Westchester Family - September 2026

SEPTEMBER 2026

NEWYORKFAMILY.COM

St. Joseph School A 75-Year Legacy of Faith, Family, and Lifelong Learning

After-School Guide

Find the right activities and classes for your kid

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September 2026 | Westchester Family

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CONTENTS

SEPTEMBER 2026 NewYorkFamily.com

pg. 44

pg. 42 pg. 40

pg. 38

FEATURES

STORIES & COLUMNS

14 | Cover: St. Joseph School: Where Every Child Is Seen and Loved A 75-year legacy of faith, family, and lifelong learning.

6 | Editor’s Letter

24 | Back to School Why Kids Get Sick When School Starts

12 | Tech New York Finalizes New Social Media Rules for Kids

28 | Education Giving Kids the Lifelong Advantage of Speaking Two Languages

16 | Activities Finding the Right After-School Activities

34 | Education The Best Boarding Schools to Consider

32 | Mom Stories Moms Who Say Nope

40 | Parenting What Every Parent Should Know About Childhood Grief

4 NewYorkFamily.com | September 2026

8 | Money 11 Ways to Cut Costs on Grocery Bills

42 | Ask the Expert What Your Child Isn’t Saying

pg. 18

FAMILY FUN 38 | Family Fun Apple Picking Spots 44 | Calendar The Best Family-Friendly Events Happening This Month

DIRECTORIES 18 | Directory After-School Listings

ON THE COVER St. Joseph School Photo: Alphonse Telymonde | @Telyfoto Inc | Telyfoto.com

September 2026 | Westchester Family

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EDITOR’S NOTE

PUBLISHER: Clifford Luster EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Donna Duarte-Ladd ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: Erin Brof ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Stacie Goldberg EDITORIAL LEAD: Jeannine Cintron DEPUTY EDITOR: Danielle Ramos EVENTS EDITOR: Shara Levine ASSOCIATE DIGITAL EDITOR: Soe Kabbabe EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Alexa Lutter PARTNERSHIP MANAGERS: Lauren Alperin, Lauren Anchin, Mary Cassidy, Chris Cunnington, Lori Falco, Shelli Goldberg-Peck, LynnMarie Hanley, Lisa Herlihy, Janine Mulé, Nina Spiegelman, Gwen Tomaselli MARKETING & STRATEGY DIRECTOR: Rosalia Bobé MARKETING & EVENTS COORDINATOR: Ashley Rivera MARKETING ASSISTANT: Lorens Morris MEDIA SALES ASSISTANT: Ruston Ropac ART DIRECTOR: Leah Mitch WEB DEVELOPER: Sylvan Migdal GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Arthur Arutyunov, Connie Sulsenti EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR: Soe Kabbabe

Reset, Ready Summer isn’t quite over, but school is back, which means calendars are filling up, routines are returning, and before we know it, fall will be here.

It’s time for new teachers, new schedules, packed backpacks, and figuring out how we’re going to fit it all in. And if there’s one thing New York parents know, it’s that the calendar doesn’t stay empty for long.

Our cover story(page 14)this month features St. Joseph School and its 75-year legacy of faith, family, and lifelong learning.

We explore how a strong education goes beyond academics to help children build confidence, character, compassion, and a true sense of belonging.

This issue is packed with resources to help you jump right in. Our After-School Guide (page 16) is filled with activities, classes, and programs to help you find something your

child will love after that bell rings.

Of course, back to school also means more contact, which means… germs. In Why Kids Get Sick When School Starts (page 24), we look at why those first weeks back can bring on the sniffles, and what parents should know.

And what is back to school without a few rules? We break down New York’s new social media rules for kids (page 12) and what this means for families.

We also have 11 Ways to Cut Costs on Grocery Bills (page 8), because between school supplies, activities, and everything else, September can get expensive fast!

Here’s to fresh starts, getting back into the flow, and squeezing every last bit out of these final summer days before fall takes over.

Happy September!

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

6 NewYorkFamily.com | September 2026

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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. ©2026 Queens Family Media, LLC

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MONEY

11 Ways to Cut Costs on Grocery Bills

BY DANIELLE RAMOS

I

know I’m not the only mom who watches her grocery bill climb each week and stresses about how to pay for it all.

According to the USDA, a typical family of four with two parents and two school-age kids spends between $1,018 and $1,675 per month nationally, depending on their budget. Most households land somewhere in the middle, around $1,387 a month. And if you live in New York, you already know groceries cost more here than almost anywhere else, so realistically, we are spending $1,400 to $1,700 a month, sometimes more, which is truly insane.

To help offset those costs, here are 11 ways New York families can save money on groceries right now.

Split Your Shopping Between Two or Three Stores The one-stop, loyal-shopper era of our parents’ time is pretty much over. A lot of families now have a new, regular rotation: a discount grocer for staples, Trader Joe’s or Costco for a few favorites, and the closest supermarket for whatever’s on sale that week.

Most of us don’t have time to grab every deal, so pick two or three stores you like and trust and stick with them.

Check Out Discount Grocers At Aldi and Lidl, everyday prices for staples like milk, eggs, bread, chicken, and produce are typically 20–40% lower than at traditional supermarkets. These stores have become noticeably better stocked and more pleasant to shop in over the past few years. The catch is you won’t find many name brands, and almost everything on the shelf is the store’s own label. That’s what makes the savings possible. Giving up brand names is an adjustment, but it helps you save.

Lidl has recently become known for its fresh bakery, and both stores carry decent produce sections, so you can get more than just canned goods. Most of a weekly shop can be done at Aldi or Lidl, and you can save

8 NewYorkFamily.com | September 2026

your big local supermarket for the one or two brands your family won’t budge on. It’s a small tweak, but it can be the biggest change you can make to save.

Use Trader Joe’s for Select Items Trader Joe’s has so many inventive and tasty items, but it isn’t a discount grocer in the Aldi sense. It’s also not going to beat supermarket prices on milk, eggs, or chicken breast, but it does excel in frozen food, snacks, and a handful of pantry items, where quality is high, and prices are low.

Frozen vegetables, frozen fruit for smoothies, frozen dumplings and appetizers, a long list of snacks beat both the regular supermarket and the name-brand version on price, and without the quality dip you sometimes get with generics.

The trick is to go in with a short, specific list and stick to it. Trader Joe’s doesn’t carry the range a family needs to cover a week’s worth of groceries; it doesn’t sell diapers and has limited household, beauty, and pet supplies.

Rely on Store Brands Check your supermarket’s own value line: Stop & Shop has Nature’s Promise, and ShopRite has Bowl & Basket. Store-brand

pasta, cereal, butter, and frozen vegetables are typically 25–30% cheaper than name brands and, in blind taste tests, have been shown to be indistinguishable from name brands.

Start with pantry basics like flour, rice, beans, canned tomatoes, and frozen fruit.

Plan Dinner Around What’s on Sale This can be the one habit that most affects your grocery bill. Instead of deciding what’s for dinner on Tuesday and then shopping for it, flip the order: check the weekly flyer or app first to see what’s on sale, and build the week’s meals around that. See which meats, fish, or veggies your family regularly enjoys are discounted that week, and plan your menu around the sale items. It only takes about 10 minutes on a Sunday, and it can be the difference between a $150 week and a $220 one. I have planned meals like this since I had kids, and if I didn’t, I would not be able to make it work.

Stock Up When Something You Use Regularly Goes on Sale Along the same lines, when a staple your family eats every week, like pasta sauce, chicken breast, diapers, hits a real low price, buying two or three instead of one. Then you won’t pay full price next month. This only

September 2026 | Westchester Family

9

MONEY

works for things you were buying anyway and either have a long shelf life or can be frozen.

Hit the Frozen Aisle Frozen fruits and vegetables get picked and frozen at peak ripeness, and they won’t go bad in three days after you forget about them.

There is no way to gauge exactly when your family will want more or less fresh fruit, so having frozen on hand is a lifesaver and a money-saver. Think of how many times you’ve thrown out old and wilted veggies and fruit.

Do the Membership Math at Box Stores Costco and BJ’s memberships both run $60– $65 a year. If you’re already buying diapers, paper towels, or rotisserie chicken weekly, the savings on those alone usually cover the fee within a month or two. But if you start buying things you wouldn’t normally buy just because the unit price looks good, that can quickly eat your savings. How many families have gotten a 24-pack of a snack their kids didn’t even like, or something they don’t really need, and then it’s $20 in the trash?

10 NewYorkFamily.com | September 2026

To get the most value, keep a running list of exactly what you buy each month. Rice, oats, and paper products are the safest bulk bets across the board, and they don’t spoil. You can also split a membership with another family member or friend.

Cook From What’s Already in the Fridge Before Buying More I recently began doing this, adding a day or two before heading to the store by using what we have instead. You can easily make a soup from a half bag of vegetables, leftover rotisserie chicken or beans, and rice. It saves money and prevents food waste.

Mix Up Simple Items Meals like rice bowls, big pots of

soup, and pasta with whatever vegetables you have are inexpensive and can be family favorites. It’s an easy way to stretch protein, use up odds and ends, and avoid buying any additional special ingredients.

Make a List and Stick to It It sounds almost too simple to mention, but writing a list is something I learned from my mom, and it is still one of the most effective ways to save money (and sanity).

You bypass impulsive spending and make shopping easier because you’re not mentally scrambling in a crowded store with kids in tow.

You don’t have to do all of this at once. Start with a few, and the savings may add up faster than you’d think.

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SOCIAL MEDIA

New York Finalizes New Social Media Rules for Kids What parents need to know

BY DANIELLE RAMOS

I

admit I do the very thing we tell our kids not to do. I get in bed, pull out my phone, and catch up on social media. It’s the one quiet time in a hectic day, and most of the time, my algorithm pulls me right in. It’s pretty difficult to keep our kids from doing the same when it’s just so tempting, and that’s partly why Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York State are stepping in.

Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James released in the July the final rules for the SAFE for Kids Act, a law aimed at dialing back the features that make social media so hard for kids to put down.

The rules spell out exactly how companies have to verify users’ ages and get parental sign-off before turning on certain features for anyone under 18.

What Is the SAFE for Kids Act? At its core, this law hands parents more control over their kids’ social media experience and takes aim at the features built to keep people scrolling.

The biggest target is the algorithm-driven feeds, the endless stream of videos and posts an app serves up based on everything you’ve ever clicked, watched, or lingered on. New York officials argue these feeds aren’t just convenient; they’re engineered to keep kids hooked, and that’s contributing to some genuinely unhealthy habits.

Under the new rules, platforms can’t just switch on that personalized feed for an under-18 user by default. They’ll need verified parental consent first.

Changes Kids Will See Kids aren’t getting kicked off social media,

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but the experience is going to look different once this kicks in: • The for you style feed will be turned off by default, unless a parent opts in • Instead of algorithm-picked content, teens will mostly see posts from accounts they follow • Notifications go silent between midnight and 6 am for minors, unless parents say otherwise • Kids can still search, browse, and use the app

minimum data necessary, and they can’t hang onto it longer than needed.

Companies Will Verify Age There will be age verification, and before a platform can unlock those restricted features, it has to confirm the user is an adult.

Companies have a few ways to do that.

They can verify a phone number or email, have users upload a photo or short video, or use other approved age-check tools.

And platforms have to offer at least one way to do this that doesn’t require a government ID. Whatever method they use, New York’s rules say they can only collect the

Why New York Is Doing This State officials point to research linking heavy social media use, especially algorithm-driven feeds, to rising rates of anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and eating disorders among kids and teens.

This law, which will take effect soon officially becoming active on January 25, 2027, isn’t a standalone effort. It’s one piece of a broader push in New York to protect kids online, alongside new rules on child data privacy, AI safety, and smartphone bans in schools.

What Parents Can Do Parents get to say yes or no to these features, and they can change their mind later if they want to loosen or tighten things up. If a parent says no, their child isn’t locked out of the app entirely.

They can still search, browse, and use the parts of the platform that don’t rely on algorithmic feeds or overnight notifications.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Where Every Child is Seen and Loved Inside St. Joseph School’s 75-Year Legacy of Faith, Family, and Lifelong Learning

A

s St. Joseph School celebrates 75 years, Principal Karen Valenti reflects on faith, belonging, and why the strongest education begins with teaching children who they are.

There is a moment that happens almost instinctively when families walk through the doors of St. Joseph School in Bronxville for the first time. Before anyone asks about curriculum, standardized testing, or extracurriculars, something else stands out.

Teachers greet students by name. Older children naturally help younger ones. Parents aren’t treated like visitors; they’re welcomed like members of the community.

“It’s a feeling that’s hard to explain but easy to recognize,” says Principal Karen Valenti. “Every school has its own personality. I believe ours says, ‘You belong here.’”

That sense of belonging has shaped St. Joseph School for 75 years. As the school celebrates its diamond anniversary, its mission remains as relevant today as it was in 1951: providing a challenging, faith-centered education that supports every child academically while nurturing compassionate, confident individuals prepared not only for success in the classroom, but for life.

For Valenti, the greatest measure of that success isn’t found in rankings or test scores.

“I hope people remember St. Joseph as a place where they truly were known and loved,” she says. “Of course, I want students to leave with a strong education, but even more importantly, I want them to know they mattered.”

A Principal Who Understands Parents Valenti’s connection to St. Joseph began long before she became principal.

She first experienced the school as a parent, later joining the administration as assistant principal before stepping into her current role. Although most of her career was spent in Catholic secondary education, she quickly discovered how meaningful it is to help shape children during their earliest school years.

Today, she believes that perspective helps her connect with prospective families.

14 NewYorkFamily.com | September 2026

“I can give parents insight both as a parent and as an administrator and teacher,” she says.

She understands the mix of excitement and uncertainty parents feel when choosing a school. During tours, she encourages families to notice what can’t be captured in a brochure: teachers who know every child, older students looking after younger classmates, and a culture where children genuinely enjoy welcoming new students.

“Our kids love new students,” she says.

“They welcome them with open arms.”

For families whose children may be shy or anxious, those small interactions often provide the greatest reassurance.

Valenti says much of that reassurance comes from the school’s faculty. Teachers build meaningful relationships with students and families, taking the time to understand each child’s strengths, challenges, and potential. It’s that dedication, she believes, that helps create a community where children feel supported both academically and personally.

Building Character Alongside Academics Today’s parents want strong academics, but many are equally concerned about something harder to measure. Will their child feel

accepted? Will they become kind, resilient, and confident?

Valenti believes Catholic education provides an enduring foundation.

“I don’t see tradition and innovation as opposites,” she says. “I think they strengthen one another.”

While classrooms continue to evolve, every educational decision begins with the same question: How does this help our students become better people, not just better students?

Faith plays a central role in that mission.

“As children of God, they know they’re loved unconditionally,” Valenti says.

In a world where children often measure themselves through grades, social media, or popularity, that message offers something different. Faith teaches forgiveness, empathy, resilience, and service—values woven throughout each school day.

Preparing Students for the Future Although the school’s mission has remained constant, the classroom has changed dramatically over the past 75 years.

Students today benefit from STEM education, technology, art, music, physical education, world languages, leadership opportunities, and service learning. But rather than

Photos by Alphonse Telymonde

simply adopting every new educational trend, St. Joseph carefully considers how each program contributes to children’s overall growth.

One example is the school’s American Sign Language program.

Beginning in pre-K through fifth grade, students learn ASL before transitioning to other languages in middle school. The program introduces children to different ways people communicate while fostering empathy and inclusion.

Students also visit St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf, giving them firsthand experiences that broaden their understanding of the world.

“We’re not just a closed bubble,” Valenti says. “We’re trying to embrace every aspect of what it’s going to be like in the real world, but in small, age-appropriate steps.”

Learning extends well beyond the classroom. Throughout the year, guest authors, educational presenters, and wildlife experts visit campus, exposing students to new ideas and experiences that often spark lifelong interests.

Teachers also recognize that every child learns differently. Whether students need additional support or greater academic challenge, they work to meet students where they

are, encouraging each child to reach their full potential while building confidence along the way.

The Power of Community Ask adults what they remember most about elementary school, and few mention spelling tests or math worksheets.

They remember teachers, friendships, traditions, and feeling like they belonged.

Those memories are intentionally created at St. Joseph.

Programs like Book Buddies pair middle school students with younger children for reading and STEM activities. Younger students gain confidence from having an older mentor, while older students develop patience, leadership, and responsibility.

“My own son still talks about his Book Buddy from kindergarten,” Valenti says.

That culture of connection often lasts long after graduation. Many alumni return to visit former teachers, attend school events, or enroll their own children.

“We have graduates return as parents all the time,” Valenti says. “That’s really a testament to the teachers and everyone who’s been here.”

For her, there’s no greater compliment.

Walking Through Life Together Schools become part of families’ happiest moments, but they also help them navigate life’s hardest ones.

When longtime staff member Colette Ball passed away after more than 20 years at St. Joseph, the entire community mourned together.

Children wanted to honor someone many considered the school’s grandmother.

Rather than simply remembering her, students helped create a memorial garden, while members of the graduating Class of 2026 contributed toward a statue of Mary of Refuge overlooking the space.

“That’s really what this school is,” Valenti says. “No matter what, this is their place. It’s a second home.”

She believes creating a school where children feel happy, safe, and excited to come each morning is just as important as any lesson taught in the classroom. When students know they are supported and genuinely enjoy being at school, they’re free to grow, take chances, and discover their potential.

Watching students comfort one another reinforced something she believes deeply: empathy can be taught.

“They understood their feelings, and they wanted to celebrate her life,” she says.

Those experiences may never appear on a report card, but they become lasting lessons about compassion and community.

Looking Toward the Next 75 Years As St. Joseph School celebrates this milestone anniversary, the school’s “Road to 75” celebrations have brought together students, alumni, families, parishioners, and the broader community to honor the school’s rich history while looking ahead to its future.

Technology will continue to evolve, classrooms will continue to change, and today’s students will enter careers that don’t yet exist.

Through it all, she hopes the school’s mission remains unchanged.

“My hope is that St. Joseph continues to grow while never losing the heart that has defined it for 75 years,” she says.

That heart is found in the relationships built every day—teachers who notice when a child is struggling, classmates who welcome newcomers, and a community where students learn that leadership begins with service and success is measured by how they treat others.

After 75 years, perhaps that’s St. Joseph School’s greatest legacy: not simply preparing students for high school or college, but preparing them for life.

September 2026 | Westchester Family

15

ACTIVITIES

Finding the Right After-School Activities

F

rom sports and dance to academic enrichment, art, music, and more, kids have plenty of ways to spend their time after school. But with a new school year come new schedules, and finding the right balance can take some thought. Here’s how to choose activities your child will enjoy without overloading the family calendar.

The Benefits of Getting Involved After sitting at a desk all day, kids need opportunities to move around, play, and simply enjoy being kids. Physical activities can be a great way to help them get some energy out and reset after a busy day at school.

After-school activities provide an ideal environment 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.”

Whether it’s joining a soccer team, taking an art class, learning an instrument, or trying something completely new, extracurriculars give kids a chance to explore their interests, make friends, and discover what they love.

How to Find What Your Kid Loves There’s no need for kids to find their passion right away. Younger children may enjoy trying a few different activities before settling on a favorite, while older kids may have a better sense of what interests them.

“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.

When it comes to selecting an activity, give your child some say in the decision. For younger kids, a ranking system can help.

Make a list of activities your child enjoys or would like to try, and ask them to rank their

16 NewYorkFamily.com | September 2026

favorites. The goal is for them to feel like they have a voice in how they spend their time.

And if they try something and decide it’s not for them? That’s okay, too. Part of growing up is figuring out what you like— and what you don’t.

How to Figure Out a Workable Schedule Figuring out your kid’s individual threshold can be tricky, especially when the school year gets going and calendars start filling up. “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 matter to your family, academics, family dinners, downtime, and simply having time to be a

kid. Siblings may also have very different activity levels and interests. “Every student is different, so there is no magic number of hours that should be devoted to after-school activities,” Dr. Cohen says.

Most importantly, pay attention to how your child is feeling. Are they excited to go?

Do they come home happy and energized, or overwhelmed and exhausted? “Use your intuition to really understand your child’s interests and favorite hobbies,” says Megan Gallagher, a TED Talk speaker, best-selling author, and mental health advocate for teenagers. “As a parent, the best thing you can do is to be present and show up.”

Whatever you choose, remember that there’s no perfect after-school schedule. The goal is to give your child opportunities to have fun, make friends, try something new, and discover what they love.

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12, and adults after school, evenings, and weekends. All skill levels welcome, though certain advanced level classes may require prerequisites.

Early registration discounts available through September 4, 2026. Sibling discounts, payment plan options, and scholarships for those who qualify. For more information visit curtaincallinc.com/ fall-classes, email brian@ curtaincallinc.com, or call 203329-8207 x700.

Eugene’s Music & Learning Studio 603 N Main St, Port Chester 914-259-8389 eugenesmls.com Eugene’s Music & Learning Studio, founded in 2011 by award-winning educator Eugene Posniewski, is Westchester’s premier destination for music education. Voted Best Music Instructor and inducted into the Business Hall of Fame in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, and named a Top 5 Music Lessons provider

by Westchester Family, the

studio offers in-home, instudio, and online lessons for all ages. Its exceptional teachers provide everything from Kindermusik-style programs for early learners to advanced performance and competition preparation.

The Grand New York Ballet 32 Garth Rd, Scarsdale 914-615-3982 grandnyb.org The Grand New York Ballet offers engaging after-school programs where children can learn, move, and grow in a supportive environment.

Students develop ballet technique, coordination, flexibility, musicality, focus, and confidence through age-appropriate instruction. Programs are designed for children from preschool through elementary school, with classes offered at different levels based on age and experience. As an official ABT® Affiliate School, The Grand New York Ballet combines professional training with a warm, encouraging

40 Radio Circle Dr. Mt. Kisco NY, 10549 • 914•232•4843

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19

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY | Special Advertising Supplement

atmosphere where every child can discover the joy of dance.

GymCats Gymnastics 1 Odell Plaza, Yonkers 914-965-7676 gymcats.net Classes are in session! GymCats Gymnastics offers co-ed gymnastics classes for children starting as young as 20 months, with instructional programs progressing through the teen years. Each class is designed to build strength, coordination, and confidence, from beginner to advanced levels. When school is out, kids can enjoy action-packed holiday camps. GymCats promotes athleticism, good health, and a strong foundation for all sports. Register online now, or call to schedule your trial class!

Hoff-Barthelson Music School 25 School Lane, Scarsdale hb@hbms.org 914-723-1169 hbms.org

Hoff-Barthelson Music School is a vibrant musical community where students of all ages and levels are encouraged to discover their potential and pursue excellence. Based in Scarsdale, HBMS offers exceptional private lessons, classes, ensembles, musicianship, and performance experiences led by accomplished, dedicated faculty. With a tradition spanning more than 80 years, the School combines rigorous instruction with warmth, encouragement, and connection—helping students build skills, confidence, creativity, artistry, and a lasting lifelong relationship with music.

Katonah Art Center 40 Radio Circle, Mount Kisco 914-232-4843 katonahartcenter.com, kiscoartcenter.com This fall, the KAC Art Center in Mt. Kisco offers a wide array of after-school and Saturday art classes. Their working artist instructors offer a diverse range of talents, including

Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Encaustics, Fused Glass, Pottery Wheel, and Animation, with classes for children, teens, and adults. Register early to secure your spot, as classes fill up fast. Don’t miss the chance to have fun and learn something new at KAC.

Logrea Dance Academy 2 Dale Ave., Ossining 914-941-2939 logreadance.com For 40 years, Logrea Dance Academy has inspired dancers of all ages through exceptional training, experienced teachers, and a true love of dance. They offer ballet, jazz, contemporary, musical theater, and more in a welcoming, supportive environment where students develop confidence, technique, artistry, and a lifelong passion for dance. Whether your dancer is just beginning or ready to take their training to the next level, they are there to help them shine. Registration for the 2026–2027 season is now open!

MakeInspires 75 S Greeley Ave, Chappaqua, NY 10514 1139 W Boston Post Rd, Mamaroneck, NY 10543 chappaqua@makeinspires. com, mamaroneck@ makeinspires.com 914-861-2159, 914-630-7338 makeinspires.com Students ages 4–16 design, build, and invent with real tools and technology at MakeInspires STEAM makerspaces. For over 15 years, young makers have explored 60+ original curricula, including 3D printing, woodworking, coding, electronics, and engineering. After-school programs begin September 14 in Brooklyn, Chappaqua, Mamaroneck, and the Upper East Side. Registration is open at makeinspires.com; first-time families save 10% with code FIRST. Kids turn ideas into projects while building creativity, problemsolving skills, and confidence.

FALL 2026-SPRING 2027 September 8 - June 13 th

th

Come Dance With Us! FREE Trial Classes for Ages 2–6 165-171 South Central Avenue Hartsdale NY, 10530 914-723-2940 info@centralparkdance.com www. centralparkdancecom

20 NewYorkFamily.com | September 2026

Nutcracker 2026 December 5th & 6th at the Captiol Theatre Placement Auditions: Aug. 30th & Sept. 2nd

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Students St S tud den entss a ents ages ge es 4–16 4–16 4– 6d design, esig es ign, ig n, b n, build, uild ui d, a an and nd invent with real att Ma MakeInspires, in nve vent w ith it h re eal a ttools oo ools olss a M ak ke eIn nspir sp pir ires es,, a network STEAM makerspaces. afterne n ettw wor ork k of of S TEAM TEAM TE Mm aker ak ersp er spa aces ac es. s. Fa Fall all ll a f erft erer school start September ssc cho ool programs pro ogr gra ams st am ta arrt Se Sept pttem p mbe ber 14 ber 4— weekly across 60+ hands-on week we eek ekly ly ssessions esssi e s on onss ac cro rosss 6 0+ h 0+ an and nds ds-o s-o on curricula, cu c urrrric icul ula ul a, with a, witth pickup p ck pi kup p ffrom rom ro m se sselect sele ele ect ct schools. sch choo ools. ools lss.

Register now · Use code FIRST for 10% off Robotics

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MakeInspires.com September 2026 | Westchester Family

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AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES DIRECTORY | Special Advertising Supplement

Play Group Theatre One North Broadway, White Plains info@playgroup.org 914-946-4433 playgroup.org Play Group Theatre is a nationally recognized, nonprofit theatre dedicated to empowering young people through the performing arts. With state-of-the-art facilities, professional teaching artists, and opportunities to learn, create, and perform, PGT offers an unparalleled theatre experience for children and teens.

From innovative classes and productions to summer programs and year-round training, PGT inspires confidence, creativity, courage, and a lifelong love of the arts.

Rising Sport Stars 280 Old Mamaroneck Rd, White Plains NY 999 Wilmot Rd, Scarsdale NY Info@risingsportstars.com 929-841-4500 risingsportstars.com Keep your child active,

engaged, and growing after school with Rising Sport Stars! Youth basketball programs combine expert coaching, skill development, teamwork, confidence, and leadership in a fun, positive environment. As an Official Youth Basketball Partner of the New York Knicks, they are proud to deliver an exciting basketball experience for young athletes of all skill levels. Programs are available for ages 2–12 in White Plains and Scarsdale. Learn, play, compete, and grow!

The Rock Club & New Rochelle Racquet Club 130 Rhodes Street, New Rochelle 10801 914-636-1019 info@pinebrookfitness.com pinebrookfitness.com/therock-club pinebrookfitness.com/newrochelle-racquet-club After-school programs at The Rock Club and New Rochelle Racquet Club keep kids active, learning, and having

22 NewYorkFamily.com | September 2026

fun through rock climbing and tennis. Kids build confi­dence, develop skills, and challenge themselves in supportive programs designed for every age and ability. From first-time participants to competitive athletes, experienced coaches help every student learn, improve, and grow.

With year-round, age- and skill-specific programs, there’s something for everyone.

Studio B Dance Center 277 White Plains Road, Eastchester 914-793-2799 studiobdance.com Dance is one of the healthiest activities you can give your child. Studio B provides a joyful, safe studio culture to help children grow physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Every class teaches life skills, though building self-confidence, lowering anxiety, developing social skills, and learning how to be

resilient. Their philosophy: “We don’t teach kids to make great dancers, we teach dance to make great kids.”

Experienced and nurturing teachers help every dancer shine and have fun.

World Cup Gymnastics 160 Joan Corwin Way, Chappaqua, NY mail@worldcupschools.com 914-238-9267 worldcupgymnastics.com World Cup Gymnastics is where children discover their strength, build confidence, and learn to believe in themselves—one skill at a time! Welcoming programs offer gymnastics for children of all ages and abilities, from toddlers through competitive teams. With experienced, caring coaches and a focus on safe progression, fitness, friendship, and fun, every child is encouraged to find their inner champion. See why families have trusted World Cup Gymnastics for more than 30 years!

Music Lessons in Chappaqua and St. Matthew’s Church, Bedford

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worldcupgymnastics.com 170 Joan Corwin Way · Chappaqua · NY

ACT NOW TO ACT OUT! in coopera�on with The City of Stamford

For over 30 years, Curtain Call, Inc. has offered drama�c arts classes for young and old!

Classes a�er school, evenings, and weekends begin September 22 for pre-K through teens, and adults in ac�ng, improv, musical theatre, dance, direc�ng AND MORE!!!

(Some adult classes begin September 16 and 17.)

Early registra�on discounts of 10% off thru September 4, 2026!

Discounts for siblings, payment plan op�ons, and scholarships available.

Located at Sterling Farms, 1349 Newfield Ave., Stamford, CT 06905

www.curtaincallinc.com

brian@curtaincallinc.com

203-329-8207 x700

September 2026 | Westchester Family

23

BACK TO SCHOOL

Why Kids Get Sick When School Starts A pediatrician explains what’s normal

BY DANIELLE RAMOS

W

hen my kids were in grade school, the end of summer was all backpacks, last-minute summer reading, a new box of pens and pencils, and, without fail, the back-to-school illness. Within a couple of weeks of the first day, somebody was coming home with a cold or a cough or a sore throat that was clearly going around the whole school.

Is it normal, though? Getting sick right when school starts up always felt like some kind of rite of passage, but I wanted to actually know how much of it is expected, and whether there’s anything parents can do differently.

So we talked to Dr. Kristina Melchert, Chief of Pediatric Hospital Medicine at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center, about why illnesses spike once school’s back in session, which viruses show up most, and what families can actually do to cut down the risk.

When kids go back to school, it seems like everyone catches something in the first few weeks. Is that unavoidable?

It’s certainly common, but it’s not completely unavoidable. When children return to school, they’re suddenly spending hours each day in close contact with dozens of other children, sharing classrooms, supplies, and germs.

Over the summer, many families have less exposure to the viruses that circulate in schools, so those first few weeks back often create the perfect environment for respiratory illnesses to spread. The good news is that each exposure helps build immunity, and for many children, the frequency of illnesses decreases as they get older.

What do kids usually come down with when school reopens?

The most common illnesses are the everyday respiratory viruses that cause colds,

coughs, congestion, sore throats, and fevers.

Rhinovirus, the virus responsible for the common cold, is especially active in the early fall. We also see enteroviruses, which can cause fever, cold symptoms, or hand-footand-mouth disease.

In addition to viral infections, pediatricians often see an increase in bacterial illnesses such as strep throat and impetigo as children return to close contact with classmates. COVID-19 continues to circulate year-round, and influenza typically begins increasing later in the fall and winter.

How do you know if your child always getting sick each year is normal, or something to worry about?

24 NewYorkFamily.com | September 2026

For younger children, especially those in daycare, preschool, or the early elementary years, having multiple viral illnesses each year is normal. In fact, many healthy children can experience six to eight respiratory infections annually, and sometimes more. What matters is how they recover between illnesses.

If a child is growing well, has good energy between infections, and isn’t experiencing severe or unusual infections, frequent colds alone usually aren’t a sign that something is wrong with their immune system.

What can parents actually do to help their kids stay a little healthier through all the back-to-school sicknesses?

Parents should focus on the habits that

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25

BACK TO SCHOOL

"Over the summer, many families have less exposure to the viruses that circulate in schools, so those first few weeks back often create the perfect environment for respiratory illnesses to spread."

reduce exposure and support overall health.

Encourage regular handwashing, teach children to cover coughs and sneezes, keep them home when they’re truly ill, and stay up to date on recommended vaccinations.

Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools we have to prevent serious illness and missed school days. Just as importantly, make sure children are getting enough sleep, staying physically active, and eating a balanced diet. These measures won’t eliminate illness, but they can reduce risk and help children recover more quickly when they do get sick.

If you look at the basics, like sleep, food, vitamins, and hygiene, what makes the biggest difference?

If I had to prioritize, I would focus on four things: sleep, hygiene, nutrition, and vaccination. Adequate sleep plays a critical role in immune function, and many children return to school after a summer of later bedtimes. Handwashing remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the spread of infections.

A balanced diet supports overall health, and staying up to date on recommended vaccines, including the annual flu vaccine, helps protect children from some of the illnesses most likely to disrupt school attendance. Most healthy children who eat a varied diet do not need special immuneboosting supplements or vitamins.

What are some things parents swear by that

might not be doing much or might even backfire?

Many products are marketed as “immune boosters,” but most have little evidence showing they prevent common childhood illnesses. Parents can end up spending significant money on supplements that provide little benefit.

Another common misconception is that exposure to germs should be avoided at all costs. While no one wants their child to be sick, encountering common viruses is a normal part of childhood and helps the immune system develop over time.

Finally, unnecessary antibiotic use can do more harm than good because most backto-school illnesses are caused by viruses, not bacteria. Antibiotics should be reserved for infections where they are truly needed, such as strep throat or impetigo.

I tell parents all the time that the goal isn’t to prevent every childhood illness.

That’s impossible. The goal is to reduce the risk of serious illness and keep children healthy enough to learn, play, thrive, and enjoy being kids.

is now part of Fall OT and ST Openings Available!

(914) 373-6823 ext. 1

Mommybites.com provides expertly curated resources for all parents in the New York area, including our most popular feature — our mom-generated nanny board — the best online source for parents to find vetted (by other parents), experienced nannies and childcare providers who want to work in New York City, Westchester, Long Island and Northern New Jersey.

Visit Mommybites.com; we can’t wait to see you there!

26 NewYorkFamily.com | September 2026

TUCKAHOE FAMILY ORTHODONTICS

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September 2026 | Westchester Family

27

EDUCATION

BILINGUAL EDUCATION Helping kids grow up confident, connected, and culturally fluent

I

n a place where so many households speak a language other than English, bilingual education has become an essential part of New York’s classrooms.

These programs do more than teach vocabulary and grammar — they nurture cultural identity, build empathy, and help students bridge communities while gaining the tools to thrive in a multilingual world.

For families considering this path, the options can feel both exciting and overwhelming.

To make the search easier, we’ve rounded up standout bilingual schools that reflect that diversity and richness.

French-American School of New York (FASNY)

German International School New York

320 E Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, NY 10543 admissions@fasny.org fasny.org

50 Partridge Road, White Plains, NY 10605 914-948-6513, admissions@gisny.org gisny.org

FASNY is the only school in the New York metropolitan area to offer both the French Baccalaureate and International Baccalaureate (IB).

Its stellar college acceptances and 100% baccalaureate success place it among the top French-American schools in North America, with an IB Program ranked among the best in the US. FASNY’s students, from Nursery through 12th grade, English and French speakers, are active participants in their education, with teaching and learning methods based on mutual respect and a set of values that both students and teachers follow. As they grow, students are offered the opportunity to participate in either the French-American Program or the International Program, which begins in grade 1 with no previous knowledge of French required. Regardless of program choice, at FASNY, the pedagogical approach is thoughtful, age-appropriate, organized, and focused on academic excellence and student development.

As an independent, bilingual Pre-K through Grade 12 college preparatory school, GISNY provides both expat and local families with an exceptional, future-focused education. Rooted in a German-inspired, internationally minded approach, GISNY fosters curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Students are encouraged to experiment, collaborate, and innovate in a supportive, academically rigorous environment, an award-winning STEM program and signature MakerSpace. Located in White Plains, their beautiful campus offers wide-open green spaces for outdoor activities for all grades. Through GISNY’s Nature-Based Early Childhood Education program Pre-K and Kindergarten students spend most of their school day outdoors, learning, exploring, and playing. Graduates leave GISNY with the skills, confidence, and global perspective to thrive anywhere in the world. No German is required for students entering Pre-K through 1st Grade.

28 NewYorkFamily.com | September 2026

Expand your child’s world with GISNY. Bilingual B ilingual German-English P re-K through grade 12 program Pre-K Nature-based early childhood education on our 20-acre campus in White Plains Global university access with Diploma program Dual Dip ploma p rog gram Award-winning STEM program and MakerSpace

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29

WESTCHESTER FAMILY PARTNER

Lever & Ecker: Advocates for Families, Justice, and Community

F

or more than three decades, Lever & Ecker has built a reputation as one of Westchester’s most respected personal injury law firms. Founded 31 years ago, the firm is driven by two core beliefs: that representing clients is a deeply personal responsibility, and that true success means using that work to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

That commitment has earned consistent recognition. All of Lever & Ecker’s attorneys have been named to the New York Metro Super Lawyers list for six consecutive years (2020–2025), a rare distinction for any firm. But for the attorneys at Lever & Ecker, accolades are secondary to the people they serve, often families navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Founding partner David B. Lever understands that reality firsthand. A survivor of a serious vehicular accident at a young age, Lever brings a deeply personal perspective to his personal injury practice.

After beginning his legal career in 1989, he opened his own law firm at just 30 years old. Today, his work has earned him recognition as one of the Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers in New York by The National Trial Lawyers organization, as well as a Top 25 Westchester Super Lawyer.

For fellow founding partner Daniel G. Ecker, the inspiration to practice law came from family. He followed in the footsteps of his father and uncle, well-respected, longtime Westchester lawyers and a judge, which prompted Ecker to develop an early respect for the legal profession’s ability to create meaningful change.

After earning his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and his Juris Doctor from Fordham University School of Law, he began his career on the defense side, experience that now gives him valuable insight into how insurance companies operate. That knowledge helps him advocate more effectively for clients facing powerful institutions. In 2022, Ecker served as Chair of the Trial Lawyers Section of the New York State Bar

30 NewYorkFamily.com | September 2026

Association.

Partner Adam C. Weiss represents the next generation of leadership at Lever & Ecker. Known for dedication and an entrepreneurial spirit, Weiss has been recognized as a Hudson Valley Top Lawyer from 2021 through 2025 and named one of the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers in New York for multiple years. He has also received the Westfair Communications Millennial Award for his positive impact on Westchester and Fairfield Counties.

Associate attorney Katherine “Kate” Henderson rounds out the team with a hands-on, client-centered approach. Known for fully immersing herself in her clients’ cases, Henderson has trained alongside some of the region’s top attorneys while maintaining a strong commitment to service beyond the courtroom.

At Lever & Ecker, practicing law, particularly personal injury law, means more than winning cases. It requires preparation, empathy and accountability, especially when families are dealing with trauma, loss, or injustice. For the firm’s attorneys, the opportunity to stand up for others during those moments is both a responsibility and a privilege.

That sense of responsibility extends well beyond the office. Community service is not an initiative at Lever & Ecker, but a longstanding tradition. Each year, the firm participates in outreach efforts across Westchester, the Bronx, and Queens, including donating 100 turkeys annually to help provide thousands of Thanksgiving meals for local families and individuals in need.

The Lever family’s commitment to the organization Adults and Children with Learning & Developmental Disabilities (ACLD) spans more than 50 years, a dedication formally recognized by the ACLD Foundation two years ago. This longterm involvement reflects a deep personal connection to the organization’s mission of supporting individuals with disabilities and

their families.

Community leadership is also reflected in the individual efforts of the firm’s attorneys. Daniel G. Ecker sponsors backto-school initiatives such as The Sharing Shelf ’s Backpacks to School program, helping students start the school year with

WESTCHESTER FAMILY PARTNER

confidence and essential supplies. Adam C. Weiss serves as Board Chair of CLUSTER Community Services, which supports residents across Westchester, Rockland, and the Bronx. Katherine Henderson is an active supporter of SPCA Westchester and Feeding Westchester, helping protect

animals and address food insecurity in the region.

After more than three decades, Lever & Ecker stands firm in the belief that advocacy and compassion go hand in hand, and that supporting families means showing up both in the courtroom and in

the community.

Lever & Ecker 120 Bloomingdale Road, Suite 401, White Plains, NY 10605 leverecker.com 914-288-9191

September 2026 | Westchester Family

31

MOM STORIES

Moms Who Say Nope Why motheres don’t need permission to protect their peace — or explain it

BY DONNA DUARTE-LADD

A

s the school-year energy builds and calendars start to fill up, the invisible weight of everyone else’s needs, sign-ups, snacks, feelings—may already be inching back onto your shoulders.

I think about that weight often. I’ve been carrying it for a while, probably since I became a mom. But especially after my youngest was diagnosed as autistic, and I realized something had to give. Or I was going to lose something. And that something... was me (!!!).

So I did what I had to do: I got unapologetically protective of my time.

Merciless, even. I started speaking up— taking a firmer stance on how I spend my day-to-day. Not in a telenovela way (a Mexican soap opera where every word is súper dramática), but in a way that gave me some breathing room. Some grace.

And it’s not a checklist. It’s not a hack (though I do love a good hack). It’s this: You’re allowed to say no.

I don’t mean saying no to your kids; that’s a different conversation for another day. I mean the things you don’t want to say yes to, but feel like you should. The stuff that pulls at your sense of responsibility, loyalty, or just being a ‘good’ person.

Not because you’re overwhelmed (though you probably are). Not because your calendar is already full (also, yes). But because “no” isn’t selfish. It’s a boundary. A pause. A decision.

Why Saying No Feels So Wrong (and Isn’t) For many of us, saying no goes deep. And I get it. I have friends who don’t flinch when setting boundaries, and I watch them like: teach me your ways. But for some of us, there are reasons, emotional, cultural, generational, why that word catches in our throat.

Elise Loehnen, author of On Our Best

Behavior, puts it beautifully. She writes not just about saying no, but about why we struggle to defend our time and our needs in the first place: “We struggle to move forward because we spend too much time defending our ‘goodness,’ stuck in the binary that if you’re not impeccable in your behavior, across the arc of time, then you must be bad.”Oof. We are taught, especially as women, to make others comfortable. Be palatable.

Pleasant. Easy. But maybe comfort isn’t the goal. Maybe clarity is.

Research backs it up. A study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that people who said “I don’t…” instead of “I can’t…” held stronger boundaries, because it framed the decision as a choice, not an excuse. And that’s what this is: a choice. A shift. A reclaiming.

Look to the Young (and the Really Young—aka Our Kids) I think about the young generation here. They sometimes get a bad rap. I’ve been trying to borrow a little from them, and even the really Gen Alpha lately. They’re not afraid to say no.

They’re not twisting themselves, their words,

32 NewYorkFamily.com | September 2026

or actions to make us comfortable.

If something is outside their comfort zone, it just… is. Sure, sometimes their delivery misses the mark (and if you’re parenting a Gen Alpha kid, you may be getting more eye rolls than full sentences).

But, the message is clear: they know how to prioritize themselves.

And moms? We could use some of that.

That doesn’t mean we toss “no” around carelessly or use it as a shield. Just like “yes,” a “no” is powerful. It deserves to be used with purpose. I’m not saying no to the nonnegotiables. I still show up for my kids. I care for my ailing mom. My friends, when I can genuinely make time for. Obviously, I’m there for the people I love.

But I’ve started looking for the edges, the moments I can protect. The invitations I don’t need to accept. The obligations that drain me more than they serve me.

As Brené Brown said (because she always gets it right): “Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.”

Saying no shouldn’t come with stress or drama, yours or anyone else’s. It should come with what you’re asking for in the first place: a little room to breathe.

Apply for Spring 2027!

With 60 years of innovative education experience and multiple entry points for all high school aged students, the curriculum culminates in a B.A. degree from Bard College, completed sooner than the traditional college degree timeline.

Day and boarding options available.

30 Seminary Drive, Barrytown, New York Learn more simons-rock.edu

ˇ˛˘ ˅˜˚˛˧ ˆ˖˛ˢˢ˟ ˀ˔ˬ ʵ˘ ʶ˟ˢ˦˘˥ ˇ˛˔ˡ ˌˢ˨ ˇ˛˜ˡ˞ʡ ʴˡ ˜ˡ˗˘ˣ˘ˡ˗˘ˡ˧ ˗˔ˬ ˦˖˛ˢˢ˟ ˪˛˘˥˘ ˦˧˨˗˘ˡ˧˦ ˜ˡ ˚˥˔˗˘˦ ʥʠʫ ˪˜˧˛ ˟˔ˡ˚˨˔˚˘ʠ˕˔˦˘˗ ˟˘˔˥ˡ˜ˡ˚ ˗˜˙˙˘˥˘ˡ˖˘˦ ˔ˡ˗ ʴʷʻʷ ˘˫ˣ˘˥˜˘ˡ˖˘ ˦˖˛ˢˢ˟ ˧˛˘ ˪˔ˬ ˜˧ ˦˛ˢ˨˟˗ ˕˘ʡ ʼˡ˗˜˩˜˗˨˔˟˜˭˘˗ʟ ˘˩˜˗˘ˡ˖˘ʠ˕˔˦˘˗ ˜ˡ˦˧˥˨˖˧˜ˢˡ ˔˖˥ˢ˦˦ ˖˟˔˦˦˘˦ ˁˢ ˣ˨˟˟ʠˢ˨˧˦ ϝ ˦ˣ˘˖˜˔˟˜˭˘˗ ˦˨ˣˣˢ˥˧ ˜˦ ˕˨˜˟˧ ˜ˡ ʧʭʤ ˦˧˨˗˘ˡ˧ʠ˧ˢʠ˧˘˔˖˛˘˥ ˥˔˧˜ˢ ˆ˧˥ˢˡ˚ ˕ˢˡ˗˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˕˘˟ˢˡ˚˜ˡ˚ ʦʠˬ˘˔˥ ˔˩˘˥˔˚˘ ˘ˡ˥ˢ˟˟ˠ˘ˡ˧ ϝ ˧˥˔ˡ˦˜˧˜ˢˡ ˣ˟˔ˡˡ˜ˡ˚ ˕˘˚˜ˡ˦ ˗˔ˬ ˢˡ˘

ˆˠ˔˟˟ ʵˬ ʷ˘˦˜˚ˡʡ ˇ˥˔ˡ˦˙ˢ˥ˠ˔˧˜˩˘ ʵˬ ˁ˔˧˨˥˘ʡ ˅ˢ˟˟˜ˡ˚ ˔˗ˠ˜˦˦˜ˢˡ˦ ˔˥˘ ˢˣ˘ˡ ˙ˢ˥ ˧˛˘ ʥʩʢʥʪ ˦˖˛ˢˢ˟ ˬ˘˔˥ʡ

ʿʼˀʼˇʸʷ ˆʸʴˇˆ ˅ʸˀʴʼˁ ʹ˂˅ ʴ ˆʸ˃ˇʸˀʵʸ˅ ˆˇʴ˅ˇ

ˆˢ˨˧˛ˣˢ˥˧ˆ˖˛ˢˢ˟ʡˢ˥˚

September 2026 | Westchester Family

33

EDUCATION

BOARDING SCHOOLS F or some families, the traditional day-school experience isn’t the only path to a great education. Boarding school is a big decision, but it can also open the door to an exciting new experience for students that extends beyond the classroom. These schools offer structured learning environments, built-in academic support, and a strong sense of community, all in one place to help your child blossom. Many also provide top-notch extracurriculars, college prep, and opportunities to foster leadership and confidence.

The right school can provide the structure and support your child needs to thrive, now and in the future. Here are some excellent programs to consider.

EF Academy New York 582 Columbus Ave, Thornwood, NY 12533 914-495-6056, academy.ny@ef.com efacademy.org/en-us/new-york

Located on a beautiful campus in Thornwood, New York, EF Academy offers American students a global education without leaving home.

The student body represents more than 40 countries, creating an international community where students learn alongside classmates from different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. Students can choose from the IB Diploma Program and a range of AP courses, with pathways designed to support their interests and university goals. A welcoming community includes day students as well as 5-day and 7-day boarders, offering flexibility for families while keeping every student connected to campus life. With a diverse community, personalized academics, and a welcoming campus, EF Academy provides an international high school experience in Westchester.

Harrow International School New York 500 Montauk Highway 631-869-1572, admissions@harrownewyork.com harrownewyork.com

The Harvey School 260 Jay Street, Katonah, NY 10536 914-232-3161, ext. 113, admissions@harveyschool.org harveyschool.org, harveyschool.org/open-house

The Harvey School invites prospective boarding students and their families to attend their Fall Open House on Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 9:00am to 12:00pm on their beautiful hilltop 125-acre campus in Westchester County, Katonah, NY. Five-day boarding offered for students in grades 9-12 for both domestic and international students. Board during the week and still have family time at home on weekends. Rigorous academics and competitive athletics, a thriving arts program, 70+ electives to enhance curriculum, and a kind, caring community where students are truly known. Harvey teachers know their students well and guide them to embrace their strengths and discover their passions while feeling confident to be themselves as they strive to become who they want to be.

34 NewYorkFamily.com | September 2026

Harrow International School New York, situated on an extraordinary 170-acre Long Island waterfront campus between New York City and the Hamptons, offers a prestigious boarding and day school for grades 6–12. Rooted in 450 years of British traditions, this IB World School blends rigorous academics with real-world readiness.

Flexible options include 5-day boarding with weekend returns, 7-day boarding, or day school.

The campus sits minutes from the LIRR and within easy reach of Long Island MacArthur, JFK, and LaGuardia airports, simplifying arrivals for families near and far. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, while a strong individual care system fosters leadership, confidence, and character. With a global student body and a values-driven community, Harrow New York nurtures well-rounded, future-ready individuals. Learn more at harrownewyork.com.

The Knox School

The Masters School

541 Long Beach Road, Saint James, NY 11780 631-686-1600, admissions@knoxschool.org knoxschool.org

49 Clinton Avenue, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914-479-6420, admission@mastersny.org mastersny.org

At The Knox School, being known changes what’s possible. On its Long Island waterfront campus, students in grades 6–12 join an intentionally small, globally diverse boarding and day community where a 6:1 student-teacher ratio ensures they are seen, valued, and understood.

Faculty know each student as a learner and as a person, helping them see possibilities they may not yet recognize in themselves. With 35 AP and Honors courses and 20 dual-enrollment college courses, personalized academic pathways challenge students to grow, while arts, athletics, and leadership opportunities encourage new interests and meaningful risktaking. Along the way, students build confidence and a sense of purpose, ready to thrive in college and beyond. At Knox, students don’t simply prepare for what’s next. They discover who they can become.

The Masters School’s 5-day boarding program offers students the best of both worlds: an immersive boarding experience during the week and time with family on weekends. From Sunday evening through Friday, students live on a beautiful 96-acre campus in Dobbs Ferry, New York, where they benefit from faculty mentorship, evening study sessions, athletics, the arts, and a close-knit residential community.

With peers from across the country and around the world, students form lasting friendships while developing independence, confidence, and a strong sense of responsibility. They are encouraged to explore their interests, take on new challenges, and make the most of a vibrant campus life. At Masters, students become part of a community where they are known, supported, and encouraged to grow.

Ross School 18 Goodfriend Drive, East Hampton 631-907-5400 ross.org

Ross School’s mission is to change how education meets the future by fostering interdisciplinary, integrated thinking and innovative leadership, engaging fully in the global community, and facilitating lifelong learning. A co-educational boarding school (grades 7–12 and postgraduate) and day school (preschool–12th grade and postgraduate), Ross is located on two beautiful campuses in East Hampton and Bridgehampton, New York, about two hours east of New York City.

Serving approximately 320 students and attracting a world-class faculty, the school offers a global, integrated curriculum with engaging courses in science, math, arts, humanities, and wellness, along with opportunities for independent study, competitive athletics, extracurricular activities, and travel. With an emphasis on direct personal experiences, inquiry through primary sources, and hands-on interpretation and analysis of information, Ross School prepares students for success beyond the classroom. The school boasts a strong college placement program, with 100% of applicants receiving acceptances at competitive colleges and universities.

Simon’s Rock at Bard College 30 Seminary Drive, Barrytown, NY 12507 845-752-5600, admit@sr.bard.edu simons-rock.edu

Simon’s Rock at Bard College is an early college that allows students to begin full-time college studies at a younger age. With multiple entry points for all high school aged students, the curriculum culminates in a B.A. degree from Bard College, completed sooner than the traditional college degree timeline. Located just minutes from Bard College’s main campus, Simon’s Rock offers boarding and day student options.

September 2026 | Westchester Family

35

WESTCHESTER FAMILY PARTNER

A Summer of Purpose How Trish Gathers Is Bringing Philanthropy, Legacy, Longevity & Senior Care to the Heart of the Hamptons

BY SAMMIE ORIH Strategic Media Advisor

T

here are summers measured by social calendars and then there are summers measured by significance.

For Trish Gathers, President and CEO of The Carmelite System, Inc. and Founder of Carith Ministries, the 2026 Hamptons season has been about more than attending prestigious galas or exclusive gatherings. It has been about inspiring a new conversation—one that challenges philanthropists to consider one of the greatest opportunities of our time: investing in the future of longevity, senior care, and human dignity.

As America’s population ages at an unprecedented pace, the need for compassionate, mission-driven senior care has never been greater. Yet few philanthropic causes touch every family as personally as the care we provide to older adults.

Throughout the summer, Gathers has brought that conversation to the forefront, engaging philanthropists, business leaders, community influencers, healthcare professionals, and members of the Catholic community across the East End. Her message has been both simple and compelling: The way we care for older adults says everything about who we are as a society.

Recognition That Reflects a Mission This summer, Gathers was honored by Life’s WORC for her outstanding commitment to community service and compassionate leadership, joining distinguished honorees including Geraldo Rivera, Bill O’Reilly, and Bill Ritter.

She was also named to the Dan’s Papers East End Power List, recognizing her leadership and growing influence throughout the region.

Yet for Gathers, these recognitions are not the destination they are opportunities to amplify a mission that extends far beyond any single award.Every stage, every interview, and every introduction became another opportunity to encourage philanthropy that changes lives.

36 NewYorkFamily.com | September 2026

Trish Gathers, President and CEO of The Carmelite System, Inc. and Founder of Carith Ministries Where Relationships Become Legacy Throughout the season, Gathers participated in podcasts, leadership forums, private dinners, invitation-only gatherings, and some of the Hamptons’ most celebrated charitable events, including the SOFO Annual Gala, the Historical Society of Palm Beach summer celebration, and the Southampton Hospital Foundation Gala.

Gathers also acknowledges the mentorship of publisher and philanthropist Vicki Schneps, whose guidance has helped shape her approach to media, philanthropy and community leadership.

Behind many of these efforts was Barbara Gilbert, Chief Development Officer of The Carmelite System, who leads the organization’s philanthropic strategy and works closely with benefactors, foundations, and community partners to expand support for its mission.

Together, they have met with prospective donors and philanthropic leaders who understand that true legacy is measured not only by what we build during our lifetime, but by what we preserve for generations to come.

A New Generation of Philanthropy For decades, philanthropy has transformed universities, hospitals, museums, and the arts.

Trish Gathers believes it is time to bring

that same vision to senior care.

Longer life expectancy is one of society’s greatest achievements, but longevity without compassionate care is an incomplete legacy.

As families face Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, chronic illness, and the realities of aging, organizations like The Carmelite System provide more than healthcare. They provide dignity, purpose, spiritual support, compassion, and a place families can trust.

That mission depends upon visionary philanthropy. Every gift helps preserve faith-based senior care, expand programs for older adults, strengthen caregiver education, improve communities, and ensure that future generations receive the compassionate care every person deserves.

An Invitation to Leave a Lasting Legacy The Hamptons has long been home to extraordinary generosity.

This summer, Trish Gathers challenged that generosity to look beyond today’s needs and consider tomorrow’s responsibility. Supporting Catholic senior care is not simply an act of charity. It is an investment in families, human dignity, and the future each of us hopes to experience.

Gathers leads more than meaningful conversations and new partnerships. She leaves an invitation to philanthropists, families, foundations, and community leaders to help preserve a ministry that has cared for older adults with compassion, dignity, and faith for generations.

Because the greatest legacy is not what we leave behind. It is the lives we continue to touch long after we are gone.

At The Carmelite System, that legacy is guided by one enduring belief: The Difference Is Love.

Learn more: Carmelite System Inc: carmelitesystem.org Avila Institute Gerontology: avilainstitute.org Carith Ministries: carithministries.org Email: rtoussaint@carmelitesystem.org

September 2026 | Westchester Family

37

FAMILY FUN

APPLE-PICKING SPOTS

BY THALIA FERNANDEZ AND DANIELLE RAMOS

A

pple picking is here, and fall is also on the horizon. Whether we are having a warm summer-ish day or those whiffs of crisp autumn air are starting to make their way to us , we are excited for crisp apples, fresh cider donuts, and a day in the orchard that makes the transition into fall a little sweeter.

Whether you’re looking for scenic Hudson Valley views, hayrides, farm animals, live music, or simply the perfect bag of apples, these favorite orchards in Westchester and the surrounding counties offer memorable fall experiences for families of all ages. From classic family farms to destinations packed with attractions, there’s no shortage of places to spend a perfect autumn day.

Apple Orchard Tips! Orchard hours, admission, pricing, reservation requirements, apple varieties, and seasonal attractions can change throughout the fall based on weather and harvest conditions. Before heading out, we recommend checking each farm’s website or social media pages for the latest information.

Top Places for Apple Picking in Westchester County Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard 130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem 914-485-1210

harvestmoonfarmandorchard.com A favorite fall destination with scenic Hudson Valley views, pick-your-own apples, warm apple cider donuts, live music on select days, BBQ, and a farm market filled with fresh produce, pies, breads, and baked goods.

Stuart’s Fruit Farm 62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs 914-245-2784 stuartsfarm.com Family-owned since 1828, Stuart’s offers classic apple picking, hayrides, homemade pies, cider donuts, and a charming farm stand.

Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm 1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights 914-245-5111 wilkensfarm.com Known for apple picking, fresh cider donuts, pies, breads, and bakery treats. Apple varieties and availability change throughout the season.

Top Places for Apple Picking in Dutchess County Cedar Heights Orchard 8 Crosby Lane, Rhinebeck 845-876-3231 cedarheightsorchard.com A peaceful orchard perfect for a relaxing

38 NewYorkFamily.com | September 2026

family outing and pick-your-own apples.

Fishkill Farms 9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell Junction 845-897-4377 fishkillfarms.com Offers a wide selection of apple varieties along with seasonal produce, baked goods, and farm experiences. Reservations may be required during busy weekends.

Rose Hill Farm 14 Rose Hill Farm, Red Hook 845-758-4215 pickrosehillfarm.com Combines apple picking with an on-site market, tap room, live music, and seasonal events while using holistic growing practices.

Greig Farm 227 Pitcher Lane, Red Hook 845-758-1234 greigfarm.com Enjoy apple picking, scenic walking trails, a farm market, and friendly goats that kids love to feed.

Lawrence Farms Orchards 306 Frozen Ridge Road, Newburgh 845-562-4268 lawrencefarmsorchards.com A longtime family favorite with a wide variety

of apples plus cider donuts, milkshakes, ice cream, and other fall treats.

Mead Orchards 15 Scism Road, Tivoli 845-756-5641 meadorchards.com Offers numerous apple varieties throughout the season in a scenic setting perfect for a family day trip.

Top Places for Apple Picking in Rockland County Dr. Davies Farm 306 NY-304, Congers 845-268-7020 drdaviesfarm.com A historic family farm with thousands of apple trees and dozens of apple varieties.

Top Places for Apple Picking in Ulster County Apple Hill Farm 124 Route 32 South, New Paltz 845-255-1605 applehillfarmny.com

A beautiful destination offering apple picking, hayrides, fresh cider, cider donuts, and a welcoming farm store.

Hurd’s Family Farm 2187 State Route 32, Modena 845-883-7825 hurdsfamilyfarm.com Offers apple picking, hayrides, a cow train, an obstacle course, a corn maze, a mini zip line, and other family attractions.

Garden Gnome.

Prospect Hill Orchards 40 Clarkes Lane, Milton 845-795-2383 prospecthillorchards.com Features three farm locations with apple picking, hayrides, corn mazes, picnic areas, and cider pressing in the fall.

Jenkins-Lueken Orchards 69 Yankee Folly Road, New Paltz 845-255-0999 jenkinsluekenorchards.com Known for its relaxed atmosphere and impressive selection of apple varieties.

Top Places for Apple Picking in the Surrounding Areas Ochs Orchard 4 Ochs Lane, Warwick 845-986-1591 ochsorchard.com Offers apple picking without reservations, plus a farm market and homemade ice cream.

Kelder’s Farm 5755 US Route 209, Kerhonkson 845-626-7137 keldersfarm.com Pair apple picking with family attractions, including corn mazes, mini golf, jumping pillows, giant slides, and the World’s Largest

Bishop Orchards 1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT 203-453-2338 bishopsorchards.com A Connecticut favorite featuring apple picking, a large farm market, bakery items, cheese, cider, wine, and seasonal treats.

Your online resource for all things parenting NewYorkFamily.com provides a rich array of local resources, useful content, directories and interactive tools to help families meet and celebrate the challenges of parenting.

VISIT US ONLINE TODAY!

N E W YO R K FA M I LY. C O M

September 2026 | Westchester Family

39

PARENTING

What Every Parent Should Know About Childhood Grief Expert guidance for families as the school year begins

BY EDIL CUEPO

M

y mom died of stage 4 breast cancer when I was 13.

I was the eldest daughter, with a younger brother and sister who came after me. My mom’s death was something the adults around me — including my dad — were seemingly afraid to touch or bring up.

It’s as if saying something about her would somehow make me experience the loss more. But losing a parent isn’t something you forget while you’re in the middle of reading a book or playing with friends. It’s just like how one doesn’t forget where they live, or when their birthday is. It’s something you’re constantly aware of.

If adults didn’t talk about it, my siblings and I didn’t either. From the time my mom died, we rarely talked about her at home.

There were pictures of her around the house, and our dad took us to visit her grave every Sunday, without fail. But there were no stories being exchanged, no memories said out loud.

Only silence. Kids learn from adults. If our dad didn’t know how to talk about my mom, we didn’t either.

In school, I just wanted to be like all my friends.

It’s not every day you meet another kid without a mom or dad. It’s not because kids like me don’t exist, but because people tiptoe around it or avoid it altogether. Two years before my mom died, a friend of mine in elementary school lost her mom to cancer, too. I remember going to the funeral. A year later, she moved to a different school. She was the only other person I knew who didn’t have a mom. We never talked about her loss, either.

Today, I lead marketing at Comfort Zone Camp, the organization built to give other

kids what my siblings and I didn’t have: a fun, safe place to bring our grief to, and a community of other kids like us. Founded in 1998, Comfort Zone Camp expanded to New York after 9/11 to support children who lost a parent in the Twin Towers, and has served grieving families here ever since.

I wasn’t alone in the way I felt alone.

According to the 2026 Child Bereavement Estimation Model (CBEM), 1 in 11 children in the U.S. will lose a parent or sibling before they turn 18 (Source: CBEM). In New York, that number is 1 in 13 — slightly lower than the national average, but it still means that in a classroom of 25 kids, roughly two are statistically carrying a loss like mine, often

40 NewYorkFamily.com | September 2026

without anyone around them knowing what to do about it.

For parents of grieving kids, backto-school isn’t just backpacks and school supplies. Milestones like this are a reminder of time passing without their loved one. For a bereaved kid, it may mean bracing for the first day of school without their #1 supporter: a mom, a dad, or a sibling. It’s why now is a good time to talk about what grieving kids actually need, and how the adults around them can do better than the adults around me did.

“Children grieve differently than adults,” says Lynne Hughes, founder and CEO of Comfort Zone Camp. “They don’t wear black and mourn 24/7. They often compartmen-

talize their grief and grieve in short bursts.

Adults often miss it and dismiss it because it doesn’t mirror their own grief. It’s important to know this does not mean kids are not grieving.”

That mismatch is part of why childhood grief so often goes unrecognized. A child who seems “fine” in September might struggle in ways that look nothing like sadness — trouble focusing, irritability, withdrawing from friends — and the adults around them may not connect it back to a loss that happened months or years earlier.

For many adults, childhood grief doesn’t just resolve on its own.

“Grief doesn’t wait for permission to be processed, so when it doesn’t get metabolized in childhood, it waits,” says Gina Moffa, a grief and trauma therapist. She sees it resurface at transition points: a client becomes a parent themselves, or their own child reaches the age they were when the loss happened.

“It often looks less like sadness and more like a disproportionate reaction to something small,” Moffa says. “A snapped response to a partner forgetting to call. A wave of dread every October.”

The stakes of leaving that grief unaddressed are measurable. According to the 2025 CBEM National Report, bereaved children are twice as likely to experience significant challenges at home, and 97% of teachers believe grief adversely impacts a student’s learning.

The report also shows 1 in 4 youth who die by suicide were bereaved. The effects can also follow a child well into adulthood: bereaved youth are 175% more likely to develop a substance use disorder as adults.

For a parent working through their own grief while raising a grieving child, Moffa says the goal isn’t to have all the answers. “What your child needs isn’t a parent with all the answers or perfect ways of grieving — it’s a parent willing to stay in the room while the hard feelings move through,” she says.

“Naming your own experience honestly, even something as simple as ‘this is bringing up

“Children grieve differently than adults. They don’t wear black and mourn 24/7. They often compartmentalize their grief and grieve in short bursts. Adults often miss it and dismiss it because it doesn’t mirror their own grief. It’s important to know this does not mean kids are not grieving.” something for me too,’ models exactly what you want your child to learn.”

Grieving kids often carry guilt that has nothing to do with reality. “A common response to grief is guilt—and it’s often an unrealistic guilt about a situation they couldn’t control,” says Hughes. “’If I knew CPR, I could have saved them,’ or ‘If I hadn’t been acting up that day, they wouldn’t have had a heart attack. That guilt often goes unspoken — which means it goes unaddressed, too, unless a parent knows to look for it.

So what do grieving kids actually need from the adults raising them? Hughes points to a few essentials: Validate whatever they’re feeling. There’s no one way and no right way to grieve. Whatever they are thinking and feeling, let them know that it’s okay and normal to feel those feelings, and prepare them for the feelings to change over time.

Help them make some sense of the loss.

Kids will struggle with the why. Be honest in age-appropriate language. It’s okay to say, “I don’t know why this happened, but we are going to get through this. We are going to be okay.”

Model healthy coping skills and self-care.

Kids are going to take their cues from their parents on how—and how not—to grieve. If you never talk about your loved one, neither will they. Talk about your loved one by referencing them in conversation: “Your dad loved this song.” It’s okay to show the emotions of grief and then share what you do to feel better: “I get sad, then I cry, and I feel better.” “I get angry, then I journal or go for a walk, and then I feel better.” Then ask them: what do

According to the 2025 CBEM National Report, bereaved children are twice as likely to experience significant challenges at home, and 97% of teachers believe grief adversely impacts a student’s learning.

they do when they’re sad?

Some of this applies specifically to parents and guardians. But the first two — validating a child’s feelings, and not needing to have the answer to why — apply to any adult in a grieving child’s life.

Teachers, coaches, grandparents, and family friends worry they’ll say the wrong thing or upset a child, but avoiding their loss only leaves a child feeling more isolated and alone. Saying their loved one’s name out loud, or simply not changing the subject when their person comes up, can matter as much coming from a teacher or a coach as it does from a parent.

These days, as a mom of two, I think about my childhood a lot. I wonder how different it would have been if my siblings and I were able to express how we actually felt about our loss and missing our mom on milestones like the start of a new school year. The truth is, we didn’t even have the words to express it with each other.

As a 13-year-old, I understood I couldn’t get my mom back. But I wish everyone around me didn’t have to feel so uncomfortable with my loss. I wish I had the permission (and encouragement) to express how much I missed her and remember her throughout my childhood, just like any other kid talked about their mom. I wish they had asked me more about her.

A grieving child doesn’t need us to have the right words. But they need us to make room for theirs. If we can offer that space and the willingness to sit with our own discomfort, then no child has to feel as alone in their grief as I once did.

If you’re worried about a child’s safety or your own, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by call or text.

Edil Cuepo is the Chief Marketing Officer at Comfort Zone Camp, the first-ever nonprofit bereavement camp for kids in the US. She lost her mother to breast cancer at 13, and now reminds every woman to know her breast density and check for lumps regularly. Edil lives in Rockaway Beach, New York, with her husband and two kids.

September 2026 | Westchester Family

41

ASK THE EXPERT

What Your Child Isn’t Saying Dr. Shefali and the quiet clues your child may need help

BY DANIELLE RAMOS

I

first discovered Dr. Shefali Tsabary years ago on Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday, right when her book The Conscious Parent came out. I was fascinated and absolutely loved how she prioritized a child’s emotional world.

Her perspective felt both intuitive and deeply compassionate. It was a philosophy I fully embraced and still do.

Dr. Shefali is a clinical psychologist, New York Times bestselling author, and the founder of the Conscious Parenting movement, and she’s spent her career helping parents see past achievement and behavior to what’s actually going on inside a child. Her upcoming books, Raising Conscious Daughters and Raising Conscious Sons (available for pre-order now, releasing September 15, 2026), get into how cultural expectations and emotional conditioning shape the way girls and boys grow into themselves.

We recently caught up with Dr. Shefali, and she shared powerful insights into what parents often miss when children seem “fine” on the outside, and how we can raise kids who aren’t just successful, but emotionally connected, resilient, and grounded in their own inner voice.

What’s here is just a taste of everything Dr. Shefali shared with us. The full two-part conversation is online at NewYorkFamily.com, where it goes even deeper.

A lot of kids seem to be doing everything right. They get good grades, are involved in sports, and have packed schedules, but underneath that, many are struggling. What signs are parents often missing?

The signs are often hiding in plain sight — and often, can be picked up through nonverbal signs such as fatigue, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, and joy. The child who is anxious and stays up at night, or overly perfectionistic and worries about every score and grade. The one who loses sleep or appetite. Or the one who gets agitated easily. All of these are signs of a child who feels like they are in a pressure cooker of performance and achievement.

Most of the time, the more a child looks perfect on the outside, the greater the likelihood that they are flailing on the inside.

When children are pushed to perform and when childhood becomes an endless resume of achievements, it is often at the price of their well-being. A child who seems “fine” by every external measure but is exhausted, compliant, and joyless is not fine.

Parents miss this because we’ve been conditioned to confuse performance with well-being. When a child is achieving and high functioning, we stop asking questions.

What I see again and again in my work is kids who have become exquisitely attuned to what earns them love—the grades, the trophies, the full calendar—and have learned to

42 NewYorkFamily.com | September 2026

suppress everything that might cost them that approval. Our children will always choose connection over authenticity. A daughter who says “I’m fine” when you ask how she’s doing. A son who goes quiet the moment you start talking to him. The withdrawal, the flatness, the loss of spontaneous laughter. These are the signs.

The truth is that no child enters the world hungry for gold stars. That hunger is learned.

It grows in those moments when a child discovers that achievement buys approval. When we praise the grind, we’re teaching fear. They learn to be afraid of being ordinary. And the child who has built their entire identity around external achievement doesn’t know how to tell you they are drowning, because the performance is who they believe they are.

How is this constant comparison and performance pressure showing up in children emotionally, especially in terms of anxiety, perfectionism, and self-doubt?

It is showing up as a generation that has learned to perform and base their choices on the external validation of strangers rather than to feel. And the body always tells the truth, even when the child can’t.

Nearly sixty percent of teen girls now report persistent sadness—the highest percentage ever recorded. Rates of self-harm, eating disorders, and suicidal ideation have surged.

Girls as young as nine are describing body

What Is “Algorithmic Abduction”?

dysmorphia. These are the visible symptoms of a generation placed under constant surveillance, ranked by strangers, and taught that a photo with too few likes is evidence of their own inadequacy.

The resulting anxiety is inevitable.

When every post is a potential verdict on your worth, the nervous system stays in a near-constant state of alarm. And over time, perfectionism becomes the coping mechanism—if I just get it right enough, I will finally be safe.

For boys, the manifestation is different, but the wound is the same. Their anxiety shows up as withdrawal, numbness, rage, or disappearing into screens for hours. We misread this as apathy or defiance, when in fact it is a boy whose nervous system has pulled the emergency brake. He is overloaded.

He doesn’t have words for it. And the culture around him is not offering any.

Why do so many girls today seem caught between high achievement and deep selfdoubt? And how do you support a daughter in a culture that still expects girls to be accommodating, capable, and emotionally responsible for everyone else?

Because she has been given two impossible scripts and told to perform both at once. Be brilliant but be agreeable. Achieve everything, but don’t take up too much space.

Be strong but not loud. Be confident, but make sure everyone is comfortable. These are contradictory expectations.

And the girl caught between them cannot win, so she internalizes the failure as her own.

What we have done, generation after generation, is train our daughters to silence their inner voice—to override it, dismiss it, apologize for it, or trade it for approval, safety, and belonging.

The girl who keeps achieving but doubts herself has not failed to develop confidence.

She has succeeded in a conditioning that taught her confidence is dangerous.

Supporting a daughter in this culture requires one foundational shift: we must stop praising her compliance and start honoring her voice. When she disagrees with you, don’t redirect her back to politeness. Stay present.

Let her speak. Ask what she feels. When she says no, don’t penalize her for it—recognize it as her first act of self-authorship. The more often she hears herself speaking, and the more often you receive what she says without trying to fix or diminish it, the more she learns that her inner world has value. That is the anchor. Without it, even the most ac-

In Dr. Shefali’s words: Algorithmic abduction is what happens when the most formative years of a child’s life, the years meant for discovering who they are, are hijacked by technology that is designed not to support their development, but to monetize their attention.

Our children’s minds are being rewired to crave stimulation and validation instead of creativity or reflection.

Distraction is always available and often chosen over stillness. The very qualities that once defined childhood, like boredom or curiosity, are being overridden and replaced with two-dimensional interaction and synthetic intimacy.

For our girls, I call it the algorithmic abduction of girlhood. For our boys, it is

complished girl remains convinced that she is not enough.

You’ve written about boys facing a growing crisis of disconnection. What are you seeing in your work, and why does emotional shutdown seem to increase as boys get older?

Boys are starving for belonging, and for a language they were never given. And as they get older, the gap between what they feel and what they are permitted to express becomes so vast that shutdown becomes the only manageable option.

Here is what happens neurologically. When stress hits a boy, his first response is alarm. It is survival. And if fighting or fleeing doesn’t feel possible, his nervous system does the next thing it knows: it freezes. He goes blank. “I don’t know.” From the outside, that looks like indifference or apathy. What it actually is, is a boy saying with no words at all, “I am overloaded and I don’t know how to let you in.”

And then culture doubles down. From toddlerhood, boys are told to stop crying, to be tough, to shake it off. In fact, adults use fewer emotion words with boys than with girls and move them more quickly away from their big feelings. So a boy learns two things fast: vulnerability is unsafe, and the only emotions that are permitted are jokes or numbness. By adolescence, the armor is built.

This is a crisis of boys who could not find a safe place to put their pain, because no one taught them that pain could be survivable.

If you could change one thing about the way the next generation is being raised, what would you want to shift most?

I would shift this: the belief that our

the algorithmic abduction of boyhood.

The mechanism is the same: a slow, deliberate hijacking of their attention, imagination, and identity.

What is particularly dangerous is how invisible this process is. A girl isn’t being forcibly kept from herself. She’s being lured, one scroll at a time, through a hall of mirrors that makes her feel seen while ensuring she never truly is.

And for boys, the threat escalates even further: AI companions now enter the spaces where only parents once had access. AI companions are experts at mimicking attunement, never challenging, and always agreeing. The algorithmic abduction is a battle beyond attention and is now a fight for connection.

—Dr. Shefali Tsabary

children are here to fulfill us.

So much of what we call parenting is actually a project of the ego—an unconscious attempt to repair our own wounds through our children, to prove our worth through their achievements, to be seen as good parents so we can feel that we ourselves were worth something. We load them with our own unfinished business before they are old enough to put it down.

When we parent from that place, we cannot truly see the child in front of us. We can only see what they represent to us. And a child who is not truly seen cannot develop a genuine sense of self. They become, instead, a carefully constructed performance for us, for the world, for the algorithm, and they lose access to the only thing that will carry them through real life: their own authentic center.

What I would ask parents to do—beginning today, not when they feel ready—is turn inward. Look honestly at the unmet needs you are carrying into the room with your child. Ask yourself what wound you are trying to heal through their success. Notice when your anxiety is speaking instead of your wisdom. That work, unglamorous, slow, and often painful, is the most powerful thing any parent can do for their child.

Conscious parenting is about showing up awake. Attuned. Emotionally available.

And above all, real. When children experience parents who are genuinely present—not performing parenthood, but actually in the room, actually meeting them—they can finally stop performing, too.

That is what I want for the next generation. Children who know who they are beneath all of it.

September 2026 | Westchester Family

43

calendar

BY SHARA LEVINE

WESTCHESTER

The 35th Annual Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival WHEN: Sept. 4 – 6, Friday, 2:30 – 8:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 5:30 – 9 am & 2:30 – 8:30 pm WHERE: Tymor Park, 8 Tymor Park Road, Lagrangeville AGES: All WHAT: This annual event welcomes families and hot-air balloonists from all over the country for hot-air balloon rides, live entertainment, food trucks, family activities and more.

WANT TO GO?: Admission starts at $13.95. dcrcoc.org

Tea with the Animals WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 5, 10 – 11:30 am WHERE: Hilltop Hanover Farm & Environmental Center, 1271 Hanover St., Yorktown Heights AGES: 6 and older WHAT: Join the farm for a midmorning cuppa while you meet and learn about the resident animals.

WANT TO GO?: $15. (914) 862– 5006, hilltophanoverfarm.org

2026 Yorktown Grange Fair WHEN: Sept. 11 – 13, Friday, 4 – 11 pm; Saturday, 10 am – 11 pm; Sunday, 10 am – 7 pm WHERE: Yorktown Grange Fairgrounds, 99 Moseman Ave., Yorktown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Westchester’s only traditional country fair features a mile-long tractor parade, midway rides, live music & entertainers, a horse show, livestock, hay rides, exhibits, and more.

WANT TO GO?: $15 per carload. yorktowngrangefair. org

2026 Yorktown Grange Fair Wakanda Celebration 2026: One World. One People.

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 12, All day.

WHERE: Wakanda Cultural Campus, 374 Hawthorne Terrace, Mount Vernon AGES: All WHAT: Wakanda Celebration brings together exhibitions, live performances, fashion, cultural presentations, and authentic African artistry in one unforgettable day of cultural exchange. WANT TO GO?: Free. wakandacelebration.org

New York Metro Reptile Expo WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 13, 9 am – 4 pm.

WHERE: Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains AGES: All WHAT: Check out over 250

44 NewYorkFamily.com | September 2026

vendor tables full of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, cages, tanks, food, plants, and supplies for your new pet.

WANT TO GO?: $12; $6 ages 7-12; free for children 6 and younger. (914) 995–4050, reptileexpo.com

Arab-American Festival WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 13, noon – 6 pm WHERE: Ridge Road Park, 287 Ridge Road, Hartsdale AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy authentic Middle Eastern cuisine from popular vendors, live music and dance performances, and more.

WANT TO GO?: Free. westchestercountyny.gov

Eric Carle’s Wildlife of Rockefeller Preserve WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 13, noon – 2:30 pm WHERE: Rockefeller State

Park Preserve, 125 Phelps Way, Pleasantville AGES: 8 and younger WHAT: Learn about local wildlife through the eyes of legendary children’s book author and artist, Eric Carle, with stories and collaging.

WANT TO GO?: $4; $6 parking fee. rockefellerstateparkpreserve. org

Kids Shofar at the Park WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 13, 4:30 – 5:30 pm WHERE: Dobbs Ferry Waterfront Park, 87 Ogden Park, Dobbs Ferry AGES: 8 and younger WHAT: This joyful event brings the spirit of the Jewish New Year to life with Wonderspark Puppets, Holiday songs, handson activities, shofar blowing, and more.

WANT TO GO?: Free. chabadrt. org

SEPTEMBER Fall Crafts at Lyndhurst 2026 WHEN: Sept. 18 – 20, Friday, 10 am – 5 pm; Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm; Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm WHERE: Lyndhurst, 635 South Broadway, Tarrytown AGES: All WHAT: Westchester’s favorite festival returns with over 200 makers, gourmet specialties, tastings from local distilleries, craft demos and family activities!

WANT TO GO?: $13; $12 seniors 62 and older; $6 ages 6-16; free for kids younger than 6. artrider.com

The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze WHEN: Sept. 18 – Nov. 8; see website for schedule WHERE: Van Cortlandt Manor, 525 South Riverside Ave., Croton-on-Hudson AGES: All WHAT: Meander through an 18th-century landscape and discover a display of more than 7,000 illuminated jack

calendar

Animals of the Americas WHEN: Sept. 19 – 20, Saturday and Sunday, 10 – 11 am & 2 – 3 pm WHERE: Nature Center at Greenburgh, 99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale AGES: All WHAT: During Hispanic Heritage Month, join a bilingual program to celebrate some incredible live animals of the Americas! Explore interactive outdoor activities as well.

WANT TO GO?: naturecentergb.org

New Rochelle Street Fair

Fall Crafts at Lyndhurst 2026 o’ lanterns complete with synchronized lighting and original soundtrack.

WANT TO GO?: Tickets start at $24. hudsonvalley.org

Lewisboro Library Fair WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 19, 10 am – 4 pm WHERE: Onatru Farm Park, 99

Elmwood Road, South Salem AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy the car show, refreshment garden, dunk tank, food trucks and booths, music, and tons of shopping at the book sale, attic treasures sale, silent auction, and vendor market.

WANT TO GO?: Free admission. lewisborolibraryfair.com

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 19, 11 am – 5 pm WHERE: Outside New Rochelle City Hall, 515 North Ave., New Rochelle AGES: All WHAT: The New Rochelle Street Fair is an exciting day filled with food, crafts, entertainment, giant inflatables, beer garden, and much more.

WANT TO GO?: Free admission. newrochelleny.gov

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45

calendar SEPTEMBER Yonkers Riverfest 2026

WHERE: 111th St. -136th St. at Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd., Harlem AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate African American culture at this lively parade featuring marching bands, majestic floats, community organizations, celebrities, and more!

WANT TO GO?: Free. africanamericandayparade.org

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 19, noon – 7 pm WHERE: Main St., Yonkers AGES: All WHAT: The largest one-day festival in Westchester County celebrates community with great music, delicious foods, inspired performances, and more, WANT TO GO?: Free. yonkersdowntown.com

2026 Mid-Autumn Festival WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2 – 5 pm WHERE: China Institute, 40 Rector Street, 2nd Fl., Downtown Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate one of China’s most beloved traditions, with an afternoon of performances, hands-on workshops, and cultural activities.

WANT TO GO?: $15; $6 ages 12 and younger. (212) 744–8181, chinainstitute.org

Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 am – 4 pm WHERE: Chappaqua Train Station, Allen Place, Chappaqua AGES: All WHAT: Story times, author talks, illustration demonstrations, book signings, food trucks, and hands-on activities are all part of one of the nation’s premier celebrations of children’s literature.

WANT TO GO?: Free admission. ccbfestival.org

Puppy Pals Live- The Action-Packed Comedic Stunt Dog Show WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 26, 11 am – 1 pm WHERE: Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, 1008 Brown St., Peekskill AGES: 3 and older WHAT: This entertaining live show features an incredible cast of rescue dogs performing jaw-dropping stunts, playful tricks, and laugh-out-loud comedy.

WANT TO GO?: Adult $36, Youth $22. (914) 739–0039, paramounthudsonvalley.com

The Rock and Roll Playhouse Plays The Music of Taylor Swift & More For Kids WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 26, noon WHERE: Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre, 149 Westchester Ave., Port Chester AGES: 10 and younger WHAT: You know her songs All Too Well, now introduce your littles to the sounds of Taylor Swift at this interactive show.

WANT TO GO?: $20; $17.50 in advance. (914) 937–4126, thecapitoltheatre.com

Wakanda Celebration 2026: One World. One People.

Pinkalicious The Musical WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 27; see website for schedule WHERE: Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, 480 N Bedford Road, Chappaqua AGES: All WHAT: See Pinkalicious leap off the pages and onto the stage in this sweet musical.

WANT TO GO?: See website for pricing. chappaquapac.org

Playland Parkway, Rye AGES: 10 and younger WHAT: Join the museum for hands-on, play-based activities that make math fun and build smart money skills for young learners!

WANT TO GO?: Included with admission: $16. (914) 421–5050, discoverwcm.org

NYC

Jay Day Fall Family Festival

Ferragosto Festival in Bronx Little Italy

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 27, 11 am – 3 pm WHERE: Jay Heritage Center, 210 Boston Post Road, Rye AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy live music, shopping, and food, along with a Mad Science show, face painters, a petting zoo, and children’s authors for kids.

WANT TO GO?: $50 per family; $20 per individual. parks. ny.gov

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 13, noon – 6 pm WHERE: Ferragosto Festival, Arthur Ave. & East 187th., Belmont AGES: All WHAT: This special day in the community is filled with Italian culture, delicious food, wonderful live entertainment, and great fun.

WANT TO GO?: Free. ferragosto.com

Math Skills & Money Sense

57th Annual African American Day Parade

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 27, 3 – 5 pm WHERE: Westchester Children’s Museum, 100

46 NewYorkFamily.com | September 2026

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 20, 12:30 – 6 pm

Alice in Wonderland the Musical WHEN: Sept. 26 – Nov 8, Saturdays, 3 – 4 pm and 7 – 8 pm, Sundays, 11 am – noon and 2 – 3 pm WHERE: The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal St., Greenwich Village AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Tumble down the rabbit hole with the wonderfully wild, wacky and whimsical cast of characters in the musical adaptation of Alice in Wonderland.

WANT TO GO?: $34 – $50. (212) 475–1237, theplayerstheatre.com

Dig! Plant! Grow!

Goodnight, Garden WHEN: Sept. 29 – Nov. 1, Tuesdays – Saturdays, 1:30 – 5:30 pm, Mondays, 10 am – 5:30 pm WHERE: New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bedford Park AGES: All WHAT: Join the Edible Academy gardeners as they prepare for the winter season ahead. Find out how plants disperse their seeds, and learn how to save seeds to take home and plant.

WANT TO GO?: Included with admission: $4 – $35. (718) 817–8700, nybg.org

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While many hospitals receive awards, very few earn the highest honors as consistently as White Plains Hospital. We are proud to have earned our fifth consecutive CMS 5-Star Quality Rating — recognition of our unwavering commitment to quality, safety and the patient experience.

Visit wphospital.org/awards