New York Family - June 2020

June 2020 established 1986

newyorkfamily.com

Summer Eats

That the Whole Family Will Love

Gifts for Dad Under $25 Celebrating Milestones:

Congrats Grads!

June 2020 | New York Family

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contents

June 2020

NewYorkFamily.com

pg. 32

pg. 28

FEATURES 8 | Family Fun Birthday Cake Kits that come with ready-made ingredients 14 | Gifts Father’s Day gifts under $25 16 | Education Navigating schools virtual admissions and what they are doing to make the process easier for parents 20 | Apps The best 25 podcasts to keep the kids learning and listening to this summer 24 | Mom Hacks Bring the salon to your home with our favorite at-home hair color kits

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pg. 36

pg. 20

pg. 26

26 | Family Fun The latest kids movies to watch during quarantine

18 | Books Explore new worlds with this grownup summer reading list

32 | Baby Nurses Two pediatric nurses run a service for matching up new parents with registered baby nurses

28 | Food Nicole Berri of Bonberi.com shares three fresh recipes perfect for the entire family

36 | Virtual Travel Travel to these fun spots without leaving your couch

34 | Health Supplements for (parents) perfect for building your mood and immunity

Stories & columns

38 | Mom Stories Mom - Truths During COVID-19: using the crisis to get in touch with my true self

6 | Editor’s Note June Summer State of Mind 12 | Graduation With social distancing still in place, we will be celebrating differently this year

40 | The Last Word

on the Cover Getty Images

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June 2020 | New York Family

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Editor’s Note

NewYorkFamily.com Publisher: Clifford Luster Executive Editor: Donna Duarte-Ladd Digital Editor: Katarina Avendaño Senior Adviser: Susan Weiss Digital Director: Erik Bliss Partnership Managers: Erin Brof, Mary Cassidy, Shelli Goldberg-Peck Ad Operations Manager: Rosalia Bobé Art Director: Leah Mitch Web Developer: Sylvan Migdal Graphic Designers: Arthur Arutyunov, Connie Sulsenti

Nina Gallo Photography

Editorial Contributors: Jana Beauchamp, Isabelle Bousquette, Courtney Ingalls, Mia Salas

Summer State of Mind

Editorial Interns: Regan Mies, Olga Uzunova

As we segue way into summer, the New York Family team, like most parents in NYC, are working out how to enjoy a quarantine summer. A time most of us spend recharging.

Whether you map out a plan or take it day by day, we have plenty to get you through the summer. Is it one of your kids’ birthdays?

No problem. We have an impressive roundup of Birthday Cake Kits (page 8), so you can bake a swoon-worthy cake.

To keep the kids on the learning path, we have The Best 25 Podcasts for Kids (page 20).

For delicious food, Nicole Berri, founder of plant-based Bonberi.com, shares three of her

Circulation: (718) 260-8336

Easy Summer Recipes (page 28) for the family.

And of course, there is Dad! We have Father’s Day Gifts (page 14) all for under $25.

For anyone dealing with hair roots, grey hair, or faded highlights, our At-Home Hair Color Kits will take care of this pronto (page 24).

Lastly, with vacations in limbo or canceled together, we have a fun piece on how to Take Off on a Virtual Vacay (page 36).

Contact Information

ADVERTISING: (718) 260-4554 Advertising@NewYorkFamily.com Tina@NewYorkFamily.com

Address: New York Family Media/Schneps Media 1 MetroTech Center North, Third Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201

Here is to a grateful summer!

Donna Duarte-Ladd Executive Editor

President: Victoria Schneps-Yunis CEO: Joshua Schneps Group Publisher: Clifford Luster

New York Family has been awarded the PMA Gold Award for Excellence both overall and in Website Design

2020

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 | June 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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June 2020 | New York Family

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family fun

Birthday Cake Kits

If your kid will be celebrating a birthday in quarantine, these kits of ready-made ingredients can make the day more fun!

By IsaBelle Bousquette

I

f your kids are about to celebrate a birthday in quarantine, these Birthday Cake Kits can make the day more special and fun! The kits come with pre-measured ingredients and decorations for all kinds of cool cakes. They take all the hassle out of baking (and you never get halfway through a recipe before realizing that you don’t have any vanilla extract). Best of all, you can eliminate the perilous journey to the grocery store, where, let’s face it, they won’t have any flour left anyway. Making the cake can be a great birthday activity.

(Eating the cake can be an even better birthday activity!) So check out our roundup of the best Birthday Cake Kits now delivering to NYC families.

But first, a few tips for stress-free family baking with the kids:

Tips for Baking with Kids Yes, Birthday Cake Kits are supposed to take all the stress and drama out baking. But for some, we know there’s always stress and drama involved in baking — especially in tiny New York City kitchens. That’s why we spoke to Anna Helm Baxter, Co-Founder of the DIY cake and baking kit company, Poppikit. Here are her top tips for baking with kids (and baking with parents that don’t have much more culinary experience than kids): 1. Let the kids crack the eggs. If you’re looking for ways to involve kids in the baking, then task them with cracking the eggs. (You might have to fish out one or two pieces of eggshell afterwards). Or, if you want to limit the eggshell liability, just

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All-Natural Candy Cake Kit from Poppikit Poppikit has loads of colorful kid-friendly cake kits topped with everything from mermaid tails to rocket ships. But we’re crazy about the all-natural Candy Cake. Choose between hot pink, white, blue, purple, yellow, orange, green or red for the cotton candy frosting (and between chocolate, vanilla and gluten-free vanilla for the inside).

But the real fun is decorating the cake! The kit comes with lollipops, jellybeans and confetti sprinkles for a super sweet birthday party! From $40. To browse the full selection visit poppikit.com.

let them stir together the ingredients.

2. Chill the cake before you decorate it.

Once you’re done baking, Helm Baxter recommends you “refrigerate or freeze your cake for about 30 minutes” before you start adding frosting (and piling on the sprinkles). According to Helm Baxter, “A chilled cake is easier to decorate (and will create fewer crumbs).”

3. Don’t have a turntable? Substitute parchment paper. Putting a cake on a piece of large parchment paper means you can still rotate while you decorate! Helm Baxter says it also helps to “Frost the sides of the cake first and place one hand on top of the cake to keep it steady.”

4. Don’t scrimp on the frosting. Helm Baxter says you shouldn’t worry about “getting super smooth frosting.” Instead

“load the frosting onto the cake and use swirling actions with the smooth side of a butter knife to purposefully create texture.”

5. Use a baking sheet to catch lost sprinkles.

According to Helm Baxter, “Sprinkles fix everything!” And she’s so right. So let kids pile them on during the decorating stage.

But make sure you’re decorating the cake over a “large rimmed baking sheet” that can catch any lost sprinkles.

6. Have fun! Whether or not your cake kits end up looking exactly like the pictures, you can still enjoy the baking process.

Helm Baxter says that “baking with kids is unavoidably messy and you may not end up with a Martha Stewart-like creation.”

But the important thing is that “your kids will feel a sense of pride in baking and sharing their creations.”

June 2020 | New York Family

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family fun

Flour Shop Rainbow Explosion Cake Kit from Williams Sonoma Black Glam Birthday Cake Kit by Sheri Wilson from GlobalBelly Step-by-step guided instructions (with pictures!) will help you construct this gorgeous birthday cake. The pink gel frosting on the top is deliciously chic. Meanwhile, the oreo-flavored buttercream on the bottom is just plain delicious. The kit also comes with a signature pop sprinkle mix and six gold candles.

This cake will bring a total pop of glam to any quarantine birthday! $49.99, globalbelly.com

Those a little more adept with the whisk can try their hand at the Instagramfamous Rainbow Explosion Cake.

Williams Sonoma teamed up with the Flour Shop in Soho to create this truly original over-the-top cake kit. You’ll use premium cake mix and coloring gels to bake each whimsical layer. Then you’ll fill the cake with it with a million sprinkles (included) that burst out when you cut it open. This kit takes a little extra effort, but it’s a truly unforgettable experience (and not just cause it’ll live forever on your Instagram). $59.95, williams-sonoma.com

Madagascar Vanilla Chocolate Caramel Cake from KékiCake If you’re a fan of the Great American Baking Show or Cupcake Wars, then your refined palate will appreciate any kit from KékiCake. And this decadent chocolate caramel cake is no exception. The ingredients include honey bittersweet chocolate ganache, brown butter caramel and 100% cacao bittersweet french buttercream. So, if your kids are burgeoning baking enthusiasts, they’ll definitely appreciate this as a birthday treat. $54.95, kekicake.com

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Carrot Cake from Red Velvet NYC Red Velvet has been making DIY baking kits in New York City since 2015. Their chocolate pecan torte and flourless chocolate cake look delicious. But if you want to take a break from chocolate or vanilla sheet cakes, then try this scrumptious carrot cake. It’s topped with cream cheese frosting and a few walnuts. And although there are no nuts actually inside the cake, we’re still nuts about it! $32, redvelvetnyc.com

Little Chef Birthday Baking Kit from Butter + Whisk If you’re not a skilled baker, then Little Chef Birthday Baking Kit will hold your hand through this process. The kit includes access to an easy-to-follow video tutorial you and your kids can watch together. It’s recommended for ages 5-13 (but there’s no shame in following the instructions as a grown adult). Afterwards, you’ll have a delicious two-layered vanilla confetti birthday cake to celebrate the day. $36.99, butterandwhiskco.com

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June 2020 | New York Family

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Hold that Graduation!

With social distancing, we will celebrate differently this year

By Donna LaDD

T

his year my oldest son, ‘graduates’ fifth grade. I am the first to admit that since his first graduation from nursery school, I have always been a bit of a hot mess.

My fellow mom friends think it’s amusing that these ceremonies are important to me, and perhaps it has something to do with my youngest child being special needs. I am not sure he will have the privilege of school milestones, so I cherish them all. Time moves quickly, and all those wise aunties and family friends who said to savor each moment as “it goes fast” were one hundred percent on point.

Now, my boy is almost as tall as I am, and when I toured middle schools prepandemic this year, my friends and I were a bit shell shocked that our ‘babies’ are now tween-agers.

When COVID-19 entered into our world, most of us parents assumed (we were all pretty naive at this stage) that graduation would still happen come June. Although I wasn’t looking forward to sweating it out in a crowded auditorium, I love all the pomp and circumstance that comes with these ceremonial milestones.

As a working mom who saves her personal days off for special school events, this is one that I would pass up a big meeting for or even something that may lead to a promotion. Yup, I am out of the office that day and won’t answer emails. I am busy watching my child celebrate his achievements with joy and tears.

Like many of our kids and young adults experiencing this school year with a mid-year pandemic, consequently, they will not have graduation this year with their classmates — if lucky, some will have a virtual celebration.

We know it is not the same, and although I seem to be more disappointed than my son, we will celebrate the things that matter.

For if the last few months have taught us anything, it is what matters most which

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is that we are together, the kids are still learning, and teachers have been amazing .

We have breath, hope, joy. We have each other. And we’ll get back to celebrating the

milestones in our children’s lives. They may look different, but we are adaptable creatures and will celebrate it all once again.

Congrats to all 2020 graduates!

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June 2020 | New York Family

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gifts

Father’s Day Gifts

Under

$25

by Katarina avedaño

T

his Father’s Day we have gifts for every dad, from the dad who lives outdoors to the dad who appreciates a new tech item, these gifts are perfect for his special day. If looking for a gift within budget, we have you covered with affordable options! Browse through our roundup of gifts under $25 and get a thoughtful present for Father’s Day!

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1. Hiker Micro Crew Cushion For the dad that craves the outdoors, make sure they are well equipped with these rugged socks ready for the trails. These socks pull moisture away from the skin, quickly dry, and are made from Merino Wool for breathability and comfort. Whatever season he wants to go hiking, these socks will stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. darntough. com, $23 2. Bourbon Infused Coffee For a little pick-me-up, dads will love this bag of 100% Arabica coffee beans that are infused with bourbon. These coffee beans have a delightful aroma and unique flavor profile — great for a post-dinner sip. uncommongoods. com, $20 3. BOOST UP™ Wireless Charging Pad 5W For the tech dad, gift him this wireless charging pad for easy charging around the house. It’s affordable and also highly compatible with any device with Qi technology. It will power devices from Apple, Samsung, Xperia, LG, Sony, Nokia, Google, and more! He won’t even have to remove the case for charging as long as it’s a lightweight plastic case up to 3mm. belkin.com, $24.99 4. Ultra-Soft Breathe ON Tee for Men After being at home for the last few months, comfortable clothing has come to the rescue.

This breathable material is great for all movement and has Go-Dry Cool wicking technology which is perfect for warmer weather in New York City. This versatile tee is great for working out, for on the go, or if you need a comfortable go-to shirt. oldnavy.gap. com, $18

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5. HoMedics® Thera-P™ Total Body Massager Get an easy at-home massage at any time while we are still at home. This hand-held massager is great for achy muscles that need to be worked out. Adjust the intensity from gentile to vigorous and customize the massage with three different attachments: roller, spot, and wide area. homedics.com, $14.99 6. Cord Wrap Dads can keep all their cords neat and tidy with this Leatherology Cord Wrap. Loop your earbuds, phone charger, or other thin cables, and snap the leather wrap to keep everything together and tangle-free! leatherology.com, $15 7. Rambler 16 oz Stackable Pint Keep your cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot with this double-wall insulated pint glass.

Ditch the plastic cups for this stainless-steel, stackable pint glass — great for camping trips or whenever you need a reliable, insulated cup to keep your favorite beverages just right.

Dishwasher safe. yeti.com, $24.99

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Education

Navigating Virtual Admissions What schools are doing to make the process easier

By Courtney Ingalls

T

he coronavirus has created a roadblock for schools all around New York City.

Admissions teams have been struggling over the last few months shifting from in-person meetings and interviews to strictly online.

Although this transition might be difficult, schools have been working on creating virtual admissions that will be easy and helpful for both students and staff! Not sure how virtual admissions will work? Here are a few tips and tools that admissions teams are using to helping students and parents learn about schools for the upcoming season!

Virtual Tours When trying to decide which school students would want to attend, one of the best ways to explore different options is by visiting and touring the campuses. Even though campuses across the country are closed down, admissions teams are setting up virtual tours that kids and parents can sign up for. “We have a 360 virtual tour that we got shot just about a month after we started to shelter in place,” said Jim Gaines, the Director of Admissions at Green Ivy Schools. “That has been hugely beneficial in terms of being able to take parents on an actual tour of the school, everywhere from walking in the front door, up the steps into their child’s classrooms, seeing all the different specialist rooms, etc.” Through virtual tours, you can get an idea of whether or not your child will feel comfortable at this particular school and feel like they will be able to fit into the environment around them.

Video Interviews One of the most important parts of the application process is the parent and student interviews. These interviews allow both the admissions team and the student to get to know one another while also seeing if this certain school will be a good fit for them. Phone interviews

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NewYorkFamily.com | June 2020

can be a good alternative, but admission teams prefer doing interviews via video platforms, such as Zoom, in order to stimulate a proper interview. Alex Ragone, Director of Enrollment and Marketing at Williamsburg Northside School, said, “Depending on the age of the child, if the child who is three to first or second grade we will do a parent conversation with the child there so we’ll get to know the child and the parent. For older students, for middle school applicants, we will do an application process that has a parent interview as well as the student interview.” When it comes down to how interviews are conducted, every school is different depending on grade levels. “In those older ages, a lot of times we will have a couple of students come along in the Zoom conversation to answer questions and have a conversation with the child who is applying. That gives us a view into kind of how they [the applicant] would engage in the community,” said Ragone.

Make Sure to Do Your Research You might not realize it, but many of the schools you might be looking at usually have tons of information that could be beneficial when it comes to picking a school. Especially since coronavirus has caused in-person visits to be canceled, schools have been reviewing and updating their websites to make sure they have the right information that people will need such as tuition and financial aid, as well as lists of virtual events that schools will be hosting. “Definitely do as much research as they [parents] can by visiting the websites. A

lot of the website indicates what the school is about,” said Emily Benson, Director of Admissions at International Academy of New York.

Research can feel repetitive and challenging for some people, but the benefits of having some of your questions answered early on will make the admissions process a little less stressful Communication Is Key Since there isn’t an option to meet one on one with administrators and potential students, being able to have good communication is a good factor when it comes to choosing a school. Once the potential students and parents do research and see what the different schools have to offer, the next step is to relay questions that you still might have to administrators. Benson said “Something we’ve always had in place is strong communication, so if a parent asks us a question we’ll answer it right away. We make it very obvious from the beginning that we’re really transparent and open to answer anything.” Asking as many questions as possible will not only help the school get to know what kind of person the student and their parents are, but also help the students get to know the school’s values and how they function. “Have your list of questions ready.

Be very thoughtful, deliberate, and intentional about what your values are as a family, what is important to you in terms of education, [and] how you perceive your child as a learner,” said Gaines. The better communication you have, the better experience the student will have at the school that they choose.

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June 2020 | New York Family

17

books

The Grown-Up Summer Reading List Time to explore some new worlds, one book at a time...

By Hester ABA

I

f you’re anything like me, you pine for the days of Summer Reading Lists, when you didn’t have to make complicated choices or spend hours trawling Amazon (we can’t wait to have you BACK indie bookshops!) before settling for another tired old thriller from a big name author. In these awesome coronavirus times, I expect more from my reading — it needs to be FUN, dammit. And I’m all about the happy ending these days. I need to feel like somehow, somewhere, things end up OK. Here are our choices for books to dive into this summer and escape reality…

Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld

Rodham is the newest novel from Curtis Sittenfeld, and tells the story of what could have been, if Hillary Rodham had never married Bill Clinton.

The concept itself of course will either grab you or repel you, depending on your political leanings, but I loved how Sittenfeld inhabited Hillary’s slightly dry, legalistic voice to tell her story. Rodham is an intriguing thought experiment and despite a weak middle section where Sittenfeld needs to wrangle her protagonist to power, the interactions between Bill and Hillary over the years are both surprising and delightfully awful. Destined to be one of this summer’s most zeitgeisty reads.

Happy and You Know It by Laura Hankin

Happy and You Know It is quintessential summer reading: fluffy and bubbly fun.

The edge is delivered by the New York City “insta-mom” setting, which readers of New York Family will be sure to recognize! The conceit is simple — a talented and down-on-

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NewYorkFamily.com | June 2020

her-luck musician gets sucked into the lives of an Upper East Side moms’ playgroup, but all is not as it seems. If you’re looking to turn your brain off and hark back to the world of NYC parenting pre-Corona, this is your pick.

All Adults Here by Emma Straub

All Adults Here tells the story of Astrid, a grandmother living in upstate NY, who is prompted by the sudden death of an acquaintance to look back at her parenting choices and how they affected the lives of her three adult children.

Emma Straub’s writing is cosy and filled with

descriptions of quirkily eccentric characters.

As parents, we’re primed to feel responsible for the “damage” our parenting is doing to our children, and I loved that this novel shows how even with the best of intentions, our parenting style interacts with the individual characters of our children to create unexpected outcomes.

The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires

by Grady Hendrix

The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires is soooo good that upon finishing it I instantly texted

about five friends to recommend it, one of whom then blamed me for a lost nice of sleep as she stayed up past 3am to find out what happens! Set in the suburbs of a Georgia town, the author explains the concept in his introduction: “I wanted to pit dracula against my mom, and as you’ll see, it’s not a fair fight”. This is Steel Magnolias meets True Blood with a whole dollop of grisly, dark happenings and humour.

Writers & Lovers

by Lily King

Writers & Lovers is a beautifullywritten choice if you’re looking to get lost in a tender and painful story about an underdog heroine, Casey, who can’t seem to get her life on track after the death of her beloved mother. I loved the descriptions of the two men Casey ultimately chooses between, and the happy ending means what

could have been quite a melancholy book ends up being ultimately uplifting and hopeful.

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle

In Five Years’s plot is based around the main character, Dannie, who in her late 20’s has everything she could possibly want: an amazing career, a Manhattan apartment, a lovely best friend and a wonderful fiancé. One night Dannie has a strange dream/magical premonition, where she sees herself in a whole other life, with a totally different man.

Events from her premonition eventually come true, but it’s a lot more entertaining than that! The character of Dannie’s best friend is not even slightly believable, but if you’re into “Rom Coms” you’ll have a fun time with this book.

My Dark Vanessa

by Kate Elizabeth Russell

My Dark Vanessa is a re-telling of Nabokov’s Lolita for the post-Me Too era, so trigger warning, expect some pretty graphic descriptions of underage sex.

My Dark Vanessa is alternates between Vanessa’s teenage years (when she enters into a relationship with her middle-aged English teacher) and her troubled adulthood, as she struggles to process the fall-out from this relationship. My Dark Vanessa powerfully demonstrates how grooming can be experienced by a victim and how supporting characters in Vanessa’s life enable the abuse.

Hester Aba is a British mama to two girls in Brooklyn, loving the big kid years and obsessed with reading and books. Follow her @hester on Instagram or visit www.hester.co for book recos and more.

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19

apps

The Best

Podcasts for Kids

Our ultimate guide to 25 terrific podcasts to keep the kids learning and listening this summer

By Regan Mies

W

ith an incredible variety of creative topics, themes and genres, these podcasts for kids are the perfect way to keep your child engaged and entertained while at home! Cook with the Mystery Recipe Podcast’s mystery cook-along and learn the answers to big science questions with NPR’s Wow in the World! With episodes that inspire through music-making, storytelling, research, creativity and more, there’s sure to be the perfect podcast for every young listener.

Story PodcaStS

Story Seeds storyseedspodcast.com

Rather than simply sharing stories, the Story Seeds podcast takes things one step further and shows how stories are made! In each episode, one kid from ages 6 to 12 will be paired with a children’s book author. Listen as they first brainstorm and then make their way through the writing process until finally, at the end of every episode, there’s a readaloud with the author and their brand new story! Each episode is about a half-hour long and is full of creativity.

Girl tales girltalespodcast.com

The Girl Tales podcast offers “feminist fairy tales for a new generation.” No damsels in distress here! Each episode lasts about 20 minutes and is brought to life with energetic voice actors and professional sound design.

New stories debut every month, with the most recent being “M of the Mist,” “Amena Appleseed” and “Elisa and the Swans.” circle round npr.org

Targeted for ages 4 to 10, Circle Round’s 10 to 20-minute episodes tell folktales from around the world through immersive radio plays.

Each episode explores valuable themes like

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kindness and persistence, and each episode ends with a fun activity to prompt conversation between you and your child. Actor Chris Sullivan is featured in the most recent episode, “Chef Know-It-All,” a Hawaiian story about an egotistical, boastful cook.

Story Pirates storypirates.com

With a crew of world-class actors, comedians and musicians, Story Pirates takes original stories from real kids and turns them into wild, imaginative audio adventures, each about 30 minutes in length! Kids of all ages are encouraged to submit their very own original stories on the Story Pirates website and hear their work brought to life as sketch comedy or musical theater.

What If World whatifworldpodcast.com

For every episode of the What If World podcast, Mr. Eric turns a listener’s “What if?” question into a wacky and exciting story!

With the help of goofy characters Abacus P Grumbler, Randall Radbot and Whendiana Joan, Mr. Eric’s 15 to 20-minute stories will explore what might happen… if a tiny dragon lived in your closet, if there was a neverending bowl of ice cream or if cats ruled the world. Your child can call in for the chance to have their own question featured on the show.

Story time bedtime.fm

Story Time offers audio short stories for children ages 2 to 13. Each episode is less than 20 minutes long, the perfect length to keep your young listener engaged. These stories are especially great for car rides or before-bed listening.

Scripted Series Podcasts the alien adventures of Finn caspian finncaspian.com

Targeted for ages 5 to 10, this serialized science-fiction podcast is perfect for fans of

Scooby-Doo or Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

With over 100 half-hour episodes, your child will become immersed in the story of Finn Caspain, an 8-year-old boy aboard The Famous Marlowe 280 Interplanetary Exploratory Space Station. With his friends Abigail, Elias and Vale, Finn explores uncharted space, solves mysteries, and helps the occasional alien along the way. aaron’s World mydogrocket.com

This 50-episode, imaginative, science-themed audio drama for kids was created by Aaron when he was just 6 years old, and by the time it reached its final episodes, he was only 11!

Aaron’s World tells of the time-traveling adventures of a boy and his trusty computer companion as they explore the world in the time of dinosaurs; you’re sure to learn something new along the way! tara tremendous wonkybot.com

The Tara Tremendous series is an immersive scripted podcast with nearly 50 episodes so far! Follow 11-year-old Tara Callahan as she navigates her new life after accidentally acquiring the powers of every superhero in the world. With a cast of over 50 performers and loads of mystery, action and adventure, the musically-infused series will entertain the whole family.

InteractIve PodcaStS Mystery recipe Podcast americastestkitchen.com

Have fun getting excited about cooking and eating with these 20-minute episodes about the fantastical sides of food with America’s Test Kitchen Kids. Each episode focuses on one ingredient and finishes with a mystery recipe cook-along! Mystery Recipe Podcast has 26 “silly and unexpectedly educational” episodes out now; the latest of which are titled “Starch of the Penguins” and “Carb Your Enthusiasm.”

The Music Box wuol.org

The Music Box, hosted by music educator Faith Murphy, is an interactive podcast that teaches lessons on musical objectives for young learners. Through performing, responding and connecting, kids are encouraged to make music and explore fundamental concepts! The 10-minute episodes can be further supplemented with printable lesson plans on the Music Box website.

Noodle Loaf noodleloafshow.com

Geared toward kids ages 3 to 9, the Noodle Loaf podcast is full of singing, dancing and play! Led by a music education specialist and

his goofball kids, each Noodle Loaf episode encourages your family to join in for 10 minutes of creative fun.

Smash Boom Best brainson.org

In this family-friendly debate show, debaters use facts and passion to make their case: Cats or dogs? Pizza or Tacos? The fun and silly competitions will teach young listeners how to defend their own opinions along the way!

In two of the podcast’s recent 40-minute episodes, participants debate about Sharks versus Skunks and Chocolate versus Cheese.

On the Smash Boom Best website, you can download score sheets to fill out as the episodes progress or submit your own debate

opinions and ideas!

EducaTioNaL PodcaSTS Tai asks Why cbc.ca

Join curious Canadian 11-year-old Tai Poole as he asks life’s biggest questions. In his award-winning podcast, Tai searches for answers through conversations with professors and experts, with psychologists and astrophysicists — even with his little brother! To give you a taste of the types of questions Tai braves, the latest of his 20 to 30-minute podcasts are titled “This is why songs get stuck in your head — even when you don’t like them” and “Why the night sky is so dark — even when it’s full of stars.”

June 2020 | New York Family

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apps

Tumble sciencepodcastforkids.com

you’ll have the chance to listen to NASA’s Chief Scientist, Jim Green, answer questions about space exploration!

With the help of real-life scientists, hosts Lindsay and Marshal lead Tumble’s 15 to 20-minute episodes and teach kids about science through stories about scientific discoveries and mysteries. Recent podcast episodes covered “The Tale of the Interstellar Visitor,” “Answering Kids’ Coronavirus Questions” and “The Science of Smell.”

INSPIrINg POdCaSTS Best day Yet: Positive Thinking for Kids podcasts.apple.com

Elementary librarian and author Marjorie Stordeur believes that before kids can learn to be kind to others, they must first learn to be kind to themselves. Best Day Yet releases 5 to 15-minute weekly episodes wherein Marjorie and her two kids will guide listeners on “affirmative adventures.” The show teaches skills that will be helpful for all kids, like positive self-talk, but it’s especially impactful for kids who might struggle with anxiety or self-doubt.

Brains On! brainson.org

Brains On! is American Public Media’s science podcast for curious kids. Hosted by kid scientists and public radio reporters, the podcast asks questions about the world and “goes wherever the answers take us!”

Some of the most recent 30 to 40-minute episodes are titled “Thinking Ink: the Scoop on this Colorful Stuff,” “Can You Dig to the Center of the Earth?” and “Joy Overload! The Science of Tickles and Cuteness.”

The dream Big Podcast dreambigpodcast.com

In The Dream Big Podcast, fifth-grader Eva and her mom Olga interview worldclass performers like Kobe Bryant and Mel Robbins to inspire young kids to pursue their passions and dream big! Other times, they share encouraging stories and simply chat about life. Young listeners will stay inspired through Dream Big’s over 200 episodes; at 20 to 30 minutes each, they’re the perfect length to keep your kids engaged and encouraged.

Wow in the World! npr.org

NPR’s kid science podcast, Wow in the World!, explores the wonders of the world around us. Hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz will bring you and your child along to “go inside our brains, out into space and deep into the coolest new stories in science and technology. Two recent 10-minute episodes are titled “I Have a Need for Trees” and “The Stars of Space.”

the world is fascinating and knowledge is power!”

The Past and the Curious thepastandthecurious.com

Ear Snacks earsnacks.org

This podcast shares bite-sized, inspiring true stories from history about the incredible achievements of all types of people. The Past and the Curious is for anyone who loves a great story. Made for curious children, parents and teachers, the podcasts’ creators believe “stories from our collective past have the power to transform people today.” Listen to their newest episodes about hands, bears and basketballs!

In Ear Snacks’ 15 to 30-minute, familyfriendly episodes, Andrew, Polly and their friends chat about music, science, art and culture. Through award-winning music and conversation, young listeners will learn about all facets of the world. For example, Ear Snacks’ three most recent episodes cover joy, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and the number Pi.

KidNuz kidnuz.org

But Why is a podcast produced by Vermont Public Radio and led by its kid listeners! It encourages kids to submit their questions about big and small topics like space, words and nature — even about the end of the world! During the COVID-19 crisis, But Why is hosting live shows every Friday at 1 pm Eastern Time. On Friday, May 15, the show invites Poetry Guy Ted Scheu to answer questions about poetry. On Friday, May 22,

Created by four veteran broadcast journalists, KidNuz offers five-minute episodes of nonpartisan and age-appropriate current events, top stories, politics, science, entertainment, sports and more to engage the next generation of learners. KidNuz’s goal is to inform without fear and educate without opinion, because “kids are curious,

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NewYorkFamily.com | June 2020

But Why vpr.org

Five Minutes with dad fiveminuteswithdad.com

Listen to Pavlos, Angela and their dad Nick talk about all sorts of things in this kids and family podcast; learn about great ways to build parent-child connections along the way.

Five Minutes With Dad has produced nearly 150 episodes so far! With episodes like “Six Ways to Have Fun This Spring,” “Setting Priorities for Kids and Family” and “Making the Best out of New Experiences,” these encouraging podcasts, made for kids, by kids, will give the family something new to look forward to every week.

Peace Out podcasts.apple.com

Peace Out is perfect for parents who want to teach their kids mindfulness and selfregulation. Peace Out’s 20-minute relaxation stories will help young listeners learn skills to calm down and relax, skills like visualization and breathing exercises. Their 5-minute “Time to Pause” episodes are perfect for those much-needed moments of calm throughout the day.

Co-ed Private Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4 and K to 8 Scholarships Available Accepting Applications

468 W 143rd St, NY, NY 10019 212-926-5820 ollnyc.org

June 2020 | New York Family

23

mom hacks

At-Home Hair Color With most salons closed because of COVID-19, we’ve found 7 color kits to update your look

By Donna LaDD

I

t is happening. We are winning at self-isolation and have come to terms with the lack of many things. We are embracing what matters in life, yet, we all have mirrors. There are dark roots of natural color most of us haven’t seen since college now forming some sort of halo around our heads. Or gray hairs peeking out. Uh oh. And with quarantine still happening and salons closed for however long, it may be time to take self-care to the next level and do some at-home magical care and update our hair color!

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Hair Coloring Tips First, tips from writer and beauty pro Melissa Brown (follow on Instagram @ missyb823): 1. Skip shampoo for 24 hours before coloring your hair to prevent stripping the natural oils that help protect your scalp from chemicals used to alter your hue.

2. The trick to even coverage is to section your hair before applying color. Divide your strands into four or five sections using clips or elastics.

When applying color, start with the back (or lower) sections, then move

your way up towards your hairline.

3. Don’t go changing! Never attempt to make your color more than three shades lighter or darker than your natural base. Drastic changes are best left to the pros since they know how to customize formulas.

4. Not ready to commit? Select a semi-permanent kit, which is a colordepositing-only formula (meaning you can’t make hair lighter) and will wash out after several shampoos.

5. Hair dye can stain your skin, so prevent this by swiping a thin layer of petroleum jelly along your hairline before coloring. This creates a barrier that dye can’t penetrate.

Best for Base Color & Highlights: L’Oreal Paris Couleur Experte 2-Step Home Hair Color & Highlights Kit A great kit if you have gray and only want to cover with a base and add highlights. Solid color is applied first; the only complaint is the small fingertip applicator doesn’t always stay on securely. Color comes out naturally, and highlights are a bonus that gives the overall hair color a vibrant and natural tone. This is a permanent dye, so we recommend testing a strand of hair before application. $14.99 , lorealparisusa. com

Best Color for Overall Shine: L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Color + Shine System If looking for a color that results in shine and gives hair a lift — this is an excellent choice.

Enrich with camelina oil, Vitamin E — hair looks healthy and shiny afterward. Perfect if you are finding yourself in a hair rut while in quarantine and want to get hair back to a healthy look. $9, amazon.com

Best Custom Hair Color: eSalon If you are in search of a custom color similar to what a hair colorist can achieve, then choose a home kit brand that knows what they are doing such as eSalon. A digital hair color resource that has been in business since 2010 — like a physical salon, you will have a questionnaire to fill out.

After submitting a hefty amount of information and a photo of your current color, a colorist will jump in with your custom color. The result is a custom color formula that is not only affordable but looks salon-worthy. Our tester Erin shared, “When I used eSalon, the results were better than when I get my roots done at a salon.” Color kits start at $27.50, eSalon.com

Best for Highlights: Revlon Color Effects Frost & Glow Highlights What quarantine? With this kit, you can add some summer glow to your mane in less than an hour. Add to existing highlights or brush on for those sun-kissed strands. This kit is a bit old school with its LightZones cap, but this will help you to set where you want to place the highlighting formula for the perfect “been to the beach” look. $12, revlon.com

Best Foam Hair Dye: John Frieda Precision Foam Colour If looking for minimal steps to dying your hair, yet still achieving vibrant color, this John Frieda Precision Foam Colour goes on easy with little mess and directions. This aluminum-free dye is perfect if you are looking to boost up your natural color or pair with your salon shade until your next beauty visit. The average color dye time is around 30 minutes. $9, johnfrieda.com

Best Overall Color for Gray Hair Coverage: Revlon Total Color This vegan cream formula is without parabens, sulfates, silicones, ammonia, phthalates, or gluten. It is a permanent color and lasts for about six weeks. It is infused with hemp seed oil which helps nourish the hair, making it look glossy and rich in color. $8, amazon. com

Best Kit for Temporary Hair Color: L’Oreal Paris Magic Root Cover Up Gray Concealer Spray If you are not ready to take the permanent color plunge and want to wait until you can get to your colorist, this cover spray is a useful solution. This goes on in seconds (check out spokesperson Eva Longoria‘s tutorial on Instagram) and does a great job of concealing. $7.86, amazon.com

June 2020 | New York Family

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family fun

New Kids Movies to Watch in Quarantine

By IsaBelle Bousquette

T

he movie theaters are closed (for now), but that doesn’t mean there’s a halt on new and recent releases. Instead, the best new kids movies to watch in quarantine are already streaming. Even as the lockdown drags on, there’s no shortage of fun, kidfriendly content. (Which is great news for parents who are exhausted after a long week of homeschooling). So hop into the Mystery Machine, belt out your favorite song with some trolls, or set sail with a talking polar bear as your first mate. You might be stuck in your living room for the time being, but these movies will still take you on some wild adventures.

Scoob!

The latest installment in the mystery gang franchise cements one universal truth: Scooby-Doo never gets old. So pull out your Scooby snacks and dive into the gang’s next adventure. This time, they’re investigating a plot to release the evil dog, Cerberus, into the world. On their way, they discover chilling secrets about Scooby’s own legacy. Featuring an all-star voice cast of Zac Efron, Gina Rodriguez and Amanda Seyfried, this film truly has something for everyone. $19.99 rent, $24.99 to purchase on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Apple TV, Vudu and Google Play.

The Willoughbys Based on the book by Lois Lowry, The Willoughbys tells the story of four siblings who decide they’d be better off raising themselves. After their parents set out on a “no kids allowed” vacation, the siblings begin their own adventure. They spin through high-speed car chases, flying spaceships and candy factories, all in pursuit of the family they’ve always dreamed of.

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Included with Netflix subscription.

Trolls World Tour Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake return, bringing the characters of Poppy and Branch to life once again. This time, the trolls are on a mission to protect their kingdom. They have to unite trolls from all six tribes that play all different kinds of music, from funk to country, pop, classical and rock. Ozzy Osbourne and Kelly Clarkson also lend their voices to this colorful musical adventure with an unforgettable soundtrack. $19.99 to rent on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Vudu and Google Play.

Sonic the Hedgehog Everyone’s favorite blue hedgehog is finally heading to the big screen. In the highest grossing video game movie of all time, Sonic finds himself adjusting to life on earth. That is, until he’s forced to battle an evil supergenius in order to save the planet he now calls home. Flanked by Jim Carey and James Marsden, Sonic is the perfect flick to bring a little supersonic magic into your quarantine family movie night.

From $4.99 on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Vudu and Google Play.

Dolittle Robert Downey Jr. takes on the title role of the beloved doctor who can talk to the animals. But the real stars of this movie are the animals. Jip, the dog, Polynesia the parrot, and Chee-Chee the Gorilla all join Dr. Dolittle on his quest to find a cure for the disease that plagues Queen Victoria. As they race against the clock, each creature lends his special skills. Dolittle and his crew ultimately discover that the outside world can be quite a zoo.

From $5.99 on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Vudu and Google Play.

Frozen 2 The highly anticipated followup to Disney’s Frozen is now on streaming for all to watch (and sing along to)! Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven set foot into an enchanted forest in search of ancient secrets and spooky voices.

Once again they have to face the fact that in order to save Arendelle, they risk losing each other. The sequel also boasts some iconic tunes, including “Into the Unknown,” and “Reindeer Are Better Than People.”

Included with Disney+ subscription. From $4.99 on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Vudu and Google Play.

Lady and the Tramp Disney’s classic canine flick has now been reimagined with real-life dogs. It’s the story of what happens with a pampered cocker spaniel falls for a mutt from the wrong side of the tracks. There’s adventure, there’s howling at the moon, and of course, there’s spaghetti and meatballs. The live-action version includes all your favorite songs from the classic 1955 version, plus it adds a few fun twists!

Included with Disney+ subscription.

Dora and the Lost City of Gold The classic cartoon heroine, Dora the Explorer, is all grown up and appearing for the first time in live-action. Fans of the original TV show and those that have never seen it before alike will enjoy this 2019 reboot. When Dora moves away from her explorer parents in Peru, she faces her biggest challenge yet: high school. But soon she finds she can’t escape her destiny any more than Swiper can escape with her singing map.

Included with Sling TV subscription. From $4.99 on Vudu. From $6.99 on Amazon Prime Video, Youtube and Google Play.

The Missing Link This nominee for Oscar Best Animated Pic-

ture is a stop-motion instant classic. It tells the story of Sir Lionel Frost, an explorer aiming to make his mark on history, and Mr Link, a big-foot-esque creature searching for his place in the world. They team up with fellow adventurer Adelina Fortnight and set out on a perilous journey in search of Mr. Link’s homeland.

Instead, they discover the power of friendship and what it really means to belong.

Included with Hulu subscription. From $3.99 on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Vudu and Google Play.

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World The final film of the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy is arguably the best of the three. Hiccup, now a young man, has become

the Viking leader of Berk. He thinks he’ll always have his pal, Toothless, by his side. But things change when Toothless meets a mysterious white dragon. Ultimately, Hiccup has to make a decision that will forever affect the relationship between humans and dragons.

Included with Hulu subscription. From $3.99 on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Vudu and Google Play.

June 2020 | New York Family

27

Food

Easy Summer Recipes With fresh food in abundance theses recipes are easy to make, and of course, kids love them

By Nicole Berrie of BonBeri.com

W

ith summer about to be in full swing, and keeping social distancing in mind, the kids are outdoors more. Read: I’m in the kitchen less. This means easy, fresh recipes that don’t require a lot of cooking! (You’re welcome mama.) Enter three of our fave summer recipes that incorporate lots of seasonal ripe fruits and veggies and not much else.

One of my favorite things about summers in New York is all the bountiful fresh produce you can find at the farmer’s market and local grocer. Whether it’s sweet melons, punchy herbs, or juicy tomatoes and cucumbers, it’s easy to eat local!

Now that we’ll be hunkering down a lot, I’ve never been more grateful for simplicity in all its delicious forms.

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

These are some of my daughter’s favorite things all rolled into one. It’s full of crunchy juicy veggies so I like to call it a “training” salad for toddlers. Can omit the mint or it might work for some more “sophisticated” palettes 4 Persian cucumbers, sliced then cut into 1/4 inch half moons 4 small tomatoes, chopped 1/2 cup of pitted black olive, chopped 3 pickles, sliced then cut into 1/4 inch half moons 4 tablespoons olive oil 1/4 teaspoon sumac Juice of 1 lemon Sea salt to taste Optional: A few fresh mint leaves, chopped Combine all veggies in a medium sized bowl. In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt and sumac.

Pour over vegetables and gently coat with hands. Top with mint leaves and serve!

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Nicole Berrie at home with her children Jude and Sea.

All photos by Nick Moshkovich

June 2020 | New York Family

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Food

Cantaloupe Banana Shakes This was my favorite combination smoothie growing up. It also reminds me of the kind of smoothie I get from the street vendors in the summer. I like to add some chlorophyll-rich veg like celery and romaine. Don’t underestimate the power of a crunchy green!

1 organic cantaloupe 1 ripe banana, frozen 2 cups raw coconut water 1 stalk celery 2 leaves of romaine Blend all ingredients in high-speed blender. Serve!

Tie-Dye Watermelon Ice Pops The undefeated biggest hit of the summer in my family, watermelon ice pops. Refreshing, hydrating and delicious! This version includes swirling together coconut water and watermelon puree for a cool tie-dye effect.

I love including raw coconut water for natural electrolytes and minerals, aka natural “Gatorade”! Hardly a recipe but you can get creative and add herbaceous flair like basil, cilantro or mint. My kids like it classic.

1/2 of a whole watermelon 4 cups of raw coconut water (I like Harmless Harvest or Copra) Few leaves of basil, mint or cilantro (optional) Remove rind and seeds from watermelon. Blend watermelon until a smooth consistency, set aside in a pitcher.

If adding herbs, chop herbs and add to watermelon mixture. (Blending them will muddy the color.) Pour watermelon mixture into popsicle molds 1/3 of the way, then pour in coconut water. Follow with watermelon puree until full. The mixture will naturally swirl but you can also use a little spoon and do a quick swirl to achieve more of the “tie dye look” Freeze overnight. Voila!

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NewYorkFamily.com | June 2020

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June 2020 | New York Family

31

The Baby Whisperers Two pediatric nurses run service for matching up new parents with registered baby nurses

By IsaBelle Bousquette

T

he process of finding the right baby nurse is kind of like the process of looking for hand sanitizer in the middle of a pandemic: stressful and complicated. You might know what you want, but you have no idea where to find it.

Kayla Loschky and Jeri Ford’s business is a remedy to that problem (the baby nurse problem, not the hand sanitizer). They founded Baby Whisperers (yourbabywhisperers.com) with the goal of making a family’s search for a baby nurse more clean cut and straightforward.

Loschky and Ford run almost like an eHarmony of baby nurse services. They interview families. They interview nurses.

And then they pair them up based on expectations, personality types and whether they’re looking for part-time or live-in work.

The process is smooth and easy, and unlike eHarmony, you never have to rank your top five romantic comedies.

Loschky and Ford met while they were both pediatric graduate nurses working at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis.

When Loschky was hired as a private baby nurse, she gushed to Ford about how much she loved the job. Together they realized there was a market for a respected and official baby nurse selection service.

They also had something unique going for them: most people hired as “baby nurses” aren’t technically Registered Nurses (RNs).

They might be experienced nannies or newborn care specialists, but they lack the official medical training of an RN. Loschky and Ford, on the other hand, (and all the nurses they work with) are full Registered Pediatric Nurses.

Being an RN isn’t technically a requirement for baby nursing. However, Loschky explains that families find comfort knowing that their baby nurses “are more well-rounded in the variety of experience they have and thus able to give better care and education.” She adds, “Our nurses can

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“A new mother and father are always worried that they know nothing about babies. It is a wonderful bonus to have a medical expert already in the home.” provide holistic care while also being able to act quickly and responsively in emergencies.”

Loschky and Ford agree that there’s been a lot of confusion over the role of baby nurses.

Ford attributes it to the fact that “there are many different types of help and assistance for babies and kids within the home. It is easier for most people to just say “baby nurse” because that is all they know.”

The Baby Whisperers offer a range of different services designed to cater to the needs of each family. Ford says, that for the most part, their nurses “do everything from teaching basic newborn care to assessing and looking for potential issues.” They can also advise on “sleep training techniques, feeding cues, importance of routine, when to call the doctor, safety measures, lactation management, rest breaks [and] tummy time.”

Still, perhaps “Parent Whisperers” would’ve been another apt name for Loschky and Ford’s company. Ford explains that her ultimate goal as a nurse is always to “empower [the] parents.”

“A new mother and father are always worried that they know nothing about babies,” Loschky says. Now, during a worldwide

health crisis, those anxieties are only amplified. That’s why, she adds “it is a wonderful bonus to have a medical expert already in the home. Many clinics and offices are limiting in-person checkups and therefore having a baby nurse in the home can help identify potential issues before your pediatrician could.”

Loschky describes her most recent job in Los Angeles as an example of the apprehension most new parents feel. She says, “The mother thanked me countless times throughout my stay with them. She was a first-time mom and was so scared to hold her baby, change him (diaper and clothes), and put him in the car seat.” She adds, “I did a lot of teaching and showed her how to safely do all of the newborn care he needed.”

Ford agrees that the transition from hospital to home postpartum isn’t a smooth one for many families. It’s partially because, she says, “The education at the hospital is nowhere near enough.” She adds, “Many families are left tired and nervous immediately after birth, and it can put a real strain on the family dynamic.”

Ford explains that those first few weeks at home can truly set the tone for parenthood and babyhood alike. She says, “We have seen first-hand how education and recuperation in the home can dramatically change the parent’s experiences with their newborn. This also helps the baby live a happier life.” For Ford, that is one of the things that makes this career so distinctly rewarding.

Nevertheless, the life of a live-in traveling baby nurse of course comes with a particular set of challenges. Loschky explains that the most difficult part of it all is “learning the family’s unique style of adjusting to newborn life and what they expect.” However, this is also what motivates her to be so meticulous about matching nurses to families.

Loschky and Ford’s first step is to conduct a phone interview with parents interested in Baby Whisperers. Then they search for the most qualified nurses and verify their credentials. (These are usually nurses that Loschky and Ford know personally or have

worked with). Baby Whisperers then set up an interview between the family and the nurse to discuss expectations and payment (a live-in nurse can cost between $400 and $700 a day whereas a part-time nurse might charge between $30 and $40 per hour). If all goes well, Loschy and Ford draw up a contract for both parties. They work with families and nurses all over the U.S. Loschky says of the COVID-19 crisis, “Thankfully, our business is almost totally virtually operated, so not much has changed.”

Her job has always been about transitions: the transition “from womb to world,” the transition from couple to parents, the transition from pregnancy to a family. Now, as the world is on the brink of a once-in-ageneration transition from the coronavirus, Loschky and Ford haven’t missed a beat.

Their job requires them to be cautious and calm at the same time. They soothe irrational fears and validate rational concerns. They provide solace and reason in equal measure.

That’s exactly the type of spirit they’ve learned

to appreciate during the pandemic.

So as the world copes with the aftermath of coronavirus and slowly begins healing, Loschky and Ford will be doing what they’ve done all along: “Helping a family feel empowered and….[building] confidence that will span the rest of their lives, not just the couple weeks we spend with them.”

Baby Whisperers travel throughout the country including New York and can be reached at yourbabywhisperers.com.

June 2020 | New York Family

33

HEALTH

Supplements for Coronavirus Times These latest supplements are perfect when looking to build up your mood and immnunity

BY HESTER ABA

I

t’s natural that we’re all a little bit more concerned about our health right now as we live through these strange times. While my diet probably has never been worse (hello quarantine baking!) I’ve been trying to fit in daily workouts and have added some supplements to try to boost both my mood and my immune system. And to give myself the illusion of controlling my destiny when literally nothing else in my life is under control (cue hysterical laughter)...

Seed Daily Synbiotic The Science Bit: Seed is both a pre- and probiotic specially designed for women, containing 24 potent strains of bacteria that have been clinically proven to not only ease digestion and significantly increase folate production, but to also contribute to cardiovascular health and improve dermatological health.

My take: Seed is a pricey investment, and I ummed and aahed a lot before pulling the trigger, but out of my whole supplement arsenal, these have been the game changer. While I haven’t seen noticeable digestive changes, I credit the clearing up of my hormone-related chin breakouts to these babies. I might be in quarantine, but I’ve never had better skin. Shame only my family gets to see it! Seed’s Probiotics are a subscription model, so you commit to paying $50 per month and each month’s package of pills comes in fully biodegradable and recycled packaging. Per Seed’s recommendations I started by taking one capsule a day and increased to two a day (on an empty stomach) after a couple of weeks.

Nobi Nutrition Magnesium Complex Premium The Science Bit: Magnesium is a mineral that keeps blood pressure normal, bones strong (especially important for women heading towards menopause) and heart rhythm steady.

If you lack magnesium in your diet you’re at risk for increased inflammation which in turn can lead to heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers.

My take: Knowledgeable nutritionist pals of mine say “If you only take one supplement, make it magnesium,” and I happily follow their advice. When I pop one or two magnesium capsules right before bed, I find I sleep more deeply and am less likely to wake up during the night. I don’t

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know whether this magnesium is better than others — it’s just easily available on Amazon.

Thorne Vitamin D/K2 Liquid The Science Bit: Vitamin D3 can help to support the immune system and helps to move calcium from the bones to the bloodstream when it’s needed. In this liquid supplement (which is an easier form of Vitamin D for the body to absorb) it’s combined with Vitamin K2 which is essential for normal cell formation and the maintenance of a healthy cardiovascular system.

My take: It’s a bit tricky to try to drop the little droplets directly into your mouth, so I drop them onto a teaspoon and then lick the spoon afterwards. I also give this to my kids on a daily basis because none of us are getting enough sun while we’re stuck indoors for most of the day! It has no taste at all, so there are zero complaints.

Liposomal Glutathione The Science Bit: Glutathione is one of the body’s most powerful detoxifiers. It can support healthy immune function and can neutralize a broad spectrum of free radicals.

Glutathione can protect our cells from damage caused by peroxides, pollutants, metals and more, and can improve metabolic energy.

My take: I keep this little bottle in the fridge, and take two pumps first thing in the morning. You hold the liquid in your mouth for 30 seconds before swallowing, at which point one of my kids is sure to ask me a question so I have to frantically point to my mouth and signal before they ask again and again. It’s a fun game.

HUM Nutrition’s Moody Bird, Arctic Repair and Red Carpet The Science Bit: HUM recommends this trio of supplements for moms. Red Carpet contains black currant seed oil, gamma linolenic acid and vitamin E and promises glowing skin and shiny hair. Arctic Repair contains wild arctic lingonberry seed oil which has been clinically shown to rejuvenate the skin and reduce wrinkles. Moody Bird contains dong qui and chaste berry and is your monthly ally vs. PMS.

My take: I love this trifecta of supplements from HUM, all of which feel very gentle on my stomach with no nasty after-taste.

The Arctic Repair and Red Carpet I take on a daily basis, while the Moody Bird I take for the week leading up to getting my period.

My hair is definitely in much better condition than before I started taking them, but that could be aided by the fact that I’ve stopped applying any heat treatments to my hair also.

Welle Co’s “The Super Elixir” and “The Super Booster” The Science Bit: The Super Elixir by Welle (Elle Macperhson’s wellness brand) is a cult product in Australia, and contains a combo of 45 naturally derived ingredients, including whole foods, herbal extracts, vitamins, minerals and probiotics.

My take: I fantasize that consuming the Elixir and superboosters will magically transform me into tanned and toned Elle MacPherson, and they are delicious additions to your daily smoothie or blitzed in a blender with just some coconut water. I love choosing a different Super Booster every day, with my fave being the Women’s

Libido and Hormone Support. The Pineapple and Lime Elixir flavor is super-yummy but friends swear by the Vanilla flavor.

Sun Potion’s Lion’s Mane and Astragalus Herbal Supplements The Science Bit: Lion’s Mane is a “mind power mushroom” that may support memory, mental clarity, nervous system, athletic recovery, balanced mood and immune strength. Astragalus Extract is a traditional Taoist herb which may strengthen and protect the skin, metabolism, immune response and energy levels.

My take: Adaptogens are so hot right now, but it can be hard to know where to start. I add these supplements to herbal tea, stir them into yogurt (they have hardly any taste) or add them into smoothies. We’re all focused on physical health right now, but we need to also prioritize mental health, and whether it’s placebo or not, I feel like my brain runs a little smoother for WFH and homeschooling when I’ve had my daily dose of these!

For buying info on supplements, please visit newyorkfamily.com/bestprobiotics-supplements-coronavirus-new-york

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June 2020 | New York Family

35

travel

Take Off on a Virtual Vacay Travel to these fun places without leaving your couch

By Jana Beauchamp

T

raditional family vacations (and everything else) the way we know and treasure them are on pause. We can still plan a virtual vacation and don’t need to factor in what to pack, travel logistics, or transportation plans. It’s easy peasy to have a super fun trip at home. Here are some perfect places for families to travel to from home sweet home until we can hit the road again.

1. Disney Everyone needs Disney magic from the happiest place on earth right about now and there is so much new magic to discover on the Disney Parks Blog. They offer opportunities to learn, create, play, and take care. There are virtual views for select Disney attractions on the Disney Parks YouTube Channel and #DisneyMagicMoments content and activities on the Disney Parks Blog. We especially enjoyed the theme park recipes and tutorials like OOOoooOOOooo! Learn from Pixar animator Ben Su how to draw a Toy Story-style alien. Disneyparks.disney.go.com/ blog/topics/magic-moments 2. Dolphin Quest Travel virtually to Dolphin Quest Bermuda, Dolphin Quest Hawaii, or Dolphin Quest Oahu, for your family and friends to interact live with dolphins and Marine Mammal Specialists. There is a free Dolphin Quest LIVE on their Facebook page daily for a fun and informative live interactive broadcast with Marine Mammal Specialists and dolphins. Families can also schedule private dolphin encounters via Zoom for an engaging, interactive visit with Marine Mammal Specialists and their favorite dolphins. Dolphin Quest provides a guided, personalized experience to meet and interact with the dolphins (they dance, leap, and more) from the safety of your home.

Participation in the paid virtual program supports the continued professional care of the dolphins while Dolphin Quest’s onsite interactive programs are on pause.

Dolphinquest.com/bermuda/bermuda-

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Wildearth allows kids to explore on a virtual african safari. exclusive-virtual-encounter 3. Hershey, Pennsylvania You can make sweet memories at home with Hershey-themed virtual experiences, like takeout dining, recipes, and more by visiting One Sweet Minute: The Stay At Home Edition (stories.hersheypa.com/ one-sweet-minute-experience-hershey-paat-home-in-may-2020). There’s a delicious collection of virtual experiences that cover the destination of Hershey, PA, like trivia and coloring pages. Our favorite is to grab the family, take a seat, and get ready to ride front row on your favorite Hersheypark coasters (hersheypark.com)! Take a ride on all 15 mild to wild coasters, including the new and thrilling Candymonium, and pick your favorite. It’s a sweet sensation! Hersheypark. com/chocolatetown/coaster.php 4. Africa Head to Africa with Wild Earth Kids(wildearth.tv/2020/03/wildearth-kidssessions-kids-at-home)by hopping in the back of a jeep for a virtual action safari.

Kids of all ages will enjoy this free, live, and interactive safari experience as they join safariLIVE(wildearth.tv/kids) and tour

some of the famed wildlife areas, interact with experts, and drive through the African wilderness. Lions and tigers and elephants, oh my!

5. Australia Travel to the land down under with Live from Australia (australia.com/en-us/ travel-inspiration/live-from-aus.html) and virtually experience the one-of-a-kind events hosted by some of Australia’s most iconic personalities. Explore across the continent from the Great Barrier Reef (queensland. com/en-us/explore-queensland/greatbarrier-reef) to the Sydney Opera House (sydneyoperahouse.com), and along the way plan to dance with The Wiggles and learn Aussie BBQ secrets from Hayden Quinn.

What a way to say g’day mate!

6. The Bahamas Visit the Bahamas with ‘At Home with Baha Mar.’ There’s a digital care package with ways for families and friends at home right now to get creative, relax, and connect with loved ones – all inspired by the Bahamian islands. With themed coloring pages, playtime with kids’ crafts, Happy Hour the Baha Mar way, and family game

private tours of The Louvre (louvre.fr/en/ visites-en-ligne) and Chateau Versailles (en.chateauversailles.fr) to marvel at the grandiose structures and ornate masterpieces.

You can also visit Provence, Mont Blanc, and so many more famed French destinations. Of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to France without a visit to the Eiffel Tower (toureiffel.paris/ en/news/130-years/virtual-tour-eiffel-tower).

Enjoy the panoramic views and soak in the City of Lights!

9. Japan While we count down until Japan hosts the Olympics in 2021, in the meantime, we can visit virtually. Enjoy the springtime cherry blossoms blooming in Chidorigafuchi Park, visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, or spend time on Kids Web Japan (web-japan.org/ kidsweb) complete with history, culture, legends, ninjas, and games. You may even be able to catch some traditional sumo wrestling.

Dolphin Quest offers both public and private sessions with their amazing dolphins. night ideas, Baha Mar provides families with a little Bahamian-inspired escape.

You’ll practically feel the island breeze!

Dropbox.com/s/vkdm1dq01j7mz21/BHM_ ATHOMEWITH_20200416.pdf?dl=0 7. California It’s never been so easy take a trip across the country to California (visitcalifornia.com).

Many family-friendly California institutions from LA to San Fran are posting virtual experiences and fun lessons online, bringing celebrated Cali attractions to families at home and almost all of them are totally free dude.

Some family favorites that will especially delight the kids include SeaWorld San Diego (seaworld.org/teachers/classroom-activities), LEGOLAND California (https://www. legoland.com/llcbuildingchallenge), Spitzer Space Telescope (http://www.spitzer.caltech. edu), Monterey Bay Aquarium (https:// www.montereybayaquarium.org), and The Exploratorium (exploratorium.edu).

8. France Feel the love in the air and travel to France, the most visited country in the world, without leaving home. Take your own

10. London Thanks to Visit London (visitlondon. com) we can hop across the pond and experience London at home. There are countless city web cams (like Westminster Bridge and River Thames), virtual tours of famed attractions like the Buckingham Palace and Kew Gardens, plus a regular listing of weekend activities in London from home. Also, Rosewood London (and all Rosewood properties,instagram.com/ rosewoodhotels) has been keeping travelers inspired during this time with its Instagram series, #JourneyInPlace. It aims to unite people around the common idea of an undying love of travel, encouraging followers to keep exploring, virtually for now, with at-home tips, tutorials and activities from the brand’s properties around the globe.

Some kid-friendly activities include Kid’s Hot Chocolate Turndown Service, inspired by the hot chocolate offered at Rosewood London’s Children’s Afternoon Tea Experience, and the Rosewood Explorer club tips on how to build an indoor fort.

11. New York City!

We love NY and love to visit Virtual NYC because we can relive our glorious city the way we love it most. While you can still explore NYC while socially distancing, you’ll also enjoy taking virtual visits to your favorite museums, theaters, historic landmarks, and attractions to experience the best of New York City at home.

June 2020 | New York Family

37

mom stories

Mom Truths During COVID-19 Using the crisis to get in touch with my true self — however terrifying that might be

By Alexis BArAd-Cutler

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ne of the things about being faced with a global crisis is that it reveals the kind of person you really are. It strips you down to your elements: who you are at your core. What you value. What’s important to you. This is the diamond that emerges from the immense pressures surrounding us in these challenging times. YOU ARE THE DIAMOND. No more need to pretend, no more faking it till you make it — because why bother? Everyone’s wearing masks, anyway.

And after being holed up in here for the last 5,302 days with my husband, dog, and two kids — I’m proud to say that I now stand here raw, naked before you (while maintaining a sensible distance) as my TRUE SELF. Let me introduce you to the freshly uncovered, under-showered, awakened me: I am living in the flow of life What time is it? Who knows? Am I late, or am I early? It doesn’t matter. And it might not ever matter again. I used to be so regimented — up with the alarm, do my hair, get the kids to school early, then off to the races. I couldn’t imagine a life that wasn’t scheduled down to the minute with calls, meetings, lunches, and events. Now I know that HEALING IS POSSIBLE. Life is so much more simple now because it is no longer about building my business or even having a successful career. It is about letting go of everything that mattered to me professionally and giving in to This Moment. And that moment, Dear Ones, is THE CHILDREN’S EDUCATION — which the Universe has ever-knowingly placed solely into my hands.

It is “morning” when I hear my eight-yearold shouting at his now pixelated classmates during “virtual school” time. It is time to put on pants when my five-year-old’s school is minutes away from starting — because that actually requires my participation. When is the “homeschool” day over? When I fucking feel like giving up and taking a nap.

I have learned to embrace my natural beauty As I watch my growing brows bring me ever closer to resembling my paternal grandfather,

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sure, the kids (and sometimes the dog) cower in fear when my screamyelling makes the house shake; but i am pretty sure that is just the soul transition i am undergoing.

remember that I not only GAVE, but that I offered up the very things most precious to me. Announcing, to anyone who hasn’t been made aware: Both of my children are now available online by request, at almost any hour — to keep your children company.

Anytime. As a family, we have decided that no one should feel alone right now. So should your child invite one of mine to a Google Hangout, my kids will be there to help build a portal in Minecraft, to report any players in ROBLOX with “inappropriate” usernames, or simply to create some ambient noise in both of our respective apartments. We care.

and who knows how long it will be before I get a professional brow wax — I’m trying whatever new bushy eyebrow trend there is. Have you heard of this thing called Soap Brows? It’s apparently an old thing that makeup artists have been doing for ages, that’s become a new thing again on Instagram. (Google it. You’ll love it, because all the Influencers tell you that you will). It takes 10 minutes per brow, but I do it WITH INTENTION and use the time to get lost in my own thoughts and reflect. I let the children pretend my bed is a playground, and ignore the sound of my favorite houseplant crashing to the floor. This is my Self Care Time, and I am guarding it fiercely. I’ve also been experimenting with reparative hair oils…my own. The trick is this: Say no to showers, and hello to shiny, sleek hair.

I have deepened my relationship with nature I’ve never considered myself a “nature girl” before. I have always preferred the Concrete Jungle to the actual jungle. But lately, I’ve been experiencing profound moments of peace when connecting and becoming one with the bounties of Mother Earth: The juniper berry (the pure essence of my Gin cocktail) runs strong through my bloodstream (along with its natural accompaniment, olives) — and has ceased to have any effect on me at this point in quarantine. Same with my favorite bottle of The Fruit of the Vine. I am a rather petite woman, matching my (not petite, sorry Honey) husband drink-for-drink each night; and am fully functioning during, after, and the next day. Sure, the kids (and sometimes the dog) cower in fear when my screamyelling makes the house shake; but I am pretty sure that is just the soul transition I am undergoing, rather than a hangover. Which only leads me to conclude: Me, the juniper, the grape — we are all ONE. Also, and this is pretty post-pandemic for me: I have even taken on a keen interest in “plants” — if you know what I mean. I have never felt so clear.

I have discovered deep wells of generosity within myself True generosity is something you just can’t help but offer; it is a need that cannot be suppressed because it comes from WITHIN. When I ask myself, “What is my legacy?

What do I want to be remembered for, from this time in our history?” I want people to

I am letting go of old narratives Old narrative: I am a strong, and sometimes sexy woman; a working mother; a leader, and an entrepreneur in my circles, poised on the precipice of success — and her 40s. New narrative: I am a mother to two school-aged boys that just won’t fucking STOP IT ALREADY, a failing homeschool teacher, a person who hides

in closets often, who leans heavily on her “Pandemic Pringles” (as she affectionately refers to them) — poised on the precipice of a nervous breakdown, and her 40s. I am facing my Truth.

I have adopted a clean skincare regimen Would you like to hear about it? Yes, you would. All this “being one with the juniper berry” can take a toll on the skin. As do my thrice weekly midnight hyperventilating/sob sessions, when I think about things like my kids never getting to celebrate their last day of school, or this precious time we’ll never get back, and how much I miss pedicures. To combat the damage my drinking and crying are doing to my pores and capillaries; I knew that I needed to throw everything in my medicine cabinet out, and start anew. Inspired by images of baby-faced celebrities like Miranda Kerr in a white bathrobe — and actual babies — I decided to try face oils. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE OIL, my Dear Ones. Since I can’t afford anything Miranda Kerr is using (see: no longer working), actual olive oil seems to be my best bet. And it’s so easy: While heating up a pan for my morning eggs, I slap some olive oil on my face, and then massage it in with one hand, as

I run around the house picking up everyone’s shit with the other. I am fortunate to have such abundance right at my fingertips.

I have become tuned in instead of “tuned-out” Living in this fast-paced modern world can deaden you after a while. This time apart from city life has helped me tune in to the sensory experiences in my very own environment. No longer dulled by screeching subway trains, and the rotting fish smells — each room of my apartment is brimming with sounds and smells I’d never noticed before, until now. For example, I only have to set my big toe into our bathroom to “know” that one of the three “men” in my house, has peed on the floor in their haste to get to our one and only toilet. My eyes have become so sharp, I can see from six feet away from the urine spots that have become crystallized over time, trapped inside hard-to-reach crevices of the toilet seat (the things I can do with a toothpick now!). Other sensory discoveries: the rhythmic sound of my kids’ feet banging against the kitchen island for no damn good reason. My husband’s chewing noises. How can one place be so loud, and yet

so quiet at the same time?

I have become aware my own natural, abundant gifts We all have a purpose on this Earth, for which we are each uniquely designed.

A REASON for being here. And one of my “superpowers” I am thrilled to have discovered, is seeking and destroying dust bunnies wherever they are hiding at any time of day or night. I heard on a podcast recently — either NPR or Goop? Same difference? — that we must identify the things that clutter our energy circles — and rid our spaces of them. The dust bunnies that have come to live with us (rent-free) in our apartment now that my whole family plus the dog are here — shedding skin and hair 24/7 — have become overwhelming in their presence and power. I have made it my mission to cleanse our living space of any bad juju — and am often seen holding a broom in one hand, and sage in the other. The broom also makes a handy cane to lean on, when I think I might pass out from the sheer exhaustion of becoming this better version of myself.

ALSO: I might be turning into a witch.

June 2020 | New York Family

39

last word

“To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world.”

— Dr. Seuss

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