January 2020 established 1986
newyorkfamily.com
Latham Thomas Doula & Activist
Winter Skin
A Seasonal Survival Guide
Sleepaway Camp 101 Workspaces & Support Groups Best Options for Moms
HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW
®
Through January 26 New York City’s favorite holiday tradition is back!
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Discover your capable, confident Montessori child. At Guidepost Montessori your child will enter a wonderful world of activities, tools, and learning materials, designed to captivate her interest and inspire her budding intelligence in remarkable ways. Early childhood is a brief moment in time when your child’s mind develops rapidly, and she establishes foundational character traits. Take advantage of this critical age!
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contents
January 2020
NewYorkFamily.com
pg. 32
pg. 44
pg. 48
FEATURES 18 | Spaces for Moms Our local picks for co-working spaces and groups that support moms 32 | Sleepaway Camp 101 A guide to how sleepaway camp builds life skills and independence in kids 42 | Resolutions Tips to reset for the New Year 44 | Coffee Date NYC healthy cafés 46 | 5 Mom Friends you Need Which sort of mom friend is the best fit for you? 48 | Latham Thomas: Doula & Maternal Health Advocate How this powerhouse advocates for mothers at every stage of our lives
Stories & columns 6 | Editor’s Note January Reset 8 | Contributors The lovely peeps who have shared their talents this month 10 | Mom Hacks: Beauty Our Winter Skin Survival Guide 16 | Around Town Only good vibes and humming sounds can be found at yoga studio Humming Puppy 28 | Education Rich in history and curriculum, Catholic schools provide a strong education 34 | Health Tips on dealing with an emergency room visit 36 | Smart Parenting Teach your kids healthy financial habits
pg. 18
pg. 56
Home & Away 54 | Neighborhood Guide: Tribeca We have the top spots to hit in one of the city’s busiest family-friendly neighborhoods 56 | Family Day Out: Sloomoo Institute This 8,000 square foot pop-up is full of slimy fun for the entire family 58 | Winter in the Caribbean Relax with the family at this allinclusive resort in Saint Lucia
Family fun 60 | Calendar Unmissable events in Manhattan and beyond for January
directories 24 | Activities Guide
38 | Ask the Expert Protecting your child from the sun year-round
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NewYorkFamily.com | January 2020
30 | Catholic Schools Guide
64 | Mom Stories The beauty of a blended family
on the Cover
66 | Last Word Trusting the magic of beginnings
Make-up: Éva Lukas Roston | Éva for Mac Cosmetics evalukas.com
Photo: Yumi Matsuo | yumimatsuostudio.com
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January 2020 | New York Family
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Editor’s Note
NewYorkFamily.com Publisher: Hester Aba Executive Editor: Donna Duarte-Ladd Digital Editor: Katarina Avendaño Senior Adviser: Susan Weiss Director, Business Development: Mary Ann Oklesson Partnership Managers: Erik Bliss, Erin Brof, Mary Cassidy, Shelli Goldberg-Peck Ad Ops Coordinator: Charlotte Sauvagnat Art Director: Leah Mitch Web Developer: Sylvan Migdal Graphic Designers: Arthur Arutyunov, Connie Sulsenti Nina Gallo Photography
January Reset As parents, especially moms, we tend to check-in with ourselves when the New Year arrives. We may contemplate how we may run the household more efficiently, be a better parent, and receive more support in this parenting journey. Of course, “we’re all in this together” isn’t just an empty phrase; it honestly helps to have reinforcement in life. For our January issue, we wanted to feature a mother we felt inspired us as editors of this publication to be and do better. Latham Thomas (page 48), who graces our first cover for 2020, is a leading doula and the founder of Mama Glow. We chatted with Latham about a woman’s needs in all stages of her life, as well as the serious issue of the 25-year increase in black maternal deaths in this country. If you’re searching for a space to work
outside of the home, we have a great roundup of Spaces and Groups for Moms in NYC (page 18). And it’s winter, which means along with stress and fatigue, your skin may be taking a hit. Luckily we have amazing tips and products in our Winter Skin Survival Skin Guide (page 10) to get you back to a healthy glow! Lastly, if you’re looking for some family fun that involves slime (yes, slime), check out our review of the Sloomoo Institute (page 56). You’ll find a DIY slime bar and much more at this fun spot in Soho. Happy New Year!
Graphic Design Intern: Elvia Caballero Editorial Contributor: Mia Salas Editorial Interns: Taryn Schofield, Keana Demming
Contact Information
ADVERTISING: (718) 260-4554 Advertising@NewYorkFamily.com Circulation: (718) 260-8336 Tina@NewYorkFamily.com
Address: New York Family Media/Schneps Media 1 MetroTech Center North, Third Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201
President: Victoria Schneps-Yunis CEO: Joshua Schneps Group Publisher: Clifford Luster
Donna Ladd Executive Editor New York Family has been recognized for editorial and design excellence by PMA. New York Family is published monthly by Queens Family Media, LLC.
get in touch Share your feedback and ideas about family life in the city! Email us at editorial@newyorkfamily.com and tag us at #newyorkfamily
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NewYorkFamily.com | January 2020
Reproduction of New York Family Media in whole or part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. All rights reserved. ©2020 Queens Family Media, LLC
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January 2020 | New York Family
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Contributors
Sara Nolan Sara Nolan teaches personal essay writing to teenagers and adults. She also supports birthing people as a labor doula and parents her quirky blended family of four. Learn more about her work as an educator at essayintensive. com and the whole shebang at saranolan-essays. squarespace.com
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NewYorkFamily.com | January 2020
Melissa Matthews Brown Melissa has over sixteen years of experience as a beauty, fashion, and lifestyle editor. She is currently a freelance writer and resides in Cranford, NJ with her husband and two sons. She has written for Woman’s Day, Family Circle, Parents, Better Homes and Gardens, and Dr. Oz The Good Life. Melissa also was a contributing editor for 7 Years for Younger Instant Makeovers: The Quick & Easy Anti-Aging Plan for Beautiful Skin, Hair, Mind & Body.
January 2020 | New York Family
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mom hacks
Winter Skin Survival Guide It’s time to make your skin a priority with tips that will reward you with a healthy glow By Melissa Matthews Brown
E
ven if winter is your favorite time of year, you have to admit that it can be a little harsh on your skin. From the cooler temperatures to the whipping winds to the lack of humidity in the air, your complexion faces it all and shows it. So, what can be done? We asked a few dermatologists in New York City to dish on the four biggest winter beauty hang-ups and how to help your complexion glow all season long.
#1 10
Your Winter Hang-Up: Dry anD Flaky Go right ahead and blame the cold weather for your dry
NewYorkFamily.com | January 2020
Smart Tips
• Run a humidifier while you sleep to help parched skin look supple. • A daily dose of Aloe Vera gel will soften dry patches. • After a workout use micellar water, which helps remove impurities without stripping your delicate skin, to freshen up. One to try: Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Water ($5) • Avoid excess consumption of alcohol and coffee, which can cause your body to lose water.
patches but don’t stop there. We hate to say this but you’re most likely the culprit for your dehydrated skin. Taking long, hot showers (when you can!) and over-cleansing can have your face begging for moisture, according to New York City dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, Josh Zeichner, MD. These habits can disrupt the skin barrier and lead to dryness and inflammation. Dr. Zeichner recommends keeping your shower routine to 10-minutes or less using only lukewarm water, never hot. Then, always apply moisturizer immediately after. Skin can be slightly damp, to seal in hydration.
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MOM HACKS
When it comes to selecting a facial lotion, “look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which binds up to 1000 times its weight in water or one that contains ceramides to help strengthen the surface of your skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. In the winter, you’ll also want to limit the use of retinols, manual facial scrubs or chemical exfoliates to once or twice a week. Exfoliating more often, especially when experiencing dryness, will cause irritation and redness. Your Winter Hang-Up: DULL COMPLEXION Remember a few months ago when you were basking in the sun at the beach or enjoying a walk through Central Park? Well, as nice as it was, all that excess sun exposure and environmental pollution has a habit of catching up with your skin. “It causes uneven tone, texture, plus, it breaks down collagen adding wrinkles,” says cosmetic dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City, Y. Claire Chang, MD. When winter hits, your skin starts to dry out and this highlights the appearance of those fine lines making your complexion look like you haven’t slept in weeks. But before you throw a pity party for your skin, there are ways to fight back and get your glow on. Before applying your daily moisturizer with SPF, add a light layer of facial serum enriched with antioxidants like vitamin C or niacinamide to your regimen. “These ingredients help your skin stand up to the elements while evening out pigmentation and ultimately brightening up your entire face,” says Dr. Chang. She also recommends exfoliating at least once a week with an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) like glycolic acid or a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) like salicylic acid to gently dissolve dead skin cells that clog pores and bring down your radiance.
#2
Your Winter Hang-Up: STRESSED SKIN Sure the holidays might be over but they’re probably still affecting your skin. One of the biggest factors is psychosocial stress, which increases cortisol levels and causes inflammation in the skin. “Add the many nights of poor or lack of sleep and you’re left dealing with unhealthy looking skin,”
#3
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NewYorkFamily.com | January 2020
Pamper Y�ur Skin Hit up your local drugstore to score one (or all!) of these complexion heroes. Soothing Cleanser Remove a days worth of dirt and oil with Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser ($10) without drying out your skin thanks to the built-in glycerin, a humectant that attracts water to boost hydration.
Facial Mask Carve out 15-minutes and apply the Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb The Super Hydrating Sheet Mask ($3). There’s half a bottle of serum packed with hyaluronic acid and pomegranate extract in each packet to help you look radiant, instantly.
Day Cream Protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun (yes, even in the winter!) with La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid and SPF 20 ($36). The combination of hyaluronic acid and glycerin will keep your skin looking plump.
Lip Protection The magical mix of beeswax, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil and shea butter found in eos Super Soft Shea Lip Balm Sphere ($3) will treat your lips while sealing in moisture.
Night Cream Bring balance to your face while you sleep with Aveeno Ultra-Calming Nourishing Night Cream ($19.50). Within a week you’ll notice softer skin and a lot less redness thanks to the oat and calming feverfew complex. Bonus: It’s fragrance-free!
Hydrating Serum Vitamin C doesn’t just ward off a common cold, when applied topically it boosts radiance and neutralizes aging free radicals. Wake up your skin with a daily dose of L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum ($30).
Splurge �n Y�ur Skin Treat yourself to a facial at one of these three top spots. 1. Kate Somerville Clinic 235 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019 212-295-2220
2. L’appartment Caudalie 819 Madison Ave #4A 212-265-3182 3. Organic Pharmacy 353 Bleecker Street 212-929-7407
We provide the following dental treatments: • Mouth Guards • Same-Day Treatment • Dental Sealants • Modern Sterilization • Laughing Gas Protocol • Local Anesthetic • Comprehensive Exams • Hygiene • Silver Diamine Fluoride • Crowns • Composite Fillings (S.D.F.) treatments Schedule an appointment online at www.UpperEastPediatricDentristry.com or by phone
We offer a full spectrum of dental services for kids ages 1 thru 18 Open Saturdays
All major insurance accepted!
212-317-1212
30 E. 60th St., Suite 608, NY, NY 10022
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Igniting the spark of genius in every child and educating global leaders since 1872 Nursery – Grade 12 Register online to attend an open house
2020
Now open in a convenient second location: 101 East 4th Street, N.Y.,N.Y. 10003 January 2020 | New York Family
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mom hacks
says Dr. Chang. What’s worse is that these culprits can cause inflammatory skin conditions, like acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis to flare up. Chronic stress also has been shown to accelerate aging of the skin, adds Dr. Chang. So yeah, the holidays take a toll on you in more ways than one. She recommends practicing regular de-stressing techniques (go ahead and book that yoga class!), sleep well (if only the kids would!), and eat a healthy diet (you can do it). You can also try anti-inflammatory ingredients like tea tree oil and green tea to soothe and calm skin from excess stress. Your Winter Hang-Up: CraCked Lips “Unlike the rest of your body, your lips have no sweat or oil glands, meaning they lack the protective layer that keeps them smooth and moisturized,” says New York City
#4
Eat Your Way to Better Skin
“To keep your skin healthy and hydrated, try the Mediterranean diet,” says Dr. Zeichner. Eating fish, like salmon, provide the body with omega fatty acids to help reduce inflammation. Also eating powerful antioxidants like green leafy vegetables (think spinach and kale) and colorful fruits (like pomegranates and grapefruit) help to fight cellular damage to keep your skin looking youthful.
dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weil Cornell Medical College, Marnie Nussbaum, MD. The skin upon your lips is also extremely thin and delicate. So it’s no wonder you have more issues with them during the colder months. The constant change from cool outdoor temperatures and dry indoor heat causes your lips to dry out fast. When you’re battling cracked lips, never pick or peel them. This can make them feel
worse, advises Dr. Nussbaum. Also, avoid licking your lips since the saliva quickly evaporates and makes them even drier (it’s a vicious cycle!). The best way to prevent or treat dried out lips is to apply a hydrating lip balm after you cleanse your face, brush your teeth and before going to bed at night. Invest in one that’s formulated with oil and wax. These occlusive ingredients give you a better chance of sealing in moisture.
MAKE THE MOST OF PLAYTIME LAUNCH RIGHT IN WITH . . .
a SUPER SPACECRAFT!
GATHER THESE MATERIALS:
Pencil
2 toilet paper tubes
Paper towel tube
2. Draw a rounded 1. Lay a toilet
paper tube on top of a piece of cardboard. Trace it.
nose to the traced shape. Then draw two rounded triangles for wings.
Small piece of cardboard
Markers or paint
3. Cut out the shape.
Scissors
(with an adult�s help)
Paper
5. Glue your cut tube on top of the cardboard in the shape of a spacecraft, and let it dry.
4. Trace the bottom of a toilet paper tube on top of another. Then cut out the round shape.
6. Color or paint your spacecraft. You
can also decorate it with stickers. Place a small toy inside and go for a ride. Tell a story about where you’re going!
TinkerActive Workbooks cover essential skills using curriculum-based exercises and interactive tinkering, making, and engineering activities using common household materials!
The Active Way to learn through play 14
NewYorkFamily.com | January 2020
Glue
Odd Dot
An imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group
AVAILABLE WHEREVER BOOKS ARE SOLD
REACH. GROW. ACHIEVE.
ChristopherDuggan Duggan Christopher
Awaken Awaken your your child’s child’s potential through potential through dance dance
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Summer STEAM Camp 2020 June 22 – July 31
Sign up today at cathedralnyc.org/steamcamp
Weekly Sessions Include: Programming • Robotics • Circuits • 3-D Printing • Woodworking Stop-Motion Video • Engineering • Game Design • Art Outdoor Games and Activities Every Day!
January 2020 | New York Family
15
around town
Humming Puppy In this gorgeous yoga studio, you’ll find good vibes, beautiful surroundings and more The studio Right in the heart of the Flatiron district, you’ll find Humming Puppy, a yoga studio offering both mindful and comfortable classes in a blissful 80-degree room. Founded in the spring of 2018, this unique studio encompasses the art of intentionality. The experience doesn’t begin and end with class time. As soon as you walk in, you feel relaxed. The lobby is open and bright with natural sunshine pouring through the enormous windows. Hot and delicious tea is available to sip before and after class, and lounging is encouraged by the super-friendly staff. The hum When you walk into one of Humming Puppy’s classes, which is held in a soothing dark studio, you’ll first notice the ‘hum’ which is intentional as the yoga space or ‘shala’. Engineered by ARUP (one of the worlds leading acoustic engineers), the Hum is injected with a combination of frequencies to enhance and deepen the yogi’s experience. Humming Puppy believes that these frequencies help ‘ground’ you through your practice. When you do a class at Humming Puppy — it will also include the vibrations of Himalayan singing bowls. If you have never heard the sound of a Himalayan singing bowl, it is a sound that vibrates not only through the room, but (if you allow yourself to) will connect you to the energy of a humming vibration. Humming Puppy feels like an uplifting experience each time you visit, which is ideal when it comes to being stress-free and releasing stress and being present. This space allows the visitor to let go, take in the experience, and deepen the moment. At Humming Puppy, classes are limited to 40 mats, so each yogi can get individual attention from teachers and have space to move. They don’t pack yogis in like sardines! Mats are provided for all users, so you don’t need to schlep your mat across the city, and high-quality toiletries (including little helpful touches like dry shampoo and spa products) are provided in the gorgeous changing rooms. For more on Humming Puppy, visit hummingpuppy.com
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NewYorkFamily.com | January 2020
the lobby of Humming Puppy is full of natural light. Inside the studio, a carefully engineered “hum” helps enhance your experience
Through our unique dual program, which incorporates both the French and American curricula, The École offers students the lifetime benefits of a bilingual education and empowers them to create and connect to a world filled with possibilities.
YOUR SUMMER. YOUR WAY. • Beautiful 50-acre Rockland County campgrounds • Dozens of activities to engage every child, developed by 92Y experts • Pickups in your neighborhood
Sign up for Summer 2020 today! 92Y.org/Camps Stacey Rosen (she/her), Camps Concierge 212.699.7249 | SRosen@92Y.org
Join us for one of our Open Houses! Upcoming Open House Dates Wednesday, January 8, at 8:15am Thursday, January 23, at 6pm Wednesday, February 12, at 8:15am
Nursery-8th Grade
Fifth Avenue Building 206 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10010
Main Campus
111 East 22nd Street New York, NY 10010
www.theEcole.org January 2020 | New York Family
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SpaceS for Moms
Our local picks can give moms the support they need or just a place to call their own By Mia SalaS and donna ladd
W
omen need to have a space just for them: a space to share ideas, connect, and support each other. In these all-female spaces, women can truly have a voice, surrounded by other inspiring and encouraging women who are ready to listen. Moms are often even more in need of a space to call their own, so we’re rounding up the best Spaces for Women in New York! Co-Working SpaCeS
The Wing the-wing.com Bryant Park, Flatiron, Dumbo, Soho, Williamsburg (coming soon!)
The Wing strives to carry on the spirit of the women’s club movement of the 19th and early 20th centuries. In terms of community, the Wing provides a space for female friendships, support circles, professional mentoring, networking, and bonding. The Wing is your personal office with phone booths, conference rooms, showers, a pumping room for mamas, and an in-house cafe. Enjoy speedy wifi, free coffee, quiet rooms, charging stations, lockers, the library and beauty rooms. What we especially love about The Wing’s Soho location is The Little Wing, a place for kids to play while their mamas get to work, catch up with friends, or relax. The Little Wing offers childcare, classes, and playtime. The Little Wing is the perfect compromise: keep your little ones close and feel comfortable knowing
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NewYorkFamily.com | January 2020
that they are nearby as you make your way through The Wing. The Wing is also very involved in civic and community engagement, supporting women political candidates and partnering with organizations that work with underserved women and girls. Memberships start at $185 per month for a single location and are annual commitments. Application required. Scholarships are available. Maison thisismaison.com 1264 Lexington Avenue, Upper East Side, NY 10028 917-463-3888
Ashley Wu founded Maison to create a space for mamas to reconnect outside their responsibilities as mothers, wives, or caregivers. Maison provides a space for women to work, meet with friends and colleagues, partake in social events, and just be their best selves! Events include meditation sessions, learning lunches featuring speakers on current events, visiting authors, cooking demonstrations, trunk shows, and beauty treatments. Members have access to private and shared working space, rooms to relax, events, and the kitchen with healthy eats. Maison members also get perks from partners like Club Monaco, The Surrey Hotel, FAO Schwarz, and more. Maison encourages mothers to use the beautiful space for “me time” and as a way to focus on their own self-care. Membership is $325 per month and is an annual commitment. Application required.
Luminary 1204 Broadway, NoMad, NY 10001 646-876-8680 luminary-nyc.com
Luminary focuses on self-development, wellness, flexibility, and giving back through a vibrant community interested in professional development and network expansion. The 11,000 square foot space includes complimentary wine on tap, a private rooftop, fitness studio and classes, beauty bar, wellness & lactation rooms, conference rooms & event space, changing room, lockers, showers, wifi, printing, phone booths, and workspaces. What really distinguishes Luminary is its commitment to advancing the careers and aspirations of its members through weekly programming. Programs include Real Talk: Women and Work Series, Female Founders Support Group, The Whisper Network (dinner series), Illuminations Sessions, and more. These groups and series initiate productive conversation and introduce resources and mentors to members. Memberships start at $150 per month and are annual commitments. No application required. Limited Illumination grants are available with priority given to those from historically marginalized backgrounds. Wonder 174 Hudson Street, New York, NY, 10013 thewonder.us
The Wonder, a cool members-only club located in Tribeca is designed especially for
the needs of New York families. The Wonder occupies a light and airy 8000 square foot space on the first floor of a corner building, with floor to ceiling windows. The vibe is very different from the usual expectations of an indoor soft-play area! When you enter via the reception, which features a stunning architecturally-inspired floral display, your first port of call is the stroller parking area, where Dyson have sponsored a Stroller Detailing area, where you can get your stroller spruced up (goodbye cheerios stuffed down the sides!) and squeaky wheels oiled. The Wonder was created by two New York moms: Sarah Robinson and Noria Morales, who wanted to create a space that could meet the needs of parents and families in search of
community and connection, at the same time as spending time with their kids. This space is perfect for a mom who needs a few hours to work while their child participates in a class or two. Parents can hang out in the co-working room and at the communal table as well as order from the Cafe window (away from peeking children) while you get some work done. For mamas of tinies, there is a soothing nursery space, where you can feed your baby in a comfy armchair or pop your bub down for a little rest, stocked with Coterie diapers and skincare products from Hatch and Ever Eden. Membership at The Wonder is a fixed $450 per month for the whole family, no matter how many kids you have, and you
can add a caregiver, babysitter, or nanny to your membership. Most classes, events, and workshops are included in this monthly fee. Groups that support the Camaraderie thecamaraderienyc.com
Friendship-focused, The Camaraderie is a space for women just to be themselves and form long-term bonds with other women. The Camaraderie is all about having fun, creating a support system, and seeking personal happiness. Members get complimentary admission to monthly cocktail parties with wine, snacks, giveaways, guest speakers, live performances, and friends, discounts on workshops, classes, outings, activities, experiences, priority signJanuary 2020 | New York Family
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spaces for moms
up for events, and surprise deliveries to their mailbox! Past events included salsa dance, indoor rowing workout, fall clothing swap, book club, and a financial planning workshop. If you’re looking to form more female friendships in the city, look no further than The Camaraderie. Membership $35 per month, $195 per 6 months, or $360 per year. No application required. Mompreneurs at Edamama 568 Union Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11211 718-388-3669 edamama.com
On the first Sunday of each month, head to Edamama to connect with fellow Mompreneurs! Edamama is a kid-friendly haircut salon that has much more than haircuts: toys, books, sweet treats, classes, and more. The owner of the salon has seen so many amazing entrepreneurial ideas from Brooklyn moms over the years, and she wanted to create a space where these amazing moms can come share their ideas together. Local moms are invited to sell their goods, connect with other mompreneurs, shop, and discuss. You can even showcase items if you call ahead of time! Open drop-in hours are 3-5 pm. Mindr mindrglobal.com
Known as the “TED talks of the parenting world,” Mindr is a bring your baby, toddler, and kids to their talks and summits where a parent can learn from a variety of topics. Past events include issues such as mothers losing 7% of their earning ability for every child; a baby meet up of 600 parents at the United Nations Headquarters on International Women’s Day for a discussion featuring Secretary-General Izumi Nakamitsu and male champions for women and parents in the workplace. HER Global Network herglobalnetwork.com
Bringing together a diverse group of women in age, profession, experience, and background, HER Global Network is a community of genuine connection. HER Global Network believes in women learning from and supporting each other. Founders Aleksandra Avli and Sofia Kacim found their support systems amongst their girlfriends, but they did not feel this same support existed with women in the workplace, so they started HER in 2014. HER is now present in 14 cities around the world, and thankfully
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NewYorkFamily.com | January 2020
Emily Gilbert
The Little Wing playroom at The Wing. NYC is one of them! HER events spark interesting and uplifting conversations with founders, creators, and change-makers from across many industries. HER members are invite-only, so you would either need to have a HER member refer you or you can refer yourself. There is currently a waitlist for HER NYC, so it might take longer than usual for you to receive your first invitation. Heymama Community heymama.co
Heymama was founded by two moms Amri Kibbler and Katya Libin, who started this membership base community for careerdriven mothers when they saw a void of networking communities for working mothers. With an online and offline platform Heymama offers support for where mothers are presently in their working journey. You’ll find resources, inspiration, and connect with other like-minded women that help support mothers as they navigate work or are looking to thrive in a new career path. Membership presently runs around $350 for the year which includes access to a professional network, connect with others in your industry, network with working moms in your area, attend exclusive HeyMama events, and exclusive discounts on products and services. Application required for membership. OKREAL hey@okreal.co okreal.co
We love OKREAL’s mission, which is to support women through building self-worth. OKREAL hosts workshops, online content, mentorship, and panels that initiate change both in how women value themselves and how women are valued by the greater world. OKREAL offers mentor circles for women to con-
nect, share ideas, build community, and work towards their goals. These circles cover a lot of ground, with topics ranging anywhere from business to self-development. OKREAL events include mentor circle masterclass workshops, #GirlsTalkReal conversations with amazing women like Tavi Gevinson and Cleo Wade, Sisterhood & Business panel, Single Motherhood panel, conversation with NikeWomen, and morning workouts with Adidas. If you have questions to ask the founder of OKREAL, submit your inquiry to “Ask Amy,” and Amy will respond and post her answer on OKREAL. Past questions included, “Can I love my baby and my work?” and “I failed. Now what?”. You can read both the letter to Amy and Amy’s response. All you have to do to join OKREAL is sign up online. Events, mentorship circles, and workshops vary in cost. Ladies Get Paid hello@ladiesgetpaid.com
Providing women with the tools, resources, and community to help women negotiate for equal pay and power in the workplace, Ladies Get Paid is an empowering group of 50,000 women worldwide. When you join, you’re invited to the private online network where thousands of women share advice, resources, and job opportunities. You’ll also get the Ladies Get Paid weekly newsletter with events, workshops, webinars, blog articles, job postings, and more. We’re big fans of the webinars, covering topics from Know Your Worth, Show Your Worth to Protect Your Energy, and Let Go of Perfectionism. The best part about these webinars is that you can watch wherever, making them super convenient to fit into your schedule. Not only will you have a digital, global network of women, but you’ll also meet the Ladies Get Paid NYC community at events, such as Ladies Get Coffee, a monthly meetup with caffeine, pastries,
Experience The IDEAL Difference On any given day at The IDEAL School of Manhattan, students may give a presentation on a civil rights leader; participate in a musical; enjoy Riverside Park; paint a masterpiece; or visit the Museum of Natural History. IDEAL is New York’s only K-12 independent inclusion school, where we celebrate the tremendous social, emotional, and academic growth born in a diverse and nurturing educational community. #SchoolCanBeIDEAL Sign up for a Tuesday Talk and Tour or an Open House to learn more about IDEAL’s rigorous and differentiated program, innovative social justice curriculum, and uniquely inclusive community. IDEAL is currently accepting applications in select grades for 2020-21 placement
www.theidealschool.org For further information, contact us at admissions@theidealschool.org or 212-769-1699
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LOWER SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE 314 West 91st Street April 7, 2020, 9-11 AM UPPER SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE 270 West 89th Street April 15, 2020, 9-11 AM
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spaces for moms
and amazing women. Membership is free, but various costs for other opportunities, including webinars. No application required, but there are a few questions about your profession and interest in Ladies Get Paid. A.I.R. Gallery airgallery.com 155 Plymouth St., Dumbo, Brooklyn, NY 11201 1-212-255-6651
If you’re looking for a support group for women in the arts, then A.I.R. Gallery is for you. A permanent exhibition space that supports women artists, the gallery displays the artwork of hundreds of women artists every year. The gallery provides numerous opportunities for women interested in developing their artwork and career in the arts. The New York Artists Program works with chosen self-identified women artists to push their artwork with experimentation, provide resources and exhibition space, and allow artists to shape the gallery’s programming. The National Artists Program is for mid-career professional artists or emerging artists with exceptional talent. Women accepted into this program make up a network of support for each other and their artistic ventures. The Fellowship Program chooses six artists each year to develop and exhibit a project in the gallery. If you’re not ready to commit to a program, fellowship, or internship, A.I.R. Gallery also hosts lots of events, such as panel discussions, artist presentations, and performances, that bring women interested in all forms of art, from creative writing to visual art, together. We recommend The Unforgettables Reading/ Working Group, which meets once a month to examine texts, artwork, and films and discuss historic feminism, queer manifestos, science fiction, new feminist fiction writings, and theory pieces. Each session is led by a different member of the group. A.I.R Gallery is free and open to the public. Application required for programs. She Runs It sherunsit.org 1460 Broadway, New York, NY 10036 212-221-7969
Holding events in New York and Chicago, She Runs It has been invested in women’s achievement for over 100 years. Shifting their goals over time, She Runs It describes how, when they started, they wanted to give more women a seat at the table. Now, they state, they want to see more women at the head
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NewYorkFamily.com | January 2020
The Wonder offers stylish design from their co-working space to their nursing room. of the table. She Runs It specifically focuses on the marketing, media, and technology industries. Events include member meetings, panels and talks, dinners, brunches, workshops on leadership, and mentorship meetings. Members get access to networking, cutting-edge content, mentorship programs, education loan relief, career development, discounted events, and a supportive community of women. There are three membership options: Young Executive for women under age 30, Resident Member for women executives who are age 30 and over, and Executive Class for C-level executives and those on their way. Memberships start at $80 per year. No application required. New Women Space 188 Woodpoint Road, Brooklyn, NY 11211 hello@newwomenspace.com newwomenspace.com
At New Women Space, you both attend and run events. If you have an idea for an event, you can rent the space and work with the New Women Space team to design the structure of the event. Past events include movie nights, book club meetings, classes on styles of communication, photography workshops, and events geared specifically to women of color, queer, transgender, and nonconformity individuals. Pay as you go for the events. $25
per year to be a New Women Space supporter, in which you get discounted rates on space rental and discounts to partner events and businesses. Not Safe For Mom Group notsafeformomgroup.com
A group, unlike the usual mom meetups, nsfmg offers support and a stigma-free digital space with a community of mothers from all over the world. This is a safe space where you can express anything on motherhood. Founder Alexis Barad-Cutler founded the group when a popular parenting website took down an essay she had written, deeming it “too controversial.” An excellent platform for mothers who wish to vent and read others stories from all walks of life as well as participate in sharing how they are feeling via nsfmg’s popular Instagram Stories, which offers moms to be anonymous if they choose.
AUTISM SERVICES Your insurance pays, we provide.
DIRECT BEHAVIORAL SERVICES
provides customized ABA services and social groups (funded by your health insurance) to children and adults with autism in Manhattan, NYC areas & NJ. No waiting list. We work on social skills, language, play skills, self-help skills and academic skills at home, school and community. Supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Call 347.559.6131 or email directbehavioralservices@gmail.com www.directbehavioralservices.com
“
INGENIOUS BUBBLE WIZARDRY.” -THE NEW YORKER
Telecharge.com or 212.239.6200
For groups or birthdays call 866.642.9849
New World Stages 340 W. 50th St.
GazillionBubbleShow.com G ill llii B bbl Sh
Private pay also accepted.
“The Reading in PreSchool teachers teach with a unique style that really helps children retain information. My daughter learned to read at 5, and last year in 4th Grade, was reading at 7th Grade Level. BEST INVESTMENT I EVER MADE IN MY CHILD! -Annie Lee
Reading in Preschool
Reading in Preschool
Play based-Private Tutoring- ages 3 and up. ReadinginPreschool.com | 917-723-1159 info@readinginpreschool.com
THEIR BRILLIANT FUTURE STARTS HERE.
With a focus on rigorous, hands-on academics, wellness, innovation and family service, Zeta Schools prepare students to be leaders and problem solvers in a modern world.
APPLY NOW – zetaschools.org/applynow Excellent, free public elementary schools in your neighborhood
January 2020 | New York Family
23
Activities Directory | Special Advertising Supplement
Advantage QuickStart Tennis Locations throughout Manhattan and Roosevelt Island 646-884-9649 advantagetennisclubs.com pfontana@ advantagetennisclubs.com Kids ages 3 and up can get on the courts this winter – learning, playing, growing and enjoying tennis customized for age and ability. Speciallytrained coaches make it accessible, engaging and fun. It all happens at seven convenient NYC locations on the East Side, West Side, midtown, uptown and Roosevelt Island. Kids even get free unlimited Play More sessions, to make practice something to look forward to, and free unlimited Athletic Zone sessions to build all-around athletic skills. Winter enrollment is now open!
Ballet Academy East 1651 Third Ave, New York, NY 212.410.9140 balletacademyeast.com
Promoting creativity and learning within children ages 18 months through 6 years. Ballet Academy East’s Young Dancer Division instills a love of dance in an environment focused on developing individual potential. Students ages 18 months to 6 years benefit from increased coordination, self-confidence, musicality, strength, focus, and creativity through age-appropriate, structured classes. The Young Dancer Division curriculum equips students with the skills necessary for advancement into the PreProfessional Division. Each class also has a co-teacher and live musical accompaniment. Petit Dancer, Pre-Ballet and Tap classes are accompanied by pianist.
Collina Italiana 1566 Third Ave., Suite 602-603, New York, NY 212-427-7770 collinaitaliana.com Italian language programs allow children to learn la bella lingua Italiana in a fun, nurtur-
ing and refurbished atmosphere! Collina will be ringing in 2020 with new classrooms, special workshops, and class offerings. Along with their usual children’s classes, Girotondo, a year-round afterschool program, and Giardino dei Bambino, a morning dropoff program, they are adding Ciao YOGA, Ciao TEATRO, Ciao MUSICA and several more new classes. Through playful skill-building activities such as singing, reading and writing, and story-telling, students at Collina Italiana are truly given a taste of Italy! Visit them for their grand re-opening at the end of January.
Galli Theater 74 Warren St., New York, NY 212-731-0668 gallitheaternyc.com galliny@gmail.com Offering Musical Acting Camps and Workshops during the winter holidays. The Galli Theater uses the wisdom and multifaceted aspects of traditional
fairytales and myths as the basis for their creative work. Their workshops, camps and after-school classes include contemporary theater games, music, movement, singing and of course fun! The children build on skills, which help them prepare to present a show at the end of the session. The students learn stage presence, playing a character and incorporating music and movement to their work. During the process the children learn to trust themselves and the power of their voice. The most important element is putting a show together.
Kids at Art 1412 Second Ave., New York, NY 212-410-9780 kidsatartnyc.com For 20 years, Kids at Art in the upper East Side has been providing the ideal environment for nurturing, non-competitive art programs where children can learn and create freely. Their age-appropriate art
Check out our new site! We’ve given our New York Family website a major makeover Visit newyorkfamily.com to check it out and sign up for our weekly newsletters!
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NewYorkFamily.com | January 2020
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PLUS seasonal locations throughout the city! 173 West 81st Street (212) 600-1010 info@launchmath.com www.launchmath.com January 2020 | New York Family
25
Activities Directory | Special Advertising Supplement
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classes for kids ages 2 to 12 focus on the basics of visual arts and are a challenge to a child’s inventiveness, helping to develop his or her imagination. A varied arts program is offered, including creative arts classes, drawing from the model, and more. Class size is limited so everyone receives individual attention. They also offer portfolio classes for teens and art classes and life drawing sessions for “kids of all ages.”
Launch Science + Math Centers Upper East Side/Upper West Side/Tribeca 212-600-1010 launchmath.com Launch Math + Science Centers provide toddlers to tweens with inspiring math instruction and STEM-based camps and classes, plus private in-home instruction. Children in Launch’s exciting specialty programs learn to code, design bridges, build solar powered robots – and that’s just the beginning. Kids get to keep many projects so that the fun continues at home! Launch provides flexibility with multiple STEM classes per session, math for all levels, and free after school pick-up at select UWS schools, plus SAVINGS of $150 OFF multi-class registration. School-year programs offered MondaySaturday. Launch can help you motivate your child to love and learn math and science.
Planet Han Mandarin
Want to reach engaged parents across New York City? Collaborate with the New York Family Media team to spread the word about your launches, promotions and news. Reach us by emailing info@newyorkfamily.com or calling 718.260.4554 26
NewYorkFamily.com | January 2020
Upper West Side, Upper East Side in Manhattan 401 West End Ave., New York, NY 1556 Third Ave., New York, NY 212-724-2421 planethanchinese.com Having fun is a must and learning Mandarin is a Plus! Planet Han aims to teach kids ages 1 to 12 Mandarin regardless of ethnicity through group classes, afterschool programs and summer programs. All classes are conducted in 100% Mandarin. They use the novel Model. Action.Talk. or M.A.T. method for teaching language. They
send parents MP3 files that recap what the children have learned. Attend a free trial to experience first-hand learning Mandarin can be fun! Follow them on Facebook and Instagram!
Steps on Broadway Youth Programs 2121 Broadway at 74th St., New York, NY 212-874-3678 stepsnyc.com pamela@stepsnyc.com Live music fills the studios, as interpretive movement and creative games introduce children to dance in First Steps (ages 18 months-6 years). Students mature into the Classes & Workshops for Kids and Teens and Pre-Professional programs (ages 6-18 years) where they develop a strong foundation in various dance styles – ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, theater dance, and modern. In-studio observations, performances, and receptions present parents with opportunities to celebrate the accomplishments of their young performers throughout the year. Steps Youth Programs offers classes year round for dancers 18 months to 18 years.
TADA! Youth Theater 15 W. 28th St., New York, NY 212-252-1619, ext. 4 TADATheater.com Education@tadatheater.com WHERE YOU’RE BOUND TO MAKE IT BIG! All TADA! classes and camps are focused on original work and are team-taught by two professional teaching artists with extensive experience in musical theater and arts education. Ensemble methods are taught to encourage active listening, empathy and working with others. All students focus on daily musical theater training, expressing themselves through storytelling and developing characters. Winter session classes culminate in a quality performance where students perform their very own minimusical for a live audience! Classes range from ages 4 to 5, 6 to 8, and 9 to 12.
The Galli Theater New York Interactive theater shows for the entire family Shows • Birthday Parties • Camps
WHERE YOU’RE BOUND TO MAKE IT BIG!
NOW REGISTERING! Winter Weekly Musical Theater Classes for ages 4-5, 6-8, & 9-12! Starts January 21st!
Snow White • January 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th at 2pm Princess and the Pea • January 25th, 26th at 2pm
Galli Theater 74 Warren Street, New York, NY 10007
212.731.0668
galliny@gmail.com
www.gallitheaternyc.com
Free Open House January 11th School Break Camps also available!
TADATHEATER.COM
New York City’s Premier Art Studio for Children, Teens and Adults!
ART CLASSES s
SUMMER CAMP s
ARTY PARTIES 1412 Second Avenue (Bet. 73rd & 74th St.) www.kidsatartnyc.com s 212-410-9780 January 2020 | New York Family
27
education
NYC Catholic Schools Their history, curriculum, admissions, and more! By Mia SalaS
W
ith the plethora of school options for your little ones in NYC, from public to private to charter, you may not have considered: NYC Catholic schools. Faith-based schools have a unique curriculum and environment that can be beneficial to all students regardless of their faith. We’ve outlined the many aspects of NYC Catholic schools so that you can learn a quick rundown of what we wanted to highlight an option that these schools encompass. History of Catholic schools in NYC In 1800, St. Peter’s Parish founded a school for 100 students on Barclay Street in Lower Manhattan, six years before the first public school in New York opened. The next Catholic school to open in Manhattan was St. Patrick’s (Old) Cathedral School in 1817 on Mott Street. By 1870, more than 22,000 kids were enrolled in Catholic schools. The Department of Education of the Archdiocese of New York and the Diocese of Brooklyn which encompasses both Brooklyn and Queens continues to develop the Catholic system in NYC. Over the years, many notable people have graduated from New York’s Catholic schools, including Al Smith, the first Catholic to run for president, and Sonia Sotomayer, the first Latina Judge on the Supreme Court. The Catholic school experience NYC Catholic schools foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for kids of all backgrounds. The Catholic faith is very much a part of the educational experience. Gospel ideas guide the structure and content of lessons, and students might participate in daily prayer and the regular celebration of Mass. As character formation and personal spirituality are integral aspects of Catholic teachings, the schools put forth a valuecentered curriculum that not only focuses on academics, but fosters social, emotional, and spiritual growth. While the Catholic religion is practiced and taught, it is also the model for shaping
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NewYorkFamily.com | January 2020
the goals and environment of Catholic schools. In Catholicism, this means an encounter with the Spirit, the message, and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Teachers focus on molding students intellectually, socially, and morally. Structure of NYC Catholic schools Catholic schools start as young as Pre-K and continue through high school. Little ones can enroll in Pre-K, free universal Pre-P (UPK), or free-standing private Pre-K. Not all New York Catholic schools offer all three Pre-K programs, so be sure to check if your local option has the Pre-K program you’re looking for. Elementary schools accommodate students in Pre-K through eighth grade, so there are no designated middle schools. High schools are then from 9th to 12th grade. Curriculum and academics Technology plays a big part of education in all NYC Catholic schools. With some schools utilizing Chromebooks, Google Classroom, SMART Boards, and MAP, students get to engage with technology from a young age. The Pre-K and UPK programs use Center-Based Learning, which encourages little ones to make their own choices about selecting activities. The goal is to instill self-motivation, independent thinking, and social skills. Many kindergarten programs feature the new Dash and Dot pilot, which introduces students to robotics. We also love the emphasis on community service for kindergarteners, in which little ones get to participate in service projects and learn to care for others and those in need. The elementary school curriculum follows the National Common Core Learning Standards. The English Language Arts explore language and writing while including discussions on Catholic values and ethics when reading religious and secular literature. Schools offer music theory and performance at every grade level, as sacred music is a central part of the Catholic Church. They
also teach that science and religion are not separate spheres; kids can seek out scientific knowledge and still be devoted to their faith. In the transition to high school, students can choose either co-educational or single-sex education. Admission & tuition for Catholic Schools Catholic schools welcome children of all faiths, so you do not have to be Catholic to apply! The first step to apply is to visit a school and take a tour. Once you’re ready to apply, fill out the online application, and call the school to schedule an interview. Next, consider whether you want to apply for financial assistance or scholarship awards. Admission to high schools requires the Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools, which eighth-graders take in November. Many elementary schools allow you to enroll your kids at any time, provided there is space in the class. If you’re looking for a faith-based education that emphasizes morals and values, boasts strong academics, and creates an inclusive atmosphere, then consider enrolling your kiddos in an NYC Catholic school for the upcoming school year.
CARDINAL SPELLMAN HIGH SCHOOL
Where Boys and Girls with Dreams Become Men and Women of Vision CARDINAL SPELLMAN HIGH SCHOOL TACHS CODE 303
One Cardinal Spellman Place, Bronx, NY 10466 (718) 881-8000 x 206 | Fax (718) 515-6615 | www.cardinalspellman.org
Co-ed Private Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4 and K to 8 Scholarships Available Accepting Applications
MEET US! COME TOUR OUR SCHOOL! 468 W 143rd St, NY, NY 10019 212-926-5820 ollnyc.org January 2020 | New York Family
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catholic Schools Directory | Special Advertising Supplement
Academy of Mount St. Ursula
Cardinal Spellman High School
333 Bedford Ave., Bronx 718-364-5353 amsu.org For over 164 years, AMSU has been offering an exceptional Ursuline education to young women in grades 9 to 12. They challenge students to respond to the call to scholarship, leadership and service. All lessons and activities are infused with the values of Catholic education rooted in the Gospels. The school is strongly committed to its programs in academics, arts and service. Academics: The classes of 2018 and 2019 earned nearly $40 million on academic scholarships and 100% were accepted to college. Arts: Classes classes in visual arts, music, theater and media are required. Service: Each student must perform at least 10 hours each year. They encourage all of their young women to be leaders in society!
One Cardinal Place (Needham Ave & Baychester Ave.), Bronx, NY 718-881-8000 cardinalspellman.org You can have it all — SMALL school friendliness and BIG school opportunities! This High School offers a program of studies and activities to prepare each student for personal success in college and in life. Many of the graduates are awarded college scholarships. In addition to providing a strong academic foundation for college life. Being a large co-ed school, students are offered a step forward toward a more collegelike environment, giving them the opportunity to continue to develop their social skills beyond the small school setting they are leaving behind, while still receiving the support of a nurturing atmosphere. If you are in 8th grade, why not why not call for an appointment to Spend A Day?
Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School 468 West 143rd St., New York, NY 212-926-5820 ollnyc.org Where faith and knowledge meet: Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School offers a rigorous ELA/Math curriculum and foundation in faith to develop well-rounded individuals who will achieve success in high school and beyond. They offer an exceptional enrichment program: individualized instruction in faith and religion, and in the arts, dance, language, music, science/STEM, and athletics. They embrace students of varied abilities with diverse ethnic, linguistic, and religious backgrounds. This decade marks a new era in academic expectations at the school, offering advanced rigor in their ELA/Math curriculum with a foundation in faith, to develop well-rounded individuals.
FOUR YEARS TO LAST A LIFETIME
AMSU.ORG
THEɺACADEMYɺOFɺMOUNTɺST.ɺURSULA For over 164 years, AMSU has been offering an exceptional Ursuline education to young women inbgrades 9-12. We challenge students to respond to the call to scholarship, leadership and service. Allblessons and activities are infused with the values of Catholic education, rooted in the Gospels. AMSU remains strongly committed to its programs in Academics, Arts and Service. Academics: Classes of 2018 and 2019 earned nearly $40 million in academic scholarships and 100% of them were accepted into college. Arts: Classes in visual arts, music, theater and media are required. Service: Each studentbmust perform at least 10 hours of service each year. We encourage all of our young women to be leaders in society, and that’s exactly what they strive to be.
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We’re so Social NewYorkFamily.com | January 2020
Follow us @newyorkfamily on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and tag us #newyorkfamily in your NYC adventures!
What are your kids doing this summer? Come to a New York Family Camp Fair to Get Organized • Daycare & Childcare • A Patchwork of Summer Activities • School and Education Programs Saturday, January 25th
Sunday, January 26th
Saturday, February 1st
12 – 3PM
12 – 3PM
12 – 3PM
The Spence School 22 E 91st Street New York, NY 10128
Congregation Rodeph Sholom 7 W 83rd Street New York, NY 10024
Battery Park City School 55 Battery Place New York, NY 10004
Sponsored by
REGISTER FOR FREE TODAY AT:
NewYorkFamily.com/camp-fairs/registration January 2020 | New York Family
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Sle�paw�y Camp 101 A GUIDE FOR THE HESITANT PARENT
BY JESS MICHAELS
Y
our husband has been telling you for years that camp changed his life and he would like your child to have the same experience. Your best friend tells you all the time that sleepaway camp made her into the person she is today. But you never went to camp and you just don’t get it. What’s so special about camp and what can your child gain at camp that they can’t get at home with you? If this sounds a bit like you, read on to learn more about why camp can be such a wonderful growth experience for your child. Camp is a gift for your child Parents who never went to overnight camp themselves often think of it as a punishment – why else would you send your child away from you for the summer? “Many parents who never went to camp think a parent who sends their child to camp must not love them but it’s the contrary,” says Michael Baer, owner and director of coed camps Chipinaw and Silver Lake in Swan Lake, N.Y. “You are giving your child a gift. Children get the chance to gain independence and build life skills that they don’t get at home. I know this is an extremely difficult decision for parents who don’t understand camp and you may not understand until your child comes home from a couple of weeks away but they will return feeling good about themselves and confident, which is really gratifying to see.” Lauren Bernstein, owner and director of Camp Walden, a coed overnight camp in Diamond Point, N.Y., agrees. “It’s hard to wrap your head around sending your child away but remember that it’s not something you are doing to them. It’s something you are doing for them. Even though it’s hard to not have your child home, and you will miss your son or daughter, the upside is the growth experience you are giving them.”
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NewYorkFamily.com | January 2020
Camp fosters independence It’s very hard for children to truly gain independence when they are at home with mom and dad. Being away at camp allows for a healthy separation, giving children the opportunity for personal growth. “Once you are a parent, you spend all this time nurturing your children and setting them up for success. It’s hard to think of trusting someone else and taking a leap of faith by sending them off to camp,” explains Bernstein. “However, camp is a time for children to foster independence. We are a generation of parents that are so involved in our kids’ lives. It’s important for children to have the opportunity to go to camp and learn to navigate things on their own, with the help of caring adults other than their parents.”
generation of young people is that camp may well be the last unplugged environment for children. Children often have their heads buried in their phones and playdates consist of kids hanging out together, texting away. Bernstein says that parents don’t even realize this benefit of camp when they are choosing one for their 8-year-old but learn to appreciate it when they are 11 or 12 years old. “Camp gives children a break from social media and the pressures that go with it. There is no filter at camp, allowing campers to just live in the moment without staring at Instagram to see how many people like their photos or watching friends have a good time at an event they aren’t involved in.”
Camp builds resilience Experts contend that today’s children have very little resilience and have trouble coping when they don’t do well at something. “Unfortunately, we created this. We live at a time when everyone is a winner. There is no question that this is mentality detrimental to kids,” says Baer. “When they get into the workplace, there will be times when there will be winners and losers, and if we don’t prepare them with coping skills and how to work through these disappointments, we are doing them a disservice.” He also encourages parents to have a realistic view of camp. “Camp is not a utopian experience and we try to educate parents that not every day at camp will be perfect. The beauty of camp is there are highs and lows, which is representative of life. “We work on helping campers build skills to help them get through the low times without the help of mom and dad. They come to realize that there are counselors and friends to help pick them up when they fail.”
Strong friendships are made at camp Camp is a place where strong friendships are formed and where kids can just be themselves. “I always encourage campers to go to camp on their own and not where all their friends from home are going,” says Baer. “As much as it’s a safety net, it’s nice to go to camp independently and have the opportunity to reinvent yourself and move away from the stereotypes people have boxed you into at home. Children can be themselves at camp and be accepted for who they are and not who they are at school.” Bernstein adds, “When children live together 24/7, they have no choice but to peel back the layers and share, whether it’s the good moments or the hard ones. They support each other and when they have a disagreement, they work it out face to face and talk it through. Camps work hard to create an environment that is less judgmental and one where children are accepted for who they are.
Camp gives a break from technology One of the best parts about camp for this
Jess Michaels is director of communications for the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey.
January 2020 | New York Family
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family health
Preparing for an Emergency Room Visit Helpful tips for those unexpected emergency room trips by Pramod Narula, m.d.
My friend recently took her toddler to the emergency room after a fall. The child was okay, it turned out, but my friend said the visit was a mess: the child was terrified and screaming and my friend’s stress level was overwhelming. Knock on wood, I haven’t yet been to the emergency room with my little one; however, I know that there is always that possibility, and I want to be prepared. Any advice to keep stress levels low for everyone?
N
o one ever plans to be in an emergency room — but you are wise to try to be mentally prepared. To best answer your question, I spoke with Erica Titlebaum, Child Life Specialist in the pediatric emergency department at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. “When things are chaotic or stressful for a patient and family in the emergency department, my job as a child life specialist is to ease their anxiety and help them to feel safe,” says Ms. Titlebaum. “Part of my job is to explain things that are happening in a simple way and use play to help patients and
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families understand what will be happening during their visit.” “Due to our location near Prospect Park and its playgrounds and ball fields, we see many children who need stitches,” she continues. “Before the procedure, I will help the patient and family create a coping plan using medical play. Using a doll and real medical equipment, I teach them about getting stitches and we rehearse coping techniques such as deep breathing and ways to stay still even when you are scared. “Familiarizing them with the procedure ahead of time helps them to process and understand what will happen, which helps the child cope better with procedure and creates an overall better experience for everyone involved.” Titlebaum offered the following suggestions should you find yourself in the emergency room: 1. Comfort and distraction. Comfort items such as a blanket or a favorite toy from home can help your child to feel safe and secure. During your visit, using play to keep your child distracted is a trusted technique for reducing your child’s anxiety and fear.
The game “I Spy” is a great way to distract your child during the doctor’s exam. 2. Use positions that are comfortable for your child. Children feel most vulnerable when they are lying flat on their backs. While there are certainly times where this can’t be avoided, there are many times when changing your child’s physical position can ease their anxiety. Ask the physician if your child can sit on your lap or if you can lay next to your child to help them feel safe and secure. 3. Let your child feel in control. Allowing your child to have an active role in their healthcare ultimately provides them with a sense of security. Kids need to have a sense of control in unfamiliar situations. Offer choices that are realistic, such as “what ear should the doctor look in first?” gives your child some much needed control. 4. Be calm. It can be hard to keep calm when your child is nervous or anxious. However, children can sense your emotions. When you have a calm demeanor, often times your child will mimic your emotions and it will help set a tone for your visit to the emergency department. 5. You know your child best. Let us know what works best for your child and we will try to accommodate their needs. Little things such as letting us know how your child prefers to take their medication will help your child cope better during their emergency department visit. Pramod Narula, M.D. is the Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at NewYorkPresbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital.
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smart parenting
Start the New Year Off Right Teach your kids healthy financial habits By Liz Frazier, CFP, MBA
J
anuary is the time for resolutions, new beginnings and creating positive habits. One of the best gifts you can give your child for the New Year is to teach them some financial basics to build healthy habits that last a lifetime. Pay it forward The most valuable tool for teaching your child about money is … money! Having their own money at a young age gives kids the opportunity to practice money management in a safe environment. They can practice how to make smart financial decisions, and just as important, make mistakes. At this age mistakes have no real consequences, but they learn from them … and hopefully will want to avoid them in the future. While there’s no right or wrong way to give an allowance, a simple way to set it up is to give your child a set amount of money each week as allowance. This should not be tied to any specific chores or jobs. Separately, make it clear to them that as part of the family, they are expected to do certain daily chores like make their bed, put away their dishes, and clean up their toys. This avoids the whole, “No I will not pay you to clean your room!” conversation. Tell them if they want to earn additional money, they can do other jobs around the house that are above and beyond their normal chores. Some examples are washing windows, giving the dog a bath, washing your car, or raking the leaves. This approach gives parents a real world, enforceable way to give their children allowance. It removes the gray areas, sets clear expectations, and gives their child real money to learn from. Three piggy bank system Once your child has their own money, you can set up the three piggy bank system to help them learn to manage it. Label three clear jars with SAVE, SPEND, and SHARE (I like clear ones so they can actually see their money grow!).
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Explain to your child that any time they get money they need to divide it between these three jars. Don’t worry about how much goes in each. I actually let my kids choose how much they put in each jar. By empowering them to make their own decisions, it gives them a sense of ownership, independence and keeps the experience positive. Spend jar This is their money to spend on whatever they want. This jar teaches your kids about responsible spending and making smart decisions. When your child wants to buy something, you can help them learn smart spending by walking them through the decision-making process. When they get their sight set on something, ask questions like “Why do you want to buy that?” and “What else could you do with that money?” Ultimately let them make their own decisions on what they buy with this money. It’s hard, and all parents scream inside when their kid wants to buy some horrid cheap toy that you KNOW will immediately break … but the best thing for them is to make these mistakes now and learn from them while they’re young. Save jar This is money that your child puts away for something later. A great way to get your child
excited about saving is to create a savings goal. Have them choose something to save for and create a savings goal poster (think old-school sales thermometer charts). Keep track each week of how much they save and create milestones for motivation. This can be an ice cream sundae when they save $10, or maybe a $10 match. The goal is to keep them excited and engaged so they see saving as a positive. Share jar The share jar money is used to help others. They can choose to donate it to a charity, give gifts to kids in need, or to buy dog food and supplies for the local animal shelter. The key is to identify what your child is passionate about and let them choose where their money goes. Kids are kind and generous by nature, and sharing gives them a sense of pride, accomplishment and builds confidence. Not to mention the positive impact it has on all those around them. Liz Frazier, is a fee-only Certified Financial Planner and author of Beyond Piggy Banks and Lemonade Stands: How to Teach Young Kids About Finance.
January 2020 | New York Family
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ask the expert
Childhood Melanoma Cases on Rise The importance of protecting your child from the sun year-round By Stacey Pfeffer
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f you only apply sunscreen to your children on sultry summer days, it might be time to reconsider. Outdoor winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding are prime time for children to get sun exposure. In fact, the snow and ice can reflect up to 80% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays putting children without sunscreen protection at an increased risk for melanoma, a type of skin cancer, according to David E. Bank, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist practicing in Mount Kisco and a spokesperson for the Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF). “Essentially, you are getting hit twice with the sun’s direct rays and then the reflection from the snow,” explains Bank. We spoke with him recently to learn about the latest research on melanomas in
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young children and teens and how to prevent and treat it. Melanoma is one of the most dangerous forms of skin cancer affecting more than 190,000 people in 2019, according to SCF. Once thought of as a disease only for older adults, the disease can actually strike at any age although it is most commonly found in older adults. Research from the SCF shows that one-third of all new melanoma cases are diagnosed on the head and neck. A new study from St. Louis University found that the incidence of melanoma on these parts of the body in children, teens, and young adults has increased 51.1% from 1995 to 2014. “Melanomas found on the head and neck have a worse prognosis than other parts of the body,” says Bank. “They can spread more
easily because the head and neck have more blood vessels and lymph nodes than other parts of the body. Look out for ‘lone ranger’ moles Moles, spots or growths can vary greatly in appearance appearing black, dark pink or even red and purple. “What you are really looking for is the spot, mole or growth that looks different from others that appears on the child’s body or what Bank refers to as “the lone ranger.” “The simplest rule of thumb is if the spot, mole or growth differs from others then that is enough of a reason to go see a dermatologist for a skin check,” explains Bank. He believes that annual skin checks are a good habit to start in childhood plus “they are relatively quick, painless, non-invasive,
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ask the expert
and potentially life-saving.” Risk factors for melanoma Are there specific risk factors associated with melanoma? Yes, says Banks, one in every 10 patients with melanomas has a first degree relative with it, so there is a genetic link. In addition, having fair skin and a large number of moles also increases the risk. Melanoma prevention The effects of the sun’s harmful rays are cumulative so daily sunscreen application is best. Bank suggests mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide especially for babies 6 months and up due to their sensitive skin. These sunscreens offer protection and are inert so they don’t cause any chemical reaction in the skin. “For parents who are concerned about the long-term effects of chemicals on the skin, this takes the issue off the table,” he says. The SCF suggests that parents look for a sunscreen labeled “broad spectrum” meaning that it protects against UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are associated with aging and UVB rays are responsible for
sunburns. If your child is spending most of their day indoors, a broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher is fine. If they are outside a lot, apply the sunscreen 30 minutes prior to outdoor exposure so that it has time to attach to the skin. Choose one that is water-resistant with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply every two hours or more frequently if the child is swimming or sweating. A hat with a wide brim is best, and for all the kids insisting on wearing a baseball cap for prevention, bear in mind that it only keeps sun off the skin that is shaded by the cap’s visor. Baseball hats do not offer protection of the child’s profile. Protective clothing, UV-blocking sunglasses and seeking shade as much as possible are also important. The SCF suggests that parents try tubes of sunscreen with colorful packaging for kids who make a fuss about having it applied. Also keep in mind that although spray sunscreens may seem easy to use, it is possible to miss a spot so be sure to look for an even sheen on the child’s skin after application and rub it in thoroughly.
Treatment of melanoma Bank has been treating patients for more than 30 years. In the 90s, he started seeing a spike of patients in their late teens and early 20s with melanomas. The common link for these patients was frequent visits to tanning salons, which Bank strongly advises against. Unfortunately, surgical removal of melanomas is the necessary treatment and additional treatments may be needed based on the stage of the tumor such as immunotherapy for the more advanced stages of melanoma. So before you head to the slopes or spend time in the warm Florida sun during winter break, be sure to apply sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and take frequent breaks indoors. Stacey Pfeffer is a writer/editor living in Northern Westchester with her three kids and rescue dog plus a menagerie of ducks, deer, and chipmunks in her backyard. When she isn’t meeting deadlines, she can be found running with her dog (of course while wearing sunscreen) or trying to concoct an edible meal for her family.
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January 2020 | New York Family
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The No Resolution Plan Simple tips for lifestyle resets for the New Year (and a new decade!)
By Corinne Zola
E
very New Year brings hope for fresh starts, and along with that, resolutions. Yet, hindsight being 2020 (pun intended), we all know that resolutions never stick! Instead, be kinder to yourself by making resets – small changes for an overall positive impact. Resolution reset “We are conditioned to believe the New Year kick starts change in our lives, so we make resolutions and expect to feel better once we meet the challenge,” says Tracy Nathanson, LCSW, M.A., psychotherapist and founder of Pace of Mind Therapy located in White Plains, New York. “However, if the goals are unrealistic and we fall short, we are disappointed. It is more helpful to identify your most pressing issue and commit to smaller achievable steps to reset that aspect of your life.” Plus, resetting one issue could have a positive snowball effect on other parts of your
life. John A. Thomas, M.S., D.C., founder and director of Athlete Evolution, a fitness, aesthetics, and wellness center in Harrison, Westchester says, “Layer good habits on top of each other. One new good habit will likely attract more.” If fitness is the goal, added movement might lead you to drink more water, take more deep breaths, and get a better night’s sleep, which can lead to a healthier lifestyle and mindset. Nutrition reset “Your body has the unique ability to reset itself every day,” says Stephanie Gardner, a Rye, New York-based clinical nutritionist. “One meal or treat never does harm; it’s building good habits that’s important.” Gardner emphasizes that weight loss as a resolution is stress inducing and difficult to maintain. Rather, commit to a nutritional reset where mindful every day choices about food could lead to a healthier lifestyle and sustained weight loss. “It isn’t about a number on the scale. The focus should
A Career Reset for Moms Returning to Work Your resolution is “get a job.” Great! But before you become frustrated by the enormity of the goal, reset your approach by breaking it down into attainable steps. “Everyone thinks the resume is the first step in a job search,” says Nancy Leighton, career counselor and coach. “First, determine what you actually want to do. Consider your interests and skills and whether you want to do what you did before raising kids or something different.” “Stepping away from work to raise a family might leave you feeling left behind professionally,” says Nancy Rosenberg, chief business development officer, The Acceleration Project (TAP), a nonprofit that engages women,
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including those who have taken time away from the traditional work environment, to use their professional skills to consult small businesses. “You may fear your skills are obsolete, but you still have fundamentals and life experience. Take a first step, put yourself out there, rebuild your confidence and hone in on what you’re passionate about,” she says. • Self-Audit: determine what you love, what you are good at, what causes fear and what you find challenging. • Consider Your Values: financial, work-life balance, the number of hours you can work and how flexible you can be with those hours. • Network: “Learn as much as you can by speaking to your personal and
be on overall physical and mental health. Think about why you are eating what you are eating without judgment. Don’t criticize yourself because you took a bite of your child’s grilled cheese. Understanding why you’re eating what you’re eating can help you make more mindful choices in the future.” • Wait at least 12 hours between dinner and breakfast before eating to reset your metabolism and allow for cell detoxification. • Drink water first thing in the morning to jumpstart fat burning and throughout the day to keep hydrated and full. • Try buying precut vegetables, it can be a bit more expensive, but more cost-effective than throwing away rotten vegetables that you intended to cook. Fitness reset “The hardest part of sticking to a fitness plan is prioritizing it as a necessary part of your day and committing to it as if it were second nature, like brushing your teeth,” says
professional connections. Create a strategy to meet people who can help you find the right opportunities, join a professional group, volunteer, meet people who can connect you with others,” says Leighton. • Volunteer: “Seek opportunities and organizations that can help build the skills you need for the work you might want to do later,” says Rosenberg. • Build Confidence: seek out challenging situations, i.e. if you fear public speaking, try speaking up at meetings. • Tech Skills: take a class to brush up on Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and social media platforms. Once you’ve focused on what you want to do, you can build a resume geared to the direction you want to go in.
Thomas. “Be consistent. Eliminate as many boundaries as possible: if cost is an issue, choose something free; if cold is a problem, do something indoors; if you have kids, be active together.” Everyone should be moving actively at least 20 minutes every day. • Block out time every day. As it becomes habit, increase time and intensity. • Don’t equate fitness with weight. Instead, assess your energy level, ability to do things better, how you feel in your clothes, and sleep quality. • Exercise with a friend, a trainer or a class for accountability and motivation. • Do something you enjoy! Skin care reset “The most important thing anyone can do for their skin is protect it from the sun,” says Ruth Treiber, M.D., of Treiber Dermatology Associates in Rye, New York. “Your face is exposed to UV radiation and pollutants 365 days a year, which can lead to premature aging, blotchy tone, and skin cancers. No matter how busy you are sun protection is key.” • Keep sunscreen accessible. Keep sunscreen where you and your children will most likely use it, either by the sink after you
wash your face or at the door when you go outside. • Streamline your regimen. Cleanse and apply sunscreen in the morning; cleanse and moisturize in the evening. • Treat your skin gently. Use gentle, balanced cleansers with tepid water and a light touch to minimize friction and micro-agitation. • Moisturize right after a shower to keep water and nutrients in and toxins out. Look for products with ceramides, alpha-hydroxy acids, and hyaluronic acid ingredients. Home organization reset This year give yourself permission to purge. “Piles of paper or a closet stuffed with clothes can paralyze us. Physical clutter creates mental clutter,” says professional organizer Debbie Harwin, of I Need My Space, Inc. “Getting organized makes you feel more in control of your environment but it isn’t all or nothing. Break the project into smaller manageable tasks that are addressed regularly.” Harwin recommends choosing organization priorities, making time without interruption to tackle them, and respecting that time as you would a meeting or doctor appointment. • Gather children’s art and schoolwork in January and again in June; purge anything
not personal to your child; think about how many examples of a specific genre you really need to keep. Add child’s age/grade/date to back. Store each child’s work in a dedicated container labelled with name and grade. • Get rid of toys/games with missing pieces and parts. • Edit your closets. Keep only what you like and feel good wearing. Check sizes on kids’ clothes. Encourage yourself to purge and donate. Experts agree The common messages that cropped up in conversation with all our experts are simple: drink lots of water, get a good night’s sleep, carve out the time you need to care for yourself, and ultimately, be kinder to yourself. “Put your oxygen mask on first,” says Gardner. “If you take care of yourself, you’ll be a better parent, better partner, better colleague.” Nathanson agrees, “Selfcare should be built into each day, and if you do fall back a bit, understand that each day can be a new reset.” Corinne Zola is a freelance writer who is making no resolutions this year, as she’ll be busy resetting her life. January 2020 | New York Family
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Coffee Date Grab a coffee or tea with a friend at one of these super cute and healthy NYC cafés
By Denise nicole
I
t’s winter in NYC, and what’s more comforting when trudging the cold slushy streets than a cup of something warm and a healthy treat? Whether you prefer coffee, tea, or the newest plant-based latte, NYC has some of the best healthy spots serving up matcha, gluten-free pastries, golden “milk,” adaptogens and elixirs! From Bedstuy to the Upper East Side, here are the best spots for healthy coffees, teas, and yummy snacks that will even please picky little eaters. HealHaus HealHaus is a wellness studio and café in Bedstuy Brooklyn that houses everything from daily yoga and meditation to therapy and acupuncture. The café is warm and welcoming with earthy tones throughout. The staff is kind and the adaptogens are aplenty. The cafe serves Intelligista coffee and powerhouse smoothies like The Healer with spirulina and activated charcoal. Other favorites are Green Peace with spinach, pineapple, coconut water, and Gold Mind which includes turmeric and bee pollen.
HealHaus’s menu also includes three kinds of matcha, root coffee, and other adaptogen mixtures. Come for the café, stay for the mediation and community feels. You’ll leave blissed out. Supernatural Located inside Brooklyn’s bustling Industry City, you may find owner and herbalist Rachelle Robinett behind the coffee bar serving up your root coffee. Supernatural is a great spot full of natural light and magic. Visit for their Cinnamon and Chill medicinal milk and liquid sunshine tea. Also worth trying is the Rasa tea and a tin of HRBLS, Rachelle’s signature herb-infused gummies. These de-stressing treats are like tinctures you can eat. You can also get tinctures in liquid form added into your drink for free every weekday afternoon. If you want to be elevated and feel a bit supernatural, give this shop a visit. Tulo House The first of its kind here in NYC, Tulo House is a nut-milk bar, serving up freshly made vanilla bean almond, tiger, and cashew cream milks without fillers in Nolita. Drink solo or
add to a coffee, latte, espresso, or a cortado. Also, on the menu, you’ll find customer faves like matcha and turmeric, along with a cacao elixir for good measure. You can also purchase their gum and refined sugarfree nut milk to go. Snacks are gluten-free, refined-sugar-free and dairy-free. The space is quaint with a sweet interior of bright white and blue. Be sure to get one for the gram and snap a pic in front of their wall sign that playfully asks, “Did you nut today?” Pitanga A cozy and cute local spot that is well known in its Williamsburg neighborhood, Pitanga is great for post-yoga or a quick stop on the way to the office. The menu has everything, from oatmeal to açaí bowls, a seasonal quinoa bowl, and more. They are known for their delicious Pao de Queijo, which is a delightful Brazilian cheese bread that’s also gluten-free. They serve strong drip coffee, a Brazilian roast as well as green smoothies. This cafe is all local charm from the decor to the service. The Alchemist’s Kitchen If you’re into wellness, you may want to designate a nice chunk of time for exploring
(Left) The Alchemist’s Kitchen in the East Village is full of wellness goodies. (Right) Tulo House in Nolita is completely dairy free.
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this gorgeous space full of wellness goodies, crystals, tinctures, and more. The lower level also houses events like herbalist classes and workshops. The café menu upfront is seasonal and full of healthy snacks and delights like matcha milkshakes. Cha Cha Matcha This bustling local favorite is the motherland of matchas, especially for the matcha-loving circle. All three NYC locations serve a variety of matchas starting with the most basic, as well as lattes to lemonade. They also have a selection of matcha flavored pastries and matcha soft-serve ice cream. Long lines are standard at this popular spot, but once you
take that first sip, it will definitely be worth it. The matcha is green, the vibes are solid, and the photo-ops are built-in. Springbone Kitchen Bone broth is the star of this show. The collagen boosting, bone-strengthening, is a gut-healing super drink. Bone broth is said to heal many things, and Springbone is the authority on pure bone broth; they even have a vegan broth! Their bone broth is made with 100% grass-fed, free-range meats. The vegan version is made with seaweed and mushrooms. It is also gluten and soy-free with no refined sugars. If the bone broth isn’t your thing just yet, they also serve drip
and butter coffee. Clean Market Clean Market is full of healthy giftable goodies (for yourself and others). Randomly you’ll also find an infrared sauna and cryotherapy as well. The café has a selection of functional lattes like Majik matcha and Golden Immunity. You can also find delicious clean energy superfood smoothies, bone broth, roasts, and organic coffee and teas. There’s also an apothecary with great medical supplements, adaptogenic herbs, and CBD products. If you’re looking for some tasty, clean beverages, beauty, or food, this is your spot. January 2020 | New York Family
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5
M�m Friends Y�u Ne�d
Moms. We need each other. Parenting can be rough, and we all need mom friends to both lean on and support. What sort of mom friend is the best fit for you? And which friend are you? BY DONNA LADD
HOT MESS MOM
She doesn’t care if she walked out sporting this morning’s breakfast on her sweater or if her hair isn’t brushed. She embraces the mess, literally, and you appreciate her real-ness.
MOM 101 She showed you how to cut a cake with tooth floss and get a piece of gum out of your kid’s hair. She knows where you can score the latest it mom jeans and can quote Nitzseche while she swings her babe at the park. She isn’t a know it all, but she seems to know it all, and you love her for it.
WINE MOM The mom who loves to socialize and get out of the house, listens, is supportive, all the while enjoying a nice glass (or two) of vino.
FITNESS MOM She just ran her third marathon and loves to bench a few (hundred) pounds before she drops the kids off. The best part is she doesn’t judge when you’d rather have a donut than do a pilates class, but she is there for you and supportive when you are ready to get your gym on.
THE RIDE OR DIE MOM Your (other) soul mate. The one who ‘gets’ you and you can say anything to each other. You may have many other friends or just this one, and honestly, she is all you need to get you through this parenting journey. Illustrations by Elvia Caballero
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Hot Mess Mom
Mom 101
Fitness Mom
Ride or Die Mom
Wine Mom January Month2020 2020| |New XXXXXX York Family Family
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Latham Thomas
Powerhouse How this doula and maternal health expert is looking out for mothers
By Donna Ladd
W
hen you meet Latham Thomas, it is hard to not become a little obsessed with her. As one of the world’s leading doulas, the founder of Mama Glow and the author of not one, but two books, her roster of famous clients (Ashley Graham and DJ Khaled, to name just two) is impressive. Latham never name drops however. She shares stories and insights about the lives of mothers, and acknowledges that motherhood can be a hard journey for everyone. I have many doula friends who speak very highly of Latham. She was even named one of Oprah Winfrey’s Super Soul 100. However, I really got to understand who Latham is as a person when I attended her inaugural Continuum Conference this past November. This gathering was intended to focus on all the stages of women’s reproductive life, from period to menopause. When I walked into the Continuum Conference, I was struck by the diversity of the women attending. I have been to many a “mom summit”, and have, for the
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most part, left disappointed. I did not feel connected to the women at these previous events, and frankly, we go to these things to connect. At the Continuum Conference, I immediately felt welcomed. The other moms were chatty and open to sharing their stories. This is Latham’s vibe: she creates a space you feel you can be who you are, at whatever stage you are in this crazy journey of being a woman. Latham is also a very busy mama, and we are so grateful she is gracing our first cover of this new decade! Mama Glow is a maternity lifestyle brand that focuses on doula support and the “childbearing continuum”. Can you explain what you mean by the “childbearing continuum”? The childbearing or reproductive continuum includes menses, pregnancy, abortion and loss, birth, breastfeeding and peri-menopause. We acknowledge that life for women is punctuated by reproductive events that are rarely celebrated in western culture.
Photo: Yumi Matsuo Hair & Makeup: Ă&#x2030;va Lukas Roston
January 2020 | New York Family
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“Community is so important. Mothers need exactly the same thing that infants need. They need to be swaddled with support.”
Photo: Yumi Matsuo Hair & Makeup: Éva Lukas Roston
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Other global traditions support women during these life phases, which are an integral part of an arc of our lives. Each is distinct and leaves an impression. You are forever changed when your period begins, you are never the same after you give birth. How did you come to discover that maternal health was your calling? Many people describe their work as a passion. I am passionate about the work I do, but I’m clear, it isn’t a passion — it’s a calling. A calling drives you to do things that you ordinarily wouldn’t desire to do. My calling is what wakes me up in the middle of the night to serve a woman and family in labor and help carry them to safe passage during birth and postpartum. My calling to do this work led me to create our Global Mama Glow Doula Immersion Program, which has hubs in NYC, LA, Miami, and Paris. I didn’t plan to start a professional educational program for doulas. I was compelled to do it. And I’m so thankful that I listened to the call because, in only a year and a half, we have more than 300 women who have taken our course globally. People have traveled from as far as Thailand and Madagascar to take our professional immersion program. This is incredible and a testimony of the times we are living in. The United States has the highest rate of maternal mortality in the industrialized world, and according to the CDC, African-American, Native American and Alaska Native women are three times more likely to die of pregnancy-related complications than white women. Can you share more on this? Well, in the US, Black women are actually 4-5 times more likely than white women to die during childbirth or due to childbirth-related causes. That number jumps to 12 times in places like NYC. The health disparity is greater here, and black women are at tremendous risk. This number is similar for Native People who make up 2% of the population and are often misclassified racially. Their stats are under-reported, and there is significantly less research on this population and the factors that contribute to maternal mortality and morbidity. There has been a 25-year increase in black maternal deaths in this country. It’s been only in the past 4 years that we have seen a surge in reporting that has led to action, addressing policy gaps, racial bias, and accountability. For maternal deaths, the U.S ranks 55 of all developed nations. This is unacceptable. A poor White woman with a high school level of education will statistically have a better birth outcome than a highly educated and economically mobile Black woman. We know that these factors do not protect black women in birth. We know that the lived experience of race in the medical system greatly impacts Black and Brown women during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. This is why we at Mama Glow are so avid about education, advocacy, and access to culturally competent care.
What can we do as mothers and as a community to address the issue of maternal mortality? Educating ourselves, learning, and practicing informed consent, becoming confident in asking questions, trusting our intuition. All of the information can be daunting and frightening if you become consumed by it. It’s important to be informed, but it’s also important to protect your energy and be mindful of what media you consume. Join community groups, attend workshops and gatherings that will help to further educate you and connect you with others. Let’s also remember that those whose lives were lost were not numbers; they were women who had purpose, who had dreams, and when mothers die, communities are fractured. Women are the crux of community. We need to speak up as a community and center this crisis — not as a black issue or something affecting women of color — but ALL of us. It’s a human rights issue. The same energy we give to the conversation about reproductive rights we need to bring to this issue! Maternal health should be at the top of the feminist agenda. For new mothers, what do they need to thrive as they enter into motherhood? I believe community is so important. Mothers need exactly the same thing that infants need. They need to be swaddled with support. They need to be affirmed and held. They need to be fed and changed and cleaned. They need the folks surrounding them to anticipate their needs. In the U.S, one in four women goes back to work ten days after giving birth. That is insane. We are the only industrialized nation that doesn’t offer federal paid parental leave. Women who have given birth need time and space to heal. There is no postpartum tradition in the U.S, but there are incredible global postpartum traditions that are alive and well. We need to restore and protect the sanctity of the postpartum period. Moms should not feel alone. Postpartum doulas can fill a gap for women and families that need extra
support to get through the postpartum period. I said to you after The Continuum Conference that I felt that I was at church. Your conference was inspiring not only as a mother but as a woman. You shared how we need to have our tribe, our people — we need support. What are your tips for mothers who find it hard to connect with other mothers? Yes! Calling this gathering a conference doesn’t do justice to what took place. It was like church. There was a congregation of people. The goal of the conference was to elucidate and frame solutions around women’s health, with a particular focus on maternal health. We had more than 40 speakers, nine panels and four TEDstyle talks and elevated conversations around fertility, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, breastfeeding, abortion, loss, menopause and more. There are so many women’s empowerment conferences, rarely do they focus on reproductive health. I wanted to change that. This was a who’s who of change-makers in the maternal health space. I think there are so many ways to connect with others that didn’t exist even 10 years ago. Social platforms can be a space for moms to connect with other moms. But my favorite is to connect in real life with other women. Create a sister circle of support before you have your baby. Who are the people who are your elders in motherhood, how can you learn from them? Go to events, women’s circles, and gatherings where you will be in community with like-minded women. This is why we created our Women’s Space in Brooklyn. We wanted a safe space for women to grow spiritually, educationally, embrace self-care, and be in support of community. The Continuum Conference and our Doula Immersion programs are just a few gatherings where you can find this connection.
(Left) Latham and her son Fulano. (Right) Latham at her innagural Continuum Conference, held last November in Brooklyn. The gathering was intended to focus on every stage of a women’s life.
What does a day look like for Latham Thomas? Sometimes I am working on the computer and spending more time with our team. Other times like January 2020 | New York Family
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right now, for instance, I am expecting some client births in January, so I am spending lots of time with my clients and helping them get ready. Clients come to our Brooklyn space for yoga or sound relaxation private sessions. One weekend a month, I am usually deeply engaged with our doulas and leading the Mama Glow Doula Immersion Program. A few times a month I speak professionally for agencies, universities, and medical students as well. Ritual is deeply important to me, and I also have the pleasure of guiding baby blessings for expectant moms and creating lasting bonding rituals for them to celebrate their soon-tobe baby and birth. We are working on the conference for next year, so that’s exciting! I am thankful for the variety in my schedule, which keeps me stimulated. How do you stay connected with your husband? My partner and I are both parents. We drive upstate a lot to get out of the city. We go to dinner, films, theater, but also just simply hang out on the couch and talk about books we are reading or our work. Leading up to The Continuum Conference, I was very occupied, and we didn’t connect like usual because of how busy things were, and we planned an overnight trip right after just to decompress. Photo: Yumi Matsuo Hair & Makeup: Éva Lukas Roston
Latham’s Favorites I wish I had more time for… Visiting friends. I am actually going to make a resolution to spend more time with my friends. I always feel saner after… A massage or Sound Bath. Around the city with the family I love to walk in the brisk air with my son, go to the museum. His grandfather is an art dealer, so most of our outings when he was a little guy were focused on the arts. When I have a free moment alone, I will dip into a museum or gallery. My son and I will walk for blocks and grab a Matcha at Cha Cha Matcha. It’s our favorite. Favorite place to grab a bite to eat with the kids? Butcher’s Daughter for brunch.
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They have options for everyone. Favorite date night spot? I like Cafe Clover for dates. Favorite dessert spot? Oh, this is tricky for me because I am vegan. But at Loring Place there is a Vegan blizzard that is so good! It’s Vanilla ice cream with pretzels, walnut toffee, orange, and topped with melted chocolate. Favorite park? Central Park, of course. Favorite winter activity with the fam? I would say either going to the Movies or Bowling. Favorite family tv show/movie? My son and I love to watch BlackIsh and Grown-Ish together. It’s to the point where if one of us watches it without the other — we are giving the other the side-eye!
NewYorkFamily.com | January 2020
You’re the mother of a very cool New York City teen. Any tips on parenting a teenager? Maybe check in with me when he is grown, and I might be able to provide tips! My son is 16 years alive. He is one of my greatest teachers. He is a potent young man who is deeply sensitive and so kind. He started his professional career as a DJ at eight years alive, so half his life has been devoted to musical performance. We spend time listening to music a lot and talking about world events. I help with his homework, when he asks. I think of teens as like toddlers: they have agency, they can do a lot for themselves, but are also spreading their wings in a new way. They need to be recognized for their successes and hugged through their failures. They need boundaries. For real. You can’t be friends with them. Teens are deeply in need of parenting and reminders of all the wisdom that you instilled in them. They need you present. I avoid evening events when I can so I can be with my family. My son has one more year of high school and I am not ready for what my life will become when he heads to college. So my advice if I were to give any, is to put your phone down, be present, relish your traditions and memories in this life you’re creating. Don’t blink, it goes so fast! Latham Thomas is the founder of Mama Glow, a maternity lifestyle brand committed to supporting women along the childbearing continuum. She is a graduate of Columbia University and the author of two popular books, Mama Glow: A Hip Guide to Your Fabulous Abundant Pregnancy and Own Your Glow: A Soulful Guide to Luminous Living and Crowning the Queen Within. Learn more about Latham and her work by visiting mamaglow.com.
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neighborhood guide
Family-Friendly Tribeca Top spots for families in one of the city’s busiest neighborhoods By Katarina avendaño
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ocated in Lower Manhattan, Tribeca continues to be a hot spot that attracts tons of families and stylish NYC kids. Whether you are a Tribeca resident or a family that needs a new area to explore, Tribeca has it all! From exciting play spaces and parks to entertaining restaurants and lux cafés, this neighboorhood has major city vibes with cozy places and shops mixed in that make you feel right at home. The Wonder
174 Hudson St.
Want a membership that the whole family can benefit from where moms can work and kids can play? The Wonder is a place where curiosity and imagination come to life with endless playspace, classes, storytimes, and more for the kiddos. For mom, answer emails in the Grownups-Only Workspace and grab a coffee at The Café. Visit their website at thewonder.us for more details on their membership prices. Ninja New York 25 Hudson St.
Go out to dinner and keep the kids on the edge of their seats. This Japanese restaurant goes all out when it comes to entertaining. Expect the servers to be in ninja outfits and
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show off their skills throughout dinner. Order your meal from a ninja scroll serving sushi, steak, shrimp tempura, and more. Washington Market Park 199 Chambers St.
This family-friendly neighborhood park always has something going on. Thanks to The Friends of Washington Market Park, this nonprofit hosts free public events in the park that includes concerts, planting days, movie nights, and a lot more to keep the family entertained. Aside from their exciting events, this park is well equipped with a community garden, two playgrounds, a lawn, basketball and tennis courts, and a gazebo for special occasions. Boomerang Toys 119 West Broadway
This toy store has all the kids excited! Enter this toy haven of classic and specialty toys located right on West Broadway. Kids’ faces will light up with pure joy as they browse the aisle at Boomerang Toys and see an array of dolls, scooters, toy trucks, stuffed animals, and more! This makes a perfect outing for a family day out in the neighborhood.
Park for endless activities to choose from. Pier 25 has it all with an 18-hole miniature golf course, sand volleyball courts, a playground, and even historic ships to gaze at. After you have worked up an appetite from all the fun, head to the Sweet Love Snack Bar where your family can grab a bite to eat. Balloon Saloon 133 West Broadway
Balloons are always exciting and the Balloon Saloon is definitely a fun stop in Tribeca for kids to ooh and ahh over. This place has tons of balloons ranging in all sorts of themes, colors, and designs. This company even helps out with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as well as other notable NYC events. Whether you are picking out a balloon bouquet for an upcoming occasion or just want to browse their selection, your kids will love seeing the several fun creations available. The Craft Studio
Pier 25 in Hudson River Park
174 Duane St.
N. Moore Street
Get creative at the Craft Studio with classes, workshops, and even birthday parties! Either
Venture out for a fun day at Hudson River
including fun furniture pieces, must-have toys, sturdy strollers, and loads more. Babesta believes that when it comes to shopping, it isn’t one-size-fits-all. Go hands-on when finding the perfect products for your family. This unique store will allow you to try on carriers or even roll strollers on the pavement so that you are confident when purchasing. Livly 108 Reade St.
This charming kids’ store is loaded with cuteness, offering the softest fabrics and adorable prints. At Livly, moms can shop for their little ones, choosing from an array of dresses, outerwear, swimwear, shoes, blankets, and more. They even have a collection of lifestyle items that include soft pink backpacks and sparkling handbags that are sure to make an impression. Koh Kids 311 Greenwich St.
Julienne Schaer
There is no doubt that New York kids have style and Koh Kids has them covered. If you are having a shopping day in Tribeca and want to add a few fun-pattern pieces to your kids’ wardrobe, browse their selection from Stella McCartney, Petit Bateau, Scotch & Soda, Billie Blush, Little Marc Jacobs, and more for a great look. Laughingman Coffee 184 Duane St.
Cold weather in January calls for hot cocoa to keep you warm. This steamy cup is rich, foamy, and of course, has incredible marshmallows. At Laughingman Coffee, they make these wintery drinks just right, perfect for this time of the year. And, while sipping on your beverage, your purchase will be helping Laughingman’s mission of supporting coffee farmers and their families in other parts of the world. Maman 211 West Broadway
(Clockwise from top left) The Staple Street skybridge is a local landmark. There’s loads to occupy kids at Pier 25 at Hudson River Park. Maman is a great cafe for families. register for a class ahead of time or take advantage of their walk-ins with a variety of activities to choose from. Kids can paint, make accessories from fabric, create flower pots out of terra cotta, and more!
Babesta 56 Warren St.
This is a one-stop-shop for cool New York City kids. This store has all that you will need when you are shopping for your child,
For a bite to eat or a beverage to enjoy, Maman is the perfect place for mom and her babes. Maman (meaning mom in French) celebrates the recipes from the founders’ mothers. Enjoy the patterned floral prints, cozy atmosphere, and quality food inspired from the south of France and North America. There is even a kids’ menu for the little ones to grab lunch or a sweet bakery treat to enjoy. While kids wait for their food or hot chocolate, they can even practice a few French words on the kids’ menu. Bon appétit! January 2020 | New York Family
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Family Day out
Slime of
the Times
The new Sloomoo Institute in Soho features a DIY slime bar and lots more sensory fun By Hester ABA
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loomoo Institute in Soho, Manhattan, has been generating a ton of buzz among those moms and dads who are always in search of fun indoor things to do with kids in New York, especially when it’s either rainy or face-numbingly cold. Sloomoo Institute opened at the end of October 2019, and will be open until April 2020 in NYC before moving on to another city. However, as we’ve seen with Color Factory, experiences initially conceived of as pop-ups can go on to become permanent! We went to check out this new opening to see whether it lives up to the hype, and to understand whether a whole experiential space dedicated to slime could entertain both me and my 9 year-old daughter. Sloomoo, which is located on Broadway near Canal Street Subway Station, is in a regular store-front, meaning you can see inside from the street. However you don’t get a sense of just how big the 8,000 square foot space is until you “check in”, as only Sloomoo’s retail area is visible from the outside. You can enter the Sloomoo store to purchase slime and slime accessories (yup, that’s a thing) without needing a ticket. After checking in with a welcoming staff member, you are given a sticker with your “slime name” which is just your name with all the vowels changed to “oo”, so my name was “Hoostoor”. All Sloomoo staff members are dressed in colorful jumpsuits covered in cute patches (also available for purchase). Once you receive your sticker, you can line up to enter the main experience space as they (sensibly!) control the flow of people to ensure the space doesn’t get overcrowded. Visitors are encouraged to sanitize their hands before playing with any of the slime exhibits, and you can then set off on your slime journey. Different masses or lumps of slime are displayed in sink-like ceramic containers
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around Sloomoo, each with the type of slime, color and scent noted on a caption on the wall next to it. You can reach in and play with the slime, and kids do this enthusiastically, with the adults around me being a lot more tentative. It’s definitely enjoyable from a sensory perspective though as my daughter’s default speed setting through any kind of museum is “sprint”, I couldn’t slow down and enjoy playing as much as I would have liked to! Aside from the individual slime stations, there are several other fun components to Sloomoo, including a glow-in-the-dark slime tent, an EEG machine where you can see your brain “on slime” and an area where (if you buy a premium ticket) you can have slime rain down on you while the Sloomoo song is played. Or as we decided to do, you can just watch other people getting slimed, which is much more enjoyable! The highlight of the Sloomoo Institute for us was the 150 foot “DIY bar” where you can custom-create your very own slime to take home. You start by picking your texture of slime by touching un-colored samples, which is when you realize that the different
slime exhibits were actually opportunities to discover what your favorite kind of slime is. My daughter and I chose the “glossy” slime type, which actually ended up being a little bit sticky, so I’d probably recommend trying a different type! After you’ve chosen your slime texture, you’re handed a plastic tub with your plain slime in it, and move along to choosing the scent for your slime. Demeter Fragrance Library have provided all of the scents for the slime bar, so they’re genuinely delightful, and if you’re not under too much pressure from people behind you in line, it’s fun to smell widely before making your choice and some of the fragrance is dropped into your tub! Next up is choosing the color for your slime, which you can do from a color menu from around 40 different options. The powdered color is also popped into your tub. Next up was choosing “charms” for your slime, which was genuinely confusing and my daughter got a bit upset at the idea of getting these really lovely charms covered in slime so ended up not choosing any at all. I think the charms really only work if you have chosen clear slime
The Sloomoo Institute has a window to the street, and extends to a huge 8,000-squarefoot space that includes a glow-in-the-dark slime tent (above) and the walkable “Lake Sloomoo” (right). initially, otherwise you’ll just end up with hard, lumpy pieces in your slime. I felt like that was the one part of the Sloomoo experience which didn’t quite make sense, or perhaps just wasn’t communicated very well. Once you’ve made all your choices, you’re ushered into a room with different desk stations to mix up your slime, which is done by hand with an assist from another jumpsuit-clad team member. At this stage both my daughter and I did get some slime and color on our clothing, so I’d recommend not wearing your very best clothes to Sloomoo, and wearing sleeves that can easily roll up. Slime will come out of clothing with a bit of vinegar, or you can just do as I did and wait for it to try before picking it off. After we had finished making our slime, we headed to an area where you can actually
take your shoes off and walk on slime. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do it at first but my daughter insisted, and it was surprisingly pleasant if you don’t think too much about other peoples’ feet! The final stop before heading out is to walk through the gift shop where you can buy slime and slime accessories (little packs of glitter and balls for example that you can mix in with your slime). We had been in Sloomoo for almost exactly one hour, which I think would be about the average if you’re moving at a reasonably swift pace. My daughter gave it two thumbs up and said she had loved it. She has also played with her slime several times since we visited. From my point of view it’s a fun outing for a special treat, and as an adult there is definitely
enough to keep you engaged. Sloomoo have started doing adult-only “Sip and Slime” events as well as events incorporating CBD which I can imagine being very fun! Sloomoo Institute is located at 475 Broadway, between Broome and Grand, and will be open every day from 10 am – 9 pm from October 25 to April 18. Tickets are on sale at sloomooinstitute. com. General admission tickets are $38 and come with an 8-ounce custom slime. For an additional $30, guests are able to don a custom poncho and participate in a photoshoot at Sloomoo Falls, where slime will rain down on you. January 2020 | New York Family
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Travel
Winter in the Caribbean Coconut Bay resort in Saint Lucia has something for everyone By Denise nicole
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hether you’re looking for a relaxed family vacation or one packed full of activities and exploration, Coconut Bay in Saint Lucia has you covered. A quick car trip from the Hewanorra International Airport at Vieux Fort, Coconut Bay is a premium, allinclusive resort located in South Saint Lucia. Spanning 85 acres, including a mile-long beach with a bar right on the waterfront and hammocks brushing the waters. The resort Within Coconut Bay, there are three different experiences: Harmony, Splash and Serenity. Harmony is the adults-only wing, and is a quiet, calm experience for adults with two pools, an adults-only bar, cabanas, sundecks, and a spa with oceanfront views. Splash is the wing open to all ages and is full of lively entertainment and play. It is home to the largest waterpark in Saint Lucia called CocoLand. Adults are free to roam back and forth between Harmony and Splash; however, Serenity is a separate experience, Serenity is the luxury suite resort. During my stay at Coconut Bay, my room was in Harmony, yet I frequented Splash, experiencing the best of both worlds. For the kids If you’re looking for some water fun or just to tire your kids out before naptime, CocoLand
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is the place to venture to. Kids can speed down all of the three waterslides and then relax floating down the lazy river before hitting the aquatic playground. Included in your stay, you’ll find a fun kids camp, Kidz Klub, which is located in CocoLand. It is 50,000 square feet of fun for your little ones to explore. It’s fully supervised, but the children’s programming is a far cry from babysitting. Your children will experience their own adventures and will definitely have stories to share at dinnertime. To ease any worries you may have about leaving children at Kidz Klub, parents are provided with a local cell phone to communicate with Kidz Klub staff. There are three age groups for the Kidz Klub, ages 3 and under, ages 4 to 7 and ages 8 to 12 years old. Kids can play in the water fountain playground, a large outdoor pirate ship, and the staff keeps the crafts going with games like painting coconuts and building sandcastles on the beach. For the younger kids, there is an air-conditioned napping room in the Kidz Klub. Separate from the Kidz Klub, there is also a teen lounge called Coconutz with a pool table and several gaming stations. Eat, drink, and be merry! With nine restaurants on the premises, there’s no shortage of food options at Coconut Bay. With an emphasis on farm to table, the food is delicious. There are seven bars across the
resort, and all drinks are included in your stay. We enjoyed dinner at La Luna, where we could hear the waves crashing while we dined. This was truly a beautiful setting with a delicious surf and turf menu. La Luna is a private dining experience you can book for as little as $129 per couple. Throughout my stay, I often found myself piling onto my plate at the buffet Coconut Walk. There were so many breakfast options I could barely make a dent in the offerings, from Caribbean classics like saltfish and bake, to made-to-order waffles and french toast. There was much to choose from and lunch and dinner options were just as broad. Best family food options Flips Flops and the Jerk Hut are fun and casual options for lunch. I loved the roti at Flips Flops, and the pizza, chicken wings, and burgers were good basics that kids will be sure to love. Some of the dining options are adults 18+ only. Silk is an Asian restaurant for dinner, Capri serves Italian food, Veranda and the Greathouse serve Caribbean seafood and gourmet eats respectively. Fun entertainment Evening entertainment is on fire, quite literally! Once a week, Coconut Bay hosts a
(Clockwise from above) Coconut Bay in Saint Lucia offers pools for both kids and adults. Silk restaurant offers sophisticated dining for adults only. The author on a catamaran tour. Toraille waterfall. Crisp and refreshing, I was definitely energized after my dip! Kids will love this waterfall, and it’s just the right size for the whole family to enjoy together. After our refreshing splash in the falls, we headed to the drive-in volcano. The Soufriere drive-in volcano is said to be the only one of its kind in the world. I saw the steam rising up from sulfur in the volcano. We didn’t have time for a volcano tour, but we did take a dip in the hot sulfur springs and have a mud bath.
Carribean night with a Caribbean buffet by the pool, dancing with live music and fire breathers. There are also karaoke nights complete with chocolate fountains, chocolate martini punch bowl, and an impressive spread of many delectable dessert options in the chocolate buffet. Excursions & local fun I got to take an excursion on a Catamaran
tour. We sailed on the clear blue waters and enjoyed magical views of the Pitons, which are two mountainous volcanic plugs, famous and beloved in Saint Lucia. Onboard, drinks and snacks were provided. Our first stop was for snorkeling. I hadn’t been snorkeling in years, and one of the crew members helped me figure out the equipment and stayed with me until I was comfortable. After lunch at an open-air restaurant, we stopped by a heritage tourism site, the
Fun for all Whether you play beach volleyball, yoga, stand up paddleboard or have fun participating in a rum tasting — there is something for everyone. The Kidz Klub even has zip-lining and a petting zoo! However you choose to spend your time on Coconut Bay, it will be time well spent. The views are magical, and the experience is unforgettable. Visit cbayresort.com to learn more about the Coconut Bay Resort & Spa. January 2020 | New York Family
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family fun
10 MUSEUMS
MUSIC
THEATER
ATTRACTIONS
FOOD
Outdoors
Great Kid-Friendly January Events in Manhattan By mia salas
NEW YEAR’S DAY CONFETTI CUPCAKES CLASS January 1 Celebrate the New Year with Taste Buds Kitchen’s trademark Confetti Cupcakes! Kids and parents are invited to bake together in this yummy workshop. New Year’s Eve is always a big event, but keep the holiday season going by kicking off New Year’s Day with these delicious cupcakes. The workshop is for little ones ages 2 to 5. $45 per kid with their caregiver, 1:30-2:30 pm. Taste Buds Kitchen, 109 West 27th St., New York, NY 10001, tastebudskitchen.com
MOCACREATE: NEW YEAR, NEW ME January 4 When the New Year begins, it’s never too early for your little ones to start thinking about what they want to accomplish! Work together to make a 2-D or 3-D self-portrait that represents the “new you” as you imagine yourself at the end of 2020. Join this workshop for an afternoon of art-making for all ages. Free with museum admission, 2-5 pm. Museum of Chinese
in America, 215 Centre St., New York, NY 10013, mocanyc.org
YETI, SET, SNOW! + HOLIDAY PUPPET BUILDING WORKSHOP January 4 and 18 Produced by City Parks Foundation, this original story and marionette show returns to theater! Recommended for families with little ones ages 3 to 8, Yeti, Set, Snow! is all about adventure, puppetry, and adventure. Not only will kids learn about the value of friendship, but they’ll get to build their own hand and finger puppets of their favorite characters. Show $8 kids, $12 adults, workshop $10 kids with one adult/ parent chaperone, 1-3 pm. Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater, West 79th Street, New York, NY 10023, cityparksfoundation.org
43RD ANNUAL THREE KINGS DAY PARADE AND CELEBRATION January 6 Honoring NYC’s immigrant and migrant communities of the past and present, this year’s Three Kings Day celebration is titled Nuestros Barrios Unidos: Celebrating our Collective Strength. There will be camels, colorful puppets, parrandas, music, dancing, and so much more! Enjoy live musical performances during the parade and free admission to Las Galerías afterwards. Free, 11 am-2 pm. Parade begins at 106th Street and Park Avenue and ends at 115th Street and Park Avenue. El Museo, 1230 5th Ave., New York, NY 10029, elmuseo.org
CARTOGRAPHY
Discover kid-friendly activities at the New York Historical Society’s Family Benefit Party on January 26.
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January 10-19 The New Victory Theater uses multimedia theatrical techniques to explore complex issues of movement and migration. Hear the stories of young refugees and watch as young people set out into the unsure waters of their futures. The show tackles climate change, war, poverty, and the larger questions of where we have come from and where we are going. Recommended for ages 10 and up, this is a must-see production. Tickets start at $17, various times. New Victory Theater. 209 West 42nd St., New York, NY 10036, newvictory.org
WOW IN THE WORLD POP UP PARTY January 11 Join Guy Raz, Mindy Thomas, and The Pop Ups for an interactive show that engages kids and parents through science, music, imagination, and wonder! Wow in the World is a podcast launched in 2017, making it the first show for kids in the National Public Radio’s 47-year history. Learn about the advances in scientific journals through humor and character-driven storytelling. You’ll surely leave the show thinking, “Wow!”. Tickets start at $25, 11 am and 2:30 pm. The Town Hall, 123 West 43rd St., New York, NY 10036, thetownhall.org
INTREPID ADVENTURES: STAR STORIES January 11-12 The Intrepid welcomes little ones ages 5 to 12 and their families to this family adventure! Head inside the planetarium to learn about the myths from around the world that explain the stars in the sky. Explore the unknown and investigate potential places where there may be life in space. Conclude the afternoon by creating your own constellation and myth in a storytelling activity. Free with museum admission, 12-1 pm. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Complex, Pier 86, West 46th Street, New York, NY 10036, intrepidmuseum.org
“SUBWAY” STORYTIME January 25 Bring your little ones for a reading of Christoph Niemann’s picture book, “SUBWAY”. After gaining inspiration from the story takes readers all around the city via subway, young readers, ages 2 to 5, will get crafty and creative. They’ll get to make their own city-wide transportation system and vehicles. $5 kids, free for members, 10:30-11:45 am. The Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place, New York, NY 10280, skyscraper.org
BROADWAY PLAYHOUSE: CHARLES STROUSE January 26 If your kids love singing, dancing, and acting, then this interactive concert is for them! Sean Hartley and the Broadway Playhouse cast will sing, clown, play games, and introduce little ones to the great writers of musical theater. Since Charles Strouse composed the musical Annie, kids will enjoy a mini production of Annie and hear more of Strouse’s music, given he wrote more than 30 musicals, chart-topping tunes, and scores for Hollywood films. $25, 11 am. Merkin Hall, 129 West 67th St., New York,
Elman Studio
NY 10023, kaufmanmusiccenter.org
FAMILY BENEFIT PARTY January 26 Support history education at the museum with your family. There will be unique history-related activities, meet and greets with characters from the past, and delicious food. Funds raised through the event will help the museum provide award-winning family, school, and teacher programs and exhibitions year round. Contact familyprograms@nyhistory. org for tickets, 4 pm. Dimenna Children’s History Museum, New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024, nyhistory.org
“Cartography” at the New Victory Theater explores topics of movement and migration from January 10 through 19.
January 2020 | New York Family
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family fun
Featured event
Events Around the City By Mia Salas
NEW YEAR’S DAY FAMILY BOWL January 1 Keep the celebration going on New Year’s Day with a fun, family bowling competition. All ages are welcome to attempt to knock over the pins! Featuring a brunch and kids menu, you can enjoy a delicious meal or snack in between bowling games. $25 per lane, per hour, up to 8 per lane, 12-6 pm. Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Avenue, New York, NY 11249, brooklynbowl.com
PRETZEL TWISTS CLASS January 4 Learn how to make hot pretzels from start to finish in this tasty workshop. Kids ages 6 to 8, along with their caregiver, are invited to master the pretzel twist and make an accompanying Cardamon Honey Dipping Sauce. Designed for kids and parents to cook together, the class is a unique way to spend quality family time (and leave with delicious pretzels!). $45 per kid with one caregiver, 9-10 am. Taste Buds Kitchen, 109 West 27th Street, New York, NY 10001, tastebudskitchen.com
JUST KIDDING: THE JUNGLE BOOK January 11 Little ones will feel as if they are seeing the illustrations from The Jungle Book come to life on stage with this Just Kidding performance. The new theatrical adaptation re-imagines Kipling’s classic stories through modern eyes. Come to watch Mowgli’s childhood in the jungles of India with Baloo the bear, Bagheera the panther, and more. $17, $14 members, 11 am and 2 pm. Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theatre
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Two-Point Perspective Dream Homes January 2-3 Ages 5 and up are invited to design their own dream home at the museum. Explore what makes for a good home and then learn how to build realistically. Kids will get to think about where they would like to live when
at Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, New York, NY 10025, symphonyspace. org
Dress Like Your Favorite Hero Dazzle Disco Skate Party January 11 Get your hero costumes ready for the ultimate family skate night! Adults and kids ages 7 and up are invited to this 10,000 square foot roller rink to skate to retro and contemporary tunes, take Instagram-worthy photos on the red carpet, enter the Costume Contest or Skate Dance Competition, and play games led by the MC. While your little ones aren’t allowed to skate, they are still welcome to join in on the fun! Presale skating admission (includes skate rentals) $18, Non-Skating Guardian $12, prices subject to change, 2:30-4:30 pm. Lola Star’s Dreamland Roller Rink, City Point BKLYN, 445 Albee Square West, Brooklyn, NY
they are older, with creativity always encouraged! They’ll leave with a mini version of their dream home. Free with general admission, 12-6 pm Jan. 2, 12-5 pm Jan. 3. Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton Street, New York, NY 10014, cmany.org
11201, eventbrite.com
MEET THE MUSIC! LEAVE IT TO LUDWIG January 12 Learn about the stories behind Beethoven’s music at this exploratory performance by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Beethoven will help a young pianist play his music as it is meant to be played, full of actions, emotions, and the quality of everyday human life. Kids ages 6 and up and their families are welcome to join in on the musical fun, as well as check out the Musical Instrument Petting Zoo in the lobby before the performance from 1-1:45 pm. $10-$30 depending on seat, 2 pm. Alice Trully Hall, 1941 Broadway, New York, NY 10023, lincolncenter.org
FAMILY ART PROJECT: FREEDOM QUILTERS OF GEE BEND January 19
When Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. visited Gee’s Bend Community in Alabama, the Freedom Quilting Bee was established. These now famous quilts would later go on to fund aspects of the community’s freedom. Create your own quilts with bold patterns and bright colors to honor Dr. King’s birthday and the inspiring women quilters of Gee’s Bend. Free, admission to Wave Hill free until 12 pm, 10 am-1 pm. Wave Hill. West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx, NY 10471, wavehill.org
NEW YORK BOAT SHOW January 22-26 You’ll never see more boats in one place than at the New York Boat Show! Check out the world champion boat Miss GEICO, which can reach speeds in excess of 200mph. There’s plenty for kids to do, including BuildA-Boat, the kid’s toy boat building workshop. Little ones get to create their own miniature boats and take them home as souvenirs. And, of course, there will be delicious food and beverages for your family to enjoy. $16 adults, free for kids ages 12 and under with a paid adult admission, 12-9 pm Jan. 22-24, 10 am-9 pm Jan. 25, 10 am-6 pm Jan. 26. Javits Center, 625 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001, nyboatshow.com
PIRATE PETE’S PARROT January 25 As The Secret Theatre’s
Trolls LIVE! will inject some color into Radio City Music Hall on January 25 and 26. longest-running musical in Queens, your family is sure to love Pirate Pete’s Parrot! With music, mischief, and plenty of laughs, the show engages both little ones and adults through audience interaction and a photo opportunity with the actors afterwards. Feel free to dress in costume as you follow the story of Pirate Pete and his quest to find his runaway parrot Polly and his buried treasure. $20 adults, $15 kids under age 17, $40 family 4-Pack, 2:30 pm. The Secret Theatre, 4402 23rd Street, Long Island City, Queens, NY 11101, secrettheatre.com
TROLLS LIVE! January 25-26 Trolls LIVE! embarks on their first ever world tour, so don’t miss out on seeing Poppy, Branch, and their friends on stage. The Trolls’ Hug Time is in danger, and the only way to save it is by hosting a Trolls-tastic show with music, glitter, humor, and happiness. Join the VIP Party for even more time with your favorite Trolls. Tickets start at $35, Free for kids under age 1, 10:30 am, 2 pm, and 5:30 pm on Jan. 25, 10:30 am and 2 pm on Jan. 26. Radio City Music Hall, 1260 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10020, msg.com
Veterinary services
Advertise with us Call 718-260-4554 NewYorkFamily.com
Dr. Jennifer Berg’s New Animal Hospital 256 West St. (btwn Laight & Vestry) 212 732 7474 • info@tvw.vet tribecaveterinarywellness.com January 2020 | New York Family
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mom stories
Blended Families: Can We Make More Room? Patience and acceptance helped this author build a new home By Sara NolaN
T
he Brady Bunch is the blended family turned spectacle. My blended family — my two stepsons, now 15 and 13, and two bio kids, now 4 and 1 — is like them only in that between the six of us, we have a lot of long, unruly hair — even the baby was born with a telltale mohawk. The Brady Bunch’s bathtub drain is never pictured on the show, nor which family member was responsible for cleaning it. That stuff gets edited out, because who would tune into what amounted to a hairball battle? (Also, sexism alert, it was likely the mom.) Unfortunately, that’s the stuff around which real life drama and feelings mount, and it’s exactly the kind of “small thing, big deal” around which blended families must create their orbit and family culture. When my husband and two stepsons and I all moved into a fresh-start Brooklyn apartment together the year before our wedding, when the boys were 7 and 9, that was one of the first things I noticed: wow, there is a lot more hair around here! And each of us needed a different kind of hair tool: paddled brush, wide-tooth comb, bristle brush, none whatsoever. This was symbolic: we needed more room for everything too, including our feelings and tolerance for diversity of what works for you. Perhaps the most important thing we are told to keep in mind to help children adjust to a blended family (especially when families with older siblings are merged) is: the children didn’t pick this. I was aware of that from the moment my husband first showed me their glowing faces on his iphone. That was forefront in my mind, a deep sensitivity to the changes that had taken place around them. It had happened gradually, but still: a new home is a new home, even if their room was bigger and better than at their dad’s former shoebox basement apartment, and the light beautiful. We called it “the castle” because of the turrets. The boys thought we lived in the suburbs, not a Brooklyn neighborhood that bordered on
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the park. They didn’t pick this. Give them room. No pressure to love the new set up. No suggestions that they must dislike it, either. Be a thermostat, gage their comfort zones. But let’s be honest: children didn’t pick their biological parents, either. Nor did they pick to be born. We are always asking children to deal with what we’ve chosen for them. So blended families are simply that to the next level, plus the possibility that at some point in their past, more or less amicably, blended families include children whose lives were (radically) disrupted. Consciously or not, the fallout of that former partnership and disassembled household will be associated with the new family configuration. So that was my job, which I had long practiced anyway, a kind of over-exposure to other people’s buried feelings. Be sensitive. I was lucky to build a friendship and rapport with my stepsons before they knew me as “Daddy’s girlfriend,” or “housemate” or “daddy’s fiancee” or “stepmom.” That didn’t make the change insignificant. The very first thing I can tell you about blended families is: the adults need to do their homework, every day, and the messaging to the kids needs to match our behaviors, and we need to name hypocrisies and inconsistencies where they occur. Is it easy? Sometimes. Other times, it’s nebulous and complicated, and one of the things that makes life worth living. Just like we need more space for everything we have when we combine two homes, two lives, or four or more lives, we need to practice loving bigger. It’s a bootcamp in redefining what loving people even means. The adults need to sound a consistent note that love (or its less loaded forms: caring, affection) doesn’t mean picking between households, or parents from the old exploded or disassembled nuclear unit. It doesn’t come with a “more” or “less,” when we really look at its power. Love is love; and its allies in the blended family are patience and acceptance. When we love each other or build relationships in blended families, we must give each other even more generous space for indi-
vidual feelings, and show up consistently and steadily. That can definitely feel agonizing, at moments when the other person’s feelings are not what you would have designed. Some of the following phrases have helped me to navigate sticky, unclear or complicated emotional terrain when I or my stepsons were in zones of discomfort — obvious or subtle. It’s pretty great how many situations these lines are applicable to: “We know you didn’t choose it to be like this…thank you. Can we talk about…” “We appreciate so much how you…” “Maybe it’s annoying when I….I can understand…thank you for …..” “I don’t know how it feels to be you, but when I think about what you’re dealing with I imagine it could feel…” “I am not your biological parent, but many people have non-biological parents who
love and care for them, and this is one way I love and care for you…” “We see how awesomely you are teaching your little siblings...” I do my inner homework, even when I don’t feel like it: What am I feeling? Why do I feel like this? What do I wish was happening right now? How can I show up authentically for all the kids, but not stuff down my feelings? To what degree is it appropriate to show or share my difficult feelings, when they arise — whether over the aforementioned bathtub drain or how much time their mom has spent on the phone with them while they are with us? It’s too easy for a parent or the adult who is bonus parent to convey (directly or indirectly) that it is the child’s job to tend to their feelings, or that the range of a child’s feelings in process are not welcome.
There are some other openers that build bridges across the blend, too — and, no surprise, these also can help in any family constellations: “I bet you wish…” “Should we make a list of ideas how to handle XYZ?” “Can we meet halfway? You are used to it/want it like this, I want it like this. Can we take turns getting out way? Can we pick a middle place we can agree on?” I would never start any suggestion to another person about parenting, coparenting, step-parenting or householding with “I promise this will work …” Being a person can be bewildering, and our needs differ. You might need space to work out feelings and thoughts, whereas I might need closeness to do so. But I don’t know anyone who doesn’t want to feel heard and validated,
and like their inevitable slip-ups are human, and do-over’s possible. Like any aspects of parenting, it’s essential to remember than nothing works every time, because our children, stepchildren and ourselves are changing day by day, sometimes hour by hour — and in particularly gusty moods, minute to minute. We don’t always know where our own feelings come from. Add to that forgotten gym shoes and overdue health care bills and misplaced hair brushes and...sometimes we just need to sit down, drop everything and have our heads stroked. Yes, all that braided, bunchy, hair. Sara Nolan teaches personal essay writing to teenagers and adults. Learn more about her work as an educator at essayintensive.com and at sara-nolan-essays.squarespace.com. January 2020 | New York Family
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last word
and suddenly you know itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to start something new and trust the magic of
beginnings â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Meister Eckhart Illustration by Elvia Caballero
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