Tour The New Statue of Liberty Museum with us!
June 2019 established 1986
Jennifer Fisher
The star jeweler shares her tips for holding it all together
Fa Fav mily orit Our es cho read ers ice ’ bes s for t t of he NYC
Inside:
Spotlight on Preschools
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contents
June 2019
newyorkfamily.com
pg. 60
pg. 30 pg. 46
pg. 38
FEATURES 38 | Jennifer Fisher Shines Bright Iconic jewelry designer Jennifer Fisher keeps it real by sharing her past challenges and how family and work help her keep it all together 44 | The 10 Best Kid-Friendly Sunscreens Protect your kid’s skin with these kidfriendly sunscreens that are gentle and non-toxic 46 | Teaching Tweens About Empathy In this age of technology, here is how we can guide our children to greater kindness and understanding 30 | How to Choose the Best Preschool for Your Child New York has some of the best preschools. Here are a few tips to know when your child is ready and how to find the best preschool for your family.
Family Favorites 52 | Family Favorites The favorite spots and businesses picked by our readers
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pg. 48
columns 6 | Editor’s Note Summer is Here! 8 | Mom Hacks Born and bred New York writer Cris Pearlstein shares her best gear and tips on for Summer in the city with kids
36 | Finding the Right Childcare in Summer Months Find the best care for your kids during the hot months of summer 66 | The Importance of Reading to Your Child Start them off reading at an early age
Home & Away
14 | Ask the Doula Samantha Huggins, Co-founder of Carriage House Birth shares why doulas are not just for birthing mothers but for partners as well
48 | Neighborhood Guide: Greenpoint This sweet hood is the calm neighbor to bustling Williamsburg
18 | Mama about Town Countdown to Summer picks from Lyss Stern
50 | Travel Miami, two ways makes for a perfect family getaway
20 | Family Day Out Brand new waterpark Kartrite in Monticello, New York is set on 1600 acres where there is fun at every corner 24 | Statue of Liberty Museum Opens We got a sneak peek at the grand opening of The Statue of Liberty Museum is now open in NYC 28 | Tennis Anyone? 5 tips to help children improve their tennis serve
Family fun 60 | Calendar Great kid-friendly June events in Manhattan and not-to-be-missed events around the city 64 | Blackboard Awards Since 2002, the Blackboard Awards have celebrated excellence in education in New York City. Honoring those who foster academic, emotional and social growth of the city’s children. Cover photo by Taylor Jewell
COME GROW WITH US! Play and learn with us at Congregation Rodeph Sholom! We invite you to be a part of our grown-up and me classes including Learning Together, our classroom readiness program; and clergy-led Shabbat and holiday experiences, all for children ages 0-3. Join us in our newly-renovated space designed just for kids! All are welcome. Learn more and register for Fall 2019 at rodephsholom.org/sholomsprouts 7 West 83rd Street, New York, NY 10024 • 646.454.3059 sholomsprouts@crsnyc.org • rodephsholom.org/sholomsprouts June 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com
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editor’s note
June Sunshine New Yorkers truly cherish Summer. We trudge through winter, slush through Spring’s rainy days and come June we are ready to relish the warm weather. And there is so much to enjoy! We were able to tour the New Statue of Liberty Museum (page 24) and learn about Lady Liberty’s creation and significance. We suggest you could spend a lazy Saturday in Greenpoint, Brooklyn checking out our favorite parks and spots (Our neighborhood guide is on page 24). For a long weekend or day trip - the kids (and you!) are going to love Splash Out at The Kartrite (page 20) New York’s biggest indoor waterpark. We all know once we finally (deep breath) make it out the door there is a lot of ground to cover whether it’s the park, beach or museum outings. Check out our 10 Kid-Friendly Sunscreens (page 44) for the family. Our Mom Hacks Product Guide (page 8) will take the edge off those long days and help the day to be more efficient. Lastly, we are stronger as a community when our fellow parents share their story. We know jewelry designer Jennifer Fisher Shines Bright (page 38) for her famous brand, her cult following and her ability to make a delicious salt. She is unstoppable. She is also a mom and shares with us her past challenges and how the bond of her family
Nina Gallo Photography
makes it work and worth it. Make sure to follow us on Instagram (www.instagram.com/ newyorkfamily). And check us out online at newyorkfamily.com for more Summer spots to visit, preschool tips and guides, and more!
Happy June! Donna Ladd
Publisher: Clifford Luster
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Marketing Assistant: Charlotte Sauvagnat Event Coordinator: Emanuelle Block Art Director: Leah Mitch Web developer: Sylvan Migdal Graphic Designers: Arthur Arutyunov, John Napoli, Marcos Ramos, Connie Sulsenti
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mom hacks
Summer, Kids and the City This season is a great opportunity to explore the city like a tourist. Read on for all the tips you’ll need for a successful day out By Cris Pearlstein
H
aving kids is hard. Having kids in the summer in the City is harder. Between staying cool and filling the long days with things to do, it can be hard to wrap your head around anything other than just parking your family at a pool all day. But even lounging by the pool gets old because, let’s face it, no lounging gets done when you’re with your kids. So this summer try breaking up the season with a few days spent exploring NYC. Our no-fail mom hacks will help you prepare everything you need for a successful day.
TIP #1: Lighten your load It’s really important to be smart about the bag you decide to carry for your big day in the city. Your regular diaper bag is probably too bulky, and your everyday purse is way too small, try a backpack! The backpack you choose for a full-day excursion should be three things: lightweight, roomy, and washable. Here are our two favorites. LeSportSac Basic Backpack features adjustable padded straps, multiple exterior pockets and a double zipper closure for easy access. Plus, it’s made of lightweight ripstop Nylon fabric and has a relaxed, retro vibe that we love right now: $95 Rebecca Minkoff Julian Nylon backpack is a mom-friendly take on the widelyloved leather version. This bag features adjustable straps, a roomy interior, and three exterior zip pockets, including one on the back for added security. We love it because it has all the comfort and functionality of a backpack but doesn’t scream “mom bag.” $89
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New York Family | June 2019
TIP #2: Leave the wide load at home We’ve covered how you’re going to schlep your stuff, now let’s talk about how you’re going to schlep your kids. You probably love your oversized everyday stroller for its durability and ample cargo space, but do yourself a favor and leave that beast at home. Instead, try an umbrella stroller or go light and opt for just a baby carrier. Here are our favorites: The UppaBaby Minu is the newest member of the UppaBaby family. At under 15lbs this umbrella stroller is perfect for any travel you will do with your little one. It also boasts a one-handed, one-step fold which is so necessary when you’re juggling kids, babies, and bags on the streets of New York. Despite its compact size, it still has ample room under the seat for storage and also includes a visor shade with UPF 50+, perfect for on-the-go naptime. $399.99
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To learn more about applying for health insurance, including Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Essential Plan, and Qualified Health Plans through NY State of Health, The Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777.
June 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com
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mom hacks The Colugo Compact is another great lightweight, easy-to-fold option. This stroller comes with a rain cover, a carry backpack, and a machine washable layer. The carry backpack means you can fold it up and easily throw it over your shoulder for smoother subway riding. We also love the fun, out-of-the-box prints available like the leopard print, tie-dye, and camo. $285 If you want to skip a stroller altogether, baby-wearing is a great option. We love the ErgoBaby Omni360 carrier because of the lightweight, breathable mesh fabric and the UPF 50+ hood cover. Plus, even though it’s ready to go for newborns, it also has front-facing, side hip and backpack-style carry options for older babes up to 48 months. $180 The Baby Bjorn Carrier Mini is a lighter option meant for newborns to 12 months in shorter babywearing sessions. It’s smaller than many other models, and so it easily fits into your backpack or under your stroller when you take it off. It is made of cotton, jersey, and soft mesh which ensures a cool and airy experience. $79.99
TIP #3: Load up on snacks Every mom knows the secret to a good time with your kids away from home is in the snacks. For a long day in the city — where anything can happen — you have to be ready for the unexpected. The more snacks, the better. But in the hot and humid NYC summer, you don’t want to just throw Babybels in your backpack and hope for the best. Check out our favorites here. The PackIt Freezable Classic lunch box means you never have to wrestle with annoying ice packs again. The lunch box is the ice pack—freezable gel make up the walls of the bag and keep the inside chill for hours—so all you have to do is throw it in the freezer the night before you need it. Oh, and did we mention it’s collapsible to squeeze into the tightest freezer easily? $19.99
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New York Family | June 2019
If you’ve got the kind of kid who always wants something to dip his baby carrots or pretzels in then the Bentgo Kids lunch box is for you. It has five leak-proof compartments lined with rubber edges that are the ideal portion sizes for kids ages 3 to 7. The tray is dishwasher safe and pops out for easy cleanup. And although these boxes are known for being indestructible, the brand offers a 2-year warranty which is always nice to have for that one instance where you back over it with your car: $27.99
TIP #4: Take a load off There comes the point in the day when no matter how many snacks you’ve packed, you need to sit your crew down and eat real food. But where to go with amped-up, hangry kids that won’t kick you out or spit in your food? The Infatuation, a website dedicated to finding the perfect place to eat for your needs, has the answer. You can type “kid friendly” in their search bar, or click on their “kids” tag for a list of restaurants organized by neighborhood and price. If it’s a particularly hot day there might be no better idea than to get your kids to a sprinkler and you to a park bench. But sprinkler parks are like Starbuck’s—everywhere when you don’t need one, nowhere to be found when you do. Luckily the folks who run the nyc.gov website predicted this and built a page made for a mom with sweaty kids in tow. It’s called Find a Sprinkler Area in a Park, and it’s straightforward to use. For a mom who’s breastfeeding, no restaurant or park will do the trick. Eventually, you’ll need to find a safe and clean space to feed your child (or pump) which is, unfortunately, harder than it sounds. New York City still has a long way to go in this category, but what’s worse is that the available places are almost impossible to find. The one website that’s trying to remedy this situation is MomsPumpHere.com. It’s not fancy, but it works. Plug in your zip code, and it populates a list of establishments that have either proper lactation rooms or spaces that can serve the purpose. For a nursing mother in a pinch, it’s a must-click.
Best tennis for NYC kids! Summer day camps. Fall programs. Get in the game now!
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Fall programs for Junior Tennis players and QuickStart players 8 locations across NYC Get the details. Sign up for fall! At www.advantagejuniorprograms.com June 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com
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mom hacks TIP #5: Stay light on your feet The only way you’ll truly survive your trip is if your feet aren’t killing you by the end. Forget your old flip-flops that offer your feet zero protection or your beat-up ballet flats that provide no support. You know you’ll be miserable before the day even gets going. We’ve narrowed it down to the three favorites that we stand behind. The shoes you wear are so crucial because if your feet are happy, you can be happy. Sometimes when it comes to fashion, it’s best to rely on the classics — case in point, Birkenstock sandals. While the iconic sandals have been around for over 50 years, a newer style made of EVA is what we recommend. It’s super lightweight, ultra-flexible, waterproof, and washable. The best part? It’s less than half the price of the traditional Birks. $39.95 The most comfortable sneaker award goes to the Camper Drift sneakers. These cult favorites boast an Ortholite insole which offers extra cushioning and moisture management. They’re also lightweight and flexible. $143.80
If breathability is what you’re looking for, Allbirds Tree Runners are the sneaks for you. They are made of eucalyptus tree fiber that is breathable and has a cooling effect. Plus the insole is lined with merino wool which has moisture wicking and odor reduction properties. Bonus? The brand uses sustainable materials and environmentally safe practices. $95, allbirds.com.
TIP #6: Download to get around Navigating around the streets (and subways and buses and ferries) of New York can be confusing. The best app to help you get around is Citymapper. With this app, you can compare all transit options in real time (including ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft!). It provides the cost associated with each mode of transportation so you can decide what’s in your budget. Another plus, it has a whole section for “wheelchair accessible” routes, which of course is perfect for any mama with a stroller. We know it can be overwhelming to think about spending an entire day with your kids away from your home base without all your creature comforts. It’s enough to make you want to stay home and draw the shades! With the right amount of preparation, the right gear, and the right state of mind, you will master this whole city-with-thekids thing. We swear. And while you’re out and about this summer hashtag us those summer pics! #NewYorkFamily
Photo by Rosalie O’Connor
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ask the expert
Doulas Are For Partners, Not Just Mothers Why a doula is really there for both of you By Samantha Huggins
When considering your birthing plan, make sure that your partner understands that doulas are not just for birthing mothers but for partners as well. Having the support of a doula during your birth can provide support to both of you, and doesn’t mean that they’re not important, or that you’re replacing them. We asked expert doula and co-founder of Brooklyn-based Carriage House Birth, Samantha Huggins, to share her wisdom on how a doula can be a valuable resource for partners. Pass this article to your partner if they’re unsure about what a doula does, and how doulas and partners can work together to
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create the best possible birthing experience. Here is why doulas are for your partners too!
N
aturally, when a family is preparing for a new baby, we immediately center the pregnant person in all decisions surrounding the labor and early postpartum period. And rightly so. Their body, their choice. But there is a very important choice that is one to be shared. Hiring a doula. Here’s why. There is a misconception that doulas are solely for the pregnant person or the early postpartum person replacing the need for a partner. Not so! Having a baby is an all hands on deck experience and doulas and partners
can join forces to become the dream team that supports the pregnant person through this process. Because at the end of the day, you deserve to be held through this time too. And while yes, it is true that you did not have the baby, we are just as invested in your wellbeing. Why? Because after doulas go home and you leave the hospital, birth center or your medical team leaves your homebirth, it’s you, your partner and your children. And this new version of your family needs you to be as whole as you can be also. But often partners aren’t very sure what a doula even does. And like with all things, if we don’t know what our choices are, then we have none. So, to all of the amazing partners of laboring people out there. I want to share with you how you can be held through the process of supporting your person as they become two (or more)! In a nutshell, every support person needs support, Doulas are there to support you so that you can support your partner to the best of your ability. We infuse your tired, undernourished, porous bones with resolve,
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confidence, nourishment and a touchstone. This can mean many things. You may not know this, but you cannot give 100% of yourself to someone when you are operating at 15%. It’s just not possible. When you are exhausted, hungry, worried, unsure, excited, distracted, managing the rest of your family and social circle, it’s very hard to center someone else’s very real and immediate needs. Doulas are there to be sure that you are being fed, taking breaks, brushing your teeth, squeezing hips, offering nourishment, tapping out and tapping in at the right moments. And this is just the tip of it. Whether you are working with a doula for just birth or the postpartum or hiring a doula to ride the whole ride with you, we meet you where you are with honesty, helping you to identify your strengths and then fill in the blanks. We make a plan and then hold space for every iteration of that plan, including the version where the plan goes right out the window. I like to call this moment “making lemonade”. Here are some of the ways that your doula and you can be the best team ever. Permission granted
You are vulnerable too in this space as you are born into your new role as a parent. Your doula is there to emotionally support you through this process. We know that you have a lot going on and a lot to think about in this space. Sometimes the best support you can offer the person who gave birth to your child or is in the process of doing so, is a little connectivity. Just getting your heads together, holding hands, maybe a few words can really get you guys centered and back on track. You can do that while your doula is managing the environment around you. Class is in session
Want to know all the cool moves with carriers, wraps, bottles, labor tricks? Ask your doula. Whether it’s your first time on the parenting trail or your third, we want you to shine bright. And since we have been on this road many times with many families, we have the hacks, tips, and tricks to get you guys there with a clear understanding of why something works and when to give it a try. Most doulas understand that there are many paths to your goals, we look forward to honoring your process. Be the voice
We remind you to advocate for your family and help you to do that when you or we
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New York Family | June 2019
Having a baby is an all hands on deck experience and doulas and partners can join forces to become the dream team that supports the pregnant person through this process.
collectively think it’s applicable. This is key. In the thick of a what I like to call a ‘hurricane in a teacup’ moment, when everything is moving fast and you are totally feeling like a fish out of water, a doula can and will help to slow the moment down, ask questions, and remind you to get answers. Having a clear understanding of what is happening, why and whether or not this is the best method to tap into or if there is another way can be the difference in how you all ultimately end up feeling about the birth or early postpartum period. Shine on you crazy diamond. As we said before, we are there to fill in the blanks. If you need a minute for some coffee, a friendly check in with a friend or family member, a bathroom break, your doula is there to hold space so that you can do that without worry. Trust me, your partner wants you to be fresh and bring new creative energy to the space. Pro tip: they also want you to brush your teeth on the way back in. Coffee breath is usually a hard no in the labor space. You be the rock, we will be the foundation
We hold space for you and your feelings too! Look, your partner and their body are going through a lot. A lot. And honestly, so is yours. Your psycho/emotional self is in rolling in high gear. You are witnessing this. You are
expected to support this. We offer room for this and an emotional center for you to come back to. I have had more meaningful exchanges by looking honestly into a partner’s eyes than I can express and we are both always thankful at the end of those moments for the quick check-in. In summary, doulas care for you the same way we care for pregnant people. When a doula agrees to work with your family, you are included as an equitable and valued member. So, go to the meet and greets, look for eye contact from the people you ask questions of (ask questions!!!), sit with your feelings about the doulas that are interviewed and offer input on who should be hired. WE are the support troops. TOGETHER. Samantha is a birth and postpartum doula, childbirth educator, doula trainer, CBC, parent and curriculum builder. As a founding member of Carriage House Birth, Samantha Huggins works vigilantly to redefine doula work and contemporary parenting. She oversees CHB Education focusing primarily on curriculum building, elevating doula professionalism, and training doulas. Samantha is deeply committed to this work and creating a model of care that is sustainable and works for all people. Samantha is the mother of two, wife to one and friend to many.
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June 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com
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mama about town
By Lyss Stern
socialization benefits of a daycare. For more information go to cozykin.com.
The Collective Child is a personalized, shopping service for luxury childrenswear.
Countdown to Summer
A
re the kids ready for school to be out?! Mine are counting down the days and cannot wait for the beach, camp and good old fashioned Summer Fun. I can’t wait to curl up on my beach chair and read a few great books one of which I will share with you below. Make sure not to forget your sunscreen every day (lots and lots). A new find that I love is The Collective Child. A personalized, shopping service delivering a hand-selected curation of luxury childrenswear. Their team of stylists travel the world to discover unique pieces from the most coveted designer brands and emerging vanguard labels in order to build custom collections and introduce new childrenswear lines to members on a monthly basis, or as they request it. Every delivery features a multi-branded selection of designer brands and emerging labels (with new brands introduced every season). With a focus on brand discovery and international labels, members receive unique looks they won’t find elsewhere. Parents fill out a style questionnaire. Each box is hand-curated by a stylist based on member preferences. Unlike other subscription boxes that come on a monthly schedule, members have the option to receive boxes monthly and or as you request them. The Collective Child was founded by fashion vet Sandra Makarem who has more than a decade of experience in the fashion space, from a short stint at French Vogue to nearly eight years as a planner and buyer at Bloomingdale’s. Sandra
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New York Family | June 2019
is hands on with every member account, ensuring clients receive pieces they will love. Only purchase what you like and send the rest back! With every box, The Collective Child sends six or more products tailors to each members style. Members have seven days to try everything on their children, keep what they like and send the rest back. $20 per delivery, credited towards purchases thecollectivechild.com One of the most stressful parts of becoming a new mom is figuring out who will take care of your newborn baby once you return to work and one that you can trust. Fortunately, CozyKin, the childcare leader in Montessoriinspired nanny sharing has expanded to NYC. The company is on a mission to trailblaze a new generation of early education by supporting new parents in their return to work and providing competitive living wages and benefits to nannies. In short, CozyKin matches two compatible, local families with a rigorously vetted and trained nanny. The company handles all the logistics from finances and nanny management to backup care, giving parents a stress-free and seamless experience. Parents can plan their childcare needs well in advance and rely on CozyKin’s no waitlist guarantee, so every moment is spent with their baby during leave. Furthermore, the two families’ children in the nanny share gain the cognitive benefits of socialization with their first best friend. Some may say it’s the best of both worlds – the personalization of a nanny with the
A new awesome find that every parent on the Upper East Side is going to love, STORE is New York’s only local neighborhood storage solution. Located at 1290 3rd Avenue in the heart of the Upper East Side, STORE offers no-hassle storage starting as low as $8 per month. Stop by STORE and try it out or just say hi to the super friendly staff. STORE Makes Getting Your Stuff Quick & Easy with absolutely no hassle. You can schedule a valet to pick-up or drop-off. You will be so happy to learn about these new finds. Declutter this Summer and manage your storage needs here. Time to put away the Spring shoes and make room for your beautiful Summer clothing, shoes, bicycles. Best part about STORE for NYC parents, they can store away your strollers, cribs, baby beds and more for the next child. We all know how we can never have enough storage on the UES. www. storenyc.com Looking for a book that you will not be able to put down? Look no more, A Girl Raised By Wolves: An inspiring memoir of one woman’s journey through sex trafficking, cancer, murder, and more by Lockey Maisonneuve. In the late 1970’s, in a gritty N.J. town, an adolescent girl is unwittingly handed a oneway ticket by her mother to allegedly “visit” her estranged father in Florida. Young and vulnerable, Lockey Maisonnueve has no idea she is being abandoned and sent to live with a vile and dangerous pedophile who would spend the next several years violently raping, abusing and mercilessly selling his daughter’s body into childhood prostitution to other adult men. After being rescued by her naive, but well-intentioned, grandparents, her troubled life is further devastated by cancer and ravaged by the subsequent brutal murder of her mother, in which Lockey is briefly considered a suspect. A Girl Raised by Wolves is the inspirational memoir of a survivor of the darkest circumstances one can endure in a single lifetime and still emerge with a sense of humor and to defiantly proclaim “they didn’t break me!” Lyss Stern is the founder of Divamoms.com, author of Motherhood Is A B#tch, and If You Give A Mom A Martini, and a mom of three. Follow Lyss on Instagram @diva_moms
FAMILY FUN IN HRPK
Join the fun with performances for kids and Estuary Lab learning all summer long. Movies, magic, fishing and more! Discover it all at Hudson River Park. hudsonriverpark.org
June 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com
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family day out
Splash Out at The Kartrite New York’s biggest indoor waterpark beckons in the Catskills By Lambeth Hochwald
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hen you walk into The Kartrite, New York’s biggest indoor waterpark, set on 1,600 acres, the excitement is palpable. After all, there’s nothing like a waterpark, especially a brand-new one that has geared each and every activity to kids of all ages. In fact, from the minute you arrive in this sparkly new resort, located 90 minutes from Midtown in Monticello, New York, and slip on a wristband, it just feels like there’s going to be something fun to do around every corner. For starters, it’s not going to be difficult for your kids to pick an activity they want to do. Some highlights include the two gaming areas—the arcade is called Playopolis and Van Winkle’s Alley features a mini fourlane bowling alley—and there’s also a ropes course, zipline and all sorts of kids’ activities from 3D gaming, VR and laser tag for the older ones in your family to DIY sand art and double decker cookie creations for the little ones. But let’s not kid ourselves: The star of the resort is most definitely the 80,000-squarefoot waterpark which is said to boast the most plant life ever inside a waterpark as well as 11 water attractions. Like most waterparks, it’s incredibly loud once you walk through the doors, but it also felt well-managed, well-supervised and surprisingly calm, considering how many families were lounging by the pool, racing up and down the steps to hop on their favorite ride or dragging an inflatable from one ride to the next. And, since the waterpark is covered entirely by what’s said to be the world’s largest texlon transparent roof, it’s 84 degrees inside no matter the time of day—the staff urges guests to apply the sunscreen since it gets quite sunny inside—and the park stays open from 9 AM to 9 PM, which means it’s easy for families to make an entire day of it here. Another great feature: There are lockers and changing rooms in the waterpark and towels galore if you don’t want to walk through the resort in your bathing suit, which means you truly don’t have to bring more than your bathing suits, sunscreen and sunglasses (though the resort sells them if you happen to forget to pack them) from your
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room to the waterpark, especially since your wristband is all you need to order snacks and drinks no matter where you are at the resort. As for safety, we noticed loads of lifeguards on duty here as well as safety vests that are required for kids who can’t swim. Every attraction is supervised to ensure a safe visit and there’s lots for kids of all ages to do. For example, the entire family can ride the waves on the Endless Summer Flowrider (kids have to be 42” in height minimum to enjoy this ride). If you have younger ones in your family, watch as they spend hours
playing in the Puddle Ducks lagoon, a shallow interactive pool designed with superfun slides and water features that will delight little ones who are new to the waterpark experience. For a serene few moments right in the midst of the hubbub, join your entire family, pick up an inflatable and float down the Empire Bay lazy river. This is the perfect spot to sit back and enjoy the ride through the incredible vegetation planted in the resort (one note: riders must be 48-inches minimum height or accompanied by an adult).
A Transformational High School Experience ATI offers an unparalleled high school experience, filled with hands-on learning
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If it’s scary rides you and your kids are seeking, there’s lots here to enjoy. Thrill seekers are sure to scream with glee on some of the park’s high-speed adrenaline-pumping rides, like The Krakken and The Nor’Easter, which takes four riders soaring for a moment of weightlessness before flying back down to earth to banked curves, dips and turns. (Note: Both of these rides have a 48-inch height requirement and don’t require adult supervision.) Food food food There are plenty of on-site restaurants here and booster seats at the ready for the littlest in your family. So, whether you want a locally sourced, fancier meal at Bixby’s Derby—the grilled Caesar and chicken Milanese are yummy—or prefer to hit the all-you can-eat breakfast and dinner buffet at Eat.Eat.Eat., we’re not kidding when we say that even the pickiest of eaters will find something yummy to chow down on. Other options include Harvey’s Wallbanger, where burgers and pizza are a focal point, Surfside Grille, where families
Tired of the water? The resort also has a mini bowling alley.
can grab quick bites in the waterpark, exhausted parents can caffeinate at The Highline and there are treats galore—we’re talking bags of candy to go, ice cream and cupcakes—at Pop’s Sweet Shoppe. Smart accommodations One of the most standout features here: There are 324 suites some of which come with a separate sleeping space equipped with two bright blue bunkbeds to accommodate four kids. The bedding is super cute, too: We’re
talking space-themed hybrid sleeping bags that kind of simulate an outdoor camping experience. Other rooms feature a king-size bed and a pullout sofa and the Junior Suite Double Queens feature two queen beds and one queen sleeper which can work well for families or friends traveling together who want an economical way to book a vacation. And, since the resort is geared for kids of all ages, there’s a family bathroom with a changing table, located right off the lobby and there are tons of strollers everywhere and multiple elevators to make moving around the resort as easy as possible. Room rates start at $249 per night. Check in is at 4 PM and there’s a mandatory checkout at 11 AM but you can check your bags and stay at the resort until 9 PM. For more information, visit The Kartrite website. Lambeth Hochwald is a New York City-based lifestyle writer and mom of a teen who loves discovering new pockets of her home state. Our stay was complimentary but all thoughts and opinions are our own.
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Also at Launch: Math Programs Ĺ” STEM Classes Ĺ” Holiday Camps Ĺ” Private Instruction Multiple Manhattan Locations Ĺ” www.launchmath.com Ĺ” 212-600-1010 Ĺ” info@launchmath.com
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New York Family | June 2019
Now Enrolling for Fall 2019
Offer Your Child a World of Possibilities At Polis Montessori, children work and play in an environment designed to prepare them to pursue their passions on a global scale. Polis strives to provide young children with an authentic Montessori experience that celebrates the rich cultural offerings of New York City.
Visit us online today to RSVP for an event or schedule a tour! Polis Montessori World School, Manhattan Museum Mile 12 East 79th Street New York, NY 10075
Columbus Square 775 Columbus Avenue New York, NY 10025
www.polis.school l (917) 388-1710 Toddler • Preschool • Kindergarten • Elementary
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Mandarin Immersion programs available.
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family day out
Grand Opening of the Statue of Liberty Museum in NYC
Prepare to let freedom ring at the new Statue of Liberty Museum! By Jana Beauchamp
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repare to let freedom ring at the new Statue of Liberty Museum! This new museum opened to the public mid-May. The 26,000-square-foot museum celebrates the Statue of Liberty’s history, influence, and legacy in the world. The Statue of Liberty Museum adds to the experience of the island’s 4.5 million annual visitors, regardless of age or nationality, spreading the story of her creation and significance. The centerpiece is the display of the Statue of Liberty’s original torch—a universal symbol of enlightenment—that was previously located inside the base of the pedestal. The immersive theater The museum features many engaging and interactive elements throughout and is enthralling for kids of all ages. The galleries inspire visitors and educate them about the Statue of Liberty in interactive and thoughtprovoking ways. We began our experience in the Immersive Theater, a panoramic, powerful, multimedia experience that
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surrounds visitors in the sweeping story of the Statue and the ideal she represents. My kids were mesmerized as we watched the three segments (each in its own theater and lasting approximately 8-10 minutes total). We were weaving through the soaring theater space, learning the rich story of the Statue’s origins and meaning past, present, and future. Engagement gallery Next, we were in the Engagement Gallery where visitors explore what took place in the warehouse where Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi built the Statue. A series of multimedia displays evoke the feeling of being in the sculptor’s studio, allowing guests to see the step-by-step process of Liberty’s construction, from small plaster model to the copper sheets pounded on massive negative molds to create the Statue’s final form. The highlight for the little ones is the full-scale copper molds of Lady Liberty’s foot. Visitors are encouraged to touch and explore it. My little lady had fun measuring up and seeing that she is the same size as Lady Liberty’s big
toe! It is toe-tally fascinating! We enjoyed exploring and learning through artifacts, graphics, and interactive media. Inspiration gallery Then we went to the Inspiration Gallery where visitors can reflect upon what they have seen and experienced in the museum. Using an interactive floor to ceiling digital interface, we were invited to document our visit and express our views by adding a self-portrait and curating a photo collage of inspirational images about what liberty means to each of us. We delighted in selecting our images and words and watching as they are integrated into the stunning and ever-growing digital experience called Becoming Liberty. There is also a stunning, copper model of Lady Liberty’s face with a sign telling you to please feel free to touch the face so some little ones were giving her kisses and while yet others were trying to fit up her nose. The tour culminates with an up-close view of Liberty’s most iconic symbol – her original torch – held high for nearly 100 years and still a touchstone of the light Liberty shines from
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After-School Program NY State Accredited Language Program
• Low tuition • No previous German necessary • Minimum age: 6 years
• Manhattan location: Upper East Side • Locations also in Franklin Square and Garden City (Long Island)
Classes start second week in September For more information see: www.German-American-School.org German Lessons Since 1897
German is for everyone! for more information email: kidslearngerman@aol.com or go to german-american-school.org June 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com
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generation to generation. At one point my littlest lady plopped down on a bench and was gazing happily out from the floor-to-ceiling glass walls that boast breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty herself and the city skyline. Up on the roof, merging landscape and building, there are native meadow grasses and sweeping, panoramic views of Lady Liberty, lower Manhattan, and all of New York Harbor. The new museum adds a whole new educational, interactive, and fun dimension to a requisite to Liberty Island. Families will be exhilarated! The new museum is part of a $100 million Liberty Island-wide beautification effort that’s being funded by the Statue of LibertyEllis Island Foundation, led by campaign chairperson Diane von Furstenberg. The museum was designed by architecture firm FXCollaborative with exhibits created by experience design firm ESI Design. The structure was built by Phelps Construction Group. SBI Consultants served as the owner’s representative coordinating activities among all stakeholders.
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Access to the museum is free with the purchase of a ferry ticket to Liberty and Ellis Islands. If you take any Statue Cruise boat, you disembark onto Liberty Island and the museum is one of the first buildings you encounter on the island. Tickets start at $9 for children ages 4-12, $18.50 for adults, and $14 for seniors. Children under 4 are free. Tickets include access to the ground of Liberty Island and Ellis Island and audio tours of both are included. The length of the visit and experience would vary by age.
Younger ones may walk through and be done in 20-30 minutes whereas older children can easily enjoy an hour or more of fun. For more information about the Statue of Liberty Museum or visiting Liberty Island, go to statueoflibertymuseum.org and follow the Foundation on social media at Facebook/ StatueEllisFnd, Twitter @StatueEllisFdn, and Instagram @StatueEllisFdn. Jana Beauchamp is a Manhattan writer and mom of two.
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sports
Tennis Anyone? 5 tips to help kids improve their serve By Cassandra Aquart
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ith the sun peeking through the clouds and June underway, for tennis fans living in New York City that could only mean one thing: It’s time to get ready for the outdoor tennis season! As any casual tennis fan knows, the serve is the most important stroke in tennis. And to help your budding tennis star improve his or her serve and enjoy the game of tennis, we turned to the pros at Advantage QuickStart Tennis for some guidance. From Paul Fontana, the Director of Administration: 1. Teach your child to throw overhand. Playing catch is a great way to develop the serving motion. Point, step, and throw is a simple formula to learn how to properly throw a ball.
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2. Practice throwing to targets. Go to an open field/space, and place three cones or targets approximately two feet apart. Next, have your child stand about eight feet away from each target. Then, play catch, but alternate where you stand behind each target. Note that teaching directional intent is a building block stage to serving. 3. Get a racket in your child’s hands. You can go to a tennis court, or to a schoolyard with a wall and have your child stand approximately 15-20 feet away from the net or wall. Next, have your child place the racket in a back-scratch position. After that, have him or her toss the ball up and then have the child try to hit the ball over the net or wall. If you could demonstrate this for your child, that is always helpful; I would switch on and off, and keep encouraging his or her efforts.
4. Make it into a game. Setting up targets or trying to hit the ball against the wall or over the net three times in a row is a simple bar to pass so make it fun for your child. Remember: Tennis is a game and you want to keep it in perspective. You want to have your child feel a sense of accomplishment! 5. Make sure you don’t turn your child off. If your child is struggling, go back to an exercise that he or she enjoys. If you recall the film Field of Dreams, the simple act of playing catch with your child can be very powerful. The serve is complicated because of the toss and the hit. Again, don’t get frustrated if your child struggles with this phase. Remember to keep encouraging your child and make sure he or she is having fun. If your child is taking private or group lessons, make sure that the serve is being taught. Often times the serve is not emphasized and it develops later; however, the serve is the most important stroke and it takes time to master so be patient and it will develop in due time. For more from Advantage QuickStart, visit advantagetennisclubs.com.
ViLLAGE KiDS DAY C A M P
Ages 4 Ages 4-12
Sports • Cooking • Chess • Swimming Crafts • Dance • Tennis • Robotics Expeditions • Outdoor Fun
490 Hudson Street NY • 917-426-3263
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Musical Acting Summer Camps July - August, 9am - 3pm
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spotlight: preschool
How to Choose the Best Preschool for your Child Once they’re ready, how to find the right fit By Donna Ladd
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reschool. For starters, I was underprepared for it. I was a naive mom who imagined you pick a school and away your little one goes to learn life lessons. I had not accounted for waitlists, classes at capacity and so much more. Thankfully this was eight years back. When this rough patch of parenting was over, I learned valuable lessons. I now know that preparation, organization and educating oneself are vital when choosing a preschool. The good news is that parents in New York City have options to wonderful preschools. What is “important” is knowing when and how to navigate the preschool process. So deep breaths, you got this! When is the best time to think about preschool? Unless you are a seasoned parent, you may
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wonder when you should start thinking about preschool for your child. Erica Young, an early childhood educator in New York City, says “depending on your personal factors, it could make sense to look at preschool when your child is a year and a half out from when they would attend.” Once you have decided to look into preschool, Mrs. Young suggest you then need to ask what your needs are. “Is your child in daycare and you need childcare to continue? Are you home with your child, or are they with an outside caregiver and preschool is more about a consistent social experience?” she says. How does the application process work? Your family has decided that preschool is the next step for your child - now it is time to think of schools. When my son was one, I was politely informed by my choice school that I
should have waitlisted my child immediately after birth. I was barely keeping my sh*t together, and I was to plan two years ahead? Yes - fellow parent for preschool does not have to be a fool’s game. Where to even start? “Most application periods are a year out. Some programs require a tour before you can apply, some allow tours and applications. Others have lottery systems. So start looking at your options in the spring before you’d have to start touring and applying” says Mrs. Young. Contacting your list of schools Start with a phone call. This step is easy contact the schools you are interested in and ask for a school tour. If the school suggests to contact them when your child reaches the required age, add the reminder to your calendar. Wait! Before you end the call ask if there is a waitlist. Don’t forget to sign up to the school’s newsletter or email list. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook. You want to keep abreast of all information the school shares especially when enrollment or school tours pop up. If you are looking for a more insider review on the school- post on your local community Facebook page or mom group. No need to not be shy; ask away. Seeking your fellow parents’
The Bank Street Family Center is an inclusive childcare center that provides child-centered, developmentally appropriate, and culturally sensitive services and support for families of children age 6 months to 5 years. Rooted in a deep understanding that children learn best when they are actively engaged with ideas, materials, and people, our curriculum helps all children develop the early social, emotional, and cognitive skills essential to lifelong success. Bank Street’s rich historical and philosophical commitment to progressive education is evident in our approach to the teaching and learning of both children and adults. I N T E R NAT I O NAL P R E S C H O O L
German & Spanish language immersion
Preschool • After School • Camps Ages 2–12 Some space is still available for the Fall of 2019.
www.bankstreet.edu/education-for-children/family-center
212-875-4412
A nurturing setting that cultivates the growth and development of your child 212-206-1137 • info@pusteblumenyc.org www.pusteblumenyc.org
Founded in 1992, Gillen Brewer School is a familyoriented, 12-month early childhood program for children ages 2.8 to 10 years old with language-based and non-verbal learning disabilities. We instill self-confidence and build strong foundations for lifelong learning and independence. Students learn and grow in a secure and nurturing environment and develop skills to overcome challenges through: • Developmentally Appropriate Academic Instruction • Speech and Language Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Counseling and Social Groups
Uncover the Specialness in Your Child™ Contact: Julian Parham Santana, Director of Admissions julian@gillenbrewer.com • 212-831-3667
410 East 92nd Street, New York, NY 10128 www.gillenbrewer.com
Instagram: @gillenbrewer
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spotlight: preschool opinion will provide the first-hand experience that will be beneficial to your family. Going on a school tour An important step is touring. I have found that this part of the preschool process can be a bit nerve-racking. Since a preschool may be your child’s first experience in a school setting, it makes sense you feel vulnerable. Know that the teachers and administration are there to support you. Ask questions, voice concerns, bring a list of questions if this helps. Checking out a school can be anything from learning about the teaching philosophy to visiting current students in their classrooms. Is the school’s educational philosophy aligned with your approach? Try not to stress if school tours leave you feeling unsure of what will work for your child. I toured six schools with my oldest and recently for my youngest I visited five. As ill-prepared I was with my first child I was a mom with a mission this last preschool round. I showed up equipped with lists and questions for each school. Meeting the administration at a school is your opportunity to interview the school. Don’t hesitate to ask questions in this initial conversation. If hours of operation are essential to your family, ask when the day starts and ends. If costs are a factor inquire on tuition cost or a payment installment plan. Being prepared will help you in deciding if a school will be a good fit. Questions to Ask: • How long is a normal school day? • What types of security measures do you practice? • What teaching credentials does the teacher hold? • Are there early drop off times? • Does my child need to be potty-trained? • Do the kids go outside? • Is this a nut-free school? • What does circle time look like? • Is there a blog or Instagram that shares on daily class activities? • Can I drop by anytime to check on my child? Remember, New York City is unique in its schools. Parents have many choices which require a bit of work. Preschool is an excellent experience for both the kids and parents. At the end with my oldest, I found the perfect fit. This school was instrumental in forming an education plan that worked with his
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personality. With my youngest, it was the last school I toured. I sat waiting in the lobby and my eyes started to well with tears. I knew this was it and felt it immediately. I found the school and so will you! Here are a few preschools to get your research started. ACT (Advancing the Community of Tomorrow) 1047 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 212-316-7530 actprograms.org ACT hosts a diverse, nurturing, and a non-sectarian full-time play-based class of mixed age preschoolers. Situated on an 11-acre campus of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, children, learn and grow through socially and academically enriching programs such as engaging in art, natural science, reading, math and a variety of special events (for families, too)! ACT also hosts eight other enrichment programs for youth.
Arc En Ciel Preschool/ VHG GROUP SCHOOLS 1656 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 212-410-0180 arcencielny.com A French bilingual preschool located in Upper East Side. Students from all cultures and backgrounds are taught to value their identity and heritage through their education teachings. The Arc En Ciel Preschool French and English speaking teams motivate and guide students in becoming independent, confident, and caring in a bilingual setting.
The Bank Street Family Center 610 West 112th Street, New York, NY 212-875-4412 bankstreet.edu.com The Bank Street Family Center is an inclusive center that provides childcentered, developmentally appropriate, and culturally sensitive services and support for families of children age 6 months to 5 years. Rooted in a deep understanding that children learn best when actively engaged with ideas, materials, and people, this school’s curriculum helps all children develop the early social, emotional, and cognitive skills essential to lifelong success.
Bilingual Nest/ VHG GROUP SCHOOLS 300 Manhattan Avenue, New York, NY 212-665-3354 Bilingualnestny.com Bilingual Nest is a French as well as a Spanish Bilingual preschool that welcomes students ages 3 months to 5 years old. Each year, we adapt our teaching according to the group of students, their ages, and needs. We provide bilingual classes that are inspired by The Teachers College Bilingual approach to early childhood literacy as well as the New York State standards.
Congregation Rodeph Sholom 7 West 83rd Street, New York, NY 646-454-3059 rodephsholom.org Sholom Sprouts is Congregation Rodeph Sholom’s newest initiative for young children and the grown-ups who care for them. Offered in a beautifully renovated fifth floor, the congregation welcomes the
www.LyceumKennedy.org www.LyceumKennedy.org
• Early Acquired Bilingualism • Diversity • Inquiry-Based and Emergent Curriculum La Escuelita
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Dual Language Preschool - Limited Spaces Available for 2019-20 225 West 99th Street – 212-877-1100 LaEscuelitaNYC.org June 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com
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spotlight: preschool vibrant Jewish community through Shabbat and holiday celebrations, music, art, and fun for the family.
The Gillen Brewer School 410 East 92nd Street, New York, NY 212-831-3667 gillenbrewer.com Gillen Brewer School offers a 12-month, academic-therapeutic program for children with language-based and non-verbal learning disabilities. The 8:1:2 Preschool program provides a rich language-based curriculum that enables children ages 3-4 years old to engage in “hands-on” learning that is developmentally appropriate and socially engaging. Play and real life experiences are valued as essential to learning and the program is enriched with Art, Music, Science, and Movement. The 8:1:2 Preschool class is comprised of 8 students, 1 Head Teacher, and 2 Associate Teachers. In addition each class is assigned a Speech-Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, and Psychologist who provide therapeutic services as needed. Gillen Brewer also offers a School-Age program for 5-10 year olds with class sizes of 6:1:2 and 10:1:2.
La Escuelita Preschool Upper West Side 225 West 99th Street New York, NY laescuelitanyc.org This dual language preschool serves children ages 2 to 5. The La Escuelita Preschool was founded in 2003. The school is committed to early acquired bilingualism, diversity, and the belief that children learn best when they are allowed to explore their interests with a teacher to guide them. La Escuelita is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and is globally recognized as a leader in early childhood bilingual education. The school offers half, full, and extended day programs.
Leman Manhattan Preparatory School: The Center for Early Childhood at Léman Manhattan Preparatory School 41 Broad Street, New York, NY 212-232-0266 admissions@lemanmanhattan.org Part of Léman Manhattan Preparatory School, an ongoing co-educational independent learning community for children from 16 months through 12th grade, The Center for Early Childhood at Léman is a joyful, nurturing place that sets the foundation for academic success for children starting at 16 months. Through our play-based program and hands-on learning experiences, children ignite their curiosity, build a sense of belonging, and become independent
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lifelong learners who are not afraid to take risks.
Lyceum Kennedy French American School 225 East 43rd Street, New York, NY 212-682-1877 LKmanhattan@lyceumkennedy.org lyceumkennedy.org Lyceum Kennedy French American School provides a fully bilingual education to students from nursery to 12th grade, in a multicultural environment. With highly qualified and experienced teachers, the school offers an extremely competitive academic structure. Small classes and individual attention contribute to the complete development of each student’s personality.
International Academy of New York 4 East 90th Street, New York, NY 212-641-0260 www.ianyc.org A gem of a school located along Museum Mile, this unique school has been featured in the media for its successful bilingual program, which starts as young as age 2 in a play-based environment. The school is multi-cultural and diverse, developing culturally astute, confident and caring students with fluency in Mandarin or Spanish while excelling in literacy and math. The language teachers are all native speakers with advanced teaching degrees. IANY delivers personal attention to each student, nurturing their intellectual, physical, relative, social, and emotional development from Pre-Nursery to their eventual 8th Grade classes.
Metrokids Preschool 25 Market St. New York NY (for more locations please visit metrokidspreschool. com) 212 577 2710 metrokidspreschool.com Metrokids Preschool is a dynamic school in New York City. This preschool provides the highest quality preschool education with professional services for a warm, nurturing, and responsive environment. There is a deep focus on early literacy as well as promoting an understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for their students. The school focuses on strategy-based learning, scientific method, STEM, advanced language development, and studentinspired thematic learning guide in their impressive curriculum.
Petits Poussins Too/ VHG GROUP SCHOOLS 2235 Frederick Douglas Blvd. New York, NY 212-663-7777 Petitspoussinstoo.com
Petitis Poussins Too is a bilingual French Daycare and Pre-school located in West Harlem. We welcome students from all cultures and backgrounds and always value their identity and heritage. The French and English speaking teams motivate and guide the preschoolers in becoming independent, confident, and caring in a bilingual setting. Petits Poussins Too was created in 2016.
Polis Montessori World School 12 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075 775 Columbus Avenue, New York, NY 10025 917-388-1710 polis.school The Polis Montessori World School Toddler program is located on the school’s West Side campus, called Columbus Square. The program is for ages age 2 to 6. Each Polis classroom is a Montessori environment where a Mandarin immersion is also available. Polis is located in cosmopolitan cities, where students take daily walks to parks and plan weekly visits to nearby museums. A parent and child class is offered for age 6 months to 3 years, where families learn about Montessori together.
Pusteblume International Preschool 244 W 14th Street, New York, NY 212-206-1137 pusteblumenyc.org A German and Spanish immersion program for ages 2 to 5 combining the best of international and American teaching methods in a nurturing setting that cultivates the growth and development of your child. The licensed native-speaking faculty teaches music, movement, literacy, and visual arts in a fun and warm learning environment. Founded in 2012 by three parents who saw a need in Manhattan for a German and Spanish immersion preschool. This school is not only unique for featuring two dual languages for preschool- it is committed to fostering creativity, independence, and self-sufficiency in their students.
Trevor Day School 1 W 88th Street @ CPW New York, NY 10024 212- 426-3355 lsadmissions@trevor.org Trevor Day School’s Nursery and Pre-K are play-based programs that encourage children to create, collaborate, and engage with new ideas. They are foundational steps in an ongoing Nursery–Grade 12 independent, college prep day school. Trips to Central Park, art, Spanish, music, physical education, and library classes are integral parts of every week.
ACT PROGRAMS
FULL TIME PRESCHOOL Still ac accepting cceptiing ap a applications, plica ation ns, s L Limited im mite ed sp sspots ots a available! va 3 TO T 4 YE Y YEARS EARS OLD (A ((AS S OF SEPTE SEPTEMBER TEMBER 1) | 8:30A 8:30AM-3:00PM 0 M-3:00PM TED TO T 15 CH C ILDREN MAXIMUM MAXIMUM | INCREDIBLE MA INCR C EDIBLE TEACHER/CHILD TEACH TE C ER/ R/CHILD RATIO R T FOR RA LIMITED CHILDREN INDIVI V DUA U LIZ IZATI T ON RICH C CURRICULA L | GAMES G MES GA E | LUNCH C AND RES E INDIVIDUALIZATION RESTb PLA L YY BA B SED PREP FOR F R KINDERGARTEN FO K NDERGA KI G RTE TEN PLAY-BASED
WWW.ACTPROGRAMS.ORG | 212-316-7530 | 1047 AMSTERDAM AVE
Trevor West Nursery–Grade 5 1 West 88th Street @ CPW 212.426.3355 LSAdmissions@trevor.org
NURSERY PROGRAM @ TREVOR DAY SCHOOL
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Full- and half-day availability
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Early drop-off and extended-day options Small classes in an engaging independent school setting Frequent trips to Central Park Art, Spanish, music, physical education, and library are integral to every week
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Close to public transportation
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Age 2.8 by September 1st
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Opening a second Nursery classroom
for the 2019–20 school year!
Ambitious academics
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Balanced lives
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smart parenting
Finding childcare in summer months By Kristen J. Duca
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ith summer right around the corner, it is not too early to think about childcare alternatives, especially considering your busy life doesn’t end with the school year. Nannies and sitters need breaks too, but parent need not fret. Sometimes a little vacation is good for all — the family appreciates the childcare provider more, and the provider realizes her strong bond with the family. Work, social obligations, and activities never stop, so when your child’s caretaker needs a well-deserved break from your family, you need to be prepared with arranging backup childcare. Respect your childcare provider and let her know far in advance (if possible) when you will be on vacation or taking a day off and do not need her to work. Ask her to give you the same courtesy of advance notice regarding the days she needs off. Remember, you and your childcare provider are a team, and if backup childcare is necessary, you need to be prepared. Some families work with their childcare providers to coordinate vacation schedules, so either limited, or no backup, childcare is needed. Of course, this may be ideal, but not practical in every situation. Your first thoughts may be “nobody is around” in the summer months, but take a step back, breathe, and tap into your network (that which you have been building since your child was born). There are myriad childcare options in the summer months for your family to ponder together. These examples below are creative solutions to your summertime childcare needs that will enable your family to continue your routine in a safe, efficient, and seamless manner without disruption: 1. Family members. You may not have wanted to hit up grandma or grandpa or your child’s favorite aunt during the school year, but summertime is a great season to reach out for extra help from those who share your genes. Keep in mind that is it okay to ask family members for help with your child. But be aware of what assistance you are asking for, and make sure it is reasonable. If a family member does not feel comfortable accepting monetary compensation from you, then find another way to express your gratitude
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— possibly with gift cards, event tickets, restaurant certificates, and so on. 2. School teachers. Many are looking for extra cash during the summer months and are more than happy to see your children outside the formal classroom setting. Your child will beam when his beloved teacher enters your home. Many times school teachers have flexible summer schedules that enable them to be “on call” for families when babysitting requests arise. 3. Camp counselors. These workers who are typically high school or college aged may be able to help with your child during pre-camp drop-off and post-camp pick-up hours. Parents usually structure the time a camp counselor spends with their child by suggesting or putting out a few different playbased activities or projects for them to work on together. Most formal camp programs have already vetted the counselors who work with the children, but it doesn’t hurt to further check into their credentials, training, and backgrounds before you reach out to them as possible caretakers for your child. 4. Nannies of friends. Take advantage of your friends who leave town in the
summer months by offering their nannies an opportunity to make additional money by working extra hours with your family. Be clear upfront about what you expect the nanny to accomplish each day with your child, as it may vary from what your friend has them do. Typically, a nanny’s responsibilities may include assisting your child with feeding or grooming, as well as transporting them to classes, parties, day camps, social functions, and appointments. Just remember, thinking about your summertime childcare needs starts with you, and it is never too early to plan for your family. A multitude of summertime childcare possibilities exist for you to consider. You are in the driver’s seat and can choose the path that best fits your family’s needs and remain sane in the process. Kristen Duca and her husband are the parents of two girls in New York City. She has worked in the financial services industry for more than two decades. Duca is the author of “Ultimate Nanny: How to Find, Interview, and Manage the Most Important Person You Will Ever Hire – Your Child’s Nanny” available on amazon.com. She blogs at ultimatemama.com.
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Jennifer Fisher Shines Bright Jennifer Fisher on building a family business By Katarina AvendaĂąo
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rom California to New York, Jennifer Fisher has built a jewelry empire using gold, white gold and brass in fact. How major is her brand? MAJOR. From the celebrity walking the red carpet to the mom dropping off her babes at school, JF hoops, charms, and cuffs are everywhere. The epitome of diligence, Jennifer is also a busy mother of two, and loving wife to her husband. How does she do it all? Her supportive tribe (handsome husband Kevin, kids Drew age 12 and Shane age 14) all jump into the family business. From her husband running operations to her children helping out and learning the ropes, the Fishers make this a family affair. From the outside, Jennifer Fisher appears to be a hip, cool mom with a massive celebrity following. All true, she’s pretty amazing. But like many working mothers, she faces the challenges and complications of parenting while running a successful business. She
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Jennifer Fisher with her husband Kevin, children, Shane and Drew, and dog. Photo by Taylor Jewell
June 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com
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business started. I was working as a stylist at the time, and people were giving me congratulatory gifts that felt like they didn’t really connect to the significance of him. So I made my own piece of jewelry and started wearing it. It was an instant conversation piece because it was a dog tag that had Shane’s full name on it. Everybody was asking about it, so I started making them for friends, family, and colleagues. I started a website selling ‘direct to consumer’ customizable fine jewelry back in the day when no one was doing that yet.
Photo by Liza Voloshin
Jennifer Fisher at the Ritz Paris
is open and real with her experiences and proves that something great can come out of a difficult journey. We chatted with Jennifer Fisher about what inspires her creatively, how she manages her busy life and the highs and sometimes lows of motherhood. Your children played a key role in the creation of your business, what is the story behind that? Around my 30th birthday, I found a tumor. Kevin and I (dating at the time) thought it was breast cancer. I went to see a doctor and thankfully he told me that it wasn’t, and the tumor was not going to kill me. They were trying chemotherapy and radiation for these types of tumors and had seen some success. So I went through 12 rounds of chemotherapy and the tumor had shrunk. Then a few years after, Kevin and I married and I wanted to have a child. My oncologist said that I couldn’t because higher levels of estrogen [that occur during pregnancy] can increase the size of my tumor. We found a surrogate, but she miscarried at 12 weeks. Then we went through the whole process again, and the surrogate got pregnant and we saw a heartbeat, but when we went to the doctor the next time, there was no heartbeat. We went through the process of IVF on our own and I did a retrieval. None of my eggs were good which was horrible. I decided to take some time off because it was a really stressful in our relationship. After all this, I then got pregnant naturally. It was not that I was infertile, I was just told that I could never do it and I had never been pregnant before. I had a perfectly healthy pregnancy and we monitored my tumor the entire time. My son Shane was born and that was when my
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How would you describe your jewelry line, and why is it unique? My jewelry collection can be customized to anybody’s taste and it’s designed for women who want something that everybody else doesn’t have. My signature hoops are something that has happened over the last couple of years. It is something that I have been wanting to do for years. I feel like hoops are kind of like denim. Everyone needs good pairs of hoops and you can wear them all the time. They never go out of style. Do you have any jewelry-wearing tips for mamas who want to accessorize quickly in the morning? That’s why I created my charm necklace, because it’s something you can throw on and you don’t even have to think about it. My charm necklace makes women feel powerful and complete. It’s kind of like jewelry armor. With a charm necklace, it can represent everything in our lives that is important. Everyone wants to wear something that has meaning. What does the work-life balance equation look like for you? My husband now runs the company, so it is like a 24/7 work-life balance in my house. It really has become the family business so there isn’t a separation. It is kind of awesome because it is just who we are as a family. My kids help out at my office. I think that it’s important for them to learn how to work and understand that your parents have to work to make money; it doesn’t just grow on trees. My father taught me that at an early age and it is one of the best life lessons that I’ve learned. As a young mother building your business, what were some of the challenges that you faced as a mom balancing those two worlds? When I first started my company it was easier because my kids were so little. I felt more challenged when they were in elementary school because it’s a time in their lives where you really want to be there for all the school events. For me, showing up has always been the most important thing. It was hard because school events happen earlier in the day and can cut your day in half. You don’t want to miss those little art shows or musical performances at school because that is never going to happen again, but
Photo by Taylor Jewell
it gets a little bit easier as your kids get older, because you have more time to spend at work. Any advice for mom entrepreneurs just starting out? You have to really prioritize what is really important to you. You don’t want to make decisions that you are going to regret later. So you should consider maybe not taking that meeting that day and make sure that you schedule enough time to make it to your kids’ events on time. Running your own business is also a lot of work!
You have to make sure that you are putting the work in and it is very easy as a mother to get distracted with your family and put the work aside.
Jennifer Fisher with husband Kevin
You opened your flagship store in 2014 on lower 5th Ave — what was that step like for you? I got very lucky and we found an amazing space over two floors on Fifth Avenue that we transformed into a store and a flagship office. I really love the idea of what we have. It’s a private shopping experience. Having a store is a great place for people to touch and feel the June 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com
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Favorite places around the city with the family Favorite place to grab a bite to eat with the kids? Mr. Chow in Tribeca and Mimi Cheng’s Dumplings Favorite date night spot? Bar crawl in the West Village Favorite ice cream/cookie/treat place? Milk and Cream Cereal Bar Favorite park? The Ball Fields at Battery Park Favorite summer activity with the fam? Kevin and I go to Italy and kids go to sleepaway camp...When they come back in August we do a Labor Day trip to Aspen Favorite family tv show/movie? Kevin and Shane watch Blindspot and basketball. Drew and Jennifer watch food shows on Netflix: Street Food, Ugly Delicious, Top Chef. The kids like The Voice Favorite holiday destination? Saint Barts or home to California to visit family
jewelry, but we really do also try to pride ourselves in being a ‘direct to consumer’ online brand. So we have been putting a lot of work into optimizing the mobile experience for people, making it easier for people to customize their jewelry and shop online. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as a parent? When my kids were babies, my mother-in-law told me, “If they are quiet, leave them alone.” That was great advice because she is so right. You have this feeling as a mother that you want to make sure that your kids are busy and doing activities. I remember seeing my friends do it and I would give the same advice. If your children are quiet and playing and having a good time, leave them. You don’t need to make them do something else. What’s your favorite family ritual? My kids love to cook with me. The weekends are really fun because we all will be in the kitchen in the morning. The kids are so overscheduled these days. There is basketball, soccer, class, homework and other things. So when we can hang out and do stuff in the kitchen it’s really nice. Aside from jewelry, you also have your own recipe page on your website. What inspired you to launch this and your line of three salts: Jennifer Fisher Universal Salt, Jennifer Fisher Curry Salt, and Jennifer Fisher Spicy Salt? One day I was making avocado poached egg toast, which I love to have for breakfast at the weekend. I put a photo of my avocado toast on Instagram and I was inundated with people asking questions about what was on it and where they could buy the seasoning. The salt was something that I put together myself and kept by
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the side of my stove. I wanted something that was really useful and super simple, and that is how the salt line started. People started asking if I could start making it so they could buy it. My husband suggested that I should sell it. And from there, the salt was born. I use it to season everything. How do you save time? Any organizational tips and tricks? I like to cook for my kids every day. I’ll prep food for the week on Sundays for my kids so at least they can reheat healthy food if I happen to be out at work. My kids accept that I can’t be there every night for dinner but they know that I took the time to cook them food. I also try to get things done the night before. Before my kids go to bed, I make sure that their computers are charged for the next day and they have whatever they need in terms of snacks, food, or special clothes for the next day at school; it’s laid out and ready. That is just who I am and how I organize my family and my life. My tips are not going to work for everybody but that is what works for me as a mom. Once you take the time to do it and get into the routine, it doesn’t feel like a chore, it is just super helpful. Jennifer Fisher is a “mama master” at time management, dedicated to her thriving business and making sure her family is prioritized. She has proven that you can have both worlds of work and family. It definitely isn’t a walk in the park... but doable, and Jennifer Fisher is a doer.
To learn more about Jennifer Fisher, visit jenniferfisherjewelry.com or follow her @jenniferfisherjewelry & @jenniferfisherkitchen
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The 10 Best Kid-Friendly
Sunscreens Protect your kid’s skin with these kid-friendly sunscreens that are gentle, non-toxic, and will do the job! The beach is a blissful, care-free place that allows you to unwind and have fun. However, this delightful place can often times go wrong when you do not know how to prepare for a long day in the sun. Protect your kid’s skin from the sun’s harmful rays by lathering them up with our favorite kid-friendly sunscreens. These sunscreens are free from harmful chemicals and gentle enough for sensitive skin types, ensuring that your kid’s skin will be safe when they go to summer camps and play outside in the warm weather.
Supergoop Skin Soothing Mineral Sunscreen SPF: 40 broad spectrum This sunscreen was originally created for the founder’s daughter, Emery, whose skin reacted to everything. With olive polyphenols, and minerals that are a physical blocker to the sun, you can’t go wrong with this sunscreen that calms inflammation. It also nourishes the skin with squalene, olive fruit extract, and sunflower seed oil, leaving the skin rejuvenated and baby smooth. This mineral formula doesn’t leave a white cast and is free from irritating chemicals like parabens, synthetic fragrance, or oxybenzone. $16-$28, supergoop.com
Tropic Sport Sunscreen SPF: 30 broad spectrum If you are looking for a mineral sunscreen that is safe to use on your kids and for the environment, Tropic Sport has your back. It is reef safe, ecofriendly, and scored #2 on the EWG, meaning that this sunscreen product has a low hazard ranking compared to other sunscreens on the market. You also don’t have to worry about reapplying right away in the water because it passed the water resistant test to last up to 80 mins. $29.99, tropicsport.com
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Coola Mineral Baby Organic Sunscreen Lotion SPF: 50 broad spectrum This organic and pure formula is made to protect your baby’s delicate skin from the sun’s harmful rays. This mineral sunscreen is pediatric tested, water resistant for 80 minutes, fragrance and paraben free, and for babies 6 months or older. Make sure that you apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply after sweating or swimming. $36, coola.com
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Baby Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF: 50 broad spectrum This is a 100% mineral sunscreen that is easy to blend, lightweight, and non-greasy. This nourishing formula is packed with rich coconut oil, and shea and cocoa butter that restore and hydrate the skin. It is free from gluten, PABA, oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens, and the list goes on. Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply after swimming, sweating, or a towel dry. $13.99, babybum.com
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Babyganics Baby Sunscreen Lotion SPF: 50 broad spectrum A plant-based sunscreen, you’ll find certified organic ingredients like cranberry, raspberry seed oils, and sunflower. A little goes a long way with this sunscreen as it tends to go on heavy. Start with a small dab and rub in gently on your little one’s skin. Tested by pediatricians and dermatologists, this is a big plus. We found this sunscreen to be a parent favorite. $9.79, target.com
Badger Kids Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF: 30 broad spectrum A zinc oxide formula, this cream goes on a bit thick so start with a small amount. Biodegradable and coral reef safe. The BPA and phthalate-free formula is scented with organic tangerine and vanilla. Water and sweat resistant for up to 40 minutes. For kids 6 months and older. $13.48, badger.com
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Hello Bello Sunscreen Lotion SPF: 50 broad spectrum Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard created Hello Bello because they believe all babies deserve affordable, premium products. This is the only FDA approved sunscreen that protects against all three types of UV rays. The main ingredient of zinc oxide is water resistant and will last up to 80 mins. With excessive sweating, water or towel dry off, reapplication is suggested. Ingredients as green tea, avocado, cocoa butter, and cucumber extracts will keep skin soft. $8.78, wallmart.com
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Tom’s of Maine Baby Sunscreen SPF: 30 broad spectrum Tom’s of Maine has long been a brand that parents can trust for natural products. Made with few ingredients including zinc oxide, this is an excellent sunscreen for baby and up. Goes on pretty thick, add with a non-fragrance lotion or a small amount when applying. $13.50, amazon.com
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Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF: 30 broad spectrum Drunk Elephant was developed only to have ingredients that directly benefit the skin. This is an excellent sunscreen if you are looking for a lightweight formula that can be worn as a daily sun defense. Works on the most sensitive skin. Antioxidants such as grape juice and sunflower help to minimize photoaging. Free from fragrance and essential oils and works for all skin types. $34, drunkelephant.com
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La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk SPF: 60 broad spectrum Formulated with technology that protects skin from UVA and UVB rays. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk SPF 60 sunscreen is one of the highest broad spectrum available for the family. Antioxidants help guard from future sun damage as well as soften skin. This sunscreen is one of the best. Developed in partnership with demonologists it is Consumer Reports No.1 sunscreen pick. Lasts up to 80 minutes. $35.99, laroche-posay.us
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Teaching Tweens About
Empathy
In this age of technology, here is how we can guide our children to greater kindness and understanding. By Shnieka L. Johnson
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f your child is in the age range from 8 to 12, then you are a parent of a tween. At this age, your child is nearing puberty which means they may be experiencing significant changes. These changes are both physical and cognitive. Today’s tweens, exposed to technology from a young age, are one of the first generations who rely on technology for nearly all facets of life. What this means is they have spent more time during their formative years than prior generations seeing what is around them with a technology filter. The influence of popular culture and technology means that understanding what others are feeling is not being embedded in their day-to-day interactions. Technology use and online communications lack the cues necessary for developing high awareness of emotional empathy. What is empathy According to researchers Jean Decety from the University of Chicago and Jason Cowell from
Read up! unSelfie: Why empathetic Kids Succeed in Our allabout-Me World In the age of technology many tweens are lacking empathy - here is how we can teach them more about kindness and understanding.
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University of Wisconsin empathy is the phrase used for three processes: Emotional Sharing, Empathetic Concern and Perspective Sharing. (Trends in Cognitive Sciences July 2014) Emotional Sharing is experiencing feelings of distress when observing distress. Babies mimic emotions in this way. Empathetic Concern is an intrinsic motivation to care for others that are distressed. You can see this represented in the behavior of toddlers. Perspective Taking is the ability to imagine what a person in distress is thinking or feeling. School-age children are great at this and often practice it in their school day interactions and as part of lessons. When do children develop empathy We spoke to Alexandra Hamlet, PsyD, clinical psychologist of Mood Disorders Center at the Child Mind Institute located in New York City for some insight to understanding empathy. “Children begin developing empathy at an early age. It is a gradual process that usually starts with their parents or caregivers teaching empathy
auggie & Me: three wonder stories From Wonder author R.J Palacio this trio of short stories opens the reader to understand the deeper layers why a person may act and how empathy is the path to understanding human nature.
through modeling. Children are constantly learning from the actions and behaviors of others, and as early as toddler years they start to pick up on how adults make others feel better. For example, if an adult over time appropriately attends to their child’s feelings, and shows through touch, soothing, or attention that their emotions are being addressed in a healthy way, a child will begin to mimic these behaviors with caregivers and other adults” said Dr. Hamlet. “Over time, when language development and cognitive abilities start to form and strengthen, parents and other caregivers (family members, teachers, essential adult figures) ideally would continue to attend to their children’s emotions in more age-appropriate ways. Talking with our kids on their feelings and struggles It is discussing feelings, modeling how to handle conflict, attending to childrens’ struggles and emotions in healthy ways that are both nonverbal and verbal that can continue to shape kids. Eventually, parents will be able to engage in perspective taking when opportunities present themselves. For example, if a child comments that they do not understand yet what is hurtful, a parent can have a discussion with them about whether they would like to be treated this way. These steps lead to the development of empathy in a child,” said Dr. Hamlet. By definition, empathy is the ability to understand and experience the feelings of others. It is also represented in the way we respond to others. “Since empathy is a learned concept, it can be argued that all children are born with
the use of technology. The same goes for language development, social development, and emotional development over time,” said Hamlet. “My advice regarding technology is to use it as a reward for the child. Alternatively, when necessary, for example, on a long plane ride, or when it is necessary to get one child in the bath, and there is no one to attend to the other child. The first step ideally is for the parent to decide what developmental gains need to be made based on age (school will definitely help with this!), as well as what family values are important to teach/impart (values such as time with siblings, exposure to religious beliefs, outdoor activities, playtime with peers). Empathy development ideally would be interwoven in the above areas. Technology use for me would come after all of these other important concepts are addressed- just like adults prioritize our work and obligations before we tune in or log onto our devices,” added Hamlet.
egocentricity. They do not consider whether their parents are tired when they cry in the middle of the night for a bottle! The important thing to remember that over time, if children have the right emotional modeling and support, children can learn how to become empathetic,” added Hamlet. Parenting with empathy Empathetic children tend to become welladjusted adults, and better equipped for typical adult interactions. It’s never too late or too early to teach empathy, and parents should work to nurture it in their children. “How empathy dies is that we don’t nurture it,” said Hamida Butt, a longtime educator, and learning specialist. “In the school years, things often become competitive between children. In our competitive society, empathy cannot flourish because we always have to bring our competition down,” said Ms. Butt. In these situations, empathy needs to be reinforced in this situation, talked about and explicitly taught.
In the same way that we would support our kids in practicing an instrument or playing a sport, we must model and practice empathy. If you feel that your child lacks understanding or only acts selfishly, don’t fret. It is not that they don’t have the capacity for empathy- it just needs to be further developed. Limit the electronics Many parents notice a drop in their children’s empathy when there is an increase in technology. For tweens pay attention to how much time they spend online. Create a balance between online interaction and interactions in real life. “It is important to consider at every step along a child’s lifespan what they should be learning at that given point in development. These needs should come before the use of technology. For example, if a child is under the age of preschool, gross and fine motor development is important, so activities that foster growth in those areas would take priority over
Starts with us Children’s trust and security is a result of their parents’ empathy towards them. Children reflect the values and behaviors that are modeled by their parents or caregivers. According to Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Making Caring Common Project, children learn empathy by watching. The researchers at the Making Caring Common Project have many tips for parents seeking guidance on teaching empathy to their children. A key to teaching empathy is modeling it yourself—explicitly. For instance, you can demonstrate compassion for others throughout the day and model ways to contribute to a community. At the end of the day reflect with your children. If it is crucial for children to value the perspective of others, it is just as important for their parents to do the same. Make empathy a priority. Lastly, there are so many developmental changes in children at the tween phase that we cannot see, so it is critical to listen carefully as they talk and attempt to validate their feelings. Parents should help children understand their own emotions and the emotions of others. Give your child a voice and encourage them to share their perspective and discuss their challenges. Shnieka L. Johnson is an education consultant and freelance writer. She is based in Manhattan, where she resides with her husband and son. Contact her via her website: shniekajohnson.com. June 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com
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neighborhood guide
Transmitter Park is a relaxed space with a terrific view of Manhattan
A Day in Greenpoint This sweet hood is the calm neighbor to bustling Williamsburg By Donna Ladd
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ext to the uber cool Williamsburg, you’ll find Greenpoint. A sweet neighborhood, visitors tend to stumble upon this nook when visiting North Brooklyn. Many Greenpointers who once lived in the city moved to this chill area once kids entered the picture. Spacious parks and delicious food make this place a must to either visit or live. So what to do? We have rounded up the top 8 spots to visit in Greenpoint!
Best parks to visit in Greenpoint McGolrick Park Russell Street &, Nassau Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222 A favorite spot for the North Brooklyn community, you can spend the entire day here. Large trees line the paths that lead to the central courtyard. On a warm day, you’ll find skateboarders practicing their moves and kids playing soccer. On Sundays, you can peruse an intimate farmers market. If you’re looking
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to throw a birthday party, you may want to snag one of the picnic tables early morning. If hungry, stop for a fresh croissant or latte at Variety Cafe, located across the street. The local community has poured love into this park, and it shows. A recently renovated dog park and playground make this park a lovely staple for the neighborhood. We suggest following their IG for park events including summertime movie nights for kids. Transmitter Park Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222 Located at the East River Shoreline, this park opened in 2012 after many years as vacant space. Views of Manhattan from Transmitter Park are stunning. A unique park, this is a space where residents come to enjoy the view and chill. Take a blanket and sit with the family to enjoy the splendors of Brooklyn. Kids will enjoy the gated playground and warm summer nights, you may find a French film playing. Oui! You won’t want to miss storytime or to stargaze (telescopes
provided!). Follow Friends of Transmitter Park for event updates.
Family fun Sunshine Laundromat and Pinball 860 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222 Things may not get more Brooklyn then this Greenpoint spot. A working laundromat with an impressive pinball collection. Older kids will put down their devices for this fun spot located on busy Manhattan Avenue. For parents, there is a secret laundry machine door that is an entrance to a bar. Rejoice! Play Greenpoint 33 Nassau Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222 One of the first indoor play spaces to open in Williamsburg/Greenpoint, this sweet space is located in Northern Brooklyn and consists of ‘stations’ of play for babies and young kids up to age 6. Fun slides, a kitchen and a sensory toy area that help with social and intellectual development as well as a side nook perfect for a book reading and tummy time for the
Desserts, treats & sweets
youngest of babes. The price of the open play fee allows a parent re-entry during the day if they wish to pop out during the open play hours. We especially appreciate that PLAY has a lunch area where food/snacks can be refrigerated as well as a microwave to warm lunches up.
Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream 620 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222 Van Leeuwen began their handcrafted ice cream business in Greenpoint until they relocated on Manhattan Avenue. Starting with a small fleet of ice cream trucks and one store, they can now be found in grocery stores. From classic vanilla to seasonal favorites like Passion Fruit Layer Cake (please come back!!) to some of the best vegan ice cream ever...EVER—this is a must for all ice cream lovers.
Kid-friendly eats in Greenpoint Vinnie’s Pizzeria 253 Nassau Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222 Yes, New York has pizza, but a North Brooklyn pizza must is Vinnie’s Pizzeria. The original Vinnie’s opened in Williamsburg in 1960. Go for the classic and inventive pizzas. Stay for their famous boards co-owner Sean Berthiaume that has been designing for almost ten years. Frankel’s 631 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222 Try not to let the long line discourage you from visiting Frankel’s. Founded by two New York brothers who wanted to open a delicatessen specifically in North Brooklyn. The bacon and egg with cheese sandwich
Van Leeuwen’s first storefront for their artisan ice cream was in Greenpoint.
is total yum for breakfast. Lunch favorites are the hot pastrami and Anita’s hot brisket Sandwich. Full disclosure —Justin and Hailey Beiber stopped here this past summer making it at a bit of a stop for Beliebers!
Moe’s Doughs Donut Shop 126 Nassau Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222 If you are a donut lover, then you have to give Moe’s Donuts a whirl. Located in an assuming location in Greenpoint this is a nofrills donut shop. Opened by a former baker of the famous Peter Pan donuts — Moe’s does not disappoint. Rocky Road, Red Velvet Volcano Donut, Red Velvet Creme Crumb Donut, and Pistachio Cake Donut will leave you speechless.
Discover Your Creativity and Acting Talent
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WINNER 2019
June 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com
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travel
MiAMi, Two wAys Two hotels that are perfect destinations for a family getaway By Meredith Craig de Pietro
D
eciding on the perfect family vacation can be daunting. How to choose between a pull-out-all-the-stops beach vacation or a “picture perfect” hotel catering to a family’s sense of wanderlust? A trip to Miami can fulfill all expectations. With a quick 3-hour plane ride (after snacks, there is barely enough time to finish Mary Poppins), your family can descend into a tropical destination with beautiful beaches, unbeatable restaurants, and innumerable family-friendly activities to choose from. We’ve rounded up two ideal options for the best of Miami.
Option #1 — Miami: Fun in the Sun Twenty minutes after landing, you can be checked into The Palms Hotel, a recently renovated resort that feels like a tropical escape, blocks away from the infamous South Beach revelers. Connecting rooms including a King and two doubles will comfortably fit any crew, and cribs are available free of charge. The art-deco style rooms are stylish, and although not huge, have floor-to-ceiling ocean views that spread as far as the eye can see. Follow the canopied path into the gardens, past “Sunshine” and “Chance”, the colorful resident parrots, to a crossroads: Hit the sparkling pool first or stake a spot on the beach? Either answer is correct. While the kids play in the sun, moms and dads might take turns with a complimentary sunset beach yoga class or appointments at the Palms AVEDA Spa to de-stress those tight muscles. With a Chill Mama Staycation day (the next one is June 9th), babysitters are on hand to take little ones, while moms relax with yoga, chair massage and the lull of a Sound Bowl meditation. Dinner is laid back and delicious at Essensia, the farm-to-table restaurant. Sitting at a table on the Caribbean-style terrace feels like eating in a tropical jungle. (Bring the kids to visit the herb garden out back beforehand, where fresh aromatics are picked for use in the kitchen.) High chairs are available, and bottle warming is even possible at the hotel-- plus, a changing table is conveniently
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The Palms Hotel offers many routes to relaxation, including time at the spa.
located in the lobby bathroom. An expansive kid’s menu includes hot dogs and chicken fingers but also a Daily Catch of the Day for those little ones who want to expand their palates. You’ll want to linger and relax over the seasonal dishes while the sun sets. By this time, the kids might be sleepy, and the hotel can recommend a babysitting service (starting at $25/ hour) so that parents can sip another creative cocktail or take a romantic stroll on the beach. As locals told me, the best way to see
Miami is from the water, so although it’s hard to leave the resort, it’s worth it. South Beach Kayak, a family owned and operated business, rents kayaks and paddleboards and will tailor a tour to any group or experience level. A first-time kayaker with a toddler? Really, no problem. Just make sure to bring the sunscreen, and they’ll provide everything else, including life jackets. Kids of all ages will love paddling around in a one or twoperson kayak with a guided tour of the islands around the city, exploring the canals and celebrity mansions. It’s a unique and unforgettable experience. The Palms Hotel & Spa, 3025 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach. Rates start at $187/ night. A Family First package (from $253/ night) includes 2-night discounted accommodations, a welcome gift (for instance, a stuffed parrot!), usage of a Beach Cabanita and meals for the kids at the on-site restaurant.
Option #2 — Miami: Family Wanderlust For a more economical but still amazing option, Circa 39 is right down the road. It’s a great home base for exploring the city’s family-friendly offerings. Situated across the road from the ocean, it still has full beach access with beach chairs and umbrellas for guest use. That’s if you can get the kids out of the pool or the “Wunder Garden,” a back patio that is perfect for kids to run off some steam while parents curl up with a good book. The rooms are cheerful and comfortable. Connecting rooms are available, and cribs are available at no extra cost. The vibe is whimsical and bohemian with a “world traveler” aesthetic that includes vertical gardens, a rum bar, wicker chairs, and great family photo backgrounds. Jules Kitchen, the onsite restaurant, is actually named after Jules Verne’s classic, “Around the World in 80 Days”, and offers young travelers highchairs and a solid kid’s menu with favorites like cheese pizza and chicken strips — and a sundae for dessert. The hotel’s sense of wanderlust may inspire families to seek out adventure in Miami, and there is much to explore. The state of the art Frost Science Museum with dinosaurs, planetarium, and an aquarium would be a perfect option for that rare rainy day. To enjoy the nice weather, a tour of Wynwood Walls, the world’s largest outdoor museum, is a must. Even if your family doesn’t visit art galleries on the regular, they’ll love this experience. It’s a massive
Circa 39’s “world traveler” aesthetic extends to their restaurant, Jules Kitchen.
street art collection with lots of space to roam and push a stroller; no indoor voices necessary. To add to the experience, sign up for a Miami Culinary Tours ($69 adult/ $49 child) which helps break up the street art with samples of food at different restaurants, including things like empanadas, avocado toast, gelato and the cutest miniature pies you’ve ever seen. These “samples” are enormous and definitely works as a filling lunch for a hungry crew. The tour guides cater to the group and ours was knowledgeable and passionate about making sure the group was having a great time. If you do need further sustenance, family friendly options abound. Some favorites
include Lilikoi, an adorable spot for quinoa waffles and smoothies, and Vista, a seasonal Italian restaurant where you can sit al fresco. A complimentary Miami Beach Trolley loops around the beach roads, making exploring easy and economical and can take your whole family to Taquiza, a local taco joint. Here you can sit comfortably on the patio, munching on extraordinary house-made tortilla chips. Their tacos are served family-style on big sheet pans encouraging sharing. If you want to shock and delight your kids, add a chapulines taco (toasted grasshoppers!) to your order and dare everyone to try a bite. After dinner, you could stroll a few blocks to the North Beach Bandshell, where a variety of acts perform free concerts. Drop in for Flamenca dancers, reggae cover bands or opera singers and leave only when the kids are tired of dancing. Circa 39, 3900 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach. Rates start at $119/ night.
Meredith Craig de Pietro is an ex-television producer who has worked for Style Network, E! Networks, and “America’s Next Top Model.” Currently, she works as a freelance writer in Brooklyn and has published in Vice, Well + Good, Delta Sky, Brooklyn Based and others. You can usually find her visiting museums, cleansing her chakra or at a playground with her husband and son. Follow her on Twitter @meredithcraigde or on IG @meredithcraigdepietro. Our stay at The Palms and Circa 39 was complimentary but all thoughts and opinions are our own. June 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com
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Family Favorites Winners 2019 Our readers have voted, and here are the results! We’ve asked you, our readers, what your family favorites are and then we tallied the numbers. So, drum roll please – here are the results. Each category has a list of the top finalists with an editorial highlight of the overall winner. Keep this article handy so you can refer to it all year long. Tell your friends too. In addition, the article is always available just a click away in the complete digital June 2019 issue at newyorkfamily.com. There you can flip through the pages and click on the live links that take you right to the winners’ websites. This list is compiled through a random survey of New York Family magazine readers, enewsletter subscribers and social media followers between March 1, 2019 and April 30, 2019. This list is not meant to represent an endorsement from New York Family or Community News Group. New York Family and Community News Group do not assume, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any person related to use of any business, service or individual included on this list. As of press time all contact information for winners was verified. All top nominees are listed . In the event of a tie in voting, all honorees with votes making them eligible to be in the top fiinalists have been listed and a special note of a tie is included.
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family favorites 2019
Services & Shopping Birthday Party Place Top 5 • Chelsea Piers • Galli Theater New York • Bowlmor • NY Kids Club • The Art Farm The Winner Chelsea Piers 62 Chelsea Piers 212-336-6666 chelseapiers.com Chelsea Piers is a one-of-a-kind and Manhattan’s most popular facility in NYC that offers 25+ different sports for youth and adults as well as dedicated event spaces. Located on the Hudson River, it offers instructional programs and sports leagues for everyone to get up and active. They even have action-packed birthday parties that are entertaining, hassle-free, loaded with tons of activities, and sports. Birthday party package includes balloons, paper goods, candles, and a great staff to work with. You can also add some yummy bites with pizza, cake, beverages, and catering services.
Local Bakery for Birthday Cakes Top 6 • Magnolia Bakery • Make My Cake • Buttercup Bake Shop • Two Little Red Hens • City Cakes • Sundaes and Cones
including PB&J, harvest apple, truffle, German chocolate, carrot, coconut, hummingbird, and caramel. Another fan favorite is their Banana pudding which comes in a variety of flavors making everyone happy. This dessert haven has it all, offering freshly-baked desserts, like cakes, pies, cheesecakes, cookies, brownies, bars, and icebox treats. Next time your sweet tooth calls, stop on by at Manhattan’s sweetest family favorite!
Pizza Place
Chelsea Piers
Top 5 • Lombardi’s • Two Boots Pizza • Artichoke Basille’s Pizza • Patsy’s Pizzeria • Uno The Winner Lombardi’s 32 Spring Street or 290 Eighth Avenue 212-941-7994 or 212-256-1973 firstpizza.com This iconic New York pizzeria was born in 1905, and is still located in Little Italy. Their hand-crafted pizza is made with care, baked in a smoky coal oven, topped with San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and fresh basil. You can enjoy their pizza at Chelsea, Little Italy, or have the option of takeout where you can enjoy the great taste and aroma of their famous pizza in your own home.
Magnolia Bakery
Schools & Camps Private Schools
The Winner Magnolia Bakery Visit the site to see all locations 1-855-MBAKERY magnoliabakery.com Magnolia first opened its sweet doors in 1996 in the West Village. From there, the company has flourished expanding to not only multiple locations in New York but known internationally as well. If you have a sweet tooth, the vanilla cupcake with vanilla buttercream is the most popular cupcake flavor, followed by chocolate and red velvet. In addition to these classic flavors, Magnolia Bakery has more than 25 rotating cupcake flavors,
Top 5 • The British International School of New York • The École • The IDEAL School • Avenues: The World School • Leman Manhattan Preparatory School
Lombardi’s
The Winner The British International School of New York 20 Waterside Plaza 212-481-2700 bis-ny.org The British International School of New York is dedicated to providing an
The British International School of New York June 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com
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enriching educational experience to its students, combining the creativity and inquiry-based approach of the International Baccalaureate with the depth and rigor of the English National Curriculum. They offer a well-rounded education, challenging the students in a safe environment so that they will be ready for tomorrow’s world. The British International School of New York truly celebrates the spirit and intimacy of the school, offering children the best curriculum to foster growth in kindness, knowledge, confidence, and being committed and globally minded.
Top 5 • Bright Horizons • NY Preschool • Preschool of America • The Learning Experience • Reade Street Prep
212-579-5525 mmsny.com The Metropolitan Montessori School prides themselves as being the “west-side gem,” the perfect balance of a small school environment with a dynamic academic curriculum. Students are schooled by the best, with the Montessori teaching foundation coupled with up-todate technology and academic resources. This school offers a range of class sizes from smaller (10 students or less) to larger, creating an environment that encourages students to participate and contribute in class activities and projects. Their approach extends far beyond the classroom and welcomes parents to be actively involved in social events with the families, classroom observations, teacher conferences, and roles in the school’s Parent Association.
The Winner
Day Camps
Bright Horizons Visit the site to see all locations 1-866- 854-195 brighthorizons.com Bright Horizons has been evolving since 1986, providing on-site care facilities for working parents all over. With Bright Horizon, they develop a unique relationship between work and home and create new approaches to work, live, and learn. They offer child care, elder care, and help for education and careers, creating a warm, safe, and enriching space for everyone. If you need a helping hand, Bright Horizons is here to make sure that you can tackle your day while promising that your loved ones are in great care.
Top 6 • 92nd Street Y • Asphalt Green • Oasis • Downtown Day Camp • Deer Mountain Day Camp • New Country Day
Pre-Schools
Bright Horizons
Metropolitan Montessori
Montessori Top 6 • Metropolitan Montessori School • Central Park Montessori • Battery Park Montessori • Morningside Montessori School • Montessori School of New York International • Montessori School of Manhattan Jennifer Weisbord
92nd Street Y
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The Winner Metropolitan Montessori School 325 W 85th St
The Winner 92nd Street Y 1395 Lexington Ave 212-392-1899 92y.org 92nd Street Y dates back to 145 years ago primarily to serve the Jewish community. They strive to bring people together with incredible programs relating to the performing arts, literature, culture, education, talks on topical news, healthy lifestyle, and Jewish living. This nonprofit community and cultural center creates an environment where people can grow in their lives from achieving healthier habits to fostering their education through various programs that are offered at the organization. Sign up for their frequent newsletters to get up to date with all their worthwhile events coming up.
family favorites 2019
Language Programs Top 6 • Planet Han • International Academy of NY • The École • German American School • China Institute • La Escuelita
care from infancy to young adulthood, being recommended from parents and The American Academy of Pediatrics. Dentistry For Children go the extra mile in making sure that they are a kid-friendly environment with experts trained to work specifically with children.
Orthodontics The Winner Planet Han 401 West End Ave or 1556 Third Avenue Suite 410 212- 724-2421 planethanchinese.com Planet Han is here to help your child learn Mandarin and feel comfortable in conversing. Their secret is their teaching method M.A.T. This approach stands for Model, Action, Talk which introduces new vocab and phrases to kids each day, gets them to actively use the language, and makes sure that they are engaged and practicing. Children will even be presented with real-life experiences outside the classroom and will provide your child with their own Chinese name. Learning Mandarin should be fun and that is exactly what Planet Han is! A place where children can learn, converse, make new friends, and succeed in Mandarin!
Health Centers Pediatric Dentist Top 6 • Dentistry For Children • Manhattan Pediatrics • Smiles 4 Kids • Upper East Pediatric Dentistry • Chelsea Pediatric Dentistry • Park Slope Kids Dental Care The Winner Dentistry For Children Visit the site to see all locations Visit the site to see all contact info dentistryforchildrenus.com Most kids are fearful of going to the dentist, but not at Dentistry For Children. Children feel comfortable here and are taught to create healthy oral care habits from an early age. They provide the utmost pediatric dental
Top 7 • Manhattan Family Orthodontics • Upper Eastside Orthodontists • Royal Orthodontics • Central Park Orthodontics • Manhattan East Side Orthodontists • Astoria Smiles in Astoria, Queens • Manhattan Bridge Orthodontics
Planet Han
The Winner Manhattan Family Orthodontics 133 East 58th Street 212- 207-8028 This is one of Manhattan’s favorite family orthodontic facilities that offers state-ofthe-art dental care. They are committed to using the best technologies, making their patients feel comfortable and safe, and are always learning about the latest advancements in orthodontics. They have a skilled team that provides great service to children, teens, and adults, making sure that you get the best care possible when you walk through their doors.
Dentistry For Children
Pediatricians Top 6 • Tribeca Pediatrics • Upper East Side Pediatrics • Manhattan Pediatrics • West Care Pediatrics • Apple Pediatrics • Premier Pediatrics
Manhattan Family Orthodontics
The Winner Tribeca Pediatrics Visit the site to see locations Visit site for all contact info tribecapediatrics.com Tribeca Pediatrics has been serving New York City families for over 25 years. This is where your local neighborhood office feels like a small town doctor in the big city. Their devoted team of pediatricians is committed to the unique philosophy that embraces low intervention while delivering the highest quality of service
Tribeca Pediatrics
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and care to children and families. They are always there for you with sameday visits, 24-hour support, fun waiting rooms, and accepting most insurances.
Urgent Care Centers Top 5 • CityMD • Mount Sinai Urgent Care Upper West Side • Walk in Clinic of NYC • Northwell Health - GoHealth Urgent Care • NYU Langone Medhattan Urgent Care The Winner
CityMD
EBL Coaching
CityMD Visit the site to see locations 1-844-824-8963 citymd.com A committed healthcare community that offers convenient access and exceptional service to all patients. CityMD hires the best board certified doctors that are well-equipped with the latest medical training on modern medical philosophy and technology. One of their many services includes Pediatric Care and offering emergency service seven days a week. You can trust that City MD will take care of your child when they need immediate care for a non-life-threatening injury or illness. From cuts and scrapes to chicken pox treatments, City MD is an excellent resource for the entire family.
Activities & Learning Academic Enrichment Program/Tutoring Top 5 • EBL Coaching • Bright Kids • Mathnasium • Huntington Learning Center • Reade Street Prep The Winner
Launch Science + Math Centers
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EBL Coaching 17 E 89th St 212-249-0147 eblcoaching.com EBL is here to help your child succeed in school. If they are struggling in class and need some extra assistance, EBL lends their helping hand. EBL Coaching uses research-based, multisensory techniques to help students
in grades PreK-12 develop their reading, writing, math, and executive functioning skills. Their coaching has a particular specialty in working with students who have learning challenges, including dyslexia, ADHD, languagebased learning disabilities, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and students on the autistic spectrum. All students are evaluated to determine their learning needs before the tutoring begins and an individualized instructional plan is created for each student. If your child works better in a familiar environment, sessions can be held at the students’ homes or schools or at EBL Coaching’s Upper East Side learning center.
STEM Program (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Top 5 • Launch Math + Science Centers • STEM Kids NYC • ID Tech Camps • NORY • RoboFun The Winner Launch Math + Science Centers 173 W 81st St 212- 600-1010 launchmath.com Launch Math + Science Centers provide toddlers to tweens with inspiring math instruction and STEM-based camps and classes, plus, private in-home instruction. Launch Learning Math Sessions merge an innovative curriculum with an engaging learning environment and flexible schedule. Launch STEM Classes and Camps feature exciting programs with creative, hands-on projects from coding, robotics, electronics, rocket science, architecture, engineering, archeology, sports science, chemistry, physics, life science and more. Launch one-week STEM summer camps provide engaging fun and learning for kids from Kindergarten to 7th grade (ages 5-12). Camps feature a 4:1 camper to instructor ratio, providing small group settings to learn and bond. Campers create digital media, explore forensic biology, tinker with electronics, program autonomous robots. Launch features a flagship location on the UWS and seasonal locations throughout the city including camp locations on the UWS, UES and Tribeca.
family favorites 2019
Performing Art Class/Activity Top 5 • Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre • Atlantic Theatre • Harlem School of the Arts • TADA! Youth Theater • Professional Children School The Winner Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre 340 E 54th St 212- 688-3770 neighborhoodplayhouse.org The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre first opened its doors in 1915 at the forefront of the American theatre renaissance. The Playhouse was founded by philanthropists Alice and Irene Lewisohn and was originally located in the famous Henry Street Settlement House as one of the first Off-Broadway theaters. To this day, the theatre provides a rich educational program that teaches drama students who are seeking a professional acting career. Most of all, they offer a one-ofa-kind training to their students that has been developed over many years at Playhouse.
Dance Class Top 5 • Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater • Downtown Dance Factory • Broadway Dance Center • Dance Theatre of Harlem • Steps on Broadway
program designed to develop wellrounded young dancers that offer a diverse curriculum of ballet, modern, West African dance, Spanish dance, tap, and character dance.
Gymnastics Class Top 5 • Chelsea Piers • 92nd Street Y • NYC Elite Gymnastics • Jodi’s Gymnastics • Harlem YMCA The Winner Chelsea Piers 62 Chelsea Piers 212-336-6666 chelseapiers.com Chelsea Piers is a one-of-a-kind and Manhattan’s most popular facility in NYC that offers 25+ different sports for youth and adults as well as dedicated event spaces. Located on the Hudson River, it offers instructional programs and sports leagues for everyone to get up and active. In addition to youth classes, they also offer summer camp with 16 different camps to choose from, with aftercare, transportation and more. Or, if you are looking for an occasional thrill, sign up for one of their drop-in activities, including rock climbing, gymnastics, batting cages, bowling, and golf. Also, don’t miss out on their gymnastics program that introduces your toddler to fun movement and are led by expert instructors that introduce age-levelappropriate skills.
Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre
Eduardo Patino
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
The Winner Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater 405 W 55th St. 212-405-9000 alvinailey.org The Ailey Organization offers a wide range of opportunities for young people to study dance through The Ailey Extension or The Ailey School. Ailey Extension makes dance and fitness accessible to people of all experience levels to explore creativity, enhance musicality, and learn the fundamentals of dance in a welcoming and inclusive environment. The Ailey School offers world-class training to students ages 3 to 25. Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, the School has a curriculum-based
Music Lessons Top 5 • Harlem School of the Arts • Songs For Seeds • Lucy Moses School at Kaufaman Music Center • 92nd Street Y • Little Maestros
Chelsea Piers
The Winner Harlem School of the Arts 645 St Nicholas Ave 212-926-4100 hsanyc.org Harlem School of the Arts provides world-class expertise and exposes students to rigorous training that fosters creativity, self-confidence, and
Harlem School of the Arts
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allows them to tap into the beauty of their lives. HSA offers quality and affordable training in dance, music, theatre, and visual art to ethnically and socio-economically diverse young people 2-18 years old. Here, they are committed to empowering young people where they can cultivate their passion in the creative field.
Family Fun Ice Cream Shop
16 Handles
Top 5 • 16 Handles • Big Gay Ice Cream • Pinkberry • Serendipity 3 • The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
There is so much more to this familyfriendly restaurant and their delicious meatballs than meets the eye. They strive to serve the best local and natural ingredients when it comes to cooking up delicious food. To ensure they have the best, they work with Heritage Foods USA, the farm-to-table online butcher located in Brooklyn, dedicated to supporting families raising livestock the correct way. Enjoy their menu of meatball platters from Crab Cake Balls to classic Spaghetti ‘n Meatballs. There is also a kids menu where they get to select what they want on their plate and can draw their favorite meatball hero on their menu while they wait. At the end of your meal, don’t forget to take a peek at their dessert menu to finish off your Meatball Shop experience with cookies and ice cream.
The Winner
The Meatball Shop
16 Handles Visit the site to see all locations 212-260-4416 16handles.com 16 Handles celebrates individuality and encourages everyone to build their unique Fro-Yo dessert with your favorite flavors and toppings. From traditional fruity flavors to new innovative ones like Caramel Popcorn Finale, there is something to satisfy everyone’s sweet-tooth indulgence. They are committed to serving quality, fresh Fro-Yo with endless toppings to sprinkle on top. Top off your Fro-Yo with chocolate sauces, candy, nuts, fruits, and more to create your dessert masterpiece. You can also order specialty cakes and choose from a variety of smoothies, making all your Fro-Yo dreams come true.
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Top 5 • Six Flags Great Adventure • Luna Park • Sesame Place • Victorian Gardens Amusement Park • Hershey Park The Winner
Top 6 • The Meatball Shop • Carmine’s • Bareburger • Dinosaur Bar-B-Que • Eataly • Katz’s Delicatessen
Six Flags Great Adventure 1 Six Flags Blvd, Jackson Township 732-928-2000 sixflags.com Head to Six Flags for the weekend if you are seeking a family-thrilling time! Come for the day where you can enjoy family and kid rides, entertainment, animal attractions, animal programs, and adventurous rides. Experience rides like Buccaneer, Enchanted Tea Cups, Safari Off Road Adventure, and more! Get to the park early where you will have plenty of time to explore the rides, shops, and enjoy the shows and performers. There are always seasonal events at the park, so make sure to snag a season pass for your family to drop by at any time and enjoy the countless festivities that are totally worth going to.
The Winner
Family Theatre
The Meatball Shop Visit the site to see locations 718-551-0525 themeatballshop.com
Top 5 • The New Victory Theatre • Galli Theater New York • Manhattan Children’s Theater
Restaurant (Family Friendly)
Six Flags Great Adventure
Amusement Center
family favorites 2019
• Tribeca PAC • Vital Theatre Company The Winner The New Victory Theatre 209 W 42nd St 646-223-3000 newvictory.org The New Victory Theater is New York City’s first and only nonprofit performing arts venue for kids and families. They are also well recognized everywhere from cultural organizations for their expertise in family theater. The New Victory presents theater, dance, circus, puppetry and opera from around the world for kids of all ages. Before and after every performance, visit the New Victory lobbies for a chance to meet the artists or play with free, hands-on art activities so that you and your family can learn more about the show while having fun. Tickets start at just $17 and the new season will go on sale in June!
Museum for Families Top 5 • American Museum of Natural History • Children’s Museum of the Arts • New York Hall of Science • Children’s Museum of Manhattan • The Metropolitan Museum of Art The Winner American Museum of Natural History Central Park West & 79th St 212-769-5100 amnh.org With 45 permanent exhibition halls housed in 25 interconnected buildings including the Rose Center for Earth and Space, the American Museum of Natural History offers something special for everyone. The Museum’s permanent galleries offer a “field guide” to the natural world and global cultures, while topical exhibitions present and explain the complex issues of our times. Visitors from all around the world can come face-to-face
with a 122-foot-long dinosaur, walk underneath a 94-foot-long blue whale, or travel through the universe in the Hayden Planetarium Space Theater.
Indoor Playspace Top 6 • Tied for first: The Art Farm NYC & Chelsea Piers • City Treehouse • Kidville • The Little Gym • Twinkle Playspace The Winners The Art Farm NYC 431 E 91st St 212-410-3117 theartfarms.com The Art Farm NYC’s is quite the jewel of New York. With original curriculum created by The Art Farm’s team — kids get hands-on experience learning about live animals, gardening, and the outdoors. The amazing team all have degrees in Early Childhood, Animal Sciences, and experiences that range from The Bronx Zoo to the NYC Board of Education. A summer plus! The Art Farm NYC hosts their summer camp at Trevor Day School East Campus, offering full and half day camp experience for children ages 3 thru grade 5. Take walking trips to indoor petting zoos and swim at the 92Y. Each week revolves around a different theme for our art, with special presentations.
Mark LaRosa
The New Victory Theatre
AMNH - D. Finnin
American Museum of Natural History
Chelsea Piers 62 Chelsea Piers 212-336-6666 chelseapiers.com Chelsea Piers is a one-of-a-kind facility in NYC. If you are looking for an occasional thrill, sign up for one of their drop-in activities, including rock climbing, gymnastics, batting cages, bowling, and golf. There are plenty of indoor activities that your kids will love when the weather is gloomy or rainy.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter @NewYorkFamily, and check out our website at newyorkfamily.com
Scott McDermott
Chelsea Piers
June 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com
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family fun MUSEUMS
MUSIC
THEATER
ATTRACTIONS
10 FOOD
Family Movie Night at Randall’s Island
SCIENCE SATURDAY AT PIER 84
June 1 Summer is right around the corner and it’s time to dive into new activities. Along with going to the beach and playing with friends, don’t forget about Science Saturday at Pier 84! Try catch-and-release fishing, microscopic investigations, river-inspired crafts, and more. You won’t want to miss out on all the cool wonders of science that are right under your nose at Pier 84. Free, 12-4pm, registration recommended. Hudson River Park, Pier 84 at West 44th St, hudsonriverpark.org
“IT’S MY PARK! DAY” AT UNION SQUARE June 1 Stop by Union Square Park for “It’s My
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Great Kid-Friendly June Events in Manhattan By Emanuelle Block
Park Day” where junior scientists learn about nature and sustainability at the “kids explore corner,” plus demos in herb gardening and composting. Storytime with books about the environment, food, and the planet. Enjoy refreshments, face-painting, and volunteer for park clean up too! 10am-1pm. Union Square Park, Central Lawn, usqparkday.nyc
LC KIDS: “PULSAR” June 4-9 From the Mexican-Argentinian theater company Teatro al Vacío, “Pulsar,” a modern and performing art showcase, invites infants and toddlers to explore their own creativity, taking them on a journey to a whimsical world of play. For ages 6-36 months, performance length: 30 minutes,
showtimes vary. Lincoln Center, Clark Studio Theater, 165 West 65th Street, 7th Floor, lincolncenter.org
LGBT PRIDE MONTH AT CMOM June 7-30 Kick off Pride month at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan by helping create a gigantic Pride flag. All month, you can help paint a rainbow masterpiece and fill it with unique, colorful objects. Gear up for the Pride Parade with DIY rainbow accessories, buttons, flags, headbands, and signs. Drop in 10am-4:30pm. CMOM, 212 West 83rd St, cmom.org
FAMILY MOVIE NIGHTS ON RANDALL’S ISLAND June 8, 15
What better way to spend a warm summer night than to watch a movie with the family. Grab your snacks, blanket, and head to Randall’s Island for a great family film. Make this summer count and watch new movies that you may have missed in theaters like the remake of Marry Poppins and the hit Marvel film Black Panther. Mary Poppins Returns (June 8), Black Panther (June 15). 8:30 pm. Randall’s Island, randallsisland.org
Potions & Planting June 8 The McKittrick Hotel’s rooftop Gallow Green is having a magical English tea party for children and their parents. Enjoy nibbling off of a customary high tea platter, light refreshments of pink lemonade, hands-on lessons in potion, and potting greenery. Kids are encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animal to join in on this social event. All guests must be accompanied by an adult. $25, 10 am. McKittrick Hotel, 542 W 27th St, mckittrickhotel.com
MUSEUM MILE FESTIVAL June 11 Come to New York’s biggest block party! Walk the mile on Fifth Avenue between 82nd Street and 110th Street while visiting some of New York City’s finest cultural institutions, which are open free to the public throughout the evening. Special exhibitions and works from permanent collections are on view inside the museums’ galleries with live music and artmaking workshops on Fifth Avenue at selected museums. Rain or shine. Free, 6-9pm. Museum Mile Festival, Fifth Ave, 82nd St to 110th St, museummilefestival.org
ADVENTURES NYC IN CENTRAL PARK June 15 It’s time to venture out into the great outdoors of Central Park since the sun is out. Get ready to paddle, climb, race and glide! Celebrate nature and enjoy a day of adventure with the whole family. You’ll be able to try out rock climbing, zip lining, log rolling, paddleboarding, GaGa,
Artwork from “A City for Corduroy”
obstacle races, and more. Free, 11am-4pm. Central Park Bandshell, nycgovparks.org
“A CITY FOR CORDUROY”: MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK Through June 23 Come experience the delightful stuffed bear in green overalls in the Don Freeman’s children’s classic that was published over fifty years ago. This exhibit presents the artist’s unique illustrated scenes of New York City that inspired Corduroy and other stories. Featuring drawings, paintings, publications, prints, original studies and sketches of Corduroy, and other
characters. Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave at 103rd St, mcny.org
Scavenger hunt June 29 Calling all detectives! The Skyscraper Museum is inviting all aspiring detectives to come for a family scavenger hunt after you get a brief tour of their exhibition. Pay attention to clues as you examine photographs, videos, and wall text to under the hidden mysteries. For all ages. $5 per child, members free, 10:30-11:45 am. The Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Pl, skyscraper. org June 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com
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family fun
Featured event
Events Around the City WILDLIFE TOUR: HIGH LINE AS HABITAT June 1 Visit one of Manhattan’s greatest nature spots with the family. Tour the High Line with horticulturist and wildlife expert and learn how pollinators, migratory birds, and other wildlife use the habitat and food provided by the High Line’s gardens. 8-9:15am. On the High Line at Gansevoort St, thehighline.org
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF THE ARTS Opening June 1 Travel to the Children’s Museum of the Arts where young artists are welcomed to Governor’s Island to participate in hands-on activities and artistic workshops. Be sure to also venture out with the family and explore the Free Arts Island Outpost of big projects using traditional mediums and found objects. Governor’s Island, govisland.com
“TREBLE AND BASS”: NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC’S VERY YOUNG PEOPLE’S CONCERTS June 2 & 3 Through lively musical performance, “Treble and Bass” explores the high and low ranges that instruments can produce. Selections from Bach’s Keyboard Concerto in D major. Ages 3-6, various showtimes. Merkin Concert Hall, 129 West 67th St, nyphil.org
TASTE OF TIMES SQUARE: FOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL June 3 Come enjoy Times Square’s annual outdoor food and music festival, featuring tastes from neighborhood restaurants and flavors from around the world. Music from NYC performers,
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Spring 2019 Arts & Crafts Fair June 1-2 Support the arts and engage in crafts at the 2-day Arts & Crafts Fair on City Island. Bring your family to see and make paintings, jewelry, stained glass, clothing, native crafts, bath and body products, and photography. There will also be face painting,
dancing, and more. 5-9pm. West 46th Street between Broadway & 9th Ave, timessquarenyc.org
MAGIC AT CONEY!!! June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Magical Promotions and Coney Island USA present an afternoon of fun and wonder for the entire family. A magical variety show with illusionists, escape artists, mentalists, and closeup magicians from around the world. 12 pm. Coney Island Museum, 1208 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, magicatconey. com
“AS FIT AS A TROLL”: NEW YORK SCANDIA SYMPHONY June 8 A fun way to learn about healthy eating habits and exercise. Scandia Symphony’s humorous script was inspired by Michele Obama’s “Let’s Move” program. A junk food loving troll from Norway, his pet dinosaur, and a fairy godmother with a magic picnic basket with healthy fruits and vegetables help introduce kids to cool moves to stay fit and get in shape. Free, 2-3pm. Anne Loftus Playground
live music, and plenty of food and shopping on City Island Avenue. Hosted by the City Island Chamber of Commerce, immerse your family into a day of creativity, energy, and fun! 11:00am-7:00pm. City Island Avenue, City Island, Bronx NY 10464, cityislandchamber.org.
in Fort Tryon Park, nycgovparks.org
AQUARIUM MORNINGS WITH THE ANIMALS: NEW YORK AQUARIUM June 8 Cut the hassle of waiting in long lines with tons of people and enjoy early access to the Aquarium while you create, play, and move together. Learn more about the wonders of the Aquarium’s amazing animals and have a blast with the kids. Ages 3-8, 9-10:30am. New York Aquarium, Surf Ave & West 8th St, Brooklyn, nyaquarium.com
“PINKALICIOUS THE MUSICAL” June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Pinkalicious can’t stop eating cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with Pinkitis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe—a dream come true for this pink loving enthusiast. But when her hue goes too far, only Pinkalicious can figure out how to get out of this predicament. Ages 2-7, 11 am. St. Luke’s
Theatre, 308 West 46th St, New York, pinkaliciousthemusical.com
SUMMER FAMILY FAIR June 23 Explore the world of literature through both interactive and observative exhibits at the Morgan Library & Museum. Engage in the various exhibits related to literature and art, search Mr. Morgan’s historic library, write poetry on the poetry wall, and make plenty of crafts. Free with museum admission, ages 3-14, 2-4:30pm. The Morgan Library & Museum, 225 Madison Avenue, New York, themorgan.org
BROADWAY IN THE BOROS June 28 Come listen to Broadway cast members and musicians, featuring performances from 2019 Tony-nominated Be More Chill and The Prom. Presented by the Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment. Free, all ages, 12-1pm. Located at the intersection of 77th St & 37th Rd in Jackson Heights, Queens, nyc.gov
CHELSEA SUMMER KICKOFF June 30 Bring your children for an active day of sports and play, featuring relay races, football, soccer, softball, and yoga. There will be a professional
Sara Kerens - TSQAlliance
Enjoy at Taste of Times Square on June 3.
soccer coach and a Sensie from Tiger Schulmann. In order to participate, fill out a liability release form for your child, and bring the form to the event. Register online at ChelseaSummerKickoff.com. 1-5pm. Chelsea Park, West 27th Street & 9th Ave, New York
Smorgasburg Until August 31 Take the family early in the morning to Smorgasburg, the best summer food market in New York City.
Smorgasburg is the largest weekly outdoor free food market in America that brings in 20,000-30,000 people each week to get a taste of what New Yorkers are dishing up. From 100 local vendors, you will definitely be able to take your tastebuds on a field trip from savory to sweet. Free. WTC, Oculus Plaza, Manhattan (Friday); Williamsburg, East River State Park, 90 Kent Avenue,(at N. 7 St.) Brooklyn (Saturday); & Prospect Park – Breeze Hill, East Drive at Lincoln Road, Brooklyn (Sunday)
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June 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com
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education
Honoring NYC’s Great Educators The winners are in for our annual Blackboard Awards By Shnieka L. Johnson
T
he Blackboard Awards were born from a desire to honor the great educators of New York City. The awards recognize New York’s schools, principals and individual teachers for their work and excellence in education. Nominated by parents, all schools are eligible for this prestigious honor. Whether a nursery school, elementary, middle or high school—parents can shine a light on the wonderful schools, administrators, and teachers that are a part of their community. A bit of history: Since 2002, the Blackboard Awards have celebrated excellence in education in New York City. The awards honor those who foster the academic, emotional, and social growth of the city’s children. In addition to parents and educators, who nominate honorees, an esteemed advisory panel of board of educators give valuable input. Placing a spotlight on a school helps grow its reputation and help it to reach new families. The Blackboard Awards aims to help New York City parents make informed choices about their children’s education. Shnieka L. Johnson is an education consultant and freelance writer. She is based in Manhattan, where she resides with her husband and son. Contact her via her website: www.shniekajohnson.com.
2019 Honorees Amanda M. Ramos River East Elementary 2nd Grade All Subjects Amy Bernard Mark Twain I.S. 239 7th Grade Math Anna Annina Williamsburg Prep High School 9th - 12th Grade Chemistry & Physics
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Benjamin Mizrahi Ramaz Middle School 5th – 8th Grade Math Janelle Festo PS189 Isador E. Ida Straus School Kindergarten – 5th Music Kim Nunes Brighter Choice Community School 5th Grade Math
New York Family | June 2019
Scenes from previous Blackboard Awards ceremonies.
Laura Wollos PS 267 East Side Elementary 2nd Grade Special Education All Subjects Lindsey Sequeira Queens School of Inquiry 11th & 12 th Grade Guidance Counselor & College Advisor Rosalina Alves Notre Dame Catholic Academy Kindergarten
All Subjects
Physical Education
Chante Orane West Prep Academy 8th Grade Science/Living Environment Hayeon Rachel Jun Columbia Secondary School 10th & 11th Grade Chemistry
Siloane London R.T. Hudson Seven Day Adventist School Kindergarten - 8th Grade Computer Science & Early Childhood Education
Raymond Acosta South Bronx Early College Academy Charter School 8th – 10th Grade
Tara Hines Battery Park City School 1st Grade All Subjects
just write mom
By Danielle Sullivan
Change the Way You Look at Things Practice mindfulness for more peaceful living
F
eeling anxious, overwhelmed, and overscheduled? After all, what parent isn’t in 2019? Between the gloom and doom news circuits espousing fear and danger at every opportunity, world leaders who ooze incompetency at best, unending work in the office and at home — it’s enough to create an unending loop of anxiety. But even with our chaotic modern life, there are ways to calm your mind that we can all do each day. Psychology, spiritual, and Zen experts alike agree that bringing mindfulness into everyday life is one skill that can make a dramatic difference in the enjoyment of living. Think about it — when was the last time you felt anxious, worried, or afraid? Chances are it wasn’t that long ago, and chances are even higher that the event/ circumstance, or situation you were stressed about was not happening at that moment, but instead was brought on by something that was about to happen in the future. In other words, you were thinking about the possibility of something going awry, and thereby creating anxiousness before anything negative occurred. I used to be the queen of this, and I can tell you with 100 percent certainty that everything I have worried/stressed about was infinitely worse in my own downward thought spiral than ever actually happened in real life. On top of that, about 90 percent of my worries proved to be blatantly unfounded. If I add up all that wasted time, I surely have squandered days on absolutely nothing. Learning to be mindful does the opposite; it forces you to be fully present now, and concerned only with what is happening now in this very minute, not next week or next month. Mindfulness helps both children and adults get out of their own way, so to speak, and enjoy life. It reduces stress and worry, and promotes happiness and contentment…. and best of all, it can be learned! Yoga teacher Jennifer Elliott explains, “Many people begin a mindfulness practice to deal with stress in their lives. Whatever the motivation for beginning a mindfulness practice, over time, the practice can fundamentally change the way we understand our own minds, how we see ourselves, and how we experience our connection to others and the world.”
So how can you get started? Elliott suggests keeping a gratitude journal and writing in it at the end of each day, “This is a lovely way to connect with your child and remind ourselves of our precious our human life is.” She also recommends putting all devices away “at meal time, when you are driving in the car with your children, or really anytime you are with your children.” Physically, learning how breathe correctly in also a mindful process. “A simple exercise to do that teaches the importance of watching the breath, is to have your child lie down with their favorite stuffed animal on their belly and with the breath they watch it rise and fall. This teaches the importance of breathing deeply and it is fun!” Here are some other quick ways to institute mindfulness into everyday life: 1. Savor every meal, and bite. Eat meals slowly, and together, away from the TV and computer, discovering the taste and aroma of
the food on our plates. 2. Go for leisurely walks and point out the weather, sights, and smells of your surroundings. 3. Check in with your child’s feelings. Encourage them to talk about what they are feeling when they are cranky or fidgety in order to help them recognize their own emotions and how they affect their behavior. Remember to do the same and model this for your child. 4. Keep the blaring sounds off to make your home as calm and soothing as possible. When auditory clutter is reduced, you are naturally more engaged in the here and now. 5. Help your child to not anticipate worry and focus on what is happening now. The best way to do this is model it yourself, which helps the whole family. Danielle Sullivan is a writer living in New York City. Follow her on Instagram @Deewrite. June 2019 | NewYorkFamily.com
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The importance of reading to your child By Dr. Marigold Castillo
R
eading leads to lifelong success. Period. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released numerous statements regarding the promotion of parent-child reading among families. The statements and the relevant studies supporting this recommendation point to significant benefits of reading to a child for his or her development. But how soon after a child is born should a parent read to the child? The answer is — as soon as the first three months and continuing on to at least about 5 years of age (and beyond). Many parents even read to the unborn child in the womb. This activity encourages a deeper bond between the parent and the baby. Reading to a baby promotes a deeper connection between the parent and the child from voice pattern recognition (which offers a soothing effect) and facilitation of brain activity. Reading to a child from birth to
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about 5 years old has proven to be effective in promoting socio-emotional skills, language literacy, visual imagery, and narrative comprehension. Reading aloud to a child and helping him transcend to his independent reading will also develop early success in spatial reasoning and working memory. Such earlier accomplishment from reading efforts with parents and guardians leads to success in a child’s social and academic environments resulting in a very competitive edge and favorable ripple effect in school, with friends and the later stages of young adulthood as they embark into working careers. The AAP highlights what it calls the five Rs: • Reading together as a daily, fun, family activity • Rhyming, playing, talking, singing, and cuddling together often throughout the day • Building Routines for meals, play, and sleep, which help children know what to expect and what is expected of them
• Giving Rewards for everyday successes (especially for effort toward goals like helping), understanding that praise from those closest to a child is a very potent reward • Developing Relationships that are nurturing, reciprocal, purposeful, and lasting, which are the foundations of healthy early brain and child development As a renewed form of activity within the household, parents and guardians are encouraged to include reading as part of their child’s daily routine. It is a healthy alternative and a complement to electronic gadgets and equipment such as video consoles, tablets, and smartphones. Visits to the local library and attending book-reading events as part of the child’s weekly routine may catapult his or her reading into a lifelong habit. It is never too early or never too late to start encouraging a lifelong habit of reading to young children. Dr. Marigold Castillo is board-certified by the American Academy of Pediatrics, and is an assistant professor of Pediatrics at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. She is an attending physician at Cohen Children’s Medical Center, specializing in adolescent medicine. She is a mom from Bayside, NY.
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