We’re SchoolaReadySOforNewYear! Fall Fun Pick the Perfect Apple How to Choose ActivitiesAfterschool
Simple and Stress-Free The ideal kids birthday party venue for any age. While we take care of the details, you can enjoy the party. Attractions for All Ages Parents Party Too We do all the planning and heavy lifting. You get all the credit. Let ’em spin, bounce, score, chase, race, climb - we’ve got you covered to let ‘em have an awesome time! To make things even easier, we provide a party host, balloons, plates, napkins, and forks to make for a stellar party! UrbanAir.com // 201.968.5065 // info@UrbanAirSH.co 396 Ryders La Milltown, NJ 0 Milltow CALL TO BOOK YOUR PARTY TODAY! om ane 08850 wn Climbing Walls // Warrior Course // Virtual Reality // Battle Beam ProZone // Tubes Playground // Trampolines & More! (Woodbridge) 1600 Saint Georges Ave Avenel, NJ 07001 Avenel 69 Wesley Street S. Hackensack, NJ 07606 South Hackensack $25 OFF BOOK TODAY FOR COUPON 25OFFNYF0922 COUPON 25OFFNYF0922 APPLIES TOWARDS ANY BIRTHDAY PARTY PACKAGE BOOKED BY 10/15/22 VALID FOR SOUTH HACKENSACK, MILLTOWN, AVENEL, AND BROOKLYN LOCATIONS ONLY COUPON MUST BE MENTIONED AT THE TIME OF BOOKING MAY NOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER, PROMOTION, DISCOUNT, OR MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT NOT VALID ON PREVIOUSLY BOOKED PARTIES TAKE YOUR BIRTHDAY PARTY TO NEW HEIGHTS! 4422 2nd Ave Brooklyn, NY 11232 Brooklyn OPENING SOON! URBAN AIR BROOKLYN OPENING SOON //
September 2022 | Staten Island Parent 3
4 SIParent.com | September 2022 s eptember 2022 SIParent.comcontents FE aT u RES 16 | apps Best podcasts for kids that parents will also love 18 | Health Monkeypox & Polio: Fast facts for parents as kids head back to school 22 | afterschool activities & e nrichment Sports How to choose the right extracurriculars for your child 28 | childcare Understanding your childcare options 30 | parenting What is Koala Parenting? SToRiES & column S 6 | editor’s Letter 8 | community & School n ews 10 | education Back to School: we’re SO ready for a new year 14 | a sk the e xpert 5 activities to boost literacy skills 26 | Local Spotlight All about New Dorp’s newest Mexican restaurant 32 | Family Day o ut Time for Apple Picking 34 | m oms We Love Meet founder of Bonberi and author of Body Harmony Nicole Berrie 38 | b irthday club Celebrating September birthdays Family F un 36 | c alendar All the fun events and activities for September Di RE c To R i ES 24 | activities Guide on tH e cover Getty Images / SbytovaMN pg. 34 pg. 22 pg. 32 pg.pg.2836
September 2022 | Staten Island Parent 5
6 SIParent.com | September 2022 editor’s note Comments? Questions? Suggestions? Email Jeannine at jcintron@siparent.com Get news, tips and humor all month long: siparent.com/signup p ub Li SH er: Clifford Luster Deputy eD itor: Jeannine Cintron r eporter: Barbara Russo community content creator: Shara Levine e xecutive Director: Donna Duarte-Ladd aSSociate p ub Li SH er: Erin Brof aDverti S in G Director: Stacie Goldberg Senior aDvi S er: Susan Weiss partner SH ip manaG er S : Lauren Alperin, Lauren Anchin, Joan Bergman, Mary Cassidy, Lori Falco, Shelli Goldberg-Peck, Annene Guertin, LynnMarie Hanley, Lisa Herlihy, Janine Mulé, Nina Spiegelman, Gwen Tomaselli marketin G & StrateGy Director: Rosalia Bobé SaLe S & marketin G coor D inator: Mykael Fields marketin G aSS i S tant: Tilejah Gilead art Director: Leah Mitch Web Deve Loper: Sylvan Migdal Grap H ic De S i G ner S : Arthur Arutyunov, Connie Sulsenti conTac T inFoRmaTion aDverti S in G: (718) Advertising@NewYorkFamily.com260-4554 circu L ation: (718) Tina@NewYorkFamily.com260-8336 aDD re SS : New York Family Media/Schneps Media 1 MetroTech Center North, Third Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201 p re S i D ent: Victoria Schneps-Yunis ceo : Joshua Schneps coo : Clifford Luster 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. 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 2021 get I n touch n ewYorkFamily.com
Back-to-School is Back!
Happy JeannineSeptember!Cintron
our
Flip to page 10 for more of our back-to-school excitement.We’realso in the back-to-AFTERschool season, when it’s time to sign up for extracurricular activities your child will enjoy outside of school. It’s not always easy to figure out which of these programs are right for your family, so go to page 22 for help in making that Septemberdecision.marks the start of fall, and I’m already anxious to get my hands on a pumpkin (spice latte). It might be early for that to some — and for fuzzy boots, apparently — but it’s the perfect time to go apple picking! Check out our annual updated list of farms near Staten Island for picking delicious apples of all kinds on page 32. Don’t forget to save one for your child’s teacher (like the little cutie on the cover!).
Every September, when the new school year begins, we ask Facebook followers to show us pictures of the first day of school. The photos we saw in the last two years were different from years past. Instead of seeing kids in new outfits toting backpacks and smiles, many parents shared first-day photos of kids in pajamas or face masks, toting laptops and headphones (and not many smiles).While remote learning worked wonderfully for some students and families, many others — myself included — prefer in-person schooling for their children. With COVID restrictions lifted, this school year will likely look a lot different than it did last year. I think it’s safe to say that backto-school is finally back. So be sure to share those adorable photos with us on Facebook — we can’t wait to see those smiles again!
September 2022 | Staten Island Parent 7 REGISTERTODAY AT BOWLATRABS.COM! 1600 Hylan Boulevard Staten Island, NY 10305 | Phone: 718-979-1600 www.bowlatrabs.com @bowlatrabs
What’s Happening on S TaTE n iS lan D Staten iSL anD 9/11 ceremony at poStcarDS memoriaL
“It is an honor that we continue the ceremony at the Postcards 9/11 Memorial which beautifully stands on the waterfront in St. George. We at Borough Hall are so pleased to be able to join together in person to remember those we lost during the tragedy, and those first responders who have passed since then as a result of their bravery,” Fossella said. “After 21 years, we hope this ceremony continues to provide solace and support to the friends and families who have lost a loved one. Please join us in honoring those Staten Islanders and their memories this September.”
8 SIParent.com | September 2022 communit Y news
There will be a public, in-person event this year for the annual Staten Island 9/11 Memorial Ceremony. The event will be on Sept. 11 at the Postcards 9/11 Memorial on the waterfront in St. George. Hosted by Vito Fossella, Staten Island’s borough president, the ceremony will feature the recitation of the names of the Staten Islanders whose lives were lost in the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. There will also be a reading of the names of the first responders who perished since that day due to their work at Ground Zero. Special musical selections and a video tribute will honor the victims.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams touted the grant, which was announced over the summer, saying “supporting our youth is a win for all of us.”The mayor added, “If we don’t educate, we incarcerate, and this generous grant will bolster STEM educational programs to give our middle and high school students the ability to thrive in life by giving them the opportunity to explore careers many never thought possible.”
According to the mayor’s office, the grant will advance the goals of two STEM-related initiatives—Exploring Futures and College Now for Careers. Both initiatives are part of the Mayor’s Office of Youth Employment and developed in support of the city’s goal of universal career readiness.
The ceremony, which is open to the public, will begin at 6:30pm. Families of those lost have been formally invited to participate in the recitation of names and the video tribute.
“We are delighted to partner with the Mayor’s Fund to advance STEM education in New York City. At Pfizer, we understand that the future of medical breakthroughs and American innovation as a whole depend on the strength and diversity of our workforce. It is never too early to attract, engage, and motivate students – of all backgrounds –to pursue careers in STEM. We hope our work with the Mayor’s Fund and other city groups will result in increased awareness and interest in STEM careers,” Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said.
pFizer Grant aimS to booSt Stem eDucation in nyc
Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer recently granted $1.5 million to the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, with money earmarked for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) educational programs for middle and high school students.
thursday, Sept 8: The first day of school thursday, Sept. 15: Evening parent-teacher conferences for elementary schools and pre-K centers thursday, Sept. 22: Evening parent-teacher conferences for middle schools and D75 schools monday-tuesday, Sept. 26-27: Schools closed for Rosh Hashanah thursday, Sept. 29: Evening parent-teacher conferences for high schools, K-12 and 6-12 schools
Mark your calendar for these important public school dates:
SnuG Harbor DiScovery paSS: a one-Stop cuLturaL Hub
!
important pubLic ScHooL DateS
September 2022 | Staten Island Parent 9
Families love visiting Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanic Garden for its cool museums and attractions. Now, visitors can bundle up admission to some of that culture into one experience by using the new Discovery Pass at Snug Harbor. With the Discovery Pass, visitors to the historic 83-acre culture campus will experience the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art, New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden, Noble Maritime Collection and Staten Island Museum for one ticket price of $20. Visitors can still purchase admission to each attraction individually, but they’ll save about $3-5 with the Discovery Pass. They’ll also save time and stress by not needing to visit and pay at each attraction—allowing more time for fun and culture.Aspart of the promotion, the Art Lab School of Fine and Applied Arts, also based at Snug Harbor, will offer a $25 discount to first-time registrants of their classes.
“It’s a very exciting day for all of the world-class organizations that make up the community of Snug Harbor,” Jessica Baker Vodoor, president & CEO of Snug Harbor, said. “I believe that the new Discovery Pass at Snug Harbor will help encourage all of our visitors to experience everything we have to offer here. There is truly something for everyone to enjoy.” Visitors can purchase a pass online or on site at select Snug Harbor attractions. Visit snug-harbor.org/discoverypass to learn more.
Education Back School!to We’re SO ready for a new year
Now we know. While remote learning was shaky at first, we know it can work, but many parents are thrilled for their kids to walk through the doors of their school this year. And the teachers are also ready. Gerard Ucelli, art teacher at P.S. 46 on Staten Island, commented,“Sincerealigning our students to inperson learning from last year, I’m excited to emphasize consistency in keeping kids engaged. Art can be an outlet that opens so many doors to kids and I’m striving to be a gatekeeper of opportunities that help them thrive.”
10 SIParent.com | September 2022
Erica, a pre-k teacher in Syracuse, NY, shared, “I am looking forward to having family volunteers back in the building. The opportunity to deeply engage with our families strengthens bonds within our classroom, school, and district.”
Andrea, a New York City Elementary School Teacher, concurs, “I’m looking forward to continuing to build a sense of community in my class. So much of that was lost for my students in the past few years. Since my small groups tend to stay together year to year, I can’t wait to see students overcoming challenges and celebrating their growth and achievements. I’m also excited for a new music band program at our school! It will give students a much-needed creative outlet!Even NYC DOE Schools Chancellor, David Banks is excited, Chancellor Banks recently shared, “While it’s not quite my first day of school, I am absolutely overjoyed as I prepare to experience my first day of school as NYC Public Schools Chancellor. The past eight months I have spent with NYC’s families, children, and devoted educators have been an honor, a delight, and a privilege. With their partnership, guidance and support we have taken huge strides in transforming our system — from how we teach reading and expanding our Gifted & Talented program, to creating new pathways in digital learning experiences. Imagine what we can do with a whole school year. There is so much to look forward to as we head into September, a bright start to what I know will be a successful school year.” So let’s check off those endless school supply lists and prepare the backpacks, bring on those first-day jitters, pack the mask just in case and welcome a new school year.
And schools, whether private, charter, Catholic, public, daycares, etc., have demonstrated that students come first and we can get through hard times. After two years, most schools can finally let parents back in the building. One parent who visited her son’s special needs school this summer for the first time said she will never forget seeing the smile on her son’s face when he saw her walk through the door.
By Donna Duarte-LaDD
A s we head into a new school year, we’re reminded that many parents, teachers, and particularly our kids have shown resilience and perseverance in the last few (bumpy) school years. Many of us in this world of COVID, monkeypox and now polio (we know, we know) have been cautiously optimistic about the last few school years, which is understandable.Yet,anewschool year is a rite of passage and returning to enjoy these first days of a school year is essential. And parents, our kids, and teachers who were rockstars during lockdown are excited about this school year. Delilah, age 10, is starting middle school this year and shared with New York Family, “I’m excited for new friends and teachers. I missed going on trips and we only went on one last year and none the year before, so I’m really excited to go on more trips.” Go Delilah!
Old Home Day at Weekends Columbus Day
&
Oct. 15 & 16 | 10am-4pm Spanish Heritage Celebration
costumed
all
Sept. 25 | 11am-3pm
| 11am-5pm
throughout the site. WED.-SUN.
The village is alive with history at this timehonored event. Through food, handcrafts, and demonstrations of music and sport, learn about cultural traditions of Staten Islanders from around the world.
September 2022 | Staten Island Parent 11 NOWREGISTRATIONOPEN! LOCATED ON THE CAMPUS OF MOUNT LORETTO 6581 HYLAN BLVD STATEN ISLAND, NY 10309 Scan For More Step back in time at NYC's oldest and most complete living history village! Pumpkin Picking at Historic Richmond Town’s Decker Farm returns with all of your favorite autumnal activities! Search the patch for the perfect pumpkin, learn about 19th century farm life, and indulge in delicious fall food favorites. Upcoming Events & Programs
The open air museum is alive with living history, demonstrated by Historical Interpreters structures through Oct. 2 11AM-5PM
Decker Farm October
in
our
WeekendPumpkin Picking
www.historicrichmondtown.org/events| 441 Clarke Ave. | (718) 351-1611Follow Us
Historic Richmond Town honors Hispanic American heritage and pays tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have enriched borough, city, and country with performances and special programs day.
Eileen F. Corigliano, Acting Head of School, states that “this scholarship practice embodies who we truly are as a school. We do not just seek out students who can achieve high test scores, we welcome students that can contribute to the Academy community, academically, artistically, athletically and positively through service and partnership in a positive learning community.”
The William Winter Scholarship exam for students who will be entering Grade 6 or Grade 9 in September 2023 will be offered on Saturday, November 19, 2022. Contact Caroline Crane at 718-303-7803 or ccrane65@statenislandacademy.org
Open House for rising Grade 6 applicants: October 11 at 7PM
12 SIParent.com | September 2022 Staten I S land Parent Partner
Named for William Winter, a renowned 19th century historian and writer, as well as a Staten Island Academy parent and member of the Board of Trustees, the scholarship program is open to students who will be entering Grade 6 or Grade 9 the following September. Awards are based on an examination, school transcripts, teacher recommendations, and a personal interview. Like the college admissions process, the scholarship selection is part art and part science. There are quantitative ways to measure whether a student will be successful at the Academy, which is why we ask all applicants to take an entrance exam, known as the ISEE, or Independent School Entrance Exam. There are also qualities that are far less tangible on paper -- the potential to fall in love with learning, the curiosity to keep asking questions, and the ability to be a respectful and contributing member of the school community. All applicants participate in a comprehensive interview process in an effort to better establish a personal relationship with them and their families. The awards are based on academic merit, citizen leadership and the potential to positively contribute to the overall culture of campus community.
Staten Island Academy’s William Winter Scholarship
e ach year, hundreds of Staten Island and New York City-area students compete for the Staten Island Academy William Winter Scholarships, which include admission to the 139-year old independent school and scholarship assistance.
Upper School Director, Frank S. Crane shares “The scholarship process gives me the opportunity to meet with high-achieving, innovative, and aspirational students who will hopefully one day be scholars and leaders in our school and the world.” In a global marketplace which increasingly calls upon students who are adept in collaboration and critical thinking, self-expression and diplomacy, students at independent schools such as The Academy, are uniquely poised for the challenges ahead.
Open House for rising Grade 9 applicants: October 18 at 7PM
September 2022 | Staten Island Parent 13 OF A THE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY lifetime Independent schools provide students the opportunity of a lifetime. At the Academy, the William Winter Scholarships help make the experience possible for students entering Grade 6 and Grade 9. Join us for an open house event to learn more. Learn more online at statenislandacademy.org or call (718) 303-7803. GRADES 6 & 9 OPEN Thursday,HOUSEOct 13 9:30am – 11am Students entering Grades 6 and 9 and their families STATEN ISLAND ACADEMY STATEN ISLAND’S ONLY Independent School GRADE 6 OPEN 7pmTuesday,HOUSEOct11–9pm Students entering Grade 6 and their families GRADE 9 OPEN 7pmTuesday,HOUSEOct18–9pm Students entering Grade 9 and their families O9 pmOctUSE18 ntering nd lies O
By Dawn Marie Barhyte
The Nursery Rhyme Effect : Research has found that children who are familiar with nursery rhymes when they enter kindergarten learn to read more easily. With each nursery rhyme, thousands of connections are formed, introducing your child to the patterns of sounds as the brain separates words into syllables and hears similarities between words that rhyme. They not only boost literacy skills, but also increase motor coordination and listening skills. Try fun, familiar finger rhymes such as the Itsy-Bitsy Spider or Five Little Monkeys. Then extend the activity by writing down the rhymes and have your child draw pictures to illustrate the words. Make a Book Together : Have your child make up their own story, and write it down
• Sharpens listening skills and increases attention span
T
eachers agree that young children don’t have to know how to read and write before kindergarten, but boosting literacy skills from a young age is highly beneficial. A basic understanding of the relationship between letters, words and reading helps promote school readiness. One way to do this is by reading aloud to your child. Encouraging their early attempts to read and write will unlock a world of information and imagination.
• Vocabulary matures and kids acquire new words • Learns about sequencing, space and time, the flow of stories and what comes next
• Strengthens and refines language skills and forms more complex sentences Boost Literacy Skills As a parent, you can do a great deal to nurture your child’s literacy development aside from reading books aloud. Here are some other fun activities to build literacy skills
ask the e xpert 5
Boost Brain Development
LiteracytoActivitiesBoostSkills
You have already heard how vital it is to read to your children every day, but do you know why? You might be surprised to learn that doing so boosts brain development, stimulates language skills, and gives your child an edge once they go off to school.Studies show a correlation between reading and higher scores on standardized tests and better grades in school overall. Strengthen Your Bond Reading does not just happen. Literacy skills need to be nurtured as early as possible; the easiest way is to read aloud to your child. This not only builds a foundation for literacy but gets kids actually to enjoy it, too. Studies show children will develop more positive attitudes towards reading if they experience a close bond with you while reading aloud. Reading aloud also has the following benefits:
• Improves comprehension and gains a deeper understanding of the world
14 SIParent.com | September 2022
Studies
September 2022 | Staten Island Parent 15 Fall into Fun at Storybook Land!Coming soon!
Few can argue the benefits of boosting literacy skills during the early years. Even just 10 minutes a day of reading or other literacy-building activities can have a huge impact. It will enhance language development, increase the ability to form more complex sentences, and solidify the understanding of the relationship between words and objects. Reading opens up a whole new world to children as they gaze at the colorful pages of books, so let’s help them get there.
Discounted Tickets Available Online, order at www.storybookland.com for them, word for word. Write one sentence per page in capital and lower case letters, so it looks just like the print in a storybook. If they aren’t ready for that, try a more personal approach—themes like “All About Me” or “My Favorite Things” are a big hit with little ones. Ask them questions to get started like, their favorite color, favorite food, who their friends are, who they live with, etc. Then prompt your child to either draw or cut out images from a magazine to illustrate each page. Make sure to write the title and your child’s name on the cover.
Art as Reading : The next time your child creates a work of art, whether it’s in the form of a drawing, painting, or even a scribble, as them to tell you about it. Write down what they say and read it back to them. This will demonstrate how words and ideas can be written down and repeated as stories.
Go Fish : You will need index cards and thick markers. Recite the alphabet together, writing a letter on each card. Make two cards of each letter using large upper-case letters. Deal four cards to each player then put the remaining cards in a pile, face down. Pull one of your cards out, placing it face up on the table and ask your child if they have the match. If they don’t, say “Go Fish” and have them draw a card from the pile. Take turns until all the cards have been matched.
aloud.youatheytowardspositivedevelopchildrenshowwillmoreattitudesreadingifexperienceclosebondwithwhilereading
Dawn Marie Barhyte is a former early childhood educator & co-director for childcare centers. She is now a freelance writer with over twenty years experience specializing in topics like child development, education, and parenting. Her work has appeared in publications like Hudson Valley Parent and Girls’ Life. She loves to sail, is an avid reader and crafter, and resides in the scenic Hudson Valley, NY with her beloved husband and rescue pup.
Turn the Table s: During story time flip the script and have your child “read” their book of choice to you. This will encourage creativity, challenge them to list a sequence of events, and even build their confidence as they realize how much of the story they actually remember.
16 SIParent.com | September 2022
apps Best Podcasts for Kids
Brains On is an award winning science podcast that is great for children of all ages. It uses science and history to fuel the natural curiosity of children. Each week, a different kid co-host joins the podcast to find answers to fascinating questions about the world sent in by listeners. Purple Rocket Available on Apple Podcasts, and kidslisten.org
The Peace Out Podcast focuses on mindful ness and emotional regulation. The stories are presented in a calming way, and teach children social-emotional skills. There are also guided visualizations and breathing ex ercises that help children with self regulation. It is ideal for children ages 8 and under.
But Why: A Podcast For Curious Kids Available on Apple Podcasts, and kidslisten.org
Purple Rocket is an award-winning kids podcast full of fun and adventure. It is engaging and educational and helps kids use their imagination. It is laden with mystery including a magical globe, exploring the universe aboard a space train, dinosaur adventures, and so much more. This podcast is ideal for children ages 5-12.
Professor Theo’s Mystery Lab Available on Apple Podcasts, Audible, Spotify, and kidslisten.org
Also Love
By Sara Marine FroMMell W e all know kids’ brains are like sponges, we also understand that kids can zone out during the summer, and now that they are back at school, these podcasts are not only fun to listen to -they may even boost the kids out of any “summer slide” they experience during the summer.
Brains On! A Science Podcast For Kids Available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and kidslisten.org
Peace Out Podcast Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Leela Kids, kidslisten.org, or online at PeaceOutPodcast.com
From questions like “Do You Have To Be Tall To Play Basketball?” to “What Is Climate Change?” But Why Podcast will keep young curious minds active and excited. This podcast is ideal for children ages 5-11.
KidNuz Available on Apple Podcasts, Audible, kidslisten.org
Circle Round Available on Kidslisten.org, Audible, Apple Podcasts, and Wbur.org Circle Round adapts carefully-selected folktales from around the world into soundand music-rich radio plays for kids ages 4 to 10. Each 10- to 20-minute episode explores important issues like kindness, persistence and generosity. And each episode ends with an activity that inspires a deeper conversation between children and grown-ups.
Kidnuz is a daily podcast that engages kids in current events, encourages critical thinking, and sparks meaningful conversations. It brings children daily news in a growth oriented way. It is ideal for children ages 6-13. Story Nory Available on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, and Storynory brings beautifully read, sophisticated audio stories for the entire family. The stories include fairytales, original stories, myths, poems, music, and more. The stories range from traditional stories from all over the world to sci-fi space traveling themed stories. It has a great variety, so every child can find something to enjoy.
Parents
But Why is a Podcast that helps kids explore the big interesting world out there. The discussions are presented in question answer format, and include a wide range of topics.
Professor Theo’s Mystery Lab takes place on Professor Theo’s mysterious university campus which is filled with superheroes and surprises. Imaginative, exciting, and compact episodes are awesome for entertaining kids and helping develop their creativity. Professor Theo keeps many secrets but enjoys sharing his hometown bedtime stories and playful tales. This podcast is ideal for ages 5-11. that Will
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children get four doses of the polio vaccine. They should get a dose at each of the following
18 SIParent.com | September 2022 by bArbAr A russo
“It would be inefficient to focus vaccine coverage for everybody because many people are not at risk,” Sten Vermund, MD, an infectious disease epidemiologist at the Yale School of Public Health and a professor of pediatrics with the Yale School of Medicine, said. “You have to have some bridge to an at-risk individual or vulnerable community. Without that, it would be quite inefficient to start vaccinating a lot of people whose risk is extremelyAnyonelow.”who thinks they have been exposed to monkeypox should avoid any skin-to-skin contact with others. Check your child’s skin for suspicious lesions and keep them home from school if there are any blisters or crusting. If you see these symptoms or similar rash, bring your child to a doctor or health-care provider to have it looked at. poliovirus
T wo (kinda scary) viruses have been making headlines this summer, striking alarm in parents of kids who are headed back to school this month: Monkeypox and polio. Here’s what your family needs to know about these these contagious illnesses.
health & saFet Y
m onkeypox
Poliovirus Monkeypox&
NYC Mayor Eric Adams declared monkeypox a state of emergency this summer as the city had over 1,200 reported cases in the begin ning of August. While the gay men’s commu nity is most at risk, anyone can get the virus. As of mid August, there have not been many pediatric cases of monkeypox in the United States. Although vaccination is available, it is not recommended that children receive it, since they have a very small chance of getting infected with the virus.
Some fast facts for parents as kids head back to school
The New York State Department of Health and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reported last month that poliovirus has been found in wastewater samples in New York City, suggesting that there is likely cirulation of the virus within the boroughs.Theagencies are urging parents to get their children vaccinated against the very contagious disease.
ages: 2 months old, 4 months old, 6 through 18 months old, and 4 through 6 years old. Most adults do not need the polio vaccine because they were already vaccinated as children. New Yorkers who are not up-to-date with vaccination should speak to their health care provider to schedule an appointment for vaccination, the city said. People without a provider can call 311 or 844-NYC-4NYC (844-692-4692) for help finding one. Care is provided in New York City regardless of immigration status, insurance or ability to pay. Children ages 4 years and older can get low- or no-cost vaccines at the NYC Health Department’s Fort Greene Health Center at 295 Flatbush Ave. Ext., Fifth Floor, from Monday-Friday, 8:30am-2:30 pm. To make an appointment, visit nyc.gov and search for immunization clinic.
“The risk to New Yorkers is real but the defense is so simple – get vaccinated against polio,” Dr. Ashwin Vasan, the city’s health commissioner, said. “With polio circulating in our communities there is simply nothing more essential than vaccinating our children to protect them from this virus, and if you’re an unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated adult, please choose now to get the vaccine. Polio is entirely preventable and its reappear ance should be a call to action for all of us.”
September 2022 | Staten Island Parent 19
Sam Goldstein, Ph.D., and Robert B. Brooks, Ph.D., co-authors of “Tenacity in Children,” have made a decades-long study of what components and skills contribute to the dynamic development of a resilient mindset, and will share strategies parents can employ to nurture this mindset and resilient behaviors in themselves and in their children.
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What the Neuroscience of Spirituality Reveals About Our Capacity for Health, Happiness and Resilience | Nov. 1, 2022
PRESENTS PARENTED TALKSFREE2022-2023
Curious Children, Wise Elders: How Childhood and Elderhood Shape Intelligence and Learning* | Nov. 17, 2022
*Attendees will be eligible to win prizes, courtesy of Happiest Baby.
Drawing on her own cutting-edge scientific research, Alison Gopnik, Ph.D., will reveal fascinating insights into how caregiving relationships in childhood and old age evolve distinctive capacities for cognition. Gopnik will explain how these two developmental life stages are related, and how the relationship between children and grandparents, in particular, is key to human culture.
Dr. Victoria Dunckley specializes in the impact of electronic screen time on children’s brains and technology as a trigger of a variety of stubborn youth mental health and development symptoms. Her solution? An intervention that can produce a life-changing shift in brain function, leading to marked improvements in mood, focus, sleep and behavior.
Wired and Tired: Screen Time and Behavior Disturbance Children Sept. 20, 2022
Raising Critical Thinkers: Media Literacy for the Digital Age | Dec. 6, 2022
The Extraordinary Power of a Resilient Mindset | Oct. 12, 2022
in
Tech-savvy kids today are constantly awash in a sea of unfiltered information. Julie Bogart, author of the indispensable book “The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life,” will draw on her more than 20 years of curriculum development experience to share strategies for parents to coach critical digital literacy skills in their kids.
In this ParentEd Talk, award-winning psychologist and researcher Lisa Miller, Ph.D., will share the groundbreaking and surprising neuroscience of spirituality and how to engage it in our lives and parenting to enhance grit, optimism and resilience in ourselves and in our children — providing insulation against the ills of addiction, trauma and depression.
The Habits of Highly Effective Adolescents April 18, 2023 The Danish Way: Insights Into International Parenting* March 22, 2023 The Shifting ADHD/ADD Lens: Moving From Disability to Ability March 2, 2023 The Perils of Permissive Parenting June 6, 2023 How to Talk to Kids About Race at Home and in the Classroom Jan. 19, 2023 Modeling a Loving, Equal Partnership for Your Kids Feb. 7, 2023 Caring for Ourselves and Others in This Age of Overwhelm May 4, 2023 REGISTER AT PRESENTINGSIPARENT.COM/SIPARENTEDSPONSORUPCOMINGIN2023
How to Figure Out a Workable Schedule
How to Choose the Right Extracurriculars for Your Child
Figuring out your kid’s individual threshold can be tricky. “Start with one after-school activity, then gradually add more as your child seems able to handle a more intense schedule,” Dr. Lieberman suggests. It’s important to make sure your kids don’t lose sight of the things that may be important to your family—academics, family dinners, religious practices, etc. Also, siblings may differ in their activity level. “Every student is different, so there is no magic number of hours that should be devoted to after-school activities,” Dr. Cohen says. Gallagher agrees that after some emotionally challenging years for students, it’s essential that your child feels safe and happy within the program. “Use your intuition to really understand your child’s interests and favorite hobbies,” she says. “As a parent, the best thing you can do is to be present and show up. As well as asking them, ‘How are you feeling?’ instead of ‘How are you Whateverdoing?’” you do choose for your child -we hope with these expert tips that what you pick will be the perfect one for your child.
After sitting at a desk or in front of the com puter all day, kids need opportunities to move around, according to Kelly Fradin, M.D., a pediatrician in the Bronx. Megan Gallagher, a TED talk speaker, best-selling author, and mental health advocate for teenagers, agrees that the best activities are ones where they are active. “Just getting fresh air and moving their bodies is so good for them,” she says. “After-school activities provide an ideal en vironment in which to nurture social skills and confidence,” says Shawna Stewart, program accounts specialist at MakerState LLC, a STEM enrichment program in Manhattan. “They teach children the value of working as a team to achieve a mutual goal—a skill that will benefit them in their future occupations.” How to Find What Your Kid Loves You want to start them early enough that they have a chance to excel, but also make sure they are old enough to dig in. What age is right? “Any child who goes to school is old enough to begin after-school activities,” says Carole Lieberman, M.D., a psychiatrist and author of Lions and Tigers and Terrorists, Oh My! How to Protect Your Child in a Time of Terror. “[Kids] should begin by grades first, second, or third because the sooner you start enriching them with these activities, the better.”On the other hand, if your kid is not interested in after-school classes- there’s plenty of time for interests to develop.
When it comes to selecting an activity, Dr. Cohen says it’s important to provide a variety of options. For younger kids, a ranking system can help. Make a list of activities your child enjoys that are safe enough to explore, Dr. Lieberman recommends. “Then ask your child to rank them in the order they like best, so that they feel like they have chosen to do this,” she says.
22 SIParent.com | September 2022
Updated by Donna Duarte-Ladd & enrichment sports
Afterschool Activities
The Benefits of Getting Involved
By AnjA WeBB , ShAnA LieBm An T here is a dizzying array of options for kids’ extracurriculars, from academic enrichment to sports teams to social interest programs. So how can parents make the right after-school choices? We asked experts to share their tips.
“By middle school, if not before, students should be experimenting with a diverse set of after-school endeavors that align with any interests they express,” says Kat Cohen, Ph.D., college admissions counselor and founder of IvyWise, an educational consulting company.
September 2022 | Staten Island Parent 23 A C R E A T I V E P L A C E W H E R E K I D S C A N L E A R N , C R E A T E A N D F L O U R I S H ! I N D I V I D U A IL N D I V I D U A L I N S T R U M E N T IS N S T R U M E N T S V I S U A L A R T VS I S U A L A R T S T H E A T R E & B A L L E TT H E A T R E & B A L L E T F A L L P E R F O R M A N C E FS A L L P E R F O R M A N C E S P A I N T & M U S I C P A R T I E PS A I N T & M U S I C P A R T I E S D E A M U S I C A N D A R T . C O M FREE FREE FREE TRIAL ( 7 1 8 ) 3 7 0 - 7 7 3 3
D ea m usic & art 1409 Richmond Ave., 10314 19 Saint Mary’s Ave., 10305 57 Page Ave., 10309 WithDEAMusicandart.com718-370-7733awelcomingand vi brant community DEA Music & Art offers opportunities for students of all ages to get in volved in creative endeavors.
After School program aims to educate the whole child through activities that stimulate the mind, body and spirit. Explorers offer homework help, fitness and STEAM activities. Inclusion opportunities available; inter view required for enrollment. The JCC also offers addi tional after school programs, including sports, aquatics and music. Lions k ids club Held at Monsignor Farrell HS 2900 Amboy Road, 10308 grade.foryouthWrestlingLionslionskidsclub97@gmail.com917-748-6717KidsClubisaUSACharteredwrestlingprogramboysandgirlsk-8thInstructionfocuses on folkstyle fromthetheiryoungfitness.sportsmanshipwrestling,andphysicalTheirgoalistobuildwrestlersuptoreachfullpotentialonandoffmat.FreetrialclassesSeptember5-9.
DEA offers a wide range of programs in music, visual and performing arts all taught by professional musicians and creators. Get started with a free trial class and unlock your child’s inner potential. eye Level 1409 Richmond Ave., 10314 1461 Hylan Blvd., 10305 abilitiesprogramindividualized,Eyevalentino8808@gmail.com718-494-1232LevelNYutilizesansystematicthatcaterstoallregardlessofage or grade level so that parents can be confident about where their child’s educa tion will lead them. Offering programs in both English and math . Parents can enroll for a free assessment to get started . J cc of Staten i sland 1466 Manor Road JCC’sSIJCC.orgExplorers
to the class. rab’s country Lanes 1600 Hylan Blvd, 10305 Whenbowlatrabs.com718-979-1600itcomes to family fun, there’s no place like Rab’s. In addition to the bowling alley, lounge, party rooms, Art Classes Fall Semester begins September 18th We have art classes for all ages, including Children’s Art, Creations, Pre-k Art, Anime & Manga, Comic Book Art, Teen Painting, Portfolio Development, and more. Register online or call us for more info. Open House September 10th, 10am - 2pm Openwhat��������������������������������������������������������������it’sliketotakeaclassatArtLab.RegisterforaclassatHouseandreceive$25offyourtotal. Contact Us: � 718-447-8667 � artlabsi.com � Info@artlabsi.org � 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building H, Staten Island, NY 10301 Followus@artlabsi � � � � #FindYourselfAtArtLab Find Yourself at Art Lab this Fall Art Lab is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council
24 SIParent.com | September 2022 a c T ivi T i ES Di RE c T o R y | Special Advertising Supplement art Lab 1000 Richmond Terrace, 10301 Artartlabsi.com718-447-8667Lab,offers a variety of visual art classes for children, starting with pre-k ages 3-5, and on through teens. Come to Art Lab’s Annual Open House on Saturday, September 10 for free demos and mini-classes and find yourself at Art Lab this fall! center Stage Dance co, Ltd. 10 Akron Street, 10314 todayagedifferentofastheirdancersspacehard-working,CompanyCentercenterstagedancecoltd.org718-982-9226StageDancecreatesafun,all-inclusivewhereyoungcanstrengthentechniqueandgrowartists.Awidevarietyclassesareofferedingenresfordifferentgroups,sovisitthemtofindyourperfectfit!
m aster curry karate Jujutsu r yu 3896 Richmond Ave., 10312 Mastermastercurry.com718-979-7087CurryKarate Jujutsu is a family-run school focused on giving the most wellrounded Martial Arts training in NYC. A Fighting Champion inducted into multiple Hall of Fames, Master Curry brings a life of experience as well as 20 years of law enforcement
Lions Kids Club held @ Farrell HS is a USA Wrestling Chartered youth wrestling program for boys and girls k-8th grade. Instruction focuses on folkstyle wrestling, sportsmanship and physical fitness. goal is to build our wrestlers up to reach their full potential on and off the mat. lessons are also available. Free trial week for new wrestlers is September 5-9! will take place Monday September 12th.
Private
Registration
Our
September 2022 | Staten Island Parent 25 great food, and pro shop, they offer something every community needs – a place for people to get away from their everyday lives and have fun with friends and family. Spotlight Studios 358 Forest Ave., 10301 intoqualityproductionstheirlivesTheatreartsoriginalmusicals,productionsParticipantsyoungartsanSpotlightspotlighttheatresi.org718-207-1128Theatreprovidesinnovativeperformingexperiencetoactorsandartists.enrollintheaterofBroadwayworkshopsofworksandtheaterclasses.Spotlightaimstoenrichtheofyoungpeopleandfamiliesthroughliveandhigh-entertainment,andprovideformaleducationtheperformingarts. Staten i sland community tennis 2800 Victory Blvd., 10314 718-982-3355 statenislandtennis.comTheStatenIslandCommunityTennisCenterofferssixoutdoorandsixindoorairconditionedcourtsforyouryearroundtennisneeds.Privateandgroupprogramsareavailableforallages.Theirproshopcanhelpyouwithallequipment,racquets,sneakersandracquetrepair. Staten i sland Skating pavilion 3080 Arthur Kill Road, 10309 Thethepavilion.orgStatenIsland Skating Pavilion is a year-round indoor ice-skating facility that has been serving this community for over 25 years. In the spirit of teamwork, safety and sportsmanship, SISP provides high quality programs to teach and support the sports of ice hockey, figure skating and other ice-related activities for people of all ages and abilities. Email: lionskidsclub97@gmail.com Phone: 917-748-6717
26 SIParent.com | September 2022 by bArbAr A russo W hen it comes to taking the family out to eat, there’s certainly no shortage of restaurants to choose from on Staten Island. And with so many new eateries popping up in the borough lately, we decided to give one of them a try: Lobo Loco Mexican Cantina, which opened in New Dorp just a few months ago. With its family-friendly atmosphere, extensive menu and fun options for kids, Lobo Loco is a great choice for dining with kids in Staten Island. Spanish for “crazy wolf,” Lobo Loco opened this year and dishes up delicious Mexican cuisine—everything from fun appetizers to main entrees and delectable desserts. Located in The Boulevard shopping center in Staten Island’s New Dorp section, this is the restaurant’s second location (the other is in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn). It’s actually one of several Mexican restaurants that opened on the island in recent years, even during the pandemic—proving that islanders have a taste for south-of-the-border fare. Our experience at Lobo Loco was on a Saturday. It was—shall we say—comfortably crowded inside. The dining area is very spacious, and staff could accommodate large parties. We began our meal with a complimentary basket of chips and salsa. The chips arrived warm and salted just enough for taste. They were addictive! We asked for more.After browsing the extensive menu, we opted for Carne Asada (a steak burrito) and the Mexican Green Goddess salad. The burrito was delicious! Rolled in a tortilla, the steak was grilled and marinated with fajita veggies, refried beans and rice. Tip for parents: you can also order it in a fun tortilla bowl that you – or your kids – can eat. The salad was another great choice. It was packed with healthy greens like spinach and zucchini, crispy cucumber and apple slices, and topped with a yogurt-based dressing. It was a refreshing and tasty choice on a hot summerQuickday.service means happy kids! Our waiter was friendly, attentive and we didn’t have to wait long for our food. So what else do kids love about Lobo Loco? On the kids menu, titled “Lobitos Corner,” diners under 10 can choose from chicken fingers, tacos, and quesadillas. Kids entrees are a reasonable $9 and come with a choice of fries or Mexican rice and juice. The appetizer menu is packed with fun options kids will love. The Pretzel Grande is great for hungry families to share, a huge pretzel loaded on top with black beans, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo and jalapeno peppers.
Just-opened New Dorp spot dishes up Mexican fare in a family-friendly atmosphere
Lobo Loco’s festive atmosphere is perfect for the young crowd, who will love the décor, upbeat music and delicious eats. Colorful Mexican-inspired art fills the atmosphere, including lots of beautiful sugar skulls—an adored symbol of the traditional Mexican holiday, Day of the Dead.
Lobo Loco is located at 2656 Hylan Blvd. They are open Sunday-Thursday, 11:30am-10pm; Friday-Saturday, 11:30am-10pm, with the bar remaining open until 2am. A typical main entree is about $15-20, but prices vary. Call 718980-6000 for reservations or to place an order online (for pickup only). For more information, visit lobolocony.com.
local spotlight
Lobo
CantinaMexicanLoco
September 2022 | Staten Island Parent 27 WorkshopsARTSPERFORMINGACADEMYMusicals,Plays,Classes&PrivateLessons SpotlightTheatreSl.org SI Community Tennis Center 2800 Victory Blvd 718.982.3355 | statenislandtennis.com Offering Morning, Evening, & Weekend Classes for All Levels 6 Indoor Air-conditioned Courts 6 Outdoor Courts Fall Classes begin September Pre-Book and save 10%. Call about our adult leagues and drills.Call about our adult leagues and drills.
28 SIParent.com | September 2022 mind as facilities are required to have specific state licenses and work with providers/ teachers who have the same.
Coop-Daycare/In-Home Child Care
Part-Time Child Care With the surge of work-from-home and hybrid working conditions, more and more families require part-time daycare or flexible in-home childcare. This flexible option (on both ends) might mean that you only need part-time care at a nursery or daycare when you go into the office or are running home and working solo for a half day to take those Zoom meetings. Part-time caregivers who come to your home can also take your child to nearby storytimes, classes, or playdates you can’t get to during the day. Some may even help with light housekeeping and grocery shopping. Daycare For full-time working parents of little ones, daycare can be an excellent option for your family. They offer interaction with other kids for social development, structured and fun activities, small group care, and provide a consistent routine to your child’s day. Many daycare centers offer infant care starting at six months and can go until your child is in Kindergarten. Daycares also provide a wide range of drop-off and pick-up times for families, starting as early as 7:00 am and going until 7:00 pm. This is a great option for parents who have to commute to work. Daycare centers also offer parents peace of Families
Check out more about the different child care options below:
Child OptionsCare for
Au Pair An au pair is another long-term option. Au pairs are typically 18-26 years, come from overseas, and have a legal cultural exchange visa that allows them to live with your family. This usually includes committing to working for 12 months – with the option to extend –that provides consistent care for your kids. It offers older kids a great way to learn about a different culture and language from your au pair. There are specific rules about this type of childcare in the United States. Au pairs must be given a bedroom with a door, a specific salary, and time off. They also have working hours that the U.S. Department of State regulates. They also have to have a driver’s license, complete a criminal background check, 200 hours of childcare experience, and can commit to at least 12 months of work. Some au pairs contracts also include funding from a host family for their college. Regardless of your situation, we hope this article gives you peace of mind in knowing there are so many childcare options. This tends to ebb and flow but no matter what, there are many ways to find loving and safe care for your child.
Nanny Nannies are typically options for families who need longer-term and full-time care. This might be a live-in or live-out option, giving your child (or children) hands-on care. This is a great option for families with the financial means to pay someone a full-time salary and those with a demanding life and work schedule. Nannies typically can also help with light-to-moderate housekeeping, drive or hop on the subway with your kids to activities, give individualized attention to your kids, provide consistency (many nannies become a part of a family), and give your family control over who is caring for your kids. You will have to work on a specific schedule with your nanny and provide days off and vacation time for longer-term hires. Many nannies come from agencies or community boards where you will have access to their references, certifications, and the ability to customize contracts.
BY SERENA NORR P arenting is hard. We know, understatement of the century. One resource that can help parents out is having reliable, safe, and loving childcare. Childcare comes in forms that fluctuate and evolve as your child ages and your work/home situation adapts. This can be a daycare facility, nursery, a nanny, or an au pair. One thing is for sure, parents today have many flexible options to accommodate their financial and work/home situation and create a fun, engaging, and safe structure for their children.
PARENTING
This hybrid option combines daycare with flexibility where a small group of families come together to rotate caregiving. Usually led with a facilitator or teacher, the group meets 3-5 times during the week over the course of 3 hours (though the group communally determines the exact time). This structure is typically for preschoolers who might not need a full day of instruction and for parents who have the flexibility to commit and participate.
age 5 and is open Monday through Friday, 7am to 4:30pm. J cc of Staten i sland 1466 Manor Road 2221 Richmond Ave. 1297 Arthur Kill Road 485 Victory JCCjsmith@sijcc.orgsijcc.org718-475-5230Blvd.ofStatenIsland offers a stimulating, age-appropriateindividualized,curriculum. A developmental approach fosters social and emotional growth. Daycare starts at 3 months, 3-K For All, and Pre-K For All. Extended hours available. tender c are preschool c atholic charities of Staten i sland 6581 Hylan Tender718-317-2849Blvd.CarePreschool is a loving and caring place for children and families. The school supports children where they need it and challenges them when they are ready for the next step. At Tender Care Preschool, children become lifelong learners with a strong foundation and are well prepared for their educational journey. Full-day 2-year-old class. Free full-day 3K and pre-K. Extended hours: 7am-6pm. tiny treasures academy, Staten i sland 360 Van Duzer Street Tinymain@tinytacademy.com718-273-5157TreasuresAcademy is a daycare and wellness center with a twist on traditional ways of enhancing children’s development and supporting the modern-day parent. They differentiate themselves by offering a holistic approach in both body and mind to equip kids with tools for a healthier and happier life. Custom schedules are available.
INFANT TODDLER PROGRAM Born in 2021 Full Days Only NURSERY PROGRAM 2-3 YEARS Full and Half Days Free for children born in 2018 Extended hours available Free for children born in 2019. Extended Hours Available High Hopes Child Care 1298 Woodrow Rd • 718-317-8143 • highhopeschildcare.com In September of 2022 we will be celebrating 27 Years of caring for your children Call for a PERSONAL TOUR See first hand what your child will experience as part of the High Hopes Family TENDER-LOVING CARE FOR YOUR INFANTS & TODDLERS Flexible Schedules Open 7:00am to 4:30pm In a state-of-the-art, private facility with an outdoor play area, your children will enjoy small class sizes ensuring your child gets the attention they deserve l ocal chil D ca RE op T ion S
September 2022 | Staten Island Parent 29 4 angels Daycare 245 Simonson Avenue respectfulofThelearningthatdevelopmentallyandparticipateAt4angelsdaycareinc.com718-876-64984AngelsDaycarechildreninindividual,small,largegroupstopartakeinappropriateactivitieswillmaximizeopportunitiesforthroughexplorationandplay.staffistrainedtomeettheneedsthewholechildinalovingandmanner. High Hopes childcare and preschool 1298 Woodrow Road 718 offersinceptioncollaboratingarelovingqualityHighfacebook.com/HighHopeschildCareadmin@highhopeschildcare.com317-8143HopesChildcarehasofferedchildcareinasafeandenvironmentsince1996.TheyDOHlicensedandhavebeenwiththeDOEsincetheofUPKin1996.TheschoolprogramsforInfantsthrough
4. Bedding close to baby, better known as co-sleeping. Co-sleeping is another way of forming a stronger bond with your baby, but it’s been a controversial topic over the years. Due to risks associated with co-sleeping (like suffocation and oxygen deprivation), experts recommend sleeping in the same room as your baby, rather than in the same bed.
Sears’ method of attachment parenting includes seven principles to create an attachment to your baby, colloquially known as the seven Bs:
2. Breastfeeding 3. Babywearing, which involves parents carrying their baby in a backpack-like carrier or wrap. This provides close contact between the par ent and the child and also makes it easier for parents to complete daily tasks in a safe way. A study showed that babies who were carried in soft baby carriers, rather than portable infant seats, were more likely to form a secure attach ment to their mothers.
1. Birth bonding, which consists of forming a strong bond between a baby and their parents by close skin-to-skin contact during their first weeks and months
Studies have linked co-sleeping with reduced stress reactions in babies, such as lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in infants who slept in the same room as their parents.
30 SIParent.com | September 2022
Parenting What is Parenting?Koala
Benefits of Koala Parenting
Behind this new celeb trend
5. Belief in the language of baby’s cry. Rather than abiding by the “cry it out” method, attachment parenting believes that a baby’s cry is a form of communication expressing a need, rather than considering the cries a form of manipulation and ignoring them.
The 7 Principles of Koala Parenting
By Fernanda CaBrera, Kaitlyn riggio & Jeannine Cintron Y ou can love it or hate it, but when big celebrities like Kim Kardashian endorse, well, anything at all, people tend to follow suit. After Kim K shared her fondness for koala parenting recently, the parenting style began gaining traction in the parenthood world. What is koala parenting, you ask? Koala parenting promotes a close attachment between parents and their children from birth. More formally known as attachment parenting, the name koala parenting comes from the idea that parents who practice attachment parenting fre quently hold their child, similar to how mother koalas hold onto their children. The term attachment parenting was originally coined by pediatrician Dr. William Sears. Sears’ research indicated that a close attachment between a parent and child in the child’s early years allows the child to be independent and create strong personal relationships as they get older.
6. Beware of “baby trainers”, or experts who recommend schedules without knowing your baby.
Research has also indicated that attachment parenting could lead to improvement of language skills, emotional regulation and ability to manage stress later in life.
7. Balance, which involves meeting the parents’ needs adequately as well as the baby’s needs.
Koala parenting comes with many potential benefits. Breastfeeding, one of the principles of attachment parenting, is proven to have many medical and developmental benefits.
While there are a whole host of benefits that come with Koala Parenting, there are some potential drawbacks. Implementing some of the principles of attachment parenting could be physically and emotionally demanding on parents.Additionally, anecdotal evidence suggests that children may have unpleasant and disrespectful behavior towards their parents and others if they aren’t receiving the attention or closeness that they want at the moment. A recent example of this can be seen when Kim Kardashian’s children interrupted her interview during her appearance on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Many fans and media outlets blamed her adherence to koala parenting for the children’s behavior. But overall, some of the principles of attachment parenting have some benefits, making them worth at least exploring. When researching parenting styles in preparation for a baby, you don’t have to stick to one style religiously. Learn about different styles to find what works best for you and your family.
Koala Parenting Criticism
September 2022 | Staten Island Parent 31 718-887-5128 • 311 • EarlyStartInc.com Follow us on Facebook and InstagramALLTHERAPISTS ARE LICENSED, CERTIFIED, OR BOARD CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSTS Early Start: EVALUATIONS AND SERVICES FOR CHILDREN BIRTH TO 3 YEARS • Psychology • ABA/VBA • OT – Fine motor and sensory integration • PT – Gross motor • ST – Speech/language and feeding • Developmental - Infant stimulation • Family Training Diplomate in School Neuropsychology with extensive experience evaluating, diagnosing, and providing behavioral interventions for over 30 years. Dr. Vetere has advanced training and is certi ed in the administration and scoring of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2. Dr. Vetere is also well versed and lectures on topics including “The Psychology of the Exceptional Child" and "Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)". Elise Vetere, PhD., ABSNP LicensedDirectorPsychoiogist Providing Quality Home-Based Early Intervention Evaluations and Services ST. JOSEPH HILL ACADEMY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WHERE TRADITION MEETS INNOVATION Proud to be a PLTW Gateway Distinguished School! 850 Hylan Blvd. | Staten Island, NY 10305 (718) 981-1187 | www.stjosephhillacademy.com UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE DAUGHTERS OF DIVINE CHARITY SJHA Elementary School provides a premier, co-ed Catholic education from Early Childhood (beginning with Pre-K 3) through 8th Grade. We offer after school care, student clubs & athletic teams, and summer camps. KURT T. RICHARDS, P. C. Attorney at Law 1200 South Ave., Suite 201 • SI, NY www.krichardspc.com718-720-1000Divorce,FamilyCourt,Child Custody, Spousal & Child Support, Domestic Violence, Adoptions, Name Changes, Annulments, Separation Agreements. Free Consultation for Divorce Actions. 24 Hour Phone Service. SALVATORE R. INDELICATO, D.M.D., P.C. www.bracesbydrindelicato.com Our office follows all Covid-19 safety guidelines from the CDC, ADA & AAO. Mini & clear braces, Invisalign, Digital Scanner, Free Consults. Gentle, personal, quality care for children/adults. American Assoc. of Orthodontists & Diplomate of American Board of Orthodontics Member.
Giamarese Farm 155 Fresh Ponds Road, East Brunswick, 732-821-9494NJ Approximate drive from Staten Island: 45 minutes Hours: Call for information. Cost: Call for pricing. There are lots of fresh fruits and vegetables to pick at this New Jersey farm, including apples and pumpkins. In the fall, families enjoy Fall Harvest Weekends that offer lots of fun activities, including hayrides, corn mazes, pony rides, vendors, food and more.
Apple picking! The chilly weather brings us cute boots and fuzzy sweaters, cozying up by a fire, and everything apple-flavored! A trip to the farm isn’t complete without a cup of delicious apple cider, followed by homemade treats (well hello there, apple cider doughnuts). If you’re ready to usher in fall with a family apple picking excursion, you need to check out these farms and orchards in nearby New Jersey where you’ll pick fruit and partake in kid-friendly activities.
32 SIParent.com | September 2022 by Alison leighton W hen the fall rolls around, we get excited about one big thing (no, we don’t mean the kids going back to school).
Lee Turkey Farm 201 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor, 609-448-0629NJ Approximate drive from Staten Island: 45 minutes Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9am-6pm; Sunday, 2-6pm. Last entry to orchards is 5pm. Cost: Admission is $3 per person for anyone 3 years and older. After that, you just pay for what you pick. Before entering the fields and orchards, you must become a member of the Lee Turkey Farm Pick Your Own Club by completing a liability form stating you understand the rules of the farm and your family are entering and picking produce at your own risk. You will receive a picking card. Bring the card back anytime you come throughout the season to show that you’ve already filled out your liability form for the year. You can familiarize yourself with the rules before visiting by reading them on their website.
A few things to note: Opening seasons are approximate as of the writing of this article since crops are based on weather conditions. Always check the farm’s website or call ahead to confirm availability. And don’t forget to wear the appropriate footwear as fields can be muddy or uneven. Most farms don’t allow pets or picnicking (or any outside food, for that matter), but you can call ahead to check.
Apple Picking
Six family-friendly spots near Staten Island
Battleview Orchards 91 Wemrock Road, Freehold, NJ 732-462-0756 Approximate drive from Staten Island: 45 minutes Hours: Country Store: Open daily except Tuesday, 9am-6pm; Apple season begins around Aug. 28; picking hours vary according to supply, season, and weather. Call to confirm before heading out. Cost: Check Facebook daily for updated prices on what’s in season for picking. Always call to confirm dates, hours and supply before you arrive. The orchards are cash-only at the picking locations. When you’re done picking, swing by the Country Store for fresh fruits and veggies, home baked pies, breads, and other pastries, and, of course, cider and cider doughnuts!
Von Thun’s Farm 519 Ridge Road, South Brunswick, NJ 732-329-8656 Approximate drive from Staten Island: 45 minutes Hours: Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm; SaturdaySunday, 9am-5pm; apple picking: mid September-October Cost: $3 ages 2 and older; one-quarter peck bag, $9; half-peck bag, $15; peck bag, $25. The farm has two apple orchards and grows eight varieties of apples, which are available at different times during the season. Call ahead if you’re looking for a specific variety. Be sure to check out the Fall Festival Weekends, which feature more than 25 fall activities including a corn maze, pumpkin picking, hayrides, farm animals, pedal karts and mini golf! Plus, you can grab some of the farm’s all-natural pasture-raised Angus beef to bring home and grill or shop the farm market for fruits, veggies, cider doughnuts, and more.
FamilY daY out
Demarest Farms 244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale, NJ 201-666-0472 Approximate drive from Staten Island: 1 hour Hours: Apple season begins Sept. 3. Check the u-pick schedule online. Reservations required.
Alstede Farms 1 Alstede Farms Ln., Chester, NJ 908-879-7189 Approximate drive from Staten Island: 1 hour Hours: Farm Store: daily, 9am-6pm; u-pick: daily, 9am-6pm. Last admission at 4:30pm. Cost: Ticket prices vary. Call or see more information at alstedefarms.com. The farm has over 50 different apple varieties. Call in advance or visit the “What Can I Pick Today” portion of the farm’s website to confirm which varieties are ripe for your trip. Check out the corn maze (opening Sept. 2), evergreen maze, and sunflower trail. Many animal friends live on the farm, too. Visit and say hello to horses, goats, donkeys, sheep, cows, chickens, ducks, turkeys and bunnies!
September 2022 | Staten Island Parent 33
Cost : $7 ages 2 and older, includes parking and entrance to orchard; free for kids younger than 2; $15 for a bag to hold the apples you pick (bag holds approximately 10-12 lbs.). This farm has it all—lots of pick your own fruit varieties, plus a petting zoo, drivein movie nights, Halloween lights, and more. When you’re done picking, check out the farm store with a bakery, apple cider doughnuts, flowers and fresh produce.
Apple picking season starts early at this farm; apples are available mid-August through October.
Peace, Love & Bonberi
NB: Just the other day on our way to camp, we stopped at the store to pick up snacks and food and as we were leaving my son Jude said, “Do other mommies have stores where they can go in and get stuff?” I said, “Some do, but not everyone, so you’re really lucky that you can come in and pick any snack you want anytime.” That was pretty funny. And we were walking down the street earlier in the summer and we passed a bookstore that had my book in the window. Usually I’ll point it out or at Barnes & Noble I’ll be like, “Look!” but they don’t
34 SIParent.com | September 2022
NB: Wellness to me is how to feel good—and that is extremely individual and extremely personal. It’s not easy to market individualized wellness. What works for me may not work for you and what works for me in August will not work for me in January. It shifts, it ebbs and flows, so really wellness to me is tuning out the external noise and tapping into your intuition to follow what physically, spiritually and emotionally feels good for you. That to me is wellness.
I started digging deep. While I was working I would scour online vegan blogs, and find hole-in-the-wall healers, acupuncturists, colon therapists, all these things. I started to uncover this whole underworld of healers that were not mainstream at all.
CP: Tell me a little bit about the origin story of your brand, Bonberi. NB: I grew up in a family that celebrated food. My mom is Korean and my dad is an American Russian-Jew so everything revolved around food and I developed a love and joy around it. But that took a bit of a detour when I was in my pre-teens and adolescence. I kind of disconnected with that joy and instead it became this confusion and fear around food, like what it could do to me, how I could restrict it, control it, all those things, and I carried that with me through my teens and 20’s. When I began working in magazines I was really propelled by this go-go-go attitude of New York City, and that life only compounded my fear around food. Plus it was reinforced by my peers, by the world around me, because it was normal to have an issue with food but not to really name it. We were going on these yo-yo cleanses and fad diets. We were peddling these cleanses to women nationwide but we didn’t even have a hold on what made us feel good, so it was kind of like the blind leading the blind. That lifestyle really took a toll on me emotionally, spiritually, and I just hit a wall where I just couldn’t do it anymore. I was really drained and I knew there was a better way, so I became interested in alternative healing and other holistic ways of eating, like veganism.
Nicole Berrie, author of Body Harmony, on intuitive eating, nourishing our bodies and the support system that helped her fulfill her dreams
Over the weekend I plan to make a few other recipes from her book, along with setting up my juicer that’s been sitting in its box for months. I’m not vegan or gluten-free, nor do I plan to be, but incorporating some of Nicole’s philosophies about intuitive eating, food combining, and plant-forward cooking just feels right for me right now. My body could use some more energy and I’m also craving some new habits to add to my already health-conscious—but by no means perfectly healthy—life. For the first time I’m just going with what feels good and listening to my core. And I guess that’s all she wants from us anyway.
CP: Has there been a moment with your kids recently where something happened and you felt like this is all paying off? That the example you’re setting for them, all this hard work you’re putting in, the time away from them, was there a moment where you thought, “This is why I do this”?
By Cris Pearlstein T is story starts the way most things do these days: with an Amazon order. I purchased Nicole Berrie’s cookbook, because I wanted to go deeper than the squares on her feed or the movements in her Reels. It’s true Body Harmony is a cookbook, but after reading the whole thing cover to cover I understood it was way more than that. It’s a manifesto. A memoir. A declaration. It brings its reader on the journey of self-discovery and intuitive eating that Nicole herself went on, that brought her to where she is today living a high-energy, high-vitality lifestyle. I want that too, I thought, as I tagged recipe after recipe, one sounding more delicious than the next. After tagging, I made a shopping list and headed to Whole Foods, determined to stock my fridge and pantry with a combination of the fruits and vegetables I already often had around, with the Asian condiments and staples prevalent in Nicole’s recipes. The next morning I started small, eating fruit on an empty stomach (one of her easy-to-remember rules). I’m normally a savory breakfast type of person so this was a departure for me, and I have to say it felt good. It was refreshing and bright and left me feeling full without the bloat I commonly get after a big plate of eggs and toast. The next morning, in an effort to listen to my body (one of her guiding philosophies), I made myself the heartier Mama Love smoothie because I felt hungry. It combined almond butter and banana with spinach and spirulina, flavors I would have never thought to mix together. It kept me full until lunch. Later on I tackled her Pink Hummus, made with beets and chickpeas and the juice from an orange. The garlic and spices and lemon juice made it tangy, sweet and savory all at once—plus it felt good to make my own hummus instead of buying one in a plastic container from the store. Less waste makes me happy, as does delicious dips.
CP: Let’s talk about wellness then. If you could take that word and strip it from everything it’s come to mean these past five years, what would you say the definition is?
Follow Nicole at @bonberi, @bonberimart Body Harmony is availble at bookstores and online book resources now
Photo by Yumi Matsuo
NB: I always say my kids are my biggest teacher because pre-motherhood I thought I was going to recreate the Garden of Eden for my kids and they would be the perfect specimens. And then they were born (laughs), and it was an entirely different situation. My son actually suffers from multiple allergies which had me shift a lot and was really humbling. I saw this great meme on Instagram that said, “Yes I have my raw milk dealer on speed dial, and yes sometimes I can’t deal and I give my kids Chick-fil-A, and yes I’m against big pharma but also…” it just captured the reality of it all.
NB: There’s this vegan and gluten-free place in the West Village called Wild, so I’ll usually do that. But I have a whole Bonberi way of eating the pizza, where I broil it at home making sure it’s really crispy, and then I add a whole box of arugula on it with some sprouts. That’s my go-to.
NB: Definitely always have a stocked fridge when it comes to produce. Kids love the little Persian cucumbers, they’re sweeter, they’re more fun; big carrots, not baby carrots, store them sliced up in ice water to keep them nice and crunchy; definitely leafy greens so you can just pop them in a smoothie. I make pre-made smoothie bags for my freezer. I fill a Stasher bag with a very ripe banana, greens, and mango, put it in the freezer, then just pull it out and add coconut water. And if you’re making lunches I would say don’t over stress it. Always include the healthy thing, but also include one treat to make them feel good about it.
This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. To read the story in its entirety visit newyorkfamily.com
CP: That’s a really good idea. So where are you going to order pizza from?
CP: And what about you? What’s your go-to meal for you and your husband? When you’re fried and burnt out and you can’t think of cooking one more thing.
NB: Pasta! (laughing)
September 2022 | Staten Island Parent 35 care, they just want to go to the kids section. But I didn’t say anything this time and we kept walking. Then Sea yelled, “Look it’s mommy’s book!” and to myself I was like, “That’s cool.”
CP: I feel like that’s everybody’s answer (laughing). NB: Exactly. Or ordering in. Tonight I’m going to order pizza. A lot of time when you’re cooking and you’re surrounded by the food world you just want to order in. I’ve also been really into making these tostadas where I take a corn tortilla and put them in the toaster oven and I add guac, some sauteed zucchini, and hot sauce. I like crunchy things so lately some tostada situation or easy tacos.
CP: We have four minutes left on my nonupgraded version of Zoom (laughs) so I have one last question for you. We’re coming up on back-to-school, do you have any tips regarding food, snacks or lunch?
CP: That’s amazing and must’ve felt so good! As far as your food philosophy goes and being a mom to two young kids, how do you balance that with the hectic, busy lives you lead and the fact that kids are hard to nourish sometimes?
First Responders Night Friday, Sept. 9; 5-11pm Jenkinson’s Boardwalk 300 Ocean Ave. Attention first responders! Head to this Jersey Shore hot spot for this special event that features unlimited free amusement park rides and other perks for first responders and their families.
Staten Island Love Day 2022 Saturday, Sept. 3; 11am-6pm Jennifer’s Playground Jules Drive, Elson Court, Regis Drive Head to this all-day family event that has a back-to-school theme. There will be sports, tutors, vendors, music, food, drinks and more on site. A school-supplies giveaway will feature items such as notebooks, pens, folders, books, bookbags and more.
JCC Bocce Tournament Thursday, Sept. 22; 11am-4pm Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island 1466 Manor Rd. Head to this bocce tournament to benefit the Lucille & Jay Chazanoff Sunrise Day CampStaten Island, a free camp for children with cancer and their siblings. Enjoy a day of fun, including a golf chipping contest, music, and a Taste of the Mediterranean cuisine.
Hello Kitty Cafe Truck Saturday, Sept. 10; 10am-7pm Staten Island Mall 2655 Richmond Ave. The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck will be parked near the Barnes & Noble, decked out in classic kitty pink color. Stop by, say hello and pick up some super cool treats and merchandise.
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36 SIParent.com | September 2022 by bArbAr A russo S eptember is here and there’s tons to do as kids head back to school! Here are some of this month’s most exciting events in Staten Island. Be sure to call ahead or visit event websites to confirm details. Go to siparent. com/events for info on the events listed here and even more stuff to do with your family throughout the month!
1776 Peace CelebrationConference Saturday, Sept. 17; 11am-4pm Conference House Park 298 Satterlee St. This exciting historical event offers a day when people can step back in time to examine, experience, and appreciate various aspects of 18th century life. Enjoy period music and entertainment, colonial cooking demos and lots of children’s activities. Rain date. Sept. 18.
Richmond County Fair Saturday, Sept. 3-Monday, Sept. 5; Historic12-7pmRichmond Town 441 Clarke Ave. It’s time again for the everpopular Richmond County Fair! This year, the fair features lots of carnival rides, bouncy houses, music, historic trade demonstrations and over 100 vendors selling everything from food to airbrush t-shirts.
Urban Ecology Bike Tour Sunday, Sept. 18; 10:30am Brooklyn Navy Yard 141 Flushing Ave. Enjoy this fun way to experience nature and ecology in an urban environment. commemorate the peace conference of 1776 on s ept. 17.
Labor Day Concerts Saturday, Sept. 3; 4pm Zion Lutheran Church 505 Watchogue Rd. Sunday, Sept. 4; 4pm Conference House Park 298 Satterlee St. It’s a British invasion as the Staten Island Philharmonic performs music from the British Isles–from Irish folk tunes to the Beatles, Queen, James Bond and more.
Sensational Senses Saturday, Sept. 10; 2-3pm Richmondtown Library 200 Clarke Ave. Head to the library for an hour of sensory fun. Bring a pair of clean socks to use the library’s floor sensory station. For ages 3-12. Registration required.
Monday, Sept. 26; 4-5pm Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere 79 Howard Ave. Make your own pizza and add your favorite toppings during this kids cooking class for ages 6-14. Registration required.
45th Annual Antique Car Show and Flea Market
Saturday, Sept. 24; 11am-5pm Staten Island Museum 1000 Richmond Terr. The museum’s annual Fence Show transforms its front lawn into an outdoor gallery that features works by local artists and craftspeople. Visitors can see and purchase art, including paintings, ceramics, prints and more. Rain date. Sept. 25. Kids Cooking Class: Pizza!
Sunday, Sept. 18; 8am Commons Cafe at the Teleport 2 Teleport Dr. Head to this exciting event to see antique cars and enjoy familyfriendly fun, including music, food and raffles. Rain date Sept. 25. 2022 Italian Festival and Luxury Car and Motorbike Show
t he J cc of staten island holds a Boccee tournament on s ept. 22.
t he richmond county Fair runs s ept. 3 to 5.
September 2022 | Staten Island Parent 37
72nd Annual Fence Show
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Saturday, Sept. 24, 12-6pm Sunday, Sept. 25, 12-5pm Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere 79 Howard Ave. Enjoy a fun-filled weekend featuring an extraordinary showcase of Italian classic and performance cars, live music, food, a farm stand and so much more. Kids activities include games, contests and a pumpkin patch.
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Sunday, October 9, 11am-2pm Bernikow JCC, 1466 Manor Road JCC Fall harvest festival! outdoorfreefestival for andfallliveinflatablesfamilies!musicactivitiesmore! SwimTennisSoccerBasketballLessons Music Lessons After School Programs Family Programs And more! family fun for everyone at the jcc! Sign up for our Fall Session today! fall program registration now open SIJCC.org
