Bronx/Riverdale Family - March 2022

March 2022

newyorkfamily.com

Great March events

Charter Schools

Learn about the potential benefits for your child

A Mom’s Wisdom

Alexis Kristiana on sharing her breastfeeding and parenting journey

Parental Burnout Recognizing it and learning how to move on

CAMPS FOR EVERY KID NYC LOVES IT From S.T.E.M. to swim, sports to arts & crafts— there are so many reasons kids love Y Summer Camp.

SIGN UP NOW 20+ locations throughout the five boroughs. ymcanyc.org/camp

WHAT’S UP DOC? MEET

’S

TEAM OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

CHENG DR. WEINER DR. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PEDIATRICS

NAME

•Andrea Weiner •General Pediatrician

EDUCATION | TRAINING

•Medical School: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Harlem NY •Residency: SUNY College of Health Sciences/ Downstate Medical Center

PERSONAL INTERESTS

•Reading •Needlepoint •Spending time with family

LANGUAGES SPOKEN

•Minimal Hebrew, Spanish & English

FROM

•The Bronx (Native) •Lives in Westchester

PEDIATRICS

DR.PEDIATRICS NAQVI

NAME

NAME

NAME

SPECIALTY

SPECIALTY

SPECIALTY

EDUCATION | TRAINING

EDUCATION | TRAINING

•Tawana Winkfield-Royster

•Tony Cheng

SPECIALTY

DR. WINKFIELDROYSTER

•Doctor of Occupational Therapy-Hand Therapy (OTD, CHT)

EDUCATION | TRAINING

•Graduated from NYU & Rocky Mountain University of HP •Internship: St. Barnabas Hospital (SBH) •HTCC (Hand Therapy Certification Commission) Certified Hand Therapist

PERSONAL INTERESTS

•Baseball: NY Yankees Fan

LANGUAGES SPOKEN •Mandarin Chinese, Taiwanese & English

FROM

•Taiwan

•General Pediatrician •A. Philip Randolph Campus High School (in Harlem) •Cornell University (College) •Med School: Weill Cornell Medical Center, SUNY. Downstate Pediatric Residency Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Pediatric Chief Res.

PERSONAL INTERESTS •Basketball, basketball & yes, more basketball!

•Photography •Two teenagers, husband & 5 rabbits

LANGUAGES SPOKEN •English & Spanish

FROM

•Bronx (born) & Harlem (raised)

•Shehla H. Naqvi •General Pediatrician •Graduate Med. Education M.B., B.S. Dow Medical College, University of Karachi, Pakistan •Residency –Dept. of Pediatrics, -St. Louis University School of Med. Cardinal Glennon Memorial Children’s Hospital, Missouri -Brookdale Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY

PERSONAL INTERESTS

•Poetry & writing short stories •Joining fortnightly literary meetings in-person or virtual

LANGUAGES SPOKEN •English, Urdu & Hindi

FROM

•Pakistan

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www.uchcbronx.org March 2022 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

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contents

March 2022

NewYorkFamily.com

pg. 22

pg. 16 pg. 18

pg. 30

pg. 32

FEATURES 22 | Education The advantages of a Charter School education 30 | Parental Burn Out How to recognize it and move on

Stories & columns 8 | Editor’s Note 12 | Mom Hacks Organize your nursery like a pro 16 | Family Day Out Visiting the orchid show at NYBG

32 | Cover - Alexis Kristiana 38 | Podcasts Mental health podcasts for parents

18 | Ask the Expert Bringing a baby home during COVID 26 | Family Day Out The Minecraft exhibit at the Liberty Science Center will delight the kids

Family fun 34 | Calendar Check out our March calendar of events for the family

Directories 28 | Camp Listings

on the Cover Photo: Yumi Matsuo | yumimatsuostudio.com Hair & Makeup: Buffy Hernandez | buffysaintmarie.com Clothing Credits: On Alexis: tops from Glam Expressway shopglamexpressway.com On Zion: Birdie Lou Brooklyn | birdie-lou.com

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NewYorkFamily.com | March 2022

Thinking of Changing Schools?

Consider a Catholic Education for Your Child.

Now is a good time to invest in a Catholic education! Are you interested in helping your child succeed academically in a caring, structured and safe environment? Or moving to a new home? If so, now is a good time to consider moving to a Catholic school.

A Catholic education is the stepping stone to a child’s future journey. Beyond an excellent education, New York Catholic schools instill family values, spirituality, and a sense of community. For many, Catholic schools are a home away from home – a safe, nurturing learning environment in a rapidly changing world.

Financial assistance is available at most schools. Families who apply early have better chances of receiving an award.

We welcome families from Pre-K3 through Grade 8 who are thinking about changing schools for the 2022–23 school year.

Admissions are open now.

APPLY NOW! Apply online or call our helpline to arrange a phone or in-person visit at participating schools.

CatholicSchoolsNY.org/apply or call our bilingual helpline: (646) 794-2885 March 2022 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

5

AECI 2

CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL The culture of AECI2 school is driven by our commitment to the school’s Core Values:

AECI 2 Highlights:

AECI 2 is a Computer Engineering & Innovation themed high school located in The Bronx school district 9. Through collaboration with industry partners, post-secondary institutions, apprenticeships and themed project-based learning, our students gain exposure to “real world” careers and college-preparatory learning experiences in the computer sciences.

• Computer Engineering & Innovation course work • Intensive college preparation with yearly college visits • College counseling at every grade level • Social & emotional focus to support student daily needs • Robust sports program (basketball, soccer, volleyball etc) • Vibrant afterschool programming and student centered clubs • Every student is provided a Chromebook and wifi for learning

PERSEVERANCE ACHIEVEMENT INTERGRITY RESPECT

For the 2022-2023 school year, AECI 2 provides students with a rigorous program including Computer Science, Programming, Microsoft Office, 3D Printing and Web Page Design.

JOIN US FOR A TOUR OF THE AECI 2 CAMPUS THURS February 3rd SAT February 19th THURS March 3rd SAT March 19th FRI April 1st SAT April 9th

4:30pm - 6:30pm 10am - 2pm 4pm - 7pm 10am - 2pm 4:30pm - 7:30pm 10am - 2pm

SCAN OUR QR CODE >>> Discover AECI 2 Charter High School

AECI2Charterhs.org (646) 741 7470

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NewYorkFamily.com | March 2022

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO APPLY NOW!

116-118 East 169 St. Bronx NY 10452

AECI 2

CHARTER CHAR TER HIGH SCHOOL

La cultura de nuestra escuela está impulsada por nuestro compromiso con los valores fundamentales de la escuela:

PERSEVERANCIA LOGRO INTEGRIDAD RESPETO

Destacados de AECI 2:

AECI 2 es una escuela secundaria con el tema de Ingeniería Informática e Innovación ubicada en el distrito escolar 9 del Bronx. Nuestro cuerpo estudiantil es culturalmente diverso con una tasa de asistencia promedio del 95%. AECI 2 hace hincapié en el dominio de las ciencias y las matemáticas, la comunicación eficaz y las habilidades de pensamiento crítico a través de un plan de estudios basado en estándares que cumple o supera los Estándares de Aprendizaje del Estado de Nueva York.

Nuestra escuela incluye equipos deportivos, actividades extracurriculares y clubes centrados en los estudiantes.

• Curso de Ingeniería Informática e Innovación • Preparación universitaria intensiva con visitas a universidades • Consejería universitaria en cada nivel de grado • Enfoque social y emocional para apoyar al estudiante • Plataforma híbrida utilizada para el aprendizaje en persona y remoto • A cada estudiante se le proporciona un Chromebook y un punto de acceso wifi

Para el año escolar 2021-2022, AECI 2 brinda a los estudiantes un programa riguroso que incluye Ciencias de la Computación, Programación, Microsoft, Impresión 3D y Diseño de Páginas Web.

UNASE A NOSOTROS PARA UN RECORRIDO POR EL CAMPUS AECI 2 • Viernes 7 de Enero • Sábado 22 de Enero • Jueves 3 de Febrero • Sábado 19 de Febrero de • Jueves 3 de Marzo de • Sábado 19 de Marzo • Viernes 1 de Abril • Sábado 9 de Abril

ESCANEA NUESTRO

CODIGO QR

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AECICharterhs.org 646-741-7470

¡VISITE NUESTRO SITIO WEB PARA APLICAR AHORA!

116-118 East 169 St. Bronx, NY 10452 March 2022 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

7

Editor’s Note

NewYorkFamily.com Publisher: Clifford Luster Executive Director: Donna Duarte-Ladd Associate Publisher: Erin Brof Advertising Director: Stacie Goldberg Digital Editor: Courtney Ingalls Senior Adviser: Susan Weiss Partnership Managers: Lauren Alperin, Lauren Anchin, Joan Bergman, Mary Cassidy, Shelli Goldberg-Peck, Annene Guertin, LynnMarie Hanley, Lisa Herlihy, Janine Mulé, Selene Rodriguez, Nina Spiegelman, Gwen Tomaselli Marketing & Strategy Director: Rosalia Bobé Sales & Marketing Coordinator: Mykael Fields Art Director: Leah Mitch Nina Gallo Photography

March — Time to Plan!

We are in that in-between time when Spring is a few weeks away, yet there are still cold days, but the warm days seep in and provide us with the promise of warmer days ahead.

And now that COVID cases are dropping, some mask mandates are being lifted, which means parents can plan ahead!

So head out and visit The Minecraft Exhibit at the Liberty Science Center (Page 26). Forget smelling the roses, give the orchids some love, and Visit The Orchid Show at New York Botanical Garden (Page 16). Also (drum roll), our Calander of Events (page 34) is back after a two-year absence.

This calendar is a sampling of events we share on our platforms; make sure to visit

newyorkfamily.com and our new sister publication nymetroparents.com for daily event listings and round-ups.

We know that parents need support, especially as we enter year three of the pandemic. Check out our helpful round-up of Mental Health Podcasts for Parents (Page 38).

Lastly, our influencer and entrepreneur cover mom this month, Alexis Kristiana (Page 32), shares on normalizing breastfeeding and her parenting life with her two young children, husband Tolu on her IG platform @alexiskristiana, showing us that mom wisdom is truly a gift for all.

Donna and New York Family Media

Web Developer: Sylvan Migdal Graphic Designers: Arthur Arutyunov, Connie Sulsenti Editor at large: Cris Pearlstein Editorial Contributors: Jana Beauchamp, Mia Salas Editorial Interns: Océane Goriou, Kilani Sierra, Liana Vazquez

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 COO: Clifford Luster

2021

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

New York Family is published monthly by Queens Family Media, LLC.

get in touch Share your feedback and ideas about family life in New York!

Email us at editorial@newyorkfamily.com and tag us at #newyorkfamily

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NewYorkFamily.com | March 2022

Reproduction of New York Family Media in whole or part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. All rights reserved. ©2022 Queens Family Media, LLC

Now Accepting Applications for Grades 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10 University Prep Public Schools This is the percent of students who graduate in four years from University Prep Charter High School—and 100% of our students are accepted to college.

Apply to U Prep High School for September 2022 for grades 9 and 10 Apply to U Prep Middle School for September 2022 for grades 5, 6 and 7 Apply now at UPPublicSchools.org

UPPublicSchools.org

March 2022 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

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NewYorkFamily.com | March 2022

INSCRIPCIÓN PARA: AÑO ESCOLAR 2022-2023

Escuela Secundaria Autónoma de la Ciudad de Nueva York para la Ingeniería Arquitectónica y las Industrias de la Construcción MISIÓN:

Proporcionar un programa riguroso de preparación para la universidad y un entorno de aprendizaje preparatorio para la carrera que brinde a los estudiantes una base de las habilidades necesarias para seguir la universidad o una carrera en las industrias de arquitectura, ingeniería y construcción.

MODELO INSTRUCTIVO:

• Tasa de graduación del 98% • Secuencia de cursos universitarios rigurosos que permite a los estudiantes obtener créditos universitarios mientras asisten a AECI • Las clases de dibujo arquitectónico, dibujo, Revit y AutoCad preparan a los estudiantes para los exámenes de certificación en el campo de la arquitectura.

• Prácticas sólidas y las asociaciones brindan a nuestros estudiantes las herramientas necesarias en el campo de la arquitectura.

• Seis consejeras disponibles en el personal para apoyar el desarrollo integral del estudiante.

• Los valores fundamentales de AECI de perseverancia, logros, integridad y respeto convierten a nuestros estudiantes en jóvenes profesionales.

PROGRAMA DE ATLETISMO:

• El departamento de atletismo tiene 12 equipos universitarios y 1 equipo universitario junior.

• Competimos en la Asociación Atlética de Escuelas Chárter y la Asociación Deportiva de Escuelas de Escuelas de la Ciudad • Nuestros estudiantes-atletas mantienen su elegibilidad atlética manteniéndose académicamente elegibles durante toda la temporada de juego.

• Nuestros equipos dan la bienvenida a los grados 9-12 para competir • Además de las competencias atléticas, el programa atlético participa en reuniones escolares, el atleta del mes y un banquete deportivo de fin de año que honra los logros atléticos de todos los estudiantes-atletas.

UBICACIÓN:

CASA ABIERTA: Feb. 19th, 10am-1pm (Fecha de mal tiempo 2/26) March 19th, 10am-1pm

Distrito Escolar Comunitario 7, South Bronx (Fecha de mal tiempo 3/26) 838 Brook Avenue, Bronx NY 10451 ¡VISITE NUESTRA PAGINA WEB PARA INSCRIBIRSE! – WWW.AECICHARTERHS.ORG – 646-400-5566

PARA MÁS INFORMACIÓN SOBRE AECI / VISITAS ESCOLARES EN PERSONA DISPONIBLE – CON CITA PREVIA Comuníquese con la Sra. Harrigan al 646-400-5566 x. 9001 admissions@aecicharterhs.org WWW.AECICHARTERHS.ORG

WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/AECINYC

GRADUATION 2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021

RATE 95% 95% 98% 98%

WWW.TWITTER.COM/AECINYC March 2022 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

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mom hacks

Organize Your Nursery Like a Pro Tips and tricks for a functioning room

By Laura KinseLLa of urBan Organyze

W

elcoming your baby home is one of life’s most precious moments. And while it is true that all a newborn really needs is sleep, food, and love, they sure come with a whole lot of stuff! As a professional organizer & mom, I’m breaking down how to organize your nursery like a pro in order to gain more time, order, and sleep for you and your littles.

Designate a Changing Station No matter their size, babies will go through a multitude of diapers. Setting up a proper changing station makes the process enjoyable, efficient, and safe. It’s also what you’ll be most grateful for when experiencing those unexpected (yet inevitable) diaper blowouts!

Utilize a basket next to your changing pad (look for one that has wipeable components or a washable liner) for storing a handful of diapers, wipes, creams, hand sanitizer, and

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NewYorkFamily.com | March 2022

any other essentials. When restocking, take items completely out of their packaging so you aren’t fumbling with plastic or cardboard when you need them most. If you’re low on surface space, nest items in a top drawer or on a 3-tiered rolling caddy.

Having a designated home for these items makes changing your baby that much easier, and builds muscle memory when you’ve got one eye open for those early morning or middle of the night changes.

Pro tiP: Nest your diaper pail and hamper within arms reach, so dirty items are disposed of immediately (no lingering piles of questionable clothes!)

Divide & Conquer Dresser Drawers Dresser drawers can be quite large and deep for baby items. Subdivide the drawers with expandable drawer dividers or small bins to better utilize the space, and to maintain easy organization. These allow multiple categories to live in one drawer, without small items

getting lost in one big shuffle.

While your space and items will vary, here are suggested ways to group and organize your dresser drawers: Top Drawers: Diaper necessities, medicinal items, toiletries & small accessories (ie: nail care, thermometer, nasal aspirator, hats, mittens, scalp brush, etc.)

Middle Drawers: Clothing & cloths (ie: socks, short sleeved vs. long sleeved onesies, footed PJs, pants, bloomers, tights, sweaters, bibs, burp cloths, washcloths, etc.) Bottom Drawers: Linens & other items (changing pads, crib sheets, swaddles, etc.)

Pro tiP: File fold your clothing for a birds eye view! This method allows you to see what you have, and grab items (with one hand) without disrupting the entire drawer.

Maximize Closet Storage & Beyond There is nothing sweeter then itty bitty outfits on hangers! To keep items neat and orderly, swap out the free baby hangers for slimline vel-

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mom hacks

vet ones. Not only do they elevate the aesthetic and give a clean look, they grip the clothing so nothing slips to the floor. Add clothing dividers to separate by size (and later on by type or season.) This eliminates losing sight of precious items you were gifted so your baby can wear them when the time is right!

Time is precious, and nap windows are that much more sacred. To avoid searching in every nook and cranny of the closet for that sleep sack, place everyday items in easy to reach areas, and everything else (like out of season or backstock items) in containment up high with labels.

Work with your closet’s existing footprint and add components like baskets, stackable bins, or even a free standing drawer unit to maximize vertical space.

Truth be told your baby’s items will naturally extend beyond the walls of the nursery.

Carving a little space for your very important family member in multiple areas of your home provides flexibility as routines change. For example, creating a station for bottles or pumping gear in the kitchen keeps all parts just as easy to prep as they are sanitize. Future feeding gear will eventually replace the bottles, followed by sippy cups and your kiddos first lunch box! (I know, it’s all too much!)

Pro tiP: When space is very limited, utilize a back of the door solution. These can be used for books, shoes, hair accessories, future potty training stations and so much more! implement a Donation Station & Keep Storage No matter how much we wish our babies will stay small, growth spurts will ensue. In order to keep up with the revolving door of clothes and gear, set up these 2 areas so systems stay afloat: Donation Bag: Hang a spare tote bag in a closet for items you no longer need. When something no longer fits and you don’t wish to keep it, resist the urge to toss it back into a drawer and instead place in your donation bag!

When the bag is full, the bonus is it’s already totable to drop off at your local donation store or drop-box.

Keep Storage: There is nothing wrong with

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NewYorkFamily.com | March 2022

DesignaTe a Changing sTaTion

subDiviDe Drawers

maximize CloseT sTorage saving items to pass down or as your family potentially expands! Toss any items you wish to keep in clear closed bins to assess at a later date.

When the bin is full, label it with your child’s age so you know when to pull it out again (0-6 months, 6-12 months, etc.)

Pro tiP: Designate a separate box for sentimental items you wish to preserve for small baby keepsakes like their hospital bracelet or first blanket. tame the toys In the beginning months, the only entertainment your baby will need is you! Of course there will come a time when they will want to explore everything with their 5 senses (ie: shove things in their mouths) so keeping it simple is always best.

Decorative baskets on the floor are a wonderful start for age appropriate toys, stuffed animals and books! They are accessible, childproof, and set your future toddler up for success in understanding basic organizing principles and clean-up.

Modular cubby systems and bookshelves are great to grow into, just be sure to secure any furniture with straps as your little one begins to explore and grow.

Tame The Toys Pro tiP: Rotate toys from their closet or other areas so everything isn’t always out at once. This tames the clutter, avoids overstimulation, and reignites your child’s interest and attention!

Laura Kinsella is a mom, wife and owner of Urban OrgaNYze, a New York City based professional home organizing company. Since 2015, she has helped transform hundreds of homes to be more efficient, elegant, and meaningful. She has been featured as a Professional Organizer on A&E’s Hoarders, and more! She loves color-coded closets, The Container Store, and everything about being a mama, minus the glitter.

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Accepting applications now for for the 9th 2022-2023 academic year grade students Please join us for one of our many Open for the 2022-2023 academic yearHouses: Please join us for one of our many Open Houses:

Tuesday, March 1, 2022; 5:00pm - 6:00pm Tuesday, March 15, 2022; 5:00pm - 6:00pm Wednesday, March 2, 2022; 3:00pm - 4:00pm Wednesday, March 16, 2022; 3:00pm - 4:00pm Wednesday, February 16, 2022; 3:00pm 4:00pm Tuesday,March March22, 8, 2022; Tuesday, March 8, 2022; 5:00pm - 6:00pm Tuesday, 2022; 5:00pm 5:00pm--6:00pm 6:00pm Tuesday, February 22, 2022; 5:00pm 6:00pm Wednesday, March 9, 2022; 3:00pm Wednesday, March 23, 2022; 3:00pm -4:00pm 4:00pm Wednesday, March 9, 2022; 3:00pm - 4:00pm Wednesday, February 23, 2022; 3:00pm - 4:00pm Tuesday, March 15, 2022; 5:00pm - 6:00pm *Note: The lottery will be held on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 Tuesday, March 1, 2022; 5:00pm - 6:00pm Wednesday, March 16, 2022; 3:00pm - 4:00pm For applications, Wednesday, March 2, 2022; 3:00pm - 4:00pm Tuesday, March 22, 2022; 5:00pm - 6:00pm please visit our website at www.ilchs.org Wednesday, March 23, 2022; 3:00pm - 4:00pm *Note: The lottery will be held on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 For applications, please visit our website at www.ilchs.org

For application visit www.Ilchs.org & For more information email egonzalez@ilchs.org For application visit www.Ilchs.org &2022 | Bronx/Riverdale Family March For more information email egonzalez@ilchs.org

15

family day out

Visiting the Orchid Show at NYBG

T

ake in all of the beautiful and colorful views as you and the family explore The Orchid Show: Jeff Leatham’s Kaleidoscope!

This lifestyle icon designed the Orchid Show back in 2020, but because of the pandemic the exhibit was cut short. Luckily Leatham is back this year and is showcasing dazzling creations that have been reinvented for guests at NYBG! Leatham worked with the Senior Curator of Orchids, Marc Hachadourian, along with other amazing growers around the world to put together orchids that are sure to wow all of the exhibits visitors.

While walking through the exhibit, gets will take in an array of orchids that come in every shape and provenance that are put together with artistic embellishments and a

kaleidoscopic tunnel of lights. “ My reinvention of Kaleidoscope will be totally different installations than two years ago. Every turn will display a new vision, while maintaining the thematic element of every gallery focusing on a different color experience. With this design, visitors will appreciate the beauty of orchids and see NYBG’s Conservatory in

exciting new ways.” said Jeff Leatham.

To make this exhibit even more special, parents and guests 21 and older can experience this beautiful show at night that will be accompanied with music, cash bars, and food! This fun and colorful exhibit will be running at The New York Botanical Garden from now through May 1, 2022.

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March 2022 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

17

ask the expert

Bringing Home a Baby During a Covid-19 Surge

By The BaBy Whisperers Jeri Ford, rN, BsN and Kayla loschKy, rN, BsN

C

onsistently throughout the pandemic we have heard how Covid-19 seems to effect children and infants less than adults.

Although that may have previously been true, the recent Omicron variant has proven to effect children more than past variants. As pediatric nurses, we have seen a large spike in hospital admissions with this variant.

Children younger than 5 have already consistently had the highest hospitalization rate of all children’s age groups for Covid-19 (Vox). Couple this with the already present

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NewYorkFamily.com | March 2022

stress of bringing home a newborn, and new parents have a lot to worry about.

Below are practical tips we have gathered from years of working with newborns and families as pediatric registered nurses.

1. Wash your hands….and often!

This is not a new concept, but we cannot stress this enough. In nursing school, we would make the joke that if there was ever a multiple choice question with an answer of “hand washing”- that was always the answer.

Handwashing is so important that nursing schools and post-nursing school exams continuously reinforce the topic.

How you wash your hands matters, too.

Make sure you are washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap to kill the most germs. Make sure to get all the cracks and crevices! If a sink is not close, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be used.

Hand sanitizer is wonderful if you are in a rush, but hand washing is always the most effective.

2. Wear your mask.

After two years into the pandemic, we finally know that Covid-19 is transmitted through droplets. This means that you are most likely to spread the virus by speaking closely with someone or by being around someone coughing. The best way to add another layer of protection against this is by asking visitors to wear a mask, especially while holding the baby.

3. Get your Covid-19 vaccine.

As of the time this article was written, the Covid-19 vaccine has not been approved

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ask the Expert

for infants. The best way to protect your infant is by having visitors and yourselves be vaccinated.

Learn more

For more information about preventing other newborn viruses (like RSV), visit our blog post (yourbabywhisperers. com/post/ahh-it-s-rsv-andflu-season-what-can-i-do) about RSV and more Covid19 newborn information at yourbabywhisperers.com/post/ caring-for-your-newborn-duringthe-coronavirus-pandemic.

4. Keep your newborn inside.

It is often recommended if you have a newborn to keep him or her inside for the first two to three months of life. Infants are still adjusting to their new environment and there are many new germs around in general, let alone during a pandemic. If it is not realistic for you to stay inside for a couple months, keep your newborn covered. This means in the stroller with a cover over it or in a baby carrier with a lightweight cover to help block airborne germs.

the pandemic, visit our blog post about breastfeeding during Covid here.

5. Breastfeed if you can.

If you have had the Covid vaccine or had Covid naturally (or both), your breastmilk is incredibly valuable to your newborn baby.

Breastfeeding your baby as much as you can, even if just a little, can help them. You can even breastfeed your baby while you have Covid-19 as long as you wear a mask. For more information about breastfeeding during

6. Limit visitors.

Limiting visitors can be an incredibly difficult thing to do during this time. Your newborn is here, and family is eager to meet him or her. Although difficult, limiting visitors can be key in preventing a Covid-19 infection in you or your newborn. We have spoken to many new parents during the pandemic who have said that this time to

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focus on themselves and the baby, without constant distraction with visitors, has been a wonderful gift to them. Focusing on your health and the health of your newborn is the first priority.

7. Know the symptoms of Covid in babies.

Reported symptoms in newborns with Covid-19 are fever, being overly tired, runny nose, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, poor feeding, and trouble breathing. If your baby develops symptoms, get in touch with your baby’s pediatrician as soon as possible. If your baby is having warning signs such as trouble breathing, call 911 or take to ER immediately.

Baby Whisperers is the only private baby nurse agency that matches families with baby nurses who are licensed Registered Nurses. To find out about the different types of newborn caregivers, check out our Baby Nurse, Nanny, Newborn Care Specialist, Oh My! blog here.

For more information, visit our website at www. yourbabywhisperers.com.

March 2022 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

21

Education

The Advantages of Charter Schools

By HannaH Mallard and donna duarte ladd

A

significant advantage of living in New York is that we have fantastic school resources. One education choice for New York students that continues to grow is Charter Schools. What is a Charter school, and how do they work?

What is a Charter School?

Charter schools are independently-operated public schools accountable for advancing student achievement. This combination of freedom and accountability allows charter teachers to adapt their classrooms based on their students’ needs while pushing for high academic achievement. New York City’s 267 charter schools are independent of the New

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York City Department of Education, but they can be closed if they don’t meet certain student achievement standards.

Charter schools offer students opportunities for academic success that unfortunately cannot be said for some of the city’s public schools.

NYC Charters Outperform Other Public Schools According to New York state exams statistics in 2019, 63% of charter students in grades three through eight passed the state math exam and 57% of charter students were proficient in English Language Arts.

New York’s charter students outperformed their peers from traditional public schools: 46% of traditional public school students passed the state math exam

and 47% of these students were proficient in English Language Arts.

NYC Charters Do Not Succeed at the Expense of District Schools A common myth is that as New York’s charter schools succeed, the city’s traditional public schools fail as a result.

A 2018 study by the Manhattan Institute concluded that “competition from New York City charter schools has either no effect, or a positive effect,” on the city’s traditional public schools.

In fact, district schools have improved significantly as charter schools have spread throughout New York City’s five boroughs.

Funding for district schools has also increased as the student population at charter schools has gone up over the years.

1260 Franklin Ave., Bronx, NY 10456 • www.motthallcs.org The mission of the Mott Hall Charter School is to prepare our scholars in mind, body, and character to succeed in top high schools, colleges, and careers by becoming inquisitive, open-minded, and compassionate citizens of the world.

The Mott Hall Charter School is Accepting Applications for the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade!

Scan code or go to https://motthallcharterschool.schoolmint.net to apply Our programs include access to community-based organizations focused on mentoring and college, adult civics classes, adult ESL classes, after school and Saturday tutoring, engaging online platforms to increase student learning , music classes, and softball & basketball.

We will also provide transportation via MetroCards for all eligible students.

For more information, please contact Erica Flores at eflores@motthallcs.org or 718-991-9139

RISE TO THE CHALLENGE!

March 2022 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

23

Education

Charter Schools are Specialized, with No Tuition Costs Charter teachers adapt their classrooms and teaching methods to the current needs of their students. This freedom in the curriculum, teaching style, school missions and policies resembles that of private schools, enabling charter schools to provide the very best approach to academics that fits their students.

Though teachers have flexibility, charter schools are held accountable for high academic achievement levels.

Charter School is a Lottery System New York City’s charter schools admit students through a lottery system; they cannot select their students. This process gives students from all backgrounds and education levels an equal opportunity to attend and achieve academic success at charter schools.

Charter Students have had Access to Great Schooling Despite COVID-19 When the COVID-19 pandemic hit New York, charter schools across the five boroughs immediately transitioned to remote learning that

Freedom in the curriculum, teaching style, school missions and policies resembles that of private schools, enabling charter schools to provide the very best approach to academics that fits their students. adapted to the students in each classrooms’ needs.

75% of New York’s charter schools had created a remote learning procedure before the March 2020 lockdown. Charter students only had to wait an average of three days to begin remote learning after in-person learning was closed.

Both charter students and teachers had the tools to continue learning and teaching from home. 80% of New York charter schools provided students with devices for remote learning before schools were closed and 98% of New York’s charter school teachers had the technology to conduct remote instruction.

Charter schools have been able to keep students accountable and maintain a high level of learning despite COVID-19 and its ramifica-

tions on education. 85% of New York’s charter schools continued to introduce new learning content to students through the pandemic and charter schools were three times more likely to take attendance during remote classes compared to traditional schools.

Charter schools also expanded nonacademic programs such as social-emotional counseling and family outreach during the pandemic. 75% of charter teachers increased their office hours during remote learning and 91% of charter teachers increased their time spent on communication with families during the pandemic.

Learn more about Charter Schools with our Charter School Listings online at newyorkfamily. com/?s=charter+schools

OUR LOCATIONS: Scan to access our Online Application

Kindergarten & First Grade located at: 1090 Close Ave, Bronx, NY, 10472 Second, Third, & Fourth Grades located at: 1093 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY, 10459

OUR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FEATURES: A rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum to inspire your child's love for learning Access to Technology, Academic Materials, and Busing for every student at no cost Special Education & English Language Supports Renowned teachers dedicated to the academic & social-emotional growth of your child

Apply for the 2022-2023 school year by visiting boldschools.org/apply or by calling 929.506.4369

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HVA A is is an an school!

– HVA Parent

We are a warm and caring school focused on sophisticated, deeper learning. Learn more and apply today for PreK-4th grade at harlemvillage.org/enroll.

HVA West 74 W 124th St HVA East 2351 1st Ave

Questions? enrollment@harlemvillage.org HVA is a tuition-free PreK-12 charter school with no fee to apply.

2022-2023 School Year

Ano Esscolar 2022-2023

Yalow’s New K-5 Campus!

Yalow’s Nuevo Campus 1-5

650 Grand Concourse, The Bronx, NY 10451

650 Grand Concourse, The Bronx, NY 10451

March 2022 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

25

Family day out

Minecraft Exhibit will Delight Kids Liberty Science Center show fosters creativity and fun

By BarBara russo

A

re you ready to get your game on? It’s time to head to Liberty Science Center in Jersey City for its new, upcoming exhibit: Minecraft: The Exhibition, featuring the scenes and characters from the popular video game, Minecraft.

The interactive exhibit, which opens on Feb. 18, gives Minecraft fans an opportunity to step inside the world of the game, surrounded by blocky scenes and characters from Minecraft builds. But you don’t have to be a Minecraft wiz to enjoy the exhibit.

Those who aren’t familiar with the game will still learn the fundamental skills and moves at game stations inside the gallery to start building their own worlds.

Minecraft (for anyone who’s heard of it but isn’t sure) is a video game where players explore a blocky, virtual world and discover raw materials, craft tools, build structures and much more. According to Common Sense Media, it can also be educational, and its focus on building can reinforce geometry concepts, as it strengthens players’ logic skills, creativity, and even collaboration.

What to Expect This is the East Coast premiere of the exhibit, which was created by MoPop, the Museum of Popular Culture, in partnership with Mojang Studios. The exhibit is a 6,000-square-foot multimedia experience designed for both Minecraft players and non-players of all ages.

Highlights of Minecraft: The Exhibition include: Life-Size Characters: The exhibit features photo opportunities with 15 life-size characters from Minecraft, including the explosive Creeper and mysterious Enderman.

A diorama includes a Minecraft tree, zombie, and wolf. Phantoms fly overhead, chickens scramble underfoot and baby pandas play in a bamboo forest.

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NewYorkFamily.com | March 2022

Courtesy of Liberty Science Center.

Time-Lapse Builds: Videos showing time-lapse builds and veteran players at work designed to help museum visitors become experts at the game.

Crafting Table: Players can use cards that represent building materials from the game to make their own objects and tools. These materials include wood, iron and obsidian.

10am-4pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm.

The exhibit will be available through Sept. 5.

What to Know About Visiting Where is the Liberty Science Center located?

Liberty Science Center is located at 222 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City, NJ.

What are the Liberty Science Center’s current COVID guidelines?

Liberty Science Center requires proof of full COVID-19 vaccination for all visitors age 12 and older.

When is Minecraft: The Exhibition open?

Minecraft: The Exhibition is open anytime Liberty Science Center is open.

Regular winter hours are Thursday-Friday,

How much are Liberty Science Center Minecraft: The Exhibition tickets?

Tickets are $8, plus general admission to the museum ($29.99; $24.99, ages 2-12).

Tickets are on sale now.

For more information, visit lsc.org or follow the Liberty Science Center on Facebook or Instagram.

A Fr e e E l e m e n t a r y C h a r t e r S c h o o l Grades 2-8 8:20- -2:20 2:20 PM Grades 2-8||Hours Hours 8:20 PM JCOS offers Art, Music, Technology, Band and Gym Enrollment: basedonon availability Enrollment:Rolling RollingAdmissions, Admissions, based availability Small size Small class class size Certified Special Education teachers and specialists who provide on-site services Multisensory techniques succeedboth bothacademically academically socially Multisensory techniquestotohelp helpchildren children succeed andand socially 1616 North 105333| 914.591.9330 | 914.591.9330| jcoschool.org | jcoschool.org NorthBroadway Broadway|| Irvington, Irvington, NY NY 10533

SCAN ME

RSVP for an Open House and Apply now online K-5th Grade at:

whinmusic.org

A revolutionary school model founded on the principles of El Sistema with music and community building at its core.

A free public charter school where literacy, math, science and music help your child

Apply for K-5!

Visit our website and register for our Virtual Open House on March 3rd to learn more!

(718) 655-6660 www.bronxbetterlearning.org Scan to Apply

BBL 1 | 3740 Baychester Ave Bronx, NY 10466 BBL 2 | 2545 Gunther Ave Bronx, NY 10469

Una escuela elemental gratuita

The BBL approach inspires joy and confidence in learning.

grow into a leader of tomorrow.

Una escuela autónoma pública gratuita donde la alfabetización, las matemáticas, la ciencia y la música ayudan a su hijo(a) a convertirse enel líder de mañana.

4 0 1 We s t 1 6 4 t h , N Y, N Y 1 0 0 3 2

March 2022 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

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Camps Directory | Special Advertising Supplement

ESF Summer Camps Locations: Riverdale Country School, Bronx, NY Greenwich Catholic School, Greenwich, CT esfcamps.com This camp season promises many exciting opportunities for children to learn new skills, form and nurture friendships and create lifelong memories.

Their 2022 program line-up includes 60+ award-winning activities, uniquely designed to encourage exploration and personal growth. Friends Happen at ESF! We guarantee that your camper will enjoy a summer with no limits, where they can be themselves and try new things while their friends cheer them on. The memories they will make and the feeling of having a summer home to call their own is all part of the ESF experience. Enroll now, spots are limited.

Long Island University Sports Camps LIU Brooklyn Campus: 1 University Plaza, Brooklyn, NY LIU Post Campus: 720 Northern Blvd, Brookville, NY 516-299-2909 camps@liu.edu liu.edu/sports-camps This July and August, young athletes will have the chance to participate in week-long athletic camps designed to connect them with NCAA Division I coaches to learn fundamentals and help improve their skills -- all while having fun and making lifelong friends. Camps are open to children entering grades 2 - 8 at any skill level.

Select from 18 camps at one of their two campus locations in Brooklyn or Long Island.

St. Catharine’s Academy Higher Achievement Program 2250 Williamsbridge Rd, Bronx 718-882-2882 scahs.org The Higher Achievement Program (HAP) at SCA is an immersive program preparing girls entering 6th, 7th, and 8th grades for the TACHS Exam.

Students are introduced to the high school environment, SCA’s STEM Lab and Robotics program, and a variety of sports. July 5th - July 15th, 9 am-2 pm. Program fee (includes course materials and T-shirt): $500.

YMCA of Greater New York Summer Camp ymcanyc.org/camp YMCA Summer Day Camp offers the best of adventure, aquatics, sports & games, creative arts, camp traditions, special guests & trips, and summer learning. YMCA programs for ages 3-15 are designed to meet your child’s interests and abilities. In 2022, they are offering a theme for each of their two-week sessions: Camp at Sea, Out of this World, Summer of Imagination and The Greatest Color War, providing unique activities and campers with special memories. Two-week sessions run June 27-Aug 19 with a bonus Camp Rocks! week from Aug 22-26. Inperson and virtual open house option. Enrollment extras available.

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NewYorkFamily.com | March 2022

SUMMER 2022

LEARN MORE AND ENROLL TODAY AT ESFCAMPS.COM QUESTIONS? 1-800-529-CAMP (2267)

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3-15 YEAR-OLD BOYS & GIRLS 60+ ACTIVITIES 1-8 WEEKS

March 2022 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

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Parental Burnout How to recognize it and expert advice on how to move on

By Courtney Ingalls

W

e all know that life as a parent can be stressful. Some parent’s feel like they can never catch a break, especially due to Covid-19 keeping kids at home during the designated alone time that all parents need. If you have noticed that you have been in a constant funk or have been developing more stress,that could be signs that you are experiencing parental burnout.

We spoke with Natalie Weder, MD, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Child Mind Institute about some common signs of parental burnout and what steps you can take to prevent it.

First off, can you talk a little bit about what parental burnout is?

Typically as a parent you spend a lot of time taking care of your children, spending a lot of your energy making sure they’re safe, making sure that they are stimulated, making sure they have what they need. So sometimes parents,either because of environmental aspects like Covid or all of a sudden having to be teachers and tutors in addition to just parenting because they are studying from home, or you have less access to resources that you would access otherwise, have to spend so much time taking care of kids that sometimes they start neglecting their own needs.

As a result, they can experience burnout, and burnout has different aspects to it: One is the typical you feel very fatigue, you feel very exhausted and it’s hard to feel that you recover from that exhaustion. There is also this sense of either shame or guilt because you know you’re not supposed to ever feel bad about being a parent or you’re supposed to always enjoy time with your kids and those types of things.

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You can also start feeling kind of emotionally distant from your kids because there is so much exhaustion and it’s so constant that it’s very hard to then feel a sense of wanting to connect or being able to connect. It can also have a toll on your mental health because you feel more isolated, you feel sad, it’s hard to find the joy in things.

What are some of the most common signs of a burnout the parents should look out for?

The most common ones tend to be excessive fatigue, feeling that you are exhausted all the time, feeling like you feel more distant from your children that you can’t be emotionally present or that you can’t find the emotional resources or the emotional availability to be connected with them. And then kind of finding it hard to to enjoy things and enjoy being a parent, enjoying your time with them and feeling more joy in the moment.

How has parental burnout been even harder since the start of Covid?

I think the way we typically as parents balance the needs of our children and what we have to sacrifice and invest daily in their well being, is by having breaks and having them have their own structure while you do things that are important to you and taking care of your own needs and well being.

Also using your community as your support. We know that in cultures where the role of parenting is to some extent shared or supported by family members, friends or the community and there tends to be less burnout because there’s a sense of shared experience and you tend to have more support. Whereas in more individualistic cultures where it’s typically just one or two parents- it can typically feel more intense.

So I think with Covid, not being able to first have our structure and routine which we all depend on so much for well being is totally destroyed or changed.

Also the sense of uncertainty, not knowing when it’s going to end- we don’t have that. You never know when the new variant’s

this lack of being emotionally present or this lack of enthusiasm. And so the kids first start worrying about their parents because they notice that something is wrong. Secondly they many times tend to internalize things, saying “oh maybe this is my fault”, “maybe I’m not being a good child” and kids can feel guilty themselves.

Sometimes kids also try to use their own strategies to help the parent and sometimes that makes things worse because they might demand even more attention because they are worried about the bond or they’re worried about the parent and that ends up being more stressful for the parent. Sometimes when a parent is experiencing burnout, they don’t have the same degree of emotional resources so they can lose their temper, they can be more irritable, they can snap or they can angry more and kids tend to feel that.

What are some changes you can make into your regular routine to help prevent parental burnout?

The first thing is to feel comfortable talking about it. Really work on the guilt and be able to vent to people that you trust or to other parents, whoever is in your support system that’s an adult. Being able to talk about your feelings, being able to talk about your problems just in itself can be a huge relief. The other piece is to evaluate your stress.

Sometimes when we’re so stressed out we can just go on automatic and don’t stop to think and pause to see what’s happening.

So get a sense of “How am I doing?”, “What do I need?”, “What’s missing in my life?”.

Then to really work on consistency and self care. Sometimes parents feel like they have to spend every minute with their child and if they don’t or they go out to exercise, they are neglecting them when in fact the better the well being of the parent, the better the well being of the child.

going to come or when schools are going to shut down and someones going to get sick and you’re going to have to quarantine.

Also not being able to use your support system- no playdates, no birthday parties, no visiting the grandparents, no letting them have a sleepover with someone- those are all

moments in which you would typically get some degree of rest.

How could parental burnout affect kids?

Kids are very perceptive and they know their parents really well. So they can sense this- they notice this fatigue and they notice

For parents that are trying to keep it all together, what kinds of techniques can they use to help with their parental burnout?

Some of the things we have mentioned should help with the burnout that they have.

Now if it’s going beyond- like sometimes it starts as stress and burnout and then it can end up in depression or extreme anxiety- to the point where it is impairing their wellbeing or the wellbeing of the family that they seek out professional help. There are ways and treatments available to help them feel less depressed or feel less anxious and so on.

March 2022 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

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A Mom’s Wisdom Alexis Kristiana on sharing her breastfeeding and parenting journey

By Donna Duarte-LaDD

I

first learned of Alexis Kristiana via mutual friend Denise Nicole (@abrooklybabe). She did what many savvy parents do these days and introduced a group of moms to each other on Instagram. I immediately gravitated to Alexis’s fashion IG @liquidgoldvintage, where she sells curated picks for nursing and onthe-go momsI also love Alexis for sharing her parenting experiences, such as breastfeeding, on her platform. When I started to follow her IG (@alexiskristiana) I was on child number two and felt a bit distant from other parents as my son was being diagnosed early with Autism, and I was not meeting other moms. It was refreshing to revisit the experiences I had with my first son and know that we moms are on a similar journey. I was not breastfeeding at the time, but I appreciated Alexis’s wisdom on breastfeeding.

Along with her amazing husband, Tolu Adegoke, they have fun. Yet, they can still be frank and raw with their parenting experiences with their two children Zion, 2.5 years old, and new baby Zuri, five months.

Any seasoned mom will tell you; moms need moms- Alexis Kristiana’s wisdom and shared journey is reminder that you are never alone.

How has your journey of breastfeeding evolved from Zion to Zuri?

When I first started my breastfeeding journey with Zion, I had no idea what I was doing. My mom did not breastfeed us because she was stationed away in the Navy and was not able to. I didn’t have any close family to look to for resources at the start of my journey.

So it was a lot of learning and guesswork. That journey is what sparked me to start sharing more of my breastfeeding experiences through social media so that other first-time moms would not feel as lost as I did as well. With Zion, I experienced extreme oversupply and this additional supply led to some problems with nursing. I would have to pump or express

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before every feed to make sure that he wasn’t choking while he was eating. It sounded like such a great problem, but it was a stressful time for us in our journey. This led to him also developing a brass preference because one of my breasts had more of a slow type of flow for him to take down the milk and this caused me to have uneven breasts for the remainder of my journey. And I only fed off of that one breast up until the birth of Zuri.

With Zuri, everything is so much easier and stress-free. Our journey has been beautiful from the start. We have not had any issues this time- I know what to look for and what to do and what not to do. What’s been different the second time around is that I am tandem nursing. Zion is starting to naturally self-wean and I feel like our journey might slowly start coming to an end with tandem nursing. We are taking it day by day and seeing where we go. He only does 1-2 feeds a day now and there have been days where he doesn’t even ask to nurse. So we’ll see where we end up.

Can you share how tandem breastfeeding works? Us mothers are being touched often, how do you know if it is for you?

With tandem nursing, you definitely can feel an overwhelming sense of being touched out. As you mentioned, we are constantly being touched as mothers, which can leave one feeling just massively overstimulated and wanting to be alone at the end of the day. Tandem nursing can bring these feelings more to the surface and if you feel like that is something that might not be good for your mental health it might not be for you.

If you feel like this is something you want to experience, go ahead and try it out, see how you feel, I believe that you won’t know if you want to tandem nurse until you start to do it. I had a whole different idea of what tandem nursing would look like before I started and it was completely impractical. You see all these pretty pictures online of women

tandem nursing - you think it looks calm and beautiful. The reality of it is that it can be incredibly stressful, tiring on your body and your mental health. You are feeding two children from one body, which is a lot on top of the day-to-day of motherhood. Some women choose to feed two children with both latched on. However, you can also tandem nurse without ever latching on both your children at the same time. What has worked for me to not feel overstimulated is to nurse Zion and Zuri at different nursing sessions.

I adopted my second child, and breastfeeding wasn’t in the cards for my son and me. What about the mothers who can’t or choose not to breastfeed? How can parents not feel left out when there is so much emphasis on breastfeeding?

My heart does go out to women who strongly want to breastfeed and, unfortunately, are not able to. My mother was one of them. For those mothers who cannot experience this journey, I hope they find comfort and joy in establishing other types of bonds that they can through motherhood.

There are countless ways to bond and connect and feel one with your child, and yes, breastfeeding is one of them, but it is one in a long list of many. I know that there is a feeling that breastfed is best at times, but I firmly believe that feeding is best and that whatever way you choose to nourish your child- what matters at the end of the day is that the child is healthy, growing and loved.

Your family unit is tight; we all fell in love with your husband Tolu at the cover shoothow do you two keep your relationship so strong?

My husband and I have known each other since we were 18, so we have grown up together- we have seen each other through so many changes and seasons in life that we truly have become best friends and life partners. Having kids only solidified our bond and we have grown closer in parenthood. The

Photo by Yumi Matsuo

days are long and hard, but we find solace in each other, at the end of the night, we make sure to tap in and check in with one another.

It’s little things here and there that we do for you throughout the days just to remind one another that we care. My Husband is truly unique and I would not be able to do half of the things I’m able to do if it weren’t for him.

It is about us always making sure we have each other‘s back and the beauty in this is it unifies you in a special way. One of the main

things that keep us strong is our faith - that right there is the foundation to it all.

You share on your platform the unsolicited advice & toxic comments as a new mom.

How do you deal with these comments? Do you have a bit of a thicker skin with baby #2?

As a first-time mom comments like this got to me. And I took them all to heart, and as a result, I was always affected by things that I heard being said to me. But as you grow

into yourself as a mother, you learn to push things aside that you don’t need to hear. This is what I do. I keep moving. Someone can tell me whatever they want, give me (unsolicited ) advice they think I need to hear but I keep moving forward. I think this comes with time, as a mother as you feel more seasoned and comfortable in your role. Being a mom of two, you definitely can’t tell me anything right now that I don’t want to hear cause I’m just not having it!

March 2022 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

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calendar

By Shara Levine

Joshua Bright

Learn about bird migration and make a mobile at Wave Hill on March 12-13.

Bronx Junior Keepers: Otters WHEN: Saturday, March 26, 9am-12pm WHERE: Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx AGES: 8-12 WHAT: Get up close animal encounters with a small animal ambassador, help make enrichment for the animal collection, and practice the skills needed to take care of wild animals!

WANT TO GO?: $60; $48 members. 800-433-4149.

Bronxzoo.com

The Orchid Show: Jeff Leatham’s Kaleidoscope

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WHEN: Feb. 26- May 1, Tuesdays-Sundays, 10am-6pm WHERE: The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Don’t miss this horticultural spectacle featuring thousands of dramatically displayed orchids in every shape and size.

WANT TO GO?: $30; $28 students (with valid ID)/seniors (65+); $15 children (2-12 years); free for children younger than 2 and patrons/members. 718817-8700. Nybg.org

Boogie Down Storytime with Wes and Jazy WHEN: Jan. 8- April 30, Saturdays, 10-11am

NewYorkFamily.com | March 2022

WHERE: Mottley Kitchen, 402 E 140th St., South Bronx AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Come out for a family-friendly experience that cultivates early literacy awareness through joyful reading experiences!

WANT TO GO?: $19.95. 347916-6234. Boogiedownbooks. com

Bunny Magic Photo Experience WHEN: March 25- April 16, Mondays-Saturdays, 12-7pm; Sundays, 12-6pm WHERE: The Mall at Bay Plaza, 200 Baychester Avenue, Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Hop on over to meet

the Easter Bunny and take a special photo!

WANT TO GO?: Photo packages start at $34.99. 718208-2750. Mallatbayplaza.com

Family Art Project: The Early-Bird Mobile WHEN: March 12-13, 10am-1pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Help welcome back to Wave Hill the first returning birds and early migrants passing through on their way north—as well as the overwintering residents. Cut out birdie shapes and display them as a colorful mobile.

WANT TO GO?: FREE with

VILLA MARIA ACADEMY

Clowns • Characters Face Painting • Balloon Art • Magic Games • Cotton Candy • Popcorn

VISIT OUR VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE WWW.VMA-NY.ORG

Paint Nites for Adults & Kids too!

Party Room available for Birthday & Baby Shower Celebrations!

Call (917) 579-0867 to book your party today! /ConfettiPartyPlace /ConfettiPartyPlace 3190 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, New York 10461

TOUR THE SCHOOL VISIT A CLASSROOM

Check us out Online!

We’re the #1 print & digital lifestyle platform for engaged parents in New York.

HEAR FROM A STUDENT READ PARENT TESTIMONIALS

Villa students receive: High standardized scores Excellent fundamental skills Hands on STEM $1 million in high school scholarships CONTACT US:

Visit newyorkfamily.com to check it out and sign up for our weekly newsletters!

718-824-3260 3335 Country Club Road, Bronx NY

info@vma-ny.org

The Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning offers a full range of Junior Pathway Programs for kids ages 5-18.

Each program is designed to improve player skills using age appropriate equipment, and ensures transition throughout the NYJTL pathway. nyjtl.org/caryleeds/programs/juniors

Learn the sport of a lifetime this summer! Play at the state-of-the-art Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning situated in Crotona Park, conveniently located in NYC.

1720 Crotona Avenue Bronx, NY 10457 caryleedsinfo@nyjtl.org 718-247-7420

All levels welcome! (ages 5-18) nyjtl.org/caryleeds/programs/juniors/camps/

March 2022 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

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calendar

March

admission: $10; $6 students and seniors 65 and older; $4 children 6 and older; free for members. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

Family Art Project: Oh, My! Orchid Prints WHEN: March 26-27, 10am-1pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Observe the unusual shapes of the enchanting orchid flower. Working with large pieces of construction paper and floral templates, you’ll make orchid-inspired prints that are easy for all.

WANT TO GO?: FREE with admission: $10; $6 students and seniors 65 and older; $4 children 6 and older; free for members. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

Nature Lovers

Bronx Zoo Mornings WHEN: Saturday, March 19, 9-10:30am WHERE: Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Your morning just got wild with this special beforehours program. Your family will test their penguin knowledge with expert educators.

WANT TO GO?: $45 . 800433-4149. Bronxzoo.com

It’s My Park at Henry Hudson Park WHEN: Saturday, March 19, 9am-12pm WHERE: Henry Hudson Monument in Henry Hudson Park, 2570 Independence Ave #6204, Bronx AGES: All WHAT: You can help the park with tasks that include mulching garden beds, composting leaves, and general cleanup. All are welcome to join and help to beautify the park!

WANT TO GO?: 347-203-9164 Nycgovparks.org

MANHATTAN NYC St. Patrick’s

36

Day Parade WHEN: Thursday, March 17, 11am-4:30pm WHERE: Fifth Avenue, 5th Avenue at 44th Street, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the history and culture of the Irish at this famed parade.

WANT TO GO?: 718-231-4400.

Nycstpatricksparade.org/.

Blue Man Group WHEN: Ongoing WHERE: 434 Lafayette street AGES: All WHAT: Blue Man Group will rock your world, blow your mind, and unleash your spirit.

Leave your expectations at the door and let three bald and blue men take you on a spectacular journey bursting with music, laughter and surprises. 35 million people of all ages, languages and cultures know what Blue Man Group is really about. Now it’s your turn. Hard to Describe.

Easy to Love.

WANT TO GO?: $54-102, Blueman.com

Fort Tryon Kids: Native Americans WHEN: Saturday, March 12, 1-2pm WHERE: Fort Tryon Park, 741 Ft. Washington Ave., Fort Washington AGES: All WHAT: Go on a journey back in time when Native Americans inhabited the land and learn about customs, survival techniques, and conservation practices.

WANT TO GO?: 212-795-1388.

Eventbrite.com

QUEENS Hats Off to The Environment - Celebrate Dr. Seuss WHEN: Wednesday, March 2, 3:30-4:30pm WHERE: Alley Pond Environmental Center, 224-65 76th Ave., Oakland Gardens AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Don your Dr. Seuss hat, read some books, and

NewYorkFamily.com | March 2022

Pixar’s “Turning Red” is part of the New York International Children’s Film Festival, running March 4-19 at the SVA Theatre. learn about the role trees and plants play in our air supply during this Dr. Seuss birthday celebration. Ages 6-8.

WANT TO GO?: $11.80. 718229-4000. Alleypond.org Holiday Fun

Raffles and more.

WANT TO GO?: 718-4602000. Theshopsatskyviewny. com

Queens County St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Open Hours at the Environmental Education Center

WHEN: Saturday, March 5, 1pm WHERE: Beach 129th Street, Beach 129 Street and Newport Avenue, Rockaway Park AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate all things Irish at this 47th annual parade.

WANT TO GO?: Queenscountyparade.org

Hands on History: Immigrant Women at King Manor WHEN: Saturday, March 5, 1-4pm WHERE: King Manor Museum, 150-03 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica AGES: All WHAT: Learn about the lives of Irish immigrant women in the United States and make a craft young Irish women would have brought to remind them of their country of origin.

WANT TO GO?: 718-206-0545.

Kingmanor.org

Live Mural Painting WHEN: Friday, March 4, 4-7pm WHERE: The Shops at Skyview Center, 40-24 College Point Blvd., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Watch the “Water Tiger” mural come to life, as artist Simi Mahtani & Teressa Wozniak paint a 600 foot mural on the wall and join the fun with a Live DJ, Giveaways,

Brooklyn WHEN: Nov. 2 - March 31, Tuesdays, 3-5pm; Thursdays, 3-5pm; Saturdays. 1-5pm WHERE: Environmental Education Center at Brooklyn Bridge Park, 99 Plymouth Street, Dumbo AGES: All WHAT: Get to know Brooklyn Bridge Park with monthly educational themes, a 250-gallon aquarium filled with critters from the East River, a 10’ scale model of Brooklyn Bridge Park, crafts, a reading corner, and much more.

WANT TO GO?: 718-222-9939.

Brooklynbridgepark.org

Beauty & the Beast WHEN: Jan. 22- April 3, Saturdays and Sundays, 12:30pm and 2:30pm WHERE: Puppetworks, Inc., 338 Sixth Avenue, at 4th Street, Park Slope AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Beauty & the Beast the French Fantasy with a “live” Beast adapted for Marionettes

by Nicolas Coppola (suggested for ages 3 and up) WANT TO GO?: $11; $10 children. 718-965-3391.

Puppetworks.org

March 2022 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

37

Podcasts

Mental Health Podcasts for Parents

By Courtney Ingalls

A

fter the two-plus years we have had, I think many people can easily say that 2022 is all about focusing on mental health.

While some people might try using methods such as working out or incorporating reading into your routine, listening to a mental health podcast has also shown to be a good alternative to try as well!

Whether you are looking to get advice from a professional or are looking to get some comedic relief, these popular podcasts are a great starting point when it comes to bettering your mental health!

The Hilarious World of Depression Available on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts

Veteran Radio host John Moe wants to take the stigma surrounding depression away and give people a way to listen to others stories while also having a good laugh. Moe brings comedians on to his show to talk about their experiences while dealing with depression and hopes to give some comedic relief to those who listen.

Santos will bring you through a different misconception of what it means to be happy and helps her viewers realize what makes them truly happy.

The Self Work Podcast Available on Apple Podcasts

After having 25 years of psychology experience, Dr. Margaret Rutherford is using her podcast as a platform to give her listeners a form of therapy or experience they need to continue bettering their mental health. Dr. Rutherford uses a compassionate direction when speaking about serious topics to give people both a soothing and educational experience while listening.

Therapy for Black Girls Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify

Dr. Joy Harden Bradford is a licensed psychologist and created her podcast to encourage the mental wellness of Black women and girls. Bradford focuses on mental health and personal development and her episodes cover a variety of mental health topics that are all about becoming the best possible versions of ourselves.

The Happiness Lab Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify

Tara Brach Available on Apple Podcasts

Have you ever told yourself that you would be happy once you get your dream job, make lots of money, etc.? Well Dr. Laurie Santos proves that not to be true in her podcast The Happiness lab. During each episode,

If you are someone that can’t just listen to podcasts, but have to physically take action, then this is the podcast for you! Known for her meditation techniques and as a published author, Tara Brach uses her podcast platform

38

NewYorkFamily.com | March 2022

as a way to give listeners weekly guided meditations. These mindful meditations focus on spiritual awakening and getting rid of emotional suffering that many of us continue to hold on to.

The Mental Illness Happy Hour Available on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts

Creator and comedian Paul Gilmartin describes his popular podcast as “more like a waiting room that doesn’t suck,”.

Gilmartin (who is a recovering alcoholic and was diagnosed with clinical depression) talks to people who are living with mental health issues and uses humor to hopefully encourage others to seek professional help.

Although The Mental Illness Happy Hour is not meant to replace any kind of medical care, it does help normalize talking about mental health while also adding comedic relief to your day.

Terrible, Thanks for Asking Available on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts

Are you a person who constantly says they are “fine” when someone asks how they are doing, even though you know deep down you are not? Well Nora McInerny makes listeners think about how they really are with Terrible, Thanks for Asking. McInerny talks to real people who share their complicated and honest feelings to show others that it is ok to open up and show others that you might be struggling.

Presented by

FREE TO REGISTER

Y�u’re Invi�ed!

Meet with day & sleepaway camps in a safe environment to find a great camp for your child.

2022 CAMP FAIR SCHEDULE:

Saturday, March 5th in Westchester at Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club Sunday, March 6th in Downtown Manhattan at The 14 Street Y Sunday, March 13th in the West Side, Manhattan at Congregation Rodeph Shalom Saturday, March 19th in the East Side, Manhattan at St. Jean Baptiste High School Sunday, March 20th in Cobble Hill Brooklyn at Kane Street Synagogue Saturday, March 26th in Long Island City Queens at The Plaxall Gallery Sunday, March 27th in Park Slope Brooklyn at Congregation Beth Elohim Sponsored by Blue Man Group

One family will win 4 tickets to see the Blue Man Group!

(Must be present to win)

To RSVP and find out more please visit: www.newyorkfamily.com/campfairs or email: summer@newyorkfamily.com

All events are indoors, to attend the camp fair you must be fully vaccinated and wear a mask while inside at all times.

Where

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