 37-01 Bowne Street,Flushing, Queens Bowne House is a City, State and National landmark; it is chartered by the New York State Board of Regents.

Body-Based Creative Process FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 14, 1pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Participants will delve into creative and choreographic processes through body-based games and verbal communication WANT TO GO? 718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.org.

Fall Events FREE

WHEN: Through Oct. 28: see website for schedule WHERE: Hicks Nurseries, 100 Jericho Turnpike, Westbury AGES: All WHAT: Take a picture with Otto the Ghost, enjoy a hayride, and visit farm animals. Enjoy fresh picked apples, fudge, roasted corn, popcorn, apple cider, and candy apples!

WANT TO GO? 516-334-0066. hicksnurseries.com.

Toddler Learning Center FREE

WHEN: Oct. 3-31, Wednesdays, 10:30am-12pm WHERE: Queens Library @ Rochdale Village, 169-09 137 Ave., Jamaica AGES: 3-5, adult WHAT: Play and learn with your child in a workshop that includes toys, games, puzzles, and other items specially selected to enhance a toddler’s development.

WANT TO GO? 718-723-4440. queenslibrary.org.

Museum Makers: Designing With Data FREE

WHEN: Through Nov. 8: Thursdays, 3:30-5:30pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: 5-8, adult WHAT: Participants can ask questions, collect data, uncover patterns, and design and create their very own exhibit.

WANT TO GO? 718-699-0005. nysci.org. ››

Offering Classes in: Ballet Tap Jazz/Contemporary Hip Hop Acrobatics Summer Dance Intensive

Register

NOW

for Fall 2018

ALL STAR STUDIOS 108-21 72nd Ave (4th floor) Forest Hills, NY 11375 718-268-2280 allstarstudiosnyc@gmail.com www.allstarstudiosnyc.com

Come Try Our NEW Improv Dance Class!

QueensParent 29

Paquito D’Rivera and the John di Martino Trio

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 26, 8pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Paquito D’Rivera teams up with John DiMartino to present an evening of the music of Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington.

WANT TO GO? $25; $20 students; free for teens. 718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.org.

Musique Macabre

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 26, 7pm WHERE: King Manor Museum, 150-03 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Hear the music of Leclair, Telemann, Tartini, and Bach to set the austere and haunting mood of the season.

WANT TO GO? $15. 718-206-0545. kingmanor.org.

Tlen Huicani

MINI

MUSICIANS Monthly Jazz Jam: Celebrating the Legacy of Louis Armstrong

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 3, 7pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: 13 and older WHAT: The house band led by saxophonist Carol Sudhalter opens each jam with the work of Louis Armstrong.

WANT TO GO? $10; free for students, teens, and jamming musicians.

718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.org.

A Culture Connection Five Year Anniversary Celebration: The Richie Goods Project FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 28, 3pm WHERE: Kupferberg Center for the Arts- LeFrak Concert Hall, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: See one of the most faithful interpreters of the traditional folk music of Veracruz, Mexico, and Latin America.

WANT TO GO? $20 and up. 718-793-8080. kupferbergcenter.org.

ANIMAL LOVERS Friends of Briarwood Library Presents Animals Alive FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 13, 3pm WHERE: Briarwood Library, 85-12 Main St., Briarwood AGES: 5-12 WHAT: This program allows children to see and learn about a variety of both familiar and exotic animals.

WANT TO GO? 718-658-1680. queenslibrary.org.

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 6, 2pm WHERE: Langston Hughes Library-Community Cultural Center, 100-01 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate one of the most sought-after jazz musicians today, both in the recording studio and on the international stage.

WANT TO GO? 718-875-3500. queenslibrary.org.

Domestic Animal Discoveries

Andrea Brachfeld Jazz Quartet

International Hagfish Day! FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 14, 10am WHERE: Queens Zoo, 3-51 111th St., Corona AGES: All WHAT: Through games and activities, participants will learn how to care for important animal ambassadors in our lives.

WANT TO GO? $20. 800-433-4149. queenszoo.com.

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 12, 8pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: 13 and older WHAT: The work is comprised of nine compositions by Andrea Brachfeld and Bill O’Connell, pianist extraordinaire.

WANT TO GO? $16; $10 for students; free for teens. 718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.org.

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 17, 4:30pm WHERE: Flushing Library, 41-17 Main St., Flushing AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Learn about these fascinating creatures and create a fun craft.

WANT TO GO? 718-661-1200. queenslibrary.org.

Lioness Presents Alexa Tarantino Quartet

WHEN: Through Oct. 28: Monday-Friday, 9:30am-5pm; SaturdaySunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: All WHAT: This exhibition features photographs of birds from Rockefeller State Park Preserve and highlights the diversity of said birds.

WANT TO GO? $16, $13 children, students, and senior citizens. 718699-0005. nysci.org.

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 21, 2pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: A concert series featuring women in jazz presents this ensemble performing original compositions and modern twists on classics.

WANT TO GO? $5; free for students and teens. 718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.org.

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October 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Winged Jewels of the Forest: Images of Birds in the Surrounding Hudson Valley

Long Long Island Island Speech Speech & Myofunctional & Myofunctional Therapy Therapy

SHOW TIME! Freeway of Love: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and Roberta Flack FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 4, 6pm WHERE: Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Emilie Surtees is an independent recording artist who writes, co-produces, and performs her original music.

WANT TO GO? 718-990-0700. queenslibrary.org.

‘Princess Particular’

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 6, 2:30pm WHERE: The Secret Theatre, 44-02 23rd St., Long Island City AGES: 3-12, adult WHAT: The spirited and feisty young Princess Particular is used to getting what she wants, when she wants it, and today she wants to be a ballerina WANT TO GO? $15; $10 children younger than 17. 718-392-0722. secrettheatre.com.

A Balloon Show with Nick The Balloonatic FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 20, 1pm WHERE: Fresh Meadows Library, 193-20 Horace Harding Expressway, Fresh Meadows AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Nick The Balloonatic will interact with children as he sculpts balloons, laughs, and jokes, making everyone feel special.

WANT TO GO? 718-454-7272. queenslibrary.org.

718-640-6767 • 516-216-1791 www.LISpeechandMyo.com

Licensed Speech Pathologists & Myofunctional Therapists Specializing in the Treatment and Correction of: • Language Disorders • Memory & Auditory Processing Difficulties • Fluency • • Voice Disorders • Motor Planning Disorders • Deviate Swallowing • Tongue Thrust • • Feeding & Swalling Problems /Aversions • Thumb Sucking • Articulation Disorders • Oral Facial Muscle Weakness •

Specialized Specialized Therapy Approaches Approaches Including: Including PROMPT Therapy • Individual FEEDING Therapy Augmentative Communication Evaluations & Therapy

“FEES”...Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing Participating with most Major Health Insurance Companies Jericho

Long Island Speech & Myofunctional Therapy 500 North Broadway, Suite 141 Jericho, NY 11752

516-597-4344

Lake Success

Speech Pathology and Swallowing Disorder Services of Long Island 444 Lakeville Road Lake Success, NY 11042

516-216-1791 • 718-640-6767

Wantagh

Speech Pathology & Swallowing Disorder Services of Nassau 3375 Park Avenue., Suite 4010 Wantagh, NY 11793

516-221-3653

‘Leaving Brooklyn’

WHEN: Oct. 5-21, see website for schedule WHERE: Queens Theatre, 14 United Nations Ave. S., Corona AGES: 9 and older WHAT: In 1955, as the Dodgers and the Yankees battle it out on the field, a blue-collar Brooklyn family battles for its own survival.

WANT TO GO? $20. 718-860-0064. queenstheatre.org.

Lightwire Theater’s ‘The Ugly Duckling’

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 21, 1pm and 3pm WHERE: Queens Theatre, 14 United Nations Ave. S., Corona AGES: 5-12, adult WHAT: Watch the story of The Ugly Duckling on stage through a cutting-edge blend of puppetry, technology, and dance.

WANT TO GO? $10 and up. 718-860-0064. queenstheatre.org.

EVERY WEEK IS FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

‘Steel Magnolias’

WHEN: Oct. 27-28, Saturday, 2pm; Sunday, 3pm; ASL interpretation: Saturday, 8pm WHERE: Queens Theatre, 14 United Nations Ave. S., Corona AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Within the walls of Truvy’s beauty shop, set in Louisiana, are six strong women whose lives increasingly hinge on the existence of one another.

WANT TO GO? $20 and up. 718-860-0064. queenstheatre.org.

FunikiJam’s ‘Baby Likes To Rock!’

WHEN: Through Nov. 12: see website for show times WHERE: Actors Temple Theatre, 339 W. 47th St., Midtown, Manhattan AGES: 3-8 WHAT: There is an area for kids to dance and play with instruments and props.

WANT TO GO? $30. 347-913-5267. funikijam.com/offbroadway. ››

LOOK. LISTEN. LEARN. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere

.

TM

Find tools to keep your

family safe from home fires at firepreventionweek.org

Discover fun activities and free

apps for kids at sparky.org

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK™ QueensParent 31

Fall Festival 2018 FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 20, 12-4pm WHERE: King Manor Museum, 150-03 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica AGES: All WHAT: Attendees will play games, make corn husk dolls, churn butter, press their own apple cider, interact with a historic interpreter, and more.

WANT TO GO? 718-206-0545. kingmanor.org.

Halloween Harvest Festival FREE

WHEN: Oct. 27-28, Saturday-Sunday, 12-4pm WHERE: Socrates Sculpture Park, 35-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City AGES: All WHAT: Inspired by the Haitian Festival of the Ancestors and featuring costume and art making, face painting, and the Canine Costume Contest with fun prizes and local judges.

WANT TO GO? 718-956-1819. socratessculpturepark.org.

Children’s Fall Festival

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 28, 11am-4pm WHERE: Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park AGES: All WHAT: Dress in costume for this fall celebration especially for kids!

Enjoy live music, an autumn hayride, the haunted house, pony rides, a seasonal petting zoo, crafts, and the Amazing Maize maze!

WANT TO GO? $20. 718-347-3276. queensfarm.org.

FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS Kick Off To Fall FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 6, 11am-4:30pm WHERE: Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park AGES: All WHAT: Explore the grounds and buy apples, cider, doughnuts, and pies.

WANT TO GO? 718-347-3276. queensfarm.org.

CRAFTY KIDS Sand Art Pictures FREE

Fall Family Day

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 2, 3:30pm WHERE: Queens Village Library, 94-11 217 St., Queens Village AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Make pictures with colored sand!

WANT TO GO? 718-776-6800. queenslibrary.org.

Harvest Fest and Pumpkin Patch

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 4, 3pm WHERE: Arverne Library, 312 Beach 54 St., Arverne AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Participants will color their favorite comic legends, and create storyboard, panels, and their own book!

WANT TO GO? 718-634-4784. queenslibrary.org.

Kid Flicks Two

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 7, 2pm WHERE: Floral Park Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: All WHAT: Make dog bandanas and creative projects to help shelter dogs look even cuter and get adopted!

WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 7, 11am WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria AGES: All WHAT: Featuring Jim Henson exhibition-themed activities, including a super-sized studio, screenings, face painting, and scavenger hunts.

WANT TO GO? See website. 718-429-2579. movingimage.us.

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 14, 11am-5pm WHERE: Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the season with lawn games, crafts, inflatables, face painting, gardening activities, local food and craft vendors, and more.

WANT TO GO? $12; $10 children. 718-886-3800. queensbotanical.org.

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 14, 11am WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Features audience favorites and award-winners from the 2018 New York International Children’s Film Festival.

WANT TO GO? $15; $11 students and seniors; $7 youth ages 3-17. 718429-2579. movingimage.us.

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October 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Superheroes and Graphic Novel Day FREE

Family Event: The Great Give Back FREE

Children’s Paint and Chat FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 9, 3:30pm WHERE: Queens Village Library, 94-11 217 St., Queens Village AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Children will indulge their inner artist with this painting activity.

WANT TO GO? queenslibrary.org.

Puppetry for Parents: Using Puppets in the Home to Make Meaningful Connections

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 19, 5-8pm WHERE: Socrates Sculpture Park, 35-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City AGES: Adult WHAT: Participants will learn the basics of performance, technique, and ways to utilize puppets within the home to build emotional connections.

WANT TO GO? $20. 718-956-1819. socratessculpturepark.org.

Walk-In Craft FREE

WHEN: Through Oct. 27: Saturdays, 11am-1pm WHERE: Queens Library, Poppenhusen Branch, 121-23 14 Ave., College Point AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Create an awesome craft!

WANT TO GO? 718-359-1102. queenslibrary.org.

Mornings @ MoMi

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 27, 9:30am WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Visitors will explore the exhibits and make art projects.

WANT TO GO? $5; free for children younger than 3. 718-429-2579. movingimage.us.

Make It: Lightsabers

WHEN: Oct. 6-28, Saturdays-Sundays, 1:30pm and 5pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: 5-12, adult WHAT: Explore light and simple circuits while creating brilliantly glowing lightsabers.

WANT TO GO? $5. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

Family Coloring Time FREE

WHEN: Oct. 1-29, Mondays except Columbus Day, 3:30pm WHERE: Peninsula Library, 92-25 Rockaway Beach Blvd., Rockaway Beach AGES: 3-12, adult WHAT: Both adults and children can enjoy the relaxing and creative benefits of coloring together.

WANT TO GO? 718-634-1110. queenslibrary.org.

Wednesday Craft Series FREE

WHEN: Through Oct. 31: Wednesdays, 4pm WHERE: Hillcrest Library, 187-05 Union Turnpike, Flushing AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Create a fun, seasonal craft.

WANT TO GO? 718-454-2786. queenslibrary.org.

Children’s Arts and Crafts FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 18: Tuesdays, 3pm WHERE: Queens Library, South Hollis Branch, 204-01 Hollis Ave., South Hollis AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Jump-start a child’s creativity with these simple crafts made from varieties of colorful paper.

WANT TO GO? 718-465-6779. queenslibrary.org.

Moving Image Studio

WHEN: Through Jan. 21: Saturday-Sunday and Columbus Day, 11am-4pm WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Visitors can create media and other projects.

WANT TO GO? $15; $11 seniors and students with ID; $7 children ages 3-17. 718-429-2579. movingimage.us.

ON SCREEN Movies For Kids FREE

WHEN: Through Oct. 3: Wednesday, 4pm WHERE: Queens Library, Windsor Park Branch, 79-50 Bell Blvd., Bayside AGES: 5-12 WHAT: See an after-school movie.

WANT TO GO? 718-468-8300. queenslibrary.org.

Movie Night: ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 4, 4pm WHERE: Woodhaven Library, 85-41 Forest Parkway, Woodhaven AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Jack Skellington is bored with the same routine of frightening people when he stumbles on Christmastown and gets a new lease on life.

WANT TO GO? 718-849-1010. queenslibrary.org.

‘Muppets Most Wanted’

WHEN: Oct. 7-8, Sunday-Monday. 11am WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria AGES: 5 and older WHAT: This is a great adventure that has laughs for kids and adults.

WANT TO GO? $15; $11 students and seniors; $7 youth ages 3-17.

718-429-2579. movingimage.us.

Family Movie Afternoon: ‘Z.O.M.B.I.E.S’ FREE

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 19, 3pm WHERE: Howard Beach Library, 92-06 156 Ave., Howard Beach AGES: 9 and older WHAT: A zombie and a cheerleader work together to show the town of Seabrook what they can achieve when they embrace their differences.

WANT TO GO? 718-641-7086. queenslibrary.org.

‘Space Jam’

WHEN: Oct. 20-21, Saturday-Sunday, 11am WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria AGES: 5 and older WHAT: With the help of basketball legend Michael Jordan, Looney Tunes characters challenge aliens to a basketball game!

WANT TO GO? 15; $11 students and seniors; $7 youth ages 3-17.

718-429-2579. movingimage.us.

‘Flight of the Butterflies 3D’

WHEN: Through June 30, 2019; Monday-Friday, 11am and 2pm, Saturday-Sunday, 11am and 1pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Follow the monarchs’ perilous journey and join hundreds of real butterflies in the remote mountain peaks of Mexico.

WANT TO GO? $6; $5 children, students and seniors. 718-699-0005. nysci.org. ›› QueensParent 33

SMARTY PANTS Carbon Sponge Season Wrap-Up

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 20, 1-2:30 pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: All WHAT: Participants learn about the museum’s carbon sponge project.

WANT TO GO? $16; $13 children, students, and seniors. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

Andean Music Workshop

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Family Nature Walk

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 14, 1pm WHERE: Wave Hill, 649 W. 249th St., Bronx AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Join naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow on a family-friendly walk through the gardens or woodlands.

WANT TO GO? $8; $4 students and seniors; $2 children ages 6-18; free for children younger than 6. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

Maze By Moonlight

WHEN: Oct. 13-20, Saturdays, 4:30-9pm WHERE: Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park AGES: All WHAT: Navigate the Amazing Maize Maze by the starry night sky and your flashlight.

WANT TO GO? $12; $7 children ages 4-11; free for children ages 3 and younger. 718-347-3276. queensfarm.org.

Fall Harvest and Giant Pumpkin Contest FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 23, 10am WHERE: Hicks Nurseries, 100 Jericho Turnpike, Westbury AGES: All WHAT: This newly expanded competition includes giant pumpkins and additional categories for large, decorated vegetables.

WANT TO GO? 516-334-0066. hicksnurseries.com.

Pumpkin Patch FREE

WHEN: Oct. 6-27, Saturday-Sunday and Columbus Day, 11am-4:30pm WHERE: Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy the crisp fall air and wander through the patch to find the perfect pumpkin.

WANT TO GO? 718-347-3276. queensfarm.org.

Alley Pond Adventure Course: Free Public Sundays FREE WHEN: Through Oct. 28: Sundays, 1:30-3:30pm WHERE: Alley Pond Park, Oakland Gardens, Douglaston AGES: 9 and older WHAT: An outdoor adventure that fosters trust, communication, team building, and includes both low and high elements.

WANT TO GO? 718-217-4685. nycgovparks.org.

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October 2018 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 20, 11:30am WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Join Pepe Santana for a workshop on Andean culture.

WANT TO GO? $25; free for teens. 718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.org.

Broadway: From Back Row to Backstage FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 21, 2pm WHERE: Floral Park Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Brian Stoll will discuss all things Broadway.

WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

Chemistry Day

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 21, 11am WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Chemistry will be showcased via demonstrations and activities.

WANT TO GO? See website. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

TechCraft: Chemistry FREE

WHEN: Oct. 1-29, Mondays except Columbus Day, 4pm WHERE: Flushing Library, 41-17 Main St., Flushing AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Kids will build new designs and creative projects using technology.

WANT TO GO? 718-661-1200. queenslibrary.org.

Sign Language for Kids FREE

WHEN: Oct. 9-30, Tuesdays, 5pm WHERE: Floral Park Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Learn the basics of sign language and have fun!

WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

Kids’ Discovery Club FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 18: Tuesdays, 3:30pm WHERE: Queens Library, Howard Beach Branch, 92-06 156 Ave., Howard Beach AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Something new every week! Will it be science, art, or math?

WANT TO GO? 718-641-7086. queenslibrary.org.

Retold with Tech FREE

WHEN: Oct. 2- Dec. 18, Tuesdays, 4pm WHERE: Broadway Library, 40-20 Broadway, Long Island City AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Interpret your favorite books using tech tools, apps, and programs.

WANT TO GO? 718-721-2462. queenslibrary.org.

STACKS Program FREE

WHEN: Oct. 1-5 and 9-31, Monday-Friday 4:30pm WHERE: Poppenhusen Library, 121-23 14th Ave., College Point AGES: 5-17 WHAT: STEM and literacy-based activities complement school curriculum.

WANT TO GO? 718-359-1102. queenslibrary.org.

MOVERS & SHAKERS CityParks Golf FREE

WHEN: Through Oct. 28: see website for schedule WHERE: The Junior Golf Center Annex, Flushing Meadows Park Pitch and Putt on Meridian Road, Flushing AGES: 5-17 WHAT: The program teaches kids the basics of the sport and helps kids develop self-esteem, discipline, and sportsmanship.

WANT TO GO? 212-360-1399. cityparksfoundation.org.

17th Annual Totten Trot 5K Foot Race & Kids’ Fun Run

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 28, 7:30am WHERE: Bayside Historical Society, 208 Totten Ave., Bayside AGES: 3 and older WHAT: The Kids Fun Run is a short-distance sprint. Trophies, medals, and cash prizes for top winners, plus special cookie medals, and goodie bags for all runners.

WANT TO GO? Call for price. 718-352-1548. elitefeats.redpodium.com.

Rocket Park Mini Golf

WHEN: Through Oct. 28: Monday-Friday, 9:30am-5pm; SaturdaySunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Kids will putt their way through a nine-hole miniature-golf course that teaches the science of spaceflight, propulsion, gravity, escape velocity, launch window, gravitational assist, and more.

WANT TO GO? $6; $5 children and seniors with museum admission: $16; $13 children, students, and seniors. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

Old Time Base Ball

WHEN: Through Nov. 3: Saturdays, 11am WHERE: Old Bethpage Restoration Village, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Watch as teams from the 1864 league play base ball (as it was spelled then) following the rules and customs of the 19th century in vintage uniforms.

WANT TO GO? See website for price. 631-930-9054. obvrnassau.com.

SPECIAL NEEDS Access Mornings @ MoMI

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 6, 9:30am WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria AGES: All WHAT: Exclusive access for families on the autism spectrum before the museum is open to the public.

WANT TO GO? $5; free for children younger than 3. 718-429-2579. movingimage.us.

‘Muppets Most Wanted’

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 6, 11am WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria AGES: 5 and older WHAT: This screening will be sensory-friendly with the lights left on, but dimmed, and the volume lowered.

WANT TO GO? $15 adults; $11 students and seniors; $7 children ages 3-17. 718-429-2579. movingimage.us.

BROWSE & BUY Socrates Mini Market FREE

WHEN: Through Nov. 17: Saturdays, 11am-4pm WHERE: Socrates Sculpture Park, 35-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy Henley Coffee, fresh-cut produce, and small-batch products such as hot sauce and baked goods.

WANT TO GO? 718-956-1819. socratessculpturepark.org.

Forest Park YouthMarket FREE

WHEN: Through Nov. 17: Saturdays, 10am-3pm WHERE: Buddy Monument, Park Lane South and Myrtle Avenue, Woodhaven AGES: All WHAT: Come and support the community by buying produce supplied by local farmers. The market is run by youth from the neighborhood.

WANT TO GO? grownyc.org.

Elmhurst Greenmarket FREE

WHEN: Through Nov. 27: Tuesdays, 8am-4pm, except Nov 6.

WHERE: 41st Avenue, between 80th and 81st streets, Elmhurst AGES: All WHAT: Community activities, cooking demonstrations and recipe exchanges will add to the diverse nature of this fresh market.

WANT TO GO? grownyc.org.

Jackson Heights Greenmarket FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 30: Sundays, 8am-3pm WHERE: 34th Avenue, between 79th and 80th streets, Jackson Heights AGES: All WHAT: Reflecting the culinary diversity of the neighborhood, this market offers vegetables, fruit, eggs, fish, honey, chicken, and specialty Mexican produce.

WANT TO GO? 212-788-7476. grownyc.org.

Forest Hills Greenmarket FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 30: Sundays, 8am-3pm WHERE: Queens Boulevard, at 70th Avenue, Forest Hills AGES: All WHAT: Throughout the season, the market will offer free cooking demons, kids activities, and the opportunity to get to know regional farmers.

WANT TO GO? grownyc.org. ›› QueensParent 35

Haunted House

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 27, 1-7pm WHERE: Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park AGES: 5-12, adult WHAT: This ghoulish adventure is the perfect way to put everyone in the Halloween spirit.

WANT TO GO? $4. 718-347-3276. queensfarm.org.

Little Makers: Frankentoys

WHEN: Oct. 7-28, Sundays, 10:30am WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Little Makers will transform fabrics, old toys, and everyday household materials into frankentoys to call their own WANT TO GO? $6 per child, plus NYSCI admission: $16; $13 seniors, students, and children ages 2-17; free for children younger than 2.

718-699-0005. nysci.org.

Halloween Cartoon Magic and Fun

HOLIDAY FUN

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 28, 3:30pm WHERE: The Voelker Orth Museum, 149-19 38th Ave., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: There’s mask making, flipbooks, refreshments, and a screening.

WANT TO GO? $4; $10 for families; free for children younger than 3.

718-359-6227. vomuseum.org.

Jack-O’-Lantern Pumpkin Decoration

‘Hocus Pocus’

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 6, 2:30pm WHERE: Queens Historical Society at Kingsland Homestead, 143-35 37th Ave., Flushing AGES: 5-12, adult WHAT: The event will feature some fun old-fashioned sweets and a chance for kids to make candied apples!

WANT TO GO? $5; $3 for students and seniors. 718-939-0647. queenshistoricalsociety.org.

WHEN: Oct. 27-28, Saturday-Sunday, 11am WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria AGES: 9 and older WHAT: This Halloween classic is about three witches who are brought back to life three centuries after they were executed at the gallows in Salem, MA. WANT TO GO? $15; $11 students and seniors; $7 youth ages 3-17.

718-429-2579. movingimage.us.

Halloween Trunk or Treat and Food Drive FREE

Halloween Party! FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 27, 2pm WHERE: Maple Grove Cemetery, 127-15 Kew Gardens Road, Kew Gardens AGES: All WHAT: Volunteers will park their Halloween decorated cars in a secured, closed off area of Maple Grove Cemetery and pass out candy from their trunks.

WANT TO GO? 347-878-6614. friendsofmaplegrove.org.

Halloween Family Fun Fest

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 27, 11am-4pm WHERE: Madison Theatre at Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy pumpkin picking and decorating, mask making, cupcake decorating, face painting, balloon creations, a magician, haunted house, food trucks, bounce houses, and live entertainment.

WANT TO GO? Prices not yet available. 516-323-4444. madisontheatreny.org.

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 31, 4pm WHERE: Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Come in costume and celebrate Halloween with fun, games, music, and more.

WANT TO GO? 718-990-0700. queenslibrary.org.

Spooktacular Celebration

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 31, 12:30pm WHERE: Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Come in costume to play games, make a not-so-spooky craft, and pick a pumpkin from our mini-pumpkin patch.

WANT TO GO? $16. 718-229-4000. alleypond.com.

Spooktopia: Saturday Family Movie FREE

WHEN: Oct. 6-27, Saturdays, 2pm WHERE: Arverne Library, 312 Beach 54 St., Arverne AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Come and get into the mood for Halloween!

WANT TO GO? 718-634-4784. queenslibrary.org.

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October 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Coming up next month: NOV. 1: RAM Presents: Modern Americana at Sage Music, Long Island City NOV. 17: Killer Queen at Kupferberg Center for the Arts, Flushing NOV. 22: Queens Turkey Trot at Flushing Meadow Corona Park, Flushing

things to do

where-to guide

October Chills & Spooky Thrills Compiled by Anja Webb

Get in the Halloween spirit and get ready for a fun-filled fall!

Whether you’re looking for some ghoulish fun to scare the pants off your teens or some more light-hearted haunts for the little ones, we’ve got you covered with our ultimate Halloween guide.

Keep the thrills going with escape rooms that allow you to embrace your inner Houdini and give your kids the perfect opportunity to show off their detective skills. Or, if you’d rather take it easy, try taking a family day trip to the farm for some pumpkin picking.

Now if it’s already a little too chilly outside, you might want to stay indoors and go for a skate at your local roller rink instead. Whatever you’re looking for, we’ve got what you need to get ready for the Halloween season and make it a great October with your family!

PUMPKIN PICKING Hurd’s Family Farm

2187 State Route 32, Modena 845-883-7825; hurdsfamilyfarm.com Open daily, 9am-5pm U-pick pumpkins, veggies, and apples, plus family-friendly mystery corn mazes, storybook corn maze, and hayrides; big apple bounce pillow, rubber duck derby, apple launcher, cow train, giant slide, fish feeding, farm animals, nature trails, and gem mining daily. Educational school tours and birthday parties available. Check website for themed weekends, music, and special events.

Find more>> nymetroparents.com/pumpkins

HALLOWEEN FOR KIDS Halloween Harvest Festival

32-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City 718-956-1819; socratessculpturepark.org Saturday, Oct. 27, 12-4pm At this free event, make your own Halloween costume, dance to live music, get crafty with art projects, ghoul up with some spooky face paint, and enjoy locally harvested treats! Enter the Haitian Festival of Ancestors Costume Contest!

Find more>> nymetroparents.com/Halloween

ESCAPE ROOMS

ROLLER RINKS Hot Skates

4711 Van Dam St., Long Island City 718-361-9152; isurvivedtheroom.com Unlike other escape room experiences, I Survived the Room utilizes professional actors, lighting, effects, and a scripted show along with the clues and puzzles as part of the storyline. Rooms include The Order, The Sanatorium, and Zombie Experience, which is only offered Friday evenings. A location in Suffolk County, Long Island is coming soon.

14 Merrick Road, Lynbrook 516-593-1424; hotskates.com If you’re looking for an enjoyable day out, where the kids (and you!) can learn or practice roller-skating in a fun and safe environment, Hot Skates is the place to go. The venue boasts a real maple wood rink, a superb state-of-the-art sound system, and game room. There is also an on-site snack bar, which serves up classic American fare, including pizza, nachos, and Buffalo wings.

The center also offers a variety of different party packages for kids ages 4 and older.

Find more>> nymetroparents.com/escape-rooms

Find more>> nymetroparents.com/roller-rinks

I Survived the Room

What Kids Really Want at Their Birthday Parties ››

Bigger isn’t always better—learn what will make the celebration truly special.

T

ake it from parents who know: Your kids may say they want a huge birthday blowout at the local arcade, but what they really want is a celebration that’s far more meaningful—and less chaotic.

“A birthday is a time to enter your child’s world,” says Julie Morganstern, author of several books, including her latest, Time to Parent: Organizing Your Life to Bring Out the Best in Your Child and You. “All kids want is for someone to see [them] and to understand [them] and that’s what I think a birthday celebration is really about.”

In fact, keeping the party smaller and simpler may make a bigger impression on your kid in the long run. “The most memorable experiences are those that incorporate multiple senses, evoke an emotional connection, and incorporate an element of novelty,” says Chrissy Khachane, an educational consultant and parenting coach. “Slowing down a bit to focus on some of life’s simple pleasures—family, good food, and laughter—affords children a party that incorporates the most important parts of childhood.”

So this year, instead of getting into a frenzy planning your child’s party, consider tapping into your sense of nostalgia. Plan a day that involves playing tag in the backyard, tossing a ball, gathering on a beach or in the park, or playing board games or Duck, Duck, Goose. And whatever you do, consider taking a few cues from these parents and experts as they share their take on rethinking our kids’ birthday parties.

Step Away from the Competition

It’s super easy for birthday parties to become competitive, or all about status, where parents are one-upping each other over everything from the venue to just how deluxe the goodie bags are, Morganstern warns.

Instead, “you want to establish values and make sure your kids 38

October 2018 | nymetroparents.com

By Lambeth Hochwald

don’t get caught up in all that external pressure to compete,” Moganstern says. “You also want to focus on redefining what the real value is of a birthday party. In my book it’s all about celebrating who you are, it’s connecting with the people you really love and the ones who care most about you. That’s your family and friends. It’s not about impressing anybody. If it’s about competition with other parents then the party isn’t about [your child], it’s about other people.”

Let Your Child Play Party Planner

If your child insists on helping out with the party planning, don’t hesitate to invite him to play an important role—depending on how old he is, of course. “One way you can let your child take the lead is picking out the party theme,” says Amy Horta, owner of AEH Events, a custom event planning and design firm in Westchester County.

Horta let her own 3-year-old son have a hand in creating his construction-themed birthday party. “He went with me on a trip to Home Depot (his favorite place!) for décor,” she says. “He also helped paint toolbox favors for all his guests.”

Exercise Crowd Control

If you have a toddler who doesn’t love big crowds, having a party with lots of guests just won’t be fun for her. “If there are loads of family and friends who want to shower the birthday boy or girl with good wishes, consider inviting family over for cake the weekend before the birthday and then have a small kids’ party the weekend after,” Horta recommends. “It may be a little more work planning two events, but it helps make sure that the birthday boy or girl don’t get completely overwhelmed on their big day!”

Teens, too, may feel that a crowded bash isn’t right for them.

They may prefer to do a special activity with couple of friends in place of a bustling party. “Think indoor rock climbing, a trapeze class, a double feature at the movies—with popcorn—or even a day out in Manhattan,” Horta says. “A birthday celebration doesn’t always have to mean a big party with lots of people.”

Gather Somewhere Unique

“We keep our daughter’s birthday parties pretty low key,” says Raakhee Mirchandani Singh, a Hoboken, NJ mom of Satya, 5, and author of the forthcoming kids’ book, Super Satya Saves the Day. “For Satya’s second, third, and fourth birthdays, we’ve had a story time at our local bookstore,” she says. The owner “reads some of Satya’s favorite titles, and some new ones too. And Satya and her friends love it,” Singh says.

Instead of receiving goodie bags, “the kids go home with a book,” Singh adds. “I feel awesome knowing we’re...encouraging the next generation of bookworms!”

Honor Your Kid’s Passions

“When my daughter was seven, we decided to focus her birthday party around her interest in dance,” Morganstern says. “I invited a woman who did dance parties to come and lead the kids in a series of dances. It was so wonderful to watch our daughter share something she loved with her friends.”

Incorporating your child’s interests is a great way to make a party special, Khachane agrees: “Through focusing on something that is important to the birthday girl or boy there is a strong connection that takes the experience beyond what one might find at a [generic] party.”

See a Party as a Way to Build Community

A birthday party should absolutely focus fully on the birthday boy or girl, but it can also serve another purpose, especially if you’re new in town. For Cherie Corso, a Westchester parent expert, blogger, and mom of a 15-year-old daughter, birthday parties through the years have been wonderful ways to meet other families in town.

“My daughter always wanted to invite her whole class so these gatherings were a great way for me to get to know the parents,” Corso says. “Best of all, my daughter has wonderful memories of those gatherings and I got to meet so many other families, too.”

Let Your Kids Have a Say

After Fort Lee, NJ mom Zaida Khaze’s daughters spent their sixth and seventh birthday parties with close friends, they both announced that for their next birthdays they’d rather go somewhere special. “With all the money that was spent per party for ninety minutes of fun and a goodie bag, I didn’t object,” Khaze says. “The next year, my older daughter opted for a weekend visit with the immediate family to [Great] Wolf Lodge and my younger daughter wanted to go to Six Flags.”

Khaze says she was happy to not spend the time or money planning parties. “I would rather spend that money on their birthday presents.

I was very impressed how my kids figured this out on their own.”

Focus on the Love

“Satya just wants to feel loved and celebrated,” Singh says. “I don’t think she cares about the specifics of the venue, the cake, or anything else...As for gifts, we’re pretty aggressive in our ‘no gifts’ policy and have been since her first birthday as Satya is a cancer survivor. Our friends bring gift cards to the party that we donate to the Tomorrows Children’s Fund in Hackensack,” she says. “Truth is, the kid has everything a little girl could want and then some: good health, sneakers that light up, parents who adore her, and more Wonder Woman junk than I ever thought humanly possible. So we encourage her to share with others.”

And isn’t that the point of an awesome birthday party after all?

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

LIU POST’S CENTER FOR GIFTED YOUTH

FALL 2018 AND SPRING 2019 SATURDAY PROGRAM Oct 6th – Dec 15th, 2018 & Feb 2nd – April 27th, 2019 for students entering K in Sept. 2018

Are You the Parent of a Gifted Child?

LIU Post’s Center for Gifted Youth announces its 38th annual fall and spring program for gifted children. The fall

program runs on Saturdays from Oct. 6th to Dec. 15th, 2018 and the spring program runs on Saturdays from Feb. 2nd to April 27th, 2019.

The program is open to gifted children entering grades K-8 in September 2018. The program expands

students’ knowledge, develops creative and critical thinking skills, and offers children the opportunity to learn in an exciting and accepting environment.

For information call 516-299-2160 liu.edu/post/giftedyouth Now find us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Admission is highly selective and enrollment is limited.

LIU Post • College of Education, Information and Technology • 720 Northern Blvd. • Brookville, NY 11548-1300 liu.edu/post/giftedyouth • Dr. Lynne Manouvrier, Director

Steve C. Imber, Ph.D. Psychoeducational Consultants Nassau and Suffolk Counties, Queens other NYC Boroughs Is Your Child struggling with Learning or Behavioral Problems at Home or in School?

The Decision to Ask for Help is Important Dr. Imber addresses the needs of children, adolescents and adults through multiple services and support.

• Independent Education Evaluations

• Parent, School, Attorney Consultation

• Special Education Expert Services

www.dr-imber.com Contact: 516-273-1961 or scimber1@aol.com 61-43 186th Street | Fresh Meadows, NY 11365

LOOKING FOR

GREAT DEALS?

Saving money on a New York City family day is easy!

Cityguideny.com has coupons and discounts for NYC sightseeing attractions, restaurants, stores and more.

Great New York deals, savings, special offers and deep discounts—for you and your family—are yours with just a click of the mouse.

QueensParent 39

Birthday Party Directory BIRTHDAY PARTY ENTERTAINMENT Clowns.com

Proudly serving Westchester, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx 516-577-0000; 718-971-5862 clowns.com At Clowns.com, our goal is to create an unforgettable and memorable party experience for you and your family. We provide the highest quality children’s entertainment and rental services in the industry. If you’re looking for a professional, dependable, and enthusiastic team, you’ve come to the right place! 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.

BIRTHDAY PARTY PLACES @ Play Amusements

229 NY-110, Farmingdale 631-815-5355 atplayamusement.com info@playamusement.com Have your next party at the newly renovated @ Play Amusements! It offers 40,000 square feet of fun including arcade games, inflatables, bumper cars, a roller coaster, carousel, disco room, and laser tag!

It even provides all the paper goods, invites, thankyou notes, food, and a private hostess! It features five glow-in-the-dark private party rooms that are sure to be a hit! The action-packed amusement center will make your child’s special day one that they will never forget! Fun for all ages!

ACD Playspace

31-24 38th St., Astoria 718-204-ACDP (2237) acdplayspace.com info@acdplayspace.com This is where the fun stuff happens. Create your own party package or choose one of our many options. Choices include music, BEAM projection screen, games, bounce house, music, pizza, cake, decorations, and face painting. We are here to help make your party unique. Your children get only one childhood; we are here to make it a memorable one! Check our website for more information: acdplayspace.com/parties.

American Dance & Drama

188-22 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows 68-02 Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village 718-479-8522 americandanceanddrama.net As one of Queens’s largest and most exciting birthday party locations, we specialize in one party at a time. Girls enjoy dress-up, disco, and gymnastic parties. Dance parties take place on our state-of-the-art stage. Boys go crazy for gymnastics, basketball, and wild obstacle course competitions. We also offer a tunnel maze, moon bounce, ball pit, bubbles, fog machines, cotton candy, plus crazy crafts, princess parties, and first birthday parties. Magicians are also available. Your place or ours! Private 3000-square-foot party room.

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BounceU of College Point

Whitepoint Center, 13225 14th Ave., College Point 646-883-JUMP (5867) bounceu.com/college-point-ny collegepoint.ny@bounceu.com BounceU of College Point is where birthdays come to life! Planning a party is super easy. Pick one of our awesome premier packages, add a spectacular bundle for the best value, and leave the rest to us. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or gathering with friends, classmates, teammates, or clubs, we provide the ultimate private party and play experience. Cleanliness and safety are top priorities at BounceU of College Point, where the staff is attentive to your needs, providing superior customer service, and a personalized experience.

Come celebrate with us today!

Brooklyn Boulders: Queensbridge

23-10 41st Ave., Long Island City 718-482-7078 brooklynboulders.com Brooklyn Boulders hosts birthday parties, after-school and weekend youth programs, and adventure camps. All programs are designed to boost mental and physical education of our youth—on and off the climbing walls. Our friendly, highly trained staff teaches kids how to climb, solve problems, and conquer challenges. Kids will gain self-confidence, make new friends, and learn empowering life skills. BKB is the place to be.

Celebrations In The Kitchen

63 E. Old Country Road, Hicksville 516-396-2193 celebrationsinthekitchen.com celebrationsinthekitchen@gmail.com The most unique, fun-filled, joyous event! We have created a true baking experience for everyone to enjoy—children, parents, family, friends, and boys and girls of any age. Guests enjoy our first-class facility complete with a huge exhibition-size kitchen and private party rooms. Baking experiences for adults and children include fabulous children’s birthday parties, classes, social gatherings for teens, and adult night out. Popular events include sugar cookie baking, all about pizza, cupcakes from scratch, doughnuts, and chocolate and candy projects. Come in, call, or visit celebrationsinthekitchen.com for more information.

CK Kids Birthday Parties

68-02 Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village 917-602-6271 ctkny.org jmichel@ctkny.org We know your child’s birthday is a special day, so we only book one party at time! Private party room available with two bounce houses, a ball pit, disco lighting, cotton candy, face painting, tattoos, music, and games! Add-on party activities include dress-up, karate, hip-hop, and cooking. Two party hostesses/motivators are dedicated to making your child’s birthday party a day to remember!

The DanceSource

98-11 Queens Blvd. (at 65th Avenue), Rego Park/ Forest Hills 718-997-1278 dancesource.net info@dancesource.net The DanceSource offers birthday parties for families

October 2018 | nymetroparents.com

on Sunday afternoon, a 2-to-3-hour rental, including 1 hour of instructed dancing, with optional tumbling and music. That takes place in our large room (no street shoes, please), and we can set up table and chairs for lunch and party foods in the smaller studio. Contact us now for information, available dates, and times.

Fantasy Forest Amusement Park

718-788-2676 Fantasy Forest Amusement Park at the Flushing Meadows Carousel 111th Street and 55th Avenue, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park next to the Queens Zoo fantasyforestnyc.com info@nycarousel.com Give your child the best birthday with our VIP Birthday Party Package at Queens’s No. 1 destination for family fun! Book our custom birthday package (starting at $449) and personalize it with our exclusive food and entertainment add-ons.

View our package details at: promo.nycarousel. com/book-us. Book online or contact our party specialist for availability at info@nycarousel.com.

Free public parking and restrooms available.

Forest Park Carousel Amusement Village

Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park Drive, Woodhaven 718-788-2676 forestparkcarousel.com info@nycarousel.com Give your child the best birthday with our VIP Birthday Party Package at “The Crown Jewel of Queens!” Book our custom birthday package (starting at $349) and personalize it with our exclusive food and entertainment add-ons. View our package details at: promo.nycarousel.com/book-us. Book online or contact our party specialist for availability: info@nycarousel.com. Free public parking and restrooms available.

The Lanyard Ladies

433 Merrick Road, Oceanside 516-578-2248 thelanyardladies.com info@thelanyardladies.com The Lanyard Ladies friendship bracelet and lanyard birthday parties bring the party to you, or you can come to their new party place! Learn to make your favorite friendship bracelets and lanyard stitches.

Many amazing themes and packages: Slime Party, Emoji, LOL Surprise, JoJo Siwa, Pajama, and American Girl Doll! We will customize any birthday party to fit your needs. New bigger party place for up to 75 guests, and private seating area for parents. School events, corporate events, Girl Scouts, bar and bat mitzvah too.

Music Together® With Music and Me Licensed Provider of Music Together® Since 2003 Astoria, Bayside, Forest Hills, and Glendale 718-229-0033 Astoria at Gym-Azing!

Bayside at Bay Terrace Karate Center, Upper Level Baybridge Commons Shopping Center Forest Hills at the Reform Temple of Forest Hills Forest Hills at the Church-In-The-Gardens Glendale at Tiger Schulmann’s Glendale musictogetherwithmusicandme.com info@musictogetherwithmusicandme.com

We provide unique birthday party musical experiences for first-sixth birthdays. Families and friends participate and celebrate a very special birthday child’s day in a way in which everyone gets to share in the fun. Grownups marvel at the ways children express their musicality through movement, song, and instrument play. Call us to customize your child’s musical birthday. We can come to your space. We offer Music Together® sessions for all seasons. Call or email to schedule your free trial class, or visit us online for easy registration.

Give your child a birthday party they will always remember! Let the National Tennis Center host your next birthday party. Our birthday party packages include 1 hour of court time with tennis drills and games organized by our USTA Pro staff. You will also have 1 hour in a private room for your birthday celebration, which includes pizza for all your party guests. For more detailed information on our party packages, please call 718-760-6200 x0, or go to ntc.usta.com where you will also find detailed information on our year-round tennis programs for all ages and levels.

Soccer Friends USA Inc.

Wheel Fun Rentals: Flushing Meadows-Corona Park

106-06 Queens Blvd., 3rd Floor Gym, Forest Hills 718-261-2403; 347-756-2568 (para Español) soccerfriendsusa.com soccerfriendsusa@hotmail.com Soccer Friends USA Inc. offers soccer birthday parties for children ages 2 and older. Its parties are fun, dynamic, and energetic. Its aim is to keep all the children moving and engaged. It offers excellent indoor and outdoor locations in the Forest Hills-Rego Park area. Soccer Friends USA can manage large groups of children and provide all soccer equipment. For more information, please visit soccerfriendsusa.com, call 718-261-2403 or 718-261-2400, or email info@soccerfriendsusa.com.

USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Flushing 718-760-6200 x0 ntc.usta.com

Flushing Meadows-Corona Park at David Dinkins Circle, Meridian Road 929-343-2366 Flushing Meadows-Corona Park at North Meadow Lake, Meadow Lake Road West 917-231-5519 Avenue U and East 33rd Street, Marine Park, Brooklyn 917-533-6196 LeFrak Center at Lakeside, 171 East Drive, Prospect Park, Brooklyn 718-462-0010 9000 Bay Parkway, Bensonhurst Park, Brooklyn 805-650-7770 wheelfunrentals.com Wheel Fun Rentals is the perfect place for birthday parties! Kids and adults can explore the area on one of our specialty bikes, or go on a Surrey

Scavenger Hunt in which teams can compete to solve riddles. There’s no better way to get active! Visit us in Queens at Flushing Meadows North Meadow Lake and David Dinkins’ Circle, or Brooklyn’s Marine Park, Bensonhurst Park, or Lakeside Prospect Park. Call today to book your event: 805-650-7770.

Whitestone Lanes

30-05 Whitestone Expressway, Flushing 718-353-6300 whitestonelanesbowling.com We are booking children’s and teen birthday parties, as well as corporate and team building events for 2018 and 2019. Starting at just $17.95 per child and $25.95 per teen, your child and their friends can bowl for 1 hour and then enjoy 45 minutes in our private party room, where they will receive one slice of pizza, soda or water, and a trophy of their own! Corporate and holiday parties start at $25 per person.

Upgrades are available. For more information and to book your party, please speak to Lisa our party hostess at 718-353-6300.

BIRTHDAY MARKETPLACE

Call (631) 815-5355 To Book Your Party Today!

Private Party Rooms

Game Arcade • Rides • Inflatables • Laser Tag and More!

631-815-5355 • www.atplayamusement.com

• 229 Broadhollow Rd, Rd, RTE RTE 110, Farmingdale QueensParent 41

Birthday Planner Classes & Programs

Activity Birthday Party Entertainment

Clowns.com Dave’s Cast Of Characters

Birthday Party Places

@ Play Amusements ACD Playspace

516-577-0000

davescast.com

914-235-7100

atplayamusement.com

631-815-5355

acdplayspace.com

American Dance & Drama

americandanceanddrama.net

BounceU of College Point

bounceu.com/collegepoint-ny

Brooklyn Boulders: Queensbridge

718-204-ACDP (2237) 718-479-8522 646-883-JUMP (5867)

brooklynboulders.com

718-482-7078

celebrationsinthekitchen.com

516-396-2193

ctkny.org

917-602-6271

dancesource.net

718-997-1278

fantasyforestnyc.com

718-788-2676

Forest Park Carousel Amusement Village

forestparkcarousel.com

718-788-2676

The Lanyard Ladies

thelanyardladies.com

516-578-2248

Music Together® With Music and Me: Licensed Provider of Music Together® Since 2003 Astoria, Bayside, Forest Hills, and Glendale

musictogetherwithmusicandme.com

718-229-0033

Soccer Friends USA Inc.

soccerfriendsusa.com

718-261-2403

Celebrations In The Kitchen CK Kids Birthday Parties The DanceSource Fantasy Forest Amusement Park

USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Wheel Fun Rentals: Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Whitestone Lanes 42

clowns.com

October 2018 | nymetroparents.com

ntc.usta.com

718-760-6200 x0

wheelfunrentals.com

929-343-2366

whitestonelanesbowling.com

718-353-6300

ACTIVITIES

EVENTS

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BIRTHDAY MARKETPLACE

The DanceSource Have you ever tried a Dance Class?

Join

NYMetroParents Get advance notice on activities,

ACD Play Space is a Family Owned Play Space participate in group discussions where Children Learn as they Play

and receive special notices.

Daytime Programs - Ages 0-5 years

Our smaller classes provide more attention in class, Join and more detail provide for each dancer.

NYMetroParents The Dancesource Offers

Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Gymnastics, Zumba, Hip-Hop, Classical Barata Nathyam, Modern, Ballroom (Latin & Classics), Bollywood, Georgian Dance, and Private Wedding Classes, Bat/Bar Mitzvah, Quincinera Dances, Birthday Parties Offered.

Get advance notice on activities, participate in group discussions and receive special notices.

Administration available after school Monday-Thursday 4:30-7:30pm | Saturday 9:30am-2pm

www.facebook.com/nymetroparents Sunday 9:30am-12:30pm | Rental space is available.

98-11 Queens Blvd at 65th Avenue • Rego Park, NY Tel: 718-997-1278 • info@dancesource.net ACTIVITIES EVENTS MORE www.dancesource.net • Check out our website!

Join

NEW After School Program – Pre-K to 5th Grade 2:45-5:45pm/ Pick-ups from 4 area schools

www.facebook.com/nymetroparents

Join

• Open Play • Birthday Parties

• Music • Dance

• Soccer • Cooking

• Spanish • Art

NYMetroParents

www.acdplayspace.com Get advance notice on activities, info@acdplayspace.com • 718-204-ACDP (2237) participate in group discussions OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK and receive special notices.

31-24 38th Street Astoria, NY 11103

www.facebook.com/nymetroparents

SOC SOCCER

NYMetroParents Year-Round Soccer Program General Classes After School Summer Camp Futsal League Travel Team Birthday Party All Girls Class Soccer in Spanish

Get advance notice on activities, participate in &group discussions Ages 18 Months Up and receive special notices.

www.facebook.com/nymetroparents ACTIVITIES

EVENTS

MORE

Join

NYMetroParents

Get advance notice on activities, participate in group discussions and receive special notices.

www.facebook.com/nymetroparents

Kids Kid Clim Climb at BKB! BKB

School is always in session at Brooklyn Boulders (BKB) Queensbridge, where kids learn and climb all year round at our youth adventure camps, birthday parties, and after school programs!

CHECK US OUT AT BROOKLYNBOULDERS.COM

23-10 41st Ave Long Island City, NY 11101 (718)-482-7078 QueensParent 43

OPEN HOUSES 2018 Archbishop Molloy High School

83-53 Manton St., Briarwood 718-441-2100 x155 or x110 admissions@molloyhs.org Archbishop Molloy High School offers a unique, challenging, and comprehensive program of instruction, guidance, athletics, and activities. Come to the open house on Sunday, Oct. 14 from 11am-4pm.

Buckley Country Day School

2 I.U. Willets Road, Roslyn 516-627-1910 buckleycountryday.com Join us on Sunday, Oct. 14 at 2pm for our first fall open house. Learn about programs offered at Buckley, a coeducational independent day school serving 350 children, toddlers through eighth grade.

I.S. 145: The Joseph Pulitzer Magnet School of Innovation and Applied Learning

Ivan Rodriquez, principal 33-34 80th St., Jackson Heights 718-457-1242 145innovators.com; info@magnetschools.com Please join us for an open house Tuesday, Oct. 9 from 6-8pm or Tuesday, Oct. 23 from 6-8pm. Come to learn about all the academic experiences designed to engage, inspire, and promote student achievement.

The Kew-Forest School

119-17 Union Turnpike, Forest Hills 718-268-4667 x125 kewforest.org/openhouse Join us for an open house for preschool to 12th grade on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 1pm or Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 8:15am. Please RSVP at kewforest.org/openhouse.

LOOKING FOR

Mary Louis Academy: Empowering Young Women Since 1936

GREAT DEALS? Saving money on a Estates New York City 176-21 Wexford Terrace, Jamaica 718-297-2120 family day is easy! tmla.org At the Mary Louis Academy, you will find your own voice—distinctive, confident, intelligent, creative, and empowered. Join us at our open house on Sunday, Oct. 14 from 10am-3pm. Pre-register at tmla.org.

Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School

71-06 31st Ave. E., East Elmhurst 718-898-3800 x2 msgrmcclancy.org McClancy’s open house is Saturday, Oct. 6 from

1-4pm, providing an opportunity for families to tour the school, speak to more than 200 McClancy student volunteers, and experience the energy.

M.S. 358: The Magnet School of STEAM Exploration and Experiential Learning

Brandan Mims, principal 88-08 164th St., Jamaica 718-558-6240 ms358.org; info@magnetschools.nyc Join us for an open house on Thursday, Oct. 25 from 4-6pm. Come to explore the innovative opportunities that our magnet school offers its students.

Our World Neighborhood Charter School 2

135-25 79th St., Howard Beach 718-392-3405 owncs.org; admissions@owncs.org Please join us for one of our tours on Tuesdays or Thursdays between 10am-1pm. Contact Lucille Ranchor at 718-392-3405 or email her at admissions@ownscs.org for additional information.

P.S. 92Q: The Harry T. Stewart, Sr. Magnet School for Engineering, Architecture & the Arts

Pasquale Baratta, principal 99-01 34th Ave., Corona 718-533-1013 ps92q.org; info@magnetschools.nyc Join us for an open house on Wednesday, Oct. 3 from 9-11am. Come to learn about all the academic experiences designed to engage, inspire, and promote student achievement.

periences designed to engage, inspire, and promote student achievement.

P.S. 349: The Magnet School of Leadership and Innovation Through STEAM, P.S. 349

Tanya Bates Howell, principal 88-08 164th St., Jamaica 718-558-6220 ps349.info Join us for an open house on Friday, Oct. 19 from 8:30-11am. Come to explore the innovative opportunities that our magnet school offers its students.

P.S. 55: The Maure Magnet School of Communication Arts, Technology and Multimedia Ralph Honore, principal 131-10 97th Ave., Richmond Hill 718-849-3845 ps55q.com; info@magnetschools.nyc Join us for an open house on Thursday, Oct. 18 from 6-7:30pm. Come to learn about all the academic experiences designed to engage, inspire, and promote student achievement.

P.S./M.S. 200: The Magnet School of Global Studies and Leadership

Kevin McAuliffe, principal 70-10 164th St., Flushing 718-969-7780 globalstudiesandleadership.org info@magnetschools.com Join us for an open house on Wednesday, Oct. 24 from 9-11am. Come to explore the innovative opportunities that our magnet school offers its students.

LOOKING FOR

P.S. 140Q: The Edward K. Ellington Magnet School of Science, Technology and the Arts - A STEAM Magnet School

GREAT

David Norment, principal 166-01 116th Ave., Jamaica 718-657-4760 theedwardkellingtonschool.org; kcobos@schools.nyc.gov Join us for an open house on Monday, Oct. 15 from 9:45-11am. Come to explore the innovative opportunities that our magnet school offers its students.

Saving money on a New York City family day is easy!

St. Agnes Academic High School

13-20 124th St., College Point 718-353-6276 stagneshs.org A small, college preparatory Catholic school for women, where each girl is known by name and respected for her individual gifts and talents.

Cityguideny.com has Join us for an open house oncoupons Saturday, Oct. from 10am-1pm. and13 discounts for

DEALS?

P.S. 201Q: The Discovery School for Inquiry and Research: STEAM Magnet School

Umit Serin, principal 65-11 155th St., Flushing 718-359-0620 PS201.org; info@magnetschools.nyc Join us for an open house on Tuesday, Oct. 9 from 2:30-4pm. Come to learn about all the academic ex-

NYC sightseeing attractions,

United Nations International School restaurants, stores and more.

173-53 Croyden Road, Jamaica Estates 718-658-6166 Great New York deals, unis.org; rsorrentini@unis.org savings, special offers Join us at our Queens campus school forand studeepto discounts—for and dents in kindergarten eighth grade you for an open house on Thursday, Oct. 4 atyours 9am.with RSVP your family—are to rsorrentini@unis.org. just a click of the mouse.

Private Tutoring for your Child Renate Vecchione - NYC Licensed Teacher, B.A. in Education

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Is your child struggling? Are you frustrated? I am the tutor for you.

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Tutor all subjects grades K-6 any day of the week.

Cityguideny.com has coupons and One on one compassionate, nurturing tutoring - not a computer! discounts for NYC sightseeing attractions, • Experience working with special needs children restaurants, stores and more.

• Specializes in ELA/Math subjects and state test prep

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October 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Saving money on a New York City family day is easy!

DEALS? Cityguideny.com has coupons and discounts for NYC sightseeing attractions, restaurants, stores and more.

Great New York deals, savings, special offers and deep discounts—for you and your family—are yours with just a click of the mouse.

Meet the

Health Care

Professional

Nanny Board

Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success lispeechandmyo.com Queens: 718-640-6767 Nassau: 516-216-1791 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, owns and operates Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy. With her group of therapists, she supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders (adults and children). Intensive feeding therapy for individuals who suffer from texture and consistency aversions, and FEES—Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing—are also offered. Seven affiliated offices across Long Island participate with most health insurance and offer evening and Saturday hours.

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

Join today!

New York City facebook.com/groups/NewYorkCityBarBatMitzvah

FIND

parentrecommended nannies

or

HELP

your nanny find a new family

mommybites.com/newyork

Mıtzvah Market Find it. Book it. Celebrate!

Parenting resources, education, and support since 2006

mitzvahmarket.com QueensParent 45

PartyCentral 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.

POPARAZZI BALLOONS & EVENT SPACE 61-19 Fresh Pond Road, Middle Village 347-204-5252 poparazzievents.com Follow us on Instagram: @poparazziballoons poparazziballoons@yahoo.com Making magic happen with balloons!

Turn your dream party into a reality with POParazzi! We custom design your ideas to create the ultimate experience.

PARTY PLACES @ PLAY AMUSEMENTS 229 NY-110, Farmingdale 631-815-5355 atplayamusement.com info@playamusement.com

We are one of Queens’s largest and most exciting birthday party locations, offering dress-up, disco, and gymnastics parties. We also offer bubbles and fog machines, cotton candy, plus crazy crafts and princess parties!

BROOKLYN BOULDERS: QUEENSBRIDGE 23-10 41st Ave., Long Island City 718-482-7078 brooklynboulders.com

Brooklyn Boulders hosts birthday parties, after-school and weekend youth programs, and adventure camps. Our friendly, highly trained staff teaches kids how to climb, solve problems, and conquer challenges.

BKB is the place to be for your next party!

BOUNCEU OF COLLEGE POINT Whitepoint Center, 13225 14th Ave., College Point 646-883-JUMP (5867) bounceu.com/college-point-ny collegepoint.ny@bounceu.com

BounceU of College Point is where birthdays come to life! We provide the ultimate private party and play experience. Come celebrate with us today!

CELEBRATIONS IN THE KITCHEN 63 E. Old Country Road, Hicksville 516-396-2193 celebrationsinthekitchen.com celebrationsinthekitchen@gmail.com

Have your next party at the newly renovated @ Play Amusements! It offers 40,000 square feet of fun ranging from 92 arcade games, inflatables, bumper cars, roller coaster, a carousel, disco room, and laser tag!

The most unique, fun-filled, joyous event!

We have created a true baking experience for everyone to enjoy, including sugar cookie baking, all about pizza, cupcakes from scratch, doughnuts, and chocolate and candy projects. Come in, call, or visit celebrationsinthekitchen.com for more information on parties.

ACD PLAYSPACE 31-24 38th St., Astoria 718-204-ACDP (2237) acdplayspace.com info@acdplayspace.com

CK KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTIES 68-02 Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village 917-602-6271 ctkny.org; jmichel@ctkny.org

Create your own party package or choose one of our many options.

Choices include music, BEAM projection screen, games, bounce house, music, pizza, cake, decorations, and face painting. Check our website for more information: acdplayspace.com/parties.

AMERICAN DANCE & DRAMA 188-22 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows 68-02 Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village 718-479-8522 americandanceanddrama.net 46

We know your child’s birthday is a special day, so we only book one party at time!

Private party room available with two bounce houses, a ball pit, disco lighting, cotton candy, face painting, tattoos, music, and games!

FANTASY FOREST AMUSEMENT PARK Fantasy Forest Amusement Park at the Flushing Meadows Carousel 111th Street and 55th Avenue, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park next to the Queens Zoo 718-788-2676

October 2018 | nymetroparents.com

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

fantasyforestnyc.com; info@nycarousel.com

Give your child the best birthday with our VIP Birthday Party Package at Queens’s No. 1 destination for family fun! Book our custom birthday package and personalize it with our exclusive food and entertainment add-ons.

FOREST PARK CAROUSEL AMUSEMENT VILLAGE Woodhaven Boulevard and Forest Park Drive, Woodhaven 718-788-2676 forestparkcarousel.com info@nycarousel.com

Give your child the best birthday with our VIP Birthday Party Package at “The Crown Jewel of Queens!” Book our custom birthday package and personalize it with our exclusive food and entertainment add-ons.

THE LANYARD LADIES 433 Merrick Road, Oceanside 516-578-2248 thelanyardladies.com info@thelanyardladies.com

The Lanyard Ladies friendship bracelet and lanyard birthday parties bring the party to you, or you can come to their new party place! Many amazing themes and packages to choose from.

MUSIC TOGETHER® WITH MUSIC AND ME Celebrating our new look with our new name!

Wendy DeAngelis, center director (Mommy, Music & Me, Inc. since 2003) Gym-Azing in Astoria Shotokai USA Karate in Bayside The Reform Temple of Forest Hills in Forest Hills The Church in the Gardens in Forest Hills Tiger Schulmann’s MMA in Glendale 718-229-0033 musictogetherwithmusicandme.com info@musictogetherwithmusicandme.com

We provide unique birthday party musical experiences for first-sixth birthdays. Call us to customize your child’s musical birthday.

We can also come to your space.

POPARAZZI BALLOONS & EVENT SPACE 61-19 Fresh Pond Road, Middle Village 347-204-5252 poparazzievents.com Follow us on Instagram: @poparazziballoons

poparazziballoons@yahoo.com

Our enchanting, multi-level venue hosts all types of celebrations. Call us or stop by an open house and start planning your next event.

SOCCER FRIENDS USA INC. 106-06 Queens Blvd., 3rd Floor Gym, Forest Hills 718-261-2403; 718-261-2400 347-756-2568 (para Español) soccerfriendsusa.com soccerfriendsusa@hotmail.com

Soccer Friends USA wants to celebrate your child’s next birthday party with you!

We offer soccer parties for children ages 2 and older at several fantastic locations.

USTA BILLIE JEAN KING NATIONAL TENNIS CENTER Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Flushing 718-760-6200 x0 ntc.usta.com

Birthday party packages include 1 hour of court time with drills and games organized by our USTA Pro staff and 1 hour in a private room for pizza.

WHEEL FUN RENTALS: FLUSHING MEADOWS-CORONA PARK Flushing Meadows-Corona Park at David Dinkins Circle, Meridian Road 929-343-2366 Flushing Meadows-Corona Park at North Meadow Lake, Meadow Lake Road West 917-231-5519 Avenue U and East 33rd Street, Marine Park, Brooklyn 917-533-6196 LeFrak Center at Lakeside, 171 East Drive, Prospect Park, Brooklyn 718-462-0010 9000 Bay Parkway, Bensonhurst Park, Brooklyn 805-650-7770 wheelfunrentals.com

Wheel Fun Rentals is the perfect place for birthday parties! Kids and adults can explore the area on one of our specialty bikes, or go on a Surrey Scavenger Hunt!

WHITESTONE LANES 30-05 Whitestone Expressway, Flushing 718-353-6300 whitestonelanes.net

We are now booking children and teen birthday parties as well as corporate and team building events for 2018-2019. Call our party hostess, Lisa, for more information.

Professional services

Your local guide to tutors, teachers, lawyers, financial planners, and other professionals DENTISTS & DENTAL PROVIDERS REGO PARK ORTHODONTICS Larissa Davids, D.D.S 98-41 Queens Blvd., Suite 1A, Rego Park 718-275-2006 davidsorthodontics.com Rego Park Orthodontics welcomes children and adults of all ages for a free orthodontic exam and consultation. The office is equipped with the most recent digital technology to make the experience of orthodontic treatment as relaxed as possible.

ZWEIHORN ORTHODONTICS “All for a Smile” Office hours include Sundays and evenings 150-25 Union Turnpike, Flushing 718-969-9234 drzweihorn.com Dr. Zweihorn is a board-certified orthodontist specializing in the treatment of children, teens, and adults. Our team focuses on helping you achieve your best smile!

DOCTORS & MEDICAL PROVIDERS 3D MATERNITY IMAGING 1300 Union Turnpike, New Hyde Park 516-326-0011 3dmaternity.com We are committed to providing a memorable experience for expectant parents and their families. We take pride in knowing we produce quality 3-D images and capture amazing moments such as yawning, smiling, and even thumb sucking.

LONG ISLAND CENTER FOR SPEECH AND MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success lispeechandmyo.com Queens: 718-640-6767 Nassau: 516-216-1791 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, along with her group of therapists, supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders.

LICE FAIRY LICEMOTHERS 2463 S. Long Beach Road, Oceanside 866-561-0492 1755 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park 866-561-0492 679 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Head 866-561-0492 fairylicemothers.com; fairylicemothers@gmail.com Our treatment centers are kid-friendly and our products are

100-percent non-toxic. Treatments include two free re-checks.

Whether or not you use our service, we are here to help you.

SPECIAL NEEDS DR. STEVE IMBER, PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL CONSULTANTS Serving Nassau and Suffolk counties as well as the five boroughs of NYC 61-43 186th St., Fresh Meadows 516-273-1961 Sprout Building 166 Valley St., Providence, RI 401-421-4004 dr-imber.com; scimber1@aol.com Dr. Imber has more than 40 years of experience consulting, evaluating, and advocating for children, adolescents, and adults with various disabilities including autism (e.g.

Asperger’s syndrome), attention deficit disorders, intellectual disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, and learning disabilities.

HUG MUSIC, CREATIVE & NURTURING MUSIC LESSONS FOR EVERYBODY Music Lessons and Music Therapy 112-01 75th Ave., Lower Level, Forest Hills 718-487-4309 hugmusicny.com; contact@hugmusicny.com We offer various fun and nurturing music classes including music lessons on multiple instruments, music therapy for children with special needs, and baby-toddler music classes.

LITTLE OPTICS INC. 192-07 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows 53-15 Roosevelt Ave., Woodside 718-468-7500; hablamos Español littleopticsinc@yahoo.com We provide eyeglasses and professional eye care for children, including infants, and young adults. We also alleviate any self-esteem issues associated with the stigma of wearing glasses. When your child leaves Little Optics, rest assured they will feel confident.

LITTLE STEPS 1, INC. SPEECH & LANGUAGE CLINIC Adelina Samuels, M.A. C.C.C.-S.L.P. speech pathologist 63-70 Woodhaven Blvd., Rego Park 929-335-7707 littlestepsspeech.com Little Steps 1, Inc. aims to help people develop their communication abilities, as well as treat speech, language, swallowing, and voice disorders. Services include prevention, identification, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.

LONG ISLAND CENTER FOR SPEECH AND MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success lispeechandmyo.com Queens: 718-640-6767 Nassau: 516-216-1791 Suffolk: 631-689-6858

Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, along with her group of therapists, supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders.

STEPS TO SOCIALIZATION 13 S. Bayles Ave., Port Washington 516-767-0266 Steps to Socialization was created to help children who have difficulty socializing. We teach children how to think socially, step by step. Working in small groups, we cover a variety of topics, including how to establish and maintain friendships and initiating and maintaining conversations.

THERAPY & COUNSELORS COMPREHENSIVE CONSULTATION PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES, P.C. 114-20 Queens Blvd., Suite CS 2, Forest Hills 180 E. 79th St., Suite 1C, Manhattan 1-888-441-0015 comprehendthemind.com Dr. Sanam Hafeez, an expert in diagnosing and treating all childhood psychological and learning conditions, has a refreshing approach: direct, warm, and competent. These qualities have made her sought after in the field of neuropsychology and child development.

TUTORS & TEST PREP EYE LEVEL QUEENS Eye Level Fresh Meadows 184-10 Horace Harding Expressway, Fresh Meadows 917-563-5000, Alex Chan Eye Level Elmhurst 87-37 Justice Ave., Elmhurst 718-393-2428, Linda Li myeyelevel.com Eye Level offers math and English programs for ages 3-14.

Whether the immediate goal is for early learning, remedial education, or academic education, Eye Level is the answer.

PRIVATE TUTOR-RENATE VECCHIONE 718-551-7986 rvecchione1@aol.com Ms. Vecchione, an experienced, NYC-licensed, substitute teacher specializing in ELA and math prep offers personalized tutoring. Ms. Vecchione is a nurturing individual who gives undivided attention to students of all needs.

VILLAGE EAST GIFTED: ENRICHMENT CENTER FOR THE GIFTED LEARNER Village East Gifted of Huntington 33 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station 631-549-2313 Village East Gifted of Roslyn 216 Willis Ave., Roslyn Heights 631-549-2313 villageeastgifted.com; info@villageeastgifted.com Village East Gifted provides after-school enrichment and private tutoring. Enriching every qualified, gifted child. We are also a John Hopkins CTY info and SAT testing center.

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October 2018 | nymetroparents.com

DJs • Photographers Favors Games • Invitations Judaica • Venues • Transportation Videographers • Coaches • Caterers Entertainers • Magicians Photo Booths • Wearables • Kippahs

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

DanceSource (The)..............................43

Steps To Socialization .........................13

All Star Studio.......................................29

Performing Arts Conservatory of NY ...11

Zweihorn Orthodontics...........................7

The Broadway Class ...........................19

birthday / party services ACD Playspace....................................43 American Dance & Drama....................17 At Play Amusement..............................41 Brooklyn Boulders - Queens ................43 Christ the King Continuing Education...15 Soccer Friends, USA Inc......................43 USTA BJK National Tennis Center ......15 Whitestone Lanes...................................5

camps All Star Studio.......................................29 American Dance & Drama....................17

music developmental

ACD Playspace....................................43

Comprehensive Consultation

Performing Arts Conservatory of NY ...11

Psychological .........................................3 Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for

performing arts / acting

Speech.................................................31

American Dance & Drama....................17

Steps To Socialization .........................13

Performing Arts Conservatory of NY ...11

education Archbishop Molloy High School ...........23 Buckley Country Day School .................9 Christ the King Continuing Education...15 iCoding Club...........................................5 Jack -N- Jill Nursery ............................19

Brooklyn Boulders - Queens ................43

JEI Learning Systems Inc. - Queens ...52

Christ the King Continuing Education...15

Kew Forest School (the).........................2

DanceSource (The)..............................43

LIU Center for Gifted Youth..................39

iCoding Club...........................................5

Mary Louis Academy (The) ..................24

Jack -N- Jill Nursery ............................19

Monsignor McClancy Memorial High

JEI Learning Systems Inc. - Queens ...52

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Performing Arts Conservatory of NY ...11 RoboMind Tech ....................................25 Soccer Friends, USA Inc......................43 The Broadway Class ...........................19 Tiny Footsteps......................................14 USTA BJK National Tennis Center ......15

child care / day care Jack -N- Jill Nursery ............................19 Mommybites.........................................45 Tiny Footsteps......................................14

classes iCoding Club...........................................5 LIU Center for Gifted Youth..................39

NYC Dept of Ed - D25.30 ......................7 NYC Dept of Ed - D28 .........................12 Our World Neighborhood School..........11 Psychoeducational Consultants ..........39 Renate Vecchione................................44

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special events Bowne House ......................................29 National Fire Protection Association ....31 Oyster Fest ..........................................48

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RoboMind Tech ....................................25 St. Agnes High School .........................24

special needs

Tiny Footsteps......................................14

Comprehensive Consultation

United Nations Int’l School - Queens ...25

family entertainment / events / outings At Play Amusement..............................41 Bowne House ......................................29 Brooklyn Boulders - Queens ................43 Whitestone Lanes...................................5

RoboMind Tech ....................................25 Steps To Socialization .........................13

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sports ACD Playspace....................................43 Christ the King Continuing Education...15 Soccer Friends, USA Inc......................43 USTA BJK National Tennis Center ......15 Whitestone Lanes...................................5

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Advantage Care Physicians ................51

American Dance & Drama....................17

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NYMETROPARENTS.COM/REGISTER QueensParent 49

raising kids quotables

What do you think your kids will be for Halloween?

“My six-year-old son, Dillon, and four-year-old son, Reed, can’t get enough of Star Wars. My husband and I are trying to influence them to dress up as a member of the Resistance, but it is looking more likely that Dillon will be a Tusken Raider and Reed will be Darth Vader!”

—Felicia Soler, Westchester County

“My five-year-old daughter is obsessed with Cookie Monster (second year in a row), so she will probably wear that costume again.

My seven-year-old son is thinking of being a character from his favorite video game, Fortnite.”

—Karen Ann, Rockland County

“Last year, for my daughter’s first Halloween, she was a peapod.

This year I was thinking some kind of a woodland animal like a fox or a raccoon. I asked my three-year-old niece what Baby Gigi should be and she said a witch. When I said I wasn’t sure about that one, she said a pumpkin without hesitation. So a pumpkin it is!”

—Amy Elliott, Brooklyn

“My daughter is four and she wants to be a fairy.”

—Cathy Como-Marcotrigiano, Queens

“A giraffe. We already have the costume because I was so excited.”

—Leslie Brachfeld Sanchez, Manhattan

Ultimately, my goal is for my girls to know that their ideas and creations are loved and valued. Whether it be a drawing, a dance move, a song they made up, or a funny-looking batch of peanut butter cookies.

—Ilana Wiles, in a post entitled “Encouraging Creativity and Confidence in My Girls” on mommyshorts.com

“Stop putting kids first. Imagine a relationship that centers on the two of you, and all the stability and care your kids will take from that. Accept that a truly wonderful relationship only multiplies the love available to your kids— not robs them of some of yours.

Because in those families, there is all the more love to go around.”

—Emma Johnson, in a post entitled “Why Single Parents Should Put Their Kids Second When Dating” on wealthysinglemommy.com

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October 2018 | nymetroparents.com

“Since my one-year-old son loves airplanes, he will most likely be dressed as a pilot. My daughter? Definitely Peppa Pig! She loves everything Peppa, especially ‘Princess Peppa.’”

—Vanessa Gordon, Suffolk County

“Seriously, any Fortnite character.”

—Chrissy MonteMastro, Nassau County

YOU SNOOZE OR YOU LOOSE “Anyone with a toddler who woke up a little too early, stayed up a little too late, or missed a nap knows the dreaded consequences: whines that escalate into ear-shattering screams that make you want to run away and join the circus — if that were an option. One simpler remedy is adequate sleep. In about a third of all-cases, sleep-deprived behavior is often misdiagnosed as ADHD.” —Rebecca Kempton, JD, in an article entitled “10 Ways Good Sleep Habits Make Kids Smarter, Happier, and Healthier.” Read the whole story at nymetroparents.com/sleep-habits.

More NYMetroParents.com Highlights: NO BOO-BOOS: Learn how to have a safe and healthy Halloween (nymetroparents.com/safe-Halloween) HOMEWORK HELPERS: Five apps that make schoolwork simpler (nymetroparents.com/homework-apps) PAY? NO WAY!: When to visit NYC’s museums, zoos, and gardens admission free (nymetroparents.com/free-admission) TABLE TALK: Simple ways to reclaim dinnertime (nymetroparents.com/dinner)

T:7.3”

T:9.5”

Pretty much every family will agree – the flu is the worst! So, make sure your kids stay healthy all season long with a flu shot that makes them a healthy member of our immunity community. It’s the best way to keep them in school and out of the nurse’s office.

Schedule your child’s flu shot at acpny.com

PHYSICIANS

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