Suffolk Parent December 2019

LongIsland SUFFOLK EDITION

Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM DECEMBER 2019

Superb Staycations Plus, 4 seasonal Long Island favorites you don’t want to miss!

It’s Okay to Regift 6 Easy Tips for Decluttering Success HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

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contents table of

december 2019

10 19 seasonal fun

32

14 Spectacular Staycations 18 Holiday Fun in NYC

Regift Without Regret

The do’s and don’ts of courteous regifting

Family Activities Calendar

Find something to do every day this month in Suffolk County

Get Insured

How to choose and sign up for an insurance plan if your company doesn’t offer one

raising kids

things to do

family life

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 9 Backup Sitter Options 10 Regift Without Regret 12 How to Be a Grinch 34 Sick Day Rx 36 Decoding Infant Reflexes 38 Don’t Let Go—Just Yet 41 Meet the Health Care Professional 42 Professional Services 44 Party Central 45 Advertisers’ Index 46 Trip of a Lifetime

19 Family Activities Calendar

16 Declutter Your Home 32 Get Insured 40 Use it or Lose it

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› 10 It’s Okay to Regift 14 Superb Staycations 16 6 Easy Tips for Decluttering Success facebook.com/nymetroparents

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

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raising kids editor’s note

DECEMBER 2019 • Vol.11 • No.7

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL

Happy Holidays!

N

o matter which holiday you celebrate this month, the end of the year is typically the time many families have travel plans—to visit family, escape the cold for a week, or even just a few days away to take advantage of kids’ time off from school. But if holiday travel isn’t on your calendar yet, we’ve got just the thing for you: six out-of-the-box staycation ideas in Manhattan, plus four can’t-miss seasonal holiday events across Long Island (p. 14).

Of course, there’s always the trusty calendar (p. 19), chock-full of ideas for every day of the month to keep your kids active, entertained, and having a blast for the rest of 2019!

Speaking of holidays, have you ever been given a gift that, while thoughtful, wasn’t your style? Chances are you’ll get at least one more this year. Not to worry!

It’s 100-percent acceptable to regift any presents you receive, says Lizzie Post, greatgreat-granddaughter of etiquette guru Emily Post. Just make sure you read Lizzie’s do’s and don’ts of regifting first (p. 10)!

And while we’re thinking about gifts (and the season’s hottest toys your kids are begging for)…it might be time to purge the toy box and get rid of any toys your child has outgrown. Read expert organizers’ tips for decluttering your home on p. 16. This might not be the highlight of your holiday vacation, but it will benefit your family in the long run.

Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy, and fruitful holiday season!

Katelin Walling Editorial Director

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Katelin Walling PRODUCTION EDITOR: Melissa Wickes FEATURES EDITOR: Shana Liebman ASSISTANT EDITOR: Jacqueline Neber CALENDARS CALENDAR COORDINATOR: Whitney C. Harris EVENT RESEARCHERS: Lisa Fogarty, Kristina Johnson, Shara Levine DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke COPY EDITOR: Christina Vercelletto

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Our Editors Find You the Best Events!

When it comes to finding weekend fun with your kids, we make it easy for you! Our editors spend hours scouring the community for the best events happening. And every Thursday, you’ll receive a curated list of the best of what’s happening that weekend in Suffolk County—from sports and theater to festivals and petting zoos.

Sign up today at nymetroparents.com/newsletter!

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Photo by Nick Biondo LongIslandParent

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raising kids new places, new programs

Who: Weight For It Fitness What’s New: The mobile gym, which opened in September.

The bus contains a chest and leg press, leg extension and curl machine, dumbbells, balance boards, a rower, a trampoline, and more. Janet Perry, personal trainer, owner, and founder of Weight For It Fitness, says she hopes to provide a comfortable and safe environment to help people of all ability levels achieve their fitness goals.

Perry says she was inspired to open a gym she can bring to her clients because she realizes how difficult it is for many people to enter a gym due to social anxiety or sensory issues.

Want More Info: 631-766-5473; weightforitfitness.com

Courtesy Weight For It Fitness

Sayville-Based Mobile Gym Brings Fitness to Your Door

Weight For It Fitness is a mobile gym that allows owner and founder Janet Perry to bring the gym to her clients.

P

POSEY DANCE REPERTORY CO.

Northport

presents ...

NUTCRACKER Ballet

Saturday,Dec. 14, 2019 at 5:00 pm & Sunday,Dec. 15, 2019 at 2:00 pm at Northport Middle School

Fun for the whole family! Meet and greet the dancers onstage after the show!

To order tickets, visit the Posey School Facebook Page or TutuTix 855.222.2849 www.tututix.com/poseyschool For more information call Posey School at 631.757.2700 Posey Dance Repertory Co. is sponsored by Dance Education Services of Long Island, Inc., a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization serving dancers and the general public.

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December 2019 | nymetroparents.com

raising kids child care

Backup Sitter Options ›› Courtesy Mommybites

A R E J O I N I N G F O R CE S

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hile employing a nanny can be a more flexible arrangement than other child care options, you’ll need a plan B. Nannies get sick, go on vacation, and have car, family, household emergencies like anyone else. Save yourself last-minute stress by thinking ahead. Here are smart back-up plans to consider.

Drop-In Centers

Some child care centers offer an occasional drop-in option for families whose kids don’t normally attend. Typically, no advance notice is required, but you have to be pre-registered. Check with some of your local child care centers to see which ones may offer this arrangement. Ask whether the fee is based on a membership, where you can drop in up to a certain number of times in a year, or if you only pay for the days you actually use the service.

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Another Nanny

Do you have friends who employ a nanny for their children? If so, see if that nanny might be willing to watch your kids on the days yours is unavailable. Your nanny can then return the favor.

Of course, you check with your nanny to make sure she’d be okay with this—and talk to your friend—before you’re in a jam.

Nanny Shares

Find out if you can join another family’s nanny share, a situation where two or more families share a nanny.

Stay-at-Home Parents

They’re busy too, needless to say, and should not be taken for granted. But that said, if you have a close friend nearby who stays home with her kids, she’d probably be willing to help you out. Again, you’ll want to broach the subject well before your hour of need.

A Work-from-Home Clearance

If none of these options pan out, and the type of job you have allows for it, you could plan to work from home on those days when your nanny can’t make it. Discuss this with your boss before the time comes.

Mommybites’ nanny boards only feature postings from nannies’ current families. You can rely on their recommendations.

If you need a nanny or babysitter, visit Mommybites.com.

LongIslandParent

9

raising kids in the know

Regift Without Regret

I

s it rude to regift? Not at all, says Lizzie Post, great-great-granddaughter of the legendary etiquette guru Emily Post, author of numerous proper-behavior books, and co-host of the Awesome Etiquette podcast. Post says she prefers to be open and honest when she regifts. She once regifted a bracelet from an old boyfriend to her cousin on her 21st birthday. “I told her that I was given the bracelet by someone who really loved me and that I thought she would appreciate it, and she was thrilled,” Post says.

“It became a piece that meant something to her and that I felt good about letting go of because I let her know the history.”

But even if you want your gift’s origin to remain a secret, keeping useful items in circulation is not only good for the planet, but can make others happy. Here are Post’s do’s and don’ts for courteous regifting.

Use Original Packaging

The item shouldn’t look like it’s been open, tested, or used. If you’re not telling the recipient it’s a regifted item, then it really has to look brand-new. Reminder for gift bags: Remove the tag that’s inscribed to you.

Don’t Regift Personalized Items

It’s hard to believe, but Post says people call into the podcast who have received (and given) gifts with engravings meant for someone

›› By Jaimie Seaton

else, including a wedding date or inscription. Needless to say, this is not acceptable. Unless the new recipient has the exact same wedding date, keep the gift.

Let Time Pass Before Regifting

If you’re choosing to keep your regifting a secret, Post says you need to be 99-percent sure the person you’re giving it to and the person who gave it to you aren’t going to find out. Let some time lapse before immediately regifting the item—the amount of time, according to Post, is a personal decision and calls for good judgement.

Don’t Regift Unique or Handmade Items

If someone paints you a painting or gives you a particularly unique or memorable gift (such as an Octopus planter), there’s no way to regift these items within your family or circle of friends. Avoid hurt feelings and keep the gifts or regift to a friend or relative who will never cross paths with the original giver.

Be Thoughtful About Regifting

Only regift when you think the item will benefit the person receiving it. In other words, don’t thoughtlessly regift things simply to get rid of them or save money. If it’s not a good match, sell or donate the item, Post advises.

Jaimie Seaton has been a journalist for more than 20 years and is the former Thailand correspondent for Newsweek. Her work on divorce, parenting, dating, and a wide range of topics has been featured in The Washington Post, The Guardian, Glamour, and numerous other publications.

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December 2019 | nymetroparents.com

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raising kids

Humor

How to Be a Grinch

››

Don’t put the ho-ho-hum in the holiday season! By Deborah Skolnik

F

rom taking the perfect family photo for your holiday cards to decorating your house so it’s picture-perfect and scurrying around finding the must-haves on your children’s gift wish lists, it’s easy to suck the joy right out of the holiday season. If, by some chance, you’d rather have a holiday season full of cheer where everyone is happy, we have recommendations for you!

Here’s how to put the bah-humbug in the holidays—or not: 1. Insist on getting the perfect photo for your annual holiday card. Dress up everyone in their finest clothes and keep stagedirecting them (“a little to the left…a little to the right”) until their smiles are as frozen as a snowman’s.

Instead: Go for a shot that’s casual or silly—it’s what life is really like with kids.

2. Knock yourself out trying to find this season’s hottest overpriced toy, even if your child didn’t ask for it.

Instead: Have your child help you pick out a toy for Toys for Tots or another organization that brings joy to children in need.

Show her that it’s what caring families do.

3. Write a glowing holiday letter to your family and friends, then spend the rest of the season wishing your life were half as awesome as you made it sound.

Instead: Be honest about some of the struggles you’ve faced, like losing your battle with the scale or struggling to make your kids understand that “no means no.” People will appreciate your honesty.

4. Scurry around so much getting ready for the holidays that you spend less time with your kids than you want to.

Instead: Slow down and enjoy the season together. Take an evening to drive around and admire the holiday lights or go iceskating one afternoon.

5. Decorate your home with lots of “don’t-touch” holiday objects, then get upset when your child breaks one (or worse, get scared when he ends up hurting himself).

Instead: Learn how to keep your home festive but hazard free.

6. Drag your children to a nighttime holiday religious service, then feel embarrassed when they can’t keep it together.

Instead: Look for a “family” service, where kids are welcome and a certain amount of squirminess is permitted.

7. Pressure your kids to give hugs and kisses to family friends and relatives they barely know.

Instead: Remember that kids, like adults, have the right to decide whom they want to be cozy with. If your child doesn’t feel like it, ask him to give a simple wave or say a friendly hello. Really young kids may not even be able to manage that much, but it’s okay; the adults around them will almost certainly understand.

8. Go into debt making this “the best holiday ever.”

Instead: Create a reasonable budget and stick to it. You’ll start the new year feeling refreshed—not impoverished.

Deborah Skolnik lives in Westchester with her husband and two daughters, and enjoys writing, cooking, and gardening.

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December 2019 | nymetroparents.com

We've got everything for a…

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

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

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LongIslandParent Parent SPETEMBER 2012

Class Is In!

After-School Activities

✓ ❑ ✓ ❑

Resource Guide

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SLOW DOWN!

NYMETROPARENTS.COM

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

How to Manage Kids’ Schedules

What Makes a Good Mentor?

+ 174 Family

+ 130 Family

(see our calendar, p. 26)

(see our calendar, p. 32)

Events

Events

Plus: Learning to Let Go

Vaccines at Every Age Plus: Journaling for Your Child

Where-To Guide: Berry Picking

•

Dinosaur Fun

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

NYMetroParents Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

LongIslandParent 13

Mark Weinberg

The FAO Schwarz Holiday Suite at Conrad New York Midtown is decked out in the store’s favorite toys for the kids (and kids at heart) to play with.

Spectacular Staycations 6 unique holiday adventures that will make you glad you stayed local ‘

T

››

By Lambeth Hochwald

is the season to stay in town! That’s because New York City has some of the best staycation options—and we don’t mean a visit to the Met or a chilly walk through Central Park. In fact, once we started thinking outside the box, we discovered some extraordinary and innovative ways to spend your holiday.

in Hudson Yards, the Crowne Plaza HY36’s Hibernation Vacation Suite is stocked with cozy sleeping bags and plush throw blankets.

Artificial candles, crackling fireplace sounds, and a mini chocolate fountain for deconstructed s’mores bring elements of camping into your room.

A Tween’s Dream Come True

For the Young (and Young at Heart)

Don’t just go to the theater. Book a night at the Row NYC hotel, just steps away from some of the biggest shows including The Lion King, which is just a block away. This year Row NYC is offering the Bloomingdale’s Shop & Stay package, which includes exclusive in-store savings, a branded duffle bag, and a $50 gift card to the store. For the perfect pre-theater or post-shopping treat, stop by City Kitchen, a food hall located right off Row NYC’s lobby, for snacks such as Dough’s famous doughnuts.

Glamp in the City

It may be too cold for camping, but several hotels are bringing the experience inside. The JW Marriott Essex House New York, just a stone’s throw from the Wollman Rink at Central Park, sets up custom camper tents in family-sized luxury suites. Further downtown

At the new Conrad New York Midtown, the first-ever FAO Schwarz Holiday Suite comes decorated with the iconic store’s favorites for the season—including a mini gourmet kitchen, ride-on train tracks, and DJ turntables. Suite guests also get a private shopping spree and tour of the store by an FAO Schwarz toy soldier.

A Flavor for All Taste Buds

During an invigorating walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, it helps to know a cozy food hall awaits on the other side. That place is Dumbo’s Time Out Market New York, which serves Juliana’s Pizza (without the wait), and the now-legendary blueberry pancakes courtesy of Clinton Street Baking Co., alongside views of the East River waterfront and lower Manhattan skyline. Before you eat, take a spin on nearby Jane’s Carousel—which is not just for kids.

Courtesy One World Observatory

Courtesy Madame Tussauds New York

Spend an afternoon at Madame Tussauds New York, where you can snap Insta-worthy pics of your kids with their favorite celebrities, comic heroes, and more—including Taylor Swift and the Hulk.

Locals as Tourists

Celebrate Hanukkah with menorah lightings, festivals, and more!

Just blocks away from the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, The Knickerbocker, aka The Knick, is a boutique hotel that feels like an oasis even though it’s in busy Times Square. Relax over a meal at Charlie Palmer at The Knick, which offers a kids’ menu that’s as varied as it is healthy. (Salmon and veggies on a kids’ menu? Now we’re talking.) Plus, it’s steps away from popular destinations, such as Madame Tussauds, National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Don’t forget to ask about the hotel’s holiday partnership with Shoott—which is offering an hourlong professional photoshoot to commemorate your special staycation. It could yield the perfect picture for next year’s holiday card.

Sweet Indulgence

There’s a new shake in town this holiday season, and you can find it at Black Tap 35th, the restaurant’s new flagship location in Herald Square. The Holiday Shake (available Dec. 1-31) is a cheesecake-flavored milkshake with a vanilla-frosted rim and white, gold, and silver sprinkles. As if that weren’t decadent enough—it’s topped with a slice of white-chocolate, macadamia-nut cheesecake, whipped cream, and a cherry. The kids will go bananas watching this and other shakes come to life at the Black Tap’s CrazyShake Bar.

Courtesy Black Tap

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

TRADITIONAL TREATS ON LONG ISLAND You won’t feel like a tourist with seasonal activities at these local destinations.

Get a Jump on Holiday Shopping Support local artists and small business owners by shopping for gifts at the holiday market at Old Westbury Gardens.

Located in the Barn at Orchard Hill and Orchard Hill House, the market is open Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 30-Dec. 1. Bonus: When you’re done shopping (or before), you can take in the beauty of Westbury House, which has been decorated for the holidays.

Celebrate Hanukkah From menorah lightings and doughnut decorating and eating to spinning the dreidel and collecting gelt, Long Island hosts numerous Hanukkah celebrations for those who observe the holiday and those who want to learn more about it. Visit nymetroparents.com/hanukkah-li for a complete list—and check the calendar in this issue (p. 21)!

Dance with the Sugar Plum Fairy The Nutcracker is synonymous with this time of year, and Nassau County isn’t lacking for amazing renditions of the classic ballet.

Join Clara, the Mouse King, and more Dec. 14-15 in Ohman’s New York Dance Theatre’s The Nutcracker at Hofstra University John Cranford Adams Playhouse in Hempstead or Eglevsky Ballet’s The Nutcracker at Tilles Center for Performing Arts LIU Post in Brookville. Bonus: Both productions feature local kids!

Be Wowed by Lights Drive through the Magic of Lights at Jones Beach, on view through Jan. 4, 2020. It’s an annual, dazzling pathway of magical lights, favorite holiday scenes and characters, and digital animation—all using the latest in LED technology— that you view from the comfort (and warmth!) of your car.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a decadent milkshake from Black Tap 35th, like the seasonal Holiday Shake.

LongIslandParent 15

family life

home

By having your whole family sort through their belongings and deciding what to get rid of, you all are making room for new clothes, books, toys, and more— and giving new life to your old items.

Declutter Your Home

››

Simple strategies that will make a big difference By Madeleine Burry

P

iles of papers, overstuffed closets, and toys scattered everywhere. Does this sound familiar? Clutter can seem like an unavoidable, but essentially harmless, way of life, particularly for families in tight quarters. But chaos and disorganization can have a negative impact, both physically and mentally.

“As the clutter piles up, so do the feelings of anxiety,” says Elsa Elbert, professional organizer and owner of the Los Angeles-based personal organizing company Composed Living.

And that’s true for kids, as well as moms and dads. “When kids are surrounded by clutter or too many things, they can have difficulty choosing what to play with and this can impact their attention span and ability to concentrate,” says Jane Stoller, professional organizer and author of Decluttering for Dummies.

The reasons to declutter are clear, Stoller adds: an increase in productivity, happiness, and free time to spend with loved ones. And the actual process doesn’t have to be daunting if you do it right.

Get the Family Involved

Before you dive into a declutter project, keep in mind it will be less successful as a solo mission. “It is very important that everyone in the house is aware and on board with your decluttering mission,” Stoller advises.

Start by having a conversation with your significant other.

“Go through why decluttering will help the household and your 16

December 2019 | nymetroparents.com

relationship,” Stoller says. These benefits may include more time to spend together or less early-morning stress about locating the kids’ sports equipment before the school bus arrives.

And get your kids involved, too. “Ask your children to go through their rooms and make two piles—the things they love, and the things they don’t love so much,” Elbert suggests. This will help them feel empowered, and far more willing to be part of the process. Another trick: Let kids know their toys will be donated to others—and by sorting through them, they’re clearing space for new toys.

You can also gamify decluttering to encourage participation, Stoller says. Try setting the timer for 30 minutes, she suggests. If your kids declutter 20 items and put them into their boxes in 30 minutes, they get a small reward.

Follow Through

Even after you’ve sorted the mail and thrown out stained clothes, more mail will enter your home, and you’ll drip more coffee on your jeans. Decluttering is not a one-and-done project.

“It should be an automatic part of your daily routines and lifestyle,” Stoller says. Her advice? Before you purchase an item or allow it into your space, question if it will provide value. If it won’t, don’t allow it inside your door. Avoid impulse purchases; a list or clearly defined purpose when you head into a store can help.

Marty Basher, home organization expert for Modular Closets, suggests making decluttering a routine. “Schedule a time each week, or even each day, to tidy up and get things in their place,” he says. That way, you won’t get overwhelmed by the volume of items in your home.

If you find yourself avoiding the task, just remember, decluttering benefits you—and your family—in important ways.

As Elbert says, “Decluttering, in combination with creating easyto-maintain systems, is a great way to turn your home into the sanctuary you and your family deserve.”

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Giving your whole house an overhaul in one day can be overwhelming, so start with these tips to get in the groove.

Start small.

If you are overwhelmed by the entire house, tackle one space at a time, suggests Jane Stoller, professional organizer and author of Decluttering for Dummies. For example, attack the kitchen junk drawer or an unruly closet. Alternatively, choose one category— papers, sweaters, or that Tupperware collection.

Use a timer.

“Set a timer for 15 minutes and see how much you can accomplish,” says Marty Basher, home organization expert for Modular Closets, who finds that 15 minutes is the perfect amount of time to bring order to a bathroom cabinet or a heaping pile of mail. Elsa Elbert, professional organizer and owner of Composed Living, says other easy-to-tackle spots are sock drawers and kids’ dressers, along with shelves of expired food in the pantry.

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Start with non-sentimental items.

Going through the kids’ artwork or baby clothes can be hard because of all the emotions attached, so begin your decluttering with items that aren’t laden with sentiment, Basher says.

Choose a donation spot.

“Every time you find anything you don’t love or no longer use, immediately place it in the donation station,” Elbert says. Put an appointment on your calendar to drop things off monthly (or less frequently, depending on how much it piles up), Basher suggests.

“If you want to make a little extra money, sell your items on eBay or your local Facebook marketplace,” he suggests.

Go room by room.

Divvying up the task makes it far more manageable. Once you’ve selected a room, be prepared to go through and categorize items into piles for toss, donate/sell, and keep, Basher says.

Make sure to put an organizational system in place so closets and tables don’t revert to their pre-decluttering look. “The key is to make sure everything has a place or a ‘home,’” he adds.

Cut down on keepsakes.

Consider having a curated—not comprehensive—collection of your little ones’ arts-and-crafts projects. “For your own personal memorabilia and those of your kids, sort through your keepsakes and think hard about their importance,” Basher says. “Only keep items that you feel will be important to look back at years from now, or ones to share with your kids.”

LongIslandParent 17

Holiday Fun in

things to do

city bound

By Melissa Wickes

Courtesy Bronx Zoo

Courtesy Chabad Family Programs of the West Side

W he hile y re ou , v ’r isit e …

Enjoy holiday lights, take a ride on the holiday train, enjoy the music of carolers, watch an ice carving competition, and snap the perfect Instagram with a costumed character.

Chanukah on Ice NYC is celebrating its 13th year.

The Festival of Lights… on Ice!

Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo is a family favorite all year round. Enjoy the classics, like the sea lion feeding and penguin feeding, or get up close and personal with one of your favorite animals such as a cheetah, a giraffe, a penguin, or a sloth. Some exhibits are weather-dependent, so be sure to check which exhibits are open before visiting on the Bronx Zoo app.

Visit it: 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx; 718-220-5100; bronxzoo.com Can’t-miss event: Holiday Lights; Nov. 20-Dec. 31, Jan. 3-5 (excluding Dec. 24-25). $29.95 ages 13 and older; $22.95 ages 3-12. $28.95 seniors. Free for children 2 and younger. Use code HOLIDAY10 for a 10-percent discount.

Directions: Approximately a 1-hour drive or a 2-hour LIRR and subway ride from Huntington

Courtesy Bryant Park Winter Village

Courtesy Dutch Blythe Fashion via Flickr

Celebrate Hanukkah the cool way at the Lasker Rink in North Central Park. At Chanukah on Ice NYC, the Chabad Family Programs of the West Side invites families to enjoy Jewish music under the stars, traditional treats such as latkes and doughnuts, and of course, the lighting of the 6-foot ice menorah. Dec. 22, 5-8pm. In advance: $32 with skate rental, $24 without skate rental. At door: $35 with skate rental, $28 without skate rental.

Use code NYMetro for 10-percent discount online. Ages 3 and older. chanukahonicenyc.com

You can get a good view of the Rockefeller Center ChristmasTree from Rockefeller Plaza, the Channel Gardens, or on Fifth Avenue between 49th and 50th streets.

Let There Be Light!

Every year, New Yorkers look forward to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting. The ceremony begins Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 7pm and the lights come on at 9pm, but if you want a good view, we recommend you get there as early as possible (some people camp out starting early in the morning!). In addition to the illumination of the 77-foot tall Norway spruce, you’ll enjoy musical performances by Gwen Stefani, John Legend, Lea Michele, the Radio City Rockettes, and more! Free. rockefellercenter.com 18

N Y C

December 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Visit the Bryant Park website for information on 2020 Kids Week, with skating, crafts, and more fun for kids.

Bryant Park

This winter wonderland is home to NYC’s only free-admission ice rink, a bar and food hall, a variety of winter-themed activities, and so much more. The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park is Manhattan’s one-stop shop for holiday fun for the whole family. Browse unique gifts at the open-air market with artisans from NYC and beyond or cozy up with your loved ones at The Lodge for a snack and a warm drink. See website for schedule and admission pricing. bryantpark.org Directions: Approximately a 1-hour, 15-minute drive or a 1-hour, 15-minute LIRR and subway ride from Huntington

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 Holiday Winter Wonderland (No. 7 on our list).

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DECEMBER CALENDAR

20 Editor’s Hot Tickets

26 Holiday Fun

21 We Can’t Believe It’s FREE! 22 Show Time!

28 Dance Party,

Crafty Kids

24 Nature Lovers,

Smarty Pants

30 Fun Fairs & Festivals,

Little Foodies

25 Mini Musicians

31 Movers & Shakers

2

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS

Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the 11 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

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony FREE

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 6, 6:30pm WHERE: Orient Beach State Park, 40000 Main Road, Orient AGES: All WHAT: The tree is lit by Santa and he is available for pictures afterwards. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served.

WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s a chance to give back! The ark will be collecting winter coats and non-perishable food items for families in need.

WANT TO GO? 631-323-2440. parks.ny.gov.

‘Tis the Season

2

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 7, 4-7pm WHERE: Long Island Maritime Museum, 88 West Ave., West Sayville AGES: All WHAT: Get in the spirit of the season with a holiday lantern tour, ornament crafts, face painting, photos with Sinterklaas, musical entertainment, hot chocolate, and more!

WHY WE LOVE IT: Each child will go home with a gift.

WANT TO GO? $5. 631-447-8679. limaritime.org.

3

Laurie Berkner with Susie Lampert in a Holiday Celebration Concert

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 8, 3pm WHERE: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Best-selling children’s recording artist and preschool television favorite Laurie Berkner invites everyone to share the spirit of the season when she presents a live holiday concert with longtime band mate Susie Lampert.

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December 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHY WE LOVE IT: Hear holiday songs as well as greatest hits!

WANT TO GO? $19.50 and up. 631-673-7300. paramountny.com.

4

2019 Kids Holiday Festival

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 8, 10am-4pm WHERE: Hilton Huntington Hotel, 598 Broadhollow Road, Melville AGES: 3-12 WHAT: The family fun includes bouncy houses, face painting, live music, balloon twisting, gingerbread decorating, a magic show, arts and crafts tables, raffles,

and prizes.

WHY WE LOVE IT: There’s something for every kid, with a gaga pit, a toddler soft play area, and even an Elsa appearance with fun, games, and pictures!

WANT TO GO? $10; $5 in advance; free for infants 6 months and younger; additional fee for activities. 347-757-8371. eventbrite. com/e/2019-kids-holiday-festival-tickets-74811097005.

Santa Brunch

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 10am; 12pm; 2pm WHERE: Long Island Aquarium, 431 E. Main St., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a delicious buffet brunch and make a special take-home holiday keepsake.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Don’t forget the camera to capture a family photo with Santa!

WANT TO GO? $54.95; $49.95 members; $26.95 ages 3-12; $23.95 ages 3-12 members; $5 ages 2 and younger. 631-2089200 x426. longislandaquarium.com.

5

6

Ohman’s New York Dance Theatre ‘The Nutcracker’

WHEN: Dec. 14-15, daily, 12pm and 5pm WHERE: Hofstra University John Cranford Adams Playhouse, 118 Hofstra University, Hempstead AGES: All WHAT: A full and festive production ballet with guest artists from leading companies and a cast of 80 children! Performed in the tradition of George Balanchine’s New York City Ballet production.

WHY WE LOVE IT: This is the largest production of The Nutcracker on Long Island!

WANT TO GO? $30-$42. 631-462-6266. ohmanballet.org.

Holiday Winter Wonderland

7

WHEN: Nov. 29-Dec. 22, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: White Post Farms of Melville, 250 Old Country Road, Melville AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Take your picture with Santa and visit the animals in the indoor heated wonderland.

WHY WE LOVE IT: There’s the bubble rain ride and pony rides available too.

WANT TO GO? $16.95. 631-351-9373. whitepostfarms.com.

The Polar Express Trolley Ride

8

WHEN: Nov. 29-Dec. 23, see website for times WHERE: The All-Star Bowling Alley, 96 Main Road, Riverhead AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Climb aboard the trolley and journey to the “North Pole” to meet Santa, enjoy hot cocoa, and receive a gift!

WHY WE LOVE IT: Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas!

WANT TO GO? $57. 631-998-3565. northforktrolley.com.

‘Matilda’

WHEN: Through Dec. 29: see website for schedule WHERE: John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by this Broadway hit.

WHY WE LOVE IT: A great holiday gift idea for little ones who love to see a show!

WANT TO GO? $75-$80. 631-261-2900. engemantheater.com.

9

‘A Christmas Carol’

WHEN: Nov. 29-Dec. 30, see website for showtimes WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: See this new version of Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol, through the art of puppetry.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Victorian-costumed holiday revelers welcome audience members to step back in time as they enter the Theater.

WANT TO GO? $14 museum admission + $9 show ticket; $12 show ticket only; free museum admission for members plus $7 show ticket.

516-224-5800. licm.org.

10

New Year’s Eve Bash 4 Kids

WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 11am-12pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Create a time capsule, noisemaker, and other crafts.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies as you count down to noon!

WANT TO GO? $12; $6 members. 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

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

Santa’s Elves Workshop FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 7, 1-3pm WHERE: Southampton History Museum, 17 Meeting House Lane, Southampton AGES: All WHAT: Visit the Rogers Mansion, which will be decorated from top to bottom for the holiday season and take part in some fun kid-friendly holiday crafts. RSVP online.

WANT TO GO? 631-283-2494. southamptonhistory.org.

Jungle Bob Book Signing and Reading with Live Animals FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 8, 2pm WHERE: Quogue Wildlife, 3 Old Country Road, Quogue AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Jungle Bob will read his first in a series of children’s books, Lenny: A Most Unusual Reptile, and will also introduce the audience to some of the live animals from the story!

WANT TO GO? 631-653-4771. quoguewildliferefuge.org.

Disney Jr. Event FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 1-4pm WHERE: Smith Haven Mall, 313 Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate with fun activities for the kids, light snacks, music, crafts, and more.

WANT TO GO? 631-724-8066. simon.com.

Watercolor Wonders FREE

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 27, 10-11:30am WHERE: Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown AGES: 7-12 WHAT: Learn how to create a colorful watercolor collage. Lots of tracing and cutting. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-265-1054. parks.ny.gov.

Goodbye 2019 Party FREE

WHEN: Monday, Dec. 30, 2:30-3:30pm WHERE: South Huntington Public Library, 145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station AGES: 5-10 WHAT: Dance, play games, make a craft, and take pictures with friends.

Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-549-4411. shpl.info. ››

LongIslandParent 21

Silver Chords’ Presents ‘Holidays Through the Ages’ FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 8, 3pm WHERE: Mary Immaculate Church, 16 Browns Lane, Bellport AGES: All WHAT: The Silver Chords’ will sing selections from the Middle Ages to present day.

WANT TO GO? thesilverchords.com.

Natalie Macmaster and Donnell Leahy and Family–A Celtic Family Christmas

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 7pm WHERE: Staller Center Main Stage, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook AGES: All WHAT: Through a mix of both song and dance, the Leahy/MacMaster household will enchant the audience with a lineup of familiar Christmas songs intermingled with classic Celtic songs.

WANT TO GO? $52. 631-632-2787. stallercenter.com.

Frank Ohman’s ‘The Nutcracker’

SHOW TIME! ‘Frozen Jr.’

WHEN: Dec. 14-15, 12pm and 5pm WHERE: John Cranford Adams Playhouse, Hofstra University, Hempstead Turnpike, Hempstead AGES: All WHAT: Create new traditions with your family by coming to see the magic of The Nutcracker.

WANT TO GO? $35-$45. 631-462-0964. ohmanballet.org.

17th Annual Reenactment of the Flying Santa FREE

WHEN: Nov. 29-Dec. 1, Friday, 12pm and 4pm; Saturday, 11am and 2pm; Sunday, 2pm WHERE: The Gateway, 215 South Country Road, Bellport AGES: All WHAT: A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen Jr. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa.

WANT TO GO? $15-$25. 631-286-0555. thegateway.org.

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 11:30am-12:30pm WHERE: Fire Island Lighthouse, Robert Moses State Park, Parking Field 5, Fire Island AGES: All WHAT: Relive this historic event with the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society when Santa arrives!

WANT TO GO? 631-661-4876. fireislandlighthouse.com.

Boulton Center Presents The Magical Santa Claus Spectacular Live

WHEN: Dec. 13-15, Friday and Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 3pm WHERE: Houghton Hall at Trinity Episcopal Church, 130 Main St., Northport Village AGES: All WHAT: Charles Dickens’s tale of redemption and the Christmas season is a timeless classic that has been loved by generations.

WANT TO GO? $20; $15 seniors and students 17 and younger. 631-7503417. theminstrelplayersinc.org.

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 1, 11am WHERE: Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, 37 West Main St., Bay Shore AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Santa and his bumbling elves sing, dance, tell stories, and do magic tricks with the help of Rudolph and friends.

WANT TO GO? $12. 631-9691101. boultoncenter.org

Cirque Musica Holiday Wishes

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 7, 7pm WHERE: NYCB LIVE, Home of The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: Audiences will be amazed by the acrobats, aerialists, hilarious hijinks, and holiday cheer.

WANT TO GO? $38.50 and up. 516-231-4848. nycblive.com.

Holiday Spectacular

WHEN: Dec. 6-7, 2pm WHERE: Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, 76 Main St., Westhampton Beach AGES: All WHAT: This mash-up of song, dance, and theatre will feature holiday classics and fresh takes on the season.

WANT TO GO? $25. 631-288-1500. whbpac.org.

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December 2019 | nymetroparents.com

‘A Christmas Carol’

Silver Chords’ Presents ‘Holidays Through the Ages’ FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 3pm WHERE: St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 30 Brooksite Drive #32, Smithtown AGES: All WHAT: The Silver Chords’ will sing selections from the Middle Ages to present day.

WANT TO GO? thesilverchords.com.

Goat on a Boat Presents ‘Itty Bitty the Marzipan Bunny’

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 21, 11am WHERE: Bay Street Theater, 1 Bay St., Sag Harbor AGES: Newborn to 8 WHAT: In this partially perishable puppet show, a pastry chef mixes up a mess of culinary concoctions and adventures for kids.

WANT TO GO? $18; $15 in advance. 631-725-9500. baystreet.org.

‘A Christmas Story, the Musical’

WHEN: Through Dec. 22: see website for showtimes WHERE: CM Performing Arts Center, 931 Montauk Highway, Oakdale AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Based on the classic film A Christmas Story, the musical is holiday entertainment that captures a simpler time in America with delicious wit and a heart of gold.

WANT TO GO? $18-$42. 631-218-2810. cmpac.com.

‘Disney Frozen Jr.’

WHEN: Nov. 30-Dec. 26, see website for showtimes WHERE: CM Performing Arts Center, 931 Montauk Highway, Oakdale AGES: All WHAT: See a stage performance based on the hit film.

WANT TO GO? $15. 631-218-2810. cmpac.com.

‘Elf the Musical’

WHEN: Dec. 20-29, see website for schedule WHERE: The Gateway, 215 South Country Road, Bellport AGES: 13 and older WHAT: This warm-hearted family musical tells the story of Buddy, a human accidentally transported to the North Pole who grows up believing himself to be an elf, despite his large size and sub-par toy making skills. May not be suitable for all ages.

WANT TO GO? $59 and up. 631-286-0555. thegateway.org.

Harlem Globetrotters

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 29, 2pm and 7pm WHERE: NYCB LIVE, Home of The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: This show features a blend of hilarious hijinks and incredible basketball skills including ball handling, high flying dunks, and a new record-breaking attempt.

WANT TO GO? $31.50-$223.50. 516-231-4848. nycblive.com.

Ken Ludwig’s ‘‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’

WHEN: Through Dec. 29: see website for showtimes WHERE: Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts Presents, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown AGES: 3-8 WHAT: See the wild holiday adventures of a mouse, an elf, and a spunky little girl who just won’t take no for an answer, on their quest to find out why Santa missed their house last year.

WANT TO GO? $15. 631-724-3700. smithtownpac.org.

‘Frosty the Snowman’

WHEN: Dec. 21-Jan. 5, Dec. 21, Dec. 28, and Jan. 4, 7pm; Dec. 29 and Jan. 5, 2:30pm WHERE: BayWay Arts Center Children’s Theatre, 265 East Main St., East Islip AGES: All WHAT: Frosty and his friend Jenny must save the town of Chillsville from Ethel Pierpot’s evil plan to melt all the snow.

WANT TO GO? $13; $11 in advance. 631-581-2700. broadhollow.org.

‘Annie’

WHEN: Through Jan. 20: check website or call box office WHERE: Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown AGES: All WHAT: Based on the popular comic strip, Annie has become a worldwide phenomenon and features musical hits, such as “Tomorrow.”

WANT TO GO? $38; $34 seniors; $25 students. 631-724-3700. smithtownpac.org.

Holiday Light Spectacular

WHEN: Dec. 7-22, Fridays and Saturdays, 5-9pm; Sundays, 5-8pm WHERE: Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy festive, lighted displays for the holidays during this indoor, walk-through light show.

WANT TO GO? $6; free for children 3 and younger. 631-758-9664. brookhavenny.gov.

Holiday Tribute Show Celebrating Gene Kelly

WHEN: Through Jan. 11: Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 11:30am; Sundays, 12:30pm WHERE: Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s Educational & Cultural Center, 97 Main St., Stony Brook AGES: All WHAT: See the holiday show that celebrates this legend. Lunch, dessert, and tea served. Reservations required.

WANT TO GO? $50; $48 seniors & children younger than 15. 631-6895888. stonybrookvillage.com.

‘Frosty’

WHEN: Through Dec. 27: see website for schedule WHERE: John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport AGES: All WHAT: Join Jenny and Frosty on their chilly adventures as they try to save the town of Chillsville from mean old Ethel Pierpot and her evil machine that will melt all the snow.

WANT TO GO? $15. 631-261-2900. engemantheater.com.

Barnaby Saves Christmas

WHEN: Through Dec. 28: Saturdays, 11am WHERE: Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson AGES: 3-8 WHAT: As the littlest elf and his reindeer friend set off on their journey to save Christmas, they meet some new friends along the way and learn the true meaning of Christmas, Hanukah, and the holiday season.

WANT TO GO? $10. 631-928-9100. theatrethree.com.

‘A Christmas Carol’

WHEN: Through Dec. 28: see website for showtimes WHERE: Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Join Theater Three for their 36th annual production of the immortal classic in all of its thrills, music, joy, and spirit.

WANT TO GO? $20-$35. 631-928-9100. theatrethree.com.

Smith Point Light Show

WHEN: Dec. 1-30, see website for schedule WHERE: Smith Point Beach, William Floyd Parkway, Fire Island AGES: All WHAT: See the dazzling lights, amazing vignettes and holiday scenes on a 1.5 mile trail.

WANT TO GO? $70 per school bus, coach bus or trolley; $40 per mini bus or RV; $20 per car. 631-543-6622. facebook.com/SmithPointLightShow.

Riverhead Holiday Light Show

WHEN: Through Dec. 29: see website for schedule WHERE: Long Island Sports Park, 149 Edwards Ave., Calverton AGES: All WHAT: Drive through and see dozens of dazzling displays WANT TO GO? $25 per car; $23 per car online. 631-210-6711. riverheadlightshow.com. ››

LongIslandParent 23

Tiny Tots: ‘Nature Discoveries–Charlie Needs a Cloak FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 12, 10-11am WHERE: Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Each program’s theme will use nature explorations and hands-on activities as a springboard for learning. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-265-1054. parks.ny.gov.

Pet Photos with Santa FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 15: Sundays, 7-8:30pm WHERE: Smith Haven Mall, 313 Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove AGES: All WHAT: Bring your furry friend for photos with Santa!

WANT TO GO? 631-724-1433. simon.com/mall/smith-haven-mall/stores/ santa-photo-experience/stream/pet-photos-with-santa-6146908.

Tiny Tots: Nature Discoveries–Brr…Winter is Here FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 17, 10-11am WHERE: Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Sunrise Highway, Bohemia AGES: 3-5 WHAT: These programs will connect children and their parents with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-581-1072. parks.ny.gov.

NATURE LOVERS Bullied for Being Different with Jungle Bob and Live Animals

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 1, 10:30am WHERE: The South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center, 377 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton AGES: All WHAT: Jungle Bob reads from his first book: Lenny the Legless Lizard— Bullied for Being Different.

WANT TO GO? $15; $10 children ages 3-12; free for members. 631-5379735. sofo.org.

Jungle Bob Book Signin FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 1, 10:30am WHERE: Book Hampton, 41 Main St., East Hampton AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Meet reptile expert Jungle Bob and live characters from his children’s book!

WANT TO GO? 631-324-4939. bookhampton.com.

Tiny Tots: Nature Discoveries–Duck, Duck, Goose!

WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 3, 10-11am WHERE: Connetquot River State Park, 3525 Sunrise Highway, Oakdale AGES: 3-5 WHAT: These programs will connect children and their parents with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-581-1072. parks.ny.gov.

Tiny Tots: Nature Discoveries–The Big Blue Sea FREE

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 6, 10-11am WHERE: Sunken Meadow State Park, 25A and Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park AGES: 3-5 WHAT: These programs will connect children and their parents with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-581-1072. parks.ny.gov.

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December 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Tiny Tots: Nature Discoveries–Slippery Seals FREE

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 20, 10-11am WHERE: Sunken Meadow State Park, 25A and Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park AGES: 3-5 WHAT: These programs will connect children and their parents with nature through short walks, animal visitors, and crafts. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-581-1072. parks.ny.gov.

Tiny Tots: Nature Discoveries–Happy Holidays FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 26, 10-11am WHERE: Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Each program’s theme will use nature explorations and hands-on activities as a springboard for learning. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-265-1054. parks.ny.gov.

SMARTY PANTS A Kid’s Life at Vanderbilt Eagle’s Nest Mansion

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 7, 10:30am-12pm WHERE: Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Tour the mansion decorated for the holidays, hear stories about the Vanderbilt children and their family, and play games. Advanced registration required.

WANT TO GO? $20; $18 members. 631-854-5539. vanderbiltmuseum.org.

LEGO Mindstorms Robots

WHEN: Dec. 4-8, Wednesday, 10am-2pm; Saturday and Sunday, 1-5pm WHERE: Long Island Explorium, 101 East Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: All WHAT: Meet participating FIRST LEGO League robotics competition teams showing off their robots at the competition table and do some robot coding!

WANT TO GO? $5; free for members and children younger than 1.

631-331-3277. longislandexplorium.org.

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nymetroparents.com/register ››

Open Hours at Charles Dickens Festival

WHEN: Dec. 7-8, Saturday and Sunday, 1-5pm WHERE: Long Island Explorium, 101 East Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: All WHAT: Visit during the festival and enjoy some popcorn and cider.

WANT TO GO? $5; free for members and children younger than 1.

631-331-3277. longislandexplorium.org.

Snow Crystals

WHEN: Dec. 11-15, Wednesday, 10am-2pm; Saturday and Sunday, 1-5pm WHERE: Long Island Explorium, 101 East Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: All WHAT: Visit the Long Island Explorium and explore snowflake science.

WANT TO GO? $5; free for members and children younger than 1.

631-331-3277. longislandexplorium.org.

MINI

MUSICIANS

Mornings With Mommy & Me

WHEN: Through Dec. 17: Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30am WHERE: Portledge School, 355 Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley AGES: 3-5 WHAT: A place for children to learn, make friends, and have some messy fun too!

WANT TO GO? $35. 516-750-3104. portledge.org.

Mad Scientist Lab FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 28, 10-11:30am WHERE: Sunken Meadow State Park, 25A and Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park AGES: 7-12 WHAT: Crazy things are bound to happen in the laboratory! Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-581-1072. parks.ny.gov.

Workshop: Hibernating Animals

WHEN: Monday, Dec. 30, 10am-12pm WHERE: Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Learn about the winter solstice and how animals (and people) adapt to fewer hours of sunlight. Advanced registration required.

WANT TO GO? $20; $18 members. 631-854-5579. vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Make an Igloo

WHEN: Dec. 26-31, 1-5pm WHERE: Long Island Explorium, 101 East Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: All WHAT: Have you ever thought about how arches and igloos are made?

Visit the museum to explore and make an igloo!

WANT TO GO? $5; free for members and children younger than 1.

631-331-3277. longislandexplorium.org.

Book Drive with The Book Fairies

WHEN: Through Jan. 12: Tuesdays-Sundays, 11am-4:45pm WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor AGES: All WHAT: See the exhibition Picture This! The Art of Children’s Books and donate a new or gently used book.

WANT TO GO? $15; $10 seniors 62 and older; $5 children ages 4-12 and students with valid photo ID; free for members and children younger than 4. 516-484-9337. nassaumuseum.org

Emerson String Quartet December–Beethoven to Bartok

WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 4, 7pm WHERE: Staller Center Main Stage, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook AGES: All WHAT: The nine-time Grammy Award winning Emerson Quartet pairs Bartok and Beethoven.

WANT TO GO? $52. 631-632-2787. stallercenter.com.

Stony Brook Symphony Orchestra

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 7, 8-10pm WHERE: Staller Center Main Stage, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook AGES: All WHAT: Hear Piano Concerto in G major Beethoven, Symphony No. 7 Conducted by Eduardo Leandro.

WANT TO GO? $20; $10 seniors and students. 631-632-2787. stallercenter.com.

Zumbini Holiday Class

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 10:30am WHERE: The Nesting Place, 210 Union Blvd., West Islip AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Take your little one to a special holiday Zumbini class and you may donate an unwrapped toy or book to be donated to LI Headstart.

Register online.

WANT TO GO? $20. 914-374-1523. zumbini.com.

Zumbini Holiday Class

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 20, 9:30am WHERE: Variations, A Dancer’s Studio, 180 Spring Road, Huntington AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Take your little one to a special holiday Zumbini class, and you may bring an unwrapped toy or book to be donated to LI Headstart.

WANT TO GO? $20. 516-429-6642. zumbini.com.

Karaoke FREE

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 27, 6pm WHERE: Connetquot Public Library, 760 Ocean Ave., Bohemia AGES: All WHAT: Belt out your favorite tunes at the library!

WANT TO GO? 631-567-5079. connetquotlibrary.org. ››

LongIslandParent 25

AGES: All WHAT: See Santa light the tree and then meet him inside the lobby..

WANT TO GO? 631-667-5055. parks.ny.gov.

Tree Lighting Ceremony

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 7, 5-7pm WHERE: Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Santa Claus will light the Hatchery’s tree at 5:30pm. Enjoy cookies, tea, and hot chocolate.

WANT TO GO? Free admission after 5pm; $10 suggested donation. 516692-6768. cshfishhatchery.org.

Islip Arts Council Annual Orphans Tree Lighting in Brookwood Hall FREE

HOLIDAY FUN Annual Christmas at Lighthouse with Santa

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 1, 11am-3pm WHERE: Montauk Point Lighthouse, 2000 Montauk Highway, Montauk AGES: All WHAT: Meet with Santa, visit the museum, and find something special at the gift shop.

WANT TO GO? $5; free for children 12 and younger. 631-668-2544. nysparks.com.

Christmas at Westbury House

WHEN: Nov. 29-Dec. 1, 10am-5pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: All WHAT: With decorated period rooms, Santa, cookies, and cider, this holiday celebration is a must for the entire family.

WANT TO GO? $12; $10 seniors 62 and older and students with ID; $7 children 7-17; free for members and children 6 and younger.

516-252-3392. oldwestburygardens.org.

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony FREE

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 6, 5:30pm WHERE: Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Highway, Great River AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a sing-along of traditional holiday carols while awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus to light the tree. Please bring canned goods or a new, unwrapped toy for those in need.

WANT TO GO? 631-581-1072. bayardcuttingarboretum.com.

Annual Brookhaven Town Tree Lighting FREE

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 6, 6pm WHERE: Holtsville Ecology Site, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy holiday entertainment from local singers and dance groups, costume character meet n’ greets, as well as Santa’s arrival via helicopter!

WANT TO GO? 631-758-9664. brookhavenny.gov.

Santa Brunch

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 7, 11am-3pm WHERE: The Post Office Cafe, 130 West Main St., Babylon AGES: All WHAT: Have brunch with Santa!

WANT TO GO? See menu for prices. 631-669-9224. postofficecafe.com.

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 7, 4:15pm WHERE: Belmont Lake State Park, 625 Belmont Road, North Babylon 26

December 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 7, 7-8:30pm WHERE: Brookwood Hall, 50 Irish Lane, East Islip AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy caroling by local school groups, scouts, and other presentations.

WANT TO GO? theislips.com

Holiday Tree Lighting FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 7, 4-6:30pm WHERE: Belmont Lake State Park, Exit 38 Southern State Parkway, Babylon AGES: All WHAT: This will be a magical night with ice sculpting, Jester Jim, holiday displays, and Santa himself lighting the tree, followed by fireworks.

WANT TO GO? 631-321-3510. parks.ny.gov.

Holiday Breakfast at Smith Haven Mall FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 7, 8:30-10am WHERE: Smith Haven Mall, 313 Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Children will receive a light breakfast, free goodie bag, crafts, and entertainment. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? Advanced registration required. 631-724-8066. simon.com.

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 8, 5pm WHERE: Heritage Park in Mount Sinai, 633 Mount Sinai Coram Road, Mount Sinai AGES: All WHAT: Hot chocolate and cookies, Christmas carols, and Santa Claus await at the official lighting of the Heritage Trust Christmas Tree.

WANT TO GO? 631-509-0882. msheritagetrust.org.

Holiday Open Houses at Greenport FREE

WHEN: Dec. 7-8, 10:30am-2pm WHERE: Railroad Museum of Long Island–Greenport, 440 4th St., Greenport AGES: All WHAT: Santa arrives on the LIRR Greenport Scoot. There will also be refreshments, gifts for children, and a LIONEL Polar Express trainset raffle.

WANT TO GO? 631-477-0439. rmli.org.

Santa Brunch at Maxwell’s

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 11am-3pm WHERE: Maxwell’s, 501 Main St., Islip AGES: All WHAT: Have brunch with Santa and take pictures. Reservations suggested.

WANT TO GO? See menu for prices. 631-210-0011. maxwellsny.com.

Disney Junior Holiday Fun FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 11am-2pm WHERE: Walt Whitman Shops, 160 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Celebrate the season with family and festive activities inspired by your favorite Disney Junior pals.

WANT TO GO? 516-621-1446. simon.com.

Holiday High Tea

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 1pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: Adult WHAT: Wear a fabulous hat and bring a teacup to enjoy a holiday high tea party. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? $12 with Westhampton Free Library Card. 631-2883335. westhamptonlibrary.net.

Caring Santa: Santa Photo Experience FREE

WHEN: Dec. 1-15, Dec. 1 and Dec. 15, 9-10:30am WHERE: Walt Whitman Shops, 160 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station AGES: All WHAT: Caring Santa provides a subdued and welcoming environment for children with special needs and their families. RSVP online.

WANT TO GO? 516-621-1446. eventbrite.com/e/caring-santa-tickets-78201066495?aff=affiliate1.

Pet Photos with Santa FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 15: Sundays, 6-7:30pm WHERE: Walt Whitman Shops, 160 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station AGES: All WHAT: Bring your furry friend for photos with Santa.

WANT TO GO? 631-271-1741. simon.com.

Yaphank Historic District Christmas Tour

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 1-5pm WHERE: Yaphank Historical Society Swezey-Avey House, 19 Mill Road, Yaphank AGES: All WHAT: Tour historical homes and enjoy live holiday music and refreshments.

WANT TO GO? $10; free for children 12 and younger. 631-924-4803. yaphankhistorical.org.

Breakfast with Santa

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 8am, 10am, and 12pm WHERE: Heritage Center, 633 Mt. Sinai Coram Road, Mt. Sinai AGES: All WHAT: A buffet breakfast, a family photo with Santa, and a favor for each child. Please bring a non-perishable food donation for the local food pantry. Reservations required.

WANT TO GO? $20; $16 ages 2-10; free for children younger than 2.

631-509-0882. msheritagetrust.org.

Menorah Workshop

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 2-3pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: See historic whale oil lamps, and create a Whale Menorah to light up your home.

WANT TO GO? $12; $6 memberes. 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Latkes and Hanukkah

WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 18, 4pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: All WHAT: Taste some delicious holiday treats and learn more about Hanukkah traditions. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? Free with Westhampton Free Library Card. 631-2883335. westhamptonlibrary.net.

Santa’s Workshop FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 21, Dec. 1, 3:30-5:30pm; all other Saturdays and Sundays, 12:30-3:30pm

WHERE: Drowned Meadow Cottage, Corner of W. Broadway & Barnum, Port Jefferson AGES: All WHAT: Santa will greet the children and there will also be photo opportunities!

WANT TO GO? 631-473-1414. portjeff.com.

Brunch with Santa

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 22, 11am, 11:30am, 1 pm WHERE: VIEW, 3 Consuelo Place, Oakdale AGES: All WHAT: Have brunch with Santa. Call for reservations.

WANT TO GO? $38.95; $19.50 ages 3-12. 631-589-2694. viewoakdale.com.

Santa Visits the Three Village Inn

WHEN: Dec. 7-22, Saturdays and Sundays, 10:30am-2pm WHERE: Three Village Inn, 150 Main St., Stony Brook AGES: All WHAT: Mirabelle Restaurant and Mirabelle Tavern at the Three Village Inn will host Santa, his elves, and strolling carolers for brunch.

WANT TO GO? $38.95; $19.50 ages 9 and younger. 631-751-0555. threevillageinn.com.

Countdown to New Year’s Party

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 27, 11:30am WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: All WHAT: Countdown to noon with a party! Registration required.

WANT TO GO? Free with Westhampton Free Library Card. 631-2883335. westhamptonlibrary.net.

Special Twilight Tours of Decorated Vanderbilt Mansion

WHEN: Dec. 27-28, 5-8pm WHERE: Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport AGES: All WHAT: Local designers and garden clubs conjure holiday magic in the mansion for special nighttime tours.

WANT TO GO? $12; $10 seniors and students; $6 children younger than 12; free for members. 631-854-5579. vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Harry Connick Jr’s ‘The Happy Elf’

WHEN: Through Dec. 29: Saturdays and Sundays, 10:30am; Dec. 23 and Dec. 27, 10:30am WHERE: The Argyle Theatre, 34 W. Main St., Babylon Village AGES: All WHAT: Families will love this festive tale of friendship and believing in yourself!

WANT TO GO? $15. 631-230-3500. argyletheatre.com.

New Year’s Party Prep

WHEN: Monday, Dec. 30, 3pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Prepare to ring in the New Year with handmade confetti poppers, noisemakers, and hats. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? Free with Westhampton Free Library Card. 631-2883335. westhamptonlibrary.net.

Fishes & Wishes Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Party

WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 6:30-11pm WHERE: Long Island Aquarium, 431 East Main St., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy great food and family fun amd a meet and greet with an adorable penguin. Reservation required.

WANT TO GO? $99; $89 members; $60 children 3-12; $55 members children 3-12; $5 children 2 and younger. 631-208-9200 x426. longislandaquarium.com. ›› LongIslandParent 27

CRAFTYKIDS Kids’ Night Out/Parents’ Night Off

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 6, 6-9pm WHERE: ThinkBIG! Theater Arts, 42 S. Ocean Ave., Patchogue AGES: 3-12 WHAT: While you’re out, kids will enjoy games, a pizza dinner, dessert, and arts and crafts.

WANT TO GO? $25 first child; $12 each sibling. 631-307-4042. thinkbigtheaterarts.org.

Kids’ Night Out/Parents’ Night Off

DANCE PARTY The ‘Nutcracker’ Suite with Atlantic Wind Symphony Orchestra

WHEN: Dec. 7-8, Saturday, 1pm and 7pm; Sunday, 1pm and 6pm WHERE: Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue AGES: All WHAT: The entire company of dancers, while the musicians of the Atlantic Wind Symphony Orchestra play the familiar Tchaikovsky score.

WANT TO GO? $20-$45. 631-207-1313. patchoguetheatre.com.

American Dance Theatre of LI’s ‘The Nutcracker’

WHEN: Dec. 7-8, Saturday, 2pm and 7pm; Sunday, 1pm WHERE: Van Nostrand Theater at SCCC Michael J. Grant Campus, 1001 Crooked Hill Road, Brentwood AGES: All WHAT: Witness toys that come to life, a Christmas tree that grows before your eyes, flowers that dance, and snowflakes that waltz in this classic magical story.

WANT TO GO? $30; $25 children and seniors. 631-472-3455. adtli.org.

American Dance Theatre of LI’s ‘The Nutcracker’

WHEN: Dec. 14-15, Saturday, 7pm; Sunday, 1pm WHERE: John Drew Theater at Guild Hall, 158 Main St., East Hampton AGES: All WHAT: Witness toys that come to life, a Christmas tree that grows before your eyes, flowers that dance, and snowflakes that waltz in this magical story.

WANT TO GO? $30; $25 children and seniors. 631-472-3455. adtli.org.

Northport ‘Nutcracker’ Ballet

WHEN: Dec. 14-15, Saturday, 5pm; Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Northport Middle School, 11 Middleville Road, Northport AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy this full-length Nutcracker with backdrops and scenery set in Northport Village.

WANT TO GO? $30. 855-222-2849. tututix.com.

Lynch Ballet Company Presents ‘The Nutcracker’

WHEN: Dec. 21-22, Saturday, 2pm and 6pm; Sunday, 12pm and 4pm WHERE: Huntington High School, 188 Oakwood Road, Huntington AGES: All WHAT: This 11th annual production of The Nutcracker features beautiful sets and handmade costumes.

WANT TO GO? $35; $30 seniors; $25 children. 631-470-9711. lynchballet.com.

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December 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 6, 6-9pm WHERE: ThinkBIG! Theater Arts, 42 S. Ocean Ave., Patchogue AGES: 3-12 WHAT: While you’re out, kids will enjoy games, a pizza dinner, dessert, and arts and crafts.

WANT TO GO? $25 first child; $12 each sibling. 631-307-4042. thinkbigtheaterarts.org.

Holiday Craft Extravaganza

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 7, 11am-2pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Create traditional holiday folk crafts: dip a candle, carve a scrimshaw box, and glitter up a tussy-mussy. Enjoy cookies and cocoa.

WANT TO GO? $12; $6 adults. 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Snowflake Decorations FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 11, 4pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Make a beautiful snowflake for winter. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? Free with Westhampton Free Library Card. 631-2883335. westhamptonlibrary.net.

Family Fun with ARTful Adventures: Washed Up Art

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 11:15am-1pm WHERE: Hofstra University Museum of Art, 112 Hofstra University, Hempstead AGES: 5-10 WHAT: Create a collage that makes a statement using pictures of washed up objects we use every day.

WANT TO GO? $12; $10 in advance. 516-463-5672. hofstra.edu

Gingerbread Paint Event

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Key to My Art, 10 W. Oak St., Amityville AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Price includes all supplies, canvas, paint, and step-by-step instruction. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? $20. 631-608-9048. keytomyart.com.

Sea Glass Ornament Workshop

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 12-1pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: See 19th-century glass bottles from the museum’s collection and design a sea glass ornament.

WANT TO GO? $12; $6 members. 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

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Family Fun with ARTful Adventures: Washed Up Art

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 11:15am-1pm WHERE: Hofstra University Museum of Art, 112 Hofstra University, Hempstead AGES: 5-10 WHAT: Create a collage that makes a statement using pictures of washed up objects we use every day.

WANT TO GO? $12; $10 in advance. 516-463-5672. hofstra.edu

Gingerbread Paint Event

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Key to My Art, 10 W. Oak St., Amityville AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Price includes all supplies, canvas, paint, and step-by-step instruction. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? $20. 631-608-9048. keytomyart.com.

nymetroparents.com/register ››

Build-a-Boat Workshop

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 27, 12-3pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Design and build a unique wooden vessel with a variety of wooden materials and hot glue guns.

WANT TO GO? $12; $6 members. 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Open Studio for Families

WHEN: Dec. 14-28, Saturdays, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Parrish Art Museum, 279 Montauk Highway, Water Mill AGES: All WHAT: Take a tour of the galleries and create art through hands-on activities.

WANT TO GO? $12; $9; free for members, students with ID, and children younger than 18. 631-283-2118. parrishart.org. ››

Sea Glass Ornament Workshop

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 12-1pm WHERE: The Whaling Museum and Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: See 19th-century glass bottles from the museum’s collection and design a sea glass ornament.

WANT TO GO? $12; $6 members. 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Art with a Partner Inclusion Workshops for Children & Young Adults WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 1-3pm WHERE: Art League of Long Island, 107 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills AGES: 5 and older WHAT: This series will provide each participant and his/her special loved one a precious opportunity to bond together while creating something beautiful. Call to register.

WANT TO GO? $35. 631-462-5400 x222. artleagueli.org.

Open House FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 21, 2-6pm WHERE: Studio E Art Classes LLC, 77 Broadway, Rocky Point AGES: All WHAT: Visit the newly built larger location in Rocky Point, meet the teachers, and enjoy pottery try times, crafting stations for kids, free face painting, and artisan vendors.

WANT TO GO? 631-744-4001. studioeartclass.com.

SANTA BRUNCH

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Christmas Ornaments Holiday Craft Event

Hanukkah Paint Event

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 22, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Key to My Art, 10 W. Oak St., Amityville AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Price includes all supplies, canvas, paint, and step-by-step instruction. Register online.

WANT TO GO? $20. 631-608-9048. keytomyart.com

Handmade Cards

WHEN: Dec. 18-23, Wednesday, 10am-2pm; Saturday-Monday, 1-5pm WHERE: Long Island Explorium, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: All WHAT: Visit the museum and make handmade holiday cards!

WANT TO GO? $5; free for members and children younger than 1. 631331-3277. longislandexplorium.org.

RIUM AQUMAISSION AD CLUDED! IN

DECEMBER 15 • 10am, 12pm & 2pm Celebrate the season at our annual Santa Brunch! Enjoy a delicious buffet brunch in the waterfront Sea Star Ballroom, and take along a camera to capture a family photo with Santa! The kids will make a special take-home holiday keepsake! Don’t forget to leave time to enjoy the Aquarium, included with your brunch fee!

Call to reserve 631.208.9200, ext. 426 or book online @ LongIslandAquarium.com.

PRICE

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 22, 1-2:30pm WHERE: Key to My Art, 10 W. Oak St., Amityville AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Make adorable ornaments for your tree!

WANT TO GO? $20. 631-608-9048. Keytomyart.com

431 E Main St, Riverhead, NY 11901

Children 3-12: $26.95 (Members: $23.95) Adults: $54.95 (Members: $49.95) Children 2 & Under: $5

Don’ Fishest Miss our New Y& Wishes ear Party! ’s Eve !

*All prices plus tax. 72-hour cancellation, within 72 hours, no refund.

LongIslandParent 29 Santa New Years - LI Parent 3.55x4.7 Dec 2019.indd 1

11/22/19 3:02 PM

Holiday Fine Art & Craft Fair at the Art League of Long Island FREE

WHEN: Dec. 7-8, 10am-5pm WHERE: Art League of Long Island, 107 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy the art on display, join in on a hands-on art activity with collage artist Michael Albert, and grab a bite to eat from the gourmet food truck.

WANT TO GO? Admission is free, prices vary for goods. 631-462-5400. artleagueli.org.

24th Annual Charles Dickens Festival FREE

WHEN: Dec. 7-8, daily, 9am-6pm WHERE: Port Jefferson Village, North of LIRR-101 Main St., Port Jefferson AGES: All WHAT: The Village of Port Jefferson will magically transform into the Dickensian era with streets filled with roaming characters such as Father Christmas, Dickens’ Mayor, Scrooge, the Town Crier, and the beloved chimney sweeps.

WANT TO GO? 631-473-1414. portjeffchamber.com.

The 40th Annual Holiday Festival FREE

FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 8, 11am-6pm WHERE: Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s Educational & Cultural Center, 97 Main St., Stony Brook AGES: All WHAT: See 14-foot giant puppets on parade, hear live music, see a holiday train display, tell Santa what you want, and witness the tree lighting.

WANT TO GO? 631-689-5888. stonybrookvillage.com.

Christmas Craft & Gift Fair FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 1, 8:30am-4pm WHERE: St. Cyril & Methodius Church, 125 Half Hollow Road, Deer Park AGES: All WHAT: Featuring unique items, raffles, tasting stations, face painting, and more.

WANT TO GO? Admission is free, prices vary for goods. 917-705-5355.

Santa Parade 2019 FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 1, 3-3:30pm WHERE: Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, Main Street, Port Jefferson AGES: All WHAT: Bring the family to see the Santa Parade!

WANT TO GO? 631-473-1414. portjeffchamber.com.

Yuletide Family Day

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 1, 1-3pm WHERE: Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington AGES: All WHAT: Bring the family for a holiday sing-along, a visit with Santa, cookie decorating, ornament making, old-time interactive games, period wooden toys, and guided tours.

WANT TO GO? $9 per child; free for chaperones. 631-427-5240. waltwhitman.org.

9th Annual Wooden Wonderland FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 7, 10am-4:30pm WHERE: Suffolk County Historical Society, 300 W. Main St., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Shop handmade goods and see live woodworking and woodcarving demonstrations throughout the day.

WANT TO GO? Admission is free, prices vary for goods. 631-727-2881 x100. suffolkcountyhistoricalsociety.org.

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December 2019 | nymetroparents.com

LITTLE FOODIES Slime Day FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 4, 7-8pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 7-12 WHAT: Make edible slime with different flavors! Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.

Family Gingerbread House FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 8, 2-3pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Decorate a delicious gingerbread house as a family. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.

Gingerbread Houses

WHEN: Monday, Dec. 9, 4:30pm, 5:45pm, 7pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: All WHAT: Decorate a festive gingerbread house for the holidays. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? $25 with Westhampton Free Library Card. 631-288-3335. westhamptonlibrary.net.

YA Volunteering: Holiday Crackers FREE WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 19, 7-8pm

Want to know Are the Parent of a Gifted Child? theYouBest Activities for Families?

LIU POST’S CENTER FOR GIFTED YOUTH WHERE: South Huntington Public Library, 145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station AGES: 11-18 WHAT: Create holiday crackers to donate to the local food pantries. Bring one bag of inexpensive, wrapped candy for this program. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-549-4411. shpl.info.

Chocolate Painted Cone-oli FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 26, 6-7pm WHERE: South Huntington Public Library, 145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station AGES: 11-18 WHAT: Chef Rob will lead as you take a delicious sugar ice cream cone and fill it with cannoli cream, orange zest, and mini-chocolate chips!

Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-549-4411. shpl.info.

MOVERS & SHAKERS Opening Day for Skating at the Plaza

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 7, 12-8pm WHERE: The Rinx in Wyandanch, 40 Station Drive, Wyandanch AGES: All WHAT: Free skating hours and opening events will run from 12-3pm.

WANT TO GO? Free admission from 12-3pm; after 3pm $8; $5 children; $4.50 seniors. 631-643-2050. www.therinx.com.

Tweens Night Out: Bingo and Big Games FREE

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 20, 7-8pm WHERE: South Huntington Public Library, 145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station AGES: 9-12 WHAT: A wild evening of Bingo and giant-sized versions of your favorite games. Win prizes and enjoy some snacks. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 631-549-4411. shpl.info.

Toys For Tots Open Play

WHEN: Dec. 21-22, Saturday, 10am; Sunday, 1pm WHERE: KZAM, 85 Sea Lane, Farmingdale AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Enjoy two hours of open play when you bring an unwrapped new toy.

WANT TO GO? One unwrapped new toy. 631-393-0801. kzamli.com

SPRING 2020 AND SUMMER 2020 PROGRAMS

LIU Post’s Center for Gifted Youth announces its 40th annual program for gifted children. The spring program runs Saturdays from Feb. 1, 2019 to April 25, 2020 and the summer program runs Monday to Friday from July 6 to July 30, 2020. The spring program is open to gifted children K-8 and the summer program is open to gifted children 2-8. The program expands students’ knowledge, develops creative and critical

and offers children the opportunity to learn in an exciting and Subscribethinking toskills, our family activity accepting environment. email newsletter.

INQUIRE ABOUT TRANSPORTATION!

Admission is highly selective and enrollment is limited.

Feb. 1, 2019 - April 25, 2020 July 6 - July 30, 2020

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

Follow us on Twitter

NYMetroParents.com/register LIU Post • School of Professional Studies • 720 Northern Blvd. • Brookville, NY 11548-1300 liu.edu/post/gifted youth • Dr. Lynne Manouvrier, Director

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Port Jefferson Holiday Ice Skating

WHEN: Nov. 30-Jan. 4, see website for days and times WHERE: The Rinx at Harborfront Park, 101-A E Broadway, Port Jefferson AGES: All WHAT: Skate outside with the breathtaking backdrop of Port Jefferson Harbor!

WANT TO GO? $11; $8.50 children 11 and younger; $5.50 seniors; $5.50 skate rentals. 631-403-4357. therinx.com.

Holiday Break Ice Skating

WHEN: Nov. 30-Jan. 5, see website for days and times WHERE: The Rinx in Hauppauge, 660 Terry Road, Hauppauge AGES: All WHAT: Join The Rinx in Hauppauge for skating!

WANT TO GO? $12; $9.50 children 11 and younger; $6 seniors; $6 skate rentals. 631-232-3222. therinx.com.

NYMetroParents.com/register LongIslandParent 31

family life

insurance

Get Insured

››

How to choose and sign up for a health insurance plan if your company doesn’t offer one By Emma Steven

I

f you don’t receive health insurance from an employer, getting covered can be a daunting process, especially with dependents.

Many people consult a broker or an agent, but before making any choices, it’s important to do your homework. To help you sort out the complex options, we spoke to health care experts about how best to choose a plan.

Know Your Timing

The most important thing to remember when it comes to buying health insurance is there is a limited period of time each year— open enrollment season—when you are able to enroll in a new plan (or make a change, such as being added to a spouse’s plan).

One of the most common mistakes people make is they miss this window, says Lisa Zamosky, spokesperson for private online health insurance exchange eHealth and author of Healthcare, Insurance, and You: The Savvy Consumer’s Guide. “The window has shortened in the last two years. It’s now just a month and a half,” she says.

In our area, open enrollment runs through Dec. 15, 2019, with coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2020. Open enrollment periods for employer plans vary. Remember: It’s impossible to enroll at any other time, unless you have what qualifies as special enrollment—a change of circumstances, such as losing your job, getting married, or having a baby. New York is one of the only states in the U.S. that considers pregnancy a special enrollment event.

Decide What You Need

Some folks may qualify for Medicaid and/or Child Health Insurance Protection—visit health.ny.gov for more information. Most people, however, will have to choose a plan depending on their individual medical needs. This can get confusing. “One of the most common mistakes people make is focusing exclusively on the monthly premium,” Zamosky says. “That’s really important. It’s got to fit into your budget.

But it’s also really important to understand how the things that you need are covered.” For example, consider how often you go to the doctor, your medications, and what you seek in preventative care.

Brittney Castro, Certified Financial Planner and expert at Investopedia.com has this advice: “Anytime you shop for insurance…start with looking at the policy offer (what is it covering?) and the benefits you want,” she says. “Start there and see what the cost comes out to be, then compare it against your budget and see if that’s realistic. Then you can start to eliminate certain bits of the coverage to get that premium down to a level that you feel you could afford.”

Types of Plans

Don’t just choose a plan at random. Make sure you weigh the pros and cons of each, then select the best one for you and your family.

Here is an overview of the various health insurance plans available.

32 December 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Spouse Plans If you are married, check if your spouse’s employer offers coverage as part of his or her benefits package. You can be added to the plan during the open enrollment period or under special enrollment.

If you aren’t married, many employers also offer domestic partner benefits to their employees. This can be tricky: Domestic partner benefits are not tax-free like the premiums paid for a spouse; on the other hand, employers may help cover the cost of these premiums.

Before you go this route, Zamosky recommends checking the numbers. “More often than not, it’s a better and more cost-effective choice. But there are certainly scenarios where that may not be the case,” she says. “It costs you nothing to go online and take a look at the plans.”

If adding everyone to one policy is too expensive, you can search for a new family plan on the Affordable Care Act marketplace, or private exchanges such as eHealth. You may qualify for financial help. Unfortunately, due to a rule colloquially called the “Family Glitch,” even if you qualify for subsidies based on your family income, the system may still count you as having access to an affordable plan because the calculation is based on the individual premium, not the family premium. This means you might not always be eligible for assistance, even if adding your whole family to the plan is unaffordable.

COBRA If you recently quit or lost your job, you can keep your old insurance for a limited period thanks to the Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act, COBRA for short. This federal law allows you to continue paying for your old plan. The catch? You now have to pick up the entire cost, so it is often very expensive. Plus, you only have 60 days to sign up after your job coverage ends, so you need to move quickly.

You can also use COBRA to get coverage if you get a divorce, your insured spouse dies, or you become too old to be on your parents’ plan. The maximum amount of time you can get coverage this way is 18 months, and you can opt out at any time.

Exchange Plans Another option is buying a plan on an exchange and, thanks to the ACA, every state now has an insurance marketplace (ours is nystateofhealth.ny.gov), where you can compare plans and choose the best one for you. Each is guaranteed to comply with the ACA’s

rules, such as covering pre-existing conditions and preventative care, and no cap on annual benefits. There are also many subsidies you can apply for. You can buy a plan from the marketplace online, on the phone, via a paper form, through a private exchange, or direct from a broker or agent. Again, you can only do this during open enrollment or special enrollment.

What many people don’t realize is the state marketplace doesn’t include all ACA-compliant plans offered by insurers. “If you don’t qualify for subsidies, it’s a good idea to have a look at something like eHealth or speak to a broker, because there may be a plan that isn’t on the state marketplace that could be good for you,” Zamosky says.

Small Business Owners One exception to the open enrollment period rule is available to small business owners. If you run a small business with two or more full-time employees, you can buy something called small business plan insurance. These are ACA-compliant and often work out to be very good value, Zamosky says.

If you don’t have your own business, there are many business associations that offer health insurance plans. For example, if you are one of the 57 million freelance workers in the United States, you can buy a plan through the Freelancer Union (freelancersunion.org). There are 450,000 members nationwide, and it’s free to join. Association plans like this can only be joined during open enrollment or special enrollment.

High-Deductible Health Plans With HDHPs, you pay a lower monthly premium because your deductible is high. They are often offered by employers alongside a Health Savings Account they contribute to, but HDHPs can be bought individually. Before deciding on one of these plans, it’s very important to figure out if it makes sense based on your specific medical needs. According to Zamosky, there are two types of people who this plan suits: those who rarely visit the doctor and so save money with the low premium, and those who anticipate high costs (such as people planning surgery in the next year) who benefit from the cap on the out-ofpocket expenses.

Whatever path you choose, don’t opt out. No insurance means you won’t be able to take care of your health with regular check-ups and preventative care. You won’t be prepared in the case of an accident if you need medical attention or hospitalization. Medical bills can quickly add up if you don’t have insurance, and are a leading cause of bankruptcy, according to ACTIVITIES MORE a recent study by the American Public EVENTS Health Association.

“I would never recommend that as a financial planner—or as just a citizen,” Castro says.

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

Spend Your Holiday Break at the Fish Hatchery & Aquarium HOMEMADE PLAYDOUGH MAKING • Dec. 27th•11am-3pm Make your own homemade playdough. Use the Hatchery's animals as your inspiration and get creative!

LIVE ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS • Dec. 26th & 28th • 11am-3pm

Learn about the Hatchery’s reptiles and amphibians

HATCHERY TOURS• Dec. 26th & 28th • 11am Learn how we care for the fish in our hatchery

ANIMAL TRACKS: Who’s Been Here? • Dec. 31st • 2pm

Who’s making that strange footprint in your backyard?

Identify animal tracks & make your own track to take home!

TROUT FEEDING DEMONSTRATIONS • Dec. 26th & 28th • 1pm-3pm Watch trout jump & splash as they devour a diet of fish food

NEW YEAR’S DAY HIKE • Jan. 1st • 11am

Come and learn about Long Island winter habitats and end your visit with a guided nature hike. FAMILY FRIENDLY!

www.cshfishhatchery.org | 516-692-6768 | 1660 Rte. 25A, Cold Spring Harbor, NY

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raising kids

Health

Sick Day Rx

››

While your kid may be fighting through the sniffles, you’ve got to field calls from work, arrange child care for tomorrow (just in case), and keep your feverish little monster entertained. It won’t necessarily be fun, but it can be easier. By Katelin Walling

T

he alarm clock rings for school, and your child complains of not feeling well. While fluids and rest are the best treatments when your child is sick, according to Tanya Altmann, M.D., FAAP, pediatrician, mother of two, and American Academy of Pediatrics spokesperson, you’ve got some immediate decisions to make. Here’s your prescription for sick days, including when your child should stay home and finding last-minute child care to keep this sick day from turning into a Ferris Bueller’s Day Off-like escapade (hey, it’s okay to keep the kid entertained, but let’s skip the parades).

Going to School vs. Staying Home Nearly 22 million school days are lost each year due to colds, and approximately 38 million school days are lost each year due to the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If your child is starting to feel ill but you don’t want her to contribute too many of her own sick days to those millions of missed school days, you can still send her to school if she has a runny nose, is sneezing, or has a slight cough, says 34

December 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Sandhya Katz, M.D., board-certified in pediatric and pediatric emergency medicine. “But send them with instructions of: Always cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and always dispose of used tissues. And send them with a hand sanitizer to keep in their bag so they can constantly clean their hands.”

Dr. Katz says you should absolutely not send your child to school when he is feverish, is vomiting more than two times a day, has discharge coming from his eyes, is having trouble breathing, or has a whooping-kind of cough or persistent abdominal pain. If your child is unable to perform daily tasks or be in class for 6-8 hours, Dr. Katz adds, that is also a reason why your child should stay home.

When your child has not had a fever for more than 24 hours, is not vomiting, and can sit through a full day of school, she is in the clear to head back to class.

Find last-minute child care.

“There are times when you choose to take a somewhat ill child to school because it will seriously inconvenience you.

Other times you don’t want to keep your child home because something special will be missed—a school trip, or a crucial test,” says Susan Bartell, Psy.D., a Port Washington-based child, teen, and parenting psychologist. “We all do it, but let’s face it, it’s not right. If you’re sick you should be home recuperating.” But keeping your child home may not be a cutand-dry situation, especially if both you and your spouse work.

Here, a few suggestions for last-minute child care: • Set up an agreement with your partner: If you and your spouse have the flexibility of taking a sick day at work when your child’s sick, take turns on who will stay home each day so one of you isn’t taking all the time off, or consider each working a half-day so neither of you misses a full day of work.

• Ask your employer if you have a work-from-home option: Some businesses will allow employees to telecommute for a day or two, which makes it easier for you to care for your child. Just make sure your child understands that you still need to work and can’t give him one-on-one attention all day.

• Keep a list of caregivers that may be available at the lastminute: If you have family close by, check with them to see if they’d be willing to care for your child when she has to stay home sick. Another option is asking a friend who works from home to work from your home while keeping an eye on your child.

• Call the local hospital: Your neighborhood hospital or pediatrician may offer day care for sick children, or they may know of a sick child drop-in center nearby. (Do this research ahead of time so you’re not scrambling day of.)

• Browse online sitter services: Sites such as SitterCity.com, UrbanSitter.com, and Care.com allow you to search for sitters that are available last-minute to care for your child. Full disclosure: Tell the sitter before booking that your child is sick.

Keep the rest of your family healthy.

Once school begins, colds spread like wildfire. And if you’re not careful, that school-borne illness your child has can easily spread to the rest of the family. “About 65 percent of all colds are caught in the home,” says Philip Tierno, Ph.D., director of clinical microbiology and immunology at New York University Langone Medical Center.

So how do you keep the rest of the family healthy? Dr. Tierno suggests you wash your hands regularly and thoroughly (Dr. Altmann suggests teaching your kids to sing “Happy Birthday” or “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” twice while washing

KEEP THE BOREDOM AT BAY Our top 10 mellow activities to keep sick kids entertained without wearing them out.

Make a fort in your child’s bedroom or the living room where he can nap.

Have various story times throughout the day if your child is young. Alternatively, if your child is older, give her some pleasure reading books (not school books).

Mix up some Jell-O—the perfect snack for sore throats!—in creative shapes, either with fun-shaped silicone baking molds or ice cube trays, or use a good ol’ cookie cutter.

Change location. Being confined to the same spot all day will make anyone restless, so switch between the bedroom and living room. This writer’s favorite place when home sick? Mom and Dad’s bed, which was big enough to snuggle with Fido.

Cook up a big pot of chicken noodle soup, which delivers protein, carbohydrates, some vitamins, and other helpful nutrients in an easily digested form. A study at Mount Sinai Medical Center found that hot chicken soup, either the smell or the taste, “appears to possess an additional substance for increasing the flow of nasal mucus,” which helps remove germs from your system and gets you on the way to recovery, according to Sue Castle, in her book Mother Knows Best?

The Truth About Mom’s Well-Meaning (But Not Always Accurate) Advice.

Dust off that stack of coloring and activity books or print free ones at home (check out crayola.com for seemingly endless options).

Legos…need we say more?

A little screen time never hurt—cue up movies on Netflix, the Disney Channel, or Nickelodeon.

Dawdle in a long, warm bath, especially if your kids love playing in the tub but never get enough time for it before bed.

Play a board or card game of bygone days—crazy eights, cribbage (bonus: math skills practice), or Sorry, anyone?

hands for proper cleaning); teach your children the proper etiquette for coughing and sneezing—use a tissue or the crux of your arm—and model these actions to your children; sanitize surfaces in the home—doorknobs, dining surfaces, remote controls, telephones; and practice good food hygiene by sanitizing countertops and cooking surfaces regularly, always use a clean cutting board, and avoid mixing uncooked plantand animal-based foods.

It’s also important to discourage kids from touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands and tell them to avoid close contact (such as kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils) with people who are sick.

LongIslandParent 35

raising kids baby

The Palmar Grasp reflex, which happens when you stroke your infant’s palm, is practice for mastering voluntary grasping.

Decoding Infant Reffllflexes ›› Here’s the breakdown on baby’s baffling—but totally normal—built-in behaviors

A

lmost everything about a newborn is overwhelming. On littleto-no sleep, you’re expected to assemble gear that requires an engineering degree. You can’t go out without carrying what feels like the entire contents of your home. Then you start to notice your baby is doing these...weird things. And your new-parent panic kicks in: What. Is. Happening!? No need to worry. Those fascinating, quirky little behaviors are natural, and actually serve a purpose.

What are reflexes?

Reflexes are involuntary, spontaneous movements that are part of normal infant development. Adults have them too; the “knee-jerk” reaction to a tap of your doctor’s hammer is probably the most familiar.

Infant developmental reflexes are also known as primitive reflexes, and they arise from the brain stem and spinal cord. “They are generally believed to exist because they have offered a survival benefit to human infants from an evolutionary perspective,” says Lauren Levine, M.D., assistant professor of Pediatrics at Columbia University Medical Center in Manhattan. Primitive newborn reflexes will generally fade away between 1 and 6 months of age.

“If you think that your infant’s reflexes persist past this age, you should let your pediatrician know,” Dr. Levine says. “But I tell parents not to stress about newborn reflexes. A good pediatrician will be assessing them at each well-baby visit without you even realizing it!”

36

December 2019 | nymetroparents.com

By Christina Vercelletto

The Rooting Reflex

What: When either side of a baby’s mouth is touched, he’ll turn his head in that direction, open his mouth, and root around.

Why: This helps a baby find the nipple and be able to feed. “You can imagine how an infant without these primitive reflexes might not have survived after birth thousands of years ago,” Dr. Levine notes.

In the first month of your baby’s life, when she’s learning how to eat and you’re learning how to feed her, you can leverage this reflex. “Stroking the baby’s face at the corner of the mouth can help encourage the baby to latch on or take the nipple in the mouth,” says Victoria Riese, M.D., of Flatiron Pediatrics in Manhattan. “Just be aware that a baby will root any time the cheek or corner of the mouth is stroked, so don’t mistake the reflex for a sign of hunger, especially if the baby has just eaten.”

The Sucking Reflex

What: When the roof of a baby’s mouth is touched, she immediately starts sucking. (Newborns also have a strong urge to put their fists in their mouths and suck on their own fingers.)

Why: Newborns’ neurological systems are immature in the first six months of life. “There needs to be a fail-safe method for the baby to get nourishment without any purposeful behavior, and then growth and development can follow,” Dr. Riese says. (This particular reflex isn’t completely cemented in utero until about 36 weeks, which is

why preemies often have a compromised ability to feed.)

Sucking in general is soothing to babies, a secondary function of this reflex that probably developed to motivate babies to suck to get milk. “When a baby is fussy, putting a clean finger or pacifier in her mouth is extremely soothing and will help calm her very easily, especially if she has recently eaten and is not hungry,” Dr. Riese says.

“This is one of the most useful methods to calm babies.”

The Moro (aka Startle) Reflex

What: In reaction to a sound or nearby sudden movement, a newborn throws back his head, extends his arms and legs out, then pulls his legs and arms back in. He might cry as well. Some babies even display this reflex in response to their own cry. “They are often the reason babies wake themselves up from sleep,” Dr. Levine says. “This is why swaddling infants helps them to sleep better.

Their arms are tucked in and can’t flail about.”

Why: “The reflex movement adjusts the baby’s posture to keep him or her balanced. Once a baby develops more voluntary control over movements, these automatic responses fade away,” says Devorah Segal, M.D., Ph.D., pediatric neurologist at New York-Presbyterian Komansky Children’s Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine in Manhattan. And a good sense of balance is quite useful for a new human to have. For one thing, it can make it easier to grab onto your mother if she should start to lose her grip on you.

The Tonic Neck (aka the Fencing Position) Reflex

What: When your baby is lying down, and his head is turned to one side, the arm on that same side extends out, while the other arm bends at his elbow, like a fencer would stand.

Why: Much like the Moro reflex, Dr. Segal explains, this one likely originated as an automatic protective response to help maintain balance. After six months or so, “more purposeful balancing motions replace it,” she says.

The Palmar Grasp (aka Grip) Reflex

What: Stroking your baby’s palm spurs her to close her fingers in a grasp. (A similar lesser-known reflex in the feet and toes usually lasts until babies are about 9 months old.)

Why: It’s practice, essentially, for being able to master voluntary grasping, which will happen in a few months. Some experts call it a vestigial reflex, meaning its evolutionary purpose is no longer useful.

It is thought to have originated as a way for babies to hang onto their mothers’ fur when humans were hairier. That alleviated the need for a mother to hold onto her baby while trying to, say, run from a predator.

The Stepping Reflex

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What: Despite not being able to support his own weight, your baby moves his legs as though walking, even dancing, when you’re holding him upright with his feet touching a solid surface.

Why: This reflex is pretty much what it looks like: preparation and training for the all-important ability of humans to walk upright.

“The best thing for parents to do when it comes to their infant’s primitive reflexes is to know what they are,” Dr. Levine notes. “That way, they’re not alarmed when they see them, and they’re able to tell the pediatrician if any of them are asymmetrical.” For example, your baby only grasps with her right hand and not the left, or, when startled, flails her left arm but not her right. “Such asymmetries could indicate a nerve or musculoskeletal injury from the birth process and need further evaluation,” Dr. Levine says. But remember, the reflexes themselves are not harmful to your baby in any way. Dr. Segal agrees: “There is nothing parents need to do to ‘train’ their baby out of a reflex. They will go away on their own over time.”

NYMetroParents.com/register LongIslandParent 37

raising kids teen

Your teens still need some guidance when it comes to healthy habits, such as eating a balanced meal, so try cooking together once or twice a week and enjoying a meal as a family.

Don’t Let Go—Just Yet

››

Even though your teen is gaining more independence, you still need to do these four things. By Laura D’Angelo

I

“ ’m not a little kid anymore!”

Those six heart-wrenching words are often what adolescents tell their parents, who may still view their teens as the babies they once were. It can be hard to let go, whether you are handing over the car keys, packing your “child” up for college, or accepting that your 13-year-old wants to start wearing makeup to school.

No parent is fully prepared to come to terms with their teenager outgrowing certain childhood habits. However, society sometimes misconstrues what the actual meaning of adolescence is: an extension of childhood. Even though your teenager is beginning to gain independence, that doesn’t mean he is going to become a full-fledged, independent adult overnight. Here are four ways your teen still needs you, according to experts in adolescent psychology.

Set Rules and Boundaries

You’ve likely set guidelines throughout your teen’s life, relating to your family values and morals—and those of society and culture at large. But internalizing and acting according to those rules is a lot for her to take on by herself right now, according to Erin Jant, Ph.D., developmental psychology professor at 38

December 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Binghamton University. “They’ve had all these routines and rules throughout their life, but they might still need reminders on some things,” Dr. Jant says.

This is especially true when it comes to the pressure your teen may feel from her peers or what she sees on social media, according to Alyson Cohen, LCSW, who works with adolescents and young adults at her private practice in midtown Manhattan.

Your teen doesn’t need to be micromanaged in every aspect of her life, but gentle reminders here and there—especially when it comes to what’s okay to share and how to act on social media—will go a long way to ensuring your teen stays safe online, Cohen points out.

Remind About Dietary and Hygiene Habits

While your teenager may not need to rely on you entirely for meals and reminders about cleanliness anymore, it’s possible he still might need some help adjusting to becoming independently accountable for the many responsibilities that come with growing up.

Check in on your teenager to make sure he’s practicing healthy food habits to balance the junk food he eats when you’re not

around. In many situations she deals with, Cohen finds it helpful when parents are involved in preparing their teenager’s food. Try cooking together once or twice a week, or give him more freedom to choose and prepare a meal for the family.

When it comes to hygiene, it’s especially important to help young teens along with some gentle reminders—after all, needing deodorant and getting acne is new for them. Cohen suggests asking questions like: “Are you brushing and flossing your teeth at night?”; “Are you actually using body wash and shampoo when you take a shower?”; “When was the last time your sheets were changed?”; and “Are you making sure your favorite jeans are getting washed?” The important thing is not to come down on him for doing something wrong, but rather to reinforce his positive behaviors and habits through encouragement.

Allow for Natural Consequences

One of the most influential factors in whether a teenager becomes a self-reliant, confident adult is whether she has been allowed to face (and learn from) the consequences of her actions, Dr. Jant stresses. If you fix every single issue for him, he won’t ever get the sense of autonomy he needs to thrive in the real world. After all, if you keep bringing your teen her lunch at school because she always forgets to pack it, will she ever learn to remember? “[It’s important] that their parents are giving them rules, sending them off, and hoping that they’re learning from their own failures, while always providing support when necessary,” Dr. Jant says. “Natural consequences are very useful and impactful for teens especially.” So, consider letting your teens experience safe and natural consequences. For example, instead of emailing her English teacher asking if she can do extra credit to boost her grade, let her take the lower grade. It’s the only way she’ll realize writing her essays on the bus the morning they are due isn’t a great idea.

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WORK: • Work Spaces With Free Wi-Fi • Private Drop-in Offices With Option of Supervised Play

EVENTS: • Modern And Open Space For Any Occasion:

First Birthday Celebrations • Birthdays • Showers Reveals • Baptisms • Fundraisers • Corporate Events FOR MORE INFO TO BOOK AN EVENT CONTACT: Info@socialplayhaus.com 200 Express St. | Plainview, NY 11803 | 516-200-6444

Show Emotional and Physical Affection

Even if your teenager tells you he can’t stand your smothering hugs, appropriate physical affection from a parent or guardian is something he’ll never outgrow, Cohen says. “There has been so much research in the last 25 years that there is no amount of love that you can give your child that’s too much,” Cohen says. “And when I say love, I don’t mean being overbearing, in their face trying to do everything for them, but [saying], ‘I love you. I care so much about you. I’m so happy you’re in my life.’”

It is especially important to remember your teenager has not outgrown physical affection, according to Dr. Jant. Why? “The risk for depression in adolescence jumps up exponentially compared to middle childhood,” she says. So, it’s crucial that parents pay attention to behavior shifts in their children, and not take on a permissive parenting style just because they want to be liked, Dr. Jant says. “There are so many parents who feel that tension…so then they pull back. They just allow [their teen] to do whatever, and then that can lead to negative consequences for that child.”

Even though it can be difficult, it’s important to remember to remain calm when your teenager is acting up or shutting you out. Even if she’s behaving like she wants nothing to do with you, what she really needs more than ever is your love, support, and affection.

Laura D’Angelo, a former NYMetroParents editorial intern, is a junior at Binghamton University.

LongIslandParent 39

family life

finance

Use It or Lose It

››

Surprise: Your Flexible Spending Account probably covers more expenses than you think.

T

he year is almost over. Do you still have a balance in your Flexible Spending Account? The funds can be used tax-free for eligible medical expenses—but only if you spend them within a certain timeframe. The deadline is often Dec. 31; check your plan. After the cutoff date, the money disappears faster than a Lego in a shag rug.

Most parents still have between $50 and $200 of FSA money to spend (or lose) before year’s end, according to the FSA Store (fsastore.com), an online shop that sells only FSA-eligible items.

But don’t panic: You don’t have to schedule a New Year’s Eve dental cleaning to bring that balance to zero. We spoke with Kim Buckey, vice president of client services at DirectPath, an employee engagement, health care transparency, and compliance firm for Fortune 1000 employers, to get some smart suggestions of FSA-eligible items.

Of course, plans can vary, so ask yours. But by and large, the stuff on this list generally gets the green light: • Eyeglasses: Now’s the time to splurge on cool frames or pick up an extra pair for your child who always loses his.

• Bandages: The next time your child gets a boo-boo, make her feel better with a kiss and the words “Mommy saved

•

• • • • • • • •

the equivalent of our tax bracket on this bandage.” Or maybe just skip that second part.

Travel for medical care: Did you regularly trek to the nearest city so a family member could see a certain physician? The mileage is reimbursable; ask your plan for the going rate.

Contact lenses and related supplies: Saline solution, rinses, and even lens holders all count.

Pregnancy and ovulation test kits: Ready to expand your family in the new year? Stock up.

Diabetes test kits and materials Orthodontia—even partial payments can be deducted.

Batteries for medical equipment such as hearing aids and nebulizers Orthopedic inserts for shoes, even non-prescription ones Heating pads Lead paint removal: This is only allowable if your child has or has had lead poisoning. The repainting is not covered.

For more suggestions, visit fsastore.com and browse around.

As always, check with your plan’s specific guidelines for eligible purchases.

Deborah Skolnik lives in Westchester with her husband and two daughters, and enjoys writing, cooking, and gardening.

40

December 2019 | nymetroparents.com

By Deborah Skolnik

Meet the

Health Care Professional

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 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 Nassau: 516-216-1791 Queens: 718-640-6767 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, expressive and receptive language disorders (adults and children). Intensive feeding therapy for individuals who suffer from texture and consistency aversions, and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) are also offered. Seven affiliated offices across Long Island participate with most health insurance and offer evening and Saturday hours.

The Tooth Pillow Dentistry 775 Park Ave, Suite 340, Huntington 516-317-2476 toothpillowny.com The Tooth Pillow Dentistry is a group of board-certified pediatric dentists and dentist anesthesiologists who work together to safely provide dental treatment while your child “sleeps.” We provide this service for children who cannot be treated in the typical dental chair setting due to age, behavior, or other factors that hinder treatment. Your child will leave our office with all of their dental work completed, free from pain and bad memories. We will treat your child as if they were our own. Trust your child with the experts in pediatric dental sedation.

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

EMPLOYERS Moms Make Great Part-Time Staff People LOOKING FOR STAFF? POST YOUR JOB MOMMYBITES.COM/POSTJOB • Admin • Customer Service • Marketing • Sales • Editorial • Other Jobs

Pediatric Immediate Care is a team of hearts where kids come first. State-of-theart medical office equipment allows us to deliver your test results during your visit. We are kid-friendly, walk-ins are welcome, and most insurance plans are accepted. Complete pediatric and adolescent care, as well as baby, camp, school, and sports physicals. Certified urgent care recommended by Urgent Care Association of America. Thirty years of dedication to our patients. The offices are open seven days a week including holidays, 8am-11pm.

LongIslandParent 41

Professional

services

Your local guide to tutors, teachers, lawyers, financial planners, and other professionals DENTISTS & DENTAL PROVIDERS

HORIZON ORTHODONTICS

Dr. Larry Friedman 1150 Portion Road No. 13, Holtsville 631-698-2424 Find us on Facebook: @horizonorthodontics Our practice’s top priority is to provide you the highest quality orthodontic care in a friendly, comfortable environment. We utilize the latest technological advances in the industry, such as invisible ceramic braces and Invisalign®, along with the latest in computer technology.

ISLAND ORTHODONTICS

1990 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park 516-365-5300 islandortho.com Our practice’s top priority is to provide you the highest quality orthodontic care in a friendly, comfortable environment. We utilize the latest technological advances in the industry, along with the latest in computer technology.

NORTH SHORE ORTHODONTICS

50 Route 111, Suite 214, Smithtown 631-265-3435 nsorthodontics.com Dr. Craig Smith and his team at North Shore Orthodontics offer a variety of orthodontic services, including American Orthodontics Mini Brackets, Invisalign®, Invisalign Teen™, A.O. Radiance translucent brackets, and teeth whitening.

THE TOOTH PILLOW DENTISTRY

775 Park Ave, Suite 340, Huntington 516-317-2476 toothpillowny.com Your child will leave our office with all of their dental work completed, free from pain and bad memories. Trust your child with the experts in pediatric dental sedation.

DOCTORS & MEDICAL PROVIDERS

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 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 Nassau: 516-2161791 Queens: 718-640-6767 Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, along with her group of

42

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.

PEDIATRIC IMMEDIATE CARE

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

FINANCIAL PLANNING & INSURANCE

BANKERS LIFE - KIMBERLY WILLIAMS-REGNIER

Serving NYC Metro Area, Nassau and Suffolk Counties, and Westchester 347-0247-7293 bankerslife.com kimberly-williams.regnier@bankerslife.com Our goal is simple, to offer solutions that meet your needs today and for the life of your retirement. Our agents begin by asking you a few questions. Knowing what’s most important to you, we can provide solutions.

LEGAL SERVICES

ANDREW COHEN, ESQ., LAW OFFICES OF ANDREW M. COHEN

250 West 57th St., Suite 1216, Manhattan 212-244-0595 1100 Franklin Ave., Suite 305, Garden City 516-877-0595 amcohenlaw.com ac@amcohenlaw.com The Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen provide personalized, high quality special needs estate planning and special education legal services at a reasonable cost. It also conducts free workshops on several topics for agencies, schools, and parent groups.

FERSCH LLC

11 Broadway, Suite 550 Serving all of NYC and surrounding areas 212-422-2660

December 2019 | nymetroparents.com

pffamilylaw.com familylaw@pffamilylaw.com Fersch LLC practices exclusively in matrimonial and family law. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and determined advocates for our clients. We provide care and attention to clients and their families of all income levels.

LAW OFFICES OF BRAD H. ROSKEN, PLLC 534 Broadhollow Road, Suite 275, Melville 631-379-9569 specialedcounselor.com brad@specialedcounselor.com Brad H. Rosken is an experienced trial attorney. He is also a parent of a child with special needs. He knows how far to push a school district to obtain the maximum that your child is entitled to under law.

VISHNICK MCGOVERN MILIZIO LLP

3000 Marcus Ave., Suite 1E9, Lake Success 516-437-4385 570 Lexington Ave., Suite 1600, Manhattan 212-759-3500 255 Monmouth Road, 2nd floor, Oakhurst, NJ 732-531-8900 vmmlegal.com For 50 years, the law firm of Vishnick McGovern Milizio has helped private and business clients ensure their well-being, plan for their future, and protect their interests.

LICE

FAIRY LICEMOTHERS

2463 South 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.

LICE CLINICS OF AMERICA - LONG ISLAND

47 Jackson Ave., Syosset 516-336-4099 566 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre 401 Hawkins Avenue, Ronkonkoma liceclinicslongisland.com Lice Clinics of America will remove lice in just one hour! All lice and eggs-even Super Lice are eliminated in a single, one-hour

treatment. Affordable treatments, no toxic chemicals.

SPECIAL NEEDS

ALTERNATIVES FOR CHILDREN

1116 Main Road, Aquebogue 631-722-2170 600 South Service Road, Dix Hills 631-271-0777 14 Research Way, East Setauket 631-331-6400 168 Hill St., Southampton 631-283-3272 alternatives4children.org Licensed daycare, EI/Preschool Special Education evaluations provider for eligible children. Early childhood professionals create a natural learning environment, promoting a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development.

CHILD BEHAVIOR CONSULTING, LLC 10 Janet Court, Nesconset 631-617-1958 childbehaviorconsulting.com lisa@childbehaviorconsulting.com Providing education, tools, and knowledge in teaching children cognitive skills to focus and remain calm.

Specializing in challenges related to behavior, academic learning, and socialemotional development.

ANDREW COHEN, ESQ., LAW OFFICES OF ANDREW M. COHEN

250 West 57th St., Suite 1216, Manhattan 212-244-0595 1100 Franklin Ave., Suite 305, Garden City 516-877-0595 amcohenlaw.com ac@amcohenlaw.com The Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen provide personalized, high quality special needs estate planning and special education legal services at a reasonable cost. It also conducts free workshops on several topics for agencies, schools, and parent groups.

LAW OFFICES OF BRAD H. ROSKEN, PLLC

534 Broadhollow Road, Suite 275, Melville 631-379-9569 specialedcounselor.com brad@specialedcounselor.com Brad H. Rosken is an experienced trial attorney. He is also a parent of a child with special needs. He knows how far to push a school district to obtain the maximum that your child is entitled to under law.

LIFE’S WORC THE FAMILY CENTER FOR AUTISM 1501 Franklin Ave., Garden City 516-741-9000 familycenterforautism.org mreno@lifesworc.org The Family Center for Autism provides services and support for people with autism and their families. Programs include: insurance services, birthday parties, art, music, sports and culinary classes, camps, parent and sibling programs, social events, vocational programs, and behavior intervention.

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 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 Nassau: 516-2161791 Queens: 718-640-6767 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.

MGABA

1737 Veterans Memorial Highway, Suite 1, Islandia 2341 New Hyde Park Road, New Hyde Park 631-479-2900 mg-aba.com Marra & Glick Applied Behavior Analysts (MGABA) specialize in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)to serve people with autism spectrum disorders in our center-based programs, at school, in the home, and community.

THE TOOTH PILLOW DENTISTRY

775 Park Ave, suite 340, Huntington 516-317-2476 toothpillowny.com Your child will leave our office with all of their dental work completed, free from pain and bad memories. Trust your child with the experts in pediatric dental sedation.

SPECIALTY APPAREL

GCH DESIGNS GENEVIEVE C. HASEMANN, SEAMSTRESS

TUTORS & TEST PREP

based program offers a loving, caring environment.

LONG ISLAND TUTORIAL SERVICES

SYLVAN LEARNING CENTER OF HUNTINGTON

173 N. Main St., Sayville 631-316-0426 litutorialservices.com litutorialservices@gmail .com Long Island Tutorial Services (LITS) provides award-winning customer service and first-rate instruction to families, islandwide. Call for a confidential consultation.

ST. PATRICK YOUTH COMMUNITYST. PATRICK TUTORING CENTER

St. Patrick Church, 280 E Main St., Smithtown 631-724-1261 stpatsyouth.com; spyouth@optonline.net St. Patrick Tutoring Center is here to assist your learner from grades kindergarten-12th with Catholic Entrance Exam Prep, SAT, Regents, or daily schoolwork.

ST. PATRICK YOUTH COMMUNITYYOUTH ENRICHMENT LEARNING CENTER

516-983-0427 genevievescustomheirlooms@gmail.com Specializing in custom-made, special occasion, children’s christening, baptismal, communion, and flower girl clothing, hair accessories, and floral arrangements.

St. Patrick Church, 280 E Main St., Smithtown 631-724-1261 stpatsyouth.com; spyouth@optonline.net St. Patrick Youth Enrichment and Learning Center provides programs for your child ages 1½ years–sixth grade. A faith-

1160 E. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington 631-424-5600 locations.sylvanlearning.com/us/huntington-ny sylvanlearning@optonline.net Sylvan of Huntington offers personalized tutoring programs in reading, writing, mathematics, SAT and ACT prep. Sylvan will help identify the right program for your child and exactly where your child needs to start to get the best results.

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 for gifted and talented students. We are a designated Johns Hopkins CTY and SAT testing center.

ENDLESS PLAY MEMBERSHIPS

SAVINGS UP TO

85%

VALUE OVER

$

2,300

ULTIMATE BIRTHDAY PARTY UNLIMITED VISITS | FREE FOOD NO BLACKOUT DATES

MEMBERSHIP SPECIALS $18.99 ALL ACCESS TO EVERY ATTRACTION EVERYDAY! VISIT LONG ISLAND’S LARGEST INDOOR AMUSEMENT PARK 48,000 SQUARE FEET OF FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

SKY RIDER | ROPES COURSE | CLIMBING WALLS | WARRIOR COURSE | VIRTUAL REALITY PLUS MANY MANY MORE!

UrbanAirLakeGrove.com | (631) 861-4125

3147 Middle Country Road, Lake Grove, NY 11755 facebook.com/urbanairlakegrove | instagram: @urbanairlakegrove

Convenienty located next door to the Smithaven Mall LongIslandParent 43

PartyCentral PARTY ENTERTAINMENT DYNAMIC BEAT PRODUCTIONS

Long Island, New York, and the Tristate area 631-399-6942 dynamicbeat.com dynamicbeat@optonline.net Your special event needs just the right mix of creativity, energy, and professionalism to get the celebration started. Dynamic Beat Entertainment has been making events memorable for 20 years. Our services include DJ, lighting, photo booths, lounge decor, and video production.

ERIK’S REPTILE EDVENTURE

P.O. Box 612, Middle Island 631-335-9308 edventureshow.com edventures1@yahoo.com Have a World of Reptiles Party featuring 12 animals from all around the world! Wildlife education and fun with live reptiles and museum animals. We are ready to make your party an unforgettable event!

PARTY PLACES BOUNCEU FARMINGDALE

101 Carolyn Blvd., Farmingdale 631-777-JUMP (5867) bounceu.com/cities/farmingdale.ny farmingdale.ny@bounceu.com BounceU Farmingdale was voted “Best of Long Island” for Children’s Party Place and Family Amusement Center.

We provide the ideal combination of inflatable structures, a clean environment, incredible customer service, and non-stop excitement in a private party atmosphere.

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, including sugar cookie baking, all about pizza, cupcakes from scratch, doughnuts, chocolate and candy projects. Come in, call, or visit celebrationsinthekitchen.com for more information on parties.

COLD SPRING HARBOR FISH HATCHERY & AQUARIUM

1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor 516-692-6768 cshfha.org steved@cshfha.org Celebrate your child’s next birthday at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium! See the Hatchery & Aquarium’s exciting live exhibits. Feed the hungry trout and learn about fish, reptiles, and amphibians with an up-close animal encounter.

GOLD MEDAL GYMNASTICS CENTERS Suffolk:

44

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

266 East Pulaski Road, Greenlawn 631-427-8275 huntington@gmgc.com 1752 Middle Country Road, Centereach 631-981-4653 centereach@gmgc.com 683 Route 25A, Rocky Point 631-821-2100 rockypoint@gmgc.com 253 W. Main St., Smithtown 631-366-4653 smithtown@gmgc.com; gmgc.com Long Island’s leading gymnastics center, “Where Every Child is a Champion” since 1973. Island-wide with six locations and fully certified instructors. We offer action-packed birthday parties!

supplies from aprons to easels. The guest of honor picks the theme, we provide the instruction, and each guest leaves with a finished painting!

LONG ISLAND AQUARIUM

431 E. Main St., Riverhead 631-208-9200 xH20 (426), 631-208-9200 x125 longislandaquarium.com Have your child’s birthday party at the Long Island Aquarium. Party options include a choice of private rooms, select food items, and an ice cream cake. All parties get a guided tour, special seating at the Sea Lion Show, and rides on the submarine simulator!

LONG ISLAND DUCKS

40 Melville Park Road 516-777-9255 gravityvault.com/locations/melville-ny melville@gravityvault.com Climbing is a great way to celebrate your birthday! Our awesome climbing parties give kids an exciting day they will never forget! Offering different party package options to accommodate your needs.

Bethpage Ballpark 3 Court House Drive, Central Islip 631-940-DUCK (3825) liducks.com Imagine the excitement when your child stands on the dugout with QuackerJack while the crowd sings Happy Birthday! Their name will be displayed on the scoreboard and announced. Package includes box seats and meal. Guests will have fun in the kids zone inflatable area.

GREAT STRIDES LONG ISLAND

LONG ISLAND EXPLORIUM

41 Coram-Swezeytown Road, Middle Island 631-786-9708 greatstridesli.org julie@greatstridesli.org Lasso some birthday fun at Great Strides Long Island. We offer a relaxed picnic atmosphere (indoor facility is available), farm animals, and a horse ride-all for a reasonable price. Email julie@greatstridesli.org for more information.

101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson 631- 331-3277 longislandexplorium.org Celebrate your birthday at the LI Explorium. Enjoy 90 minutes to two hours of exciting, interactive activities. Select a theme from our four well-loved STEM challenges and give your friends the most memorable birthday party ever.

Packages available. Call to reserve your best party today!

INTREPID SEA, AIR & SPACE MUSEUM

LONG ISLAND NETS

GRAVITY VAULT MELVILLE INDOOR ROCK GYM

Pier 86, W. 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue, Manhattan 646-381-5010 intrepidmuseum.org groupsales@intrepidmuseum.org Celebrate your child’s birthday with a one-of-a-kind party! The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum will captivate groups of all ages and interests. Choose from exciting themes, value packages, and customization options to create a birthday adventure they’ll remember forever!

NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale longisland.gleague.nba.com Long Island Nets birthday party packages are a great way to celebrate your next birthday. Receive exclusive gear and birthday shout outs.

KARTS INDOOR RACEWAY

307 Main St., Huntington 631-729-0060 mainstboardgamecafe.com/reservation info@mainstboardgamecafe.com Unplug your game! Main St. Board Game Cafe hosts parties for kids, tweens, and teens. Supervised by our staff of board game experts, our parties are a fun yet enriching experience for your next birthday or event.

701 Union Parkway, Ronkonkoma 631-737-5278 karts1.com info@karts1.com Karts offers a variety of options for kids and adults starting at age 4 (40 inches tall). Whether it be racing, laser tag, or one of our other great activities, our unforgettable parties are loved by both kids and parents.

KEY TO MY ART, INC.

10 W. Oak St., Amityville 131 Main St., East Rockaway 877-539-2278 keytomyart.com At Key to My Art, our children’s paint parties include all

December 2019 | nymetroparents.com

MAIN ST. BOARD GAME CAFE - UNPLUG YOUR GAME

MONSTER MINI GOLF

410-C Commack Road, Deer Park 631-940-8900 monsterminigolf.com/locations/deer-park All birthday packages include 90 minutes in a haunted mansion-themed private party room and a dedicated party host. Guests will play a round of golf under black lights with monster-themed decor featuring

fun-loving, animated monsters.

MY GYM CHILDREN’S FITNESS CENTER

1320 Stony Brook Road, Stony Brook 631-751-KIDS (5437) mygym.com/stonybrook 128 W Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station 631-427-GYMS (4967) mygym.com/huntingtonstation Great South Bay Shopping Center 985 W. Montauk Highway, West Babylon 631-314-GYMS (4967) mygym.com/babylon At My Gym the goal is to make your party an amazing, customized celebration. You will have exclusive use of the entire gym with a rock wall, trampoline, trapeze, climbing structures, and slides.

NOT JUST ART

183 South St., Oyster Bay 516-922-8300 notjustart.com; create@notjustart.com Not Just Art has oodles of excellent music, art, and science parties for ages 1-12 and beyond. Choose from our treasury of super imaginative projects or use favorite themes and activities as a creative springboard.

SAF-T-SWIM SCHOOL

3500 Veterans Memorial Highway, Bohemia 631-580-2825 6136 Jericho Turnpike, Commack 631-462-9696 Located inside New York Sports Club 1850 NY-112, Coram 631-736-6604 1015 Grand Boulevard, Deer Park 631-254-4025

515 Broadhollow Road, Melville 631-940-7160 150-154 Kroemer Ave., Riverhead 631-727-5458 7 Browns Road, Nesconset 631-406-7316 saf-t-swim.com Saf-T-Swim pool parties are never rained out! Our year-round parties include 24 guests, a private party room, pool time, lifeguard, invitations, and pizza.

THOMAS SCHOOL OF HORSEMANSHIP RIDING ACADEMY

STUDIO E ART CLASSES

3147 Middle Country Road, Lake Grove 631-861-4125 urbanairtrampolinepark.com/locations/new-york/lake-grove Escape the same old birthday formulas with a unique experience that allows you run, jump, and soar! Test your skills in the Warrior Obstacle Course and zigzag 30 feet in the air on our Sky Rider Indoor Coaster.

77 Broadway, Rocky Point 631-744-4001 studioeartclass.com/parties Studio E Art Classes offers two economical party options! “The Bash” Starting at only $290 and “The Extravaganza” starting at only $420! View details at studioeartclass.com/parties.

250 Round Swamp Road, Melville 631-692-6840 tshcamp.com tsh@tshcamp.com Birthday parties, scout parties, and class trips are always a blast at the Thomas School of Horsemanship. For groups of 14-18 children.

They receive one hour of riding time.

URBAN AIR LAKE GROVE

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

dance

play spaces

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery ..............................33

Eglevsky Ballet Co. of Long Island Inc. ......................39

Social Play Haus ........................................................39

Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center .................29

Ohman School of Ballet ................................................7 Posey School of Dance ................................................8

Urban Air......................................................................43

Music Together LLC ....................................................37 Social Play Haus ........................................................39

Tower Talent - Melville ................................................33

special events

developmental

Eglevsky Ballet Co. of Long Island Inc. ......................39

Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech.................7, 41

Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center .................29

Studio E Art Classes....................................................17 Thomas School of Horsemanship Riding Academy & Summer Camp .............................................................9 Urban Air......................................................................43

camps Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery ..............................33 Gateway Playhouse ......................................................3 LIU Center for Gifted Youth.........................................31 Music Together LLC ....................................................37 Studio E Art Classes....................................................17 Super Soccer Stars ......................................................9 Thomas School of Horsemanship Riding Academy & Summer Camp .............................................................9 Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts ..............................48 Village East Gifted ........................................................5

child care / day care Mommybites.......................................................... 11, 41

education Huntington Learning Center .........................................2 LIU Center for Gifted Youth.........................................31 Village East Gifted ........................................................5

family entertainment / events / outings Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery ..............................33 Eglevsky Ballet Co. of Long Island Inc. ......................39 Gateway Playhouse ......................................................3 Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center .................29 NYBG - Train Show.......................................................2 Staller Center for the Arts/ Stony Brook ........................7 Tilles Center for the Performing Arts.............................3 Urban Air......................................................................43

health Island Orthodontics .......................................................5

Ohman School of Ballet ................................................7 Social Play Haus ........................................................39 Staller Center for the Arts/ Stony Brook ........................7 Tilles Center for the Performing Arts.............................3 Tower Talent - Melville ................................................33

special needs Huntington Learning Center .........................................2 Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech.................7, 41 Pediatric Immediate Care......................................17, 41

sports Super Soccer Stars ......................................................9 Thomas School of Horsemanship Riding Academy & Summer Camp .............................................................9

classes

Pediatric Immediate Care......................................17, 41

theater

Gateway Playhouse ......................................................3

Tooth Pillow Dentistry (The) ........................................41

Gateway Playhouse ......................................................3

music

Staller Center for the Arts/ Stony Brook ........................7

Music Together LLC ....................................................37

Tilles Center for the Performing Arts.............................3

Super Soccer Stars ......................................................9

performing arts / acting

tutors

Village East Gifted ........................................................5

Gateway Playhouse ......................................................3

Huntington Learning Center .........................................2

LIU Center for Gifted Youth.........................................31 Posey School of Dance ................................................8 Studio E Art Classes....................................................17

LongIslandParent 45

Shana Liebman

raising kids voices

Trip of a Lifetime ›› Despite every precaution, our family vacation turned tragic. By Shana Liebman

I

insisted on the vaccinations. Typhoid, hepatitis A, MMR, polio.

I even drove the kids upstate to a clinic because the yellow fever vaccine was in short supply. Their arms hurt for days.

For malaria we had to take pills, which for a 7-year-old and a 9-year-old is virtually impossible. I sprayed our clothes with Deet and packed the extra anti-malaria pills along with six bottles of Off and a scarf that was supposed to repel mosquitoes.

My husband thought I was crazy. “Bobby says it’s not necessary,” he said. Bobby is our friend who lives in Kenya. We were on our way to visit him for what was going to be—to use a cliched phrase that we found ourselves reluctantly repeating—the trip of a lifetime.

“Why take a risk?” I argued.

“Whatever you want,” my husband said.

Finally, we were ready for what I thought was going to be the hardest part of our journey: a 17-hour plane ride. Instead, we breezed through the epic flight. “See?” My husband said.

“It’s easy.”

Bobby was there to greet us and drove us through the packed, dusty Nairobi streets to his home behind a guarded gate. That afternoon, the kids held mini bananas while monkeys jumped on their backs. We fed giraffes and drank wine beneath avocado trees.

After three days, we flew to the Mara—the bush—where we watched a lioness kill a gazelle then offer the carcass to her cubs.

We saw wildebeests, led by zebras, cross a river filled with crocodiles. Our kids gaped in awe from the back of the jeep and slept beneath mosquito nets back at camp.

Then we hopped another plane to Watamu, a small town on the Indian Ocean where we found ourselves in a beachfront five-bedroom with a personal chef. I read an entire novel while the kids frolicked in the pool. I am happy, I emailed a friend.

After snorkeling, we decided to check out the Crab Shack on the mangrove where we could watch a stunning sunset. It was 5pm, daylight just starting to fade. “Boys get your shoes,” I said.

A few seconds later we heard a shatter like a planter had been knocked over and then I saw what had actually happened, a vision that still haunts me every time I close my eyes.

46

December 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Nate and Mack, the author’s sons, in the Mara with a Masai guide

Mack, my 7-year-old, who was running to get his shoes, had smashed right through the sliding glass door. Glass was everywhere and Mack was screaming. And then there was blood. So much of it. I thought of the gazelle in the Mara. I thought of the book I read where a boy walks through glass and dies. And I thought, is this it?

I immediately started reassuring everyone, but for the first time as a parent, I thought: It’s not going to be okay. This is when the good times end.

And then: What if? What if he had not left his shoes outside? What if we had decided to stay in that evening?

My hands shook as I wrapped Mack’s wounds. The ambulance arrived. A doctor tried to give Mack an IV, but his veins had collapsed.

We drove 2 hours through black night under pouring rain on dirt roads to a hospital where a young African girl was wheezing.

Was this really happening?

There were waves of nausea and blurry floors. Finally, the doctor said, “He’s going to be okay.”

“He is?” I asked, still unsure.

We spent the rest of our vacation in African hospitals, getting Mack sewn back together. The pain was so bad at times that he needed IVs and shots and nerve-blockers. He screamed and cried and vomited from the medicine. But after a week, we learned there would be no permanent damage, minus a few brutal scars.

When we got home, there were notes and flowers from our friends. Exhausted, I unpacked our dusty clothes and saw the bottle of anti-malaria pills. I thought of all the shots I had made the boys get, the forms I carried with us in a sturdy plastic folder— proof of our exceptional health and fortitude. That was us before, I thought, before we knew what it felt like to see our tiny, precious child hurt so badly that time stops.

I threw the pill bottle in the trash. We had shielded ourselves against deadly, crippling diseases, and yet life had thrown us a curveball that no vaccine could have blocked.

Are we better for it? Who knows? But two months later, as I write this, Mack is kicking a soccer ball against the house, shaking the walls—something I’ve told him many times not to do. And I am grateful, so grateful for it.

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