May 2015 Suffolk

MAY 2015

Suffolk

Birthday Planner Find venues, entertainers, and more in our party directory

Camp & Program Resources for an Amazing Summer Distinguishing Gadget Time from Family Time S

www.parentguidenews.com Over 1,000 Exciting Family Events

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Reach Thousands of Your Best Prospects for About $2 Per Day Now, www.parentguidenews.com makes it easy and affordable to place ADVERTISING DIRECTLY ONLINE.

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May 2015 Volume 32 • Number 5

P. 24

Camp Coverage

Camp Sessions.................... 24 Which duration is right for your child?

Birt

Camp Directory................ 26

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A look at leading day camps and summer programs.

Birthday Coverage

Don

This

P. 18

Hea

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5 Party Ideas............ 18

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For an unforgettable bash.

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Birthday Directory.... 20

Upd

Party places and entertainers for the happiest of occasions.

Just click on the “advertising information” link at the top of the www.parentguidenews.com home page and follow the simple steps to take your business to a totally new place.

Please note that you can always receive personal assistance by calling the Advertising Direct Helpline at (212) 213-8840, ext. 224 or e-mailing us at advertisingdirect@parentguidenews.com.

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Mom

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Special Needs

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4 Keys to Communication............ 10

P. 10

Ensure tech time doesn’t replace talk time.

Health & Fitness

Art

SIDS Awareness.......... 14

P. 14

How you can help reduce the risk.

Features

10 Tips for Cruising....... 16 P. 16

Woman oman mom

Hit the high seas with kids in tow.

Work in Workouts....................... 12

No time to go to the gym? No problem!

P. 12

Feeling Good, Looking Good........ 35

Submiss PAREN News re News, I NY 115

Products and accessories to make your life extra fabulous.

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your needs, your neighborhood

May 2015 I parentguide News I

contents contents

of and Trade Wetable Buy, Sell Gently Used Kids’ Stuff!

table of

Bring in your nearly new kids’ stuff, and we’ll pay you cash on the spot for all items accepted

HClothing

HShoes and 32 • Number 5 May 2015 Volume Accessories

• Infant To Size 10-12 (0-18 months must have tags) • Play Clothes • Dresswear • Outerwear

P. 24

May 2015 Volume 32 • Number 5

Camp HEquipment Coverage

• Casual and Dress Shoes • Sleepwear

Contests

WE ACCEPT ALL SEASON APPAREL HFurniture HBooks and Toys

• Children’s Books & DVDs • Infant-Preschool Toys • Outdoor Toys • Puzzles

• High Chairs & Swings • Gates • Exersaucers Which duration • Pack N Plays is right Seats child?•• Bouncy Booster Seats (table) • Jumperoos

Mom’s Little Angel Photo Contest............................. 34

• Changing Tables & Dressers • Bassinets & Cradles

Proof

Camp Sessions.................... 24

Birthday Blowout......................................................... 39

for your

Camp Directory................ 26

www.parentguidenews.com 212-213-8840 A look at• leading day camps and Clothing must be in good condition, of current style, freshly laundered and neatly organized in boxes or other folding containers. Toys, equipment and furniture items must include all original parts, be clean and in good working condition and meet all industry safety standards. Because the safety of children is a top priority at Once Upon A Child, we are unable to purchaseprograms. recalled or retrofitted products. We summer reserve the right to refuse items based on condition, current inventory levels and past experience.

Columns

Don’t Miss........................................................................ 8

Used Item Buy Back Hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 1:30 pm & Saturday 9am - 12:30pm

This month’s entertainment and activities.

P. 18 Visit our website at Birthday www.onceuponachildseaford.com Coverage

Health........................................................................... 36 Insight and items for your family’s care.

5 Party Ideas............ 18

Travel............................................................................. 37

For an unforgettable bash.With Previous Experience™ Kid’s Stuff

Destinations, product picks, and getaway tips.

Birthday Directory....

20 516-579-4200 Party places and entertainers 1089 Hicksville Rd., Seaford

Update........................................................................... 42 Essential products and information for your brood.

¼ Mile North of Southern State Parkway (exit 29N, Rte. 107) for the happiest of occasions.

STORE HOURS: Monday-Saturday 9 am-6:30 pm & Sunday 11am-5pm

Special Needs

Bonus

Calendar of Events........................................................ 39 A comprehensive listing of your neighborhood’s classes, events, and performances.

4 Keys to Communication............ 10

P. 10

Cover Credit: BOOM43 Photography, www.boom43.com

Ensure tech time doesn’t replace talk time.

Publisher Steve Elgort

Health & Fitness

SIDS Awareness.......... 14

Co-Editors Samantha Chan, Donald McDermott Art Directors Margaret Baldauf, Susanne Kimball, Ilana Rispoli Director of Web Development Kristen Jankowski

P. 14

MAKE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC TOG ETHER. Features

How you can help reduce the risk.

Accounting Teresa Pinargote Contributing Writers Holly Maclean, Jess Michaels, Kara Mayer Robinson, Judith L. Page, Renee Wasserman, Dr. Jan Rydfors, Jennifer Chung

Tips for Cruising.......

16 Exciting family classes—a 10 rich musical environment the high seas with kids in tow. that or preschooler P. 16 encourages your infant,Hittoddler, to explore the joy of music. Find out what beautiful music you and your family can make together.

Woman oman mom

Work in Workouts....................... 12

No time to go to the gym? No problem!

Advertising Managers Deirdre Antoniello, Karen Gibofsky, Bill Scalzitti Advertising Sales Representatives Jacalyn Rose, Susan Rush, Jennifer Serpi, Amy Smith, Rena Spangler, Felicia Stafford

P. 12

PGTV Producer Beth Elgort

Feeling Good, Looking Good........ 35

Submission of articles, photographs and artwork is welcome. All material must include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

PARENTGUIDE News assumes no responsibility for the loss or damage of submitted material. PARENTGUIDE News reserves the unrestricted right to edit or otherwise alter submitted material for publication. PARENTGUIDE News, ISSN08961468, is published monthly by PG Media Network Corp., 101 E. Park Ave., #358, Long Beach, NY 11561; 212-213-8840. Copyright 2015 PGMNC. All rights reserved.

Products and accessories to make your Classes in fabulous.

Long Island and Queens. MusicTogetherLI-Queens.com life extra I parentguide News I May 2015

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Letter from the Editor The April showers that we endured last month will hopefully lead to some beautiful May flowers. It is with the same sense of growth, life, vitality, and determination that I, alongside my friend and colleague, Donald McDermott, step up and work together as the new co-editors of PARENTGUIDE News. For years we have watched other editors-in-chief lead the helm with unique styles and visions.

Today, we are presenting you with our style and vision!

With the changing of leadership and seasons, it’s a great time to look ahead. May is when clouds give way to sunshine; barren earth gives way to flowers and greener grass; and families prepare for the upcoming summer break!

Perhaps, this summer is high time to set sail on the high seas.

Ponder this option as your read Kara Mayer Robinson’s “10 Tips for Cruising.” The article truly presents the versatility of this vacation choice, and how it can be customized to your family’s style. Whether you are traveling as a brood for the first time, or you are a vacationing pro, cruising getaway options abound!

Still unsure about summer camp programs? Flip over to “Camp Sessions: Which duration is right for your child?” by Jess Michaels, to explore some of the different styles of camp days and schedules that exist. The more you know gives you a jump

your needs, your neighborhood

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by Samantha Chan

start to finding a session that satisfies your family’s summer plans.

Another reason this is a great time for the changing of the guard, is the celebratory theme of our Birthday edition!

Get ready for some great special occasions by browsing our Birthday Directory, featuring a plethora of entertainers and venues for your next fete. After you take a dip in the directory, find yourself immersed in “5 Party Ideas: For an unforgettable bash” by Holly Maclean. There you can figure out exactly how you and your birthday child want to celebrate the big day.

Once you have finished our May articles, stop by www.parentguidenews.com for more fun and entertainment! Enter to win some great family-friendly prizes with our photo contests and giveaways, and read up on the latest tales from our mommy blogger Merrie in the Sandbox Social.

Donald and I are looking forward to growing with you and the publication. We hope to earn your trust, and continue to uphold the level of excellence you have come to expect from PARENTGUIDE News!

Happy Mother’s Day! Enjoy the issue.

May 2015 I parentguide News I

DON’T MISS Avengers Assemble!

Summer movie season kicks off with one of the most anticipated films of the year in Avengers:Age of Ultron. When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and it is up to the Avengers to stop the villainous Ultron from enacting his terrible plans. The flick blasts into theaters beginning May 1.

Explore the World

Bright World eBooks offer kids a fully immersive, 3D reading experience that taps into children’s natural ability to use visual cues.Your little ones can follow along as the app reads engaging stories out loud with supportive text, visuals and a unique explore mode. Find out more at www.3dlearninggroup.com.

Wiki Kids

Available now at the Apple App Store,Wiki Kids is a tablet-formatted encyclopedia that offers curious kids a platform they can use to independently explore the world.The new app was specially designed to place a strong emphasis on active learning, critical thinking, and communication to improve test results in math and science.

May

by Donald McDermott

Music with Elmo

Get ready to sing, dance, and learn as Sesame Workshop and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment releases Sesame Street: Elmo the Musical Volume 2 - Imagine and Learn. Available now on DVD and Digital Download, audiences of all ages join Elmo on a variety of math filled adventures.

Lets Bop

KidzBop continues to present child friendly renditions of some of today’s most popular songs. Available in stores and online now, KidzBop 28 includes chart toppers like Uptown Funk, Lips are Movin, Blank Space and many more! Find out more by visiting www.kidzbop.com.

Tom and Huck

Based on the classic novel comes the newest adaptation of the timeless tale, Entertainment One presents the new DVD, Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Mark Twain narrates his masterpiece and brings his beloved characters to life as Tom Sawyer has nothing but mischief on his mind with his fearless friend Huckleberry ‘Huck’ Finn.

New Appisodes

PBS KIDS is proud to announce its first “appisodes” app: WordWorld Tales! Available free for the iPhone and iPad, the exciting and educational new app includes a library of story tales that encourage kids to explore, discover, and create different parts of each appisode.

Tis the Seasons

One of the best selling/life simulation games of all time is back in Story of Seasons. Players will have a chance to create unique farmers, ship goods to other countries, create your own family, and much more. Designed for the Nintendo 3DS, Story of Seasons is available for purchase now.

Travel to Tomorrow

Bound by a shared destiny, a teen bursting with scientific curiosity and a former boygenius inventor embark on a mission to unearth the secrets of a place somewhere in time and space that exists in their collective memory in Tomorrowland. The Sci-Fi, mystery, adventure for families is in theaters this month.

Laugh and Learn

Nickelodeon’s hit preschool literacy series makes its long waited DVD debut. Created by Nickelodeon and Paramount Home Media Distribution, Wallykazam! includes four episodes of the popular show that follows the adventures of Wally and his pet dragon, Norville. Pick up your copy today.

Donald McDermott is a co-editor.

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May Happy Mother’s Day

Make mom’s special day even more special during the Mother’s Day Brunch with the Long Island Ducks. The family friendly package includes a delicious all you can eat brunch at noon, followed

by Ducks baseball starting at 1:35pm. The festivities will be held At Ducks Stadium, 3 Court House Drive, Central Islip. Find out more or reserve your spot by calling (631)940-3825, or by going to www.liducks.com.

Proof

by Donald McDermott

Summer Glam

Let Darlings and Divas make it a summer your little girl won’t ever forget by enrolling them in the amazing Summer Glamour Camp! Running from June 29-August 21, the hands-on program will include a variety of daily activities, craft materials, and lunch, as well as being accompanied by a delightful weekly theme. Darlings and Divas is located at 65 Merrick Road in Amityville. Contact them at (631)608-4710 or at www.darlingsanddivas.com for reservations and more information.

Proof

Clowning Around Spring Festivities Fun and Family www.parentguidenews.com 212-213-8840 The Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium, Pony rides, jumping pillow, face•painting, Families are invited to celebrate the diversity 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport, is the place to be for special presentations of The Clowns’ Jack and the Beanstalk. The talented members of the Arena Players Children’s Theater present the classic tale told in a hilarious new way with an all clown cast. Performances are held Saturday and Sunday at 1pm through May 17.

For tickets and more, call (516)293-0674.

music, carnival games, petting zoo, playground, crafts and vendors are all a part of the fun when the Tsh Camp Spring Festival comes to town! The afternoon event will be held from 11am-3pm on the grounds of the Thomas School of Horsemanship, 250 Round Swamp Road, Melville. For reservations and more information, call (631)6926840 or visit www.tshcamp.com.

and uniqueness of the town of Copiague at their annual Cultural Day and Street Fair on May 16. The afternoon event takes place at the Copiague Chamber of Commerce, 1700 Great Neck Road, Copiague, and includes plenty of local culture, foods, service organizations and activities geared towards families in the area. Questions? Call the Copiague Chamber of Commerce at (516)972-2832.

Donald McDermott is a co-editor.

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By Judith L. Page, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

KEys to

CommuniCation

Ensure tech time doesn’t replace talk time.

It is probably an irreversible trend: an increasing number of young children have access to technology, including smartphones, tablets, and MP3 players. Just a few short years ago, it was teenagers who were consumed by their cell phones to the frustration of their parents. Now, many toddlers are already logging serious tech screen time. Even the youngest children are often able to expertly navigate tech devices.

May is Better Hearing and Speech Month, the perfect time to make communication a priority. If you have any concerns about your child’s speech and language skills, visit http://identifythesigns.org to learn more and seek an assessment from a certified speech-language pathologist.

Many parents are concerned about the impact this technology will have on their children. Yet, there is no getting around the fact that these devices have become a big part of modern life. Parents rely on them in many ways and their kids have followed suit.

It isn’t fully known how tech time affects a child’s overall development, including communication skills, social interactions, and academic success. That being said, there are many things that we do know about how children develop. One of the things we know is the undeniable role of verbal communication as the primary source of learning for young children.

The most rapid period of brain development occurs before age 3, and talking, singing, and reading to children are the necessary fuel for this growth.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends zero screen time of any kind for children younger than age 2, and a maximum of two hours daily for older children. A critical guideline for every household is that tech time must not replace time for traditional communication.

Here are some tips to help parents and caregivers keep traditional communication at the forefront of family life:

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1. Capitalize on everyday situations. The greatest learning opportunities for young children can be found in seemingly mundane tasks: driving in the car, going to the grocery store, doing household chores such as the laundry, or sitting in a doctor’s waiting room. Narrate what you see or what you are doing at these times, use descriptive language, and ask questions of your child to help build strong speech, language, and communication skills.

Join them! Keep verbal communication a part of this by asking questions and talking about what they are doing.

4. Use technology safely. Many kids frequently use devices with accompanying headphones or earbuds. If they adopt a habit of listening for long periods at high volumes, they could acquire noiseinduced hearing loss. In fact, hearing loss has increased significantly in children since the mid-1990s, and the World Health Organization recently put out a warning about this health threat to young people. Even mild hearing loss can seriously impact speech and language development, as well as academic and social success. Teach children to practice safe listening by keeping the volume at half level and taking listening breaks. Make sure to model this behavior yourself!

2. Carve out tech-free times. Traditionally, dinner and bedtimes are ideal opportunities for communication. Unfortunately, it is all too easy for tech devices to start to slowly infringe upon those times. Make a concerted effort to prevent that. Instead, use dinner time to talk about the food your family is eating and the day’s events. Don’t abandon the all-important tradition of reading a bedtime story to 419toPark Avenue South, New York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734 No matter how your family apyour children, or making up stories proaches technology, remember to gether. These provide excellent opportuninever underestimate the power of FAx # ties to hone communicationto: skills. simply talking. The link between talking to young children and their later 3. Make tech use a group activity.

From: iSSue DAte: academic achievement has been scienWhile devices are often dubbed “personal,” tifically established, and technology use is they don’t have to be. Many children play not a replacement for talk. games, color, or do puzzles on these devices.

Please call or fax your comments and/or oK.

ProoF

ProoF

SigNAture oF APProvAl:

Judith L. Page, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, is the 2015 president of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She is associate professor in the Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Kentucky.

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May 2015 I parentguide News I 11

Woman oman mom

by Jennifer Chung

For the Woman behind the Mom

Work n Workouts

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No time to go to the gym? No problem!

hether they are driving the kiddos to soccer practice, waking up in the middle of the night to change baby’s diaper, or going grocery shopping for the third time of the week, there’s no doubt that moms are extremely busy. However, that doesn’t mean that new and seasoned mamas should let their workouts fall to the wayside! Working out at home saves time and money, and fitness experts also say that you only need 30 minutes of exercise a day to make a difference. So moms, are you ready to kick your at-home workout regimen into full gear?

Use the tips below to easily get fit and feel better than you’ve felt in ages!

1

If you’re a new mom, as soon as your doctor clears you to resume moderate exercise, get outside and take the baby for a walk. Postpartum exercise has many benefits: • Improved immune function and increased production of antioxidants.

• Increased energy levels during the day, which is conducive to more restful sleep.

• Better flexibility and muscular strength, as well as reduced joint strain.

• Suppressed cravings for sweets and an increased appetite for nutrient-dense foods.

2

Resume Kegel exercises within 48 hours of a healthy vaginal delivery.

These deep pelvic floor exercises increase the speed of healing to the vaginal area by increasing blood flow and circulation directly to the muscles that make up the pelvic floor. Strengthening pelvic floor muscles also reduces and may prevent urinary stress incontinence, which affects up to 70 percent of women during or after pregnancy.

3

Consult a doctor before starting any exercise after a C-section, and be cautious as a new mom to not overdo it. Avoid doing sit-ups until you know you don’t have separation of your

deep abdominal muscles. This condition is called diastasis recti. Ask your doctor to check for this, as it is not necessarily part of your postpartum exam.

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Most moms might ask themselves, “How can I possibly fit in an exercise program with a baby?” The answer is to work out with your baby! That’s right, you can have a healthy lifestyle while getting fit with your kids. Try the following suggestions.

“Peek-a-boo” Plank over baby.

Get on your hands and knees, and place your hands on both sides of your baby. Engage deep abdominal muscles. Stretch one leg out behind you at a time until both legs are straight and make a straight line from your head to heels, in a push-up position. Rock backward and forward by pushing with your toes and say, “Peek-a-boo!” Repeat 10 times.

Get The Ball Leg Swings.

As baby gets bigger, interact with him on a squishy beach ball-sized ball and do Get The Ball Leg Swings. While lying on your side, place the ball under your ribs. Lift your top leg, swing it in front of you and then behind you. Allow a slight movement of the upper body front and back. Concentrate on leg motion and body lengthening in each direction. Encourage your child to try to get the ball out from under you and run around your legs.

Kisses Tricep Pushup.

Teach your child how to ride a bike and Jog.

Get on your hands and knees, and place your hands on both sides of your baby. Engage deep abdominal muscles. Stretch one leg out behind you at a time until both legs are straight in pushup position (or on knees), and make a straight line from your head to heels. Bend elbows and kiss your baby. Repeat 10 times

Meow and Moo, Cat and Cow.

Get on your hands and knees, and place your hands on both sides of your baby. Round your spine like an angry cat and say, “A cat says, ‘meow’”Then arch your back, squeezing your shoulder blades together, and say, “A cow says, ‘moo!’”Repeat 10 times.

Nursery rhyme squats.

With baby on the floor or, while holding baby safely in your arms for an extra challenge, sing the ABCs or other nursery rhyme songs while performing squats. Start by standing with feet shoulder width apart, then bend knees in a deep squat by pressing your heels into the ground and sitting back as if you are lowering down onto a bench. Bend slightly forward from the hips as you go down, then return to an upright standing position.

Dance Party Cardio.

Kids love to dance, so turn on childappropriate music and dance it out.

Dancing is great cardio, so be silly, laugh, and have fun!

This will allow you to spend time outside and get fresh air. Switch off with another adult if you get winded.

As kids get older, play Airplane Abs.

Lie on your back, with your knees bent and feet in the air. Prop your child onto your feet. Hold his hands and slowly press your legs to his belly and lift them toward the ceiling with the child balanced on your feet. Engage abdominal muscles and take him on a little plane ride. Bend and straighten your knees, slightly moving your legs towards you and away.

Avoid side-to-side motion to preserve balance.

Throw The Ball Lats.

If your child is able to catch a ball, throw the ball to him. However, if he is too young to participate, throw the ball against a wall. The higher the ball is thrown, the more intense the shoulder workout. Catching the ball will work the lats.

As you can see, the goal is to make exercise fun and interactive. You don’t have to have perfect form while working out with the kids, just be active! Be a consistent example for your kids by modeling a healthy lifestyle, as they will love exercise if you do.

Jennifer Chung is a parenting expert and co-founder of Kinsights.com: part parenting community, part online health record. Kinsights provides parents with a safe place to seek answers to their questions while also helping them track their child’s health information. Organize your child’s growth and developmental milestones, immunizations, medications, allergies, and more. Connect with Kinsights at https://kinsights. com to learn more and sign-up! You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter (@kinsights). your needs, your neighborhood

May 2015 I parentguide News I 13

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death among infants ages 1 month to 1 year old. It is not an illness or diagnosis; rather, it is defined as an unexpected, sudden death of an infant less than age 1 that remains unexplained even after an autopsy and thorough medical investigation. Although unexpected, there are precautionary steps that a parent can take to reduce the risk of SIDS.

• Put your baby to sleep on her back (at night and at naptime) until she can roll by herself. (Be sure to do plenty of tummy time during the day!)

animals. To confirm the safety of your baby’s mattress or crib, contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission at (800)6382772, or via www.cpsc.gov.

• Use a firm mattress and keep the crib clear of any clutter including bumpers, blankets, sleep positioners, pillows, and stuffed

• Stay up to date on your baby’s immunizations. Immunizations have been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS by 50 percent.

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• Keep your baby’s room at an ideal temperature for sleeping (68-70 degrees) and dress her in light, comfortable clothes to avoid overheating. • Do not let others smoke around your baby. The statistics are frightening. Infants of mothers who smoked during pregnancy are three times more likely to die of SIDS than infants of non-smokers; exposure to secondhand smoke also increases a baby’s risk. • Offer a pacifier at naps and nighttime during the first year of your baby’s life. If your baby is being breastfed, wait until she is 1 month of age to introduce the pacifier. Pacifiers have been linked with a lower risk of SIDS.

PROOF

According to the National Sleep Foundation, “Commercial devices marketed to reduce the risk of SIDS should be avoided, per the American Academy of Pediatrics, since they have not been sufficiently tested for safety and effectiveness. The American Academy of Pediatrics also cautions that home monitors should not be considered an effective strategy to reduce the risk of SIDS. While electronic respiratory and cardiac monitors may be used for infants deemed to have extreme cardiorespiratory instability or who have had an apparent life-threatening event involving apnea or other breathing difficulty, there is no evidence that using a home monitor reduces the incidence of SIDS.�

PROOF

Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions.

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping an 419her Parkparents Avenue (in South, Floor, infant in the same room as her13th own cribNew or York, bas- NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734 sinet) for the first six months of the baby’s life. This also has Renee Wasserman, PT, MPH, founder of SleepyHead Solutions, FAX been linked with a lower TO: risk of SIDS. is a#Family Sleep Institute-certified Infant and Child Sleep Consultant. Her services include phone, e-mail, and in-person • Educate and share information consultations to solve your child’s sleep challenges. You can FROM: about safe sleep practices with ISSUE DATE: your caregivers, child care providers, friends, babysitters, and find out more information at www.sleepyheadsolutions.com or grandparents. You are your baby’s best advocate. by e-mailing renee@sleepyheadsolutions.com.

Please call or fax your comments and/or OK.

Additional Resources

SIGNATURE OF APPROVAL: www.sidsamerica.org/sids-resources • www.healthychildcare.org/sids.html www.cdc.gov/sids/resourcelinks.htm

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your needs, your neighborhood

May 2015 I parentguide News I 15

by Kara Mayer Robinson

10

Tips for Cruising

Photo Credit: Princess Cruises

Hit the high seas with kids in tow.

Whether you’re new to cruising or a seasoned passenger, these tips will help you navigate the waters for the ultimate in smooth sailing.

1. Choose your cruise line wisely. Some

companies— like Royal Caribbean International and Disney Cruise Lines— cater to kids with features like kiddie pools, water parks, character meals, and play zones. Others— like Viking and Seabourn— are adult-centric (hello, anniversary getaway!). Many lines have formal dinner seatings: You eat at the same time, same table, with the same servers, every night. Others, like Norwegian Cruise Lines, are “freestyle:” You eat at any restaurant you choose, any time. Love The Love Boat? Book a special sailing with Princess Cruises, which occasionally has cast members from the show onboard. (Check with Princess Cruises at www.princess.com for details.)

2. Choose your itinerary wisely.

Want to go international? Tropical? Do you want to sail right from New York (or Bayonne, NJ)? Or would you rather fly to Fort Lauderdale or Miami for an itinerary that reaches destinations farther south (and perhaps gives you an opportunity to visit the grandparents)? How many ports of call would you like? Too many days at sea can translate into boredom. Too many days in port, especially if they’re consecutive, can be exhausting. Look for sailings with a happy balance.

3. Select a great cabin. Have a big family? Book adjoining rooms or a family suite. An interior

cabin may shave off a few dollars, but an exterior room with a balcony is a treat. Throwing your curtains open in the morning and coming face to face with a gorgeous new landscape is priceless. The same applies when sitting back with a glass of wine as you watch the ropes go up and the ship push off the dock at the end of the day.

4. Be excursion-smart. Check out online reviews

before you book. Pre-arranged excursions take the planning pressure off, but be prepared to overpay and be herded around. A day at a private beach, for example, can cost $150 per person. If you’re more adventurous, most ports of call are lined with taxi drivers and private excursions waiting to take passengers anywhere they want to go. The cost varies.

In Roatan, Honduras, you can catch a $40 cab to a private beach (and back). Anchoring in Naples, Italy? For about 300 Euros, a driver will give your family a tour of the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and Sorrento.

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5. Pre-approve the kids’ club.

A rockin’ kids’ club is a major plus. Some ships, like the Regal Princess, have clubs that are fully loaded with Xbox stations, skeeball, and the latest electronic equipment. Others, like the Norwegian Jewel, are more activity-based, with themed activities and programs. Some feature interactions with Disney, Nickelodeon, or DreamWorks characters.

Pick one that entices your kids the most.

parentguidenews.com

6. Let them go! Register your kids

for the kids’ club on the very first day. If they’re reluctant, check it out together. Counselors expect kids to be shy and have plenty of tricks up their sleeves to whisk them into the fun zone. Not sure what to do after you sign them in? Let us count the ways! Try a massage, a drink with your partner, lounging with a novel on a deck chair…

IF you go, Try these cruise lines: Princess Cruises princess.com Why we love it: a decked-

out kids’ club (PlayStations, karaoke machines), yummy food, upscale-yet-relaxed vibe, ties to The Love Boat

7. Let them grow. A week on

a ship can translate into a bonafide growing experience. Put your grade schooler in charge of her suitcase and wardrobe. Let your preschooler serve himself in the cafeteria.

(Some, like the Norwegian Jewel, even have pint-sized buffet tables filled with kid faves.)

Let your tween freely roam to the food court, kids’ club, or arcade. Opportunities for independence abound, so take advantage.

get a glimpse— and maybe even a drink— from everyone’s favorite bartender, Isaac, on your next Princess Cruise

Norwegian Cruise Line ncl.com Why we love it: freestyle

8. Learn something amazing.

Many ships have employees from around the world. Notice staff nametags, which list their home countries, and point them out to your kids. Strike up conversations. Check out the hidden parts of the ship. Visit the bridge.

Roam around, and you may find perfect reading nooks, lounge areas with less wind (and fewer passengers), a hidden-away ice-cream machine, or a shuffleboard court.

dining, friendly service, Nickelodeon parties, circus school

Norwegian Cruise Line

Royal Caribbean International royalcaribbean.com Why we love it: Fisher-Price

9. Manage your screens.

You’ll definitely have downtime in your cabin, so bring iPads or personal devices for the kids. Pre-downloaded e-books or episodes of a favorite show go a long way. Need Wi-Fi? You can buy a package on the ship (but the connection may be torturously slow). Some ports have shops or cafes that sell Wi-Fi by the hour or offer it for free.

toddler play areas, DreamWorks characters, onboard iceskating rinks, climbing walls, and skydiving simulators

grandeur of the Seas- Royal Babies & Tots

10. Bring the relatives. A

cruise has something for everyone and lots of breathing room, so bring the whole crowd.

You can split up during the day, share babysitting, then meet up every evening for a big, happy family dinner.

your needs, your neighborhood

Kara Mayer Robinson is a freelance travel writer whose work has appeared in Parents, Pregnancy, and Time Out New York. With three kids and an insatiable case of wanderlust, she’s forever seeking a balance between packing lunch boxes and suitcases.

May 2015 I parentguide News I 17

5 Party Ideas

For an unforgettable bash

by Holly Maclean

Celebrating your child’s birthday should be a happy and exciting experience for all. Planning a party can be a lot of work, but it is so rewarding when you see the smile on your child’s face after they’ve had an amazing birthday with their family and friends. You can either plan a theme party at home or take the celebration to a super cool venue that the kids will love.

Here are five ideas for a fun kids birthday party that is sure to be a hit with your child.

4Disney Themed Party

5Skating Party

There are tons of cool activities you can do for a Disney themed birthday party. First, you should find out your child’s favorite Disney movie or you can choose a recent Disney hit like the movie Frozen.

Decorations should involve colors that correspond with the movie like white and blue for Frozen with homemade snowflakes and snowmen.

You could even be extravagant and hire an ice sculpture! No birthday party is complete without a yummy birthday cake and a treats-filled piñata; there are different recipes and craft ideas online for creating your own from scratch. Have an activity station for the kids to do arts and crafts and play games like pin the carrot on the snowman.

Don’t let your guest leave empty-handed; make some goodie bags for the kids to take home and fill them with candy, small toys, stickers, pencils, or any other party favors you can think of. Of course, every party needs some music so get the movie soundtrack and alternate with some dance music to get the party moving!

Most roller rinks host birthday parties for kids and have their own party rooms and party packages. Depending on the weather, you can either have a roller skating party or an ice skating party (but there are indoor ice skating rinks, too). This type of birthday party is a great way to get the kids active and let out their energy in a fun, safe way with the adults watching from the sidelines. A disco roller rink with a DJ adds even more fun to the party, and when the kids are ready for a break, they can enjoy some cake and ice cream while the birthday kid opens presents!

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9Cupcake Decorating Party This creative party keeps the guests entertained and they get to take home their own handcrafted goodies when the party is over. Stock up parentguidenews.com

on a ton of baking and decorating supplies like colored icing, sprinkles, cake toppers, food coloring, and more. It’s so much fun taking your child down the baking aisle to pick out their party treats and while you’re there you can also grab some plain t-shirts or aprons for the kids. When the guests first arrive hand out some markers and stickers so they can write their names on their aprons and decorate them with pictures. Next, bring out some cupcake recipe books for design inspiration. Your guests will then spend time baking their own unique cupcakes at this super sweet birthday party.

3Travel-the-Globe Party ProoF

their favorite superhero or even invent a superhero of their own. Instead of the usual party appetizers, have a create-your-own “hero” station with a DIY sandwich bar. Include different types of cold cuts, cheeses, bread, lettuce, and tomatoes for guests to create their own sandwich. Give out rock candy kryptonite and face masks for party favors, plus some silly string if you don’t mind having to clean up the mess afterwards. A fun activity for the kids could be decorating their own superhero capes with art supplies that they get to take home as a souvenir and have them make up their own super power. If you know someone who has art skills, ask them to help set up a superhero face painting station to paint on masks, tiaras, bat symbols, and more.

ProoF

Holly MacLean is the founder of Wee Urban For this kids’ birthday party, you and your guests will get to travel around modern organic baby apparel that is made in the world youFloor, set up different your home to each 19 Park Avenue South,as13th New York, NYstations 10016throughout • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734 Canada. The unique collection of baby South, New York,sets NYgoes 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734 represent a different country. Each “country” should have its flag as a 419 Park gear,Avenue accessories and gift decoration, a sampling of the country’s cuisine, language cards with beyond the conventional and o: FAx # some basic words in that country’s native language, and an activityto: explores the exceptional! UsFAx # based on the country. When the kids arrive, give each of them their own ing their custom Velvet-X rom: iSSuestation DAte: every time an activity is “passport” which they will stamp at each certified organic cotton From: blends, low-impact iSSue DAte: completed. The party invitations can even be the passport or a boarding pass with the party information on it. dyes, and other Please call or fax your comments and/or oK. trendsetting fabrics, Please call or fax your comments and/or oK. Wee Urban hopes to igNAture oF APProvAl: inspire families to be SigNAturemake oF APProvAl: better choices and of course - do it all in urban style! Visit Everyone loves superheroes, and a superhero party can have the www.weeurban.com. kids’ imaginations running wild. Have every guest come dressed as

7Superhero Themed Party Birthday Parties

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1660 Rt. 25A, Cold Spring Harbor • 516-692-6768 • CSHfHA.org A non-profit freshwater game fish hatchery and a leading environmental education center devoted to increasing public awareness and knowledge of the freshwater ecosystems of Long Island.

May 2015 I parentguide News I 19

Let’s Celebrate!

Entertainers, Party Places, and More...

At Their Place BounceU Farmingdale 101 Carolyn Boulevard, Farmingdale, NY 11735 (631)777-JUMP (5867) farmingdale.ny@bounceu.com www.bounceu.com/farmingdale Voted Long Island’s “Best Children’s Party Place” two years in a row for 2011-2012 by Long Island Press. What do you get when you mix awesome inflatable structures, a clean and climate-con­ trolled environment, incredible customer service, and non-stop excitement in a pri­vate-party atmosphere? One heck of a great time, that’s what! BounceU Farmingdale is an in­door party and entertainment venue that features warehouse-sized rooms filled with giant inflatable toys, providing a vari­ety of activities for children and adults. Children enjoy enormous slides, gigantic inflatable games like boxing and basketball, obstacle courses, and so much more! Whether you’re celebrating a mile­stone event or gathering with friends, BounceU has you covered. Parents love the ease of having a private party at BounceU, while kids can’t wait to steal the spotlight in jaw-drop­ping bounce stadiums. From field trips and fundraisers to club outings and

Proof

team parties, any BounceU event is all about you. Cleanliness and safety are top priori­ties at BounceU, where the staff is always attentive to your needs, providing supe­rior service. When it comes to preschool playdates, open bounce sessions, summer camps, birthday and team parties, school fundraisers, and youth group functions, Boun­ceU Farmingdale is the best choice for “creating memories that last a lifetime.” So, bounce over and enjoy a great time with your family and friends. Call for details.

Proof

www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 BounceU Smithtown

20 I parentguide News I May 2015

Country View Commons, 62 Lake Ave., Nesconset, NY 11767 (631)265-JUMP (5867) nesconset.ny@bounceu.com www.bounceu.com BounceU of Smithtown (Nesconset) specializes in perfect party ideas. It offers amazing inflatable structures, unbeatable customer service, and a clean and climate-controlled environment, so all you have to do is show up and take pictures. Throwing a private party couldn’t be easier, as BounceU takes care of the food, cleanup, and everything else. Party packages also include: the Spectac-U-Lar Birthday, which provides games, bouncing,

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BIRTHDAY DIRECTORY

PROOF

goodie bags, balloons and a souvenir T-shirt for the birthday child; the Premier Private Birthday, featuring two dedicated party pros, non-stop bouncing, video games and more; and the U-Junior Birthday, offering games, music and inflatable fun along with a party pro. Add on the Cosmic Bounce option to any party and experience out-of-this-world lighting and glowin-the-dark accessories. Favors run the gamut from stuffed water bottles to princess themed. Parties are only the beginning at BounceU, where families enjoy a plethora of programs, classes, events, and more. Get your bounce on!

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Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724 (516)692-6768 www.cshfha.org Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium is a nonprofit center that educates visitors about New Yorkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s freshwater ecosystems. Throughout two buildings and eight outdoor ponds, it offers the largest living collection of New York State freshwater reptiles, fish and amphibians. The aquarium also offers one-anda-half-hour birthday parties with live animal presentations, fish feedings, outdoor picnic tables or indoor ones, goodie bags, cake lighting and cutting supplies and cleanup. As many as 12 children ages 3 and older along with six adults are invited to celebrate at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium. Parties are held Monday through Friday in the afternoon and select weekends. Space is also available for after-hours event rental. Call for additional details about birthday bashes or events.

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Cool Crafts, Inc. 3479 Merrick Road, Wantagh, NY 11793 (516)735-2007 www.coolcraftslongisland.com Are you looking for the perfect location to host your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next birthday party or group gathering? Cools Crafts, Inc., is the answer for all your crafting needs. After serving its Levittown location for the past nine years, Cool Crafts has moved to a larger space in Wantagh. Parties are one and a half hours and include a large selection of one-of-a-kind crafts, your choice of pizza or bagels, soda and juice, coffee for adults, paper goods, invitations, video games (age appropriate), music, dancing, balloons, nail polish and tattoos. All parties are led by party hosts that keep the fun going, and as a special gift for the birthday child, a photo is taken of the entire group as a keepsake. You can also host your perfect party at home and Cool Crafts, Inc., will supply all the materials needed for your special day. Cool Crafts hosts numerous school groups, Scout troop events, special needs groups as well as pre-k/toddler parties. Call for a schedule of daily walk-ins. Individual classes are available.

Light-up Halloween and Christmas pieces are available for special order. Cool Crafts has it all, so call, visit the website and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Likeâ&#x20AC;? it on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coolcrafts to learn more about all of the crafts available to you!

Darlings & Divas 65 Merrick Road, Amityville, NY 11701 (631)608-4710 info@darlingsanddivas.com http://darlingsanddivas.com Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a bit of darling and diva in every girl, so let both sides your needs, your neighborhood

Where Birthdays Come to Life!

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May 2015 I parentguide News I 21

BIRTHDAY DIRECTORY

shine at Darlings & Divas party place and boutique. There’s invites you to come celebrate more than 20 years of feastsomething there to make your little girl feel fabulous, whether ing, fighting and fun! A popular dinner attraction for all ages, it be the diva-licious dress-up room or the awesome dance Medieval Times Castles features a two-hour dinner and live floor and stage. The store was reinvented by two, Long Island show based upon authentic medieval history. Guests enjoy a moms. Darlings & Divas is the answer to your party-planning four-course medieval banquet while witnessing brave knights needs because its staff makes throwing a bash easier than ever. compete on horseback in games of skill, jousting matches and Parties include two hours in the dress-up room, stage, salon, swordfights. Admission includes a four-course dinner, bevand cafe; food and drinks; paper goods and invitations; karaerages and a live show. Parking is free. In addition to their oke and dancing; crafts and prizes; manicures and makeovers; regular daily schedules, Medieval Times is the perfect place and more. The diva of honor attends free and receives a comto cel­ebrate the next birthday of the young Lord or Lady of plimentary gift. You can choose from a wide variety of themes, your own castle! Their special action-packed birthday party or mix-and-match them to make your own unique experience. packages in­clude preferred seating, an individual photo with Themes include: Princess Party, Pinkalicious Party, Spa Party, the King or Queen, a cheering banner, birthday cake, and an Darling Tea Party, Monster High Party, Strike a Darling Pose announcement in hon­or of the birthday child during the perfor­ Party and more. Custom themes are available. Call for details. mance! Medieval Times is located west of Giants Stadium Also check out the Darlings & Divas boutique, featuring the and just minutes from mid-town Manhattan. Other locations 419 Park Avenue South, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10016 • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734 419 Park Avenue 13thbar Floor,byNewappointment, York, NY 10016cool • 212-213-8840 • Fax 212-447-7734 PoshSouth, Polish gifts, complimentary include Hanover, MD; Lawrenceville, GA; Kissim­mee, FL; wrapping, wish lists for the birthday girl, one-of-a-kind pop Schaumburg, IL; Myrtle Beach, SC; Dallas, TX; Buena Park, TO: TO: FAX #American Girl Doll clothartist handbags, Charm It jewelry, CA; and To­ronto, Ontario. Call FAX the #number above for reservaing, dress-up sets, fashion accessories, and more. Visit Dartions and further information. lings & Divas for a free tour, ISSUE or have them come to you for FROM: ISSUE DATE: FROM: DATE: your next event!

Pump It Up Parties 1750 Arctic Ave., Bohemia, NY 11716 (631)563-3100 Medieval Times 135 Dupont 11804 (516)575-2300 Please callSt., orPlainview, fax your NY comments and/or OK. Please call or fax your comments and/or OK. The Meadowlands Castle info@piuny.com 149 Polito Ave., Lyndhurst, NJ 07071-0327 SIGNATURE www.pumpitupparty.com OF APPROVAL: SIGNATURE OF APPROVAL: (888)935-6878 You won’t want to miss out on all of the fun at one of Long www.medievaltimes.com Island’s number 1, original, biggest, inflatable party zones!

In the mood for some old-fashioned fun? Medieval Times Plan your little one’s next party at this hot spot, which has

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BIRTHDAY DIRECTORY 180 locations in more than 38 states. The massive 15,000square-foot climate-controlled facility has the latest inflatable designs set up in an indoor arena. Also available is Motion Mania, the interactive floor game played with your feet.

Attractions range from a gigantic 20-foot slide and obstacle course to inflatable boxing and jousting arenas. Try Pump It Upâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one-of-a-kind inflatable the Slippery Slope. Pump It Up has tons of options to keep your kids engaged, challenged, active and safe. Host a Classic 90 Party and your guests enjoy one and a half hours of bouncing fun with pizza and soda included. Trained staff members supervise, set up and clean up every party. Pump It Up is the perfect location for any private childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s party, birthday party, corporate team-building party, momsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; club meeting or other special event. Kids of all ages canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t resist a little bouncing fun! Call to plan your special event at either of Pump It Upâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s incredible locations or visit www.pumpitupparty.com.

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At Your Place Clowns.com 939 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square, NY 11010 (718)971-5862 bookings@clowns.com www.clowns.com Want to hire professional entertainers for your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s party? Does the quality of the entertainment matter to you? Then look no further: Clowns.com has been voted the best in Kids Entertainment for the seventh year in a row by Family & Parent Magazine. Clowns.comâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal is to make sure that your special celebration goes on producing wonderful feelings and great memories long after it is over. Its packages include a crowning ceremony where the child is crowned prince or princess of the day. Performers are also professional face painters, so be prepared to be amazed and wowed by the full face painting designs of Batman and Spiderman for the boys, as well as glitter butterflies and flowers for the girls. Also available are balloon animals, fresh cotton candy, a bubble show, interactive games, singing and dancing, and a professional magic show with a live rabbit.

Entertainers cater to multiple age groups, from toddlers to pre-teens.

Clowns.com specializes in birthday parties, communions, christenings, Purim parties, grand openings, and much more. Clowns.com also provides fully serviced party rental equipment, ranging from inflatable bounce houses (Clowns.com has the largest selection in the northeast with more than 120 options) to concession stands. So, if you are looking for the best clowns, magicians, princesses, and cartoon characters, then look no further. Clowns.com has a proven track record of professionalism and showmanship.

www.parentguidenews.com â&#x20AC;˘ 212-213-8840

The Rinx 660 Terry Road, Hauppauge, NY 11787 (631)232-3222, ext. 310 info@therinx.com www.therinx.com Birthday parties at The Rinx are the coolest â&#x20AC;&#x201D; literally! Kids will love celebrating birthdays, bar mitzvahs, bat mitzvahs and more on one of The Rinxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two full-size NHL skating rinks. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll enjoy 1Âź hours of skating and fun on the ice.

Also available for an additional fee are half-hour group lessons led by skating instructors trained to work with first-time skaters and children. Guests then enjoy a party at The Rinxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Time Out Cafe, with a choice of pizza or hotdogs, and, if the parents choose, a Carvel cake. The party package includes special Icing on the Cake invitations, balloons, skate rentals, paper goods, and a free skating pass and gift for the birthday child. Admittance for parents of the birthday child is free (skate rentals are extra). The Rinx can accommodate any size group of more than ten people and whatever your needs â&#x20AC;&#x201D; its staff caters to them! The Rinx is available for church and synagogue socials, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts gatherings, school groups, corporate parties, summer picnics, or for any crew out for fun! Reserve your party now, because reservations are on a first-come, first-serve basis. A birthday party on skates? Now thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great!

Proof

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s n o i s s e S p m a C

by Jess Michaels

Which duration is rig for your child? ht Photo Credit: American Camp Association速, Camp Laurel Girl Scouts Lebanon, CT

A

summer camp experience offers children the chance to try new activities in a safe and nurturing environment. It offers them the opportunity to gain life skills and essentials such as independence, confidence, and resilience.

When choosing a day or overnight camp, there are many things parents need to think through. One consideration regards enrollment options. Parents should take some time to consider for how long they want to send their child to camp -- not just for this year, but for future years, too. Camps offer a variety of session options for families, some of which you may not know. Here are some of the common enrollment options that day and overnight camps offer.

24 I parentguide News I May 2015 SK 5/14

Photo Credit: American Camp Association 速, YMCA Camp Willson/YMCA of Central Ohio, Bellefontaine, Ohio

parentguidenews.com

Whether choosing a day or overnight camp, there truly is a camp enrollment option that will work for your family.

Mini days at day camp

Before and after care

Some day camps offer “mini days” for the youngest campers. These mini days are generally for pre-kindergarten-aged children and allow them the opportunity to go to camp for a few hours a day.

There are day camps that offer before and after care where children can arrive early in the morning before the camp day begins and stay later in the day after the official camp day ends. This is often a good option for working parents.

Three-day option

Full-session overnight camps

There are day camps that offer sessions a few days a week, such as three or four days. These days are either mini days or full days. These shortened weeks are often offered for the youngest campers.

Photo Credit: American Camp Association®, Camp Pemigewassett, Wentworth, NH

Day camp sessions Many day camps offer different session lengths running anywhere from two through eight, allowing children to have a wonderful camp experience for however long works for their family’s summer plans.

Photo Credit: American Camp Association®, Chewonki, Maine

Full-session overnight camps run for seven weeks. Attending camp for the whole summer gives children the opportunity to have enough time to adjust to camp, be part of the camp community longer, to have a longer period of time to develop skills gained at camp, and to strengthen friendships.

For parents who want their children to eventually have a full-session camp experience but maybe not during the first summer, some camps offer a twoor four-week introductory session for the youngest campers.

Session camps

Camps with flexible session lengths

Some families are looking for a shorter camp experience for their child but one that still offers a full camp experience. A session camp lasts for a few weeks, usually three or four. Campers in each session arrive together and leave together. Some session camps will allow campers to stay for more than one session, however, others won’t. If you think you may want to eventually send your child for a longer period of time, make sure the session camp you choose allows campers to stay. If not, sending your child to a full-session camp with an introductory short session is a good option.

There are overnight camps that offer anywhere from one-to-sevenweek sessions. Some camps offer one or two weeks at a time. Others offer a minimum of three or four weeks at a time. Often times, camps will bunk children together for the amount of time the camper is staying. Keep in mind that if you decide to send your child to camp for one or two weeks, it often takes time for a child to adjust to camp life and by the time a child gets accustomed to camp, it will be time to go home.

Camps that offer flexible sessions allow families to choose the length of camp that works best for them.

your needs, your neighborhood

Jess Michaels is the Director of Communication for the American Camp Association, NY and NJ, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of the summer camp experience. Parents who would like assistance in finding the right camp for their child may call the American Camp Association, NY and NJ at (212)3915208 for free, one-on-one advice or visit www.searchforacamp.org.

May 2015 I parentguide News I 25

Discover Some of the Area’s Best Summer Camps and Programs Day Camps/Summer Programs Art League of Long Island 107 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills, NY 11746 (631)462-5400 info@artleagueli.org www.artleagueliregistration.org Summer Art Adventure is an intensive, “thematic” art education experience for enthusiastic art aficionados ages 5-17. A dedicated faculty of art education professionals has provided outstanding instruction in a studio environment for 19 years. Weekly themes are carefully designed and focus on age-appropriate projects. Children ages 5 to 12 are grouped with peers and will learn drawing, painting, crafts, and sculpture. For teens, there are projects in drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, digital design, mixed media, drawing from the figure, and portfolio preparation. Budding artists will enjoy creating art using these different mediums. Choose from Early Childhood programs (ages 5-6) or Young Artists (ages 7-12) in one-to-four-week sessions, running July 7 to August 1; Teens (ages 12-14) in two-to-four-week sessions, running July 7 to August 1; or Teen Portfolio (ages 14-17) in three-to-six-week sessions, running July 7 to August 15. Locations: Early Childhood and Young Artists at Elwood Middle School, Teen and Teen Portfolio at the Art League center. Enrollment is limited. Call for a brochure or register at www.artleagueliregistration.org.

PROOF

Press, BounceU of Farmingdale is taking imagination to new heights.

BounceU’s Create and Bounce drop-off program is a complete workout for artists ages 4-10. It gives children a daily balance of playtime and artistic expression to cultivate creativity. In addition to bouncing, laughing, and exploring their inner artists, kids enjoy an array of games and activities.

With a unique blend of upbeat exercises and dedicated time for painting and projects, Create and Bounce offers an experience that’s healthy, mentally engaging, and seriously fun. Lesson themes are changed each week to ensure that every day is distinctly different. The one-of-a-kind Create and Bounce experience includes a specially themed art curriculum, jumping, snacks and BounceU camp T-shirts. Mini camp sessions are available July through August. BounceU also hosts exciting birthday parties, awesome open bounce sessions, club and team outings, fundrasiers, field trips and more. It was voted Long Island’s “Best Children’s Party Place” and “Best Family Amusement Place” by Long Island Press. The facility features enormous slide and inflatable games, like boxing and basketball, as well as obstacle courses. Cleanliness and safety are top priorities at BounceU, where the ever-attentive staff provides superior customer service. Call to learn about early registration discounts for, or with questions about, Create and Bounce or other events and programs.

PROOF

www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840

BounceU Farmingdale 101 Carolyn Boulevard, Farmingdale, NY 11735 (631)777-JUMP (5867) farmingdale.ny@bounceu.com www.bounceu.com/cities/farmingdale.ny Having been voted “Best Camp on Long Island 2011” by Long Island

BounceU Smithtown 62 Lake Ave., Nesconset, NY 11767 (631)265-JUMP (5867) nesconset.ny@bounceu.com www.bounceu.com/nesconset-ny Create and Bounce Art Camp at BounceU gives children ages 4-11 a chance to enjoy physical activity and artistic expression in equal doses.

A little bit of exercise goes a long way towards inspiring young artists’

St. Patrick Youth Community SPRING/SUMMER • Baseball • Spring/Summer deck hockey • Softball • Summer Basketball for Girls & Boys (4th grade to 12th grade) • Lacrosse • Aftercare • Mommy & Me • Fitness Classes

Adult Classes Forming NOW!

CALL FOR INFO REGARDING SUMMER CAMP 2015

Contact Cindy at 631-360-0257 spyouth@optonline.net

St. Patrick R.C. Church 280 E. Main St., Smithtown 26 I parentguide News I May 2015

Call now for info or registration details

631-360-0257

www.stpatsyouth.com parentguidenews.com

CAMP DIRECTORY

Proof

minds. The program, hosted at BounceU’s climate-controlled play and party center, includes snacks, arts and crafts projects, games, activities, and memorable camp experiences. With its unique blend of upbeat exercises and dedicated time for painting and projects, Create and Bounce offers an experience that’s healthy, mentally engaging, and seriously fun. The program runs for three hours at a time. Create and Bounce’s carefully developed curriculum includes theme-based lessons in drawing, painting, sculpting, mixed media, and more. It’s everything a young artist needs to grow. The program is led by a well-trained staff of camp counselors and an experienced art instructor. A low staff-to-camper ratio of one to ten allows for individualized attention. Children get to bounce on ten giant inflatable rides in between creating, so parents may get a break. Enroll for a day, a week, or the entire summer!

www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840

Camp St. Patrick St. Patrick R.C. Church 280 East Main St., Smithtown, NY 11787 (631)724-1261 / (631)863-2029 spcamp@optonline.net www.stpatsyouth.com For decades, Camp St. Patrick has provided summer fun and fellowship for children ages 3-16. It emphasizes Christian values throughout all programs.

Experienced staff treats each child as an individual in an environment that allows them to live according to their faith. Daily activities include arts and crafts, sports, music, story time, and talent shows. Kickline and cheerleading camps are available, as are before- and after-camp programs. St. Patrick’s runs in week-long sessions from June to August, with weeks seven and eight being for travel only. Each week offers two trips to attractions like Splish Splash and Adventure Land. Kiddie Camp gives children ages 3-5 the option of a half- or full-day experience during the same sessions as main camp.

In addition to the activities enjoyed by older counterparts, those in Kiddie Camp attend weekly Mass, receive snacks and take optional nearby field trips. They visit the game room, sports court, main camp art room, and other on-site activities. Both camps provide lunch and access to off-site pools and beaches for swimming. Teachers provide a safe, comfortable place to explore and learn. Camp St. Patrick looks forward to its upcoming season while working hard to make it the best one yet. New to the main camp: two-, three-, and five-day sessions each week are available.

Proof

Camps ‘R’ Us® Baldwin, Bellmore, Farmingdale, Hicksville, Valley Stream, West Islip (516)935-2267 info@campsrus.org www.campsrus.org Camps ‘R’ Us is a community of campers, parents, and staff members who come together each summer to create a safe, nurturing environment that supports healthy learning by promoting physical, intellectual, and emotional growth. The camp provides one of the most safe, fun, and affordable summer day camp experiences available. Its award-winning camp programs offer children ages 3-15 a diverse summer experience, including sports, arts and crafts, gaming, swimming, bowling, trips, special events, and much more.

The camp’s premier (and conveniently located) facilities, top-notch staff, and unique affordability have earned it the reputation of being one of the best summer camps on Long Island. Looking forward to seeing you this summer at Camps ‘R’ Us: Where summer vacation is their job!

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724 (516)692-6768 fisheducator@cshfha.org www.cshfha.org Give your young explorer a summer surrounded by nature. Encourage a love of science with week-long programs for children in grades pre-k through 12.

Participants get wet and muddy while investigating nature. Call or visit the website for more information. Attend an open house to meet the educators and learn more on May 14, 4-7pm.

your needs, your neighborhood

CAMP OPen HOuse • MAY 16, 2015 • 10AM-2PM

Enjoy Our Fabulous Indoor Skating Facility and The Great Outdoors at Hidden Pond Park Day Camp! ext. 201 Open To Children 4 Yrs.-10th Grade • Ice Skating • 4 or 5 Day Programs, 9am-4pm • Arts & Crafts • Extended AM/PM Hours Available • Computers • Low Camper/Counselor Ratio • High Ropes • Nurse and EMTS On Staff Daily • Drama • Fun Theme Days • Go-Carts • Swimming 2X A Day • Mountain Biking • HEATED POOLS • All Sports From Archery To Volleyball •

...at the only twin, full size year round BIRTHDAY ice skating facility in Suffolk County.

Children (min)...$225 • Your party package includes...

PARt.TIE22S4... Ten• Special “Icing On The • Free skating pass & special gift 00

ex

Cake” Invitations • Two Hour Party • 1 ¼ Hours of Skating • Reserved Table at the Time Out Cafe • Balloons • 12 oz. Soda & choice of hot dog or pizza • Skate rentals

ICE SKATING

ext. 209

for birthday child • Parents of Birthday child admitted free (skate rentals free) • $18 for each additional child over the original 10 • Beginners? Half hour group Lessons are available for $4000 per instructor • All paper goods

ICE HOCKEY

• All Ages & Abilities • Beginner Programs for Boys and Girls • Emphasis on Fundamentals & Fun! • Competitions, recitals & shows • Unlimited FREE admission to public sessions for all program enrollees

• Specialized programs for beginners through advanced, all ages • Introductory Learn to Play Program, Ages 4-8 • In House Hockey League • Men’s Leagues • Hockey Clinics

ext. 248

sCHOOL OPen HOuse • MAY 16, 2015 • 10AM-2PM NY State LiceNSed FaciLitY

PROVIDE YOUR CHILD wITH THE ACADEMIC EDGE! Call today for a guided tour!

ext. 260 Limited Openings

• Art • Pre-Reading & Math Concepts • Science • Computer Lab • Music • Physical Education • Ice Skating • Dramatic Play HaLF aNd FuLL daY cLaSSeS

631-232-3222

Hidden Pond Park 660 Terry rd., HauPPauge

www.therinx.com

$100 oFF admission To any Public skaTing session (one couPon Per cusTomer)

May 2015 I parentguide News I 27

CAMP DIRECTORY

Darlings & Divas Summer Glamour Camp 65 Merrick Road, Amityville, NY 11701 (631)608-4710 info@darlingsanddivas.com darlingsanddivas.com Don’t want your diva to be bored during the summer? Send her to Divalicious Glamour Camp, back with expanded schedules due to popular demand! Each camp week features different themes with coordinating crafts and lunch. Themes include Artist Day; Relaxing Spa Day, which is filled with manicures, pedicures, and makeovers; Snowflakes in the Summer, a Frozen-inspired day; Ballerina Day, where divas take a ballet class and receive a makeover; Monster High Day; Scrapbooking Day; Fashion Design Day; Rock Star Day; Cupcake Decorating Day; and more. Each available camp week is unique, so campers may attend as often as they like without repeating crafts. Call to reserve a spot as space is limited. Sibling and multiple-week discounts are available. Camps run August 11-15, 18-22, and 25-29 between 10am and 1pm, Monday through Friday.

Destination Science Nassau County: Garden City, Jericho, Manhasset, Merrick, Wantagh Suffolk County: Babylon, Commack, Huntington, Lindenhurst, Sayville, Setauket, Stony Brook Westchester County: Larchmont, Mt. Kisco, New Rochelle, Rye, Tarrytown, White Plains, Yonkers New Jersey: Caldwell, Kinnelon, Morristown, Paramus, Ramsey, Township of Washington, Westwood (888)909-2822 www.destinationscience.org Destination Science is the fun science day camp for curious kids ages 5 to 11!

Build a robot, explore the science behind superheroes, solve a galactic mystery, and more. Destination Science kids have “Aha!” moments of creativity and discovery while building, experimenting, and playing with astonishing gadgets and fantastic gizmos. Top-notch, enthusiastic educators and leaders make S.T.E.M. learning an adventure! Destination Science programs advance important life skills such as: problem solving, collaboration, perseverance,

28 I parentguide News I May 2015

creativity, caring, decision making, and curiosity! Four exciting camps are offered: Amazing Superhero Science, Dino-Robot Creators & Raging Chemistry, Roaring Rockets & Astronaut Detectives, and Rock N’ Roll Gizmos & Gadgets. Fun, hands-on science projects are daily included along with outdoor games. Camp is held at multiple neighborhood locations, Monday through Friday, 9am to 3:30pm. Extended care is available. Find schedules and registration information at the website. Special savings are offered for early birds, multi-camp enrollment, and siblings.

Friends Academy Summer Camps Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560 (516)393-4207 camp@fa.org www.fasummercamp.org Friends Academy Summer Camps offers exciting programs for children ages 2-14 from 9:30am-4:30pm. All programs provide a safe environment where children learn new skills and make new friends. The General Camp (for ages 2-7) provides a well-rounded program that includes physical education, arts and crafts, music, tennis, science, playground time, two daily swimming periods and special events. Families can choose from four- to eight-week sessions. Children are placed in small groups by age and gender. The Academy program (for ages 8-13) offers one- to eight-week options. Boys and girls have the opportunity to work on individual and group skills in a well-structured environment that provides instruction and fair competition. The new one-week format allows campers to change activity selections each week.

Friends Academy offers more than 24 activity choices, including fine arts, computers, travel, baseball, basketball, dance, golf, horseback riding, ice hockey, ice skating, boys’ and girls’ lacrosse, sailing, soccer, softball, N.F.L. flag football, fencing, gymnastics, tennis, computer game design, digital and video design, robotics design, circus arts, multi-sport, cheerleading, and the Friends Academy Club and Travel program. The C.I.T. Program (for ages 14-15) allows students to intern in an area of interest while learning leadership and child care skills. Camp tuition includes hot and cold lunches, towel service and air-conditioned transportation. Call to find out more about the

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CAMP DIRECTORY

upcoming season and open house dates. Office hours: Monday-Saturday, 9am-4pm. Visit www.fasummercamp.org.

Hidden Pond Summer Day Camp at The Rinx 660 Terry Road, Hauppauge, NY 11787 (631)232-3222, ext. 201 www.therinx.com From arts and crafts to go-carts, Hidden Pond Summer Day Camp offers every activity kids love, all under one roof! Children ages 4 years through grade 10 enjoy swimming in one of the heated pools, ice skating, edible art, dance, rock climbing, mountain biking, drama, computers, a games den, fun theme days, high ropes and just about any sport imaginable. The camp provides a daily lunch and snack, a low counselor-to-camper ratio and a highly qualified staff, including certified lifeguards/WSIs, two ER nurses and two EMTs to ensure your child’s safety at all times. The camp runs from June to August, with a minimum of three of the eight weeks required. Choose from five days (Monday-Friday) or four days (MondayThursday). The hours are 9am-4pm, with extended morning and evening hours available. The Rinx also offers a Summer Hockey School (ext. 248), providing instruction for beginners through advanced players, and a Figure Skating School (ext. 209), providing “Learn to Skate” through “Advanced Figure Skating” programs (ages 3½ to adult). Programs this good fill up fast, so enroll now!

Proof

Art Adventure

Six Weeks of Fun, Dynamic Art Enrichment Sessions for Kids & Teens NEW! Partner Program ...

JUNE 29 - AUGUST 7

Kids Age 5-9 join SAA in the mornings and spend afternoons at Park Shore Country Day Camp in Dix Hills

at Chestnut Hill Elementary School in Dix Hills Early Childhood (age 5-6) Young Artist (age 7-12) Mature Artist (age 12-14)

JULY 6 - AUGUST 14

at the Art League Center, Dix Hills Teen Portfolio (age 14 - 17)

Proof

OPEN HOUSE

10am-12pm www.parentguidenews.comMay• 16th 212-213-8840

Italian Language Littles, Inc. 40 Kings Park Road, Commack, NY 11725 (631)957-3321 www.italianlanguagelittles.com Benvenuti! Welcome to Italian Language Littles, where students experience the fun and excitement of learning Italian! Children can enroll in a language immersion workshop, in which they learn Italian through hands-on experiences, music and movement, games, storytelling, puppetry, arts and crafts, and more. Students develop an appreciation for other cultures, improvement in school performance, problem-solving skills and more. Children who learn a second language before adolescence may achieve native-like pronunciation. The creation of Matthew and Teresa Drucker, Italian Language Littles

your needs, your neighborhood

at the Art League Center in Dix Hills

Learn more about these programs ...

631.462.5400

info@ARTLEAGUELI.org www.ARTLEAGUELI.org

107 E. Deer Park Road, Dix Hills, NY

May 2015 I parentguide News I 29

CAMP DIRECTORY is the realization of their long-time love of Italian. Because Teresa is a first generation Italian-American, she maintains strong ties to the cultural traditions and language of her parents. Her expertise as an early childhood sets the backdrop for educational and fun classes. Matthew, a high school Italian teacher who once lived in Florence, helps bring creative ideas for language learning to Italian Language Littles. Teresa and Matthew’s Italian Language Littles will ensure your child a stimulating environment for today and a bright future for tomorrow. Now enrolling.

Kenwal Day Camp 100 Drexel Ave., Melville, NY 11747 (631)694-3399 www.kenwaldaycamp.com Kenwal Day Camp, family-owned and operated for 32 years, cultivates campers’ desire to participate, have fun and try their best, without the pressure of having to win. Situated on 20 magnificent acres, Kenwal is accented by many tree-shaded activity areas; wondrous nature trails; a half-acre, man-made lake; and the finest facilities and equipment to ensure every camper hours of fun, exploration and excitement. The camp features four heated pools; go-karts; a water park with inflatables; a video arcade game room; bungee trampolines; and inflatable rides. Activities include: tennis, beach volleyball, basketball, soccer, archery, karate, street hockey, mini-golf, music, drama, arts and crafts, inline rollerblading, rock climbing, mountain biking and zip lining. Special events include carnival, Olympics and guest appearances. The preschool and kindergarten programs modify activities to meet the needs of younger campers. Super Seniors, campers entering grades 4, 5 and 6, participate in many off-camp activities, like attending a Mets game and Splish Splash water park. Kenwal Teens, those entering grades 7 and 8, participate in off-camp activities, like visiting Great Adventure, Broadway shows and the beach, at least three times a week. A Counselors in Training program for teens entering grades 9 and 10 combines counselor training sessions with field trips. Kenwal creates small groups of campers for each activity to ensure that every camper gets the maximum attention possible from counselors and group leaders. Kenwal was voted by Long Island Press and the Long Island community “Best of L.I.” summer camp 2010. Call for more information

30 I parentguide News I May 2015

about Kenwal Day Camp: the camp that cares.

Kiddie Academy Brightwaters (Bay Shore) (631)969-1234 East Setauket (631)941-2100 Greenlawn (631)261-2220 Hicksville (516)931-3330 Islip (631)859-1234 Nesconset (631)724-5437 www.kiddieacademy.com For almost 20 years, parents have trusted Kiddie Academy to care for what they treasure most — their children. Kiddie Academy provides a most comprehensive and developmentally-appropriate child care program for children.

With locations in Nassau and Suffolk counties, this facility is a convenient choice for parents looking for quality care and instruction for their children.

Kiddie Academy offers a program to promote each child’s intellectual, social, physical and emotional growth — from 6 weeks to 12 years old. In addition to the traditional areas of language development, science/discovery and creative arts, many Kiddie Academy locations include computer and foreign language programs. Some Kiddie Academy centers also provide before and after school care for children ages 6-12, with an emphasis on providing a safe and secure learning environment. Centers are equipped to provide activities in arts and crafts, science and discovery, dramatic play and constructive building. Whatever you child care needs may be, you can be guaranteed that Kiddie Academy is committed to providing children with the best possible learning environment in a warm and nurturing setting. Call for more information.

Long Island Voyager’s Day Camp (516)238-4586 www.longislandvoyagersdaycamp.com Long Island Voyager’s Day Camp is unique in that it offers your child a full range of specialties and fun-filled days of recreation. The co-ed camp includes programs for children entering kindergarten in September through those age 14. Its goal is to assist in the development of the whole child — educationally, athletically, artistically and socially. Long Island Voyager’s

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CAMP DIRECTORY teaches self-respect, courage and responsibility. Its caring staff builds upon campers’ self-esteem, self-confidence and character. Long Island Voyager’s is a summer alternative that surpasses childcare as it captures campers’ special talents and helps them identify their goals. Long Island Voyager’s prides itself on its dedication to providing your children with the most exciting, action-packed and safest summer experience. Amazing trips are taken to places like Splish Splash, Adventureland, Fun Zone, Fire Island, Atlantis Marine World, Bayville Adventure Park and the Bronx Zoo, baseball games, IMAX theaters, museums, the beach, and much more. Campers also get the chance to participate in sports, educational activities, swimming, arts and crafts, mini golf, roller skating, and many other fun activities. They are quickly taken in to the Long Island Voyager’s family. Safety is a top priority at Long Island Voyager’s, which has a low counselor-to-child ratio. Buses are regularly inspected, and all drivers are assigned cell phones. Staff members are CPR, First Aid and AED certified. The staff includes a health director, and two lifeguards are constantly on duty. The camp is licensed by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services and is inspected twice a year. Long Island Voyager’s campers excel in many areas of activity and gain new skills, increase self-confidence, and develop more independence.

Oasis Summer Day Camps on Long Island Oasis in Tully Park: Michael J. Tully Park 1801 Evergreen Ave., New Hyde Park, NY 11040 (646)519-5062 tullypark@oasischildren.com Oasis on the Sound 158 Manorhaven Boulevard, Manorhaven, NY 11050 (646)519-5077 onthesound@oasischildren.com Oasis in Mt. Sinai 460 Harbor Beach Road, Mt. Sinai, NY 11766 646-519-5064 mtsinai@oasischildren.com www.oasischildren.com With three locations, Cedar Town Beach, Michael J. Tully Park, and On

your needs, your neighborhood

The Sound at Manorhaven Beach Park, Oasis offers campers a traditional summer day camp experience filled with engaging activities developed and taught by teachers, coaches, and dedicated youth workers. At Oasis in Mt. Sinai, campers experience boating in Mt. Sinai Harbor, swimming in the Long Island Sound at Cedar Beach, playing in the fields at The Wedge, and visiting the Holtsville Ecology Center. At Oasis in Tully Park, campers experience amazing facilities that feature an athletic complex, stadium, and a newly built indoor water park. On The Sound campers have access to the amazing facilities of Manorhaven Beach Park. All locations have access to basketball courts, tennis courts, spacious fields, and swimming pools. Campers ages 3-11 participate in a variety of engaging activities inclusive of athletics, yoga, fine arts, and instructional swim. Oasis Early Start is offered for 3- to 5-year-old campers that have not yet completed kindergarten by the start of camp. In this program, the camp day is designed to meet the social, emotional, and physical needs of junior campers. Oasis also offers a popular Teen Travel program, for young people ages 12-15, which gives teens the opportunity to take unique daily trips while forming lifelong friendships based out of the Tully Park location. Daily hot lunch service is available for purchase. Oasis bus service picks up and drops off campers from a number of convenient locations. Sibling and other discounts are available. Online registration is fast and simple, so don’t wait! Visit the website to learn more.

Teacher’s Pets Child Care Centers Little Red Schoolhouse (516)520-7721 270 Washington Ave., Plainview, NY 11803 (516)931-8204 East Village Green, Jerusalem Ave., Levittown, NY 11756 (516)731-3263 3510 N. Jerusalem Road, Wantagh, NY 11793 teacherspets2@optonline.net Teacher’s Pets Child Care Centers offer a warm, nurturing place where your little ones can learn and grow! These year-round, full day centers for children 6 weeks-5 years provide a certified staff and a small teacher/child

May 2015 I parentguide News I 31

CAMP DIRECTORY ratio which allows students to enjoy individualized attention. At Teacher’s Pets Child Care Centers, the curriculum follows a “concept” pattern with broad ideas that build up by working slowly on small things that are a part of the children’s lives, such as: food, families, animals and pets, community things, weather and more. Some important skills taught are awareness and observance, following directions, motor development and coordination and self-control. Computer Education and field trips are provided as well! The staff will also work at developing your child’s self-confidence, attention span and sense of humor! Breakfast, lunch and snacks are provided daily.

For more information on how to make your child one of the “Teacher’s Pets,” call (516)520-7721.

Young People’s Day Camp of Nassau/Suffolk (800)DAY CAMP / (631)476-3330 Nassau: (516)650-1856 www.ypdc.com Young People’s Day Camp of Nassau/Suffolk has provided 41 years of fabulous and memorable summers! Swimming, sports, movies, arts and crafts, talent shows, local trips and Special Event Days combine to make this a super program. Young People’s Day Camp is licensed by the New York State Health Department; directed by licensed teachers; and staffed by educational professionals, Red Cross Instructors, EMTs, and college students. The staff and program provide children with a safe and fun-filled summer while allowing parents to go about their daily activities knowing that their child is in good hands. Young People’s Day Camp emphasizes individual growth, as well as traditional values of teamwork, cooperation, self-respect, respect for others, tolerance and honesty. These values will sustain our campers for a lifetime. A rolling enrollment policy allows children to be registered for two through eight weeks at parents’ convenience.

The camp provides free, door-to-door transportation via licensed, certified, and professional school bus drivers. It is reasonably priced and offers a payment plan designed to fit your needs with no interest or service charges.

Young People’s Day Camp features a great program, fun-filled activities, and a safe environment as an unbeatable combination!

PROOF

Sleepaway Camp Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County (516)433-7970 Ext. 11 tp229@cornell.edu www.dpf4hcamp.org Celebrating more than 90 years of camp, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County is committed to offering camper families a high-quality educational program, achieving the same level of excellence as its partners at Cornell University. The camp is located on the North Fork of Long Island in a 140-acre natural setting with woodlands, farmland, bluffs, pine forests, sand dunes, and beachfront. This co-educational sleepaway camp is a great place for children to enjoy a week or several weeks of summer. DPF 4-H camp is open to all children entering grades 4-10. The program offers many traditional camping activities and specialized in-depth programming. Traditional camping programs include sports, dance, swimming, arts and crafts, fishing, drama, outdoor living, canoeing, woodworking, rocketry, archery, nature, and more! Specialized, in-depth programs include horseback riding, an adventure program, and Counselor-InTraining. DPF 4-H has a low and high ropes challenge course, a nature center with touch tanks, a 40-acre “work and learn” farm, an indoor horseback riding arena, and many riding trails. Evening programs include talent shows, carnivals, dances, scavenger hunts, wagon rides, cookouts, campfires, and much more.

Meals are served in the lodge; nutritious food is plentiful and the comprehensive salad bar offers campers many choices. The camp’s administrative and program staff comprises teachers, educators, college graduates and students, and high school students, many of whom are camp alumni. The senior counselors have completed counselor-training programs, and most have been campers themselves.

International staff from the United Kingdom complement the seasoned American staff by sharing their rich cultural backgrounds and experiences. The American Camp Association accredits the camp, which is proud of the high standards it achieves regarding the health, safety, and welfare of campers. Monday to Saturday sessions run from June through August. Stay-over weekend sessions are available throughout the summer. Check the website or call for further information.

www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840

EAST WOODS Day Camp & Summer Programs Located on the beautiful, 46-acre campus of East Woods School in Oyster Bay.

For children ages 2-15.

Perfect for your athlete, artist, performer or scientist.

CHECK US OUT! • Affordable tuition • Impressive facilities • Nurturing & dedicated staff • Great location

For more information, please contact camp@eastwoods.org or 516.922.4437 31 Yellow Cote Road Oyster Bay, NY www.eastwoods.org/camp 32 I parentguide News I May 2015

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P

CAMP DIRECTORY Parent/Child Resource ADHD Parent Trainer Elaine Lerner, MSW, CSW 233 7th St., Suite 200, Garden City, NY 11530 (516)487-0636 elaine@adhdparenttrainer.com www.adhdparenttrainer.com Is your child having behavioral problems at home, in school or in social settings? ADHD Parent Trainings are forming in Long Island. Elaine Lerner, MSW, CSW and ADHD specialist will offer training for parents of children with attention problems using the Russell Barkley, Ph.D. and Ross Green Ph.D. methods of behavioral management. ADHD is one of the most common childhood developmental behavioral disorders affecting up to 5-7 percent of the school age population and accounting for the largest proportion of children referred to mental health programs in this country.

Learn techniques to give your child a better chance of success in school, at home and in social settings. Her goal as a clinician is to empower parents to take charge of the demanding care of these children in a way that ensures the health of the child individually and the entire family collectively. Elaine Lerner, MSW, CSW, received her masters Degree in Social Work from Fordham University and has over 16 years of experience in the school system as a social worker. She has trained with Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D., and Ross Green, Ph.D. Call (516)487-0636 or visit www.adhdparenttrainer. com to register.

PROOF Proof

behavioral management techniques ensure his patients’ comfort at all times. He has a caring and compassionate approach to dentistry with an emphasis on molding behavior and changing attitudes toward dental care. His state-of-the-art offices are fully equipped with digital x-rays, video games, and themed treatment rooms to give your child a fun and friendly experience.

Special Needs MKSA LLC 125 E. Bethpage Road, Plainview, NY 11803 (516)731-5588 info@mksallc.com www.mksallc.com MKSA LLC (formerly Marion K. Salomon & Associates) has been helping children with developmental delays for 17 years. It has now joined with HASC, a leader in the field since 1963. MKSA provides a full range of evaluation, educational, therapeutic, and support services to children ages birth through 3 years and families in Long Island, Queens, and Brooklyn. The program is also expanding into Manhattan and Staten Island. Services include: speech and language pathology, PROMPT, special education, Applied Behavior Analysis, (ABA), physical and occupational therapies, psychology, social work, and service coordination. Developmental groups are available in Nassau and Brooklyn. MKSA LLC believes in putting the family’s needs first. The agency’s special strength comes from years of experience, an emphasis on advanced training, and a strong sense of personal involvement with each family. Its mission is to maximize each child’s developmental potential by working in cooperation with families, schools, and communities. Children learn and grow at different rates. However, call MKSA if your child isn’t doing what other kids the same age are doing! Ask questions, and get answers.

Proof

www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840

Health & Fitness Michael Ioannou DMD Pediatric Dentistry of Suffolk County PLLC 2171 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 145, Commack, NY 11725 (631)486-6364 3237 Route 112, Building 6, Suite 7B, Medford, NY 11763 (631)320-0880 www.supermolar.com Pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. Dr. Michael Ioannou’s excellent

Camp starts in two months.

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your needs, your neighborhood

May 2015 I parentguide News I 33

Win

Camelio

featuring Android 4.1 (JellyBean)

From the moment you first held your baby, your child became the most important thing in your life. In honor of Mother ’s Day this month, share the magic of being a mom by submitting an image of you and your little angel by the end of May at www.parentguidenews.com. We’ll post select entries online so viewers may vote for their favorites during June. Encourage family members and friends to vote once each day for the best chance to win! The parent who sends in the submission with the most votes receives the Camelio, featuring Android 4.1 (JellyBean), is the first fully customizable 7” Android device, is perfect for children and their parents. Up to five users can share the tablet with their own customized theme and case.

Visit www.parentguidenews.com for contest details.

34 I parentguide News I May 2015

parentguidenews.com

Woman oman mom

by Samantha Chan

For the Woman behind the Mom

1

1 Keep a Chilly Jilly Wrap with you to ensure you are never uncomfortably chilly and on-the-go. Stylish, cozy, lightweight and wrinkle-resistant, the wrap comes in its own silk bag for your convenience. www.chillyjilly.com

2

2 The Energy Shot from myCharge is a compact, cylindrical cell phone charger that fits perfectly in a pocket or purse. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s designed to charge phones up to 25 percent faster than standard methods, and features a USB and micro USB port. www.mycharge.com

3

3 Jade Gedeon shares 75 of her unique jewelry-sculpting techniques and beautiful ideas in a new book Beautiful Bracelets by Hand.Adults everywhere are invited to learn the secrets to make adornments worth chatting about. www.amazon.com 4 Stay fit and active with the light and supportive PureCadence 4 running shoe from Brooks Running.You will have everything you need to get lost in your run, without an ounce more. www.brooksrunning.com/en_us 5 To help you stay on track with your fitness,Taylor Precision Products has unveiled its latest fitness tool, Smart Scale.The product features the free SmarTrack app, allowing users to store and view recorded weight, body fat, and body water. www.taylorusa.com

Samantha Chan is the associate editor.

IR 5/15

s e z i r P g n i m o c p U & Giveaways You, Too, Can WIN! Enter at www.parentguidenews.com

Bellybuds

Congratulations to Recent

Winner

Violet and Miguel H., winners of the Big Smooch Photo Contest, won a BURG 12 Smartwatch!

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Scan here with your smartphone to sign up for our monthly Contests & Giveaways newsletter.

To enter any or all of our fabulous Facebook giveaways, become our fan at facebook.com/parentguidenews. Our Facebook fans receive tons of chances to win exclusive prizes, as well as access to contests that run in print, article highlights, and news regarding all things parenting.

your needs, your neighborhood

May 2015 I parentguide News I 35

HEALTH HEALTH

by Samantha Chan 1 Petroleum jelly alternatives have taken a new, natural turn 7 with Waxelene.

Containing just four ingredients— organic soy oil, beeswax, natural vitamin E oil, and organic rosemary oil— it is perfect for your beauty, baby, and household needs. www.waxelene.com

6 Treat your1family to two new exclusive flavors, now available from Ciao Bella Gelato. Blueberry Passion Fruit Sorbetto and Chocolate Mascarpone Gelato adhere to Ciao Bella’s premium standards, delivering quality flavor. www.ciaobellagelato.com

2 Get clean with CLn Skin Care non-drying products for adults and children age six-months and older.The hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formula has received the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. www.clnwash.com

7 Clean your baby’s germy stuffed animals safely via Dryel At-Home Dry Cleaner. Utilizing biodegradable ingredients and the power of steam, safely kills bacteria on stuffed animals in just 30 minutes. www.dryel.com 8 Indulge in a classic flavor combination, now healthier!

Justin’s, maker of all-natural nut butters, now offers dark and milk chocolate Organic Mini Peanut Butter Cups. www.justins.com

8

9 Maker of ethically sourced chocolate delights, Chuao Chocolatier introduces two new chocolate bars inspired by breakfast! Enjoy Cinnamon Cereal Smooch and Strawberry Waffle Wild. www.chuaochocolatier.com

5

10 Lucas Papaw Ointment is your cure-all that is both antibacterial and antimicrobial. Use as a topical treatment for minor burns, scalds; rashes, cuts, chafing, splinters, and the 4 temporary relief of the symptoms of dermatitis and eczema. www.lucaspapaw.com.au Go to www.parentguidenews.com for a chance to win these great prizes!

3 Stock up on healthy snacks, from chia chips to fruit leathers.

9 Nuts.com is a nationwide online retailer of highquality foods for your whole family. www.nuts.com 4 From artisan organic granola and granola bar maker, 18 Rabbits, comes Jr. Organic 10 Granola Cereal in two great flavors: Cinnamon Apple and Chocolate Banana. Available exclusively through Target. www.18rabbits.com 5 Comfortable and sturdy, the neoprene-based Nufoot footwear designed for children’s indoor usage, is waterand germ-resistant. Protect your little one’s from dirty floors, while simultaneously stabilizing their feet as they learn to walk. www.nufoot.com

Samantha Chan is the co-editor.

IR_May

36 I parentguide News I May 2015

parentguidenews.com

TRAVEL

by Donald McDermott

1

2

3

PROOF 4

1 Fun and affordable for families on the go, The Camelio Tablet from Vivitar is a fully customizable, seven-inch, Android device that is perfect for tweens through adults. www.cameliotablet.com 2 Pish Posh Baby offers an array of handy solutions for napping in the car or plane, including the Pish Posh Baby Skip Hop Zoo Travel Blanket, which can easily be used as a pillow or blanket to make every naptime comfy and cozy. www.pishposhbaby.com

PROOF

3 BubbleBum, the world’s original inflatable car booster seat presents a brand new, raspberry and cotton candy pink chevron design that makes it the perfect addition to all of your little princesses’ summer adventures. www.bubblebum.com

www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840 4 Kid friendly function comes together with an adult friendly look for the Posh Play Snack Sack, a reusable, lightly insulated lunch box that is perfect for on the go moms, tweens and toddlers alike. www.poshplaymat.com

5

5 A great product to take along on all of your warm weather activities, Bubi Bottle (pronounced boo-bee) is a foldable, colorful BPA-free beverage bottle that doubles as a water-proofing apparatus, multi-use container and a hot/cold compress. www.bubibottle.com Go to www.parentguidenews.com for a chance to win these great prizes!

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This is your opportunity to win some very exciting products and/or services featured in this issue’s Health, Travel, Update, and WoMom columns.

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Donald McDermott is a co-editor.

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38 I parentguide News I May 2015

parentguidenews.com

Calendarof Events

MAY 2015

Suffolk May 1-9 Nassau

PROOF Manhattan

May 1: First Friday, The Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington, (631)351-3250, www.heckscher.org. The museum invites you to explore their exhibitions during extended viewing hours and enjoy unique musical performances inspired by artwork on view. 5-8:30pm.

May 2 and 3 Long Island Geek Convention,All Star Arena, 635 Middle Country Road, Coram, (631)496-9020.

Celebrate pop culture science fiction and fantasy movies, books,TV shows, cosplay, and more at this weekend event that includes celebrity guests, question and answer sessions, discussion panels, gaming, costume contests, autographs, photo opportunities, and an enormous vendor hall.

PROOF

NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury, (800)745-3000, www.thetheatreatwestbury.com. Heather Henson’s IBEX Puppetry provides family-friendly, raucous interactions with May 10 the classic, timeless film of Heather’s legendary father, Jim Henson in one fun filled, fullyLong interactive 12 noon.

Mother’s Day Brunch, Island experience.

Aquarium and Exhibi-

www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840

Queens

May 1-3: Traveling Exhibition - Healthyville, The Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City, (516)224-5800, www.licm.org. This fun and fully interactive traveling exhibit features over 50 activities, nearly a dozen computer games, six main attractions, a real TV studio and countless opportunities to help children learn more about their bodies and their health.

Westchester

May 9: Heather Henson’s Sing Along with The Muppet Movie, The

tion Center, 431 East Main St., Riverhead, (631)208-9200.

Create treasured memories with a beautiful Mother’s Day Brunch in the spectacular Sea Star Ballroom, followed by time to explore the Aquarium. Reservations required.

May 10 - 17

May 10: Mother’s Day Brunch with the Long Island Ducks, Ducks Stadium, 3 Court House Drive, Central Islip, (631)940-3825, www. liducks.com. Make mom’s special day even more special with a family friendly package that includes a delicious all you can eat

0 0 1 $ n i W

our Y d r a w o T ty! r a P y a d h Birt t x e N s ’ d l i Ch Calling All September Birthdays!

PARENTGUIDE News wants to help make your child’s next birthday the most memorable ever!

This month’s Birthday Blowout Contest highlights children’s May 12 and 13 birthdays that occur in September.

Shrek, The Dix Hills Performing Arts Center, 305 North To enter, go to www.parentguidenews.com and click on the ServiceaRoad, Dix Hills, (631)656-2148, www.dhpac.org.

Birthday Blowout Contest box for details. The winner receives Beauty is in the eye of the beholder when the classic tale $100 gift certificate to spend toward a chosen party place or entertainer of the ogre and the princess comes to life on stage! for the ultimate birthday bash.

Save BIG at www.parentguidenews.com

Turn your child’s special day into something spectacular. your needs, your neighborhood

May 2015 I parentguide News I 39

Calendarof Events Mayat 2 and 3 by Ducks baseball starting at 1:35pm. brunch noon, followed Long Island Geek Convention,All

May 15: Nitro Circus Live, The Nassau Veterans Memorial ColiStar Arena, 635 Middle Country seum, Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale, (516)794-9300, www.nasRoad, Coram, (631)496-9020. saucoliseum.com. Families are invited to strap yourself in for a Celebrate pop culture sciwild ride during an amazing, one of a kind show that will astound ence fiction and fantasy movies, audiences of all ages with death defying motorcycle stunts that you books, shows, cosplay, and more at this weekend event will haveTV to see to believe!

that includes celebrity guests, question and answer sessions, discussion panels, gaming, autographs, May 15: Ladies Night Sip costume and Paint,contests, Darlings & Divas, photo 65 Meropportunities, and an enormous vendor hall. rick Road, Amityville, (631)608-4710, www.darlingsanddivas. com. Moms who need a night out are invited to enjoy art instruc-

May 10 Mother’s Day Brunch, Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center, 431 East Main St., Riverhead, (631)208-9200.

Create treasured memories with a beautiful Mother’s Day Brunch in the spectacular Sea Star Ballroom, followed by time to explore the Aquarium. Reservations required.

tion, materials, snacks, and more. BYO beverages. Pre registration required. 7-9pm.

May 16: Cultural Day and Street Fair, Copiague Chamber of Commerce, 1700 Great Neck Road, Copiague, (516)972-2832.

Families are invited to celebrate the diversity and uniqueness of May 17an afternoon event that includes plenty of local the town during culture,Who’s foods,On service organizations and activities geared towards the Menu, families in the area.

Sweetbriar Nature

Center, 62 Eckernkamp Dr., Smithtown, (631)979-6344, May 12 and 13 www.sweetbriarnc.org.

Shrek, The Dix Hills Performing Arts Center, 305 North Sweetbriar feeds and Service Road, Dix Hills, (631)656-2148, www.dhpac.org. cares for a variety of aniBeauty is in the eye of the beholder when the classic tale mals from large birds of of the ogre and the princess comes to life on stage! prey to furry mammals, to tiny insects. Come to the nature center and meet some of their animals, play an interactive game, and create a craft and you will find the answer. 1-3pm.

May 30 and 31 Art in the Park Fine Art and Craft Fair, Heckscher Park, 2 Prime Ave. & Route 25A, Huntington, (631)462-5400, www.artleagueli.net. A multitude of talented artists and craftspeople will be on hand for the Art League of Long Island’s 48th Annual Fair.

May 12 and 13 Shrek, The Dix Hills Performing Arts Center, 305 North Service Road, Dix Hills, (631)656-2148, www.dhpac.org.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder when the classic tale of the ogre and the princess comes to life on stage!

40 I parentguide News I May 2015

MB S COE 5/15 parentguidenews.com

Through May 17: The Clowns’ Jack and the Beanstalk, Vanderbilt Museum & Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport, (516)293-0674. Every Saturday and Sunday, The talented members of the Arena Players Children’s Theater present the classic tale told in a hilarious new way with an all clown cast. 1pm.

Proof

May 17: Tsh Camp Spring Festival, Thomas School of Horsemanship, 250 17 Round Swamp Road, Melville, (631)692-6840, www.

May tshcamp.com. Pony rides, jumping pillow, face painting, music, carnival Who’sgames, On thepetting Menu,zoo, playground, crafts and vendors are all a part of the fun when Sweetbriar Nature the festival comes to town! 11am-3pm.

Center, 62 Eckernkamp Dr., Smithtown, (631)979-6344, www.sweetbriarnc.org.

Sweetbriar feeds and May 20-24: andofCrafts cares for a Arts variety ani- Fair, The Broadway Mall, 358 N. Broadway Mall, Hicksville, mals from large birds of (516)822-6336, www.broadwaymall. com. Pay a visit to this mall-wide arts and crafts show and explore prey to furry mammals, the exhibitors booths featuring plenty of local arts and craft fare. to tiny insects. Come to the nature center and June 15-19: June 2015 Mini Camp, M.A.T.S.S. Kids Gym, 171 meet some of their animals, play an interactive game, and Eileen Way, Syosset, (516)496-7765, www.matsskidsgym.com. create ages a craft and will to find the some answer.

Children 2-10 areyou invited enjoy fun1-3pm. in the sun during a

www.parentguidenews.com • 212-213-8840

May 20 - June 15

week long program featuring lots of games, crafts, gymnastics, outside play, and more. Presented again from June 22-26. 10am-2pm.

May 30 and 31

Art in the Park Fine Art and Craft Fair, Heckscher Park, 2 Prime Ave. & Route 25A, Huntington, (631)462-5400, www.artleagueli.net. A multitude of talented artists and craftspeople will be on hand for the Art League of Long Island’s 48th Annual Fair.

Proof

Calendarof Events Share your event details by the 1st of the preceding month

Submit family activities and events FREE of charge at www.parentguidenews.com/Catalog/SubmitACalendarItem or e-mail Donald McDermott: Donald@parentguidenews.com

5/31/15.

MB S COE 5/15

your needs, your neighborhood

May 2015 I parentguide News I 41

UPDATE

by Donald McDermott

1

5

4

3

2

7

6

8

9

10

1 Treat your little ones to unlimited bouncy fun with the Evenflo ExerSaucer Soft N Snuggly Jumper, featuring a removable tethered toy, self-discovery mirror, adjustable straps, machine-washable seat, and more. www.evenflo.com/products

6 Now available at Target, and the brainchild of bestselling author, beauty veteran, and native New Yorker, Cozy Friedman, the SoCozy salon-quality kids haircare collection is all-natural and infused with fun scents that children of all ages are sure to love. www.socozy.com

2 Available exclusively at Babies “R” Us, Evenflo Feeding is proud to introduce the first ever, tinted glass baby bottle. The tinted glass bottles come in two colors, and are expertly designed for easy assembly and leak-free feeding. www.babiesrus.com

7 Dedicated to creating products parents need using textiles, prints and colors families will love, lulujo is a proud Canadian manufacturer of premium baby essentials such as the top-selling multi-functional cotton muslin swaddling blankets, ultra soft fabrics, and fashionable prints. www.lulujo.com

3 Kids grow up so fast! The Baby Tooth Album allows you to cherish the moments you have with them through cute keepsake albums that organize tiny teeth and satin pouches to keep teeth safe under pillows for the Tooth Fairy to find. www.babytoothalbum.com

8 With a series of brand new styles set to debut this summer, Robeez and Disney Baby offer a comfortable soft soled shoe for kids that combines essential health benefits with a variety of imaginative designs featuring everyone’s favorite Disney characters. www.robeez.com

4 Bellybuds’ new Baby-Bump Sound System is a specialized speaker system that plays sound directly to the womb and is a great way for expectant parents to connect with their new arrival long before he or she arrives. www.bellybuds.com

9 Experience the excitement and anticipation of opening a present every single month thanks to Whippersnappers from Foot Cardigan. Sign your little ones up and this unique company delivers funky, fresh socks in the mail every month for one low price! www.footcardigan.com

5 Award-winning reusable frames that stick to almost any surface including stainless steel and wood, Fodeez are the perfect choice for organizing a messy fridge while still displaying your documents, calendars, and photos. www.fodeez.com

10 The perfect combination of a book, tablet app, and small plush numbers make up the Hello Numbers Discovery Pack. This unique pack uses multisensory learning to introduce children to numbers in a fun and friendly way! www.numbersalive.com

Go to www.parentguidenews.com for a chance to win these great prizes!

42 News I May 2015 SKI parentguide 5/15

Donald McDermott is a co-editor.

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