Kids World FALL 2016
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A gymnast is ready to execute a routine at Next Dimension Gymnastics in Trumbull. — Next Dimension Gymnastics photo. Below, Family owned and operated, the Lee Lund Studio of Dance in Milford has offered personal, professional dance instruction to the Milford community since 1983. — Lee Lund Studio of Dance photo
Busy bodies Activities designed to help keep kids fit.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children and adolescents should do 60 minutes (1 hour) or more of physical activity each day. That may sound like a lot, particularly when you take into consideration the hours children spend at school, doing homework, participating in extracurricular and social activities, and even sleeping. How, then, can parents ensure that their children are in fact getting the recommended amount of exercise? Dance and gymnastics classes are one method, and fortunately, there are many such area classes available. Here is just a sampling: The Dance Workshop, 500 Monroe Tpke., Monroe thedanceworkshop.us, 203-268-7297 or 203-445-9816 Established in 1983, The Dance Workshop is owned by and under the directorship of Elizabeth Salito. “Through our progressive program and professional and spacious facility, students of all ages have the opportunity to strengthen their bodies and minds as they grow to love the art of dance,” Elizabeth explains. “From creative movement to the most advanced dance classes, our students gain a solid understanding of proper technique and terminology while also developing self-discipline, physical fitness, poise, and a greater
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appreciation of movement and music.” Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Combo Classes, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Modern Dance, Contemporary, Turn and Kick, Creative Dance, Mommy and Me, Music TogetherⓇ, ZumbaⓇ Kids, Yoga, AIM Ballroom Dance Studio D, 380 Monroe Tpke., Monroe Studioct.com, 203-445-8090 Studio D proudly dance classes to boys and girls ages 2 to adult, according to studio director/owner Dona Wassell. Studio D is focused on all of its students growing in the knowledge of the art of dance, while at the same time, having fun. The school features Danzstar, Starlettes, and Little Stars performing teams, as well as our competitive Senior and Junior Company dancers. The staff strives to nurture your dancer's self-esteem. Dona says, "It is such an amazing journey watching all of my students grow up in our Studio D family. We are truly a 'family' of dancers, of whom I am so proud. This is not a 'job,' it is so much more … watching my dancers grow and become the beautiful people they have become today.” Mommy & Me, Teenie 2’s, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Pointe
Polly’s School of Gymnastics, 550 Ferry Blvd., Stratford 203-375-3244 This family owned-and-operated business was founded 45 years ago. Polly Brueggestrat, president, is a former Olympic gymnastics champion and her brother, Dan Brueggestrat, is vice president of the company. Polly’s mother, June Della Gioia, serves as treasurer and secretary. The fall/winter 2016-2017 program begins in September. Competitive teams and trophy winners. Classes for all levels, boys and girls. Skills on all the gymnastics equipment and tumbling is taught. All classes are geared to help youngsters learn the correct and safe way to do gymnastics and develop body control and strength to enable them to progress onto each level of gymnastics. Fitness classes
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• 2 •
• Kids World • HAN Network •
What’s the right age for a cell phone?
• August 25, 2016 •
by Joanne Greco Rochman The chorus sounds like this: “All my friends have one. Everyone in school has one. Why can’t I have one?” The name of the tune is, “what’s the right age to give a cell phone to a youngster?” A study aimed at cyberbullying at the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center found that 20% of boys and 18% of girls in the 3rd grade had their own cell phones. That number climbs to 39% across both genders in 5th grade and jumps dramatically to 83% of kids in middle school. So what the right age for your child is depends on several factors, and for every child and every parent, the perfect answer is quite different. There are guidelines, however, to help parents make the right decision. A cell phone has just as many negatives as positives in the hands of children. While most parents feel it’s a great safety device, it can quickly turn into a dangerous tool. First, evaluate the maturity level of your
child. How responsible is he/she when it comes to losing things, forgetting things, or breaking things? Does your child practice prioritizing? Does your child have a good sense of what is right and wrong? While it’s one thing for kids to use a cell phone to let parents know where they are, it’s another story when students use their cell phones to play games or text message during classes. Keep track of your child’s grades. If you see grades falling, rethink that cell phone and confiscate it. Next, evaluate the actual need for a cell phone. Does your child really need one? Many parents like to think that if they can reach children via cell phone, then they will know their children are safe. That is not always the case unless the parent is able to actually see where the child is at any given time. That’s not easily accomplished. Parents need to set strict rules and make sure those rules are followed. Limit text messaging to parents only; allow
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phone usage at specific times of day or in emergency situations only. Most importantly, set guidelines and rules that your child understands clearly. Then hold your child to those rules by being vigilant. Know your child’s friends. Do you approve of his/her friends? Some children are easily misled by others. If yours are more likely to listen to their friends than you, then that cell phone no longer serves as a safety device. Does your child acknowledge when he/ she has made a mistake or does your child go into immediate denial? Accepting setbacks and taking responsibility for mistakes are sure signs of maturity. It’s very easy for children to lie about doing something wrong. Next, parents need to stay on top of research. Because so many studies are being conducted regarding cell phone use and its effect on various stages of life, it is important for parents to read as much as possible on new studies. Interestingly enough, a recent
study indicated that “kids between the ages of 12 and 16 rely more on their emotions when performing rational tasks.” When emotions rule, decision-making is at its most questionable. Parents need to stay informed and be aware. The best way to protect your children is to research the cell phone market. There are many plans that enable parents to monitor their children’s phone usage. Prepaid cell phone usage is an excellent way for children to earn their right to use a cell phone and often costs about $10 per month. There are also family plans with unlimited usage, and it’s a good idea to get insurance if a child has that phone. So what’s the right age for your child? When that child is mature enough not to abuse the privilege and is able to thoroughly understand the consequences of not abiding by parental guidelines. Know your child and don’t be afraid to say “no” when that child is not ready.
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• August 25, 2016 •
• Kids World • HAN Network •
•3•
Imagine that!
Toy stores offer products designed to make kids think by Lisa Sullivan Just when you think kids can’t Mommy and Me story time, baby possibly find another reason to spend sign language classes, and toddler more time on their electronic devices, music classes. a new app or game is released, and Hobby enthusiasts can choose it’s back to seeing the top of your from among a comprehensive selecchild’s head bent over his or her tion of building and science kits at screen, thumbs flying. HobbyTown USA, located at 847 There’s a whole new generation of Post Rd. E, Fairfield, according to children who, once past the age of owner Marc Rosenblum. “We focus three (or even two, in some cases), on STEM education, and offer have little interest in playing with things like science and robotics the traditional toys of their parents’ kits, which require kids to open up youth…Play-Doh®, Lite-Brite, dolls, a box and build or experiment … model trains, G.I. Joe and Candy there’s an educational component Land, to name a few. Kids are being to our product lines which encourintroduced to electronics at much ages children and adults to learn younger ages, and now that the horse HobbyTown USA in Fairfield offers kits, like this A Calico Critters Town Home, available from Joggen Your Noggin in how and why something operates,” has left the barn, so to speak, how Marc states. one focusing on wind power, which require kids Monroe, makes for a great interactive gift. do we get them to put down their Marc, who opened the store 10 to open up a box and build or experiment. —Joggen Your Noggin photo —HobbyTown USA photo phones and tablets and Xboxes and years ago, grew up playing with the laptops for a few minutes and play model trains his father bought him. with toys that require them to actually use instead of reaching for a cell phone, they jump imagination, and which are not necessarily “I worked in corporate for 20 years, but when their imagination? on the hopscotch mat and play with the trains electronic, according to Sandra Greenspan, I had my own kids, I took the trains out of “I think the best way to encourage children and critters.” manager. “My son, Howard Greenspan, the attic and we set them up,” he recounts. “It to play with toys that aren’t electronic is to get The store also carries old school toys opened a local interactive toy store so inspired me to leave my industry and open up them to play outside, put together a puzzle, such as jack-in-the-boxes, Yo-Yo’s, Rubik’s customers would have a resource for toys and a hobby shop.” or play games with them and create as many Cube, Raggedy Ann dolls, Thomas the Tank, games designed to make children think,” she Today the store stocks Lionel, Bachmann, memories as possible,” explains Lou Mitri, Playmobil, Bruder Trucks, science and hobby recounts. Arts and crafts and Legos are among Atlas and Athearn trains, as well as radio who owns Joggen Your Noggin, located at 292 kits, Calico Critters, crafts kits, dress up, and the store’s top sellers, as are dolls, stuffed control cars, trucks, airplanes, helicopters Elm St., Monroe with his wife, Regina. stuffed animals. “One of the “From Webkinz animals, play food and dishes, sports equipand drones, rockets, chemistry sets, puzzles, The couple was inspired to open the to Silly Bandz, we have seen a lot of hot items, ment, science kits and dinosaurs. building kits, including GoldieBlox for girls, store in October, 1997 after having trouble and I’m sure there will be many more. Plus, Play centers are located throughout the and crafting hobbies and materials (just in finding educational toys for their children, the customer service in a small business like store, and include train tables, a slide, arts and time for those back-to- school projects!). Jennifer and Rachel, and learning that other ours is not comparable to online shopping or crafts areas, and building stations, to name “We’re pretty focused on getting kids to be parents in the area were having the same shopping in a mall. We urge people to shop a few. “We want parents to be able to shop hands-on, and play in three dimensions … problem. “When kids come into our store, locally and support local businesses.” while their children are kept busy with the build it, fix it, and adjust it themselves, and no they are blown away by the train displays At Giant Steps, 226 Kings Highway East, toys and games we have put out specifically video games are involved!” Marc concludes. and Calico Critter play table,” Lou says. “Kids in Fairfield, children are also encouraged to for that purpose,” Sheila says. Giant Steps also get distracted by new and exciting toys, and play with toys that require them to use their offers free in-store events and activities, like
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• 4 •
• Kids World • HAN Network •
• August 25, 2016 •
Veggin’ out
Parenting kids who choose not to eat meat by Lisa Sullivan Almost every parent has had to deal with a child who refuses to eat a particular food. Whether it’s vegetables, “yucky” meat, anything brown or food that has touched another food on the plate, kids have particular ideas as to what is and what isn’t acceptable when it comes to eating. What happens, though, when a child decides to become a vegetarian? How does a parent plan healthy meals that whole family can and will eat? There has in fact been an upswing in vegetarianism, according to www.news.therawfoodworld.com: In 2009, only 1% of the U.S. population reported eating vegetarian or vegan. Now, 5% of the United States population, or 16 million people, are vegetarian. Andy and Gina Burke, Fairfield County residents and parents to three girls, Katie, Bridget and Maggie, faced just such a particular food challenge when Bridget, who was in 7th grade at the time, declared herself a vegetarian. “Bridget always had a lot of food sensitivities, particularly when it came to texture, until finally, when she was in the fourth grade, she gave up meat and fish entirely,” Gina, a teacher, recalls. Gina and Andy’s main concern was their daughter’s development… how would they know if she was eating enough of the right foods to make up for the animal protein she was eliminating from her diet? The couple met first with their pediatrician, who assured them that a vegetarian diet was safe for children and gave them some nutritional guidelines to follow to ensure that Bridget would have a healthy, vegetarian diet. “Initially, she ate tofu, salad and a lot of
Elise Sullivan photo
beans, while Katie and Maggie had certain foods that they didn’t like,” says Gina. “One of our biggest challenges was making meals that everyone could eat.” Andy, a caterer and owner of Old Greenwich-based Burke Catering (burkecatering.com), did much of the cooking, making separate meals for each daughter, while Gina stuck to basic pastas. “I was busy working and simply didn’t have time to make a different meal for everyone,” she recounts. “Andy loved making Bridget fancy cheese sandwiches,
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and she was one of the few kids I know that enjoyed French cheeses and other more sophisticated foods.” One of the most challenging aspects of the vegetarian diet is knowing exactly how much protein is needed, and what constitutes the correct amount. Maria Tripodi (mgt323@aol. com), a Westport-based registered dietician, explains, “A regular recommended daily diet should consist of 50% carbohydrates, 25-30% fat, and 15% protein. Foods like legumes, milk, quinoa, eggs, cheese, yogurt (Greek
yogurt contains more protein than regular yogurt), ravioli, tortellini, veggie burgers, and some foods like waffles and cereals, contain protein.” Maria adds that a protein exchange is equal to 7 grams of protein, which is what is found in an ounce of poultry, meat and fish, as well as an entire egg. “Typically, a 3 oz. protein serving, or 21 grams, is average for lunch. Dinner is anywhere from 3 to 6 oz. Read labels carefully, and look for products that contain protein so you can be sure you’re getting the recommended daily amount.” As Bridget got older, she learned how to approach a vegetarian diet more independently. “The biggest challenge of maintaining a vegetarian diet, I learned, is getting enough protein,” she explains. “Vegetarians have to be more attentive about getting all of their nutrients because we don’t eat a lot of the foods that have large amounts of protein and iron in them. I realized that just pasta or grilled cheese for dinner wasn’t giving me the nutrients I needed. I find that it’s helpful to plan the meals out ahead of time, which makes you think about what it is that you’re eating and whether or not it has enough protein.” Bridget, who will be attending the University of Connecticut as a freshman this fall, has opted for a vegetarian meal plan. “Initially, I was concerned that there wouldn’t be many options for me in college, but I have been assured by other UCONN students that there are plenty of vegetarian choices,” she says. Hopefully two of her favorites — eggplant parmesan and veggie burgers — will be on the menu.
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DWS Ensemble and DWS Performance Team The Dance Workshop Ensemble, our competitive dance company, is by audition only and open to any student ages 5-18. We compete at local and out of state competitions as well as charitable functions. Awards won: Overall Technique Award, Top Scoring Studio, Outstanding Choreography Awards, “Inspired by Passion” Studio Award, 2016 National Title Winners. This Ensemble holds an annual scholarship fund raising showcase (Showcase date TBA). The Dance Workshop Performance Team is open to all ages and levels and performs solely for community service/entertainment. This group is non-competitive.
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• August 25, 2016 •
• Kids World • HAN Network •
•5•
Hot heads
Warning signs of childhood vision troubles
Salons help keep kids calm during haircuts by Lois Alcosser
Adults know when they are beginning to experience trouble with their vision. In such instances, men and women will book appointments with their eye doctors to determine what’s causing their problems. But whether it’s a fear or eyeglasses or simply feeling their symptoms are normal, kids might be hesitant to tell their parents about any vision problems they’re having. As a result, parents must learn to recognize certain warning signs that indicate their children are experiencing vision problems. Vision problems in youngsters can be especially problematic, as many of the lessons kids learn in school still begin on a chalkboard. The following are some potential indicators that kids might be dealing with vision problems that require medical attention. • Reading habits: Vision problems may be most noticeable when kids are reading. As youngsters learn to read, they might use their fingers to keep their place while they figure out the pronunciation of certain words. But kids eventually grow out of that habit. Kids who are still doing so long after they have learned to read may be having trouble seeing words on the page. In addition, kids who pull their reading materials very close to their eyes may be struggling to see the words. • Viewing habits: Peculiar viewing habits may also be indicative of poor vision. Kids who sit too close to the television may be struggling to see what’s on as opposed to just being over-excited to see their favorite shows. Kids who prefer to watch programs on tablets they can hold as opposed to televisions may also make that choice because it’s easier for them to see on their tablets than on the television. In such instances, ask why they prefer tablets to television. When kids watch TV, ask them to move further away from the television. If they complain moving back makes it hard to see, book an appointment with an eye doctor. • Eye rubbing: Many kids, and even adults, rub their eyes when they are feeling fatigued. But kids who seem to rub their eyes frequently and at times of the day when they should not be tired may be experiencing vision troubles and feeling frustrated that they cannot see very well. • Eye activity: Some kids begin to close one eye when reading, watching television or attempting to read signs. That may be indicative of a refractive vision disorder, in which the eye struggles to focus, or refract, light correctly on the retina. Such problems can often be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses, but some refractive disorders may require surgery. • Squinting: Kids who squint a lot may be finding it difficult to focus on words on a chalkboard or even television programs. Squinting may also be brought on by a corneal abrasion. Parents who notice their youngsters are squinting should consult the child’s eye doctor to determine the cause of the problem. Vision problems can be especially harmful to children, who rely on their vision to perform their schoolwork. Parents who learn to recognize the various warning signs of vision troubles can nip problems in the bud before they have too great an impact on youngsters.
It’s time for a haircut! Those words can spark an entire realm of emotions. For boys (age 2 – 4) it’s often like going to the dentist. For girls it’s either an invasion of a cherished treasure or it’s an ecstatic grown-up experience of vanity and self-admiration. Fortunately, the area offers many excellent salons that cater to kids and have figured out ways to create a positive experience for kids and parents. At the Angela Cosmai Salon in Stamford, Adriana Scinto explains, “You have to act like you’re their age. I’m 23, so it’s easy to do that. We talk a little about hairstyles. There’s nothing threatening about it. Boys as young as 4 or 5 currently want mohawks. As long as Mom agrees, there’s no problem.” When it comes to girls, Angela says, it depends on their age. “Until they’re teenagers, most girls don’t want anyone to fool around with their hair,” she observes. “If they’ve spent years growing long hair, they adore every strand. As they get to the teens, they love the blow-dry, finishing touches. Both boys and girls appreciate being here because their hair is getting a lot more attention than they get at home.” Lucy and John Delmonico (he is the Johnny of the salon’s name) have been in the haircutting business for decades. The owners of Johnny’s and Company, a Darien-based family haircutting salon, say that moms and dads can have their hair done while the kids are getting haircuts by stylists who are specialists in their fields. “Kids have a particularly good time here,” the Lucy states. “There’s a playroom/salon with TV screens at every station, Disney movies, tables and chairs, toys. After their haircuts, many of them don’t want to go home.” Long hair is still the look girls want and boys are getting buzz cuts, Lucy observes: “A lot of blonde kids come to Johnny’s and blonde hair is diffi-
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cult to cut. Stylists have to be expert, patient, and know exactly what to do. We long-layer it, feather it, and blend it.” Adam Broderick, owner of Adam Broderick Salon in Ridgefield has seen the huge changes that technology has brought to the entire realm of children’s haircuts. “Years ago, we had a children’s section with a child care specialist who watched over children while their moms got their hair done,” he says. “However, with technology, kids have gotten so sophisticated that they bring in pictures of what they want and they can get their hair done with their moms looking on.” In fact, the relationship between the child and the stylist is so impressive, Adam says, that often moms decide to have their hair done here, as well. “The first children’s haircut is free and we have special times when our prices are discounted (back-to-school, etc.),” Adam states. “We’ve been cutting youngsters’ hair so successfully for so long that we have generations of the same family as our salon clients.” Snip-its in Fairfield is part of a national chain of children’s haircut specialists. The age range is four months to high school. Shonda Johnston, manager/stylist of the salon, notes the trends currently being requested. The A-line bob, with hair longer in back and shorter at the jawline is a favorite for boys and
girls. This is a kid version of an adult cut. Boys ages 6 to 7 have a favorite style: the Pompadour, with hair heavy on top and pulled all to one side. Snip-its is dedicated to making the visit as much fun as possible. Each station has a TV so kids can play a Snip-it video. “You have to be a child psychologist as well as a stylist,” Shonda says. “Some children don’t want to have anyone touch their hair and they’re unhappy throughout. The key is patience, talking gently to the child, often staying silent and doing the cut as quickly as possible … but most of our customers leave smiling, very pleased at how they look.” The Intrigue Hair Salon in Fairfield realizes that every child is different. Amber Klinko, manager, says that each of their stylists does children’s haircuts and knows how to please even the most rebellious child. “Lollipops help,” she says. So do a good array of styles. “We’ll often accommodate customers who need hair done on Mondays for some important occasion.” Snip Snaps in Wilton has closed but their reputation and skills as a children’s haircut salon is so significant that parents from all over Fairfield County travel to Snip Snaps in Guilford to get their children’s hair cut and styled. Heather Jette, one of the stylists, explains that their seats are like cars and “We have toys, games and videos to distract the restless kids and we work fast, so children don’t have any reason to fuss and fidget. We’re children’s haircut specialists. That means we work fast and know what we’re doing. We also understand kids with special needs. We‘ve even given a haircut to an autistic child lying on the floor. The result was a happy child, a good haircut and a pleased parent. We’re patient and that’s essential for a successful haircut that flatters a kid and doesn’t fluster a parent.”
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ON GOING REGISTRATION www.TheLeeLundStudioOfDance.com
“Voted #1 Dance Studio in Milford” —New Haven Register Reader’s Choice Award—
The Best Pre-K through 8th Grade Education in the Valley. Our students score 2-3 grade levels or more above their current grade level in reading, language arts and math. (Source: TerraNova, 2016)
For a tour or more information, call:
(203) 924-4669 www.STJOESschoolshelton.org St. Joseph School admits students of all races, ethnic backgrounds and religions.
Generous Scholarships and Tuition Assistance Available
Classes Start Tuesday, Sept. 6th
Call For More Information
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Continued From Front for children 15 months-2 years, with parents sharing in this experience for the youngster; social and physical activities around the gym which is filled with projects for beginning rhythmic movements and motor skills. Preschool and kindergarten classes, age 2 ½-5 ½, with instruction on the equipment, tumbling and many other activities for young gymnasts. Lee Lund Studio of Dance, 13 Factory Lane, Milford Theleelundstudioofdance.com, 203-877-7737 Family owned and operated, the Lee Lund Studio of Dance has offered personal, professional dance instruction to the Milford community since 1983. The goal of the Lee Lund Studio is to insure that all students, whether here for one year or ten, come away with memories of fun, self-confidence, body awareness, and an appreciation for the art of dance. Students have the opportunity to learn and master techniques in various dance forms. We offer instructions for students from 2 years old to adults. For the students who wish to pursue dance on a more serious level, we have the Lee Lund Dance Companies. Each year, all students participate in our Steppin' Out Recital. Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Theater Production, Tap, Hip Hop
• August 25, 2016 •
Monroe Dance Academy, 838 Main St., Monroe Monroedance.com, 203-268-1200 Monroe Dance Academy offers classes for adults and children. We strive to endow self-confidence, composure, poise, and presence. These are the characteristics of success for our students along with a life-long appreciation of dance. We offer the best dance education possible, presented by some of the finest mentors, leaders and professional faculty who are proper role models. Discipline, hard work and professionalism are the personal commitments expected of each student. Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Break Dancing, Musical Theater, Acrobatics. SportsCenter of Connecticut, 784 River Rd., Shelton sportscenterct.com, 203-929-6500 SportsCenter of Connecticut is a family entertainment experience, featuring a weather-protected golf driving range, 18-hole minigolf course, themed laser tag arena, interactive bowling alleys, game zone video arcade, baseball/softball batting cages, target paintball, brushstroke painting and the world’s only double-decker ice-skating arena, according to the company’s website. The facility also offers school fundraisers and group outings, as well as birthday and bar- and bat-mitzvah parties. SportsCenter of Connecticut is a family-owned business founded on the principle of providing safe ‘family fun’ entertainment. Our facility follows the strong belief that family fun should be affordable and easily
“Little Stars” at Studio D in Monroe.—Studio D photo
accessible. We pride ourselves on the cleanliness of our facility, friendliness of our staff and welcoming atmosphere and culture throughout the SportsCenter, and we serve an active community throughout the year. It is our goal that every customer feels like a part of the SportsCenter family Next Dimension Gymnastics, 25 Lindeman Dr., Trumbull Nextdimensiongymnastics.com, 203-372-3222 Patty Brady-Connelly and Russ Connelly, co-owners. Next Dimension offers gymnastics classes (pre-school, after school and tumbling classes), competition teams, and birthday parties for kids in Fairfield, Shelton, and Trumbull. We have gymnastic programs for kids of all ages and skill levels, from recreational programs to national-level competitive teams. Kids make friends, increase confidence, and gain new skills with gymnastic tumbling & games in our after school & pre-school gymnastics classes. Classes start September 6th. Ongoing registration.
"Our students gain a solid understanding of proper technique and terminology while also developing self-discipline, physical fitness, poise, and a greater appreciation of movement and music,” says Elizabeth Salito, owner of The Dance Workshop in Monroe. —The Dance Workshop photo
Hey Kids: it’s Back To School Check-Up Time! We treat infants, toddlers and tweens with extra-sensitive care!
Rockin Jump, 25 Trefoil Dr., Trumbull Trumbull.rockinjump.com, 203-880-5577 At Rockin Jump you get the exercise you need and lots of laughs along the way. From the Open Jump Arena and Vertical OPS Climbing Wall, to the Slam Dunk Zone and Foam Pit, we have something for everyone, from child to adult. Guests of all ages can enjoy large Jump Arenas, Dodgeball, Rockin’
Birthday party rooms, as well as free Wi-Fi and healthy smoothies from our café. Milford Performing Arts Center, 280A Quarry Rd., Milford Mpacdance.org, 203-876-1733 Heidi Goldbach, owner/director, has many years of experience both as a performer and teacher. The Center provides students age 2 ½-and-up year-round instruction in all forms of Dance and Musical Theater. Our fall classes begin in September and in June a recital is held at the Parsons Complex in Milford. Gymnastics, Tumble Tots, Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Jazz, Musical Theater, Vocal Jump Off, 280 Garfield Ave., Stratford Jumpoffct.com, 203-989-3357 Off offers many different activities for all age groups…featuring over 13,000-sq.-ft. of connected trampolines in a 27,500-sq.-ft. facility. Our trampoline grid features over 50 trampolines, including the angled wall trampolines and launching decks. We also offer Extreme Dodgeball, Air Dunk, Foam Pit, Slack line (suspended over thousands of foam cubes), Battle Beam, High Performance, Air Bag Jump, Play Zone (includes 3 floors of an indoor playground with slides, tubes, ball pits, bazooka’s, a waterbed, inflatables, and a toddler area), Animal Ride, Game Zone and cafe.
Two Convenient Locations: Bridgeport Office 203-333-20/20 101 Boston Avenue
Family Vision Centers
Stratford Office 203-377-20/20 775 Main Street M, T,F 9-6pm • Th 9:30-7:30pm • Sat 9-2pm
www.FamilyVisionCenters.net Where Quality is Affordable
Comprehensive Eye Exams for all Ages • Treatment of Eye Diseases & Injuries • Contact Lens Fittings Certified Dry Eye Treatment Center • TPA Certified • State of The Art Equipment Advanced Digital Imaging Technology • Full Service Lab on Premises • 10% Senior Discount Premier High Definition Digital Progressive Lenses • Designer Frames
• Routine Cleanings • Tooth Brushing & Flossing Lessons • Preventative & Restorative Care • Emergency Oral Care • Comprehensive Pediatric Dentistry
CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR YOUR FAMILY
Easton Country Day School 660 MOREHOUSE ROAD, EASTON, CT 06612
203-268-5530
Private Education For Pre-K through 12th Grade
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE • INTERACTIVE LEARNING SMALL CLASSES • INDIVIDUALIZED GIFTED PROGRAMS
We nurture caring, responsible, accomplished human beings! Visit our small, friendly high school, where the academics fit your individual needs, from tutorial all the way to college courses. See how comfortable and personal high school can be!
The Little Phoenix: Our Pre-School & Day Care 203-268-5073 Easton Country Day School does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex or national origin. Easton Country Day School is an equal opportunity institution.
• August 25, 2016 •
• Kids World • HAN Network •
7 ways to make mornings less hectic
Many families find the rush is on to make it to school and work on time each morning. Feeling rushed in the morning is a recipe for added stress. Rushing through things is a poor way to begin a day, and those feelings of uneasiness can put a damper on the rest of the day ahead. Making mornings less hectic involves a few different strategies that parents and kids can easily incorporate into their daily routines. • Wake up slightly earlier. Getting up earlier than normal, even if it’s just 15 to 20 minutes before you’re accustomed to getting out of bed, can help reduce morning stress. Resist the temptation to hit the snooze button over
and over again. A few extra minutes each morning can make you feel more relaxed and make for a smooth, stress-free start to the day. • Get some work done the night before. Prepare lunches the night before and have them ready in the refrigerator. In addition, lay your clothes for the following day out each night. This saves time and takes a couple more things off your morning to-do list. • Ease back into a routine. As a new school year dawns or a long vacation comes to an end, begin going to bed earlier and start waking up earlier as well. This can make the transition from carefree mornings to busy mornings go more smoothly.
• Prep backpacks in the evening. Look through folders, sign paperwork, check assignments, and do whatever is you need to do the night before to save your family from having to scramble in the morning. This ensures those permission slips get signed and items make it back into school bags. • Opt for school lunch a few times. Look ahead on the school lunch menu and speak with children about which meals they enjoy. Let kids purchase school lunch on those days to give yourself a day off from lunch detail. • Have quick breakfast foods available. Smoothies, cereal bars, oatmeal, and wholegrain cereals are fast and nutritious ways to
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start the day. • Carpool whenever possible. Busy families can save themselves extra work by proposing a neighborhood carpool. Sharing school dropoff detail frees time up for parents once or twice a week, and kids may enjoy traveling to school with their friends. Mornings can be tricky when family members are getting ready for school and work at the same time. By practicing a few daily rituals, it’s possible to curb the rush and start the day happier and more relaxed.
How to save on school supplies Back-to-school season can be as expensive for parents as it is exciting for students. Once the initial letdown of the end of summer vacation wears off, many kids are excited to return to school, where they can see their friends, study their favorite subjects and participate in extracurricular activities. Parents of school-aged youngsters may share in that excitement while also knowing that back-to-school season can stretch their budgets. One of the ways to salvage those budgets is to save on school supplies. Fortunately, there are several ways parents can do just that. • Be patient. Shopping early can save shoppers money in many instances, but parents may benefit by exercising patience when it comes to buying school supplies for their children. Teachers often give students lists of supplies they will need for each class, and parents who wait to receive such lists can avoid spending money on items their kids won’t need. Even if you wait it out, you may be able to get a head start, as some teachers may post supply lists on school websites, while others might email lists to parents before back-to-school season hits full swing. • Take inventory. If you have more than one child, chances are you already have lots of school supplies around the house. Dust off kids’ backpacks and study areas from last school year to determine which supplies you need to buy and which you already have. Going forward, encourage kids to store their
supplies in a predetermined area once the school year ends, as this will make next year’s inventory that much easier to examine and assess. • Spend more now to save later. While inexpensive supplies can be hard to resist, such items likely won’t withstand the test of time, forcing you to spend time and money each year buying replacement supplies. Paying more now for certain items, including stronger backpacks and more highly rated calculators, may end up saving you money in the long run, even if the initial pill is somewhat tough to swallow. • Use technology to your advantage. Department stores and businesses that sell school supplies, such as pharmacies and office stores, may or may not discount too many items once back-to-school season hits full swing. But savvy parents can still find deals by using technology to their advantage when shopping for school supplies. Download apps like RetailMeNot to your smartphone and enable its updates so your phone essentially notifies you of any discounts the moment you walk into a given store. If you don’t receive any updates, search for discounts via the app or the internet as you shop. Chances are strong that there are deals to be had, even if you don’t learn of the deals until you arrive at the store. School supplies can be expensive, but parents can employ several strategies to save on school supplies now and in the future. Bryan Haeffele photo
Proudly Celebrating 27 Years!
Ballet • Pointe Tap • Jazz Lyrical • Irish Modern Hip-Hop
Clas for ses A Age ll s
Register Now for Fall Classes! Classes Begin September 6th
477 Main Street • Monroe 203-261-1347 • www.connecticutdance.com
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Day trippers! It’s not the journey, it’s the destination by Pamela Brown The warm weather’s here and it’s the perfect time for a day trip. If you want to visit some exciting places and don’t mind traveling a bit, put these Connecticut destinations on your To-Do list: PEZ Candy Inc. 35 Prindle Hill Road, Orange The world's largest Pez dispenser is on display at the Pez Visitor Center (www.pez.com/visit_us). Learn about the “interactive candy,” a mainstay of American pop culture since 1927, as you take a self-guided tour of the colorful 4,000+-squarefeet of space that houses the largest, most comprehensive collection of PEZ memorabilia in the world. On weekdays, through factory windows and a video monitor, you can watch the candy and dispensers being made. The center offers fun activities, including a touch-screen PEZ trivia game, an interactive historical timeline, and a factory store. Receive a free Pez souvenir lanyard with paid admission. Danbury Railway Museum 120 White Street, Danbury All aboard! Trains are the highlight at the Danbury Railway Museum (www.Danbury.org/drm). On weekends, April through November, hop on a vintage train for a 20-minute tour of the 10-acre railyard. Also includes a ride on the original New Haven operating turntable which is over 90' long. Historic 1903 downtown railway station features restored trains, over 70 pieces of antiques railroad equipment and industry artifacts, and model trains. Museum also has four different interactive model train layouts and a gift shop. The station and turntable are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. New England Air Museum 36 Perimeter Road, Windsor Locks Explore the history and technology of aviation, from pioneering balloons and early flying machines to the jet age and beyond at the New England Air Museum (www.neam. org), the largest aircraft museum in New England. Three large hangars are filled with aircraft, exhibits and artifacts in addition to outdoor displays. The museum offers hands-on, climb-aboard experiences, flight science demonstrations and build-and-fly activities. Take control of one of the many flight simulators, or climb into an actual aircraft cockpit. For younger
Visitors to the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks can explore the history and technology of aviation.—Contributed photo
children, there's a flightgear dress-up area, coloring tables, scavenger hunts, and pedal powered bi-planes. It’s all about adventure, discovery and thrill of flight! Flanders Nature Center and Land Trust 5 Church Hill Road, Woodbury Kids can experience nature in all its glory. Flanders’ Van Vleck Farm Sanctuary, its main campus in Woodbury, as well as several other area nature preserves under its management, are open to the public for hiking and outdoor recreation opportunities at no charge from dawn to dusk. Family-friendly trails and a variety of picturesque surroundings make them very popular community spots. Find trail maps, information on their new Letterboxing hiking series, and a schedule of children’s environmental programs at www.flandersnature.org. New England Carousel Museum 95 Riverside Avenue, Bristol Learn about the fascinating art and history of the carousel through interactive exhibits and demonstrations at the New England Carousel Museum (www.thecarouselmuseum.org), a 33,000-square-foot restored hosiery factory. It is also home to the Bushnell Park Carousel. For $1.00, take a 3½-minute ride
on a restored 1914 vintage carousel on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It is only one of three remaining carousels in the world made by Solomon Stein and Harry Goldstein, it features 48 hand-carved, brightly-painted wooden horses and two chariots. A Wurlitzer band organ plays old-time classics. Watch a master carver and painter at work; the restoration workshop is open to the public by appointment. It is also home to the Museum of Fire History, filled with antique fire-fighting items. Also on the premises is a small Museum of Greek Culture, the Glo Sessions Fine Art Gallery, a children's craft center, and a gift shop. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is one of Connecticut’s top family attractions. Spend an hour or the whole day and see more than 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. Come learn about our many endangered and threatened species, which include the Amur (Siberian) tiger, Andean condor, Ocelot, Red wolf, Maned wolf, Giant Anteater and Golden lion tamarin. Grab a bite at the Peacock Café, enjoy an outdoor lunch in the Picnic Grove and take a ride on our colorful carousel.
CONGRATULATIONS TEAM USA
Polly’s School of
GYMNASTICS 550 FERRY BOULEVARD STRATFORD
Celebrating Our 45th Year In Business
Fall-Winter Program 2016-2017 Begins in September Competitive Teams & Trophy Winners: All Levels U.S.A. 3-8
• CLASSES ALL LEVELS: Monday through Saturday. Boys & Girls. (Limited Spaces Available). Skills on all the gymnastics equipment and tumbling is taught. All classes are geared to help youngsters learn the correct and safe way to do gymnastics and develop body control and strength to enable them to progress onto each level of gymnastics. • FITNESS FOR THE VERY YOUNG: Monday through Thursday, morning classes only. 15 months to 2 years. Parents share in this experience for the youngster. Social and physical activities around the gym which is filled with projects for beginning in rhythmic movements and motor skills. • PRE-SCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN CLASSES: Monday through Thursday. For 2½ to 5½ Years Old. Instructions on the equipment, tumbling and many other activities for the young gymnasts. Morning and early afternoon classes only.
Some Classes Have Limited Availability Call Today for Further Information & Registration
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